Sorry for the long wait for this update! I finished the first arc of my other Sailor Moon fic, Witches 0, and decided to take a hiatus and it ended up also affecting this fic. Anyway, this is the longest chapter so far for this fic, and I hope the long wait was worth it and you will enjoy it!
Nyanko could still feel the pain from that gut punch when she woke up. She grunted, weakly sitting up from the couch she had been laid down.
"She's awake," Ami said.
Nyanko then noticed the presence of all the inner senshi, as well as where she was: in Usagi's living room.
"... am I in trouble?"
"That's up to you, whether you want to talk or not," Minako replied.
Nyanko quickly looked around, worried.
"Are the other two here?" she asked.
"Uranus and Neptune? No, they aren't," Ami said.
As Nyanko sighed with relief Luna suddenly jumped on the couch, making her flinch.
"Whoa!"
"I particularly have a lot of questions for you, Sailor Mau."
Nyanko winced at this.
"Please, don't call me that… I don't deserve this title anymore."
"What… what do you mean by that?" Luna asked.
Nyanko suddenly looked down, her fist clenched.
"You were right. I'm not worthy to call myself a senshi, especially not the guardian of Mau, not after what I did…"
"Our home planet, Mau, what happened to it? Did you really betray Mau and sold your star seed to Galaxia?" Luna insisted.
"Worst," Nyanko replied. "I… I failed to protect our home planet. When Shadow Galactica attacked, I couldn't defeat them… and things got worst when Galaxia herself struck."
Nyanko's voice had started shivering.
"I was no match against such a monster. She easily defeated me and stole my star seed, then… she put those cursed bracelets on me."
"But… what about Mau!?" Luna insisted.
"... Galaxia destroyed it. Even with the bracelets on, I resisted her and refused to submit, so… she destroyed Mau, to crush my spirit. And it worked."
Luna seemed shocked to hear that. Galaxia destroyed an entire planet for such a petty reason? But given all of her other acts, it shouldn't be surprising- she who had the power to destroy planets wouldn't bat an eye at using such terrifying power just to prove a point.
"Those bracelets- they put a heavy toll on your mind," Nyanko continued. "They were linked to Chaos itself and corrupting us, and the more you resisted them, the worst it would get if you succumb to their influence. I couldn't resist them long enough, they fully took over me and I wasn't me anymore. It felt like… I was constantly drowning, trapped in my own body and forced to witness this other me commit so many atrocities, powerless to stop going against my core values while continuing to drown in this pit of pure darkness..."
Nyanko's voice started to break. Just recalling those events was painful to her. But then, she raised her head to gaze at Usagi, with a more hopeful look in her eyes.
"But you saved me, Sailor Moon. When you used your purifying power on me, I was finally able to see some light in the darkness I was trapped in. It's thanks to you if I was able to awaken after my resurrection- you freed my mind, even if only partially."
"Nyanko…"
Nyanko's gaze then turned dark once again.
"All this time, I hoped there would be someone strong enough to defeat Galaxia and Chaos- this was what gave me the strength to resist the bracelets for so long. But, alas, I… succumbed to despair, I wasn't strong enough to continue hoping. If only I had continued to hope just a little longer, then I wouldn't have ended up being corrupted to this extent and I wouldn't have been your enemy… I wish I could have helped you back then."
Nyanko suddenly rose up, facing Usagi.
"That's why, this time, I want to be able to support you!" Nyanko declared. "I wasn't lying when I said I was your ally! I'm sorry if I didn't come forward right away, but I was worried you wouldn't accept my help if you knew… who I used to be. But my desire to help you was sincere- this time, I'm on your side!"
Usagi could hear how genuine Nyanko was. She wanted to believe her- no, she had faith in her. And it seemed to be the case for the rest of the inners. But some of them still had questions.
"You mention being resurrected. How this happen exactly?" Ami asked.
"I don't know for sure… I woke up where Galaxia removed my bracelet- the stadium. At first, I had complete amnesia, but my memory slowly started to come back… I supposed it's because I was partially healed when I died that I was able to eventually awaken."
"Hm, I suppose this make sense," Ami replied. "After all, after Sailor Moon defeated Chaos, we were all brought back to life after our Star Seeds were freed, so it was to be expected it would be the same for the Animamates… But I'm assuming since you died on Earth, this is where you were brought back, unlike most senshi who probably died back on their home planet…"
"Wait," Rei suddenly said. "Does it mean… the other Animamates were also resurrected on Earth?"
They all looked at Nyanko, who averted their gazes.
"Nyanko…?"
"Maaayyybeee…"
"Suzu-san, I thought we were past hiding stuff," Minako said.
"Okay okay! They are on Earth, yes!"
"You… do you know where they are?" Makoto asked.
"... Yes."
"What!? Where?!" Minako demanded.
Nyanko seemed like she was hesitating to answer.
"They… all have complete amnesia. They don't remember anything, either about being sailor senshi or regarding what happened with Galaxia," Nyanko finally replied.
"That… doesn't answer my question," Minako said.
"They don't know anything. They aren't a threat. None of them remember anything, they are just living a normal life with no knowledge about anything related to being sailor senshi. And I'd prefer to leave it that way," Nyanko added.
"You're still dodging the question…"
"Because… I don't want to put her in danger. They are innocent. Just like me, they used to be sailor senshi who were corrupted by those cursed bracelets. Being brought back with no memories is mercy- unlike me, they can just live an ordinary life, away from all of this… and I don't want to take that away from them, or put them at risk. Not after… what I did to them…"
The inners exchanged a glance, unsure how to proceed.
"Are you sure they don't remember anything?" Usagi asked.
"Yes. I've been monitoring them ever since I recovered my memory. If they had too, they would have recognized me and reacted, but they didn't. They don't remember me or anything else for that matter."
"But how is that possible? Why did you recover your memory but not them?" Makoto asked.
"Probably because they died while still being fully under the influence of their bracelets," Ami said.
"Yeah, that's what I thought too," Nyanko concurred. "The corruption probably interfered with their cosmic power, preventing them from recovering their memories. Ironically, this might be for the best for them. Ignorance can be a bliss sometimes…"
Usagi looked at her comrades before looking back at Nyanko.
"Fine. I trust you then," Usagi said. "Anyway, it would be for the best of Haruka-san and the others don't know about them. If you say they aren't a threat, then I believe you."
The inners, despite their initial doubt, nodded in approval. Makoto suddenly pulled out Nyanko's transformation bell and handed it to her.
"Kino-san…?"
"I suppose you'll need this back, if you truly want to help us," Makoto said. "Don't make me regret trusting you."
Nyanko smiled softly at that, taking back her bell.
"Thanks! I promise, I won't disappoint you!"
"I heard you'll be participating in the charity party organized by the Hoshi Agency," Michiru said.
Reiko finished eating her fifth muffin before raising her head to look at Michiru. They were both working at the same studio today, although not on the same channel.
"Hm? Oh yeah, I was invited," Reiko replied nonchalantly.
Michiru sat down next to Reiko, a glimmer of suspicion in her eyes. But it only lasted for an instant as she now smiled in a friendly manner.
"I'm glad to see you are alright, Aya-san. I heard you were attacked by a monster once again."
"Oh? Ah, yes, the other day, at a local park. Good thing that the Sailor Senshi were there to intervene… as well as this mysterious masked woman in a suit," Reiko added, lightly blushing.
"How many times has it happened again? Three times?" Michiru said. "What an interesting… coincidence. Don't you think so?"
"What can I say, I must be unlucky these past few days- still, lucky enough to be rescued every time, so I won't complain too much! Especially not if it's by this cool-looking woman!"
"... Aren't you afraid you're going to make Karasuma-san jealous by saying this?"
"Eh? Why would it make Karasuma-san jealous?"
Reiko genuinely seemed confused.
"Nevermind. Do you know why, perhaps, those monsters seem to keep attacking you?"
"Who knows. I'm more concerned about that cat girl, to be honest."
"... Huh?"
"I mean, yeah, she is definitely trying to help, and yet, some of the senshi are treating her poorly. I feel kind of bad for her, you know?"
Michiru was surely not expecting Reiko to say something of the sort. She was even taken aback for a second.
"Maybe the senshi have their reasons to be distrustful of her," Michiru replied. "We don't know what happened between them in the past."
"I guess so. But, people can change, right? And from what I've seen, she genuinely seems to want to help. I think it's unfair to judge people over their past when they are actively trying to better themselves. I think they should consider giving her a chance."
Michiru remained surprised. Those words certainly didn't sound like the type of thing Aya Reiko would say.
"Do you know something I don't about this white cat girl?" Michiru suddenly asked.
"Hm? What do you mean by that?" Reiko replied innocently.
Michiru gave her a doubtful look.
"What about this masked woman in a suit? Do you know anything-"
"Ah, there you are, Reiko."
Before Michiru could continue Karasuma interrupted her, visibly looking for Reiko.
"Karasuma-san!" Reiko exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Karasuma didn't seem to share Reiko's excitement.
"Kaioh-san… Reiko, were you bothering her again?"
"How rude! I'd never do something that impolite! We were just having a friendly chat, right, Kaioh-san?"
"Hm? Oh, right. Just a friendly chat."
Karasuma gave them a doubtful look before sighing.
"Anyway, you're required on the stage," Karasuma said.
"Who, me?" Reiko asked.
"Obviously. Now come on!"
Karasuma didn't let Reiko answer and seized her arm, pulling her as she walked away.
"Bye-bye, Kaioh-san!" Reiko waved at her.
Michiru waved back until Reiko disappeared from her sight.
"That gives me a deja vu feeling."
Haruka had slipped behind Michiru, having seemingly witnessed the scene and found it amusing.
"Ah? How so?" Michiru asked.
"You'd often pull me over this way, especially when, you know."
Michiru chuckled at that comment.
"I doubt this is was Karasuma-san wanted. This seems more like something Aya-san would do."
"Speaking of Aya-san, did you get anything out of her?" Haruka asked, suddenly serious.
"Nothing new, but she's definitely suspicious. I can't shake off the feeling that she knows something about what's going on, especially regarding White Cat- Nyanko, and that mysterious masked woman."
"Hmm… I see."
Michiru hesitated to continue.
"Haruka… do you think we're being too harsh… on Nyanko?"
Haruka seemed taken aback by the sudden question.
"I don't have anything against her per se- it's not even about who she used to be. But as Outer Senshi, we cannot ally ourselves with outsiders. It would be the same as involving civilians in our mission. If we can't protect our princess with our own hands and require the help of a stranger, what would it make us? We can't push our duty unto others!"
Michiru sight before smiling softly, putting a hand on Haruka's shoulder.
"Maybe you should have told her that, instead of punching her- that's a bad habit of yours."
Haruka shrugged.
"I hold back. It may seem harsh, but at least she should understand her help is unwanted. This is for her sake too- trying to protect someone and put your life at risk simply because you feel guilty rarely ends well. It's best for her to not want to get close to us again."
"If you said so."
Then suddenly, Michiru pulled on Haruka's arm.
"Oh? Is that what I think?" Haruka asked, smirking.
"Don't be silly," Michiru softly giggled. "Unless you were thinking about getting ready for tonight's charity party."
"I still can't believe you managed to get us invited to this party," Usagi said, looking around her in awe.
"What can I say, I have contacts and I know how to pull strings in my favour," Minako said proudly.
"Don't tell me you bothered this poor Karasuma-san again," Rei commented.
"Of course not! As if I'd talk to this detestable woman again," Minako protested. "Obviously, I asked Aya-san for the invites."
"Aya Reiko? I thought you didn't like her anymore," Makoto said.
"I don't like working with her, but as a person, she's very fun to be around," Minako replied. "And I thought keeping in touch with her would be beneficial. Always good to know someone in the show business…"
"Of course," Rei mumbled.
"All those very pretty people around," Usagi gushed.
"Who did you say the organizer was again?" Makoto asked.
"Hoshi Agency," Minako declared smugly. "A model agency."
"No wonder there's so many pretty people here!" Usagi exclaimed.
"Ah, Aino-san, you're here!"
Aya Reiko approached them, wearing a sumptuous blue dress, which was complimenting her hair. It gave her a beauty reminiscent of the ocean.
"Speaking of pretty people, here's one who could be mistaken for a model," Usagi mumbled.
"Hey, Aya-san!" Minako waved at her. "Thanks again for the invite."
"It was nothing. Just a little favour for an old assistant."
Karasuma suddenly walked by, giving them a displeased look. She was dressed in a reddish fem tuxedo, going well with her partner's attire.
"And here I thought I wouldn't have to hear of you again… wasn't it the deal we had?" Karasuma said.
"I said I wouldn't bother you. It's not my fault if Aya-san took a liking for me."
"Tsk. Brat."
"Dreadful woman."
"Oh, Usagi-chan, everyone, I wasn't expecting to see you here."
Haruka stepped towards them, followed by Michiru. They were both dressed very fashionably, like the perfect one you'd see on the cover of a magazine- Haruka in a white tuxedo and Michiru in a green dress.
"Haruka-san, Michiru-san!" Usagi said.
"We got invited by Aya-san," Minako replied.
"Is that so," Haruka said.
"Ah, Kaioh-san, you look wonderful," Reiko complimented.
"You too, Aya-san."
Usagi felt a little bit awkward, especially regarding their recent conflict with the outer senshi. She then noticed someone she wasn't expecting to see here.
"Huh? Is that…?"
Nyanko was standing not so far away, wearing the same suit she had when she went to Usagi's house, minus the hat and sunglasses.
"Nyanko-san!?"
Usagi immediately regretted shouting that, realizing that she was with Haruka and Michiru. Nyanko turned back, eyes beaming when she saw her.
"Oh, Usagi-chan! Fancy meeting you here!"
She started walking towards them but suddenly froze. For a second Usagi thought it was because of Haruka and Michiru but then remembered Nyanko didn't know they were Uranus and Neptune. The reason she had frozen seemed to be… Reiko and Karasuma? Why?
"But you are…" Haruka began before remembering Nyanko didn't know her secret identity. "You're Suzu-san, right? Usagi-chan's classmate."
"Eh? Oh, yeah? And you are…?" Nyanko replied, sounding completely disinterested.
"I'm Usagi-chan's friend. We met before, remember?"
"Huh-uh. Anyway, who are you?" Nyanko suddenly asked Michiru, seeming way more interested in Haruka's partner.
Decidedly, Haruka really wasn't Nyanko's type of girl. Despite knowing who she was, Michiru gave her a polite smile, acting perfectly normal.
"I'm Kaioh Michiru, a pleasure to meet you. Suzu-san, is that it?"
"Ah, y-yes! Suzu Nyanko! Usagi-chan's classmate! Nice to meet you, Kaioh-san!"
It felt strange to see for once a girl fell for Michiru's charm instead of Haruka's, leaving the latter a little baffled, while her girlfriend seemed amused.
"Why are you here?" Usagi suddenly asked.
"Well, it seems like I ended up on the invite list because I used to work for you know which TV agency… Oh, but who do I spot over there?" Nyanko suddenly said, staring at someone behind the group. "Isn't it a little mouse?"
Usagi turned back, to discover none other than Nezu Chuuko, dressed in a black striped suit that made her look like a tiny mobster. She flinched when she noticed Nyanko.
"Nezu-chan!" Nyanko exclaimed excitedly, rushing towards her.
"Eek!"
"Oh, it's that journalist girl," Michiru commented.
"I guess it makes sense she'd be invited too," Haruka said.
"Who is she?" Rei asked.
"Some journalist. And a fan of Haruka-san and Michiru-san," Usagi replied.
"More like a paparazzi," Michiru mumbled.
As Nyanko was now bothering Nezu, a woman suddenly took the spotlight on the stage. Usagi was surprised by her appearance. She was tall, lean, and shaped like a dancer. She had beautiful long, wavy blue hair and natural grace. And yet, contrasting with her very much feminine appearance, she was wearing a buttoned-up shirt with suspenders and a bow. And yet, it really suited her.
"Merci everyone for coming to tonight's charity party!" the woman began. "As you already know, the Hoshi Agency will be donating all profits to various charities to help children in need. So I want to thank you all for your generosity tonight, bravo! Every little gesture counts and I'm glad to see such compassion toward the most vulnerable in society. Voilà!"
The crowd cheered, giving a toast to the woman's speech.
"Who is she?" Usagi asked, impressed.
"Shigekane Hirari, the current director of Hoshi Agency," Michiru answered.
"Woah, there's something awfully suspicious with what you just said!" Minako suddenly declared.
The senshi all turned to her, expecting her to say something serious.
"How can she own a model agency but not be a model herself? Have you seen her? She's absolutely gorgeous!" Minako exclaimed.
There was a collective sigh among them.
"Oh, I know her!" Reiko suddenly said. "She tried to recruit me to work in her agency. She even gave me her business card. How polite and considerate of her."
"Of course she did," Minako said, feeling a little bit jealous.
"Ah, so this is what she was telling you the other day," Karasuma said.
Usagi noticed that Nyanko was once again on her own and decided to go talk to her.
"Where did Nezu-san go?" Usagi asked.
"She set her views on some model and left with them for some exclusive interview," Nyanko replied, obviously annoyed. "And here I thought I could get some quality time with my cute Nezu-chan…"
"I didn't know you knew her. How did you meet?"
"Oh, we met in a club, at a bar."
"Huh!? A bar?! But you're in high school?" Rei suddenly joined the conversation.
"Y-yeah, but I'm also an adult," Nyanko replied, obviously uneased.
"... What?" Usagi reacted.
"Well, yeah. I'm 18 years old."
"But… you're in my class."
"According to my research, you can be in high school at 18."
"Not in first year!"
"... Oh! Maybe I repeat a year- twice? Listen, we don't have that kind of school back on Mau, so it's only fair that I'd be in first year anyway."
"By that logic, you should start all the way back in kindergarten," Rei replied.
"Then how am I supposed to flirt with cute girls?"
"You… what?"
"Anyway, speaking of girls, I'll go talk to some of the beautiful models here. Seeya!"
Without further ado, Nyanko was already on her way.
Usagi noticed Reiko talking to a young girl- probably a guest's relative given her apparent young age. She was seemingly asking for an autograph to Reiko, who politely shook the kid's hand.
Maybe there won't be any problem tonight after all.
"You're leaving already?" Haruka inquired.
Karasuma was helping Reiko walk, letting her support herself on her shoulder.
"Yeah," Karasuma replied. "Because someone had too many drinks."
I… I didn't even drink thaaat much…" Reiko slurred.
"Oh my. Aya-san, are you alright?" Michiru asked.
"She's fine. Just very drunk. She usually holds her liquor better than that… I guess she really went too far this time."
"I swear… I didn't have too many drinks…" Reiko weakly protested. "Ugh… I feel so dizzy..."
"And who's fault is that? Geez. Anyway, we're leaving now. I can't let this idiot in public while being drunk."
"...H-Hey…!"
Karasuma didn't listen to Reiko's complaints and drew her away, leaving the room. Michiru remained suspicious, exchanging a glance with Haruka.
"Do you think we should follow-"
"Oh, but isn't it Tenoh Haruka and Kaioh Michiru? You are both fabuleuse."
Shigekane Hirari stepped towards them, interrupting Michiru.
"Shigekane-san, what a wonderful party you have organized," Michiru replied.
"Please, this was a collective effort. What is wonderful is that so many people participated," Shigekane replied. "But regardless, have you both considered doing Takarazuka?"
"Ahah… you aren't the first person who told us that recently," Haruka replied.
"Well, if you are ever interested in modelling, I'd gladly put you in contact-"
"Kyaa! A monster!"
A shadowy creature with red glowy eyes suddenly burst into the room, causing panic among the guests.
"Oh merde!" Shigekane exclaimed. "What is that!?"
The Sailor Senshi didn't lose any time and rushed to an empty room to transform. The guests had always run away to leave the area while the monster was trashing the room.
"You right there, stop at once!" Sailor Moon exclaimed. "How dare you cause trouble during a charity event? In the name of the moon, I shall punish you!"
The monster roared at her, sending a powerful shock wave at her.
"Tinkle Resonance!"
A sudden sound wave hit the monster, neutralizing their own shock wave in the process.
"Now is your chance, Sailor Moon!" Nyanko exclaimed.
Sailor Moon nodded and conjured the Eternal Tiare and aimed at the monster.
"Starlight Honeymoon Therapy Kiss!"
Pink light flared at the top of the Tiare and streamed toward the monster in multiple waves which hit it directly.
"Purify!" the monster screamed.
The dark aura disappeared and the creature returned to its original form: one of the guests, a male model.
"Well, this was easier than usual," Venus commented.
"Too easy," Mars added.
"Hey, you!" Uranus suddenly let out.
"Eek!" Nyanko reacted.
"I thought I told you to stay away from our business!"
"And I'm pretty sure I said you'd need to kill me to keep me away from helping Sailor Moon!"
"Do not tempt me…" Uranus threatened.
"Pff! If you really wanted to kill me, you would have slashed me with your sword when you had the chance," Nyanko taunted. "Or hold back when you punched me."
"Oh, trust me, next time, I won't hold back…!"
"Please, stop!" Sailor Moon begged. "We're all sailor senshi, we shouldn't fight among ourselves…"
"She's an outsider first, and we can't accept the help of an invader!"
"And yet, you don't seem to mind the two other Mautians with you," Nyanko replied.
"... What? Who…?"
"Huh? You didn't know? Wow, maybe I shouldn't have said that…"
"Wait, do you mean-"
The lights were suddenly shut down, immerging the room in total darkness.
"What!?" Sailor Moon exclaimed.
"I can't see anything!" Venus complained.
"You can't? I can see just fine," Nyanko replied.
"Is it possible… that you have night vision?" Mercury asked.
"Hm? Yeah? Don't you?"
"... Humans don't…"
"Oh."
"Must be a cat thing," Venus added.
"Woah, what's that…?" Jupiter suddenly said.
There was some light shining in the dark, or instead, something reflecting on a metallic object.
"Sailor Moon, watch out!" Nyanko yelled.
Nyanko suddenly pushed Sailor Moon- the latter not being able to see the imminent danger- out of the way. Out of nowhere, two balls of golden light were fired, striking Nyanko.
"ARGHHH!"
"Nyanko-san!?" Sailor Moon exclaimed.
Nyanko's body ended up illuminated, allowing the Sailor Senshi to see her. Despite being standing up, the Mautians seemed unconscious.
Then suddenly, a flower appeared on top of her head and a tin-coloured crystal with a yellow glow emerged from it.
It was a star seed- a true one. A Sailor Crystal.
Then for a split second, the senshi caught a glance of an individual escaping by the window, the light of the moon reflecting on the golden bracelets they were wearing.
Those were Galactica Bracelets.
Oh oh
The plot thickens.
Who attacked Nyanko?