Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon, nor do I own the works of H.P. Lovecraft.
Chapter 2: Welcome To the Love Shack
Usagi and Mamoru Chiba had arrived at the mansion the day after the Inners had arrived there. The couple immediately spotted the four vehicles their friends had obviously taken parked in front of the large white house. As soon as Mamoru found a good spot to park, the couple disembarked and took a look around. There was nothing around the house besides trees and mountainous landscape, and the only sound to be heard were the sounds of birds singing in the distance. Usagi took a moment to breathe in the crisp mountain air.
Meanwhile, a black cat with red eyes and a crescent moon-like mark on her forehead hopped out of the car. The feline was Usagi's partner and closest friend and advisor, Luna.
"This really is a beautiful place," Luna declared. "It was so nice of Frieda to let us use her house out here."
Usagi nodded. "We'll have to thank her again the next time we see her. Anyway, I hope our stay here goes better than our trip to Hawaii did."
Mamoru sighed and nodded his head. "It doesn't look like we'll have to worry about robbers out here at least."
A sad expression came to Usagi's face when she noticed how depressed Mamoru seemed. She couldn't blame her husband for his mood of course. Days before, Usagi and Mamoru had gone on a vacation to Hawaii together, but not long into the trip Mamoru had walked in on a couple of thieves who had broken into their hotel room. The thieves were a pair of women, one who was incredibly short with pink hair and large glasses, and the other a tall statuesque redhead. Before Mamoru could even ask what the two wanted, the redhead punched his lights out.
Later after Mamoru had regained consciousness, he discovered that his box containing the stones of the Shitennou had been stolen. Ever since, Mamoru had been in a bit of a depression. Without the stones, he had been cut off from his former companions completely. From there the trip to Hawaii hadn't improved, and it ended up getting cut short with the arrival of a woman named Frieda Johansen. Frieda turned out to be a Sailor Guardian from another solar system known as Sailor Freyja, and she had come to Usagi and Mamoru for their help in fighting a malignant entity that had shown up in Paris known as Tsathoggua. Usagi and Mamoru immediately agreed to help Frieda when the learned that the Outers were in grave danger from Tsathoggua, and after Usagi had managed to slay the foul toad Frieda had offered her and the others the use of her small mansion in the Tanba Mountains for a few weeks as a way to make up for interrupting their original vacation.
Not long after Usagi and Mamoru had gotten out of the car with Luna, a sleek blue sports car pulled up right behind them. The one in the driver's seat was a young blonde woman with slightly masculine features, Haruka Tenou. Sitting in the front seat was Haruka's wife, a young woman with long wavy aqua-colored hair, Michiru Kaiou. Meanwhile in the back seat was a tall young woman with tan skin and long shimmering pine-green hair, Setsuna Meiou. Sitting next to Setsuna was a seventeen-year-old girl with shoulder-length black hair, Hotaru Tomoe.
As Usagi watched the Outers get out of Haruka's sports car, she couldn't help but notice how much Hotaru had changed during the quartet's trip to Paris. When their trip had started, Hotaru was a ten-year-old, at least physically. Now she was a seventeen-year-old woman with a fashion sense more befitting her current age. Hotaru's present outfit consisted of a black leather jacket over a pink t-shirt with a cartoon skull on the front, a short purple skirt, striped black and pink knee-high socks, and black steel-toed boots. Around Hotaru's neck was a studded black choker resembling a dog collar.
Only seconds after the Outers got out of the car, a person on a red motorcycle pulled up right behind the car. The rider removed her helmet to reveal her short wavy brown hair and golden eyes. The black leather jacket the rider had on was open enough to reveal the low-cut white shirt she had on underneath, and the colorful winged Egyptian scarab she had tattooed on her chest right above her breasts. As the rider dismounted, Hotaru ran up to her and wrapped her arms around the tomboy. The rider embraced Hotaru back and pulled the shorter girl up off the ground slightly as they shared a light kiss.
The motorcycle rider was Hotaru's new girlfriend from Paris, Yoko Renard. Though Hotaru and Yoko had only just met in this life, the two had a long romance spanning four previous lifetimes on the planet, Saturn. Yoko was in fact the current incarnation of the Egyptian scarab god, Khepri, and back on Saturn each of Khepri's previous incarnations had been Hotaru's lover. Each time the lovers had met again back on Saturn, their lives had come to a tragic end because of the interference of Tsathoggua. Life after life Sailor Saturn had been forced to use her power to end all life on her planet in order to at least hinder Tsathoggua, and this life would've ended the same way had Usagi not intervened this time around.
"Looks like everyone made it okay," Michiru observed. "Guess our next step should be to unload the bags."
"If it's okay with you Mommy-Michiru, Yoko and I will go ahead and check out the house," Hotaru spoke. "I'd like to get a room picked out for us before we get our bags."
"Whoa! Hey! No!" Haruka interrupted as the couple started to head for the house. "Separate rooms, you two. I don't want you getting up to any funny business, if you catch my drift."
"Daddy-Haruka, Yoko and I wouldn't be doing anything we haven't already done back in Paris or during our four previous lifetimes!" Hotaru ranted.
Haruka put her hands on her hips. "Yeah? Well since I'm here, you two are going to…"
"Haruka, just drop it!" Michiru interrupted. "Those two can have the same room if they want. Given how many people are staying at this place, trying to split them up would likely only make things more complicated."
"They're just going to continue their physical relationship while we're here no matter what," Setsuna pointed out. "It's best they have a place where we won't accidentally walk in on them."
"Haruka, don't be a spoilsport!" Usagi chimed in. "Hotaru and Yoko have gone through way too much. This is supposed to be a relaxing romantic trip for them! Don't try and ruin it."
Haruka groaned and threw her hands up in surrender. "Fine! Do what you want! But I don't have to like it!"
"Thanks, Pops," Yoko responded. "Hotaru and I will come back out for our bags later."
"What did you just call me?" Haruka asked as a vein bulged from her forehead.
"Let it go," Michiru told her quietly through gritted teeth.
Hotaru and Yoko finally headed for the house, holding each other's hand. Haruka meanwhile began the task of unloading the trunk of her car. As she took out the suitcases in the trunk, she set them down on the ground with a little more force than necessary.
"I know it's hard Haruka, but you trying to run Hotaru's love life is only just going to make her resent you," Michiru pointed out.
"Dammit Michiru! I don't want her shacking up that dung beetle!" Haruka snapped.
A look of shock formed on Michiru's face. "Haruka!"
"What? I looked it up! A scarab is a type of dung beetle! Is that the kind of person you want for our daughter?"
"It's not our place to tell Hotaru who she can and can't date!" Michiru argued as she crossed her arms. "And you shouldn't call Yoko a dung beetle! Especially not in front of Hotaru."
Meanwhile as Usagi and Mamoru began to unload their own car, Luna spotted Artemis walking around the front of the house. The white cat seemed to be grumbling to himself about something. Luna immediately ran up to her husband to catch up and find out what his foul mood was about.
"Art! I'm so glad to see you," Luna called as she trotted up. "You would not believe what has happened during the last few days."
"After the time I've had, I'm willing to believe anything," Artemis responded. "Damn birds! And what the hell are those girls thinking about shacking up with those losers?"
"What're you talking about?" Luna asked with a quirked brow.
"Oh, nothing! Nothing at all!" Artemis ranted as he began to walk off. "It's not like my opinion matters to anyone! As far as the others are concerned, everything here is just peachy!"
Luna merely sat and watched in confusion as Artemis left, once again grumbling to himself. She then looked back and saw Michiru and Haruka still arguing about Hotaru's new relationship.
The black cat let out a heavy sigh. "This trip may not be as relaxing as we all thought."
The first thing Hotaru and Yoko noticed when they came into the mansion's great entryway was the sound of harpsichord music. Hotaru thought perhaps Ami was simply trying out some new classical music recording she had gotten to study by, until she recognized the tune as the song, "Safety Dance". Yoko was just as confused as Hotaru, so the couple decided to follow the sound of the music to find out what was really going on. The music led them to the living room, where they found Satoru playing the harpsichord as Ami stood behind him. Meanwhile Jun was sitting on the couch reading a book while Rei dozed off against his shoulder.
By the time Satoru finished playing, Ami noticed Hotaru and Yoko standing in the doorway. "Oh! Hotaru! You're here, which means Usagi and the others should be here as well."
"Um, yeah. They're still outside unloading the cars," Hotaru confirmed. "Um, who's your friend?"
"This is my boyfriend, Satoru Petrov. I see you brought a friend as well?"
"My girlfriend, Yoko Renard."
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Yoko," Ami responded as she eyed the tomboy with slight apprehension.
Yoko nodded. "Hotaru didn't mention anything about you having a boyfriend."
"Oh, well Ami and I sort of met while she was in Massachusetts," Satoru explained. "Though the two of us actually go back quite a ways."
Meanwhile Jun gently prodded Rei, waking her from her nap. Rei immediately noticed Hotaru's presence and stood up with the blonde.
"Hotaru! Glad you could make it," Rei greeted. She then noticed Yoko. "Um, who's your friend?"
"You first," Hotaru responded with a motion of her head towards Jun.
"Hi, I'm Jun Aragaki, Rei's boyfriend," the blond answered. "We sort of hooked up with each other during Rei's trip to see her father. It's kind of a long story."
"I'll bet," Yoko responded. "I'm Yoko Renard. Nice to meet you both."
The conversation was soon interrupted by the sound of a woman's voice crying out from another room. "Oh yeah! Give it to me Kei-chan! Kei-chan! Kei-chan! KEI-CHAAAAN!"
After one final loud moan came several moments of silence. Both Satoru and Ami were blushing. Hotaru and Yoko couldn't help but blush as well, for they both knew what those noises were about. Rei meanwhile sighed heavily as she shook her head and crossed her arms.
"Seriously?" Jun exclaimed under his breath.
Eventually Minako finally came in from the other room with Keisuke following a step behind. The couple quickly noticed Hotaru and Yoko's presence, and also realized the others had probably heard them. Minako seemed unashamed, but Keisuke couldn't help but blush and look away slightly as Rei and Jun glared at him for making an already odd meeting a little more awkward.
"Hi Hotaru!" Minako cheerfully sang. "Boy, you've sure grown like a weed since the last time I saw you. And you have a friend with you, huh?"
"Yeah, this is my girlfriend, Yoko Renard," Hotaru introduced.
"Girlfriend, eh?" Minako responded, smiling as she put a hand to her chin and looked the pair over. "Hmm…I had no idea that was your type, Hotaru. The two of you are definitely a good match though."
"Wait, Yoko is that kind of girlfriend?" Rei exclaimed, stunned.
"There's no need to make such a big deal out of it," Hotaru responded as she looked away, somewhat embarrassed.
Minako chuckled and took Keisuke's hand. "Well as you might've guessed, I found a special someone of my own. Kei-chan, go ahead and introduce yourself."
Keisuke regained his composure and cleared his throat. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Hotaru. Ms. Yoko. I am Keisuke Tenju."
"Kei-chan was actually my costar from the movie I was supposed to be in," Minako continued. "The production ended up getting shut down, long story. But the important thing is I came out of it with someone really great."
"…Um, I'm happy for you," Hotaru responded. "Well, if you'll excuse us, Yoko and I had better find a room."
"Oh, there's one upstairs at the end of the hallway on the right that's still open," Minako informed her. "But before you go up, can you do us a favor and let Mako know you guys are here? We have sort of a little surprise planned for Mamoru when he comes in."
Hotaru nodded. "I guess we can manage that."
"Great! Mako should be in the kitchen preparing dinner."
Both Yoko and Hotaru nodded in response and left the room. It didn't take them long to find the kitchen. Makoto was at the central counter basting a large bird. Meanwhile Nao was sitting across from her, eating an apple as he watched her work. The sight of the long-haired young man caused the couple to once again pause.
Makoto soon noticed Hotaru standing in the doorway. "Oh! You're here, Hotaru. And you brought a friend?"
"So did you I see," Hotaru responded. "Of course I knew you were dating someone, but I didn't think you'd bring him along to this place."
"Actually things with Austin didn't quite work out," Makoto revealed. "But I met someone even better, as you can see."
"Hi. Nao Asaga," the brown-haired young man spoke, waving to the couple with the half-eaten apple in his hand. "Pleased to meet you both."
Yoko nodded. "I'm Yoko Renard, Hotaru's new girlfriend. And yes, I mean in the romantic sense. Your friend, Minako was the only one to pick up on that."
"Oh…really," Makoto responded, sounding surprised. "Wasn't expecting Hotaru to bring her own special someone here."
"Yeah, unexpected guests seem to be the theme of this trip," Hotaru remarked. "Anyway, Minako sent us to tell you that we're here, as are Usagi and the others. Right now they're getting their bags out of the cars. They should be in pretty soon."
"Then I guess I better wrap up what I'm doing," Makoto decided as she put her bird in the oven. "There! In a few hours this thing'll be ready. I'll have to start on the side dishes pretty soon though."
"You really are an artist in the kitchen," Nao declared. "I'm one lucky man."
Makoto smirked as she took off her oven mitts. "We should have a few minutes before the others come in, so why don't I help you work up an appetite before dinner."
With those words, Makoto undid her usual ponytail and shook her brown hair free, giving Nao a very suggestive look.
A look of disgust came to Yoko's face. "I think we'll leave you two alone."
Nao and Makoto though were more fixated on each other as Yoko took her by the hand and led her out of the kitchen. Once they had gotten a few steps out into the hallway, Yoko brought them to a stop.
"Dearest, what kind of place are we staying at here?" Yoko asked. "It's like we're at some kind of love hotel."
"Hey! I'm just as shocked as you!" Hotaru responded. "The last time I checked, the girls were all single except for Mako. And she wasn't even that serious about the guy she was dating. Hell, Rei didn't seem to even like men the last time I checked, and Ami was more interested in studying than dating!"
Yoko sighed and shook her head. "Oh well. Guess we'll just have to be careful walking into rooms while we're here."
Hotaru nodded. "At least Usagi will be happy. She's sort of been on this project to try and get the girls set up. This'll totally make her day."
Usagi and the others at last came into the entryway with their suitcases in tow. Hotaru and Yoko had come into the entryway as they arrived and headed for the staircase on their right.
"Don't forget Hotaru, your bags are still in the car," Michiru reminded her.
Hotaru nodded. "I'll get them later. Yoko still has to go out and get her stuff too."
"Did you find Mina-P and the others?" Usagi asked.
"Yep. They're all around with their boyfriends," Hotaru answered as she and Yoko went up the stairs.
It took the others a moment to fully register what Hotaru had said. Right after they finished putting their shoes by the door everyone paused when the news finally clicked. Usagi suddenly had a massive Cheshire Cat-like grin on her face and her body began to vibrate like a paint mixer. Mamoru and the others all slowly backed away from the blonde out of some vague fear that she was about to explode. Instead, Usagi let out a squeal of glee so high-pitched it caused a large crack to form in the glass of the door's window.
"OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD!" Usagi jabbered. "This is the best news ever!"
"Calm down, Usagi!" Luna told her. "I can understand why you're excited, but it's not that big a deal."
"Actually, it kind of is. The girls bringing dates up here could make things a little awkward for us," Haruka pointed out. "Unless of course you just want to go ahead and tell a bunch of perfect strangers about our secret identities."
"Let's just go find the others and find out what this is all about," Mamoru suggested.
The others agreed and the group went off into the house, quickly finding the living room. When they came into the room, the sight Mamoru and Usagi saw shocked them. Keisuke, Jun and Satoru stood before the couple, with their respective girlfriends standing behind them. The three Outers and Luna were just as shocked when they saw the three men. Meanwhile Keisuke and the other two kneeled before the royal couple.
"My Prince, it is wonderful to be in your presence again in this life," Keisuke humbly spoke. "We are once again at your service, and at the service of your future queen."
Mamoru was shocked beyond words, as was Usagi. The moment was interrupted though by the sound of loud moans coming from the kitchen. Everyone recognized the voice as Makoto's. Keisuke was trying desperately to keep a serious expression, but his left eye was twitching wildly. Meanwhile Minako had brought a hand up to cover the huge grin on her face.
"That horny dumbass!" Jun cursed under his breath.
Meanwhile Rei pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a heavy sigh. As for Ami and Satoru, both of them were blushing a red as a tomato.
At last Mamoru cleared his throat. "Arise, all of you. There's no need for such displays here. While I don't know how this is possible, I'm very pleased to see you all."
"Hold on a minute!" Luna interrupted. "There are supposed to be four of you, right? And as for Makoto, who is she with right now?"
Almost as if on cue, Makoto and Nao finally came into the room, blissfully unaware of the situation.
Nao immediately panicked though when he finally saw Mamoru and fell to one knee. "My Prince! It is wonderful to be in your presence again in this…"
"Save it, idiot! We're past that part!" Jun interrupted. "You couldn't keep it in your pants?"
"Sorry, we couldn't help ourselves," Makoto responded, making sure her redone ponytail was straight.
"Wait! Are the eight of you…dating?" Usagi asked, stunned.
"Now Usagi, don't freak out," Minako told her.
"Oh my god," Usagi whispered, still in shock.
"I know Kei-chan and the others have a bad past, but remember! They were under Beryl's spell! Originally they were all good men, and they're that way again."
"This. Is. PERFECT!" Usagi declared, overjoyed. "It makes total sense! I mean you four are my protectors and the Shitennou were Mamo-chan's protectors back during Silver Millennium! Of course you would all be perfect matches for each other! I don't know why I didn't think of setting you girls up with the Shitennou before!"
"Usa, until today they were dead," Mamoru pointed out.
"Oh yeah."
"Okay, now I get why Artemis was in such a bad mood before," Luna interrupted. "This is not good at all!"
"Why, because of what Kei-chan and the others did in the past?" Minako asked, sounding offended.
"Damn straight!" Haruka declared as she stepped forward. "Those four helped bring down Silver Millennium."
"Um, didn't you just hear me point out they were being mind controlled by an evil witch earlier?" Minako asked.
"Don't excuse their actions, not in my book anyway," Haruka enforced.
"You know, Hotaru didn't seem to have a problem with any of the guys," Makoto pointed out.
"Oh yeah. HEY! Hotaru! Get down here!" Haruka called.
In a few moments, Hotaru came into the living room with Yoko in tow. "What is it, Daddy-Haruka?"
"Why didn't you tell us the girls' boyfriends were the Shitennou?" Haruka asked.
A look of surprise came to Hotaru's face. "That's who these guys are? Hey, how was I supposed to know? I never met the Shitennou, remember? I was just the nuclear bomb you, Mommy-Michiru and Mommy-Setsuna set off after Usagi and Mamoru died in that life."
Setsuna let out a heavy sigh. "In any event, bringing the Shitennou into our group is still ill-advised. We can't simply overlook their actions."
"That's enough!" Mamoru interrupted forcefully. "I know these four better than any of you. They're good men! What they did during Silver Millennium, they did because the Dark Kingdom had taken control of them. I will not have any of you treating them as enemies!"
"That's right!" Usagi agreed. "I know the kind of people the Shitennou really are too! They'd die to protect Mamo-chan just like all of you'd die to protect me. Now I don't like playing this card, but as your future queen I order you to treat them as allies!"
Yoko shook her head. "I really walked into the middle of something, didn't I?"
"I think there's still one thing you're overlooking, Usagi," Luna interrupted. "How is it that the Shitennou have come back from the dead? For all we know, them being here is some sort of enemy trap."
Suddenly there was a knock at the front door, bringing the conversation to a halt.
"Oh for the love of…" Haruka cursed as she went to the door.
Moments later Haruka was back in the mansion's entryway. The tomboy opened the door, and barging right in was a young-looking and extremely tall woman with long wavy red hair and dark cobalt eyes. She had on a red leather jacket with a yellow shirt, black jeans and brown boots.
"About damn time you let me in," the redhead spoke as she barged past. "I was waiting on the doorstep for ten minutes! Didn't you hear me ring the freakin' bell? And what the hell cracked the window?"
"Um…hi?" Haruka responded. "Who are you and why are you barging in like this place is yours?"
The redhead didn't respond and simply looked around. By this time, Usagi and the others had come into the entryway to see what was going on.
The redhead smirked when she saw Minako and Keisuke. "Well hey. Didn't think you'd be seeing me so soon, huh blondie?"
"Hilda?" Minako identified.
"What are you doing here?" Keisuke asked, not pleased to see the redhead.
"Shouldn't it be obvious?" Hilda asked as she crossed her arms. "We have some unfinished business, remember?"
"You!" Mamoru exclaimed, pointing at Hilda. "You're one of the two who broke into my hotel room in Hawaii and stole the stones of the Shitennou!"
Usagi gasped. "Is she the one who knocked you out Mamo-chan?"
"Oh yeah. Sorry 'bout that," Hilda responded indifferently.
"You attacked the Prince?" Keisuke asked, sounding outraged.
"What the hell?" Minako exclaimed, equally outraged.
"Well if he hadn't walked in at the wrong damn time, nothing would've happened!" Hilda argued. "Besides blondie, if I hadn't broken into Prince Charming's room, your boyfriend would still be a rock you could fit in your pocket!"
"Even so Brunhilde, knocking out one of this planet's future rulers was not a good move," a voice spoke from the open doorway. "I told you we should've just left and come back for the stones another time."
Walking in through the doorway was a very petite young woman who stood at about four foot, seven. She had bright pink hair cut neatly above her shoulders and a pair of large thick glasses with round frames covering her eyes. Her outfit consisted of a yellow sweater with sleeves which were just a little too long for her arms, a black skirt that ended just past her knees, white knee-high socks, and a pair of blue shoes.
"Erica!" Ami identified as the pink-haired girl walked up next to Hilda. "Satoru and I didn't think we'd be seeing you again so soon."
Erica nodded and pushed her glasses up her nose. "Unfortunately it was always the plan for us all to meet here. I'm sure you've already deduced the reason why."
"You're the other woman who broke into my hotel room!" Mamoru identified.
"Yes, and I deeply apologize for what happened, Mamoru-sama," Erica responded, bowing. "I especially apologize for the behavior of my colleague here. She unfortunately has all the manners of a mountain gorilla."
"Watch it, runt!" Hilda responded. "And as for what happened in Hawaii, I did what I needed to do to get the job done. We didn't have time to wait around for a second try! If I had to bust a future king's head to do it, so be it!"
"Oh yes! Brute force! Your answer to everything! Sometimes I think you have the brain of a mountain gorilla as well!"
"At least I don't need a booster seat to sit at a table!"
"I am not that short! And I'd rather be a little vertically challenged than a brainless brute like you!"
Suddenly another figure stepped into the doorway. "Knock it off, you two!"
Walking through the door was a tall young woman who looked to be in her mid twenties. She had short black hair and skin that was so pale that it was almost chalk-white. The woman had on a gray t-shirt with a black vest, black jeans and black boots.
"This is no time for the two of you to be having one of your petty squabbles," the pale woman continued as she walked up to Erica and Hilda. "We're giving the future king and queen of Midgard a bad first impression of us."
"Grete!" Rei identified. "You know these people?"
Grete smiled and nodded to both Rei and Jun. "It is good to see you both. And yes, these are two of my comrades." She then glared at Hilda and Erica. "And I take this moment to apologize for their atrocious behavior!"
"The runt started it," Hilda responded.
"I was only pointing out the facts," Erica retorted. "And as for making a good first impression, I'm afraid that ship set sail when this barbarian clocked His Majesty in the face!"
Suddenly there was a laugh from the doorway. "Honestly, you two never change."
Walking in to join the other three was a young woman with long straight sky-blue hair that grew half way down her back and eyes like sapphires. She had on a stylish dark-blue blouse and a black skirt that ended just above her knees, along with a pair of black high-heels.
"Sandra?" Makoto identified.
"Hi gorgeous," Sandra responded with a wave. "My. So many lovely young ladies here. It's a shame they're all spoken for."
"Okay, who the hell are all you people?" Haruka interrupted.
"I can answer that, Haruka dear," a familiar voice responded.
Walking in was a fifth young woman with sapphire eyes and hair like spun gold. She had on a stylish dress that was black on the right side and white on the left. The blonde was carrying a purring Artemis in her arms as she came in, causing Luna to glare at her.
"Frieda! You didn't mention you'd be showing up when you said we could use this place," Usagi spoke.
"Looks like the other shoe's finally about to drop," Yoko remarked.
"What the hell is going on here?" Haruka asked.
"Well, I'm afraid I played another little trick on you all," Frieda answered as she gently set Artemis on the floor. "This mansion is actually a base of operations I had set up for my team and I on this planet. Anyway ladies, I think we should give everyone a proper introduction."
Erica, Sandra, Grete and Hilda all nodded. The five women stood before Usagi and the others and placed their hands on their chests while raising their left hands high in the air.
"Brunhilde Star Power MAKE-UP!" Hilda called out before being enveloped by a pillar of silver light that shot high into the air.
In moments the light faded to reveal the redhead in a new form. She had on an outfit similar to that of a sailor guardian, only more armored. A plate of silver armor covered the front of her torso, and on her chest was a golden bow with a heart-shaped crystalline broach in the center. A short golden skirt hung down around her waist, and two pieces of golden armor covered her shoulders. On her legs she wore a pair of knee-high silver boots, and a pair of elbow-high silver gloves covered her hands. A gold tiara covered the redhead's forehead, and decorating the sides of her head was a pair of white metal wings.
"Sigrun Star Power MAKE-UP!" Sandra called out as a ray of silver light enveloped her as well.
The light faded moments later to reveal her in a new form. She had on an outfit nearly identical to Brunhilde's, with a plate of silver armor covering the front of her torso, and a powder-blue bow with a heart-shaped crystalline brooch in the center on her chest. A short light-blue skirt hung down around her waist, and two pieces of golden armor covered her shoulders. On her legs she wore a pair of knee-high silver boots, and a pair of elbow-high silver gloves covered her hands. A white tiara covered the blunette's forehead, and decorating the sides of her head was a pair of white metal wings.
"Gunnr Star Power MAKE-UP!" Grete called as yet another ray of silver light enveloped her.
The light went away a few moments later to reveal her in a Sailor Guardian costume very similar to those of her two comrades. Just like with the others, a plate of silver armor covered the front of her torso, and on her chest was a black bow with a heart-shaped crystalline brooch in the center. A short black skirt hung down around her waist, and two pieces of golden armor covered her shoulders. On her legs she wore a pair of knee-high silver boots, and a pair of elbow-high silver gloves covered her hands. A black tiara covered the dark-haired girl's forehead, and decorating the sides of her head was a pair of white metal wings.
"Eir Star Power MAKE-UP!" Erica called out as a fourth ray of silver light enveloped her.
The light faded moments later to reveal her in a new form. She had on a Sailor Guardian uniform like the other three's, with a plate of silver armor covering the front of her torso, and on her chest was a pink bow with a heart-shaped crystalline brooch in the center. A short pink skirt hung down around her waist, and two pieces of golden armor covered her shoulders. On her legs she wore a pair of knee-high silver boots, and a pair of elbow-high silver gloves covered her hands. The pinkette had a white tiara covering her forehead with a pair of white metal wings on the sides of her head, and covering her eyes was a pair of rectangular pink goggles similar to the ones Sailor Mercury used.
"Folkvangr Star Power MAKE-UP!" Frieda called out.
A dazzling pillar of gold light appeared around Frieda and faded seconds later to reveal the blonde in a new form. She had on another armored Sailor Guardian uniform, with a gold plate of armor covering her torso. On the front of her chest was a white bow resembling feathered wings with a green heart-shaped brooch in the center. A short white skirt hung down around her waist, and covering her shoulders were two pieces of golden armor. On her legs she wore a pair of knee-high gold boots, and a pair of elbow-high golden gloves covered her hands. A large gold tiara with a large green heart-shaped gem covered the blonde's forehead, and decorating the sides of her head was a pair of golden metal wings. In her right hand, the blonde held a golden staff with a flower at the top containing a large pink gemstone.
The Sailor Guardian originally known as Hilda did a dramatic pose. "Guided by the Brunhilde moon of Planet Folkvangr, I am Sailor Brunhilde!"
The Sailor Guardian first known as Sandra made a similar pose. "Guided by the Sigrun moon of Planet Folkvangr, I am Sailor Sigrun!"
The dark-haired Sailor Guardian known by most of the others as Grete did her own pose. "Guided by the Gunnr Moon of Planet Folkvangr, I am Sailor Gunnr!"
Next the short pink-haired Sailor Guardian originally named Erica made her own introductory pose. "Guided by the Eir Moon of Planet Folkvangr, I am Sailor Eir!"
The gorgeous blonde known originally as Frieda raised her staff. "Guided by the planet Folkvangr in the Yggdrasil System, I am Sailor Freyja!"
The five then did one final pose together "We are the Sailor Valkyries!"
"So this is the whole team," Nao observed. "I was wondering what they were like."
"I think you owe us a proper explanation, Sailor Freyja!" Luna declared. "First though…what were you doing with Artemis?"
"Uh! Nothing happened Luna! I swear!" Artemis frantically assured her.
"Artemis, who said you could come inside," Minako asked as she and the other Inners gave the white cat a death glare, causing Artemis to cringe with terror.
"Cool your jets, blondie," Brunhilde told her. "Mouse breath should be here for the big reveal too."
Freyja nodded. "Most of you know who we are and what our mission on your world is already. I'm certain that the guardians of the Inner Worlds and the Shitennou have already compared notes by now. But now that we have all gathered, a proper explanation is owed." She bowed to Usagi and Mamoru. "Future Queen Serenity. Future King Endymion. The reason I have gathered you and all of your comrades together in this house is so we can wage our final battle against the Great Old Ones."
"The Great Old Ones?" Usagi repeated.
"You have met one of their kind before already in Paris."
"Are you talking about Tsathoggua?" Mamoru asked.
Freyja nodded. "He was but one of their number. Right now we are in a period of chaos. The stars are currently aligned so that the Old Ones may rise from their individual domains to try and make your world their own. As the guardians of your system's Outer Worlds were dealing with Tsathoggua in Paris, your other comrades were dealing with other Old Ones with the aid of my Sailor Valkyries."
"Hold on, are you Sailor Valkyries the reason why the Shitennou were brought back from the dead?" Setsuna asked.
"Correct. I had my Valkyries bring the Shitennou back as Einherjar to assist the Inner Guardians and eventually gain back the lives they had before your Queen Beryl corrupted them a second time. In this mission, each was successful."
"But why bring back the Shitennou?" Haruka asked. "We were getting along just fine before without them."
Freyja chuckled. "Bringing the Shitennou back was not a criticism of your strength. One of the reasons I had this done was to help restore the balance of this world. The Shitennou and the Inner Guardians were always meant to fight side-by-side. They were the symmetrical wheels of love meant to help protect your future king and queen. There was another reason I revived them as well, but I'll spare mentioning it for now. Of course the eight of them already know what it is."
Minako stepped forward. "With all due respect, Lady Freyja, we know why you set this whole thing up to fight the Old Ones, but we want to keep Usagi and Mamoru out of it."
"That's right," Keisuke agreed. "This quest of yours is far too dangerous to get them involved."
Freyja shook her head. "I'm afraid it's not up to me. This conflict will pull in dear Usagi and Mamoru whether they like it or not. They are already involved."
"But you intend to have Sailor Moon fight the Old Ones because you believe she's the only one who can beat them!" Ami pointed out. "What sort of proof do you have she can match their power?"
Freyja smiled. "Because she has already destroyed an Old One."
Brunhilde and the other Sailor Valkyries were stunned. "You speak the truth, milady?"
Fryeja nodded. "Because of Sailor Moon, Dread Tsathoggua is no more."
"Wait, what?" Minako asked. "Usagi, you actually beat one of these Old Ones?"
"Um, that's what they tell me," Usagi answered as she turned around to face her friends.
"What do you mean that's what they tell you?" Rei asked, she and the other Inners became suspicious.
Usagi chuckled and rubbed the back of her head. "Well the thing is, I don't really remember it happening. I just know what Mamo-chan and the others told me."
"Okay, what did they say happened with you and this Tsathoggua?" Minako asked.
"Well apparently…he ate me."
Minako looked at Usagi, stunned. "He…ate you."
Usagi nodded. "And then he exploded."
Both the Inners and the Shitennou looked at Usagi skeptically. The Shitennou looked to Mamoru, but their leader could only shrug and shake his head. The Inners all got similar looks from Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna. Even Brunhilde, Gunnr, Eir and Sigrun were giving Usagi dubious looks.
"…Yeah, no. This isn't gonna work," Minako declared.
"I hate to say it, but I'm with blondie," Brunhilde agreed. "I mean what're we supposed to do? Dunk Sailor Moon in some kind of special sauce and hope the next Old One we face takes a bite out of her?"
"I wouldn't mind seeing her dunked in chocolate sauce," Sigrun remarked.
The redhead rolled her eyes at Sigrun. "Will you keep it in your pants?"
"Now hold on," Luna interrupted. "I'm the last one to want to put Usagi in any kind of danger, but Freyja may not be wrong. When Tsathoggua was destroyed, Sailor Moon had taken on some kind of form we've never seen before."
"A new form?" Artemis asked. "Are you certain?"
Luna shook her head. "Not at all, but it's a possibility we can't dismiss. It might explain why Usagi doesn't remember what happened with Tsathoggua."
"If Usagi did gain some kind of new power, I'm guessing she doesn't remember how she activated it either," Makoto deduced.
Usagi shook her head. "The last thing I remember is pushing Yoko out of the way right as Tsathoggua tried to eat her."
"Wait, Hotaru's girlfriend?" Minako asked. "What's she have to do with any of this? Wait, has she been here all this time?"
"Ah! I nearly forgot," Freyja spoke. "Ladies, I believe you have one more duty to perform."
The other four Valkyries nodded and walked over to where Yoko and Hotaru were standing. To the couple's surprise, the four kneeled before them.
"It is an honor to be in your presence, Lord Khepri," Brunhilde told Yoko. "The exploits of the Elder Gods of Egypt are well-known among our people. You can consider us all at your service during this next great battle."
Yoko scratched the back of her head. "Uh, thanks."
"Wait, Khepri? As in the Ancient Egyptian Scarab god?" Ami asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Usagi, just who is this Yoko girl anyway?" Minako asked.
"Well, I guess the short version is that she's the reincarnation of Hotaru's husband," Usagi answered.
The Inners and the Shitennou were both stunned by this news. Meanwhile Usagi's statement caused Hotaru's face to turn so red that steam was practically shooting from her ears.
Yoko blushed and cleared her throat. "You know, Hotaru and I never actually got married in any of our previous lives."
"Oh really?" Usagi asked. "Well that's just one more thing you can do in this life that you never got to do before."
"Oh great! Put that idea in their heads!" Haruka grumbled.
"What the hell happened in Paris?" Makoto quietly wondered.
"Sailor Moon, I ask for your assistance in this coming battle with the Old Ones," Freyja requested. "If nothing is done, your world and all you care about will fall into chaos and eternal madness. Your comrades have already seen what the Old Ones are capable of. You have seen how Dread Tsathoggua's very existence made poor Hotaru and Yoko suffer. This challenge will no doubt be great, but you and you alone are this galaxy's only hope for salvation."
Usagi walked up to Freyja and placed a hand on hers. "Of course I'll help in this fight. If there's anything out there that wants to put those I care about in danger, I'll do everything in my power to stop it. If it comes to it, I'll stop the Old Ones once and for all!"
Author's Note: With this chapter, the two-part prologue to this story is complete. Next time, the first act shifts into gear.
Please review and let me know what you think.