Sailor Moon/Gen13: Moonlight Heroes
Tokyo, Japan
It was going to be a beautiful day in the Land of the Rising Sun. Even
though it was still early, most of the citizens of Tokyo were already
awake and well into their morning routines. With one notable exception.
“AAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHH!!! Why didn’t someone wake me up?! I’m going to be
late for school again!” cried the voice of a young girl.
“I tried to wake you, Serena. Three times. You said you were getting up
each time,” called the girl’s mother from another room.
“And you believed me?!” shouted Serena as she quickly changed into her
school uniform.
“I suppose she keeps hoping you’ll change, Serena. Almost as much as I
do,” sighed Luna as she watched from the nearby windowsill.
“Oh, if I hurry maybe I won’t get another detention!” muttered the
blonde girl as she grabbed the briefcase containing her books and
charged out the door.
Still sighing, Luna looked out room’s window. She was just able to catch
a glimpse of Serena as she dashed down the street to school. “And so
begins another day,” thought the cat.
San Diego, California, USA
“A little slice of heaven,” is how some people might describe the city
of San Diego. Sunshine all year round, the laid back culture of Southern
California, friendly people, easy access to Mexico and, of course, miles
of gorgeous beach. The dream of many an American is a condo on these
sun-kissed Pacific shores. In San Diego, if you were one of those lucky
few who have achieved that dream, you most likely live in the area
called La Jolla.
La Jolla is home to some of the finest architecture in all of
California. The homeowners would have nothing less. But even in such a
ritzy area, there is one house that stands out. The fact that great
architect Howard Rourke had designed it made it special. But the fact
that it was secretly home to the teenage superheroes collectively known
as Gen13, made it extraordinary.
“Sato-san, it’s been to long,” said John Lynch.
The man on the other end of the videophone grinned slightly. “Come now,
John-kun. We have known each other for to long to use such formalities.
Call me Kenichi. Or, as you so often did in the old days, just Ken.”
“I seem to recall that you didn’t much like the name Ken back then.”
“That was a long time ago, John. We were both very different then. The
world was different. I guess I’ve mellowed with age. But I doubt the
same is true for you. ”
“True,” sighed Lynch. “But I’m sure you didn’t call to reminisce over
old times.”
“No, I didn’t. I called let you know that Hiroyuki Utatane is dead.”
“That old spy king? I can’t say I’m sorry to see him go. Let me guess,
his death wasn’t natural.”
“Sharp as ever, John,” complimented Ken. “No, most of Utatane was found
in his home last week.”
“Most of him?” queried Lynch.
“Let us just say the maid has her work cut out for her.”
“Utatane was a bastard who deserved whatever he got. But what does this
have to do with me, Ken?”
“As you know,” began the Asian man, “Utatane went into business for
himself after he left Japanese Intelligence. He became one of the
biggest data brokers in the Far East before his demise.”
“That was always your problem, Ken. You beat around the bush too much,”
snorted Lynch. “Just tell me what this has to with me.”
“My apologies, John. I forgot that bluntness is considered a virtue in
America. You see, my government placed me in charge of sorting though
all the data we’ve recovered from Utatane’s personal files. I have found
information that I think would be of great interest to you.”
“Such as?”
“Such as things on Miles Craven, I/O, and a few other interesting
people.”
“Craven is dead so I don’t have to worry about him,” said Lynch
distastefully.
“True, John,” agreed the other man. “But some of the information could
be very useful to someone with your…current status.”
“You can say it, Ken. I’m a fugitive. But you know I had to go rogue
from I/O to protect those kids from people like Craven.”
“Yes, I know. But the information I have could easily be used as
bargaining chips. To help ensure that certain people who may know things
don’t talk,” Ken explained.
“You’re being vague again, Ken. But I appreciate your help. I know the
kind of risks you’re taking just speaking to me.”
“You saved my life, John-kun. I’ll never forget that.”
“You did the same for me more than a few times. Now, how do you want to
handle the data transmission?” asked Lynch.
“In person.”
“In person?! You want me to come to Japan?”
“I’m already taking a risk by talking to you via satellite,” Ken. “I
would feel much more secure if I could give you the information in
person. Besides, it will give us a chance to talk about old times. I
still remember the address of that sake bar that you liked so well.”
Lynch mulled over the idea for a minute. “Well, the kids have been
under a lot of stress of late. And a trip to Japan would be a rare
opportunity for them. They actually might learn something. Even Grunge.
And there’s the bonus of seeing my old friend again. Very well, Ken,
you’ve talked me into it.
“It’ll take me a few days to make arrangements and to cover my tracks.
I’ll e-mail you when things are set.”
“Very well then. I look forward to seeing you. Sayonara, John.”
“Sayonara, Ken,” said Lynch as the videophone blinked off.
Lynch then reached over to a small intercom and pressed the button.
“Anna, are the kids back yet.?”
“No, sir. I belive they’re still shopping at Horton Plaza,” came the
reply.
“Let me know as soon as they return.”
“Yes, sir.”
Lynch then leaned back in his chair and smiled. The day was off to a
very good start.
Tokyo, Japan
“Raye! Hey Raye, wait up!” called an energetic voice.
Raye Hino turned to find her fellow Sailor Scout, Mina Aino, trying to
catch up with her. “Hey, Mina. What’s up?”
“Nothing really. I just saw you walking to school and thought you might
want some company,” replied Mina.
“Thanks, but your school isn’t exactly on the way to mine. Are you sure
you won’t be late?”
“Wouldn’t be the first time.”
“Well, okay,” conceded Raye.
With that, the two girls resumed walking. They were both silent for two
blocks before Mina spoke.
“Uh, Raye, is something bothering you?”
“No, why do you ask?” said the raven-haired Scout.
“When I saw you walking you looked like you were a million miles away. I
know I joined the Sailor Scouts only recently, but if something is
bothering you I want to help.”
“Really Mina, I’m fine.”
“Is it Tuxedo Mask?” asked the blonde girl.
“No!” exclaimed Raye. “I mean, I’m worried that he’s disappeared, but I
know he can take care of himself. Really, nothing’s wrong.”
Not satisfied with that answer, Mina stepped in front of Raye, blocking
her path. “Come on, Raye, I can tell you’re lying,” stated Mina. “You’re
my friend and I want to help you if I can. But you need to tell me
what’s wrong.”
An angry look flashed across Raye’s face. It soon gave way to a rather
sad expression. “You’re right. Something has been bothering me.”
“What?”
“I had this strange dream last night. I don’t really remember anything
about it though. All I know is that I woke up with this terrible sense
of foreboding.”
“Do you think this was another of your psychic visions?” inquired Mina.
Raye nodded. “Something’s coming, Mina. I don’t know what, but it’s
coming and it’s big. I can feel the storm clouds gathering.”
“This definitely sounds like Scouts' business. I’ll call the others and
tell them to meet at your temple after school.”
“Thanks,” smiled Raye. “I just wish I could remember more of my dream.”
“Don’t worry about it. We’re the champions of love and justice,
remember?” assured Mina as she struck one of her trademark Sailor V
posses. “We can handle anything the Negaverse throws our way, right?”
“Right!” said Raye, finally brightening a bit.
With that, the two girls resumed their walk.
San Diego, California, USA
It was two hours after Lynch’s call had ended that Gen13 returned home.
Anna quickly hustled them into the living room saying only that Lynch
had an announcement of some sort.
As Lynch entered the room he did a quick scan of the group. Fairchild,
as usual, was quiet and waiting patiently, Grunge with fiddling with a
Gameboy, Bobby was pacing, Roxy was painting her nails and Sarah was
glancing out the window.
“All right, team, pay attention,” ordered Lynch. “Today I was contacted
by Kenichi Sato, an old friend of mine from my freelance adventurer
days. He’s a bigshot in Japanese Intelligence these days, and he’s come
across information which he thinks may be of use to us.”
“What kind of information?” asked Bobby.
“He wasn’t very forthcoming with details. But I trust this man with my
life, and if he says it’s good then it’s good. The only catch is that he
wants to give me the information personally.”
“Whoa! Mr.L, are you saying we're going to Japan?!” interrupted Grunge.
“Yes,” sighed Lynch. Would that boy ever learn some manners? “I think
this would be a good educational opportunity for all of you. Spending
time immersed in a foreign culture is a excellent way to expand one’s
mind.”
“You mean we’re going to have to learn stuff? Bummer.”
“Quiet, Grunge,” snapped Lynch. “Now there is only one slight problem
with our trip. Since we're currently fugitives from I/O, that makes
leaving the country tricky for us. I’m already making arrangements, but
it’ll be about three days before everything is secure.”
“Will my father be coming with us?” asked Fairchild.
“I’m afraid not,” answered Lynch. “I need him and Anna to hold down the
fort here while we’re gone. He’s out setting some things up for us right
now.”
“Three days, huh?” mused Roxy. “Plenty of time to score some Far Out
Far East outfits down at Fashion Valley Mall.”
“You’ll have plenty of time to shop when we’re in Tokyo, Roxanne,”
chided Lynch. “Right now, I wan-”
“Uh, excuse me, Mr.L, there’s just one problem,” interrupted Rainmaker.
“And that is?”
“None of us speak Japanese.”
“If you’d give me a chance, I’ll show you how we’re going get around
that problem, Sarah,” said Lynch. With that, he removed a small object
shaped like a hearing aid from his pocket. “This kids, is a direct
neural translation device. D.N.T.D for short. A little gift from a
contact at Halo Industries.”
“So what's it do?” asked Bobby.
“The D.N.T.D creates a direct link between itself and the speech and
hearing areas of the wearer’s brain. It then provides a perfect
translation of whatever language it’s programmed for.”
“It’s a Universal Translator! Just like on Star Trek!” exclaimed
Grunge.
“A crude but accurate description,” admitted Lynch.
“Wait, so you’re saying that if we stick those things in our ears we’ll
be able to speak and understand Japanese?” asked Freefall skeptically.
“That’s what he just said, Roxy,” said Sarah.
“Will we be able to read Japanese to?” asked Fairchild.
“No, I’m afraid not,” said Lynch. “That’s why you’re all going to spend
the next three days getting a crash course in written Japanese. You’ll
also be learning about their culture so as to not make fools of
yourselves in public.”
“Hey! Why were you lookin’ at me when you said that?” blustered Grunge.
“There’s just one thing, Mr. Lynch,” began Fairchild. “You’re the only
one of us who really knows Japanese culture. And from the sound of it,
you’re going to be to busy too teach us.”
“Good girl, Caitlin. Always thinking,” smiled Lynch. “You’re correct,
I’ll be very busy the next few days working with your father to make
sure things proceed smoothly. That’s why Anna will be handling your
instruction.”
“Anna?!” gasped Freefall.
“That’s correct, Roxanne,” said the android housekeeper. “I’ve been
programmed to speak 42 languages and am familiar with the customs of
many of the world’s cultures.”
“Great, we get to spend the next few days with C-3PO,” muttered Grunge.
“When do we start all this?” queried Sarah.
“Now is as good a time as any. It’s still two hours till dinner,”
assessed Lynch as he looked at his watch. “Plenty of time to learn a few
basics. I’ll being quizzing you all during the meal so pay attention.”
With that Lynch left his charges to their work and returned to his
study.
Tokyo, Japan.
The girls had agreed to gather at their usual meeting place, the
Cherry Hill Temple, once the school day was over. Unfortunately, one of
them was missing.
“I can’t belive Serena is this late!” grumbled Lita.
“You know Serena. She’d be late to her own funnel,” said Mina.
“I think you mean funeral,” corrected Amy.
“Whatever.”
“Let’s forget about Serena for the moment and get on with it. We can
always fill her in later,” suggested Lita. “So Raye, you get anything
more from that dream of yours?”
Raye shook her head. “Not really. I’ve been trying all day but…” The
girl closed her eyes began to concentrate. After several long moments
she opened them and frowned. “Still nothing. Just this horrible sense of
doom. Something bad is going to happen, guys. I can feel it.”
“Hey, everyone! Check out what I got!!” called a new voice. The girls
looked to see Serena running up carrying pink box.
“Where were you, Serena? You where supposed to be here twenty minutes
ago!” admonished Lita.
“Sorry about that. But on my way here I passed a donut shop that was
having a special,” replied the pig-tailed girl as she opened the box. “I
got some for all of us! Check it out--sprinkles!”
“I don’t belive this! We’ve got Sailor business and all you can think
about is stuffing your face!” blasted Raye. “Honestly, Serena, when are
you going to gro--”
“Hey! There’re only six donuts in here!” exclaimed Mina as she looked
inside the box. “And most of them are the kind with jelly in the center!
I hate those!”
“Well, lunch was a really long time ago and I got hungry on the way
over here…” began Serena.
“Guys!” shouted Amy. “Can you forget about the donuts for a minute? We
might be looking at a real threat here.”
“Amy’s right,” sighed Lita. “So, Luna, do you think the Negaverse is up
something?”
“I’m not picking up any of the usual signs of Negaverse activity,” the
magical cat answered. “But I do have a bad feeling about Raye’s
premonition.”
“What about you, Artemis?” said Mina. “You got anything?”
“Afraid not,” began the white cat. “But I think it’d be wise if all of
us were extra vigilant for the next few days.”
“I’m not picking up anything usual on my computer,” reported Amy as she
studied the highly advanced palm-top Luna had given her.
“Maybe my vision was wrong,” said Raye.
“Maybe it was something you ate,” suggested Serena. “I know I always
get weird dreams whenever I have my mom’s meatloaf.” The other girls and
the cats glared at her.
“What?! It was just an idea!”
“Those feelings of yours have been right most of the time before, Raye.
I belive you,” assured Amy. The others quickly echoed that feeling.
“Thanks,” smiled Raye. “Look, I’ll consult the sacred fire later
tonight. Maybe that will give me something to go on.”
“Cool! Problem solved!” cheered Serena. “Now, who wants donuts?”
Artemis, Luna, and the other four Sailor Scouts just shook their heads
and sighed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Private jet en route from San Diego to Tokyo.
“Whoa, you guys have gotta check this view!” proclaimed Grunge as he
pressed his face against a window.
“We already did. It’s the Pacific Ocean. And it’s still going to be the
ocean until we get to Japan,” sighed Burnout as he looked up from his
magazine.
“Oh, let Grunge have his fun. After all, it’s not everyday that we get
to travel in something like this,” said Sarah as she gestured at the
luxurious cabin of the jet.
And luxurious it was. Instead of the usual row seating found on most
planes, this jet had several comfortable overstuffed chairs and couches
as well as a minibar, TV, and a small refrigerator.
“Yeah, this plane kicks ass! Shame it doesn’t have one those revolving
beds like in Austin Powers. If it did I could join the Mile High Club,”
mused Grunge.
“You only get into the Mile High Club if you do that with a partner,”
joked Bobby.
“Aw, suck it, jerkweed!”
“Guys, could you please hold it down? I’m trying to read,” admonished
Fairchild.
“What are you reading?” asked Sarah.
“It’s a book on Japanese culture Mr. Lynch gave me. It’s really very
fascinating,” began Kat as she held up her book. “This section here
talks about the traditional tea ceremony. Did you know tha--”
“Uh, I think I’ll go see what my dad is up to,” interrupted Bobby.
Hoping to avoid a boring lecture, he headed up to the cockpit.
As he headed to the front of the plane, Burnout passed Freefall who was
lying on a couch. She had her eyes closed and was singing along softly
to the music coming from her Diskman. “Rainy day man, on your shoulder I
cried, when my first brush with love left me shaking inside. Rainy day
man,” she sang.
Cripes, I don’t know how she can listen to that mall bunny music.
Still, I guess I should just consider myself lucky she it’s listening to
Hanson, mused Bobby as he entered the cockpit.
“Is there something wrong, son?” asked John Lynch from behind the
controls.
“No, I just needed a little time away from the others.”
“You mean away from Grunge?”
“Mostly, yeah. Listen, uh, dad, there was something I wanted to ask you
back in San Diego, but didn’t get the chance,” said Burnout.
“What?”
“When did you learn to fly a jet? And speaking of the jet, how did we
afford this? I know we’ve got money, but this seems way out of our price
range.”
“To answer your last question first, the plane was Ken’s doing,” began
Lynch. “I don’t know how he pulled it off, but I’m not going to look a
gift horse in the mouth.
As for me flying, well, I learned to pilot just about anything back in
my Team 7 days. Flying is just like riding a bike--you never forget
how.”
“Okay, but wouldn’t you still need a license or something? The people
at the airport don’t let just anyone fly a plane.”
Lynch turned and gave Bobby a mischievous grin. “Son, do I really need
to tell someone your age just how easy it is to get fake ID?”
Burnout took a moment to process his father’s words. “I guess not. So
how did you meet this guy we’re going to see?”
“It’s a long story, son. One I’m not quite ready to tell. Let’s just
say it involves me, Ken, a paranoid crime boss with a passion for the
occult, and a ancient legend about seven rainbow crystals.”
“Rainbow crystals. Riiiiight,” grumbled Bobby as he left the cockpit.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tokyo was in flames. Everywhere she could hear people screaming.
"-monster! It will destroy-"
"-my wife! It killed my wi-"
"-powerful! We're doom-"
"Run! It's coming this wa-"
"-destroyed the whole buildi-"
"Mommy, where are you?!"
The crowd surged over her like a tidal wave, knocking her to the ground.
Gritting her teeth, Raye managed to get to her feet. She then reached
out and grabbed one of the fleeing people. “What’s going on?!” she
demanded. Her momentary captive, a young man in a denim jacket,
fanatically tried to jerk out of her grasp. Raye only held on tighter.
“What’s going on?” she repeated evenly.
“It’s a monster!” screamed the man. “It’s blowing stuff up left and
right! It’s already killed a lot of people!”
Raye was about to press for more information, but in a burst of
adrenaline-fueled strength the young man broke her grip and fled. Just
then the sound of a massive explosion filled the air. Raye whirled to
see the top third of Tokyo Tower sheared off by a large fireball.
"It finally happened! The Negaverse is invading the earth! I have to
find the others and hope we're not to late!"
With that, the raven-haired girl cried "MARS POWER!" Instantly strange
energy began to flow around her body, and Raye felt the familiar
sensation of her transformation into Sailor Mars.
When the change was over Raye opened her eyes to find that she was no
longer in the panic filled streets, but in a dimly lit park. She felt
the hair on the back of her neck stand up, as it always did when she was
in the presence of evil. "Sailor Moon? Mercury? Jupiter? Venus? Anyone?"
Mars called.
"Looking for your friends, little girl? Here, let me help you," chuckled
an unseen voice.
It was then that the park became brighter and Mars could see the
bodies of four people lying near her. "Serena! Amy! Lita! Mina! No!" she
cried as she recognized her fellow Scouts.
"I'm sorry, but they can't hear you at the moment. They're all a bit
busy being dead," teased the voice.
"No! It can't be true!" screamed Raye as she ran to Sailor Moon's side.
The blonde girl's body had many cuts, bruises, and burns. Her tiara was
covered in blood and her Crescent Moon Wand, snapped in two, was still
clutched in her hand.
"Serena, you can't be dead! You hear me, meatballhead, you can't!"
begged Raye, her voice filled with tears.
"Oh, but she is. She and all the others. You're the last one left,
little Scout," gloated the voice. "Once you're gone, nothing will stand
in the way of Queen Beryl's conquest of this world."
"Show yourself!" demanded Mars as she stood from her friend's body.
"Face me, monster! Face me and on behalf of Mars, and my friends, I'll
punish you!"
"Very well. Let us see if you are a true warrior of Mars," answered the
voice.
Raye turned and saw a figure cloaked in shadow standing behind her. The
only part of the being not black as midnight was its eyes. The left one
was a sinister yellow Raye had seen in many of the monsters she had
fought. But the other was an angry shade of crimson. That eye seemed to
radiate with energy.
Suppressing her rage, Sailor Mars began to focus her power. She felt
the
inferno inside her and let it build until she could hold it no more.
"MARS FIRE…IGNITE!"
The fireball flew from her hands toward the creature. Suddenly, the
flames spilt into two streams and flowed harmlessly around the thing's
body.
"No, it can't be," whispered Mars.
"Is that the best the famed Sailor Mars has to offer? Pity," said the
creature. "Your fallen friends put up a much better fight. I think you
should join them now. IN OBLIVION!!"
Then a beam of pure red flew from the creature's eye at the last Sailor
Scout. "NO!!" screamed Mars as she felt the energy hit her, burn her,
consume her…
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"NO!!" shouted Raye as she sat up. Her heart was pounding and sweat
drenched her body. “A dream! Just a dream!” she panted as she looked
around the familiar setting of her room.
After a few deep breaths, Raye managed to calm herself down a bit.
“It’s closer. Whatever that monster is, it’s closer now,” she thought.
“It’s real and when it gets here it’s going to be horrible. I have to
warn the others. I can’t let…won’t let them die!” Raye angrily swore as
she fought back tears.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Narita Airport, Tokyo, Japan
“Turning Japanese, I think I’m turning Japanese, I really think so!
Turning Japanese, I think I’m turning Japanese, I really think so!” sang
a very off key voice.
“Grunge! Shut you will you!? People are starting to stare!” gasped
Freefall.
“Come on, Rox. I’m trying to get into the Japanese spirit!”
“Somehow don’t think singing bad 80’s pop tunes is the way to go,”
remarked Rainmaker.
“Hey, Sarah, does that stick up your ass hurt when you walk?” retorted
Grunge.
“Zip it, Grunge!” snapped Lynch. “We haven’t been on Japanese soil
twenty minutes and you’re already making a fool of yourself.”
“Mr. Lynch, I was wondering, how are we going to get into the city?”
asked Fairchild.
“Hello? Earth to Caitlin,” called Roxy. “We take a cab. Just like
everyone else.”
“According to my guidebook, a trip from the airport to downtown could
run us as much as two hundred dollars,” informed the redhead.
“Two hundred dollars! No freakin’ way!”
“Caitlin is correct, Roxy.” said Lynch “Things are very expensive in
Japan. But that won’t be an issue since Ken said he would provide us
with transportation.”
“Wow, Ken must be a really great friend to do all this for you,”
commented Rainmaker.
“That he is, Sarah.”
“Yeah, he’s great. But there’s one problem he can’t help us with,”
grumbled Bobby.
“And that is?” quizzed Lynch.
“Trying to find our luggage in this place!”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
On the roof of one of the outer terminals there was a brief flash of
light. When the flash was over, a man with flowing white hair, wearing
a gray militaristic uniform and a white cape stood there. His name was
Malachite.
Malachite pulled a small black jewel from his pocket and watched as it
glowed with a slight blue light. Something in this area is giving off
powerful energy readings, he thought. Could it be the Silver Imperium
Crystal?
Following the jewel’s glow, Malachite wandered to the edge of the roof
and looked down at a passenger loading area. “Nothing. Nothing but
pathetic humans!” he growled. “How could any of them be giving off such
power?”
Malachite’s question was interrupted by a sound from the loading area.
“My woman from Tokyo, she makes me see! My woman from Tokyo, she's so
good to me!”
Malachite saw that the noise was coming from a group of teenagers and an
older man who were standing by a limo.
“Dammit, Grunge, shut up!” yelled the blond male. “Bad enough I had to
listen to your Chris Rock impressions on the ride over. Now that we’re
here there’s no way I’m going to listen to you butcher Deep Purple!”
“Unclench, will you, Bobby?” said the short, dark-haired one Malachite
presumed was ‘Grunge.’
“Will you two knock it off and get in?” growled the older man.
Malachite took a moment to study him, presuming older one to be in
charge. He had a weather-beaten face and a pair of scars cutting
diagonally across his right eye. A warrior, that one, mused the
General.
“I don’t know this Ken guy but I sure do like his style!” gushed the
girl with the pink streaks in her hair.
“We’ll be meeting him for dinner tomorrow, Roxanne. You can thank him
then,” said the older one as the group climbed into the limo.
As the car drove off Malachite again glanced at his jewel. A bright
halo of blue energy surrounded it. “Those humans, there’s something
special about them,” he assessed. “I must find out what their power is.
And if it can be used to gain the Silver Imperium Crystal.”
With another burst of light, Malakite was gone.