Thus, we move onward to chapter four. Just as a note for further reference, fanfiction.net receives updates immediately whereas it takes up to a week for moonromance.com to display new chapters due to just having weekly updates. Thanks to both sites for hosting this story. Also, you'll probably notice I update the older chapter quite a bit. This is because I tend to post stuff sometimes earlier then I should and I correct any mistake I find. For the most part, rewrites in chapters one through three were minor and cosmetic. However, you may notice that the last scene in this chapter has changed several times since it was posted. I suggest that, if you haven't seen this message in the previous copy, that you should re-read the final scene as it is extremely vital to the plot and it has gone under major revision since first posted. Special thanks goes out to Davner, Bremmi, Makoto-, Strikestwice, Veggitto, Ssedrey, Darksong, Willz, Angie and any others I forgot for their help in pre-reading this fic. Sailor Moon is the property Naoko Takeuchi, Koudansha, TV Asahi, Toei Douga, Mixx, Pioneer Entertainment and DiC, and ADV. All original characters and concepts are my own and belong to me. Sub vs. Dub guide Earlier translations can be found at the starts of chapters one and three. Fujisawa-sensei = The "-sensei" honorific is used for teachers and educators. It can also stand alone to mean just "teacher." Sensei = Just used alone, "sensei" means teacher or instructor. Yuuichirou refers to Rei's grandfather like this. Yuuichirou-sama = Makoto is basically mocking Rei here. The "-sama" honorific is one of extreme respect, sometimes translated as Lord or Lady, though more akin to "most honored one." Minako-chan/Venus-chan = While normally in the show it's exchanged between the girls as a sign of friendship, here it's Hyoko referring to Minako as a girlfriend or lover. Of course, this relationship only exists in Hyoko's mind... Well just great! I've got a psychotic lesbian stalking me now! Well, just don't let the others know. Oh, trust me, I won't -_-. I think it's time to try the old vision trick. If you build it, he will come... (Whaps Yuuichirou on the head with a broom!) What the hell are you doing in the preview?! The author gave me a big role in this chapter! (Glares at the author.) I will make him pay for this... Ooo! Who's the cute blonde? (Pushes Makoto aside.) I saw him first! (Shakes head.) Well, I get a scene in this chapter, so at least there's some sanity... Hey wait! Why aren't I in this chapter?! When the hell am I coming back?! Hopefully never. -_- Sailor Moon - Rifts Chapter 4: A Destined Meeting! Let the Battle for Love Begin! Makoto sighed as she finished vacuuming the living room, bored out of her mind. She hated being stuck inside like this, but there wasn't much she could accomplish while feeling so run down. After the three days of rest she had gotten, she was finally feeling back up to resuming her normal daily routines, and decided to give the apartment a good, thorough cleaning with all the pent up energy she had. Most of the last three days had been spent thinking back on the battle she had fought against the new monster. The thought of all that energy, surging through her body, sent chills up her spine. She shuddered in remembrance. There was next to nothing that ever scared Makoto, but using that attack may have nearly killed her. At least that's what Ami thought. There was no way of telling until testing could be done. Remembering how she had attempted to act like Usagi, the tall girl started to giggle. "Who would think I'd miss her so much already?" she questioned. She promised herself that she wouldn't let it all get to her, telling herself the team needed to be strong right now, but it was so hard. Just as she was about to put the vacuum away, the doorbell rang. Standing it upright, she left the cleaning utility on the floor and walked over to the door. Opening it, she found a rather ticked off blonde staring at her with an icy glare. "You're going to train me!" Minako virtually shouted, storming into her apartment. "Hello to you too," Makoto sarcastically spoke, shutting the door behind her. "Mind telling me what that was all about?" The blonde walked over to the couch and sat down. She then jumped back up and started walking around in circles. "Do you have anything I can hit?" The brunette blinked. "Um..." "Never mind," she said, walking back to the couch and sitting back down. That lasted for only a moment before she stood up again. "ARRGHHHH!!" she shouted to the heavens. "Is there something wrong?" Makoto asked the obvious. "Oh no, except that apparently God has decided it's fun to torture Minako Aino. 'Oh sure, let's pick on her some more! We don't already have enough fun at her expense!'" The blonde started to shake her fist at the sky. "Well screw you too, God!" Makoto started to rub her temples. "Are you going to start making sense sometime soon?" "Huh? Oh yeah!" The blonde looked at her, grinning almost psychotically and laughing. "You're going to teach me how to fight so the next time that blonde bitch messes with me I'll show her where she can plant her lips!" "Stop," Makoto said with frustration. "Start from the beginning." "SHE WHAT?!" Makoto exclaimed, nearly jumping off the couch in shock. Minako nodded her head and frowned. "Then she just ran off." The brunette looked up at the ceiling, completely taken back by the events she had missed. She started to ask a question, then stopped. Putting a finger to her mouth, she got ready to ask a question, but halted again. Finally she said only a single word. "Tongue?" Growling in response, the blonde folded her arms in disgust. "I nearly choked on the gross thing! Ugh! I've never been..." "Kissed like that before?" Makoto completed the thought. "No!" Minako shouted in defense. "Been so disgusted! Gah!" she shouted throwing her hands up in the air. Makoto thought for a moment. *All those boys and she's never been kissed like that before. Poor thing.* "Well first things first." The tall girl reached out with her hand and slapped the blonde on the back of the head. "That's for not calling me when the monster showed up!" Rubbing the back of her head, Minako glared at the other woman. "It wasn't my decision! Your 'doctor' insisted that you should stay out of battle until you were fully rested." A smile formed on the brunette's face. "Well I'm glad to see she's worried about my health, but I'm still going to have to yell at her for it." The smile was replaced with a more serious expression. "Moving on, this is beginning to worry me." "What is?" the blonde asked, perplexed. Throwing her head back, the brunette answered her question, "Well, two of our last opponents have been extremely skilled fighters." "So?" Minako asked. "So," she began again. "It's not like just going against any old enemy. Usually we're fighting opponents based on straight magic abilities. If they're this well trained though, it may be difficult to fight them." "Which is why I need your help," Minako demanded. The pony-tailed girl nodded. "You want to hurt her?" An insane grin formed on the blonde's face as she made a fist. "Badly." The brunette stood up. "Well, it's not like you can just take up a martial art and suddenly know how to use it. It takes time and patience to learn." "How many forms do you know?" the blonde inquired, also standing. Makoto turned to her startled. "Well um... let's see," she started to think. "Four altogether." Minako's jaw dropped. "You know that much?!" "Blacks in karate and jujitsu and browns in kenpo and hapkido," she listed. The blonde glared at her. "And I have a volleyball trophy... Shut up!" Makoto stifled a laugh. "Well I had to survive on my own, you know." Minako smiled. "So it'll be no trouble teaching me how to do that, right?" The blonde proceeded to do a rather amusing set of poses, trying to act as if she was fighting. In the process, she managed to knock over a lamp on the stand next to the couch. Quick reflexes kicking in, Makoto dived and caught it before it could smash into the ground. "Sorry," the blonde nervously apologized. Wiping the sweat off her brow, the tall girl stood and put the lamp back on the stand it was resting on, and then glared at her friend. Taking in a breath, she relaxed herself. "It won't do me any good to teach you..." "Why not?!" the blonde protested. "Let me finish," the girl motioned. "Those are offensive arts and take years of training to learn. If you're going up against another expert, picking up a few quick karate moves isn't going to help you. What you need is a defensive art." The blonde nodded dumbly. "Okay, so which one of those ninjitsu styles is that?" Makoto groaned and thought of correcting her, but decided to just remain quiet. "Well, I'd have to check out the local dojos. If there's a sensei who will teach it, I would try aikido." "Great! So let's go find one." Minako enthusiastically ran towards the door. "First," Makoto began. "I'm going to put the vacuum away. Then, I want to go by Rei's to find out if Ami has learned anything from this attack." "And then can we find the jukipo instructor?" Minako asked like a child in a candy shop. "Sure..." the tall girl responded. She started to sweat and laugh nervously. *This can't end well.* The blonde man sat in the sensei's office, waiting patiently for his response. Kuroki remained calm as the man was sitting in his chair, looking away from him. "Mr. Ueda," the man began to speak, using the fake last name Kuroki had provided him. He had been using the name "Hikaru Ueda" as a cover since the Senshi were aware of his real name. Along with that he had put in blue contact lenses to avoid being given away by his unusual eye color. "It is highly irregular to have such a request and we are not looking for any help at this time. I'm sure there is another dojo in this area that would be more interested in your talents." Kuroki looked up at him with a bit of a smile. "But, I was really hoping to get a position here, Fujisawa-sensei." Fujisawa-sensei stood and looked down at him. "I'm sorry, but I do not require an assistant at this time." The man was rather tall, an inch higher than even Kuroki was. He had brown hair and a thin frame. His face was rather scruffy, showing the signs of an incomplete shave, and he looked to be in his mid-forties. "But I could extend the range of classes at your school. I notice you currently only teach two arts." "And that is all that is required," the man answered with a bit of annoyance. "Look, Mr. Ueda I appreciate your enthusiasm, however, my answer remains no." Kuroki stood and looked at him with a serious stare. "Then perhaps I could persuade you to change your mind with a bit of friendly competition." The sensei looked at him with a puzzled expression. "What exactly do you have in mind?" Kuroki ducked under the man's left high-kick as their match ensued. They had been fighting for several minutes already. He had only been able to land one or two hits on the dojo owner so far. The blonde was rather impressed by this man's fighting skills, but if it turned into a competition of endurance, it would not go in this man's favor. He smiled, dropping back as the man attempted a series of punches. As Fujisawa-sensei came forward with a right jab, the blonde ducked to his left and reached up with foot to hit the man on the side of the head. Falling backwards, Fujisawa-sensei attempted to take up a defensive posture. Kuroki, however, was already after him and started to throw a series of punches. Dodging to his left and right, he managed to avoid the flurry. Smiling, Kuroki threw a right punch that the man managed to dodge, but quickly threw in a left kick to strike behind the sensei's right knee, causing him to fall forward. The man rolled forward and got back to his feet, limping a bit from the kick. "I will not allow you to disgrace the name of this dojo," he said, running towards the blonde in an attack position. Kuroki smiled, and waited for the man to strike. As he swung himself around for a kick, Kuroki fell to the side and landed a punch to his back, causing Fujisawa-sensei to grab the struck area in pain. Before he could recover, Kuroki turned and landed a kick directly to the back of the man's right knee with the heel of his foot, causing him to drop to one knee again. "One who cannot stand cannot fight. You leave yourself too open," he commented and stood back to allow the sensei to recover. "You arrogant fool," he shouted, getting back to his feet. Rushing towards him, he extended his left fist towards Kuroki's face. The blonde smiled and moved aside. Using the man's motion to toss him over his shoulder, he caused him to go tumbling forward and land on his back. The sensei groggily began to sit up. As he did, he looked out the window of the dojo to see a group of schoolgirls looking in, gawking at his opponent. He smiled and began to laugh. "You seem to have a couple of admirers." Standing, the man turned around and bowed towards his opponent. Kuroki bowed back to him. "You fight with honor and intelligence. I am a prideful man, but even I know when to admit defeat." "You're very talented," the blonde started to speak. "But you shouldn't let your guard on your legs down like that." Laughing, Fujisawa-sensei began to rub the back of his left knee. "I see you know how to weaken an opponent. I guess you win. I'll let you teach here." Kuroki smiled and bowed towards him. "You won't be disappointed." "Two classes, three days a week. We'll work on the schedule as soon as you've made your choices. You'll have no trouble filling classes quickly. I've got lists of people who've been waiting to take classes here." The man walked up to him and shook his hand. "And, if you wouldn't mind, could you teach me how to get followers like that," he said, pointing out the window towards the blushing schoolgirls. Kuroki laughed nervously as he peered out the window, rubbing the back of his head with his hand. Slowly walking towards the park bench, Ami looked at it nervously. With trepidation she moved around the bench and looked down at the girl sitting there. "Here you go," she said, handing the girl on the bench a soda. "Finished your scans?" the redhead asked as she took her drink, but wouldn't look up at the blue haired girl. "Yes," she said softly as she sat down on the bench next to her. Ami looked down at her soda, holding it in both hands, not knowing what to say. The girl next to her, likewise, was doing the same. "Naru..." she began to speak. "How long has this been going on?" the girl asked before Ami could finish her sentence. Ami started to bring her soda up to her mouth. "About three years now," she said softly. Taking a sip of her soda, she tried to relax her nerves. "I can't believe the class geek is one of the Sailor Senshi," she let out a laugh. Practically spitting soda out of her nose, Ami put her cup down and stared at the girl. "Why not?" Naru practically burst out laughing. "I guess it just isn't the image I had in mind." Looking at her a bit hurt at first, Ami then let out a laugh. "I guess you're right." Taking a sip of her soda, Naru lowered the cup. "So not even the Senshi know what happened to Usagi. Ami looked down sadly. "Not a clue." "It's got to be those monsters," she spoke firmly. The blue-haired girl took a sip of her soda then continued. "We don't know that conclusively but..." "I may not be as smart as you, but even I can figure that much out," Naru fired back. Ami smiled sheepishly. "We're trying to figure out who they are. Maybe those scans can help." Naru put her soda down on the bench and stood up. "I want to help!" Taken back, Ami looked up at her nervously. "Help?" "I can't just sit by and do nothing while my best friend is in trouble!" she shouted. Ami looked down at her drink. "This is why she didn't tell you." The redhead looked at her with a surprised gaze. "What?" Sighing, the prodigy stared at her. "We don't tell our friends about what we do because then they'd want to help. Or they'd become a target. Don't you see?" "No I don't!" Naru barked back. "It's not fair! You can help her but I can't?" "It's not fair to any of us," Ami spoke softly. "Don't you understand how hard it is for me not to tell my parents I may not be back in the morning if I make a mistake against some monster? Don't you think it's hard on Usagi to have to hurt her best friend by lying to her because she doesn't want her to get injured? She would never forgive the others or I if we let you go out there and get yourself killed trying to help her. And that's what's going to happen if you do." Naru looked at her sadly. "But how can I do that?" Falling to her knees, she started to tear up. "How can you ask me to just sit by and do nothing?" Ami put her drink down on the bench and knelt down next to the girl, putting her hands on the redhead's shoulders. "Because by doing nothing you're helping her. By knowing we've managed to protect our friends, it gives us the strength to fight on." The girl looked up at Ami, her eyes clouding up. "Promise me you'll do that for her." The redhead fell into the girl's arms and started to cry. Ami ran her right hand through the girl's red locks. "Please... please rescue her for me," she said, bringing her tear-soaked face up to look at the girl. Smiling at her, Ami reassured her, "You have my word." Walking down the street, towards the shrine, Yuuichirou rubbed the back of his head. It was sore for some mysterious reason. He could've sworn that he had seen some giant bird attacking Rei-chan, but when he came to, the Shinto priestess had told him that it had all been in his head. Why did it seem that every time he could've sworn there was a monster there that Rei-chan would be there to tell him it was all in his mind? He thought on it for a moment longer, then sighed in frustration. His big chance to help out Rei-chan had been an unmitigated disaster. She had told him to head back home while she and Mamoru got things back together to return themselves. For some reason she had cancelled their little outing today. For what reason that was, he couldn't be sure. As he walked down the street, he looked to the side to see a poster of a man in a karate gi. It was an advertisement for lessons at a nearby dojo. The sight made Yuuichirou start to think back to the threat out there. He sighed, thinking about how he could protect her. Looking at the sign, he started to ponder something. "Excuse me, sir," came a voice from a few feet to the left of Yuuichirou. He looked up to see a blonde-haired man standing in front of him, standing about six feet tall with blue eyes. "Yes?" Yuuichirou asked. "I'm sorry to interrupt you, sir, but I noticed you were looking at that advertisement and was wondering if you would be interested in taking kendo lessons?" The longhaired man blinked. "Kendo?" Nodding, the blonde-haired man handed him a card. "I'm teaching a new class at the Shinonome Dojo not far from here and you looked like someone who would be interested in the martial arts." Looking at him oddly, Yuuichirou asked, "Why?" "Oh I hope I didn't offend you, sir, but you seemed like a rather strong athletic person," the blonde responded. A smile grew on Yuuichirou's face. "Yeah, I guess I am!" "Excellent!" the blonde responded. "Kendo is an extremely useful art that I guarantee you'd find more useful then going through one of those rudimentary karate classes. I hope you'll consider joining the dojo. Whether for recreation, or maybe to impress a certain girl you're interested in," the man said with a wink. Yuuichirou's eyes brightened. "Impress a girl?!" he asked with enthusiasm. "Of course! Women appreciate strong men who can protect them from the evil scum of this world." A picture appeared in Yuuichirou's head of him fighting off a gang of black- hooded thugs who were attempting to rob Rei-chan. *Oh Yuuichirou! You're so strong!* the raven-haired woman in his mind responded. *You're my hero!* The Rei-chan in his mind hugged his own image, looking at him while blushing deeply. "Yes! I'll do it!" he pronounced in jubilation. "You can count me in!" "Wonderful!" the blonde responded with a smile. "I'll be having an introductory class in two days at the dojo. I look forward to seeing you." "You too, Mr....?" He asked, realizing he didn't even know the man's name. "Hikaru. Hikaru Ueda." "Thank you Ueda-sensei! You won't be disappointed!" he said, bowing before he ran off into the distance. *I'll learn to protect you, Rei-chan!* Kuroki grinned smugly as he watched the man run off into the distance. "All too easy," he said to himself. "Now to find out how Hyoko managed." "Ow!" Ami cried out as the hand landed on the back of her head. Makoto frowned at her. "Don't ever do that again." Ami looked up at her hurt. "I was just worried..." The tall girl smiled and crouched over so she could whisper in her ear. "Thanks." Smiling, the blue-haired girl continued to type on Rei's computer. "Well, it'll take some time to analyze this data, but I'm getting some very weird energy patterns. I have to filter out our own signatures though to get a clear reading of what the enemy's energy pattern was." Makoto looked at her and nodded. She paused for a few moments. "Um... Ami... There's something I need to ask." The blue-haired girl continued typing. "What?" Nervously, Makoto started to ask, "I... I need to know if I can use that new attack safely." Ami paused in her keystrokes and looked blankly at the screen. "I don't think it's wise for you to use that again." "But I may have to!" she said with determination. Hands curling up into fists, Ami began to shake. "I really don't know. I'd have to take a scan of it in use. But..." she paused, turning towards Makoto. "It nearly killed you last time!" Makoto put a reassuring hand on Ami's shoulders. "Last time I was exhausted and already had taken several hits from something that was destroying buildings. I'm at full health again. I'm sure it'll be okay." Ami looked up with her and sighed in defeat. "All right. We'll do a test on it later when we can find someplace indiscrete where nothing will get damaged." The tall girl smiled at her. "Thanks." Opening a desk drawer, she pulled out the scepter that Mamoru had recovered. "Here you go." Makoto reached out and grasped it. She was about to analyze it, when she felt it suddenly dematerialize in her hands and flash out of existence. "Where did it go?!" she shouted in fear. Ami pondered it. "It should be tied to your power, thus appearing when you turn into Sailor Jupiter and call on it." Looking at her confused, Makoto thought on it. "So... why exactly didn't it do that last time?" Blinking, the genius came up blank. "I have absolutely no idea. Maybe it was just because Tuxedo Kamen was the one who picked it up instead of you transforming back with it?" Makoto shrugged. "I have absolutely no idea." "You've got to be kidding me!" came a cry from the doorway. "Nope!" a man said in response. The two turned to see Yuuichirou and Rei having a bit of a quarrel. "Kendo?! You actually think you can learn kendo?!" Yuuichirou looked at her proudly. "Ueda-sensei himself said I looked like the perfect candidate!" Rei shook her head. "Either this guy is a complete idiot or a con-man." The man frowned at her. "You don't have any confidence in me?" Pulling back in a bit of surprise, Rei started to shake her head. "It's not that... it's... well..." she started to nervously look at him. "Just promise me not to get hurt." Smiling, Yuuichirou put his hands on Rei's shoulders, startling her. "Don't worry, Rei-san. I'll be okay." With that, the man turned and left the room. Standing near the doorway, Rei had a stupid grin on her face. Makoto and Ami started to whistle innocently from where they were. "What?!" the raven-haired girl shot around, staring at them angrily. The two girls started to giggle. "Oh Yuuichirou-sama! You're so brave!" Makoto started to imitate her. Rei pulled back and shook her hands wildly. "It's not like that!" Ami started to giggle. "Then why is your face so red?" Rei gasped from the blue-haired girl's words and looked at them nervously. "Can... can we please just get back to the task at hand?" "I'm back," Minako pronounced as she entered the room with the two moon cats following her. She had in her hand a box of pastry from the local shop. "Well now we can finally begin," Rei said. "So, we still have no real leads?" Minako asked, taking a bite out of the jelly donut. Ami shook her head. "I'm trying, but there seems to be several different energy types involved here, and the core one that we need to look at appears to be masked." "Masked?" Rei asked, taking a sip of tea. The girl nodded. "It means they've actually designed the energy structure of these monsters so that we can't figure out the real source of power. Artemis looked up worriedly. "That's not good. Someone would have to be a real expert to design something like that." Ami nodded to him in agreement. Luna looked down in annoyance. "There has to be some clue we're missing. That woman who attacked you and Mamoru; you're sure she had magical powers?' Minako nodded. "She was able to form a pair of claws right in front of us." "Did you notice anything particular about her?" Makoto inquired. "Well nothing I haven't already told you," she said. Makoto gave her a knowing look, causing her to sweat in apprehension. Rei looked at her oddly. "Are you sure there's something you're not leaving out?" "Absolutely!" Minako quickly shot back. Her eyes perked up as she remembered something. "Oh, her eyes were incredibly bright for some reason." Artemis paused in thought. "Mamoru said his opponent had neon green eyes too." "That's not unusual. Mako-chan has green eyes," Luna added in. "Yes, but her's don't glow in the dark," Minako retorted. "These were *really* bright." Shaking his head Artemis looked to be in almost painful concentration. "What is it?" Luna asked, noticing the white cat's expression. "I know I've heard of something like this before," he responded. "I'll have to..." he started to say, when something surfaced in the back of his mind. "Have to what?" Rei asked. Artemis was staring into space, completely lost to what was going on around him. Luna started to wave a paw in front of his face. "Artemis?" Shaking the effect off, Artemis looked at her nervously. "Sorry. I just had a thought. I'll get started researching this. Maybe we'll get lucky." Luna nodded. "I guess that's it for now then." Minako stood up and stretched. "Guess it's time to go hunting for you know what, Mako-chan," she said with a smile and a wink. "Where you guys headed?" Rei asked, getting up from the floor. "Dojo hunting. Minako's decided to take up training so she can hurt that..." Makoto started to say when she saw Minako starting to freak, her face showing a great deal of fright. "... So she can become a proper leader of the group!" Rei looked at the blonde with a suspicious gaze."This is Minako we're talking about, right?" Minako snorted in response. "I can make an effort when I want to!" The raven-haired girl stifled a laugh and shook her head. "Yuuichirou trying to learn kendo and Minako trying to take up martial arts. What's next? Ami joining a gun club?" Ami gasped in reply. "How horrible!" "Well if you're going dojo shopping would you mind doing me a favor?" Rei asked the tall girl. "What is it?" Makoto asked. "Would you mind checking out the dojo where Yuuichirou is going to train? I want to make sure it's... well..." The brunette smiled at her. "I understand perfectly." Rei looked at her in annoyance. "It's not like that!" Makoto started to laugh and slapped her on the back, causing Rei to practically fall over from her strength. "Don't worry! I'm sure he'll be fine," she assured her. Opening the door to the apartment, Kuroki walked into his humble abode with a smile on his face. "So how did it...?" he started to ask, when he noticed the woman on the couch, wearing a t-shirt and shorts, icing her knee. "What the hell happened to you?!" Hyoko glared up at him as she held the pack on her knee. "Those damn roses hurt a lot more then they should," she growled. "He actually hit you?" he asked, surprise in his words. "Well duh, genius," she said, resting her head against the pillow. "I can't believe I missed that. He's a lot better than that lame getup would tell you. I thought you said he was a pushover?!" Kuroki sighed. "I said he didn't pose a threat to me. I never said he was a pushover." The woman ran a hand through her dirty blonde hair and scoffed at him. "Well he got one lucky hit. I guess I'm getting rusty. But everything still went according to plan." "Good," Kuroki smiled. "I've got good news too." "Oh," she asked, turning her head to look at him as he stood behind her. Kuroki proceeded to explain his plan for using Yuuichirou to get to the others. As he finished, the woman began to laugh. "Perfect!" Hyoko triumphed. "What?" Kuroki asked, puzzled. "Our little friend, Minako-chan, has decided to go into training and has enlisted your girlfriend to help her," Hyoko informed him triumphantly. Kuroki started to turn red. "She's not my girlfriend!" he tried to protest again, causing the woman on the couch to burst out laughing. After a moment, he looked at her curiously. "How did you learn this and why is Minako suddenly interested in training? Nothing in her dossier suggested she was into martial arts." Hyoko was grinning like a Cheshire cat, staying true to her namesake. "Well, let's just say the cat got her tongue." Eyes going wide, Kuroki looked at her with a persecuting gaze. "You didn't!" The female started to laugh evilly. "I made quite the impression on Venus-chan!" Starting to whimper, Kuroki groaned. "You're going to get me in so much trouble..." Frowning, she gave him a disdainful look. "And after I managed to find you a way to get close to your precious Makoto." Perking up, Kuroki ran towards the couch and knelt next to her. "So how'd you do it?" he inquired. "Simple!" she responded, handing him the device he had given her earlier for tracking the fire Senshi. "I just tracked Minako-chan after battle and watched it all play out. Now... if you want me to give you that little piece of information you need, you have to do me a favor," she said, grinning evilly at him. Kuroki began to sulk. "What is it?" he asked with aggravation. "You're going to make me your assistant," she joyfully answered him. "Why?" he fearfully asked. "So I can be closer to my precious Minako-chan, silly!" she responded, her eyes sparkling as she started giggling girlishly and fell to the couch. Rolling his eyes, he lowered his head and sighed in defeat. "Fine. You win." Patting him on the head, Hyoko beamed in triumph. "Makoto wants to find a dojo that teaches aikido. You should already know most of it. It's very similar to a Mercurian art. They're headed over to the dojo right now to check up on good ol' Yuuichirou's sensei. If you hurry, you might be able to catch them." Bolting up, Kuroki sped towards the door. "Hey, hey!" Hyoko shouted after him. Kuroki turned and bowed to her, a smirk on his face. "Thank you, oh great one!" he said before turning around and bolting out the door. "I am just too good!" the woman praised herself. "Ow! Damn roses! Why couldn't he use pansies?" she questioned as she felt another surge of pain in her leg. "Can you confirm it yet?" the tall green-haired man asked as he leaned over to look at the computer screen. The scientist continued to hit key after key at an almost unheard of speed. The pair was away from the crystal room, inside of the giant computer lab. All forms of computer terminals, monitors, and electronic equipment lined the walls. The center of the room consisted of a good number of databanks and equipment for storing the large amount of information, along with the network systems of the compound. It was a rather complex and extremely well designed system, allowing computer access for the entire base along with the ability to log in remotely from anywhere else. Decades worth of data was stored in the memory banks of the system. The shorter scientist pushed the glasses up on his nose and continued to quickly type away. "I can confirm with ninety eight point three six percent accuracy that the energy signature we just registered was temporal based." Leaning back and standing upright again, the man rubbed his chin. "It must be her." Nodding, the scientist turned around in his chair to look at the man. "What do you plan to do about it?" Smiling, the tall man stifled a laugh. "It was only a matter of time before she appeared. I have already designed measures to deal with her." The man turned back to his computer and began shuffling through images on the screen. "I'll attempt to ascertain her exact location." "Good," the tall man responded. "Inform me when you've found her," he said before turning around and starting to leave the room. "Yes, M'lord." Rei finished dressing in the red and white garb that was her priestess outfit. Closing her eyes and concentrating, she started to clear her mind of thought in preparation for the ceremony. Meditation would require complete concentration, especially when she had not seen any visions lately. As she slid the bedroom door open and started to walk down the hallway, one thought just refused to leave her mind. She just couldn't figure out what was up with her lately. Sure, she had been rather desperate to find a boyfriend, but now she was finding herself practically swooning over that slacker. Sighing, she took in a deep breath and decided maybe if she thought on it for a few moments she could solve the dilemma and get it out of her mind so she could concentrate. For the past three years, Yuuichirou had been like a member of the family. He had continued to do chores around the shrine and even put further effort into his Shinto training. Rei was beginning to think there was some hope for him yet to even be a shrine assistant someday at the rate he was going. "Gah, I can't be attracted to that loafer!" she screamed in frustration. Rubbing her temples, she had to figure out a solution quick. "This would be the perfect time for those little angels and devils always in the cartoons to appear," she said to herself. Thinking, she tried to picture just that to represent the tug of war her mind was going through right now. Picturing a little angel Rei on her left shoulder, she imagined her saying, "He's a kind, sweet, loyal man who's given up everything for you." A little devil Rei appeared on her right shoulder. "He's Yuuichirou!" she offered in rebuttal. "But he's brave and has saved our life on numerous occasions!" the angel Rei retorted. "He's Yuuichirou!" the devil Rei offered once again. Rei herself looked at the angel Rei. "You're going to have to do better than that. Her argument is very convincing." The angel Rei dropped her head and sighed, a sweatdrop forming on the back of her head. "Look, if you want to be a virgin all your life just listen to the idiot over there!" Devil Rei responded by sticking her tongue out at angel Rei. Angel Rei then proceeded to do a flying dropkick on her evil twin! A cloud of dust formed as the two began brawling with each other. The real Rei began to whimper. "This isn't helping at all." The pair stopped, revealing the angel Rei having the devil in an arm lock, and the evil one biting her twin's leg. "Sorry," they both said before they resumed their squabble. Rei sweatdropped. On his knees and bowing deeply, Yuuichirou breathed nervously as he waited for an answer to his request. His entire plan hinged on the answer from the man standing in front of him. "So let me get this straight," Rei's grandfather started to state. "You want me to let you have time off from your duties here to take kendo lessons?" "Yes, Sensei!" the longhaired man responded. The old man muffled a laugh. "And why exactly should I do that?" Pausing for a moment, Yuuichirou responded, "I want to protect Rei-san." "Oh? Still got that stupid crush on my granddaughter? Haven't I told you before I wouldn't allow it?" he verbally scolded him. *I do like this boy, but once her father gets involved he doesn't stand a chance unless...* the old man thought to himself. "Yes, Sensei. That's why I want to prove my worth to you." Smiling, the man began to shake his head. "You've come a long way, but you're still just an out of work, lazy bum. Even you should know someone like you doesn't stand a chance with one like her. Maybe if you went back to your parents..." "I can't do that," Yuuichirou responded quickly. "Well then," grandfather jumped in. Shaking his head, he sighed. "What surprises me most is I'm going to let you do it." "Really?" Yuuichirou joyously cried out as he looked up from the ground at the older man. Grandfather Hino nodded. "On one condition though. I still don't approve of you going after my granddaughter. And I still think it's a waste of time. Even if you ever convinced me it was a good idea, you'd have to deal with her father." The man looked down sadly. "Take heed when I say you won't win any favor with him like how you are now. Therefore, you're going to work on cleaning up your image!" Yuuichirou's eyes went wide. Gulping, he cautiously asked, "How?" "I'm sorry, ladies," Fujisawa-sensei apologized as he was busy sweeping the floor of the dojo. "Ueda-sensei has already gone home for the day." Makoto disappointedly sighed. "Nuts. Well I guess we'll have to come back some other time," she said. "If it's any help, the sensei is extremely well trained and your friend will be in good hands." Bowing to the man, Makoto said, "Thank you, Sensei." "No trouble," he said as he went back to sweeping. Minako sighed. "No luck on either front," she whimpered as she had also found out this dojo didn't offer the martial art they was interested in. "Well, there's still a lot of..." Makoto started to say, when her eyes suddenly made contact with something. Her eyes widened and her mouth gaped open. Minako blinked. Waving her hand in front of Makoto's face, she tried to get her attention. "Mako-chan, are you still there?" There was no response. "What's got your att..." she started to say as she turned, but stopped when her eyes reached the sight Makoto was looking at. A tall, blonde-haired man was standing at the entrance to the dojo, bent over with his hands on his knees. He was sweating, panting heavily as he tried to catch his breath. Standing upright, Minako was able to look into the man's blue eyes. She wanted him. The man walked forward, reaching the two young ladies. "Good afternoon," he said to them. "Ah, Ueda-sensei," Fujisawa-sensei spoke. "These two girls were just looking for you." "You're... Ueda-sensei?" Makoto asked, eyes glimmering and slightly blushing. Kuroki looked into the green eyes of the pony-tailed girl. He felt his heart pounding faster and breath quicken. *What... what am I feeling?* he thought as he looked at the girls. Trying to regain his composure, he bowed to them. "Indeed. And you are...?" he asked. Makoto didn't respond for a moment, and then quickly reached out her hand. "Makoto Kino." Reaching his hand out to her's, he felt the soft skin of the woman. The feeling that was in him a moment ago returned and he suddenly found himself lost in her eyes. "Ahem," a noise came from his right. Shaking off the feeling, he nervously retracted his hand and turned to the other girl. "Oh, pardon me. You are...?" The blonde looked dreamily at him. "Available," she answered, then pulled back in alarm and shook head. "I mean, my name's Minako Aino." As Kuroki looked at the blonde, he tried to get a glimpse of the other girl from out of the corner of his eye. For some reason, his mind just wanted to center its thoughts on the brunette. The images of her in battle were difficult to associate with the smiling young woman next to him. "A pleasure to meet you both," he finally said. "So what brings you back here already?" Fujisawa-sensei asked, being a bit annoyed from two more schoolgirls practically throwing themselves at the man. Kuroki walked towards him, despite protests from somewhere inside of him to stay close to Makoto. "I came back to tell you I've decided to start classes in kendo and aikido." Minako's eyes lit up. "Aikido?! Isn't that...?" "Sensei!" Makoto blurted out, reaching out her arm and shoving Minako backwards, causing her to fall to the ground. "This is great timing. My friend and I were just looking to enlist in an aikido class." The man turned and smiled at the two girls, the blonde getting to her feet and staring angrily at her friend. "Well that's great news indeed," he replied. "Fujisawa- sensei, can you give them the needed paperwork?' "Sure," the man responded. "If you two will come with me." Both girls started to walk towards where the older man was. As they walked by Kuroki, Makoto turned to look at him and bowed. "I look forward to your lessons, Sensei." Kuroki bowed back to her. "As do I." Minako growled at her friend. She then turned and bowed towards the man. "I can't wait to learn from you, Sensei," she said, raising her head and winking at the man. Laughing nervously, Kuroki bowed back to the bubbly blonde. As they left the dojo, the two girls had stars in their eyes. Both sighing simultaneously, they each realized what the other was doing and stared at each other. "I saw him first!" they shouted at each other. "No you didn't!" Makoto chastised her. Minako thought and realized the girl was right. "Well... I still want him more than you do!" she retorted. The brunette groaned and shook her head. "Look, the last time we fought over a guy it wasn't pleasant." Pausing for a moment, the blonde thought back to the incident Makoto was talking about and shuddered. "No, not at all." "So, this time we're going to have to watch ourselves," the tall girl said with a smile. The blonde looked at her and cheerfully smiled. "Whatever, but Ueda-sensei will be mine in the end!" "Dream on," Makoto responded. Opening her eyes, Rei looked forward to see that she was standing in darkness. She found herself unable to see anything except the red and white garb she was wearing. "Look," a voice said from behind. Rei turned to find Sailor Mercury standing behind her. "There is a rift in the moon," she said. Turning, the Shinto Priestess looked up to see the darkness beginning to clear to reveal the night's sky. The moon appeared much closer then she had ever seen it. Suddenly, it started to shake, cracks forming down the center and reaching from the top to the bottom. When done, it was as if the moon was split into two. The right half of the moon began to change colors, growing darker and darker until it was like charcoal. Then, it started to crumble away, bit by bit until only the left half remained. "They are connected," another voice spoke. Rei turned to see Sailor Pluto standing there. Behind here were three hour glasses. The left had all of its sand at the top. In the middle one, the sand had halfway dripped into the bottom with half still at the top. All of the sand in the final glass, the one on the right, had totally dripped to the bottom. "If one breaks," a voice said from the shadows. Rei looked in that direction to see Sailor Saturn. With her glaive, she struck the middle glass. "All will fall." As if on cue, the other two glasses cracked, spewing their contents onto the floor. "Our day of judgement is almost upon us," a voice spoke from behind. Turning, the raven-haired girl looked to see Sailors Uranus and Neptune standing there. "The rift must be sealed," Uranus spoke. Openning her left hand, she revealed a bright object. The green ball of energy glimmered. "How? How can I seal it?" Rei demanded, looking up at the cracked moon. "The only thing that can unite the two halves is what is forbidden," Neptune responded. Releasing the fist on her right hand, another bright light appeared. This one was colored bright yellow. Looking at Uranus, the two threw the lights up in the air, causing them to fly into the darkness. Breathing heavily, Rei felt something behind her. Turning, she saw Sailor Jupiter standing there, her face looking sadly at her. "Forgive me for what I must do." "Do what?!" Rei shouted at her. As she did, Makoto's form began to fly backwards, landing in the darkness behind her. A figure emerged from the shadows. He was enormous, standing what had to be almost seven feet tall with a blue-green ponytail for hair. Recognizing his neon green eyes from Mamoru's description, she took a step back in fear. "For your sins, you will fall." "What sins?!" Rei barked at the unknown man. "Usako!" a scream came. Turning, Rei looked upon the sight and gasped. Standing there was Mamoru, but in his Endymion form, holding Usagi's limp body, which was in her Sailor Moon outfit, in his arms. "Usagi!" Rei screamed, running forward. As she reached the two, she could see into Usagi's eyes. They were glazed over, totally devoid of all expression. It was as if her very soul had been ripped out. Touching her, the body felt cold. "To preserve us all," another voice joined in. Swinging her body around, she laid eyes upon Sailor Venus. "The rift must be sealed." As she completed her words, she reached out with both hands and openned them, palms upward to reveal the two lights from Uranus and Neptune. The two lights each glowed brightly. Putting her hands together, the glimmering objects became one. Suddenly, everything crumbled around her, and she found herself in darkness. New images formed around her, this time of Tokyo. But it wasn't the Tokyo she knew. Buildings were crumbling or destroyed, corpses filled the streets, and the city was ablaze. Everywhere the city lay in ruins. The images shifted to different places. Over and over Rei found herself in cities that suffered the same fate. "No..." she spoke softly, her mind trying to avoid the true horror of the images she saw. "This... this can't be real." As the vision broke, Rei found herself screaming. Breathing heavily, her entire body was soaked in sweat. As she started to calm herself, the horror of what she had just seen became her one thought. "There's more going on here than we thought," she said to herself, trying to filter through the images. "What does it all mean?" To be continued... And thus I leave you all on that little happy note. ^_^ Send all comments and criticisms to cav@wpi.edu Omake! Senshi Kombat! Round 1! Match 1! Sailor Jupiter vs. Sailor Mercury Shabon Spray! *Watches the bubbles and groans* What exactly is that supposed to do anyways? *Breaks down crying* I don't know! Match 1 goes to Sailor Jupiter! Match 2! Sailor Moon vs. Sailor Mars! *Sticks tongue out at Usagi* Ha ha! All your stupid attacks only work on evil! You can't hurt... *Clobbers Mars over the head with her rod* Who's the bitch now?! Huh?! Match 2 goes to Sailor Moon! Match 3! Sailor Uranus vs. Sailor Neptune! ... ... ... Wanna ditch this and go back to my place? Sure! ^_^ Match 3... No winner Match 4! Sailor Venus vs. Sailor Star Maker! Sailor Gentle... *Blinks* What's wrong? I can't finish the words! Sorry, we turned the DiC censors on you ^_^. Why?! Because I don't like you, you she-male, Senshi wannabe! The censors aren't on for me, are they? ^_^ Of course not! ... *Whimpers* Match 4 goes to Sailor Venus! Round two! Match 1! Sailor Jupiter vs. Sailor Moon! *Throws a bento box down a well.* Go fetch! Food!!!!! *Dives down the well.* Match 1 goes to Sailor Jupiter! Sailor Venus receives a by due to rampant lesbianism... ^_^V! Final Round! Sailor Jupiter vs. Sailor Venus! I'm going to prove once and for all I'm the best Senshi! Turn around. Huh? *Turns around.* ^_^ Eep! *Runs!* Come back Venus-chan!!!!! The winner is Sailor Jupiter! It pays to have a fanboy for your author! ^_^V Get away from me! Oh come on! I'll let you tie me up! ^_^