Sailor Moon: What If We Could Start Anew? By Ending Another? Chapter 9: Episode 9: Switching Sides!, a sailor moon fanfic

Episode 9: Switching Sides!

In the months that followed, Serenity and the alternate Michiru became valuable assets to helping other alternates create new lives in this world. But it wasn't always easy.

With a few of the alternates, they would be violent and hostile at first, but after being defeated in battle and learning of their situation, most of them would usually break down and wonder how they were gonna restart their lives.

What would happen is that, Usagi, Setsuna and Serenity would all help to lift the new arrival off their feet and start their lives anew as different people. But there were rare cases where, unfortunately, the subject would be too violent to calm subdue, or they would still be violent, even after being defeated and learning of their situation, so they would have to be put down at the arrival sight and disposed of.

Different from the alternate Usagi's method of dropping alternates in the sea after death, Usagi and the others opted for cremation and releasing the ashes into the sea. It took longer, but it prevented the risk of having the deceased corpse.

After stalking the group, Rei figured out how long it would be for them to transport the unconscious body from the arrival points to Setsuna's apartment and how long they would be gone for when they left for work. She would later depend on this to gather her own forces.

It was easy to figure out their schedules for Rei. Since they left her alone at the Shrine, no one ever came to visit her. So she could close the Shrine for the day to go and watch them, where they would be to busy to sense her or even notice her presence.

In her opinion, they were just doing what she was doing, but with their methods. Rei believed that they were the enemy now. But she didn't want to defeat them this time. She wanted to ANNIALATE THEM. They didn't deserve to play the good guys with the blood of their own on their hands.

All she had to do, was gather enough of them, to overpower and destroy the Sailor Guardians.

Weeks on end, Rei planned out how she would kidnap one of the more violent subjects and use her against the rest.

She would take pictures of possible vantage points, entry, escape, back ups just in case anything went wrong... Pictures of each of the Sailor Guardians, their images fueling Rei with rage whenever she looked at them. Various descriptions for images linked to her plan. After a while. The Alternate Usagi's old room looked more like something from a crime show.

She was obsessed with getting revenge. After the alternate Usagi had been murdered, it was the only thing she cared about anymore.

After a while. The Shrine became dusty and seemed abandoned. Rei had closed the Shrine so many times, people stopped coming entirely.

Rei began to ignore all of her daily rituals to focus all of her energy on her plans of vengeance. But there was one ritual that she NEVER forgot to do. And that was to pray at the Alternate Usagi's memorial and clean the parts that were collecting dust.

Grandpa Hino had been put into a care facility that was funded by the government. He was entirely against it though. He told the people coming to collect him that it was explicitly written in his will that he wished to pass away within the walls of the Shrine.

When he was about to plead with Rei at the top of the steps of the Shrine, even with his old and withered sight, he could still see that Rei had changed. He could see how her appearance was unkept, the Shrine was a mess and everything seemed to be falling apart around her

Rei didn't even bother to say goodbye, but Grandpa Hino had one final message for her.

(Grandpa Hino) I don't know what happened Rei... Nor do I understand what has happened to you... But I hope you find the peace that you are looking for at the cost of your own ruin.

After this, Grandpa Hino stopped resisting against the people sent to get him and left the Shrine for the last time, a single tear falling from his face.

It was late March when the news found its way to the rest of the guardians. They were at their usual, but less common meeting, where they would try to relax in each others company, but it was still a little awkward for them. They were talking about work when they received the news. Minako had just mentioned a themed tour that she was doing around Japan that was themed around the blooming of Sakura Trees and the Spring festivals.

(Usagi) Hm... It kinda reminds me of... you know who...

(Makoto) Yeah... I admit, after that night, was still super angry at her, but now... I find myself feeling worried about her.

(Ami) Has anyone tried reaching out to her?

(Minako) We all deleted her number remember? And I don't know. I wouldn't want to try and talk to her after what happened. Because ... (Sigh) Although it was a few months ago for us, it still might feel like it was yesterday for her.

(Ami) Hm...

(Usagi) Anyway... we should just keep going as per usual. But I want all of you to be more cautious of your surroundings. Be ready for a fight at all times. She may resent and hate us for what we did, but remember, she's the Sailor Guardian of Mars, the guardian of love and passion, so she may be more inclined to seek revenge.

(Ami) You think she would? No way. I won't believe this. If she really wanted to seek revenge, than wouldn't she have done it already?

(Minako) I'm not so sure about that, and besides, you deleted her number too didn't you, just like the rest of us? So you do somewhat believe she would go out of her way to get vengeance on us. But since she's the guardian of love and passion, I wouldn't put it past her now, to make us her "passion" project. A plan to take all of us out.

(Makoto) No kidding, before that night, I would've scolded you for being an ass, but now... It's all too real now...

Everyone became silent as Unazuki came by their table.

(Unazuki) Dang, you all look like you just heard the world was ending, everything alright?

(Minako) No, everything's fine...

(Unazuki) Oh, where's Rei? I heard the Shrine was closed and I haven't seen her in a while.

(Usagi) Wait, the Shrine closed down!?

(Unazuki) What, you haven't heard? Ever since December, the place seemed to have been abandoned and with so many frequent closures, people have stopped visiting entirely.

The group was dumbfounded, they had thought that sure they cut her from their lives, and she cut them from hers, but they didn't think she would cut herself off from the entire world.

(Unazuki) Oh... So I take it you guys are really on speaking terms with her. I'm... sorry- Forget I mentioned it!

Unazuki walked away and went to service other tables, leaving the girls to wonder if Rei was still there.

(Ami) Should we... go over there and see if she-

(Usagi) No...

the three looked at Usagi.

(Usagi) I won't stop you if you want to go yourselves, but just know that I am entirely against it. For me, she hates me because I killed her first love, and our enemy. Minako, she hates you because you held her down as I killed her. As for Makoto, Ami, and the rest of the Sailor Guardians... She hates all of you for not stopping me.

(Usagi) All I am trying to say is that... The Rei we all knew is gone. She is different now. She will not welcome you with open arms, nor will she give you the cold shoulder. I expect that if any of us were to go alone, she would try to kill us.

That is all I have to say.

Usagi left, feeling the tear well up in her eyes.

She hated crying in front of the others... It made her feel weak... powerless, when she was expected to be strong, fierce, courageous, and willing to do what was needed in the name of Love and Justice.

It was a smooth operation, but it was more like something out of a Sci-Fi movie.

During the months of January and February, Usagi and Setsuna would arrive at the point of a signal on the New Moon, bringing the alternate Michiru along for support, since they were half expecting Rei to jump out of the shadows to seek out her vengeance. Each time, it was an ordinary citizen. In both scenarios, the person was set in Setsuna's apartment and helped before being sent off to live in another part of Japan, different from where this world's person lived.

It was the beginning of March when the New Moon came. And with it, another alternate.

When the Alternate fell to the ground, Usagi and Setsuna were ready to welcome the alternate when they initiated an attack.

But with this Alternate, they were sure to take extreme caution since the alternate they were fighting was of a middle aged Hotaru, who was not willing to come to terms with her situation. She lashed out and began to attack the pair.

After a while, the Alternate Hotaru was subdued, but not taken to the apartment just yet.

After carrying her to the beach an laying her on the sand, the two waited for her to wake up, where she violently resumed her attack, screaming about how she would finally take the entire world with her to end it all, until she was shot in the back of the head by the alternate Michiru.

To give her a proper burial like she might've deserved, the girls covered the body in flammable liquid and waited a few hours for the body to burn completely. After the process was completed, they took the ashes and spread them into the ocean. It wasn't the absolute best service, but it was the best they could offer with these conditions.

From far away, Rei watched them with binoculars. The binoculars trembled in her hands as she watched them, fueled with rage as THIS is what the other Usagi did for them, to protect them, and they killed her for it. SO why shouldn't she do the same for them?

But she couldn't go with her original plan, since they didn't even get her to the apartment, nor did they let her out of their sight. She knew the feeling that the alternate Usagi was feeling, but she had to be quicker, faster, make to them before the others did.

But she looked at herself. She was dirty, had unkept hair, her car, hadn't been washed or cleaned for months. How would she convince the more violent alternates to join her if what they had for a leader was a shut in stalker who looked like she hadn't eaten for months?

She got in her car and sped away from her vantage point, ready to turn everything around for the sake of revenge.

Usagi heard a familiar engine sound in the distance. She couldn't deny that it was the 240z that she fixed up for Rei. Was it her? Had she sold it?

OH What did it matter to her. No matter what she did now, she could never fix things between the Sailor Guardians and her. It was just the way thing would be for now.

Since it was just Usagi, Setsuna and Serenity along with the Alternate Michiru for their defense, they wouldn't be ready if Rei were to launch an assault against them from out of nowhere. They had to cover their blind spots.

Usagi hadn't brought the other Guardians with her because each of them had their reasons for not coming, but it all boiled down to not wanting to be there on the chance that they have to kill an alternate, everyone was very open against being there in that scenario.

But they couldn't risk Rei doing something drastic, something that could put everyone in danger.

After lots of explaining and asking, everyone accepted coming on the New Moons. They would patrol the area in pairs and report back to Usagi every 5 minutes. It was like they were welcoming a VIP to their world now.

On the next New Moon, Rei had to leave because she couldn't find a spot where she wouldn't be seen, but also have a place to see what was happening, even with her binoculars.

On April 7th, 1997, The New moon appeared and a signal beaconed from in front of Usagi's house.

The group had to be quiet as they secured to alternate, but what they found was... unexpected to say the least.

Who they found lying on the ground... was an another alternate version of Rei. But it was odd. She was the same age as this world's Rei. For everyone, it was like looking at Rei before she was cut off from the group.

When she awakened, she simply greeted them.

(Rei?) Huh? Oh... hey guys... what's... going on?

(Usagi) Come with us Rei. We need to get you to safety. Mako, Mina, Michiru, you guys act as our outer defense. Let's go.

The alternate Rei knew something was off when she saw the silver-haired Usagi, but decided to save her MANY questions for later.

Usagi, Setsuna and Serenity were all in Sailor Attire as they escorted the newly arrived Rei Hino to Setsuna's apartment, their base of operations.

When they arrived, everyone walked into the large apartment.

But set up at a table, was already brewed, hot tea.

(Rei?) Now that we're... here. Can I start asking questions?

(Usagi) Sure, but I just have to explain something to you.

(Rei?) Okay then...

(Usagi) By now, you've probably realized that something is amiss and are trying to figure it out, am I correct?

(Rei?) Right on the money...

(Usagi) Well, unfortunately, you are no longer in the world you once knew as your own. You have been transported to a separate reality from your own. You are now in a world similar to your previous one, just, not yours.

(Rei?) Is... there a way for me to go back? A way for me to go home?

(Setsuna) I'm afraid not.

The Rei began celebrating, but no one knew why.

(Rei?) Oh that's great! Wonderful even!

(Serenity) I'm sorry, are you okay? Should we subdue her?

(Rei) In my world... something made everyone go... just fuckin insane. The Sailor Guardians turned on each other, fought constantly, did tons of damage to the city. The people were just as bad though. Normal people were being randomly affected by some kind of psychosis. I later had to figure out on my own that it was another enemy, but it was too dangerous to learn about them, so I tried to hide out in the Shrine, where it was repeated stormed through as I hid in a secret compartment of my room. It was terrible. I'm glad I left that hell and came here. A normal world.

(Usagi) I see. Well Rei, welcome to a world that is, mostly normal.

(Rei?) Oh no... what does that mean? Do I even want to know.

(Serenity) Well, in this world, we have been receiving many being similar to yourself. Sailor Guardians who came from other universes who don't know what to do anymore.

(Rei?) Huh. That... doesn't sound too bad.

(Usagi) Well...

(Rei?) Okay. C'mon, tell me what's twisted about that, that I haven't already imagined just now.

(Usagi) Well, one of you, what we call alternates, one of me actually... killed four other alternates to "protect" me and we had to execute her before more of you fell by her hand.

(Rei?) Oh... I see...

The alternate Rei looked around.

(Rei?) So, where is this world's Rei? I thought she would be with you guys since she's me, the Sailor Guardian of Mars.

(Usagi) Well, we actually cut off contact with her.

(Rei?) What!? Why?

(Usagi) It's a long story, but for now, lets get you to Setsuna's apartment so you can rest up for a bit.

As they walked, the alternate Rei saw the alternate Michiru, holding her SMG.

(Rei?) So, are you an alternate of this world as well?

(Michiru?) Yes, I am. But before I go off to do other things and figure out my life, I am serving as extra protection.

(Rei?) Protection? Against what?

(Michiru?) I'll explain later, for now, try to calm down. You did just transcend space and time to get here. Even if it was slightly against your will.

(Rei?) Answer my question. What do I need protection from!?

Usagi overheard the two and slowed down to meet their pace.

(Usagi) Rei, I understand that this is a pretty surreal experience for you, and you have many questions about this world, but we need you to rest so that when you are refreshed, we can answer any questions you have for us. So please, understand that we're just trying to make sure that absolutely NOTHING happens to you, even if it is overkill.

With her reassuring smile, Usagi was able to calm the Alternate Rei down and get her to Setsuna's apartment.

After getting there, Setsuna showed her to the guest room, which was room with only the necessities. A bed with sheets, a drawer, a mirror and a small closet.

Not questioning it, Rei sat on the bed and immediately, the energy drain swiftly caught up to her and she went to sleep before anyone had left just yet.

Seeing that the Alternate Rei was asleep, the alternate Michiru took a position in the room, she didn't trust the security of the apartment to stop Rei from trying to pull something deadly.

As the alternate Michiru said her goodbyes and quietly entered the room, Usagi and Makoto walked outside.

(Usagi) Alright, looks like tonight was a success, lets get outta here for now. I'll come back tomorrow and let you know how she is in the morning.

(Makoto) You driving home?

(Usagi) Nah! Since it's late at night, I think flying home is easier since I can just skip the drive and go straight to my room.

(Makoto) Yeah, same here, it beats walking anyway.

(Usagi) Yeah, lets go to your place together. I don't want you going alone.

(Makoto) What you don't think I can hold my own against her?

Usagi waited a second to answer.

(Usagi) Quite the opposite actually. I'm afraid that if you confront her alone, she might put you in a position to kill her.

(Makoto) Ok, now you're just paranoid.

(Usagi) And how can I not!? She was our friend and she fell in love with a killer! How do you suppose we gauge her possible course of action if that's what we have to our knowledge?

(Makoto) Okay, yeah, maybe you're right, but I wouldn't go as far as to think she would make one of us out to be a villain and stage her own murder.

(Usagi) I dunno...

Usagi looked to see that Setsuna's apartments was still pretty close to them.

(Usagi) Lets do this as we fly, okay?

The transformed and silently flew off into the night.

(Usagi) As I was saying... I'm not sure, because on top of what I've already said, she's been isolated from us for months, none of us have spoken to her for months and have no idea what she is up to. For a while the Hikawa Shrine was closed, and in that time, I remember hearing her car as we cremated the violent alternate a while back. So you tell me, how can I NOT be paranoid with all of these things around us?

(Makoto) Alright... Alright. You make a good point, but as of a few days ago, I heard from a student of mine that it just reopened a few days ago. And when I asked her what it looked like now, she said it looked beautiful and clean, as if it never closed, and get this! She said that Rei looked more or less the same as she did before the closure, but a little thinner and lighter skin.

(Usagi) Still. I don't trust her. It may seem like paranoia or even just me being childish, but something about her, even without seeing her, make me think that she's not just moving on.

The two got to Makoto's apartment and landed.

(Makoto) Well, see ya later, Usagi.

(Usagi) Yeah, see ya. And BE. CAREFUL.

(Makoto) Yeah, and you STOP. BEING. PARANOID.

The two laughed and Usagi flew away as Makoto entered her apartment.

As Usagi flew, she had thoughts just flying around in her head.

(Usagi) Is she right? Am I just paranoid? And what about herself? Doesn't she feel a little nervous at all? We were all there, with her as we... well... and I feel like she would hate all of us. So why am I-

A flame shot up right next to Usagi as she rolled to her left to dodge the attack. She looked down to see a Sailor Guardian in red. Rei Hino.

Just staring down, Usagi thought.

(Usagi) (That was deliberately aimed next to me. But why?)

Three more arrows quickly flew past Usagi as she dodged them with split seconds in between.

Then, while she was busy looking at the last arrow flying past her, she could see out of the corner of her eye, something coming up from the ground at high speeds.

She narrowly put her hands up to block the incoming blow, which sent her flying back a few feet.

(Usagi) YOU! I knew you were up to something!

(Rei) Whatever... it's not like this is the entire show.

(Usagi) What's that supposed to mean?

(Rei) Oh... you'll find out soon. You fucking hypocrite. You and the rest of them will learn in due time what bastards you are. But first, I'm gonna beat the crap outta you.

(Usagi) Go ahead and try, not like you'll beat me.

(Rei) We'll see about... THAT!

Rei swung her flaming Katana at Usagi without hesitation, the blade's flame rising with Rei's fury.

But being "paranoid", has it's perks.

Usagi immediately parried the attack with her golden dagger, the metals colliding with a loud grinding sound.

The two clashed for a while. It was obvious that Rei was not ready to fight Usagi, even in a one-on-one duel. She strikes, even with both hands carving the blades path through the air, barely forced Usagi to defend.

Rei's strikes were lighter than before, her energy was draining even faster, and if she were to pass out from this high and lose her power, she would fall to her death.

So, to prevent this, Usagi unfortunately had to do something her past self would've looked at in horror.

She proceeded to stow away her dagger and began to fight Rei with her hands.

Rei tried to continue swinging with her sword, but with her decreased speed and lack of energy, it was easily avoided and Usagi went on the offensive.

(Usagi)(Whispering) Rei... You forced my hand a second time... Forgive me for I am forced to do this because I deeply care about you.

After whispering into her ear in a moment of shock, Rei was about to swat Rei away with her sword, but before she could complete the full swing, when Rei's arm was in front of Usagi, Usagi gripped Rei's arm with an iron grip and did not let go.

(Rei) Huh!? Let go of you fucking idiot.

(Usagi) Oh Rei... how far you have fallen.

With one strong motion, Usagi tightened her grip and swung Rei around her body before using the accumulated force to throw Rei to the ground, hard.

She landed, thankfully, into a patch of dirt, but it only broke part of her fall. She struggled to get up from the small earthen dent she had created.

Usagi landed and faced Rei, but kept her distance.

(Rei) You care about me? You killed the closest thing to a sister I ever had, because you "cared about me"?

(Usagi) She wasn't a sister to you. She was your first love, a love that should've never existed.

(Rei) Bullshit! It was real I embraced it! But you killed her in cold blood. And because you "care about me". Yeah right! If you really cared, you would've visited me! I didn't know what to do after you all ABANDONED ME!

(Usagi) We cut you off. Your the guardian of passion after all. For all we know, you've become passionate about getting back at us for executing her. Even after we found out, and she admitted to, multiple murders of people who were never given a chance to live. But why should she live after what she did to them?

(Rei) She was trying to protect you! Didn't you listen to her!? At all!? Or was your "justice" all that mattered in the moment? And what if this new alternate tries to hurt one of you? Maybe I should kill her before she does-

Usagi was becoming overwhelmed by her emotions. In a second, Usagi was already in front of Rei, her fist arching to punch Rei across the face. But seeing what she was doing, Usagi stopped herself, but with her heightened emotions, she couldn't hide the merciless glare that pierced through Rei.

Rei was petrified. After the wind passed her, she couldn't move nor speak. Those usually big blue eyes were now narrowed and still.

(Usagi) If you lay so much as a finger on that girl, I will bring down the full force of the Silver Millenium to make sure she is safe from you. AM. I. CLEAR.

(Rei) Y-Yes.

(Usagi) Glad we came to an understanding.

Usagi backed off and flew away at an incredible speed.

Rei flinched as the pain resurfaced after the fear wore off. She even waited a few seconds to think out loud.

(Rei) Dammit. I couldn't even beat her now. How am I supposed to get the stronger allies if I'm weaker than her? And even after all I've done to turn things around...

Rei smirked to herself, spitting out a small amount of blood on the pavement as she did.

(Rei) Guess I'll just have to train a little harder.

Rei limped back to the Hikawa shrine and prayed to the Alternate Usagi's Memorial. She told the alternate version of Usagi about how she felt more motivated than even to become stronger and better than the Sailor Guardians, to defeat them with her own two hands.

Usagi reported her encounter to everyone. But there were different reactions all around.

On one end, there were Setsuna, Serenity and the Alternate Michiru, not in the least bit surprised by the attack and complimented Rei on her boldness. Then there were those at the other end of the spectrum like Minako and Ami, who both felt betrayed by Rei. They had their doubts about Rei's allegiance, but they never thought she would attack one of their own, but to Usagi's benefit, it solidified the two along with Makoto to her side. And then, there were those that were outside of the conflict, but were still held in the loop. This would be Michiru, Haruka and Hotaru. These three were aware of the events that had taken place, and were present at the Alternate Usagi's execution, or murder depending on where your allegiance lies, but these three wanted no part of the conflict since they were not directly involved. But if they were to be brought into the conflict by means of threats or even attacks, they knew where they would stand.

But there was one who was yet to be informed. The second alternate version of Rei to come to this world.

It was the day after the attack on Usagi. In the afternoon, just clocking out of Haruka's shop and going her separate way from Haruka, she went to Setsuna's apartment, where the alternate Rei was eagerly waiting for her.

Upon walking in, the alternate tried to hug Usagi, but almost instinctively, Usagi firmly grabbed the alternates arms and put them at her sides.

The alternate looked at Usagi, confused.

Usagi had deepened her breathing and tightened her grip, but almost immediately released the alternate that still hugged her anyway with a bright smile on her face.

(Usagi) Sorry, had a rough night last night.

(Rei?) That's okay!

The three sat down at a table with hot tea prepared already.

Usagi looked around, confused as to where their fourth person was.

(Usagi) Hey Setsuna. Where's the alternate Michiru?

(Setsuna) Well, after staying up all night guarding her, she was completely exhausted, although, she didn't want to admit it, so I forced her to take a bath and go get some rest. She tried to protest after hearing your and Rei's weapons collide in the sky.

(Usagi) I see. One of these days, I'm gonna get her something.

After some immediate conversation and watching Usagi go back and forth with Setsuna, Rei(?) had become impatient.

(Rei?) So... can I ask you guys about this world? I haven't really gathered too much from the little time we had when I got here.

The two apologized and faced her.

(Usagi) So, what would you like to know?

(Rei?) Myself. I want to know what happened to the me in this reality. Why wasn't I with the rest of you when you found me? And why did you all cut contact with her even though she is a Sailor Guardian!?

(Usagi) Well, to answer that, I hope you like long stories.

Usagi began with when the alternate Usagi first arrived. After explaining how good things were before, she went on to explain how she found out about the alternate's killing spree with Setsuna. After that, she explained how they rescued Serenity from the alternate and confronted her on the next Full Moon, where they found the alternate Michiru and the two revealed to everyone, the Alternate Usagi's true nature and unanimously agreed to execute her... in front of Rei.

(Rei?) What the hell! Why would you all do that!?

(Usagi) Hey, it's not like we had a choice. You probably know from your world how powerful Sailor Moon can be. It would be dangerous if we didn't do it at the first chance we got. Rei being there was an unfortunate accident. After that, we cut all contact with her, and after that, every Full Moon, she would stalk us and see what we would do with every target.

(Usagi) Hell, just last night, she thought she could beat the crap outta me, but I prevailed, but I had to warn her not to touch you or else.

(Rei?) Wait... she threatened to hurt me? Am I safe?

(Usagi) Trust me, the alternate Michiru with her weapon, Setsuna as Sailor Pluto and Serenity as a Guardian in training, you're in the safest of hands.

Rei asked some more normal questions, differences from her world and this one, historical events, current trends and other relatively normal questions. The conversations went on till noon...

(Usagi) ...And thats pretty much all of the trends I know of right now. But even then, the kids are still coming up with more weird and absurd stuff that we'll never understand. Do you have anything else you want to know?

(Rei?) Well, there's one thing... But I'm not sure you'd be comfortable with this...

The alternate Rei became a little uncomfortable and shifted in her seat.

(Usagi) Huh, okay, well let's see then, ask.

(Rei?) I want to see the me of this world.

(Setsuna) You what!? After she threaten you indirectly with violence?

(Rei?) Hear me out!

Setsuna settled herself.

(Rei?) *Sigh* The reason I want to meet her, is because well... I want to see what my alternative version is like.

(Usagi) And how would you go about meeting her without getting hurt or worse?

(Rei?) By visiting the Shrine while she is working. Like you two said, she recently reopened the Shrine and she is still trying to get people to visit again after being closed.

(Setsuna) Do you really think she'll restrain herself? What if it's just you in there?

(Rei?) Who said I was going alone? I'll take Usagi with me.

Setsuna looked at Usagi with a puzzled expression, her eyes asking her, "You're not really gonna entertain this, are you!?"

Usagi looked back at Setsuna with a reassuring and confidant look.

Setsuna felt at ease. She would reject the idea and tell her to let the idea of meeting herself go.

(Usagi) I mean, I don't see why not.

(Setsuna) WHAT? Are you sure about this? (What the hell are you doing!?)

(Usagi) Relax Setsuna. I'm pretty damn strong and just beat her in a fight the other night. There's no way she would try anything right now. She's a smart girl who understands her situation.

Usagi grabbed her keys and went to the door.

(Usagi) We'll be back in a bit. See you later.

The two left the apartment complex and began their journey.

(Rei?) So...

(Usagi) Yeah, what's up?

(Rei?) Should I be... nervous?

(Usagi) Well, You are about to literally meet yourself, so I think you probably should be a little nervous.

(Rei?) Yeah... I thought so.

As the two drove, Usagi could see that the alternate Rei seemed to just be thinking as she looked out of the window.

When they arrived, Usagi parked her car in a friendly neighbor's garage, making an excuse that Shingo was trying to drive her car and she needed somewhere safe to keep it for a few minutes. As she parked it, she sure nobody was around, even using a power that Setsuna taught her to use extrasensory abilities to sense any living beings in her vicinity. And it seemed that no one was nearby, except for the alternate Rei and her neighbor.

When they arrived, they saw that Rei doing a small class where she taught people about Shintoism and prayer.

There were people just walking around, talking, making donations, praying, it seemed very lively in the Shrine.

The two entered. For Rei(?) it was like she was home, before insanity claimed everything she ever cared about. For Usagi, she felt like she just walked into forbidden territory.

The two walked around, seeing that there were still some repairs to be made, but other than that, the Shrine looked fine.

A group of people exited the main Shrine, talking amongst themselves, and at the end, Rei came out, waving to them with a smile on her face.

But as she waved the people off, she glanced to see Usagi and glared at her, but saw that there was someone next to her, herself, who seemed nervous and was talking to Usagi.

Allowing curiosity to get the better of her, Rei walked over to the two of them, hiding her malice behind a sweet and innocent facade.

But once she got in front of the two, her voice was the only thing giving away her.

(Rei) Will you two come with me for a minute?

Her tone, although sweet, had a subtle bitterness attached to it that only Usagi and Rei(?) seemed to catch.

As the two followed Rei, people stopped to look at them. The onlookers thought that the two were chosen for something special, but Usagi felt that the *Special* thing that the two had, was being despised by the Shrine Priestess.

Rei closed the large doors to the Main Shrine with a loud locking mechanism.

As soon as the locking mechanism clicked, Rei went back to glaring at the two.

(Rei) What do you want, and why are you here? Explain.

(Usagi) And nice to see you're doing well Rei.

(Usagi) Trust me, I wouldn't be here if I didn't have a reason.

(Rei) And I'm guessing that the "reason" has something to do with HER!?

Rei pointed at the alternate version of herself, who seemed to try and not be bothered by Rei's rudeness.

(Rei?) Hello. I am the alternate version of yourself, nice to meet you Rei Hino.

Ignoring the introduction, Rei continued.

(Rei) Wow, she's polite, probably why you haven't killed her yet, right? Because she's obedient and polite. Listen Rei, get away from these people, they look nice and preach their goodness to the others, but don't be fooled. They are no better than-

(Rei?) Enough. I have been informed of the recent events that caused you to break away from them, and frankly, I agree. You chose to follow her blindly into battle like her servant. And in the end, when she was executed for her crimes, you took it upon yourself to try and play the victim. And letting Grandfather live his final days in a home, letting the Shrine go to waste? All of these things and you still feel that you are the one who has been betrayed and abandoned. Stop fooling yourself, wake up.

Rei was taken aback, her eyes widend just a little, but she laughed mockingly at the alternate Rei.

(Rei) You... You're just like the rest of them... Blinded by your faith you yourself are not even truthfully convinced of. But since you were so DESPERATE for a leader, you just followed Usagi and the others, and for what? To question it only after you do something that you don't agree with?

Rei turned her eyes to Usagi, her eyes slanting as she looked at Usagi with disgust.

(Rei) It must've been real easy to get her to side with you, probably told her about what you all did to the other Usagi.

(Rei?) Yes, they did.

(Rei) Wow! Color me surprised; I would've thought you would think of yourselves too noble to tell her that. And? You still side with them?

(Rei?) Well, I admit, when they first told me about the alternate Usagi, I was skeptical about joining them... But, after seeing you... and how you hold yourself? I am firm in my beliefs and judgement, and I stand with this Usagi.

(Rei) Interesting... What about me made you steel your faith in her?

(Rei?) Easy, you've become blind yourself. You saw Usagi, and wanted what she had. Because even after the final battle, you found yourself alone, without a partner. But the same was true for Makoto, Minako and Ami. But not Usagi.

As Rei(?) went on, the original Rei became slightly more and more agitated as time went on, but she tried her hardest to hide it.

(Rei?) Usagi had it all. She had an entire family, heck, she even had a partner. But you felt that it was unfair that she had what you did not. "Why? Why don't I get to have that?" "Why does she get the happy ending with him and I'm left alone?" "No matter what I do, nobody wants me." These. These are the thoughts that haunt you in your subconsciousness. And when that alternate version of Usagi came to this world and came here to live with you, you were elated, you ignored everyone's warnings and got close with her. Sure, she was a carbon copy of Usagi, but there was something different about her wasn't there? She was happy to be with you for hours of the day, then she got closer to you and grew on you. You thought of her as something more than a friend, but told everyone she was "like a sister".

Rei was barely holding her fury in after the last sentence.

(Rei?) So, when she told you about her crimes, you were fine with it if she was there with you. But in the end, since everything came crashing down on her, you want to hurt them, like they did her.

Rei hit the floor with an echoing impact.

(Rei) Get out. If I ever see any of you here ever again, I will kill you, no matter how many people get in the crossfire.

(Rei) Consider this your last warning.

(Rei?) I see.

(Usagi) Goodbye Rei. I wish this could've ended differently.

(Rei) I said get out. I need your pity.

The two walked out and Rei closed the doors behind them.

Ignoring the people, Usagi and Rei(?) left the Shrine.

After getting in the car, Usagi let out a loud exhale.

(Rei?) What!? Did I do something wrong?

(Usagi) No, of course not. You did good. It was just the tension in the air. Didn't you feel it? Because for me, it felt like I wasn't welcome, and talking to Rei the air felt physically dense. And when we walked out, there were people looking at us and other whispering as we walked by.

(Rei?) Really? I was so focused on the other me that I dodn't even notice.

The two were silent as Usagi began driving the two back to Setsuna's apartment.

(Usagi) So... how was meeting yourself?

(Rei?) It was... a lot to comprehend.

(Rei?) I mean, she was such a... hmm... a...

(Usagi) A bitch?

(Rei?) Yeah... a little much, but yes. She was so agressive. I could actually feel the emotions just flowing around her. Fear... sadness... grief... anger... frustration... so many emotions being held onto. It was sad to see really. But I cannot ignore her hostility and open threats in spite of her feeling.

(Usagi) What do you mean? You could... see her emotions?

(Rei?) well, we did the same rituals in the Hikawa shrine, one of them became something that was intertwined with our abilities as a Sailor Guardian. We can see the emotions of others if we focus on them. They're like small lengths of fabric that float around a person and-

(Usagi) Hold that thought Rei(?), we got company.

(Rei?)

In Usagi's mirror, there was a familiar 240z driving behind them, at a distance.

(Rei?) Usagi? Is that... the other me?

(Usagi) Your damn right it is. and the car, THAT BITCH! I fixed every inch of that car and it was SPOTLESS when I gave it to her! How could she be so ignorant. I would've done more damage if I had known this beforehand.

(Rei?) Hey, focus on the road!

(Usagi) Shit, sorry. I just spent a really long time fixing that up for her and... oh forget it.

As Usagi just drove, behind the 240z a pair of minivans began to follow behind them.

(Rei?) Usagi...? Did Rei have any friends after you guys split up?

(Usagi) No why- WHAT THE FUCK!?

(Usagi) Is she insane? I can't believe it, she really brought other people into this. She better be glad that we used to be friends, because next time we fight, I'm gonna knock some sense into her.

(Rei?) What are we gonna do? We can't just keep driving forever.

(Usagi) Well, I've outrun cops before, so this shouldn't be too hard.

(Rei?) Huh? Whaaa!

Usagi launched her car into third gear and then fourth and easily outran the minivans and was almost out of sight. It seemed Rei had picked up her driving habits and was following behind, albeit far away.

(Rei?) She's still behind us!

(Usagi) Yeah, I know!

Seeing an opportunity on the highway, Usagi punched it to cut off a car and went in front of a diesel that was closing a gap for the nearest off ramp.

The alternate Rei screamed as Usagi pulled the maneuver, nearly hitting every car and the diesel on the way.

All of the cars honked at her.

After getting off the highway and driving to a nearby parking garage, Usagi waited in a garage with a bunch of other cars, laid their seats down and waited for Rei to possibly pass them.

They waited... 5 minutes... ten minutes... 30 minutes and only after an hour did Usagi sneak a peek outside of the windshield. It was getting dark and she needed to get Rei(?) back to the apartment.

(Usagi) Okay. I think we're good to go.

Usagi started the car and drove to Setsuna's apartment.

Inside, Setsuna scolded Usagi for having Rei(?) out so late.

(Setsuna)...honestly, you should've called if something like this was gonna happen. Taking her out for a joy ride after talking to Rei? Really?

(Rei?) But that's not what happened!

(Setsuna) Huh?

(Usagi) Yeah, I kinda... got followed by Rei and a pair of black vans. I had to run away from them and hide for a while.

(Setsuna) WHAT?! Why didn't you say anything!?

(Usagi) Um... well..

(Rei?) When we came in, you immediately started scolding Usagi before she could say anything.

(Setsuna) Oh. Sorry, it was... more out of habit than anything. My apologies.

(Usagi) Yeah, it's odd though. They were behind Rei and they were chasing me. It was easy to outrun the vans, but Rei was a little more difficult.

(Setsuna) Well, whoever this new enemy might me, you might want to stay here for a bit, they might be looking for you and might try to get you at home.

(Usagi) OH FUCK! MOM, DAD, SHINGO!

Before Setsuna could stop her, Usagi was already sprinting out the door and jumping down to her car and racing home.

As she got to the house, she didn't care if they heard her. She gunned it down the street and into the driveway. She turned off her car, grabbed her keys and locked the car before bursting into the front door.

(Usagi) MOM? DAD? SHINGO?

The three walked down the stairs, confused and worried.

(Usagi) Oh thank the Gods!

(Kenji) What? Why?

(Usagi) Oh, I heard there was a break in on the radio and was worried it might've been here.

(Ikuko) I see. Well, there's nothing to worry about dear.

Shingo didn't say anything.

She was getting a call. Usagi saw the display with the name SETSUNA.

She answered.

(Setsuna) Holy shit! Are you seriously home already!?

(Usagi) Yeah... I... got a little paranoid.

(Setsuna) A LITTLE!? You jumped from the second story and drove off like a bat out of hell! How is that "a little!?

(Usagi) Annnyway. Let's get the girls together, I gotta warn them about whoever's acting as Rei's back up.

(Setsuna) Let's do it here, but don't drive here. Use public transportation to get here. I don't want them to chase you down again in the street.

(Usagi) Ugh... the reason I got a car in the first place... But okay. What time?

(Setsuna) How does noon sound? And should we let Michiru and Haruka know?

(Usagi) Yeah, get them aware of the situation as it is.

End of Episode 9: Switching Sides!