Hi All!
This here is a fic I started six months ago and actually put on my site. Its
not in the same universe as "Alterations and Revisions" but it does have a
few chars with incredibly similar history (Xalen, Faolin, Saeblin). However,
the R 1/2 chars are not the elders, though they exist. I won't say its a
SM/Ranma fic because Ranma doesn't figure in. Its more like a SM/Akane/Ukyo
fic.
I don't own the standard characters. But you knew that already. They belong
to nice people in Japan.
It starts off about a week after Minako joined the other Senshi (yes, I have
stretched time a bit). The history up to that point is the
same, mostly. The main point to notice is that Zoi is stealing
energy and SM got Tux's rainbow crystals from him. He's still
helping them, having not been captured yet. After that, no
history shall not be changed.
This is meant to be funny - I hope you like it. If you do, tell me and I'll
post the next few chapters.
Sailor Cynic: "Bitter Loyalty"
Chapter 1
Beky NeRichead
(Personal Journal of Harley Trent, Aug 3 1996)
I got out of the home today! I convinced the officials that
I would be better off on my own now that I'm thirteen. (Not that
they could stop me, of course. I'm not even technically their
charge.) The director drove me over to my new apartment. The
home'll pay for it till I'm 21, since they screwed me over the
first time. The building is nice, though I wonder where the home
has the money to pay for a place like this. Considering the food
they serve (gag), you'd think they're poor. Its right on the
border between Nerima and Juuban. Should be interesting.
Aug 18 1996
I didn't realize how lonely living alone would be. I always
thought I wanted to be alone from all those childish kids in the
home. I guess even they're better than no one. I can't wait for
school to start.
Sep 12 1996
Well, I'll admit it: I can't find the word to describe my
new highschool. Somewhere between hell and disneyland, I think. I
joined the kendo club, even though its run by this total
chauvenistic upperclassman. Whatever. It was nice to be around
people again.
Jan 25 1998
Won't those two get married already? The daily fight before
school is getting REALLY tiring. Oh well, at least its
entertaining when I don't have a book with me. Chalk up another
day in the life of a friend of the Tendo's.
Jan 31 1998
I made a new friend today. Her name is Yuka Natobi. She just
moved here from Osaka. She's very funny and tolerant of my
idiosyncrasies. Yes, I'll admit to them. But considering my life,
who wouldn't?
Feb 15 1998
Good workout with Akane today. She's been getting better.
I'm as good as she is, barehanded, so we're both getting better
than ever before. I could still beat her up with a bokken or
sword any day, but that's just inborn instinct.
*
[Opening Theme: End of the World by REM]
[Panoramic view of Juuban, with Makoto, Ami, Rei, and Minako
going about their everyday school and arcade activities. Usagi
wakes up late, and typical reaction.]
That's great, it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, an
aeroplane - Lenny Bruce is not afraid. Eye of a hurricane,
listen to yourself churn - world serves its own needs, don't
misserve your own needs. Feed it up a knock, speed, grunt no,
strength no. Ladder structure clatter with fear of height,
down height. Wire in a fire, represent the seven games in a
government for hire and a combat site. Left her, wasn't coming
in a hurry with the furies breathing down your neck. Team by
team reporters baffled, trump, tethered crop. Look at that low
plane! Fine then. Uh oh, overflow, population, common group,
but it'll do. Save yourself, serve yourself. World serves its
own needs, listen to your heart bleed. Tell me with the rapture
and the reverent in the right - right. You vitriolic, patriotic,
slam, fight, bright light, feeling pretty psyched.
[Shot changes to impressive looking fight scenes between the
Inner Senshi and various youmas and generals]
It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine.
[The block of Makoto's apartment building, a dark haired japanese
girl in a cowboy outfit, bokken across her back, walks down the
street. Next shot is her in boys uniform heading into a school
building. Shots of her passing the Senshi in normal life, not
noticing each other (at the mall, the movies, the grocery
store).]
Six o'clock - TV hour. Don't get caught in foreign tower. Slash
and burn, return, listen to yourself churn. Lock him in uniform
and book burning, blood letting. Every motive escalate.
Automotive incinerate. Light a candle, light a motive. Step
down, step down. Watch a heel crush, crush. Uh oh, this means
no fear - cavalier. Renegade and steer clear! A tournament,
a tournament, a tournament of lies. Offer me solutions, offer me
alternatives and I decline.
[At the last repetition, we have an overhead shot of the darkened
streets of Tokyo. The unkown japanese girl is heading down the
street, Ami and Luna coming in the opposite direction.]
It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine.
[Last shot, a giant, yellow jagged Z (like the Zorro one) Cut
back to movie]
*
It had been a truly terrible day. A fight against two
youmas, a bad fever, and a 90 on a test. Now here she was,
carrying Luna home through the darkened streets of residential
Tokyo. She was just a few blocks from Makoto's apartment
building. Ami sighed heavily.
Luna looked up, a concerned look gracing her feline face.
"Ami, are you all right?"
Ami smiled weakly in response. "Not really."
"Why don't you go home? I can walk by myself." She smiled.
"The cat has claws."
Ami nodded. "You're probably right..." She was interrupted
by the recoil of having just run into someone. "Oh, my."
The girl she'd just run into had an amused smile on her
face. "Do you run into people every night, or is this a new and
exciting experiece for you?"
Ami was shocked by the girl's appearance. Her complexion was
typical of the Japanese: dark and almond shaped. Her hair was
short and brown. But her clothing was more reminiscent of a
western flic than a Tokyo resident. She wore a denim shirt,
jeans, cowboy boots, and a texan type of hat. On top of all that,
she had a bokken strapped to her back.
The girl peered closer. "Do I know you?"
Ami stammered, "I'm sorry..." She was interrupted again.
>From her dimensional pocket floated out her henshin pen. It
levitated till it was at level with her face. From around the
stranger's throat came a green flecked brown polished stone. The
stone and pen met each other in the air and spun in a circle.
Luna stared. The stranger stared at the odd sight. Ami was
speechless.
Then, on the girl's forehead spun a golden letter Z. Her
stone returned to her, melding into her forehead. From it
expanded gold, forming a crown. Her hair grew out, and her
clothing shifted. In seconds she wore a green and brown dress,
the skirts divided. Her body was covered in a golden chain mail.
Her hair now fell to the middle of her back, restrained by the
crown.
Luna gasped. "By Solaran's crown....."
The girl looked over herself dispassionately. Ami smiled.
"You must be one of the Sailor Senshi."
The girl reversed the transformation, and the stone returned
to its chain. Ami's henshin pen returned to her dimensional
pocket. "Sailor Soldiers? Like the Navy? No."
Ami chuckled. "No, like the superheroes."
The girl laughed dryly. "Ah yes, superheroes. Save the world
on Tuesday, make sure you have that paper done by Wednesday.
Sorry, you mistake me. I'm no hero."
Ami bowed. "My name is Ami Mizuno. Or Sailor Mercury." She
didn't know quite why she added the last, but she instinctively
trusted this stranger.
The girl doffed her hat in classical western style. "Harley
Trent. Terribly excited to make your aquaintance. If you don't
mind (or even if you happen to mind), I have to go. Several
hundred years of memories await to be processed."
As Harley turned to go, Ami called out, "Wait! Please, meet
me at the Hikawa Shrine tommorow afternoon."
Harley shrugged. "Perhaps I'll come." She walked off into
the night.
Ami looked at Luna. The cat was staring at Harley's
retreating back and shaking. Ami picked her up. "What's wrong
Luna? Do you have any idea of who she is?"
Luna nodded bleakly. "I have an idea. And if I'm right, we
may all be dead tomorrow."
Ami gasped. But how? The girl felt so... safe. So
trustworthy. "Why? Is she evil?"
Luna shook her head. "Not at all. But she may think we are."
*
The next day, Rei swept the last leaves out of the temple's
courtyard. She looked up at the sound of footsteps. "Hello?"
A strange visitor was there, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt.
A knife hung at her left hip. She smiled. "Guess I'm early, huh?"
Rei blinked, and a multitude of questions flew through her
mind. She briefly exerted mental discipline. "Why have you come
here?"
The girl shrugged. "Ami Mizuno asked me to meet her here
this afternoon. I met her last night. She and I are from the
same... place."
Rei examined her. She had a vaguely warrior stance, and
looked quite stubborn. Why had Ami asked her to come to the
Senshi meeting? "Do you know exactly what... precipitated the
invitation?"
The girl nodded. "I believe so. We discovered that we a
friends from a *very* long time ago, if you get my drift."
Rei realized the implications. Was this girl another Sailor
Senshi? "I see. My name is Rei Hino. May I offer you something to
drink while you wait?"
Her visitor bowed. "Yes, thank you. I am Harley Trent."
As they approached the temple, Rei asked, "Would you please
leave your weapon outside? This temple is a place of peace for
all."
Harley smiled. "I can do better than that." She produced a
white leather strip from her pocket and used it to firmly tie the
knife into the sheath. "It is peace wrapped." She layed it
outside the door.
Rei smiled. A girl who actually understood ceremony. "Thank
you. Let's go in."
They sat in the kitchen and Rei mechanically served some
tea. A memory was peeking up in the back of her mind, but refused
to come out. She sat. "Harley, can you tell me exactly who you...
are... were?"
Harley frowned. "I'd like too, but I don't know if we have
any common frame of reference. How many of your memories have you
regained?"
A war went on inside her head. She could be a spy, trying to
destroy the Senshi. But she *felt* like a friend. Rei had learned
to trust her intuition. Rei grinned sheepishly. "Very few. I
remember what my parents looked like, a few attacks, how to
contact Mars."
Harley blinked. "Is that all?"
Rei nodded sadly. "Yes."
Harley sighed. "So, what are you up to these days?"
Rei, very aware that Harley had just sidestepped the
question, answered anyway. "We Senshi fight evil and protect
innocents from supernatural threats. There is a queen, Beryl, who
is attempting to take over the Earth. We've been able to stop
her, so far."
Harley shook her head. "Beryl? She's still around? I
thought... In that case, I ought to help you. Metallia's still at
it."
Rei blinked. "Metallia? Who's that?"
Harley smiled. "Oh, she's your typical renegade evil
villainess spirit type."
Rei nodded. "Of course. I'm sure Ami would understand it
better than I."
Harley chuckled. "Yes, her mental acuity is quite high. Of
course, she *is* from Mercury..."
Rei started. "You know that she's Sailor Mercury?"
Harley nodded. "Yes. She told me. Why, is it a big secret or
something? What's your pseudonym?"
Rei weighed the possibilities in her mind, then answered,
"Sailor Mars."
As the other Senshi filed in and gasped, Harley asked,
"What's so secret about that? You're all just Sailor Blank, fill
in whatever planet you're the royalty of, right?"
Artemis reprimanded, "Rei! What are you doing?"
Usagi chimed in, "Yeah! Aren't *I* supposed to be the ditzy
one?" She realized what she'd said and blushed.
Rei blinked in sincere confusion. Harley (who wasn't
reacting to the idea of talking cats at all) didn't feel like a
stranger or anything... She felt cornered, and reacted in her
typical defense mechanism. "Hey, at least she's more intelligent
than *some* people I know."
Harley grinned, evidently very amused by the display. "I
take it you're the other Sailors then? You don't look much like
your older selves."
Makoto bristled. "Who are you, anyway?" She adopted a
defensive posture in front of Usagi.
Luna winced. "Can we sit down and talk about this?"
Ami nodded. "Yes, lets. I'm the one who invited Harley
here."
Minako started. "But, Ami, why?"
Rei interupted. "Let's take Luna's suggestion. Nice to hear
some *sense* around here."
Usagi shrugged. "Okay."
When they were seated, Ami answered Minako's question.
"Because she is from the Silver Millenium, from the Moon
Kingdom."
Harley shook her head vehemently. "No. I am *not* from the
Moon Kingdom!"
Ami asked curiously, "Then who are you?"
Harley shrugged. "From what Rei has told me... you'd call me
Sailor Zephyr."
Ami gasped. "But there is no planet called Zephyr."
Harley nodded. "True. But there used to be."
Rei's stomach curdled. "You mean..."
Makoto and Minako's faces were filled with horror. Ami
swallowed. "Many people believe that the asteroid belt between
Mars and Jupiter was once a planet."
Luna began to shake uncontrollably. "Zephyr... you have to
realize... they have no memory... they aren't the people they
used to be... they're not responsible." She gathered her breath.
"Please, do not take your anger out on them...."
Harley's face became stony. "That's not why I'm here."
Artemis asked hostiley, "Then why *are* you here?"
Harley's eyes glowed with hatred. "Well, *general*, you
wanted all Zephyrans gone. I'm the last one. Fine. I'm out of
here. It was a mistake for me to come." She stormed out.
Makoto whistled. "Anyone catch the number of that freight
train?"
Luna face was filled with sorrow. "Perhaps I should
explain."
Artemis nodded. "Please do. I don't know why, but her
presence puts me on edge."
Usagi asked quietly, "She hates us, doesn't she?"
Ami blinked. "Why would she?"
Luna shook harder. "Because we destroyed her planet and
murdered her people."
A collective gasp circulated the room. Rei's sense of horror
and sympathy deepened. "But... how..."
A light formed from Luna's crescent moon marking, and a
holographic projection formed, showing them her memory.
[Authors Note: No C& C on this section, please, it is being revised]
(A crowded meeting room. Queen Serenity and Artemis were to
her right. Other people were there as well, in front of her.
Princess Serena of the Moon. The king of Jupiter, Lawrence. King
Morris of Mercury. Queen Ursala of Mars. King Geond of Atlantis.
King Anthony of Venus was lounging in a corner. Queen Athena of
Saturn; Queen Nabin of Pluto. King Robert of Neptune; and Queen
Naryce of Uranus. At the very end of the table, Princess Harliana
of Zephyr.
A piece of paper sitting on the table read:
Mercury: Nay
Mars: Nay
Venus: ~abstain~
Earth: Aye
Moon: Aye
Jupiter: Aye
Saturn: Nay
Uranus: Nay
Neptune: Nay
Pluto: Nay
Harliana glared at them. Her comlink flared, and an
explosion could be heard. She dropped it, crying, "You murdered
my people! You destroyed my planet! Damn you!" )
[Feel free to go back to commenting now]
Rei shook herself out of Luna's memory. "Oh my god..."
Artemis swallowed hard. "How could... ? I don't remember..."
Minako's eyes were filled with tears. "How could we have?"
Usagi, sorrowful, sighed. "We have to do something."
After a few minutes, everyone made their excuses and left.
Rei sighed. No wonder Harley was so touchy.
She went outside to do some chores, and saw that Harley's
knife was where she had left it. Then she realized that the peace
wrapping was gone. She picked it up and pulled it out of its
sheath. A note fell out.
Dear Rei,
Sorry I left so suddenly. I'd really like to hang out with
you and Ami. Here's my address:
Apt 144, Garden Apartments
123 Line Dr.
Juuban, Tokyo
Hope to see ya soon!
Your best friend from a long time ago,
Harley Trent
Rei smiled and put the note away. She'd call Ami that night.
*
(In front of the palace, Serena and Endymion embraced. Beryl
shot off dark energy at Endymion, and his body convulsed. Serena
cried out, "No!"
His eyes closed. "Goodbye, Serena." Then he was gone.
Her heart was filled with pain. She grasped the sword that
was supposed to protect her. Could it protect her from herself?
She plunged it into her heart.
As the blood supply cut off to her brain, she sighed.
"Harliana was right." With that, the world went dark.)
Usagi awoke with a start. Who was that in her dream? Tuxedo
Mask? She tried to clear her mind. Harliana was the name that
Luna had called Zephyr, right?
Her shoulders sagged. Luna slept peacefully next to her. She
brightened. Maybe Rei would know what the dream meant. She got up
and put on her shoes. Yeah, that's it.
As she approached the temple, she saw Rei walk out in casual
clothes. She seemed preoccupied. Usagi frowned. What was up with
her? There was no logical course but to follow her.
Usagi followed her spiritual friend through the market and
past the mall. At the mall, Ami joined Rei, and they walked
together silently. What was going on? Finally, they were walking
down the far off block where Makoto's apartment building was
located. Were they going to visit Mako-chan? No they were walking
into the building across the street.
Just then, Usagi heard a familiar evil laugh. "Now what do
we have here? Apartment buildings *full* of energy sources. My,
the Queen will be happy."
Usagi ducked around a corner, "Moon Prism Power!" The
transformation washed over her. She grabbed at her communicator
only to find it wasn't there. She must have left it home. She
raced into the building Rei and Ami had just entered. They were
still walking through the foyer. "Guys!"
The turned around in surprise. Rei cried. "What?" She looked
spacey for a moment. "My god." She looked around, and noticed
there were no other people but them. "Mars Power, Make Up!"
Ami nodded. "Mercury Power, Make Up!" Usagi watched her two
friends transform.
The three raced out of the building. The only female general
they'd encountered floated. "Hello, brats."
Usagi was filled with righteous anger. "In the name of the
Moon, I will punish you!"
The general laughed. "Really?" She gestured, and five youmas
appeared. The three Senshi swallowed hard, backing into a
triangler formation. Ami grabbed her communicator. "Makoto,
Minako, we need help!"
"Mars Fire - Ignite!"
"Moon Tiara Magic!"
The two attacks made barely a dent in either of the youmas
they impacted. "Mercury Bubbles Blast!" Fog filled the area,
obscuring the enemies view.
"Supreme Thunder!" Lightning singed one of the youmas, a big
furry fellow.
Rei smiled. "Nice to have you, Jupiter."
Makoto grinned. "Yup."
"Zoi!" They all ducked as the general shot chi petals at
them. Makoto cursed.
"Mars Fire Ignite!" Rei shot her fire blast off at the same
youma she'd targeted before.
Usagi added her attack, "Moon Tiara Magic!"
Makoto saw and attacked the same one. "Jupiter Thunder
Crash!"
From the side, "Venus Crescent Beam!"
The three combined attacks took that youma out, but the
other four physically attacked the Senshi. The warriors fought
against their restraints, but had little sucsess.
The general floated down and gloated. "So, it seems that I
have the Sailor Saps..." A red rose whizzed by, cutting off her
statement. She flew up behind the speech making Tuxedo Kamen and
grabbed him. "And your boyfriend, too. I think we should tear you
apart... slowly."
"Zoisite!" A shout came. Nearby in the street stood a
warrior clad in gold armor, crown, a sword, green tunic, and
brown pants, ending in golden brown boots.
Zoisite reared up from the new threat, dropping Tuxedo Kamen
painfully to the ground. "Who are you?"
The newcomer's face was as hard as ice. "What happened to
Zoitan?"
Zoisite laughed. "Killed him right before the assault on the
Moon. Why? He was mister arrogant-I'm-a-mage-and-you're-not.
What's it mean to you?"
The green eyes of the newcomer turned colder. "Murderer. You
killed my fiancee!"
Zoisite was stung by realization. "But you can't be... You
weren't reborn...."
The newcomer glared. "I am Harliana. Leave these others
alone. This is between us. One of us will die tonight."
Zoisite nodded. "Fine." The youmas disappeared. "The saps
can leave."
Harliana nodded to Rei. "Sailor Mars, get the others to
safety. I'll take care of this witch."
Usagi was filled with conflicting feelings. She was glad to
be released, but she sensed great pain in Harley. Many old
wounds. And a willingness to have revenge. "Sailor Zephyr?"
Harliana nodded. "I am Harliana of Zephyr. Leave. This is a
personal matter."
Ami broke in, "Not really. She attacked innocent civilians.
Let us help you."
Makoto grinned ferally. "I want a piece of the action."
Minako nodded. "We have to work together."
Harliana shook her head. "Don't you get it? I'm alone. Not
part of your team. Now, go!"
Zoisite's face turned ugly. "I tire of this." She flicked a
hand and two youmas returned. "Let's go, Harliana."
Harliana nodded and drew her sword. "The Hawk of Zephyr!"
She launched herself in the air. Zoisite materialized a sword,
and they began an intricate fight of blows and parries, their
faces grim.
But Usagi didn't have time to watch. "Moon Tiara Magic!"
"Venus Crescent Beam!"
"Jupiter Thunder Crash!"
"Mars Fire Ignite!"
The attacks all focused on one monster, destroying it. One
down, one to go.
Usagi glanced at the sky. The assailants leapt from building
to building, fencing constantly. Both had wounds.
Another simultaneous attack brought the second youma down.
They all stopped to watch the intricate weave of energy beams and
swordplay, as well as aerial acrobatics.
Harliana was winning, but not by much. Rei and Makoto ran to
help her, but she was too close to her enemy. Zoisite was hard
pressed to block the fury of blows being aimed at her. Finally
Harliana came in for the last blow, but Zoisite teleported away.
Harliana swore. "Damn! I'll get her yet. Murderer."
Rei asked quietly. "Who was Zoitan?"
Harliana sighed and detransformed into Harley Trent. "My
betrothed, the 1st Mage of Zephyr. Zoisite was his magically
untalented twin sister. She killed him out of jealousy and joined
Queen Metallia's forces."
Usagi's heart broke for the girl as the rest of them
reversed their transformations. "I'm so sorry."
Makoto was staring at her, impressed. "Those were some
pretty cool moves."
Harley smiled. "Thanks. I *am* in the Kendo club at school."
Makoto nodded. "Cool. I'm Makoto Kino, Sailor Jupiter."
Harley frowned. "You've grown up." She smiled. "Perhaps
we'll meet at one of those... meetings of yours. Farewell." She
walked back into her apartment building.
Makoto was blinking. "What was *that* supposed to mean?"
Rei and Ami shrugged in unison.
Minako grinned. "We deserve an ice cream for that."
Usagi looked up. "Let's ask Harley if she wants to join us."
Rei glanced at Usagi, evidently impressed. "Be right down."
*
(May 27, 1998)
I'm so confused. Memories crash with new experiences. Lita,
I mean Jupiter, I mean Makoto, seems much more mature now. But is
it an act? And Serena seems to be less selfcentered, I think.
What happened to them. Well, I reserve comment for when I know
them better.
My heart aches for Zoitan. Where is he now? I will tear
Zoisite apart!
I... Oh, I have a guest. How odd. Be back later.
Harley answered the door to see the clustered Senshi. She
blinked. "And what is the importance of this gathering?"
Ami nodded. "We are here to ask you... to come out to eat
with us."
Harley felt real surprise. The only time she went out to eat
was with Akane and Yuka. And they were always interrupted.
"Well, I'm not *too* busy. Let's go." She looked up. "Wait a
minute. I have to give someone a call."
She ran back into her apartment and grabbed the phone.
"Yuka?"
Her friends melodious soprano answered, "Yes, oh highly
sarcastic friend of mine?"
Harley smiled. "Well, oh locquaicious friend of mine who
talks too much, could you keep Worf one night longer? I'm going
out with some new... acquaintances."
Yuka gasped. Harley answered gravely, "Yes, I am finally
making new acquaintances. Thank you for agreeing. Sleep well."
She heard Yuka's amused frown. "I didn't agree, but I don't
suppose I had any choice in the matter anyway. See ya around,
Harley."
Harley hung up and went to the door. The girls waited their
expectantly. "I suppose that we can leave now, barring any divine
acts of god."
*
They entered Mr. Joe's, an ice cream joint not far from
Makoto's and Harley's block. Luckily, they had the place to
themselves. Sitting down, the girls talked animatedly among
themselves. Rei asked, "So Harley, where do you go to school?"
Harley shrugged, "Furinkan High."
They all gasped. Minako asked, "Um, isn't that the school
where all the weirdo martial artist go?"
Makoto seemed fascinated. "Is it true that all the students
fight constantly?"
Harley made a face. "Its not as bad as it sounds. 90% of the
student population are normal teenagers. 8% study martial arts on
the side, but reserve fighting for after school. 2% can do
nothing but fight constantly."
Usagi asked, "So, which do you fit into?"
Harley smiled. "The 8%. I'm the second best Kendo artist in
our school, by ranking."
Rei prodded at the qualification. "By ranking?"
Harley frowned. "You've grown into a smart little vixen,
haven't you? Yes. Truly I'm the best, but I'm both a female and
of unnoble birth. So best Kendoist rank goes to Tatewaki Kuno,
the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High. Both male and of noble blood."
Usagi asked. "Why do you dress so strangely?" She pointed to
Harley's cowboy hat.
Harley grinned ruefully. "What is this? Pick on the new guy
day? What school do *you* go to?"
Rei answered quietly, "She's the Late Flunker of Juuban
Middle School."
Everyone laughed.
*
In the multicolored space of the Time Warp, three spirits
floated comfortably, watching the scene.
Xalen smiled. "Well, I wouldn't say its going so badly."
Saeblin nodded reluctantly. "I suppose so. I thought
Harliana hated them."
Faolin interjected, "She's reserving judgement for now."
Saeblin scowled. "Bet they do something stupid."
Xalen sighed. "Let's hope not. If they do, our universe is
doomed."
*
"Senshi!" A pile of youma erupted from the door. "Die!"
The girls looked around in panic. Did the youmas know their
identities?
The girls began to transform. Harley did not, watching.
The youmas began to throw sticky glue. The Sailors leapt out
of the way, but it was difficult to evade.
*
One got close to Harley. From her back she pulled her trusty
katana and sliced it in two. She leaned back once more.
The Sailors, as they were now called, fought with strength,
but clumsily. Their attacks were too broad to be truly effective.
Mercury didn't even seem to have one!
But they did have great untapped potential. Perhaps they
would learn to develop it.
*
Rei sighed as Usagi finished off the last youma. She looked
around. Makoto seemed tired, but had a light in her eye. Minako
was grinning at their victory. Usagi was looking around for
Tuxedo Kamen. Ami was scanning for more youmas.
And Harley was applauding. Her voice was acidic. "*Great*
fighting, guys."
Rei blinked. Why hadn't Harley fought? She came to a
sickening conclusion. She screamed, "You betrayed us!"
Harley blinked and seemed genuinely confused, but Rei
presented her evidence. "First you went back into your apartment
and called the Dark Kingdom and told them where to find us. Told
them our identities. Then you refused to fight. You're with
them!"
Harley's face hardened, and fear filled Rei. "If that's what
you want, I'll oblige." She walked out of the store and
disappeared into the street.
The other Senshi stared silently at her.
*
In the multicolored space of the Time Warp, it could be
clearly heard: three spirits, speaking in unison, said "Uh oh."
*
The next day at Juuban was fairly normal. Usagi was late,
classes progressed, Makoto did well in gym.
Usagi walked outside and grinned. "Hi, guys!"
Minako smiled. "Rei and I decided we'd join you today."
Ami smiled. "We're just waiting for Mako-chan."
A bitter laughter filled the air. "How nice. You're all
together."
Usagi looked up and saw Zoicite floating there. The other
students in the yard fell as their energy was drained. Usagi took
a deep breath. "Moon Prism Power, Make Up!" The golden light
overtook her and transformed her.
"I am Sailor Moon, defender of Love and Justice!" She
grabbed her tiara and got ready for battle.
[Insert long and boring fight scene. As it ends, we see the
prone bodies of Venus, Moon, Mercury and Mars. Tuxedo Kamen is
shoved into a tree. Zoi is gloating, despite bleeding from
serious wounds.]
"Well, brats, looks like you're 'moon dusted', hmm?"
She didn't hear someone walk up behind her. "Jupiter..."
She turned slowly. What?
"..Thunder Crash!" As the lightning killed her, Zoicite
briefly thought that Harliana would be upset she couldn't get her
revenge.
Her body disintegrated into green dust, and her rainbow
crystals dropped onto the ground.
*
Saeblin peered closer. "This is *not* the way its supposed
to go. They're not strong enough to beat Malachite yet."
Faolin pointed out, "They do have Endymion with them."
Xalen muttered, "Have Crystal, will fight Beryl. Great, just
great."
A dark sailor suited figure appeared. "The time stream is
awry. The ending vascillates."
Xalen rolled her eyes. "Thank you, Sailor Obvious. Let's
just hope Harliana pulls through."
Saeblin said scornfully, "She's a 600 year old maid with a
grudge."
Xalen shrugged. "Maybe there's more to her."
Faolin breathed, "If there isn't, this is the end of
everything."
*
Usagi blinked and realized she was no longer in her fuku.
She blinked and looked around.
Ami pulled herself off the ground. "Nice shot, Mako-chan."
Makoto gave Minako a hand up. "Any time."
Rei picked up the colored crystals that had fallen from
Zoisite's disintegrating form. In a rare moment of total
seriousness, she handed them to Usagi.
Usagi took out of her pocket the crystals that the Senshi
and Tuxedo Kamen (who had disappeared) had gathered. She put all
seven together in her hand. They began to swirl lightly, finally
fusing in a beatiful silver crystal. She breathed, "Ginshouzo."
She fitted it onto the crescent moon wand.
An angry voice penetrated their wonder. "What do we have
here?"
Usagi turned and faced a *very* angry Malachite. He stared
confusedly. "What is that? Who are you?"
Usagi realized that, unlike Zoisite, Malachite had no idea
of their true identities. She stood confused.
The others seemed to have no idea what to do either. Rei
asked, "What is that? Who are *you*?" Usagi mentally applauded
her friend's intelligence.
The music of of somber flute echoed in their ears, and the
caped form of Tuxedo Kamen appeared once more. "It seems I
dropped something."
Malachite spun around to face this threat. "It's *yours*?
Its the..."
The Senshi took the precipitous time to quietly transform.
She picked up the wand. "I am Sailor Moon...."
Malachite spun around once more. "How did you get back
here?"
Usagi felt weak. A rose whizzed by Malachite's head, and he
teleported away in confusion. Then she felt herself dissolving,
and fell unconcious.
*
Makoto blinked as their trip through time and space ended.
At least, that was her current theory on what it was. They were
seated on a broad expanse of white rock, surrounded by ruins.
Usagi sat up, rubbing her head where it had impacted with
the ground. At least, Makoto could only assume that was Usagi.
Instead of her usual fuku, she wore a long, flowing, sleeveless
white dress. Her hair was in odangos, but with red accoutrements.
And on her forehead was a crescent moon.
Makoto took a moment to look down at herself. She wore
silken green dress. She felt her forehead. On it was the green
four that was the symbol of jupiter.
The other three were dressed similarly, in dresses and and
the symbols of their planets. Only Tuxedo Kamen was different. He
wore silver armor and a beautiful sword.
"Is everyone alright?" Ami asked.
Makoto nodded. "I'm fine." The others affirmed their well
being. Usagi looked around. "Where are we?"
A small white figure appeared. "Welcome to the Moon."
Makoto examined her. The figure had odangos like Usagi's,
but her hair was white. She asked, "Who are you?"
The woman smiled. "I am Queen Serenity." She turned to
Usagi. "And you are my daughter, Princess Serena."
Usagi blinked. "I am?"
Minako asked quietly, "What happened to this place?"
Serenity sighed. "I will tell you about your history. Come
close."
They clustered around the figure. "10,000 years ago, many of
the planets in our Solar System were inhabited. All was peaceful,
and the planets thrived. The most peaceful was our Moon Kingdom.
There were dances and balls nearly every night. You six were the
heir princes and princesses to the Moon, Earth, Mercury, Mars,
Jupiter, and Venus. You were all good friends, and swore to
protect each other, and especially protect Serena. Serena and
Endymion were betrothed to be married."
Makoto listened avidly, but something seemed... off. "An
evil upstart named Beryl gathered forces. She was taken over by
an evil spirit named Metallia. They assaulted the Moon Kingdom.
And destroyed it. I was only able to save the six of you, and the
princesses of Neptune, Uranus, and Saturn. Princess Pluto is a
Walker of the Paths of Time, and I pray she survived as well.
Only you have the power to truly defeat Metallia." She began to
flicker.
"Take this sword, princesses. It is made of the same rock as
the Ginshouzou, and it is yours to protect Serena. Its last
bearer was an general of the Elite guard... use it well."
Even as Minako picked up the stone sword, Makoto's sense of
wrongness increased. Like the Queen was being deceitful or
something. Ami asked quietly, "What about Zephyr?" Makoto nodded.
*That* was what was wrong. The Queen was omitting the largest
mystery of all!
The Queen blinked hard, and stopped flickering. "How do you
know...."
Usagi answered, "We've met Harliana."
The Queen sighed. "She survived... for that I am thankful.
And sad. I'd hoped that the story of the death of a planet and
its people would not be passed down."
Ami pushed gently, "Queen Serenity, we're grateful that
you've tried to shield us from harsh realities, but we need to
know the truth."
Serenity nodded. "I understand. But it is not my place to
tell you. Endymion, you must seek out your father - he may tell
you more. But truly, the tale is best told by Harliana herself."
Rei's voice was anguished. "But... she's with the Dark
Kindom!"
Serenity turned to her sadly. "Raye, Harliana may hate the
Moon Kingdom, but she certainly is not allied with evil. She
would not even consider such a thing." She looked thoughtful.
"Admittedly, Zoisite may have found a way to track her, due to
their closeness as children. But she is no traitor. If you have
said so, I suggest apologizing. She is not quick to anger, but
she has an icy hate for those who betray her or her people."
Rei blanched. Ami put a hand on one shoulder, and Usagi on
the other.
Serenity began to flicker again. "The computer is running
out of power. Endymion, find your father. He is waiting on the
island of Atlantis. Farewell, Serena." With that, she
disappeared. And the Senshi were again traveling.
*
Rei let out a rattling breath. Had she just betrayed a
friend? A best friend she couldn't remember? She would be crying,
but she couldn't show weakness.
They arrived back in their school yard, the limp bodies of
Ami's unconcious schoolmates around them.
They stood up, transformed into Sailors once more. A black
portal appeared, and Malachite stepped out. He seemed surprised
that it didn't fade out again.
Makoto, as usual, took the initiative. "Jupiter Thunder
Crash!"
Sailor Moon was not in the best of moods, evidently. "Moon
Tiara Magic!"
Ami walked over to Rei. "Its not you fault. You couldn't
have known. All the evidence supported you."
"You do realize you two are standing around doing nothing
during a life or death fight against evil?"
Rei looked up to see an untransformed Harley Trent standing
beside them with an amused smile on her face.
Ami shook her head. "Not really. Malachite isn't even
trying."
Rei was speechless, but she saw that Ami was right. The
Sailors were weakened, but Malachite did little more than block
there attacks.
Harley walked up to the general. "It won't help, you know.
Dying isn't going to bring her back. I've tried it."
Malachite let his shield down, and the Senshi simply stared.
Malachite glared. "How would you know?"
Harley's tone was serious, but sarcastic. "Well, its not
like I was in love with Zoitan or anything. We were just eagerly
betrothed to be married."
Malachite stared. "But he's not dead..." He looked around
meaningfully.
She turned to the others. "At the risk of convincing you I
side with the Dark Kingdom, could you guys buzz off? Malachite
and I have to talk."
Malachite offered a hand. "On the strength of blood."
She considered and took it. "Blood shed together."
They disappeared.
Rei recognized deep ceremony involved. "I wonder..."
Ami put in, "The Queen said that Harley and Zoisite had been
close friends. If Malachite loved Zoisite, it may be that he was
friends with her as well."
Minako blinked, shifting the sword from hand to hand. "I
remember something. People from Zephyr believed in 'Blood Bonds'.
They swore oaths stronger than blood to each other. It was
believed that if someone violated such an oath they would sink to
the lowest pits of hell. The only oath that took precedent was an
oath made to Deos, their name for their God."
Makoto went dreamy eyed at such a fighting honor. "If we
only knew more about the circumstances of the past... We don't
really know anything."
Ohohohohohohoho... a grim chuckle emerged from the air, and
Queen Beryl of the Dark Kingdom appeared. "You've played a pretty
game, but you're turn is up."
Tuxedo Kamen leapt in front of Usagi. "Foul sorceress! Leave
the Earth in peace."
Beryl blasted him, destroying several trees and injuring a
few unconcious student along the way.
Ami realized the terrible consequences of this. All these
students could die. She called out, "Hyperspace Formation!"
Rei looked around and saw that they were in a cold, dark,
and lifeless wasteland. Beryl laughed. "It doesn't matter where
we fight. I'll win."
*
Xalen winced. "Damn! This is *not* good. They're going to
get themselves killed."
Sailor Pluto regarded the scene sadly. "Harley has the
power..."
"No," Saeblin said harshly. "The crystal has the power. But
she doesn't have the emotional stability to use it. All this
sacrifice is a waste!"
Faolin looked at her friend sadly. Time had turned Sabe into
a more pessimistic thinker. "Good may win. If it does, life will
return to a semi normal state."
Pluto shook her head. "Only on the original timeline. Things
are polarizing. Either they will all die, or the universe will
take even stranger turns."
The four turned their worried eyes back onto the fight
scene.
*
Meanwhile, in a park on the far side of Nerima, Malachite
and Harley faced each other. He examined her. "You face me
defenseless? I should kill you for your actions towards Zoisite."
Harley glanced at him sadly. "Vengeance gets you no where.
If I had killed Zoisite, it would not have brought 'Tan back to
life."
Malachite studied her. "You believe he's dead."
She nodded. "'Site told me herself."
He sighed. "Then all this was for nothing. He lives.
Suspended in another dimension, sleeping. 'Site would not violate
blood bond."
Harley seemed to smile genuinely. "Then... he's savable. And
so is she."
Malachite looked depressed. "Zoi is dead. There is no power
great enough to bring her back."
Harley shook her head. "There is. In this beauty." She held
up a green and brown stone.
Malachite looked at it and held it. "How can this be?"
Harley smiled proudly. "Malach, we may be the last two of
Zephyr alive and well, but the others' sacrifice was not in vain.
Now, I must help the Senshi."
Malachite frowned. "Harley, I cannot. I cannot forgive
them."
Harley sighed. "Its not their fault. They don't even know
what happened. They don't deserve to die to protect this hunk of
dirt."
Malachite's face was tortured. "I'm sorry, my friend. I
cannot. I don't want to kill them anymore, but I cannot fight
alongside them."
Harley nodded. "I understand. Can you deposit me where we
last saw them? I have a feeling they did some stupid, brave
thing."
Malachite nodded, and in seconds they were back in the
school yard. Several youmas approached. They were pasteled color
women with nice figures. They grinned predatorily. Harley turned.
"Malach, please protect these students."
Malachite frowned. "I don't suppose I'm allowed to say no."
Harley shook her head. "Good luck."
She approached the black gateway that beckoned. She would
find them through there. She stepped in.
*
Faolin smiled. "She handled that well."
Xalen frowned. "She's not in time. They'll die."
Pluto was silent, but her eyes expressive. Sorrow filled
them.
Saeblin swore quietly. "I hate it when I'm right."
Xalen seemed contemplative. "She can pull it off, but she's
going to have to really want to do so."
Saeblin frowned. "Great, we're putting the fate of our world
in the hands of a emotional roller coaster."
Faolin joked, "Well, if she pulls through, you'll have one
great heir."
No one laughed.
*
Ami nodded in satisfaction at the hyperspace. No innocents
would be hurt here. "Mercury Bubbles Blast!" Fog enshrouded the
area.
Beryl, or Metallia, was not very happy. She let off a shot
at Usagi's last seen location. Usagi nimbly jumped out of the
way. "It'll take better than that!"
Ami winced as Usagi let her location be known. Beryl would
hit her for sure. While she was thinking that, the bolt came,
directly aimed at Usagi. She started towards her friend... but
was beaten to it.
Usagi held the dying form of Minako. "Why? Don't go."
Minako winked weakly. "Don't worry, Sailor Moon. You can do
it." She closed her eyes, looking peaceful in death.
Usagi was near tears. Metallia laughed. "So, I killed your
friend, mmm? You'll be next!"
Ami realized the fog was fading. It wouldn't last for more
than a few seconds in this wasteland. She didn't waste her time
with another. She rallied her shocked friends. "Come on, guys. We
don't have much time." Actually, they had all the time in the
world, but she wasn't about to mention that.
"Jupiter Thunder Crash!"
"Mars Fire Ignite!"
A thrown rose became the center of the attacks, and the
triple attack hit Beryl. She reared up. "That hurt! I'll show
you!"
Another dark beam of energy shot at Usagi, and she barely
avoided it. Ami pulled out her computer and discreetly began some
computations.
*
Harley struggled through the blackness. Somewhere through
this were the Senshi. She had to help them. She struggled on,
feeling like the air itself held her back. She frowned and
applied more energy.
She was sweating as she broke through the outermost layer.
She had a view of the fight. Her stomach twisted as she saw the
still form of Sailor Venus. Venus had not had the resources to
help Zephyr, and she had never gotten too friendly with the girl,
but she didn't deserve to die for this stupidity. She could beat
Metallia if she could just get *in* there.
And if she used the crystal. The thought made her pause for
a second. Was it worth using the energy for these girls? So many
had died... for nothing but their planet's lava... did these
juveniles deserve it?
She set her mind. These were the defenders of this planet.
They were humans. She couldn't let Metallia win. And... they were
friends. Raye and Amy might not remember, but they had been best
friends. She owed it to them to save them and their friends.
She renewed her attempts to get through the barrier.
*
The three spirits and one time traveler were joined by
another spirit. He was a homely, but strong and vibrant man, his
gold armor flashing in the multicolored space. "How is she
doing?"
Saeblin answered. "She's truly trying, but she's probably
too late."
Xalen disagreed. "She'll use the crystal. I believe in her."
Pluto simply muttered under her breath, "Harli-chan, I wish
I could help, but I'm bound here. Please, my friend, do what you
must."
If any of the others heard, they chose not to comment.
*
Usagi looked around in panic. Minako was still dead. For
her. Oh, why?
Rei shook her. "Come out of it girl! We've got work to do!
Don't stand around!"
How could she be so emotionless? Then Usagi chided herself
for such untrue assumptions. Rei was simply concentrating on the
business at hand.
She stood up. "Moon Tiara Magic!" Her tiara was caught in
midair and handed back to her. Tuxedo Kamen's dark eyes were
compassionate behind his mask. "You must deliver the final blow."
Beryl's long hair snaked out and caught Makoto around the
foot, lifting her high in the air. Makoto set her face, knowing
she was about to die. "Jupiter..."
A flying rose cut off the tendril holding her and she
plummeted towards the rocky ground. Tuxedo Kamen caught her in
midair. Makoto continued, "Thunder Crash!"
Her lighting attack caught Beryl by surprise. She was killed
instantly.
Usagi panted. Was it over? Ami scanned. "She's dead."
Mwahahahaha. The ghostly laughter echoed. "But I'm not."
Rei nodded. "Metallia."
With that, a dark spirit arose from Beryl's body. Metallia
went straight towards the Ginshouzo in Usagi's hand. She entered
and began to expand, choking Usagi and Tuxedo Kamen together with
dark energy.
Usagi felt herself being squeezed. Then Tuxedo Kamen's black
tux and cape turned into hard armor and he pushed himself around
her, giving her breathing space. And she remembered....
( "Endymion!" She squeaked in an unprincesslike way and ran
towards the visitor from earth to give him a hug.
He nodded formally. "Greetings, Princess Serena." He was
always so formal.
She sighed and took on Royal Pose 1. "I'm quite well. Thank
you for inquiring. May I offer some refreshment?"
Princess Amy of Mercury walked in, dignified. "Ah, Serena.
It seems that this time you have decided not to sneak to Earth.
The good prince has snuck to you."
Endymion looked around, panicked. "How do you know?"
She chuckled. "Do not worry. None will discover. Besides,
your trysts with the Princess are condoned. Till we see each
other again." She left as dignified as she'd arrived.
Endymion smiled. "Perhaps you would prefer a more personal
greeting?"
She nodded eagerly. As their lips met... )
Usagi snapped out of the memory and realized that the odd
sensation in her heart was love for this... Prince of Earth. She
turned to his face. "No! You'll die for me again!"
Her fear was realized as Metallia put a tendril around his
throat and choked him.... she quickly kissed him full on the
lips. "I love you."
He smiled weakly. "Serena... I love you too. Goodbye." His
body sagged into hers. Metallia screeched in victory.
The Ginshouzou was silent under all this dark power. Usagi
prepared for death.
*
From her vantage point, Harley could see Rei, Makoto, and
Ami throwing attacks at the spirit. It was unfazed.
She frowned seriously. "I hope they don't try..."
She saw Rei gesturing for the others to get on the other
side of the spirit for a pinch play. At least that's what she
said.
Harley had known Raye quite well, and could see the glitter
in her eyes. She was about to try something suicidal. Quickly she
focused her thoughts through the crystal around her neck to Amy,
telling her of Raye's plan. <Stop her!>
Harley breathed a sigh of relief. Saved.
*
Ami heard Harley's voice in her brain. Ami pondered for a
second, and made eye contact with Jupiter. Makoto, being by
instinct a warrior, caught on in seconds. "The pens!"
Makoto gingerly took the crystal sword from Minako's dead
body. She held it awkwardly. Ami cried out. "Mercury Power!"
Rei's eyes widened as she saw what they had in mind. Ami
could feel her life force rushing from her. Rei nodded in
respect. "Mars Power!"
Makoto called out, "Jupiter Power!" Their three energies
rushed into the sword. Makoto clumsily (it was made of stone,
after all) sliced into the blackness surrounding Usagi and
Endymion.
*
Usagi blinked rapidly as a tear appeared in the black wall
surrounding her. She dragged Endymion out, as Metallia screamed.
She looked around. Makoto, Ami, and Rei's henshin sticks lay next
to them, broken in half. And she realized what they had done.
"NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!"
Unbeknownst to her, a similar cry echoed in the barrier
separating their wasteland from the real world.
She knew what she had to do. She brought up the crystal.
"Moon Cosmic Power!" The crystal began to glow, and she felt her
princess form return. She closed her eyes and shot at Metallia.
Metallia returned the beam. Usagi, now Princess Serena,
concentrated harder. She was failing them all.
In her mind, she heard Rei's voice. "What do you think
you're doing? Just like a meatball head like you to try this by
yourself. I insist on helping you, you idiot!"
Ami's voice joined it. "Yes, Usagi. Don't we always help
each other?"
Makoto seemed to nod. "C'mon Usagi!"
Minako's accent was in her ears. "Let's give it a try!"
Usagi had no idea how the spirits of her dead friends were
going to help her, and neither did she care. She called out.
"Come, please. I need you."
Four hands joined hers on the crescent moon wand. She saw
her friends transformed once more, though hazy. They contributed
their energy to hers. Then she heard his voice. "Crystal Rose
Power."
Strength surged into her. Her beam grew, pushing back the
dark energy. But the strenghth failed. And she felt the world go
black.
*
Harley finally managed to break free, and fell, panting. She
saw with dull eyes. "Amy, Raye..." She thought of Rei's
treachery, but did not condemn it.
She stood. Metallia exited the Ginshouzou, coming to face
her. Harley looked around and reached out through her crystal,
confirming they were all dead. Her face hardened with anger. No
witnesses, but this bitch was going to *pay*.
*
Usagi awoke to find herself floating. What? Floating? Wasn't
she supposed to be dead?
She took a look around. The space around her was a menagerie
of colors. Then a hand helped her up. Well, in a direction. She
looked up to see Rei floating there. She smiled. "Come on, meat
ball head."
Usagi asked, confused, "Am I dead?"
Endyimion nodded seriously. "Yes. And cut off from the real
world. But we can watch. A new challenger to Metallia has
appeared."
Ami put in. "After using up our Sailor powers, we were able
to add our normal energy. Now its gone. We can only watch."
Usagi nodded, and they gathered around the 3-D view. What
they saw astounded them. Usagi blinked several times. There stood
Harley, comboy clothes and sword firmly in place. What was she
doing?
Rei intook breath sharply. "What does she think she's
doing?"
"Saving the Earth, I hope." A sailor suited figure appeared.
Usagi avidly watched the display, ignoring the green haired
sailor. But this new Sailor watched as closely as she did.
Metallia laughed. "And who are you, little girl?"
Harley rose an eyebrow. "You don't remember me? I'm sorry
I'm late, but Mercury's shield was almost too much for me to
overcome. But I have come. Are you prepared to fight?"
Metallia seemed to creep closer to her adversary. "Identify
yourself!"
Harley shrugged. "If you wish. I was once Princess Harliana
of Zephyr."
Metallia gasped. "Its you! The one who stopped my plans so
long ago!"
Harley shook her head. "I had help. The kings of Mercury and
Mars lent me a bit of power. And I didn't really stop your plans.
That was Serenity. I just protected all the innocent people left
on Earth by their... selfless rulers."
Metallia was beginning to shake with anger. "You put up a
rock shield about the earth! But now I shall kill you."
Harley shrugged. "I think not. I'm about to destroy you.
Hopefully without killing myself." She glanced around.
The Senshi shared a look. Harley had protected earth from
Metallia? Serenity hadn't told them that.
Harley knelt by Makoto's body. "I'm sorry, but I need to
borrow this." She took up the sword. Instead of being a clumsy
stone or awkward weight, as it had been in Minako's and Makoto's
hands, the handle seemed molded for her grip. She held it easily
and competently.
Metallia mocked. "What are you going to do?"
Harley held up her brown and green crystal. "Do you know
what this is?"
Metallia rippled. "The Zephyr Planetary Crystal. What about
it?"
Harley smiled. "That's not *all* it is. Its also the vessel
containing the power of every single Zephyran who died in the
Natira attack."
The strange Sailor smiled faintly. She informed them,
"Harliana can only use this power once. Let us hope she uses it
wisely."
Rei simply asked, "Natira attack?"
The sailor nodded. "The Natira were the race that destroyed
Zephyr."
Usagi blinked. "I thought *we* did."
The sailor shook her head. "The planets of Solaran chose to
keep back its military power to deal with other threats. They
allowed it to happen, not commited the actual deed."
On the screen, Harley was raising the crystal sword. She
began to whisper. "On the authority of the crown of Zephyr....
right these wrongs!"
Green energy poured out of the crystal. It sliced through
Metallia, destroying her. It flowed outward. Usagi felt herself
pulled towards the scene, and the other Senshi with her. And she
blacked out as she began once more to live.
*
Rei looked around blearily. Her henshin stick was whole once
more, and firmly in her dimensional pocket. She stood, not
noticing she was joined by the others.
Harley stood straight. Beside her were two men. The first
was Zoisite, only male. He smiled at Harley. "Thank you, Harley.
I was wondering when you would get around to freeing me of that
place."
She scowled good naturedly. "I only heard you were there a
half an hour ago. I'm not a miracle worker, you know."
He gestured around. "Aren't you, though?"
Rei looked around for the first time. The wasteland had been
turned into a meadow, ringed my green leafed trees and
wildflowers. She heard Usagi whisper, "It's beautiful...."
With a start, Rei recognized the second man. "Jedaite!"
The blonde haired Dark Kingdom general nodded sadly. "I am
indeed."
The Senshi took defensive stances, but Harley simply clasped
his hand. "Metallia is truly dead. The bond is broken."
A joyous smiled alighted upon the general's face. "Then I
can be whole once more."
The mysterious Sailor appeared once more, this time in the
flesh. She embraced Harley. "Thank you, old friend."
Harley smiled. "Well, it would have been wasteful to save my
guy and let yours rot. I suppose you can have him now." Then she
said seriously, "Pluto, I was able to snag Zoisite. Zephyr lives
on."
Sailor Pluto smiled. Then she turned to Jedaite, and a tall
staff appeared in her hand. She pointed it at him, and purple
energy flowed into him. His uniform flaked away to reveal at
multicolored silken robe and silver staff similar to Pluto's. The
sign of Pluto adorned his light mail.
Pluto took his hand, and they disappeared. Harley turned
back to the twin of Zoisite. "Ready, 'Tan."
He smiled. "When you are, Liana. And no funny stuff."
Rei broke in. She stood before Harley and did the hardest
thing in the world. "Harley, I'm... I shouldn't have said what I
did. It was cruel and untrue. Please... for..give... me." She got
it out!
Harley smiled a rare genuine smile. "Rei, I swore a blood
bond to you. A little thing (like calling me a traitor on
circumstantial evidence) doesn't change that. We are sisters."
Relief flooded Rei's heart. "Thank you."
Harley sighed and glanced at the sword in her hand. "Who
wants this thing?"
Ami chuckled. "You're the only one who can use it."
Usagi nodded. "Keep it. You've saved us all."
Tuxedo Kamen added, "Let the wise guard it against misuse."
Harley gave an amused shove and sheathed the siver crystal
sword in the place that a samurai would keep his washitazi,
crossing her katana. "Anyone want a ride out of here?"
They all eagerly agreed. Harley grinned. "This place is a
permanent refuge now. Pay attention and you might even learn to
get in and out. It is to be a set aside place, just for you. And
a memorial for the dead."
Makoto asked, "Dead? But we're alive again." Rei nodded, but
shuddered. The process of death was too terrible to think about.
Harley sighed, sad once more. "Not *all* of us."
They took a step and found themselves on the grounds of
Juuban Middle School. Students slept soundly, regaining their
energy. In the middle of the yard lay five female youmas and one
dead general.
Zoitan and Harley kneeled by Malachite. She smiled. "Brave,
Malach. A bit too brave."
Usagi asked plaintevely. "Why is he dead? If you could bring
*us* back, then why not..."
Zoitan interrupted her politely. "Sailor Moon, Harley could
bring you back because you wished to come. Malach did not. He
thought he wanted to be dead, to be with Zoisite."
Harley smiled a bit. "I think I managed to snag a
technicality. He'll be back. But, for now, he's gone. He saved
your classmates."
Minako answered, "Then we mourn his loss."
Malach's body began to fade, and then disappeared. Harley
commented, "You'd better get out of those ridiculous suits and
look properly energy drained."
Ami nodded. "Yes. They will wake up soon, and we must appear
to have been attacked as well."
Rei detransformed, and when she looked up, Harley and her
betrothed were gone.
*
(excerpt from newspaper clipping)
And in Juuban today, another monster attack occured.
Observers claim it was foiled by a man in a dark grey suit, but
it is in doubt. Juuban Middle School will resume classes in three
days. Officials say....
*
Xalen grinned. "Well, that didn't go to badly."
Faolin chuckled. "Nearly all the heroes died. It didn't go
badly?"
Saeblin had evidently perked up. "Well, it seems the
universe will continue to exist. Maybe now we can get rid of that
pesky crown of Xalen's and die in peace."
The three friends shared the laughter for a long time in the
timelessness of the Time Warp.
*
[Ending Song]
IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT (AND I FEEL FINE)
-REM
[Typical fight scenes of the Inner Senshi, Usagi finishes off the
monsters.]
The other night I tripped a nice continental drift divide. Mount
St. Edelite. Leonard Bernstein. Leonid Breshnev, Lenny Bruce and
Lester Bangs. Birthday party, cheesecake, jelly bean, boom! You
symbiotic, patriotic, slam, but neck, right? Right.
[Senshi fight a youma, but are interrupted as two people (Zoitan
and Harley) dresesed in full cowboy gear gallop in and draw
pistols and shoot.]
It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine...fine...
[Big, jagged, gold Z appears.]
*
Phew! The first chapter is completed. I hope you liked it. I know
I left off a lot of lose plot threads. Here are some teasers:
What happens when Naru doesn't forget Nephyrte? What about Mamoru
and Usagi? What will come of Zoitan and Harley? Will the Ranma
characters ever get lines? How will these developments change the
future part of the timeline? And what's up with Sailor Pluto and
Jedaite?
Stay tuned for the first episode of the first season of Sailor
Cynic!
The insane and wacky author is contactable at bekyx@hotmail.com,
for those who are interested. All comments accepted.
Beky NeRichnead
Grand Potentate of the Universe
Those who dance are considered insane by those who can't hear the music. -
Anonymous Wise Dude
[Your cool saying here] - [your name here]
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