The Ero-Sennin wrote a Sailor Moon Fanfic!
Disclaimer: I will distract you from my weaknesses with fanservice!
Beautiful Destroyer Sailor Moon
The Second Soldier
Cool, cool Mercury
[6.]
Jadeite was brooding, pacing back and forth in his personal chambers. One more failure of this magnitude, and Beryl would want to have words with him. He was well below quota and slipping into the red. Worse, he got another General’s youma turned to dust–he wasn’t going to hear the end of it.
On the plus side, he came to a few understandings about his opponent. Sailor Moon was highly destructive yes, but she was far from reckless. In all the incidents where he faced her directly, she made an effort to avoid getting people hurt, be it kicking him away from those radio hosts, evacuating the gym before leveling it, and focusing his and Derella’s attention on her rather than risk endangering the people in the audience. With that weakness, he found possibly another: Tuxedo Kamen.
In every instance he faced her and seemed to gain the upper hand, that well-dressed bastard would show up, throw a rose, and the momentum of the battle would shift straight back to her. “Deus Ex Rosa†as Thetis humorlessly referred to it. If Jadeite could somehow use that against Sailor Moon, he’d have a chance to take her down–she was strong but she was not invincible. He’d need a plan and a strong youma, no… two strong youma. He didn’t want to have to rely on Thetis, however…
“Ohohoho…â€
He immediately tensed as he looked back and found an effeminate youth with wavy blonde hair floating in the shadows of his chambers, reclined with one leg crossed over the other. “Don’t think too hard, Jadeite, you might hurt yourself.â€
“Don’t you have places to be?†Jadeite asked.
“My, my, aren’t we annoyed? Since I’ve been so far past quota recently, I decided to drop by and see how my good friend Jadeite was doing. I can see for myself that you’re not doing so hot so I was wondering if you could use a little more help.â€
The condescension in Zoisite’s tone annoyed Jadeite even further. “Your help is neither wanted nor appreciated, buzz off.â€
Zoisite pouted. “Hey now I loaned you a youma, you lost it, and I’m still willing to help you! You should be a little more grateful.â€
“Derella was an idiot who couldn’t get any energy,†Jadeite shot back.
Zoisite stared at Jadeite, and then his eyes widened. “Oh! That was its name? Oh man, I never remember that kind of stuff. Thank you, I couldn’t think of it and it was kind of awkward~â€
Sneering, Jadeite looked aside. “Don’t know how you can manage to get nearly as much energy as Nephrite with your attitude towards your youma…â€
Zoisite smiled. “Oh it’s quite simple; I don’t waste my time with overwrought plans like you or through divination like Nephrite. The best way to collect life energy is to release it all at once, after all.â€
“Psychopath…†Jadeite hissed.
“Queen Beryl said we had to make quota, how is irrelevant. You do remember what we’re gathering energy for, right?â€
“Discretion in our operation has its benefits. A body count attracts attention. Especially now that we have to deal with Sailor Moon interfering.â€
Zoisite immediately waved dismissively at Jadeite. “Oh shut up you fool. If you were actually good at being discreet, you wouldn’t be here. I can see that even now, you’re weighing your options on taking that little skank out, but your resources are running low. You only have a handful of youma left, Nephrite’s method of gathering energy doesn’t help you, and Kunzite has none of his own to lend. Worse yet, because Thetis got injured, Beryl’s wary of letting you anywhere near her stock. You’re desperate for a breakthrough so you can go back to your precious status quo.â€
Once again Jadeite was seething as Zoisite proved himself right on all counts. He turned away from the other General, who immediately teleported directly behind him and rested his hands on his shoulders before leaning close. “I can loan you another youma… I have quite a few to spare.â€
Zoisite rested the side of his head against Jadeite’s, and he felt his shoulders tense up. Zoisite began to rub them. “I can’t promise much in the way of gathering you energy… but…â€
Bringing his lips to Jadeite’s ear, he whispered. “It’s better to chance it than having to explain to Beryl why you can’t kill a single… little… girl~â€
Jadeite lashed out at Zoisite, who teleported away back to his previous position, laughing derisively down at him.
As Jadeite glared up at him, he finished. “I’ll let you use my plant trio.â€
That changed things considerably. “You mean Housenka, Grape, and Suzuran?â€
“You know if you know their names you should really write them down and give the list to me. I really hate having to say ‘Hey, you’ all the time. They give me looks,†Zoisite replied, “Yes, I’ll let you use my youma…â€
Jadeite immediately narrowed his eyes. Of course, making a deal with Zoisite meant… “… For a price.â€
“What do you want?†Jadeite asked, knowing he would regret doing so.
Zoisite’s often present smile darkened, as he grabbed Jadeite’s behind roughly. “…Oh you know what I want.â€
At the “Running Dragon School of Indiscriminate Grappling†Usagi was trying something new. She was facing against five lower ranked students, all wearing protective gear, as her Sensei and Makoto watched from the side. Over the last few days she had been hitting not the mat but the books, studying combat against multiple opponents in particular. Today was going to be Usagi’s first attempt at implementing what she’s been studying.
“All right, are you ready?†Sensei asked, and all students involved bowed to one another. “Begin!â€
Usagi gave no warning, rushing forward and grabbing a student’s arm before kicking him first in the stomach and then in the back. Turning around, she threw the student to the ground as another attacked.
He swung a punch at her, and missed–only to be punished with several rapid-fire blows to his stomach and groin before Usagi hooked a leg behind his and threw him to the ground.
“Wow,†Makoto said as another student grabbed Usagi’s long hair tried to pull her down by them.
Leaning back and twisting her body as she turned around, Usagi went with the pull and drove her shoulder into the attacker and spear her into the ground. As she lay there, she delivered a quick punch to her throat before rolling back up her feet and kicking another attacker first in the knee and then the groin before getting quickly to her feet and elbowing the side of his head, throwing him onto his back.
The final attacker lunged at Usagi with a prop knife to the back of her neck, but she was seen coming. Turning around she grabbed the knife and guided it away from her before twisting her opponents arm to relieve her of the blade, taking the knife into her other hand deftly, she guided her controlled opponent around and then brought the knife up to her neck before pretending to slice her throat with it.
“And finish!†Usagi called out, and the other students got up, their reinforced padding having protected them from Usagi for the most part. She still hit like a man twice her weight and muscle build.
Makoto and Sensei, as well as a number of other witnesses, broke into applause.
Sensei was particularly impressed. “That was amazing, Usagi-chan! What was this art called again?â€
“Krav Maga, it’s an Israeli thing!†Usagi cheerfully replied.
Makoto nodded. “I’ve heard of it. It’s less of a martial art and more of a self-defense skill. It places a lot of emphasis on survival, and is generally not meant for show.â€
“I see. I do have to wonder, Usagi-chan, why the interest in crowd fighting? You’re the sort who likes to make an example in one-on-one,†Sensei pointed out.
“Crowd fighting is a weakness of mine. Akane Tendo can clear a crowd of a hundred guys in seconds; I want to be able to take on at least a handful at once.â€
Makoto let out an amused sound. “I think the best way you can avoid that kind of aggro is to change your attitude.â€
“Eh?†Usagi placed her hands on her hips. “Are you saying that I’m the problem?â€
“If you have to fight, then fight, but always prefer a peaceful solution.†Makoto’s tone hardened a little bit. “You can’t win them all.â€
Usagi gave Makoto a different look with that. “You speak of experience.â€
“Afraid so…†Makoto then stepped onto the mat. Seeing this, Usagi got ready to fight.
“Is it a sad story?†Usagi asked.
“A frustrating one, maybe if you can land a hit I’ll tell you.†With that, Makoto bowed.
Returning the bow, Usagi grinned. “I always enjoy hearing a good st-â€
Thirty seconds later, Usagi was a crumpled heap by the wall that Makoto had thrown her into. Raising a trembling hand, Usagi gave a thumb’s up to both her and Sensei. “Keine Sorge, ich bin in Ordnung. Ja mein Generalfeldmarschall, Ich informiere die Panzerregiment Die Alliierte Bewegungen. Heil Hitler.â€
Her arm fell limp, and Makoto turned to Sensei. “Did you understand that?â€
Sensei shook her head. “I am no good with German. Like this one time, my friend and I were going out and she was bragging about her English skills when this foreigner…â€
“Shouldn’t we get her help?†Makoto gently interrupted.
“Her mother said this happens all the time,†Sensei replied.
Usagi left The Running Dragon, her head wrapped in a bandage and looking like she’d seen better days. Even with a new fighting style at her disposal, Makoto manhandled her pretty effectively. She could counter every attack she tried, and even took her down in the middle of a takedown. Sensei was right about her, that skill belied her rank.
“I wonder why? Maybe it has something to do with her frustrating story…†Usagi mused aloud. As she rounded a corner, she came face to face with Ami, book bag in hand. “Oh, hello Ami-chan how’s it going?â€
Ami looked at Usagi, surprised by her sudden appearance. “Tsukino?â€
“Usagi’s fine, we’re classmates after all.†Usagi looked at her bag. “Didn’t school end like hours ago? Where are you headed?â€
“Cram School, the entrance exams for Mugen Academy aren’t for another few months so I have to get ready for them in advance.â€
Usagi nodded. “I can hear that. So how did you fail the entrance test anyhow?â€
Ami gave a quiet start. “Who told you that? I got ejected from the test.â€
“Exposition-san, but yeah why’d you get ejected?â€
In the few days Ami had gone to her new school, Usagi had shown no hesitation to be sociable with her. It was something Ami wasn’t exactly used to but Usagi was unconditionally friendly at least. It made it easy for her to respond to her, even for all her readily apparent eccentricity. “Well, it was all over an eraser.â€
“An eraser?†Usagi repeated, not unlike one of the more solid species of snake.
Ami nodded. “The boy next to me had lost his, so in a lapse of good judgment I loaned him mine. The proctor saw me and ejected me from the exam.â€
From that day forward, Ami vowed to hate that boy forever, she neglected to add. “So here I am a student here at Azabu-Juuban.â€
Usagi shrugged her shoulders. “This school’s fine. Haruna’s an amazing teacher and Mugen Academy is full of nothing but wannabe mad scientists, gothic lolis, high school lesbians, and sometimes a mixture of all of that. The uniforms are also pretty heinous.â€
“It’s not that bad. Sure the uniforms leave a lot to be desired, but…â€
“Yeah, yeah, it’s the Toudai of primary through high school education. Just because it’s a public school doesn’t mean you should be so dismissive… it makes you come off as kind of a snob.â€
Ami recoiled slightly. “I meant no such offense!â€
“I know, but sometimes people want to perceive the wrong things because of their own insecurities, but I’m not so quick to judge.â€
Ami smiled to her. “Of course you’re not, nevermind that you just generalized my educational aspirations.â€
“Wait, what?†Usagi waved her hand. “Oh, I guess I did, didn’t I?â€
Letting out a small laugh, Ami reached into her bag and pulled out her phone to check the time. “I’m going to be late to my class if I stick around any longer, but it was nice talking to you.†She looked from her phone to Usagi. “Would you like my phone number?â€
Usagi smiled. “Sure! Just tap it on over to my phone!â€
She held up her own phone, and Ami tapped her phone to hers–exchanging contact information. “That’s one of the newer touch screen models, where’d you get it from?â€
“I robbed a pervert who was using his phone to take upskirt shots of me and my friend,†Usagi replied.
Ami’s answer was surprisingly nonchalant. “Good job.â€
Usagi watched Ami as she waved and went on her way. How strange, this girl adapted pretty well to her flagrant promiscuity and delinquent ways. Kind of like Naru, she realized.
A smile came to Usagi’s lips. “She’s interesting.â€
“Yes, I’m actually impressed that you haven’t terrified her,†Luna said as she emerged from around the corner.
Usagi looked down at Luna. “I don’t know, she seems like the type who’s seen it all before. I wonder what to make if it.â€
Bending down, she picked Luna up and allowed her to clamber to her shoulder and perch there. “Who knows, maybe she knows someone like me.â€
Luna’s ears folded back. “The remote possibility that there could be two of you out there terrifies me to the center of my being.â€
Usagi scratched under Luna’s chin. “Shut up.â€
In an empty classroom at the Crystal Seminar cram school, the youma Garoben spun a flash drive on the end of her finger as she sat perched on the end of her desk. It had been a few weeks since Murid put her to work on this plan and she was finally putting in good returns, having met both Morga and Flau’s energy quotas before beginning work on her own.
However, over the last few days she hadn’t been able to report any of that news because Jadeite had been missing since shortly after the disaster involving Derella. She, like his other remaining youma, was worried for him, especially since now she had a problem.
“Perhaps Beryl just got sick of his failures and iced him,†the disguised youma lamented.
That would do her no good, but it was ultimately mooted when Jadeite appeared in the room.
“Jadeite you’re-â€
She stood up and stared when she saw the state Jadeite was in. He looked as though he had been tortured–with dark rings under his eyes and bruises and bite marks on face and neck respectively. He moved stiffly to a desk to rest his hands and prop himself up. Bringing one hand up to his face, he ran his fingers through his hair and took a deep breath.
“Zoisite.†He turned his head slightly towards her. “Don’t say another God damned word about it.â€
Garoben nodded. “Right, I wanted to report to you that I’ve made Morga and Flau’s quotas. You’re not in that hole anymore.â€
Jadeite paused, and then looked at her. “You did what?â€
“Murid made these.†She held up a flash drive. “They collect energy from students working this cram school. I’ve been doing it since we lost Flau. But yes, I’ve been making huge gains on it but I have a problem.â€
“What is it?†Jadeite asked, feeling agitated that he went through that torment with Derella when his own youma were pulling their weight spectacularly.
Garoben tossed him the flash drive, and he caught it. “Huh?â€
“One of my students isn’t affected by the thing, I’ve talked to Murid about it and she says that it’s impossible, she made them to suck the excess energy they burn studying,†Garoben explained.
Jadeite examined the flash drive, and narrowed his before he tossed the flash drive back. “Do you still want a shot at Sailor Moon?â€
Garoben’s eyes widened, and then she smiled big as she caught it. “You bet your sweet ass, I do.â€
“All right then, here’s what I want you to do.†Jadeite stood upright. “Set the flash drives to drain these kids into the red, and make a fuss out of it. If I know Sailor Moon, she’ll come running at the first sign of something being up, if she already doesn’t have her suspicions.â€
“I see. Then what happens?â€
“Sailor Moon shows up, and then you get your shot.â€
Garoben’s smile became predatory. “Oh yes…â€
Jadeite nodded, before adding. “Keep in mind, however, that I have enlisted some help from Housenka, Grape, and Suzuran to keep the odds firmly in your favor. Work with them, and they’ll make it easy.â€
That surprised Garoben, and she let out a whistle. “Disciples of the DD Girls… Zoisite made you pay up the ass to use them, didn’t he?â€
She regretted saying that with the intense glare Jadeite leveled at her. “Right, don’t talk about it, sorry.â€
Jadeite softened his glare, and prepared to leave. “Be careful.â€
“You don’t need to tell me, but there won’t be trouble. Moon bitch is going down.â€
Now smirking, Jadeite began to fade away. “Do what you do best, Garoben.â€
Opening the door to the Game Center Crown, Usagi was already counting her money as she headed over to a machine to convert it into tokens. Luna was still on her shoulder, which caught the attention of Motoki from where he stood behind the counter.
Like Naru, he was well used to having Usagi and her antics, and he shared in her unconditional love for all things Kamen Raider. To Usagi, Motoki was both like a big brother and her supplier of all things Kamen Raider.
“Hey Usagi-chan, is that cat yours?†he called over, catching her attention. She looked to Luna, who put on a pleased expression, before turning to him.
“You know her?†she asked.
Motoki nodded. “Yes, lately she’s been hanging around here looking for a free meal. I don’t mind her at all; she’s a very friendly kitty.â€
Usagi reached up and scratched Luna’s chin with a finger. “So this is where she disappears off to, the freeloading harlot.â€
Luna bit her finger. “Ow.â€
Motoki couldn’t help a laugh as Luna leaped from her shoulder and bounded over to his counter to hop onto. He began to pet her. “So what’s it going to be? I stocked the crane and capsule games today, and got a couple of new cabinets in, including Kamen Raider vs. Kamen Raider Next Extreme Gaiden Plus.â€
Usagi rolled her eyes. “Another add-on game, when are they going to just make a sequel?â€
“Why would they? Besides, you’re still going to play it,†Motoki pointed out.
Indeed, she was already getting her tokens ready. “Oh God, I am.â€
As she headed over to the cabinet, she stopped and pulled a grimace when she saw Mamoru playing Vs. Next Extreme Gaiden Plus. “Ugh… you have some disinfectant, Motoki? I’m going to need it after that guy is done playing.â€
His eyes not leaving his thrashing of some enemy mooks, Mamoru raised his head up. “Haven’t seen you around lately dango-head, I thought you’d finally gotten thrown into juvie.â€
Usagi bristled at the man. “I’m sure you were looking for me too, ass.â€
“I was genuinely curious; it’s hard for someone as loud and obnoxious as you to just disappear,†Mamoru fired back as he began to deliver a spectacular beating on the final boss.
Usagi turned to Motoki. “Can you throw him out, please? I hate him and I want him to die.â€
Motoki raised his hands in apology. “No can do, I’m afraid Mamoru is a bro.â€
Usagi looked absolutely betrayed, while Mamoru pulled a smirk. “He’s a bro?! You’re friends with this bald pervert?!â€
“I’m not bald,†Mamoru interjected.
“Have been since we were kids, and he’s also the biggest investor in the Crowns. So… yeah…†Motoki went on.
“Investor? You mean to tell me that this pervert has money?!†She turned towards Mamoru, who was halfway to creaming the boss.
Motoki put on a bit of a smug look. “You know it; neither my store nor my parents’ café would exist if it weren’t for him.â€
Suddenly, Usagi found herself torn. Game Center Crown and the Fruits Parlor Crown were her favorite places, but they existed thanks to the one person in the world she wanted to see spontaneously combust into flames that burned away only his clothes… well, except for his boxers–or maybe they were briefs?
Oh man, she hoped so, an ass that fine needed some tighty-whities wrapped taut around it… no, not white. Black, yes, black briefs clad around that perfect ass–son of a bitch!
Damn it Usagi, stop being distracted by his sexy!
Usagi huffed. “Is that the case? Well don’t think for a minute that you being Motoki’s friend and benefactor changes things, you’re still an asshole and I hate you.â€
Mamoru had just finished utterly ruining the Final Boss’s shit and was entering his name. “Well I still think you’re a psychotic delinquent and I enjoy getting a rise out of you.â€
“I bet it gets you off, you pig-disgusting freak!†Usagi railed before she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to look towards the hand, and was immediately given a kiss on the lips by a cute boy in her school’s uniform.
Motoki stared in surprise, and even Mamoru was taken aback by the audacious move.
Breaking the kiss, the red-haired boy nuzzled Usagi’s face before whispering low. “Usagi-chan, are you letting that mean old bald guy get you worked up?â€
Usagi, her face cutely flushed, immediately realized it and whispered back. “Naru…?â€
“I’m just testing out the limits of the Disguise Pen,†Naru replied and he kissed her again unashamedly.
He then pulled Usagi into a possessive hug and gave Mamoru a mock glare and smile. “I don’t care how hot and rich you are. You can’t have her, she’s mine.â€
“Oh thank God, you actually have a boyfriend,†Mamoru said as he dumped in a few more tokens. “Here I thought you fed into my teasing like some bad tsundere.â€
“Tsundere?! Oh screw off you trust-fund baby otaku! I would never be attracted to a loser like you!â€
Naru then whispered in her ear. “You’re a bad liar.â€
When Usagi tried to protest that, he pinched her backside and she let out a squeak. “H-hey…!â€
Motoki scratched the back of his head and then looked over to Mamoru, who just shook his head. Luna ignored it and curled up on the counter.
Pulling away, Usagi took Naru’s hand and led her towards a door at the back of the arcade. “Motoki, I’m going to do some karaoke, okay?â€
“Have fun then, Usagi,†Motoki said as he waved after the two. When the door shut behind them, he let out a sigh and looked to Mamoru. “He’s kind of grabby for a kid his age, you know?â€
“Please, I remember someone hitting his first homerun on his twelfth birthday,†Mamoru teased, prompting Motoki to blush. “Speaking of, Reika’s coming back to Tokyo soon isn’t she?â€
Motoki put on a pleased smile. “Yes, could you take care of the Crown for me that weekend? We don’t want any interruptions.â€
Mamoru made a face as he lost to the first boss on his run and went to slip in more tokens. “Sure, why not.â€
“You know, I think the Disguise Pen is having an effect on you,†Usagi said as she laid on the couch in the soundproof and spacious private karaoke lounge. Her head was in Naru’s lap, the other girl’s disguise dispelled as she stroked one of her long tails, smiling down on her.
“I don’t know what it is, Usagi-chan,†Naru replied as she moved from stroking her hair to caressing her face. “I think I’m in love with you.â€
Usagi smiled and lightly bit down on Naru’s thumb. “Or maybe you just like to make me scream.â€
Naru laughed. “The disguise pen really has turned me into a pervert then.â€
“Or it just freed the pervert within.†Usagi squeaked when Naru pinched her cheek. “You know I’m right~â€
Laughing again, Naru began to toy with the bandages around her head. “The training isn’t going so well, is it?â€
“It’s going fine. It’s just that I can’t beat Kino. She’s like some sort of superhuman.â€
“Oh, you got beaten by that girl again?†Naru mused over it. “Hey, what if she’s a Sailor Senshi? That would be awesome, wouldn’t it? She’s already freaky-strong; imagine what being a Senshi would add to that.â€
She snapped her fingers. “Oh! What if she’s Sailor Mercury?â€
Immediately a vivid picture of Makoto all dolled up in a sexy sailor fuku just like hers came to Usagi’s mind. “That would be so awesome. She would look perfect. Except that Makoto’s not the new Sailor Senshi.â€
Naru blinked. “She isn’t?â€
At that moment, Naru felt a buzzing in the pocket of her skirt, and pulled out her cell phone. Usagi looked at it. “Is it your mom?â€
“No, she has a ring you know that. I have it set for alerts regarding police, fire, or medical emergencies and it just caught one.†She read the alert. “Report: Unresponsive students at Crystal Seminar Cram School. Multiple ambulances are required.â€
Usagi stood up. “Come on, Crystal Seminar is where Ami is!â€
Naru jumped to her feet and readied the disguise pen. “You got it!â€
The scene in front of the Cram School site was pure chaos. There were no less than a dozen ambulances, with more on the way as medical personnel either helped students out or carried them out on stretchers. The police were performing crowd control to keep everyone a safe distance from the building as a precaution.
As Usagi and Naru arrived, they immediately spotted Ami among the ambulances, and both slipped past the barricade.
“Ami-chan!†Usagi called out, grabbing her attention. “Are you all right?â€
“Usagi… Osaka-san…†Ami looked over towards the school. “I’m fine, you don’t have to worry. Everyone else just collapsed at their desks from exhaustion.â€
A flag went up in Usagi’s head, Naru’s too as the latter passed a concerned look to the former. Usagi nodded. “Tell me, Ami… have you or your classmates been fatigued lately?â€
Ami shook her head. “I haven’t, but I guess some of the other students have been complaining of being tired lately–but not like this.â€
Up went another flag, and Usagi began to scan the crowds for anything suspicious. Almost immediately, she caught sight of who appeared to be the seminar’s distraught teacher, speaking with a police officer.
Ami began to wonder. “Why do you ask, do you know what might be going on?â€
Usagi looked back to Ami. “I’m just curious. Stuff like this has happened before.â€
“Happened before…?†Ami then remembered the big fuss over the brooches, and her eyes widened. “Do you think they had their energy taken by those bad guys?â€
Naru looked back and forth between Ami and Usagi, wondering if Usagi was about to go as far as reveal her identity to the girl. Turned out she had no cause for concern as Usagi shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe it is. Ami… is that teacher new?â€
“Yes, why do you ask?†Ami asked.
Something was off, and Usagi could feel it. They’re not this stupid, especially after their last disaster. This was bait to lure her in.
Seeing the awesome focus that came over Usagi after she answered, Ami tilted her head. “Why, Usagi?â€
Usagi looked back to Ami and smiled. “Don’t worry about it, okay Ami-chan? Just be careful at your next class.â€
Ami blinked. “Next class, I don’t think they’re going to have another after this…â€
“Oh, they will.†Usagi patted Ami on the shoulder, before she abruptly turned and walked away. “Naru-chan, let’s get out of here.â€
Naru turned to follow Usagi, confused with her directness, before looking back to Ami. “Ah, see you at school!â€
Ami stared after the two girls, and was about to call after them when she heard her mother frantically call for her. Outside the crowd, Naru caught up with Usagi as she walked briskly away from the commotion.
“Usagi, don’t you think you gave a little too much away back there?†Naru asked.
“It’s fine. The Dark Kingdom is trying to lure me into a trap.â€
Naru looked back at the crowd. “They are?â€
“You bet.†Usagi smiled to Naru. “I’m going to give them exactly what they want, but I have a plan.â€
Usagi having a plan sent a thrill of excitement through Naru as she gave her a smile. “What is it?â€
“Keep an eye on the Crystal Seminar. If it opens another class anytime soon, which it should in the next few days, I’m going to bust it up and I’ll need both you and Luna.â€
And so, two days later, Luna walked up to the front of the Crystal Seminar joined by a woman dressed as a teacher…
The strange encounter after the incident at the Crystal Seminar weighed heavily on Ami after that. Usagi asked those oddly specific questions and just walked away, leaving her wondering why. What bugged her even more was that despite what happened, it was glossed over fairly quickly, and more classes were rescheduled for only two days later–just as Usagi had predicted. When she asked the manager of the cram sessions, she found that it was the teacher in charge, the new one, who had insisted on going back to it.
After all, the students who had all fallen ill had mysteriously recovered–just like the victims of the brooches.
Usagi knew something, and Ami was almost certain that she was connected to Sailor Moon, but for the life of her Ami couldn’t determine that connection. It felt like the answer was right there, but it was just out of her reach to the point of absurdity, like two plus two equaling East Los Angeles. The mental block that weighed on her head frustrated her, driving her to her other passion outside the pursuit of knowledge, art.
Lately my muse has been on fire. She’d been hitting on said muse ever since she was ejected from the exams in fact. Even now, as she sat at her computer in the cram course, her focus was on drawing a doodle of a redheaded pigtailed girl she encountered a few weeks ago.
She stopped and stared at the picture, the girl was in a sailor fuku like Sailor Moon’s. Almost immediately she soured and crumpled the paper into a ball. “That’s just stupid.â€
“Is there a problem? You seem a little distracted, Ami-chan,†the teacher asked in a saccharine voice. Ami frowned a little bit, recalling Usagi’s interest in the woman.
She shook her head. “No, I am fine.â€
“Are you sure? Something appears to be on your mind.â€
Ami looked up at the brown-haired woman’s face and hid her discomfort at the nonchalant cheeriness she possessed. Usagi’s suspicion had infected her well, and certain things about the woman had come to Ami’s attention. She seemed artificial, like she was poorly acting a ruse.
“Not really, just done with my work.â€
Garoben smiled. “Would you like a little more work? Every little bit of studying helps, doesn’t it?â€
Ami looked down at her sketchpad, and then at the computer. “I guess a little more work wouldn’t hurt.â€
The door slammed open, and in entered a teacher, a beautiful black-haired woman with a hime-cut stormed in. “Who is in charge of this class?â€
Garoben looked up from Ami to the woman, surprised by the unexpected intrusion. “I am, and who exactly would you be?â€
The woman didn’t waste any time. “I think you know who I am, youma. But I’ll fill you in case you don’t…â€
Garoben’s eyes widened behind her glasses as the other teacher reached up to grasp the inside of the jacket she wore. She was not in shock; however, she was completely overjoyed as she bared her fangs at the woman posturing in front of her.
Ami stared at the woman, and then over at her teacher, and she immediately grew worried as the woman’s fake expression became monstrous. She was a youma, which meant…!
She looked back to the woman, ready to fling off her cloak. “Once, I was a…â€
She immediately trailed off and ducked down with a shriek of terror as Garoben suddenly extended her arm. As it shot towards her, it immediately transformed into an axe that slammed through the wall, showering her with plaster.
“You were saying?†she asked as she wrapped her hand around Ami’s neck and gripped it. “You really ought to not make a silly speech when you’re facing an enemy, it’ll get you killed!â€
Drawing back to her hand as she took on her tall, hideous form, Garoben gestured to the other students in the classroom, whom until this point Ami hadn’t even noticed were strangely quiet.
“Take good care of her.â€
On her order, like puppets on the end of slack strings, the students rose up and began to shuffle towards where the interrupted interloper was getting back up.
“By all means, transform and let’s get this over with Sailor Moon. But I’m sure you won’t mind having to slaughter your way through these innocent people to get to me, will you?†Garoben taunted before she looked down at the struggling girl in her grip. “As for you, why not join them?!â€
“Let me go!†Ami protested before her face was shoved up against her computer monitor. Immediately, the monitor began to flash as the contents of the flash drive worked their dark program.
Garoben chuckled. “You’re still resisting, that’s cute. However, I’ve improved this Energy Collector, so stop resisting and give up all that delicious energy you’ve been storing up! Give it, bitch!â€
She looked over towards the still disguised Sailor Moon, who the slowly advancing mob now had completely cornered. However, despite the pinch she was in, she appeared calm… amused even.
Immediately, Garoben realized that something wasn’t right, that realization was cemented when the computer suddenly and angrily beeped. She looked down and found that not only was Ami still conscious, but the computer was failing to drain any of her energy.
“This thing could drain energy from Kunzite!â€
She held up Ami, and found a curious symbol glowing on her forehead. “What the Hell is this?â€
“Looks like she was right, Luna.†“Sailor Moon†said when she saw the symbol on Ami’s forehead.
Garoben snarled. “Who was right?!â€
At that very instant, the window to the classroom shattered violently. Garoben didn’t even have time to turn her head before Sailor Moon’s kick plowed into the side of it. The youma went sailing into the wall and through it to the hallway outside with a violent crash as Sailor Moon landed on the top of a desk, above the surprised Ami.
“S-Sailor Moon…†she gasped in surprise as Garoben got back up, injured by the force of the kick but still very much intact.
“You bitch… if you’re Sailor Moon, then who are…?†She took her eye off Sailor Moon to look towards the other woman, and regretted it as Sailor Moon lunged for her and slammed a punch into her stomach, lifting the much larger youma off her feet.
Flipping onto her hands, Sailor Moon sprang upward to slam both feet into Garoben’s face, sending her flipping backward to crash face first into the opposing wall of the hallway.
Landing on her feet, Sailor Moon dusted off her knees and stepped back from Garoben before looking over to Naru, who had played her part as the bait perfectly. “Get out of here, I’ll be fine.â€
“I kind of can’t!†Naru replied as she struggled against the grabby hands of the students. At least, however they weren’t trying to beat her to death.
“Um… Sailor Moon, I think they misinterpreted her command.â€
Sailor Moon smiled, and shrugged her shoulders. “Well, at least they won’t kill you.â€
Naru squeaked as one of the students ripped open the blouse she wore. “Oh… oh boy…â€
Garoben’s laugh pulled Sailor Moon’s attention back to her, and she readied for combat. “So youma, where’s your trap? I was expecting one.â€
As she spoke, the youma Grape materialized in the air behind her outside the very window she had entered dynamically from. As Garoben smiled towards the window, Sailor Moon instinctively turned back, but it was too late, as the vines from the blonde youma wrapped tightly around her body before she was yanked through the window and swung through the air before being slammed into the side of another building across the street.
“Sailor Moon!†Naru cried out before a female student dragged her deeper into the human pile.
Bound tightly in the vines, Sailor Moon looked up at her attacker as her sisters Housenka and Suzuran appeared at her sides. She struggled against her bonds and they began to break.
Seeing this, the other two youma wasted no time, with the green colored Housenka unleashing a sonic blast as the multi-colored Suzuran fired off a barrage of bomblets, the former’s sonic waves accelerating them into their target as both hit, creating a large and destructive blast that shattered the windows of every adjacent building.
Ami shook in disbelief as she fell against her desk. “Oh God… S-Sailor Moon…â€
She looked from her feet to Garoben, as the Youma rose to her feet. “And while that is taken care of… I guess I’ll have a little fun with you, human.â€
Ami stepped back from Garoben, growing terrified as the youma raised her axe hand. Luna however intervened, slashing Garoben’s face as she leaped past, landing on the ceiling she bounded onto the top of a computer. In her mouth, she carried a blue transformation pen.
“Ami Mizuno, hold this up and call out ‘Mercury Power, Make Up’, quickly!†Luna ordered after she threw it to her.
Ami looked at the clearly talking cat, the strange magic wand she held, and the monster in front of her gripping her face in pain. In an instant, it all fell into place, and the normally quiet and reserved girl felt an exhilaration like no other fill her body. Holding the pen upward, she twirled it and called out.
“Mercury Power, Make Up!â€
In an instant her clothes vanished, replaced by a swirling blue light that quickly wrapped about her entire body, covering her hands, feet, and torso before flashing to reveal her sailor fuku and its corresponding jewelry. A rush of cold air spread from her like ripples on a pond, revealing the Guardian Sailor Senshi, Sailor Mercury.
Staring down at her new form, Ami took a few deep breaths as she tried to take in what she was experiencing. “I… I am a Sailor Senshi…â€
She looked up at Garoben, who was staring at her with two parts disbelief and three parts horror.
“No, not another freaking one…!†she moaned in dread.
Nevertheless, she readied her axe arm, and rushed Sailor Mercury. “I can’t let you live for a second longer, DIE!â€
She swung the axe, and chopped through Sailor Mercury, neatly beheading her.
Garoben grinned as she watched Sailor Mercury’s body fall from beneath her head, and that grin disappeared as both parts of the newly formed Senshi began to disappear, breaking off into particles of light before they completely vanished.
As Garoben stared, Sailor Mercury materialized, intact, in the same fashion directly behind her, her leg raised for the kick she swung into her with all her might.
Garoben took the kick, and plowed through the rows of desks and computers before she crashed through the wall of the school and went hurtling outside. Setting her feet on the ground, Sailor Mercury crouched only slightly before she vanished into thin air.
As Garoben fell towards the ground, Sailor Mercury fell upon her and grabbed her face before smashing her head first into the street, the ensuing explosion turning over nearby parked cars and sending onlookers running for their lives.
From where they hovered, Suzuran looked down at the explosion. “What the hell was that?â€
Grape could feel it in her vines as she stared into the smoke. “She’s still alive! She just broke out-!â€
Like a missile, Sailor Moon smashed forehead first into Grape, the shockwave from the impact blasting all three masked youma away in different directions. As Grape went flying, Sailor Moon grabbed the vines trailing behind her before she swung her around into Suzuran, the two youma going through a billboard an instant later.
Housenka recovered in midair, wide-eyed as she watched her sisters go through the billboard. “What the Hell is that girl?â€
She looked down at Sailor Moon, who had landed on the street, and unleashed a sonic blast on the girl. The street exploded, but Sailor Moon was already coming at her with her arm extended.
As Housenka was caught by the lariat, Sailor Moon spun around, before throwing the Youma through the roof of another building, which she went through every floor before reaching the ground floor, missing every person inside as the dust from the impacts poured through its windows and doors.
Falling through the air, Sailor Moon landed on a street lamp, and flicked her hair before looking towards the wrecked billboard. As she was greeted by the sight of onrushing vines fired by Grape, she plucked her tiara from her head.
“Moon Tiara Action!â€
Like a saw, the tiara slashed through the vines, and nearly took off Grape’s arm had she not detached the vines at her fingers and leaped clear of the weapon. As the tiara came around for a second go, it was struck by a barrage of bomblets from Suzuran, sending the weapon flipping away and back to Sailor Moon’s hand.
Realizing she was in a bad position to take further attacks from these three, Sailor Moon leaped back to the rooftops, and began hopping from roof to roof.
Housenka flew up after her, firing another sonic blast in an attempt to bracket her, creating a pair of trenches on either side of the roof around her.
As the smoke rose from that rooftop, Sailor Mercury stepped out of the crater she left the disintegrating body of Garoben in and stared at the battle going on above. Luna landed next to her, a little overwhelmed by the property damage but trying not to focus on it.
“Talking cat, do I have any attacks?†Sailor Mercury asked.
“My name is Luna and yes, you do! Just think about it and it should come to you!†Luna responded before more explosions sounded from the rooftop. “Hurry!â€
Atop the roof, Sailor Moon grimaced as Grape’s vines wrapped tightly around her arms, legs, and torso tightly. Grinning as she held Sailor Moon in place, she channeled a great deal of energy down her vines, the pulse hitting her and sending shockwaves out from her feet that cracked the roof. Combining their attacks again, Housenka and Suzuran completely shattered the rooftop with the ensuing explosions as they hit home with terrible force.
When the dust settled, Sailor Moon was trembling, wisps of smoke rising from her body as she stared with a defiant smile of her own at her attackers.
Grape smirked, though it was unseen behind her mask. “You ready to give up and die?â€
“They sent three of you just for me, I’m flattered. Still, I’m going to turn you all into dust!†Sailor Moon responded.
It was at that moment that Sailor Mercury leaped over the roof, soaring above the heads of Sailor Moon and her opponents. Crossing her hands in front of her, she targeted the battlefield.
“Mercury Sabão Spray!†The sphere of light that collected before her crossed hands shot forth, expanding into a barrage of rapidly spreading bubbles that encased the rooftop.
“What is this?†Grape asked in surprise before the fearsome cold of the mist struck her. All three youma sisters, chilled, began shivering violently.
“It’s s-so cold…!†Housenka cried.
Suzuran looked over. “Quickly, use your Sonic Waves to blow it away before…â€
It was too late, and Sailor Moon’s foot found a nice home right in Suzuran’s throat. Kicking off her face, she vanished into the mist before Sailor Mercury performed her own kick, slamming it across Housenka’s eyes and driving her into the ground. Stepping back, Grape could only watch as her sisters fell to the ground.
“Where the Hell did this other Senshi come from?!†she sputtered before she bumped into a caped figure standing behind her.
Slowly she turned around. “Huh?â€
“Forgive me but I forgot my guitar today.â€
In a flash of steel Grape fell, a nasty gash sliced into her chest. The Sabão Spray cleared as Tuxedo Kamen sheathed the blade hidden inside his cane with a soft click. He then looked to Sailor Moon. “Good day, Sailor Moon, it seems you’ve gained an ally.â€
Sailor Mercury was star-struck. “It’s really you, Tuxedo Kamen!â€
“Hey sexy, you’re classy as always,†Sailor Moon purred as Tuxedo Kamen tipped his hat to the two Senshi.
“And you ever as lovely and energetic,†he replied, causing Sailor Moon to squeal giddily. He turned his attention to the downed youma. “I believe now would be the proper time to strike-â€
All three were suddenly wrapped in swirling cherry blossom petals, before they vanished. Zoisite’s grating laughter filled the air, and the Sailor Senshi and their black clad ally looked up to find the General floating in his swirling petals.
“Maybe I was a little hard on Jadeite; you little skanks are quite formidable.â€
Sailor Mercury blinked. “Did… did he just call us skanks?â€
“Who the Hell are you?†Sailor Moon asked as she folded her arms.
“Ohohoho… I’m an enemy, that’s all you need to know. You’ve gained another ally, but don’t get cocky. After all Jadeite is a bit of a pussy compared to the rest of us,†Zoisite taunted as his cherry blossom petals appeared around him. “Ta, bitches.â€
He vanished into thin air, leaving the Sailor Senshi, Tuxedo Kamen, and a ruined street behind. Despite the destruction wrought, no one was injured in the insanity of the battle, just crowds of people stared in disbelief at the material losses. Surveying the destruction, Tuxedo Kamen let out an amused chuckle.
“I think you girls need a Dividing Driver or something if you’re going to keep this up,†he said as he headed to the roof edge.
Sailor Moon snapped her fingers. “Now that would be awesome!â€
Sailor Mercury turned to Sailor Moon. “What about your friend? We should go check on her.â€
“Oh crap, I almost forgot about her! Thanks Tuxedo…†He was gone. “… Figures. Let’s go!â€
The two leaped across the street and back into the wrecked classroom of the Crystal Seminar. Inwardly, both hoped for the best and prepared for the worst but were greeted with… exactly what Sailor Moon had expected to find.
Sailor Mercury stopped and stared in total disbelief at what had become of Naru and the other students. “Oh, dear God!â€
“Wow… that is… wow.†Sailor Moon said before she called out to the center of the crowd. “Na-chi you okay in there?â€
“Why is this happening?†Sailor Mercury asked.
“I think this could be summed up as par for the course,†Luna replied before Naru waved from the center of the crowd. “You okay?â€
Naru finally managed to call out. “Oh I’m fine, Sailor Moon, I’m really fine… this is awesome…â€
Naru’s mouth became full again, and Sailor Moon turned to Sailor Mercury. “She’ll be fine. We’d better go.â€
“But…!†Sailor Mercury stopped, stared, and tilted her head when she got a better view of what they were doing to Naru. Suddenly, all reservations vanished from her mind. “… I need my sketch pad now.â€
Sailor Moon followed Mercury’s line of sight and gaped. “Wow.â€
“You guys, we gotta go!†Luna interrupted.
“All right, fine we’re leaving! Come on, Mercury.†Sailor Moon took Sailor Mercury by the arm and dragged her for the hole blasted in the wall, as she desperately tried to commit the sight before her to memory.
An hour, a transformation, and a much needed shower later, a wobbly-kneed Naru entered Usagi’s bedroom to find her and Ami waiting. Aside from the weak legs and the smile locked onto her face, she seemed otherwise fine. Waving to both girls, she walked over to Usagi’s bed and fell facedown into it with a relaxed sigh. Luna looked down at the girl before turning to the Senshi.
“I can’t help but think of how doomed we’d be if the Dark Kingdom used sex-themed youma.â€
“Pfft, like a youma could get us to screw around with them.†Usagi looked towards Naru, showing concern. “Naru-chan, are you okay?â€
“I’m great! A little sore but… yeah… hehe… I’m great…â€
Ami was blushing brightly as she quietly drew in her sketch pad. Luna looked to Usagi. “You could’ve gotten her out of there.â€
“I didn’t want to leave~†Naru replied drunkenly.
“Again, how doomed we’d be.â€
Naru rolled onto her back. “I am a complete and total pervert. I enjoyed that way too much.â€
Ami spoke up sheepishly from behind her sketch pad. “C-can I call you senpai?â€
Naru seemed to purr at the request. If she’d not been so worn out, she’d probably be trying to get Ami to call her a lot more than that. “Sure.â€
Usagi raised her hand to call order. “All right ladies, we know for sure that our enemies are numerous. After today, we’re going to have to be less reactionary and more proactive. We need to find more Sailor Senshi.â€
Naru looked to Usagi after propping herself up. “Well, if there’s a planet theme then there’s nine Senshi in total right?â€
“Eight.†Ami corrected, and received the mother of all hostile looks from Luna.
“Nine,†Luna spoke bluntly, and said no more on the subject, the fearful looks both Usagi and Naru had told the girl that it was a point not to be argued over.
Ami acquiesced without a fight. “R-right… Nine Senshi…â€
“We already know that Sailor V is a Senshi–the planet theme makes her Sailor Venus by default. That leaves Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.â€
“Ha, ‘Your Anus’.â€
Naru received a similar look from Luna that Ami had, and likewise shrank.
“So how do we find them?†Ami asked.
“The same way I figured out Ami was a Senshi.†Usagi replied.
“Yes, about that. How’d you figure that I was a Sailor Senshi?†Ami asked.
Luna nodded. “I would like to know too. Even I had thought that Mercury was that Kino girl.â€
Usagi smiled broadly. “It’s quite simple. Ami was a new girl who stood out, with noticeably unique personality traits and characterization. How could she have not been a Sailor Senshi?â€
The sound glass shattering filled the air, with all of the girls and Luna jumping from the sound. Ikuko’s voice then sounded from downstairs. “Oh poo, I broke a casserole dish!â€
With everyone sighing in relief, Luna glared at Usagi. “Do that again, and I will hurt you.â€
“Sorry.†Usagi brightened up. “Still, it’s something to go on. We need to find a girl who ‘stands out.’ When we do, we’ll certainly find our next Sailor Senshi.â€
Crows, dozens of crows cawed and fluttered about the street where the battle between Sailor Senshi and Youma took place. The countless birds disturbed the emergency personnel and clean up crews still on the scene; after all… according to some myths the birds were associated with death and misfortune.
However, they dare not try to drive the animals away, because that act was a misfortune onto itself.
“Evil forces are definitely at work here,†the miko sent from Hikawa Shrine, with long hair black as the birds overhead, said to Superintendent General Natsuna Sakurada, who had personally come down to survey the damage incurred from the battle. “The spirits themselves have been banished, but their taint remains.â€
The miko gestured to the gathered students, still under the effect of the late Garoben’s brainwashing. While harmless, they were still little more than mindless zombies.
Natsuna looked to the miko. “Can you help them?â€
“Of course!†The miko produced a series of ofuda tags, and threw them to the foreheads of the students with rapid and supernatural precision before holding up a final tag. “Evil spirits begone!â€
The tag held in her fingers went rigid, and those on the students flashed brilliantly before wisps of pale light surged from them to dissipate harmlessly into the sky. In response, the cacophony of the crows grew as though they were in applause. Staring nervously up at the murder for a moment, Natsuna looked at the now recovering students and then to the miko. “You do impressive work, Miko-san.â€
Lowering the burnt tag, Rei Hino bowed to the Superintendent General. “Thank you, Sakurada-san. Now… for this service to the city, may we discuss a donation to the shrine?â€
“Of course, of course…, Natsuna replied, suffering a sinking feeling that if she tried to decline those crows would become a lot less friendly.
Ami: Ah…this is my first day doing something like this, so please wish me luck, okay? No matter what you do, never talk during an exam. Even if there’s a chance getting ejected from the test will allow you to meet wonderful people who can become lifelong friends.
Usagi: I’m sensing issues…
Ami: S-Sailor Mercury says, ah… heh?
Disclaimer: I will distract you from my weaknesses with fanservice!
Beautiful Destroyer Sailor Moon
The Second Soldier
Cool, cool Mercury
[6.]
Jadeite was brooding, pacing back and forth in his personal chambers. One more failure of this magnitude, and Beryl would want to have words with him. He was well below quota and slipping into the red. Worse, he got another General’s youma turned to dust–he wasn’t going to hear the end of it.
On the plus side, he came to a few understandings about his opponent. Sailor Moon was highly destructive yes, but she was far from reckless. In all the incidents where he faced her directly, she made an effort to avoid getting people hurt, be it kicking him away from those radio hosts, evacuating the gym before leveling it, and focusing his and Derella’s attention on her rather than risk endangering the people in the audience. With that weakness, he found possibly another: Tuxedo Kamen.
In every instance he faced her and seemed to gain the upper hand, that well-dressed bastard would show up, throw a rose, and the momentum of the battle would shift straight back to her. “Deus Ex Rosa†as Thetis humorlessly referred to it. If Jadeite could somehow use that against Sailor Moon, he’d have a chance to take her down–she was strong but she was not invincible. He’d need a plan and a strong youma, no… two strong youma. He didn’t want to have to rely on Thetis, however…
“Ohohoho…â€
He immediately tensed as he looked back and found an effeminate youth with wavy blonde hair floating in the shadows of his chambers, reclined with one leg crossed over the other. “Don’t think too hard, Jadeite, you might hurt yourself.â€
“Don’t you have places to be?†Jadeite asked.
“My, my, aren’t we annoyed? Since I’ve been so far past quota recently, I decided to drop by and see how my good friend Jadeite was doing. I can see for myself that you’re not doing so hot so I was wondering if you could use a little more help.â€
The condescension in Zoisite’s tone annoyed Jadeite even further. “Your help is neither wanted nor appreciated, buzz off.â€
Zoisite pouted. “Hey now I loaned you a youma, you lost it, and I’m still willing to help you! You should be a little more grateful.â€
“Derella was an idiot who couldn’t get any energy,†Jadeite shot back.
Zoisite stared at Jadeite, and then his eyes widened. “Oh! That was its name? Oh man, I never remember that kind of stuff. Thank you, I couldn’t think of it and it was kind of awkward~â€
Sneering, Jadeite looked aside. “Don’t know how you can manage to get nearly as much energy as Nephrite with your attitude towards your youma…â€
Zoisite smiled. “Oh it’s quite simple; I don’t waste my time with overwrought plans like you or through divination like Nephrite. The best way to collect life energy is to release it all at once, after all.â€
“Psychopath…†Jadeite hissed.
“Queen Beryl said we had to make quota, how is irrelevant. You do remember what we’re gathering energy for, right?â€
“Discretion in our operation has its benefits. A body count attracts attention. Especially now that we have to deal with Sailor Moon interfering.â€
Zoisite immediately waved dismissively at Jadeite. “Oh shut up you fool. If you were actually good at being discreet, you wouldn’t be here. I can see that even now, you’re weighing your options on taking that little skank out, but your resources are running low. You only have a handful of youma left, Nephrite’s method of gathering energy doesn’t help you, and Kunzite has none of his own to lend. Worse yet, because Thetis got injured, Beryl’s wary of letting you anywhere near her stock. You’re desperate for a breakthrough so you can go back to your precious status quo.â€
Once again Jadeite was seething as Zoisite proved himself right on all counts. He turned away from the other General, who immediately teleported directly behind him and rested his hands on his shoulders before leaning close. “I can loan you another youma… I have quite a few to spare.â€
Zoisite rested the side of his head against Jadeite’s, and he felt his shoulders tense up. Zoisite began to rub them. “I can’t promise much in the way of gathering you energy… but…â€
Bringing his lips to Jadeite’s ear, he whispered. “It’s better to chance it than having to explain to Beryl why you can’t kill a single… little… girl~â€
Jadeite lashed out at Zoisite, who teleported away back to his previous position, laughing derisively down at him.
As Jadeite glared up at him, he finished. “I’ll let you use my plant trio.â€
That changed things considerably. “You mean Housenka, Grape, and Suzuran?â€
“You know if you know their names you should really write them down and give the list to me. I really hate having to say ‘Hey, you’ all the time. They give me looks,†Zoisite replied, “Yes, I’ll let you use my youma…â€
Jadeite immediately narrowed his eyes. Of course, making a deal with Zoisite meant… “… For a price.â€
“What do you want?†Jadeite asked, knowing he would regret doing so.
Zoisite’s often present smile darkened, as he grabbed Jadeite’s behind roughly. “…Oh you know what I want.â€
At the “Running Dragon School of Indiscriminate Grappling†Usagi was trying something new. She was facing against five lower ranked students, all wearing protective gear, as her Sensei and Makoto watched from the side. Over the last few days she had been hitting not the mat but the books, studying combat against multiple opponents in particular. Today was going to be Usagi’s first attempt at implementing what she’s been studying.
“All right, are you ready?†Sensei asked, and all students involved bowed to one another. “Begin!â€
Usagi gave no warning, rushing forward and grabbing a student’s arm before kicking him first in the stomach and then in the back. Turning around, she threw the student to the ground as another attacked.
He swung a punch at her, and missed–only to be punished with several rapid-fire blows to his stomach and groin before Usagi hooked a leg behind his and threw him to the ground.
“Wow,†Makoto said as another student grabbed Usagi’s long hair tried to pull her down by them.
Leaning back and twisting her body as she turned around, Usagi went with the pull and drove her shoulder into the attacker and spear her into the ground. As she lay there, she delivered a quick punch to her throat before rolling back up her feet and kicking another attacker first in the knee and then the groin before getting quickly to her feet and elbowing the side of his head, throwing him onto his back.
The final attacker lunged at Usagi with a prop knife to the back of her neck, but she was seen coming. Turning around she grabbed the knife and guided it away from her before twisting her opponents arm to relieve her of the blade, taking the knife into her other hand deftly, she guided her controlled opponent around and then brought the knife up to her neck before pretending to slice her throat with it.
“And finish!†Usagi called out, and the other students got up, their reinforced padding having protected them from Usagi for the most part. She still hit like a man twice her weight and muscle build.
Makoto and Sensei, as well as a number of other witnesses, broke into applause.
Sensei was particularly impressed. “That was amazing, Usagi-chan! What was this art called again?â€
“Krav Maga, it’s an Israeli thing!†Usagi cheerfully replied.
Makoto nodded. “I’ve heard of it. It’s less of a martial art and more of a self-defense skill. It places a lot of emphasis on survival, and is generally not meant for show.â€
“I see. I do have to wonder, Usagi-chan, why the interest in crowd fighting? You’re the sort who likes to make an example in one-on-one,†Sensei pointed out.
“Crowd fighting is a weakness of mine. Akane Tendo can clear a crowd of a hundred guys in seconds; I want to be able to take on at least a handful at once.â€
Makoto let out an amused sound. “I think the best way you can avoid that kind of aggro is to change your attitude.â€
“Eh?†Usagi placed her hands on her hips. “Are you saying that I’m the problem?â€
“If you have to fight, then fight, but always prefer a peaceful solution.†Makoto’s tone hardened a little bit. “You can’t win them all.â€
Usagi gave Makoto a different look with that. “You speak of experience.â€
“Afraid so…†Makoto then stepped onto the mat. Seeing this, Usagi got ready to fight.
“Is it a sad story?†Usagi asked.
“A frustrating one, maybe if you can land a hit I’ll tell you.†With that, Makoto bowed.
Returning the bow, Usagi grinned. “I always enjoy hearing a good st-â€
Thirty seconds later, Usagi was a crumpled heap by the wall that Makoto had thrown her into. Raising a trembling hand, Usagi gave a thumb’s up to both her and Sensei. “Keine Sorge, ich bin in Ordnung. Ja mein Generalfeldmarschall, Ich informiere die Panzerregiment Die Alliierte Bewegungen. Heil Hitler.â€
Her arm fell limp, and Makoto turned to Sensei. “Did you understand that?â€
Sensei shook her head. “I am no good with German. Like this one time, my friend and I were going out and she was bragging about her English skills when this foreigner…â€
“Shouldn’t we get her help?†Makoto gently interrupted.
“Her mother said this happens all the time,†Sensei replied.
Usagi left The Running Dragon, her head wrapped in a bandage and looking like she’d seen better days. Even with a new fighting style at her disposal, Makoto manhandled her pretty effectively. She could counter every attack she tried, and even took her down in the middle of a takedown. Sensei was right about her, that skill belied her rank.
“I wonder why? Maybe it has something to do with her frustrating story…†Usagi mused aloud. As she rounded a corner, she came face to face with Ami, book bag in hand. “Oh, hello Ami-chan how’s it going?â€
Ami looked at Usagi, surprised by her sudden appearance. “Tsukino?â€
“Usagi’s fine, we’re classmates after all.†Usagi looked at her bag. “Didn’t school end like hours ago? Where are you headed?â€
“Cram School, the entrance exams for Mugen Academy aren’t for another few months so I have to get ready for them in advance.â€
Usagi nodded. “I can hear that. So how did you fail the entrance test anyhow?â€
Ami gave a quiet start. “Who told you that? I got ejected from the test.â€
“Exposition-san, but yeah why’d you get ejected?â€
In the few days Ami had gone to her new school, Usagi had shown no hesitation to be sociable with her. It was something Ami wasn’t exactly used to but Usagi was unconditionally friendly at least. It made it easy for her to respond to her, even for all her readily apparent eccentricity. “Well, it was all over an eraser.â€
“An eraser?†Usagi repeated, not unlike one of the more solid species of snake.
Ami nodded. “The boy next to me had lost his, so in a lapse of good judgment I loaned him mine. The proctor saw me and ejected me from the exam.â€
From that day forward, Ami vowed to hate that boy forever, she neglected to add. “So here I am a student here at Azabu-Juuban.â€
Usagi shrugged her shoulders. “This school’s fine. Haruna’s an amazing teacher and Mugen Academy is full of nothing but wannabe mad scientists, gothic lolis, high school lesbians, and sometimes a mixture of all of that. The uniforms are also pretty heinous.â€
“It’s not that bad. Sure the uniforms leave a lot to be desired, but…â€
“Yeah, yeah, it’s the Toudai of primary through high school education. Just because it’s a public school doesn’t mean you should be so dismissive… it makes you come off as kind of a snob.â€
Ami recoiled slightly. “I meant no such offense!â€
“I know, but sometimes people want to perceive the wrong things because of their own insecurities, but I’m not so quick to judge.â€
Ami smiled to her. “Of course you’re not, nevermind that you just generalized my educational aspirations.â€
“Wait, what?†Usagi waved her hand. “Oh, I guess I did, didn’t I?â€
Letting out a small laugh, Ami reached into her bag and pulled out her phone to check the time. “I’m going to be late to my class if I stick around any longer, but it was nice talking to you.†She looked from her phone to Usagi. “Would you like my phone number?â€
Usagi smiled. “Sure! Just tap it on over to my phone!â€
She held up her own phone, and Ami tapped her phone to hers–exchanging contact information. “That’s one of the newer touch screen models, where’d you get it from?â€
“I robbed a pervert who was using his phone to take upskirt shots of me and my friend,†Usagi replied.
Ami’s answer was surprisingly nonchalant. “Good job.â€
Usagi watched Ami as she waved and went on her way. How strange, this girl adapted pretty well to her flagrant promiscuity and delinquent ways. Kind of like Naru, she realized.
A smile came to Usagi’s lips. “She’s interesting.â€
“Yes, I’m actually impressed that you haven’t terrified her,†Luna said as she emerged from around the corner.
Usagi looked down at Luna. “I don’t know, she seems like the type who’s seen it all before. I wonder what to make if it.â€
Bending down, she picked Luna up and allowed her to clamber to her shoulder and perch there. “Who knows, maybe she knows someone like me.â€
Luna’s ears folded back. “The remote possibility that there could be two of you out there terrifies me to the center of my being.â€
Usagi scratched under Luna’s chin. “Shut up.â€
In an empty classroom at the Crystal Seminar cram school, the youma Garoben spun a flash drive on the end of her finger as she sat perched on the end of her desk. It had been a few weeks since Murid put her to work on this plan and she was finally putting in good returns, having met both Morga and Flau’s energy quotas before beginning work on her own.
However, over the last few days she hadn’t been able to report any of that news because Jadeite had been missing since shortly after the disaster involving Derella. She, like his other remaining youma, was worried for him, especially since now she had a problem.
“Perhaps Beryl just got sick of his failures and iced him,†the disguised youma lamented.
That would do her no good, but it was ultimately mooted when Jadeite appeared in the room.
“Jadeite you’re-â€
She stood up and stared when she saw the state Jadeite was in. He looked as though he had been tortured–with dark rings under his eyes and bruises and bite marks on face and neck respectively. He moved stiffly to a desk to rest his hands and prop himself up. Bringing one hand up to his face, he ran his fingers through his hair and took a deep breath.
“Zoisite.†He turned his head slightly towards her. “Don’t say another God damned word about it.â€
Garoben nodded. “Right, I wanted to report to you that I’ve made Morga and Flau’s quotas. You’re not in that hole anymore.â€
Jadeite paused, and then looked at her. “You did what?â€
“Murid made these.†She held up a flash drive. “They collect energy from students working this cram school. I’ve been doing it since we lost Flau. But yes, I’ve been making huge gains on it but I have a problem.â€
“What is it?†Jadeite asked, feeling agitated that he went through that torment with Derella when his own youma were pulling their weight spectacularly.
Garoben tossed him the flash drive, and he caught it. “Huh?â€
“One of my students isn’t affected by the thing, I’ve talked to Murid about it and she says that it’s impossible, she made them to suck the excess energy they burn studying,†Garoben explained.
Jadeite examined the flash drive, and narrowed his before he tossed the flash drive back. “Do you still want a shot at Sailor Moon?â€
Garoben’s eyes widened, and then she smiled big as she caught it. “You bet your sweet ass, I do.â€
“All right then, here’s what I want you to do.†Jadeite stood upright. “Set the flash drives to drain these kids into the red, and make a fuss out of it. If I know Sailor Moon, she’ll come running at the first sign of something being up, if she already doesn’t have her suspicions.â€
“I see. Then what happens?â€
“Sailor Moon shows up, and then you get your shot.â€
Garoben’s smile became predatory. “Oh yes…â€
Jadeite nodded, before adding. “Keep in mind, however, that I have enlisted some help from Housenka, Grape, and Suzuran to keep the odds firmly in your favor. Work with them, and they’ll make it easy.â€
That surprised Garoben, and she let out a whistle. “Disciples of the DD Girls… Zoisite made you pay up the ass to use them, didn’t he?â€
She regretted saying that with the intense glare Jadeite leveled at her. “Right, don’t talk about it, sorry.â€
Jadeite softened his glare, and prepared to leave. “Be careful.â€
“You don’t need to tell me, but there won’t be trouble. Moon bitch is going down.â€
Now smirking, Jadeite began to fade away. “Do what you do best, Garoben.â€
Opening the door to the Game Center Crown, Usagi was already counting her money as she headed over to a machine to convert it into tokens. Luna was still on her shoulder, which caught the attention of Motoki from where he stood behind the counter.
Like Naru, he was well used to having Usagi and her antics, and he shared in her unconditional love for all things Kamen Raider. To Usagi, Motoki was both like a big brother and her supplier of all things Kamen Raider.
“Hey Usagi-chan, is that cat yours?†he called over, catching her attention. She looked to Luna, who put on a pleased expression, before turning to him.
“You know her?†she asked.
Motoki nodded. “Yes, lately she’s been hanging around here looking for a free meal. I don’t mind her at all; she’s a very friendly kitty.â€
Usagi reached up and scratched Luna’s chin with a finger. “So this is where she disappears off to, the freeloading harlot.â€
Luna bit her finger. “Ow.â€
Motoki couldn’t help a laugh as Luna leaped from her shoulder and bounded over to his counter to hop onto. He began to pet her. “So what’s it going to be? I stocked the crane and capsule games today, and got a couple of new cabinets in, including Kamen Raider vs. Kamen Raider Next Extreme Gaiden Plus.â€
Usagi rolled her eyes. “Another add-on game, when are they going to just make a sequel?â€
“Why would they? Besides, you’re still going to play it,†Motoki pointed out.
Indeed, she was already getting her tokens ready. “Oh God, I am.â€
As she headed over to the cabinet, she stopped and pulled a grimace when she saw Mamoru playing Vs. Next Extreme Gaiden Plus. “Ugh… you have some disinfectant, Motoki? I’m going to need it after that guy is done playing.â€
His eyes not leaving his thrashing of some enemy mooks, Mamoru raised his head up. “Haven’t seen you around lately dango-head, I thought you’d finally gotten thrown into juvie.â€
Usagi bristled at the man. “I’m sure you were looking for me too, ass.â€
“I was genuinely curious; it’s hard for someone as loud and obnoxious as you to just disappear,†Mamoru fired back as he began to deliver a spectacular beating on the final boss.
Usagi turned to Motoki. “Can you throw him out, please? I hate him and I want him to die.â€
Motoki raised his hands in apology. “No can do, I’m afraid Mamoru is a bro.â€
Usagi looked absolutely betrayed, while Mamoru pulled a smirk. “He’s a bro?! You’re friends with this bald pervert?!â€
“I’m not bald,†Mamoru interjected.
“Have been since we were kids, and he’s also the biggest investor in the Crowns. So… yeah…†Motoki went on.
“Investor? You mean to tell me that this pervert has money?!†She turned towards Mamoru, who was halfway to creaming the boss.
Motoki put on a bit of a smug look. “You know it; neither my store nor my parents’ café would exist if it weren’t for him.â€
Suddenly, Usagi found herself torn. Game Center Crown and the Fruits Parlor Crown were her favorite places, but they existed thanks to the one person in the world she wanted to see spontaneously combust into flames that burned away only his clothes… well, except for his boxers–or maybe they were briefs?
Oh man, she hoped so, an ass that fine needed some tighty-whities wrapped taut around it… no, not white. Black, yes, black briefs clad around that perfect ass–son of a bitch!
Damn it Usagi, stop being distracted by his sexy!
Usagi huffed. “Is that the case? Well don’t think for a minute that you being Motoki’s friend and benefactor changes things, you’re still an asshole and I hate you.â€
Mamoru had just finished utterly ruining the Final Boss’s shit and was entering his name. “Well I still think you’re a psychotic delinquent and I enjoy getting a rise out of you.â€
“I bet it gets you off, you pig-disgusting freak!†Usagi railed before she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to look towards the hand, and was immediately given a kiss on the lips by a cute boy in her school’s uniform.
Motoki stared in surprise, and even Mamoru was taken aback by the audacious move.
Breaking the kiss, the red-haired boy nuzzled Usagi’s face before whispering low. “Usagi-chan, are you letting that mean old bald guy get you worked up?â€
Usagi, her face cutely flushed, immediately realized it and whispered back. “Naru…?â€
“I’m just testing out the limits of the Disguise Pen,†Naru replied and he kissed her again unashamedly.
He then pulled Usagi into a possessive hug and gave Mamoru a mock glare and smile. “I don’t care how hot and rich you are. You can’t have her, she’s mine.â€
“Oh thank God, you actually have a boyfriend,†Mamoru said as he dumped in a few more tokens. “Here I thought you fed into my teasing like some bad tsundere.â€
“Tsundere?! Oh screw off you trust-fund baby otaku! I would never be attracted to a loser like you!â€
Naru then whispered in her ear. “You’re a bad liar.â€
When Usagi tried to protest that, he pinched her backside and she let out a squeak. “H-hey…!â€
Motoki scratched the back of his head and then looked over to Mamoru, who just shook his head. Luna ignored it and curled up on the counter.
Pulling away, Usagi took Naru’s hand and led her towards a door at the back of the arcade. “Motoki, I’m going to do some karaoke, okay?â€
“Have fun then, Usagi,†Motoki said as he waved after the two. When the door shut behind them, he let out a sigh and looked to Mamoru. “He’s kind of grabby for a kid his age, you know?â€
“Please, I remember someone hitting his first homerun on his twelfth birthday,†Mamoru teased, prompting Motoki to blush. “Speaking of, Reika’s coming back to Tokyo soon isn’t she?â€
Motoki put on a pleased smile. “Yes, could you take care of the Crown for me that weekend? We don’t want any interruptions.â€
Mamoru made a face as he lost to the first boss on his run and went to slip in more tokens. “Sure, why not.â€
“You know, I think the Disguise Pen is having an effect on you,†Usagi said as she laid on the couch in the soundproof and spacious private karaoke lounge. Her head was in Naru’s lap, the other girl’s disguise dispelled as she stroked one of her long tails, smiling down on her.
“I don’t know what it is, Usagi-chan,†Naru replied as she moved from stroking her hair to caressing her face. “I think I’m in love with you.â€
Usagi smiled and lightly bit down on Naru’s thumb. “Or maybe you just like to make me scream.â€
Naru laughed. “The disguise pen really has turned me into a pervert then.â€
“Or it just freed the pervert within.†Usagi squeaked when Naru pinched her cheek. “You know I’m right~â€
Laughing again, Naru began to toy with the bandages around her head. “The training isn’t going so well, is it?â€
“It’s going fine. It’s just that I can’t beat Kino. She’s like some sort of superhuman.â€
“Oh, you got beaten by that girl again?†Naru mused over it. “Hey, what if she’s a Sailor Senshi? That would be awesome, wouldn’t it? She’s already freaky-strong; imagine what being a Senshi would add to that.â€
She snapped her fingers. “Oh! What if she’s Sailor Mercury?â€
Immediately a vivid picture of Makoto all dolled up in a sexy sailor fuku just like hers came to Usagi’s mind. “That would be so awesome. She would look perfect. Except that Makoto’s not the new Sailor Senshi.â€
Naru blinked. “She isn’t?â€
At that moment, Naru felt a buzzing in the pocket of her skirt, and pulled out her cell phone. Usagi looked at it. “Is it your mom?â€
“No, she has a ring you know that. I have it set for alerts regarding police, fire, or medical emergencies and it just caught one.†She read the alert. “Report: Unresponsive students at Crystal Seminar Cram School. Multiple ambulances are required.â€
Usagi stood up. “Come on, Crystal Seminar is where Ami is!â€
Naru jumped to her feet and readied the disguise pen. “You got it!â€
The scene in front of the Cram School site was pure chaos. There were no less than a dozen ambulances, with more on the way as medical personnel either helped students out or carried them out on stretchers. The police were performing crowd control to keep everyone a safe distance from the building as a precaution.
As Usagi and Naru arrived, they immediately spotted Ami among the ambulances, and both slipped past the barricade.
“Ami-chan!†Usagi called out, grabbing her attention. “Are you all right?â€
“Usagi… Osaka-san…†Ami looked over towards the school. “I’m fine, you don’t have to worry. Everyone else just collapsed at their desks from exhaustion.â€
A flag went up in Usagi’s head, Naru’s too as the latter passed a concerned look to the former. Usagi nodded. “Tell me, Ami… have you or your classmates been fatigued lately?â€
Ami shook her head. “I haven’t, but I guess some of the other students have been complaining of being tired lately–but not like this.â€
Up went another flag, and Usagi began to scan the crowds for anything suspicious. Almost immediately, she caught sight of who appeared to be the seminar’s distraught teacher, speaking with a police officer.
Ami began to wonder. “Why do you ask, do you know what might be going on?â€
Usagi looked back to Ami. “I’m just curious. Stuff like this has happened before.â€
“Happened before…?†Ami then remembered the big fuss over the brooches, and her eyes widened. “Do you think they had their energy taken by those bad guys?â€
Naru looked back and forth between Ami and Usagi, wondering if Usagi was about to go as far as reveal her identity to the girl. Turned out she had no cause for concern as Usagi shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe it is. Ami… is that teacher new?â€
“Yes, why do you ask?†Ami asked.
Something was off, and Usagi could feel it. They’re not this stupid, especially after their last disaster. This was bait to lure her in.
Seeing the awesome focus that came over Usagi after she answered, Ami tilted her head. “Why, Usagi?â€
Usagi looked back to Ami and smiled. “Don’t worry about it, okay Ami-chan? Just be careful at your next class.â€
Ami blinked. “Next class, I don’t think they’re going to have another after this…â€
“Oh, they will.†Usagi patted Ami on the shoulder, before she abruptly turned and walked away. “Naru-chan, let’s get out of here.â€
Naru turned to follow Usagi, confused with her directness, before looking back to Ami. “Ah, see you at school!â€
Ami stared after the two girls, and was about to call after them when she heard her mother frantically call for her. Outside the crowd, Naru caught up with Usagi as she walked briskly away from the commotion.
“Usagi, don’t you think you gave a little too much away back there?†Naru asked.
“It’s fine. The Dark Kingdom is trying to lure me into a trap.â€
Naru looked back at the crowd. “They are?â€
“You bet.†Usagi smiled to Naru. “I’m going to give them exactly what they want, but I have a plan.â€
Usagi having a plan sent a thrill of excitement through Naru as she gave her a smile. “What is it?â€
“Keep an eye on the Crystal Seminar. If it opens another class anytime soon, which it should in the next few days, I’m going to bust it up and I’ll need both you and Luna.â€
And so, two days later, Luna walked up to the front of the Crystal Seminar joined by a woman dressed as a teacher…
The strange encounter after the incident at the Crystal Seminar weighed heavily on Ami after that. Usagi asked those oddly specific questions and just walked away, leaving her wondering why. What bugged her even more was that despite what happened, it was glossed over fairly quickly, and more classes were rescheduled for only two days later–just as Usagi had predicted. When she asked the manager of the cram sessions, she found that it was the teacher in charge, the new one, who had insisted on going back to it.
After all, the students who had all fallen ill had mysteriously recovered–just like the victims of the brooches.
Usagi knew something, and Ami was almost certain that she was connected to Sailor Moon, but for the life of her Ami couldn’t determine that connection. It felt like the answer was right there, but it was just out of her reach to the point of absurdity, like two plus two equaling East Los Angeles. The mental block that weighed on her head frustrated her, driving her to her other passion outside the pursuit of knowledge, art.
Lately my muse has been on fire. She’d been hitting on said muse ever since she was ejected from the exams in fact. Even now, as she sat at her computer in the cram course, her focus was on drawing a doodle of a redheaded pigtailed girl she encountered a few weeks ago.
She stopped and stared at the picture, the girl was in a sailor fuku like Sailor Moon’s. Almost immediately she soured and crumpled the paper into a ball. “That’s just stupid.â€
“Is there a problem? You seem a little distracted, Ami-chan,†the teacher asked in a saccharine voice. Ami frowned a little bit, recalling Usagi’s interest in the woman.
She shook her head. “No, I am fine.â€
“Are you sure? Something appears to be on your mind.â€
Ami looked up at the brown-haired woman’s face and hid her discomfort at the nonchalant cheeriness she possessed. Usagi’s suspicion had infected her well, and certain things about the woman had come to Ami’s attention. She seemed artificial, like she was poorly acting a ruse.
“Not really, just done with my work.â€
Garoben smiled. “Would you like a little more work? Every little bit of studying helps, doesn’t it?â€
Ami looked down at her sketchpad, and then at the computer. “I guess a little more work wouldn’t hurt.â€
The door slammed open, and in entered a teacher, a beautiful black-haired woman with a hime-cut stormed in. “Who is in charge of this class?â€
Garoben looked up from Ami to the woman, surprised by the unexpected intrusion. “I am, and who exactly would you be?â€
The woman didn’t waste any time. “I think you know who I am, youma. But I’ll fill you in case you don’t…â€
Garoben’s eyes widened behind her glasses as the other teacher reached up to grasp the inside of the jacket she wore. She was not in shock; however, she was completely overjoyed as she bared her fangs at the woman posturing in front of her.
Ami stared at the woman, and then over at her teacher, and she immediately grew worried as the woman’s fake expression became monstrous. She was a youma, which meant…!
She looked back to the woman, ready to fling off her cloak. “Once, I was a…â€
She immediately trailed off and ducked down with a shriek of terror as Garoben suddenly extended her arm. As it shot towards her, it immediately transformed into an axe that slammed through the wall, showering her with plaster.
“You were saying?†she asked as she wrapped her hand around Ami’s neck and gripped it. “You really ought to not make a silly speech when you’re facing an enemy, it’ll get you killed!â€
Drawing back to her hand as she took on her tall, hideous form, Garoben gestured to the other students in the classroom, whom until this point Ami hadn’t even noticed were strangely quiet.
“Take good care of her.â€
On her order, like puppets on the end of slack strings, the students rose up and began to shuffle towards where the interrupted interloper was getting back up.
“By all means, transform and let’s get this over with Sailor Moon. But I’m sure you won’t mind having to slaughter your way through these innocent people to get to me, will you?†Garoben taunted before she looked down at the struggling girl in her grip. “As for you, why not join them?!â€
“Let me go!†Ami protested before her face was shoved up against her computer monitor. Immediately, the monitor began to flash as the contents of the flash drive worked their dark program.
Garoben chuckled. “You’re still resisting, that’s cute. However, I’ve improved this Energy Collector, so stop resisting and give up all that delicious energy you’ve been storing up! Give it, bitch!â€
She looked over towards the still disguised Sailor Moon, who the slowly advancing mob now had completely cornered. However, despite the pinch she was in, she appeared calm… amused even.
Immediately, Garoben realized that something wasn’t right, that realization was cemented when the computer suddenly and angrily beeped. She looked down and found that not only was Ami still conscious, but the computer was failing to drain any of her energy.
“This thing could drain energy from Kunzite!â€
She held up Ami, and found a curious symbol glowing on her forehead. “What the Hell is this?â€
“Looks like she was right, Luna.†“Sailor Moon†said when she saw the symbol on Ami’s forehead.
Garoben snarled. “Who was right?!â€
At that very instant, the window to the classroom shattered violently. Garoben didn’t even have time to turn her head before Sailor Moon’s kick plowed into the side of it. The youma went sailing into the wall and through it to the hallway outside with a violent crash as Sailor Moon landed on the top of a desk, above the surprised Ami.
“S-Sailor Moon…†she gasped in surprise as Garoben got back up, injured by the force of the kick but still very much intact.
“You bitch… if you’re Sailor Moon, then who are…?†She took her eye off Sailor Moon to look towards the other woman, and regretted it as Sailor Moon lunged for her and slammed a punch into her stomach, lifting the much larger youma off her feet.
Flipping onto her hands, Sailor Moon sprang upward to slam both feet into Garoben’s face, sending her flipping backward to crash face first into the opposing wall of the hallway.
Landing on her feet, Sailor Moon dusted off her knees and stepped back from Garoben before looking over to Naru, who had played her part as the bait perfectly. “Get out of here, I’ll be fine.â€
“I kind of can’t!†Naru replied as she struggled against the grabby hands of the students. At least, however they weren’t trying to beat her to death.
“Um… Sailor Moon, I think they misinterpreted her command.â€
Sailor Moon smiled, and shrugged her shoulders. “Well, at least they won’t kill you.â€
Naru squeaked as one of the students ripped open the blouse she wore. “Oh… oh boy…â€
Garoben’s laugh pulled Sailor Moon’s attention back to her, and she readied for combat. “So youma, where’s your trap? I was expecting one.â€
As she spoke, the youma Grape materialized in the air behind her outside the very window she had entered dynamically from. As Garoben smiled towards the window, Sailor Moon instinctively turned back, but it was too late, as the vines from the blonde youma wrapped tightly around her body before she was yanked through the window and swung through the air before being slammed into the side of another building across the street.
“Sailor Moon!†Naru cried out before a female student dragged her deeper into the human pile.
Bound tightly in the vines, Sailor Moon looked up at her attacker as her sisters Housenka and Suzuran appeared at her sides. She struggled against her bonds and they began to break.
Seeing this, the other two youma wasted no time, with the green colored Housenka unleashing a sonic blast as the multi-colored Suzuran fired off a barrage of bomblets, the former’s sonic waves accelerating them into their target as both hit, creating a large and destructive blast that shattered the windows of every adjacent building.
Ami shook in disbelief as she fell against her desk. “Oh God… S-Sailor Moon…â€
She looked from her feet to Garoben, as the Youma rose to her feet. “And while that is taken care of… I guess I’ll have a little fun with you, human.â€
Ami stepped back from Garoben, growing terrified as the youma raised her axe hand. Luna however intervened, slashing Garoben’s face as she leaped past, landing on the ceiling she bounded onto the top of a computer. In her mouth, she carried a blue transformation pen.
“Ami Mizuno, hold this up and call out ‘Mercury Power, Make Up’, quickly!†Luna ordered after she threw it to her.
Ami looked at the clearly talking cat, the strange magic wand she held, and the monster in front of her gripping her face in pain. In an instant, it all fell into place, and the normally quiet and reserved girl felt an exhilaration like no other fill her body. Holding the pen upward, she twirled it and called out.
“Mercury Power, Make Up!â€
In an instant her clothes vanished, replaced by a swirling blue light that quickly wrapped about her entire body, covering her hands, feet, and torso before flashing to reveal her sailor fuku and its corresponding jewelry. A rush of cold air spread from her like ripples on a pond, revealing the Guardian Sailor Senshi, Sailor Mercury.
Staring down at her new form, Ami took a few deep breaths as she tried to take in what she was experiencing. “I… I am a Sailor Senshi…â€
She looked up at Garoben, who was staring at her with two parts disbelief and three parts horror.
“No, not another freaking one…!†she moaned in dread.
Nevertheless, she readied her axe arm, and rushed Sailor Mercury. “I can’t let you live for a second longer, DIE!â€
She swung the axe, and chopped through Sailor Mercury, neatly beheading her.
Garoben grinned as she watched Sailor Mercury’s body fall from beneath her head, and that grin disappeared as both parts of the newly formed Senshi began to disappear, breaking off into particles of light before they completely vanished.
As Garoben stared, Sailor Mercury materialized, intact, in the same fashion directly behind her, her leg raised for the kick she swung into her with all her might.
Garoben took the kick, and plowed through the rows of desks and computers before she crashed through the wall of the school and went hurtling outside. Setting her feet on the ground, Sailor Mercury crouched only slightly before she vanished into thin air.
As Garoben fell towards the ground, Sailor Mercury fell upon her and grabbed her face before smashing her head first into the street, the ensuing explosion turning over nearby parked cars and sending onlookers running for their lives.
From where they hovered, Suzuran looked down at the explosion. “What the hell was that?â€
Grape could feel it in her vines as she stared into the smoke. “She’s still alive! She just broke out-!â€
Like a missile, Sailor Moon smashed forehead first into Grape, the shockwave from the impact blasting all three masked youma away in different directions. As Grape went flying, Sailor Moon grabbed the vines trailing behind her before she swung her around into Suzuran, the two youma going through a billboard an instant later.
Housenka recovered in midair, wide-eyed as she watched her sisters go through the billboard. “What the Hell is that girl?â€
She looked down at Sailor Moon, who had landed on the street, and unleashed a sonic blast on the girl. The street exploded, but Sailor Moon was already coming at her with her arm extended.
As Housenka was caught by the lariat, Sailor Moon spun around, before throwing the Youma through the roof of another building, which she went through every floor before reaching the ground floor, missing every person inside as the dust from the impacts poured through its windows and doors.
Falling through the air, Sailor Moon landed on a street lamp, and flicked her hair before looking towards the wrecked billboard. As she was greeted by the sight of onrushing vines fired by Grape, she plucked her tiara from her head.
“Moon Tiara Action!â€
Like a saw, the tiara slashed through the vines, and nearly took off Grape’s arm had she not detached the vines at her fingers and leaped clear of the weapon. As the tiara came around for a second go, it was struck by a barrage of bomblets from Suzuran, sending the weapon flipping away and back to Sailor Moon’s hand.
Realizing she was in a bad position to take further attacks from these three, Sailor Moon leaped back to the rooftops, and began hopping from roof to roof.
Housenka flew up after her, firing another sonic blast in an attempt to bracket her, creating a pair of trenches on either side of the roof around her.
As the smoke rose from that rooftop, Sailor Mercury stepped out of the crater she left the disintegrating body of Garoben in and stared at the battle going on above. Luna landed next to her, a little overwhelmed by the property damage but trying not to focus on it.
“Talking cat, do I have any attacks?†Sailor Mercury asked.
“My name is Luna and yes, you do! Just think about it and it should come to you!†Luna responded before more explosions sounded from the rooftop. “Hurry!â€
Atop the roof, Sailor Moon grimaced as Grape’s vines wrapped tightly around her arms, legs, and torso tightly. Grinning as she held Sailor Moon in place, she channeled a great deal of energy down her vines, the pulse hitting her and sending shockwaves out from her feet that cracked the roof. Combining their attacks again, Housenka and Suzuran completely shattered the rooftop with the ensuing explosions as they hit home with terrible force.
When the dust settled, Sailor Moon was trembling, wisps of smoke rising from her body as she stared with a defiant smile of her own at her attackers.
Grape smirked, though it was unseen behind her mask. “You ready to give up and die?â€
“They sent three of you just for me, I’m flattered. Still, I’m going to turn you all into dust!†Sailor Moon responded.
It was at that moment that Sailor Mercury leaped over the roof, soaring above the heads of Sailor Moon and her opponents. Crossing her hands in front of her, she targeted the battlefield.
“Mercury Sabão Spray!†The sphere of light that collected before her crossed hands shot forth, expanding into a barrage of rapidly spreading bubbles that encased the rooftop.
“What is this?†Grape asked in surprise before the fearsome cold of the mist struck her. All three youma sisters, chilled, began shivering violently.
“It’s s-so cold…!†Housenka cried.
Suzuran looked over. “Quickly, use your Sonic Waves to blow it away before…â€
It was too late, and Sailor Moon’s foot found a nice home right in Suzuran’s throat. Kicking off her face, she vanished into the mist before Sailor Mercury performed her own kick, slamming it across Housenka’s eyes and driving her into the ground. Stepping back, Grape could only watch as her sisters fell to the ground.
“Where the Hell did this other Senshi come from?!†she sputtered before she bumped into a caped figure standing behind her.
Slowly she turned around. “Huh?â€
“Forgive me but I forgot my guitar today.â€
In a flash of steel Grape fell, a nasty gash sliced into her chest. The Sabão Spray cleared as Tuxedo Kamen sheathed the blade hidden inside his cane with a soft click. He then looked to Sailor Moon. “Good day, Sailor Moon, it seems you’ve gained an ally.â€
Sailor Mercury was star-struck. “It’s really you, Tuxedo Kamen!â€
“Hey sexy, you’re classy as always,†Sailor Moon purred as Tuxedo Kamen tipped his hat to the two Senshi.
“And you ever as lovely and energetic,†he replied, causing Sailor Moon to squeal giddily. He turned his attention to the downed youma. “I believe now would be the proper time to strike-â€
All three were suddenly wrapped in swirling cherry blossom petals, before they vanished. Zoisite’s grating laughter filled the air, and the Sailor Senshi and their black clad ally looked up to find the General floating in his swirling petals.
“Maybe I was a little hard on Jadeite; you little skanks are quite formidable.â€
Sailor Mercury blinked. “Did… did he just call us skanks?â€
“Who the Hell are you?†Sailor Moon asked as she folded her arms.
“Ohohoho… I’m an enemy, that’s all you need to know. You’ve gained another ally, but don’t get cocky. After all Jadeite is a bit of a pussy compared to the rest of us,†Zoisite taunted as his cherry blossom petals appeared around him. “Ta, bitches.â€
He vanished into thin air, leaving the Sailor Senshi, Tuxedo Kamen, and a ruined street behind. Despite the destruction wrought, no one was injured in the insanity of the battle, just crowds of people stared in disbelief at the material losses. Surveying the destruction, Tuxedo Kamen let out an amused chuckle.
“I think you girls need a Dividing Driver or something if you’re going to keep this up,†he said as he headed to the roof edge.
Sailor Moon snapped her fingers. “Now that would be awesome!â€
Sailor Mercury turned to Sailor Moon. “What about your friend? We should go check on her.â€
“Oh crap, I almost forgot about her! Thanks Tuxedo…†He was gone. “… Figures. Let’s go!â€
The two leaped across the street and back into the wrecked classroom of the Crystal Seminar. Inwardly, both hoped for the best and prepared for the worst but were greeted with… exactly what Sailor Moon had expected to find.
Sailor Mercury stopped and stared in total disbelief at what had become of Naru and the other students. “Oh, dear God!â€
“Wow… that is… wow.†Sailor Moon said before she called out to the center of the crowd. “Na-chi you okay in there?â€
“Why is this happening?†Sailor Mercury asked.
“I think this could be summed up as par for the course,†Luna replied before Naru waved from the center of the crowd. “You okay?â€
Naru finally managed to call out. “Oh I’m fine, Sailor Moon, I’m really fine… this is awesome…â€
Naru’s mouth became full again, and Sailor Moon turned to Sailor Mercury. “She’ll be fine. We’d better go.â€
“But…!†Sailor Mercury stopped, stared, and tilted her head when she got a better view of what they were doing to Naru. Suddenly, all reservations vanished from her mind. “… I need my sketch pad now.â€
Sailor Moon followed Mercury’s line of sight and gaped. “Wow.â€
“You guys, we gotta go!†Luna interrupted.
“All right, fine we’re leaving! Come on, Mercury.†Sailor Moon took Sailor Mercury by the arm and dragged her for the hole blasted in the wall, as she desperately tried to commit the sight before her to memory.
An hour, a transformation, and a much needed shower later, a wobbly-kneed Naru entered Usagi’s bedroom to find her and Ami waiting. Aside from the weak legs and the smile locked onto her face, she seemed otherwise fine. Waving to both girls, she walked over to Usagi’s bed and fell facedown into it with a relaxed sigh. Luna looked down at the girl before turning to the Senshi.
“I can’t help but think of how doomed we’d be if the Dark Kingdom used sex-themed youma.â€
“Pfft, like a youma could get us to screw around with them.†Usagi looked towards Naru, showing concern. “Naru-chan, are you okay?â€
“I’m great! A little sore but… yeah… hehe… I’m great…â€
Ami was blushing brightly as she quietly drew in her sketch pad. Luna looked to Usagi. “You could’ve gotten her out of there.â€
“I didn’t want to leave~†Naru replied drunkenly.
“Again, how doomed we’d be.â€
Naru rolled onto her back. “I am a complete and total pervert. I enjoyed that way too much.â€
Ami spoke up sheepishly from behind her sketch pad. “C-can I call you senpai?â€
Naru seemed to purr at the request. If she’d not been so worn out, she’d probably be trying to get Ami to call her a lot more than that. “Sure.â€
Usagi raised her hand to call order. “All right ladies, we know for sure that our enemies are numerous. After today, we’re going to have to be less reactionary and more proactive. We need to find more Sailor Senshi.â€
Naru looked to Usagi after propping herself up. “Well, if there’s a planet theme then there’s nine Senshi in total right?â€
“Eight.†Ami corrected, and received the mother of all hostile looks from Luna.
“Nine,†Luna spoke bluntly, and said no more on the subject, the fearful looks both Usagi and Naru had told the girl that it was a point not to be argued over.
Ami acquiesced without a fight. “R-right… Nine Senshi…â€
“We already know that Sailor V is a Senshi–the planet theme makes her Sailor Venus by default. That leaves Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.â€
“Ha, ‘Your Anus’.â€
Naru received a similar look from Luna that Ami had, and likewise shrank.
“So how do we find them?†Ami asked.
“The same way I figured out Ami was a Senshi.†Usagi replied.
“Yes, about that. How’d you figure that I was a Sailor Senshi?†Ami asked.
Luna nodded. “I would like to know too. Even I had thought that Mercury was that Kino girl.â€
Usagi smiled broadly. “It’s quite simple. Ami was a new girl who stood out, with noticeably unique personality traits and characterization. How could she have not been a Sailor Senshi?â€
The sound glass shattering filled the air, with all of the girls and Luna jumping from the sound. Ikuko’s voice then sounded from downstairs. “Oh poo, I broke a casserole dish!â€
With everyone sighing in relief, Luna glared at Usagi. “Do that again, and I will hurt you.â€
“Sorry.†Usagi brightened up. “Still, it’s something to go on. We need to find a girl who ‘stands out.’ When we do, we’ll certainly find our next Sailor Senshi.â€
Crows, dozens of crows cawed and fluttered about the street where the battle between Sailor Senshi and Youma took place. The countless birds disturbed the emergency personnel and clean up crews still on the scene; after all… according to some myths the birds were associated with death and misfortune.
However, they dare not try to drive the animals away, because that act was a misfortune onto itself.
“Evil forces are definitely at work here,†the miko sent from Hikawa Shrine, with long hair black as the birds overhead, said to Superintendent General Natsuna Sakurada, who had personally come down to survey the damage incurred from the battle. “The spirits themselves have been banished, but their taint remains.â€
The miko gestured to the gathered students, still under the effect of the late Garoben’s brainwashing. While harmless, they were still little more than mindless zombies.
Natsuna looked to the miko. “Can you help them?â€
“Of course!†The miko produced a series of ofuda tags, and threw them to the foreheads of the students with rapid and supernatural precision before holding up a final tag. “Evil spirits begone!â€
The tag held in her fingers went rigid, and those on the students flashed brilliantly before wisps of pale light surged from them to dissipate harmlessly into the sky. In response, the cacophony of the crows grew as though they were in applause. Staring nervously up at the murder for a moment, Natsuna looked at the now recovering students and then to the miko. “You do impressive work, Miko-san.â€
Lowering the burnt tag, Rei Hino bowed to the Superintendent General. “Thank you, Sakurada-san. Now… for this service to the city, may we discuss a donation to the shrine?â€
“Of course, of course…, Natsuna replied, suffering a sinking feeling that if she tried to decline those crows would become a lot less friendly.
Ami: Ah…this is my first day doing something like this, so please wish me luck, okay? No matter what you do, never talk during an exam. Even if there’s a chance getting ejected from the test will allow you to meet wonderful people who can become lifelong friends.
Usagi: I’m sensing issues…
Ami: S-Sailor Mercury says, ah… heh?