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?
Is there anything or anyone out there that can bring our heroes together to save this planet from complete destruction? Only time will tell...
from complete destruction? Only time will tell...
Prologue
Atop a secluded hill, the Hikawa Shrine stood in solemn isolation, its once bustling grounds now eerily deserted. The hallowed place, once teeming with devotees seeking solace, now bore only a single, forlorn inhabitant. Rei Hino, a nineteen-year-old shrine maiden with raven-black hair, lay curled before a flickering fire, the very spot where she once chanted and glimpsed visions. But now, tears flowed silently as she mourned her beloved grandfather's passing.
"Oh, grandpa... why... why were you taken from me?" She sobbed, her voice but a whisper amidst the profound silence that enveloped the shrine. "There's no hope left for anyone. These monsters... they won't cease until all are reduced to naught but dust." Her once vibrant eyes, brimming with hope and vitality, stared vacantly into the flames, devoid of emotion. Then, a mysterious occurrence stirred the dormant embers, briefly carving the shape of a bird, a phoenix, into their midst.
"Huh...?" Intrigue slowly reignited the spark within her eyes as she observed the enigmatic phenomenon. "Is this a message, or perhaps my body, weary and bereft, succumbing to hallucinations?" She questioned her own sanity, her hands clasped together in contemplation. It had been ages since she last attempted meditation or fire readings, but an inscrutable compulsion drove her now. Closing her eyes, she began to chant.
Suddenly, her perception shifted, transporting her to a nightmarish vista. She stood amidst the ruins of a city engulfed in raging flames, grotesque creatures emerging from every crevice. The anguished cries of the populace reverberated through the encroaching darkness, and Rei, gripped by terror, watched helplessly. "Why? Why torment me with visions of what I already know to be true? Why show me the hopelessness of our world when my heart is already shattered? This cruelty is unbearable! I cannot endure this any longer!" She screamed in anguish, her tears flowing freely as she fell to her knees, her fists striking the ground.
Then, a brilliant light from above pierced the obsidian sky, casting aside the malevolent horde. Rei, eyes clenched shut in anticipation of the apocalypse, awaited the inevitable cataclysm. But when the tumult subsided, she dared to open her eyes. With a blinding flash of incandescence, she found herself back at the shrine, seated before the now placid fire.
"What... in the world was that?" Beads of sweat trickled down her fair complexion as she gasped for air, her trembling hand clutching her chest, where her heart raced like a wild stallion. Her first vision since the world had plunged into chaos had left her bewildered and shaken. What did it portend? Rei had no answers, only questions that would soon reshape her life in ways she could never have foreseen.
Fate... it always finds its inexorable path.
Chapter 1
The city bore the scars of unending battle, its once-vibrant streets now marred by the relentless struggle against the encroaching darkness. A figure emerged from the outskirts, his body weary, every step marked by the weight of countless skirmishes. Clad in tattered red and black attire, he epitomized the city's defiance, a rebel to the core. His long-sleeved crimson shirt was paired with a sleeveless coat that trailed behind him like a scarlet banner. Black pants hugged his lean frame, and leather combat boots bore the scars of countless encounters.
Passersby cast wary glances at him, unable to ignore the walking testament to their fight for survival. In the shadows of an alley, whispers circulated, cementing his place on Beryl's most-wanted list. As he ventured deeper into the city, a cacophony of distant gunfire and echoing screams underscored the turmoil. His stomach growled, an ever-present reminder of the constant battles fought in the name of freedom. So much fighting and bloodshed, he mused, it sure works up a guy's appetite.
He couldn't resist the allure of a familiar establishment as he passed by. Memories of better times flooded his mind, moments spent in the company of friends now lost to the chaos. "I remember this place," he muttered to himself, the words a faint echo of happier days. Determined to relive those moments, he pushed open the door and entered.
Inside, he felt the weight of countless eyes upon him, the same judgmental stares that had become an unwelcome companion. The people he fought to protect, to save, treated him like a pariah, a curse upon their fragile existence. They sidestepped him, avoiding conversation or contact, creating an invisible barrier that isolated him further. But trouble had a way of finding him, even in moments of respite.
He found his way to his usual corner, a solitary island in the sea of indifference. A timid waitress approached, her fear palpable in her quivering voice. "Wh...what can I get you?" she stammered, her unease hanging in the air.
He sighed, wearied by such encounters but hardened by experience. With a reassuring smile, he looked up at her, striving to appear non-threatening. "Hey there. I'll take a root beer float, a bacon cheeseburger, and a generous serving of fries," he ordered, his laughter belying the tumult within. "I'm famished. It's been ages since I had a decent meal."
The waitress, her mood tentatively lightened, nodded as she scribbled down his order before retreating to the kitchen. His gaze drifted to the window, a reminder of the city's former vibrancy. Now, only shadows of its former self remained, driven to desolation by foot soldiers, minions, and nightmarish creatures.
Amidst the clatter of dishes and hushed conversations, he overheard fragments of cryptic conversations from Beryl's minions. Words like "transformation pens," "Sailor Senshi," and "Silver Millennium" tugged at his curiosity like a siren's song. Legends or not, rumors persisted that these artifacts lay concealed within Beryl's fortress.
Questions swirled in his mind. Did these fabled items truly exist? If so, would they be worth the risk of infiltrating Beryl's stronghold? And if the pens were genuine, where could they be found, and how could their power be harnessed to tip the scales in favor of the beleaguered rebels?
Before he could delve further into these enigmatic thoughts, his meal arrived. "Thank you," he muttered to the waitress, his voice tinged with a sense of gratitude. But there was more to him than met the eye, a complexity hidden beneath a veneer of resilience. The city had forged him, shaped him into the reluctant hero he had become.
His attention, however, lingered on the tumultuous world outside the diner's window. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, Katsuro knew that his quest for answers and his yearning for a brighter future would inevitably draw him deeper into the abyss.
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 of the smaller creatures shrieked, its perverse desires laid bare as it licked its lips.
Katsuro's voice, now stern and dripping with anger, cut through the sinister ambiance. Slowly, he rose to his feet, his fists clenched, radiating a sense of impending confrontation. "I don't think so," he retorted, a dangerous smirk curling his lips. Rei, her eyes wide with astonishment, watched the scene play out before her, transfixed and unable to intervene.
"Creatures like you disgust me," Katsuro spat with a venomous undertone. "Picking on an innocent and defenseless girl. How about I...play with you?" His smirk deepened, a malevolent edge seeping into his demeanor.
The orc, fueled by rage, lunged forward with a massive fist, aiming to crush Katsuro into the ground. But the nimble hero dodged to the side with remarkable agility, landing a solid punch into the creature's right eye. The orc bellowed in pain as the smaller demons rushed Katsuro, believing they could overpower him. However, Katsuro displayed incredible combat skills, deftly evading slashes and punches, retaliating with precise strikes that sent the demons reeling, one by one.
Despite Katsuro's prowess, the odds were stacked against him. As he battled the relentless onslaught, other malevolent creatures turned their attention to Rei, tearing and ripping at her clothes, their sadistic intentions laid bare. Rei's screams filled the air, her body violated, pinned down, and defenseless.
"Such soft and smooth skin, we should definitely keep this one," one of the fiends cackled, its repulsive tongue slithering along Rei's trembling leg. Her terror reached its zenith as she gazed helplessly at Katsuro, who struggled valiantly but was gradually overwhelmed. The orc finally landed a devastating blow to his face, sending him skidding across the ground until he collided with a lamppost.
"There's too many...shit," Katsuro whispered weakly, blood dripping over his eyes as he glanced toward the group attacking Rei. Determination coursed through his battered body, and he began pushing himself to his feet, swaying unsteadily. While normally a formidable fighter, the cumulative toll of recent battles had reopened old wounds. "Please... I need strength. I need... power!" he implored, his voice carrying into the night. The blackened sky responded with thunderous roars and blinding flashes of lightning, casting eerie illumination on the scene. Katsuro's sapphire eyes seemed to glow with an ethereal light as a strange crimson aura enveloped his body.
The creatures momentarily ceased their assault on Rei, their attention stolen by this extraordinary transformation. An unsettling presence, almost demonic in nature, washed over them, leaving them both intrigued and unnerved.
Rei, though weakened and trembling, lifted her head to witness the unfolding spectacle. A vivid memory surged within her: the earlier vision of a phoenix. Could it be that this transformation was connected to Katsuro?
As the ground quaked beneath their feet, the street itself cracking, the creatures hesitated, their sinister desires momentarily overshadowed by their awe and confusion. Katsuro's body was engulfed in flames that burned without harming him, a spectacle of raw power.
In the midst of the turmoil, the creatures suddenly abandoned Rei, their attention fixed solely on Katsuro's mysterious transformation. They had never witnessed such a phenomenon from a mere human. Beryl's tyranny had left them certain that no opposition remained; even the two feline guardians of legend had been imprisoned, rendering the Sailor Guardians powerless.
"Enough of this... get him!" one of the creatures cried out, rallying their numbers to overwhelm the enigmatic redhead.
Just as they closed in, a column of crimson light descended from the sky, consuming the creatures in flames, reducing them to ashes, and enclosing Katsuro within its radiant confines. The blazing column remained, blinding the onlookers and concealing Katsuro's fate within.
"Huh? W… What's going on?" Katsuro murmured, forced into a kneeling position as he cautiously rose to his feet, surveying his surroundings. The flames that engulfed him held no pain, merely an eerie sensation of otherworldly energy. "Where am I? Or rather, what is this?" he questioned, his voice echoing in the strange, fiery landscape. He took tentative steps, abruptly halting as the flames swirled before him, taking the shape of a bird-like creature.
Startled yet determined, Katsuro clenched his fists, his heartbeat racing as he gritted his teeth. "I knew it. A demon trap, and I fell right into it," he growled under his breath, his gaze never wavering. The flames unveiled their true form: a vermillion bird composed of fire, its eyes blazing red. Katsuro braced himself for what might come next.
"Do not be alarmed, Katsuro," the resounding voice called down from above, its majestic timbre resonating through the surreal realm. Katsuro, prepared for confrontation, remained unwavering.
"You... know my name? Why should I not be alarmed? Are you a demon, working for Beryl?" Katsuro's skepticism masked the turmoil brewing within.
"Much must be discussed, but not now. You stand in the realm of a god, my realm. I am Suzaku," the voice declared. "I have sought you for some time, and your spirit, in the face of evil to save one life, has impressed me. I now extend an offer, a chance for humanity's survival and redemption." Katsuro gasped, his mind racing.
Could it be true? One of the four celestial gods of legend, Suzaku, the Vermillion Bird, had chosen him? It seemed impossible. With the world plunged into darkness for years, suffering and fear rampant, why would a god intervene now?
"An opportunity?" Katsuro's voice quivered with uncertainty. "What sort of opportunity? What could I possibly offer that no one else can? And why now, when the world has suffered for so long, and countless people are in despair?" His questions hung in the air, his hair concealing his eyes, and his fists, clenched and trembling, bleeding from his palms.
"As I mentioned, much will be explained later. For now, you face a choice," Suzaku intoned. "Inside you flows the blood of a warrior. The gods once chose guardians to protect the planet. You are the reincarnation of a great warrior." An orange phoenix-shaped jewel appeared before Katsuro. "Contained within this jewel is the power to transform into a formidable warrior, using a fraction of my power. You alone possess the compatibility to wield this jewel and its abilities." Suzaku's voice echoed, leaving Katsuro stunned.
"A warrior... using your power?" Katsuro's disbelief was palpable.
"Yes, should you accept this destiny, there will be no turning back. Do you accept the blessing I bestow upon you?" The blazing bird's glowing blue eyes remained fixed on Katsuro.
"I may not comprehend all of this," Katsuro admitted, his fists tightening. He glanced toward a portal revealing the ongoing assault on Rei. "But I have little choice now. An innocent life needs saving. If what you say is true, then this is my opportunity to push back against the darkness and bring light to the world." His hair shrouded his eyes, teeth gritted in determination as he held out his bleeding palms. "Fine! Grant me this power, and let me fight!"
"Very well," Suzaku acknowledged. "Take this jewel and recite the phrase 'Power of the Phoenix! Suzaku!' to be transformed into a formidable warrior."
Katsuro reached out, grasping the jewel and holding it above his head. "Power of the Phoenix! Suzaku!" A radiant circle of fiery energy enveloped him, transporting him back to the street where the demons attacked. The sphere burst forth, scattering pieces of red armor and finally an orange-bladed sword with a phoenix-shaped handguard. Sparks and embers flew in all directions, heralding the arrival of a new force of nature.
Rei, battered and broken, her eyes filled with tears of pain and fear, lifted her head weakly. "My... vision," she whispered hoarsely, her gaze falling upon the astonishing sight of Katsuro's transformation.
"This... power. I feel... amazing. Reborn." His armor radiated a fiery red hue, adorned with a phoenix-shaped chest plate and formidable shoulder pads. As Katsuro surveyed the grim scene, his eyes fell upon Rei, lying beaten and battered on the ground. An intense surge of anger and determination coursed through him, engulfing his body in flickering flames. The sinister creatures, sensing the palpable fury, began to retreat cautiously, their bravado waning. The orc, however, dared to mock him.
"And who are you supposed to be? Wearing that costume and trying to play hero? I'll finish this girl, then come break your body." The orc's cruel words were abruptly interrupted as a swift blade slashed through its right arm, causing a gruesome fountain of blood to gush from the wound. A guttural roar of agony echoed through the night.
Katsuro swiftly and gently scooped Rei into his protective arms, his tone resolute and filled with unwavering conviction. He carefully laid her down on a nearby bench, his closed eyes betraying a moment of deep contemplation. "You will never hurt anyone again. Because I am here now to protect everyone. Who am I, you ask?" He opened his eyes, determination gleaming within. "I am the celestial knight chosen by Suzaku! I fight for justice and for all those who cry out for peace! Now feel the judgment of my flames!" He drew his sword, and swirling flames enveloped the blade. With a single commanding slash, he unleashed a fiery phoenix-shaped energy, obliterating the orc and the other grotesque demons, reducing them to smoldering ash.
Rei, her voice barely above a whisper, gasped weakly, watching in awe as Katsuro vanquished their tormentors with a single, powerful strike. A thought nagged at her, the sudden familiarity of this mysterious power.
"That's strange... that attack... it just came to me..." In a flash, Katsuro's celestial armor dissipated, leaving him standing there, holding the jewel that had granted him his newfound strength. "Are you alright?!" Katsuro rushed to Rei's side as she lay on the bench.
"I... I..." Rei's voice quivered as tears welled up in her eyes. How could she possibly articulate the torrent of emotions and pain she had endured? Not only had she suffered through today's horrors, but also the loss of her beloved grandpa. Her body was a canvas of bruises and lacerations, rendering her incapable of walking. Her clothing was torn and shredded, leaving her exposed and vulnerable. Normally fierce and spirited, now all she could do was sob uncontrollably, the floodgates of her pent-up pain finally opened. Her top was gone, and her jeans hung in tatters.
"Hey, it's okay... just let it out. I've got you..." Katsuro whispered soothingly, his strong arms wrapping her in his jacket as he held her close, allowing her to release the anguish she had bottled up for so long. His presence provided solace and safety.
"Hey... let's get you off the streets here. Do you have a home? Where do you live? I'll get you there." Without waiting for an answer, Katsuro gently lifted her into his arms, cradling her with utmost care. His gaze remained steadfast, determined to protect her from any further harm.
Her eyes, heavy with exhaustion, barely registered the surroundings. Her head found a resting place against his chest as she surrendered to her fatigue. Her shoes, once sturdy and dependable, lay in tatters on the ground. In a world plagued by darkness, Katsuro was the beacon of light and safety that she desperately needed.
"Hi... Hikawa Shrine... up the hill..." Rei's voice was a frail whisper as her eyes slowly closed. The adrenaline and trauma had exacted their toll, her body succumbing to its weakened state, pulling her into the embrace of unconsciousness.
"Poor girl... alright, let's get you home then." With that unwavering resolve, Katsuro began to carry Rei back to the Hikawa Shrine. There were countless questions and mysteries awaiting him, but for now, the life he had saved took precedence, and he was determined to ensure Rei's safety and well-being.
As Katsuro carried Rei in his arms toward the Hikawa Shrine, he couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility and determination. The events of that night had thrust him into a new world of powers and responsibilities, and he knew that he couldn't turn his back on the path that had been laid out before him.
Rei's unconscious form felt fragile in his arms, a stark contrast to the fiery spirit he had glimpsed in her earlier. He couldn't imagine what she had been through, but he was determined to ensure her safety from this point on.
The Hikawa Shrine loomed ahead, perched on the hill like a guardian watching over the city. It felt like a fitting place to take Rei, given the mystical events of the night. With each step, Katsuro's thoughts raced, trying to make sense of the incredible powers he had just unlocked and the encounter with Suzaku, the Vermillion Bird.
As he reached the shrine's entrance, the weight of his actions began to sink in. He had made a choice to embrace this newfound power and become a guardian, a celestial knight. There was no turning back now, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Katsuro gently laid Rei down in a safe spot within the shrine's grounds, carefully tucking his jacket around her for warmth. He glanced at her unconscious form, a mixture of concern and determination in his eyes.
"I won't let anyone hurt you again," He whispered softly. There was much he needed to learn and prepare for. The city, no, the world was in turmoil, and he was now its protector, the celestial knight chosen by Suzaku.
He gently lifted her back up, cradled in his arms. The city's night sky seemed to hold a different promise. A phoenix had risen, and with it, the flames of justice burned brightly in Katsuro's heart, ready to dispel the darkness that threatened their world. The road ahead was going to be long and challenging. It would take more than he realized to bring this world back from the brink of doom and destruction.