Sailor Moon: An Ancient Force Rises Chapter 9: Episode 8: It Gets Better From Here, a Sailor Moon + Warframe Crossover fanfic

Episode 8: It Gets Better From Here

The next time a call was made to fight another Sentient Fleet, Usagi was earlier than usual to meet everyone at Setsuna's apartment.

She herself felt normal, but to everyone else, there was a air about her. Something different.

Usually, she seemed to be in a bad mood. Whether it be sad, angry or in a few rare cases, tired. But today, she seemed... Happy?

The three wanted to pry, but seeing her in a better mood put them all at ease, so they didn't mention it, regardless of how unusual it was for her to be so... upbeat.

It got slightly creepy as the group went into battle. From the outside, Garuda was ruthlessly killing groups of enemies with a talon on one hand and revolver, firing away, in her other hand, shooting seemingly calculated shots into the waves of enemies that landed with surprising accuracy.

But on the inside, Usagi seemed to be laughing innocently, and murmuring to herself something that no one could understand. It was like she was playing a video game and that her ruthlessness was just for fun.

A 180 compared to her usual self, which was her being quiet most of the time, usually responding to orders or exclamations from the others.

Even after the fight, she went back to Earth, where she would go to open the Shop, where the Amazons were in turn to see Usagi's more positive mood.

As she skipped out through the portal, everyone else stayed behind to ask the Lotus if there was something off about her mood, to see if something wasn't right.

As the four approached the Lotus, she was reading their combat data, the enemy fleet data and examining for patterns to see if everyone as improving accordingly and if there were any consistent patterns to their attacks, to make sure that the surprise attack on Earth didn't happen again.

She sensed them coming and momentarily stopped reading to face them from the screen she was using.

(The Lotus) Oh? I had thought every had left already. How can I help you four?

(Haruka) Well... It's Usagi. Today... she seemed kinda... different? You could say.

(The Lotus) Well, let me read her combat data...

The Lotus' screen now Showed Garuda, Burston, Vasto and her Talons, a page long analysis of her combat data for each.

The Lotus read the data closely, looking for any odd or suspicious patterns.

After reading all of the data, the Lotus returned to the group.

(The Lotus) Well, I see that your suspicions are correct. Usagi's combat data says that she was operating at her highest optimization since she first began fighting. There are some other inconsistencies in her data but it all seems-

The Lotus was cut off by what sounded like something slamming into a door and another sound. Screams.

But the screams, they sounded like a human's but they were different in a way. There was something modified about them. They were low, as if the owner had a very deep voice but could only scream and howl...

(Haruka) Lotus...? What the hell was that?

(Lotus) I don't know.

(Lotus) Tenno, prepare for a fight.

The four adorned their Warframes and weapons and headed for the sound of the banging and howling.

As they got closer and closer to the source, they realized that they were heading towards the room full of Warframes.

But when they arrived at the door, the noises stopped. It was dead silent. No one could hear any movement.

Haruka arrived at the door and prepared to open it and pummel whatever was inside.

Haruka opened the door and jumped back as something feel onto the floor in front of her.

When she aimed her weapon at it, she saw that it was one of the Warframes inside of the room.

Unlike most of the other Warframes, this one was completely white, except for the golden accents that shined brightly in the dim light.

The Lotus, wanting to see for herself the Warframe, walked over to it and crouched in front of it.

(Lotus) Excalibur...? But why did it...? There's no operator? Hoe could it have moved? But why only this one?

(Michiru) What is this warframe? How did it move without an operator?

(The Lotus) I'm not sure... Unless...

The Lotus got up and began back to the main area.

(The Lotus) Can all of you bring that Warframe to the comms room? I want to see if something might have triggered it to move.

The group carried the Warframe to the comms room, where it layed on the table, unmoving.

Michiru stared at the Warframe's body. It was like a flexable marble statue. Crafted to perfection in every way, the details in the muscles and-

The Warframe suddenly jerked it's head towards Michiru, now it was staring at her, the faceless specimen.

Out of fear, Michiru aimed Pandero straight at the Warframe's head.

(Michiru) IT MOVED! I swear it moved just now!

(Haruka) Woah, Michiru, calm down, put the gun, down. Now.

Michiru holstered her weapon and stepped away from it.

After a little while of typing away at the screen and looking at data, The Lotus reported back to the group.

(The Lotus) Everyone, come look at this.

Everyone peeked over the Lotus' shoulders to see the anatomy of Excalibur. There was a small, dim, blue light on the top of the left part of it's chest, pulsating light.

This was, until it eventually faded away to nothing.

(Hotaru) What was that?

(The Lotus) There was a trace of void energy powering that Warframe. From a Tenno.

(Setsuna) But thats impossible. How could a tenno have given it Void energy if no one could've given it any directly?

Everyone, including the Lotus, went back to Usagi's combat data.

(The Lotus) Are any of you aware of anything that has happened recently that was unusual? Was she in contact with someone that she hasn't been with since she first fought? Has someone new entered her life?

Everyone thought for a few minutes before Setsuna remembered something.

(Setsuna) That's right!

(Lotus) What is it?

(Setsuna) Last week, Usagi went to visit her boyfriend in another country for a week.

(Lotus) Is he a Tenno?

(Setsuna) We don't know. We can ask her to bring him, but she might not be so willing to allow it.

(Lotus) Why not? Would not another ally among you create a stronger and more efficient fighting force?

(Setsuna) Because he is everything to her. If she could keep him out of danger for long enough, she will. She would never want to worry him or put him in any kind of danger if she can allow it.

(Lotus) I see. Then do you believe that we should bring him in by force?

(Haruka) No can do Lotus. I say that if she wants to keep him out of this, we should respect her wishes and wait until he is ready.

(Lotus) And why is that?

(Michiru) Think about it. Usagi is extremely powerful and would fight all of us if it meant that he could stay safely on Earth to pursue his studies without knowing any of what is happening. She would do anything for him.

Everyone else agreed. When they were on Earth before the Sailor Guardians disbanded, they saw Usagi at her highest and lowest with Mamoru. They saw how distraught she became when she found out that he had been killed by her enemy, believing that it was her fault, prepared to let it all go were it not for her friends. But they also saw her highest highs with him. They saw how happy she was, a little after the group disbanded when the two went on a week-long getaway before Mamoru left for the U.S. Everyone had followed them, making sure they weren't seen. She was so happy then. Happier than they had ever seen her. Her smile was so genuine and bright during that time, that you would've never thought that in time, she would become so angry and aggressive with the bitterness of time.

(Lotus) I see. If you all truly believe that he should not join your ranks for now. I will not press any further. I will see you all on the next defense. Goodbye for now.

As the group walked away, the Lotus spoke once more.

(Lotus) But please. Do remember that we cannot wait forever. We require all the help we can acquire.

As they all went home together. The warning that the Lotus relayed to them repeated itself in their minds. It was like a choice was forcing itself to be known. On one hand, they could respect Usagi's wishes and leave Mamoru alone for as long as they could before things got too dangerous... But on the other hand, they could go behind Usagi's back and tell Mamoru about everything and get him to join the cause, infuriating Usagi and possibly having her go rouge and do something dangerous or even lethal to herself to prevent Mamoru from having to see any kind of battle.

In the large apartment, the four asked themselves and each other. "She we tell her?" "Would she still fight beside us if we did this?" "How far will she go to keep him out of this?"

They contemplated and thought about it for hours. Eventually, the held a vote. 3 to 1... they would respect Usagi's wish to protect Mamoru.

The three looked at Haruka.

(Haruka) Sorry, it was just in case anyone thought that we should tell him.

(Setsuna) Why? We're doing just fine on our own.

(Haruka) Sure, for now we are. But what about when shit hits the fan and they attack every planet we've defended from them so far? What then? Because he will join us eventually. It's just a matter of time. Hell, what if, and this is a HUGE IF! What if the same thing that happened to Usagi, happened to him? Where either the Lotus or his Warframe calls to him.

Across the sea, in the United States. Mamoru dreamt in his Cambridge apartment after another day of classes and work. But they were not ordinary dreams. He was dreaming of something unfamiliar. A past life?

Where was he? Everything was so bright... Everything was golden and white. This isn't the Golden Kingdom. They liked their gold, but it wasn't everywhere around him.

He looked in front of him and to his sides. He was in a enormous throne room.

Behind him, he heard swift movements. And a disturbing gurgling voice.

He swiftly turned around to see two strange looking beings. Each one wore what Mamoru assumed to be armor, which was pitch black and hid their faces, something that Mamoru did not remember from the Golden Kingdom.

But he then looked at their hands. Each one held a long, black dagger that crackled with electricity. But the blue liquids on their blades made Mamoru nervous. He looked up at the source of the gurgling to see a frightening being. It looked human, but their skin was entirely light blue. The bloody hand that clung to their exposed throat was attached to an elongated arm that was too long to be natural. His eyes... there weren't any irises to found, only a pair of black, voidlike eyes that silently screamed for his help, but slowly, they ceased to move.

On of the black being spoke, one who was standing to Mamoru's right.

He walked up to Mamoru put his unbloodied hand on Mamoru's shoulder.

(Being 1) My former Prince. On this day, we begin the revolution. For ALL Tenno. No more will we submit to their Golden Tyranny any longer!

The other guard walked up to them.

(Being 2) Hey, we got Grineer and Corpus on their way. We need to get out of here or we're in for an almost unbeatable fight. Even WITH the legendary Fighter who wields Excalibur.

Mamoru looked down, his hands were covered by what felt like a second skin.

Across the Throne room, far away, the door burst open and futuristic looking soldiers began to run towards the along with what looked like cloned soldiers, each one looking identical.

(Being 1) C'mon Konzu, let's get the hell out of here!

(Konzu) Fine Otak, but I think we could've taken them on easily.

The two began running towards the stained glass window behind the dead Ruler.

At first, Mamoru watched with amazement as the two moved quickly up and over to the window.

It wasn't until the one called Otak shouted for him to come to them. Then, his body moved on it's own.

He jumped from wall to wall, ledge to ledge, not knowing at all how he was doing it, but seeing that each and every little movement was exact and calculated.

At the top, the two chuckled as the three of them jumped through the stained-glass window.

After the moment ended. Mamoru began to yell as he fell. But he heard a mechanical sound behind him and then he was flying with something propelling him on his back.

The Dream ended. Mamoru slowly got up, drenched in sweat.

He thought about the dream. It felt to real to just be any old dream. He felt everything. The tension, the vibrations of the sound in the air, the air rushing past him as he fell and especially the feeling of being jolted in the air by whatever was on his back.

He tried to go back to sleep.

The rest of the day was a mess for Mamoru. He couldn't focus on anything except for this dream he had. It was like something was telling him about a hidden danger, like Rei's ability of foresight.

Then he saw the news in the U.S. for the first time since he came to the U.S. He was in a cafe, sipping on tea to help him focus.

There, he saw a cover story being told. It was a reporter, talking about an alien attack happening off the coast of Japan. A vessal of some kind, landed in the sea, but close to the shores of Sendai. There, it was chaos. There also happened to be a typhoon in the same area driving the wind and sending the waves in a frenzy.

There was footage too, that seemed to already be common knowledge since no one seemed to be paying any attention except for a few bored people.

The footage showed four humanoid beings, similar to the one's in his dream, but even through the blurriness of the video quality, he was able to see that they were all female. They all seemed to be wearing what looked like jet packs out of a science fiction book.

The footage, a few minutes long, showed the four coming down from the sky through the clouds. Then they stood, hovering a few dozen feet off of the ground, staring out to sea at the giant vessel, which looked like it was a biological lifeform, but different.

He was puzzled, wondering how he had never seen this before.

He spent some more time in the cafe, going over notes from an earlier lecture he had went to in the morning.

Afterwards, he walked back to his apartment and hung out with roommates for the rest of the day, holding a study session with them and a few other of their friends.

Later that night, Mamoru called Usagi on his balcony.

As he called her, the dial tone rang for a minute before she picked up.

(Usagi) Hello?

(Mamoru) Hey Usako.

(Usagi) OH! Hey Mamo! How are you?

(Mamoru) I'm doing fine, how about you?

(Usagi) Better that I get to hear your voice.

(Mamoru) So Usako. I have a question to ask you.

(Usagi) Yeah, what's up?

(Mamoru) Well... I was watching the news earlier and was wondering. DO you know anything about those things that came from space?

(Usagi) Not really, no. Why, did you see them on the News?

(Mamoru) Yeah, what is it? What are they? What do they want?

(Usagi) Well, from what I saw, they look like soldiers and they're fighting whatever those other things are to protect us. I haven't seen them too closely, just from the recent videos and pictures.

(Mamoru) Oh, ok. Do you think they might try to harm us in the future?

(Usagi) I- No, I'm not sure, but for now, it seems like they have our best interest in mind, so we at least can see that. But if they ever think they can just take this planet, we'll be there to send them straight back to wherever thay came from. And if things get bad, I'll let you know.

(Mamoru) Well, if that's what you think, then I trust your judgement. Have a good day Usako.

(Usagi) Same to you Mamo!

The two hung up.

Mamoru felt that, if Usagi was there to watch the guests in his stead. Japan, and the rest of the world were in good hands, thanks to her and the Sailor Guardians. Although, he hadn't heard much about them in a while. Maybe he should surprise her with a visit during his time off in the Winter.

For the next few months, as the seasons changed from summer to fall, Mamoru talked to Usagi on a weekly basis along with Motoki. The two would talk about work, Usagi's shop, Mamoru's professors... the list of topics seemed to be endless.

For Usagi, this time, was a moment where she could feel normal again. Like everything was the way it used to be, back when they were teens.

In his dreams, Mamoru was met with visions of his life as a Tenno. He was shown visions of being in service to the Orokin, the rebellion against them, the fall, the interplanetary warfare, from the scorching subterranean mines of Mercury to the Frigid atmosphere of the Plagued planet known as Eris. It all seemed to real and consistent to be a dream. But there was one person, a person within a suit of armor, that was in almost every vision. A female warrior with terrifying combat practices. She was there, fighting alongside him in almost every single of his visions. But there was a problem, after the first vision, there wasn't too much conversation to be had other than the commands he would give and reports he would receive. But she... was always right there next to him.

He never could figure out who her true identity was. All he knew, was that her Callsign, or at least, what he always called her, was Garuda. A fearless warrior whom he was well-acquainted with.

But after a few months had passed, the visions suddenly stopped completely.

Relieved, he put whatever this was in the back of his mind, to focus on School. He reminded himself, that he was doing all of this to go back to her, to go back home and be with her forever. He was here, thousands of miles away from her, to become something that she could be proud of. He blocked out all of the strangeness in the world, just as she worked her hardest to eradicate it.

In Japan, Usagi and the girls were going out every month, slowly, but surely, getting stronger with each encounter, eventually getting to the point where The Lotus would send out one of them in rotation to test their might against the Sentients.

If there was ever a time that another Orphix was shot to Earth, or even the Moon... The girls would immediately jump into their Railjack and intercept the Orphix using combined fore from the Railjack and by destroying the core up close with Archwing weapons.

Ever since the one Orphix dropped on Earth, there have been groups of all kinds popping up all over the world. It got so much attention, even major media networks were filled with news coverage of the supposed "First Contact" with Alien Life.

But these groups were one of two factions. There were groups condemning the Sailor Guardians, saying that they had no business killing those "Aliens". Other groups supported the Sailor Guardians, quoting their previous endeavors that saved the world from annihilation.

It was a global phenomenon. It was everything people could talk about. At the garage even, all the Amazons would talk about, is how cool the robots from space looked. It was also all the radio hosts would talk about during the commercial breaks. Usagi hated it. It was like the world had nothing better to do than put a magnifying glass over them. But she never showed it to anyone, she had to be extra careful, since Shingo could easily tell if something was up.

As the Fall began to turn into Winter, the Sentient attacks ceased once more, now only happening once a month, if that.

To everyone, this was a nice break for each of them. Sure, they would have to stay on guard, but they could just relax and live their lives.

It was the beginning of December, Usagi was in the shop when a Taxi pulled into the shop and someone got out.

Under the car, Usagi could hear a pair of footsteps approaching the open garage.

The Amazons were all working around an old Nissan. One was changing the Oil, one was rotating the tires, another was fixing a burnt taillight. and the last was helping Usagi out under the car she was working on, passing her tools.

When the footsteps reached the garage door, Usagi could everyone just stop working.

(Usagi) Um... one second, just let me get out from under here.

Usagi pushed herself from under the car and saw that Juno was just staring at the person along with everyone else.

Confused, she looked at the door to see, Rei, standing at the door, avoiding eye contact.

(Rei) Hey there... Usagi.

(Usagi) What the hell do you want? I-

Usagi looked at the Amazons, who still seemed to be in shock.

(Usagi) Let's go talk inside.

The two walked into the small office/lounge area behind the front counter of the shop.

Once there, Usagi closed the door, and locked it.

(Usagi) Now talk. What're you doing here and what the hell do you want from me?

Still not used to Usagi's coldness, Rei had trouble getting her words out.

(Rei) I... I want to help everyone. I saw what you all did on the news and...

(Usagi) And...? What? You want the media attention? Get lost, Warframes aren't for you to use in the spotlight.

(Rei) NO! It's not like that at all!

(Usagi) Then why? What is the reason you want to help us? What have you done to prove your conviction? Tell me Rei Hino, what have you done to prove to me, that you give a rat's ass about helping me again, after all this time?

Rei stayed quiet, seemingly thinking about her next words very, VERY, carefully.

(Rei) Usagi, I... ... I left the organization. I told them that I needed to help others in another way. I want to fight by your side once more. I am going back to just being a local Shrine Maiden. The Safety of the Earth is more important than teaching people about religion.

(Usagi) And?

(Rei) And what?

(Usagi) Do you understand why I wanted you to do these things? To rescind your affiliation with those people? To rid yourself of that fame?

(Rei) Because if I were to continue along with them, I would eventually give our identities away. Right?

(Usagi) That is a good reason, but it is not why. It is because, as a part of that Organization, you sold yourself, your individuality... to that organization and to the profits and benefits that came with it. You were not Rei Hino, Shrine Maiden of the Hikawa Shrine in Minato, Tokyo. You were Rei Hino, the Youngest Shrine Maiden in Japanese history, the person that, with her beauty, could make anyone join Shintoism just because of your pretty face. You had no time for friends, family or even your sworn duty as a protector of this Planet. Think about it, when was the last time you casually spoke to you Grandfather?

Rei was silent for a moment, just staring at Usagi with tears in her eyes, who stared right back, with a fierceness in her eyes that she found on her own.

Usagi walked up to Rei and put a hand on her shoulder.

(Usagi) Come on, I'll give you a lift.

The two got into Usagi's car and drove to the Hikawa Shrine.

At the base of the staircase that led to the Shrine, Rei looked up at the top with nervousness. She had only spoken to her grandfather when it had to do with business or about the things she was doing abroad, strictly professional.

As the two walked up the stairs, Rei thought of millions of things she could tell him. Would he even take her back?

At the top, the two could see Grandpa Hino, just sweeping at the dust, dirt and leaves beneath his feet.

As the two approached him, he glanced up to them and looked back down.

Rei thought he disapproved of her, until he dropped his broom, and it landed on the ground with a loud thud.

He looked up at the two of them, he hadn't aged a day since she last saw him.

(Rei) Grandfather...?

(Grandpa Hino) R-Rei...? Is that really you?

Tears were welling in his eyes as he walked up to them.

(Grandpa Hino) Finally... you're home... You're really home.

As the two embraced each other, Usagi felt content, seeing as Rei had proved that she was willing to give up the fame and glory to defend the Earth.

Usagi slowly slipped away, giving the two privacy and went back to the shop, telling everyone that she and Rei might be friends again, and everyone took that and went back to work, surprised that Usagi seemed to accept her so quickly after seeing how much Usagi hated hearing about her, or ANY of the other Sailor Guardians for that matter.

Although Rei's departure from the Shinto Organization wasn't covered by the media, in the religious world, it made strong believers fear, that they just lost one of their greatest assets when it came to teaching the next generation of Japanese, their native religion.

But, even with their wishes to keep Rei Hino within their ranks, they respected Rei's wish and gave her a good farewell.

She went back to working at the Hikawa Shrine as it's official, and certified, Priestess, taking over for her Grandfather as the main Priestess of the Shrine. Locals were thrilled to bits by this. Some believers who used to visit the Shrine missed when Rei was there. They would say that "It just wasn't the same without her." or "She was a huge part of that Shrine's image in this town, without her, it was just another Shrine. Good thing she came back."

Usagi gave Rei a week to settle back into the Shrine before taking her back to the Moon to train.

On the day that Usagi wanted to take Rei to the Moon, she went to the Shrine, where, for the first time in a long time, she saw Rei wearing normal clothes. Just a plain t-shirt with a pair of jeans.

As she got into the passenger seat, Rei was back to her old self.

As the two went on their journey, they made small conversation.

(Usagi) So, how does it feel to be back? Doing what we used to back in high school.

(Rei) ~Ahh~ Usagi, for the first time in a long time, I feel relaxed. Back in the organization, I was up super early in the morning, doing rituals with the other members, getting ready to visit a shrine... it was nice at first, but it was just so constant. Every day was another "Assignment" for me to complete. This included a bunch of things... and don't even get me started on the mountains of paperwork.

(Rei) And honestly... this feels right. Using my powers to do some real good. Thanks for waiting for me. I know it couldn't have been easy.

(Usagi) That's true, it wasn't. But! I at least got a friend back in my life, so it isn't too bad. It's been worth the wait, Rei.

At the apartment, everyone was shocked to see Usagi bringing Rei with her, willingly.

But after hearing about what happened, the girls understood and went to the Moon to report the good news.

Elsewhere...

In a private residence in Minato...

(Minako) Hey Ami.

(Ami) Hello Minako. For what do I owe the pleasure of hosting one of Japan's rising stars?

(Minako) Just wanted to talk about something. Cool if I come in?

(Ami) Please do, I'll prepare some tea for us.

Minako looked around at Ami's home. It was an upper class apartment that sat right in the middle of Tokyo. It was furnished with beautiful decorations. Upon entering the main area, there was a large open space, where the wall opposite of the entrance was an enormous window that overlooked the city and the mountains, with an especially breathtaking view of the Moon and stars. To the right of the window, was a flight of stairs that led to a second floor where Ami made a room for herself, complete with a bed, a desk and dining area.

(Minako) Wow Ami... This is INCREDIBLE!

(Ami) Why thank you. Hard work eventually pays off, don't you agree?

(Minako) Yeah, but I haven't had the time to do anything like this!

(Ami) Come, we'll talk upstairs over tea.

As Ami prepared the tea. The two continued.

(Ami) So, what did you want to talk about?

(Minako) Well, for starters, have you seen what's going on in the news? With the "aliens" and things protecting us from them?

(Ami) Hm... yes, I've seen the news stories and seen the footage. What about them?

(Minako) So, those things. They want to destroy all of humanity.

(Ami) And? Doesn't everything in the universe want to end us?

(Minako) Well... those protectors... they're the Sailor Guardians. Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru...

(Ami) Interesting. They found new technology to defend us with. Interesting. So-

A fist pounded on the door.

(Minako) Expecting any other company?

(Ami) No, but let's see.

The two traveled down stairs and opened the door. It was Makoto.

(Ami) Oh, hello Makoto.

(Makoto) Really? That's it after so long? No usual reunion stuff? Oh shit! Hey Minako! Love the music!

(Minako) Oh, thanks. And nice to see you Makoto, you seem well.

(Makoto) Mind if I come in? I have some paparazzi chasing me and I kinda ditched my only ride home.

(Ami) Sure, we were just about to have tea.

(Makoto) Nice.

After the three settled in the kitchen, Ami resumed her sentence.

(Ami) As I was saying. So, isn't there one more? They seem to be the leader and-

(Minako) It's Usagi.

(Ami) OH COME ON! I'm down here, on Earth, trying to live a NORMAL LIFE, and she has to find another way to FUCK THAT UP!? I mean, come on! We shouldn't have to deal with this. But on the other hand, I'd love to research this technology... So how do we get in?

(Minako) What do you mean, "Get in"?

(Makoto) Think about it. If we can figure out how this possibly futuristic tech works, Ami can research it and we can sell it.

(Minako) What!?

(Ami) Oh, I love the way you think Makoto. Yes, I want to research this new technology, then, maybe, I can possibly get a Nobel Prize for discovering this technology. And here I thought you were brain damaged from all your fighting.

(Makoto) Oh that? It's all for show so I can take a small break from those weaklings. So, how would we get Usagi to, you know, show us where this stuff is hiding.

(Minako) You're really thinking of stealing this ancient technology from her and the others!?

(Ami) Well yes. I won't have my life put on hold yet again, because of something she started.

(Makoto) Yeah, no more fighting something that Usagi saw in her dreams, or something she provoked or sent a signal to.

(Ami) Almost forgot, Makoto, did you see the amount of GOLD on those things? There has to be millions of dollars worth of gold in those things.

(Minako) Wait Guys! What are you thinking!? Usagi and the other guardians are out there, using those devices to defend this planet from certain annihilation! What will happen if they can't defend us anymore!?

(Makoto) Then we get to play heroines again.

(Minako) Huh?

(Ami) With our powers, we'll just take what we can, then defeat the enemy using our Sailor Powers.

(Minako) You're crazy... both of you.

(Ami) Please, I'm done not being rewarded for my hard work. I'll make everyone thank me this time for defending them. Wasn't it bullcrap? That we saved the ENTIRE WORLD. Not once, not twice, but THREE DIFFERENT TIMES! We matured into our teen years for WHAT!? Just to die again!? Because now, now that we actually have a chance to live, I'm doing anything and everything I want, I don't care anymore.

(Makoto) Yeah, and I get to go all out against a new enemy, it'll be fun. Because humans... they're WEAK! I. WANT. A. CHALLENGE! Ever since we disbanded, it's like I haven't had a chance to put my all into... ANYTHING and it's driving me crazy!

(Ami) And the best part, we don't even have to ask about where this stuff is because well... where else would it be, except the Moon.

(Minako) Stop this, do you really want everyone to suffer because of your greed!?

(Ami) Well no... but more importantly, we just don't give two fucks.

(Makoto) Yeah, the world owes us, we're just taking what we deserve for our service.

The two ran out of the apartment, with Minako following behind them.

Both of the two transformed and flew straight into the air.

Minako shouted at them to come back. But she too transformed and followed them, dead set on stopping them.

On the Moon, Usagi was with Rei, teaching her how to move within her Warframe, Ember, and how to use her abilities.

They were the only two on the Moon, when the Lotus suddenly sent out an emergency comms to Usagi and Rei.

(The Lotus) Usagi, Rei, are you two still outside on the Moon's surface training?

(Usagi) Yeah, what's up, something wrong?

(The Lotus) I have two signatures coming towards the Moon followed by a third, they'll arrive in 10 minutes. But they each have traces of void energy, very similar to yourselves.

(Rei) Wait, what does that mean?

(Usagi) That could only mean three of four people. And I think I know which ones.

(Rei) Who?

(Usagi) Ami Mizuno, Makoto Kino, and Minako Aino.

Blood Energy began to seep from Garuda, reacting to Usagi's emotions of Anger, sadness, betrayal and hatred.

(Rei) Usagi... are you... bleeding?

Garuda looked straight at Ember, her sharp, Golden Talons unsheathed, prepared for bloody battle. Rei was afraid of Usagi and the aura she emitted. But a cold shiver went down her spine as Garuda looked at her from under her bloodied visor and with her Golden Talons dripping with blood energy.

(Usagi) ~Rei~.

(Rei) U-Um... Yeah...?

(Usagi) Come, watch me show them what happens when they don't listen to my warning.

Form the sound of her voice, Usagi almost sounded...excited, to do this.

Usagi went to the main room and hid Garuda.

In her normal form, Usagi waited in the predicted area, where the three would touch down on the Moon.

Rei watched from behind a large pillar as Usagi was about to confront three of her former allies, not sure why they were there in the first place.

As the three touched down, they were immediately met with a smiling Usagi.

(Usagi) Wow, how nice to see all of you. Ami, with your unwavering worship to working, or at least looking like the part when really you only give a shit about prestige and money. Makoto, a bored fucking idiot who was too stupid to try and do anything worthwhile with her life. Oh, and the Idol who wants to be a hero and an Idol.

(Makoto) Wow Usagi, you've grown some balls to speak to me like that. I'll snap your pretty little neck before you can say any more stupid shit ya know, so watch it.

(Ami) I agree! Usagi, since when were you so poorly mannered? We're your friends aren't we?

(Minako) I'm so sorry, I just wanted to talk to them, but after a little while, they just came here.

Usagi nodded towards Minako. Then she addressed Ami and Makoto.

(Usagi) Sure you are, friends from Hell.

Makoto sprinted at Usagi out of anger and was about to grab her neck with both hands.

Makoto grabbed a neck, but it wasn't Usagi's. If felt... metallic.

When she blinked, she saw the thing from the news standing right in front of her, in her ivory, velvet anf golden glory.

Before she could even retract, Usagi grabbed Makoto by the collar.

She raised Makoto high in the air and stared at her in silence.

At the same time, Ami used her Aqua Rhapsody to try and attack Garuda, but it had no affect.

This didn't bother Usagi. She already had an idea of what these two had become and actually felt laughter welling up inside her for being right about them.

As Usagi laughed, Ami stood her ground and prepared to attack her head-on. At the same time, Makoto was winding back a gut punch, which, although it wouldn't do any damage, she would feel a bit of pain. They had assumed that, by trying to take her by surprise, they could gain an upper hand over her, thinking she was still the same person from when they left her behind.

But she was faster. MUCH faster.

As she saw Makoto winding up her punch, she figured to make an example out of her to the others. She jumped, raising Makoto's struggling head as high as she could, then as she began descending back to the ground, Usagi drove Makoto face first into the Lunar surface.

Then, using transference, Usagi went outside of Garuda and went behind Ami using the invisibility provided to operators through their given Void powers, then she went back into Garuda, changing Garuda's position to behind Ami.

Before Ami knew it, Usagi had one of her blades from her talons on Ami's neck, just hovering over the thin layer of flesh and muscle. It was like Usagi was a phantom, silently appearing behind Ami like a vengeful spirit.

(Usagi) Now you listen, and I DO mean, listen. And listen well.

Usagi held her other talon up to Ami's line of sight to show of their sharpness, to show Ami her own terror in her eyes.

(Usagi) Unless you have proven yourself to me, proved that, you are able to be trusted and give a damn about that beautiful blue planet... don't ever come back here, or else... I will find everyone connected to you, friends, family, it doesn't matter.

Usagi spun Ami around ad dropped her to the ground. Ami backed away from Usagi, who's terrifying presence was enough for Ami to stop fighting and for Minako to get next to Rei for protection, watching silently as she clung to Ember's warm arm for comfort.

To instill a little extra terror, Usagi hung her talons low to the ground, and slowly walked towards Ami with her head cocked to the side as Ami was now scooting backwards to get near Makoto's unconscious body.

(Usagi) I will find them, and you will only see them again, in a body bag. Do we have a common understanding? Oh, and the same applies if you ever think about telling a soul about this place and about us. And you know what the best part is? You can't tell anyone it was me. Why? Because no one will believe you. They'll think you're crazy. Insane, but only I will know the truth.

Ami, genuinely terrified, just stared at Makoto's unmoving body and just nodded with tears in her eyes.

(Usagi) Good.

Usagi walked over to Makoto and picked her up. She was completely fine. She had just been knocked out by the impact. She was too hardheaded to be hurt by something like this.

After Usagi sent Ami, with Makoto over her shoulder, flying back to Earth, Rei came out to watch Ami fly away.

(Rei) Hey... Usagi...? You okay?

(Usagi) Huh? Oh, sorry about that.

(Rei) What the FUCK happened?

(Usagi) Well, I'll admit, knowing it was them, I was angry, but I saw an opportunity to put a little fear in them.

(Rei) Wait. Everything you said to them... you weren't serious, and the change in your voice... WAS THIS ALL AN ACT.

(Usagi) Not everything. I really do want them to prove to me that they are willing to give up the things they have on Earth to protect it. I wouldn't actually use my Warframe to kill innocent people.

It was at this time, that Usagi noticed Minako shaking next to Rei like a terrified child.

Usagi exited Garuda and met Minako with a slight smile.

(Usagi) Hey Minako. Sorry you had to see that. I know you were just trying to stop them.

(Minako) I-I-I-It's okay.

(Usagi) You sure? You're shaking like a leaf.

(Minako) I tried to warn them, I swear I did.

(Usagi) And I thank you for that.

(Minako) So... if I leave my music career behind, then will you accept me?

(Usagi) Well, you don't have to give the entire thing up. Just stop doing tours every week. With that going on, you have no availability for deployment. Find a way for you to be available like Rei did.

(Minako) Huh? What're you talking about?

Rei exited Ember.

(Rei) Well, I left the Shinto Organization I worked for and went back to the Hikawa Shrine as the Official Priestess. I teach small seminars to people that want to learn about Shinto as well as maintaining the Shrine. Sorry I didn't say anything sooner.

The three chatted for a while. Usagi and Rei came up with a plan for Minako to start producing studio music, but not before doing one last tour for her fans.

(Usagi) Well, you two can head on home. I'm gonna report everything that happened to the Lotus. Have a good night now.

The two went back to Earth from the portal and went their separate ways.

On Earth, as Rei and Minako walked home, they talked about Minako's Plan and about Rei's departure from her Shinto Organization.

On the Moon, Usagi reported everything that happened to The Lotus. The Lotus explained that she understood Usagi's reservations about to other two Sailor Guardians, but that she felt that Usagi was too extreme with her threats. But she was glad to hear that another Tenno was going to join their ranks soon.

As Usagi drove home, from Setsuna's apartment, she found Minako and Rei and drove the both of them home.

Afterwards she went home and went to bed after such an eventful evening.

As Usagi laid down, she thought for a second.

(Usagi) Ahh... today was a good day, wasn't it.

After she said the thought out loud. There was a knock on her door.

(Usagi) Come in.

In her doorway, was Shingo, his expression seemed to be, concerned.

(Shingo) Usagi, can I talk to you for a sec?

End of Episode 8: It Gets Better From Here