Somewhere in Eternity... Sparking green eyes flutter open as the woman takes in a deep breath of clean prairie air. Rising to peek over the knee-high grass and wild wheat, she blinks. Rolling countryside and beautiful meadows stretched as far as the eye could see. Dotting the landscape were countless herds of beautiful Shetland ponies, each with a very young rider, none older than the onset of puberty. In the midst of this sea of innocence rode a rugged cowboy in a glittering shirt and jeans with leather boots, a ten-gallon hat obscuring his face in shadow, his mount a healthy Arabian stallion. Standing, the woman smiles, sensing the cowboy's eyes fall on her. A touch of the brim in greeting. "You've not visited me for some time, Naru." "Much has changed in my life, Oji-sama," Naru returns, then silently wills her transformation into Sailor Terra. "Very becoming of you, Naru, considering who your friend is," he nods appreciatively. "Arigato," she smiles. When she learned Usagi's secret, she feared that the Pony Man would come take her innocence away, bring it to this place where childhood was forever safe. He didn't, which gave Naru a greater sense of self-assurance, confidence that her drive to become the tenth Sailor Senshi was the right course. With that, the cowboy turns to tend his endless flock. Naru turns, her eyes locked on a small group of nine children riding ponies, probably heading off to the pirate ship for a treasure hunt. Their faces were splattered with candied apples; they were no doubt stealing snacks from their mounds' supply. No different from the other children here...save their faces. "A premonition?" she wonders... * * * ...before she finds herself in her seat on the train passing through the mountains of south Hokkaido, heading for Sapporo. "Oh," Naru breathes out, then turns to see Setsuna gaping slack- jawed at her. "What is it?" "You..." the time guardian shakes her head in disbelief, then stares at her. "You...can contact *him?!*" "Hai." "How long has this been going on?!" Naru tenses. "Since when was that your business?" she sniffs, then slyly smiles. "Or are you upset that you never knew this about me. That the great Setsuna Meiou can make a mistake?!" Setsuna's cheeks flame at Naru's barb. Since she became part of the Senshi, Naru had become as McCoy-obsessed with penetrating the time guardian's passionless veil to unleash the very human being that lurked underneath. It annoyed Setsuna to no end; why couldn't people leave her alone?! Yuki had been doing it since they first met over a century before. No doubt, Ayako would make an effort of it in her own obnoxious way before long. "Just because I'm a guardian of Time doesn't mean that I know everything," she states, her mask returning. "Sure you do," Naru smirks... * * * "Faith No More" a tale of the Sailor Senshi by Fred Herriot gorgo@kwangju.net **** **** **** Edited by E.B. Kushnir kush1@iaw.on.ca **** **** **** Based on "Sailor Moon," created by Naoko Takeuchi **** **** **** WRITER'S NOTES 1) This story is set several months after "Sailor Twins." For you Greenbeans fans, this would be around the time of "College Life," after Part Fifteen and the small vignette story I recently wrote for her. By now, the Inner Senshi and the younger Twins are in their freshman year of university. 2) Beans was created by the aforementioned Miss Greenbeans. Chigaiko Inu appeared in my UY-TSY story "Darling's Secret Date" and was reborn as an Avalonian in "Children of Eternity." Negako Moroboshi is the conscience of the *saikoo jinseijitsu* (first appearing in "Spirit-War Tomobiki") given her own life at the same time as Chigaiko became an Avalonian. In TSY continuity, this story occurs after "Shinobu: Warrior Princess of Kyotos." 3) This story is a partial carry-on of the Sailor Stars segment of the TV series. Big thanks to Hitoshi Doi and his Sailor Moon website (www.tcp.com/doi/smoon) which had synopses of almost all the SM-Sailor Stars stories since I can see the shows here in Korea but can't understand what's really going on. 4) I decided that for the ex-Anima Mates appearing in this story to give them new names since I don't like their old ones; I doubt their home planets are actually named Iron Mouse, Aluminum Siren, Lead Crow and Tin Nyanko. For Chuuko and Akane, their names are a transliteration of their old names. Reiko, since "siren" has no kanji equivalent, got "mysterious" (kai) "beautiful" (bi) "woman" (jou) added to "silver" (gin). I decided that "Nyanko" would be Sailor Shakubyou's real name, with Sesu her family name (it's one way of saying "tin"). Her fighting name literally means "tin cat." Wanderers are orphaned Nendo-kata bards who were sent away by their schools prior to their destruction to pass on their stories. 5) I didn't have a chance to properly introduce all the Sailor Senshi Life Sentinels in this story; future stories will elaborate on them. Suffice to say, they take their names from all nine of the Muses of Greek myth (Polyhymnia [Akira], Euterpe [Rurika], Erato [Manami], Terspichore [Wakana], Urania [Asuka], Melpomene [Miyuki], Clio [Yuu], Calliope [Chie] and Thalia [Taeko]), one of the Fates (Clotho [Honoka]) and two of the Graces (Aglaia [Emiru] and Euphrosyne [Kaho]). The names are inspired by the characters of "Sentimental Graffiti." Thanks also to the following websites for the information to inspire the Senshi Life Sentinels: Astrology for Beginners (www.angelfire.com/ar/lv2tz) Siren's Greek Mythology (www.geocities.com/Yosemite/7371) AstroLife Zodiac Signs (www.astrofire.com/signs.html) **** **** **** And with that...ON WITH THE SHOW!!!! **** **** **** PART ONE - THE PATHS WE MUST CHOOSE Tetsuzo. Bleak, tired eyes, reddened from seemingly endless weeping, gaze hopelessly at the panorama of destruction before her. Just ten years ago, this small world in the Orion Arm of the Milky Way Galaxy had boasted a dynamic civilization on the cusp of breaking out into space. Ten years ago...was it only that long? Her mad torture, the Sailor Wars, becoming an Anima Mate, searching for the star seeds while her soul deep down screamed at serving evil. The pleas for clemency, the bliss of final death...and the startled cry of rebirth. The Crossing Over. Now...now this. It was enough to make one ask if the Mother Ocean had turned Her Back on Her children of the Universal School. With a resigned sigh, the Wanderer trudges into the sea of devastation. Smoke emanating from fires that may have burned for days, weeks perhaps. This had been the capital city of Tetsuzo, a bustling metropolis of twenty million sentients with all the things an advanced civilization could offer. Looking around, she then realizes she had come into the red light district, the place she herself had haunted before the day she discovered her Gift, became Tetsuzo's guardian of love and justice. The Gift that became a nightmare in the Sailor Wars. One that took her away when her people needed her the most. No, can't think of that now. The Unity always forced Her great warriors into constant trials. The greatest of them all being that no matter what, disUnity could always triumph if circumstances were right. And those circumstances came true for Tetsuzo. Since she came, she had sensed no survivors anywhere... Wait! Eyes glow deep burgundy, the colour of Nendo-kata blood, as the Wanderer detects the faint mental cries of children. Turning, her feet propel her into action as she runs to a collapsed cottage, several walls having covered the basement though air could still get in. Summoning her powers, she rips off the masonry and gazes in, her eyes reverting to normal. Six. Three girls, three boys, fraternal twins, same family. The oldest was eight summers, youngest four. Scraps of clothing barely protect them from the cleansing wind and the biting cold. Malnourished, dehydrated...yet still clinging on. They blink as light pours in, then squint at the figure before them, daring not to speak yet consumed with curiosity and fear. "I am Sailor Tetsuzo," the pretty warrior declares. Confusion responds, then the children smile, hope flaring as bright as novas in their hearts. Innocent of what destroyed their world and families, innocent of their surroundings, yet they knew of their planet's protector...and she had come to save them. That's all that mattered now... * * * A week later... "You have a problem," Ataru muses, putting his tea cup down. Usagi nods. For the Senshi, the time after Kughra had been very peaceful; scarcely a daemon had appeared. Haruka and Michiru had flown to America to continue their studies, making a new friend along the way. Everyone else settled into routines of jobs and university, which for Usagi, Nona, Chooko and Naru meant Sapporo University. Usagi was studying politics; learning how governments worked (did they work?...F.H.) was a major requisite before she could become queen of Crystal Tokyo. For the man sitting across from her, he had got a crash course in governing a whole planet over the last year...and had paid a heart-wrenching price for it. "This peace can't last," Usagi sighs. "Sooner or later, something is going to happen. I can feel it. Haruka and Michiru had a bump-in with a lake god at the college they're attending, but that was easily solved by their friend. But something seems to bring trouble to me like it does you at times...and this time, I really want to be prepared for it." "How so?" Ataru sighs. "When we normally deal with daemons or monsters, the others do all the fighting, then I polish them off with the Crystal. That's not fair to them at all; there've been times when they've nearly died protecting me. At times, it feels like they still see me as Princess Serenity, despite everything I've said on that subject. So...I need help to become a better fighter." Ataru bites his lips. He had been lucky when he finally put his foot down to get everyone out of his and Lum's lives; they were obnoxious, fanatics of the first order, but still relatively human. Usagi hadn't fought a normal foe in five years and more. "How do you want to be a better fighter? Do you want martial arts skills or to learn how better to use your powers?" "Both," Usagi sighs. "I once had a tiara; I could use it as a throwing or cutting weapon. But when daemons showed that they could just snatch it out of the air, I fell out of the habit of using it. In my current form, I don't even have a tiara anymore. When we were fighting Kughra, Ayako-chan nailed me with her Mirror Shock...and I wound up with bruised knuckles for two weeks, even when I was normal. You Sagussans are tough, you know that?!" Ataru chuckles as he pours more tea. Learning of Kughra had sent chills down his spine; anyone who wanted THAT level of power was scarier than a berserk superdreadnought with an insane master computer. And Usagi had nearly taken her down single-handedly, with just a little emotional boost from Ayako. "I see your point," he muses. "You know, if it was physical training, I'd point you to my cousin Ranma Saotome in Furinkan. He's about the best in that department as one can get. But since you obviously want some energy attacks like Nona has, then my sister has to help." "Nokoko?" "No, Negako. Avalonian, like Atako-chan. You don't know her. When they extracted the *saikoo jinseijitsu's* personality from me in August, my doctors found they couldn't morally end its existence since it was a sentient being, so they had a new body prepared for her. Since then, she's been on a training trip with a former classmate of mine, Chigaiko Inu. I'll get my clan's people to find them and get them to Sapporo; we've got some tracts of wooded land between there and Chitose that'd be perfect for training." "Thanks, I appreciate it," Usagi grins. "By the way, what do you call your particular Art?" "Moroboshi-Hana Saikoo Jinseijitsu Ninjitsu-ryuu," Ataru hums, then gazes at her. "Have you told anyone that you're doing this?" "Naru-chan and Nona-chan." "What do they think about it?" "They're all for it," Usagi smiles. "In fact, if Negako is coming, Naru-chan could use some touch up training herself." "That's good. What about the others?" "Well, you know how Nendo-kata are," Usagi laughs. "Once Nona-chan knows, they all know. I'm sure they'll support it." "And the other Senshi? Mamoru?" "Haven't told them yet," Usagi shakes her head, then smiles. "Actually, I'd like to make it a bit of a surprise." "Be careful with that sort of surprise, Usagi," Ataru bites his lips. "Look, you just said that the Senshi still at times treat you like Princess Serenity, right? If they're doing that, that means that deep down, they've psychologically fixed their vision of you AS Princess Serenity." "I've told them that I don't see myself as that..." "Hey, look what happened to me," he points to himself. "When I changed, I believed in my heart that my every thought and deed from then on would automatically tell people that I wasn't a sex- crazed moron. And yet, even now, almost everyone in Tomobiki still sees me that way, doesn't want to think of me any other way. It takes a lot to change people's opinions, Usagi-chan, especially those closest to you. And if you do it suddenly, without warning, it hurts. I almost lost Lum-chan when I moved here to Oshika. Please, be careful. Let the others know and give them time to adjust. If you don't, then this'll blow up in your face." Usagi nods... * * * "Asleep at last." Sailor Enko exhales as the six young children doze off, then she draws the covers over them, giving each a good-night kiss on their foreheads. "Sleep tight," she whispers, then heads out of the cabin of their rundown freighter to the bridge. "All asleep?" Ginkaibijou hums. "Hai," Enko sinks into the navigator's chair, then gazes absently at the readouts. "It's a miracle they survived alone for so long without anyone helping them." "They were very lucky," Ginkaibijou sighs, reaching out to grasp her rival-turned-heart mate's hand. "The Unity protected them for us to find. Even with the disUnity that overcame our people, the Mother Ocean wouldn't allow our races to totally disappear into the Cosmic Chain of Life." They exchange an understanding look. If the Sailor Wars and their time as Anima Mates hadn't taken them away from Ginkai and Enko, the chances might have been there that their worlds wouldn't be smouldering cinders now. The stench of the sub-creatures who voraciously ravaged their worlds was overwhelming, the trail leading them in the general direction of the galactic spiral containing Earth. Even though they were now weighed with the responsibility of raising six orphans, the last of their Great Schools, someone had to get the word about this. And if Earth was in the path of this plague of ravenous evil, then the nine brave warriors who had fought Galaxia to a standstill would likely be involved. If Fate directed them that way, it would be a chance to mend fences, make new friends...and obtain help in caring for the little ones aft. Ginkaibijou and Enko knew they weren't prepared to deal with being mothers, though they'd never consider turning away from their duty. Both were young as Senshi and as Nendo-kata; their Wanderer halves were not even a quarter- life old when they were separated from their schools. A tender kiss later, Enko gazes at her readout. "Our course should take us close to Tetsuzo. Hey, that's Nezu's homeworld! Do you think she might've Crossed Over too, Aya?" Ginkaibijou sits back in her chair. "Chances were as good for Nezu as they were for us," she shrugs, then gazes at the stars ahead of them. "Let's check it out, anyway. Something tells me that whoever ravaged our planets might've gone there, too." Blinking, Enko nods. "Yes. No matter what happened when we were Anima Mates, we owe Nezu that." * * * "You seem so lonely." Galaxia gazes on the shapely woman standing before her. Not ill-formed in any sense of the term, the chestnut-haired woman was dressed in a black ankle-length strapless dress, the cut dipping down to her navel and showing all the cleavage in the world. Your normal humanoid, the Golden Senshi's visitor's only odd feature was the black triangle tattoos on her forehead and under her eyes, points down. "Who are you?" "My name's Kokoro," she smiles, the mirth not touching her deep black eyes. "You're Galaxia, right? The Golden Senshi?" "I was," Galaxia gazes at the endless sea before her. "Not anymore. Not after what I did." She gazes nowhere in particular, tears spilling down her cheeks. She had chosen this nameless world light-years away from the civilized parts of the galaxy as a place of refuge, a place of exile. After coming to grips with the horror she nearly unleashed on the billions of sentients she had tried to save by absorbing Chaos at the end of the Sailor Wars, Galaxia knew she had to atone. Being a warrior, a defender, was a great act of trust, to the people she vows to protect...and to herself. What trust could there be if even a valiant act to stop Chaos caused so much pain? "What you did was make a mistake," Kokoro sits beside her, smiling assuredly. "All people, even Sailor Senshi, make them." "But not the level of mistake I made," Galaxia shakes her head, then turns to her visitor. "Why are you here?" "Your faith is gone," Kokoro stares deep into her eyes, a sparkle in those ebony orbs drawing Galaxia's attention, sapping her concentration from all around them. "Your faith in yourself, your mission...it's gone. I've met many people in my time who've faced this point in their lives. I've helped people. I work for someone who's always helped people deal with a loss of faith. He knows of what happened to you, Galaxia. He wants to help you." "H-he does...?" Galaxia blinks, unable to turn away from the woman before her. "Yes, he does," Kokoro nods. "I'll take you to him now." The Golden Senshi nods... * * * "We're approaching Tetsuzo, Aya." Ginkaibijou nods as the ashen disk looms before them. The children were now awake, playing in their makeshift den in what was once the captain's quarters. "So, they came here, too." "Aye, they did...eh?!" Enko's eyes glow. The other Wanderer-Senshi's eyes also glow as a mental voice, calm as a flowing tide, washes over them. <> a delighted voice gasps from below them. "Nezu!!!" Ginkaibijou gasps. "Are you alright?!" <> Sailor Tetsuzo sighs, bitter sadness in her voice. <> The two concentrate, then exchange wary looks. "It did," Enko's voice is ashes. "We're going to Earth, Nezu. Whatever this is, it's going there. Do you and your little ones...?" <> Tetsuzo replies. <> "Alright," Enko nods. "We'll bring our ship in to pick you up. See you in a few minutes." * * * Chitose. Sailor Moon, champion of love and justice, defender of Earth, inheritor of the power of the Silver Millennium and possible future queen of Crystal Tokyo, stands alone in the middle of the small dojo in the middle of the vast, wooded property north of the small city near Sapporo. At one side stand Sailor Terra, Sailor Diana and Sailor Chronos, but they wouldn't come forth to stand with her. The other Senshi were nowhere close by, two of them now all the way in the United States. For this day, Sailor Moon was facing the most terrifying, implacable foe she'd ever encounter. Her new martial arts teacher. Gazing intently at the pretty warrior was a well-exercised chestnut-haired woman in a black gi, nineteen by looks though she was well into her eighth century of life...if you could call being a disembodied storehouse of knowledge "life"...and her body was not even ten months old. The tiger-and-chrysanthemum of the Moroboshi Clan was stitched on the jersey, a black belt without any markings tying it down. She had been circling Sailor Moon for some time, taking in all the details of her uniform. Finally, she stops, feeling the wings. "These will go." Beside Sailor Diana was a plain brown-haired girl in a black gi, a white belt around her waist. She jots notes down in a book as her companion begins her pacing. "The high heels, too. You cannot run in them. Solid soles to the boots from now on. And your hair needs to be changed." "But I've always had my hair this way," Moon warns. WHAM!!!! The Senshi's leader finds herself flipped onto her face after being yanked back by one of her ponytails. "If you insist on that, then be warned: THAT will happen to you," the woman sighs, not showing any exertion from her attack. "Hai...Sensei..." Moon grunts. "Do not call me that," the woman sighs as the pretty warrior picks herself up. "There is no such thing as 'sensei' in our Art. Even I must learn many things, especially now. My name is Negako. Use that instead." "Hai, Negako," Moon sighs, rubbing her face. Negako stops, her hands feeling the feathers at the base of Moon's gauntlets. "These could be turned into darts, similar to what Nona employs," she hums, then feels the crescent on her wrist. "And you could fashion shuriken or psychic shuriken from these." "What do you mean?" THWACK!!!! An energy shuriken imbeds itself in the wall between Terra and Chronos, then dissipates. "I mean that," Negako lightly smiles. "All you have to learn is how to better manipulate your chi, Usagi. That is the secret of your powers; all of you," she looks at the other Senshi. "All your henshin sticks do is give you the ability to use your chi in new ways. As you know from your dealing with Kughra, all things in the Universe had energy. Chi, *te'a,* whatever it is, it's still energy. My Art helps one tap into energy and use it. Though it concentrates on the natural chi forces here on Earth itself, the forms I will teach you will aid you no matter what sort of energy you're dealing with." "That's what I want," Moon nods. "The Crystal," Negako holds out her hand. The Silver Imperium Crystal staff appears. Taking it, the ninjitsu grandmistress gazes intently at the staff. "I will ask Nicole to rebuild the staff into a scabbard for a sword," Negako hums. "The Crystal is too fragile to be used as a mace. You will be taught swordsmanship. The sword I will have forged for you will have the same abilities the Crystal itself does. A sword thrust works much better than using this as a magic wand." She hands the Crystal back, then Moon stores it. "The final thing I will do for you is to alter your very way of thinking when it comes to dealing with your type of opponent," Negako gazes into her eyes. "I know well, through my brother and Chigaiko, how you and the other Senshi normally deal with monsters. What I teach you in the Art can't work without a change in attitude. You acted as if it was a samurai drama. You've taken a lifelong oath to protect innocent lives and you cannot fulfil that oath when you're too busy making speeches and waving the Crystal around. You must agree now that the chance will come that someone could die, yes?" "Hai," Moon nods, transforming back into Usagi. With that, the others relax. "Then you will learn how to think like a ninja," Negako sighs. "You will learn how to select your targets, which are the important targets and how to take them down as fast as possible. You are the leader of a team of twenty. Even with just a small group, it's very easy to deal with monsters and those who control them. You'll learn how. Understood?" "Hai!" "Then we begin tomorrow." * * * "Ye want a sword for Usagi's staff?!" Nicole blinks confusedly at Negako, the latter now holding the Crystal; she had taken it from Usagi before sending her student back to her dormitory the night after the pre-training briefing. "Yes," she hands the staff to the Scotswoman. "I don't want the staff changed to make people realize a sword is there. Can you make a crusader blade with no handguards to fit into the base?" "A surprise weapon, eh?" Nicole hums. "Yeah, it's easy. What else do you need?" Usagi's transformation broach is handed over. "I need her uniform changed," Negako pulls out a drawing, then points out the details. "These modifications to the belt, boots, gauntlets and the ties on the back." "Simple enough," Nicole nods. "Anything else?" "One other thing," Negako crosses her arms. "I've been told by Nona that there was one time, during the Senshi's fight with Galaxia, that Haruka and Michiru were made to turn against her. And there've been times Usagi's lover has been turned against her. Could you have her sword made so that with one thrust, she could de-power any Senshi she comes close to...just in case?" "Consider it done," Nicole hums... * * * The next day, training begins. After classes are over, Usagi, Nona, Naru and Chooko race to their dorms, grab their gis and take the train to Chitose to learn under Negako's stern tutelage. Like Chigaiko, who joins them in training, all wear white belts. There were two grades in Saikoo Jinseijitsu Ninjitsu-ryuu; you KNEW the forms or you DIDN'T, Negako had explained their first night. Reflecting the painful maturity that had overcome her, Usagi plunges into her training with a zeal she once reserved for playing video games, reading a comic book or cleaning out the refrigerator back home. Despite her harsh demeanour, Negako was a very patient instructor, explaining everything. She often did a "demonstration" of what might happen if movements were executed wrong, pitching the hapless Usagi around like a beanbag at times, but the flips and punches were always made to shock, not to hurt. And they were shocking enough that Usagi got the message. The other three Senshi benefitted from Negako's knowledge. Naru, because her powers as Sailor Terra were fashioned after the *saikoo jinseijitsu,* wanted to be taught how to better interface her soul with Earth, seek out the natural chi lines to use her powers efficiently, sense the life pulse of her world to better defend it. Nona and Chooko were taught meditation exercises, how to relax so they could manipulate their powers both as Senshi and Nendo-kata better. Of course, all participated in the basic kata drills; the punches, kicks, blocks and other contortions that would come in handy no matter what sort of foe they faced. Because Negako was such a thorough teacher, the lessons took hold right away. During their times at the dojo, they took a break to discuss strategies in dealing with daemons. If the daemon was alone, the matter was easy; swarm it and take it down fast. If the daemon was something to distract the Senshi from another being, then it became a little more complicated. Since most likely, the other being was the controller for a daemon, then destroying that being was the most efficient way to deal with it. This would've worked very well against the Black Moon Clan and the Anima Mates since they always tripped off to warn their leaders while the Senshi were distracted by monsters. In war, intelligence was the primary element in achieving victory. Killing the Anima Mates right away, for example, would've forced Galaxia to attack sooner, perhaps without the right knowledge to deal with the Senshi and brought an earlier conclusion to the whole mess. Same with the Black Moon Clan; in fact, Sailor Moon had practiced it when she cleansed the four sisters and forced Rubius to come into the open. "Where were you when we needed you years ago, Teach?" Usagi wonders one night after a strategy lesson. "I was busy trying to get MY freedom," Negako smiles. Everyone laughs... * * * "Here you go," Negako presents Usagi with her broach. "Thanks," she smiles, placing the broach on its usual place on her chest, then stands. "MOON ETERNAL POWER, MAKE UP!!!!" Energy warps around her in a cocoon as her clothes melt into her Senshi fuku. Bolts of energy dance over her belt and up her arms as the new add-ons appear, then as everything solidifies, Sailor Moon merges into a kata stance, one arm raised to show a row of throwing crescents lining her gauntlet, the other reaching to the throwing darts around her broach. "Excellent," Negako nods as she inspects the stance. "Good stance. If the daemon's the type who wants to attack right away, you're prepared. Now..." She walks over to a bag to bring out the Crystal staff, then hands it to the pretty warrior. The others gather around as Moon grips the thickened staff/scabbard. "The sword is magnetically sealed into the scabbard so that if your holding it vertically, it won't fall out," Negako waves the others back. "Unsheathe it." Still in her stance, Moon draws the Crystal back, hand reaching over to draw the sword, the staff returning to its storage place in hyperspace as she gazes at the blade. As long as her arm, it is a straight sword, not curved like a katana. Perfect most of all for the quick thrust through the heart. On the haft, a row of golden crescents add colour to the silver blade. "This is nice!" Moon whistles. "Nicole sure does a good job." "I'll say," Naru hums from nearby. "So what will you call it, Usagi-chan? Something like that deserves a name." Sailor Moon hums, then nods. "The Moon Lancer!" * * * "Martial arts training?!" Usagi nods as her mother serves coffee, the Tsukino family and their houseguests relaxing around the table one weekend morning several weeks into the first term; Kyooko and Midori had moved to their own apartment after Kughra died. "Yep. It's intensive, but it's good. I feel much better about myself already." "You, a martial artist?!" Shingo hums, shaking his head. "Sure! Pull the other leg, sis!!" "Fine," Usagi reaches over. WHAM!!!! Shingo is impaled into the floor after a flip using his ankle. Usagi returns to her breakfast. "Shingo, it's not nice saying bad things about your sister," Ikuko sighs. "Yes, Mom..." he grunts. Nona and Chooko chuckle. Usagi's father Kenji shakes his head as Shingo crawls back into his chair. "Your teacher's a good one," Ikuko muses, then sighs. "So strange. I never figured you to be one to take martial arts, Usagi-chan; you're not the type." "Girl's gotta protect herself, Mom," Usagi shrugs. "Too true," Ikuko rolls her eyes. Sometime later, Usagi enters her bedroom as everyone disperses for the day. Luna relaxes on the bed as the Senshi leader engages in a meditation kata. "I must admit, I'm more than impressed by seeing you do this, Usagi," the raven-haired cat smiles. "What sort of school are you training under?" "Ninjitsu; it's the same school Ataru Moroboshi practices," Usagi relaxes, then sits on the bed, drawing Luna into her lap. "His sister Negako teaches me. It's great to be able to do some of this stuff now. You know, if I'd know this a long time ago, things would've gone a lot easier with some of the creeps we've fought." "My, you are getting confident," Luna hums, then gazes at her. "Do the others know what you're doing?" "The Twins and Naru-chan know," Usagi sighs. "I haven't had the chance to tell the others just yet. Besides, things've been pretty quiet over the last bit." "Oh, you haven't heard the news?" "What news?" Usagi rolls her eyes. "I've been so busy training, I haven't got close to a newspaper, listened to the radio or seen a television. What's going on?" Luna hops onto the study table to face her. "Well, this started the second week you were in university. Michiru called, telling us that she sensed a horrendous evil coming towards us. The day after, a riot broke out in Rome at the Vatican." Usagi's eyes widen in shock. "The Vatican?! Was it another assassination attempt on the Pope?!" "No, not that," Luna shakes her head. "The details were quite obscure even over the news, but from what we learned, it was a vicious riot that saw dozens killed. Witnesses said that something happened that made people believe that Jesus Christ had come back to life, not to save them but to KILL them!! Now, the Catholic Church has cancelled future Masses in St. Peter's Square." Usagi drops. "Wait! They actually thought that Jesus...?!" "It was later reported to be some sort of imposter, but it was a very clever and convincing one," Luna sighs. "But that's not all. The next day, during the hajj in Mecca, people reported that Mohammed had come back to life, denouncing the many imams as being false to the Koran! It caused a riot that killed hundreds!!" "MECCA?!?! Gods, Islamic fundamentalists must be going ape!!" "Jerusalem was the next place struck," Luna sighs. "Then came Moscow, Istanbul, Canterbury, Salt Lake City..." "Wait!" Usagi blinks, her eyes widening. "All those places are centres of religious faith!! You mean..." "This foe is attacking people through their personal beliefs and faith," Luna nods. "Those're not the only places that've been struck, Usagi. Places of great social and cultural significance have been struck. Did you know that the Statue of Liberty in New York City actually did a strip-tease in front of thousands?!" Usagi faints! "STRIP-TEASE?!?! This is a joke, right?!!" Luna shakes her head. "Some people would think that was some tasteless joke. It wasn't, none of this is. It's far deeper, much more sinister." "I don't understand." "When migrants crossed the Atlantic to New York City, the first image they saw was the Statue of Liberty holding the light of freedom high. That's a powerful cultural icon to Americans, Usagi, one that has endured a lot. Now it has been tarnished, brought into question. It may seem like a joke at first, but deep down, people will wonder if it really meant anything? And when they start questioning that, they'll question other things." Usagi nods. "When one questions faith, one loses it." "Yes," Luna nods. "And one loses faith, one loses one of the pillars that keeps society intact. In fact, in many ways, faith is a foundation for society. Sweep it away and..." "Chaos," Usagi shudders, the dark implications of what Luna's scenario was pointing to draping her heart like an icy shroud. "Lawlessness. War. Armageddon. Death." "Yes," Luna nods. "This 'faithless plague,' as many are now calling it, has claimed several thousand lives already. It hasn't hit Japan just yet, but be assured, it will come here. And when it does, we will have to be ready." "I'm more than ready," Usagi nods, gazing out the window... * * * "You have done well, Zentsubou." "Thank you, Reverend," a tall woman with long black hair in a stringy ponytail similar to Makoto's bows to her leader. "The Americans don't suspect what's happening; their government's innate trust in their citizens blinds them to the questions many are now asking in their hearts." "So I can feel," the handsome man in his dark suit standing at his pulpit nods, gazing at the twenty-four Shingi Maidens who were his claws whenever he chose to bring Chaos to a world. The women before him seemed very happy. Their previous conquest, Tetsuzo, had been too easy. Earth, with its varying levels of technology, society and faith, would give the Maidens a challenge. "Now, we come to Japan. Thanks to Kokoro and the information we gleaned from Galaxia, we've been told of the beings we could expect in their capital. I wish to see these Sailor Senshi in action." The Maidens grin in anticipation. Kokoro steps up, bowing to her leader. "Reverend, may I go first? We all know where the Senshi gather to discuss matters; one of them is a priestess. I've already looked over the shrine; it is well-suited for an attack." "Very well, Kokoro," the Reverend nods with a mirthless smile, waving her in dismissal. "Let them have a taste of what Chaos REALLY is, how fragile their lives really are!" Kokoro nods, then withdraws. "Now, Zentsubou," the Reverend descends, relaxing in a comfortable love chair nearby. "Why don't you show me what you made the Statue of Liberty do." "Of course, Reverend," Zentsubou purrs with anticipation as she begins to seductively sway, the other Maidens clapping in a metered beat. Giving her own personal service to the Reverend Fushingi was just as fulfilling as spreading Chaos for him... * * * "Do you hear some of this?!" Matsuri hums, switching off the television before sitting beside Ayako. "I do," the passion mistress nods, gazing out the living room window at the tranquil scene of Juuban. The eight ex-Black Moon monsters were spending time amongst themselves, kept indoors for their own safety. Only a fool would say that Japan was a haven from this faithless plague. The television had been showing man-on-the-street interviews from around the world. As many screamed at the galling blasphemy and grotesque tastelessness of what was happening, the two Nendo- kata sensed something more ominous. These attacks had badly shaken thousands of people, hit them in a place and time where they felt relatively safe. Worshipping in a temple, trying to touch their personal deity, was meant to be a time of peace and contemplation. A person's mental defensive mechanisms were down in those places, which made the attacks more effective. It was terrorism on a scale so vast and invasive, there was no way to protect oneself. Attendance at various places of worship had dropped to near-zero. Tourism was badly affected, people not taking the time to travel to favourite vacation spots. Even parks and playgrounds had been targeted, which hit children very hard. All these places had one thing in common, Matsuri knew. They were venues by which people could vent out the frustrations of everyday life. With those closed off, a person's negative emotions would build and expand until it would explode...and if that happened on a grand scale, who knows WHAT would happen next. "It will come here," Matsuri sighs. "Hai," Ayako hums, gently stroking her life-mate's hair. "What's worse, I don't think we can do anything to stop it." "Whatever happened to your confidence?" Matsuri gazes at her, a spark of worry in her eyes. "It's still there," Ayako winks. "But let's face it. This is something that has long-range effects. Even if we destroy the monsters now, who's going to be there to heal the scars when the battle is done and all that's left...are the memories?" Matsuri bites her lips, then nods... * * * "Look at them," Kokoro sneers as she watches people stream into Hikawa Jinja. "Praying to things that really aren't there. How trusting," disgust creeps into her voice as she slips back into shadow, masking herself with a normal face and a kimono before stepping out to join the procession. Coming up at that time from the former's home are Usagi and Naru, Nona and Chooko behind them. Apprehension flashes in their eyes as they ascend the steps. "You hear the news?" Naru wonders. "Yeah," Usagi nods. "Luna says we should be on guard...oh, there's Matsuri and Ayako! Hi!" she waves. "Hi, Usagi-chan, everyone," Matsuri smiles as the group head up to the shrine. "Feeling alright? How's training with Ataru- kun's sister and her friend?" "It's good," Usagi nods. "C'mon, let's go see Rei." They head inside. Already, the parishioners were seating themselves before the sacred flame as Rei did her devotions. As the other Senshi sit at the back of the hall, Usagi walks around to kneel beside the priestess. "Hey, how are you?" she places her hand on Rei's shoulder when the latter looked at her. "Pretty okay," Rei smiles. "People are scared. You hear?" "Luna told me when I came in," Usagi sighs. "I've been too busy to see the news. Is it really that bad?" "We've been getting an increase in people from other faiths," Rei nods to the audience. There were Christians and Hindus, even a scattering of Muslims making their daily prayers towards Mecca. "Grandpa's opened the door to them. Times like this, they need as much comfort as Shintoists and Buddhists." "Yeah," Usagi rises. "See you later." Rei watches her, noting that Usagi seemed to be walking as if she was on a tightrope. What the...? What ever happened to the happy-go-lucky klutz she had dealt with for five years? Suddenly, the word "busy" takes on a more serious connotation. What was Usagi doing on her spare time if she hadn't heard the news of the faithless plague until she came back to Juuban? Sighing, the priestess rises, turning to the small crowd before her. "Welcome, all of you," she smiles. "I'm Rei Hino, the priestess of Hikawa Jinja. On behalf of my grandfather, I offer you this time to call upon your personal deity and faith for the safety of all of us in this terrible time." "How nauseating," Kokoro sneers quietly as she forms an energy bubble with her hand, then fires it into the darkness. Rei jolts as her senses pick up danger...as the bolt emerges and flies into the sacred fire. "Wha...?!" "SISTER, BEHIND YOU!!!!!!" Matsuri bolts up, pointing. Rei turns in agonizing slow motion as the flames leap to the ceiling, morphing into a minotaur-like creature that dwarfs the slip of a girl before it. "**You dare bring these non-believers here, blasphemer?!**" its eyes glow as bolts of energy flash out to strike at the audience. Rei turns as people's screams assault her ears, watching some drop as a panic starts. Seeing this, the Senshi nod as they duck into shadow, henshin sticks appearing. In the middle of the chaos, Kokoro remains remarkably calm. "Time for some helpers to stoke the flames," she morphs into her natural form, then bellows, hands flying out, "Haishin, come forth!!!" Bolts of energy strike a half-dozen people, wrapping them up in black bands similar to how the Anima Mates transformed helpless bystanders into their helpers. The mummies explode a second later, revealing grotesque caricatures of the popular Shinto deities. "**Traitors, prepare for your doom!!**" a leering Susano raises his club, then the Haishin leap into action. The screams become deafening as energy lashes out to engulf the unlucky few who were still conscious and not transformed. Rei remains rooted in place, her senses overwhelmed by the sight of her favourite deities running amok, then turns back to gaze at the fire monster behind her, an ofuda appearing. Chanting the names of the elemental powers, she barks out, "EVIL SPIRIT, BEGONE!!!!!!" The ofuda explodes in her hands, causing Rei to collapse as she grips her wounded extremity!! "**You can't do that to me!**" the fire monster snarls. "**How could your faith work against the symbols of that faith, little girl?!**" Rei shuffles back as the monster marches on her...as the main doors to the shrine snap open. "Hold it!!!" Six sailor-suited figures appear. "Pardon us for interrupting your fun," Sailor Moon smiles. "But we heard that you that you were coming to hurt people today," Sailor Terra cracks her knuckles. "So we came down too," Sailor Diana twirls her javelin. "To teach you the new meaning of heartbreak," Sailor Aphrodite twirls the Truth Chain. "Oooh, eight on six," Sailor Ares hums. "Hardly fair odds...for them!" Sailor Chronos snickers. "Avatar's mine!!!" Moon barks. "GO!!!!" An Eclipse Veil descends as Diana and Moon fade from view, the other Senshi lunging at the Haishin. "**You think you're so strong?!**" the demon Susano cackles. "**Your strength is...!**" "***TIME REVERSAL!!!!!!***" Chronos levels the Time Reaper. A bolt of reverse-time nails the Haishin, dispersing the magic that morphed him and revealing a dazed parishioner, who is dropped. Simultaneously, the Truth Chain lashes out to snare two more Haishin as Aphrodite arms up. "***MIXED PASSION ATTACK!!!!!!***" she fires a storm of black and pink hearts to overwhelm the Haishin and reverse their transformations. "***SPIRIT-BREAKER FIRE LIGHT!!!!!!***"Terra levels a blast of chi energy at the fire monster behind Rei, who is knocked aside by Yuuichirou in time before the Haishin is pulverized by the psychic bolt and morphs back to a normal fire. "***FIRE PHALANX!!!!!!***" Ares sends a blazes of fire bolts at the remaining Haishin, driving them away from Kokoro, who is obviously trying to keep track of the sheer numbers of Senshi and determine their powers. "Take her down, Sailor Moon!!!" "My pleasure," a voice answers from shadow. "Wha...?" Kokoro turns... ...and gets some sweet chin music as Moon lunges from the shadows, the Eclipse Veil disintegrating as Diana runs to help Ares deal with the last Haishin. "Nice day, huh!!" the Senshi leader spins like a top as the forest of crescents on her arms and belt glow. "***MOON CRESCENT STORM!!!!!!***" Kokoro is shredded as the blaze of energy bolts lashes through her, careening her into a wall as Moon stops spinning, leaping at her. "HYAAA!!!!!!" her boot catches the Shingi Maiden in the cheek, snapping her head around as she kisses the floor!! The Crystal appears, Moon snap-drawing the Lancer as she twirls the blade. As Kokoro rises, the Senshi leader crouches, then plunges it into the Maiden's back, the tip magically lancing through her cleavage!!! Kokoro gags as her eyes drop, shock and disbelief dulling her face as dark energy boils away from her. "Tell whoever sent you...he'll die this way, too!" Moon hisses in the Maiden's ear as she yanks out the Lancer. Kokoro collapses face-first to the floor as the remaining Haishin vanish, morphing back into the dazed innocents the Maiden targeted to help distract the Senshi. Rising, Moon sheathes the Lancer, then runs over to Rei. "Are you alright?!" she kneels, helping Yuuichirou get the priestess to her feet. "Y-y-yeah, I'm fine...help me to the flame..." Rei stammers. They escort her as the other Senshi begin to pick through the aftermath. Sensing what had happened, Ares turns to Rei's grandfather. "Please summon the police, the paramedics...and the coroner, Ojii-sama. Tell them...there are five dead, twelve wounded and...five needing psychological attention." He nods, heading to the phone. The word "dead" hits Rei like a torpedo as she turns, gazing at people who had come to HER shrine to pray, be at peace with themselves...and died for their devotion to their faith. "NO!!!!!!" she tries to scramble out of Moon's arms to vainly try to revive them. "NO!!!!!! THEY CAN'T BE DEAD!!!!!! THEY CAN'T!!!! They can't...!!" Sobs steal her voice as Rei slumps into Moon's comforting embrace. Moon gazes at Yuuichirou. "Help her to her bed." "Got it," he nods, then winks. "By the way, nice moves! Costume looks great, too!!" "Arigato," Moon smiles as the former rock singer helps his friend to her bedroom, then turns, her eyes detecting a slumped form at one side of the shrine. Kokoro. Blinking surprisedly, Moon walks over, kneeling down as she feels a pulse. "Hey, she's still alive?!" she wonders, then shifts the fallen Maiden to her knees, jolting on seeing a totally blank look on her face. "Yes, Mistress?" Kokoro stares at Moon. Moon blinks, then leans up. "Who are you?" "I am Kokoro, Mistress. I am your slave." Moon faints! "Does this beat all or what?" Aphrodite hums. * * * To be continued...