|
Episode 2: Kodomo/Child |
||
|
“What exactly
were you thinking?!” Chrysobera raged at Ganymede. He stood quietly,
accepting her wrath as she sat, rigid with rage, on her throne.
“Well?” she demanded. Ganymede cleared his throat. “I was unprepared for an assault of that magnitude. We . . . I had assumed that the Sailor Senshi were disbanded over 900 years ago. I made a mistake.” He pressed his lips together tightly. Chrysobera said nothing, but regarded him with malice. She gritted her teeth. “It seems that I have to awaken Oberon.” 
Izumi had become fast friends with Tsukiko-tachi. She now had a seat near Momoko and was paying less attention in class, but was still as serious a student as ever. “So,” she said to Momoko and Tsukiko, chewing the tip of her pencil thoughtfully. “When are we going to meet this person you talked about.” “Hmm?” Momoko said, not registering. “The person that would make the work go by faster,” Tsukiko poked her. “Ahhh,” Momoko replied, tapping her pen against her chin. “She’ll be in town next week, I think. On Wednesday.” Tsukiko and Izumi practically fell over. “The essay is due next Friday!” Tsukiko exclaimed. “We’ll have two days!” Izumi moaned. “It’s okay!” Momoko patted them both. “It’s really fast, I promise. Her name is Yamino Hikari. She’s one of my mother’s best friends, and she’s my godmother.” “Wait, you don’t mean the Yamino Hikari . . . do you?” Izumi asked, excited. “The one who works with cybernetics and AI research at Kanzaki Labs?” Momoko smiled. “That’s where she works.” “Sugoi!!” the other girls exclaimed at once.
“This is a very grave situation,” Ami said to her friends. Selenity, Makoto, Rei, Minako, Setsuna, and Hotaru had been able to make the meeting, and Endymion was there at Selenity’s side. Michiru was on tour in Europe and Haruka was traveling with her. “I am glad, at least, that small lady isn’t here to see us like this,” Setsuna spoke up. She had made it into the designing business, and she fingered her clothes sadly. Chibiusa was in the past, fighting Neherinia-tachi, and she missed her as much as Selenity did. Minako nodded in agreement. “I tried transforming too, but I got the same result,” she said sadly. Rei touched her shoulder in a gentle gesture. Makoto pounded her fist into her palm. “I feel helpless, just sitting here, not being able to take action.” “You have enough trouble worrying about your restaurant as it is.” Selenity added with a soft smile. The loss of her powers had put her in the hospital for a few days, under the expert care of Ami. She could, of course, still access the Ginzushou’s energy, being of the ancient White Moon Kingdom, but she felt empty without her power as a Sailor Senshi. Endymion put his hand on her shoulder. Hotaru spoke up. “Perhaps someone else who can help has already taken over. That may explain the complete loss of Usagi-San’s abilities.” Ami’s eyes widened. “Then that means . . . it makes perfect sense!” “What?” Minako asked, startled. “Obviously, as the new Senshi are each awakened, we will release our powers to them,” Ami’s eyes were alight as she explained. “This . . . this is amazing. It explains why we can no longer henshin . . . perhaps that part of us was released unconsciously after the Black Moon war . . .” “But why now?” Makoto spoke up. “Maybe . . .” said Hotaru. “Maybe . . . we’re under attack again.” “After all these years? The Neo Silver Millenium Kingdom has perfect defenses! Nothing could get in from the outside,” Setsuna said. “Yes. The Ginzuishou’s defenses are impenetrable now at the height of their power. Anything at all that broke the barrier would have come to our immediate attention,” Endymion added. “Then that means . . . something is approaching from under our noses,” Minako whispered. Rei nodded in agreement. “Only something from the inside that even our army can’t handle is threatening our existence.” “Only more Sailor Senshi can save us,” Selenity said. “I guess . . . we’re too old for that now,” Hotaru laid her head down on the top of her knees and looked out the window. “We have to take what comes to us when it comes.”
A tall man with short white hair and red eyes slowly sat up in what appeared to be a glass coffin, only covered with the sheet he had been under. He put his hand to his face and wiped it across his forehead. His limbs ached, as if he had been asleep for far too long . . . “God, it feels good to use my hands again,” he said, moving his fingers. “Oberon, I presume?” Chrysobera asked dully. He snapped to attention and his hand dropped back down to his side. He took notice of a serious looking, blue haired man standing behind Chrysobera at a computer console, typing something with an air of boredom. Oberon didn’t pay much attention to him. However, he looked at Chrysobera very attentively. “I have been looking forward to the day I was awakened,” he said, coolly smiling, never taking his eyes off of her gently curved form. Chrysobera didn’t notice his attention, and nor would she have cared if she did. She sighed as if she was bored with life. “I have a mission for you,” she started, and he began to climb out of the chamber.
“You’re late,” Cosma reprimanded Tsukiko, who was doubled over, panting. They had arranged to meet at in Sailorgalaxia Park sunset, but Tsukiko had been unable to get away from home. “I had to watch Heiwa until Yume came back,” she complained, gasping. “That Yume is getting more and more irresponsible, leaving her job like that! Honestly . . . her new American boyfriend Doug English is taking up more and more of her time.” Cosma laughed, as Tsukiko stretched after her run. “Anyway, what did you call me here for?’ she asked. “I won the other day against that pathetic excuse for an enemy.” “Come on, Tsukiko. All of the other fights won’t be that easy in the future. There are bound to be more forces on their side.” “Well then I guess we should find the other Cosmos Senshi to better our chances. I’ve seen all the movies, there has to be others like me.” “Er . . . right.” “So,” she said, “My mission right now is to find all the others?” He nodded, albeit surprised at her. “You have to protect the Neo Silver Millenium as well. It certainly isn’t a very easy task . . .” “It’s okay. I’m up to it,” Tsukiko said with a grin. “It’ll give me something to tell my grandchildren about when I’m old, and give me a good excuse to escape my sisters for a few hours, not to mention all that saving the world stuff.” She sat down on the ground next to Cosma. “So, how do I find them?” He flicked his ear. “I found you by feeling you out. Other Cosmos Senshi can feel something different about another. It’s almost like meeting an old friend that you knew when you were a child. And if you close your eyes for a few moments, you can see the color of their aura behind your eyes.” “Their aura?” “Every Cosmos Senshi had a different colored aura, each corresponding to their position in the houses of the Zodiac. The other colors are red, pink, yellow, orange, white, light green, black, navy, dark red, light blue, and purple. You were silver.” “Are they all in Tokyo?” Cosma closed his eyes for a moment, focusing. “Yes. The origin of the threat is localized here, so the Senshi should be localized here as well.” “It shouldn’t be too hard,” Tsukiko replied confidently. “Well, I’ve got to run. My Mom should be home soon, and I don’t want to leave Yume with Heiwa anymore than necessary. They may kill each other if left alone for too long.”
The next day, Sunday, thankfully, Tsukiko was practically pulling her hair out. “Why haven’t I found another one yet!” she yelled to the air, kicked the curb of the street, and stubbed her toe. “Ow!” she exclaimed, hopping on one foot. Tsukiko sighed, rubbing her sore toe, and looked up to see herself outside her favorite Astrology store, the one run by one of her oldest friends. She smiled and walked up to the door. As she entered, the bell at the door rang to announce her presence. She sauntered up to the counter to see not who she had expected, but she was glad to see her anyhow. “Kasumi-Chan!” Tsukiko greeted her. A young woman with long, sandy blond hair tied in loose pigtails looked up at Tsukiko. “Hey, Tsuki-Chan!” she greeted her warmly. “Is Toruno here today?” Tsukiko asked hopefully. Kasumi nodded. “He’s in the back.” Tsukiko said thank you and went through the door to the back of the shop where the Hoshio’s lived. There she was greeted by the familiar sight of Toruno, a blond haired, very dark blue eyed, 17 year old boy doing astrology charts for the stream of customers the shop was continually getting. He didn’t even hear her come in. At least, she hoped he didn’t. The rare and stealthy silver-eyed girl goes in for the kill, she thought, inching her way closer, fully prepared to scare him out of his wits. “And just what do you think you are doing?” he reprimanded her, and turned around, smiling. Tsukiko snapped her fingers, her brilliant tactic foiled. “Che! How do you do that!” she exclaimed affectionately, and sat down in the chair next to him. He shrugged, grinning in triumph. “So, how are the preparation’s for Elokin’s sojourn in the city coming?” “Great, thanks. We cleaned out the room upstairs, you know, the one with the balcony. She’ll love it. I really can’t wait to see her again, it’s been a long time since her last visit.” “It’s been a while with you too. I haven’t seen you around here for days,” he paused, waiting for an explanation. When none came, he plunged onward. “Is there anything going on that I should know about?” Maybe I should tell him. She thought. He knows everything else about me . . .and I don’t think him knowing about Sailorcancer will hurt anyone in any way . . . “I . . .” she began, but was interrupted by a knock at the door. “Toruno?” Kasumi called from the front. Both of them looked up. “I’m going down to the grocery store. Watch the front. Is there anything you need?” “No, I’m fine,” he called back, gathering up his work. He ran his hand through his hair and looked at Tsukiko, papers gathered under his left arm. “I guess we’ll talk later,” he said. Tsukiko nodded in agreement, inwardly thrilled to tell someone about her exciting new life. Even better if it was Toruno. She bounced after him as they went up front, mimicking the moves of a conga line. “Nee, Tsukiko!” Izumi waved to her as she came to the front. Tsukiko stopped in mid cha-cha. “Izumi!?” she exclaimed, genuinely surprised. Toruno settled in at the register and resumed his charting. “I didn’t know you shopped here!” Izumi shook her head. “You’re right. I don’t. But Kokoro wanted to come in.” she indicated a little girl whose golden hair was tied up into an odango like style, but with two buns on each side, one larger than the other and trailing a wisp of hair. The little girl looked at Tsukiko with big purple eyes and hid behind Izumi’s leg. “Wasn’t it nice of Izumi-Sama to take me inside?” Kokoro said shyly. “I saw the pretty deck of cards and had to come,” and the girl held up a beautiful, hand drawn deck of Tarot cards. Feeling something familiar about this girl, and remembering what Cosma had said earlier, Tsukiko closed her eyes and pretended to yawn. She saw complete whiteness, and opened her eyes quickly in startled revelation. “Nyaa,” a cat softly meowed at Kokoro’s feet. She patted him on the head. “The pretty lady at the counter even let me bring my new kitty in the store!” The cat began to purr and rub against Kokoro’s legs. He had a suspicious looking silver star on his forehead. “Cosma!” Tsukiko exclaimed. Toruno, who was at the counter, looked up from the charts questioningly. “Have you seen that cat before?” “Yeah . . .” she began, but stopped when she saw tears threatening to well up in Kokoro’s eyes. “He isn’t . . . he isn’t . . . yours, is he?” she said in a trembling voice. Tsukiko quickly shook her head. “No, I just . . . ah . . . know him. That’s all,” she explained, patting Kokoro’s head. “And I’m sure that if you ask your parent’s real nicely than they’ll let you keep him!” Izumi supplied, knowing just how to make Kokoro feel better. Kokoro smiled brightly and lifted the surprised Cosma into her arms and tightly squeezed him. Tsukiko grinned evilly at the thought of Cosma living with this little girl.
“So this is the place, Eh?” Oberon, now fully clothed, said with distaste. He surveyed the old astrology store. “What have they done with the place?” he snorted, and took his sunglasses off. “Oh well, a mission is a mission,” he sighed, smiled, and walked into the store.
“May I help you?” Toruno said to the white haired man who had walked into the store. The man smiled slowly. “Oh no. Its no bother.” Toruno immediately began to get a bad feeling from this man, who spread his hands out from his sides. “Um, what exactly are you doing?” The man shot a bolt of energy from his hands and Toruno knew no more.
“Toruno!’ Tsukiko screamed as he fell, and ran to his side, her eyes stinging. She cradled his head in one hand, and checked his pulse with the other one. It was there, but very faint. Tsukiko felt anger well up from within her and she turned around, rage alight in her eyes. “Who the hell do you think you are?” she growled. The man smiled. “I am Oberon. And I can do whatever I w . . .” “What do you think you’re doing!?” Kokoro yelled, kicking Oberon in the shin and interrupting his statement. Oberon grabbed his leg in pain and looked at the defiant little girl angrily. “SHUT UP!” he shouted, and raised his hand to slap her. Izumi was too fast, however. She jumped in, took the full force of his blow, and toppled to the ground. “IZUMI-SAMA!” Kokoro yelled. Oberon glared at her and raised his hand for another blow. “Don’t you dare strike that little girl again. Get her out of here, Cosma!” Sailorcancer cried, appearing behind the man. Cosma nodded and spoke to Kokoro, whose face was wet with tears. “Follow me, Kokoro,” he said. She shook her head, not even caring that her beloved kitty could talk. “I can’t leave Izumi-Sama like this!” “She’ll be fine. Just follow me!” Kokoro reluctantly got up and followed the cat out the door.
Oberon turned around furiously, energy crackling from his hands. “WHAT do you WANT?” he asked with a dangerous glint in his eye. Sailorcancer, however, remained unmoved. “For the anguish of the innocent, and for the suffering of the world, I am Sailorcancer of the Zodiac’s fourth house. For your crime of inflicting pain on these people, prepare to writhe! FREEZING CATAPULT!” Oberon, however, dodged the stream of ice that came hurtling toward him. He smiled as the attack ripped the shop’s door off its hinges. “I seem to be faster than you, Sailorcancer,” he taunted, and extended a white energy bolt. It ripped through her body, causing her more pain than she ever thought possible. “Would you like to come with me, Shoujo-Chan? I have wonderful accommodations. You won’t have any trouble entertaining yourself with me around.” Pure lust was clear in his eyes as Sailorcancer screamed, unable to move. He began to draw her nearer to him. “Pure Earth Wave!” a small voice cried out, and Oberon was struck in the back with a wave of white colored earth. He released his concentration on Sailorcancer, who fell to the ground in agony. A little Sailor Senshi walked over to Oberon, just out of reach as he coughed up a mouthful of blood. Her ribbons were very pale green and her bib and skirt were white. Her tiara was made of silver with a small, reddish-brown sardonyx. “In the name of children everywhere, purity, and laughter, I, Sailorvirgo, order you to get out of here or I’ll pop you one!” she held up her hands, threatening, while Oberon looked at her maliciously. He pounded his fist on the ground and faded out, his injury too great to go on fighting. Sailorcancer struggled up and sat on her knees. “Kokoro?” she managed to say. The girl nodded. “Cosma said that I could be a real Sailor Senshi and that I could protect my friends from now on!” she said. Sailorcancer smiled weakly, and held out her hand. “Arigatou, Sailorvirgo-San.”
Ami struggled to get up off the floor in the dimly lit room of her hospital. She grabbed on to the railing of the bed for support and pulled herself up off the floor, panting in pain. Clutching at her forehead, she leaned against the bed once she had gotten to her feet. “Thank God that didn’t happen during a surgery,” said Ami, and decided then to take a few weeks of vacation.
|