Studio YOGIPIGS presents:
SAILOR MOON AX"
Based on Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon by Takuechi Naoko
Written by Studio YOGIPIGS' "Project Muffinhead"
LEAD WRITER: ROBERT BARBA
CO-WRITER: ELIZABETH THOMAS
SAILOR MOON AX LEGENDS WRITER: AMY ANGEL
SAILOR MOON AX LEGENDS WRITER: EMANUELE BONAMICO
Research by Studio YOGIPIGS' "Odango Labs"
LEAD SAILOR MOON ANALYST (US VERSION): MARVIN PEACE
LEAD SAILOR MOON ANALYST (JAPANESE VERSION): SAKURA EDWARDS
TECHNOLOGICAL ANALYST: JOHN SHEAREN
WEAPONS AND MILITARY ANALYST: DAVID CLARE
PROJECT EDITOR: SAMUEL LAMBSON
FOREWORD: We Got Joy, We Got Fun, We Got Senshi on the Run....
Hiya, and welcome to Studio YOGIPIGS� first group effort! We finally decided that it
was time to do a group project, and after minutes of hard debate (in which Rob and I
told everybody what we wanted to do, and after a few minutes of moaning and
groaning) we all agreed that this should be our initial group project.
We�re hoping that this will be our best project ever, but it won�t be easy. For starters,
the Studio is spread out over four regions: Japan (Sam, John, Marv, and Dave), Italy
(Bona), Hawaii (Rob), and the US (Sakura, Amy, and myself). Additionally, Rob and I
are the main writers on the series, but there are the other YOGIPIGS writers (Bona,
John, and Sam) who will be involved in the research, this time. Also, our usual editors,
Sakura, Marv, and Dave are also taking in an extra role, being more active in research,
as well.
As it is, although Rob and I have styles that appear to be very similar, even the ways
we operate are different. For example, Rob, who wants to be a professional writer, is
exacting and demanding in every way possible in order to come up with something that
people will enjoy immensely; I, on the other hand, am doing this just for...well,
sometimes I�m not sure, really. ^_^. Rob does very exacting research, while I
freely admit that I will make up anything I can�t find easily. Rob throws himself in with a
passion and love that allows him to punch out novel-sized fics in months; I on the other
hand, take a good portion of a century just to scribble a few pages.
This story has echoes of what you had seen before, and in some cases, what we
have written before. It is an amalgam of everything that is and isn�t Sailor Moon. Either
way, we all do this as a love for our fandom. Whether we�ve seen the Japanese version
(Rob), US (Amy and I), Italian (Bona), both (Sakura and Marv) or none (the rest), you
can be sure that we�ll do our best to please.
--Libby
TECHNICAL NOTES: The Bluejacket�s Manual
This fiction is based upon the premise that the end of the series did not occur; that is,
you can throw out just about everything you know about the Super S season and
beyond.
For the purposes of this fic, the following rules will be implemented to differentiate
between the US and Japanese Sailors (yes, you heard that correctly). Before I
continue, I would like to say this system shows favoritism for neither the US nor
Japanese versions, but is instead based on the mind of the Eternal Lost Lurker (who
really hated our old system). Bear in mind that if you think this is confusing, well, what
did you expect with a fic that has at least 20 planetary avatars in it?!?!
To identify a Senshi, the name will be in romajii (romanized katakana):
Short title: Muun, Maazu, Maakyuri
Full title: Sera Muun, Sera Maazu, Sera Maakyuri
To identify a Sailor (I prefer this to �Scout�, since it sounds more professional), the
name will be in English:
Short title: Moon, Mercury, Mars
Full title: Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars
The planets and satellite will be referred to in English: the Moon, Mercury, and Mars.
However, since this could cause potential confusion, we will refer to the heavenly
bodies as little as possible.
As for the American names, some will be different than what you know. Due to some
of the later episodes of the Japanese series not hitting the States yet, we decided on
picking a few names that we thought would not only explain who they are, but also echo
Takuechi-san�s masterful fun with names, though we did do a thorough investigation of
names when possible. We hope that you�ll accept this, and if you don�t bear in mind
what we�re doing here is beyond the pale, anyway. And if you don�t accept it, well,
blame Libby. ^_^;
Now, on with the show, and we hope you�ll enjoy.
--Rob
PROLOGUE: I�m Leaving On A Jet Plane....
April, 1994:
It was over, done before it even began. Usagi sat alone on the jet as it raced through
the skies over the Pacific, the plane heading towards the east and away from Japan.
Away from her friends.
Away from her future.
Away from *the* future.
It was all gone, now. No more Crystal Tokyo. No more Serenity and Endymion. No
more Chibi-Usa--that realization tore into Usagi�s heart more than anything else. No
more Mamo-cha...Mamoru. No more, and never again.
Forever.
The tears rolled down her face as she couldn�t stand what she had done, yet it was
too late to correct anything. In the end, the world, the future, would be endangered,
because of what she did. In the end, her own daughter died--no, would never be born--
because of what she�d done. The hot, wet tears began to roll down her face, and her
stomach began to retch at what she had wrought. Or what she would not do. It
made no difference anymore.
She stared dully at the Ginzuisho, the magical talisman left to her by her original
mother, so very long ago. She used it to erase the memories of her in her earthly
parents� minds, and that of all her kith and kin, save the Senshi. Even now, she was
using it to block her presence from Setsuna, so that the guardian of time herself would
not be able to find her.
Still, somewhere within Usagi�s Pandora box of a heart, along with all her sins, was a
hope. There would, in the end, be a balance--of that Usagi was sure; it would just have
to not contain her in it. The world, should Crystal Tokyo come to pass, would have to
make it without Princess Serenity, for she was no longer willing. Someone else would
have to lead them to the Promised Land, and she was sure that Mamoru, with the help
of Luna and Setsuna, would do it.
The main thing to remember was, though, that Usagi would not be a part of it.
Instead, Tsukino Usagi would move to her new home, and make a new life for herself.
And when that new life began, the girl that was Tsukino Usagi would be dead, at least in
name. And the woman that was Serenity, in spirit, would be free, at last.
CHAPTER ONE: New Moon
July, 1998:
*�MOON PRINCESS HALATION!�* Sera Muun shouted as her scepter unleashed an
energy blast that slammed the monster into the wall, leaving a crater in the side of the
building, shattering a nearby window. Still, this creature was pretty tough, and from its
reptilian eyes, came a pair of iridescent beams that nearly slammed into Muun�s torso;
at the same time, it rushed forward, striking her with its claws. At the last second,
though, she spun to avoid the rays, and they simply ripped through her fuku, leaving
nasty carbon scoring as they continued on. However, the creature�s sharp claws raked
the side of her leg, spraying blood in the air as it created rents in her leg. Buoyed by
adrenaline and pain, Muun moved forward and threw a punch in the creature�s face,
then followed it up with an ax-kick. The beast was stunned backwards, giving Muun
time to breathe, as she stopped momentarily against a nearby table, favoring her injured
leg.
�Why don�t you stay down?� Muun said, her voice belying a trace of fear, but
immediately backed up with the steel of resolute anger. Meanwhile, her mind was a
maelstrom of concern. ((Where are the others? I hope their quarry wasn�t as hard as
mine,)) the princess thought. She moved her scepter to bear in front of her, wielding it
like a combination of part-mace, part talisman; she would not be caught so easily a
second time.
She took another look at the creature, feeling nothing but pity for what it once was.
By appearances, it had once been a simple dog. Unfortunately, that dog had made the
mistake of ingesting a Daimon egg. Daimons are nothing if not creative, and with their
purpose in life having been extinguished so long ago, they roamed the world as nothing
more than soulless monsters now, their will becoming whatever they wished. Thus, the
monster that fought the Senshi currently was a reptilian variant of a werewolf, with the
eyes of the Daimon that had absorbed the soul of the mutt.
�Get out of the way, Muun!� At once a hailstorm of fiery missiles and roses streaked
towards the creature, giving Muun minimal time to dodge out of the way.
�Tuxedo Kamen, Maazu, what are you--� she grumbled but bit it off, as the projectiles
raced past her. Her long, flowing hair was stirred by both the speed trails they created
and the concussion that hit the Daimon. The roses buried themselves deep in the body
of the creature, impaling it to the wall, even as the magic flames scored a direct hit on
the creature. In any normal situation, this would have spelled the end of the creature,
and thus, of the crisis. This time however, instead of dissipating from the amount of
damage that it had received, it seemed to have absorbed the magic properties of
Maazu� flame, and thus, was now turning the creature into a Lilliputian star. It appeared
that this was *not* the run-of-the-mill Daimon, but instead some new type of creature
that no one had ever seen before.
Sera Muun looked on in horror as she could only guess what was going to happen
next--and her assumption was not inclined towards thinking warm and fuzzy thoughts.
�Everyone, get outta here now!� she roared, as she realized she was nowhere near an
easy escape route and standing right in front of a huge bomb.
((Oh well, only one way out of here,)) she thought as she flicked her wrist, shouting,
�Moon Tiara Action!� The projectile slammed into the large glass windowpane, bursting
it into a hailstorm of crystalline shards. The Senshi didn�t even bother to wait for the
ersatz boomerang to return to her; she instead began to hightail it for the gaping hole
that wasn�t there a split-second ago. She didn�t care that she was moving faster than
the glass that could cut her; she�d already taken a wound, and currently that was the
least of her problems.
On a beautiful summer evening, lit by the comforting light of the moon, the Princess
of the Moon leapt out of the observation deck of Tokyo
tower and into the nighttime sky, even as the great metal structure behind her detonated
in a hell-born blast that sprayed debris for kilometers
around and rattle windows for a radius nearly as large. The explosion not only caught a
sleeping city unawares, it was soon followed as similar
eruptions appeared all over the general area.
The shockwave slammed Muun into a painful landing that sent her instantly into
unconsciousness.
***
Some time later, what should have been a quiet 1:00 in the morning on a
Wednesday, the Senshi regrouped at Michiru and Haruka�s, sitting and waiting. Under
prior circumstances, it would have been a victory of sorts, but the last four years had
taught the Senshi a serious dose of reality check that none had expected--this powwow
was in fact, a chance for the Senshi to lick their wounds and discuss what had gone
wrong.
They were clearly all in horrid shape, and Ami and Hotaru were running to and fro,
checking on the health and welfare of each despite Ami�s own injuries. In the
background, Makoto and Minako were watching the results of their battle courtesy of
CNN:
�...It is a horrid sight to behold as several major buildings in the Shinjuku and
Akihibara districts are aflame, with no chance of the fires dying down soon. Casualties
are near a hundred, in the aftermath of the Senshis� most vicious fight yet has caused
damage estimated in the range of billions of yen. Several witnesses at the scene report
that these creatures were powerful enough to wound at least three of the nine
Senshi present....
�We�ve just received word that government engineers have declared what remains of
Tokyo Tower condemned. A couple of witnesses described seeing one of the Senshi--
possibly Sera Muun herself-- leap out of the building only seconds before it detonated.
Authorities have not made any comments on the source of the explosion, but it is
believed that a new type of demon destroyed the building, rather than allowing
itself to be caught by authorities.
�We will keep you abreast of this situation as it unfolds here. Reporting from
downtown Tokyo, this is Koe Junsuina for CNN.�
Makoto tapped the power switch, a sorrowed expression furrowing her delicate
brows. �Another grand victory for us,� she said, her sarcastic comment not lost on the
others. Minako just turned away from the now silent television, and from the look on her
face, it was clear that she�d rather be anywhere in the world right now than to have to
see what she just viewed on TV.
Behind the pair, the other Senshi were as quite as churchmice, unsure of what to say.
Michiru leaned against her lover, hoping that Haruka could give her some kind of
comfort in this situation. Setsuna simply closed her eyes and sighed. Ami said nothing,
instead deciding to concentrate on bandaging the large gash that Makoto received on
her arm. Indeed, the ones who were least injured were Minako and Hotaru, and that
was neither due to their skills or to combat experience, but to absolute luck that the
creatures each had taken on were of lesser caliber than their contemporaries, and in
Hotaru�s case, raw power.
Finally, it was Ami that broke the silence. �Explosive Daimons. I could have sworn
that I was a goner. Setsuna, why didn�t you tell us that they were coming?�
Setsuna faced her inquisitor. �There�s a simple explanation, really. �
�And that is?�
�I didn�t know they existed.�
A second silence fell on the group as they absorbed this incredibly unbelievable
datum. However, the brief respite didn�t last long. Minako turned and said, �I find that
hard to believe, Setsuna. You�re the Guardian of Time; you don�t see things the way we
do. You�ve always been able to see thi--�
�No, I do *not* see everything,� Setsuna interrupted the blonde girl. �I didn�t see the
events of four years ago.� Realizing she just brought up a painful memory for those
present, she continued on a slightly different path. �I used to be able to see time as a
tapestry, rather than linear. That�s changed. Now, time for me is a stained glass
window, each part showing different cycles, but I am unable to see just how they
interact with each other. Additionally, because of what happened back then--�
�--with Usagi,� Ami whispered, her face taking on a melancholy cast. Ami still didn�t
want to bring up the name of her long-lost friend, but it was something that the Senshi
needed to get over. Ami, as a healer, needed to help the group get past the tragedy; in
doing so, she could get over it herself.
�Yes, with Usagi,� Setsuna replied, understanding Ami�s voicing of the name. �Until
what was split asunder is restored, time will be fragmented for me, and I will not be able
to predict the outcome of things as easily as I might have in the past. Even now, there
are things still that I cannot explain, such as how Hotaru is here, while Chibi-Usa is not.�
�Oh.� Minako, having no idea of what more to say, turned the TV back on and
changed the channel, hoping that her favorite anime would be on. It would be a
welcome, if not needed, distraction.
As fate would have it, a distraction of its own came into being. A knock sounded
upon the front door. Hotaru answered it, immediately allowing the new visitors in.
Mamoru waltzed in, carrying a dazed and injured Sera Muun in his arms. To his side,
with a concerned look on her face, was Maazu. Both girls were in their Senshi fukus,
which meant they hadn�t had the opportunity to change...and the fact that the battle
ended over an hour ago was a pretty bad situation. Mamoru had shifted from his
Tuxedo Kamen guise to his street clothing. He moved towards the couch, which the
girls were immediately vacating. Gently setting his charge upon the couch, he looked at
Ami and said, �She�s got a serious wound on her leg, Ami, and I think she�s got a
concussion as well.� The concerned look in his eyes made Ami uncomfortable.
Ami gave him an encouraging smile. �Don�t worry, Mamoru. I�ll take care of our little
lunatic,� hoping the reference towards Muun wasn�t too accurate.
Sera Muun whispered a fuzzy comment through gritted teeth. �I�ll be fine, Ami. Just
get me a bandage for my leg and I�ll be fine.� She immediately began to stand up.
Faster than Ami or Mamoru could protest, Maazu gently pushed her back down. �No.
After what I saw you endure, you�re lucky to be alive, you dingbat.� The girl in the red-
trimmed fuku made it clear that the insult was being used not as the normal �term of
endearment�, but more out of habit. �Now, please lie down.�
Sera Muun complied readily, feigning injury in front of her friends. �Mamoru-sempai,�
she started, �I may not live through this. But I want you to know that I love yo--�
Ami grinned. �Oh, knock it off, will you? It�s a clean slice. It�ll heal in no time, and
probably won�t leave a scar. Plus, stop flirting with Mamoru. He�s a married man.�
Sera Muun grumbled in mock-dismay, �Smartass.�
To her side, Sera Maazu allowed herself the smallest of smiles, at the moment the
closest thing she would normally do to laughing.
Ami looked at the Senshi of Mars. �Don�t tell me you�re planning on staying like that
all night.�
�I get your point, Ami-chan.� The girl simply nodded, then raised her star pen...
...and a minute later, Chiba Rei, once Hino Rei, stood aside her husband Mamoru,
watching as Ami began to work on the wound on Muun�s leg. Rei continued to stifle her
laughter as she continued to hear Ami chide her patient: �--and while you�re at it,
change out of your fuku. It could use some repair.�
Sera Muun smiled. �Hai, sensei.� With that, she raised her hand to the air, and
began the process of transforming back...
...and a second later, Sera Muun was now in her civilian attire, currently a T-shirt and
jean shorts. A thin, petite girl with waist-length gray hair and wide, expressive brown
eyes that bordered on red, the newest Senshi would be have been called cute if it
wasn�t for her professional, possibly emotionless demeanor.
Hotaru, who was watching the whole incident, noticed Ami pulling a brown bottle out
of her pouch, along with a few cotton swabs. �What�s that?�
�Don�t worry, Hotaru. It�s only antiseptic.�
The girl who was the new Sera Muun blanched slightly. �That stuff stings.�
Ami made a show of putting the bottle to the side. �We just won�t worry about this,
then. I�m sure you can learn to live with gangrene.�
The gray-haired girl reached over, snatched the bottle out of Ami�s hands, and
poured a small amount on her leg, nearly yelping in pain as she did so. Giving Ami a
crooked eye, she deadpanned, �You were saying?�
Rei clinically eyed the woman that now wore the fuku of Sera Muun. �You don�t smile
enough, Hikaru-chan.�
Hikaru looked at her fellow Senshi, and it seemed for a second that actual emotion
had permeated her stoic expression. �There�s not enough to smile about, Rei. Two
years ago, I was just Gekkou Hikaru, a girl from Nikko hoping to get into Juban
University and work on my major in astronomy. Then I had to run into you at Tokyo
Disneyland, which triggered my memories.�
Rei nodded her understanding. Hikaru turned out to be, in her earlier life, a
nondescript member of the House of the Moon, but the only one who had talents close
to that of Serenity. In that life, she was chosen to be Serenity�s replacement in the
event something might have happened; in this life, her task was fulfilled. Another thing
that carried over, was in the previous life, Hikaru was known for a severe and terse
personality, while in this life, that trait had translated as a cold professionalism, though
she tended to be a bit of a flirt in civilian life. When Rei finally bumped into her, the first
member of Serenity�s clan that they�d seen since Usagi�s disappearance, the choice
was clear: Hikaru would be the new Sera Muun. With a little help of the lunar pen Usagi
had left behind, the lineup of the Senshi was once again complete, now under
the command of Minako.
Unaware of Rei�s prance down memory lane, the silver-haired girl continued. �You all
asked me to be Muun, and I took the spot. But I didn�t know that the trail would be so
bloody. I mean, I�d heard of the Sailor Senshi before, but I never heard of casualties or
constant major property damage caused in their battles.
�I�ve been with you guys for two years, and you�re all my dearest friends. But I never
thought being a Senshi would mean this.� She held her hands in the air, as though she
were summoning some kind of explanation from the heavens--an explanation that would
never come. �People died tonight. They *died*--because we couldn�t stop these new
creatures that were obviously *way* more powerful than what we�re used to! We�re
supposed to be the future nobility and protectors of this planet! What good can we do if
we can�t stop the things we�re supposed to protect people from?!?�
Rei was about to give the girl a soothing comment when Mamoru barked an answer.
�Hikaru, Rei�s not at fault. If it�s anyone who�s to blame, point the finger at Tsukino
Usagi.�
Of course, Hikaru didn�t understand the reference. �Who?�
�She doesn�t exist,� Rei said, a catch sounding in her throat, �but she was my best
friend...and Mamoru�s previous girlfriend.�
*�Was,�* Mamoru emphasized. �Now, there�s only you, Rei-chan.� However, the
bittersweet look in his eyes clearly stated the obvious: a mixture of desire, pain, and
hatred connected with that name.
Hikaru chanced it. �I don�t understand, Rei.�
Rei sighed. �Maybe someday you�ll hear the full tale, Hikaru, when one of us feels
the strength to tell it. But here�s the short version. Usagi was, as I said, my best friend,
and Mamoru�s girlfriend. She was also the original Sera Muun. More so, she was also
Princess Serenity.�
Hikaru�s eyes lit up. �Serenity? She was my cousin in...my previous life. We never
really got along, and it seems I�ll never get a chance to correct that. But you said she
doesn�t exist anymore. What happened?�
�She disappeared,� she said, her voice reedy and whispering. After a second, she
continued. �She betrayed us. Ran away from us, telling us she didn�t want to be the
Princess anymore, that she couldn�t take the madness one moment longer. She broke
off her engagement to Mamoru, then used the Ginzuisho to erase the memories of
anyone who ever knew her--only we remember, either due to quick thinking by
Setsuna, or because she could bring herself to use a spell like that on us. She then left
the lunar pen at my grandfather�s temple, after using a final spell to hide her from us
forever.
�She�s gone now. She�s been gone for four years. We all love and miss her. But at
the same time, it was her power--though she never really understood that--which held
everything together. She ran away from her responsibility, and now the whole world
must pay. For that, we�ve all lost our respect for her.�
Hikaru nodded her understanding. �I see. So Crystal Tokyo will never come about
then.�
�Not true, thanks to Minako,� Mamoru said, as draped an arm around his wife. It was
clearly now his turn to talk--and just as obvious that it was something he needed to get
off his chest. �Here we were: the Senshi on the verge of falling apart, my heart broken
and my life nearly destroyed, and the idea of Crystal Tokyo now nothing but a dream.
We all thought that would be the end. Truth be told, it almost was.
�It almost was, until someone took the reins and swore that she would do her best to
ensure that Crystal Tokyo would come about. That person was Minako. She had the
courage to pick up and swear that she would continue, whether as Sera Binassu or as
Sailor V. She vowed that she�d do what it take to go the distance.�
Everybody looked at Mamoru, looks of surprise on their faces. As long as they�d
known him, this was just about the longest thing he�d really ever said, and the first time
he�d ever discussed Usagi�s departure. On Minako�s face, an appreciative smile crept
into view, surprised that she was thrust into the momentary spotlight.
Unfazed, Mamoru continued. �True to her word, she did her damnedest to make sure
the team held together. She brought me back from depression and drilled into me the
responsibility I have. She persuaded Luna to become my advisor, when it was clear
that she wanted retirement. She convinced Rei and I that the covenant between the
Lunar and Terran houses was broken, and I was free to marry whoever I chose. She
continued to push for the future through all this; it�s no wonder that she was the Senshi
Commander in her past life--she certainly has the qualifications for it.
�We�re pushing on ahead with nothing much really changed, except the marriage of
the Houses of Earth and Mars instead and now Minako�s in charge of the Senshi. The
problem is, you as Sera Muun aren�t as powerful as Usagi was, probably because
you�re still learning the ropes. Unfortunately, some of the creatures and enemies we�ve
encountered lately were apparently designed with Usagi�s power levels in mind, and the
truth is, we�re losing more ground than we�ve gained, as of late. But it�s probably only a
transitory situation until you come into your full power.
�As for our current troubles, I blame Usagi for that. I did love her once, but that�s in
the past. I no longer have any respect for her actions, nor believe in whatever excuse
she might have for what she did. Serenity is dead in my eyes, and it matters little to me
since Rei is my queen now.� Mamoru�s eyes now had such a cold cast to them that
inside, Hikaru shivered. �I never want to see her again.�
Hikaru could only nod her understanding.
�There. You�ll be fine, now,� Ami announced as she finished the bandaging on
Hikaru�s leg. �It�ll still hurt for a few days, but as long as you�re easy on your leg, you�ll
be fine.�
Sensing the opportunity Makoto turned towards the pair. �I guess that�s the last time
you�ll be patching us up for a while, ne, Ami? We�ll have to make do with Hotaru�s
healing spells.�
Ami looked down at the dark-haired waif at her side, then turned towards Makoto as
she helped Hikaru to her feet. �Hotaru will do fine, though she may have to do some
studying up on her medical knowledge. Besides, I�ll only be gone for a year. If you
need me, I�ll teleport back. There�s nothing to worry about.� The slight edge in Ami�s
voice hinted at bemused annoyance; she�d thought this argument long since
over.
Ami had received an invitation to study medicine abroad at the University of California
at Irvine, a suburb of Los Angeles located in the Orange County area. It had a well-
known medical program, and so when Ami got the invitation, she jumped at the chance.
The others were supportive of her decision, even though they did tease her about it
from time to time, calling her �Sera Valley Girl�, �Surfer Maakyuri� and other such
things. Tonight was her last night with her friends; tomorrow, she�d be starting her year
in the West.
�Still, we won�t get to see you from day to day,� Minako commented, a catch in her
throat. She and Ami had always been close, and she was truly going to miss her friend.
�Promise you�ll call?�
Ami only smiled, knowing that would be enough. A second later, she followed it up
with, �It certainly will be interesting, having to live life as a normal girl for most of my
time there. It�s been years since I did that.�
�Don�t get too comfy,� Haruka commented. �You never know when we--�
�I sense a disturbance in time.�
Those words, uttered from Setsuna�s mouth, brought a quieting chill to the room.
�Che,� Hikaru spat. �We haven�t had time to recover. Damn!�
Minako spoke. �Let�s see where it is. Maybe it�s just nothing,� she said to Setsuna in
wishful thinking.
�It felt...odd,� Setsuna replied as she answered Minako�s query. �Not quite magic, but
very powerful. Maybe scientific; I�m not sure. I don�t think that it�s a danger to anyone,
however.�
�Nonetheless,� Minako said as she turned on the TV, switching to CNN, with an
apparent Special Report already in progress. The reporter on-screen was an American,
looking somewhat worn out and haggard, with what appeared to be a baseball stadium
in the background:
�...and authorities estimate that as many as 55,000 people were attending the
�Rockin� AmeriCares� Charity Concert to Aid Victims of the Indonesian Civil War; a
packed house for Dodger Stadium, where the concert was held. The concert, to be
headlined by prominent international rock artists such as Aerosmith, Bryan Adams,
Midnight Oil, Cocteau Twins, the Pizzicato Five, and Chad Thompson & the Lava
Bombs, was to be the first in a world tour to raise funds for IndoAid Ltd.
�Instead, the concert was attacked by members of the Bloody Triangle, a gang that
California law enforcement agencies have been trying to shut down for years. They
arrived with the intention of making off with the 4.7 million in ticket and concession sales
that were tallied to go to the fund. Authorities also estimate that the majority of the
5,000-member gang arrived en masse, an army that easily moved in to overwhelm
Stadium security and LAPD forces present.�
The scene shifted to the inside of the park, where a lone figure stood on a platform in
front of the huge video display, just above the performance stage. The camera closed
in on a sight of a longhaired, well-built man dressed in black, white, and rainbow colors,
waving an AK-47 in the air, firing every couple of seconds. Occasionally he was
screaming obscenities that were being bleeped out every few seconds.
�The Triangle�s leader, identified so far only as �Isosceles�, dared the LAPD, FBI, and
other law enforcement organizations, to as he claimed, �try and stop the Tri� from
receiving a little charity of their own.� LAPD estimates conclude that the Triangle
members were equipped with the latest in weapons obtained from the black market,
more than enough to hold police forces at bay.�
As the scene of Isosceles continued, a whitish-blue blur zoomed across the screen,
slamming against him. Hard. The gang leader ricocheted into the wall, where he
slumped against the display, unconscious. The blur continued, unabated, as the
cameraman panned as fast as he could, barely keeping up with the blur as it continued
on, dropping various members of the Triangle like flies.
�The weapons, however, did not hold *everyone* at bay. Three members of the Los
Angeles-based superhero team, the Sailors, went into action, immediately going on the
offensive. The members, Sailors Mercury, Mars, and Saturn, may have been either
already in attendance, or nearby.�
The image shifted to a person, encased in a red aura, repeatedly repeated a
maneuver akin to throwing something, sending great blasts of energy forward to knock
enemies over as though they were tenpins. The person then punched the ground itself,
creating what appeared to be a seemingly precise earthquake that knocked more
enemies off their feet. Although there was so much dirt and other obstructions flying
around, there were some details to be made about the person: it was most likely a she,
due to the long black hair, and was wearing a white short-sleeve, mid-riff top and biker
shorts with red trim on both; there also appeared to be a red shirt underneath. It
appeared for a second that there could be a sailor suit�s flap at the back of the shirt, but
it was unclear.
�In any case, the three Sailors, operating without the seven other members of the
group, managed to put down the overwhelming majority of the group before the
remaining Triangles surrendered to LAPD. Special commendation of the day was given
to Saturn, who managed to foil an attempt at a kidnapping by extremist members of the
group, and quite an original way.�
The TV then showed a scene on the stage, where the lead singer of one of the bands
had a gun to her head, courtesy of one of the Triangles; six other members flanked him.
Their opponent was a smaller person with short black hair that drew up to a battle
standard against them. Her uniform was similar to the previous one, only it had
highlights of purple...and the motif carried on to the shoes and purple socks; the uniform
even had a sailor�s flap on it. Her face wasn�t too clear, but something indicated she
radiated anger.
�There�s something familiar about her,� Hotaru commented.
�Sssh, will ya?� Makoto hissed. �I�m trying to watch this!�
Onscreen, a violet aura flared around the combatant. She slowly moved her right
hand towards her left side, then swung it back into place. Instantly, seven similar auras
flared around the gang members. The girl rushed forward to meet her opponents, who
suddenly could not move.
�That�s a time halting spell, I�m sure of it,� Setsuna breathed, her voice displaying an
awe that was rarely heard in her voice before. �But there�s no magic involved, or else
we would have *all* sensed the spell. That has to be impossible. And I do mean
*impossible*.�
The action continued on screen as the young woman walked forward, striking each
individual as she went by; they however didn�t move, having becoming living statues.
The girl made her way down to where the lead singer had the gun to her head. The
young fighter took the gun out of the assailant�s hand, helped the woman to her feet,
and walked her back to the safety of nearby police while talking to the singer as if
nothing had happened. Once she�d delivered her charge to the LAPD, the girl turned
around to face her opponents.
She snapped her fingers.
Triangle one fell from what seemed to be a blow to the head.
Number two spun and hit the deck.
Three held his head as though he was injured.
Four crashed to the floor, his nose bleeding profusely.
Five clutched his stomach, then dropped to his knees.
Six fell atop five.
Seven, the group leader, well...he dropped to the floor in a fetal position, as though
he�d been kicked in a *very* sensitive place.
At the end of the scene, the camera turned back on the reporter, now reporting from
inside the stadium.
�As the LAPD and LA Sheriff�s Department surrounded the remaining members of the
group, the gang was stunned to learn they�d been defeated by only three out of the ten
Sailors. In the meanwhile, the concert continued, thanks to the efforts of the trio.
Furthermore, to end on a happier note, the estimated 4.7 million that was supposed to
come out of the concert expanded to slightly over 6.2 million when the Sailors
agreed to pose for photos and sign autographs for fees to be entirely donated to the
IndoAid charity.
�And so once again, crime in Southern California is thwarted thanks to the efforts of
the Sailors. Reporting live from Los Angeles, this is Christian Guttenberg for the CNN
Special Report.�
The next story was a report on some other item, but no one was bothering to listen
anymore. They were too busy trying to ingest what they had just seen.
Minako turned to Setsuna. �I don�t suppose that you have any knowle...on second
thought, don�t bother answering that. You probably wouldn�t tell us anything, anyway.�
Michiru looked at Minako. �That�s not fair to Setsuna. I don�t think she has anything
to do with this.� Setsuna didn�t bother answering, but instead simply stared back at the
blonde, initiating a battle of wills at this point.
While this was going on, all the other Senshi also stared at Setsuna, save for Hikaru,
who had not known them long enough to quite understand why Setsuna was blamed
whenever something strange happened.
�No. I don�t know,� Setsuna said once she realized an ugly optical spotlight was
being trained on her. �I have no idea what we just saw.�
�Could they be other Senshi?� Hotaru ventured.
�Probably not. They�re probably exactly what the news said they are--Sailors,�
Mamoru replied, as he looked at the holodisplay on Ami�s pocketcomp; she�d pulled it
out during the news broadcast. �According to the Internet, there�s a major US Navy
base in southern California--a SEAL commando training site. They could be an anti-
terrorist team, or something.�
�But what about what they were doing?� Haruka replied. �That *had* to be magic.�
�Not really. Maybe they�re some new types of weapons systems that America is
developing. I mean, how much do we really keep up on those type of events?� Rei
turned to Minako. �Still, I think we should investigate this. It could be something that we
may need to know, later on down the line.�
�You may have a point,� Minako commented. �Still, even with teleporting over there, I
don�t like the idea of leaving Japan for so long. In light of all the events that have
occurred recently, a mega-Daimon might show up while we�re gone and destroy the
place.�
�Well, I have an idea,� Ami said, as she put away her terminal. �I�m going to be living
in that area for the next year or so. I�ll be getting a stipend from both my mother and the
scholarship, so I don�t need to get a job right away. Thus, with that much free time on
my hands, I�ll have plenty of time to investigate this. With this plan, you have both a
long-term investigation going, and a Senshi nearby in case things get rough.
Plus, if things get bad over here, I can teleport straight over. It�s a perfect situation; I
don�t think we need anyone else.�
�Are you sure about this, Ami?� Rei asked.
Ami shook her head vigorously. �Yes. I can do this.�
Minako frowned; it was clear that she didn�t like the plan at all. �Well, if you�re sure
you�re up to this, I guess I can�t say no. Just promise me you�ll be careful, Ami.�
Ami�s smiled reply was genuine. �Of course, Minako. After all, what could there be
out there that I couldn�t handle as Sera Maakyuri?�
***
As the hours passed, the group chatted easily about old times and many an
adventure, although it was an uneasy discussion, with several attempts not to bring the
subject of Usagi into the conversation. Finally, at last, it was time to go. Ami went back
to her home, readied her items, said goodbye to her mother. Rei and Mamoru took her
to New Tokyo International airport, where the other two Inner Senshi were waiting;
the Outer group and Hikaru were absent, though this was no indication of a snub.
Rather, it was out of respect for the Inner Senshi, who were so close that they were
more like sisters than four friends, and would need the time to say their proper good-
byes.
Ami cried as she hugged her friends goodbye, wishing them the best and assuring
them she would be back within a year. A teary-eyed Minako promised she would visit
her in LA when she got the chance; she also wanted a shot at Hollywood. No less
somber was Makoto, who also said she would plan to visit, and would also be ready
with a big party the day Ami got on the plane to return home.
Rei�s response was a little different. As she held Ami, she whispered in her ear,
�Mamoru-kun would kill me if I told you this, but there�s something that I want you to do;
something you�ve probably thought of. �
�And that is?� Ami remarked, full knowing what Rei was asking.
�If you should see her--Usagi--tell her...tell her--� Rei paused for thought, then
finished her statement as a tear slid down her cheek, �--tell her that we love her, miss
her, and no matter what, want her to come home to us. We don�t care what happened,
we forgive her. We just want her back.�
�I�ll tell her,� Ami said, eyes growing red from the tears. �I�d be just happy if I could
see her so I could tell her.�
Last up was Mamoru, who although wished her well in her endeavors, gave away in
his eyes his hope for her failure in one area; he knew as well the silent wish of the girls.
Suddenly, though, his eyes softened, and Ami knew he reluctantly gave his blessing for
her hopeful quest.
With nothing more to say, she then tearfully waved goodbye to her friends, walked
down the jetway to the plane, boarding a Delta bound for Los Angeles International
Airport.
As the plane lifted off the Narita tarmac, Rei, Mamoru, Makoto, and Minako watched
their friend disappear into the distance. Mamoru knew what--or rather, *whom*--they
were going to talk about. Not wanting to be a part of their conversation, he feigned
thirst and went off in search of a soda machine; he�d meet them at the airport restaurant
for lunch.
As he wandered off, Rei spoke first. �I wonder if she�ll find Usagi.�
�I hope so,� Minako said. �I just miss her so much.�
Makoto said nothing, simply deciding to embrace her friends. �Let�s not hope for
things that can�t happen,� she said, finally. �Rather, let�s simply hope that our Ami
comes back to us soon.�
Tired of staring at the meaningless viewer�s windows, the three turned away, in
search of the restaurant. Yet another Senshi may have left, but that didn�t mean that
they didn�t have their duties to perform...or their normal lives to live.
***
A day and a half later, Ami sat in her hotel room, awaiting her sponsor, set up by the
UCI Medical Club. She was still hurting from jet lag, and ready for the trip down to
Irvine. The last few hours or so had been harrowing, to say the least. She�d arrived in
LAX hours later than planned due to an unexpected weather front in the area caused by
El Ni�o. Ami instead spent the afternoon on the cramped, confining aircraft having a
nice conversation with a precocious six-year-old Japanese girl eager to see America
and Disneyland. Ami really thought nothing of it until the two had forgotten to introduce
themselves, which the small girl immediately rectified.
�So, what�s your name, lady?� the girl asked.
�Ami. Mizuno Ami,� she said, bobbing her head in a short bow. �And what is yours?�
�Oh, I�m Ummei. Totsuzenno Ummei. My mommy says that I live up to my name.�
�And why�s that?� Ami said, thinking about what the name meant: unexpected
destiny.
�Because I�m a ha-a... har....� The girl furrowed her cute little brows, trying to think of
the word.
�Harbinger?� Ami supplied, inwardly chuckling at the concept of one so small being a
portent of fate.
�Yeah, that�s the word.� Suddenly the girl�s face brightened, as if something became
a revelation to her. Yanking a yellow stuffed bunny out from the backpack at her side,
she showed it to Ami. �An� this is my Moon Rabbit.� Taking its little stuffed arm, she
said to her plaything, �Say hi to Mizuno-san, Usagi-chan.�
Moon rabbit--tsuki no usagi. Plus, the stuffed animal had a white crescent on its
forehead. Ami was no longer laughing.
Ami was still thinking of this as it echoed in her mind. ((She said I�d see Usagi. I
hope she *does* live up to her name.)) She flopped down on the bed while still in her
bath towel, still feeling the jet lag. Since she�d arrived too late for her sponsor to show
up, she opted to stay at an airport hotel that night; she left her name, number and hotel
room with Student Services, and her sponsor could meet her in the morning.
Earlier than expected, she got a knock at the door. She immediately dove for the
nearest T-shirt when she heard a pleasant female voice ring out, �Ami Mizuno? Hi, I�m
your sponsor from the UCI Mediclub.�
Ami responded in what she hoped was good enough English, �Just a moment,
please. I will be right there.� Through the jet lag-induced haze in her mind, she tried to
remember the name she was given. �Are you Sandra Ochoa?� The door, oddly
enough, didn�t come with a peephole. ((Oh well, Americans can be so contrary,)) Ami
mentally shrugged.
The voice on the other side of the door replied, �Sorry, but Sandy had to fly back
home this week; family matters. So I�ll be your sponsor instead. I�m supposed to show
you my Student ID as proof; let me go through my mess of credit cards here real
quick....�
The girl sounded nice enough, Ami decided, and knew somehow that she would ask
for some kind of ID for safety�s sake. At last, Ami slipped on a pair of jeans, and walked
over to the door, opening it. Ami, wishing to be polite to her sponsor and a potential
friend, bowed formally. �Hajimemashite. Nice to meet you. I am Ami.�
The girl was still looking in her small wallet for her card. �Gimme a sec...ah, here it
is.� The other female pulled out her ID card, then looked at Ami as she stuck her hand
out for a shake. �Nice to meet you, Ami. Name�s Amelia Andersen, but you can just
call me Amy, and I--�
Amy Andersen abruptly stopped, staring in stunned silence at Ami. Which although
normally considered rude, was acceptable at the moment...
...because Ami stared right back at Amy, much in the same condition.
Amy stared at Ami.
Ami stared at Amy.
Both girls were looking at a virtual mirror image of themselves.
