Disclaimers
All characters appearing in Sailor Moon and Sailor Moon Crystal are copyright Toei Animation and Kodansha Ltd. Anything else you recognize also is not mine. They are the property of their respective owners. No infringements of these copyrights are intended and are not authorized by the copyright holder. Anything else you recognize I also don't own, nor do I make any claim that I do.
All original characters and concepts are the property of Celgress.
Special thanks to my creative consultant Redfire 18. Redfire's help has been invaluable.
Special Note - Important
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Special Note – Important
Sailor Moon Redemption – Makai Tree Episode Five: Despair
By
Celgress
Streets of Tokyo, night
"My nightly patrol is almost over. I'll meet with my friends at the arcade, explain everything in detail, then I'll have my team back no I'll have my extended family back. Finally, everything will be alright again. I'm so happy I could burst." Sailor Moon said aloud her voice a sing-song of joy. Her months-long torment of insolation was nearly over.
"Are you Sailor Moon!?" A frantic red-haired schoolgirl panted. She had emerged from a nearby alley out of breath after running for who knew how far.
"In the flesh. How may I assist you tonight, ma'am?" Sailor Moon said flashing the red-haired girl a peace sign followed by a toothy grin.
"Thank goodness I found you. I'm Natsumi Ginga. My brother Seijuro Ginga is in terrible danger. We were exploring an abandoned factory when he fell through the floor. I think he's badly hurt. Please, you've got to help him, Sailor Moon!" Natsumi pleaded.
"Never fear Natsumi, I'll save your brother! Show me where he is." Sailor Moon said.
"Thank you so much, Sailor Moon! I knew we could count on you." Natsumi said smiling. Soon she led Sailor Moon to a dilapidated factory.
'Creepy, no you can do this Usagi! You're a hero! But I do wish the others were here.' Sailor Moon thought as a slight shiver ran down her spine.
Natsumi opened the rusted door with far more ease than should have been possible for a high school student of average build. She gestured for Sailor Moon to go inside which Sailor Moon did if a bit reluctantly. Sailor Moon failed to notice Natsumi softly shut the door behind them.
It was pitch black inside of the old factory. Sailor Moon's eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness but not quickly enough to avoid a powerful chop from an energy-encased hand to the back of her head. It was a blow that left her reeling. Sailor Moon spun around in a daze. Natsumi meanwhile transformed into her true form the alien An. The female alien hit Sailor Moon square in her chest with a basketball-sized sphere of destructive energy at point-blank range. Her male counterpart zapped Sailor Moon in the back with another sphere also at point-blank range. The pair worked in perfect blindly fast tandem. Sailor Moon never had a chance. She hit the dirty wooden floor with a resounding thud.
"W-W-W-Why?" Sailor Moon gasped trying to push herself up alas there was no strength left in her arms or the rest of her body. "I-I-I'm a-a her-o..."
"You're no hero girl. You might have fooled these Earthlings with a few good deeds but we know better. You're a Senshi." Ail said his voice full of cold hatred.
"Senshi like you murdered our parents, destroyed our world, ruined our lives! Your kind took everything away from us! Because of your kind, our kind is almost extinct! I wanted to be a healer before your kind found our world now I'm cold, dead inside! I never harmed another living creature before our lives became an ending nightmare! I hate you, all of you for what I've become!" An raged at the fallen Sailor Moon tears in her eyes. Her voice was far more venomous than her brother's.
"We both hate you!" Ail yelled.
"And we will take great pleasure destroying you but not before we drain every ounce of disgusting Senshi energy from your miserable body, including from whatever booster power source you're using!" An threatened. She turned to Ail wiping the tears from her eyes. "Isn't that right, brother?"
"Indeed, sister," Ail agreed.
"Nighty, nighty, monster," An said stomping on Sailor Moon's head several times until the latter reverted to her human form.
"B-B-B-But, I-I-I, a-a-al-most, h-h-ha-had, th-them, b-ba-back,,,,,," Usagi stammered weakly before unconsciousness mercifully took her.
Outside the Game Center Crown three days later, late afternoon
"Did anyone have any luck?" Ranma asked anxiously.
Haruka shook her head. "No one has seen your cousin since Saturday. I don't want to say the situation is hopeless but it doesn't look good. I feel so bad." Haruka said her girlfriend squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"There is nothing more you can do Haruka or that any of us can do I'm afraid," Michiru said.
"Perhaps you are correct. We've handed out all our flyers." Setsuna said. "Toshio has assured me the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Force is doing everything they can to locate Usagi and return her to us safely. I'm all but certain they'll locate Usagi soon"
"I wish I shared your faith in them," Ranma said. He took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled. "I can't shake the feeling we are missing something, a vital piece of the puzzle."
"What do you mean, Ranma?" Michiru said.
"I'm not sure, yet," Ranma said.
"I put up the flyers you gave me inside," Motoki said after exiting the building.
"Thanks Motoki," Ranma said. "Who is your new friend?" Ranma then asked.
Behind Motoki stood a teenage girl with striking pale grey eyes. She wore a long-sleeved black shirt with matching pants. Her black hair was styled in a bob-cut. The girl's eyes were downcast.
"How rude of me. This is Hotaru Tomoe. She began frequenting the arcade recently and we became friends." Motoki said introducing Hotaru to the group.
After they all said hi to her Hotaru spoke. Her voice was so soft they had to strain to hear it. "Motoki has been of great help to me. I love the games here, however, I'm not good with gaming technology." Hotaru said.
"Do you attend school nearby?" Setsuna said. "Sorry if I'm prying. I'm merely curious because you seem about my age fifteen or sixteen but I've never seen you before."
"Well, the truth is, until recently I was very ill so I didn't attend school. My father homeschooled me. Five years ago when I was ten my mother died in a terrible fire at our house, I was burnt badly. I nearly died. I would have died if not for my father. He saved me but my recovery wasn't pleasant. There was a great deal of pain and it took a long time." Hotaru explained.
"How dreadful," Setsuna gasped.
"Don't be sad. I'm better now. And I got to meet Motoki. He's so nice. He taught me how to play all the wonderful games here. I enjoy our time together a lot." Hotaru said with a smile.
"Gee thanks, you're a quick learner Hotaru. You mastered every game here in record time." Motoki said.
"You're welcome. And I only did so because you're an excellent teacher, Motoki." Hotaru said. She stole a glance at Motoki who glanced back at her making eye contact before the two quickly adverted their eyes. Everyone noticed Hotaru and Motoki blush.
'Nice, looks like Motoki found himself a girlfriend.' Ranma thought suppressing a chuckle. He only wished Usagi was here. She would be over the moon that Motoki had found someone special.
"What are you doing here?" Ranma said spotting Mamoru's group. Ranma glared dangerously at the Mamoru.
"I know you think we had something to do with your cousin's disappearance but you're wrong," Kunzite said stepping in before Mamoru could reply.
"Maybe," Ranma said softly he then amended. "But it is quite a coincidence she was heading here to meet with you guys when she disappeared."
"Look, we've been over this with the police several times," Jadeite said offended by Ranma's insinuation. "She never showed up."
"Why were you guys meeting Usagi here so late at night anyway?" Michiru inquired.
"Because Usagi thinks we are video game characters and so is she apparently," Rei said. "If you ask me your cousin is a grade-A flake, sorry Ranma."
"Rei this is not the time," Ami cautioned her friend.
"Come on Ami, it's crazy," Rei said.
"She did know our nicknames," Zoisite said.
"Nagi, she could have overheard us talking, or the girls talking at school," Nephrite said.
"It is a distinct possibility Chigiri." Nagi Seishiro aka Zoisite said to his friend Chigiri Hyoma aka Nephrite.
"It's more likely than not you mean." Baro Shoei aka Jadeite said crossing his arms over his chest.
"So all of you think my cousin suffered a mental breakdown and then ran away from home, right?" Ranma said his eyes narrowing.
"You must admit it is plausible." Bachira Meguru aka Kunzite said.
"Unbelievable," Ranma said shaking his head. He was thoroughly disgusted.
"Usagi isn't crazy and she didn't run away from home I'm certain of both," Mamoru said with conviction. He had remained silent until now.
"Mamoru, how can you be sure? Her story is bonkers." Makoto protested.
"How did she know about my dreams? How did she know about Artemis?" Mamoru snapped. "Sorry if I'm coming across as rude, I haven't been sleeping well."
"Who is Artemis?" Haruka asked.
"My cat," Minako said offering no further explanation. Ranma cringed at the mere mention of a feline.
"You suffer from anomalous dreams as well?" Setsuna asked Mamoru.
"Huh?" Mamoru said.
"Anomalous means strange," Ami offered
"Yup," Nagi said nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, I have strange dreams nearly every night," Mamoru confirmed.
"May I ask about the content of your dreams?" Setsuna said.
"Of course," Mamoru said. "I've dreamt about being a prince of Earth long ago. I also dreamt of a kingdom on the Moon ruled by a Queen named Serenity and a romantic relationship between me and her daughter also named Serenity. Usagi she knew about my dreams about the ones involving Princess Serenity anyway." Mamoru explained. "How is that possible?"
"I'm unsure, however, I've had similar dreams. I've dreamt I lived on the Moon long ago. That I was a guardian who protected a strange realm connected with Earth and the Moon." Setsuna said.
"I've had the same dreams," Ami said.
"Me too, I dreamt I was a knight of ancient Earth," Nagi said.
In short order, everyone other than Hotaru and Motoki admit to having dreamt the same dreams. The young people looked at each other in shock. They had no idea what to do next.
"What does it mean?" Haruka asked.
"It means we've been playing too many video games. Are dreams must be caused by the Sailor V games, right guys, right?" Rei said not believing her own words.
"I don't think so," Ranma said.
"Guys, what is going on here?" Mamoru said. Silence reigned as no one could provide an answer.
Somewhere in Tokyo a few hours later, evening
"What is this?" Ail demanded to know. His right hand was clasped firmly around Sailor Moon's broach. Try as he might even with the assistance of his sister they could neither open the broach nor pry it from her person.
"It's my Silver Millennium Crystal from the Moon. It can't be removed from my person by force." Sailor Moon said. She hung suspended from a brick wall cocooned in a mass of Maki Tree roots that gruesomely penetrated her skin at regular intervals.
"I see," Ail said releasing his grip.
"It is the source of your power, correct?" An said.
"Yes," Sailor Moon said.
"Is it why your Senshi form regenerated despite your state of unconsciousness?" An said.
"I guess, such a thing has never happened before. I know the Silver Millennium Crystal will protect me and others from harm if we cannot protect ourselves, it has done so in the past." Sailor Moon said.
"Hand it over, now!" An said stretching out her left hand palm open.
"No, you'll use its power to harm the people of Earth who I've sworn to protect. I won't let you hurt them." Sailor Moon said defiantly. "Urgh!" She cried out in pain. At a mental command from Ail the Maki Tree roots dug deeper into her skin penetrating her organs.
"Give it up or suffer, your choice Senshi," Ail said coldly.
"We know the people of this planet mean nothing to you. Your kind cannot love, Senshi." An scoffed.
"Not true, my mother loved all the people of Earth and the Moon as did the rest of my family many of my family were Senshi, I think my mother was one too. I'll never betray my people." Sailor Moon said. She then laughed surprising her captures.
"Why are laughing? Do you not recognize your hopeless predicament? Have you lost your mind?" Ail said.
"I'm seeing things clearer than I have in months. Until recently I was feeling sorry for myself because I forgot who I was inside, the real me. I'm Sailor Moon the Chief Guardian of the Moon and Earth. The people who live here count on me. I'll always protect them if I'm alone or if my friends are by my side it makes no difference. Trust me, in the end, you'll lose." Sailor Moon said despite the agony wracking her body lessened only a small amount by the crystal's power.
"And why is that?" An asked unimpressed.
"Simple, thugs like you are cowards at heart. Cowards always lose a fair fight. If you hadn't ambushed me in the dark you'd be beaten already. I bet you two can see just fine in the dark, such an underhanded move." Sailor Moon said.
"Take that back, Senshi! We aren't cowards, unlike your kind!" An said.
"Prove it, cut me down and I'll fight you two-on-one fair and square. May the best person win." Sailor Moon challenged. "I might be weakened by a lot but I'll still defeat both of you if the fight is fair, I guarantee."
"Let's cut her down, brother. She's nothing. We can take her." An ranted.
"Nice try Senshi, but no. We aren't falling for your tricks. If we cut you down you won't fight us you'll escape to lick your wounds and then return once you've grown stronger. It is you who is the true coward." Ail said. "Come along, sister. Maybe our prisoner will be more amenable to our needs after another night of suffering. If not, we'll revert to Plan B."
"Plan B?" Sailor Moon said.
"If we cannot obtain the energy we need directly from you we'll take it from your planet instead namely the lifeforce of the people who live here," Ail said.
"Please, no," Sailor Moon said.
"It's your choice, Senshi." An said as the pair left Sailor Moon alone with her thoughts.
Streets of Tokyo an hour later, night
"Of all the bad luck," Ranma said shaking some water from her soaked school uniform. Why must a large slosh of cold water splash her after a truck nearly lost a tire in a deep pothole?
Ranko had yet to return home having decided to canvas a few more blocks using her smartphone after splitting off from the others. What happened at the arcade was a mind trip and a half. She was unsure how to process the revelations assuming they were valid rather than some form of subconscious mass hysteria brought on by the Sailor V games. Maybe that rude Rei girl had a point. Was such a thing even possible?
Oh, sorry," Ranma said nearly bumping into a boy.
"No need to apologize I should have watched where I was going," Seijuro said recognizing Ranma he smiled. "Hi Ranma, how are you today?"
"Peachy," Ranma said glumly,
"Hey, how did you get so wet? Come to think of it you're always wet whenever I see you." Seijuro observed.
"A string of bad luck I suppose. I was splashed a few minutes ago by a truck that hit a pothole." Ranma said.
"You look cold. Here take my jacket." Seijuro said he slung his jacket over Ranma's shoulders before she could protest. "I'll get my jacket back tomorrow at school. You don't want to catch a cold, do you?"
"No," Ranma said feeling equal parts embarrassed and grateful.
"Uh, Ranma," Seijuro began.
"Yes?" Ranma said.
"Would you like to go out with me for supper sometime after school, or maybe on the weekend? It'll be my treat." Seijuro offered.
"You me like a date?" Ranma said apprehensively.
"Exactly, a date. I think I understand the custom correctly. Where I come from we don't go on dates not exactly. I mean things aren't so formal." Seijuro said.
"Yeah, you're a transfer student, right?" Ranma said.
"Correct," Seijuro said smiling.
"Look, Seijuro, you're a very nice person but there is something about me I think you should know. Once you know my secret I seriously doubt you'll feel the same way about me." Ranma said. Ranma paused for a moment before she continued while Seijuro waited expectantly. "I'm, I'm, jeez this is hard. I'm not always like this. I mean, I'm not always a girl sometimes I'm a guy most of the time I'm a guy in fact."
"Is that all?" Seijuro asked still smiling.
"Yeah," Ranma said thoroughly befuddled by his reaction. She expected him to storm off or try to strike her the latter had happened a few times since her ill-fated trip to China.
"Where I come from outward expression of gender identity is a choice. We are attracted not to an individual's outward gender presentation but to their inner self or their spirit if you prefer. We are what you would term pansexual I believe is the proper definition. If you want to be male most of the time I'll still desire you romantically because your spirit is warming and inviting so there is no need for concern. I can tell you're a special person who I want to know better." Seijuro said. He took Ranma's hand in his own.
"Seijuro, I-" Ranma said her words trailing off. She was lost in his eyes. 'Why am I feeling this way? I'm a man. I'm straight, dammit! Ever since I arrived in Tokyo my female side and urges have gotten stronger and stronger. Has my curse progressed? If so, why now, why here?' Ramna mused. Seijuro's elbow bumped into the smartphone in her short pocket interrupting her train of thought.
"I almost forgot!" Ranma exclaimed. Reluctantly she pulled away from Seijuro. "I'm searching for my cousin Usagi. She has been missing since Saturday for three days. Have you seen her by any chance?"
Seijuro froze when he saw the picture of Usagi. Regaining his composure he said. "She's your cousin?"
"Yup, but in all honesty I consider her more of a sister than a cousin. I'd do anything for Usagi. We are very worried about her. Running off isn't like her. We fear she has been abducted." Ranma said.
"I haven't seen her." Seijuro lied. "I'll keep a look out for her and spread the word. Sorry, I have to go home soon if not my sister will worry. Tomorrow we'll plan our date. Does Saturday at noon sound good?" He asked over his shoulder as he beat a hasty retreat.
"Wait, I never said yes!" Ranma called after Seijuro but he was already out of earshot.
Estate of Denji Pantomime on a private island outside of Tokyo Bay
Deep in the inner sanctum of his cavernous abode Mayoral young candidate and billionaire Denji Pantomime knelt on one knee before a deep pit. In the pit sat an ornate black-grey cauldron covered in strange runic symbols. "My goddess," Denji said raising his head to stare adoringly at a pulsating swirl of indescribable colors. "I have taken the next step in your grand plan. Project Chimera proceeds at pace. Soon but sadly not as soon as I desire, you will no longer require the use of intermediaries through which to exorcise your supreme will."
"Excellent news my beloved chosen one." A multi-tonal vaguely feminine voice declared. "I yearn for the day we can interact on a personal level. The day I can reward your unending devotion. The day I can make all your desires a reality."
"I live only for the day I can hold you in my arms and cherish you as the treasure beyond measure you are. I will give you the universe, my goddess." Denji said giddily.
"Once again you prove why I have bestowed my blessings upon you, my beloved chosen one. Only you are worthy of my power." The mysterious voice stated.
Tsukino Residence, a short time later
Ranma tiptoed inside picking her way carefully through the darkness. She knew her mother, her aunt, and her uncle would flip out if they caught her sneaking in this late, especially her aunt & uncle who were unaware of her condition. She was almost home free when she spotted a light on in Usagi's room, how odd.
"Usagi, are you back?" Ranma whispered there was no answer. She made her way into Usagi's room quietly opening then closing the door behind her.
"I was hoping it wouldn't come to this but I have no other choice. I fear Usagi is in grave danger. You must help me save her, Ranma." Luna said.
"A-A t-talking c-cat." Ranma squeaked. Everything went dark for Ranma. Her phobia of felines caused her to faint.
To Be Continued
Author's Note One - Denji's mysterious powers have suppressed Mistress Nine's influence on Hotaru somewhat but not completely, for now. Thus her body's regeneration to its proper chronological age. This is also the reason she has not yet received dreams of her past Senshi life (like in canon) unlike the others.
Author's Note Two – The civilian names I chose for the Kings of Haven are from the new sports anime Bluelock. They are the names of my four favorite characters:
Jadeite = Baro Shoei
Nephrite = Chigiri Hyoma
Zoisite = Nagi Seishiro
Kunzite = Bachira Meguru (invented so it will be more unique when compared with the other characters)
I've given the Knights of Haven civilian names/identities because I have an original storyline planned to flesh out the Knights that will delve into their modern world past before Queen Beryl brainwashed them. This storyline will play out sometime after their memories (along with the Senshis' memories) are restored.