Most of the following characters are not mine, nor do I attempt to claim them. I'm just borrowing for a good story. Sailor Moon characters are property of Naoko Takeuchi and associated parties. Mamano Hunter Yohko characters are property of Gaku Miyao and associated parties. I'm broke, don't hurt me... ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** The shrill winds played across the landscape of the Mano residence. Nature blew its agitation against the suburban house, and Yohko Mano heard its call. She rose with a start, wondering just what in the world could be scratching so heavily against her window. Sleepily, she crawled out of her bed, and almost stumbled across the body resting within the futon. Her arms windmilled as she strove to maintain her balance without falling over Azusa's body. The young hunter finally stabilized herself when she noticed something odd about Azusa herself. That she was sleeping at the foot of Yohko's bed wasn't too odd; even though the girl did have her own room, she often slept with 'Yohko-sama.' What struck her as off about not only her apprentice, and suddenly her entire room, was that she felt misplaced. But the room was the same; perhaps it was only her imagination? Yohko moved carefully across the asleep figure and to her window, frowning into the night sky. The more she tried to sort her hazy thoughts, the more her environment seemed askew. She looked around in further confusion. The lamp and dressers were where they needed to be, and all of her other stuff was fine. Azusa was there, and that felt weird for some reason, but nothing specific came to her mind. She wandered to her door, intent on washing her face in her bathroom, when it struck her. She wasn't supposed to be here. Yohko looked around, now wide awake. What had happened? Where was she supposed to be if not here? She remembered having to take a trip away from her house to see her friends, and some demons showing up to ruin her good time... More things clicked into place. The creatures called Daimons. The assault on her friend, Rei Hino. The odd new menace, and the Sailor Senshi. Suddenly, her room seemed more fake than she had noticed, and a familiar, bleak feeling crept up her spine. That darkness was back again, the same that she had dreamed about before. Yohko, now fully aware of things, went for where she habitually sat her ring, stepping over the sleeping body again. No sooner did she place her hands on it than things began happening. The wind outside began picking up more and more, carrying with it voices. Wailing voices of people long suffering, monsters with their triumphant kills in hand. Death was in the air, and the door leading to Yohko's hallway grew darker, it seemed. More ominous. Yohko squeaked, not sure where the now-familiar darkness would be coming from this time. With little fanfare, she transformed into her devil hunter persona. Then Azusa stirred. At least Yohko thought it was Azusa. The preteen was bigger than she remembered, however. "... Evil," the body murmured. Yohko didn't know to be a bit more paranoid or relieved. "Rei-chan. Get up." The girl on the ground rose and looked at her friend. "Yohko? Where are we? What happened to the shrine?" Yohko's eyes darted around the room, alerting Rei to the unfamiliar room, and dark presence that seemed to swell all around them. "Well, I guess this is another dream. Not sure why you're here, though." The raven-haired girl nodded, instinctually going for her henshin rod. "I sense a dark presence." "Probably that demon again," the girl held her soulsword at ready. "It was bothering me the other night, but I didn't think it would return so soon." "Another? It matters not. Good evening to you, young Devil Hunter." Yohko's blood ran cold. If it weren't for the malignancy in that voice, it would have almost been suave. All it managed to do was soothingly rake nails across her spine in a none too pleasant manner. "Well, it seems as if I've caught you both at a rather private moment, but my business is important, so I'll be brief." A shadow materialized at her doorway, dark crimson spots for eyes among the swirling mass of darkness. "Devil Hunter Yohko, there seems to be more about you than I originally had thought. A bigger picture has presented itself. "I tell you this: we will soon meet. I look forward to seeing the strength that laid to rest the master of time, and our blood queen. I'll be looking forward to it. Perhaps you'll fall to me early, and end the dance that's certain to follow?" The etheral presence on the door shook with mirth, making Rei shudder. He was toying with their emotions, seeking fear at their most vulnerable. Well, the demon was soon to find that it was not so easy to prey upon a priestess. Yohko noticed Rei's hand flicker, but was more concentrated on the dark being in front of her, still laughing. "Little girl? You intend to do harm to me with your wards?" "No monster is going to attempt to scare me in my own mind," she snarled in reply. Yohko blinked at the girl. Her mind? She really was here? "I suppose, little priestess, that you intend to do something about it? I have already seen the extent of your ability." A cold smile crept across the thing's features. "I shall toy with you another day, defenseless one. My purpose here is done." The girls shivered, and realized that they were no longer within Yohko's house. They were on the street, facing a massive building that displayed pockmarks of battle. All around were stone statues frozen in time, locked in a fierce battle. Rei gasped upon recognition. The shadow was nowhere to be seen, but the figurines before her were her friends, looks of fear frozen on their faces. "Demon! Where are you?!" Yohko held her sword firmly in her grasp, determined not to let the dark being shake her nerves. "I look forward to our meeting, sweet Yohko. Soon." An evil laughter filled the air, then it was gone. Silent. Too silent. The wind swept about them more rapidly than before, yet no sound was present. It coalesced and formed into a whirlwind, sweeping away at the surroundings. Yohko grabbed Rei and ran. "The others!" she started. "We can't! If we stay that...THING will destroy us!" Rei could only look on in horror as the dark tornado went through steel and stone like so much thin paper. It was upon her friends instantly, and they stood no chance against the assault. Rei and Yohko dashed into the night, away from the dark destruction. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** All Work and No Play A Devil Hunter Yohko/Sailor Moon crossover By Kenji Murasaki Chapter 5: A Day in the Life ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Thursday 6:30 a.m. The night was solid, but showing signs of it's timed slipping. The daily efforts of all man were about to come on the move once more, but for the moment, the night held dominance, allowing a peace within its vast cloak. only early risers and creatures of nocturnal habit were about so early in the morning. One of these creatures was creeping through the halls of the Tomoe residence, intent to finish a mission started some time ago. Indeed, this was the perfect morning to hold old man Souichi to his promise. He had played with his lab long enough, it was time for some fresh air. Silently, Hotaru Tomoe finished her preparations in the kitchen, making sure they had all that was needed. A bag with two fresh towels, and two hand bottles full of ice water, as well as a larger jug for refills. She smiled to herself, so far she had managed to keep the important people undisturbed. As long as Kaori stayed asleep, she could not interfere with the thirteen year old and her plan. All that remained was to get a certain lazy old man away from his bed. She crept across the house, marveling at the idea that she even had to do so. Initially she always had to drag her father along on such escapades, but the red-headed maid had become more of a factor in the recent year. She was always instructing Hotaru that she shouldn't be straining herself, that she should just take her medicine and keep to a lighter training regimen. That would never due, of course. How else was she to get better except to push herself? The nanny meant well, but she could be such an obstacle at times. Hotaru's thoughts trailed off as she reached her target's door. She could hear his silent slumber on the other side, and let go of a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Often the professor never returned to bed until late, so wrapped up in his projects was he. Even more so than lately, making the little girl guess that he was up to something important. That he was within the room asleep meant he had climbed into bed at a more decent hour. Well, he'd have to get up now. She did have a schedule to keep, after all. She opened the door to the bedroom, and crept in. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** "Papa? Time to get up." Souichi stirred in his sleep, and turned to the other side, making a mental note to chide Kaolinite on the use of such intimate titles. "Kaolinite, we don't have work for another hour," he mumbled. "I'd like to get a bit more rest." "Papa, you promised." Souichi frowned in his sleep. Promised what? "I'm becoming annoyed. Please return later, when the sun is out." He got a thump in his head for his troubles. He jolted up, and looked around in weary annoyance, ready to tell off... his thirteen year old daughter. "Hotaru-chan?" The girl had an angry look on her sharp features. "Time to get up." "Get up?" He looked on his night table at the digital clock, which read 6:40. "What am I supposed to get up so early in the morning for?" "Our jogging, remember? You said you would go jogging with me, starting today." Souichi found himself cringing at his daughter's suddenly intimidating form. "Did I now?" "Yes, you did," she said, angry pout still on her face. "You promised a week ago to start exercising with me. You wouldn't back out on that, would you Papa?" Souichi shook his head, ruffling his daughter's hair. The girl gave an indignant cry. "Kaori is going to be upset at you." "I'm not a weakling. I can take a little stress," the girl announced. The doctor had to nod at the girl, despite parenting feelings otherwise. Weak constitution or no, Hotaru's drive to not let it get to her was something wonderful, if a bit hard to deal with at times. The stubbornness of her mother, he guessed. "Okay. Let me get dressed first, and then we can go." "Yay!" She beamed at her father, and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Thanks Papa!" "Sure, sure. Now out, I've got to get dressed." ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Rei Hino was usually an early riser. Being a shrine maiden made it very beneficial to do so, since it let her get an early jump on her chores. This morning, however, proved to be the very opposite. She rose with a croak, her hair mused, and trouble on her mind. She was completely unsure as to what she had just seen, and how to handle it. The dream was much too detailed and eerie to prove false. A premonition perhaps? Her musings were thrown off course with her friend's sudden jolt. The girl shot up, fist clenched and ready to fight. Then she blinked, and took stock in her surroundings. "Back at the shrine?" Yohko asked, puzzled. "You had a bad dream too?" Rei asked, running a hand through her hair. "Yeah. It was that damn thing again. That's twice now. And you were there, and some weird... blackness." Yohko shook her head. "That's what it had to have been. I've never felt anything like it." Rei blinked. "So that was you in my dream?" "Uh uh, you were in my dream," Yohko replied. "Sorry for that. It's happened before, but I never really experienced anything like that. I think we should talk to Grandpa about this." Rei balked at that. "Um, Yohko?" "What is it? Something wrong with letting him know?" "That is...Grandpa doesn't know I'm a Senshi." Yohko stared at the priestess as she continued. "I've never told him, and he's never found out." "But why? I don't think he would freak out or anything." Yohko was generally confused. She figured that the old man knew everything, since he had known about Yohko. At the least, she figured Rei would have told him about her alter ego. Actually, that brought a lot of questions to mind, like who she was working with, with emphasis on the other "who's" involved. Better this time then any, she thought. Rei stared at her sheets. "I'm not really sure. I guess I can say that the enemy can use his knowledge against the Senshi, but I don't think that fits." "The enemy? You mean the Deathbusters?" "Not just them, actually," Rei replied. "Originally it was an evil entity named Metallia and her forces from the Dark Kingdom, but others have tried to take this world as well. We've averted them all, thankfully." "Wow. And I thought I had it rough," Yohko murmured. "And I can see what you mean about that that identity thing. I can't say how much easier it would be if the damn things didn't know who I was." Rei gave her a questioning look, and Yohko shrugged. "I'm the one-hundred eighth in generation to take the mantel of a devil hunter. Ever since my ancestor, Haruka Mano, started this business, they've made notes to track us for easy kill, though they haven't succeeded yet." The girl made a face. "It tends to really ruin all of my social plans." "Ah, so that's why that monster was calling you by your name." Rei nodded. "It's much worse than that," Yohko grumbled. "Why's that? They try to go for your grandmother?" The young devil hunter laughed. "Well, yeah, but grandma's actually a lot stronger than I am, so that's not a problem. The only one who doesn't fight them in our house is mom." "Why not?" Rei pondered. "She's a devil hunter too, isn't she?" "Well, no." Yohko began to look very sheepish, much to Rei's confusion. "You see, in order for a girl to take up the mantle, she has to come of age. I hit my growth spurt a bit early." Rei nodded, confusion still on her face. "So what happened to your mom?" "The other big thing in order to being a devil hunter is that she can only receive her powers while she's 'pure of mind and body'." The priestess' cheeks burned. "Wow. That's a good thing, I guess, but I never thought it would be that personal." Yohko arched an eyebrow at her friend. "And you're supposed to be a priestess in training?" Rei replied with a tongue. "I'm a girl too, you know." "Right," Yohko chuckled. "Anyway, you can guess what kind of effect that had on me. Didn't help that the demons knew this too, and tried to take advantage of it." Rei's expression turned into one of horror, but Yohko waved her hand dismissively. "Grandma helped me take care of that, so nothing to worry about." I just can't hold a steady boyfriend because of them, she added to herself. Rei didn't relax. If anything, the firey girl got worse. "But...then does that mean they get to your mom? That's terrible!" "No! They didn't! Actually..." Yohko trailed off. "What happened then? If they didn't get to her..." Rei's blush returned full on as she guessed what had happened. "Mom said she didn't want the responsibility," Yohko groused. "So she ditched 'it' as quick as she could." "Oh my." "She's not like that! I think, anyway. She IS guy-crazy, but she's not like that, really." Yohko tried to smile reassuringly. It ended up looking like a grin of the guilty. Rei shook her head, remembering the few times she saw Mrs. Mano around. She did like the attention of men, and even manage to make a stiff like her father smile... He wouldn't have. He's too responsible for that. Isn't he? "Anyway," Yohko said, deciding to change the subject. "I guess I can ask him about the dream, but not include you, if you really want. Still, that must be hard on you, Rei, to hold it in like that." Rei's thoughts sifted through all of her battles as Sailor Mars. How many countless times she had to defend her friends, civilian ones, that somehow kept managing to get in the way. Then facing down her grandfather, one of the seven Rainbow Crystal carriers... "Yeah, it is," she said with a tired sound. "But I guess it's okay now, because I've got my friends to rely on, right?" Yohko nodded. "Wish I was here sooner, now that I think about it." "Hmm?" "It looked like you guys were totally lost without me yesterday." She said with a smile. "Excuse me? Who saved whose bacon yesterday?" Rei shot back. The girls degenerated into much arguing, and the morning chores were not reached until near noon. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** The morning bustled on, workers all in their place of expertise making it go smoothly so the world could be that much of a better place. That went for Makoto Kino as well, who was just turning another corner on her extended jogging route. The way Makoto saw it, there were many benefits to pushing herself to a higher level of physical fitness. Since becoming a Sailor Senshi, things began to come a little easier for her physically, to even some points were she might have had to watch what she did. With the greater power, she pushed her routines harder, past her usual limits to compensate for what she was growing into as Sailor Jupiter. She was, after all, the strongest Senshi where it counted, which was her fists of steel and 'never say die' spirit. It would do well for her, she thought, to keep and exceed her limits not only for herself, but for the sake of her teammates. It also helped that Kohei-kun usually jogged this way more often. He was a track and cross country runner, and always followed this initial route, extending on it when it became necessary. They talked every now and then, but the boy was really focused on being the best. Still, he was male, and that implied that his attentions would often wander to Makoto's legs, not that she minded. She was, in fact, very proud of them, and even more glad that he seemed to be a leg kind of guy. Still maybe she could draw his attention to some other things today. She chuckled mentally, wondering how to tease him for the day. Makoto turned another corner, and her eyes lit up. It wasn't Kohei, but was almost as cute, if not cuter, from the backside. A sandy blond with a lithe, firm figure. His stride was sure, and from Makoto saw, not winded or stumbling. Whoever he was, he was very strong, or very experienced. Now let's see if he's cute, Makoto thought with a smile. It didn't take long to match pace with the boy. It wasn't too far outside of her own normal pace, so it wasn't much of a tax on her. She took a look at his profile, and cheered mentally. He IS cute! The boy in question looked back at Makoto's cheerful face, and smiled at her. They matched gate for a while, saying nothing. Makoto seemed eager, but suddenly a bit uncertain as to how to begin without sounding silly. She was jogging, and it made no real sense to talk and get winded really quick. Still, she had to find a way; he was just too sweet a prospect to pass up! She noticed the boy motioning to her and looked up. He was pointing out where they were headed, a park area. Of course! She usually took a break there before making her way back, and she'd chat away with Kohei-kun there, making his eyes dance everytime she shifted. She giggled at that thought. Boys were perverts, but sometimes that could be a good thing. She nodded to him, and they took their stop in the park by a beautiful fountain. It was good to be alive, she thought happily. That, and Senshi training had its benefits. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** "Wake up, Usagi-chan." The target in question mumbled something about it being too early before turning over and heading back to sleep. "Usagi, wake up. It's time to get to work." "...Don't have to train with the girls today," the half-dead blonde replied. She received several sharp claws in her posterior as a reward. Darting awake with an undignified yelp, she turned and leveled a glare at her cat and advisor, and then immediately turned and blinked at her mother, who in turn was blinking at Luna. "Well, it seems Luna is smarter than you give her credit for," Ikuko said with an amused look. "Why am I up so early in the morning?" Usagi griped. "Because," her mother said, face becoming stern. "Your tutor arrives in an hour, and it's only eight o'clock right now. Get up, get dressed, and come and get some breakfast before you get to work." It was no use protesting. Her mother had laid down the law, and it wasn't going to be otherwise for quite a while. In the meantime, Usagi could always indulge herself by glaring at her partner, who's look matched that of her mother's. With a nod of certainty, and a pat on the kitty's head, Tsukino-san left the girl's bedroom. Usagi collapsed back to the bed, and was treated to the sight of Luna's claws again. "Luna!" the girl began to protest. The cat only shook its head. "There are plenty of problems we have to deal with, so you need to be awake anyway." "But, I don't understand. How is me sleeping in supposed to be a problem?" "Usagi-chan, look at your grade marks and ask me that question again." The girl tried to look away, but Luna hoped on her lap, effectively getting her attention. "You're in danger of seriously failing, and you're capable of much better than this." Usagi began to protest again, but was silenced with a paw to the mouth. She looked at Luna tearfully. "I know you're capable of better because I've seen it myself. How is it that the four-time savior of humanity cannot do something as simple as class work?" "It's just...it's so hard! Punishing youma and stuff is child's play next to doing that!" Usagi's face turned pleading. "It's not like I won't be able to pass, Luna. I will, really! You'll see!" "I know you will, because we are going to help you, whether you like it or not." She hoped off of Usagi and onto the bed. "Even if that means I have to be your alarm clock from now on." "...I bet Artemis doesn't treat Mina-chan like this," the girl grumbled. "That's because Artemis is a lazybones, while I understand the merits of hard work and discipline, things you could really use." The cat gave her a sharp look. "Now get dressed and get some breakfast. The girls plan on having a meeting once you're done with your tutoring session." Usagi slumped, teary-eyed, and walked out of her door to get dressed. It was the first time in one (two) year(s) that she dreaded seeing Mamoru's face. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** The mornings really were special. They were Hotaru's personal time. It was her time where she could truly push herself without fearing retribution or any sort of revoke from those that knew her. To know little Hotaru was to truly know someone special. Since she was a small child, she refused to take some things at face value, such as her health. To many others, 'frail constitution' meant a heavy restriction on the activities one could enjoy. To Hotaru, it was a direct challenge to be the best she could be. To the dark-haired girl, that meant being the best at her trade; running. She liked other sports, but there was something about running that just captivated her. The way the spirit would break loose, and push itself to new heights with every meet or practice sang to her mind, and she would not give it up for anything, even some scientific limitations some silly doctor had placed on her. Sure, there were times she pushed herself too hard, and suffered dizzy backlashes, or even full blackouts. They weren't as frequent as they used to be, and she had always used that argument to her advantage. The worse she ever truly suffered was fainting dead away, and it was always simply a matter of getting some rest, and then she was back at it again. This was one of those such times. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** "Hotaru-chan?" her father looked at her worriedly. The dark-haired girl gave her father a wan grin. "We're almost...there, Papa. We can stop then, okay?" The professor tried to rally against the pleading look in her eyes, but ended up wilting. That, and he himself was having trouble concentrating on his pace. He couldn't be getting that old, could he? After what seemed too long for his comfort, they finally stopped in a park area. The both wound down to a walking pace, and stopped for drinks and a good toweling. It was then that Hotaru began to titer. Souichi quickly steadied his daughter, who was now giving him a helpless smile. "Just a little winded. Nothing...much to worry about Papa." "I'll be the judge of that." He shook his head. Of all the traits to develop, she just had to have her mother's stubborn posture. Putting his thoughts aside, he began his usual cool down treatment of his daughter. She relented to his care, but her thoughts were suddenly somewhere else. "S...sempai." Tomoe-san looked at her in a bit of confusion. "Who are you talking about, Hotaru?" The girl blinked, shook her head, and pointed to a couple. Tomoe-san let a wry smile coat his face. "Oh, did we have an alternate purpose this morning?" "No..." the girl trailed off, trying to look innocent. He gave the two an appraising look. One he recognized as one of his more active students, and probably the object of Hotaru's attention. The other was an athletic girl, young, with a figure that would be quite the sight when she fully matured. Tomoe-san decided to play a small vengeance game for his early-riser of a day. "Excuse me?" he called out. Both people turned around to face them, and Hotaru hid her face. "Papa!" Must be on the right track then, he grinned inwardly. He let his friendliest smile show forth on his face. "I was wondering if perhaps I could speak with you two for a moment?" After a brief moment of indecision, the two came over to meet the daughter-father couple. "Yes, good morning to you, Ten'ou-san." "Ah! Professor Tomoe, good morning." The sandy blond bowed respectfully to the elder man, a look of surprise evident on Haruka's face. "I didn't know that you were such an early riser." "Well, I have promises to keep with this one," he said, patting his little girl's head. Hotaru looked like she wanted to disappear. "And it seems that she had an ulterior motive to dragging me out of my bed this morning." "Oh?" Haruka Ten'ou quirked an eyebrow. "Indeed she did," he gave the jogger a quick look, and turned to Hotaru. "Very well, young lady. I approve. You have my blessings." "Papa!" Even counting her earlier flustered look from her exercise, Hotaru became ten shades redder. Haruka chuckled. "I'm afraid she might have some competition, Professor. I seem to have a collection of admirers today." She gave a wide grin, and the other girl next to her blushed as well. "That's not all of it," she started. "It's just I haven't seen you along this route before, and I'd thought I'd say hi." Makoto Kino tried to melt into the floor, anything to keep from looking like the cat with its paw in the cookie jar. Her new interest had turned out to be not her type, by rule of gender. The girl, Haruka, took it in good humor, but had decided to run with it, and her, bruised ego. "Well, it's nice to see I'm so welcome along this track of town," Haruka said with a chuckle. "To tell the truth, it's been a while since I've jogged distance anyway." "Oh, where are my manners," Tomoe-san shook his head, and bowed to the other girl. "I am Professor Souichi Tomoe, local high school teacher." The brunette bowed in return. "Kino Makoto, and this is my usual jogging route, although it's nice to have the company." She suddenly blinked in confusion as she looked at the smaller girl, who was giving her a starry- eyed look. "I think I know you from somewhere..." "Sempai..." she managed to say, before she collapsed into her father's grasp. "Is...she okay?" Haruka asked. "I wonder that myself, sometimes." He hefted his daughter in a fireman's carry and began to walk toward some shade, his face pensive. Honestly firefly, he thought, you try too hard, too often... ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** The birds were around and in full sing. The people were about their daily business. Yohko was griping as hard as a blonde rabbit Rei knew and argued with personally. "Why in the world did I agree to coming to a school while on break again?" Yohko asked for the fourteenth time. "Because," Rei stated simply. "I happen to have a major role in the summer festival, and I said I'd meet with some people today, so be a little patient, okay?" Yohko thought about it. "For ice cream." Rei stared at the smiling girl. "You're joking." "Nope. Ice cream afterward. Going to need the energy for practice, anyway." "Practice?" Rei asked. "Yeah. Grandpa says I should keep pushing my level since I know there's still a menace out there, but I'm sure that's just an excuse for him to be ecchi," she replied. "He doesn't get out much, does he?" "Are you kidding? He's a little kid in an old man's body." Rei shook her head sadly. "We'd have more workers at the shrine if he didn't scare them all away." Yohko shrugged. "Well, you do have Yuuichiro..." "Don't start that again." Rei warned. Yohko barreled on, headless of the girl's tone. "Come on, Rei-chan. You mean to tell me that you've been around the guy for over a year, and don't have the slightest interest in him?" Rei huffed. "He's not my type! He's just so lazy, and he always playing that guitar of his and singing, and he can't sing!" "You could probably teach him, you know," Yohko smiled at her friend's distress. "I'm sure he'd welcome the lessons, and you have such a beautiful voice." Rei glared daggers at Yohko, who held up her hands defensively. "Well, if it's that bad, then I'll talk to him." "Yohko!" Rei seemed ready to explode. "What? If you're not interested, it's only fair game, right?" She said with a smirk. "Ah! Rei-san!" "Who?" Rei turned from the frustrating situation to face this new face. "Oh, Nakajima-san. Glad to see someone is here." The boy in question shrugged. "Most of everybody already left when their updating parts of the morning session were completed. Are you ready for your picture?" "Wait, did they manage to cover the guest?" Yohko appraised the boy, ignoring the conversation. So this is why she's snubbing such a hunk, Yohko thought. Well, he was kind of a hunk, in that scraggly rockstar way. The person chatting with Rei was less so, right for his height and stature, though a little on the skinny side. His dark hair ran smoothly on his head, and stuck out in a bang covering his eye, giving him a bit of a mysterious demeanor. "Oh, let me introduce you." Yohko looked on as Rei pointed to her. "This is Yohko, and she's going to be staying with me for a couple of weeks." Yohko shook the boy's hand. "Hello. Mano Yohko, childhood friend." He smiled in return. "Nakajima Sho, Rei's lackey." "Sho..." Rei grumbled. "Well, head photographer at this academy, head of the newspaper, and Rei's second in the Student Council." He studied Yohko. "Now, I know I've seen your face somewhere before..." "Really?" The girl blushed. "Probably not, though my friend Chigako does some media on the side in our school." "Hmm... Well, anyway, it's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Mano." Rei arched an eyebrow. "Nakajima-san, let's see what needs to be taken care of before I leave. I still have to show her around." "Rei-chan, I'd rather stick around," Yohko replied, not noticing her friend's look. "You can take your time." "You sure?" Rei asked. "Don't worry about it," Yohko waved her hand. "Besides, we still have ice cream to go get, remember?" "Wow, someone bribed our fearless leader? I'm impressed." Sho laughed while Rei began to look irritated. "Not impossible, but still, I can see you are very formidable, Yohko-san. Would you consider staying around permanently? There's some things I kind of want to see done around here, and Rei usually gets everyone else to veto plans." Rei flustered. "I can't believe you two. Can we just get going?" "Sure, Rei-chan," Yohko smiled innocently. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** "So why are we doing this again?" "Well, someone had to. Rei's taking Yohko for a tour, Usagi is in a tutoring session, and Makoto's out. I needed someone to focus on, and I couldn't do it on myself, so we'll have to go for this." Artemis looked at the two girls hard at work. Well, Minako was in a loose undershirt and lying on Ami's bed while the girl genius scanned her with the Mercury Computer. The object was to see if she could track the energy source that was the Heart Crystals so they might develop a way to track their enemies. Of course, this was providing that their enemy was actually able to get away with one of the crystals. Ami might be able to track the assailant's energy signature, but they usually vanished or escaped, leaving little to no trace of their escape. The Heart Crystals, on the other hand, seemed to have a solid energy signature in any dimension. True, there had only been one victim Ami had been able to obtain data from, but if her theory proved true, then each person with a crystal had a different signature, like different souls. The next step would be devising a program on her computer and scouter to help track the kidnapped crystal, and make sure it never gets away. She hoped anyway, since she didn't know if she could scan across a different dimension, like the Dark Kingdom. She hoped their base of operations didn't span their current reality. That was how she had explained it to Artemis and Minako, anyway. He knew he could probably help too, but there was something in Ami's youthful eye that made him very, very wary of the girl's experiment. Mina fidgeted under Ami's care. "You're still going to examine the others, right? Not just experiment on me?" "Yes, I will. I have to be sure we can rely on this program so we'll have an extra leg to fall on. The other's will have to help, or else I won't be able to get easy information." "Easy?" Mina looked at her friend, then it dawned on her. "Oh, you mean when the crystals are actually taken." The blue-haired girl nodded, and continued her scan. It was a moment longer, and Ami put away her computer device, apparently satisfied. "You can get up now. Thanks, Mina-chan." "Sure, I guess. As long as the other girls get their turn." Mina sat up and stretched, and put her vest back on. Ami looked at the girl oddly. "I told you that you didn't have to take your shirt off, didn't I, Mina?" The blond shrugged. "I know, but I like playing doctor." Artemis and Ami stared at the girl, wide-eyed. "Mina-chan," Artemis said. "That's not the...nevermind." Ami turned her head back to some books on the table, refusing to go along that line of thought. "So do you guys want something to eat? I made some sandwiches earlier." "Sure! I'm starved!" Minako blinked at her friend's red face, but dismissed it. "And we still have some other stuff to think about too. Like Yohko-chan." Ami left the room, and returned with a tray of hand sandwiches. Artemis picked off a couple while Ami asked Mina, "What do you mean? Weren't you listening to her yesterday?" "Yeah, but I want to know how she made that sword!" A creepy grin crossed Mina's face. "If I knew that, then maybe I could make my own weapon!" Ami started to comment, but Artemis interrupted. "You know, that might not be a bad idea." "Artemis-san?" "Well, the Senshi never really had weapons before, not the Inners anyway. But then again, you guys were a lot stronger back then." Artemis swallowed a sandwich. "You could mostly control your powers without even calling out a lot of your key phrases." "We can do that now, can't we, Artemis?" Mina asked. "We have before," Ami added. "But I think he's talking about a different limit that what we can currently do." "Exactly. For instance, most of you girls developed an immunity to your the elements that fueled your powers." Mina thought of that, and made a face. "But how is that possible? To be immune to love? That's cruel!" Ami sweatdropped. "Mina-chan, you're powers are mostly based on light and minerals, I believe. Mine are based on water, but more precisely, on ice." "Right, Ami-chan," Artemis added. "It just goes to show that you girls are strong, but far from your true potential." Minako frowned. "That doesn't speak much of us if all we were able to do was hold up a shield against the Dark Moon Family in the future." Artemis started to argue, and then went silent. Ami's brow furrowed in irritation, as if trying to work out an impossible puzzle. "She has a point. For that fact, we don't even practice as much as we used to. I'm sure we are supposed to be stronger than we currently are." "You're right." Artemis sighed. "But I can't explain why you wouldn't get stronger. You've developed new attacks, but that's not the end of it." He pondered the revelation. "Maybe it's something to bring up at the next meeting," Ami said. "See if Luna knows anything about it." "Don't forget those other two mysterious Senshi, Neptune and Uranus. We still need to find a way to track them and see about their sinister motives." Ami nodded. Not her choice of words, but she could agree. "In the meantime, could I have another sandwich, please?" Minako looked at her friend cutely, having no idea whatsoever why Ami gave her a nervous look in return, nor why she was blushing so badly. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Usagi's head hurt. Her feet ached, but her head hurt a lot more. Her pride hurt too, for that matter. She had a vague idea she had fallen behind more than usual, but Mamoru had single-handedly shown her just how far she had slipped. With the girls, it might not have been noticeable. With her being the sole subject of study, it was a completely different ball game, and it showed. So here they were, shopping for books again. She grumbled. There were just so many new problems! Bad grades, new monsters, unpleasant time with Mamo-chan... She'd never thought she'd ever think that about him again, the thoughts that rang so clear from when they first met each other and basically couldn't tolerate one another. It wasn't as bad, but to the rabbit, it was spooky enough. "Chemistry... Algebra... Economics..." Mamoru ticked off the workbooks and placed them in the basket. It was the most books she had ever seen in one area outside of a library. "Mamo-chan, can't we take it one at a time?" She found herself on the begging end of things a lot more often, lately. "Nope. These are just basics for you to catch up on. Then we'll get into the real stuff." And just as often as of late, she found herself on the end of rejection. Usagi thought desperately. There had to be a way to distract him...without being embarrassed either. Snuggling had failed, as it only managed to make him frown at her. So what else was there? "Mamo-chan, what do you think about this new menace?" Mamoru halted, his hand on two of the three handwriting books he intended to pick up. "Usagi..." "I'm serious. I can't seem to figure the rest out. What's a Talisman supposed to be, and why are our own good guys supposed to be after it?" "I...wish I knew, Usako. I wish I knew." He shook his head. "And then there's me..." she cursed, not really wanting to think back along those lines of the past. How she had proven completely useless against the Daimon, not once, but twice. "Usagi, I'm sure we'll find a solution to the problem. If anything, it means we'll have to become stronger than the enemy." Usagi didn't like that look. It was the same one he had just held onto, that determined look that promised Usagi a lot of uncomfortable lessons in the future. "But, how do we get stronger than they are?" "Well, you can bring that up at your meeting in an hour or so. Let's try to focus on what we can currently do to improve ourselves." He gave her a disarming smile, and she almost fell for it. Almost. "I don't think I really need that many handwriting books, Mamo-chan," she said sparingly. "Well, actually, your mother asked me to pick them up for you. She said she'll be handling your handwriting." Usagi paled. Her mind shifted back to the age of seven, and her mother standing over her with a stone expression as she made Usagi practice her symbols over and over and over... She had improved, but it seemed to have slipped, and her mother noticed. It was back to that again too? How could this day possibly get any worse? They left the store, Usagi stopped pouting and looked up to see a familiar face. "Mako-chan!" The girl in question was with a small group of people, another Usagi and Mamoru recognized. They made their way across the street, where Makoto and company were heading into a health bar. Usagi winced as if she was touched by acid. "Mako-chan, you're going on a diet?" "Usagi!" Her friend huffed. Bad enough to be embarrassed as she was from her present company, but how could Usagi be so rude? "Oops. Sorry," the blond said sheepishly. "Anyway, we were just stopping for treats. What were you guys doing?" "Book shopping," Usagi mumbled out. "Really? Wow, you really were serious about this tutoring." Makoto looked at Mamoru in awe. The elder boy himself chuckled nervously. "I believe we've met before," the blond in the jogging suit said "We have?" Both Mamoru and Usagi looked at him as realization dawned. "At that grocery store. Rei-chan and Yohko-chan bumped into you, right?" Round about introductions were made, and the party settled in for some light snacks. While Mamoru and Tomoe-san paid at the counter, the girls got to know each other a little better. Rather, Usagi had quite a giggle while Makoto tried to blend in with the stool she was sitting at. Hotaru was as well, though for different reasons. "So you did the same thing Rei-chan and Yohko-chan did?" Usagi laughed out loud, earning a murderous glare from her taller friend. "This is so rich! I can't wait to tell them!" "Well, I can't say they have bad tastes," Haruka replied with a smile. The rabbit laughed even harder, and Makoto whimpered. "Ah, the menfolk return." Return they did; chalk full of eateries that were tasty and healthy. The conversation was light, mostly appealing toward poking a bit of fun at Makoto and official banter about jobs or such. The true reaction was Haruka's. Though she kept it well masked, she'd never really felt so uncomfortable in her whole life. She compared it to being a mouse that hopped from a cat lover's convention into a pit of very friendly snakes. Each person seemed to feel...like there was more. Like they were hiding. She equated that to the enemy. That several of them knew one of her targets, Yohko Mano, was also made her very suspicious. But now was not the time to act. And perhaps, perhaps, she was simply being more paranoid than usual. She HAD been on edge lately, for good reason. Still... "Anyway," Tomoe-san said, standing. "I'd love to stay and chat, but I am expected for a lesson soon, and I believe this one," he rubbed his daughter's hair, earning another protest from her. "Has chores of her own to do." "Ah! That's where I've seen you!" Makoto smacked her fist in her hand. "You usually don't jog all the way to the park, though." The girl of attention, Hotaru, blushed shyly. "I decided to push a little further today. I wanted to say hello." "Wow, you're a tough girl, aren't ya?" Makoto smiled at Hotaru, who beamed. "Hai! I want to be as strong as you one day!" Hotaru beamed. "Well, I'm not going to say I'm all that strong..." Makoto started. "You're amazing! I've seen you in the mornings, and you've doubled your distance in the past week!" Hotaru calmed a bit, but the shine never left her eyes. Makoto chuckled. Truth be told, she had just recently doubled her jogging distance to compensate for her growing strength. But if she knew that, then that would place the girl... "You live somewhere nearby?" "Un!" she nodded enthusiastically. "A couple of blocks away, actually." "Wow... I think you're already stronger than me." Makoto chuckled nervously. It wasn't exactly a tiring job, but she was still used to it. Makoto also wasn't that much of a slacker, physically. For someone smaller than her to match that, and still want to push harder... Hotaru blushed deeper. "No way, sempai. You're the greatest!" "Well, I'm sure you two will have time to talk later, okay?" Tomoe-san said, interrupting the moment. "Hai, Papa." The dark-haired girl smiled and bowed at everyone. "It's been a pleasure to meet you all." Makoto put a hand to her shoulder. "Hey, maybe we can catch up to each later on?" The girl's eyes widened. "Really? That would be great!" The brunette smiled at her. "See you later, okay?" "Tomorrow morning?" Makoto nodded. "There's a meet tomorrow in the park, if you'd like to go there too. A friend of mine is competing." Tomoe-san ushered Hotaru out, and she allowed herself to be lead. "Sure! Goodbye, sempai. See you tomorrow!" Haruka looked at the pair leave, and rose herself. "I'll take that as my cue as well. It's been nice talking to you. And maybe I'll see you tomorrow as well, Makoto-kun?" "S...sure." Makoto replied with a nervous smile. "You're participating?" "Maybe, but I'd like to see my new friends again anyway." She gave the group a bow, and left along her way. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Ami, Minako, and Artemis arrived at the Hikawa Shrine to witness quite a feat. Yohko and Rei was there, going through a basic kata. However, what was basic to Rei and Yohko looked rather complex to the two girls and the feline. The two continued to dance around each other, each hitting spots where the other had just been only mere nanoseconds ago. They both seem to flow into each other, neither one making a mistake. That is, until Rei ducked left when she should have ducked right. "Ouch!" "Oops," Yohko said, sheepish. "Gomen, Rei-chan. Didn't mean to hurt you." "No, that's okay. It's just been a while since I've played tag." "Yeah, it has, hasn't it? We used to be a whole lot faster than that. Azusa doesn't know it as well, though." "Azusa?" "Yeah. A friend of mine, thirteen," Yohko said. "She came to our door one day, asking to be a devil hunter in training. She's pretty good, but I guess that's because she wants to be." "So there are more?" "I don't know. I haven't met anyone other than Azusa and grandma." Yohko shrugged. "I really haven't had anyone to spar with to match me." "Well," Rei started. "I'll go get some drinks, and then we'll see how far behind I am." Yohko suddenly looked very sheepish. "Okay." The priestess wandered off for those drinks as the others made their way up the temple stairs. Yohko saw them and waved. "Good afternoon," Ami spoke out, waving. Yohko blinked at the new arrivals. "Good afternoon. Are you here on business with the temple?" Minako looked at the girl in confusion, then looked at Ami and decided to follow the blue-haired girl's lead. "Actually, we're here to see Rei-chan." "Oh! You must be some of her friends!" Yohko gave a bow. "I'm Yohko, and I'm visiting from out of town. Rei and I are childhood friends." "I'm Minako, and this is Ami-chan," Mina pointed to the girl, who returned the bow. "And this is Artemis, my cat." Yohko smiled and bent down to pet the cat when something struck her in the head. She wavered and caught her balance, but the world still tilted around her. "Yohko-san?" She heard voices, but wasn't really sure just who was speaking. She tried to calm down and gather her breath when she finally realized that it wasn't her, but what she was sensing. And was she was sensing must have been really close, because it was very strong. "Power..." she managed to whisper. Her vision came back into focus, and she locked on Rei's worried face. "Yohko, what happened?" "I sensed something... some bright..." Yohko tried to clear her feelings and point it out. "Just give me a minute. I'll be fine." She continued, oblivious to Rei's pensive look. Her friends were still worried about the girl. "Rei, what's wrong with her?" Ami asked. "I think we're about to find out," Rei replied. They watched the girl sit on the ground, and then she pointed at Rei, Mina, and Ami in turn. "I know your power, but I've seen you two before. A soft blue and bright gold, but not the same gold as before. And a small white light too..." Yohko opened her eyes and came back into focus with the real world. "I really need to get grandpa to show me how to control that. It's getting worse." Rei made a move to pick Yohko up, but she waved it away. "Your friends. They're Senshi too, aren't they?" "Sougi..." Mina breathed. Ami's eyes widened in shock. "Well," Rei began. "Not the same ones from before though. Not those two... frauds you guys told me about. You guys make up three of the five." There was silence for a moment, then Yohko rose. "I'm glad I got that figured out. It helps me see things a little better. I knew you guys struck me as familiar." "We didn't know you knew about our identities, Yohko-san," Ami said. "Or Rei's, for that matter." "Well, Rei kinda tipped me off about it last night, and I didn't figure out the rest until now." "Amazing," Artemis whispered. Yohko looked at the cat cautiously. "Wow, she's really good." Minako looked at her hopefully. "Will you teach me how to make a sword?" "Huh?" "Like yours! Or a pole or something; I'm not picky. I just want something to fight evil with." Yohko, Ami, and Rei blinked. "Anyway, I'm sorry guys," Rei finally said. "It slipped my mind to divert you guys from the shrine today." "Really?" Yohko asked. "What for?" "I think the object was to keep our identities a secret, and we needed to have a meeting to try and put more of this Deathbusters picture together," Ami answered. "But I think this is another topic we'll have to approach as well." The girl turned to the devil hunter. "Yohko, how many have seen your second persona?" "Um, just about everybody here that matters?" Yohko answered sheepishly. "Well, that narrows it down to us, those fakes, and that redhead with the bad attitude," Rei summarized. "And grandpa," Yohko added. The other two girls looked at her in shock, but she merely shrugged. "I'm not really careful with my devil hunter identity. My enemies usually aren't alive long enough to exploit it." She rose and turned away from the girls. "I'll leave you guys to your meeting while I go train with Grandpa. Let me know if you need me, okay?" ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** The morning sun rose to wake the inhabitants of the Hikawa Shrine, but one was already awake. Yohko was deep into meditation, and had been since she had awoken thirty minutes ago. Morihito Hino had begun to teach her the focus she needed as to not get blind-sided by the abilities she had unlocked. It was an uphill battle the day previous, especially with her mind curious of the other identities of the Senshi. She didn't bother to but back in, so she only knew three of them by sight alone. The other two she would get to eventually, she thought. Likewise with the other impostors. The mention of the two rogue Senshi sent her blood into a boil. How dare they pose as defenders of justice, and then act as haughty as to claim that Yohko was powerless to stop the evils menacing! She'd been doing it for a year without them, and she was going to keep doing it! They had barely been a match for her, and when she brought her sword out, it became no contest. She seriously doubted the girls would be able to stop anything if they couldn't even stop her and take what was hers by birthright. She shook her head. No use in getting riled up over nothing. She'd have her chance to expose and stop them, but before anything, that witch came first. For now, though, she would meditate. Clearing her mind, she dropped into the familiar haze of sleep walking bliss that seemed to envelop her. She took the sights of the from her position in the office, looking at the many still lights. It was a rainbow of hews and colors; as she looked closer to her own surroundings, she could 'see' and determine the active temple wards from the inactive ones. Several, she noted, needed repair and replacement. She'd tell Grandpa. She began to focus on the sleeping man in his own room, basking in the familiar warm glow of his wild emerald spirit. She knew she was seeing spirits, now, or at least a representation of it. For the briefest of moments, something flickered in Morihito, and she could almost make out a matronly looking woman. The woman didn't seem familiar in the slightest, but Yohko had a feeling she should know the woman. She'd ask about it as well. Burning the image in her mind, she turned to her friend's room. She was moving a bit, so Yohko assumed that she was awake. She watched the scarlet light flicker back and forth, fascinated with-- A sting. A horrible, cold presence in the area. Yohko gazed at the light, but found there was nothing. In fact, there seem to be a void where the stairs were. A wide, gaping hole where there used to be essence, life. Yohko shivered. This was a bad omen. She snapped out of her state of meditation and dashed to the stairs...and saw nothing. No one was there. But then what was that feeling? Who, or what, was sitting there? She stood there for a moment longer, scanning the horizon, and sighed. Somehow, she figured she'd find out about it, sooner or later. Yohko walked back towards the temple and waved hello to a yawning Rei, not noticing the haggard man at the bottom of the temple steps. He gave a course chuckle, and then went about his business, eyes wide and glowing crimson with hatred. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Hotaru was up and about early, eager to catch her new 'sempai' on her route, or catch her at the meet in the park, now only hours away. Souichi Tomoe had reclined, but Hotaru was so excited that she had let him off easy. He would only have to make it up to her by allowing her one favor in the coming weeks. Souichi sipped his coffee thoughtfully. It seemed that all the women around him tended to have some manipulative hold on him. Kaolinite entered the room then, a robe draped over her curvy figure. She had a folder in hand, and a simple smile on her face. "The Witches have finished the work on the eggs. They're ready for mass production." "That's good," he replied, taking another drink. "I needed some good news right now. It seems our mistress isn't too happy with us." Kaolinite's smile dropped. "She does not like the child about like she is. It wastes energy." He waved her off. "It does nothing of the sort. She's more concerned about your little pet project and how slow things are coming along. In fact, she seems pleased with Hotaru's activities." "I will be taking care of the targets immediately, sensei." "Of course, of course." "Sensei?" She looked at him, confusion written on her face. "Everything is at ready, and yet I cannot seem to relax. Perhaps this is only paranoia." the professor shrugged. Kaolinite invited herself behind her teacher and mentor, and began massaging his shoulders. "That devil hunter?" "So it might seem..." He put his thoughts out of his mind. "Let it present itself, and then something will be done." ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Makoto waved to her new little friend. "Hotaru-chan, over here!" The girl hurried over, and greeted the taller girl with a hug, then stepped back and blushed. "Um, good morning." "Good morning kid. You're just in time. They're gonna start in thirty minutes." They made their way over to good seats in line, where it looked like Haruka was waiting for them, with someone in tow. Hotaru could see that she was very lovely, with turquoise hair and a very pretty skirt and blouse combo. "Hey, I see you found her, Makoto-kun." Haruka waved to the little girl, as did her friend. Hotaru bowed respectfully to the pair. "I'm Hotaru Tomoe. It is a pleasure to meet you." The elder girl smiled. "Kaiou Michiru. It's a pleasure. You're very polite." "Thank you," she replied, blushing. "This is the daughter of our principal," Haruka said. "So I see..." Michiru responded. "Wait," Makoto interrupted. "I thought he said he was a teacher?" "He is," Michiru answered. "Tomoe-sensei teaches a couple of science classes, but he serves as the head administration. He's a very busy man." Hotaru nodded. "VERY busy. Papa does a lot of work for people." "Going to be following in his footsteps, Hotaru-chan?" Makoto asked. She shook her head. "No...I haven't really decided yet, but a lot of his formulas and equations make my head spin." The brunette chuckled. "I'm just about the same way. Too many numbers makes me dizzy. I prefer stuff I can do with my hands, like cooking. Speaking of which," Makoto pulled out a basket of muffins. "I made these this morning, though I had a couple already. Try some." The girls all took a biscuit each and chewed thoughtfully. Their grins seemed to serve the brunette enough. "This is really good, Makoto-sempai! Not even Kaori-san can bake this good!" "Oh?" "Yeah! She's Papa's assistant, and helps with the house while he's busy. She cooks really well, but I've never really tasted anything like this," the girl continued, chewing happily. "I am definitely taken," Haruka said, nodding her head. "I may have to reconsider your advances after all. Wouldn't want to blow such an opportunity." Makoto turned a lovely shade of red while Michiru swatted her partner. "Behave, you." "Always," Haruka smiled back. "So," Hotaru asked. "When does the race start?" "In thirty minutes," Haruka replied. "It should be a good one, too. There are a couple of my buddies from junior high in this race as well." "Which reminds me," Michiru said, putting a finger to her chin as if deep in thought. "I thought you had moved on from running?" "Well, yes, but there's nothing wrong with keeping shape." Haruka winked at the girl. "Besides, I'm pulling more than enough speed at the tracks." Hotaru's eyes widened, and Makoto blinked. "You race with cars, Haruka-san?" she asked. "Sometimes. I'll invite you to watch one day." "Sure!" both girls managed to answer. Makoto and Hotaru looked at each other, and giggled. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** The race began without flaw. That's all there was to it. The runners were off like gazelle, only to be caught in a horrible trap from above. Kaolinite looked on from above, unnoticed, as the Daimon who had emerged from the hurdles set aside for later events attacked several of the runners at once. Each was thrown wildly, and did not rise. The crowds began to scream and scatter, save for several people. Makoto cursed the dumb luck and hit the panic button on her communicator, and grabbed Hotaru. "We've got to get out of here." Haruka and Michiru looked pensively at her. "We'll be right behind you," Haruka responded. They were after crystals, and it looks like they weren't being so picky anymore, Makoto thought. I have to help those people, but I can't leave Hotaru-- She blinked and turned quickly. "Hotaru!" The girl screamed, swept away by the panic of the crowd around her. The senshi of thunder locked on to the distressed child, and found herself in front of the attentions of the Daimon itself. The creature was zapping those that it could, horribly quicker than before, and soon the stragglers were dropping all around her. And somewhere in the thicket, Hotaru was still there, still in grave danger. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** She didn't know how it had happened, but she had been separated from Makoto and swept away with the crowd's hurried motions. Hotaru found herself near the designated track, alone, and more afraid than she had ever been before. She tried calling for Makoto, Haruka, anyone, but she could barely hear herself over the other frightened citizens. The screams became louder as people all around her began dropping, and crystals floated from their bodies. She'd never seen monsters before. She'd heard rumors, especially from her closer friends, but nothing like this. She'd never imagined herself in the thicket of an attack, where danger was the most intense, and there was little she could do... No, she wouldn't accept that. Makoto would come, somehow, but in the meantime, it was time to move on her own. Hotaru gathered her wits and fought the remaining stragglers, who were thinning out as the Daimon found more victims. She screamed as a man dropped in front of her, seemingly perished, and a crystal similar to all the others floated away from his body. Somehow, it sang to her, a strange, familiar song she couldn't make out. She stopped moving and stared at its radiance. There was such a beautiful tone about it that made her ache for something she couldn't seem to figure. Hotaru was still motionless when the Daimon decided to make her its next target. Several things occurred then. Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune appeared on the scene in time enough to see the Daimon making for the girl. Kaolinite noticed at the same time, and made to immediately stop it, but not in time. Makoto charged in and tackled the girl, taking the brunt of the blast that had enveloped the others. Hotaru snapped back into focus as pain informed her that things had just suddenly changed around her. She looked up and saw Makoto, lifeless. "...Sempai?" Horror stuck on her face. She must have saved her. That thing must have come for her, and Makoto had saved her, but at the cost of what? The dark-haired girl shook the taller teen gently. "Makoto-sempai? Please get up, we have to get out of here! Sempai?" She noted a crystal floating over the prone body. Somehow, it was even brighter than the others. Hotaru shook her head. That was what had gotten her into this. She hadn't been able to protect herself, and Makoto had paid the price. She tried shaking her, but it was in vain. Her eyes were glazed over, and she wasn't breathing. She was deathly pale, and nothing seemed to be snapping her out of it. Something about that cold fact tore into Hotaru, and she convulsed as unbidden ghosts began to haunt her mind. The crystals... Hotaru looked around in shock. "Who?" ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** "DEEP SUBMERGE!" The attack slammed into the humanoid monster, but it kept coming. Neptune bit back a curse, but dodged its horrible beam that had claimed so many. It was all she could really do at the moment. It was a mess, a dozen or so crystal victims lay strewn about the field, and Uranus was too busy fending the red-headed witch from making any captures. She had also seen her guest fall, but remained on the task at hand. Neptune couldn't help her if she couldn't defeat the current menace-- But...that's not what you're supposed to do, is it, murderer? Something cold crawled up the base of Neptune's spine, seeming to settle within her skull. It was clammy, dark, and ruthless. It was also speaking the truth. Why should she be worried about these humans anyway? Her job was to see that the Talisman and the Sacred Cup were found, and then hand them to the Messiah. All she needed to do was concentrate on-- She tried to shake the dark distraction, and was a second too late. The Daimon roared, and barreled into her with the total speed of a bus. Neptune and the Daimon slammed into the centerpiece fountain of the track, but spectators could tell that the smaller girl had received the brunt of the damage because of the horrible scream that ripped the air. Uranus turned around, ducking a stray blast from the witch. "NEPTUNE!" She saw the Daimon hunched over its victim, ready to deal swift death to the interloper. The witch saw as well, and smiled. "Tracker, finish that Senshi!" Uranus wasted no time. She dashed to aid her comrade's-- She's of no concern... The crystals... Uranus looked around wildly. It was...true; those crystals were her first, and ultimate objective. Still, if Neptune were to be eliminated, then her job would be that much more difficult-- Then do you say you will not do it? Not even for your planet? Love comes first? Pitiful... "Stop it! Who are--AAARRRRRGH!" She fell, a direct blast from Kaolinite, who suddenly was not smiling. "Tracker, quickly! The others are arriving and--" "VENUS LOVE-ME CHAIN!" "FIRE SOUL!" The Daimon howled in pain, and was thrown from the unconscious Neptune. The others had arrived, obviously. "For disturbing the peace and the spirit of sportsmanship, I'll not forgive you! I am Sailor Moon, and in the name of the Moon, I'll punish you!" "... Wow," Yohko, who had run off with Rei, nodded. "That was impressive." Sailor Moon just nodded, quickly surveying. "I'll try to get these people out of here. Can you keep that witch off my back?" Yohko brandished her blade. "Sure." Moon nodded, grabbed Mercury, and dashed to help the victims. Mars and Venus kept the Daimon busy, while Yohko frowned a little. "Okay lady, you are NOT getting away this time." "Maybe, and maybe not, little girl. I have little time to deal with you today." Kaolinite's eyes narrowed, and Yohko jumped on instinct as the ground around her caved in. She hoped away as two more spots imploded, and cursed. She was being lead on, something she'd have to change quickly. Mercury was the first to notice her fallen friend Makoto, and rushed over to her immediately. Hotaru looked at the Senshi, face white with shock. "It's okay, little one. She'll be all right. She just needs this back," she said, motioning to the crystal. "No, there's something else here." "What?" She brought up her visor and scanned the area. The computer began recording while she set about putting Makoto's crystal back. "I don't see anyone else." "No! I...I heard him! He was asking about sempai's crystal!" Something beeped in Mercury's visor and she turned her head to face a haggard man with a trench coat. The look in his eyes froze Mercury, for lack of a better term, cold. "So she responds to spiritual stimuli? Interesting..." "Wha--" Mercury tried to move, tried to protect the girl; her friend's crystal. For a moment, she'd even tried to scream, as she had never seen such darkness in her life... But she could do nothing, and then she was flying. The man had blown her into a wall with an idle gust of wind. Satisfied, he turned his attentions to the girl and the corpse before him. "Now, lets see what this intriguing little baubble is, hm? Would you know, little girl?" He was a nightmare. A bad dream that she couldn't wake up from, and she saw herself being clawed and mauled by thousands of hungry demons and she couldn't stop them as they raked her flesh away and stabbed her and she tried to scream-- "No." The man stopped short of reaching the crystal. "Eh?" Hotaru's eyes were ablaze with...something. She wasn't sure what it was, but she would use it. Anything to get that...spawn away from her sempai, who had sacrificed for her. "Leave her be. This is no concern of yours." "...Very interesting, little girl. Very interesting indeed." He obliged her and stepped back. "I'm sure we'll talk more, but for now, I'll still need something to study." Hotaru felt feint, but wouldn't budge. She couldn't freak out and faint now. She didn't know what motivated her more, the possibility that he might go for Makoto again, or the nightmares that she was positive were waiting for her should she close her eyes. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Yohko wasn't in as much of a pinch as she had been. Both of the impostor Senshi had risen, and were currently splitting their attention between helping her keep Kaolinite at bay, and helping the other Senshi with the Daimon. Moon had risen most of the victims, and Mercury... ... Was in the corner, shaking, near a little girl and a... Yohko swore. She more than recognized the void now. The same from her dreams, and that dark feeling from the shrine earlier. Of all the senses around her, trying to drown her in their presence, his was the worse. The blue Senshi was immobilized, and it was making its way for the girl... She barely avoided another blast in time, and sent one back in retaliation. She turned to the Senshi nearest to her, one of the rogues. "Hold her! I have to go save that girl!" Both witch and Senshi looked up at the uninvited guest, though neither heard the other swear. They seemed to all take off for the haggard man at once... ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** The girl's were having a job keeping the Daimon at bay. From the woozy rogue in the corner, they could obviously tell that it was even stronger than the previous incarnations. That they were currently divided, and hadn't seen their other friend who had hit the panic button in the first place didn't play well on their minds. Regardless, Mars and Venus did what they could. Salvo after salvo of light and fire was thrown at the monster, but it seemed to shrug it off for the most part. A royal blue orb of energy joined it, and it screamed in the combined attacks. Mars looked at Neptune, unsteady on her feat, but ignored it. So they were on the same side...for the moment. Another barrage of elements slammed into the Daimon, and it screamed again, then went silent. It curled in on itself, and bounded away from the Senshi, heading straight for... "Sailor Moon! Look out!" ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** There. That was eighteen of the nineteen bodies she had recovered, and now she could help her friends-- She turned up sharply at her name, and saw the Daimon plowing straight for her. She barely had time to scream, or think, or pray. She also didn't have time to pull the crystal victim out of the way, which meant both of them were going to be trampled. A half dozen long-stem roses found their mark in the Daimon's skin, and it bellowed in rage, leaping over the prone moon girl. She blinked, and turned to her savior, perched in a tree. The Daimon leapt up and over her, and made its way to the haggard man's side, completely ignorant of the pain. All combatants looked on as both Daimon and trench coat man vanished. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** It was surprising, really. He had expected something completely different that what he had run into. Maybe a snip or a minor trail as to their previous ordeals, but this little tidbit had much, much more than he had even dreamed. Let it never be said that Sho Nakajima wasn't one that sought the truth. Since his youth, he was one to discover knowledge, not only for his own benefit, but for the benefit of others as well. It was always said that he would make one hell of a media specialist, lawyer, or martyr. He was rather obsessed when it came to information, especially the truth. Not that he was a bit on the crazy side, merely that he enjoyed his hobby and calling in life. But one truth had always evaded him, and that was the mystery behind the infamous Sailor Senshi. The girls had appeared in the district some time ago, and a few of them from even further back than two years. The whole of it was that no one really knew anything about them. The only solid fact was that they stopped any and all odd activity that routed in Juuban. Sho was hardly what could be described as a paranormal believer, but he definitely began to believe since he became wrapped in one of their encounters. Since then, it was a quest that he raged on his own; he was determined to bring the soldiers of love and justice to the light. And it seemed that he had hit his opening mark. Yohko Mano was known in her area for her own exploits, the local media claiming her to be a devil hunter. That the girl was here was a great opportunity for Sho. Where people like that went, trouble was sure to trail behind. It was almost certain that she would link up with the Sailor Senshi at some given point during her stay. Sho smiled. He had to play closer to Yohko, and find a way to the Senshi through her. Then he, and the rest of Japan, would finally know the truth. at the least, he would be very famous for it, and that wasn't a bad side effect when he thought about it. Sho wrapped up the old article clip with Yohko's picture on it. No, it wasn't a bad thing at all. ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** That battle was hell. Thankfully everyone had made it out okay. Yohko pondered the strange turn of events. Once that Daimon had left with that demon, the witch disappeared, probably afraid of taking the whole lot of them on in a fight. That still irritated Yohko to no end. She'd have to find a remedy for that. After that, the false Senshi had left, licking their wounds. There were no points or efforts at contact, mostly because the girls were more worried about Mercury and a crystal victim that turned out to be one of their friends. Suppose it was a steady truce? It seemed too good to be true, but given the circumstances, the devil hunter would take what she got. The whole thing left her rather confused and sorely disappointed. She wasn't used to her targets getting away. She also wasn't used to the heavy opposition that she now had to admit to herself that she had to face. before, it was easy to believe that the demons couldn't attack by hordes, but whatever creatures were fighting with the Senshi were quick to correct such a naïve view. She would talk with Rei and the others in the morning on some plans of action. Perhaps once she got her sensing ability under control, she could perhaps track them? Yohko stretched and yawned. That was something to take care of for another time. Now, all she wanted was bath and sleep. She grabbed her towels and toiletries, slid open the door to her shared room with Rei... And came face to face with Sailor Mars. "Yohko?" the confused Senshi asked. "What are you doing in my dream?" "What?" The girl looked around, and decided that something was incredibly amiss. She felt for her ring, and transformed into her persona once more. "This doesn't end, does it? Can't I get some peace and quiet for a few moments?" she shouted. "Well, I'm afraid not, Ms. Mano. That would require that I leave you alone, and you're so much fun to play with." "You again." Yohko dropped to the ready, and Mars quickly followed suit. "Such wonderful information I've discovered today. I think I'm on to something really big, now." The haggard man from earlier appeared away from them, leaning on a tree. "What are you babbling about?" the devil hunter snarled. "Well, it seems that you're not the only piece in this delicious puzzle, and I really must take care to collect all of them." He wagged a finger and winked a glowing red eye at her. "Wouldn't do to have just half of the picture, now would it?" "So what are you doing here? You have a deathwish?" Mars spoke up. "No, quite the opposite my dear Ms. Hino." Mars looked at the monster in cold fury. "In fact, I wish to see a bit more on life. Yours, specifically. you Senshi should be quite the formidable pest, so I think to know one of you would be efficient enough to fell the rest." "You touch my friends and I'll--" "Enough of your chatter!" Yohko brandished her sword. "Just die already!" The man's smile faded. "Well, if that's the way you want it, I suppose I can indulge you. You may be the pest in the outside world, child. I will give you that. Your abilities are not something to be taken likely." A horrid wind began to rip around the two girls, but they held fast, concentrating on their enemy who now was radiating dark power. "But I am Wrath, the Eternal Nightmare, and the astral plane that you humans walk every slumbering moment is MY playground; I wield your fate here." "Now," Wrath said, his eyes shinning like molten flame in the swirling darkness. "I believe I wanted information, and it's information I shall have." ***** ***** ***** OMAKE ***** ***** ***** USAGI: Hi minna-san! Welcome to today's edition of Usagi-- USAGI: I mean, welcome to today's edition of the Fourth Corner! We'll be discussing a much missed over point to those Sailor Moon fans who have only witness my famous exploits in the edited North American version! Ahem... USAGI: Anyway, you'll notice that during the end of the first season, with our awesome battle against Metallia, some things were changed. For instance, in the true version, all my poor friends perished at the hands of those evil minions! AZUSA: That's right! And then when the fight ended, Usagi here used the power of her Ginzuishou to turn back time and help everyone try to live their lives normally. Kind of a silly method if you ask me-- USAGI: Hey! AZUSA: *stares at her co-host, who quickly silences.* But her heart was in the right place. There were also some edited scenes, like the many slaps that Rei gave to Usagi for her whining and incompetence. AZUSA: And then there was the embarrassing and fanservicy moments that her brother and Chibi-Usa put her in... USAGI: Now wait a minute, that never happened...*trails off.* That is...not like that, anyway. AZUSA: *grins evilly* And then there was the total cheesecake scene with Usagi and Beryl at her palace while she had nothing on and all Tuxedo Kamen could do was watch... AZUSA: That's right! So get your copy of Full Moon Madness! In stores now! KENJI: Hey, you guys seen Chibi-Usa? I need to talk to her about this final set up for the story... USAGI: *suddenly very suspicious* I...don't think I have...but I might guess... AZUSA: Sorry I'm late, boss! There was a traffic jam because of some video store rush, and...*trails off* I thought Azusa-2 wasn't in this story? CHIBI-USA: Well, since that's all the time we have for today, gotta go folks! USAGI: ...You are going to DIE YOU DEMONIC SPAWN FROM HELL!!!