Sailor Moon: An Ancient Force Rises Chapter 5: Episode 4: The More, Not Merrier, a Sailor Moon + Warframe Crossover fanfic

Episode 4: The More, Not the Merrier

(Rei) Huh!? Oh, I'm sorry Minako, I didn't know that I was being disrespectful to the person before us. Because robots that have giant claws are normal, right? Because our friends materializing before us is normal, RIGHT!?

BeCAUSE-

(Minako) Damn, for being a famous Priestess, your not so noble when your not in public.

(Rei) Really, that's what you focus on right now, I get that crazy things happen in your line of work, but how are YOU not freaking the hell out right now!?

(Usagi) Guys-

(Rei and Minako) WHAT!?

(Haruka) Will you two stop fighting like children so we can explain ourselves and who she is!

(Rei) Oh, Haruka too? Oh please, somehow explain to us how, we teleported to the Moon from an apartment to the Moon. How Usagi LITERALLY materializing in front of us.

Michiru, tired of Rei's seemingly endless arguing, and angry with her treatment of Haruka, transferred out of her Warframe and stomped over to Rei and Minako, slapping Rei, the sound echoing in the chamber.

(Minako) Oh... Michiru... good to see you.

It seems that this is what the two needed, because after they were shocked by Michiru's slap, the group sat them down and explained their predicament to the pair.

It took a while, but eventually, they understood everything and the timeline of events, from Usagi discovering the Warframes on the Moon, to the pair finding them coming back from Mars.

(Rei) So... the reason I've been getting sharper visions... it isn't because of my own ability?

(The Lotus) Not true. Even though you have been using your void-given powers, those "visions" you manifested, were of your own ability, honing it over the years. It's not that they were not of your own merit, but they were a testament to your void powers manifesting within you earlier, but in a different way. You awoke a power withing yourself that was a product of the void and you focused on improving it even further.

(Rei) I see. Glad that it wasn't just given to me.

(Minako) So... the rest of us... just got it later on?

(The Lotus) I suppose so.

(Rei) So what about our lives on Earth? Do we have to dedicate ourselves entirely to defending the Earth from this new enemy?

(Minako) Rei!

(The Lotus) I do not believe that will be necessary. I see that three of you have already separated from the Earth, a noble sacrifice indeed.

(The Lotus) I will just need one of you from the Earth to assist them and we can have an entire squadron fighting the enemy at once. This way, while one of you fights a battle up here, the others can stay on Earth and live their somewhat normal lives. Is this an acceptable arrangement?

(Usagi) That won't be an issue. These two have a lot of eyes on them, and I have people to help me out, so I can just be the fourth member.

(Minako) Are you sure!? This sounds pretty serious, shouldn't me and Rei at least go to battle to get a feel for the enemy?

(The Lotus) Do not worry. I can allow you to gain experience without putting you in any harm whatsoever. But before that, we must get you familiar with a Warframe, both of you.

(Minako) Hold on.. What's a Warframe?

(Usagi) It's the thing I popped out of when you guys got here, see.

In the now fully lit room, full Golden Warframes from a long-forgotten era, the two walked around the room, almost intimidated by the striking appearances of some.

When they each found a Warframe, Usagi walked each of them through the process of transference and they were inside of their Warframes.

Usagi used her Warframe's comm system to calm both of the panicked girls as they felt the skin of the Warframe as their own.

Upon exiting, the two revealed their Warframes to everyone.

First was Rei.

(The Lotus) Ember, a Warframe that can create a wildfire in the ocean. She has the innate ability to control fire at her will and burn her enemies to ashes as she wishes.

Everyone adored the Warframe. When it sat in the room, it was lifeless, empty, dark... But now? Now it was the brightest thing in the room as a flame burned brightly from the top of Ember's helmet, with resembled a beautiful, golden, flaming crown atop her head.

Then Minako came out.

(The Lotus) Mesa. The Gunslinging Bounty Hunter. She was created with the influence of the trope that was adored by the Orokin, which seems to have been recreated by humans on Earth.

On Mesa's forearms, there were two pistols with extremely long barrels. allowing the pistols to stretch from the elbow to the wrist.

(The Lotus) Those pistols aren't for show either. Those are a pair of weapons called "Exalted Weapons".

(The Lotus) They are weapons that are either mechanically or physically attached to the Warframe that do not take the place of a sidearm or melee weapon in most cases. You could take Garuda's talons as also being Exalted weapons, but they are a special case in which, when she does not have a melee weapon, she automatically resorts to her talons.

Enjoying the moment, Minako shot finger guns around the room.

(Rei) Nerd.

(Minako) Leave me alone hothead.

(The Lotus) Since you do not have weapons just yet. I won't risk sending you out onto the battlefield just yet.

(Minako) Aw man...

Rei seemed embarrassed, but the others couldn't help but laugh as Minako looked like a kid on Christmas... who's present was a Warframe, with built-in guns.

(The Lotus) For now, I will send you all home. For the time being, it seems that the Sentients are just waiting beyond the orbit of Pluto.

(Usagi) Understood. We'll see you soon then. C'mon everyone, let's go.

Rei and Minako stayed standing, looking confused at everyone else

(Usagi) Sorry Mina, you can't take the Warframe with you.

Everyone got a kick out of the joke, but the two were still just looking at them

(Minako) Yeah, I know. But... we got a slight issue.

(Haruka) You can't be serious.

(Michiru) What, what is it?

(Haruka) They... don't know how to get out.

(Rei) I'm trying, just like you told us to, but nothing's happening.

(Hotaru) Guys! We meant that you do the opposite of how you transfered yourselves in.

(Rei) Which was...?

(Hotaru) Focus the energy on yourselves.

(Minako & Rei) Oooooh!

(Minako) Yeah, I kinda just forgot how we got inside in the first place.

Everyone left their Warframes outside of the room, each one ready for immediate deployment.

Setsuna took her Warframe and went back to Pluto to watch over the Radar system, even after The Lotus told her that she would do it.

Back on Earth, Haruka, Hotaru and Michiru want to head to bed, since it was also late.

Now, it was just Usagi, Minako and Rei.

(Rei) So... what now? Do we just wait for her to just call us or something?

(Usagi) Just allow me to worry about that. I'm a lot more flexible than the two of you, so I can go out there whenever I am called.

(Rei) W-What!? We are flexable too!

(Minako) Yeah, we can bend our schedules around defending the world from invaders once more.

(Usagi) Come on, I know, that both of you know, that you couldn't just drop what you were doing in order to go out and fight, just to come back and resume your daily lives full of work.

(Minako) You seem a little full of yourself tonight Usagi, do tell why you're more flexible than us.

(Rei) I'm curious as well. Elaborate for us, if you don't mind, of course.

Usagi stopped smiling, like she had done since Minako and Rei had gotten their Warframes. In doing so, she also dropped the kind and warm tone that she always used.

(Usagi) Well, since you two asked so nicely. Well, let me say that, if you two were more available, then you would've answered my calls, read by texts. HELL EVEN A SIMPLE HELLO EVERY NOW AND THEN WOULD'VE SUFFICED!

(Rei) Usagi, we-

(Usagi) Oh, I'm not even finished, so why don't you just wait your turn.

The sudden cold hostility was unexpected of Usagi, even after not seeing her for so long. And with this stunned silence, Usagi continued...

(Usagi) Ever since we all went our separate ways, it's been a whole challenge, just to talk to you. AND! And even IF, on the off chance that I get a chance to talk to either of you, maybe, because I want to just meet up, see how you're doing, make sure you're doing okay with all of the publicity. But no... EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I have ever called any of you, you treat me like I'm some nagging fan trying to talk to you. You brush me off like nothing.

(Minako) But Usagi, what about the other day, when we met up for drinks at the cafe? If I recall I reached out to YOU! Remember?

(Usagi) Wow, good for you Minako, you reached out to me one time, and what happened? Did I say, "Sorry Mina, I'm busy." or "Darn Mina, I have so much going on right now, I won't have time for that or "Maybe another Time Mina."? NO. I showed up. And that, in comparison to the hundreds of times I've called you a little while after a tour finished, or a few weeks before another one started. I did my best to reach you when you were possibly free. And I was turned down. EVERY! SINGLE. TIME.

(Usagi) And YOU!

Usagi was now facing Rei.

(Rei) What? Me!? What did I do?

(Usagi) Exactly Rei, what did you ever do, except never show up to any of the times that you promised me, that you would show up this time, or that time, or the other time.

(Usagi) Do you know how many times..? How many times I've waited? For hours, in restaurants, cafes, parks, at the Shrine, just watching people stare at me, assuming that I had been stood up by some guy, not one of my best friends?

(Rei) Usagi... I never knew-

(Usagi) Never knew!? Let's not kid ourselves Rei. You waited till the last seconds before we were supposed to meet, to send a small text saying "sorry, busy tonight :(", or some bullshit answer.

(Usagi) I could've forgiven a few of these incidents... if I hadn't actually watched you cancel on me... right in front of me, on one of those occasions.

(Rei) What are you talking about?

(Usagi) But you did. It was a few months ago, a new cafe, something I though you would like, opened up in town and I wanted to congratulate you on your work so far, after many failed attempts. I was still determined to see you after so long, and so many cancellations...

(Usagi) I was sitting by the windows, watching, waiting for the moment I could get up and hug you after almost a year apart. But you got a call right before you came through those glass doors.

(Usagi) You walked away, talking on the phone. After a few minutes, a blank expression crossed your face as you looked right at the window, at me. Then you looked around for a second. I was confused at first.

(Usagi) Then I got a text, saying that, once again, you had to stay late again to help plan another event for the organization.

(Usagi) You were less that 15 feet away from me. I watched you look for me before sending that text. And then, you just ... walked away.

(Rei) Usagi... I didn't know- HOW WAS I-

(Usagi) What difference would knowing I was there have made? Would you have come inside to tell me yourself? Would you have waved at me before leaving?

(Usagi) The thing is that... it doesn't even matter anymore. You made your choice. I was just a fool to have waited for so long and persisted to no end.

(Usagi) I've... had enough of this. Just leave it to me. It's not like any of you would come anyway.

Usagi was walking away before she stopped to say one more thing.

(Usagi) You know. There is, ONE person, one person in our entire group, that has an excuse not to be here. Mamo's in the States, going to school there to become a doctor when he returns.

(Minako) Wait, Mamoru left the country? When?

(Usagi) Look Mina... It's too late to care anymore. I tried today... and to tell you the truth... it just doesn't work like it used to.

Usagi got in her car and started the engine, rolling down the window for some final words.

(Usagi) Goodbye you two. If we need you, I'll try calling, but I won't be expecting you to answer, so don't be too worried about it.

Before Minako or Rei could say anything else, Usagi pulled into the road and drove off. Leaving Minako and Rei in the apartment parking lot to think about their relationship with Usagi.

They got into the car.

(Minako) Did we... really do all of that to her?

(Rei) I understood that she was hopeful... but I never realized how much it meant to her to just, see us. But doesn't SHE understand that things are different? That we have to make sacrifices for what we have going for ourselves?

As Minako drove, the two couldn't stop thinking about what Usagi had said.

As Minako dropped Rei off at the Shrine, there was an awkward exchange of farewells.

Then, as Minako drove home, she realized that Usagi's house was nearby.

She went down the street it was on, and slowly drove in front of it.

She looked at Usagi's car, the house, the lawn... it was all the same as the last time she had seen it. She was hit with a wave of nostalgia. She remembered the days when she would meet Usagi out on the sidewalk, both of them sprinting to school to not be late. Those were simpler times. She wasn't all over the country doing shows and advertisements. She was just going to an audition whenever she had the chance, and when she wasn't, she would hang out with the girls on something she used to have an over abundance of. Free time.

Minako could see that Usagi was in her room, tightly holding a small pillow as she seemingly sobbed as she looked at a picture frame with an image Minako couldn't see very well.

As she watched, she saw a teenager walk out of the front door that somewhat resembled her little brother, Shingo.

As he got closer to the driver side window, Minako could see the grave look on his face.

He signaled for her to roll down her window.

(Minako) Shingo is that-

(Shingo) You have some nerve, Minako Aino.

(Minako) Let me explain-

(Shingo) Just go. The damage is already done. There's nothing you can do to repair it.

(Minako) I- I see. Could you tell her-

(Shingo) Just leave her alone already.

There was an uncomfortable silence as Minako tried to think of something to say, but Shingo could tell.

(Shingo) Ya know, she really needed you all when things were tough. I watched her hide the disappointment she felt with that smile of hers.

(Minako) Oh come on! You can't blame us for chasing our dreams! You have no idea of what everyone has sacrificed thus far to be where we are!

(Shingo) What about when you guys were the Sailor Guardians? You made the time then. Why not now?

(Minako) She-! She told you what we are, huh?

(Shingo) She doesn't know that I know. I just happen to connect the dots before all of you disbanded.

(Shingo) Now I'm not sure what she's wrapped up in now, but regardless. It took another enemy for you to even see her. There had to be a threat to humanity's entire existence, just for you to even speak to her. That alone should make you realize what "friends" you are to her.

(Shingo) So I ask you once more- No, I am telling you now. Just leave.

Minako was embarrassed. Sure there wasn't anyone around to see, but she felt like a schoolkid getting scolded by her teacher.

She didn't say anything more. She just rolled up her window and drove away.

All she could think about as she turned over and over again in her apartment, was how Shingo didn't understand where she and the others were coming from. They had busy careers, they didn't really have much time for friends to just hang out like they did in Highschool.

But at the same time, she and Rei both thought about Usagi's cold words. How cold they felt from such a bright person. All the times they had let her down had just piled up until she just... couldn't take it anymore. So she snapped.

The next day, all went about their business as per usual.

At the garage, the four amazons could immediately tell something was amiss when Usagi, although she was smiling, it was forced. And not only that. She also was very quiet for most of the day, which was almost unheard of, since she was usually talking their ears off about one thing or another.

The four were doing maintenance on an SUV while Usagi worked on a high-end sports car.

This was a normal scenario due to the fact that some people found that, after getting their cars repaired or maintained by Usagi, they would find that their cars worked better than before.

Although her business was small, there was a list of people that only trusted her, besides themselves, with maintaining the cars they sped in.

Today, Usagi was working on a '89 Nissan GTR. It was all white and had black wheels.

The owner was a known local racer and he felt something wrong with the car, but he just couldn't figure it out. He had basically taken the entire car apart and couldn't figure out the problem was.

Usagi had done the same. She drove it around the corner and back. She saw that the car wasn't responding to her inputs on the gas and brake. What's more is that, the car has been heavily modified, so figuring out what it might be from prior experiences.

While she worked. She seemed a little more like herself. She cursed at the car as she checked every system, every gauge until she found the answer.

It was an hour before she started laughing hysterically after figuring out that the problem, was one, single, tiny electronic piece that had been fried and was making the car less responsive to input.

After work, everyone waited for her outside.

(Ceres) Hey... Usagi? Are you... okay? You seem a little down.

As Usagi locked the main door to the building, she spun around to smile at everyone.

(Usagi) What're you talking about? I'm fine!

(Juno) It didn't seem like it.

(Vespa) If something happened, you would tell us wouldn't you?

(Usagi) Nothing happened you guys. And yes, I would tell all of you if something was going on.

(Pallas) Okay... if you say so.

Usagi's phone rang.

She looked to see who the caller was, and it was Haruka.

(Usagi) Alright you guys. I gotta go. Be safe okay?

(Ceres) Okay, see you tomorrow.

Everyone went home and Usagi went to Setsuna's went inside using the Spare key that Setsuna had made for her.

She teleported to the Moon and got in her Warframe, checked her ammunition and joined everyone else.

(The Lotus) Good. Now that everyone is here, we can begin the debrief.

(The Lotus) The Sentients are launching another attack. This time, they're aiming at Pluto's Moon, Eris. It might be harder than usual, because I believe that, unfortunately, the Sentients are trying to establish a foothold on Pluto's Moon in order to gain ground within the Origin System.

(Usagi) What makes you say that?

(The Lotus) Well, after the multiple losses on the Sentient's part, I believe that their leader, Erra, might be frustrated and want to do something bold and brash. There are also small changes in the fleet's direction for a straight shot at Pluto.

(Setsuna) Should we head there now? Get there before them?

(The Lotus) Yes. I predict that they might start sending their dropships very soon.

(Haruka) Alright everyone, let's go kick some ass!

The group used the portal to jump to Pluto.

From there, they used a smaller portal to teleport to a minor castle on Eris.

On Eris, the group waited for a while, seeing the thousands to tiny, red, glowing specks in space.

As the girls waited, they talked to the Lotus as they waited.

In the middle of their conversation, The Lotus changed her tone to one that was more serious.

(The Lotus) It's time. The Sentients are sending in their first volley of dropships, get ready for a long fight everyone. Good Luck.

The group looked back up and all of them felt one overpowering emotion. Fear.

The sky over Eris was turned red by the number of dropships that were being dropped.

By the dozens, dropships broke the surface of Eris, creating powerful tremors that shook the ground like a powerful earthquake.

The first Sentients were flowing out of the Orphixs like water from a waterfall, and assembling themselves in ordered rows and columns before the girls.

(Usagi) There's... so... many of them... Can we even-

(Haruka) Save it for after the battle.

A flash of energy flashed from Nova.

(Haruka) Besides, if we don't stop them here. Everything we've ever protected will be destroyed.

This was enough to get everyone focused on the battle.

The five launched themselves into the Army of Sentients waiting for them, ready to turn them into a plie of bony flesh and energy.

Everyone was in the midst of battle. Haruka prepared her enemies for molecular fission and picked them off using her twin pistols without using too much ammo. But despite the low ammo use, the detonations were enough to send waves of enemies flying away or combusting where they stood.

Michiru and Setsuna combined their powers to turn enemies into glass, then shatter the glass with a loud symphony that could make your ears bleed.

Hotaru held her own by using Reaper to split enemies in half at the waist.

Usagi was also on her own, using her talons to stab and shred her enemies.

Everything was going normally, until everyone heard something. It wasn't Sentient, it wasn't human, but it sounded... primal, animalistic.

At first, everyone looked around for a source, but never found it.

Garuda was all over the battlefield, tearing enemies apart, killing everything in her line of sight. There were even a few times when an ally would almost hit her and she would avoid it just in time to kill another target.

Haruka and the others warned her and reprimanded her, but she went radio silent. She wasn't responding to their communications. Not even The Lotus could reach Usagi.

But at one point, Garuda jumped high into the sky.

But as she did, a dozen talons materialized behind her and flew around her. Then, she threw her arms in front of her, as if to throw the talons indirectly into the battlefield.

As the talons flew at high speeds around the battlefield. Enemies, hundreds at a time, began to leak energy from their systems.

This seemed great. But what wasn't accounted for, was the fact that the talons would nearly impale her allies as well.

Everyone began asking The Lotus what was wrong with Usagi and what she was doing, but The Lotus didn't have an answer.

(The Lotus) I'm not sure what is happening within her Warframe, but I believe it would be best for all of you, to withdraw from the battle.

(Haruka) I'm sorry, did you just tell us to leave the battle!?

(Michiru) Usagi is our friend, and comrade! We would never abandon her!

(The Lotus) That may be true. But look at her now. She has become uncontrollable. Her Warframe could potentially harm you or worse, force you out of transference if your Warframe sustains enough damage.

(The Lotus) But, if you won't leave the battle, then wait for her to be overpowered before helping her. I cannot risk you all being injured by her, nor can I risk her using her strength on any of you.

There was a silence as everyone left the battlefield. But soon, they understood the Lotus' message.

They all watched as Usagi, alone, raced all over the battlefield, cutting, slicing and tearing everything apart, by the dozens and then more. She was screaming so loud that everyone severed their connections to her comms.

Then, they heard screaming, human, screaming. Not from her, but the actual Warframe itself. It had no mouth, but still there was a primordial scream coming from it, as if the person that became the Warframe was screaming out on her own.

As the battle went on, Garuda's energy was materialized as blood. The royal red liquid gleaming in the light that the Sun provided.

They couldn't hear her, but they saw that her attacks became more and more violent as time went on. Her slashing, random but coordinated. Her weapons, both sitting in their holsters, unused.

What's worse, is that she would be hit with multiple hits from small, energy powered lasers, that were fitted on the sentients. She would scream out, but just kept fighting. The Warframe never sustained any damage. But it took it's toll on it's user, who could feel every searing flash of plasma, every blunt swing from their fused metal and bone limbs. Every time she was knocked down with a deadly blow, she would just go limp in the air. Then, once she landed, she would stagger to get up, and keep fighting.

As if the battle couldn't get any worse. Two presences walked out of the castle and near everyone else. Mesa and Ember.

(Rei) Hey! We got out here as fast as we could, where's-

Another enraged scream of pain and anger rang out from the middle of the battlefield.

(Rei) DAMN IT! It's just like when we were teenagers! She gets hurt by one little thing, then she goes on a rampage like THIS! I can't believe it, and after all the shit she said to us.

(Michiru) Wait a minute. Aren't you all still friends?

(Minako) We were, but life happened. We split apart. Changed! But SHE never did. And she never let it go.

(Haruka) Yeah, that's pretty fucking obvious!

(Michiru) Hey, don't blame US! WE didn't do anything to her. SHE is the one who never stopped trying to see US! WE had things to do to be where were are. She just doesn't understand! And she never will.

The group stayed quiet as they watched Garuda, her body becoming more and more bloodied as she went on.

(Michiru) So what did she say to you?

(Rei) well, it's a little... complicated.

(Michiru) That's fine. Just... tell us what happened.

The two told the group about their argument with Usagi, and then Minako explained her encounter with Shingo.

(Rei) What the hell! He knows about us!? We're so screwed because of her.

(Haruka) Really...? After everything you just told us, THATS ALL THAT MATTERED TO YOU!?

Haruka, inside of Nova, punched Rei, inside of Ember, as hard as she could, knocking Rei to the ground.

(Rei) You asshole! What the hell was that for!?

(Haruka) Now I see what happened. After the three of us left to defend from the outer Solar System, you all thought it was over and chose to leave her behind!

(Haruka) You wanted normal lives!? What kind of delusion is that!?

(Haruka) When you became the Sailor Guardians, you became her allies, her protectors, and what? You just... suddenly don't want to do it anymore, all because you needed to live "Normal Lives"!?

(Haruka) WAKE UP YOU TWO! There is nothing normal about us! We are not normal human beings! We don't get the chance to live normal lives! That's just who we are!

(Rei) That's not true! We can live normal lives without being normal humans! She doesn't need us right now! She said it herself!

(Hotaru) Look at her.

(Minako) What?

(Hotaru) Look. At. Her.

The two looked again to see that the blood on Garuda's body, formed from her energy, had a form near her head. It look like tears, flowing like a river from where the eyes would be in the helmet. They went down from her helmet, and around her body, where it would fly off of her as she fought through the army of Sentients.

(Hotaru) She needed you... and for so long, she tried her best to reach you, but none of you bothered to listen, or even acknowledge her existence.

(Hotaru) It's like all of you threw her away, like trash. It almost reminds me of when my father was possessed, and when he would treat me like an object to be used. And I knew, that when he was done with me, I too, would be discarded. But, before that could happen, you all came along. You all helped me be who I was meant to be. but look at her now. She does not have any of you to support her now. So there she is, try to do it... all alone with no one to help her.

After a while, the battle was done. Garuda stood before everyone, breathing heavily as the blood energy dissipated. Behind her, each and every Orphix that had pierced the surface of Eris was now deactivated and smoke came from their cores.

Everyone reconnected their comms to Usagi's.

(Haruka) Usagi. Are you okay?

(Usagi) I'm... I'm... Fine. Let's just go home.

Usagi walked passed everyone, burned metallic skin, dents and cracks in her golden armor were all evident of a particularly brutal fight.

Back on the Moon, The Lotus came to greet them.

(The Lotus) Usagi! Are you injured, hurt?

(Usagi) Don't worry Lotus, I'm fine I swear.

The Lotus Looked around at all the damage that Garuda had taken.

(The Lotus) This isn't good. Your Warframe has taken severe damage. It will take some time to heal before it can go back into battle.

(Usagi) Understood.

(The Lotus) But I do not believe that will be an issue as long as Rei and Minako are-

(Usagi) Sorry Lotus, but those two are too unreliable. It'll be a risk to put faith in them.

(Rei) Usagi we-

Usagi pointed one of Garuda broken talons at Ember's throat.

(Usagi) Don't. Don't make more excuses so you can feel better. Because if you do, then you'll be putting Haruka, Michiru and Hotaru's lives at risk. And if they're gone, then the entire world will be killed. And all of their blood will be on your hands. So save you excuses.

(Usagi) Oh, and Minako? You stay the hell away from my family.

Usagi attempted to transfer out of Garuda.

Usagi didn't say anything. She fell to the floor, writhing in pain. Her skin burned in the places that Garuda was shot. She felt like her bones had all been broken. She screamed in agony about the pain. How everything hurt. How she wanted it all to stop.

But her screams, due to her powers as a Sailor Guardian, they were unbearably loud to the point where covering your ears didn't block out the noise in the slightest.

To everyone's horror, there was nothing they could do for her. There were no burns on her body... No bruising, cuts, broken bones... For all anyone knew, she was perfectly fine.

After everyone began to panic, the Lotus walked over, unbothered by the volume of the screams, to the wailing girl and tapped her forehead.

(Usagi) Please... help me... it hurts so much! I don't know what to...do...

Then... she stopped. Her body went limp and she laid on the floor, sprawled on the floor, empty eyes staring into nothingness. Afterwards, she transferred back into the damaged Warframe.

(Minako) Usagi...? Usagi!? Hey! What did you do to her!?

(The Lotus) Don't worry, I only put her in a light coma. It should allow time for all of the pain she is feeling to subside.

(Rei) How long will she be out for?

(The Lotus) A few days. The damage she sustained was severe, but thankfully the extent of the damage is repairable, and will not afflict her mind while she sleeps.

(Minako) Will she be okay? Is she still gonna be the same when she wakes up?

(The Lotus) In the physical sense, yes, she will be completely intact and in good health. As for her mental state... I am not sure. She seems to be a very strong woman, so I can only hope that she will persevere.

(The Lotus) I will have her stay within her Warframe to heal. For now, she'll be within a dream-like state, where she will dream until she has fully healed.

Everyone went back down to Earth, where the sun had long since set, without Usagi.

Since everyone stayed together in the apartment, Minako and Rei were the only ones that were leaving, but Michiru still had words for them.

Rei and Minako were outside, already walking into the parking lot.

(Michiru) Minako, Rei. Wait!

The two turned around.

(Rei) What's up?

(Minako) Yeah, we get it already, we're not exactly welcome here just yet.

(Michiru) It's not that, that I am here to talk to you about.

(Michiru) I wanted to know if you understood what happened out there.

(Minako) What exactly are you talking about?

(Michiru) I'm talking about Usagi.

(Michiru) Didn't you watch her? If things keep going the way they are now, then she'll die because of her arrogance. And don't say that I'm exaggerating, because you two have seen what she'll do for us, and for the protection of the world.

(Rei) We know, you don't have to remind us.

(Michiru) So why? Why did you all leave her when something like this was always a possibility? When another enemy could've threatened the Earth and tried to kill Usagi, just like tonight, what would you have all done?

Both Minako and Rei seemed embarrassed and looked to the side and avoided eye contact.

(Michiru) Look, I'm not trying to lecture you about what you should be doing with your lives. I just wanted you all to consider how you have a duty to protect this planet, regardless of what's going on in your lives. Remember that.

Minako and Rei each went home for the night, questioning even more if they had been selfish for living the lives they wanted for themselves.

{Usagi's Dream}

On the ground, Usagi felt like she was being ripped apart from the skin, down to her bones. Her shin felt like it was on fire, her muscles felt like they had thousands of tiny cuts within them, her bones felt like they had been shattered like glass.

Pleading for the pain to stop, she saw the Lotus hovering over her through the tears in her eyes.

Usagi wondered.

(Usagi) (Am I gonna die?) (What will happen to everyone without me?) (What about the Amazons, they'll worry about me.) (Mom? Dad? Shingo? They be terrified if I don't come home!) (I don't want to die!)(Will they see mw die in front of them?)(What will they tell everyone?)(What's gonna happen to the shop?)(Who's gonna protect the Earth without me?) (Where am I going?)

The questions flew around in her head as she began to see red, then, she felt the Lotus touch her forehead with a clod finger and suddenly she was at peace.

End of Episode 4: The More, Not the Merrier