The Great Log Posting: Arc IV

Halbarad · June 29, 2006, 03:14:32 PM

[08:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[08:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> Awareness floods into Usagi's world slowly, a second kick to the stomach stirring her even more.
[08:42] * Usagi-chan wakes up in a hurry, quite intent on NOT having the kick repeated. "Hey, what's going on?" she slurs.
[08:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> Blinking away a bit of sleep crust in your eyes, you see a tiny, curled up girl in your bed. Chibi Usa's feet happen to be near your stomach as she dreams, crying softly and whimpering. "..mommy..."
[08:45] <Usagi-chan> "Chibi Usa, it's okay," Usagi whispers, reaching out to smooth a hand through the sleeping girl's hair.
[08:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> Curling even more into a fetal ball, the girls weeps softly in her dreams. "I'm sorry, Mommy...!"
[08:49] * Usagi-chan gently turns the girl over, drawing her into her arms in a gesture of silent comfort - as well as getting the girl's feet away from her own stomach.
[08:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Taking her, Chibi Usa blinks, her dream disrupted by a warm, caring touch. "Mmmm..." she murmurs softly now.
[08:52] * Usagi-chan smiles slightly as Chibi Usa calms down. "We'll get you back to your mommy," she murmurs quietly.
[08:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> With that, Chibi Usa finally calms down, falling into a more restful sleep..
[08:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[08:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> That morning, at Sunday breakfast, Chibi Usa is a bit more lively when you both reach for a plate of rice crackers at the same time. "Hey, hands off," she complains quickly.
[08:57] * Usagi-chan eyes the girl. "You can wait, it's not like I'm going to take the whole thing."
[08:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You will too," she fires back, sticking her tongue out. "I want the crackers now!"
[08:59] * Usagi-chan grumbles as she takes a couple of crackers, then passes the plate to the girl. "Geez, you don't have to be so pushy about it."
[09:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> Still giving Usagi a good taste of her pert, cute tongue, Chibi Usa takes the plate. "You eat everything, though, Usagi!" That response is hard to fault, admittely, as she takes a few crackers for herself.
[09:04] <Usagi-chan> "I do not eat EVERYTHING," Usagi grumps. "I leave enough for everyone else!"
[09:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Do too!" Chibi Usa insists, standing up and sticking her tongue out at you still. "Usagi eats like a whale!"
[09:56] * Usagi-chan fumes. "I do not either!"
[09:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ikkuko, who had been eating in relative peace until this point, speaks up in the voice of Motherly Authority. "Chibi Usa-chan, Usagi-chan, that is more than enough arguing at the breakfast table."
[09:59] * Usagi-chan scowls and falls silent, taking another handful of crackers from the plate.
[09:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa settles down, giving a quieter okay while still shooting daggers at Usagi with her eyes.
[10:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> Breakfast proceeds on, until Ikkuko breaks the ice again. "Usagi-chan, do you have any plans for the day," she asks, finishing her bowl of miso soup up and wiping her lips with a napkin.
[10:03] * Usagi-chan looks up from her own soup, pausing to speak. "Probably go visit Rei-chan this morning and then work on the palace this afternoon if nothing else comes up, unless you needed me for something."
[10:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I do, actually," she comments, getting up and taking finished with plates and bowls. "I promised Chibi-Usa I'd take her for ice cream and a trip to the carnival," Chibi Usa lights up at this, smiling at the thought. "But your father got an invitation to party we can't decline this afternoon." Chibi Usa's face falls right back, a protest about to spill out of her lips. "So, could you take her out today, Usagi-chan?"
[10:07] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I guess that's okay. It's still okay for me to go out this morning though, right?"
[10:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> Calling out from the kitchen as she puts the dishes in the wash, "Sure, Usagi. Just be back by noon... in fact, why don't you invite a friend or two of yours to with you and Chibi Usa to the carnival?"
[10:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa, meanwhile, is looking at you with a mixed expression quietly, not speaking up now.
[10:10] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Sure, we'll make a big afternoon out of it." She rises from the table, carrying her own breakfast dishes over to the sink.
[10:22] * Usagi-chan concentrates, sending to all her friends as a group. 'Morning guys - who's awake right now?'
[10:23] <Rei-chan> 'What's up, Usagi?' Rei's mental voice comes back.
[10:23] <Ami-chan> 'Usagi? Good morning...' Ami replies.
[10:23] <Makoto> Makoto yawns as she responds with a, 'I am now, Usagi-chan. What's up?'
[10:24] * Usagi-chan giggles mentally. 'Sorry to wake you up, Mako-chan. Anyway, Mom asked me if I'd take Chibi Usa to the carnival this afternoon, and I just wanted to know if any of you guys wanted to come along.'
[10:25] <Rei-chan> 'Sure,' Rei gives a mental shrug, 'Carnival sounds fun, and I don't have any other plans today.'
[10:25] <Ami-chan> 'Ah. I wish I could.' Ami responds, with a mental sigh. 'But I have... um, things to do today...'
[10:26] <Makoto> 'Don't worry about it, Usagi. But yeah, sure, should be fun,' Makoto replies simply, still a bit sleepy.
[10:27] <Usagi-chan> 'Cool, meet over at my place about 12:30 or so. And sorry you can't make it, Ami-chan.' She then mentally turns to Rei alone. 'And I have plans for you this morning, so don't go anywhere.'
[10:27] <Ami-chan> 'Have fun.' Ami responds, then falls silent.
[10:27] <Rei-chan> 'What kind of plans?' Rei asks hopefully.
[10:28] <Usagi-chan> 'You'll find out...' Usagi sends back coyly, a grin on her face. 'But I think you'll enjoy them.'
[10:29] <Rei-chan> 'I can't wait,' Rei replies cheerfully.
[10:31] * Usagi-chan turns to her mother and nods. "I'll call Haruka and see if she wants to come too... and I guess we can take Shingo along." She makes a slight face, but smiles.
[10:35] * Usagi-chan eyes Eiko in silence, her smile vanishing quickly. "Anyway, I'll call Haruka now."
[10:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ikkuko nods, giving Chibi Usa a muttered, "Go with Usagi-chan," while staring at the sullen girl. As you exit to the phone. "I had that conference with the principal yesterday..."
[10:37] * Usagi-chan escorts Chibi Usa out of the room, pausing once out of sight of the kitchen to listen to what her mother has to say to her brat of a cousin.
[10:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> "...And you're going to be EXPELLED," she emphasizes, clearly angry. "EXPELLED, Eiko! What do you have to say for yourself?"
[10:38] * Usagi-chan winces slightly, knowing that it takes a good bit of work to actually get kicked out of Juuban.
[10:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> "What do I care, bitch," she snarls, the sound of her getting up from the table a second later.
[10:40] * Usagi-chan clenches her fist. 'How dare she say that to Mom!'
[10:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Excuse me," Ikkuko says a hot moment later, anger heating her words. "Young lady, I will not tolerate that sort o-*SLAP!*" Dully, the sound of a slap is heard, Ikkuko stopping dead in her speech. "I -hate- you, you little domesticated slut," she hisses, running off and out the back door.
[10:42] * Usagi-chan stops dead herself. "She didn't..." An angry look comes over Usagi's face.
[10:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> Silence for a few moments, then the gentle rub of Ikkuko's hand working over her slapped face. "Eiko..." she murmurs, heatedly.
[10:45] * Usagi-chan stalks back to the kitchen. "Did she actually just slap you?"
[10:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> As if any more proof was needed, Mother's hand works over a bright red slap mark. "Yes, Usagi," she says, her face mixed with anger and a touch of sadness. "She did." Perhaps a fair bit of shock, too.
[10:48] * Usagi-chan frowns sharply. "I cannot BELIEVE her! She just marched in here and acts like she owns the place!" she says with some asperity.
[10:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ikkuko nods, glancing at the back door. "I hope she never comes back..." she murmurs again, sighing now that her anger is fading.
[10:52] * Usagi-chan is a bit taken aback at that... but then again, even her mother has limits. "It'd almost be easier if she WAS a youma," she mutters, shaking her head as she heads back out to Chibi Usa and the phone.
[10:53] <Usagi-chan> Haruka's number is quickly dialed. "Hello, Haruka?"
[10:55] <Haruka> "Hello, hello?" Haruka replies.
[10:55] <Usagi-chan> "Hey Haruka, it's Usagi. Some of the girls and I are getting together to take Chibi Usa over to the carnival this afternoon, and I just wanted to know if you wanted to come along too."
[10:58] <Haruka> "A day at the carnival... sounds fun." Haruka replies with a smile, trying to think back to how long it's been since the last one she attended. "Just give me a bit of time to get ready and I'll be there. Where's it going to be held?"
[11:04] <Usagi-chan> "It's over at an empty lot on the edge of Juuban, but we're meeting here at my place to head over there around 12:30." Usagi nods.
[11:06] <Haruka> "Did you want me to play driver or can I just meet you guys there?" Haruka asks, while thinking if the car has enough space, though she was sure some wouldn't complain about the snug fit....
[11:07] <Usagi-chan> "Nah, it's not that far from here - we can just walk." Usagi replies. "Too many people to try to cram them all in your car."
[11:08] <Haruka> Haruka chuckles at that. "Okay then, I'll see you guys around 12:30. Was there any place in particular you wanted to meet at, at the carnival?"
[11:10] <Usagi-chan> "No no - we're meeting here at my house and then going to the carnival." Usagi says quickly.
[11:11] <Haruka> "OH! Okay." Haruka replies sheepishly. "Must be the bad phone line," she says with a cough. "I should be over in a bit then."
[11:12] <Usagi-chan> "See you at 12:30 then. Later!" Usagi hangs up the phone with a smile.
[11:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[11:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> The assorted girls gather at Usagi's house, while Chibi Usa is a bit quiet in the meantime. Mom and Dad leave around noon, both dressed very nicely. "If Eiko happens to show back up, Usagi, just let her go," Ikkuko advises. "It isn't worth a fight while I'm not here."
[11:15] <Usagi-chan> "I'll take care of it if she does," Usagi replies. "Don't worry about a thing - just enjoy your party." She smiles.
[11:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> She nods and gives you a final smile before departing off. Soon, the girls arrive...
[11:19] <Makoto> "Hey, Usagi," Makoto says with a cheerful greeting to her blonde friend, and following with one for Chibi-Usa. "Heya kid."
[11:20] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Come on in, Mako-chan - we're just waiting on Haruka now."
[11:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa waves, but stays silent.
[11:20] <Rei-chan> "Hey, Mako-chan," Rei waves to the brunette as she enters.
[11:20] <Haruka> "Yo," Haruka greets the others with a casual wave as if on cue.
[11:21] <Rei-chan> "Hi, Haruka," Rei gives the other new arrival a wave.
[11:21] <Usagi-chan> "Cool, we're all here." Usagi grins. "Anyone need to do anything before we take off?"
[11:21] * Rei-chan shakes her head.
[11:22] <Haruka> "Nope." Haruka replies.
[11:22] <Makoto> "Not really."
[11:22] <Usagi-chan> "All right then, let's go have some fun!" Usagi declares, leading the small procession out of the house.
[11:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[11:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> The group heads to the carnival lot. As you go, you spy a few other families and groups of friends obviously going as well, not to mention a few really cute couples holding hands on the way.
[11:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> Arriving, you see they have set up a ferris wheel, tons of tents, a few other rides, food stands, a front gate with a ticket seller, all sorts of magnificent things. Chibi Usa's quietness dies the moment she sees that, her eyes excited and sparkling.
[11:25] * Usagi-chan grins herself, looking around at all the food stands hungrily. But, remembering her guest, she turns to the pink-haired girl. "What do you want to do first, Chibi Usa?"
[11:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Looking around, she proves to be her mother's daughter. "I want some cotton candy," she declares, pointing at a stand making cones of just that treat.
[11:27] <Usagi-chan> "I'll second that!" Usagi says with a grin, taking Chibi Usa's hand and leading the way over to the stand.
[11:28] * Rei-chan smiles slightly, noting the similarity in Chibi Usa's hair with the cotton candy as she walks towards the stand alongside Usagi.
[11:29] * Usagi-chan orders a large bag for herself and a smaller one for Chibi Usa, then turns to the others. "Anyone else want some?"
[11:30] <Rei-chan> "I'll just have some of yours," Rei says, eyeing Usagi's large bag.
[11:30] * Haruka bends over to whisper in Rei's ear. "It's like watching cotton candy cannibalism, isn't it?" pointing out the pink glob of sugar being consumed by the pink-haired girl.
[11:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa tears into hers, almost gulping the flimsy candy down with a big smile.
[11:31] * Rei-chan snickers slightly at Haruka's comment. "It is rather striking."
[11:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> Of note, however, she keeps her cone well away from Usagi.
[11:31] * Usagi-chan offers the open bag to Rei and the others, tearing off a good-sized chunk for herself.
[11:32] * Rei-chan tears off a handful of pink candy for herself and starts picking off smaller chunks to eat.
[11:32] * Haruka declines politely. "I'm probably going to go for some of the other edibles around." she says to Usagi, while looking around.
[11:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> There are several more stands, each promising a special treat. Ice cream, funnel cake, hot dogs, hamburgers are the more Western treats, with an equal number of okonomiyaki, tempura, taiyaki and other familiar foods.
[11:35] * Haruka walks over to the stand selling taiyaki, looking to buy about two of the specialty types.
[11:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> The stand is doing decent business, a short, stubby girl manning. "What'cha want, sugar," she drawls, her blonde pigtails similar to Usagi's on a smaller scale.
[11:36] * Makoto simply walks around, not really hungry so far, getting an idea of what's around as the others pig out.
[11:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Finishing her first cotton candy, Chibi Usa looks at Usagi. "Get me another," she half asks, staring at the confections. "Get me a rabbit head shaped one, like Momma does."
[11:38] * Haruka notes the slight similarity, smiling at imagining Usagi looking like this. "I'll take two. One with cheese and the other one with the sweet cream in it."
[11:38] * Usagi-chan crosses her arms. "What do you say?"
[11:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Al'righty," she smiles, getting to work. Not a really cute girl, and the freckles don't help. Nor does the accent.
[11:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> "...Please," she says after a moment, giving Usagi a hopeful look.
[11:40] * Usagi-chan nods, smiling slightly as she places the order.
[11:40] * Rei-chan chuckles a bit, still slowly working her way through her own fairly modest amount of cotton candy.
[11:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> The vendor, a mustached man with a gut and a grin, nods. "Like a rabbit's head?" he asks, as he twirls the sweet treat around a holding cone.
[11:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> Haruka gets her two taiyaki, wrapped in a few napkins each. They smell good...
[11:42] * Usagi-chan nods. "That's what I want, if you can do it."
[11:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Sure thing, miss," he says, twising the candy into a decent mimicry of a rabbit's head.
[11:44] * Haruka bites into cheese taiyaki tentatively, trying not to burn her lip and tongue on the hot, melted cheese. She looks around for where the others might be and to join them if they've drifted apart somewhat.
[11:44] * Usagi-chan grins as she pays the man, handing the cone over to Chibi Usa. "I think this will be all for now though - we can get something else after we go on some of the rides."
[11:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Okay," Chibi Usa nods, tearing into the second bit of candy with the same hunger as the first.
[11:45] <Rei-chan> "What do you want to go on, first?" Rei asks.
[11:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> "The merry-go-round," Chibi Usa chirps up, looking over at the musical, colorful circle of sculpted ponies.
[11:46] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Sounds good to me!" Usagi leads the way over towards the carousel.
[11:48] * Rei-chan follows.
[11:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> The group heads over to said attraction, a bit off to the side of the ferris wheel and the bigger tents. Chibi Usa grins as she dashes on, going for a white unicorn, its horn painted golden... except that she leaves you to pay for her ticket, of course. "This one is cute," she comments as she struggles to mount the unicorn.
[11:48] <Rei-chan> "Need a hand to get on?" Rei asks as the little girl struggles up.
[11:49] * Usagi-chan pays for tickets for the trio, following after Rei and Chibi Usa as soon as she does so.
[11:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I... can..." she starts, but a mistry and a fall on her rear ends that fantasy. The girl sniffles at that, swelling up as if to cry...
[11:51] * Usagi-chan joins the pair. "Hold on a second, Chibi Usa-chan - I'll give you a hand." Usagi smiles, reaching down to pick the girl up and place her on the unicorn's back.
[11:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you do so, she submerges her tears as she is placed on top of the ride, smiling again after a moment.
[11:52] * Usagi-chan climbs up on the horse next to Chibi Usa's, smiling as she waits for the ride to begin.
[11:53] * Rei-chan stands to the side of the ride, watching the pair.
[11:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> The ride begins, Chibi Usa laughing and shouting "Wheee!" as the horses spin around in their path, cheery music coming from the speakers above.
[11:57] * Usagi-chan giggles herself, mostly caught up in Chibi Usa's infectious enthusiasm.
[11:58] * Rei-chan smiles a bit wistfully as she watches the 'mother/daughter' pair having fun on the ride.
[11:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> Though, all things end, and so does the ride. The moment it does, "I wanna go again," Chibi Usa turns to you, insisting. "I wanna go again!"
[11:59] * Usagi-chan grins at that. "Let's try some of the other rides first - we can come back and do this one again in a little while."
[12:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Her smile starts to turn down, a hint of souring. "I wanna go again now!"
[12:01] <Usagi-chan> "Well, you can wait!" Usagi loses her smile rather quickly. "I didn't say we wouldn't go again, just not this second, okay? I'd like to go on the ferris wheel first."
[12:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I wanna go NOW," she insists, starting to look rather unhappy. "Now!"
[12:03] <Usagi-chan> 'Spoiled little thing, isn't she?' Usagi thinks to Rei. "And I said not this second." She gets off her own horse, lifting Chibi Usa off the unicorn after she has her own feet on the ground again.
[12:04] <Rei-chan> 'She is a Princess,' Rei replies, her own smile vanished.
[12:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I wanna go NOW," she cries, insisting and reaching out to the unicorn horse. She's starting to make a bit of a scene...
[12:05] * Usagi-chan tucks the girl under her arm, carrying her off the carousel. "And I said later. It's not going to kill you to wait half an hour." 'Yeah, I wasn't a whole lot better myself way back when,' she thinks to Rei ruefully.
[12:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> Pounding her kiddie fists against your side and rear, Chibi Usa cries and whines tearfully. "I wanna GO NOW! I WANNA RIDE IT AGAIN!"
[12:06] <Rei-chan> 'I thought we kept you in line pretty well, actually,' Rei smiles a bit before frowning at the scene Chibi Usa is making.
[12:06] * Haruka chuckles a bit at the spectacle.
[12:07] * Usagi-chan grumbles. "And I said no! You can wait!" She sighs as she looks over at Rei. 'She'll never learn if I don't set my foot down sooner or later.'
[12:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> "WAH! I WANNA GO NOW!" she continues on, wiggling quite a bit in your grasp! "NOW!" (OOC - Body check, -3 mod.)
[12:08] <Rei-chan> 'Does make you wonder a bit about what Usagi in that other dimension was like if she never put her foot down, doesn't it?' Rei replies.
[12:08] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6-3
[12:08] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6-3 and gets 0."
[12:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi's grip is rock solid, however, the girl reduced to merely making quite a bit of noise and waterworks.
[12:09] <Usagi-chan> "Get a hold of yourself, Chibi Usa - it's not the end of the world, geez." Usagi shakes her head.
[12:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> She continues to wail however as you make you way off the carosel. Man, she has a voice when she gets excited...
[12:11] * Usagi-chan winces slightly at the ungodly racket. 'Sheesh, was I EVER that loud?' she thinks to herself.
[12:11] * Rei-chan walks over as Usagi steps off the merry-go-round. "You can still go on it later, Chibi Usa - but you won't if you keep making such a scene," she says loudly enough to be heard over the child's wailing.
[12:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's no good right now - Chibi Usa seems to be well into a temper tantrum, and mere words won't abate it.
[12:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I WANNA GO ON THE CAROUSEL!"
[12:12] <Usagi-chan> "Well if you don't stop making such a huge scene, I'm going to take you home!" Usagi shouts back.
[12:13] * Makoto turns back as she hears the wails of Chibi Usa. She also raises her eyebrow as Usagi starts shouting back.
[12:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> "WAH!" she cries, giving up on words as she makes the side of your clothing rather damp with tear drops.
[12:14] * Rei-chan shakes her head. "What a little brat..."
[12:15] * Haruka sidles up next to Makoto, still keeping one eye on the confrontation between the two bunnies. "Are we having fun yet?" she asks with a smile.
[12:15] * Usagi-chan shakes her head slightly, keeping her hold on the girl as she dissolves into tears. She shoots a glare at the tall blonde. "Oh yes, loads."
[12:15] * Makoto just shakes her head. "Hey kid, you aren't winning any prizes if you keep acting like that."
[12:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> At least from the sound of it, Chibi Usa is working her way through the bulk of her bitching now. She's starting to wind down.
[12:17] * Haruka feels the daggers in Usagi's gaze and raises both arms up in mock surrender.
[12:17] * Usagi-chan waits for the wailing to subside. "You done yet?"
[12:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> From the now subsidence into sniffles, you guess she is. "Lady," the teen manning the admission counter for the carousel calls out. "Could you come here a moment?"
[12:18] * Usagi-chan heads over to the teenager, still carrying Chibi Usa. "Yes?"
[12:18] * Makoto groans mentally. 'We'd better not get kicked out because of the kid...'
[12:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Lady, if it's all the same to you," he begins, "We'll even if you a break on a second ride's price if it'll stop that sort of tantrum. It's terrible for business."
[12:20] <Usagi-chan> "We'll take you up on it later. Someone needs to learn to be patient first." Usagi offers the boy a wry smile. "Sorry about all the trouble."
[12:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> The guy nods, at least somewhat understandingly. "Lady, if it does happen again...we'll ask you not to come back to this ride."
[12:22] * Usagi-chan nods. "I understand. Sorry again." She heads away from the ride, leaning down to talk to Chibi Usa. "You hear that? If you throw another tantrum like that, NONE of us are going to ride the carousel again."
[12:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> "*Sniff*...But I want to go again," she protests, sounding quite subdued now.
[12:24] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I know you do, honey, but you're going to have to wait. We can't always have everything we want the second we want to have it." She offers the girl a smile.
[12:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa sniffs, but doesn't reply. "Mommy would let me go..." she murmurs
[12:27] <Usagi-chan> "But Mommy isn't here right now." Usagi replies. "You've just got me for now, and I say we can go again later."
[12:27] <Makoto> "Even if you threw a tantrum like you just did, kid?" Makoto pipes up.
[12:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> That seems to do in the last of Chibi Usa's resistance, the small girl just nodding. "Okay..."
[12:28] * Usagi-chan smiles. "That's a good girl. We'll go on a couple of the other rides and then come back to the merry-go-round, all right?"
[12:29] * Makoto smiles. "C'mon, let's go play some stall games, kid. I'll win you a toy or two before you and Usagi come back to the merry-go-round."
[12:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa looks up at Makoto. "Can you get me a big, stuffed rabbit?"
[12:30] * Makoto laughs. "If we find one, I'll do my best."
[12:31] <Usagi-chan> "I bet she'll do it, too. Mako-chan's really good at stuff like that!" Usagi grins.
[12:33] * Makoto tries to recall if she'd seen a stall with a cool looking bunny when she was walking around.
[12:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa nods, yanking for you to let go her hand. "I wanna go with Makoto and win a bunny," she says, tugging at your hand.
[12:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> Makoto - A shooting game did indeed have a large, pink bunny prize. First place, as a matter of fact.
[12:35] <Usagi-chan> "All right, all right." Usagi smiles. "Rei-chan and I will go over and ride the ferris wheel while you guys are doing that then." She lets go of Chibi Usa's hand.
[12:35] <Haruka> "Should we pad the odds?" Haruka asks Makoto, motioning to the shooting game.
[12:35] * Rei-chan blinks, then smiles at Usagi.
[12:36] <Makoto> "Works for me," Makoto says in reply to Haruka, before turning to Usagi and Rei. 'Don't do anything too naughty, Usagi...' she thinks sweetly.
[12:36] * Usagi-chan rolls her eyes. 'I won't do anything you wouldn't do, Mako-chan.' she retorts before turning to Rei. "Come on, let's go!"
[12:37] * Rei-chan nods, taking Usagi's hand as the pair head towards the ferris wheel.
[12:37] <Makoto> Ruffling Chibi-Usa's head, Makoto snorts and grins as Usagi departs. 'That doesn't say much and you know it.'
[12:37] <Makoto> "C'mon, let's go win a bunny rabbit."
[12:38] <Usagi-chan> 'I know,' Usagi replies sunnily as she heads for the ferris wheel with Rei.
[12:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> Smiling at the talented one, Chibi Usa takes Makoto's hand, dragging her to the shooting stall where the first place prize is rather visible. "Win that for me, Makoto?"
[12:39] <Makoto> 'Heh,' Makoto thinks back as she lets go of Chibi-Usa's hand by the stall, and rolls her arm. "You got it, kid."
[12:40] <Makoto> Looking at the stall's manager, she hands the money required to play
[12:40] * Haruka pays the attendant as well to give it a go.
[12:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> The game uses two mounted pistols to hit targets a fair bit away. You get two shots per play, with prizes if you hit the target well, and the grand prize if you get dead center. "Good luck, ladies," the man running it announces as he lets you play.
[12:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Body checks, +2.
[12:42] <Makoto> roll 2d6+2
[12:42] * Hatbot --> "Makoto rolls 2d6+2 and gets 13."
[12:42] <Haruka> roll 2d6+2
[12:42] * Hatbot --> "Haruka rolls 2d6+2 and gets 6."
[12:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> Makoto's two shots both badly miss the mark, one closer to Haruka's target! "Tough luck, ma'am," he comments as Makoto comes up short, and then Haruka lets it loose! One of her shots does decently, hitting the second of seven rings in! "The blonde wins a prize," the man running it declares, getting out a small little frog plushie the size of your hand.
[12:44] <Makoto> "Che!" Makoto states with a shake of her head. "And I'm usually good at this."
[12:44] <Makoto> "One more time!" Makoto says as she slams another bill onto the stall. "I promised the kid her bunny, and she's gonna get a bunny!"
[12:44] * Haruka blinks then frowns a bit at the frog, then lets out a sigh, looking at Chibi-Usa to gauge her reaction.
[12:45] * Makoto makes sure to take careful aim this time.
[12:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa seems utterly uninterested in the frog, staring at Makoto with hopeful eyes as she gets ready to shoot again. "Will you shoot again, ma'am," he asks Haruka before letting Makoto rip.
[12:46] <Haruka> "Well, if she's going, I'll give it another go..." Haruka says, paying the attendant as well.
[12:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> He takes the bills, nodding. "Good luck, ladies."
[12:47] <Makoto> roll 2d6
[12:47] * Hatbot --> "Makoto rolls 2d6 and gets 12."
[12:48] <Haruka> roll 2d6
[12:48] * Hatbot --> "Haruka rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[12:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Makoto pulls her trigger, and instead of the hollow pop of a play bullet, a loud BANG echos! The long barrel of the gun has broken, like a smashed up cigar into pieces straight back! Any shot you made is obviously wasted, and the sound made enough noise to wake the dead! Haruka's first shot before the bang is accurate again, being on the second level of the target again.
[12:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Gah," the poor game runner cries, Chibi Usa shriking back in surprise as well. "Lady, you just busted the gun!"
[12:51] <Makoto> "Hey! Don't blame it on me!" Makoto yells back. "I did the exact same thing as before! You probably just gave me a defective gun!"
[12:52] * Haruka coughs and gives Makoto a sidelong glance, not saying anything aloud, but letting the look convey her thoughts.
[12:53] <Makoto> "What? Not you too?" Makoto cries out as she raises her arms into the sky.
[12:54] <Haruka> "Why, I didn't say anything, Makoto-chan," Haruka says with a sweet smile, seemingly overlooking her companion's animated denials.
[12:54] * Makoto throws Haruka a dirty look.
[12:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sighing, the man begins to unhook the busted gun. "You won another frog, if you want it," the guy comments as he changes guns.
[12:56] * Haruka doesn't let the playful smirk slip as she turns to the attendant. "Can I trade the two frogs in for a different prize?" She grabs the man closer to whisper out of Makoto's hearing. "You know, she's going to keep at it 'til she gets the stuffed rabbit. I suggest you cut your losses if you're smart." Haruka finishes with a sagacious nod.
[12:57] * Makoto twitches. Haruka didn't do a good enough job, considering that she was standing right next to her and all.
[12:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You can trade two second tier prizes for one third tier prize," he nods. "A plush cat," he takes one out, a gray plushie cat, slightly bigger than the frogs.
[12:59] * Makoto takes a deep breath, to calm herself as she starts counting to ten.
[13:00] <Makoto> "Okay, -one- more try. Either third time's the charm, or today's just not my day..."
[13:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Putting in a new gun, he warns. "Lady, if this guns blows too, you're paying for it," he warns.
[13:01] * Haruka sighs defeatedly, moving away from the attendant. Looking down, she looks at Chibi-Usa. "I'm guessing the kitty is no good?" half expecting the child's response.
[13:01] * Makoto calmly puts the money on the stall, grabbing the new gun. "Fine," she says, mantaining her seemingly calm composure even with a dirty look thrown at the manager.
[13:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> She shakes her head, tugging on Makoto's pants. "I want the rabbit," she insists to her, shaking her head at the cat.
[13:01] <Makoto> Taking aim, she calmly centers herself, focusing on the center of the target.
[13:01] <Makoto> roll 2d6-1
[13:01] * Hatbot --> "Makoto rolls 2d6-1 and gets 4."
[13:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Your first shot grazes the target, but the second shot hits the narrow ring just before the bullseye! "Good shot," the stall runner says with a bit of appreciation. "That's good for the Rei plushie," he comments, taking out a two foot tall, blue haired plushie reminscent of one anime show or another.
[13:04] * Makoto sighs. "Better, but still not what I promised..."
[13:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> "If you get two more 2nd place prizes, you can trade all three for the grand prize," he comments.
[13:06] <Haruka> 'Or we could find some random store and buy one cheaper...' Haruka mutters to herself mentally.
[13:06] * Makoto massages her forehead. At this point buying one would be cheaper and less stressful, but..
[13:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Looking up at the Rei plushie with a shake of her head, she yanks on Makoto's pants again. "I want the bunny, Mako-chan. Please?"
[13:08] * Makoto takes a look at Chibi Usa's eyes before looking at the manager. She says nothing as she puts more money on the stall. 'I'm gonna have to diet next week at this rate...' she thinks with a small frown.
[13:09] * Haruka reluctantly pays the attendant once more....
[13:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> He takes the bills under the counter with practised skill. "Good luck, shooters!"
[13:11] <Makoto> roll 2d6-2
[13:11] * Hatbot --> "Makoto rolls 2d6-2 and gets 6."
[13:12] <Haruka> roll 2d6-2
[13:12] * Hatbot --> "Haruka rolls 2d6-2 and gets 6."
[13:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> Makoto's first shot lands in the fourth ring, and Haruka's second in the second ring. "Good shooting," he smiles as he hands out a third frog plushie, and a cabbit plushie for Makoto.
[13:13] <Haruka> "We so suck..." Haruka comments to her partner in futility.
[13:13] * Makoto whimpers.
[13:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> "If you ladies shoot again and get a few more plushies, I'm sure I could trade them for one first place prize," he offers with a chuckle, staring at the small stack of them you've racked up.
[13:14] <Haruka> "Do we dare?" Haruka asks, stretching.
[13:15] * Makoto sighs. "I'm out of juice," she says, before looking at Chibi Usa. "Tell you what, why don't you take a shot? Maybe you'll win the bunny all by yourself, kid."
[13:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> She frowns a bit at your failure, but nods. "Okay, I'll try."
[13:16] * Makoto puts another bill on the stall, while giving a 'You're a weasel...' look at the stall manager.
[13:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> He returns it innocently enough, letting Chibi Usa shoot.
[13:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:17] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[13:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> The shot sucks, not even close to the target. The girl seems to slump after that, sighing as she steps down from the box she used to get that high. "I want that bunny," she sighs, looking at Makoto and Haruka with huge, begging eyes.
[13:19] * Makoto checks her wallet. She's going to have to leech off Usagi for food for once. She puts one more bill in the stall.
[13:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> As she does so, Makoto feels woozy for a few seconds, her stomach acting up with a fierceness. Hunger already...?
[13:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> He takes it, grinning. "Good shooting, ma'am," he comments. Was that a yen sign in his eyes, or was that just you...?
[13:21] <Haruka> 'The eyes! Oh lord it's THE EYE!' Haruka screams mentally. Haruka gives the carnival fiend a tired look and asks, "How much would it cost to buy the stuffed rabbit off of you?"
[13:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm sorry, ma'am," he says, sounding honest, "but I'm not allowed to do that anymore. You have to win it or trade up for it... house rules, I'm afraid."
[13:21] <Makoto> 'I hope a youma eats your soul someday...' Makoto thinks darkly as she takes aim.
[13:21] <Makoto> roll 2d6+2
[13:21] * Hatbot --> "Makoto rolls 2d6+2 and gets 11."
[13:22] * Haruka sighs.
[13:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Two near misses, and Makoto is again down the price of shooting. "Ooooh, tough break," he croons to you.
[13:22] <Makoto> "Bite me."
[13:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Despite that, he grins. "Do you want to shoot for the young lady again, miss?"
[13:23] * Rei-chan approaches the stall, looking a little bit flushed, but also rather cheerful with Usagi in tow. "You guys win the rabbit, yet?" she asks.
[13:24] * Usagi-chan looks over at Makoto, having heard a few choice comments mentally. 'You guys okay?'
[13:24] <Makoto> 'No. This spoony game is rigged.'
[13:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> "No," Chibi Usa says, staring up at the mounted rabbit sample longingly.
[13:25] <Haruka> "Makoto is not having an enjoyable time of it," Haruka says with a light chuckle. "I haven't had much luck either," Haruka says, holding up the frog and cat plushie respectively.
[13:25] <Makoto> "It's not been my day," Makoto says out loud for Rei.
[13:25] <Rei-chan> "It can't be that hard, can it?" Rei asks, glancing speculatively at the targets.
[13:25] * Usagi-chan sighs. 'Figures...' Usagi feels her heart go out to the girl staring up at the rabbit. "What the heck, I'll give it a shot myself." She puts down a bill on the counter.
[13:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> Seven ring targets, with the prime target being just the size of the bullet. Not THAT easy, maybe?
[13:26] <Rei-chan> "Hmmm..." Rei shrugs, "What the hell. I'll give it a shot," she steps up to the counter and hands over a bill of her own.
[13:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Good luck, new players," he croons, taking two more crisp bills.
[13:26] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6-3 (50 ep burn)
[13:26] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6-3 (50 ep burn) and gets 6."
[13:27] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6 burning 20 EP
[13:27] * Hatbot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 burning 20 EP and gets 7."
[13:27] <Rei-chan> do-over!
[13:27] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6 burning 20 EP
[13:27] * Hatbot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 burning 20 EP and gets 5."
[13:27] * Haruka pats her comrade in failure comfortingly. "It's okay, Makoto. We're not REALLY losers... just not winners!" she says with a cheerful grin, munching on the last of her taiyaki, frowning as it's gone cold.
[13:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi fails with both shots, the second missing a seventh place prize by a hair. Rei has better luck, hitting the sixth place ring. "Another frog," he comments, dispensing the plushie to Rei. "Maybe a few more of those and we can make a grand trade," he gestures at the prize Chibi Usa treasures.
[13:29] * Makoto just watches, hoping one of the two has better luck.
[13:29] <Usagi-chan> "Can't we just trade these in and pay for the rest?" Usagi says to the huckster.
[13:29] * Haruka gives Rei her spare frog so that she could do with it as she likes.
[13:29] <Makoto> "Haruka already tried that."
[13:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> As she watches, her stomach rumbles at the smell of Haruka's last taiyaki, another woozy spell hitting her. Damn, you're hungry.
[13:29] * Rei-chan shrugs. "One more, but that's it. I'm not blowing all my money on this." She forks over another bill.
[13:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> He shakes his head. "Sorry, lady. It's against carnival rules."
[13:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> He takes it, letting Rei shoot. "Good luck!"
[13:30] <Usagi-chan> "Are you sure you can't do it just this once?" Usagi pouts a bit.
[13:30] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6 burning 20 EP
[13:30] * Hatbot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 burning 20 EP and gets 9."
[13:30] <Rei-chan> do-over!
[13:30] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6 burning 20 EP
[13:30] * Hatbot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 burning 20 EP and gets 4."
[13:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> Turning to Usagi, he smiles. "Ma'am, it's tempting... but the last time I did that, I got into a mess of trouble.." He's looking away from Rei now, just before she shoots...
[13:31] <Makoto> "I'm going to get something to eat. I'm starving," Makoto finally says. 'Good luck with the weasel..' Before leaving, she leans down, looking at Chibi-Usa with a sad look. "I'm really sorry."
[13:32] * Rei-chan decides to cheat, since the guy's obviously gotten a ton of money from her friends, telekinetically knocking down the 7th ring as she shoots.
[13:32] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6-4
[13:32] * Hatbot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6-4 and gets 3."
[13:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> It works, the owner tearing his gaze away from Usagi in dismay. "Damn, you got the grand prize," he sighs, bending down to get something from under his counter. A moment later, a five foot tall, oversized, bright pink rabbit plushie comes out, wrapped in plastic. "Congratulations, ma'am." A tone of sullen dissapointment colors his words.
[13:34] <Rei-chan> "Don't sound too thrilled to have some satisfied customers for a change," Rei remarks cheerily as she accepts the prize.
[13:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oooh! You got it, Rei-chan!" Chibi Usa giggles, celebrating.
[13:34] * Usagi-chan grins. 'Serves him right.' "Thanks so much!" She gives the man her biggest plastic smile and turns back to the others.
[13:34] * Makoto smiles up at Rei's success, just before she left. "Well, that'll make the food taste a bit better at least."
[13:36] * Rei-chan frowns a bit as she awkwardly holds the plushie, noting that it's a fair bit bigger than Chibi Usa. "Well... I guess I'll hold onto it for now..."
[13:36] * Makoto moves to the closest stall with something decent and cheap to eat.
[13:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa nods. "I can sleep with it and Usagi," the child grins.
[13:37] * Usagi-chan makes a face. "There isn't ROOM for all three of us, my bed isn't THAT big."
[13:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sadly, for Makoto, cheap and carnival don't quite go hand in hand. This will take the last of your pocket cash...
[13:37] * Haruka trots over to Makoto. "I'll treat you." she says.
[13:38] * Makoto sighs as she starts to look at her near empty wallet, before hearing Haruka's offer and hugs the woman tightly. "I love you..." she says.
[13:39] <Haruka> "Tease." Haruka returns with a chuckle, taking out her wallet to buy Makoto the food.
[13:40] * Makoto doesn't comment, instead focusing on her meal.
[13:40] <Rei-chan> Struggling with the oversized plushie, Rei steps away from the stall and towards Makoto and Haruka.
[13:40] <Makoto> roll 2d6
[13:40] * Hatbot --> "Makoto rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[13:41] * Usagi-chan takes Chibi Usa's hand again and follows the other three.
[13:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Can we go back to the carousel now," Chibi Usa gets Usagi's attention, remembering her promise.
[13:41] <Usagi-chan> "I guess so... but we're only going one more time, okay?" Usagi gives the girl a stern look.
[13:42] <Haruka> roll 2d6
[13:42] * Hatbot --> "Haruka rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[13:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> She sighs, but nods reluctantly.
[13:42] * Usagi-chan softens her gaze. "All right then. You want to come this time, Rei-chan?" Usagi looks over at her girlfriend, somewhere behind the giant plushie.
[13:43] * Rei-chan pokes her head around the side of the plushie. "Sure, if someone else will hold this for me..."
[13:43] <Makoto> "We'll watch over the plushie, Rei," Makoto motions for her to go on. "It's the least we can do after our dismal failures."
[13:44] <Rei-chan> "Thanks, guys," Rei smiles, setting it down next to Makoto.
[13:44] * Haruka nods sadly at that. "But isn't this like punishing someone twice over, Makoto?"
[13:45] <Makoto> "I'll get my revenge..." Makoto promises darkly as she finishes her meal. "Oh yes I will..."
[13:45] * Haruka snickers. "I'm sure you will."
[13:45] * Usagi-chan leads the group over to the carousel once again, reminding the attendant of the deal she was offered earlier.
[13:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods, giving you 30% off the tickets. "Have a good ride."
[13:47] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Thanks, we will." She leads Chibi Usa and Rei up onto the platform again. "You want the unicorn again, Chibi Usa-chan?"
[13:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> She nods, already having dashed to it. "It's sooooo cute," she purrs, giggling.
[13:48] <Haruka> "You think Chibi-Usa is going to make another scene?" Haruka asks Makoto, while watching the ride start up.
[13:48] * Usagi-chan helps Chibi Usa up onto the wooden unicorn again before climbing aboard the same horse she was on before.
[13:49] <Makoto> After she finishes the meal, as she cleans her hands on a napkin, she looks to the attendant at the opposite side on the stall, still with that taunting smile. 'Oh yes...revenge will be mine,' Makoto thinks as she calls upon her control of electricity to make the general area inside the stall filled to the brim with static electricity.
[13:49] * Rei-chan gets on the horse in front of Chibi Usa's unicorn, sitting demurely with both her legs off the same side.
[13:49] <Makoto> roll 2d6
[13:49] * Hatbot --> "Makoto rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[13:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> The ride starts up, Chibi Usa lighting up as she riders her unicorn. "Wheeeee!"
[13:51] * Usagi-chan can't help but smile at the little girl's antics as the ride goes on.
[13:51] * Rei-chan smiles, enjoying herself but not getting the same degree of fun as the more easily amused child from the ride.
[13:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> Finally, though, the ride ends. Once it does, Chibi Usa gives Usagi big, pleading eyes again, hoping.
[13:53] * Rei-chan hops off the ride herself, turning to see if Chibi Usa is going to kick up a fuss and hoping Usagi will nip it in the bud.
[13:53] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Not this time. We've already gone twice, Chibi Usa. I know you like it, but we can't stay on this one ride forever. I'm sorry."
[13:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa sighs, but slides off her valiant mount. No fuss this time, at least.
[13:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you maniputate the element of thunder, you feel the energy gathering at the stall. A teenager who had the bad luck to be just playing yelps, getting a shock.
[13:54] * Usagi-chan smiles, glad that Chibi Usa isn't making another scene. She dismounts herself, following the girl off the ride.
[13:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going off, you see Makoto finishing her meal and Haruka looking on, waiting.
[13:57] <Usagi-chan> "You guys want to do anything else while we're here?" Usagi asks as they rejoin Haruka.
[13:59] * Rei-chan looks around at the other rides to see if anything catches her eye.
[13:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> There are a bounty of tents advertising various things, an inside ride thingy that looks like it may be bumper cars, and various other things. An arcade parlor too, maybe.
[14:00] * Usagi-chan spies the bumper cars. "Hey, now THAT looks like fun." She grins. "Want to go do the bumper cars?"
[14:01] <Rei-chan> "Sure," Rei replies. "Someone'll have to look after the rabbit, though." She gestures at the plushie to make it clear which rabbit she refers to.
[14:01] * Haruka looks around to see if there's something of interest to her. Catching Usagi's comment, Haruka replies, "I get enough of that in real life so I'll pass."
[14:01] * Usagi-chan sticks her tongue out at the taller senshi.
[14:02] <Rei-chan> "You can guard the plushie, then," Rei smirks at Haruka.
[14:02] <Haruka> "By your command," Haruka mock bows, returning the Rei's smirk once upright.
[14:03] <Usagi-chan> "Come on, Chibi Usa - let's go give it a try!" Usagi grins down at the pink-haired girl, leading her to the bumper cars.
[14:04] * Rei-chan follows along.
[14:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> Off to the side in the sea of tents is a fortuneteller's tent, advertising fortunes on everything.
[14:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa comes along, smiling with one long last look at her new rabbit.
[14:06] <Usagi-chan> "Don't worry, he'll still be there when we get back." Usagi winks, paying the attendant for three passes.
[14:06] <Haruka> Haruka gives the plush bunny to Makoto to hold onto. "Rei gives it to me and now I give it to you. Enjoy!" Haruka chirps as she makes her way through the crowd to the fortuneteller's tent.
[14:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going to the tent, you see that it's currently open and waiting for you. 'Lady Yomiko's fortunes!' is on the banner, with a note of '600 yen per session'.
[14:09] * Haruka notes the price isn't bad so fishes out the cash to see what 'Lady Yomiko' has to say. Pushing through the tent flaps, Haruka pokes her head in and sees if the fortuneteller is in.
[14:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> She is, a middle aged lady with greying hair, dressed to match - a Gypsy-style outfit, down to a scarf. "Hello, young one," she smiles. "Are you here for Lady Yomiko to read your fortune?"
[14:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> Her hands are over a gaudy crystal ball, decorated with what looks to be golden sparkles, arts-and-crafts style.
[14:12] * Haruka smiles at the thought of a Japanese Gypsy, but responds to the woman. "I am indeed." Haruka walks over and takes a seat across from the woman, hoping the presentation is not indicative of the reading of her fortune.
[14:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Very well... I shall peer into the depths of the future and give you a fortune indeed..." she waves her hand over the ball, a bit of light coming from the bottom of it... oops. She hasn't hidden the small lightbulb under it quite right today.
[14:15] * Haruka keeps the snide remarks to herself, though they do seem to bubble up slightly through the surface of her restraint through the slight twitching of her eyebrows.
[14:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I see... oh! A great tragedy is coming you way soon! Heavens!" she gasps, drawing away from the ball dramatically.
[14:17] * Haruka holds in her chuckle, or was it tears? and plays along with the overdramatic woman. "Oh my! What kind of tragedy?" Haruka holds a hand to her mouth to stifle a gasp, or was it a whimper....
[14:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You have a secret crush, but that person is about to come to an end, like the first crush!" she sighs. "Oh, what a terrible stroke of destiny!"
[14:18] <Haruka> "......"
[14:18] * Haruka frowns, the amusement now gone.
[14:18] <Haruka> "Oh?" she asks, now a bit curious as to what the crackpot of a woman has to say. "Tell me more of this... 'crush'."
[14:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Tall... dark... and pretty, yes, pretty! And... what's this?" she croons, staring deeper into the ball. "But a financial windfall will come you way soon after, to erase the pains!"
[14:22] * Haruka tries to picture the woman described in her head. 'Setsuna?' she wonders to herself. 'No, that doesn't sound right...' she mentally mutters, drawing a blank for anyone else fitting that description. The latter half of that prediction penetrates through her thoughts and she finds herself frowning. "Financial windfall to ease my pains...?"
[14:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes... a distant relative will leave you a fortune! Oh, you lucky thing! Roses head after that, nothing but the best in life!"
[14:27] * Haruka is getting the vague sense that she's being hosed.... "A relative will leave me a fortune? If that entails that I lose a relative then why would I be lucky or happy in that case?" she finishes with a frown, eyeing the woman.
[14:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Um..." she hesitates a moment, her foot working underneath the table as the light surges brighter. "Oh, I see... it's someone you never knew, a long lost aunt living in America! She's worth a billion dollars!"
[14:31] <Haruka> "Right..." Haruka responds with a tired sigh. Changing the subject to throw the woman a curveball, since the fortunetelling wasn't much amusing so far anyway. "So what do you do for a day job anyway?"
[14:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> The woman sighs, slumping. "...Damn. 600 yen, please," she gives up.
[14:34] * Haruka snickers. "You give up too easily. Where was the fun in that?" she grins at the older woman and slides the coins across. "If for nothing else, Lady Yomiko, it was amusing."
[14:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Thanks," she smiles thinly. "Have a good day."
[14:37] * Haruka exits the tent to rejoin Makoto, though now the notion of having her future told has taken hold. "Maybe I could bounce the idea off of Rei..." she said to herself.
[14:38] <Haruka> Haruka takes her place next to Makoto and the giant pink bunny, relieving the girl of her load while waiting for Usagi and the others.
[14:40] * Rei-chan returns to Makoto and Haruka, the two Usagi's in tow. "Hope you guys weren't bored waiting," she says as she nears the pair.
[14:40] * Usagi-chan is giggling with the pink-haired girl as the trio walk up. "Did you guys stay busy while we were gone?"
[14:41] <Haruka> "I was able to amuse myself with a fortunetelling so no boredom here." Haruka says with a chuckle, still seeing the image of the defeated gypsy in her mind's eye.
[14:41] <Rei-chan> "Was it any good?" Rei asks interestedly.
[14:42] <Haruka> "90% bogus, but at least some of it has got me thinking." Haruka answers with a shrug.
[14:42] <Rei-chan> "Well, at least it wasn't a total waste..." Rei says, sounding a bit disappointed.
[14:43] * Usagi-chan giggles. "It'd be funny if you got your fortune told, Rei-chan. I wonder what they'd say to you."
[14:43] <Haruka> "That 10% worries me slightly though..." Haruka responds with a sigh.
[14:44] <Rei-chan> "Oh? What do you mean?" Rei gives Haruka a concerned look.
[14:45] <Haruka> "You have a secret crush, but that person is about to come to an end, like the first crush..." Haruka repeats from memory, shivering at the mental associations her mind was making with that line of though.
[14:46] <Rei-chan> "Bah," Rei waves it off, "That's just easy guesswork - pretty much everyone has had a first crush, and that crush never lasts. It's easy for them to say stuff like that and be accurate most of the time."
[14:47] <Haruka> "I suppose so..." Haruka replies, still a bit disturbed by the words.
[14:49] <Usagi-chan> "If you're still worried about it, why not have Rei tell your fortune? Then you know it'll be right." Usagi says with a smile.
[14:49] <Rei-chan> "I can if you want," Rei offers.
[14:51] * Haruka nods at that. "I think that'd help..." Shaking her head, Haruka dispels the worrisome thoughts for later. "So, did you guys have fun?" she asks with a grin, changing the topic.
[14:52] <Usagi-chan> "Absolutely!" Usagi grins. "Chibi Usa and I double-teamed Rei - she never managed to get either one of us."
[14:53] <Rei-chan> "I wasn't exactly going all out like those two were," Rei says embarrassedly. "I was trying to be nice."
[14:53] <Haruka> "Sad, Rei. Sad." Haruka responds gravely. "Perhaps I'll trade you driving tactics for the fortune," she offers, smirking at the miko's embarassment.
[14:54] * Usagi-chan giggles. "It's bumper cars! You're not SUPPOSED to be nice in that!"
[14:54] <Rei-chan> Rei reddens for a moment, before smirking back at Haruka. "Will I give you shooting tips in return?"
[14:56] * Haruka coughs and has the good grace to look away before her eyes fall on Makoto. 'Well, at least I wasn't as bad as her...' she thinks to herself, smiling slightly. "I'll... er... pass." Haruka says to the miko.
[14:57] <Rei-chan> 'I feel a bit bad, considering I cheated, but what the hell...' Rei thinks to Usagi at Haruka's discomfiture.
[14:58] <Haruka> "Anyhow," Haruka begins. "Are we done for today or do we have other attractions to see, rides to conquer and food booths to pillage?"
[14:58] * Usagi-chan smirks a little at that. 'Well, it's not like we went easy on you with the bumper cars. You WERE trying, we just didn't let you get anywhere.'
[14:59] * Usagi-chan watches Chibi Usa let out a cavernous yawn. "I think we should probably head home myself. Someone's looking a bit worn out."
[15:00] <Haruka> 'Two on one...' Haruka's mind drifts slightly off-tangent into areas of the deviant.
[15:00] <Rei-chan> "Guess so," Rei nods. 'I wasn't trying to get you two! I thought we were on the same side, then you both blindsided me!'
[15:01] <Usagi-chan> 'Well, *I* didn't know she was going to help me so much.' Usagi giggles a bit. 'I just rammed you that first time and she started going after you on her own.'
[15:02] <Haruka> "Makoto looks a bit ragged herself, so I'll walk her home." Haruka turns to Rei and grins. "So Rei-papa can lug the bunny while we bug out then."
[15:02] <Rei-chan> 'You'd think she'd be more appreciative after I got her that bunny, too...' Rei grumbles, her expression matching her mental tone as Haruka says 'Rei-papa'.
[15:04] * Usagi-chan splutters a bit. "Rei-papa?!" She shakes her head. "Anyway, we'll see you guys later." 'Rei-papa.... good lord.'
[15:05] * Rei-chan grimaces, picking up the large bunny. 'My thoughts exactly,' she thinks dourly.
[15:05] <Haruka> "Right, see you again then." Haruka replies through her chuckles, while walking off with Makoto in the other direction.
[15:06] * Usagi-chan shakes her head as the three head off in the direction of Usagi's house.

Halbarad · June 29, 2006, 08:10:26 PM

[15:18] <Usagi-chan> -----
[15:19] <Usagi-chan> A short time later, Chibi Usa has been deposited in Usagi's bed with her new plushie for an afternoon nap, while the older rabbit heads back down the stairs and falls on the couch next to Rei. "That was fun," she smiles. "Except for that temper tantrum."
[15:20] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods. "At least that didn't spoil the whole thing..."
[15:22] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, I know. She might be a princess, but I didn't expect her to be THAT spoiled." Usagi shakes her head. "I wasn't being unreasonable, was I?"
[15:23] <Rei-chan> "Well, there wasn't any real harm in letting her go for a second ride at first, but after you made your decision and she started throwing a tantrum, I think you were right to stick with your decision," Rei says supportively. "If she learns that she can get what she wants if she just shouts loud enough, it's pretty bad..."
[15:24] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I just didn't want us to stay on the carousel all afternoon. I mean, it was fun and all, but I wanted to do other stuff too, you know? Like the ferris wheel." She blushes and grins at Rei.
[15:26] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, that was fun," Rei grins back, "But we could have left her on the carousel while we were doing that. That doesn't really matter, though - it's only a big deal in her mind."
[15:28] <Usagi-chan> "I guess so... I just don't like the idea of leaving her alone since I know those weird sisters followed her here." Usagi frowns. "She may not actually be my daughter, but I do feel kind of attached to her."
[15:28] <Rei-chan> "She wouldn't be alone," Rei points out, "Mako-chan and Haruka would be with her, just like the were when we did go on the ferris wheel."
[15:30] * Usagi-chan nods. "I guess I'm just kind of overprotective of her. Must be my motherly instincts kicking in." That elicits a giggle from the blonde.
[15:30] <Rei-chan> "Heh... I guess..." Rei doesn't sound all that amused, though.
[15:31] * Usagi-chan notes the miko's disposition. "What's wrong, Rei-chan?"
[15:31] <Rei-chan> "Nothing," Rei shakes her head quickly.
[15:32] * Usagi-chan gives her love a curious stare. "You sure?"
[15:32] <Rei-chan> "I'm sure," Rei hastens to reply. "Don't worry about it."
[15:33] * Usagi-chan sighs, not at all convinced. "If you're sure then..." she says glumly.
[15:36] * Rei-chan is silent for a moment before speaking again. "I wonder what her mother's like... the Usagi in that other world..."
[15:38] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "I don't know... I never really asked her about the Usagi from the other world. She's apparently got my appetite, but that's about all I know."
[15:40] <Rei-chan> "Weird that she doesn't even seem to know that Usagi is her mother," Rei comments, "But I was more wondering about the Usagi in the 30th century - Neo Queen Serenity, she called her."
[15:41] <Usagi-chan> "Oh. Well, she hasn't said much about her either - just that she's in some kind of trouble and that she rules Crystal Tokyo, whatever that is." Usagi shrugs.
[15:45] <Rei-chan> "Yeah... with King Endymion..." Rei says, a bit distantly. "Guess he was able to reclaim his place in that other Earth..."
[15:45] * Usagi-chan looks sidelong at Rei. "Is that what has you upset?" she says quietly.
[15:46] <Rei-chan> "Hm?" Rei turns to look full on at Usagi. "Upset? I'm not upset."
[15:47] <Usagi-chan> "Well, you're acting like something's bothering you." Usagi turns towards Rei herself.
[15:49] <Rei-chan> "I guess... a little..." Rei shrugs. "You're not her mother, Usagi. But..." she gives the blonde a slightly hesitant look, "Do you want to be?"
[15:51] * Usagi-chan sighs and leans back on the couch. "I've been thinking about that for a while - not to be HER mother specifically, but to be A mother?" She falls silent for a moment. "I... just don't know."
[15:55] <Rei-chan> "I'd... I'd like to be a mother myself... someday..." Rei says slowly. "But... that's not something we can ever give each other..." A vague ping in the back of her head reminds her of Artemis' brief adventure as Minako and how deeply the disguise magic can work, but she also recalls Usagi's reaction last time she brought that up, so refrains from mentioning it.
[15:58] * Usagi-chan reaches over and takes Rei's hand with a smile. "I'm sure we can work something out when we're ready. I... I do think I'd like to be a mother, someday - but I'm nowhere NEAR ready for that." She shakes her head.
[16:00] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, me either," Rei nods, "And I sure wouldn't consider being with a child unless I was pretty sure I could get by at least nine months without having to rush off and fight monsters..."
[16:03] * Usagi-chan nods. "No kidding." She pauses for a moment, then gets a curious look on her face.
[16:04] * Rei-chan looks askance at Usagi. "What?" she prompts after a moment at her girlfriend's expression.
[16:04] <Usagi-chan> "One thing I just thought of..." She looks over at Rei. "She said her mother is from the 30th century, right?"
[16:05] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods.
[16:06] <Usagi-chan> "If... if the other me is her mother, she'll still be alive to have a child in a thousand years. Does that mean I'M going to live that long too?" Usagi looks a bit taken aback at that.
[16:08] * Rei-chan scratches her head, blinking. "Um... but didn't she also say her mother still had the Silver Crystal? I remember everyone back in the Moon Kingdom used to live for a really long time because of that... I think?" she looks a little uncertain on the exact details.
[16:09] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, I remember people used to live a lot longer than they do now, but I'm not sure if that was the crystal or something else." Usagi shakes her head. "Come to think of it, Mother was still alive until just after Metallia died."
[16:10] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods, "And we've no clue how many thousands of years that must have been..."
[16:10] * Usagi-chan nods. "And she DIDN'T have the crystal after the Kingdom itself fell. Wow, this is kind of weird to think about."
[16:13] * Rei-chan furrows her brow a bit. "I guess... but wasn't she still linked with the Crystal herself until you started using it? I remember Luna saying that's why all her old magic like the seal on Metallia started to deteriorate faster... Or maybe her immortality didn't need a constant influx from the Crystal, just a one-time use of it?"
[16:16] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "I have no idea... I never really understood much about the Ginzuishou while I had it, and it's never really come up again since I lost it. I have no idea what happened to it, and there doesn't seem to be any way to get it back or anything so it's never come up again since then."
[16:16] <Rei-chan> "Hmm..." Rei still looks thoughtful. "And Setsuna's been alive all this time as well. But is it because she doesn't live in normal time, or would she be immortal even if she wasn't always at the Gates of Time?"
[16:19] <Usagi-chan> "I don't know... it's even harder to tell with her because she DOES control time." Usagi ponders aloud. "But... if it IS involved with using the crystal, I HAVE done that - a few times. Even you did in a way, when we actually fought Metallia. You were linked with me when I used it."
[16:21] <Rei-chan> "And even without that, we ARE physically identical to ourselves back in the Silver Millenium - if we retain our appearances and senshi magic, why not whatever it was that let us live so long back then?" Rei bites her lip. "I guess there's no way to test it but to wait thirty years or so and see if we look any older," she chuckles a bit.
[16:22] <Usagi-chan> "We are not identical! I'm cuter now than I was back then!" Usagi poses, the effect rather ruined by the giggle that follows a moment later.
[16:23] <Rei-chan> "Not that I actually paid any attention back then," Rei drawls, "But I think you were just as cute in both lifetimes."
[16:25] <Usagi-chan> "Aww, you're no fun!" Usagi gives her girlfriend a playful swat on the arm.
[16:26] <Rei-chan> "Bah," Rei snorts, seeming a fair bit more relaxed, now. "I just call them like I see them."
[16:27] * Usagi-chan giggles again. "Well, I think YOU'RE definitely better looking now. Although I might be biased."
[16:28] <Rei-chan> "I guess you didn't pay much attention back then, either," Rei pouts, stretching her arms behind her head.
[16:31] * Usagi-chan shoves Rei sideways with a grin. "I didn't have as much of a reason to pay attention back then either."
[16:35] <Rei-chan> Falling over from the shove, Rei winds up sprawled over the couch, her t-shirt hiked up to expose most of her belly. "Well you have plenty reason now, don't you?" she smirks at Usagi, making no move to get up from the rather inviting position she's landed in.
[16:36] * Usagi-chan leans over Rei, looking in her eyes with a grin. "You're right, I do." She places her hands on Rei's sides gently.... and begins to tickle!
[16:38] <Rei-chan> Letting out a shriek, Rei squirms underneath the blonde "Heeheehahee - stop it - heehee!" she protests amid high pitched giggling, though not all-out pants-wetting laughter at this stage.
[16:40] * Usagi-chan subsides quickly, not wanting things to get TOO out of hand while Chibi Usa is sleeping upstairs. She grins down at the miko. "You give?"
[16:41] <Rei-chan> "Yes," Rei nods, pouting. "You're surprisingly cruel at times, you know that?"
[16:41] <Usagi-chan> "I am not!" Usagi protests. "I stopped, didn't I?"
[16:44] <Rei-chan> "Still taking advantage of my weakness," Rei replies. 'Of course I never complain when she just plain takes advantage of me...' the miko thinks to herself, turning even more red than she already was from her laughter of a moment ago.
[16:44] * Usagi-chan blushes rather darkly at that herself. "Rei-chan!" she says in a scandalized tone.
[16:45] <Rei-chan> "Huh?" Rei looks puzzled for a second. "Oh, right... telepathy. Darn," she chuckles lamely.
[16:46] * Usagi-chan grins. "You're terrible, Miss Hino." She sits back to give Rei room to sit up again.
[16:47] * Rei-chan does so. "I really am, aren't I?"
[16:48] * Usagi-chan leans over to give the dark-haired girl a peck on the cheek. "You really are. But I love you anyway." she giggles.
[16:50] <Rei-chan> "I love you, too," Rei smiles sunnily, leaning against Usagi.
[16:53] * Usagi-chan sighs and smiles. "It's nice to have such a peaceful afternoon to enjoy." Thinking over reasons why it WOULDN'T be peaceful brings a thought to her mind. 'I wonder if Luna finished up yet?'
[16:53] <Rei-chan> "Hmm? Luna finished what?" Rei asks, that good old telepathy working both ways.
[16:55] <Usagi-chan> "Huh? Oh, I just gave her a little a little project before we left for the carnival." Usagi smirks. "I just casually asked if I was to, theoretically, leave the door to the attic open, whether she might accidentally sharpen her claws on Eiko's precious wardrobe. Just out of curiosity, of course!"
[16:56] <Rei-chan> "Oh?" Rei arches an eyebrow. "What's your darling cousin done, now?"
[16:57] * Usagi-chan ticks the points off on her fingers. "Well, there's the time she slapped me right before we went to the clothes store. And then she called Mom a bitch. And a slut. AND slapped her."
[16:58] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, and of course the time she threw Luna out into a puddle in the middle of a rainstorm," she adds.
[17:00] * Rei-chan blinks, taking a moment to absorb all that. "She... she slapped you? And your mother? And threw Luna into a puddle, and spoke like that to your mother?" she repeats in a shocked tone.
[17:02] * Usagi-chan nods. "And apparently she's raised enough hell at school to get expelled. From Juuban Middle!" Usagi shakes her head. "Luna wants me to dust her, honestly, but I'm not going THAT far."
[17:02] <Rei-chan> "Well even if you don't kill her, why hasn't she been kicked on a plane back to whatever hellhole spawned her?" Rei asks, unable to believe the bitch could get away with doing all she has. Well, get away with it besides what Usagi just asked Luna to do...
[17:04] <Usagi-chan> "Honestly, I think Mom is about ready to. She said this morning that she hopes Eiko doesn't come home - she just stalked off after calling Mom those names and slapping her. Which is about normal for her, actually."
[17:05] <Rei-chan> "What a brat..." Rei shakes her head in disbelief. "I guess your aunt had a motive besides just letting her daughter see Japan again..."
[17:06] * Usagi-chan sighs. "Wouldn't surprise me... she keeps telling everyone to 'know their place'. I swear, if she tries anything with me again I'm going to show her just what her place is." she mutters.
[17:08] <Rei-chan> "Damn right," Rei nods emphatically. "No way you should take that kind of crap from anyone. I know I sure wouldn't."
[17:09] * Usagi-chan smirks. "Yeah, I know you wouldn't. You'd probably have already cleaned the floor with her if she was staying with you."
[17:12] <Rei-chan> "Heh, probably," Rei chuckles. "Although if I were you I'd probably just wait until she was asleep and then teleport her back to her parents... in fact that might be too nice. There are a lot more... 'educational' places in the world for someone like Eiko to learn her own place..."
[17:12] * Usagi-chan laughs. "Oh man... wonder what she'd think if she woke up on some deserted island somewhere..."
[17:13] <Rei-chan> "Why deserted?" Rei smirks evilly, "I'm sure there are still a few parts of the world that still practice cannibalism."
[17:14] * Usagi-chan giggles. "Yeah, but I'd hate to give the natives a stomachache. She'd probably give them indigestion or something."
[17:15] <Rei-chan> "You're far too kind," Rei snorts.
[17:16] <Usagi-chan> "I know." Usagi says cheerily.
[22:14] <Anastasia> ---
[22:15] <Anastasia> After a bit more playfulness with your wonderful girlfriend, it's getting on towards dinner time. Mom and Dad still aren't home - no idea when they will get home - and you've resorted to watching TV while snacking in place of dinner.
[22:16] <Anastasia> As you watch the antics of two girls in a faraway land, "Usagi," Chibi Usa asks around a yawn, having come down the stairs quietly.
[22:19] * Usagi-chan looks up, her TV watching interrupted. The sight of the sleepy little girl brings a smile to her face. "Hey there, sleepyhead." She smiles. "Have a nice nap?"
[22:22] <Anastasia> "Yes," she murmurs, rubbing her eyes while she plods over the couch, managing her way up with a bit of a struggle. "What are you watching?"
[22:23] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Nothing in particular, really, just killing time waiting for Mom and Dad to come home."
[22:24] <Anastasia> The small girl nods again, blearily staring at the TV. "Usagi-chan...what's wrong with Eiko?" she asks suddenly. "She looks sad."
[22:25] <Usagi-chan> "Huh?" Usagi looks over at Chibi Usa, rather surprised. "When did you see Eiko looking sad?"
[22:26] <Anastasia> Chibi Usa looks down at her sock-clad feet. "All the time," she replies. "She's always alone."
[22:27] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I think she wants to be alone, Chibi Usa-chan. She won't let anyone else get close to her."
[22:28] <Anastasia> "She was mean to me when I tried to talk to her," she agrees quietly. "She's just so sad, though..."
[22:29] <Usagi-chan> "I would be too if I didn't have any friends," Usagi agrees. "But unless she wants to talk, I can't do anything to help her."
[22:30] <Anastasia> Your future daughter/not-daughter simply stays quiet to that, instead focusing on the mindless TV antics for a few minutes. "Usagi-chan... why haven't I seen Mina-chan lately?"
[22:31] * Usagi-chan blows out a long breath at that one. "Minako... left us a while ago."
[22:32] <Anastasia> "But... I miss Mina-chan," Chibi Usa says, kicking her feet in the air. "She always let me pet Artemis, and cheered me up."
[22:33] <Usagi-chan> "I'm sorry, Chibi Usa-chan. She found something else she wanted to do more than being here with us, so she left to go do it." Usagi smiles sadly, stroking the girl's hair. "Artemis is still around though - he stays with Ami-chan now."
[22:34] <Anastasia> Chibi Usa sighs. "But a friend stays through fat and thin," she murmurs, and odd little saying. "Mina-chan liked to say that. She wouldn't leave," she affirms, looking at you with faith in her eyes.
[22:36] * Usagi-chan smiles at the reminder of Minako's malapropisms. "I know, they're supposed to, aren't they? But she really did leave." Usagi feels a leaden feeling inside her at the reminder of Minako's abrupt departure.
[22:36] <Anastasia> A soft whimper escapes Chibi Usa's mouth, the girl looking both down at the floor and downcast. "Can she come back soon? She promised she'd take me shopping."
[22:38] * Usagi-chan draws the little girl into her lap, giving her a gentle hug. "I wish she would, little one, but I don't think she will. She's been gone for a long time now."
[22:39] <Anastasia> Chibi Usa sighs, a sad sound. "Usagi-chan... I miss Mina-chan, Mamo-chan... and..." she sniffles, but doesn't cry. "Mommy and Daddy, too."
[22:42] * Usagi-chan gives Chibi Usa a gentle squeeze. "I know, sweetheart, I know. We're doing everything we can to get you back home and safe."
[22:44] <Anastasia> She returns the squeeze slightly. "Usagi... what happened to Mamo-chan," she asks quietly. "He's not at home here..."
[22:44] * Usagi-chan is a bit surprised. "You went to his apartment?"
[22:45] <Anastasia> She nods, looking up at you. "We used to have fun there... but it's empty now..." Chibi Usa looks extremely sad at that. "It didn't even smell like roses anymore."
[22:47] <Usagi-chan> "No, I expect it didn't," Usagi says quietly. "He went away to stay with.... with Puu," Usagi explains, remembering to use Chibi Usa's name for the Senshi of Time.
[22:48] <Anastasia> "With Puu?" Chibi Usa's face is puzzled. "Why would Mamo-chan go to Puu's house?" She works on that for a minute, puzzled even further. "But Puu and Mamo-chan aren't friends, are they?"
[22:50] <Usagi-chan> "They are here." Usagi smiles a bit at that. 'Probably a bit more than friends by now... at least I hope so.' "It's probably one of the things that's different from the world you come from, Chibi Usa-chan."
[22:50] <Anastasia> "Yeah... I guess so..." she says, still digesting that. "...But... you aren't trying to take Mamo-chan from me here?"
[22:51] * Usagi-chan can't help her face twisting into a wry grin at that idea. "No, definitely not that."
[22:52] <Anastasia> "Good," Chibi Usa says, an abrupt flare of possessive relief in her voice. "Then... can we go visit Puu? Her house is really pretty."
[22:53] <Usagi-chan> "I've never been there myself." Usagi smiles. "What's it like?"
[22:54] <Anastasia> "It's really big - almost as big as the Crystal Palace," she waves her arms apart, as if to encompass such a vast thing in her arms. "She said it's her palace, and it's all green and white and black. She even has ponies there..." Chibi Usa grins at that, a fond memory getting her.
[22:55] * Usagi-chan giggles. "Sounds like it's a really neat place. I don't know if she has anything like that here though - she spends almost all of her time at the Time Gate, from what she tells me."
[22:56] <Anastasia> "Yeah..." she nods. "It's so boring and cold there, too," she comments. "I'd spend all day at that her house if I could, but she's always at the Gate..." Chibi Usa sounds wistful at that, leaning into the couch and smiling.
[22:58] <Usagi-chan> "I'll bet it is. She was really happy that... that Mamo-chan was coming to stay with her there." Usagi stumbles a bit over Endymion's name, not wanting to mention his current name for several reasons.
[22:59] <Anastasia> She nods. "She liked having me over, and Mommy the one time she came with me." Chibi Usa still smiles, lost in her memories.
[23:00] * Usagi-chan runs her fingers through Chibi Usa's pink hair. "What's your Mommy like?" she asks, remembering Rei's question from earlier that day.
[07:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa goes silent again, thinking. "Mommy is a LADY," her voice emphasizes the word. "She's pretty and is nice to me. She takes care of everyone in Crystal Tokyo... I want to be like Mommmy."
[07:51] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Sounds like she's pretty cool then."
[07:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> The girl nods, staring at the TV and not venturing anything more after that.
[07:57] * Usagi-chan settles back on the couch, watching the TV over Chibi Usa's head. A few minutes pass before she speaks again. "So... is the Usagi from the other world a lot different from me?"
[07:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Kind of," she says after a short pause. "She's a hog, a bully, clumsy, spiteful..." Chibi Usa looks away, a bit of sadness. "She... shouldn't be Sailor Moon."
[08:00] * Usagi-chan makes a face. "She's not THAT bad, is she?"
[08:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa just nods, uncomfortable about this and not volunteering any more but her attention to the TV.
[08:04] * Usagi-chan simply sighs and goes back to watching the TV herself, since Chibi Usa doesn't seem to be in the mood to talk any further.
[08:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> Perhaps ten minutes later, Mom and Dad come home, both looking a bit tispy and weary. "Hello, Usagi," Dad grins to you as he goes upstairs, your Mother smiling as well and not looking quite as peaked. "Has Eiko come back?" she asks.
[08:06] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Not that I've seen, and I've been down here since we got back from the carnival."
[08:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> She nods, going into the kitchen without further comment. Passing by Kenji as he goes upstairs, Luna comes down with a rather happy expression on her face. She's GOT to be purring with that sort of self satisfied smirk.
[08:08] * Usagi-chan grins at the look on Luna's face. "Have fun this afternoon, Luna?"
[08:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> She just nods, going into the kitchen with Ikkuko. Is that a bit of black fabric stuck to her hind leg...?
[08:09] * Usagi-chan tries not to giggle at the Mau, instead turning her attention back to the TV.
[08:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[12:16] <Anastasia> The day after the carnival, Usagi's second class of the day is interrupted by a discreet knock on the door, a student aide coming for you. "Miss Tsukino," the teen girl with frame glasses and about two inches too much hair for her pageboy cut says, "You have a phone call from your family."
[12:17] <Usagi-chan> "Huh?" Usagi looks up from her geometry. "Okay, I'll be there in a second." Excusing herself to the teacher, she heads out of the classroom and to the office to get the phone.
[12:17] <Anastasia> The aide leads you to the student office on the floor, where you get to said telephone. "Usagi," your mother asks as you pick up. "Did you see Eiko last night or this morning?"
[12:18] <Usagi-chan> "No, I haven't. Has she been gone all this time?" Usagi asks, somewhat concerned.
[12:19] <Anastasia> "I haven't seen her since yesterday morning," Ikkuko frets slightly. "She didn't come home last night, Usagi-chan."
[12:19] * Usagi-chan sighs. "Do you want me to look for her? I can probably find her without TOO much trouble."
[12:21] <Anastasia> Ikkuko takes a few seconds to reply. "If you want, Usagi. She is family..."
[12:21] <Usagi-chan> "I know." Usagi nods. "She may be a pain, but I don't want to see anything happen to her either."
[12:22] <Anastasia> "Yes... Chisato would never forgive me." With that, she sighs. "I don't want to impose, Usagi... but... at least your Headmaster is a dear. He said you could go leave school today if this matter requires it," she comments.
[12:23] * Usagi-chan smiles wryly. "Yeah, the Professor IS pretty cool about this kind of thing. Anyway, if I'm going to go I'd probably better get started - this might take a while."
[12:25] <Anastasia> "Good luck, Usagi," Ikkuko says over the phone. "If you find her... be careful."
[12:26] <Usagi-chan> "I will. I think I can handle her if she wants to cause any trouble." Usagi says confidently. "I'll give you a call as soon as I find her, okay?"
[12:26] <Anastasia> "Alright, Usagi." Ikkuko hangs up finally, dumping on you another task.
[12:27] * Usagi-chan thanks the student aide and heads out of Mugen, thinking to a certain black-haired student as she departs. 'You busy, Rei-chan?'
[12:28] <Rei-chan> 'I'm in the middle of class...' Rei points out. 'What's up?'
[12:29] <Usagi-chan> 'Just wanted to let you know I'll be out the rest of the day. Eiko's gone missing so I'm out looking for her. I just didn't want you to worry since I won't be in class the rest of the day.'
[12:30] <Rei-chan> 'Right,' Rei nods, unseen by Usagi, 'Yeah, I'd have tried contacting you like this if I hadn't seen you in History... guess I'll be napping in that class today. Good luck finding Eiko... or bad luck if you prefer?'
[12:30] <Usagi-chan> 'I don't know which I'd prefer,' Usagi responds dryly. 'Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes. Later, Rei-chan.'
[12:31] <Rei-chan> 'Bye, Thanks for telling me,' Rei responds before refocusing on her Physics class.
[12:31] <Usagi-chan> Her business with Rei concluded, Usagi heads for Juuban's shopping district to begin her search.
[12:34] <Anastasia> The shopping district buzzes with businessmen, mothers and infants, small children running as there parents shop, vendors... it makes you feel alone with no one else your age around. Aura-wise, you see nothing of note besides an old lady with a touch of skill in magic.
[12:36] * Usagi-chan sighs and heads for the nearest bench to sit down so she can concentrate on her aura sight without looking TOO strange. Once seated, she fixes the look of Eiko's aura in her mind and begins to search throughout the area for it.
[12:36] <Anastasia> OOC - Soul check.
[12:36] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[12:36] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[12:39] <Anastasia> Sifting through the auras like colored slips of paper, you find little of note in the shopping area beyond that one woman.
[12:40] * Usagi-chan tries to expand her search through a wider section of Tokyo, as this area is fairly free of interference - unlike Mugen, where most of the auras are intense enough to make it difficult to distinguish them.
[12:41] <Anastasia> OOC - Soul check +1.
[12:41] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6+1
[12:41] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6+1 and gets 10."
[12:43] <Anastasia> You notice only one other thing that gets your attention, but it's enough to get it with spades. A strong magical aura, somewhere just outside of the shopping district. Vibrant and black with blue bands... quite a kicker.
[12:44] * Usagi-chan scowls slightly, her eyes closed. 'Not Eiko, but I'd probably better check it out anyway.' Rising from the bench, she heads towards the source of the powerful aura.
[12:46] <Anastasia> Going out, you find your trail leading you to a small little toy store. Whoever has that aura is inside... a bit of excitement hits you as you realise now that it's quite strong, enough so that perhaps, just maybe it could be someone to...
[12:46] * Usagi-chan smiles slightly as she heads inside the shop.
[12:48] <Anastasia> Toys and action figures greet you inside, as well as stuffed animals old and new. Besides a register desk in front, it's all shelves full of merchandise, the aura bearer in the back. You'll have to plunge in a bit to find and see said bearer. The man at the shop, a kind-faced thirty year old man, nods to you as you enter. "Hello, Miss."
[12:49] <Usagi-chan> "Hi!" Usagi greets the shopkeeper cheerfully, admiring the stuffed animals as she heads through the shelves in search of the owner of that aura.
[12:51] <Anastasia> "Let me know if you need anything," he calls as you go back. Back there, past the first row of the shelves, you find her. A woman of perhaps her middle twenties, she has silky black hair in a bun, a blue housedress, a tiny nose and a three-year-old at her feet. "I want that one, Momma!" the little girl says, pointing at a stuffed bear.
[12:52] * Usagi-chan blinks in surprise, having expected to find someone a bit younger. Trying to stay nonchalant, she does her best to give the woman's aura a more thorough examination.
[12:53] <Anastasia> OOC - Soul check.
[12:53] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[12:53] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[12:54] <Anastasia> The base of the aura is indeed black, although several sparkling rings of soft, dark blue lace it, like sapphires set in onyx.
[12:55] * Usagi-chan frowns slightly, looking at one of the overstuffed shelves as she attempts to get SOMETHING more specific than that.
[12:55] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[12:55] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[12:58] <Anastasia> "Okay, dear," she smiles down at her child, taking the toy. Her voice is soft but loving towards her daughter. The bands of blue shimmer to your eyes, depths of power in them. Like... a late evening sky, just before the sun paints it in sunset... sky.
[13:01] * Usagi-chan thinks to herself as she crouches down, making a pretense of looking at the toys on the lower shelves. 'Hmm... she's certainly got enough power for it, but... I don't even know her, and... with a child? I don't know if I'd want to do that...'
[13:02] <Anastasia> "Thank you, Mommy," she cries, hugging her mother's waist. "Okay, Kasumi," she smiles down. "Let's go visit Daddy now." With that and a happy cheer from her little Kasumi, the two start to go, walking past you.
[13:03] * Usagi-chan makes a note of what the woman's aura is like, deciding that she'll keep it in mind in case she ever needs to find this woman again. She glances up at the happy pair as they walk past her to get one last good look at the aura.
[13:05] <Anastasia> As they walk past, the child trips, waving her arms a moment before going down hard perhaps three feet away from you. "WAHHHH!" she cries almost instantly, her mother kneeling down in front of her and murmuring soothing words...
[13:06] <Anastasia> "It's a boo boo," she cries, her knee already bruising up lightly. "Mommy..." Looking on it, the woman sighs. "It'll be good once we go to the bathroom, Kasumi-chan.:
[13:07] * Usagi-chan listens in curiously. 'To the bathroom? For a bruise?'
[13:07] <Anastasia> This cheers the child up, her tears abating slightly. "Yay..." At that, she picks Kasumi up, nodding to you. "Sorry about that, Miss."
[13:08] * Usagi-chan smiles brightly. "It's no trouble. Will she be all right?"
[13:08] <Anastasia> The woman nods. "Of course, it's just a small bruise. Nothing to be concerned about."
[13:09] <Usagi-chan> "That's good. I'm sure it'll go away in no time." She gives the child a smile.
[13:11] <Anastasia> "It'll go bye bye once Mommy makes it better," Kasumi chirps, already brightening as she is held. Strangely, the woman colors a bit at that. "That's enough, Kasumi-chan. Sorry again, Miss." With a tiny bow, she turns and starts to walk away.
[13:13] <Usagi-chan> "Mommies make everything better, don't they?" Usagi smiles as the pair departs. 'Can she heal?' She compares the woman's aura with what she can remember of Hotaru's.
[13:14] <Anastasia> You don't see any obvious surface similiarities of note.
[13:15] * Usagi-chan gives the pair a minute or so to head for the bathroom before following herself - not entirely for the purposes of keeping an eye on the pair, either.
[13:16] <Anastasia> The two seemed to have stopped to talk to the owner, who is pointing them to a discreet side door. With a nod, the mother heads to it as you just get to the front.
[13:17] * Usagi-chan heads over to the owner herself. "Do you have a restroom I could use?"
[13:17] <Anastasia> "Right over there," he points at the door already in question.
[13:18] * Usagi-chan nods. "Thanks!" She heads over to the door and goes inside - if it's not locked, of course.
[13:19] <Anastasia> It's not locked, leading into a two door division in a little grotto, a men and a women's room each.
[13:20] * Usagi-chan enters the ladies room and looks for an empty stall in which to do her business - while also keeping an eye on the woman's aura.
[13:22] <Anastasia> The girl is sitting on top of a simple sink insert, while there is a single stall. The mother looks at you, waiting before you go inside to do anything. Once your business is going, you sense a subtle shift in her aura, and a gentle, happy giggle from little Kasumi. "It's cold, Mommy," she laughs.
[13:23] <Anastasia> A bit more sound, and then you hear the girl's shoes hitting the floor as she's let down from the counter. "Thank you, Mommy!"
[13:24] * Usagi-chan smiles. 'She definitely did something there. But somehow I doubt she's going to come right out and tell me all about it.' she thinks wryly.
[13:25] <Anastasia> "Now we'll go see Daddy," she says. "We'll even go and get lunch, too."
[13:26] * Usagi-chan grins. 'Lunch sounds good... but I'll leave them alone when I go eat.' She concludes her business in the stall and flushes, heading out a moment later to wash her hands.
[13:26] <Anastasia> The two are just leaving as you step out, not saying anything as they depart.
[13:28] * Usagi-chan washes up in short order, heading out to a nearby cafe for something to eat. With lunch out of the way, she rests at the outdoor table at the cafe and focuses yet again, in search of Eiko's aura.
[13:29] <Anastasia> OOC - Soul check +1, Usagi.
[13:29] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6+1
[13:29] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6+1 and gets 8."
[13:31] <Anastasia> No Eiko... nothing at all interesting save for a few more very minor magic potentials, not enough to be even noted.
[13:33] * Usagi-chan mutters a rather unladylike curse under her breath. "Well, she's got to be inside Tokyo somewhere..." She thinks for a moment, and then heads for the nearest train station to board the loop line around the city.
[13:33] <Anastasia> This takes about forty-five minutes to reach the next station on the loop, the mostly working travelers giving you an eye as they see your uniform.
[13:34] <Usagi-chan> 'This is going to take all DAY at this rate...' Usagi grumbles to herself as she heads off the train, finding a fairly calm area nearby to begin her search once again.
[13:34] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6+1
[13:34] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6+1 and gets 10."
[13:35] <Anastasia> Not much better. A sprinking of low level magical or unusual auras, but little else. You don't reconize Eiko's around.
[13:36] * Usagi-chan shakes her head, turning her steps back to the train station to try again at the next stop.
[13:36] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6+1
[13:36] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6+1 and gets 8."
[13:37] <Anastasia> The afternoon is getting on as you get out at the Nerima station. Oddly, there are a few more than average slightly stonger than average auras about, but not Eiko.
[13:39] * Usagi-chan sighs and shakes her head. 'Come ON, Eiko - where ARE you?' While the presence of a number of stronger-than-average auras is something of a curiosity, her search for Eiko takes precedence. She returns to the train, heading for the next stop to try once again.
[13:39] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6+1
[13:39] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6+1 and gets 11."
[13:40] <Anastasia> You aren't sure...maybe it was nothing, but you think you may have felt something Eiko like for a moment, just as the chime for 3 PM rang.
[13:40] * Usagi-chan focuses on the vaguest impression, concentrating her search in that direction.
[13:40] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[13:40] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[13:41] <Anastasia> Frowning... was that Eiko? You don't feel her there now, although there is someone with a slightly similiar aura. Was that hit?
[13:42] * Usagi-chan heads over to investigate, as it's the only real lead she's gotten so far.
[13:44] <Anastasia> Going through the district, you head into a mall, where you feel the aura. It's definitly not Eiko as you get closer, but there are a few passing similiarities.
[13:45] * Usagi-chan sighs and shakes her head. abandoning the mall before even finding the other girl. No point in wasting time with it if it ISN'T Eiko - she's already been at this for a few hours. A short walk finds her back at the train station once again, boarding the loop to head to the next district to search again.
[13:45] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6+1
[13:45] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6+1 and gets 7."
[13:46] <Anastasia> As you wait for the train - it's rather late - and start to get on, you blink. That aura... Eiko's on the train?
[13:47] * Usagi-chan narrows her eyes. 'At least it won't take me long to check this one...' she thinks, heading towards the source of the aura.
[13:48] <Anastasia> In the second to front car, to be precise. Entering it, you see Eiko leaning against a punked out teen of maybe 16, enough metal piercings in his body to sink a ship and enough pink hair dye to make Chibi Usa jealous.
[13:49] <Usagi-chan> "Finally!" Usagi says, frowning. "Where the heck have you been, Eiko? Mom's been worried sick!" 'Well, maybe not THAT worried, but still...'
[13:50] <Anastasia> The two have their back kind of towards you, both of them craning to see you. Eiko scowls just a bit at that. "Go away," is the only thing she says before turning back to her companion with a snort to you.
[13:50] <Usagi-chan> "No, I don't think so. You're coming home, Eiko." Usagi says firmly.
[13:51] <Anastasia> "...No." is all she says, her boyfriend turning to you. How in the world do you get a ring in your nose like that, anyway? "Eiko doesn't seem to like you, so why don't you go away? She'll go home when she's good and ready."
[13:52] * Usagi-chan isn't at all intimidated by the metal-studded monstrosity in front of her - although he DOES look worse than the average youma. "I could care less what Eiko does or doesn't like. She's coming home with me."
[13:54] <Anastasia> He sighs a bit. "Look, Eiko obviously wants nothing to do with you. Why don't you respect her wishes and go away? She's certainly proven to be mature enough already," he grins, leering at her body for a moment.
[13:55] * Usagi-chan snorts at that. "What Eiko wants doesn't matter. She's been missing for two days, and she's coming home. Now."
[13:56] <Anastasia> Finally, that seems to get Eiko's attention. She turns, looking dead at you with a strange mix of contempt and honest hatred. "Go. Away. I don't want any part of your little family or house or any of it."
[13:58] <Usagi-chan> "Too bad." Usagi glares right back. "Your mom asked mine to look after you, and my mom asked me to look for you. And you're going home, whether you like it or not."
[13:59] <Anastasia> "Persistant," the metalhead notes. "Look... whatever your name is. Me and Eiko are goin' back to my place for some fun. Unless you want to come along," he gives you a leer to match the one he gave Eiko, "Why don't you go back to brain school?"
[14:01] * Usagi-chan narrows her eyes. "In your dreams, bozo. Eiko is going home with me."
[14:02] <Anastasia> At this point, a lurch signifies the start of the trip. "You can say it all you want," he affirms, wrapping an arm around the girl. "But it ain't happening."
[14:04] * Usagi-chan snorts. "We'll just see about that."
[14:04] <Anastasia> "Whatever," he shrugs, turning his back to you, as Eiko has already.
[14:05] <Anastasia> Of note, your conversation has drawn the attention of a few nearby seats and the travelers on them. None of them are butting in, but they are paying attention now.
[14:06] * Usagi-chan simply crosses her arms and waits, keeping her eyes on the pair.
[14:06] <Anastasia> The train ride goes, the two paying you no mind whatsoever now
[14:07] <Usagi-chan> 'You there, Rei-chan?' Usagi thinks as the train trip goes on.
[14:08] <Rei-chan> 'Hey, Usagi,' the miko's voice comes back. 'You find Eiko?'
[14:09] * Usagi-chan smiles almost imperceptibly, still watching the punk and her cousin. 'Yeah, finally. We're on the train right now - she's with some pierced-up punk who says he's taking Eiko back to his apartment.'
[14:11] <Rei-chan> 'Ugh...' Rei makes a face, 'Considering how long she's been in Japan to have gotten to know anyone, I wonder just why someone would be so kind to her...' Not for Usagi's ears, but well, she's hardly being careful, Rei thinks 'Dirty little slut.'
[14:12] * Usagi-chan suppresses a tiny giggle. 'I heard that, Rei-chan... although I'm not going to argue. You should see this guy... I can't believe ANYONE would choose to hang out with that.'
[14:13] <Rei-chan> 'Yeah, so, what are you going to do?' Rei asks, not at all apologetic over her mental slip. 'Just let her go catch a few diseases with her new friend?'
[14:14] <Usagi-chan> 'Tempting as that is, I'm going to take her home - drag her if I have to. I just hope she doesn't make a scene, although I'm not real confident about that.' She frowns just slightly at that, trying to control her expression as much as possible.
[14:15] <Rei-chan> 'Hmm...' Rei smirks, 'Want a little help in getting her away from her friend?'
[14:15] <Usagi-chan> 'Help? How?' Usagi thinks, rather puzzled.
[14:17] <Rei-chan> 'Well, I can astrally project myself over to where you are, and I'd also be invisible to anyone who doesn't have any supernatural sensitivity. I could make things difficult for our lovebirds, though...' she trails off evilly.
[14:18] * Usagi-chan can't help but grin at that thought. 'Oh man, this I would LOVE to see. You don't mind?'
[14:20] <Rei-chan> 'It's no trouble - I'm teaching Hotaru meditation right now, so she won't miss me for a few minutes...' After a few seconds, Rei's astral form appears in the train, having used her telepathic conversation with Usagi to guide her, invisible to all except Usagi (and anyone else who has a high attunement to the supernatural).
[14:21] * Usagi-chan has to fight to keep from giggling aloud. 'Fancy meeting you here.' She winks over at the astral form of the miko.
[14:21] * Rei-chan winks back, floating over to regard Eiko and her boyfriend. 'Now, what shall I do with these two...' she wonders, smirking. 'Eiko likes to slap people, doesn't she?'
[14:22] <Usagi-chan> 'Oh yes, quite a bit.' Usagi raises a hand to her cheek in memory.
[14:24] <Rei-chan> Nodding, Rei telekinetically takes hold of Eiko's hand. Once she has it grasped, she launches it up at the punk in a full-armed slap to the face.
[14:24] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6-4
[14:24] * Hatbot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6-4 and gets 3."
[14:26] <Anastasia> The slap is quite full-bodied and creates a wonderful sound that causes everyone in the car to turn to the two, the punk's face and neck snapping back. "What the hell," he says, shocked as he recovers his bearings. Eiko stares on at her hand, stunned. "...What?"
[14:28] * Usagi-chan REALLY has to fight a laugh now. 'Oh man, that was great!' A sudden idea strikes her. 'Ooooh.... are they paying attention to me at all?' She looks over at the two to check for herself.
[14:29] <Anastasia> "I don't know," Eiko replies to the guy, sounding shaken. "I didn't..." Nope, not a shred of attention at you now.
[14:30] * Usagi-chan murmurs quietly under her breath, forming an illusion of sound for the two standing next to her. Mimicing Eiko's voice: "I just decided that I didn't want to be seen with a piece of trash like you."
[14:31] <Anastasia> "You little bitch," he hisses, his eyes narrowing, shoving her away from him. "I can't believe I even thought you gave good head!"
[14:32] * Rei-chan claps a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing aloud and alerting people to her disembodied presence.
[14:32] <Anastasia> "Bu...bu..." she stammers, now throughly lost.
[14:33] * Usagi-chan continues on, unable to hide her forming smile. 'Rei-chan, snag his wallet out of his pocket!'
[14:34] <Anastasia> "Why don't you find another place to crash," he suggests, still pissed. "I don't think I want a little whore like you around."
[14:34] <Rei-chan> 'Which pocket? I can't tell where it is just by looking,' Rei points out.
[14:35] <Usagi-chan> 'Never mind, not important now.' Usagi says. Again with Eiko's voice: "Fine with me! God only knows what I'd catch from an asshole like you!"
[14:35] <Anastasia> Eiko's eyes just get wider, while the guy gets up. "Fuck you, slut," he curses, now quite angry and storming off, right past you without a second thought.
[14:36] * Usagi-chan lets the illusion dissipate, a smug smile firmly plastered on her face. "Ready to go home now, Eiko?" she says sweetly.
[08:07] <Anastasia> Slowly turning to you, Eiko's left eyebrow is twitching every second or so, a spasm that contorts with the rest of her face. Shock and anger are playing across said face, raw emotion making it past her normally icy demeanor. "You..." she murmurs intensely...
[08:08] <Usagi-chan> "*I* didn't say anything," Usagi replies.
[08:10] <Anastasia> Another twitch, this one more profound. As that happens, "Excuse me," from the side, near to where Rei's projection is, a subway official in a rinky dink uniform steps in. "Is there a problem here, ma'ams?"
[08:13] <Usagi-chan> "No problem, sir." Usagi replies. "There won't be any more trouble, will there, Eiko?"
[08:17] <Anastasia> A third twitch, this one nearly convusing her entire body. "You..." Again she says this, but this time it's with a low, almost feral growl, her eyes viciously narrow as she stares at you.
[08:17] <Rei-chan> 'She really doesn't look happy,' Rei observes cleverly.
[08:18] * Usagi-chan appears to be quite unperturbed by Eiko's current state, although she doesn't take her eyes off the furious girl. 'No kidding. I don't think I've ever seen her this mad.'
[08:23] <Anastasia> A fourth twitch... and with a feral growl, she lunges across the seat and right at Usagi, screaming like a madwoman!
[08:24] * Usagi-chan merely sidesteps the girl, letting her fly straight past Usagi.
[08:25] * Rei-chan just watches, not really expecting Usagi to need any kind of help, here.
[08:28] <Anastasia> She misses, clattering onto the ground. The train guard moves with surprising speed as Eiko lays on her back, on her and pinning her down with his manly arms. Despite Eiko's struggles and shouts, she's pretty effectively bound. "That's enough, girl," he says, pinning her arms against her back.
[08:28] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I'm really sorry about this, sir," she apologizes to the guard.
[08:32] <Anastasia> Around an outright shriek and buckle by Eiko, the man keeps on her, his uniform cap popping off his head by the force she's putting underneath him. "Take my walkie-talkie on my side," it's in a side pocket, the antenna poking out, "And say "Koji to Car 2."" Again Eiko buckles right after this, struggling like he's a demon intent on ravaging her.
[08:33] * Usagi-chan nods and does as asked, easily spotting the radio by the antenna. "Koji to Car 2," she says into it.
[08:35] <Anastasia> Shortly later, a bulky man that must be at least 250 pounds comes into the car, making holding down Eiko largely academic. Soon after, the train comes to a halt.
[08:36] <Rei-chan> Seeing Eiko seems under control, Rei turns to Usagi. 'I'd better go back and check on how Hotaru's doing. I'll still be able to come back here if you need me, though, so let me know how things go.' That said, she vanishes from the train completely.
[08:36] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. 'I think Eiko won't be going anywhere for a while. Would you mind giving Mom a call and telling her we're in Shinjuku? I don't think we're going to be finishing the trip to Juuban.'
[08:37] <Rei-chan> 'Sure,' Rei's mental voice replies from the Shrine.
[08:40] <Anastasia> By this time, Eiko has calmed down, and after the regular passengers file out, she is escorted away...
[08:41] * Usagi-chan follows the guards holding Eiko off the train.
[08:42] <Anastasia> Taking out out and onto the platform, they let her go. "If you cause trouble again," Koji says gruffly, dusting off his suit. "We'll ring the police for you."
[08:45] <Anastasia> With a quick glare at you and the servicemen, Eiko takes off in a run, seemingly intent on abandoning this entire mess.
[08:45] <Usagi-chan> "Oh no you don't..." Usagi mutters, taking off after the girl.
[08:46] <Anastasia> OOC - Body checks.
[08:46] <Anastasia> roll 2d6
[08:46] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[08:46] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[08:46] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[08:47] <Anastasia> Racing after Eiko down the street, you gain some, but can't quite catch up to her ask you turn the corner down into the well-lit bowels of Shinjuku. (Inconclusive result, really. Another body check for both.)
[08:47] <Anastasia> roll 2d6
[08:47] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[08:47] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6 burning 20 EP
[08:47] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 burning 20 EP and gets 8."
[08:48] <Anastasia> While getting even closer, Eiko still manages to just elude your grasp as you sprint past a computer hardware store, the flashing windows advertising computers galore. (One more time.)
[08:48] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6 burning 20 EP
[08:48] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 burning 20 EP and gets 11."
[08:48] <Anastasia> roll 2d6
[08:48] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[08:51] <Anastasia> Usagi stumbles as she zooms past a TV megacenter store, Eiko going into an alley nearby... but you can tell her wind is running out by the way she's slowing down even as she turns.
[08:51] * Usagi-chan redoubles her efforts as she regains her footing, darting into the alley as she gets a fix on Eiko's aura.
[08:53] <Anastasia> They alley leads into a nest way of alleys between building and such, garbage cans about and splitting of ways - left, right, and straight. Eiko's aura is off to the left.
[08:54] * Usagi-chan keeps it to a steady pace rather than a sprint, knowing that Eiko is probably going to have to stop to catch her breath soon.
[08:55] <Anastasia> Down another alleyway, completely away from the street now, the scent of old trash rotting filling your nose. It's not too bad, it just seems that someone forgot to pick up the garbage back here last week.
[08:56] <Anastasia> The next one is a dead end, and Eiko is there...
[08:57] * Usagi-chan slows it down to a walk, catching her own breath a bit as she steps into the alley containing Eiko. "There's nowhere left to run, Eiko," she says quietly.
[08:58] <Anastasia> Eiko doesn't reply, almost doubled over as she takes in ragged breaths, completely winded.
[08:58] * Usagi-chan approaches the other girl slowly. "Why are you doing this?"
[09:00] <Anastasia> Taking a few more jagged, desperate breaths, Eiko turns to you, straightening up. "You... I hate you," she growls, almost defensively. "I'll do what I damn well please, bitch."
[09:02] <Usagi-chan> "That's pretty obvious," Usagi replies dryly. "I'd like to know WHY you hate me - what did I or Mom or anyone else ever do to you?"
[09:05] <Anastasia> "I don't have to tell a little brainy bitch like you anything," she jeers, now completely recovered from her sprint. Although, instead of contempt, it's more to the tune of anger now. "Go back to fucking your ugly friend, dyke."
[09:07] * Usagi-chan narrows her eyes at that. "No, you're right - you don't have to tell me anything. But you're not going anywhere except home, with me, now." Usagi's tones are low and dangerous now.
[09:09] <Anastasia> "Fuck you, you little queer," she digs deeper, seeing a bit of blood. "Go back to licking your whore and wishing you had a cock."
[09:11] * Usagi-chan simply rolls her eyes. "Get some new insults - those sound like something a fifth grader would use." Usagi approaches the other girl at a slow walk. "Now, are you coming home on your own or am I dragging you?"
[09:14] <Anastasia> "Fuck you," she says again, mustering herself up. "I'm not going back to that shitty house."
[09:15] <Usagi-chan> "Wrong answer. Try again." Usagi says, crossing her arms as she comes to stand a couple of feet away from her obnoxious cousin.
[09:17] <Anastasia> Snarling at you, she glances to the side, darting over to pick up an old, rusty bit of metal piping laying long forgotten in this alley. "Try it."
[09:18] * Usagi-chan narrows her eyes. "You do NOT want to start this, Eiko. Last warning."
[09:19] <Anastasia> She doesn't even reply, but does wave said pipe menacingly.
[09:20] * Usagi-chan shakes her head, dropping into a combat-ready pose.
[09:21] <Anastasia> A tense few seconds as she stares at you, before finally charging! Eiko swings the pipe at you, hoping to get rid of her annoyance.
[09:21] <Anastasia> roll 2d6
[09:21] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[09:21] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[09:21] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[09:22] * Usagi-chan ducks under the wild swing, aiming a fist at Eiko's stomach.
[09:22] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[09:22] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[09:22] <Anastasia> roll 2d6
[09:22] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[09:23] <Anastasia> The fist slams into Eiko's stomach, causing her to double over and fall to her knees, gasping!
[09:26] <Anastasia> A few seconds pass, then Eiko suddenly lunges at you again, that nasty pipe still in hand!
[09:26] <Anastasia> roll 2d6
[09:26] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[09:26] <Anastasia> But she's not even close to you, a good food away from even grazing Usagi.
[09:26] * Usagi-chan crouches down, attempting to sweep Eiko's feet from beneath her.
[09:26] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[09:26] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[09:27] <Usagi-chan> Unfortunately, she misjudges the distance, her foot not quite reaching Eiko.
[09:27] <Anastasia> Steadying herself, she takes another lunge at Usagi!
[09:27] <Anastasia> roll 2d6
[09:27] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[09:27] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[09:27] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 12."
[09:28] <Anastasia> The girl is speedy, the pipe smacking into Usagi's left side, leaving a bruise and knocking her back several steps, her balance damaged!
[09:29] * Usagi-chan growls angrily, driving an open palm straight for Eiko's sternum!
[09:29] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[09:29] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[09:30] <Anastasia> roll 2d6
[09:30] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 12."
[09:31] <Anastasia> Eiko can't even manage to begin to move, the shot getting her directly on! Eiko is knocked off her feet and airborne, landing against the alley wall and not moving when she lands.
[09:32] * Usagi-chan sighs, rubbing her side as she goes to make sure her cousin isn't too seriously injured.
[09:34] <Anastasia> Eiko is down and moaning, and will likely have a terrific bruise on her chest. Despite that, she doesn't look hideously injured.
[09:36] * Usagi-chan mutters. 'Rei-chan?'
[09:36] <Rei-chan> 'Yes?' Rei's mental voice comes back a second later.
[09:37] <Usagi-chan> 'How do you knock someone out without hurting them a lot?' Usagi thinks back, taking the pipe out of Eiko's hand.
[09:37] <Anastasia> Eiko stirs a bit as you do so, her eyes a bit dazed but mostly coherenet.
[09:37] * Rei-chan is silent for a long moment. 'What?'
[09:38] * Usagi-chan sighs, both out loud and mentally. 'Eiko just attacked me with a pipe, and she's kind of dazed right now. I'd rather teleport her home than drag her, but I want her out cold before I do it.'
[09:39] <Rei-chan> 'Um... well there's really no way to physically knock someone out that doesn't hurt, Usagi...' Rei says, sounding a little stunned.
[09:41] * Usagi-chan mutters. 'Well, I don't think I can drag her home all the way from Shinjuku, even if she doesn't struggle - and I definitely expect her to.'
[09:41] * Rei-chan sighs. 'Generally a sharp blow to the head will do the trick, but it's hardly guaranteed...'
[09:43] <Anastasia> As you speak, Eiko shakes her head, as if clearing it..
[09:44] * Usagi-chan frowns, taking a step back from the girl. "You finished yet?" 'Too late to try it now,' she thinks to Rei unhappily.
[09:45] <Rei-chan> 'She really attacked you with a pipe?' Rei asks, that detail only just filtering through.
[09:45] <Anastasia> "Ugh..." she shakes her head a second time, clearing out cobweb after cobweb. "You... fucking... dyke..." she mutters, still shaking it off.
[09:47] <Usagi-chan> 'Yeah, managed to catch me in the side with it once too.' Usagi scowls a bit.
[09:47] <Rei-chan> 'Then why do you care about knocking her out without hurting her?'
[09:48] <Anastasia> A final shake of her head, and Eiko begins to rise to her feet.
[09:49] <Usagi-chan> 'Because I'm not her.' Usagi thinks back. 'She's already gotten herself knocked into a wall for that one, but it didn't knock her out.' She watches her cousin warily, tossing the pipe into the alleyway behind her.
[09:50] <Rei-chan> 'Suit yourself,' Rei gives a mental shrug. 'I know I wouldn't be so considerate to her.'
[09:50] <Anastasia> She staggers a moment, but balances herself, spitting a crimson stained wad of snot out. "For that, bitch, you'll never see your girlfriend again... because I'm gonna cut your face." Despite her cruel words, her main vocal trait is unsteadiness...
[09:53] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "No, you're not." Without further preamble, she launches a punch at Eiko's face.
[09:54] <Anastasia> roll 2d6
[09:54] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[09:55] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[09:55] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[09:55] <Anastasia> roll 2d6+2
[09:55] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6+2 and gets 11."
[09:56] <Anastasia> The blow slams into her face, a bit of blood spurting out of her nose as she falls into a heap and stops moving again.
[09:57] * Usagi-chan crouches down next to the fallen girl, checking to see if she's finally out - and shaking her hand a bit as she does so. 'Fistfighting is definitely not my thing.'
[09:57] <Rei-chan> 'No, I don't think it is,' Rei agrees. 'But blasting her with a Hallation may be a bit too much.'
[09:58] <Anastasia> She's out, and has a nasty bloody nose to match.
[09:59] <Usagi-chan> 'At least she's finally out.' Usagi shakes her head. She glances around the alley to make sure no one else is present, then teleports the pair into the kitchen of her own home.
[10:00] <Anastasia> No one else is around, save perhaps a roach or two in a dark corner.

Halbarad · June 29, 2006, 09:29:55 PM

[10:00] <Anastasia> ---
[10:01] <Anastasia> Arriving in the kitchen, you give a cooking Ikkuko quite a start, your Mom nearly dropping a frosted chocolate cake. "Ah! Usagi, don't DO THAT!"
[10:02] * Usagi-chan stands up with a sigh. "Sorry, Mom - Eiko would have gotten blood on the carpet if I'd brought her into the living room."
[10:04] <Anastasia> Going over to you, she takes in Eiko's ragged, beaten condition. "What happened, Usagi-chan?" she asks, putting the cake on the table.
[10:05] <Usagi-chan> "Found her on a train between Nerima and Shinjuku, and she tried to jump me but the guards kicked her off at Shinjuku station. I followed her there into an alley and she attacked me with a pipe." Usagi rubs her side a bit, frowning.
[10:07] <Anastasia> Seeing your motion and rubbing, "Did she hit you there?" she inquires, concern coloring her voice, not asking any more about Eiko's condition.
[10:08] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, but it's just a bruise." Usagi gives her mother a smile. "Nothing to worry about."
[10:09] <Anastasia> She frowns quite a bit, glaring at her unwanted guest. "Usagi, why don't we take Eiko upstairs first," she decides.
[10:11] * Usagi-chan nods, picking up Eiko and putting her over her own shoulder. "Fine by me." Following her mother, she carries the girl - a bit unsteadily, but without too much trouble - up the stairs to the attic ladder.
[10:13] <Anastasia> Eiko is pretty much dead weight at the moment, but you manage it, plopping her down on her attic bed. "Let's leave her - I'm sure we'll know when she wakes up," Ikkuko sighs, climbing back down.
[10:14] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "I almost just let her go, honestly. Can't we just send her back home or something?"
[10:15] <Anastasia> Ikkuko frowns deeply, a hint of anger marring her motherly features. "Oh, about that. I called DEAR sister Chisato last night," she drawls out, her fists balling up. "Her answering machine said she's touring America for the next two months."
[10:17] <Usagi-chan> "So we CAN'T send her home?" Usagi mutters. "I almost want to take Rei's suggestion and just teleport her to some deserted island somewhere."
[10:18] <Anastasia> Going downstairs, Ikkuko nods strongly. "So do I... hell, Usagi. Can you just leave her in a locked room on the Moon, and magic in food and water every so often?" Interestingly, she sounds quite serious about it as you head into the kitchen, the smell of the freshly baked cake stirring your stomach.
[10:21] * Usagi-chan grins wryly. "It's a tempting idea, that's for sure. Just stick her in a bedroom and drop a barrier over the doorway. Heck, I could close her in the attic that way if you wanted."
[10:23] <Anastasia> Ikkuko stops as she enters the kitchen, thinking, then goes to the refrigerator. "Get yourself a plate and a fork, Usagi," she says as she gets out the milk. "And a set for me, too." Settling down, she replies while cutting the cake. "That's tempting... but it might lead to some questions," she finally says.
[10:24] * Usagi-chan does as requested, getting the plates out of the cupboard. "Yeah, I know." She smiles guiltily. "I have to admit it's kind of fun to think up what I COULD do to her though."
[10:25] <Anastasia> Taking the plates, she gets two nicely big slices for you and one for herself, as well as a glass of milk. "What do you have in mind," she asks, interested.
[10:26] <Usagi-chan> "Well, the deserted island is one thing. I've been thinking about making an illusion where she'll think she's going bald, too." Usagi takes a big bite of her cake.
[10:28] <Anastasia> Mom giggles at that, then tears off a bite of cake for herself. "I considered something like that, minus it being an illusion."
[10:28] * Usagi-chan giggles. "No way! Are you serious?"
[10:29] <Anastasia> She nods. "God help me, I thought about it." Looking right at you, she smiles warmly. "Usagi... I'm not happy with a few of the choices you've made for yourself, but compared to Eiko, you're an angel."
[10:30] * Usagi-chan grins. "Glad I'm not a COMPLETE disappointment then."
[10:31] <Anastasia> She nods. "And... there is Chibi Usa," she muses after that, idly. "Usagi... do you know who her father is?"
[10:32] * Usagi-chan sighs. "Yeah, I do. His name is Mamoru, but he also goes by Endymion."
[10:33] <Anastasia> She ponders that, then nods. "Oh. Well..." she shakes her head, her curiosity sated. "How long is she going to be here now? Any news on that?"
[10:36] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Not sure exactly. The Professor said the machine to get her back to her own world will probably take a couple of weeks to put together, so at least that long."
[10:37] <Anastasia> She nods again, taking some more of her cake down before saying anything else. "I talked to him awhile today," she notes. "He sounds like a really nice man, Usagi."
[10:38] * Usagi-chan smiles. "He really is, he's helped us out a lot. Rei's kind of 'adopted' his daughter as a little sister, too."
[10:40] <Anastasia> "Really," she asks, finishing her piece at not Usagi level speeds, but far faster than usual, cutting a second. "Anyway... I invited him over for dinner, Usagi. He took the offer... I expected him to demur."
[10:41] * Usagi-chan gives her mother a curious look. "Is there something wrong with that?"
[10:42] <Anastasia> "No," she comments right back. "I'd be honored to have such a distingushed man as our guest. I'm just surprised he accepted, I asked on the spur of the moment."
[10:43] * Usagi-chan smiles. "I'm glad he's coming, though. I wanted to ask him myself, but I kept forgetting to check if it was okay with you first."
[10:45] <Anastasia> She nods. "He'll be coming the weekend after next, Saturday." Ikkuko taps her chin thoughtfully with her fork, getting a bit of chocolate icing there. "Do you know what kind of foods he likes, Usagi?"
[10:47] <Usagi-chan> "Um.... not off the top of my head." Usagi shakes her head. "I'll ask him or Hotaru the next time I see them."
[10:48] <Anastasia> Mentally planning already, she goes on. "We'll need to have Eiko somewhere away for this, of course... if she's not gone already."
[10:49] * Usagi-chan frowns. "I'm almost ready to just let her go the next time she takes off. She's just not worth the trouble she causes."
[10:54] <Anastasia> Ikkuko nods. "She almost isn't... if it wasn't for Chisato, I'd have kicked her out last week."
[10:57] <Usagi-chan> "What ARE you going to do about her, though? It's fun to imagine locking her up somewhere, but what else can we really do with her?" Usagi sighs.
[10:59] <Anastasia> Ikkuko is quiet again for a moment, putting down her fork before going on. "Your father and I have discussed getting her an apartment downtown and a small allowance as long she's under our watch," she says finally. "We'll have to cut back at home to pay for it, but with your father's raise a few months ago, we can manage it."
[11:01] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "I guess it'll give us more peace here, but I really hate the idea of giving her what she wants with as obnoxious as she's been."
[11:02] <Anastasia> "I don't, either," Ikkuko concedes, "But I don't really even trust her around here any more. What if she loses control again while you're asleep, or tries something really... stupid?"
[11:04] * Usagi-chan frowns. "I'm more worried about you guys and Chibi Usa. I can take care of myself if I have to, but I really hate the idea of something happening to the rest of you."
[11:05] <Anastasia> "Yes... Eiko isn't stable," she asserts. "Or particularly restrained about showing so when she loses control."
[11:06] * Usagi-chan scowls. "Yeah, the pipe proved that one today if nothing else." She rubs her side again, the soreness already fading.
[11:10] <Anastasia> "We'll decide on it in a few days, regardless," she finally comments, sighing. "Let's not worry about it right now, okay?"
[11:11] * Usagi-chan nods. "Sounds good to me." She heads over to get another slice of cake for herself.
[11:13] <Anastasia> ---
[12:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going right home with Hotaru after school, you shed your day clothes and take on the robes of mikodom, as does Hotaru. As you do so... "Sister," Hotaru calls out into your room as you change. "Can I come in?"
[12:01] <Rei-chan> "Sure," Rei replies.
[12:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> Coming in, you see that she's already changed into her robes. "I talked to Yuuichiro yesterday," she begins, smiling to you nicely. "About meditation and how I should be learning it. Can you teach me, Rei-chan?"
[12:04] <Rei-chan> "I was thinking of starting you on that fairly soon, actually," Rei smiles. "We don't actually have that many chores today, so I guess now is as good a time as any to start with." She nods as she finishes.
[12:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hotaru smiles, a bit of bubbly anticipation spilling over. "Gramps said it's an important part of being a miko, too," she adds in.
[12:08] <Rei-chan> "Not just for being a miko," Rei points out, leading Hotaru outside. "Meditation is excellent for calming yourself and finding peace with the world when you're feeling stressed or upset." She gives a little self-deprecating laugh, "I still need to practice to keep from losing my temper at times."
[12:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hotaru nods at that in the right places, showing her interest. "Yuuichiro said kind of the same thing, sis," Hotaru smiles a bit.
[12:12] * Rei-chan nods as she sits down in the Shrine's garden, patting the ground for Hotaru to do likewise. "Later on I'll teach you more about how to commune with the Kami, but for today we'll be starting with breathing and relaxation exercises, since those are the fundamental basics."
[12:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hotaru nods and sits, putting the other part of what Yuuichiro said about Rei's temper aside for now. "Okay, Rei-chan."
[12:17] <Rei-chan> "Right," Rei thinks back to how her grandfather first introduced her to meditation, all those years ago. "To start with, you need to breathe deeply - from your lower abdomen," she holds a hand over the spot she means on herself, and does just that. "Establish a rhythm that works for you. It's no good if you're just gulping in huge breaths each time, the important thing is to relax."
[12:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> Doing so takes a few efforts, Hotaru taking a few exploratory breaths before settling into a more relaxed, rhythmic pattern. It's not totally on the mark, but it's in the area of where it needs to be.
[12:22] * Rei-chan nods, expecting Hotaru will get better with more practice. "Now, just relax," she says in a quiet, soothing voice, "Turn all your senses inwards... don't ignore the outside world, just... let it pass by you. Focus on yourself."
[12:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> She does so... about ten seconds later, she frowns. "Rei-chan... I can still hear things," she protests.
[12:29] <Rei-chan> "I know," Rei smiles, "Like I said, don't ignore them - if you do it means you're still focusing on them, after a fashion. Just, let things drift by you." She frowns a moment, then brightens, "Like when you're in a really boring class at school, you can hear the teacher making noise, but the words just become a distant blur. Or like when you see something out the corner of your eye - you know it's there, but it doesn't concern you."
[12:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hotaru nods again, a bit uncertain, but tries again...
[12:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> Slowly, she does seem to let things go by... very slowly, anyway.
[12:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> (OOC - THis is when you get paged.) [Ed. Note: Refers to the prior scene with Eiko.]
[12:32] * Rei-chan watches Hotaru, wondering how long she'll last before getting distracted, while holding her conversation with Usagi. After a moment, she closes her own eyes and begins breathing deeply herself, while her consciousness projects itself to the train.
[12:32] <Rei-chan> After about five minutes, Rei opens her eyes to regard Hotaru.
[12:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hotaru is looking at you curiously, frowning. "Big sis," she asks, a bit concerned. "Are you okay?"
[12:35] <Rei-chan> "Oh," Rei blushes, "Sorry about that, Hotaru-chan. I was doing a fairly advanced meditation technique, so I didn't hear you." She bites her lip, "Um, how long have you been trying to get my attention?"
[12:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> "A minute," she says, sighing with relief. "You scared me, Rei-chan."
[12:38] <Rei-chan> "I'm sorry, imouto-chan," Rei says sincerely, "I didn't mean to leave you like that, but Usagi needed me for a few minutes." Brushing that aside, she changes the subject, "So how was your meditation going while I was away?"
[12:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> She looks away for a moment, at her surroundings instead of at you. "It's hard to do it on purpose," she admits. "It's not like when in class you can just let go..."
[12:42] * Rei-chan nods. "It is, isn't it?" she agrees. "After all, how can you focus on nothing when you're focusing on not focusing?" she chuckles a bit. "That's why this is the first step - you need to be able to filter everything out and see your own soul. Once you can do that easily, you can start to extend your inner eye outwards while meditating, to perceive the world more clearly than you might otherwise."
[12:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nodding again at the right places, "It sounds hard," she confesses, playing with the hem of her robe. "I want to do it... but it's going to take a lot of work."
[12:45] <Rei-chan> "Nothing worth doing is ever easy, Hotaru-chan," Rei says, not unkindly. "I've been at this for nearly ten years, after all."
[12:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Daddy said the same thing awhile ago," she muses, thoughtfully, "About when I asked him about his work."
[12:48] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei agrees, "If you want to be good at something, you have to work hard at it." She gives her 'little sister' a bright smile, "And you've been working very hard since you started here at the Shrine, so I'm sure you'll get the hang of this if you keep at it."
[12:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hotaru smiles at the praise. "Thanks, sis," she colors a bit. "I really want to do good here." She thinks a moment, and then smiles. "Oh! And I wanted to ask you something."
[12:52] <Rei-chan> "What's that?" Rei asks pleasantly.
[12:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> She pauses, though, for a moment, cheeks heating slightly. "Yuuichiro said he can't play his guitar here any more because you got mad at him..." she trails off.
[12:53] * Rei-chan frowns a bit. "And...?"
[12:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Well...I was kind of curious why," she finishes. "He wouldn't explain why to me."
[12:55] <Rei-chan> "Because his songs are rude," Rei says flatly. "And even if they weren't rude, they're pretty bad, anyway."
[12:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh," Hotaru murmurs, shrinking back a bit from you at your tone.
[12:56] <Rei-chan> "Don't tell me you actually WANT to listen to his songs?" Rei asks, disbelief evident.
[12:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Ummm... he said he was good," she says, looking at the ground.
[12:58] <Rei-chan> "Just because he said it, doesn't make it true," Rei drawls. "And people certainly don't come to the Shrine to hear songs about..." she colours a bit, "That."
[12:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> In a small, tiny voice, "That? What's that, Rei-chan?" she ventures a peek up at you, blushing.
[13:00] * Rei-chan blushes even more, pressing her index fingers together. "About my private life," she says in a small voice.
[13:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Your private life," she asks further, blushing intensly. "Like...? Um...?" she fumbles, not really getting what Rei was getting at.
[13:02] * Rei-chan coughs. "Like how close I am with Usagi."
[13:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> She blinks, still not quite understanding. "Um... Rei-chan... um... I don't understand." If voice was measured in size, hers would be smaller than an ant now.
[13:06] * Rei-chan puts a hand to her forehead. "She's my girlfriend, Hotaru-chan. I'm a lesbian," she tells the little girl, dearly hoping that Hotaru's read enough shoujo manga to NOT need the term explained.
[13:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hotaru stares a moment. "Um... oneechan... what's a lesbian?" she turns fire red, mumbling her request.
[13:10] <Rei-chan> "Oh, man..." Rei sighs. "Right," she says firmly, "You know how girls and boys go on dates and stuff?" Not waiting for Hotaru to confirm she does indeed know, the older miko goes on, "Well, some boys prefer to go on dates with other boys, and some girls prefer to go on dates with other girls. Girls that do that - like me - are called lesbians." Finished her speech, she hunches down and blushes beet red.
[13:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Um... what's so strange about that?" Hotaru asks, curious now and not blushing so much. "I go out with Rei-chan all the time, and Haruka-chan, Usagi-chan and Daddy, too," she smiles.
[13:12] <Rei-chan> "No, Hotaru-chan," Rei waves her hands in a negative gesture. "That's just what friends do. Dates are what two people in love with each other do."
[13:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh..." Hotaru murmurs, thinking that over. "In love... like Mommy and Daddy were?" she asks, nodding.
[13:16] <Rei-chan> "Yes, like that," Rei nods quickly, glad to have gotten her point across.
[13:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hotaru nods, satisfied for now, although still a bit confused.
[13:18] <Rei-chan> "Okay," Rei sighs in relief, glad to have put that matter to rest. "So, shall we continue practicing meditation?"
[13:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Alright, Rei," she smiles a bit, ready to go on...
[13:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[09:50] <Anastasia> Friday. Sailor Dragon has recovered and had a few visitors, Eiko is still staying up in her room after the incidents Wednesday, and life goes on in general for the girls.
[09:52] <Anastasia> School, homework and chatting, then the walk or drive home. Yep, nothing at all going on out of the ordinary...
[09:52] <Anastasia> Right?
[09:54] <Anastasia> If seeing Chibi Usa running down at the other end of the street and away in a full wail is normal for Usagi, anyway, sure.
[09:55] <Anastasia> Yep, someone just got yelled at and is making haste from the Tsukino residence this late afternoon, even in this heat.
[09:55] * Usagi-chan mutters and takes off after the girl. "Chibi Usa, wait!"
[09:56] <Anastasia> By the time you even start running, Chibi Usa has turned the corner. As you get close to home, you see a nastily snickering Eiko at the edge of the driveway, staring at where Chibi Usa ran off to.
[09:57] * Usagi-chan narrows her eyes. 'I'll deal with her later...' Usagi thinks, putting on an extra turn of speed as she follows the girl around the corner. "Chibi Usa!" she shouts, trying to get her attention.
[09:57] <Anastasia> OOC - Body check, rabbit.
[09:57] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[09:57] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[09:58] <Anastasia> Running as fast as you can, you still find yourself losing ground to Chibi Usa. Whatever spooked and upset her obviously got her adrenaline pumping. Turning the third corner, you see that you've gone out of visual sight with her.
[09:59] * Usagi-chan gets a fix on the child's aura, thankful to whoever might be listening that it's definitely one that stands out.
[09:59] <Anastasia> OOC - Another body check, rabbit.
[10:00] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[10:00] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[10:05] <Anastasia> Four streets, five streets... still barely keeping up at all. Finally... breaking through the sky and your senses is a huge beam of yellow energy, coming straight from Chibi Usa!
[10:05] <Anastasia> Meanwhile...
[10:06] <Anastasia> Be it Herb or Haruka, driving home through the streets of Tokyo, Rei helping Hotaru on her latest task, Makoto tending her garden, or even Ami going to her appointment, this skybeam catches all of their attentions.
[10:08] <Rei-chan> Apologising to Hotaru, Rei transforms into Sailor Mars and races towards the beam as fast as she can, taking the rooftops to avoid drawing too much attention to herself (and because it's generally faster).
[10:10] * Haruka pulls her motorcycle off to the side as she fixes her gaze onto the display of light for a moment before deciding that it can't possibly be a good sign. Gunning the engine of her motorcycle, she heads to the center of the disturbance.
[10:10] * Ami-chan blinks, and pauses mid-step, the yellow beam triggering her memory of Chibi-Usa's arrival. 'Usagi? I can see a bright light... is that Chibi-Usa? Is everything all right?'
[10:11] * Prince_Herb turns his car around and heads for the vicinity of the great skybeam, hoping that it's Cooan and her sister up to no good and that he can administer a sound kicking this time around.
[10:11] * Usagi-chan puts on an extra burst of speed, racing to the site of the beam. 'Yes, she just ran off! I have no idea what's going on - get here as soon as you can!'
[10:12] <Ami-chan> 'On my way!' Ami responds instantly, ducking in behind a building. Checking to ensure she's not being observed, she transforms, and takes to the rooftops as well...
[10:13] <Anastasia> Meanwhile again...
[10:16] <Anastasia> Usagi races after Chibi Usa, ending up at a small concrete bridge over a little sunken street. Chibi Usa is in the middle of the bridge, with Beruche on one end, furthest from you, and the fashion victim from Bob-Floy on the near end. Chibi Usa is whimpering, glancing at the two with fear. "It's time to come home, lost rabbit," Beruche calls gently.
[10:17] * Usagi-chan ducks back into an alley for the briefest of moments to transform.
[10:17] <Anastasia> "No!" Chibi Usa wails, hugging her now out Luna-P fearfully.
[10:18] * Sailor_Moon emerges from the alley, leaping over the fashion disaster to land next to Chibi Usa. "Back off, creeps!"
[10:20] <Anastasia> Said fashion disaster takes a wary step back at the appearance of Sailor Moon. "My, Cooan! We can't seem to get rid of these Sailors here, can we," Beruche comments, as she idly begins drawing in her magical might. Chibi Usa glomps onto your leg, happy to have an out from these dreaded sisters. (OOC - Initiative.)
[10:20] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[10:20] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 16."
[10:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[10:24] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[10:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[10:24] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[10:29] * Sailor_Moon realizes that there's no way she can fight both sisters AND protect Chibi Usa, and so drops to a crouch, placing her arms around Chibi Usa as she erects the strongest energy barrier around the two of them that she can. "Just hang on, Chibi Usa-chan. The others will be here in just a minute."
[10:31] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[10:31] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[10:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> Flickering into existance, your golden yellow barrier springs into being!
[10:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> Soon, though, the yellow fades away, leaving a pristine white barrier to protect Usagi!
[10:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She's hiding," Cooan calls, mocking a bit as she gathers her Black Fire to roast Sailor Moon!
[10:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[10:33] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[10:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> Flames of blackness rail against the barrier, inflicting damage! (48 damage.)
[10:35] <Sailor_Moon> The barrier holds fast, flickering only slightly as the flames pound against it.
[10:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> Despite her assault, it holds firm. "That's nothing, sis," Beruche chides gently. Beruche spins once on her toes, waves of black water coming from her at the barrier!
[10:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[10:36] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[10:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Washing over said barrier, the blackness causes more energy to be lost to the assault! (48 damage.)
[10:38] <Sailor_Moon> 'Move it, guys, they're both here!' Usagi thinks to her friends. 'I've got Chibi Usa and myself covered, but I don't know how long I can hold out!'
[10:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> "This is annoying," Cooan complains, powering up again. Beruche nods, her own magic manifesting.
[10:39] <Sailor_Mars> 'I'm coming as fast as I can,' Rei replies breathlessly (despite it being a mental voice), leaping from rooftop to rooftop as she hurries towards the battle.
[10:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "My, then let's really rock them," Beruche nods. "Ready, Cooan?"
[10:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[10:40] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[10:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> Extending her hand, a ball of fire flies up from Cooan's hand, right above Sailor Moon! "Burning..."
[10:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[10:41] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[10:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hailstorm!" Beruche finishes, ice wrapping around the fireball, then the almost meteorlike mass slamming down hard against Usagi's barrier! (192 damage)
[10:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi's barrier stammers and flickers against that assault, but barely holds. Cooan takes in several breaths after that, glaring. "It's still up after that?"
[10:47] * Sailor_Moon murmurs into Chibi Usa's ear. "Hold on tight, Chibi Usa-chan."
[10:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Stronger that I though..." Beruche nods. "But I say that it can't take another one of those," Beruche nods to Cooan.
[10:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Initiative, while I...
[10:48] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[10:48] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 18."
[10:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Reaching a little concrete bridge above a small street, Haruka sees those two sisters pounding on some sort of white barrier, a massive attack crushing down on it from above as she stops her motorcycle.
[10:50] <Haruka> Haruka brings the bike to a skidding halt at the sight. Taking hold of her transformation pen, she shouts her familiar phrase as golden light envelops her form. "Uranus Planet Power, Make Up!"
[10:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[10:51] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 4."
[10:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[10:51] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[10:54] * Sailor_Uranus raises her fist into the air as a globe of golden energy gathers and releases! "World Shaking!"
[10:54] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[10:54] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[10:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[10:57] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[10:57] <Sailor_Uranus> The World Shaking streaks along the ground before lifting off towards Beruche, who has her back turned!
[10:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Catching the girl's backside, World Shaking sends her a few feet forward into the air before she hands hard, face down on the bridge!
[11:00] * Sailor_Uranus strikes a casual pose at her opponents. "Invited by a New Age, to pass judgement, I am Sailor Uranus!" she finishes it off with a casual brush back of her hair.
[11:02] <Sailor_Moon> "Thank god!" Usagi says. Quickly dropping the barrier, she gathers the rest of her strength and leaps for the rooftops behind Haruka.
[11:02] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6-2 (acrobatics, burning 30 EP for body)
[11:02] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6-2 (acrobatics, burning 30 EP for body) and gets 9."
[11:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> Exerting all of her energy as she takes Chibi Usa, Sailor Moon makes a mighty leap to the roof. But... perhaps she was a bit worn by the Sister's assault, or just misaimed her jump slightly. Regardless of how and why, Usagi undershoots it, landing just in front of a squat, one story building she was going for, landing a touch hard.
[11:06] * Sailor_Uranus calls out worriedly. "Sailor Moon, are you okay!?"
[11:06] * Sailor_Moon breathes heavily. "I'm all right, but I can't fight and protect Chibi Usa at the same time!" she calls back.
[11:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Picking herself up with a cough, Beruche gets up. "Ugh... Cooan, I think the odds are getting are getting nasty," she comments.
[11:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> Cooan glares over at Chibi Usa. "Next time, kid," she says, vanishing in a plume of black fire. Beruche follows suit in a sprinkling of black water, gone from view.
[11:10] * Sailor_Moon releases the child, gathering her strength as she stands up.
[11:10] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6 for rejuv
[11:10] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 for rejuv and gets 8."
[11:12] <Sailor_Mars> Leaping down, coincidentally from the same rooftop Usagi was aiming for, Rei lands beside the pair. "What happened?" she asks, looking around for any sign of the enemy.
[11:13] <Sailor_Moon> "Two of those sisters had Chibi Usa trapped down on the bridge," Usagi replies, looking a bit drained. "I managed to hold them off until Haruka arrived."
[11:13] * Sailor_Mercury drops down from another nearby rooftop, and hurries over. "Are you alright?" She asks Usagi, noting the blonde's harried look.
[11:13] * Sailor_Dragon arrives moments later
[11:13] <Sailor_Dragon> "Your majesty, did we arrive too late?"
[11:13] * Sailor_Moon nods. "Yeah, just kind of tired. Are you all right, Chibi Usa?" She kneels down next to the girl again.
[11:14] <Sailor_Uranus> "I'm just glad you weren't hurt," Haruka tells Usagi, letting out a tired, nervous breath.
[11:14] <Sailor_Dragon> "Chibi Usa?" Sailor_Dragon asks.
[11:15] <Sailor_Mars> Looking Usagi over and seeing she only looks a bit tired, and Chibi Usa seems likewise unhurt, Rei smiles. "I'm glad you handled things well enough," she nods her appreciation to Haruka as well. "Sorry I didn't arrive faster myself," she adds.
[11:17] * Sailor_Mercury nods to Haruka, and smiles, before noting the child is still quiet...
[11:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa is still more or less holding onto Usagi, quiet.
[11:19] * Sailor_Moon gives the child a gentle hug. "It's all right now, Chibi Usa - they're gone now."
[11:19] <Sailor_Mercury> Silently, Ami crouches nearby, but not near enough to spook Chibi Usa, and withdraws her computer to scan the child for injury, or any irregularity.
[11:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa returns the hug, still quiet.
[11:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> Mercury - Besides her 'normal' readings, nothing of note.
[11:21] * Sailor_Moon sighs, picking the girl up and heading for a nearby alley to detransform.
[11:21] * Sailor_Mars looks around to see whether it's safe to detransform, or if they should make haste to leave before drawing a crowd.
[11:22] * Sailor_Dragon detransforms in the cover of another alley
[11:22] * Sailor_Mercury closes her computer and nods to herself, and moves off to the cover of the alleys to drop her own transformation.
[11:23] * Sailor_Uranus stretches exaggeratedly with a grin. "Yet another day saved by the ever beautiful and talented senshi." Haruka makes note of where her motorcycle is before finding a quiet place to drop the transformation.
[11:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> There look to be a few spectators just arriving, but nothing critical if you're discreet.
[11:24] * Sailor_Mars also heads off to find a quiet place to detransform, before swinging round to rejoin Usagi and Chibi Usa.
[11:24] * Usagi-chan gives Chibi Usa a sad look. "What did Eiko do?"
[11:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa murmurs softly, looking away.
[11:26] * Prince_Herb comes back to find the queen
[11:27] <Usagi-chan> "What was that? I couldn't hear you." Usagi leans a little closer to Chibi Usa's face.
[11:28] * Rei-chan gives the child a concerned look, wondering how badly spooked she must have been by her close brush with those sisters.
[11:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She called me nasty names," the child finally supplies. "Things that Mommy said I shouldn't say..." Chibi Usa's voice is tiny, and rather hurt.
[11:33] * Rei-chan blinks, wondering what the conversation is about.
[11:33] * Usagi-chan frowns. "I'm not surprised. I'll make sure she doesn't call you any more names, Chibi Usa-chan." She strokes the girl's pink hair gently.
[11:34] <Rei-chan> "Eiko?" Rei guesses aloud.
[11:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa sighs. "She said she hates me," the child comments, sad and hugging her Luna-P.
[11:36] * Prince_Herb watches quietly, saying nothing
[11:36] <Rei-chan> "Eiko seems to hate everyone," Rei snorts.
[11:36] * Usagi-chan smiles wryly. "She says she hates me too, and Mom, so you've got good company. Don't worry about it too much."
[11:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Really...?" Chibi Usa looks up at you with surprised eyes.
[11:40] <Usagi-chan> "Really." Usagi smiles. 'And she's probably going to hate me even more after I get through with her,' Usagi thinks angrily.
[11:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> The child nods, putting down her Luna-P. "Can... we go for ice cream," she asks suddenly. "I'm hungry."
[11:42] * Usagi-chan grins. "A girl after my own heart! Ice cream sounds like a REALLY good idea to me." She looks around at the rest of the senshi. "Anyone else want to come?"
[11:43] <Rei-chan> "I'd like to, but I left Hotaru back at the Shrine in a bit of a rush," Rei replies. "I really should get back to her."
[11:43] * Usagi-chan looks a little sad at that, but nods. "It's okay, I understand."
[11:43] <Prince_Herb> "I'll come along," Herb offers, chivalrously.
[11:46] * Ami-chan checks her watch, and smiles ruefully. "Well, I think it's too late to make my appointment, so I can come..."
[11:46] * Usagi-chan gives Ami a wry smile. "Sorry we made you late, but I'll treat you to make up for it, how's that?"
[11:47] * Ami-chan laughs softly, and waves dismissively. "I'm not sorry I missed it, if you're safe." she murmurs, blushing.
[11:47] <Rei-chan> "Bye, guys," Rei waves, starting to walk back to the Shrine, hoping Hotaru didn't worry too much about her sudden departure.
[11:49] * Usagi-chan waves to Rei, then turns to the two remaining senshi. "Come on, we can go to that ice cream shop - at least we know it won't have any dark energy now." She grins slightly.
[11:50] * Ami-chan nods, sighing slightly. "A little paranoia is healthy, it seems." she smiles.
[11:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> The ice cream-ing goes by well enough, all concerned enjoying a nice snack. Finally, though, it's down to Usagi and Chibi Usa heading home, the girl a bit more bouyant now.
[11:56] * Usagi-chan walks back towards home, holding Chibi Usa's hand. "Mint chocolate chip, mmm..." she smiles in recollection.
[11:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa smiles, having demolished two cones of the same. "It's good," she agrees, skipping a bit.
[11:59] * Ami-chan follows along beside the pair, smiling slightly as she sips from a bottle of iced coffee - moving with a bit more energy in her step than usual.
[12:00] * Usagi-chan turns in at the gate to her house, letting Chibi Usa and Ami go in ahead of her. "I'm home!" she calls out as she comes inside.
[12:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hello, Usagi," Ikkuko calls out from the kitchen. "You're just in time for dinner!"
[12:01] <Usagi-chan> "Cool. Is it okay if Ami-chan stays for dinner then?" Usagi smiles.
[12:01] * Ami-chan slips off her shoes and enters, hesitating slightly at the conversation.
[12:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Sure, Usagi," she calls again, pleasantly. "Is Chibi Usa with you?"
[12:03] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, we brought her home." Usagi heads over into the kitchen so she doesn't have to keep shouting through the house. "Speaking of that, where's Eiko? Still here?"
[12:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ikkuko, who is just setting the food down - meat and stir fried vegetables tonight - darkens slightly. "She's out," Ikkuko says bluntly, then smiles to Ami. "Hello, Ami."
[12:05] * Ami-chan bows. "Hello, Tsukino-san. Thank you for having me..." She replies, smiling slightly, and glancing at Usagi in mild puzzlement.
[12:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> A moment later, Kenji enters, Shingo on his heels. "Smells good, dear," she says as he sits down, then smiles to Ami and nods.
[12:06] * Usagi-chan's face darkens a bit. "I'll be going out to find her after dinner then."
[12:06] <Ami-chan> 'Has it gotten that bad?' Ami asks while bowing to Kenji.
[12:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ikkuko sends you a look, but lets that comment go for now, instead making everyone's plates up. "How was your day, Usagi," Kenji begins, filling in the gap.
[12:08] <Usagi-chan> 'She attacked me with a pipe on Wednesday after Mom sent me out to look for her, and it was thanks to her calling Chibi Usa names that she ran off and almost got herself caught.' Usagi replies mentally. "Little bit busier than I would have liked, but everything's okay now." Usagi smiles a bit as she takes her seat.
[12:09] * Ami-chan has no reply to that, looking stunned as she sits down as well.
[12:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Good," he says, ruffling Chibi Usa's hair as she sits down next to Kenji. "Chibi Usa, how was your day? Is your Aunt Ikkuko still helping you learn to cook?"
[12:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa nods, smiling at that. "I learned how to make peanut butter cookies today," she says, looking up at your mother fondly.
[12:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Really? How did they come out?" Chibi Usa smiles, turning to Shingo. "Shingo-kun ate them all..." is all Chibi Usa says.
[12:13] <Usagi-chan> "Shingo!" Usagi scolds her younger brother.
[12:14] * Ami-chan smiles faintly, glancing over at Shingo. "They must have been very good, if he ate them all," she notes.
[12:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> Shingo snorts. "They were! Better than Usagi's cookies of bathroom DOOM," he jeers at her, digging into his rice.
[12:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Shingo," Ikkuko warns, sighing. "Don't start tonight." She puts down her chopsticks, rubbing her forehead.
[12:17] <Usagi-chan> "Please. I've had enough headaches for one day myself." Usagi mutters.
[12:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> "But MOOOOM!" Shingo replies immediately, whining. "Usagi's cookies are TOXIC! She should throw them at those monsters instead of her tiara!"
[12:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> "SHINGO," Ikkuko half grates out, half shouts. "Room. Now."
[12:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> "But..." he tries to fight back, but is cut off.
[12:19] * Usagi-chan scowls deeply. "You do NOT want to get on my bad side tonight, Shingo." Usagi growls.
[12:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I have had ENOUGH disrespect around here lately," she cuts him off. "You're room grounded for the night, and it's for the weekend if you don't go now and be quiet."
[12:19] * Ami-chan doesn't comment, and turns her attention back to the food, listening quietly.
[12:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> He opens his mouth to reply, but thinks better of it. Instead, he gets up, a angry grimace on his face as he goes upstairs.
[12:20] * Usagi-chan gives Ami an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that, Ami-chan."
[12:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Kenji nods to Usagi's words and smiles at Ami, before turning to his wife. "Is something wrong, dear," he asks gently.
[12:21] * Ami-chan shakes her head and smiles. "It's all right. I understand."
[12:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ikkuko sighs, again rubbing her temple. "I'm just tired, dear. If you could..." she stands up, pushing her plate in. "put away dinner when you and Usagi are done. I think I should lay down. My apologies, Ami," she manages to finish with a thin smile, leaving herself.
[12:22] * Ami-chan nods quietly.
[12:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once she's gone, Dad just shakes his head himself. "I'm sorry you had to see that, Ami. Eiko just has Ikkuko on a terrible edge lately."
[12:23] * Usagi-chan frowns. "I just hope we can figure out what to DO with her."
[12:25] * Ami-chan nods. "Usagi-chan has told me some of it. I understand." She blinks at Usagi. "Are you planning something?" she asks curiously, hesitant about probing a sensitive subject.
[12:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nodding to the both of you, he speaks. "We're going to provide Eiko with her own apartment and a small living allowance... we're almost washing our hands of her." He doesn't look overly thrilled about it, resigned if anything. "She can't stay here."
[12:26] * Usagi-chan glances over at Chibi Usa, then switches to mental conversation. 'I plan on going out there tonight and making damn sure she never tries anything like that with Chibi Usa again. And then I'll drag what's left of her home,' she replies.
[12:28] * Ami-chan looks slightly surprised and nods to Kenji. "That must have been a difficult decision to make..." she offers sympathetically. 'Usagi...is that safe?' she thinks, a bit worried.
[12:30] <Usagi-chan> 'Not for her,' Usagi replies thinly. "I just wish we knew where Aunt Chisato was... I don't even want her to be in the same CITY." Usagi grumbles.
[12:31] <Ami-chan> Ami blinks, and turns to look at Usagi. 'You can't find her mother?' She clarifies curiously.
[12:31] <Usagi-chan> 'She's touring America and didn't leave any way to reach her. Mom tried to call her to send Eiko back, but she only got an answering machine.' Usagi replies.
[12:34] * Ami-chan looks slightly stunned at that. 'That's... irresponsible...' she thinks, then shakes her head. 'Though, I suppose in this situation, 'cowardly' might fit better...' she sighs.
[12:35] * Usagi-chan smiles thinly. 'Probably right about that. Now WE'RE the lucky ones who have to deal with the bitch.'
[12:36] <Ami-chan> 'I wish I could help... the cost will be a burden on your parents...' Ami muses. 'I wonder...'
[12:37] <Usagi-chan> 'Yeah, I know - I'm not really looking forward to it. I'm thinking about asking Artemis to dip into the Moon fund if things get too tight.' Usagi frowns.
[12:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> Working away at his food, Kenji finally interrupts your mental conversation. "Usagi, how are your studies going?"
[12:39] <Usagi-chan> "Pretty good. Geology is a real pain in the neck, but everything else is going okay." Usagi replies, smiling a bit.
[12:39] * Ami-chan turns her attention back to Kenji, and resumes eating. 'I don't know how effective I could be... but if you like, I could try and locate her mother...' Ami offers.
[12:39] <Usagi-chan> 'You really think you could do that? Heck, I'd teleport her back to her mom in a heartbeat if we knew where she was.' Usagi replies.
[12:41] <Ami-chan> 'I don't know how sucessful I would be, but I can try, if you can supply me with some information on her... unless she's taken extreme steps to hide, there might be a record somewhere.' Ami notes, and smiles sheepishly.
[12:43] <Usagi-chan> 'That would be great!' Usagi gives Ami a smile. 'Yeah, I can give you her name and all that stuff after dinner if you want. But you don't have to - I know you're busy with a lot of other stuff.'
[12:45] * Ami-chan shakes her head. 'I have a little free time now that we're not going to the moon as often.' She observes. 'Even if I didn't, I'd say this qualifies as important.'
[12:46] <Usagi-chan> 'Well, I'd really appreciate it if you would. Eiko's driving us ALL nuts.' Usagi sighs.
[12:48] * Ami-chan nods. 'I'll work it in, somewhere.' she promises. 'But... I can't promise results.' she sighs, pondering... 'Oh! Viluy! She's excellent with computers...would you mind me enlisting her?'
[12:49] <Usagi-chan> 'No, go ahead if you want. It's not like Eiko's some big secret or something.' Usagi smiles a bit.
[12:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Kenji nods and smiles. "Ami, are you helping Usagi do well?"
[12:52] * Ami-chan smiles and shakes her head. "Not really... Usagi-chan's doing really well on her own, now."
[12:52] <Usagi-chan> "Maybe, but I never would have gotten this far if not for all of Ami-chan's help. She's a real lifesaver." Usagi gives the blue-haired genius a smile.
[12:53] * Ami-chan blushes a little, and smiles embarrassedly. "I'm happy to help..."
[12:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Thank you, Ami. I'm glad to see that you helped get Usagi straightened out in school," he smiles nicely at Ami. "Our family owes you quite a debt."
[12:55] * Ami-chan reddens a bit more and smiles gamely. "It's no trouble at all..." she assures Kenji. "It's rewarding enough to see her doing well..."
[12:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Kenji nods. "It is, but... Usagi, have you made sure to thank Ami enough for her help," he asks you. "She deserves to be thanked many times for what she did."
[12:58] <Usagi-chan> "I try to." Usagi grins. "I know tutoring me probably slowed her way down, but it's really been a big help."
[13:00] * Ami-chan shakes her head. "You're giving yourself too little credit, Usagi..." she murmurs, smiling back. "You had the ability all along..."
[13:01] <Usagi-chan> "Stop being so modest! If it wasn't for you I'd never have gotten caught up to where I needed to be." Usagi retorts.
[13:03] * Ami-chan blushes again and shrugs. "I'm glad I could help." she replies simply, smiling a little, and conceding the point.
[13:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you chat, Chibi Usa quietly excuses herself, going upstairs.
[13:03] * Usagi-chan gives the girl a smile as she leaves the table, rising and taking her dishes over to the sink as she finishes her meal.
[13:07] * Ami-chan finishes her meal, and does the same, bringing her empty dishes to the sink...
[13:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Kenji smiles. "Thank you again, Ami," he says, getting his own dishes. "Why don't you make yourself comfortable while we take care of the dishes?"
[13:08] * Usagi-chan nods. "I'll walk you home before I start looking, if you want."
[13:11] * Ami-chan nods. "If it's not too much trouble." she smiles, pushing down on an oddly happy feeling at the prospect.
[13:12] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Not at all."
[13:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[13:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once Ami is dropped off, Usagi begins her search...
[13:20] * Usagi-chan drops into a quiet alley nearby and transforms, determined to make this search a short one - as well as discourage anyone from interfering with her, given the late hour.
[13:22] <Sailor_Moon> Her transformation complete, Sailor Moon leans against the wall of the alley, closing her eyes and letting her energy sense roam out across the entirety of Juuban, searching for Eiko's aura once again.
[13:24] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[13:24] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[13:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's easy to tell Eiko isn't in Juuban after about three minutes of sifting for her aura. Besides a few minorly impressive auras, nothing else of note is found.
[13:26] * Sailor_Moon nods quickly, striking out across the rooftops towards Shinjuku as her next stop.
[13:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hop, hop, hop. This doesn't take long, but it's already past nine by the time you arrive. Despite this, the neon lights of the district are still on, deals of all sorts promised.
[13:29] * Sailor_Moon finds the rooftops fairly deserted, unsurprisingly. Stopping atop a fairly tall skyscraper, she closes her eyes and begins to search through the myriad of auras in the massive shopping district, looking for Eiko's telltale energy pattern.
[13:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Soul check, -1 bonus.
[13:30] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6-1
[13:30] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6-1 and gets 10."
[13:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> If she's in Shinjuku, you either missed her, or she's concealed her aura, because... you don't sense her at all here.
[13:32] <Sailor_Moon> Finding the latter unlikely in the extreme, Usagi turns her steps towards the Ginza - not TOO likely that she'll find Eiko there, but it's as good a place as any to check next.
[13:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hopping there still takes more time, getting close to ten PM by the time you arrive at a good spot.
[13:34] * Sailor_Moon's face is grim as she halts to search through the shifting energy patterns of the district in search of Eiko.
[13:34] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6-1
[13:34] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6-1 and gets 6."
[13:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> No luck again, this time, however, a fairly strong energy signature is noted. The Twins are somewhere in Ginza tonight, you note.
[13:37] * Sailor_Moon smiles a bit at the familiar energy pattern. 'Hope they're having more fun than I am,' Usagi thinks dryly. She quickly turns back homeward, deciding to check the bustling nightlife of Roppongi next.
[13:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's decently past ten when you arrive, the crowds below bustling.
[13:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> Near the edge of a two story building is a decent place to scan, you see... nice and a good view, and decently lit.
[13:39] * Sailor_Moon heads for the prime spot, crouching down to stay out of sight as she sifts through the teeming crowds once again.
[13:39] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6-1
[13:39] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6-1 and gets 6."
[13:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> Scanning... nope, no Eiko, although Eudial is somewhere deep in the district, as well as a few very minor magical potentia- "Hey, look up there," a male voice cries below you. "Is that Sailor Moon?"
[13:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> Below you, you hear rustling and assorted minor comments as dozens of pairs of eyes look up in your direction.
[13:41] * Sailor_Moon ducks out of the light quickly, vanishing into the shadows on the rooftop out of sight from the street.
[13:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is a bit of a commotion and a few disappointed comments as you do so, the crowd hoping to see more.
[13:43] <Sailor_Moon> 'Sorry, guys - not here for autographs.' Usagi thinks with a wry smile as she strikes out across the rooftops again, this time heading for Harajuku to the west of Juuban.
[13:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> By the time you leap, hop and skip there, it's just a hair under eleven, the chimes ringing as you really arrive.
[13:45] * Sailor_Moon hunkers down on a rooftop well out of sight, letting her senses wander through the various clubs and so forth in this section of Tokyo.
[13:45] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6-1
[13:45] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6-1 and gets 7."
[13:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nada. Zip. Zero. Zilch. Eiko ain't here, it seems.
[13:48] * Sailor_Moon makes the quick trip south to Shibuya to try again.
[13:48] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6-1
[13:48] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6-1 and gets 1."
[13:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Scanning the area with skill and ability, Sailor Moon senses that Eiko is assuredly not here, although there is one aura of note. Strong, magical and powerful, and unfamiliar.
[13:51] * Sailor_Moon heads over closer to the unfamiliar aura, extending her senses towards it as she approaches to get a better idea of what it's like.
[13:51] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[13:51] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[13:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's human, you think, and as you get closer, you can feel it's both powerful and highly developed/controlled.
[13:55] * Sailor_Moon gives in to her curiosity and gets a bit closer, hoping to catch sight of the actual owner of the aura.
[13:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's coming from inside a building, the 'Shibuya Fashion Studio, Inc'. It's a New Age, Western style building, with a glass-fronted lobby.
[13:59] * Sailor_Moon tries to see if there's anyone visible inside the building from the outside, definitely not willing to break in just to satisfy her curiosity.
[14:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> There are two people inside within view, both receptionists at a desk. Neither are who you sense.
[14:01] * Sailor_Moon shakes her head, making a note to come check the studio out later - during daylight hours. Turning back to her main task, she heads south for the lower-rent waterfront districts along the harbor.
[14:01] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6-1
[14:01] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6-1 and gets 8."
[14:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's getting dangerously close to midnight by the time you scan - and you find nothing here, either.
[14:05] * Sailor_Moon frowns at the time, deciding to head back towards home - Eiko might have returned by this time anyway. She turns her steps back towards Juuban, springing lightly across the rooftops towards home.
[14:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> Yawning as you hop to home, you see that the light is still on for you.
[14:07] * Sailor_Moon smiles as she hops down into the carport, detransforming before heading inside the house.
[14:07] * Usagi-chan enters the house quietly, not wanting to disturb anyone who might be in bed already.
[14:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ikkuko is up, waiting for you by the TV. She's just turning it off as you arrive, whatever was on lost. "Eiko came back around 11," she says to you simply. "So I'm guessing you didn't find her."
[14:09] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "No, and I'm too tired to deal with it tonight. She's going to be dealt with in the morning, though - I have no idea what she said to Chibi Usa, but she ran off and nearly got herself caught by those sisters that are chasing her." Usagi scowls.
[14:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> That gets quite a frown from Mom. "I see... well, regardless, we're hoping she'll be moved out within a week."
[14:12] * Usagi-chan nods. "Dad told me at dinner. Ami's offered to try to track down Aunt Chisato too - if anyone can find her, it'd be Ami-chan and Viluy. Maybe then we can get her out of our hair completely."
[14:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Good," she sighs, getting up. "We'll discuss this in the morning - I about fell asleep myself. Good night, Usagi."
[14:14] * Usagi-chan sighs and heads up to bed. "Night, Mom."
[14:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---

Halbarad · June 29, 2006, 10:06:51 PM

[11:07] <Usagi-chan> Thursday afternoon after school finds one Ami Mizuno in the former office of the Witches 6, studying her notes for the dimensional transporter in relative peace. At least, in peace until a blonde whirlwind blows into the room.
[11:08] * Usagi-chan glances around frantically, her face lighting up as she catches sight of the blue-haired senshi. "Ami-chan! Thank goodness, you're here! I REEEEALLY need your help!" She rushes over to Ami's desk.
[11:10] * Ami-chan blinks and looks up, startled, but beginning to smile a little. "Ahh... Certainly, if I can..."
[11:13] * Usagi-chan plops a textbook down on Ami's desk. "My geology teacher just announced that we're having a surprise test tomorrow, and I KNOW there's no way I'm ever going to pass it without help. Could you help me study for it?" Usagi gives Ami her best pleading look.
[11:16] * Ami-chan glances at her notes, then back up at Usagi, and sighs, smiling a little more. "I can spare some time, I suppose." she agrees, putting her things to the side.
[11:18] * Usagi-chan breaks into a smile. "Thanks, Ami-chan - you're a lifesaver!" She hurries over to her own desk, pulling her desk chair over next to Ami's so the two of them can look over the material together. "Okay, it's supposed to be going over meta-something rocks, but I don't understand ANYTHING about it." She frowns.
[11:25] <Ami-chan> "Metamorphic rocks?" Ami asks, blinking. "That's not too hard..." she muses, flipping open the textbook. "What's giving you the most trouble?"
[11:26] <Usagi-chan> "All of it." Usagi mumbles. "I mean, the teacher's really nice, but all of the lecture stuff just goes right over my head."
[11:32] * Ami-chan smiles reassuringly. "Don't worry about it. Hmm..." She began flipping pages. "Okay. Metamorphic rocks form from other rocks like protoliths by essentially solid-state changes in mineralogy or texture as a result of a change in chemical and or physical environment..." she begins...
[11:32] * Usagi-chan gets a completely blank look. "Uh.... mind trying that again in plain Japanese?" she says, blushing a bit.
[11:35] * Ami-chan blushes in return. "Sorry. What it's saying, is that they become 'metamorphic', but they start out as other kinds." Ami simplifies. "Usually because something changes them."
[11:36] * Usagi-chan nods. "Okay... so what changes them?"
[11:38] <Ami-chan> "Their environment." Ami responds. "Something, perhaps water, or air, or some other force works the change... it really depends."
[11:41] * Usagi-chan frowns a bit. "How could water or air change a rock from one kind to another? I mean, I remember studying about how rocks can get worn down by those, but it doesn't change the rock other than making it smaller, does it?"
[11:43] <Ami-chan> "It depends on the makeup of the water." Ami responds. "If you examine the mineral content of a rock from the ocean with a fresh water rock, there are significant differences."
[11:48] * Usagi-chan blinks. "Wow, really? That's weird..." Usagi flips through a few more pages in the textbook, going through the somewhat slow process of having Ami explain the mysteries of rocks to her.
[11:50] * Ami-chan patiently explains the process, pointing out certain things in the book to highlight what she's saying, blushing faintly as she can't resist the urge to watch Usagi as she studies the book.
[11:53] <Usagi-chan> After about an hour of study, Usagi finally feels like she's grasped the concepts needed for the upcoming test. She turns to Ami with a grin, leaning over to give her friend a hug. "Thanks a TON, Ami-chan... I'd never have made it without you!"
[11:56] * Ami-chan blinks and almost jumps, closing her eyes and blushing, returning the hug tentatively. "It's no problem, Usagi-chan." she murmurs, forcing down the sudden rush, and taking a deep breath to calm herself.
[11:57] * Usagi-chan sits back, then her smile widens. "I know! You want to go get some cake or something to take a break? I mean, I know you're busy and all but it's good to get out for a while, right? There's this really great pastry shop just down the street that I heard about the other day."
[12:01] * Ami-chan blinks and smiles a little nervously at Usagi's energy. "Won't your mother expect you home?" She asks curiously.
[12:02] * Usagi-chan grins. "Nah, she usually doesn't expect me home until about an hour from now - I usually go hang out after school anyway, either at Rei's or at the arcade or up on the Moon, so she's used to me getting home right at dinnertime."
[12:05] * Ami-chan blinks, weighing her options. "Alright..." she replies slowly, smiling a little. "If your sure you don't have anything better to do..."
[12:06] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Hey, spending time with my friends IS the best thing I can do as far as I'm concerned." She springs out of her chair. "Come on, let's go!"
[12:07] * Ami-chan giggles a little and rises to her feet, gathering her things into her satchel, nodding. "Just a moment..."
[12:08] * Usagi-chan drops her textbook back into her own bag, waiting for Ami to gather her things.
[12:10] * Ami-chan finishes assembling her notes, and turns to Usagi as she closes her bag. "Ready." she reports shyly.
[12:11] * Usagi-chan points skyward dramatically. "Right then... time for cake!"
[12:12] <Usagi-chan> The pastry shop in question is only a couple of blocks from Mugen, the two girls reaching it just a few minutes after leaving the office. Usagi quickly places an order for an assortment of half a dozen sweet rolls and a large glass of cold green tea, then waits for Ami to place her order before paying for the both of them.
[12:16] <Ami-chan> Ami blinks and quietly orders a pair of cream filled croissants and a coffee, blinking in suprise as Usagi pays, and making sure to stifle any thoughts along that track.
[12:18] * Usagi-chan smiles as she leads the way over to a table with her rolls. "My treat since you helped me out so much with studying - I really should thank you more often for all the help you've given me with that."
[12:19] * Ami-chan blushes and shakes her head. "Really, Usagi, It's no trouble... it's almost easy, since you've become more attentive..." she smiles, sitting down.
[12:21] <Usagi-chan> "Yes it is! I know you've got your own stuff to work on, especially with helping the Professor out with his work." Usagi protests. "And yeah, I've tried to buckle down a little more, but I really had to - it'd look really bad if I got a scholarship to Mugen and then flunked out."
[12:27] * Ami-chan squirms a little. "You're giving yourself too little credit, and me too much." She replied warmly, though careful not to look at Usagi too long before returning her attention to her coffee, sighing almost blissfully before adding, "And I'm glad to be able to help, too. I get to review material by helping you."
[12:29] <Usagi-chan> "Oh come on - you're probably years ahead of the stuff I'm working on. The only stuff I feel like I'm on the same level as you is with the Lunar language, and that's only because I can remember a lot of it from before." Usagi drops her voice down just a notch, making sure she won't be overheard.
[12:36] * Ami-chan smiles, unconsciously shivering as Usagi's voice drops, and smiles. "You're exaggerating." She assures the blonde, and takes another sip of coffee, her cheeks pink. "And even if I was, review is still necessary."
[12:37] <Usagi-chan> "Maybe a little," Usagi concedes. "But I really am lucky to have the smartest girl in Japan to help me study. I definitely need the help, that's for sure."
[12:42] * Ami-chan blushes darker and shakes her head ruefully, quelling her nerves, which have suddenly began to tingle softly. "You can always call..." she replies in a heartfelt murmur.
[20:07] <Usagi-chan> "I know, but I feel bad asking for your help all the time," Usagi looks rather embarrassed at that. "I know you've got your own things to do - you probably don't want to spend all your time helping me catch up."
[20:12] * Ami-chan laughs softly. "Usagi... I said I don't mind." she stressed, smiling faintly. "It's a nice feeling that you feel you can rely on me in that way."
[20:13] * Usagi-chan looks up at Ami, a slightly worried look on her face. "You're sure? You really don't mind?"
[20:17] * Ami-chan giggles. "I'm SURE." she stresses, shaking her head at the odangoed girl's expression, a note of emotion slipping into her voice. Forcing it down, she smiled again. "Actually, I'd think it would be frustrating for you... it takes time from your schedule, too..."
[20:19] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Not really... it takes me FOREVER to study by myself, and I really have to work to try to stay on top of some of my subjects - mostly geology and English. I can never understand my geology teacher's lectures, and I REALLY have to stay on my toes in English - Miss H picks me to read stuff all the time." She makes a face at that.
[20:21] * Ami-chan smiles into her coffee, looking up and grinning. "You seem to be doing well, too. The song you sang at the karaoke bar was really well done." she replies, grinning.
[20:22] * Usagi-chan scratches the back of her head, blushing a bit at that. "You really think so? I mean, I really only did it as a joke, and because I had the CD with it at home."
[20:25] * Ami-chan raises an eyebrow, her expression growing bemused. "Then I'm even more impressed. It sounded like you understood what you were singing." she noted.
[20:26] * Usagi-chan grows a bit redder. "Well, I did, mostly. But I'd had a lot of practice with that song."
[20:29] <Ami-chan> "That IS usually how one improves." Ami teases gently, her expression getting progressively more lively the more of her coffee she finishes. "You downplay your own accomplishments too much."
[20:32] <Usagi-chan> "Well, it takes me a lot more work to do the same stuff everyone else does," Usagi mumbles. "I mean, you probably wouldn't even have to try in my classes, and I spend at least an hour or two every day trying to stay caught up with my homework and everything - and even then I still fall behind."
[20:35] <Ami-chan> "Usagi-chan... you really shouldn't compare yourself to me." Ami sighs. "Though I can hardly give advice on that. I'm still frustrated over my ineffectiveness as a senshi..." she trails off, murmuring.
[20:36] <Usagi-chan> "But I..." Usagi stops in mid-protest as she picks up on what Ami is actually saying. "You are? But why?" She gives the blue-haired genius a concerned look.
[20:40] * Ami-chan sighs, a bit puzzled as to her own words, but they continue to spill out in a hushed voice. "I'm not very useful in combat." she confesses. "Though, I suppose you knew that..."
[20:43] <Usagi-chan> "So? I'm not that useful in OR out of combat - I mean, before I started training with Herb, I was usually scrambling around trying not to get my head taken off." Usagi reaches across the table to take Ami's hand. "Yeah, you're not a really good fighter like Rei-chan or Mako-chan, but you're smart - you come up with the best plans, and your computer is really handy. I don't think any of the rest of us would be able to use it the way you can, either."
[20:44] * Ami-chan shivers a little as Usagi takes her hand, blushing and smiling weakly. "But I'm a liability." She points out, sighing. "Ann nearly killed me..."
[20:46] * Usagi-chan smiles. "It was a bad hit, it's true - but we've all taken those. We can't ALWAYS dodge - heck, I almost got myself roasted by Guinvain when we fought Germatou." She gives Ami's hand a gentle squeeze. "I wouldn't worry about it at all, Ami-chan."
[20:53] * Ami-chan smiles faintly, trying hard to repress the feeling of tingling crawling up her arm. She sighed, and shook her head. "I don't want to be a distraction to the senshi." She murmured. "Having to keep an eye on me will slow you all down..."
[20:54] * Usagi-chan grins a bit, letting go of Ami's hand as she leans across the table. "The same way helping me study slows you down?"
[20:56] <Ami-chan> "..." Ami blushes, color slipping into her cheeks. "We're more alike than most would think." she observes sheepishly.
[20:57] * Usagi-chan smiles. "You say you don't mind helping me study... well, I don't mind keeping an eye out for you when we fight. We're all there to help each other out when that happens, right?" She gives the blue-haired genius a wink.
[20:59] * Ami-chan blushes darker and nods, feeling a faint fluttering begin in her stomach. "Yes." she returns shyly. "And we both work hard to improve, too." she pointed out.
[21:01] <Usagi-chan> "How about we trade then?" Usagi smiles. "I can help you learn to fight a little better, and you can help me study." She makes a wry face. "I may not be as good as Mako-chan or Herb, but on the plus side I don't hit as hard as they do, either."
[21:09] <Ami-chan> Impossibly, Ami grows redder at that thought, hesitating. "Actually... I'm being taught already." She confesses, nearly blurting it out. She pauses, thinking a moment, then adds shyly, "But... if you could give me help fighting as in senshi form, I'd appreciate it..."
[21:10] * Usagi-chan grins. "You don't even need to ask, I'd be happy to! Besides, it gives me a chance to practice more too, and I can always use that."
[21:14] * Ami-chan smiles, her eyes sparkling a little at that, and nods. "Thank you..."
[21:16] <Usagi-chan> "No problem!" Usagi smiles brightly. "Hey, we could even give it a try today if you want. I DO have time before I have to get home for dinner, and since you helped me out with all that geology junk I don't have any more studying to do tonight."
[21:21] * Ami-chan blinks, thinking for a moment, rubbing absently at her arm and wincing as she touches it. "Okay..." She replies meekly, smiling back and resisting the thoughts threating to make themselves heard. "I have to be somewhere after dinner, but that sounds good..."
[21:22] * Usagi-chan frowns a little. "Something wrong?" she asks, having noticed the wince.
[21:23] * Ami-chan blinks, and hastily shakes her head. "It's nothing, just a bruise." She assures Usagi.
[21:25] * Usagi-chan shrugs. "If it's no big deal, I guess... well, I can take a look at it after we practice, if you want." She gives Ami a wry grin. "I may add a couple myself if we're not careful, but if that happens I can patch you up good as new!"
[21:26] * Ami-chan smiles and nods. "Better with you than in real battle..." she replies softly.
[21:27] <Usagi-chan> "That's for sure..." Usagi looks a bit sad. "I really hate it when ANY of us get hurt." She polishes off the last of her rolls, with a sigh. "Anyway, I'm ready to go whenever you are." With that, she drinks the last of her tea, giving Ami an expectant look.
[21:31] * Ami-chan finishes off her coffee, and smiles brightly, almost shivering at the slow flush of excitement that slips through her. "I'm ready."
[21:31] <Usagi-chan> "Right!" Usagi grins, taking Ami by the hand as she leads the way back to Mugen. "We can take off from the office - let's go!" With a giggle, she pulls Ami along towards the school.
[21:34] <Ami-chan> 'Warm...' Ami thinks, blushing furiously as the soft tingle of contact slips up her arm, and she smiles a little, trying to keep up with Usagi...
[21:34] <Usagi-chan> -----
[21:35] <Usagi-chan> A brief few minutes and a teleport later finds the two girls on the Lunar surface, the gray bulk of the Moon Palace rising to one side. Usagi grins over at the blue-haired genius as the white glow of the teleport fades from around the two.
[21:36] <Usagi-chan> "Right... I think this will work out pretty well, what do you think?" Usagi surveys the plains around them, covered in the gray dust that makes up most of the Moon's surface.
[21:41] * Ami-chan smiles a little, looking around. "What did you have in mind?" she wonders, a little nervously, now.
[21:43] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Well, transforming first off. If we're going to practice in senshi form, I'd say BEING in senshi form was kind of important." Producing her brooch, she shouts out the words of her own transformation. "Moon Prism Power, Make UP!"
[21:43] * Sailor_Moon appears in a swirl of ribbons and light!
[21:44] * Ami-chan giggles, raising her henshin wand. "Mercury Power, Make UP!" Streaming a trail of water arounds herself, Ami transforms!
[21:45] <Sailor_Moon> "Right!" Usagi nods. "Now, I figure the one thing I can help you with is dodging fast stuff." She holds up her hand, forming a small sphere of white energy above her palm. "You've seen me throw energy bolts before, right?"
[21:48] * Sailor_Mercury nods nervously, knowing what's coming, but still seeing the practical value...
[21:49] * Sailor_Moon smiles. "Don't get too worried, Ami-chan - that's why we're out here on the plains. I've hit myself with one before just to see what it's like, and it's not a lot harder than getting punched. It'll knock you a long way, but in the dust out here it won't hurt you any more than that - what really does the damage with these is when you get knocked into a wall or something."
[21:52] * Sailor_Mercury relaxes a little, nodding. "Oh... okay." she replies, blinking. "You hit yourself with them?"
[21:53] * Sailor_Moon blushes a little. "Just once... I wondered what it felt like, and whether I could make one curve around enough to do that. I was lucky I did it outside - I didn't expect it to throw me that far."
[21:55] * Sailor_Mercury looks torn between sympathy and amusement. "I... have to admit, I never thought of trying something like that..."
[21:57] <Sailor_Moon> "The curving part didn't work so well..." Usagi makes a face. "It almost went out of sight before it really started to turn, and then when it finally made it back to me I wasn't quite expecting it to move that fast."
[21:58] * Sailor_Mercury can't help herself, and giggles a little. "Sorry. Well, I'm glad you didn't hurt yourself." she adds warmly. "So... what should I do?"
[21:59] * Sailor_Moon leaps back, about ten yards away from Mercury, and grins. "Try not to get hit! Ready?"
[22:02] <Sailor_Mercury> "Eeep." Mercury sets herself, then gives Sailor Moon a weak grin. "I guess so."
[22:02] * Sailor_Moon nods. "I'll go easy on the first one." Usagi clenches the ball of light in her hand, then fires it as a stream at Mercury with a weak underhand motion.
[22:02] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[22:06] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[22:11] * Sailor_Mercury dives aside from the lob, flipping over in the weaker gravity, sliding into the dust as the ball impacts behind her in a puff of dirt, and stands, a little suprised at the success.
[22:12] * Sailor_Moon claps briefly. "Good one, Ami-chan! Okay, here comes number two!" She grins, placing her open palm to face Ami as another brilliant white bolt lances out of it, much faster than the first one.
[22:12] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[22:13] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[22:13] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[22:16] <Sailor_Mercury> Her eyes widening, Mercury dives out of the way again, this time hitting the ground in a roll before regaining her feet with a wince, and a slightly stunned expression. "That's an intimdating thing to see..." she comments faintly.
[22:18] * Sailor_Moon smiles a bit. "Yeah, but this is the kind of thing you're going to see coming at you in a real fight, too. We're lucky when the monsters don't use attacks that are this quick." Usagi braces herself, grasping her wrist with her free hand as she fires off another shot - a bit more powerful this time.
[22:18] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[22:18] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[22:23] * Sailor_Mercury tries to dive to the side for the third time, but misjudges the shot, and doesn't move in time, taking it right on the sternum. Knocked into the air, she flips over once before landing in a large cloud of dust...
[22:23] * Sailor_Mercury blinks, wincing as she sits up, probing herself gently, looking suprised. "Ow..."
[22:23] * Sailor_Moon winces, quickly dashing over to check on the downed senshi. "Ami-chan! Are you okay?" She reaches Ami's side, crouching down next to the senshi of ice.
[22:26] * Sailor_Mercury blushes and smiles embarrassedly. "Just a little sore..." she assures Usagi. "I've had worse from sempai. Though you were right about the impact."
[22:26] <Sailor_Moon> "Good, I was afraid you landed hard or something from the way you flipped like that." Usagi looks rather worried. "Are you sure you're all right?"
[22:29] <Sailor_Mercury> "Really, I'm fine." Ami begins to blush and shake her head, rubbing under her breasts. "It wasn't even hard enough to crack ribs... the low gravity probably made it look worse."
[22:30] <Sailor_Moon> "Do you want to keep going? We can stop if you want," Usagi offers.
[22:33] * Sailor_Mercury smiles and nods. "For a little while." She agrees. "No sense stopping now..."
[22:34] * Sailor_Moon nods, slightly uncertain. "Okay, we can keep going for a little longer." She helps Ami to her feet, then walks back several yards before adopting a ready posture. "Ready when you are, Ami-chan!"
[22:35] * Sailor_Mercury sets herself again, smiling calmly. "I'm ready."
[22:35] * Sailor_Moon nods once before firing off another energy bolt, toning down the power to its original level.
[22:35] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[22:35] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[22:35] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[22:35] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 2."
[22:39] * Sailor_Mercury smiles a little and leaps out of the way, exploiting the low gravity to full effect, and allowing the blast to pass harmlessly beneath her...
[22:40] * Sailor_Moon grins. "Nice dodge..." Usagi says to herself, firing off another shot just as Mercury plants her feet on the ground once again.
[22:40] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[22:40] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[22:42] * Sailor_Mercury squeaks in surprise and twists to the side as her feet find purchase, and just avoids the incoming beam. She slides to her feet again, looking shocked at her own reaction.
[22:42] * Sailor_Moon keeps the pressure on her friend, barely giving her time to regain her footing as she fires yet again!
[22:42] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[22:42] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[22:43] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[22:43] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[22:44] <Sailor_Mercury> Unprepared for the follow up blast, Mercury takes the hit square on the chin, and tumbles end over end for several feet...
[22:45] * Sailor_Moon quickly runs to Ami's side once again, grimacing. "You did really well right up to that last one, Ami-chan...."
[22:48] * Sailor_Mercury looks up at Sailor Moon, a bit dazed. "It's harder than I thought, even on the moon..." she murmured.
[22:49] * Sailor_Moon gives Ami a smile. "Just stay there for a second, Ami-chan, I'll patch you up." Placing one hand on Ami's bruised chin and the other at the spot just below her breasts that she noticed Ami rubbing after the first bolt landed, Usagi begins to chant in the ancient Lunar tongue.
[22:50] <Sailor_Moon> Her hands glow with a soft white light, and the pain from the bruises eases rapidly.
[22:51] <Sailor_Mercury> As Usagi begins touching her, Ami's cheeks turn dark red, but she forces herself to keep still as the blonde finishes. "Thank you..." She smiles shyly.
[22:52] * Sailor_Moon opens her eyes as the spell completes - and notices the redness in Ami's cheeks straight away. She realizes just where she has her hand, pulling it away quickly as she blushes bright red herself. "Oh, uh, sorry about that."
[22:54] * Sailor_Mercury shakes her head quickly and scoots away, easing herself away and nodding. "It's fine. You didn't do it on purpose."
[22:56] * Sailor_Moon rests her hands on her knees, staring down at her lap in embarrassment. "I didn't mean... I mean, I was just.... it's just that..." she babbles, not able to meet Ami's gaze.
[22:58] <Sailor_Mercury> "Usagi-chan..." Ami sighs, smiling a bit sadly. "I -know-. Please don't worry about it."
[22:59] * Sailor_Moon looks up at Ami uncertainly. "I really didn't mean anything by it, I was just trying to heal you."
[23:01] * Sailor_Mercury nods, supressing a wince, and still smiling, though a bit more wistfully now. "I know. I know you well enough to know how you feel about Rei, Usagi." she assures her friend.
[23:02] * Sailor_Moon sighs. "I didn't even think about that... I'm sorry, Ami-chan. You're sure it doesn't bother you?"
[23:05] <Sailor_Mercury> "Of course not." She replies softly. "Trust me Usagi-chan, I understand."
[23:06] * Sailor_Moon finally manages a weak smile. "I keep forgetting that it bothers people sometimes, and I don't always think about what I'm doing before I do it."
[23:09] * Sailor_Mercury smiles warmly and nods, reaching out for Usagi's hand. "It's part of your charm." she replied, pushing her other feelings down. "You wouldn't be you if you didn't put other people's welfare first..."
[23:11] * Sailor_Moon takes Ami's hand with a smile, standing as she helps the other girl back to her feet. "Thanks for understanding, Ami-chan."
[23:12] * Sailor_Mercury smiles back, pleased that she was sucessful, and nods. "Not at all." she demurs.
[23:14] * Sailor_Moon takes a deep breath, nodding once as she pushes the matter aside - if Ami isn't going to worry about it, she isn't either. "Anyway! I think that's probably enough for today, but we can definitely come up here to practice some more if you still want to." Usagi looks over at Ami, the question in her eyes.
[23:16] * Sailor_Mercury nods, smiling a little. "If you don't mind." she blushes. "I could use the practice."
[23:17] <Sailor_Moon> "Hey, it's not just you getting practice here." Usagi smiles. "I like to try out different ideas with these, but I can't always tell how well they'll work. It's good for me too." She closes her eyes, letting her transformation dissipate.
[23:18] * Sailor_Mercury dispels her transformation as well, relieved at having dodged more than just energy blasts today.
[23:19] * Usagi-chan makes sure to keep her eyes averted from Mercury as she destransforms, not wanting to send any more wrong signals today. "I guess we can head back from here.... I'll drop you off at your apartment, I guess, unless you'd rather I teleport you somewhere else?"
[23:20] * Ami-chan ponders. "Can you drop me downtown, somewhere?" she asks curiously.
[23:21] <Usagi-chan> "I can if you can tell me a good place that would be safe to teleport into. I just don't want us to appear in front of a bunch of people." Usagi nods.
[23:23] * Ami-chan ponders. "The high school park has a grove of trees that would work." she suggests.
[23:24] * Usagi-chan thinks for a moment. "You mean the big stand of trees behind the backstop at the baseball field there? I just want to make sure of where I'm going."
[23:25] * Ami-chan nods. "That's about right." She agrees.
[23:26] <Usagi-chan> "Got it." Usagi nods once, then moves over to stand a bit closer to Ami - but not TOO close. Have to be careful, after all. "Ready?"
[23:28] * Ami-chan sighs a little at Usagi's hesitancy, but doesn't say anything, hoping she'll forget later. "I'm ready."
[23:30] * Usagi-chan nods. A short incantation later, the pair find themselves in the aforementioned grove of trees, fortunately with no one else in the area at the moment. "Here we go." Usagi smiles. "This is the right place, right?"
[23:31] * Ami-chan glances around, and nods. "Yes, that's perfect." she smiles. "Thank you for this afternoon."
[23:32] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "No, definitely thank YOU. I might actually be able to pass that stupid test now." She smiles warmly. "I really appreciate your help, Ami-chan."
[23:33] * Ami-chan blushes again, and shakes her head. "It was no trouble." She responds, smiling back.
[23:35] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Anyway, give me a call whenever you want to practice again. I'll be glad to help out however I can, any time. But right now I'd better get going - Mom should just about have dinner ready by now." She gives Ami a wave.
[23:35] * Ami-chan nods and waves. "Okay. I'll see you later."
[23:36] <Usagi-chan> With a flash of light and a bright smile, the odangoed blonde vanishes from the clump of trees, leaving Ami to her own devices.
[23:37] * Ami-chan smiles, a little sadly, and slips out of the grove as she heads to her next appointment...
[09:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> ----
[09:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi's Saturday passes without note, as does the day for everyone else. Eiko is quiet, and there is no trace of those damn sisters.
[09:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> However, Saturday night is not so peaceful for one Haruka Tenoh as she tries to sleep, only to have dreams plague her...
[09:55] * Haruka tosses and turns, face scrunching up slightly as the images pass through her mind.
[09:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ahead of her is the city of Shadow Tokyo. From several points darkness spreads out, no Sailors to stop it. The city is twisted, changed, violated... as it is, you can see a faint reflection, of a beautiful crystalline city, wavering violently. Spilling over past that, another Tokyo sits, on the edge of the Shadow City, the darkness there almost gushing over. These images assault her all night long, until she wakes up in a cold, drenched sweat.
[10:00] * Haruka awakens with a jolt, sitting upright in her bed and whipping her head about the room in slight panic before finally calming. Letting out a tired breath and rubbing her head slightly, she glances at the clock. "4am... Ugh...." She collects her thoughts regarding the dream only to shiver. "I think I might need to have a chat with Rei..."
[10:06] * Haruka shakes away the thought for the time being, promising to go over it with the others. First though... "Shower, then hopefully I'll be able to catch SOME sleep." Haruka mutters, making her way to the shower to wash the sweat off her body.
[10:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[10:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> A cloudy, humid and too-warm Sunday greets Rei Hino as she does her miko duties around 10 AM. Hotaru isn't going to be here today, as her Dad wants to spend some time with her, so it's just you and Yuuichiro, if he ever gets going. Sigh. As you sweep, a familiar blonde of the non-Usagi type comes up the temple steps....
[10:10] * Rei-chan looks over and smiles. "Hi, Haruka," she calls, walking over. "What brings you here, today?"
[10:12] * Haruka returns the smile somewhat weakly. "Official business." she says, hoping Rei catches the meaning behind that.
[10:12] <Rei-chan> "Has there been an attack?" Rei asks worriedly, gripping her broom tightly.
[10:14] <Haruka> "No," Haruka says to reassure her, but her lips tighten a bit with her next response. "But I think something is coming. I'm almost certain...."
[10:15] * Rei-chan frowns a bit. "Let's go inside," she says, leading Haruka in to the sitting room and dropping her broom off on the way.
[10:15] * Haruka nods and follows her in.
[10:16] <Rei-chan> Kneeling down, and gesturing for Haruka to do the same, Rei begins. "So what do you think is coming, and how are you certain?" she asks intently.
[10:19] <Haruka> "I don't know what it is yet exactly..." she tells Rei lamely. "But it's the same feeling I got when the Silence threatened."
[10:21] <Rei-chan> "That is serious," Rei agrees, recalling that Haruka claimed to have those premonitions before she had even garnered an inkling of Germatou's true nature. "So..." she looks thoughtful, "Is it the same as the Silence? Do you think something else might try to summon Pharaoh 90, or is this something different but equally bad?"
[10:24] * Haruka closes her eyes and tries to recall the images as clearly as possible. "There was a spreading darkness that ravaged the city... A crystal city of light... A dark city of shadows..." Haruka shakes her head slightly before opening her eyes to look at Rei. "That's about the extent of it. Sorry..." she finishes with a sigh.
[10:26] <Rei-chan> "Hmm..." Rei bites her lip. "A crystal city? Didn't Chibi Usa say her mother ruled Crystal Tokyo?" She furrows her brow, "And didn't Beruche mention something about taking over Crystal Points?"
[10:28] <Haruka> "Points..." Haruka echoes, the word seemingly jarring something... "Ah! The shadows in my dream were spreading out from points as well."
[10:30] <Rei-chan> "That fits," Rei nods, "They seem to be using those places to spread dark energy, rather than drain energy, at the two places we've found them so far. But why?" she looks puzzled, "Weren't they just coming here to capture Chibi Usa? Or are they actually planning an invasion of our dimension?"
[10:32] <Haruka> "I'm not sure, Rei." Haruka answers. "Perhaps they've found something in our world that they want or need while searching for Chibi Usa? There's a million possibilities, I'm afraid."
[10:33] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei sighs, "We just don't know enough about them, yet. I don't suppose your dream showed things clearly enough for you to pick out the locations of any of those points?"
[10:34] <Haruka> "I'm afraid not. Sorry..." Haruka replies, giving Rei an apologetic look.
[10:35] <Rei-chan> "Don't worry about it," Rei smiles reassuringly. "I'd have been surprised if it was so clear - I've had enough of those kind of dreams myself to know what they're usually like," she finishes, giving the blonde a sympathetic look.
[10:37] * Haruka nods at that, returning Rei's smile. "Thanks." Haruka takes in a deep breath and looks at Rei seriously. "What do we do now? Where do we go from here?"
[10:39] <Rei-chan> "Well..." Rei looks thoughtful, "I could try a fire reading to find out more about these 'Crystal Points', and possibly where they'll attack next. It might also be a good idea to keep an eye on the places they've already hit - if they really are that important, they won't give up after one setback."
[10:42] <Haruka> "I pass the baton to you on this relay then, fair miko." Haruka says, knuckling back a slight yawn, cursing the lack of sleep.
[10:44] <Rei-chan> "Well, if you want to stick around, I'll be doing the fire reading right now - chances are if I find anything out we'll want to act quickly. If I find something out, that is," Rei says, standing up.
[10:47] <Haruka> "I'd like that." Haruka replies, standing up as well.
[10:49] * Rei-chan leads Haruka to the fire room, bowing to the Sacred Flame as she enters. "Just sit down and wait - this may take a while," she tells Haruka, kneeling in front of the fire. Tossing a handful of incense into the flames, she begins to chant a mantra low in the back of her throat as she focuses on her meditations.
[10:49] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[10:49] * Hatbot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[10:51] * Haruka takes a seat and watches the proceedings attentively.
[10:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> Your meditation begins, Rei falling into her trance. The world around her fades, being replaced with the world of the spirit and soul. Into this Rei probes, her will and the Sacred Flame as one... yet, all you see are the faintest images of your temple, perhaps unable to get past even that.
[10:53] <Rei-chan> 'The Temple?' Rei wonders questioningly. 'Is it a Crystal Point?'
[10:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> You can't seem to see much else of the city past the temple. Your senses feel like you haven't really gotten anywhere as the trance fades.
[10:56] <Rei-chan> "Ugh," Rei shakes her head, wondering what's wrong with her. Taking some calming breaths, she works to recentre herself and try again.
[10:56] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6 burning 20 EP
[10:56] * Hatbot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 burning 20 EP and gets 6."
[10:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> Again the world becomes the world of the immaterial, Rei's senses now truly alive. Away, away, away from the temple she flies, past Tokyo, past Earth, past Luna, to Earth. The city sits in a shadow, wavering...
[10:59] * Rei-chan observes the shadow city, looking for the pivotal 'crystal points' which have suddenly become so important.
[11:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you view, the shadow around the city is black and brooding, the inhabitants fighting, crying and dying. Such negative energy... the points of the city are fairly alien to Rei, almost... and yet, past that, down the line Rei flies, to a room cut of pure crystal. In the center of the room is a crystalline coccoon, a person just visible inside... asleep? Or is it a coffin of crystal...?
[11:02] * Rei-chan peers curiously at the coccoon, looking at who lays inside, and trying to sense their state. 'Is this like the Crystal Prison on the Moon?'
[11:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Inside... you think the person is deeply asleep or suspended, protected. Protected of... with a start, the world fades, the material world poking in again.
[11:04] * Rei-chan struggles to retain her vision just long enough to get a look at WHO lays inside.
[11:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> As it fades, you see inside a momentary glance of a single odango...
[11:07] * Rei-chan sighs, breathing deeply as the vision fades. 'Usagi? Or Neo Queen Serenity?' she wonders, the vision only providing more questions and precious few answers.
[11:13] * Haruka watches as the fire begins to lessen in intensity and Rei begins to stir. "Rei...?" Haruka asks tentatively. "Did you get anything?"
[11:16] <Rei-chan> With a sigh, Rei turns to her companion. "Kind of," she nods, wiping the sweat from her brow. "I think I saw the same city you did - all shadowy and filled with negative energy. And in the centre... I think it was Chibi Usa's mother, inside some sort of crystal coccoon." She frowns, "And I think - this wasn't very clear at all, and might just have been a lack of focus, but I think the Shrine itself is a Crystal Point."
[11:21] * Haruka nods as what Rei speaks of matches her dream. The part about Chibi Usa's mother was definitely something new. The revelation that the shrine itself was a crystal point... "This shrine?" Haruka blinks at that. "That's rather... convenient."
[11:22] <Rei-chan> "Not for me," Rei grumps. "Who do you think's going to have to fix the place up after they attack it?"
[11:24] <Haruka> "The repair and construction crew?" Haruka replies, with a shrug.
[11:25] * Rei-chan laughs in the blonde's face. "Good one, Haruka," she snorts. "No," she shakes her head, standing up, "It'll be me, Gramps, and Yuuichiro, as usual." She eyes her companion a moment, "And anyone else who wants to help."
[11:28] * Haruka coughs in reply, from all appearance getting back to seriousness from her digression. "This... crystal cocoon," Haruka begins. "You said it was in the center of the negative energy? I wonder if she's trapped and just held captive or if they're using her to power their darkness...." Haruka mutters, saying her thoughts aloud.
[11:32] <Rei-chan> "From what I could gather, the coccoon was protecting her... but if she's effectively trapped, what's the point?" Rei wonders, "I mean, if she's the Queen of that city, shouldn't she be out there fighting against the negative energy polluting it?"
[11:36] * Haruka thinks on it for a second, then lets out a tired breath. "I give," she tells Rei with a smirk. "I'll leave the thinking to the thinkers. Just point me to the enemy so I'm back in familiar waters." She pauses her chuckling before asking, "Do we tell the others about this?"
[11:38] <Rei-chan> "There's not really that much to tell," Rei admits, "But yeah, if we tell the others, at least there's a chance someone might offer a fresh perspective to put everything in place." She makes a face, pulling at the sweat-stained fabric of her hakama over her chest. "And speaking of fresh, if you'll excuse me, I need to get cleaned up after that."
[11:41] <Haruka> "Sure," Haruka responds, before knuckling back yet another yawn. "I think I might head back to my place and grab a catnap. Call if you need me."
[11:42] <Rei-chan> "I will," Rei nods. "Thanks for coming to tell me about that dream," she smiles appreciatively before making her way to the bathroom.
[11:45] * Haruka waves over her shoulder while making her way out. "No problem." she says with another sleepy yawn.
[11:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[11:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi dreams, this morning of the palace gardens of the past, eating a picnic with Cynthia and a few other ladies of the court, laughing at this and that and who did what.
[11:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's a pleasant dream by all accounts. It's just a damn shame that it had to end via Mau claw to the stomach. (1 damage.) "Usagi, it's nearly NOON! You're gonig to sleep the day away!"
[11:48] * Usagi-chan yelps at the cruel claw to the stomach. "Owww! Luuuna! I was enjoying that dream!"
[11:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna nimbly rolls with Usagi's movement, leaping a bit to be right in her face. "It's noon! Do you want to spend your day off in bed?" she asks, prodding you with her extended claws.
[11:51] * Usagi-chan scowls. "Maybe... I haven't gotten to sleep in in a long time." She sticks her tongue out at the cat.
[11:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna sighs, turning her nose up. "Then I guess I won't be able to tell you where I've seen Eiko lately," she says, firing back.
[11:53] <Usagi-chan> That gets Usagi's attention. "You've still been following her?" She sits up slowly, giving the cat time to climb down from her chest.
[11:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna nods, getting a bouncy leap from Usagi's chest down to the floor and sitting. "I have," she nods. "Eiko's been up to all sorts of fun things," the cat smiles just a bit.
[11:55] * Usagi-chan grins wryly. "You mean besides giving every one of us here headaches?"
[11:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes," Luna says, her smile vanishing. "I'll go into details in a moment, but..." Luna looks right up to you, concern in her slitted cat eyes. "Eiko needs some means of help. After seeing her for about a week, I'm certain she's disturbed."
[11:58] * Usagi-chan loses her grin. "What do you mean by disturbed?"
[12:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Bonkers, a screw is lose, the girl has issues," Luna explains, going into detail. "What I've seen... I don't think she's entirely sane."
[12:00] <Usagi-chan> "Why, what has she been doing?" Usagi definitely looks puzzled now.
[12:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> "When she goes out," Luna begins, hunkering down for a long chat, "she usually goes right to the train. I've never seen her stick around Juuban long if she can help it. From there, she seems to go wherever the wind blows her. She'll either shop, pick up a teenage boy and..." Luna trails off, shuddering, distaste radiating from her momentarily. "...and engage in all sorts of things with him she shouldn't be until she's married."
[12:05] * Usagi-chan blinks. "Well, I knew about the boy thing from when I found her on the train the other day." That brings a frown to Usagi's face. "But why does that make her crazy? I mean, it's nothing I'd do myself but that doesn't make her disturbed."
[12:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Thank goodness," Luna murmurs, a momentary image of Usagi instead of Eiko in that boy's bedroom racing through her mind. "It's what she does when she wanders that truly worries me," she explains further. "The first time she did it, she ended up in a park and found... a stray cat. She just kind of looked at it for a moment and started to scream and kick it." Luna's voice is very grim now.
[12:07] * Usagi-chan is rather taken aback by that. "Was she saying anything or just screaming?"
[12:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> "If she did, it was incoherent... she didn't stop until the poor thing had died," Luna looks away for a moment, but focuses her resolve and looks back at Usagi. "After it was done, she ran off and cried for awhile, then fell asleep under a bridge."
[12:10] <Usagi-chan> "Wha... she KILLED it?" Usagi looks horrified. "Just killed some random stray cat?"
[12:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> A feline nod. "I think she was venting on it in some manner," she comments.
[12:14] * Usagi-chan now looks more concerned than anything. "Good lord... you be REALLY careful around her then, Luna. Anything else?"
[12:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "That was the main incident," she says, nodding to Usagi's concern. "She needs help... but I won't be sad to see her move out, either," Luna admits. "With Chibi Usa here, we don't need this right now."
[12:17] * Usagi-chan sighs. "No, we really don't. She's already tried attacking me with a pipe, and on Friday she said SOMETHING to Chibi Usa that made her run off crying - she almost got caught by those sisters because of that."
[12:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I know, I heard," is Luna's reply. "And on top of everything else..."
[12:23] * Usagi-chan frowns. "I have to say I REALLY don't like the idea of giving her her own apartment. It feels like Mom and Dad are giving her what she wants just to get her out of their hair - not that I can really blame them, but it makes me mad that she's getting off so easy. And now this on top of everything else.... do you think she's dangerous to anyone else? I know killing that cat was way out of line, but...
[12:23] <Usagi-chan> I just don't know what I should do, or even if I SHOULD do anything."
[12:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm guessing that....it would be better to let her move, despite it. Even if it does reward her, Chibi Usa's safety and yours is more important." Luna blinks, then looks up at you again.
[12:30] * Usagi-chan sighs, nodding. "I'm not worried about myself - I can take care of myself if I have to. But I hate the idea of Chibi Usa being in danger because of her."
[12:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna agrees with a nod. "She left for the day already, at least," Luna comments, "So why don't you come down for lunch?"
[12:35] * Usagi-chan nods, climbing out of bed and heading over to her closet to get dressed. "Just let me get dressed first." She pulls out a light blue sundress and a white sleeveless blouse, changing into them from her pajamas. "Have you talked to Mom about any of this yet?"
[12:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Some of it...I think it's why she decided to go the route she and Kenji did." Luna nods, hopping to your doorway.
[12:39] * Usagi-chan nods as she heads down the stairs, now dressed. "I just wish I could help her somehow... I had no idea she had so many problems. But unless she WANTS help, there's really nothing I can do." That makes the blonde frown a bit.
[12:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna shrugs, letting it go for now as she heads downstairs. Ikkuko isn't in sight, nor is Dad or either of the kids, but a plate and a bowl of food have been left on the table.
[12:42] * Usagi-chan looks up at the clock as she sits down to have the remains(?) of lunch. "Wow, I didn't think it was THAT late. Where is everybody?"
[12:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Shingo and your father are off doing something and Ikkuko and Chibi Usa went to go shopping," she comments as she starts in her own food.
[12:48] * Usagi-chan smiles. "It's really cool how well Mom and Chibi Usa have gotten along since she came," she says as she tucks into her meal.
[12:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's better than Eiko," she agrees between bites.
[12:51] * Usagi-chan smiles wryly. "That almost goes without saying. Anyway, did you have any plans for the afternoon?"
[12:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "No," Luna says. "I wanted a break from watching her pass away her body to the first warm-blooded thing she saw."
[12:55] * Usagi-chan reaches over to scratch the Mau between the ears. "I don't blame you one bit. I really appreciate you keeping an eye on her for me."
[12:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Thanks," she says, moving under Usagi's skilled hand.
[12:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> And thus, Sunday moves on for everyone...
[12:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[13:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> Aaaaah, Sunday. Since Alan moved on to high school, you don't get to see him quite as much, so your off days have added appeal to them.
[13:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> So, to that affect, it's currently 1 PM and the both of you are sitting in your apartment, planning out the day. "...I was thinking about maybe trying to shop," Alan comments. "I'm starting to need new clothes, and I don't really have much knowledge of what sort of clothes are good on Earth." To emphasize, he tugs at the sleeve of his purple, slightly threadbare shirt.
[13:14] * Makoto giggles. "I think you dress just fine, but I'll keep you company, Alan."
[13:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan nods, still picking at his shirt sleeve. "I do get strange looks when I wear this shirt," he adds a moment later. "But Ann doesn't when she does. Does it look different on me?"
[13:21] * Makoto shrugs, skirting around the issue somewhat. "Maybe you just need a different color to call yours," she offers.
[13:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan looks at you, "What color do you think would work better?" he asks, his eyes unclear because of those too cute bangs of his.
[13:24] * Makoto ponders on that for a second. "Well... I think a dark blue and gold trimming accentuates you pretty well," she says with a smile after a while.
[13:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> "How about green," he suggests, thinking. "Light green?"
[13:33] <Makoto> "Maybe. We'd have to really see it to be sure," Makoto says.
[13:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Then let's go," Alan resolves, getting up. "Unless," he grins, "You had plans here?"
[13:40] <Makoto> "What, now?" Makoto replies somewhat surprised. "Though I guess I don't have any plans..."
[13:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> His grin can't help but slip a bit. "Sure, now, to whichever," he says, shrugging. "If you want to stay here and do something, that's fine too."
[13:41] <Makoto> "No, I guess shopping's fine. Do you have any stores in mind already?"
[13:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Um..." he rustles around in his pocket, taking out a folded-up advertisement. "This place looks okay." Over a picture of a few male models showing off outfits, SHIBUYA FASHION INC is written in block letters. "New late summer line out, 10% off this weekend!"
[13:50] <Makoto> "10% off? My, that does sound like a good place to start," Makoto says, pondering on the possibility of maybe buying something for herself.
[13:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I thought so," Alan agrees. "They had a few people passing out the fliers around Juuban. Must be worth a look if they're going to that much trouble."
[13:52] <Makoto> "Heh, actually, just about any store tries that sort of advertising. But it does still look good."
[13:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> Getting up, Alan takes your hand in his. "Ready to go, then? Even if it is bulk advertising," he smiles, his eyes actually visible for the moment, warmth in them, "It's still a decent deal."
[13:56] * Makoto nods. "Lead the way."
[14:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going out into the July misery, you catch a train over to Shibuya, soon enough getting off and arriving at the place of business listed on the flier. It's a New Age Western design, two stories tall and with plenty of glass and shiny metal used. The glass doors are kept open today, people invited in to enjoy the air conditioning and the shopping.
[14:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan takes it all in, shrugging as he heads inside. The front area is a reception area, with a few racks of prime clothes moved out into the lobby for full viewing. Along with this, a few waitresses go around with free water and drinks, giving the entire affair a very posh, upper-class feel.
[14:12] * Makoto stares with some small measure of awe, having never been to this store before. "Whoa, not too shabby..."
[14:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> Most of the people here are rather nicely dressed, suits, expensive gowns, and so on. One... man... no, woman... no, PERSON is chatting with a large group of them, an extremely ambiguous, willowy person in a light green tunic shirt and pants, long blonde hair loose down his or her back. His or her voice is vibrant and lively, going on, and rather middle-placed - it could be a soft spoken male or a slightly deep voiced woman.
[14:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> The conversation is right off to the side of the racks, the person adding a few short hand gestures to the whole thing as he/she continues to chat with the crowd, although his/her eyes stay active at times, viewing the influx and outflux of people.
[14:15] <Makoto> "Wonder who he is," Makoto whispers to Alan.
[14:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Dunno," he whispers back. "But is that really a guy or a girl?" As Alan asks you this, the person's eyes glance over you two, stopping on Makoto for a few seconds. Is that a trace of interest or surprise in those eyes? With a nod of apology, said person breaks away from the crowd, towards you.
[14:18] <Makoto> "Uhm, guess we'll find out? He's coming straight for us..." Makoto mumbles quietly, wondering why she was being looked at like so.
[14:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan nods quickly, facing up to greet the person. "Hello there, madam," he/she smiles, blowing right past Alan to you. "You look lovely today," gracefully taking your hand, he kisses the top of it French style.
[14:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Your boyfriend blinks a bit at the hand kiss, but stays quiet, though a bit tweaked.
[14:20] <Makoto> "Uhm... thanks, I guess..." Makoto stumbles out, her cheeks flushed red with embarrasment.
[14:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> Gazing at you with the nicest green eyes, his/her smile is sparkling. You feel an odd leap in your chest at that... "I declare! Such a beautiful flower has come here, right here to my opening!"
[14:24] * Makoto simply blushes, not sure how else to react.
[14:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan abandons watching, glaring now openly at the man/woman/thing that's making nice with his girlfriend. "Such a blossom! Have you considered ever modelling, madam? Such a strikingly perfect body and natural height, you'd be a supermodel in weeks!"
[14:27] <Makoto> "W-wait, supermodel? Me?" Makoto stammers out.
[14:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> As this goes on, the crowd that was listening to his/her words before are now crowding closer, interested in this. "You have all it takes...the stunning beauty, the ample bosom and flat stomach, the blemish free face..."
[14:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> "And a boyfriend," Alan murmurs, crossing his arms in annoyance.
[14:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> The person glances at Alan, but then focuses right back on Makoto as if Alan had never spoken. "In fact... I'd like talk to you about this right now, madam... if you are interested in showing the world such a first rate beauty."
[14:33] <Makoto> "I don't know what to say..." Makoto replies, so stunned she's missing the dark looks Alan is throwing at the person in front of her.
[14:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You don't have to say a word," he/she smiles divinely, your heartbeat now roaring in your ears. Something about this person is imflaming your mind... and your body to a lesser degree, if the feelings you're getting are real. "We can go talk upstairs, madam."
[14:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan coughs at this point, loudly and restoring a shred of clarity to Makoto's mind. "Aren't you forgetting something, Romeo?" he asks, stepping forward.
[14:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I suppose you could come as well," he deigns, still turning his vibrant eyes on Makoto and not Alan. "If you feel that it would make things better and the Goddess here does not object."
[14:16] <Makoto> "Well, I... guess I am somewhat curious," Makoto admits before looking at Alan, not wanting to distance him.
[14:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Superb," he/she grins even wider, while Alan frowns intensely. "Just follow me..." Walking away, he invites you to follow...
[14:24] <Makoto> "Alan, you don't really mind, do you? If you do, we can just go shopping elsewhere," Makoto offers, not liking Alan's intense frown.
[14:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan seems to really consider that, but shakes his head. "No... I'm curious to see what stunt he's going to pull," the elf declares. "And at worst, we're more than capable of getting out of anything."
[14:37] * Makoto nods, before giggling. "And hey, who knows, we might get a free or discounted wardrobe out of this, right?"
[14:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Maybe," he allows, smiling a bit at Makoto's cheer before moving on with Makoto. Following the man, he leads you to a elevator to the second floor and to his/her working office. Pictures of models and clothes abound, with sewing diagrams about. It's rather cluttered, but has a classy feel despite it.
[14:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Come, come," with a florish he presents his office, pulling out a few general use chairs. "Please sit."
[14:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sitting himself down with a slightly suspcious glance at the person, Alan sits.
[14:46] * Makoto likewise sits and waits for the person to speak his piece.
[14:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Makoto, you're a stunning lady of refinement and good breeding, are you not," the person asks, behind his desk, but leaning forward, hands on it to prop himself up.
[14:50] * Makoto blushes, a bit too embarrased and off her center to wonder how the person knows her name. "Uhm, I'm actually pretty self-raised."
[14:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Don't demur," he/she insists, peering at you. "It's obvious that you're of a better stock than most everyone else here. Such divinity is the stuff of long-lasting legends."
[14:55] * Makoto doesn't blush more here, now thinking a bit, 'Geez, he's laying it on a bit thick...'
[14:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Even your companion here is better than most," she/he confesses. "I'd almost say you were too good for Japan, or even Earth."
[14:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan frowns at all of this, especially when the person turns his/her glance at him again. "Is this going anywhere?" he asks, not really hiding his hositiliy now.
[15:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Of course." A smile back to Alan, which does nothing to cheer him. "As I said, such beauty is truly remarkable," smiling back to Makoto, again pouring on charm. Your heart almost leaps out of your chest at that...
[15:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going around the desk, the person comes right at Makoto. "Tell me... your parents must have been angels or aliens for this level of perfection," crooning, the person gently reaches out with a single finger, resting it under your chin.
[15:07] * Makoto frowns a bit sadly at that. "I wouldn't remember. They've been gone for a long time now..."
[15:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> "So have mine," the person nods. "Such a long time, it feel-" He's cut off by Alan quite pointedly reaching out, removing the finger from Makoto. "How about respecting her personal space," he grates, now really losing his temper.
[15:16] * Makoto scratches her head. "Uhm, right, you did want to talk about something besides my parents anyhow..." she mumbles, trying to move on the conversation before Alan kills the person.
[15:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> This time, his smile cracks just the tinest bit. "Sure, Makoto. I just wanted to ask how you and your friends have been doing since December."
[15:22] * Makoto blinks. "My... friends? Why do you ask?"
[15:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Just curious, I suppose, and I should try to keep good fences," Nodding to this, the person smiles at you.
[15:23] * Makoto begins to frown. "Good fences?"
[15:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan reaches out quietly, taking your hand while glaring at the person. "What the hell are you going on about, idiot," he calls, annoyed and showing it.
[15:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> This time, he matches Alan's frown at him. "Perhaps you should go, since this is probably about matters you aren't concerned about."
[15:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> Restraining the urge to lose control and blast this moron through his office wall, Alan stands. "How about I take my girlfriend to lunch and get the hell out of here instead," he challenges hotly.
[15:30] * Makoto continues frowning. "I'm beginning to think Alan might have the right idea. You haven't even told us your name or anything."
[15:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> Drawing back at both of your words, he/she sighs. "If you wish... but I suppose that this tells me everything I wish to know," the person replies.
[15:34] <Makoto> "Look, why did you really bring us up here?" Makoto asks, now a bit annoyed that it's likely nothing to do with clothing
[15:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Fine," Alan says, taking Makoto's hand. "Ready to go," he asks quickly, hoping to lead you right out of there.
[15:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Just idle curiosity," is the bland reply. "And in your way, you answered it. Thank you, Makoto... you can go now if you wish."
[15:38] * Makoto frowns. "No, you've piqued my curiosity now. I don't think it's quite fair that you get something out of this while all I end up is confused."
[15:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan hesitates at that, but lets Makoto stay for now. "Perhaps... I'm just someone who wanted to make sure that my fences were stable."
[15:46] <Makoto> "What do you mean by fences?" Makoto asks. "I've never even heard of such an expression."
[15:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Shaking his/her head, "Nevermind then. I'm sure you can see yourself out?"
[15:49] * Makoto frowns. "So that's it? You get what you want, and we leave?"
[15:50] <Makoto> "I'm not the sort of person to just let things end like this," Makoto states.
[16:07] <Ana-brb> "Then, we'll see each other again," he/she comments, smiling at you, yet without the impact it had before.
[16:17] * Makoto frowns, but nods. "Fine, we will," she replies as she starts to get up from her seat at last.
[16:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan follows, almost dragging Makoto out out of the room and out of the building altogether, throughly peeved by that entire exchange.
[16:21] <Makoto> "I wonder what the hell that was all about?" Makoto says in a somewhat miffed tone.
[16:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> "That... thing... was a pyschopath," Alan asserts, once outside. "I think he must've been trying to pick you up or something."
[16:24] <Makoto> "I doubt it, Alan," Makoto says with a weak smile. "That

Halbarad · June 29, 2006, 11:19:09 PM

[13:03] <Usagi-chan> -----
[13:06] * Usagi-chan loves her Sundays. With so much going on lately, there hasn't been enough time to really enjoy the company of her girlfriend, so she makes the most of the time she does have on her day off. The two girls' exertions have left them both a bit on the sweaty side, so Usagi finishes drawing a bath in her enormous marble tub on the Moon, the water steaming slightly as she shuts off the tap. "Bath's ready, Rei-chan!" she calls out.
[13:11] <Rei-chan> "So I see," Rei smiles, dipping her toes in the relaxingly hot water before sighing as she clambers in and immerses herself fully. "Ahhh..." she sighs, leaning back against the side with her eyes closed.
[13:13] * Usagi-chan follows suit moments later, slowly lowering herself into the water to allow herself time to adjust to the heat. "Mmmm... I love having a nice hot bath..." she sighs happily.
[13:15] <Rei-chan> "Mmhmm," Rei nods, arching her back against the side of the tub and stretching out her legs. "Nice to have such a big tub, too," she grins, "It's kinda weird being able to stretch out like this and not touch the other side."
[13:17] * Usagi-chan giggles. "Yeah, I know - sometimes feel like I could go swimming in it." She grins, stretching out her legs herself so she can touch the bottom of Rei's feet with her toes.
[13:20] <Rei-chan> Giggling a bit herself at the sensation, Rei amuses herself by playing footsie with her love as she talks. "Oh, there's something I meant to tell you," she begins, judging now as good a time as any.
[13:21] * Usagi-chan grins, still playing with Rei's feet. "Hmm?"
[13:24] <Rei-chan> "Haruka stopped by the Shrine this morning - she had a dream like the ones she'd had of the Silence, and it seemed to be to do with the new enemy," Rei explains, still relaxed. "Something about a crystalline city of shadows - we guessed it had something to do with the Crystal Tokyo that Chibi Usa's mother rules, and those crystal points Beruche mentioned when we first saw her."
[13:25] * Usagi-chan frowns a little at that. "A city of shadows? Doesn't sound very good."
[13:27] <Rei-chan> "From what we could figure, those 'crystal points' were being corrupted and used as focal points to spread negative energy - which fits with what we saw them doing at that fashion store and the ice cream place. Which confuses me, since if they were just here to capture Chibi Usa, what's the point in that?"
[13:30] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, I know. It sounds like... Endymion and Neo Queen Serenity set up their kingdom in this Crystal Tokyo for whatever reason, in that world. I'm certainly not going to do anything like that here - I mean, that's what this place is for." She lifts a hand from the water to gesture at the room.
[13:33] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods. "That's another thing. I did a fire reading to see if could make things clearer, and I think what I saw was their Crystal Tokyo." She shakes her head, "The place had been completely overrun by negative energy, and was filled with death and despair... and in the centre of it, I saw what I think was Neo Queen Serenity, held in some kind of crystal coccoon which seemed to be protecting her."
[13:33] * Rei-chan sighs, "But I don't understand why the Fire would show that - I mean, it's a thousand years away, AND in a completely different dimension."
[13:35] * Usagi-chan frowns. "Could that be what it's like now? I mean, if the senshi in that other world really were killed or lost, what would stop anyone from taking over?" Usagi frowns. "But even THAT doesn't make sense. If the other Usagi is Sailor Moon, and SHE disappeared, then wouldn't the queen disappear in the future too?"
[13:36] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods, "If the 20th century got changed, there wouldn't BE a Crystal Tokyo in the future to need corrupting - it'd be something completely different." She sighs, "At least that's what I think would happen. Only Sailor Pluto would know for sure - I mean, if it was changed, then Chibi Usa wouldn't remember Crystal Tokyo either, if she even existed at all."
[13:38] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, this time stuff is just way too confusing." Usagi sighs. "If that really IS what happened though, what are we going to do about Chibi Usa? I'd rather keep her here than send her back to that."
[13:40] * Rei-chan sighs, scooting over to cuddle Usagi. "I don't know what we'll do, Usagi," she says, wrapping an arm around the blonde from the side. "We just don't know enough about this other dimension or those sisters to be able to say anything for sure right now."
[13:42] * Usagi-chan leans her head over to rest on her love's shoulder. "It's just such a mess... why can't things just stay peaceful?" she sighs.
[13:44] <Rei-chan> "Seems like it's our destiny to always be fighting..." Rei plants a kiss on the crown of Usagi's head, "But at least we always have each other to depend on..." She breathes deeply, inhaling her girlfriend's scent and speaking again after a moment, "Oh, and I think the Shrine is one of those Crystal Points."
[13:45] * Usagi-chan can't help but grin a bit at that. "Why am I not too horribly surprised? I swear, your shrine is like THE place to go if you're a bad guy." She giggles a bit.
[13:47] <Rei-chan> "It's annoying," Rei grumbles. "Evil creatures are supposed to avoid holy places. And it cuts down on visitors who want to avoid getting stuck in the middle of an attack."
[13:49] * Usagi-chan lets her hand rest on Rei's stomach. "I know, I know. But hopefully you can keep anything from happening since you know they're likely to come to the Shrine anyway, and there won't be any trouble this time."
[13:52] <Rei-chan> "I doubt it'll make much difference," Rei replies, relaxing at Usagi's soothing touch. "There's no way we can actually stop them until after they make their move, and then there'll be the big fight with all the property damage..." She chuckles a bit, "Oh well, at least with all the practice you get up here, you'll be able to help fix things afterwards."
[13:54] * Usagi-chan grins. "Only on the inside... I can't exactly fix everything on the outside magically, people would notice. But I think I can use a hammer and nails without killing myself or anyone else."
[13:56] <Rei-chan> "True," Rei nods, sliding down in the water a bit, and shivering at how that moves Usagi's hand on her body. "And at least we will know about it instantly, instead of relying on luck to run across them like the last two times."
[13:58] * Usagi-chan notices Rei's slight tremor, and begins to run her hand across Rei's chest gently. "You like that, huh? But yeah, it'll be nice to be waiting for them for a change, rather than wondering where they'll be next. I just wonder if the Shrine is the next place they're going to hit."
[14:02] <Rei-chan> "I don't know," Rei says in a throaty voice, arching her back at Usagi's ministrations. "My focus wasn't very good for that part of the vision, and I couldn't get much more out of it..."
[14:04] * Usagi-chan smiles at the look of pleasure on Rei's face, continuing to trace her fingers gently over Rei's breasts beneath the water. "Well, we can worry about that stuff when it actually happens. For right now, we can just take it easy and enjoy ourselves."
[14:07] * Rei-chan considers pointing out that they just finished 'enjoying themselves' barely ten minutes ago, but for some reason can't find her voice to say it. Instead she wraps herself tighter around Usagi and begins to reciprocate the blonde's actions.
[14:11] * Usagi-chan leans in to kiss the miko, closing her eyes as she loses herself in the moment...
[09:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[10:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> Between Usagi, Chibi Usa and the rabbit plushie she hugs, Usagi's bed is rather full these days, even on a Sunday night.
[10:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi stirs, feeling strangely moved as her slumber fades away...
[10:29] * Usagi-chan wakens slowly, looking over at the clock on her nightstand to find out what time it is.
[10:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's 12:28 A.M., though it's hard to see through your blurry eyes...
[10:30] * Usagi-chan yawns cavernously, checking on Chibi Usa before she tries to go back to sleep.
[10:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> AS you do so, you feel wetness run down your cheeks by that, your eyes blurring a bit more.
[10:31] * Usagi-chan blinks furiously, wondering why her eyes are watering THIS much.
[10:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> Blinking so, you feel a few more tears escape your eyes, coursing down your cheeks. Are you crying? But why?
[10:32] * Usagi-chan wipes her face, frowning as she tries to figure out why she's crying.
[10:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> You don't feel anything, except the vaguest feeling of sadness, even that fading away like the dreams that were interrupted.
[10:34] * Usagi-chan sits up carefully, trying not to disturb Chibi Usa as she tries to catch the feeling of sadness.
[10:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> Despite your efforts, it's gone, only leaving faint trails of dampness across your face.
[10:34] * Usagi-chan frowns as she lays back down, staring at the ceiling as she tries to sort out what just happened.
[10:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> No answers present themself to Usagi, sleep coming slowly for the rest of that night.
[10:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[10:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> Walking into third period history a bit early Monday, Rei at your side as always, you see a bit of a group huddled near Shiori's desk, some chatter going on.
[10:37] * Usagi-chan yields to her curiosity, heading over to Shiori's desk to see what the hubbub is about. "What's going on?"
[10:37] * Rei-chan follows Usagi.
[10:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is a radio on her desk, currently playing some catchy pop tune - though, no one really seems to be listening to it. "Hi, Usagi," Shiori nods. "Did you hear? The idol singer Full Moon died in a car crash last night," she bows her head slightly in respect. "It's all the radio stations have been talking about all day," another student, a glass'ed man, supplies in.
[10:45] * Usagi-chan goes white. "She what?" she says in a hollow voice.
[10:45] <Rei-chan> "Wh-what?!" Rei gasps, staggering and using a desk to keep upright.
[10:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah," a third student chips in. "Something about her car blowing out a tire and skidding off the road. It sucks," she sighs. "Her music was dreamy!"
[10:47] * Usagi-chan doesn't really pay attention. "Oh god, Minako..." she murmurs, a tear trickling down her cheek.
[10:47] <Rei-chan> Rei is completely pale. "Minako..." with a small choked sob, she turns and runs out of the room.
[10:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Rei?" Shiori asks, surprised as such a reaction. "Usagi... did Rei really like full Moon?"
[10:49] * Usagi-chan lowers her head, the tears flowing down her face freely. "We.... she used to be a close friend of both of ours," Usagi says quietly.
[10:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh God," the blue haired girl murmurs in shock, her hand going up to her mouth. "I'm so sorry, Usagi," a few other students chip in.
[10:51] * Usagi-chan sits down in the nearest chair rather heavily, still weeping silently. "What... when did it happen?" she manages to get out, beginning to suspect what woke her up the night before.
[10:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Late last night, I think," Shiori sighs. "She was heading back to her hotel after a late performance..."
[10:53] * Usagi-chan stays quiet after that, finally looking towards the door with a tear-streaked face. "Rei..." she whispers.
[10:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Are you going to go after her?" Shiori asks, getting up herself. "She shouldn't be alone right now, crying her eyes out."
[10:55] * Usagi-chan nods, making no move to get up. "I will... but I think she needs some time to herself first." Usagi replies.
[10:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nodding, she sits back down slowly. A moment later, the teacher comes in, that old bore. "What's all this about, students?" he asks, addressing the bunching of Mugenites.
[10:59] * Usagi-chan glances up at the teacher, coming to a decision - she's not in any shape to deal with class today. Without a word she rises from her seat, taking her bag as she heads out into the halls of Mugen.
[11:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> You hear the teacher say something about Miss Tsukino as you leave, but it's lost in the sea of other feelings you have right now.
[11:01] * Usagi-chan completely ignores the teacher, slowly closing the door behind her and leaning against it. "Minako's really dead..." she whispers to herself, the tears starting afresh.
[11:02] * Usagi-chan remains where she is for a few moments, then, remembering Rei, she sets out through the school to find her love.
[11:08] <Usagi-chan> Finding the former Witches' office abandoned, Usagi heads up to the Professor's office, leaving word with his secretary that she and Rei will probably be out for the rest of the day before leaving the school in search of her girlfriend. 'Rei?' Usagi thinks quietly.
[11:09] <Rei-chan> 'I just can't believe it,' Rei thinks back without preamble. 'I know we parted on bad terms, and I didn't like her decisions, but...'
[11:11] <Usagi-chan> 'I know, Rei-chan... I don't want to believe it either. I don't want her to be dead.' Usagi replies, sitting down on the school steps.
[11:12] <Rei-chan> 'Even with all the problems, she was my first real love... and she used to be such a good friend. We fought the Dark Kingdom and all those escaped criminals together... and it ends like this?' Rei's mental voice is little better than a pained whimper.
[11:15] <Usagi-chan> 'I looked up to her for so long as Sailor V... I mean, if it wasn't for her, I probably never would have made it as far as I did.' Usagi thinks back. 'I never even got to tell her goodbye, Rei!' Usagi thinks, breaking into a fresh bout of sobbing.
[11:19] <Rei-chan> 'If... if I hadn't broken her heart, she wouldn't have left us... and she wouldn't have been in that...' Rei gives a wrenching groan, 'Car crash. A car crash! She was a Sailor Senshi, dammit!'
[11:22] <Usagi-chan> 'I know... she didn't deserve that. Even if she didn't want to spend it with us, she deserved to have a long, happy life - why did that get taken away from her?' Usagi thinks tearfully.
[11:24] <Rei-chan> 'I don't know...' Rei thinks, falling silent to Usagi even as she cries freely for anyone near her to hear.
[11:24] * Usagi-chan does much the same, curling up into a ball on the steps of Mugen Gakuen as she cries her heart out.
[11:36] <Usagi-chan> -----
[14:17] <Ana-resting> Heading to Ami's house is a simple enough affair, except for one thing. As you pass through downtown, you notice Motoki at the Crown Arcade, sweeping outside. He waves at you as you pass...
[14:18] * Usagi-chan manages to return Motoki's wave, but can't bring herself to smile, her heart heavy at the day's news.
[14:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you pass by, "Did you hear about Full Moon," he asks, frowning a bit. "Such a tragedy..."
[14:22] * Usagi-chan stops, taking a deep breath. "Full Moon was Minako Aino, oniisan," she says quietly.
[14:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> "What," he asks, his broom stopping in movement altogher. "What?" Repeating that again, his eyes widen. "Minako was Full Moon? Oh damn..." Motoki shakes his head at that, shocked.
[14:24] * Usagi-chan shakes her head slowly. "I can't believe she's dead..."
[14:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nodding in agreement, he places his hand on your shoulder. "I know you two were close..." he starts. "I mean, you, Rei, Ami and all of your friends always hung out together here... hell, Minako looks like Full Moon... never even thought of it.." he murmurs on, his mind turbulent.
[14:29] * Usagi-chan nods, her tears beginning again. "She just left, oniisan. She went away on tour and I never even got to say goodbye to her!"
[14:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> "And now you'll never have the chance," he finishes. "Usagi... do you want to go sit down inside," he offers gently, looking rather depressed and saddened himself.
[14:32] * Usagi-chan manages to give the blonde a weak smile. "I wish I could, Motoki... but I have other people I need to tell. I'm sorry." She wipes her face with the back of her arm.
[14:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods, reaching into his work apron and retriving a few kleenex. "Here," he hands them over to you. "And good luck, Usagi."
[14:34] * Usagi-chan nods, blowing her nose. "Thanks, oniisan. I'll talk to you later, okay?" She tosses the used tissue in a nearby trashcan before continuing on towards Ami's apartment.
[14:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> The rest of the trip goes without incident. On arriving, luck is with you. Artemis is just outside of the apartment, curled up in a sunbeam and staring off into space in that one catlike way that the Mau also have.
[14:35] <Usagi-chan> "Artemis?" Usagi says, sniffling a bit.
[14:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hey," Artemis replies slowly, not turning. "You heard?" Asking this, he puts a whole meaning into two sad words.
[14:36] * Usagi-chan sits down crosslegged next to the Mau. "I heard," she says simply.
[14:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> Down his head goes onto his paws, resting it there. "A car crash," he sighs. "A stupid car crash."
[14:39] * Usagi-chan reaches over to pet the cat, letting her head rest against the wall. "I know... of all the things - it shouldn't have happened to her!" Usagi protests.
[14:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Lots of stuff shouldn't have happened to Mina-chan," Artemis says, a touch of sadness there. "She should have been a happy girl like I remembered from the Silver Millenium, going to school with her friends and even her girlfriend Rei..."
[14:41] * Usagi-chan flinches at that, not saying anything further. A wave of guilt runs through her, and she lowers her head, beginning to cry silently again.
[14:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going on, he doesn't seem to notice your flinch or tears. "As a part of the Sailor Senshi, she should still have been here. She'd be laughing with you at Mugen, I just know it."
[14:46] * Usagi-chan begins to cry harder at that, images of Minako flitting through her head in rapid succession and adding to the guilt she feels inside. "It's my fault.... I'm the leader, I'm supposed to keep us all together..." she sobs.
[14:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Turning to look at you now, "Yeah, you are the leader," he comments. "But it's not your fault. Mina-chan... made her own choices, even over your wishes as the Queen. You couldn't have forced her to serve you, or it would make you no better than Beryl."
[14:49] <Usagi-chan> "I know, but..." Usagi sniffs. "I should have seen something was wrong, done something so she wouldn't want to leave. There has to be something I could have done...."
[14:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Laughter from Artemis, a surprisingly mocking and angry sound there. The Mau shakes with it for several long moments before replying. "What I've said all morning, Usagi. What I tried all December, it felt like."
[14:53] * Usagi-chan slams a fist on the floor. "I don't want her to have died hating me, Artemis! She didn't even give me a last chance to talk to her! I just... I don't know what else I could have done, but there has to be.... there has to be something."
[14:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I don't think there is, Usagi. She's dead," he says it flatly, "and it's too late for us to do anything but cry." From his tone, you get the feeling he's done that and will be doing that in the near future. "I'd hoped she'd come back and we could patch things up, or at least be friends again... but...."
[14:57] * Usagi-chan slumps. "I tried to talk to her after she left, but she never said anything back..." she whispers. "It's like she didn't even want to know I was there."
[14:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I emailed her... I managed to get her hotel room number once, and she blew me off, too," Artemis nods. "She didn't want us."
[14:58] <Usagi-chan> "What did we do wrong, Artemis?" Usagi says, her heart feeling like it's made of lead.
[15:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I don't know," he says shortly. "But... I'm not sure if we were the ones who did anything wrong."
[15:03] * Usagi-chan draws her knees up to her chest, resting her forehead on them. "I just wish I knew what went wrong."
[15:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> The cat doesn't reply this time, letting himself stare off into space for a bit.
[15:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Artemis is silent for a little while, and soon Usagi starts to get up. As she does so, "Usagi, tell Ami about this... and tell her I'll be gone a few days," the white kitty comments.
[15:08] * Usagi-chan nods, not turning to look at the Mau. "I will. Take it easy, Artemis," she says quietly.
[15:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods. "I'll be fine eventually. I'm still around to be..." he sighs at that, and then gets up himself, making haste away.
[15:13] * Usagi-chan scrunches up her face at that, quickly hurrying towards home before she breaks down in tears again.
[15:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[15:25] * Usagi-chan enters her home, the house silent at this hour just after lunchtime. She slips off her shoes, trudging over to the couch and flopping down on it unceremoniously. 'Minako...' she thinks in a pained voice.
[15:27] * Usagi-chan closes her eyes, resting her head against the back of the couch as her thoughts churn over the former Senshi of Love - the good times and the bad. A half an hour of this, with no sign of her mother or Chibi Usa, leaves Usagi feeling rather drained and alone. 'Rei-chan?' she thinks, somewhat dully.
[15:28] <Rei-chan> 'Hm?' Rei thinks back dazedly.
[15:29] * Usagi-chan pauses for a moment. 'I don't really want to be alone right now, Rei-chan,' she thinks in a small voice. 'Could you... would you mind keeping me company?' she thinks, somewhat hesitantly.
[15:31] <Rei-chan> 'I... of course, Usagi,' Rei thinks back after a moment, sounding a little bit confused. 'Oh...' she adds a second later, 'I never realised I'd walked so far. It'll probably take me half an hour to get back to Juuban if I get the train...'
[15:32] <Usagi-chan> 'I can come meet you at the station then... there's no one else home right now, and it's just too quiet here.' Usagi's voice is still rather small.
[15:34] <Rei-chan> 'Okay... I'll see you soon, Usagi...' Rei sends back, still sounding rather distant as she starts towards the nearest train station.
[15:35] * Usagi-chan nods, unseen by Rei. Slipping her shoes back on - and not even bothering to change out of her school uniform - she leaves her home, slowly making her way to the Juuban train station. Finding herself there well before Rei, she takes a seat on a bench by the platform, resting her elbows on her knees and hanging her head as chattering people go by on their own business.
[15:38] <Rei-chan> About twenty minutes after Usagi sits down, Rei steps off her train, quickly spotting the blonde and approaching. "Hey," she says dully, once near. She looks rather messed up, with her eyes red and puffy, and tear tracks visible down her cheeks, while the sleeves of her blouse are damp from repeatedly wiping away said tears.
[15:40] * Usagi-chan isn't in much better shape, looking extremely drained herself. She manages the barest of smiles as Rei approaches. "Thanks for coming, Rei-chan," Usagi says without much enthusiasm, scooting over to make room for the miko on the bench.
[15:41] * Rei-chan plops down and leans against Usagi. "It's alright," she sighs quietly. "Beats just wandering while my head goes round in circles."
[15:43] * Usagi-chan nods, letting her arm slip around Rei's waist. "She's gone, Rei-chan." Usagi says hollowly. "No matter how many times I say it, I just can't believe it's true."
[15:45] <Rei-chan> "It's not fair..." Rei sniffles, "She deserved so much better in her life than she got... and then for it to end like that, after everything she'd been through, for it to be a car crash..." She puts her head in her hands, "It's just so stupid and pointless!" she declares vehemently.
[15:47] * Usagi-chan leans back against the bench, letting her head hang over the back of it limply. "But what can we do, Rei-chan?" she says weakly. "She did deserve better... but she's dead now." She repeats it in a whisper. "She's dead."
[15:48] * Rei-chan closes her eyes tightly. "There's nothing we can do," she whispers, "Nothing except grieve."
[15:50] <Usagi-chan> "Why?" Usagi begins to cry once again. "Why did she have to leave? Why did she have to die?"
[15:52] <Rei-chan> "I don't know!" Rei asserts in a hurt tone.
[15:53] * Usagi-chan sniffs, still crying. "I should have done more... I should have tried harder to find out what was wrong. I should have tried to talk to her sooner."
[15:55] <Rei-chan> "It's not your fault, Usagi," Rei says, wiping at her face with her sleeve. "You're not the one who made her so miserable that she wanted to leave us."
[15:57] * Usagi-chan raises her head to look at Rei. "It isn't your fault, Rei-chan." She places her hand in the center of Rei's back. "You did what you had to - but I should have done more to help her after that happened. I knew she was hurting, but I didn't try hard enough to help her."
[16:00] <Rei-chan> "I thought if I gave her space she'd get better," Rei sniffs. "I wanted us to be friends like we used to be. But then she left without even telling me, and I was so angry at her... because it's easier to get angry than to accept that I'm the reason for it..." Trailing off, she latches tightly onto Usagi.
[16:04] * Usagi-chan wraps her arms around Rei gently. "I... it was my job to make sure everything was okay - I'm supposed to be the leader. I just thought she didn't want to talk about it, so I let it go." she says absently. 'But if she was still with Rei, then I'd -' she clamps down on that thought ruthlessly, feeling a horrible surge of guilt for even thinking of such a thing right now.
[16:11] <Rei-chan> Controlling her sniffling, Rei pulls apart to look at Usagi through her glistening violet eyes. "I don't think she did want to talk about it. She always tried to hide how she was hurting..." 'Except... except when we were together...' she thinks to herself, remembering how she had first been drawn to the girl by bonding over their shared trials of being a Sailor Senshi.
[16:11] <Rei-chan> Shakily, the distraught schoolgirl stands up. "Come on," she offers her hand to Usagi, "I don't want to sit around and cry here in the middle of all these people."
[16:12] * Usagi-chan shrinks away from Rei, still feeling horrible - and somehow responsible for Minako and Rei's separation. "I... you go ahead, Rei..." she says in a tiny voice.
[16:14] <Rei-chan> "Wh-what?" Rei asks in a tremulous voice, "I thought you didn't want to be alone?"
[16:15] <Usagi-chan> "I... but I...." Usagi looks up at Rei with a face on the verge of bursting into tears. 'I took Rei...' she clamps down on the thought once again, quickly looking away from the miko.
[16:16] * Rei-chan sighs, looking very tired. "Usagi, don't," she says simply.
[16:18] * Usagi-chan winces, curling up in a ball. "But if you hadn't... and I'd still be alone..." she says, almost inaudibly. "And it's horrible of me to think like that, when she's dead now."
[16:19] <Rei-chan> "Then don't. Please," Rei says earnestly, leaning down close to Usagi. "Thinking like that doesn't help anything."
[16:21] <Usagi-chan> "But Artemis said the same thing..." Usagi mumbles, her face buried against her knees. "If... if you two had been able to work things out, she'd still be here and she'd still be happy. But I got in the way of that."
[16:23] <Rei-chan> "No you didn't," Rei says firmly, and sounding just a touch annoyed as some of her fire returns. "You had nothing to do with why Minako and I broke up, and I only wanted her as a friend after that. I had no plans to ever resume that relationship after seeing how it hurt us both."
[16:31] <Usagi-chan> "But she was always so worried about me taking you away from her, and then it really happened!" Usagi protests. "And even now, with what's happened, I still wouldn't change that..." she finishes in a whisper. "I'm nothing but a selfish brat."
[16:35] <Rei-chan> "No you are not." Rei looks rather upset as she stares down at Usagi. "I wasn't hers to be taken away from when we got together. We have enough reasons to be sad without you imagining more, Usagi."
[16:39] * Usagi-chan looks up at Rei, her eyes glistening. "She loved you first, Rei-chan. I just can't help.... I feel like if I hadn't fallen in love with you, then none of this would have happened." She screws her face up, on the verge of bursting into tears again. "I just don't know what I could have done different, because I thought I was doing the right thing all along."
[16:42] <Rei-chan> "You were," Rei attempts in a more soothing tone, sitting down next to Usagi once more. "Minako had already made her decision and left us before we got together. The two have nothing to do with each other."
[16:44] * Usagi-chan's shoulders shake as she tries to hold in her sobs, before finally managing to compose herself to a degree. "It was an accident," she finally says. "Just a stupid accident that no one could have known would happen."
[16:46] * Rei-chan sighs bitterly. "Yeah... that's about it alright..." She swears under her breath. "You'd think after everything else... a car crash is just so damn pointless!"
[16:47] <Usagi-chan> "It was just an accident," Usagi repeats softly. "It wasn't my fault..." She looks up at Rei. "And it wasn't your fault, either."
[16:48] <Rei-chan> "Still hurts, though," Rei says in a small voice.
[16:49] * Usagi-chan takes Rei's hand, gripping it tightly. "I know.... I just wish it didn't hurt so much."
[16:50] <Rei-chan> "Yeah..." Rei sighs, squeezing Usagi's hand in return.
[16:54] <Rei-chan> -------
[16:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Today was kind of strange for Makoto, really. There was some piece of gossip floating around all day, but it eluded her, being whispered here and there amid classes.
[16:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Whatever it was, it was reasonably big... but in the end, going home for the day, it seems like it must've not been that big a deal.
[16:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> A little bit after getting home, though, Makoto gets a knock on her door...
[16:58] <Makoto> "Yes? Who is it?" Makoto asks as she walks back to her door.
[16:59] <Usagi-chan> "It's me, Usagi. Rei's with me." Usagi calls from outside the door, sounding very subdued - not at all like her normal cheerful self.
[17:00] * Makoto nods, as she opens the door. "Hey Usagi. Rei. What's up?"
[17:01] * Rei-chan still looks rather messed up as she greets Makoto. "Hi, Mako-chan," she says quietly, "Can we come in?"
[17:01] * Usagi-chan looks like an absolute wreck - it's obvious she's spent quite a bit of the day crying, and she hasn't bothered to clean herself up much. She nods with Rei's question.
[17:01] <Makoto> "Come right in," Makoto replies as she steps to the side, though a frown covers her face. "So what's wrong?"
[17:02] <Rei-chan> "You haven't heard?" Rei asks as she enters.
[17:02] * Usagi-chan heads for the couch, sitting down silently as she takes a deep breath. She looks up at Makoto, waiting to hear the brunette's response.
[17:03] <Makoto> "Heard what?" Makoto asks somewhat surprised now. "Did something happen that I should have known about?"
[17:03] * Rei-chan looks down at the floor. "Minako... died last night, Mako-chan," she says, almost inaudibly.
[17:04] * Makoto blinks once, opens her mouth to say something before inaudably closing it again and blinking again. "Wait, I don't think I heard you right..." Makoto squeeks out. "Minako what?"
[17:04] * Usagi-chan closes her eyes. "Full Moon died in a car crash just after midnight last night. Minako is gone." she says quietly.
[17:09] <Makoto> "But...Minako?" Makoto asks as she plops down in one of her couches, her hand holding her forehead. "I couldn't even imagine..."
[17:10] * Usagi-chan lets out a long, shuddering sigh. "I know.... it's hard to believe it, but it's true."
[17:11] <Rei-chan> "We found out before lunch today..." Rei says, sitting down on the floor. "It's probably on the news, now..."
[17:13] <Makoto> "Man, this has just been one twisted day..." Makoto mutters to herself. "Jeez..."
[17:14] <Rei-chan> "What?" Rei whispers hoarsely, looking up at Makoto. "Something else happened?"
[17:16] * Makoto waves her hand off her forehead. "No, not really. Just a really random encounter in a shop."
[17:16] <Usagi-chan> "What happened?" Usagi asks. "What shop?"
[17:18] * Rei-chan looks vaguely interested, but keeps quiet.
[17:21] <Makoto> "Don't recall the name. Alan found an ad for it which said 10% off. Anyhow, there was this person who seemed interested in me there."
[17:21] * Rei-chan frowns and stops paying attention to Makoto, staring at the floor instead.
[17:22] <Usagi-chan> "Interested in you? What do you mean?" Usagi continues, almost eager for something to take her mind off Minako - even if just for a few minutes.
[17:24] <Makoto> "I dunno, he..." Makoto starts to pause before shaking her head. Just refer to the person as a he for simplicity sake, Mako-chan, she told herself. "He just started going on and on about making me a model and drowning me in compliments. Eventually Alan and I just asked him to get to the point. He asked about 'how my friends have been doing since December' and when we asked why, he just said he was painting his fences or some such."
[17:24] <Makoto> "It was all just rather odd. He just ended up kicking us out when I didn't answer him, saying he learned what he wanted."
[17:25] * Rei-chan jerks slightly and looks up. "December?" she glances at Usagi. "We never did find out what happened to all of them..."
[17:25] * Usagi-chan frowns slightly. "Since December? Oh no..." Usagi groans. "No, we didn't - are you sure you can't remember the name of the shop?" Usagi looks up at Makoto.
[17:28] * Makoto frowns. "I have the ad somewhere around here, I think..." she says as she gets up and looks.
[17:29] * Usagi-chan sighs. "Just what we need, on top of everything else," she mumbles.
[17:29] <Rei-chan> "God, I hope this isn't another Guinvain..." Rei groans. "And if he recognised you without you transforming as well..."
[17:30] * Makoto finds the ad and shows it to the two, the name at the top. "Here it is."
[17:31] * Usagi-chan scans the ad quickly. "Oh great... so THAT's what that was." she grumbles.
[17:31] <Rei-chan> "Huh?"
[17:33] * Usagi-chan blows out a sigh. "I recognize the name. I went out looking for Eiko last Friday after that attack at the bridge, and I came across a really powerful energy signature in Shibuya - and the name on that place was the same as the name on this flyer." She sighs. "I was planning to check it out later, but.... well, the news today kind of drove it out of my mind," she finishes in a subdued tone.
[17:33] * Rei-chan sighs as well. "So what are we going to do?"
[17:36] * Usagi-chan pauses for a few moments, deep in thought. "I'm still upset about what happened to Minako, but... but we can't stay depressed forever." she finally says. "It's still going to have to be checked out - Minako being gone doesn't change that." 'And I think I could use something to take my mind off of her for a while,' Usagi thinks to herself.
[17:36] <Rei-chan> "Now?" Rei blinks at their leader.
[17:37] * Makoto also nods with Rei's question.
[17:37] * Usagi-chan deflates a bit. "I don't know."
[17:40] <Rei-chan> "Well... if you want I can project myself over there to take a quick look before we decide how quickly we should properly investigate?" Rei offers, not minding a distraction herself.
[17:41] * Usagi-chan nods. "Might not be a bad idea." She gives Rei a small smile. "I think the two of us are going to need to clean up a bit before we try going anywhere anyway - you look awful, and I bet I'm just as bad."
[17:42] <Rei-chan> "Yeah..." Rei nods, getting up to sit on the couch. "Where exactly in Shibuya is the shop?"
[17:43] * Usagi-chan describes the location to Rei as best she can remember it from her late-night outing a few days before. "That sound right, Mako-chan?"
[17:43] * Makoto nods. "By the way, do you want some cookies, Usagi?" Makoto offers, so as to make her friends more comfortable.
[17:44] <Rei-chan> Closing her eyes and breathing deeply, Rei projects her consciousness to the area specified by her friends, keeping her astral self invisible to normal sight as she arrives.
[17:44] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Thanks for the offer, but I don't have much of an appetite right now." She smiles slightly.
[17:45] * Makoto smiles back sadly, while thinking of all that's been happening. "It's okay, I can imagine."
[17:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> Appearing in what looks to be a posh reception area, you see a desk, a few doors, and a receptionist about. The design is modernist, with Western touches and coloring. Not too much to see here right now, really.
[17:49] <Rei-chan> Only making a cursory visual inspection of her surroundings, Rei focuses mostly on trying to detect anything supernatural in the vicinity.
[17:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Soul check.
[17:49] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[17:49] * Hatbot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[17:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> There isn't anyone stronger than a normal human about, no one here having the spiritual gravitas that the person Usagi described would have.
[17:51] <Rei-chan> 'Odd...' Rei muses, 'Of course he just might not be here today...' Regardless, the miko has little else to do here, and promptly returns to her body in Makoto's apartment.
[17:52] * Usagi-chan looks over at Rei. "Nothing?" she asks, having picked up on the miko's thoughts.
[17:53] <Rei-chan> "No," Rei shakes her head. "I'm guessing he doesn't spend all his time there, though..." She looks over at Makoto, "Did you get a name at least?"
[17:54] * Makoto shakes her head, having stayed quiet while the two did... whatever. "No, that's part of why it was so strange. Actually, come to think of it, he knew -mine- before I even said it."
[17:54] * Usagi-chan sighs. "That'd make sense if he's from the Silver Millenium," she says.
[17:55] <Makoto> "You really think he's from then?" Makoto asks, now a bit more worried than before.
[17:56] <Rei-chan> "It makes the most sense, if he recognised you and referred to December in particular," Rei shrugs. "But whether he's actually hostile... well, he hasn't done anything, yet, has he?"
[17:56] <Usagi-chan> "I don't know for sure, but it would sure explain a lot." Usagi sighs. "I know you don't have any way of telling, but I'm betting the same person you talked to was the one I sensed the other day. I can't think of any other reason he'd know your name, unless he's a mindreader or something."
[18:03] <Rei-chan> "It's possible he could have been observing you in this lifetime to discover it," Rei concedes, "But I'm inclined to think he's from the Silver Millenium..."
[18:04] * Usagi-chan leans back in her seat with a frown. "If he didn't try to hurt you, then maybe he's like Starfire... but I'd really like to make sure of that if I can."
[18:05] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, well," Rei sighs, "If he hasn't done anything wrong, I've got no problem letting him live in peace. But if he's just laying low like Guinvain did..."
[18:05] * Usagi-chan nods slowly. "Better to be sure, one way or the other."
[18:10] <Usagi-chan> "Anyway, it looks like there's not much point in us going there today," Usagi finishes. "It's probably better that we get some rest first, after all that's happened today." Her face becomes sad once again at that.
[18:13] <Rei-chan> -------
[18:43] <Usagi-chan> A few hours and a small bite of dinner later, a tired Usagi picks up the phone to inform the last of the senshi of the day's news. She dials the number for Herb's apartment, the phone ringing a couple of times.
[18:44] <Prince_Herb> Herb answers, perhaps more slowly than usual. "Hi, Herb here."
[18:44] <Usagi-chan> "Hey Herb," Usagi says, her voice rather flat. "Have you heard the news yet?"
[18:48] <Prince_Herb> "I have," Herb says, "Nian told me when I got home. I don't know why, but I feel very guilty. Maybe there was something I did or didn't do that led her to go away, and be dead now rather than alive."
[18:51] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I know exactly what you mean... I keep racking my brain to figure out what I could have done differently, but... it doesn't really matter anymore, you know? Even if I could have done something, it's too late now."
[18:53] <Prince_Herb> "I don't know either, but I thought she was safe, which makes it worse. She was singing, making people happy, not fighting monsters. It seems so unfair." Herb sighs.
[18:55] * Usagi-chan closes her eyes on the other end of the line. "It's not. I keep having to remind myself that it WAS just an accident, that they happen to all kinds of people - but it's hard to accept it."
[18:58] <Prince_Herb> "It must be worse for you, though. She was very close to you at one point, and to Rei. How are you two coping?" Herb says, trying to sound masculine and protective, but really just sounding like someone worried.
[18:59] * Usagi-chan sighs. "We're... managing," she finally says. "It's not easy, but we'll make it through." She tries to speak with confidence she really doesn't have.
[19:02] <Prince_Herb> "Usa-chan," Herb asks, "is this the first time you've lost someone?"
[19:03] <Usagi-chan> "I've lost grandparents before, but... never anyone this close." Usagi says quietly.
[19:07] <Prince_Herb> "It gets worse before it gets better, but it does get better," Herb says, remembering his own losses. "And you have someone to talk to, which helps a lot. I don't suppose you'll want to, but I'll be here to talk with anytime, if you need me."
[19:08] * Usagi-chan smiles a bit. "Thanks, Herb - I appreciate it. I don't know if you're going to want to attend the funeral or anything, but if you want I can give you a call when we know more about all that."
[19:15] <Prince_Herb> "If her family want it to be private, I won't intrude, but otherwise, yes, I'd like to go," Herb says. "We didn't get along, I know, but I'm not going to snub her in death."
[19:16] * Usagi-chan nods. "I'll let you know what's going on when I find out, then. Anyway, I need to get going - I'll talk to you later, Herb."
[19:18] <Prince_Herb> "I'll see you later, Usa-chan. Take care!" Herb says, and waits for Usagi to hang up before doing so himself. The prince walks slowly back to his armchair and mooncat, his mind still spinning from the impact of Minako's departure.
--------
[09:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> Surely enough, the news of Full Moon's fate is the big story on the entertainment reports that night, and even makes it into the regular news. The expected shots of heartbroken fans, wellwishers, a small shrine of flowers being set up at the site of the wreck - a nasty curve into a slight drop - and other such things.
[09:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> Amid this, there is a mention of a funeral in Tokyo Thursday or Friday, as well as a few predictions that her just ready-to-be-released album will do super well due to what happened.
[09:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna broods over this news, still a bit wet-eyed. The rest of your family takes this solemnly, as they are in the know thanks to Luna. Even Shingo is subdued, quiet as the news goes on...
[09:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> At some point in the news bombardment, you find that your mother has wrapped an arm around you as you watch, to soothe her heartsick daughter.
[09:49] * Usagi-chan leans her head against her mother's shoulder, closing her eyes to shut out the flood of images from the TV.
[09:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Whispering soft words, she pats your back gently as you curl up against her. "Oh... that poor girl," Ikkuko sighs, remembering all too well the one incident that truly branded Minako into her mind. "Usagi-chan..."
[09:50] <Usagi-chan> "She's... she shouldn't be dead, Mom..." Usagi whispers.
[09:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I know," she consoles you, sniffing a touch herself. "She was so young and vibrant and energetic... it's a terrible loss... her poor parents..."
[09:52] * Usagi-chan takes a long, shuddering breath. "Why?" She looks up at her mother, tears shining in her eyes once again. "Why did it have to happen? She wasn't even fighting anymore..."
[09:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I don't know," she says helplessly, locking your gaze with what compassion she can muster. "It's just the way the world is sometimes," she hugs you momentarily at that, as if you were to vanish.
[09:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you chat, you hear the front door open. "I'm home," Chibi Usa calls out, sounding chipper and cheery this melancholy night.
[09:54] * Usagi-chan collapses into her mother's embrace, not even noticing Chibi Usa's entrance as she sobs on her mother's shoulder.
[09:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Go take your bath, Chibi Usa," Mom calls right back, holding you tightly. "I'll be up there in a little while." Chibi Usa calls out an affirmative, almost offensively happy today as she heads upstairs and unaware of fate's cruel turn.
[09:57] * Usagi-chan cringes slightly at Chibi Usa's demeanor, wondering how and what she's going to tell the young girl when the time comes.
[09:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> "If this could happen to her when she's not even fighting..." Another hug from Mom, this one crushing. "Usagi... what if..." she sniffles again, a tear forming in her eye.
[09:58] <Usagi-chan> "No!" Usagi says vehemently. "I'm not... there's no way I'm going to let this happen to anyone else!"
[10:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ikkuko doesn't press it directly, at least not for a bit as the news gets both of your attentions again. "Full Moon, also known as Minako Aino, died last night, as all of you are aware. Her funeral is now set to Friday according to her manager, who is encouraging all of her fans to come and show support for her and her parents..."
[10:01] * Usagi-chan glances up at the TV at that. "I'm going..." she says in a quiet voice, firm with determination.
[10:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Another nod from Mom, who isn't inclined to argue it. But one other... "Usagi," Luna buts in from her perch on the top of the couch, "What should we tell Chibi-Usa?" There is worry and concern in her voice at this, notably. "She was even talking about wanting to go visit Mina-chan Saturday..." Luna looks down at that, with a sigh.
[10:04] <Usagi-chan> "I... don't know." Usagi deflates considerably at that. She looks over at her mother. "What would you do?"
[10:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Tell her... if she hears the name from the TV..." Ikkuko replies. "At least you can cushion it by telling her yourself."
[10:05] * Usagi-chan nods, taking a deep breath. "I guess... I can tell her when she gets through with her bath," she finally says. "At least that'll give me some time to get ready to tell her myself." She looks resigned to her task, but definitely not enthused about it.
[10:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ikkuko nods back, but then hesitates. "Usagi... why don't you take your bath first as well? You look heartbroken, and that'll just make her take it worse." She slowly detangles herself, regardless of your answer. "I need to go up and see how her bath is going, anyway."
[10:07] * Usagi-chan nods. "All right... let me know when she gets done so I can take mine, then."
[10:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> With that, she's gone. The TV is back to Full Moon, this time playing one of her songs in the background as they sketch out a profile of her musical career, short as it was.
[10:09] * Usagi-chan lowers her head, tuning out the incessant droning of the television as she loses herself in her own thoughts.
[10:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> A few long minutes later, a slightly damp Ikkuko comes down. "Chibi Usa is in your room now...go take your bath." She looks at you. "Do you want me there when you tell her?"
[10:12] <Usagi-chan> "It's... it might be a good idea." She manages a weak smile as she gets up off the couch, heading up to the bathroom for a good hot bath. She takes her time in the water, trying to let the tensions and troubles of the day soak away in the hot water - unfortunately with only moderate success. She dries herself off, changing into her pajamas before heading over to her bedroom.
[10:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> Inside, you see Ikkuko and Chibi Usa sitting on your bed. "Hi, Usagi-chan," the girl smiles at you.
[10:15] * Usagi-chan manages a rather poor smile. "Hi, Chibi Usa-chan." She takes a seat next to the pink-haired girl on the bed. "I'm... I really don't know how to say this, but I have some bad news." She closes her eyes.
[10:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa's smile vanishes at that, the girl visibly tensing. "You... can't help Mommy?" she asks in a small voice, looking down and away.
[10:17] * Usagi-chan smiles. "No, it's not that - we're still working on that, don't worry. It's about what's on the news - did you hear about the singer Full Moon today?"
[10:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a sigh of relief, she replies. "She has pretty music," Chibi Usa notes. "My friend at the park has her CD."
[10:18] * Usagi-chan closes her eyes. "She died in a car accident last night, Chibi Usa."
[10:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa whimpers sadly, looking at you. "She's... going away like Mina-chan and Mamo-chan," she asks in a tiny voice. "I liked her music..."
[10:30] * Usagi-chan sighs, reaching down to take Chibi Usa's hand gently. "That's not all of it, Chibi Usa-chan." She swallows hard, closing her eyes. "Full Moon's real name... was Minako Aino."
[10:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> Staring at you a moment with sparkling, hurt eyes, Chibi Usa gulps. "Mina-chan," she says weakly. "Mina-chan... no!" Chibi Usa leaps up, crying. "NO!" Running off with a speed that's both fierce and surprising, she's out of the room before you can react.
[10:32] <Usagi-chan> "Chibi Usa!" Usagi scrambles out of the room after the girl, remembering what happened the LAST time she ran off.
[10:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Body check, rabbit.
[10:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[10:33] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[10:33] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[10:33] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[10:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> Running down the stairs, you see that Chibi Usa has tripped near the door and is laying on the floor in a fetal position, sobbing.
[10:35] * Usagi-chan walks over to Chibi Usa, picking the young girl up and holding her close. "I'm sorry, Chibi Usa-chan..." she whispers, beginning to cry once more herself.
[10:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> Amid a storm of sobs, she gasps out, "Mina-chan said she'd take me shopping soon," she wails, hugging onto you. "It's a lie!"
[10:37] * Usagi-chan hugs Chibi Usa tightly. "I wish it was, Chibi Usa-chan. I really, really wish it was."
[10:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's a lie!" Insisting, she clings to you while sobbing loudly. "It's a lie..."
[10:42] * Usagi-chan strokes the back of Chibi Usa's head gently. "I'm sorry, Chibi Usa-chan."
[10:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa just sobs on and on and on, tears flowing freely until she finally goes still, having cried herself into a sleep of sorts.
[10:48] * Usagi-chan carries the girl back up to her own bedroom as she cries, sitting down on the bed once again and gently rocking her back and forth until she finally falls asleep.
[10:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once she has gone to sleep, Ikkuko quietly leads you out of the room, again wiping away her own stray tears. "You did well there, Usagi," she smiles a bit. "You'll make a good mother at this rate."
[10:52] * Usagi-chan manages to give her mother a shaky smile. "Thanks, Mom." She gives her mother a hug. "It's just so hard..."
[10:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes," she agrees simply to that.

Halbarad · June 30, 2006, 12:16:55 AM

[10:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[10:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> With the news yesterday about Minako, the Sailor of Venus you never met, Tuesday dawns dreary and rainy and warm. Perhaps rather fitting, afterall.
[11:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> School is still buzzing with rumors and discussion of Full Moon's end, although a bit subdued from yesterday.
[11:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> By lunch, though, new news is filtering in, the little gaggle of girls sitting nearby you babbling about something...
[11:06] * Haruka puts a curious ear to what the rumormongers might be saying.
[11:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Did you hear," one girl, with weight to spare and too many freckles, grins and holds her face. "The New Look Makeup shop is just awesome! I got this great face cream that the girl there said would knock out these freckles for sure!"
[11:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I know, A-chan!" a second girl, a rather pretty if empty-eyed girl nods along. "That black lipstick I got will drive my boyfriend crazy!"
[11:09] * Haruka puts her head down on her desktop as the conversation seems to be of the usual bland topics, but keeps a half-ear open none the less with nothing else better to do...
[11:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh man," A third with long enough brown hair to walk on easily, giggles and tosses her loose hair about. "That shampoo just worked great! At this rate, even A-chan will get a boyfriend." More giggling, while the first girl scowls a bit.
[11:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'll go there again today, and I'll become a Princess," A-chan giggles, the other two girls nodding. "We'll get our Princes for sure now!"
[11:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> More laughter as all three girls agree on it.
[11:13] * Haruka lightly sighs at how the girls sound like a cheap jingle. 'I'm glad I don't sound like that...' Haruka mutters to herself mentally.
[11:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> From that, the rest of the day goes on well enough, and thus passes Tuesday. Wednesday at lunch...
[11:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Again, the same gaggle of girls are near Haruka, but this time... there's something different. Something in their tones... "A-chan, I can't believe that guy wanted to date you," the empty eyed girl jeers.
[11:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I know... such a lousy, ugly guy doesn't deserve me," she nods, sneering at the aforementioned man. "I deserve only the best!"
[11:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> The third girl laughs at that, not the pleasant laughter from yesterday, but a more mocking sound. "And we'll get it, now that I dumped that loser I had for a boyfriend."
[11:19] * Haruka blinks at the drastic change in tone from yesterday and takes a peek over her shoulder to study the girls.
[11:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> All three are wearing heavy amounts of makeup today, way too much by normal standards. It makes them look rather ugly, only reinforced by the vicious expressions camped on said faces. "Damn straight. My boyfriend is gone, too, so we can move up."
[11:23] * Haruka turns back around with a frown. The change in the girls was sharp, perhaps too sharp.... She made a mental note to herself to give 'The New Look Makeup' shop a short visit.
[11:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> Thus, the day goes by, ending soon enough...
[11:32] <Haruka> With the day coming to a close, Haruka decides it might be time to give the makeup shop the visit she made note to herself to see. Haruka looks around for one of the others to take along...
[11:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> In the Witches office are Viluy and Eudial, both going over some papers as you glance in...
[12:08] * Haruka walks into the office and raps her knuckles against the tabletop to get their attention. "Hey there," Haruka says, waving to the pair. "Would any of you be free for a short excursion? There's something I needed to check on, but I wanted some company in case things turn sour."
[12:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> Putting down the papers, the two look at you. "What's up?" Eudial asks, pushing up her wireframe glasses.
[12:12] <Haruka> "It may be nothing or it could be something," Haruka begins with a slight frown at her own vagueness. "There's talk of a new shop that opened up, 'The New Look Makeup' shop, and something seems... off about the place."
[12:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> Viluy eyes you, interested. "Someone wanted me to go there yesterday with them," she comments. "And they weren't in class today." That gets a slight frown as she thinks.
[12:14] * Haruka nods at that. "Some girls in my class also went and they're acting very differently today."
[12:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Let's go, then," Viluy says with a glance at Eudial. "Besides, we weren't getting anywhere because SOMEONE can't accept the right theory."
[12:16] * Haruka smirks at Eudial. "Being difficult?"
[12:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sending the other Witch a look, Eudial shakes her head. "Never mind that," she snipes at Viluy. "We're just arguing... a break to go out would be good."
[12:18] * Haruka nods at the pair. "Thanks for the help," she says with a genuine smile. "I just hope it's not a complete waste of time."
[12:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going with you, your two passengers head out. The New Look Makeup shop isn't too hard to find, really, taking perhaps thirty minutes to locate. The two Witches bicker a bit more on the drive, but it's otherwise peaceful. On arriving, you see that a boutique has indeed been opened, with quite a few people inside.
[12:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is something in the air indeed, a vague sense of something being off and wrong today. The people coming in and out look somewhat like the three girls from class today...
[12:24] <Haruka> "All these new shops opening up..." Haruka says with a sigh, recalling her previous encounter at the clothes shop. "If this turns out to be evil too, I'm really going to have doubts about shopping at new places." Haruka mutters aloud.
[12:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I noticed," Viluy notes as she gets out of the car. Along with the Mugen uniform she's in, a few other similar ones can be seen from the gaggle of girls inside, visible due to large glass windows that allow you to see much of the innards of the place.
[12:26] <Haruka> "Be ready for anything," Haruka tells her companions while getting out of the vehicle as well. "And don't touch anything. Especially rings." Haruka adds at the end with a bitter frown.
[12:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial nods, idly fingering her arm while Viluy checks a metal bracelet on her wrist. "Yeah. We're ready as we're ever going to be," Viluy nods as she heads inside...
[12:28] * Haruka follows after Viluy.
[12:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> Tagging along in third, Eudial brings up the rear as you enter. It's a fashionable sort of place, with counters set up with samples of various makeups, perfumes, shampoos, and other beauty products. A bevy of pretty, dark faced girls in blue miniskirts man these, whispering to each girl they're talking to. The sense of uneasiness in the back of your mind is slightly higher as well.
[12:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Soul check, -1
[12:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:32] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[12:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:32] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[12:33] <Haruka> roll 2d6
[12:33] * Hatbot --> "Haruka rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[12:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> For a moment, Haruka feels a fuzziness, but a quick shake of her head and mental focusing dispels it. Viluy blinks, though, and starts to head over to a counter, as does Eudial... before the latter stops, blinking and shaking her head again. "Hey, Viluy," she grabs the silvery haired beauty's shoulder.
[12:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Viluy stops about two seconds away from a counter, blinking. "Why did I just want to buy nail polish?" she mutters to herself, shaking her head.
[12:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> Seeing the two Witches, the almost facelessly dark girl behind the counter beckons. "Come, try our products," she croons. "They will let you get the perfect boyfriend!"
[12:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> That does at least cause Eudial to look with some interest. "Really," she murmurs, but manages to take a step away with her better half.
[12:52] * Haruka steps up to stand next to Eudial and whispers softly. "Let's get back to the car for now and call the others. My suspicions have been confirmed, but I want backup and time to change."
[12:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> Tearing her glance away from the counter, she nods back, almost dragging Viluy out with out. Once outside, Eudial almost heaves out a breath. "Gah, that little..." Eudial's face and mouth go wide, annoyance spilling over.
[12:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> Viluy shakes her head. "That was strange," she agrees. "For a few moments, I just wanted to buy some of that makeup." She turns to Haruka, frowning now. "Looks like you were right about this place."
[12:57] * Haruka lets out a tired breath. "Oh, the burden of always being right..." Haruka quips with a chuckle.
[12:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> Glancing around, Eudial goes on. "Now what? Go in and trash the place and whatever's running it," she asks. "Whatever it is, I'm in. I'm sure they won't like messing with the Witches of Mugen." A rather predatory smile crosses her face at that as she looks back at the shop.
[13:02] * Haruka matches Eudial with a feral grin of her own. "I like your thinking, Eudial," she says, shooting a glare at the boutique. "We'll call Usagi and the others first, but if we get the job done before they come..." Haruka leaves her statement unspoken, simply shrugging her shoulders.
[13:03] * Haruka then takes out the communicator and tries to contact Usagi and the others.
[13:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Viluy nods, again tinkering with the bracelet on her wrist. Now that you look closely, you think you can see a few tiny buttons on the side. "Sounds good... I haven't gotten any exercise today, anyway."
[13:04] * Usagi-chan takes several moments to respond, looking rather surprised when she answers the communicator. "Yes?"
[13:06] <Haruka> "Usagi, it's Haruka. It's time for 'official business'." Haruka says.
[13:06] * Usagi-chan blinks a couple of times, then nods. "Okay... where are you?"
[13:08] <Haruka> "I'm at the 'New Look Makeup' shop," Haruka tells Usagi. "It shouldn't be too hard to find. It's the new boutique that opened up."
[13:10] <Usagi-chan> "New Look Makeup... where exactly is that?" Usagi asks, looking a bit lost.
[13:13] * Haruka gives Usagi the address then says, "Usagi, I've got Viluy and Eudial with me now so we're thinking of going on ahead."
[13:14] * Usagi-chan frowns a bit at that. "You guys be careful... we'll be there as soon as we can, so don't take too many risks by yourselves. I'll contact Rei-chan and the others."
[13:17] <Haruka> "Oh, 'careful' is my middle name," Haruka says with a chuckle. "We'll see you then."
[13:18] * Usagi-chan nods, closing the connection.
[13:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> "There's a quiet spot over there if you need to transform," Eudial says once you hang up, pointing to a bit of a place between buildings, with some wooden crates stacked outside for further cover.
[13:20] * Haruka puts the communicator away then looks up at where Eudial pointed and nods.
[13:20] <Haruka> Once in cover, Haruka takes out her transformation pen and calls out, "Uranus Planet Power, Make Up!"
[13:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial goes to the car herself, putting down her labcoat and stripping down to a red top and long black skirt underneath. Viluy doesn't bother changing, but her bracelet is ready.
[13:21] * Sailor_Uranus walks up to the pair. "Ready, girls?"
[13:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Two nods. Inside, you can still see a fair number of shoppers about, as well as several of those counter girls.
[13:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Do you want to rush in?" Viluy asks, not sounding too opposed to the idea herself. Eudial nods quickly to that. "Sure, why don't we? Bust'em up good and have time for lunch afterwards?"
[13:27] <Sailor_Uranus> "I'm not one for beating around the bush." Haruka adds to the pair's opinions, with a hapless shrug.
[13:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Though, maybe a plan would be good..." Viluy muses a moment later. "There are still several innocent people inside."
[13:30] <Sailor_Uranus> "If you can think of anything, I'm willing to listen, though my first inclination was to just march through the front door." Haruka replies sheepishly.
[13:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> A bit of thinking. "Nothing offhand, though, unless we try something like breaking a window to get them to run," Viluy shrugs, not coming up with any gold right off the bat.
[13:34] <Sailor_Uranus> "Then it's through the front door," Haruka says, before turning specifically to Eudial. "Perhaps a brief fire show will 'persuade' the customers to leave."
[13:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nodding, Eudial whips out her Fire Buster gun, almost from nowhere. "Sure thing... say, let's melt these windows DOWN!" With that, she lets loose a wide wave of flame at the glass, a few spectators just coming along seeing the scene and running like hell. Sure enough, though, it causes the windows in front to break and some customers to come out to survey what happened. Most take one look at the flamethrower-holding Witch and run.
[13:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> "God, Eudial," Viluy shakes her head. "Subtle." Eudial just flashes a quick grin to the two of you, ready to proceed inside now...
[13:38] <Sailor_Uranus> "Not quite what I was thinking..." Haruka says to the girl uneasily. "But I guess it works...."
[13:38] * Sailor_Uranus enters through the front of the shop after Eudial's... display. "Fashion police," Haruka says aloud. "We have a warrant to destroy the premises. Everybody out."
[13:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> Right behind you are the two Witches, Eudial's gun out and ready. The various counter girls, at least ten of them, just look on. "A Sailor and..." Another shakes its head. "Mistress Beruche didn't even mention a girl with a flamethrower..." "Oh well," chimes in a third. "It's just three weak humans..." At that, each of the counter girls lifts off the ground, coming together in a body slapping circle over the main desk in the center.
[13:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> Round and round the girls spin, fusing together! One becomes an arm, another part of the body as they melt into one form!
[13:44] <Sailor_Uranus> "What in the..." Haruka responds to the spectacle before her.
[13:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She should have," Eudial growls a bit as they transform, on the ready!
[13:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a final flash of light, where there were ten, there is now one. A woman wearing the same dress and with perfect powder white skin stands before you, hands on her hips. "Virgoi!" with that, the counters shake and rumble, all the various containers of lipstick and other beauty products flying up! (OOC - Initiative)
[13:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:46] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 4."
[13:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:46] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 1."
[13:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:46] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[13:46] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 1d6+14
[13:46] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 1d6+14 and gets 17."
[13:48] <Sailor_Uranus> "Ten times the ugly..." Haruka remarks with a disgusted shake of her head. Gathering the energy in her palm, she lets loose with a... "WORLD SHAKING!"
[13:48] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[13:48] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[13:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:48] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[13:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Busting through some of the floating products, the World Shaking engulfs Virgoi, sending her down hard! She pops up quickly enough, however, behind a counter after the hit!
[13:50] <Sailor_Uranus> "Too fat to dodge?" Haruka asks the conglomeration with a slight tilt of her head.
[13:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Dark Makeup... Assault!" With a cry, all the flying items start glowing with black energy and hurtle at all of you! (Everyone, DCV check, +3 mod.) Windows still standing shatter as products fly all over the place.
[13:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:51] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[13:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:51] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[13:51] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6+3
[13:51] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6+3 and gets 13."
[13:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:52] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[13:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> Pelted with bursting products, each girl is suddenly covered in a encapsulating ball of smelly makeup, only their hands, feet and head outside of the ball! (20 damage as well, along with being badly unable to move.)
[13:54] <Sailor_Uranus> "This is why I hate makeup..." Haruka says with a groan at this latest development.
[13:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial grunts as she falls over onto her side, Viluy stumbling a bit as she topples over face first as well!
[13:54] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[13:54] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[13:55] * Sailor_Uranus flops to the ground like a sack of potatoes. "This was NOT in the script...."
[13:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Falling straight back as well, Sailor Uranus plops down! "That was nothing," Virgoi jeers, leering ahead. "Mistress Beruche, I have them!"
[13:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Initiative, -3 penalty to all those bound.
[13:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6-3
[13:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6-3 and gets -2."
[13:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6-3
[13:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6-3 and gets 2."
[13:56] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 1d6+11
[13:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 1d6+11 and gets 13."
[13:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 2."
[13:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 4."
[13:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> Appearing in a sparkle of dark bubbles, Beruche sits primly on a counter, her Southern belle look intact today. "My! Excellent work, Virgoi! But... More girls? This world is infested with annoyances! Kindly exterminate them for me, would you?"
[14:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes, Beruche!" With that, the balls begin to glow as the monster leeches away your very life force! (-25 EP to all this round. If you wish to try to break free, you may attempt a Body Check with a +3 modification.) Wisps of white energy flow from each girl, Beruche nodding in approval to her servant.
[14:03] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6+1
[14:03] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6+1 and gets 10."
[14:06] * Sailor_Uranus struggles against her bonds and fails to break free. She wriggles on the ground like a hapless worm!
[14:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> Struggling against the binding, Eudial and Viluy both endeavor to escape!
[14:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:06] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[14:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:06] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[14:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> However, both are overly firmly bound, just flopping and flapping like two bouncy tennis balls!
[14:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Initiative, same mod as last round
[14:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6-3
[14:07] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6-3 and gets 0."
[14:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6-3
[14:07] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6-3 and gets 1."
[14:07] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 1d6+11
[14:07] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 1d6+11 and gets 14."
[14:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[14:08] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 4."
[14:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[14:08] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[14:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Tell me, Sailor Uranus," Beruche makes idle conversation as your spirit drains away (another -25 EP this round, and you're feeling weak and drowsy now), "Where on Earth did you come from, and where did those other girls come from as well?"
[14:12] <Sailor_Uranus> "Well, you see, a mommy and a daddy one day get a sparkle in their eyes and get together," Haruka begins in a patronizing, yet steadily sleepy sounding manner. "Then they give each other a special hug and 9 months later..."
[14:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> Beruche chuckles. "No matter," she spins her handheld umbrella a bit. "I suspect the point will be moot shortly."
[14:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> Meanwhile...
[14:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> Rushing ahead, Sailors Mars and Moon arrive outside of the New Look Boutique. The windows are shattered, and there is the smell of smoke lingering outside. Inside, through the large and busted plate glass windows, you can see three held captive girls in spheres of what looks to be powder makeup, white energy being drawn away from them by the droid. Beruche also sits primly and watches on, bantering to the girls...
[14:17] <Sailor_Mars> Wasting no time, Mars leaps through the busted window, raising her crossed forearms as she lands. Crying out "Mars Snake Fire!" she launches her attack at the droid!
[14:17] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[14:17] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[14:18] * Sailor_Moon follows suit quickly, unleashing a powerful white bolt of energy from her outstretched palms at the silvery-blue-haired girl!
[14:18] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[14:18] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[14:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:19] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[14:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:19] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[14:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Snake Fire crushes into the Droid, causing it to be flung backwards and to the floor, the life draining spheres vanishing from the three. Beruche, however, just manages to avoid the energy blast by the skin of her teeth, blinking away to the side. "More girls? This is getting to be a rat's nest," Beruche muses as she quickly glances back to her droid.
[14:21] <Sailor_Mars> "You're the rat!" Rei retorts, "Go back to your own stupid dimension!"
[14:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Groaning as she weakly looks up, Viluy glares at the Droid, muttering something under her breath that must have been a fine taunt or promise of vengence...
[14:22] * Sailor_Uranus hits the ground with a groan, remarking to the calvary. "Nice timing..."
[14:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Getting to her knees using her gun as a support, Eudial flashes a quick, grateful smile to the two entering Senshi.
[14:23] * Sailor_Moon keeps most of her attention on Beruche and her droid, although gratified to see the others recovering out of the corner of her eye.
[14:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Such manners as well! You're almost as foul-tempered as Cooan lately," Beruche tsks tsks.
[14:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Initiative.
[14:24] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+10
[14:24] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+10 and gets 13."
[14:24] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[14:24] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 16."
[14:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[14:25] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 2."
[14:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[14:25] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 1."
[14:25] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 1d6+14
[14:25] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 1d6+14 and gets 18."
[14:26] * Sailor_Uranus closes her eyes, trying to muster some strength to help Mars and Moon.
[14:27] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[14:27] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[14:28] * Sailor_Moon scowls. "Sorry, but I tend to get a little annoyed when people start making trouble in my home!" Raising her sceptre high, she unleashes a powerful stream of energy at Beruche! "Moon Princess Hallation!"
[14:28] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[14:28] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[14:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:28] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[14:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> A bit too slow for Sailor Moon's attack, Beruche is knocked backward from her perch on the counter, sent crashing into a now-empty shelf! Her umbrella clatters to the ground as she falls to her knees right after, stunned by the attack and breathing heavily!
[14:33] <Sailor_Mars> Producing her Ash Rods and twirling them between her fingers, Rei glares at Beruche and the droid as flames dance off her fingertips, tracing circles around her body with the rods. With a cry of "Mars Star Inferno!" she releases a massive gout of flame at both Beruche and her droid!
[14:33] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6+1
[14:33] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6+1 and gets 6."
[14:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:33] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[14:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:33] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[14:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> Flames seem to engulf the entire makeup store as Sailor Mars's fearsome attack wreaks havoc on both the injured Sister and the Droid! Already injured, the Droid is turned to a fine black powder and fades away, dusted! Beruche screams in pain as she is covered in burning hot fire, her dress cooked away in the Inferno! Thrashing in agony, she falls backwards...
[14:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> Her body completely covered and obscured in hot fire, Beruche struggles one last time before falling, the flames vanishing a moment before her body does in a bit of flashing black light...
[14:39] * Sailor_Moon breathes a sigh as the two vanish, putting away the Lunar Rod as she goes over to check on Uranus and the two Witches. "You guys all right?"
[14:39] * Sailor_Mars also dismisses her Ash Rods as she follows Moon. "We should get out of here before anyone comes to investigate," she observes, glancing at the undisguised witches in particular.
[14:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> Using a still-intact counter to get her to her feet, Eudial nods. "Just a bit tired."
[14:39] <Sailor_Uranus> "Peachy," Haruka replies still a bit tiredly. Letting out a tired breath, Haruka looks at Eudial and Viluy. "So, how are you two holding up?" she asks, still a bit sleepily.
[14:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> Viluy is doing a bit better, up without help but looking woozy. "I'm exhausted," she confirms. "Let's get out of here."
[14:41] * Sailor_Moon nods. "Let's get to the office - we can work out what happened from there."
[10:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[10:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Heading back to the office goes without incident, though Haruka, Viluy and Eudial are all badly drained and quite tired by the time you arrive.
[10:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> The two Witches both man the couches once you arrive, ready to rest.
[10:27] * Usagi-chan flops down at her desk. "So what happened back there?"
[10:29] * Rei-chan sits at her own desk and sighs. "Things were looking pretty bad for you guys," she notes.
[10:29] <Haruka> "A very carefully executed attack gone awry?" Haruka answers lamely, while looking at Usagi.
[10:30] <Rei-chan> "Well... no harm done, I guess," Rei concedes. "And Beruche sure won't be a problem any longer."
[10:30] * Usagi-chan frowns. "I told you guys not to take any risks until we got there! You could really have gotten hurt if we hadn't gotten there sooner."
[10:34] * Haruka listens to Usagi's lecture before responding. "Sometimes you need to take risks," Haruka offers as a reply. "But we could have done a lot better than what we did today, I'll admit."
[10:36] <Rei-chan> "Well... we sure trashed that shop," Rei says, grabbing the remote control and turning on the tv to a news station. "Wonder if it's on the news..."
[10:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Turning it to a news station, you see that the current bit of information is the early baseball game. Nothing about flamethrowers or magical girl battles.
[10:38] <Rei-chan> "Actually, I wonder what people do think about the recent attacks," Rei muses. "It's not like the Dark Kingdom's energy drains, where we tackled an easily noticable problem. Really, there's no way for anyone besides us to really know what's wrong with the shops we've been hitting..."
[10:39] <Usagi-chan> "That's true enough, but before this we really haven't done that much damage to the stores themselves - I mean, people just scattered out of the clothes shop, and the ice cream place all happened in the back room, right?" Usagi muses. "But that store today was totally wrecked - what happened before we got there?"
[10:42] * Haruka takes a quick glance at Eudial. "Miscommunication on my part." she says, now facing Usagi.
[10:42] <Rei-chan> "Huh?" Rei looks puzzled.
[10:44] <Usagi-chan> "Wha... miscommunication?" Usagi is equally puzzled. "What do you mean?"
[10:44] * Haruka closes her eyes and sighs before looking towards Rei then to Usagi. "I told Eudial to use her flamethrower to disperse the crowd."
[10:44] <Rei-chan> "YOU WHAT?!" Rei shrieks, jolting up out of her chair.
[10:45] * Usagi-chan freezes completely. "You did WHAT?" she says, shocked.
[10:48] <Haruka> "Exactly what I said," Haruka offers simply as an answer.
[10:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Not at them," Eudial offers up in her defense. "Just at the windows to scare the people away from the Droid."
[10:49] <Usagi-chan> "You can't use a FLAMETHROWER to get rid of a crowd!" Usagi shouts. "We're supposed to HELP people, not scare them half to death or hurt them!"
[10:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> After that, Eudial can't help but yawn, slumping deeper onto the couch.
[10:50] <Rei-chan> "And a flamethrower?!" Rei repeats in disbelief, "Geez, that's hardly the most discriminate weapon. You could have easily burnt someone by accident!"
[10:52] * Haruka glances over at Eudial before nodding at Rei and Usagi's words. "I was in charge," Haruka says. "This is all on me. I wanted the quickest way to disperse a crowd and at the time, I saw it as the best option." Just perhaps not in that blatant a fashion, Haruka thought to herself.
[10:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I wouldn't've," Eudial protests weakly, trying not to doze off. "It's not like I was spraying fire blindly..."
[10:53] <Rei-chan> Calming down from her yelling, Rei looks at Viluy, her colour draining. "Oh, God. Please tell me you did not shoot a flamethrower while you were right next to your car - which has license plates, and with Viluy in her Mugen uniform? Please. Tell me that did not happen," she pleads.
[10:55] <Haruka> "No," Haruka says firmly. "The car was parked further away near where I transformed."
[10:55] <Rei-chan> "That's one thing at least," Rei mutters. "So, Sailor Uranus, a Mugen student, and a girl with a flamethrower, all attacked the shop in full view of how many witnesses?"
[10:56] <Haruka> "Many." Haruka replies.
[10:57] <Rei-chan> "Ugh," Rei slumps in her chair, holding her head.
[10:57] * Usagi-chan rubs her temples wearily. "We're damn LUCKY this isn't plastered all over the news yet. This could REALLY cause us a lot of trouble if people start putting things together." Usagi frowns deeply.
[10:58] * Haruka remains quiet, letting the lecturing pair continue.
[10:59] <Rei-chan> "The government already knows Mugen was involved in the heart snatches a few months ago..." Rei continues, shaking her head. "I only *just* convinced Father that it wasn't a threat any longer... but with this kind of thing happening..."
[10:59] * Usagi-chan winces, not even having thought about the government's interest in the senshi. "Oh man..."
[11:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Viluy moans at that. "Say what?" she manages to speak up from her near exhaustion. "The government?"
[11:09] <Rei-chan> "Yes, the government," Rei nods. "We weren't exactly all that discreet with our heart snatches. Luckily I convinced my father that the Sailor Senshi had taken care of the problem, but with this sort of thing happening, now..." she shakes her head. "I don't know what they'll do, but it could be very bad for us."
[11:10] * Usagi-chan grimaces, looking over at her girlfriend. "Do you think he'll do anything about this?"
[11:10] <Rei-chan> "Father?" Rei shrugs, "I'm sure he'll try to cover for us - he has before. But... I don't know if it'll be enough."
[11:12] * Usagi-chan leans back in her chair, staring at the ceiling. "Just great... man, I hope this doesn't turn into a huge stink, but I'm afraid it will."
[11:13] <Rei-chan> "I just don't know," Rei sighs. "We might get lucky, we might not..." she turns to look at the drained trio, "But I do know you could have handled things a LOT better than you did."
[11:16] <Haruka> "I agree," Haruka admits.
[11:16] <Usagi-chan> "Unless the droid - or whatever else we might run into - is already out in the open and attacking people directly, we really can NOT do a charge right into things. We've at least got to TRY to be subtle about it if they're still hiding." Usagi frowns.
[11:17] <Rei-chan> "Or heck, just ASK people to leave," Rei suggests. "Most people are pretty familiar with who we are and what we do, and would be inclined to listen."
[11:20] <Haruka> "Unless they're compelled by dark forces," Haruka answers, then glances at her companions. "We were hit with... something as soon as we entered. I'd thought that the people inside would've been unresponsive to such suggestion."
[11:22] <Usagi-chan> "That doesn't mean you shouldn't TRY it," Usagi replies. "At worst all they're going to do is say no or ignore you."
[11:22] <Rei-chan> "A flamethrower really shouldn't be your first resort to 'persuade' people of something," Rei remarks acidly.
[11:27] * Haruka remains calm despite Rei's rising ire since it is warranted. "My thought at the time was to remove the innocents from crossfire and eliminate the threat as quickly as possible. There isn't much I can say in defense, we failed."
[11:33] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I know your heart was in the right place, Haruka, but PLEASE try to use a little more common sense next time, okay?"
[11:37] <Haruka> "It's a promise," Haruka tells Usagi.
[11:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> Soon enough, the TV mentions a battle between the Sailor Senshi and a monster at a store, but no mention of Mugen or anything else related. It's not even treated as a big story.
[11:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> Soon enough, the day ends...
[11:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[11:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> Thursday.
[11:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> Stirring a bit early, Usagi is awoken by a wonderful smell seeping up from the kitchen, freshly made food smelling divine. Whatever it is, it's better than whatever your Mom usually makes.
[11:42] * Usagi-chan awakens a bit faster than usual, the heavenly scent driving her to dress and head downstairs quickly. "Mmmm.... what are you making?" she asks, sticking her head into the kitchen.
[11:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you walk down the stairs, a cry of "Puu-chan," is heard from Chibi Usa in the kitchen. Inside the kitchen is one Setsuna Mei'oh, cooking up a storm with Chibi Usa on her heels. The rest of the family is at the table already, waiting for breakfast.
[11:45] * Usagi-chan blinks in surprise. "Setsuna? What are you doing here?" She can't help but smile a bit at the sight of the normally-serious Senshi of Time looking so domestic.
[11:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hello, your Majesty," she smiles slightly at you, kneeling down to whisper something a moment to Chibi Usa. The girl giggles and runs off to the bathroom at that. "Come," she gestures you into the kitchen, "We have a discussion ahead, don't we?"
[11:48] <Usagi-chan> "We do?" Usagi seems a bit surprised by that, but follows the green-haired woman into the kitchen. "Something wrong?" she asks, dropping her voice a bit.
[11:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> "No... with Endymion at the Gates of Time as well, I can spare slightly more time to events such as this - like Minako's funeral tomorrow." As she does that, she works on some eggs on the stove, flipping them with dexterity.
[11:50] * Usagi-chan grows solemn at that, nodding. "You'll be going yourself, then?"
[11:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> Setsuna nods once, putting the eggs onto a plate. "Yes. Minako was a good person at heart," she remarks quietly, starting some sausage. She's going Western style today. "And perhaps now she'll finally be able to find her peace."
[11:54] * Usagi-chan closes her eyes. "I'd hoped she'd at least managed to find that after she left us... I hope you're right, though."
[11:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nodding again, Setsuna continues to cook. "Would you stay home from school today, Usagi?" she asks. "We have much to talk about, and I still cannot afford to waste the time I have away from the Gate."
[11:56] * Usagi-chan nods. "It shouldn't be a problem. I'll give the office a call and let them know I'll be out today."
[11:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> With that, she takes the plates to the table, your family minus Eiko digging right in.
[12:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> The food is good, and your mother doesn't even complain when she finds out about school. Soon enough, you're in the living room, breakfast sitting nicely on your stomach.
[12:04] * Usagi-chan sits back with a contented sigh, looking over at Setsuna in her father's armchair. "So what did you need to talk to me about, exactly?"
[12:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Minako, mainly," she nods, getting to the point. "As the Queen, you have duties to fulfill due to her death."
[12:05] * Usagi-chan nods, a sad look on her face. "I kind of figured I did. The main thing I could think of is getting her pen and other things back."
[12:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> Reaching out, the golden yellow pen of Sailor Venus appears in Setsuna's hand, which she puts down on the table in front of her. "The first, as for Neptune, is in time to find one whom can fulfill the role of Sailor Venus and Princess of Venus."
[12:15] * Usagi-chan nods solemnly, a look of sadness on her face at the sight of the transformation pen that she hasn't seen in so long.
[12:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> "In time, you may replace Sailor Venus. Further..." Again, Setsuna pulls an object from subspace, this time the sword Minako took from the ruins of the Moon.
[12:21] * Usagi-chan accepts the sword from Setsuna, resting the large weapon across her knees reverently. "I found this for her..." She traces a finger down the center of the blade.
[12:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nodding, Setsuna smiles. "You did. And many other things..."
[12:27] * Usagi-chan rests her palm against the flat of the sword, closing her eyes as she remembers. This life and the past, the good with the bad. "She shouldn't have died, Setsuna." Usagi says quietly after a few moments.
[12:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Many people die who perhaps shouldn't at that time," Setsuna says, a faint trace of regret there. "It's simply the way the world is."
[12:32] * Usagi-chan simply nods at that, her eyes still closed. "I know... it still hurts, though."
[12:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes." Moving on for now, Setsuna smiles. "I see Chibi Usa is doing well."
[12:37] * Usagi-chan smiles a bit at that, opening her eyes. "She seems to be doing pretty good. Some of the things that are different here kind of came as a shock to her at first, but I think she's getting used to them."
[12:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> "She is, despite all she has come through. Do you plan on going back to her world?" Setsuna fixes you with a firm gaze now, interested.
[12:44] * Usagi-chan nods. "At least to make sure she'll be safe there, once the Professor finishes making the transporter. I'm not going to stay, of course, but with what she said about the senshi there I want to make sure THEY'RE okay before I just leave Chibi Usa there."
[13:01] <Ana-brb> That seem to satistfy her, as she nods once. "I see. What of other matters, such as the Moon?"
[13:02] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "She knows that I stay out late after school and that I'm out doing stuff on the weekends, but I haven't told her about the palace at all yet."
[13:07] <Anastasia> A third nod, as if she is digesting all of it. "Excellent. Will you tell her?"
[13:08] * Usagi-chan thinks for a few moments. "I... haven't decided yet. I don't think it'd hurt her, but it's just been one more difference from what she knows - I didn't want to drop that on her on top of everything else." She gives the Senshi of Time a curious look. "Do you think I should tell her?"
[13:16] <Anastasia> "It's your choice," she defers, with her mysterious smile.
[13:17] * Usagi-chan frowns a little. "Oh come on, you can at least give me your opinion. What would you do?"
[13:19] <Anastasia> Chuckling just a bit at your reaction, she replies. "I'd consider telling her."
[13:21] * Usagi-chan nods, appeased by that. "I have thought about it, it's just that there really hasn't been a good time for it. Between dealing with Eiko and all the attacks and Minako this week, I've been too busy to really even go up there myself, much less talk to or take Chibi Usa."
[13:25] <Anastasia> "Do what you think is best," Setsuna replies. As if summoned by being the topic of the conversation, a washed up Chibi USa enters, going right to Setsuna. "I'm glad you came to visit," she says to the older woman with a smile.
[13:26] * Usagi-chan smiles at Chibi Usa as she comes into the room. "You really like Puu, don't you?"
[11:11] <Anastasia> Chibi Usa nods once, smiling up at her Puu. Reaching down to pat the child's head for a moment, Setsuna smiles gently at Chibi Usa. "And how are you doing today, Small Lady?"
[11:14] <Anastasia> "Okay," Chibi Usa says, still cheery. "I miss Mommy, though..."
[11:28] <Anastasia> "Mommy will be fine, Chibi-Usa," Pluto reassures her.
[11:29] * Usagi-chan smiles. "We'll get you home safe again, Chibi Usa-chan."
[11:30] <Anastasia> "So you must be strong, Chibi-Usa," Setsuna nods with Usagi's words. "You'll see Mommy again soon."
[11:33] <Anastasia> "Okay...I'll be strong," Chibi-Usa agrees, looking at Setsuna's face. "Just like Mommy would."
[11:36] <Anastasia> The rest of the morning passes peacefully, though over lunch a question comes up. "Puu," Chibi Usa speaks up, "Why did you give Usagi Luna-P, too?"
[11:40] * Usagi-chan smiles. "I asked her for a way I could talk to her, and that's why she gave me Luna-P."
[11:41] <Anastasia> Setsuna nods to Chibi-Usa at that, the girl going quiet, accepting it for now.
[11:42] <Anastasia> The day passes well enough past this, Setsuna mentioning that she'd get you into the funeral without any problems.
[11:43] * Usagi-chan thanks Setsuna for her assistance, spending most of the rest of the day playing with Chibi Usa and chatting over minor matters with the green-haired woman.
[11:43] <Anastasia> The next day...
[11:47] <Anastasia> Dressing in your finest white, the drive to the funeral is uneventful. As promised, Setsuna does get you inside past a throng of fans and other wellwishers, and into decent seats.
[11:47] <Anastasia> The turnout is quite good, you note. Lots of people about.
[11:48] <Anastasia> And thus, the funeral for Minako Aino begins. It drags a bit as the required events and traditions go on and on, at least two hours dragging by, an occasional muffled wail coming from a bereaved person.
[11:50] * Rei-chan remeans stoic throughout the proceedings, mostly having worked through the worst of her grief, and now in an introspective mood as she recalls the all too brief period she knew Minako in this lifetime.
[11:51] * Usagi-chan is somewhat dewy-eyed throughout the funeral, although she manages not to break into real tears as the ceremony moves on.
[11:52] <Anastasia> Later, a eulogy for Minako is spoken by her mother, tear stained and looking far older than her thirtysomething years. She speaks of her warm personality, her cheerful demeanor, her love for singing...
[11:55] * Usagi-chan smiles sadly, remembering the good times she shared with Minako in this life and the last.
[11:55] <Rei-chan> Feeling a slight dampness on her cheeks, Rei uses a handkerchief to dry them as she recalls the song Minako told her was her confession, given far too late.
[11:58] <Anastasia> She lingers at the Full Moon part a bit, mentioning a 'special soul who greatly inspired her singing' and that 'her songs will live forever in the hearts of her fans and family'.
[11:59] <Rei-chan> "Oh, Minako..." Rei whispers, almost inaudibly.
[12:00] * Usagi-chan reaches over to take Rei's hand gently.
[12:00] * Rei-chan gives Usagi's hand an appreciative squeeze, but keeps her attention focused forwards.
[12:02] <Anastasia> Breaking up into tears near the end, Yuri Aino thanks everyone for the support and love they gave to her daughter, and that may she 'rest in peace, her journey in this lifetime and all past finished'.
[12:06] <Anastasia> Shortly after, things wind to a merciful close, the funeral breaking up.
[12:10] <Anastasia> Setsuna, who sat away from you for the entire affair, is nowhere to be found afterwards. Thought, another familiar face is seen as you shuffle out of the funeral home, one Herb.
[12:11] * Prince_Herb looks rather sombre in dark suit and black tie.
[12:11] <Rei-chan> Citing a desire to be alone with her thoughts, Rei bids farewell to Usagi and slowly walks back home to the Shrine, head bowed.
[12:12] * Prince_Herb walks over to the Queen. "Poor Rei-chan," he says. "She must have been hit very hard."
[12:13] <Usagi-chan> "We all were," Usagi replies quietly, taking a sigh as she turns her own footsteps towards home. "I'll see you later, Herb."
[12:17] * Prince_Herb bids the queen farewell and after a few minutes silent thought, heads for his own home, there to contemplate the day.
[12:18] <Anastasia> ---

Halbarad · June 30, 2006, 09:13:56 AM

[12:20] <Anastasia> After a short Saturday of classes - and a nice load of makeup work for the days you missed this week - you find Professor Tomoe waiting for you in the Witches office, while Viluy and Eudial are going over some work and Ami is studying intently.
[12:21] * Usagi-chan gives the Professor a small smile as she enters the office, doing her best to move on from the sorrowful events of the week - although that doesn't make it easy.
[12:22] <Anastasia> Leaning back against one of the empty Witches' desks, he greets you rather solemnly. "How was the funeral," he asks politely.
[12:23] * Usagi-chan smiles somewhat crookedly. "It was... okay, I guess. Not something I've had a lot of experience with before."
[12:23] <Anastasia> Nodding to that, he stands straight up. "Why don't you come with me?" he offers, beginning to leave the office. "I need to talk to you, Usagi."
[12:24] * Usagi-chan nods. "Is anything wrong?" she asks as she follows him from the room.
[12:25] <Anastasia> Once in the hallways, he nods. "There is a bit of a problem with the dimensional teleportation," he explains bluntly, getting to business.
[12:26] <Usagi-chan> "What's wrong with it?" Usagi looks a bit worried at that. "Is it not going to work?"
[12:27] <Anastasia> "Not quite," he frowns a bit. "The equipment and calculations are all intact and correct. It will only take until about Thursday to finish that aspect of it."
[12:28] * Usagi-chan nods. "Then what's the problem?"
[12:29] <Anastasia> Stepping into a discreet elevator up, he replies once the doors close. "There seems to be a rising amount of negative energy in the targeted dimension. To penetrate this, more energy is required - far more than I can hope to output with my personal devices."
[12:30] * Usagi-chan frowns. "What kind of energy?"
[12:33] <Anastasia> "Magical energy, of a non negative type." The door opens to the fifth floor, conversation stopping until you reach his office. Once inside, he sits, going on. "Usagi, even with all of you, I don't think we could muster enough power to broach the negative energy swelling in Chibi Usa's native dimension. We need something greater." He stares down right at you, solemn. "Germatou sought the Holy Grail, believing it was powerful enough to summon Pharoah 90 into this world. I believe that if it is as mighty as thought, it would be able to break through the darkness there like tissue paper."
[12:36] * Usagi-chan blows out a breath. "Probably, but there's still the problem of the missing third Talisman. We still need Neptune's mirror to summon the Grail, and I haven't found anyone I'd consider placing in her position yet. And without a Neptune, we can't get the Grail."
[12:37] <Anastasia> He nods at that. "Yes. Have you not found any of the Witches suitable?"
[12:39] * Usagi-chan sighs. "To be honest, not really." She looks over at the Professor. "Most of them DO have the pure magical potential to become a senshi, but... well, I just don't think they're quite cut out for the position. They're good friends and everything, but I just can't see any of them as a senshi."
[12:40] <Anastasia> He takes that in, nodding once. "I see. Then... unless we can find another way, we still need the Grail."
[12:42] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I'll keep my eyes open, but I really don't want to rush this. It's definitely not something I want to drop on the first person who looks like a decent possibility." She shakes her head. "If only I still had the Ginzuishou..."
[12:45] <Anastasia> "Usagi... also." Pausing a moment, he goes on. "I believe that the negative energy in that world may be growing as well. This is bad...but with the latent link between the worlds," Tomoe grimances a bit, all semblance of cheer long gone. "I believe that it's possible that the natural barriers between the two dimensions may weaken and crack, more negative energy spilling over."
[12:46] <Usagi-chan> "So it's not something we can take our time on doing, then." Usagi winces at that. "Do you have any idea how long it might be before that starts happening?"
[12:47] <Anastasia> "I'm not completely certain, but I would put it at no later than two to three weeks." Tomoe leans forward, intense. "And if it goes that far... a tidal wave of darkness will spill over into this world."
[12:50] * Usagi-chan closes her eyes, rubbing her temples slowly. "This just gets better and better... is there anything else I should know?"
[12:51] <Anastasia> "That's about it. I only confirmed my theories this morning," he sighs. "Something terrible is happening in Chibi Usa's world, Usagi."
[12:53] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I'm not too surprised... she said there were people attacking, and with the senshi from that world gone... I don't even want to think about what could be happening." She sets her expression. "Thanks for letting me know, Professor. I'll see what I can do."
[12:54] <Anastasia> He nods. "I'm also afraid I'm going to have to cancel with your family tonight. I have much work to do now."
[12:55] <Usagi-chan> "I'll let Mom know. I'm probably going to be buried in the library for the rest of the day myself." Usagi nods.
[12:56] <Anastasia> He smiles at that. "We'll have to reschedule... Hotaru was looking forward to this."
[12:57] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Me too. We'll get this sorted out, and then you'll get to enjoy Mom's cooking for real."
[12:57] <Anastasia> He manages a small chuckle at that, despite the current looming threat from beyond. "I hope so, Usagi. I hope so."
[12:58] <Usagi-chan> -----
[12:59] <Usagi-chan> The next hour passes swiftly. Usagi makes a quick trip home to inform her mother of the evening's cancelled dinner plans, as well as her own plans to be on the Moon for an extended period of time. As well, she informs Rei of the current situation, asking the miko to meet her and Ami in the office at Mugen for a trip to the Lunar library.
[13:00] * Usagi-chan hurries back into the office, having changed into casual clothes. "Everyone here?" she asks, looking around as she enters.
[13:00] <Anastasia> Ami is, waiting for you with a smile.
[13:00] * Rei-chan nods grimly, all too aware of how dire the situation has become.
[13:02] * Usagi-chan nods, quickly striding over to her two friends. Without further preamble, she teleports the trio into the great library of the Moon Palace. "All right... we're looking for absolutely anything having to do with the Talismans or the Holy Grail. Or even the Ginzuishou, if we can get that lucky."
[13:03] * Rei-chan nods, heading over to the familiar section housing the Moon Kingdom's religious texts, which thus far she has barely begun to study, hoping to find something related to the Holy Grail.
[13:06] * Usagi-chan heads over to the histories, searching for tomes relating to the activities of the senshi in particular, as well as anything relating to her mother's major activities during her long reign.
[13:08] <Anastasia> An hour passes, with Rei having the first bit of luck. A otherwise rather dry book about religious artifacts and relics makes extremely passing mention of a 'Holy Cup', the property of the Goddess Selene.
[13:09] <Rei-chan> Using that as a starting point, Rei singles out books pertaining to Selene herself in hopes of discerning more about the Holy Cup.
[13:10] <Anastasia> Most of the stuff on Selene seems to relate to the Moon Royal line and the legends about how they are decended from a great Goddess.
[13:12] <Rei-chan> After a while of fruitless research on Selene, Rei goes back to the dry book about religious artifacts, this time looking up anything about a sword, mirror, or rod - the three talismans that supposedly summon the grail.
[13:15] <Anastasia> Shortly in that, there is an interesting picture... A beautiful white cup, ornate and decorated, is surrounded by two rings. The outer ring contains a mirror, a sword, a orb and at the apex of the ring, a black polearm of some sort. Lines of power from it surround the Grail, giving it form. The inner ring is a sword, two rods, a mace and a bracelet, spinning around the cup and lines of power feeding the artifact's might.
[13:16] <Anastasia> All around the outer two rings are other objects, rings, weapons, other artifacts remotely feeding into the cup as well. The text below it states 'The Grail, the Talisman of the Talismans, the Cup of the Messiah and the force of Purity.'
[13:17] * Rei-chan emits a gasp, recognising a goodly number of the items surrounding the grail. Standing up on legs that are slightly wobbly from sitting so long, she hurries with the book over towards where Usagi is doing her own research.
[13:19] * Usagi-chan has her nose buried in a dusty tome recounting the senshi's activities several hundred years before the Silver Millenium's collapse. She looks up as Rei approaches with her own book. "Find something?"
[13:20] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods, showing the page to Usagi. "Looks like more than just the three talismans Germatou knew of were connected to the grail. Those are my rods," she points at the picture, "And Mako-chan's mace, Ami-chan's bracelet, and..." she hesitates a little, "Minako's sword."
[13:22] <Anastasia> Ami comes over as well at this noise, quietly watching over Usagi's shoulder.
[13:23] * Usagi-chan studies the picture for a moment, nodding as she recognizes the artifacts found in one of the palace's half-ruined hallways. "So it's NOT just the three talismans... there are nine in total." She reads the captioning below the picture, then taps the image. "If this is right, then the sword, the mirror, and the orb just MAKE the Grail - see how they connect with the outline? But the real question is, what do all the other Talismans do to it?"
[13:27] <Rei-chan> "It looks like they're feeding it's power," Rei notes. "That looks like Saturn's glaive with the sword, mirror, and orb."
[13:28] * Usagi-chan nods. "So if this is right, we have everything but the mirror - at least once we contact Setsuna, anyway." She frowns slightly, deep in thought. "And from what we know so far, the Mirror is somehow dependent on Sailor Neptune."
[13:29] <Rei-chan> "Is it?" Rei asks unhappily. "We still have Sailor Venus' sword, don't we?"
[13:30] <Usagi-chan> "We do, but we found all those in that one hallway. There was nothing else IN the hallway the last time we checked." She thinks for a minute, remembering back to their trips to the artifact hall. "We found four total - Minako's sword, your rods, Mako-chan's mace, and Ami's bracelet. There was one chest that was empty, and three of them that were broken."
[13:31] <Rei-chan> "We found Saturn's glaive there as well," Rei points out.
[13:33] <Usagi-chan> "Oh yeah, forgot that one - and it's still in there, too." Usagi nods. "But if Neptune's mirror isn't there, where else would it be? I was guessing that it'd be in her heart crystal like Uranus' sword was, but there's no way to know that for sure."
[13:34] <Rei-chan> "But she doesn't exist," Rei sighs, "There is no heart crystal for it to be hidden inside, so where else could it be?"
[13:36] <Usagi-chan> "I wish I knew." Usagi frowns. "Wherever it is, though, we've got to find it - and fast. I'm not going to let the world get overrun by darkness." Usagi has a determined expression on her face at that. "I guess we really need to track down everything on the Talismans and Neptune now - maybe they'll have some kind of information?"
[13:39] * Rei-chan frowns. "This really is something that Sailor Pluto should just tell us everything she knows about - we're being threatened not just by another dimension, but by the future of that dimension. It seems pretty clear that it falls under her responsibilities."
[13:40] * Usagi-chan frowns herself. "I'll ask her, but there's no guarantee that she'll tell me anything. She made it pretty clear the last time that her 'duties' come before me, and she's the only one who knows exactly what those duties are."
[13:41] <Rei-chan> "We're being threatened by enemies from outside our timestream," Rei shrugs. "I'd say that falls under the Guardian of Time's purview. Even if she won't fight alongside us, she should certainly offer every scrap of information she has that might help."
[13:43] <Usagi-chan> "Like I said, I'll definitely ask, but there's no telling what she will or won't tell me." She glances over at Rei. "You think I should go contact her right now?"
[13:43] <Rei-chan> "Might as well get it out of the way," Rei sighs, "If she won't help then at least we know now."
[13:44] * Usagi-chan nods. "I'll be back in a few minutes then, unless you want to be there when I talk to her." Usagi gets up from her seat, looking over at Rei for a response.
[13:45] <Rei-chan> "I'll just keep looking up here with Ami. You can tell us what she said when you come back," Rei replies.
[13:46] <Usagi-chan> "Got it. See you in a few minutes then." Usagi nods, chanting for a moment before vanishing to reappear in her own bedroom.
[13:48] <Anastasia> No one is around right now, at least. Thank goodness for small mercies, as you appear in your room.
[13:51] * Usagi-chan quickly climbs up on her desk chair, pulling down the cat-like ball. Taking a seat in the chair, she holds it in front of her, calling out "Luna Pluto Power!"
[13:53] <Anastasia> The ball warms slightly in your hands as the eye panels shift, revealing two tiny monitors in place of said eyes. Sailor Pluto's face appears in each. "Yes, Queen," she asks, noise coming from the ears of the plushie.
[13:54] <Usagi-chan> "Probably not news to you, but I've just heard from the Professor about Chibi Usa's home dimension - it's being overrun with negative energy. And according to what he's told me, in two or three weeks it's going to break through into THIS world. And as far as we can tell, the only way for us to even get into that world to do anything about is with the Holy Grail - which we can't summon without Neptune's Talisman. Is there anything more you can tell us about where to find that?"
[13:55] <Anastasia> Setsuna nods, almost hard to see due to the tiny size of the eyes.
[13:57] <Anastasia> Sailor Pluto pauses a moment, as if thinking... "Your Majesty, your duties to find Neptune are central to this." In spite of her grave words, Setsuna's voice is slightly tinny from the speakers, giving a strange quality to what she said.
[13:59] <Usagi-chan> "Will Neptune's Talisman appear once I pick a replacement?" Usagi asks directly.
[14:01] <Anastasia> Another silence, this one stretching a good half minute. "Your Majesty... it may," she finally admits.
[14:01] <Usagi-chan> "Is that because you can't tell me or because you don't know for sure?" Usagi tries to clarify.
[14:02] <Anastasia> Setsuna shakes her head. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty."
[14:04] <Usagi-chan> "Setsuna, I'm not trying to mess around with your duties or anything. But I have a duty too - I have to protect THIS world and everyone in it. And I don't have a lot of time to do that in anymore - so if there's anything, ANYTHING you can tell me that will help, please..." Usagi says desperately.
[14:08] <Anastasia> Another long pause, Setsuna sighs. "Usagi... you must find your Neptune, and soon." With that, the Luna-P shuts off...
[14:09] * Usagi-chan throws the ball to the ground roughly. "Dammit, why can't I just get a straight answer?" She slumps in the chair.
[14:10] <Anastasia> Luna P bounces once, and lands near your bed, silent.
[14:11] * Usagi-chan runs her hand through her hair in frustration, taking a few moments to compose herself before teleporting herself back to the Lunar library.
[14:12] <Rei-chan> Seeing Usagi's return, and noting that she's been gone for several minutes, Rei hopes she at least got something out of the recalcitrant senshi of time. "Learn anything useful?" she asks hopefully.
[14:13] * Usagi-chan's frown is quite evident. "Nothing directly. She just said it's important that I find Neptune and soon." She sighs, falling into one of the large plush chairs. "I even asked her directly if Neptune's talisman would show up when I picked someone, and she wouldn't give me a straight answer."
[14:16] <Rei-chan> "Ugh," Rei sighs. "Even if the Talisman DOES appear in the new Neptune's heart crystal, it can't just appear out of nothing - the universe doesn't work that way. It HAS to exist somewhere else until it appears like that. Because if we can only get it from the new Neptune, we're screwed. There's no way we can properly locate and assess someone for the role in the time we have left."
[14:17] <Usagi-chan> "I know, but we're going to have to." Usagi frowns. "I don't like it either, but with nothing else to go on what else can we do? If I DON'T choose someone, the world's going to get overrun."
[14:18] <Rei-chan> "Destiny better point out the perfect candidate in neon lights for us damn quick, then," Rei grouses. "I guess we aren't going to find anything else up here, then..."
[14:19] <Usagi-chan> "Probably not." Usagi sighs as another thought comes to mind. "And I really, REALLY hate to do this, but I think we may need to bring Hotaru into this as well. If the Glaive is important to having the Grail, we can't afford not to."
[14:20] <Rei-chan> "We don't need Saturn the senshi, just the glaive itself - otherwise we'd need a new Venus, too," Rei looks unhappy. "But if you want, I'll talk to her about it."
[14:22] <Usagi-chan> "I know, but she's probably the only one who can use it safely - you remember what it did to me." Usagi frowns. "I'm hoping we only have to have it around and we won't have to have her use it, but I'd rather let her know just in case we aren't so lucky."
[14:23] * Rei-chan nods. "I'll talk to her about it tomorrow."
[14:24] * Usagi-chan nods. "Let's get back then. I need to talk to the Professor as it is - if assigning Neptune is the only way to get this done, then I'm taking off from school until I find someone." She stands, waiting for her two friends to join her.
[14:24] * Rei-chan goes to join Usagi. "I'll ask the Sacred Flame for advice. Maybe it can point us in the right direction."
[14:25] <Usagi-chan> "I sure hope so... we're going to need all the help we can get." Usagi sighs. Once Ami has joined her and Rei, she quickly teleports the three back into the former Witches' office at Mugen, frowning slightly as the group reappears.
[14:26] <Usagi-chan> "Guess we'd better get started. We don't have a lot of time to waste," she says. "Let me know how that fire reading goes, Rei-chan."
[14:27] * Rei-chan looks thoughtful for a moment. "Can I borrow Neptune's transformation pen?" she asks, "It'll help me focus a lot better for finding someone suited to those powers."
[14:29] * Usagi-chan nods, withdrawing the green pen from subspace before handing it to the miko. "Here... if you're going to do this more than once, you can hang onto it for now. I won't need it until I'm actually ready to appoint someone, I think."
[14:29] <Rei-chan> "Thanks," Rei puts the pen in her own pocket. "Well, I'd best get going. Good luck searching yourself," she says, leaving the office and hurrying home.
[14:30] * Usagi-chan heads down to the Professor's lab to announce their findings.
[10:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[10:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sunday dawns humid and warm, promising a simmeringly hot day by noon. In the early morning rise, however, it's bearable, even as you get ready to go to the Sacred Flame.
[10:09] <Rei-chan> Having completed her ablutions, Rei kneels before the Sacred Flame, producing the Neptune transformation wand she had recieved yesterday and examining it closely, attuning herself to its magical aura.
[10:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> The pen sits in your hands, the lost symbol of Neptune promising great power to the one who assumes it.
[10:12] <Rei-chan> Slowly slipping into a meditative trance, Rei focuses on the fire itself, seeking to discover who would be suited to hold the power and responsibilities of Sailor Neptune.
[10:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Soul check, +2.
[10:13] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6+2 burning 20 EP
[10:13] * Hatbot --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6+2 burning 20 EP and gets 11."
[10:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> In your trance, the flame roars and burns to the very ceiling, images appearing in it. The first is of the red-haired Witch, Eudial. It's a very dim and shaky picture as she sprays Racy with her Fire Buster, slightly better when it shows her talking to you... but it's dim and distant at best for her. From that, it flickers past Tellu without a single pause, to a hazy woman and her child, almost impossible to see. From there, a fairly solid image of Viluy in the Mugen pool with Ami and Haruka appears, all three laughing as they splash around...
[10:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> A momentary blur of the Twins passes, but is by too fast to really be sure. There is then the hazy image of a robed woman with a sword for several seconds, but the reception, so to speak, is weak.
[10:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> From there, it fugues a few seconds, a few too blurry to make out images flashing by, then the flame quiets, Rei's mind returning to the realm of the material.
[10:23] <Rei-chan> Breathing deeply as she comes back to herself, Rei goes over the vision. Many of those seen appeared too briefly to make out much detail, and they weren't people she knew anyway, but the Witches... 'Why hasn't Usagi considered them, anyway?' she wonders, standing up and going back into the house, 'Viluy did seem to leave a strong impression in the vision...' Once back in her room, she takes out her communicator and contacts Usagi.
[10:25] * Usagi-chan answers a few moments later. "Hello... Rei-chan? What's up?"
[10:25] <Rei-chan> "Hi, Usagi," Rei greets the blonde, "Sorry if I woke you, but I just did a fire reading to find our new Neptune."
[10:27] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "You didn't, I was already up and getting ready to go out searching. Did you turn up anything yourself?"
[10:28] <Rei-chan> "Actually it did," Rei peers at Usagi through the communicator's little screen. "Usagi, why haven't you given any consideration to the girls at Mugen?"
[10:30] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I have, some. Mostly Eudial, since she's the one I know the best. She's definitely got the magical potential to be a senshi, but... well, I don't think she's got the right attitude. She's too reckless, for one thing - you remember what she did at the cosmetics store."
[10:32] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, I can't argue with that. And the Fire agrees - I only got a fairly hazy image of Eudial in my vision. Most of the other people I saw were very hazy, and I doubt I could recognise them, anyway, while Tellu and the twins just flashed by in an instant," Rei explains. "Viluy, on the other hand... I got a really clear image of her swimming with Ami and Haruka, and when I think about it, she does strike me as an ideal candidate."
[10:34] * Usagi-chan thinks for a moment. "Well, how about we all talk it over this afternoon? We were already going to have a meeting today. I just don't know Viluy enough to say for sure - although I know Ami-chan's spent a lot of time with her, thanks to working on all that stuff with the Professor."
[10:37] <Rei-chan> "You still know Viluy a lot better than you know anyone else you could possibly find in the next few days," Rei points out. "And since she already fights alongside us, and is working to help rebuild the kingdom, it's a fair bet she won't have any objection to taking on the job."
[10:39] * Usagi-chan nods. "That's true enough. I still want to get everyone's opinion on the idea first, but as I think about it more, you're probably right - Viluy is probably going to be my best choice."
[10:39] * Rei-chan nods. "Well, think it over. I'll see you again at the meeting this afternoon - or maybe earlier depending on how my talk with Hotaru-chan goes."
[10:40] <Usagi-chan> "Good luck with that." Usagi smiles wanly. "I hope it goes well. Talk to you later, Rei-chan." With that, Usagi shuts off her communicator.
[10:41] * Rei-chan puts her communicator away and goes to get cleaned up after her fire reading in preperation for Hotaru's arrival.
[10:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hotaru arrives at a hair past ten in the morning, a black tank top and shorts on. In this weather, even with the shorts, the poor girl must be frying...
[10:45] * Rei-chan invites Hotaru into her room, where she already has cool drinks for the pair of them, sitting down on the floor and gesturing for her guest to do the same.
[10:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a quick smile, she takes the drink and puts a good dent in it. "Sister, are we going to work on meditation today?" she asks, interested.
[10:47] <Rei-chan> "We might later, Hotaru-chan," Rei replies, "But there's something more important we need to talk about today."
[10:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nodding once, she puts down her drink. "What's up," she asks, facing you squarely with a curious expression.
[10:50] <Rei-chan> "You remember last week when you were here and I had to transform into Sailor Mars and run off for a little while to help Usagi?" Rei begins, rather than attacking the issue directly right from the get go.
[10:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah, Rei-chan," is her response. Cocking her head slightly, "Is something wrong with that?"
[10:53] <Rei-chan> "Well you see," Rei leans forward a little, "The people I had to help Usagi against came from another dimension - I don't know how much exactly you know about your daddy's research, but it's basically another Earth, with all the same people, except things there are slightly different."
[10:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hotaru frowns on instinct, her hands gripping the carpet a bit, but she nods. "I kind of know," she replies, tensing.
[10:57] <Rei-chan> "Yes," Rei nods, her tone gentle. "Imouto-chan, something bad has happened in that other Earth. The Sailor Senshi that live there have been hurt badly, and they can't protect it, and the place is being filled with negative energy from their enemies - the same ones that we've been fighting against here recently."
[10:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> Another nod, though Hotaru eyes are a bit wide and she looks jumpy. "Will you have to go help them, Oneechan?" Hotaru asks, sighing.
[11:01] * Rei-chan nods. "If we don't, the barrier between dimensions will be ruptured by all the negative energy, and it will cascade into our world. But there's a problem - all the negative energy also makes it very difficult for us to travel in the opposite direction to enter that dimension. We'll need a tremendous source of power to do that."
[11:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hotaru nods, but says nothing, letting Rei go on.
[11:03] <Rei-chan> Taking her cue to continue, Rei produces her Ash Rods, holding them out for Hotaru to examine. "Do you know what these are, little sister?"
[11:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hotaru reaches forward as it to take one, a questioning glance sent at you.
[11:03] * Rei-chan nods, letting Hotaru take it before she continues.
[11:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> Taking the smooth rod from Rei's grasp, Hotaru feels it all over with both hands, inspecting it closely. "It's warm," she comments as she handles it. "Are... are these something you use as Sailor Mars," she guesses.
[11:07] <Rei-chan> "Yes," Rei smiles, holding the remaining stick against her chest. "They're called the Ash Rods. They're my Talisman."
[11:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hotaru's head jerks up right at you when you say that, the girl fumbling and almost dropping the rod. "Talisman," she gasps, staring at you now. "You mean that..."
[11:11] <Rei-chan> "Don't worry, imouto-chan," Rei reassures her, "I didn't have to lose my heart crystal or anything - we found them sealed away on the Moon."
[11:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> "What?" Hotaru says weakly, looking rather lost now. "On the Moon... but... they're supposed to be in the pure hearts of three people, aren't they?"
[11:14] * Rei-chan shakes her head. "Germatou didn't know the full story. Only one of the Talismans was inside a pure heart - Haruka's sword. And there are more than three Talismans as well - there's one for each Sailor Senshi."
[11:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> "But..." Hotaru protests in a small voice. "Then... why... why?"
[11:19] <Rei-chan> "Why the search for the pure hearts?" Rei guesses. "I couldn't say for sure - I don't even know how Germatou knew what he did. I can only guess that the true nature of the Talismans has been blurred by history and fractured accounts."
[11:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Closing her eyes and looking away, Hotaru speaks. "Okay... Rei-chan. Then why the Holy Grail? What does it have to do with these Talismans?"
[11:22] <Rei-chan> "That's why I needed to talk to you about this, little sister," Rei says softly. "The Holy Grail... the cup of purity, it is the only thing we can use to dissipate the negative energy in the other dimension."
[11:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> "..." Hotaru just looks away, unable to face Rei right now.
[11:26] * Rei-chan leans over and puts a reassuring hand on Hotaru's shoulder. "When all of the Talismans are brought together, the grail will appear," she recites, looking at the other girl compassionately. "You're a Sailor Senshi, too, imouto-chan. And your talisman is still sealed up on the Moon."
[11:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Rei-chan..." Hotaru whispers, downcast. "I don't want it. Take it yourself," is what she says, shuddering away from that though.
[11:32] * Rei-chan feels her heart ache. "Hotaru-chan... we can just use the Talisman itself to summon the grail, it's true, but..." She looks away to hide her pained expression. "When I go to the other dimension... I won't be able to protect you, and I don't know how long it'll be until I return," 'If I ever do...'
[11:32] <Rei-chan> "Your Talisman and your powers as Sailor Saturn... you don't have to use them if you don't want to. But they're still yours, and you might need them someday."
[11:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hotaru whimpers, looking close to tears. "I... NO!" You feel Hotaru's aura spike at that, the girl rushing over to hug you, crying. "You're not going, Rei-chan! I don't want to be Sailor Saturn, and I don't want you to be Sailor Mars! I just want my big sister!"
[11:39] * Rei-chan fights to keep herself from crying as she hugs Hotaru back. "I can't not be Sailor Mars any more than I can stop being Rei Hino, Hotaru-chan. I've made my peace with my destiny," she whispers. "But... I understand your feelings. I promise I won't ask you to be Sailor Saturn again."
[11:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> Wailing away on your shoulder, her aura flickering oddly. "No... I... I don't want you to go away like Mom did and Daddy did.." she cries. "I don't want to lose you to Sailor Mars!"
[11:45] * Rei-chan strokes Hotaru's back comfortingly. "I promise I'll come back, imouto-chan," she says sincerely. "You won't lose me."
[11:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sobbing into your shoulder, the girl doesn't respond until her tears run the course. Sniffling and looking up at you, face throughly cried out and composure ruined, "But... you promise?" she squeaks out.
[11:49] <Rei-chan> "I promise," Rei gives her best reassuring smile, her eyes glistening but no actual tears appearing. "I'll be going away so I can make sure we'll both have a peaceful world to enjoy when I come back."
[11:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nodding to you, Hotaru clings onto you again. "I won't forgive you if you go away like Mom did..." she whispers, barely audible.
[12:03] <Rei-chan> "Don't worry, I'll come back," Rei slowly untangles herself from the younger girl. "Now come on, let's dry those tears and we can get back to practicing your meditation, shall we?"
[12:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nodding slowly, she does just that, with a wan smile as the two of you begin your day's work...
[12:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[12:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> That afternoon, the Sailors minus Mercury - Ami begged off due to an appointment - file to Rei's temple at the insistance of Usagi for a Senshi meeting...
[12:33] * Usagi-chan arrives early, helping Rei get snacks and the like ready for the meeting.
[12:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> Doing so, the other girls arrive on time, Haruka, Herb and Makoto all ready for the meeting.
[12:39] * Usagi-chan looks rather grim as the other girls file in. "Sorry to call you guys on such short notice, but we've just found out about a major problem." She glances over at Rei briefly, then goes on. "I talked with the Professor yesterday, and everything is on schedule for the dimensional transporter - he said it should be done by this Thursday. That's the only good news."
[12:39] <Haruka> "And the bad?" Haruka asks.
[12:40] <Usagi-chan> "Bad news number one: He says the level of negative energy in Chibi Usa's home dimension is increasing, and that without something extremely powerful to open the dimensional gate with, we can't get past that negative energy to get Chibi Usa home. He said the Holy Grail is probably the only thing powerful enough to do it." She sighs at that.
[12:41] <Rei-chan> "It gets worse," Rei puts in.
[12:42] <Makoto> "Worse?"
[12:42] <Usagi-chan> "And then there's bad news number two. Apparently the link between Chibi Usa's world and ours weakened the barrier between the two, and at the rate the negative energy in her world is increasing, it'll break through that barrier and swamp our world in two or three weeks."
[12:42] * Haruka frowns at that.
[12:42] <Makoto> "Okay, that's a day-ruiner right there..." Makoto says with an equal frown on her face.
[12:43] * Rei-chan nods.
[12:44] <Usagi-chan> "Rei, Ami and I have already done some research on the Grail, and apparently we absolutely have to have Neptune's mirror to summon the grail. And from what I could pick up from Setsuna, we can't get the mirror until I choose someone to replace Neptune." Usagi looks solemn.
[12:45] <Haruka> "Is there a..." Haruka begins asking with a blank look, "Candidate for the position?"
[12:46] * Usagi-chan nods. "Rei's suggested Viluy, and I think it's worth looking into. But I'd like to hear what you guys think, too."
[12:49] * Haruka becomes pensive while searching her feelings for an opinion. "I... guess she's okay..." Haruka replies, somewhat uncertainly. "I haven't been around her as long as you all have so my personal view on her isn't very strong."
[12:49] <Rei-chan> "We all know her," Rei speaks up, "And I think she's a good friend - she's proven willing to fight alongside us even without being a senshi, and she's been a big help with the work up on the Moon. And the Sacred Flame seemed to think she had a strong suitability for the role - really, I can't think of anyone better we're likely to find."
[12:50] <Prince_Herb> "She's certainly very well qualified." Herb says.
[12:52] * Usagi-chan nods. "She's definitely got the magical ability to become a senshi. I was more hoping for feedback from you guys on what you think of her as a person. Do you think there'll be any problems working with her as far as you're concerned?"
[12:53] <Rei-chan> "Like I already said, she's a good friend. I've sure got no problem," Rei replies, looking to the others. "What about you guys?"
[12:53] <Makoto> "I've never really had any problems with her, but I've not interacted much with her either. Still, if you think she's qualified, that's good enough for me, Usagi," Makoto says. "I trust your judgement."
[12:55] * Prince_Herb nods agreement
[12:56] * Haruka shrugs noncommittally on the matter. "I haven't had any problems with her either," she says, while looking at Makoto. Haruka turns to Usagi and Rei. "But if you think she's the one, I don't see any reason against it."
[12:56] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Thanks, Mako-chan. I'm going to talk to Ami as soon as I can, and probably the Professor too - they've both worked with Viluy a lot more than I have. I just want to be really sure before I ask her - this is a big step."
[12:57] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, where is Ami anyway?" Rei wonders aloud.
[12:57] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "She said she had some kind of appointment that she couldn't miss. I didn't really press her on it, since she already knows about everything except Viluy."
[12:58] <Rei-chan> "Guess so," Rei nods. "And Ami-chan wouldn't skip a meeting unless it really was important."
[12:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you chat, your discussion is interrupted by a bright beam of energy racing up into the sky, unseen to those bound inside, but it clearly gets Rei and Usagi's attention. Within a few miles, you'd guess, Chibi Usa just let off a Moonbeam.
[13:00] <Rei-chan> "Oh, crap!" Rei stands up, "Chibi Usa!" Quickly racing outside, she looks to see where the beam is.
[13:00] * Usagi-chan lets out a very unladylike curse as she springs to her feet. "As if we didn't have enough to worry about..." Throwing her hand to the side, she calls out the words "Moon Prism Power, Make UP!"
[13:00] * Sailor_Moon quickly follows Rei outside to get a better idea of where the moonbeam is located.
[13:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> As Rei goes outside, she sees the last of it, staining the sky to the north, down into Tokyo.
[13:01] * Prince_Herb calls out "Dragon Prism Power Makeup!" and transforms into the strangely transgendered fighter for love and justice, Sailor Dragon!
[13:02] * Sailor_Dragon runs after the queen
[13:02] <Rei-chan> "Mars Power, Make UP!" Rei transforms herself, turning to Usagi. "We'll be too late if we run - we'll have to teleport to her."
[13:03] <Haruka> Haruka follows the lead of the others and transforms as well. "Uranus Planet Power, Make Up!"
[13:03] * Sailor_Moon nods. "Sailor Teleport should be the fastest - there are enough of us here for it." She calls back towards the shrine. "Hurry, guys - Chibi Usa is in trouble!"
[13:04] * Makoto nods as she also transforms. "Jupiter Power, Make UP!"
[13:05] * Sailor_Mars takes Moon's hand and holds out her other for whomever will take it, already focusing on the area she sensed the energy discharge.
[13:06] * Sailor_Jupiter takes Mars' and Haruka's hands.
[13:06] * Sailor_Uranus takes Jupiter's hand readying herself as well.
[13:06] * Sailor_Dragon joins the circle.
[13:07] * Sailor_Moon focuses on Chibi Usa as she calls out, "Sailor Teleport!"
[13:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a flash, the girls are gone, off to battle the forces of evil in the name of the Moon!
[13:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[13:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> Moments later, the girls appear in a broad street, a scene of chaos in front of them. Cowering behind a mail receptacle is Chibi Usa, Cooan and two ugly droids with her. One is tall, lanky, and scaly skinned, with no clothes or weapons about, and the second is short and squat, wearing an ornate kimono. A few people are scattered about and unconscious off to the side, including one Ikkuko Tsukino, groceries scattered about where she lies.
[13:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> Whipping around as you appear, Cooan goes into a hateful glare at the sight of you.
[13:12] * Sailor_Moon quickly frees her hands, glaring right back at the fashion disaster. "Get away from her, now!"
[13:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Good," she grins nastily. "I was hoping I'd get to kill you for what you did to Beruche. I'll get the kid and kill you girls, too!"
[13:13] <Sailor_Mars> "Like hell," Rei replies angrily. "You'll get exactly the same as she did for disturbing the peace of our world!"
[13:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> Snapping her fingers, a third Droid appears to compliment the first two, a woman in a silken, pale blue dress. "It's time for you to face the wrath of a true servant of the Dark Moon!" Cooan declares.
[13:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Initiative, girls.
[13:14] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 1d6+13
[13:14] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+11
[13:14] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[13:14] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+10
[13:14] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+10 and gets 11."
[13:14] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 1d6+14
[13:14] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 1d6+14 and gets 19."
[13:14] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[13:14] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 15."
[13:14] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+11
[13:14] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+11 and gets 12."
[13:14] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 1d6+13
[13:14] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 1d6+13 and gets 14."
[13:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:15] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 2."
[13:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:15] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 5."
[13:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:15] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[13:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:15] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 5."
[13:18] * Sailor_Uranus grins wickedly. "I'd admire your speech and determination if I didn't know that you were going to fail in the end anyway." Without further words, Haruka gathers power into her fist and struck the ground, releasing her attack! "World Shaking!"
[13:18] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[13:18] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[13:19] <Sailor_Uranus> The attack streams towards the woman apparently in command!
[13:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:19] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[13:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> The attack zooms in, rushing at Cooan! She starts to flow out of the way but is clipped by World Shaking, her side injured! She grits her teeth but shows no signs of stopping at that hit!
[13:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> Raising her hand from her darkly colored kimono, the droid speaks in a deep voice. "Die, for the Dark Moon!" Crackling forth is a torrent of purple bands, rushing at Sailor Jupiter!
[13:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:23] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[13:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Hit, +2 DCV check.
[13:24] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6+2
[13:24] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6+2 and gets 9."
[13:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> The glowing bands expand and then clamp down on Makoto, the girl bound tightly for a moment as they sink in... then detonate in a blast of dark energy! Makoto is sent up at least ten feet and five feet back, landing face down on the street! (Damage 29)
[13:29] * Sailor_Moon gathers her strength as she springs over the droids' heads to land next to the terrified Chibi Usa.
[13:29] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6-3 burning 20 EP (-1 bonus, -2 acrobatics)
[13:29] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6-3 burning 20 EP (-1 bonus, -2 acrobatics) and gets 5."
[13:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> Leaping over the fray of battle, Sailor Moon vaults up, landing near Chibi Usa's hiding spot!
[13:32] * Sailor_Moon drops down into a crouch next to the pink-haired girl. "It'll be okay, Chibi Usa - we're here now."
[13:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa hugs onto you, desperate. "They came from nowhere, Usagi," she says quickly, fear coloring her voice. "They hit Aunt Ikkuko... and..."
[13:34] * Sailor_Jupiter groans a bit as she gets up, staring darkly at the droid that attacked her. "That hurt, but not nearly as much as this should! Supreme Thunder Dragon!"
[13:34] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[13:34] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[13:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:35] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[13:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Crashing into the kimono-wearing monster, electricity races up the creature as it shakes in the grip of the attack. Stumbling back and dazed from it, it nonetheless still stands tall!
[13:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6-2
[13:41] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6-2 and gets 4."
[13:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> Glancing all around, the dress droid just smiles. "An excellent crowd..." With that, it raises its face to the sky, notes echoing as it sings! A horrible noise to the girls and an uplifting paean to all the foes around, causing pain and loss of focus to the Senshi! (-2 CV mod as long as the song goes to all Sailors, and a +1 CV bonus to all enemies.)
[13:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> As this happens, instead Usagi hears the tinkling of her earrings overwhelming the attack, protecting her...
[13:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> Pointing at Sailor Dragon, she grins fiercely. "Oh, you survived last time... I'll get you with the rest!" With that, a torrent of black flame comes from her, meaning to sear Sailor Dragon!
[13:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:44] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[13:44] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6 to dodge
[13:44] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 to dodge and gets 2."
[13:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> Easily leaping out of the way with the grace of a martial artist, Herb evades the attack and lands merely a foot to the side, barely even disrupted by the dodge!
[13:47] <Sailor_Dragon> "I couldn't die when fashion sense like yours still went unpunished, dear lady." says Herb. "And now - Flying Sword of the Dragon!"
[13:48] <Sailor_Dragon> Herb smiles as the razor-sharp blades of ki whizz towards Cooan's stupid haircut.
[13:48] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[13:48] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[13:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:48] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[13:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> The ki force cuts through the air like nothing, whizzing out as it cuts chunks out of Cooan's back and at least two-thirds of her hair, causing her to fall to her knees in pain, bloody hair chunks on the ground besides her!
[13:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> As that hits into Cooan, the last Droid leaps forward, an airborne spray of razor-sharp scales thrown out at Sailor Mars!
[13:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:52] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[13:52] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[13:52] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[13:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> The scales rain down at Sailor Mars' hapless form, leaving several shallow, bloody cuts about! (42 damage. Most ouchie.)
[13:55] <Sailor_Mars> "Ack!" Rei staggers back, blood flowing freely from her many cuts. Glancing off to the side, she notes a heavy looking manhole and smiles grimly, reaching out telekinetically to lift it into the air and send it rocketing at the singing droid!
[13:55] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6-4
[13:55] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6-4 and gets 5."
[13:55] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[13:55] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[13:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[13:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> Stepping aside with the grace a dancer, the manhole cover completely misses the intended target!
[13:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Initiative.
[13:56] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[13:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 13."
[13:56] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+8
[13:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+8 and gets 10."
[13:56] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 1d6+13
[13:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 1d6+13 and gets 14."
[13:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 4."
[13:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[13:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 1."
[13:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 2."
[13:57] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 1d6+14
[13:57] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 1d6+14 and gets 18."
[13:57] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+9
[13:57] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+9 and gets 13."
[14:00] * Sailor_Uranus grimaces, her ears slightly ringing from the cacophony. "We're going to interrupt your performance, diva," Haruka says with a grimace, readying another attack at the singing droid. "World Shaking!"
[14:01] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[14:01] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[14:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:01] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[14:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> After one almost supernaturally good dodge, the singer's luck has run out! Sent flying on top of a parked car, she cracks the windshield, badly hurt and mangled by the World Shaking!
[14:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> The song stops, your ears ringing... but the worst of the noise has ceased.
[14:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> Landing, the scaly one points at Sailor Uranus this time, a hail of sharp scales coming right at her!
[14:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:04] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[14:05] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[14:05] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[14:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> With grace, Sailor Uranus flips behind a car, the metal scored by the scales but the Sailor unharmed!
[14:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> The monster who struck Jupiter last round, however, is now smiling. "My Shadow Binds are now in place," she declares haughtily. "You shall be consumed by the Dark Sweep, Sailor Jupiter!" Snapping her fingers, the places where the bands were before suddenly swell with dark energy...
[14:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6-2
[14:08] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6-2 and gets 1."
[14:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> Waves of dark energy fly out, sweeping over Jupiter and dropping over bomblets of explosive darkness! (DCV check, +4)
[14:10] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6+3
[14:10] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6+3 and gets 10."
[14:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ringed by violent explosions, Sailor Jupiter is cast about as if in a whirlwind, her body buffeted by numerous bursts! She ends up face up on the street eventually, near Sailor Uranus and quite battered! (49 damage)
[14:13] * Sailor_Uranus asks worriedly to her fallen comrade. "Jupiter, are you okay!?"
[14:15] * Sailor_Jupiter groans, as she gingerly gets up, glaring at the kimono droid. "No, but I know what'll make it all better," she says with a glare as she pulls out her mace, letting energy crackle through it.
[14:16] <Sailor_Jupiter> Running at the evil creature, she raises her mace over head as she shouts. "Want to trade hits? Fine! JUPITER THUNDER CRASH!"
[14:16] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[14:16] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[14:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:16] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[14:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a wave of it's robes, it circumvents your attack, laughing as your mace only impacts air!
[14:18] * Sailor_Jupiter growls.
[14:19] * Sailor_Dragon maintains her attack on the now sadly-shorn Cooan.
[14:19] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[14:19] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[14:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:19] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[14:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> The cutting force penetrates her back, then with a push, her entire body. A agonized shriek echos throughout Tokyo as her upper half from her breasts onward are separated from her lower half, both vanishing as they fall to the ground! All three droids turn, moaning. "Mistress Cooan!"
[14:22] * Sailor_Moon stands, pushing Chibi Usa behind the kiosk. "Stay out of sight, Chibi Usa-chan," she says quickly. As she stands, she produces the Lunar Rod from subspace, twirling it around her before unleashing a powerful stream of energy at the kimono-clad droid! "Moon Princess Hallation!"
[14:22] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[14:22] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[14:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:22] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[14:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Hallation takes the beast in the back, her kimono giving way as her flesh does the same, breaking apart into chunks of dust that are swept away in the wind!
[14:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa does as Usagi requests, ducking once again behind the mail box.
[14:24] <Sailor_Mars> Producing her Ash Rods, the bloodied but unbowed Sailor Mars traces a pair of fiery circles as she unleashes a massive torrent of flame at both droids, crying out "Mars Star Inferno!" as she does.
[14:24] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6+1
[14:24] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6+1 and gets 10."
[14:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:24] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[14:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:24] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[14:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> The scaly one is scorched but standing despite that, but the singer is turned to dark dust by the attack, a final sour note escaping her mouth as her spot on the car is cooked!
[14:27] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+10
[14:27] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+10 and gets 11."
[14:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[14:27] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 2."
[14:27] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[14:27] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 18."
[14:27] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 1d6+14
[14:27] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 1d6+14 and gets 19."
[14:27] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 1d6+13
[14:27] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 1d6+13 and gets 14."
[14:29] * Sailor_Uranus powers her attack once more, glaring daggers into the remaining droid. "Tried to take me by surprise last time, eh? I'll return the favor with interest!" Haruka lets loose with yet another... "World Shaking!"
[14:29] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[14:29] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[14:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:29] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[14:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sent to the earth by the shaking and having at least a few bones broken, the Droid nonetheless still retains its body, wounded to the brink but still in the fight!
[14:31] * Sailor_Moon frowns at the still-active droid, bracing herself as she unleashes a powerful bolt of white energy at the prone monster!
[14:31] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[14:31] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[14:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> Somehow, the bolt misses the monster as it gets to its feet!
[14:35] * Sailor_Uranus raises an eyebrow at the uncanny luck of this particular droid, and her surprise only rises with Usagi's subsequent miss. "It doesn't seem to want to go down...." she remarks with a chuckle.
[14:36] <Sailor_Dragon> Roll 2d6
[14:36] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[14:37] * Sailor_Dragon calls upon her inner reserves, buoyed up by her victory over Cooan
[14:37] * Sailor_Jupiter, really in pain, throws the mace towards the droid with as much force as she can muster.
[14:37] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[14:37] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[14:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:37] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 2."
[14:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> With another critically injured swerve, it just avoids the mace, flinging a counter attack of scales at Makoto!
[14:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:38] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[14:39] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[14:39] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[14:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> Staggering under her own wounds, Sailor Jupiter evades the cutting attack by a hair, scales sticking in the streets!
[14:40] * Sailor_Uranus gapes as yet ANOTHER attack fails to slay the droid who clings to life by the slimmest of margins. "Gah! It won't die!"
[14:41] <Sailor_Mars> Stifling a groan at the monster's uncanny luck, Rei puts one hand to her head as she shakes it while snapping her fingers, conjuring a nice plume of flame out of the ground right beneath the monster.
[14:41] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[14:41] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[14:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[14:41] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[14:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> The flame erupts under it, frying it and finally bringing an end to the monster!
[14:43] * Sailor_Moon breathes a sigh of relief as the droid collapses into dust, turning her attention to the gravely injured senshi of thunder. "Hold on, Mako-chan! Moon Healing Escalation!"
[14:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> Peeking out at the messy scene in front of her, Chibi Usa races out towards Ikkuko, crying as she glomps onto her. "Aunty!"
[14:44] * Sailor_Mars follows Chibi Usa, kneeling down near the two, but not too close that she'd drip blood all over them as she looks over Ikkuko to see how badly drained she's been.
[14:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> She looks not to have been drained, but to have been knocked aside by some force, a nasty bruise forming on the side of her head. She's breathing, though, and doesn't look hurt beyond that. Her groceries are screwed, though.
[14:46] * Sailor_Jupiter groans as she starts to feel better. "Wasn't really dying, but thanks Usagi..." Makoto groans out as she feels the healing wave wash over her.
[14:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Moaning, Ikkuko slowly opens her eyes. "Chibi-Usa-chan," she mutters foggily, groaning as one hand reaches to her bumped head.
[14:47] * Sailor_Moon holds the healing energy for several seconds, staggering a bit as the spell finally ceases. She gathers her strength before turning to do the same for her wounded girlfriend.
[14:47] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6 for rejuv
[14:47] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 for rejuv and gets 7."
[14:47] <Sailor_Mars> "It's alright, Mrs Tsukino," Rei smiles at her. "Everyone is safe, now."
[14:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> She nods, sitting up and rubbing her head. "Are you alright, Usagi," she asks her daughter in a daze.
[14:48] <Sailor_Mars> "Um... I'm Rei, Mrs Tsukino," Rei blushes, speaking quietly. "Usagi is over there," she gestures at Sailor Moon.
[14:49] * Sailor_Moon lets the healing magic fade once again, breathing rather heavily from the exertion as she comes over to see her mother. "I'm okay, Mom... what about you?" she says rather breathlessly.
[14:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Still looking at Rei, she smiles. "Usagi-chan...." her voice is out of it, the bump on the head perhaps meaning more than you were hoping.
[14:50] <Sailor_Mars> "Usagi, I think you should be healing your mother more than me," Rei says a bit uncertainly, though still grateful as her many dripping wounds seal up.
[14:50] * Sailor_Moon shakes her head, kneeling down next to her mother and muttering the words of a healing spell as she places a hand over the nasty bruise. "Mom, I'm over here." She sounds a bit worried.
[14:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> The magic washes over her as well, her eyes clearing and focusing under the spell. "Usagi-chan," she murmurs, turning to you. "Chibi Usa?" A turn to the child hugging her. "Is... what happened?"
[14:52] * Sailor_Moon sits down heavily. "Don't know about before we got here... we saw Chibi Usa's energy and teleported here - one of those sisters was attacking Chibi Usa, and you were already knocked out when we arrived." Usagi's face is concerned. "Are you okay now?"
[14:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ikkuko nods, starting to stand. "I'm fine, but..." as she looks over your shoulder, you notice that a newsvan is just turning the corner, a police car right behind it.
[14:54] <Sailor_Mars> "We'd better go," Rei stands up, tugging at Usagi's arm.
[14:54] * Sailor_Moon nods. "See you later," she says quietly as she stands.
[14:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> She nods a bit as the van and police car get closer...
[14:56] * Sailor_Moon glances around at the other senshi. "Come on guys, let's get out of here. No sense in hanging around." With that, she takes to the rooftops, leaping away from the scene quickly.
[14:56] <Sailor_Uranus> "Ninja... VANISH!" Haruka quips, before doing just that.
[14:56] * Sailor_Mars follows Sailor Moon from the scene.
[14:57] * Sailor_Jupiter also follows after Usagi, rubbing her sides a bit despite the healing magic from her.
[14:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> As the Sailors flee from the battlefield, the news van does indeed stop by Chibi Usa and Ikkuko, the only two people from the attack currently up and standing...
[14:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---

Halbarad · June 30, 2006, 03:13:01 PM

[14:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> Fleeing back to Makoto's apartment as it's reasonably close, the girls regroup there...
[15:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Turning on the television, you see that this attack has garnered quite a bit of media attention - the local stations have broken in for live coverage, Chibi Usa and Ikkuko in the middle of being interviewed by a glasses-wearing reporter with a really bad hat.
[15:00] * Makoto plops down into one of her couches, her head leaning back as she only barely listens to the TV.
[15:00] * Rei-chan also enjoys the benefits of Makoto's comfortable couch, although she pays more attention to the news.
[15:01] * Usagi-chan grimaces at that. "Oh man... come on guys, leave Mom and Chibi Usa alone." She scowls at the television. "They've been through enough today." She leans on the back of the couch, looking at the TV.
[15:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> Said reporter is grilling Usagi's mom about the attack, the woman mostly saying 'I don't recall, sorry' and similiar dodges.
[15:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> After a bit of that, it cuts back to a polished anchor at the studio. "And we have more live images of the public battle between the Sailor Senshi and these mysterious monsters, the first time such prime footage has been obtained..."
[15:03] * Haruka remains standing with her arms crossed as she watches the broadcast.
[15:03] <Usagi-chan> "They got pictures?" Usagi looks surprised. "From where?"
[15:04] <Rei-chan> "We'll see in a minute," Rei says, observing intently.
[15:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> The shots look to be from above and zoomed in, perhaps from a high window or even a helicopter, though you didn't notice the latter when you fought. A picture of Makoto being launched skyward by the Shadow Bind attack is shown, Sailor Jupiter's face pained in it quite exquisitely.
[15:05] * Rei-chan winces, not really having seen that during the battle, and giving a sympathetic look to the tall brunette sitting next to her.
[15:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> "As you can see, these Sailor Senshi, branded often as rumors and gossip, are indeed real." Another picture, this one of Cooan's body being cut by the last, fatal attack and fading away, is shown. "And here is a victim of the battle, this mysterious woman dissapearing after taking what looked to be a fatal injury."
[15:07] * Rei-chan grimaces a little. "Should they really be showing that on TV at this time of day?"
[15:08] <Princess_Herb> "It's no worse than a lot of the cartoons Nian watches, Mars-hime." Herb says
[15:08] <Rei-chan> "It's not a cartoon though, is it?" Rei retorts.
[15:08] <Haruka> "There's a difference between cartoons and that, though," Haruka points out.
[15:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Gripping footage, indeed, if graphic," the anchor goes on. "Here, after the battle..." It shows Usagi healing Ikkuko, though the words spoken are mercifully inaudible and the lips aren't visible. "Here, Sailor Moon shows some sort of... healing ability, restoring an injured bystander before the police arrived."
[15:08] * Makoto growls at the reminder, and closes her eyes, looking skywards again as she rubs her temples.
[15:10] * Usagi-chan grits her teeth. "Just great... on top of everything else, now we've got the media all over us."
[15:10] <Rei-chan> "At least it shows us in a better light than trashing cosmetics stores," Rei tries to see the upside.
[15:11] * Haruka coughs at that remark, looking away from Rei.
[15:11] * Usagi-chan glances over at Haruka for a moment before turning her attention back to the TV.
[15:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Truly, such amazing footage shines light into the myserious goings-on in Juuban, and perhaps even the Juuban sickness that has gripped our fair district for so long..." The anchor goes on at some length about this, not really of interest.
[15:12] * Rei-chan waits to see public or official reaction to this footage rather than the anchor's speculation.
[15:13] * Usagi-chan keeps her attention on the footage as well, hoping to see whether Chibi Usa and her mother have managed to escape the reporters' clutches yet.
[15:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> A bit later, it mentions the police were treating it as a 'special occurrence', whatever that means.
[15:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> Past that, the news sinks back into the same conjecture as always, interest waning in it quickly enough from your end.
[15:16] * Usagi-chan takes a seat on the floor, leaning against the couch. "At least they didn't get anything more than that. It's not like people haven't known we're out there, I guess."
[15:16] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods. "There's nothing really new there."
[15:20] <Haruka> "I wonder if there will be more... unexpected footage taken of us in the future." Haruka says aloud.
[15:20] * Usagi-chan shrugs. "Maybe... they've gotten pictures of us before, but never any that good before. I still wonder where they were taking that from, though."
[15:20] <Rei-chan> "If they get anything of us transforming we're screwed," Rei says sourly, knowing of the photo in her father's possession.
[15:22] <Haruka> "If we have to transform on the scene then it could get dicey since we can't tell where the camera will be filming from..." Haruka adds with some worry, shaking her head at the thought.
[15:23] * Usagi-chan sighs, thinking. "I guess... all we can do is be as careful as possible. As far as I'm concerned, keeping people safe is the most important thing - if that means we have to blow our cover at some point, we'll deal with it then."
[15:24] <Rei-chan> "If our identities are revealed we might as well permanently relocate to the Moon - our lives here will be effectively over."
[15:25] <Haruka> "True." Haruka intones.
[15:25] <Usagi-chan> "At least it's in good enough shape that it's actually an option now," Usagi replies. "Although I definitely don't want to have to make that move any time soon."
[15:26] <Makoto> "Ditto. Being a senshi is important, but I'd like to be able to have a normal life too," Makoto pipes in.
[15:26] * Rei-chan nods with Makoto's statement.
[15:26] * Usagi-chan nods. "Same here. Moving to the Moon is something I want to do when I'm good and ready for it, not in a rush because I have to."
[15:49] <Usagi-chan> -----
[15:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> That evening, Usagi arrives at home after a hard Sunday of battling monsters.
[15:51] <Usagi-chan> "I'm hoome!" Usagi calls out, slipping out of her shoes at the front door as she comes in.
[15:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hello, Usagi!" Mom calls out from the dining room. "It's order out tonight, and it's already here."
[15:53] <Usagi-chan> "Sounds good," Usagi says with a smile as she heads over to the dining room. "How are you doing now?"
[15:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> Entering, you see Mom, Dad and Chibi Usa in the middle of working over a nice pile of takeout food. Smells really good, too. "Better," she smiles, "after I got away from those reporters."
[15:55] * Usagi-chan grimaces. "Yeah, I saw you and Chibi Usa on the news." She takes her seat at the table, reaching over to grab herself some dinner. "How long did they keep the two of you?"
[15:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Over an hour," Ikkuko sighs, annoyed about the entire mess. "I'm lucky I got away when I did."
[16:02] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "I only saw a few minutes of it myself... apparently they managed to tape the entire battle. They showed what happened to Cooan and Makoto, and me healing and talking to you for a minute." Usagi frowns at that. "Did they ask about that in particular?"
[16:08] <Ana-brb> Nodding, she continues to work on dinner. "Some, but I just said I didn't know why you healed me first - I just got lucky."
[16:08] * Usagi-chan looks over at Chibi Usa. "Did they talk to you at all, Chibi Usa-chan?"
[16:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> The child turns, her face smeared with white chicken sauce. "No, Usagi," she replies, taking another bite of her dinner.
[16:11] * Usagi-chan nods, starting to tuck into her own meal. "That's good at least... they were making a big production out of the whole thing on the TV. I sure hope this doesn't cause any more trouble - we've got enough to deal with as things are now."
[16:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> A nod to that from Ikkuko. "Speaking of that, Eiko is moving out tomorrow," she annouces, which brings a relieved smile to Kenji's face.
[16:15] * Usagi-chan is only slightly cheered by that news, Eiko having almost ceased to be worth worrying about. "That's good," she says absently. "And we're hoping we can take Chibi Usa home on Thursday." She glances over at the young girl. "Although we need to talk about that."
[16:35] <Anastasia> Chibi Usa perks right up at that, fixing her young red eyes at Usagi. "Okay..." she smiles hopefully.
[16:39] * Usagi-chan smiles back slightly. "We can talk about that after dinner though - I'm absolutely STARVED after that fight today."
[16:40] <Anastasia> Thus, the meal goes by. After clearing away the dishes, your family lingers at the table for a nice dessert - Mom brought home chocolate ice cream and a premade cake.
[16:43] <Anastasia> Over this, Chibi Usa keeps an eye on you, clearly interested... but finally... "I'm going home to Mommy," she asks suddenly, hoping.
[16:45] * Usagi-chan nods, although she remains fairly solemn. "We're going to try to get you home, yes. But it's not going to be very easy, from what the Professor said." She sits back in her chair with a sigh.
[16:47] <Anastasia> "But you'll get me home and help Mommy, right," she insists, hoping.
[16:48] <Usagi-chan> "According to what he told me yesterday, your home dimension has a lot of negative energy in it right now. With you and the senshi gone, I'm guessing there's been no one there to stop the people that were after you, and they've been busy while you've been here. I'd guess it's a pretty dangerous place right now - which is why we're going to go with you." She gives the girl a smile at that.
[16:54] <Anastasia> Quietly the girl takes that in. "But you'll take care of that, Usagi?"
[16:55] <Usagi-chan> "You bet!" Usagi gives the girl a confident grin. "But I wanted to make sure you know BEFORE we go - be ready, it may not be a very nice place, okay?"
[16:59] <Anastasia> Smiling back, "You'll save Mommy... I know you will, Usagi," Chibi Usa beams back at you, her confidence in you notable.
[17:00] * Usagi-chan smiles. "I sure will. Now why don't you run upstairs for a few minutes - I need to talk to Mom and Dad for a while by myself, since I'm probably going to be gone helping you for a while."
[17:03] <Anastasia> With a smile, Chibi Usa does just that, leaving you with your parents who wait on you to speak.
[17:06] * Usagi-chan takes a deep sigh as the girl goes upstairs, turning to her parents. "What I told Chibi Usa is the truth... it's just not all of it. The negative energy there is so powerful that the Professor can't even open the gateway to it without an extremely powerful magical artifact, which we should hopefully be able to get in the next day or so. And there's no choice about us going with her - aside from it being really dangerous there,
[17:07] <Usagi-chan> the Professor also said that if we DON'T take her then within two or three weeks it'll build up and break through into our dimension, and there's no way I'm going to let that happen." She gives her parents a sad look. "But that does mean I'll be leaving, and I have no idea how long I'll be gone."
[17:09] <Anastasia> Kenji sighs at that. "Is there no other choice, Usagi? Do you really have to go, could you stop it without going?"
[17:11] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "I don't see how. From what he's said, I'm guessing there may even be trouble when he opens the gateway - and there's definitely no way I'm sending Chibi Usa into something like that by herself. I'm sure the other senshi will come along with me, so I shouldn't be in too much danger while I'm there." She smiles a bit at that.
[17:15] <Anastasia> There is a silence as both consider it. "Usagi-chan... I know you'll probably go even if I beg you not to," Ikkuko says sadly, playing with the hem of her dress.
[17:17] <Usagi-chan> "I can't NOT go," Usagi says sadly. "If I don't, then our world is going to get overrun too. I have to go stop this at the source."
[17:18] <Anastasia> "I know," she nods. "All I can ask is for you to hurry back, Usagi."
[17:19] * Usagi-chan gets up, going over to give her mother a hug. "I will, I promise. I'll be back before you know it."
[17:20] <Anastasia> "You will, Usagi," your father agrees, "Or you'll be grounded when you get back!"
[17:21] * Usagi-chan giggles at that. "Yes sir!"
[17:24] <Anastasia> ---
[17:41] <Anastasia> The next day in the Witches office, a bit after class... Viluy enters as Usagi, Haruka and Rei wait, her hair obviously damp and loose right now, a faint scent of chlorine about her.
[17:42] <Rei-chan> "Hi Viluy," Rei smiles and waves at the white haired girl. "Been swimming?"
[17:43] <Anastasia> "Yeah," she replies, going to her desk and dropping her school case on it. "It's really the only way to beat the heat this summer. It's been miserably hot."
[17:43] * Usagi-chan gives the silver-haired girl a slight smile. "You have a few minutes? I'd like to talk to you about something."
[17:44] * Haruka greets Viluy with a nod, while leaning against a desktop.
[17:46] <Anastasia> "Sure," she says, turning her chair to look at Usagi, taking out a brush from her desk and moving her hair out over her shoulder all the while.
[17:47] * Usagi-chan gives Viluy a serious look. "What do you think about what we do as senshi? And I don't just mean whether you think we're doing the right thing or not, although that's part of it."
[17:51] <Anastasia> Holding the brush perhaps a inch away from her hair, the girl pauses when you ask that. "About being a Senshi? Well... you saved all of us, and you stopped those elves and are helping that girl..." Viluy shrugs a bit. "Yeah, you're doing some good things, and if you hadn't been around, we'd have probably gotten Pharaoh 90 into this world." A momentary cloud passes over her face at that.
[17:53] <Usagi-chan> "What about the fighting?" Usagi presses on. "I know you've been at a couple of fights with us so far."
[17:58] <Anastasia> Putting down the brush as she starts to realise this isn't just a social call, she peers at you, gears turning. "I don't mind it, really. It's hard to keep up with you girls, but I don't mind helping out with that a bit." She lets herself smile slightly. "Recent mishaps at a makeup store aside, I'd like to think that I can at least keep up with the rest of you."
[17:59] * Usagi-chan smiles. "And I really do appreciate the help." She looks down at the desk for a moment, then back at the former Witch. "I'm guessing you know what the Professor told me about the negative energy in the dimension we're trying to reach, right?"
[18:01] <Anastasia> Even more so, that sobers her up. "Yes," she nods. "I heard about it yesterday. Professor Tomoe thinks that we'll need the Holy Grail to stop it," she frowns a little.
[18:02] * Usagi-chan nods. "We know how to get the Grail, but there's one difficulty right now. Sailor Neptune is connected with one of the Talismans that's required in order to form the Grail, and right now there IS no Sailor Neptune because of events far in the past."
[18:04] * Haruka frowns slightly at the memories that threaten to bubble up... but continues to listen to the conversation.
[18:06] <Anastasia> Viluy nods at that. "That makes sense," she comments, glancing at Haruka. "But if there isn't a Sailor Neptune, can you get the Talisman?"
[18:06] * Usagi-chan takes a deep breath before continuing. "As you know, I am the Queen of what remains of the Moon Kingdom. And one of my duties and rights as the queen is to appoint senshi." She looks up at Viluy, a serious expression on her face. "All the senshi have discussed it and agreed, and I'd like to offer you the position of Sailor Neptune - if you want to accept it."
[18:07] * Rei-chan finally speaks up again. "Think carefully about it - once you choose you can't go back. But we think you're right for the role."
[18:07] * Haruka doesn't quite meet Viluy's gaze, staring instead at some point near the girl, along the ground.
[18:09] * Haruka wasn't quite sure if she was angry, scared or just plain confused as she was a jumble of emotions inside as Usagi finishes off by offering Viluy the positon of Neptune....
[18:10] <Anastasia> Whatever Viluy expected, it clearly wasn't that. She blinks a moment, her mouth going into an open O of surprise as her vocal cords fail to work. But quickly, she shakes her head and regains her footing, mind racing. "Sailor Neptune? It's an honor... but why me? I'd have guessed Eudial would be your choice."
[18:12] <Rei-chan> "Eudial... is a bit too reckless," Rei hedges, not wanting to badmouth her friend. "We think someone of your temperament would be a better fit." She makes a small face, "Besides, someone who uses a Fire Buster really doesn't fit as the senshi of water."
[18:13] * Haruka chuckles softly at the image of Eudial packing an industrial strength squirt gun.
[18:13] * Usagi-chan giggles a little at that, then turns a smile to Viluy. "You don't have to accept it if you don't want to. I won't sugarcoat it - this isn't just an honor, it's a pretty big responsibility too. It's not just fighting because you want to help anymore, it's because you have a duty to it. If you don't want to accept that, it's fine - we can find someone else. But I think you'd do very well with it."
[18:16] <Anastasia> "Well... I can see that about Eudial," she agrees with a tiny smile. Idly staring up at the roof a moment, she ponders. "It's a wonderful offer, Usagi. What responsibilities will it ensue?"
[18:18] <Usagi-chan> "Well, the same one we all share - making sure that people can live in peace, to begin with. It'll also officially make you a part of the Moon Kingdom - technically, Sailor Neptune is the successor to the royal line of Neptune, although that really doesn't mean a lot these days." She puts on a wry grin at that.
[18:20] <Anastasia> Nodding again, her brain zooms down the idea. "The former isn't that much different than what we're doing helping you - it's just making it official. The latter?" Viluy shrugs with a smile. "I always wanted to be a Princess when I was a child."
[18:20] <Rei-chan> "I suppose it's not a lot different from how you help us now," Rei admits, "Except that now you could easily leave us and continue a normal life if you chose. As a Sailor Senshi, you're pretty much stuck with us for good," she sticks her tongue out briefly.
[18:21] * Usagi-chan nods, giggling a little. "Yeah, this is pretty much a one-way ticket. Once you accept it, you can't go back."
[18:21] <Haruka> "Are we trying to entice her to join or frighten her off?" Haruka snickers, her mood lightening slightly.
[18:22] * Rei-chan looks a little hesitant. 'Um, Usagi... should we tell her that she might wind up being immortal once she becomes a senshi? We don't actually know for sure, but it could happen...'
[18:23] <Anastasia> "Yeah... I should think about it," she smiles back to all three of you. "But... It feels right down here," she points to her flat stomach. "I... I'll do it," she nods.
[18:24] * Usagi-chan nods, her smile a bit less cheery but no less sincere. She produces the green transformation pen of Neptune, holding it between herself and Viluy. "Are you sure?"
[18:26] <Rei-chan> "Ah," Rei has to speak up, since she's read enough manga to know that some people see immortality as a really bad curse. Or something. "There is one other thing - we're not entirely sure, but we think Sailor Senshi might be immortal - at least insofar as old age goes."
[18:26] <Anastasia> "Yes, I am," she says in all seriousness, to match Usagi's tone, reaching out to pause to Rei's words an inch away from the pen. "Hum? What, Rei?"
[18:26] * Haruka swallows, her mouth dry, and growing slightly nervous all of a sudden while watching the exchange.
[18:27] * Usagi-chan blinks. "Oh yeah, I didn't even think about that. But yes, as near as we can tell we won't age past a certain point."
[18:28] <Rei-chan> "Well, people back in the Silver Millenium lived REALLY long - hundreds or thousands of years," Rei nearly babbles, ruining the moment. "And Sailor Pluto has been alive all these thousands of years since the Moon Kingdom fell. So yeah, you could wind up living for a long time as a Sailor Senshi."
[18:29] * Haruka blinks at that, her previous nervousness fading somewhat... "What?" Haruka asks, hearing this for the first time herself.
[18:29] <Anastasia> At that, the girl does pause for a few seconds, then shrugs. "I guess it's just a fringe benefit," she smiles at Rei, then reaches out for the pen. "Can I, Usagi?" she asks, ready to take it from you.
[18:30] <Rei-chan> "I'm not actually sure, Haruka," Rei tells the other senshi, "We just think so. We won't actually know until a few decades from now when we notice we still look young or something. Or if Setsuna tells us, but what are the odds of that?"
[18:30] * Usagi-chan opens her hand, letting the pen rest on her open palm for Viluy to take.
[18:30] * Haruka nods woodenly at Rei's response.
[18:32] * Rei-chan falls silent herself, watching Viluy and trying to give this occasion the dignity and seriousness it deserves.
[18:32] <Anastasia> Viluy takes it in her hand, staring at the greenish pen. "Were you sweating that much," she murmurs, a bit surprised. "The pen feels damp."
[18:33] * Usagi-chan closes her eyes, shifting into her form as the Queen of the Moon Kingdom as a long-submerged memory resurfaces.
[18:33] <Rei-chan> "It's the power of water, Viluy. Neptune's power," Rei tells her softly, only blinking once at Usagi's transformation.
[18:34] * Serenity-hime gives the silver-haired girl a serious look as she speaks, the words springing to her lips almost involuntarily. "Viluy, do you accept the line of Neptune, the fortunes of its people, and the weight of its destiny?"
[18:35] <Anastasia> "Yeah... yes, I do," she nods, clutching the pen.
[18:35] * Serenity-hime nods solemnly. "So be it."
[18:37] <Anastasia> With that, Viluy's body shimmers like a puddle of water with droplets raining down on it, her very being waterlike as it seems to change, her aura twisting violently as a sea green/blue spreads through it...
[18:37] * Rei-chan watches, enraptured by this incredible change happening before her eyes.
[18:38] * Serenity-hime watches solemnly, somewhat amazed at the currents of power flowing around the former Witch as the transformation takes place.
[18:38] * Haruka looks on almost nostalgically....
[18:40] <Anastasia> Her body seems to swirl around, somehow maintaining her shape in liquid form as Viluy churns! A gurgle, sounding like a voice from far underwater, drifts out as she continues to change, her aura almost entirely sea green now.
[18:40] <Serenity-hime> The only change visible on Serenity as she continues to watch the process is a slight widening of her eyes at the marvelous change happening before her.
[18:42] <Anastasia> With a final push, her aura is now completely sea green, just like that of Michiru before her. With a slight ripple, her body falls apart into water, evaporating away almost instantly, leaving only her aura there with no body!
[18:43] * Serenity-hime gapes. "Viluy! Are you all right?" She quickly rises from her seat.
[18:44] * Haruka is stunned into immobility, not even able to speak, but the widening of her eyes speaks volumes.
[18:45] <Anastasia> Rushing forward, perfect blue water swarms around her aura, Viluy's body rebuilding a droplet at a time over several seconds! Slowly, Viluy stands before you, in a beautiful blue dress that frames her body, and a streak of pure sea green down the center of her hair, all the way down, her eyes now the deepest green of the sea.
[18:45] * Rei-chan emits a tiny gasp as she watches, only the memory of what happened to herself when she assumed the role of Sailor Mars a lifetime ago reassuring her.
[18:46] <Anastasia> "Whoa..." she murmurs, slowly raising her hand to inspect it. "I feel so...different..."
[18:46] * Serenity-hime puts a hand to her throat, relaxing a bit as Viluy's body reforms. "You scared me there for a minute, Viluy."
[18:47] * Rei-chan nods. "You're the embodiment of water, now," she smiles, stepping forward and offering a hand to Viluy. "Welcome aboard, Sailor Neptune."
[18:48] <Anastasia> She takes it, a bit shaky. "What was that," she asks, sounding a tad on the dazed side. "It was like I was taken apart and rebuilt."
[18:48] * Serenity-hime giggles a bit. "It looked like that's exactly what happened, really. But I can see your aura is completely different now - it's like the rest of the senshi's."
[18:49] * Rei-chan nods. "I remember the same thing happening to me when I became Sailor Mars back in the Moon Kingdom."
[18:49] <Anastasia> Looking at her other hand, she sees the pen still in her hand, a strange expression crossing her face, one of consternation and amusement.
[18:51] <Serenity-hime> Noticing Viluy's rather elegant dress, Serenity smiles and drops a graceful curtsy to the new senshi. "It's an honor to meet you, Princess Viluy." She giggles a bit at that.
[18:51] <Anastasia> Slowly raising her pen up, she says words long since thought lost to the endless past. "Neptune Power, Make UP!"
[18:53] <Anastasia> Glowing with green light, Viluy dress fades away as sea foam forms the gear of Sailor Neptune, Viluy spinning as the marvelous transformation takes place!
[18:54] <Haruka> Haruka's eyes shimmer slightly, but they do not relinquish any tears. Watching Viluy now fills her with a sense of comforting familiarity, yet the striking difference was still present. The conflict between the two was... vexing.
[18:54] * Serenity-hime smiles as she watches the transformation, stepping back a pace to give Viluy a bit more room.
[18:54] <Anastasia> Arms wrapped around herself, Viluy ends the transformation. "Wow," she marvels, inspecting her gloved and fuku'ed body. "I feel so much stronger now, too."
[18:55] <Serenity-hime> "It does, doesn't it?" Usagi smiles. "Took me a while to get used to the feeling myself."
[18:56] <Anastasia> "It's like I'm awake now," she grins at Usagi. "It's like being freshly recharged."
[18:57] <Rei-chan> Curious to quantify exactly how much it changed her, Rei examines Viluy's aura and compares it with her memory of a few minutes ago to see just how much more powerful she has become, and to compare her with the other senshi present.
[18:58] * Serenity-hime grins. "Wait till you start using senshi attacks - that'll change REAL quick. But we can get to that later."
[18:59] <Anastasia> Rei - Her aura is completely sea-green now in color, and reasonably stronger. You'd wager she is now more powerful in at least a few aspects, and is in line with the traits of the auras of the other Senshi.
[19:00] <Anastasia> "That bad," she grins still, right back with a palpable happiness. "I'll manage..."
[19:01] <Serenity-hime> "You'll get used to it." Usagi smiles. "It'll probably come as a shock the first few times though, since you've never done it before."
[19:01] <Rei-chan> "I can definitely sense that you're more powerful," Rei tells Viluy, "I guess the biggest change will be your senshi attacks, and an affinity for water," she bites her lip for a second. "Though I wonder how this affects your technomagical abilities..."
[19:02] * Serenity-hime glances over at Rei. "You think it'll have an effect on that? I mean, becoming Sailor Mars didn't affect your being psychic or anything."
[19:03] <Rei-chan> "I don't know," Rei shrugs, "Has it? Would I be a more powerful or less powerful psychic if I wasn't Sailor Mars? I have no idea. The only way to find out what effect it's had on Viluy's existing abilities is to try them and find out."
[19:04] * Serenity-hime nods. "We'll at least have a few days for that." She turns back to Viluy. "Do you think you can get into your subspace pocket?" Usagi demonstrates, withdrawing her Lunar Rod from her own pocket. "It's where most of us keep our magical items."
[19:06] <Anastasia> Viluy nods to all that, trying... and pulls out her transformation pen, but nothing else.
[19:06] <Anastasia> "I think I know what you're getting at, but that's all I'm finding."
[19:06] <Serenity-hime> "Didn't have anything else in there?" Usagi can't help but sound a little disappointed.
[19:07] * Rei-chan winces a bit. "Yeah... it kind of sucks to have to extract your heart crystal after all that - we've both seen how much it can hurt. But," she glances over at Haruka, "It's only for a moment or two."
[19:08] <Anastasia> Viluy frowns, but nods. "If you have to..." she sighs, remembering the last battle of Germatou.
[19:09] * Serenity-hime nods. "Might want to sit down first so you don't fall down."
[19:11] <Anastasia> "Right," Viluy does so, squirming a bit in anticipation.
[19:11] <Rei-chan> "Sorry, it'll just be a moment," Rei apologises, stepping closer and focusing intently as she performs the brief ritual that was so familiar during her Witch days.
[19:12] <Anastasia> Sailor Neptune goes taut, her body held by the magic that draws out the very Heart Crystal of the target! With a flash of white, a Crystal appears in front of Viluy a moment, before shimmering into the shape of a mirror!
[19:12] * Rei-chan breathes a sigh of relief that it wasn't in vain. "Okay, Usagi, do your thing."
[19:13] * Serenity-hime nods, moving towards the mirror as she works to separate the Talisman from the Heart Crystal that contains it.
[19:14] * Haruka marvels at the procedure, slightly. Her own brief experience was... hazy at best....
[19:16] <Anastasia> With a pop, the mirror seperates itself from the Heart Crystal, a divide between the two made...
[19:16] * Rei-chan replaces the heart crystal inside Viluy as soon as the two seperate.
[19:16] * Serenity-hime takes hold of the Mirror as the crystal melts back into the new senshi's body.
[19:17] <Anastasia> As it fades back in, Viluy's eyes come back into focus, bleary but coherent.
[19:18] <Serenity-hime> "You all right, Viluy?" Usagi gives the new Neptune a concerned look.
[19:20] <Anastasia> "Yeah," she finally says, patting her chest a moment where the Crystal went back in. "Just a bit stunned."
[19:20] * Serenity-hime nods, giving her a moment to collect herself before handing the magical mirror to Viluy. "It worked, though... here's your mirror."
[19:20] <Rei-chan> "Well, it's over now, and you've got your very own Talisman, too," Rei gestures to the mirror in Serenity's hand.
[19:22] <Anastasia> Her eyes go to it, her hand reaching out.
[19:22] * Serenity-hime hands the magical talisman over without protest.
[19:23] <Rei-chan> "We'll have to research what it does," Rei notes as Viluy takes the mirror. "I figured out my own Talismans through experimentation and remembering stuff from my past life, but you're starting from scratch with it."
[10:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[10:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> After a bit, Viluy detransforms back into what could now be called her 'normal' persona. The streak in her hair remains, as does the change in eye coloring.
[10:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sitting again at her desk, she idly stares at her reflection in the mirror, thinking.
[10:14] <Usagi-chan> Having detransformed herself, Usagi sits, watching Viluy patiently in case she has any questions.
[10:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> A short silence passes over the room, finally broken not by Viluy, but by Tellu and Eudial entering, chattering. "Hey," Eudial smiles, glancing over... then doing a double take as she sees Viluy's hair. "Viluy! You dyed your hair? I didn't think you'd have that in you!" Eudial enthuses.
[10:17] * Usagi-chan glances over at the two girls as they come into the room, not sure what to say.
[10:18] <Rei-chan> "It's not dye," Rei shakes her head.
[10:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It's not a dye jo..." Viluy stops when Rei beats her to it, smiling. "It's something different, Eudial-chan," she purrs a bit, like a kitten sinking her claws in.
[10:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> That gets a blink from the older girl, staring down at Viluy. "Did it come with a head injury," she asks, rather taken off-guard by the other girl's demeanor.
[10:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> "No, Eudial," Viluy smiles still. "Here, let me show you." With that, she stands, taking out her pen. "Neptune Power, Make UP!"
[10:23] * Rei-chan shakes her head. "I'm sure we told her that we're naked while transforming," she mutters, looking away out of politeness.
[10:23] * Usagi-chan averts her eyes as well, instead watching Eudial while Viluy transforms.
[10:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Both Witches look on, shocked at this as Viluy swirls and changes in front of them. "Uh... damn..." Eudial manages as Viluy finishes, face stunned throughly. "You're Sailor Neptune... damn."
[10:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Wow..." Tellu says softly to that, staring on at the light show. "Congratulations, Viluy..."
[10:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> Viluy nods. "Isn't it nice," she agrees.
[10:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> Eudial just nods, still processing all of that as best she can. "Uh... yeah, Viluy. Good for you."
[10:32] * Usagi-chan smiles a bit at that. "She decided she was willing to get stuck with the rest of us a bit closer... and I'm glad she did."
[10:33] <Rei-chan> "And now we have the final Talisman we can summon the holy grail," Rei adds.
[10:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> That gets both the Witches attention, again, tearing their eyes from Viluy. "The Grail," Tellu asks, interested. "When are you summoning it?"
[10:35] * Usagi-chan thinks for a moment. "Probably tomorrow. We need to get everyone together for it, as well as get the Glaive out of storage - at least temporarily."
[10:36] * Rei-chan nods. "Hotaru-chan isn't ready for it yet, so we'll just use it to summon the grail and then put it back." She frowns a little, "Think you'll need to tell Setsuna to come, or will she just know to show up?"
[10:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nodding, the mouse like girl smiles. "Usagi... if you're going to summon it tomorrow, can I be there? I'd like to see what all of us spent so long looking for."
[10:38] <Usagi-chan> "She probably already knows, but I'll give her a call tonight to be sure." Usagi nods, then turns to the green-haired girl. "Sure, Tellu. We'll probably do it here at Mugen somewhere - I just have to get one thing from the Moon first."
[10:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> With that, Eudial chips in as well. "That goes for me, too," she chips in. "I imagine the Twins and the Professor would like to see it as well."
[10:40] * Rei-chan nods. "I wonder just how powerful the grail will actually be..." she muses aloud, "It seems like it belonged to Selene herself, so it could rival the Ginzuishou..."
[10:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It had to have been strong," Tellu thinks, more to herself than anyone else. "If it could get that monster into this world in the wrong hands."
[10:41] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "No way of knowing until we actually summon it. Did that book say anything else about it? Like, has it ever been summoned before?"
[10:42] <Rei-chan> "Not that I saw," Rei replies, "But I haven't read everything that was there."
[10:45] * Usagi-chan takes a deep breath. "Then I guess we'll find out about it tomorrow."
[10:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[10:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> The next morning, after retrieving the dread Silence Glaive, Usagi and the senshi gather in the Witches office. As well, Professor Tomoe, Eudial, Tellu, the Twins, the two elves, and the assorted Mau all sit in waiting...
[10:52] * Usagi-chan withdraws the wicked-looking polearm from her subspace pocket, laying it on top of a table set up in the room for this purpose. "Okay, there's the first one."
[10:53] * Rei-chan looks around at the assembled senshi and observers. "Guess we just need Pluto, now..." she says with a questioning glance at Usagi.
[10:54] <Usagi-chan> "I told her when it would be..." Usagi sighs. "She SHOULD be here soon, I hope."
[10:54] <Rei-chan> "Maybe she wants to dramatically appear last?" Rei suggests, producing her Ash Rods and placing them next to the Glaive.
[10:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> As if summoned by her name, Sailor Pluto has quietly come up to the group, just now attracting notice. "And I am here," she says, the orb on top of her staff glowing.
[10:55] * Rei-chan nods at Pluto in greeting, wondering if the older senshi heard her crack.
[10:56] * Usagi-chan smiles at Pluto's arrival. "Glad you could make it."
[10:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> If she did, she gives no notice of it. "Sailor Moon, gather the Talismans in two groups - the Glaive, the sword, the mirror and my orb in one, and the rest in the other. Sailor Dragon," she turns to the slightly out-of-place Sailor. "Do you have your Dragon Fire Ring handy?"
[10:57] <Rei-chan> "Two groups?" Rei repeats, picking up her rods again and putting them at the far end of the table away from the glaive.
[10:57] <Sailor_Dragon> "I do, your majesty," Herb says, and hands over the glittering talisman.
[10:58] * Usagi-chan nods to Setsuna, withdrawing Venus' sword from her subspace pocket as well and placing it next to the polished wooden rods at one end of the table.
[10:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sailor Pluto comes over, taking the odd magical artifact and placing with the others, away from both piles.
[10:58] * Rei-chan sighs almost inaudibly as she sees Venus's sword.
[10:59] * Haruka places the Space Sword down on the table next to the Glaive and stands back.
[10:59] * Makoto walks over to the pile where Rei and Usagi put weapons in and summons her own mace, laying it there, before staring curiously at Pluto, wondering why the two groups.
[11:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Viluy walks over, putting her mirror in the approriate grouping.
[11:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ami does the same, quietly putting her bracelet next to Jupiter's mace.
[11:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nodding at this, Setsuna takes the orb from the top of her staff, the Talisman coming off without any problems. She places it in the Glaive's group. "Now...Let it begin." Her voice raises several levels, a serious and solemn cry. "The Garnet Orb of Pluto! The Aqua Mirror of Neptune! The Space Sword of Uranus!" With each declaration, that Talisman flies up, the room darkening and changing as it does so. By the time the third one rises, the office has been replaced by a starscape all about, the Moon just in the distance. Forming a rough triangle above you, the three Talismans begin to glow,
[11:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sailor Pluto glowing and Sailors Neptune and Uranus transforming instantly as they begin to glow too, their bodies shimmering in echo! Their tiaras fade away, the symbols of their planets appearing in their place.
[11:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Between them at the center point, a small bit of light springs into existance, pure white and breathtakingly beautiful. "The Glaive of Silence, the birthright of Saturn!" Pluto intones deeply, the Glaive flying right below where the light is, the Holy Grail coming from the light! A cup decorated with hearts and gilded with the purest gold, it shines with purity and love.
[11:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> "The Grail comes," Setsuna calls out. "The Mace of Jupiter!" With that, Makoto's mace flies up to a tight circle around the Grail, inside the outer triagle, light coming from it and feeding into the cup. Makoto transforms as well, much as the other two girls before her did.
[11:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> "The Rods of Mars!" The two Ash Rods join the Mace in orbit, Sailor Mars springing into being as more light and power flows into the Grail! The power of it, considerable when first summoned, is rising!
[11:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> "The Sword of Venus!" The Talisman of the fallen Minako soars up, not nearly as bright as the others as it feeds what power it has into the cup. There is no Sailor Venus to change, though...
[11:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> "The Bracelet of Mercury!" Another Talisman joins the inner circle, Sailor Mercury appearing.
[11:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> "The Ring of the Dragons!" This time, Herb's ring flies not into the circle but above it and shines down, like a star shedding it's light on the Solar System from far beyond. Herb transforms as well, a strange symbol on her forehead...
[11:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Sailor Moon! Queen Serenity! Usagi Tsukino!" Pluto calls out. "You, the ruler of the Moon and heir to the Holy Grail! My Queen! Come forth, my Queen!" At that, the guise of Usagi Tsukino ceases to be, Queen Serenity of the Moon in it's place.
[11:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> Now almost bursting with pure light, the Grail floats down, near to Serenity. "Serenity, do you take the Grail?" Pluto asks simply.
[11:15] * Serenity nods solemnly. "I do."
[11:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Then take it, and let the power come forth, the power to end or save the world!" Pluto points at the Grail with her staff, her face deadly serious.
[11:16] * Serenity reaches out, taking the brilliantly glowing chalice with both hands.
[11:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> The moment Serenity's hands touch the Holy Grail, time seems to stop. Something shifts... something great. "Your loyal bodyguards and protectors!" Setsuna cries, as each Sailor save Sailor Moon glows intensely, each fuku changing! The tiara appears on each forehead again, this time the jewel at center glimmering with a deep light. The fuku expands, a new ribbon over the chest of the right color, as well as a symbol of their planet on
[11:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> the ribbon choker around their neck. "Super Sailor Senshi, serve your Queen well," Pluto declares. Lines of power flow between the Senshi and the Grail and Serenity.
[11:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Those who have thrown their lot and loyalty with the Moon Kingdom," Setsuna says next, her gaze sweeping over them. Each goes rigid a moment, a line of power ghosting from the Grail to each as well! "Citizens of the reborn Moon Kingdom!" For a moment on the foreheads of Eudial, Tellu, the Professor and all the rest there burns the crescent moon of the Moon Kingdom for just a moment before vanishing.
[11:24] * Serenity smiles slightly at that, but remains quiet.
[11:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Finally, she turns back to Serenity, the one holding the Grail. In Setsuna's hand is now not her staff, but the transformation brooch of Sailor Moon. Changed from it's old image is an etching of the Holy Grail, with several colored orbs in a circle around it. She walks to Sailor Moon, handing it to her. "Now... Super Sailor Moon... Moon Purity Power, Make UP!" she calls to you.
[11:27] * Serenity nods, taking the brooch as she calls out the words. "Moon Purity Power, Make UP!"
[11:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sailor Moon's fuku is similarly changed with the rest, the Holy Grail appearing at the start of her transformation. Finally, Super Sailor Moon stands before you... as she does, the Witches office rushes back, the Talismans once again on the table you put them on, save for the Grail, which sits in Usagi's hands.
[11:59] <Anastasia> As the ceremony ends, Setsuna goes, taking her Talisman and vanishing without a single word.
[11:59] <Anastasia> As Usagi's senses clear, the Grail shines brightly, as if it contains a world of hope and goodness inside its slender interior.
[12:00] * Sailor_Mars breathes out slowly as the rush of power from the ceremony ends, looking at Serenity and the Grail she holds.
[12:01] * Sailor_Moon blinks slowly, staring at the shining cup held tightly in her hands. "...wow."
[12:01] <Anastasia> "Wow," Tellu murmurs softly, staring at the Grail. "It's... it's... perfect."
[12:03] <Anastasia> Taking a step on shaky feet, Eudial nods as she approaches Usagi. "I see why he wanted it so much," she agrees quietly, awed by the artifact.
[12:05] <Anastasia> "Indeed," Professor Tomoe nods, pushing up his glasses with a wobbly hand. "Looking at it, I can imagine it being put to the use Germatou had in mind."
[12:05] <Sailor_Jupiter> "I'd rather not imagine that," Makoto states back dryly, even if she too is in awe of what's occured
[12:05] * Sailor_Mars looks around at the senshi and other observers, smiling as she takes in the changes the Grail has wrought in their spirits. "It's too pure to be used for such evil..."
[12:06] * Sailor_Moon nods slowly, still feeling rather overwhelmed at the power radiating from the object in her hands.
[12:07] <Anastasia> "I wouldn't be so sure," Ptilol comments very quietly. "It's possible that a single drop of darkness could spoil the entire thing," Cyprine murmurs.
[12:07] * Sailor_Mars purses her lips as she considers the twins' words. "We'll just have to ensure that never happens."
[12:08] <Anastasia> Viluy frowns a bit. "Yeah. We can't let Germatou or anyone like him ever get this Grail," she agrees.
[12:08] * Sailor_Moon finally manages to gather her wits, reverently storing the precious object away in her subspace pocket. "I'll be sure to take REALLY good care of it."
[12:10] * Sailor_Moon slowly turns, giving each person in the room a careful look.
[12:11] * Sailor_Mars gathers up her own Talisman and stores them away. "It's a pity Hotaru-chan didn't want to be here for this," she says, a bit sadly.
[12:14] <Anastasia> Shaking his head slowly, Professor Tomoe stands. "I should go see Hotaru," he murmurs, nodding and going to leave. His face is slightly abstracted...
[12:14] * Sailor_Moon smiles as she looks around at those not senshi, remembering Setsuna's words. "I guess it's official now... welcome to the Moon Kingdom, everyone."
[12:15] <Anastasia> Tellu looks up at that. "Was that what that was," she asks, thinking back to a few moments ago when the energy flowed into her.
[12:16] <Sailor_Mars> "Your aura is slightly different," Rei tells her, examining Tellu closely to determine the exact changes in the non-senshi. "Everyone was affected."
[12:16] * Sailor_Moon nods. "You look different now, Tellu - you too, Eudial."
[12:17] * Sailor_Uranus shakes her head slightly. "Hotaru won't be able to shy away from her duties forever..." Haruka says softly to herself, taking the Space Sword from the table and returning it to its rightful place.
[12:18] <Anastasia> "How?" Eudial asks simply, to Usagi. "I feel different a bit."
[12:19] * Sailor_Moon steps foward to the table herself, reclaiming Venus' sword for now. "You... it's hard to describe exactly, but it's almost like there's moonlight woven in with your aura now."
[12:21] <Sailor_Mars> "It's a little bit stronger, too," Rei adds.
[12:22] <Anastasia> The Twins both nod. "We think the Grail put..." Cyprine starts, the other finishing. "A bit of power into each of us as well. Though... something else happened to the Professor."
[12:23] * Sailor_Moon nods. "I noticed that too, although he left too soon for me to really take a good look at him."
[12:23] <Sailor_Mars> "I never got a chance to see before he left..." Rei frowns a little. "We all transformed as our Talismans were called, and Saturn's Glaive got called... I wonder if Hotaru-chan felt it?"
[12:24] * Sailor_Moon shakes her head. "I don't know.... I really wish she could have been here though."
[12:25] <Anastasia> "That's it," Artemis exclaims, breaking in from the perch him and the other two Mau have kept on the side of the room. "Finally!" A note of triumph is in his voice, like he finally got something.
[12:25] * Sailor_Moon looks down at the white cat in surprise. "What's it?"
[12:30] <Anastasia> Artemis grins at Usagi. "Something I'd been trying to remember how to do for a long time, since after we beat Metallia."
[12:31] <Sailor_Moon> "Which would be?" Usagi gives the Mau a slightly impatient look.
[12:33] <Anastasia> "This," he says simply, the Mau body suddenly expanding and changing in front of you! As it grows, human skin replaes white fur, a human body coming from a Mau's body, topped with white clothes and a crescent moon on his head.
[12:33] * Sailor_Moon takes a step back in surprise. "Artemis?!"
[12:33] <Sailor_Mars> "Gah!" Rei nearly jumps back. "You're human?!"
[12:34] <Anastasia> "We're Mau," Luna explains, the same thing happening to her, producing a cute girl with curly black hair down to her waist and a lovely short orange dress. "We have the ability to shift into a human form, among other things."
[12:35] <Sailor_Uranus> "What, no sailor suit?" Haruka quips from the back.
[12:35] <Sailor_Mars> "Wow..." Rei looks between the two Mau in surprise.
[12:35] <Anastasia> "Hush," Nian volleys forth, changing into a tallish, lanky man with golden blonde hair and sharp eyes, dressed in a suit.
[12:35] <Sailor_Jupiter> "I'd think a sailor suit would look wrong on Artemis," Makoto points out in jest.
[12:36] * Sailor_Dragon just looks dumbstruck.
[12:36] * Sailor_Moon stares at the three former felines. "You..." She shakes her head. "That explains it, then. I remembered you being human a couple of times on the Moon Kingdom, but I could never figure out why or if it was just someone else named Luna."
[12:37] <Anastasia> Artemis nods, his long white hair piling on the floor - it must be at least ten feet long. "It's been a while since we could say that, though," he replies to Usagi, glancing at his hair. "I need a haircut, too."
[12:38] <Sailor_Mars> "How come Luna doesn't?" Rei looks at the girl with waist length hair.
[12:39] <Sailor_Moon> "Or Nian?" Usagi gives the wiry blonde a once-over.
[12:39] * Sailor_Uranus only smirks at Makoto's reply.
[12:39] <Anastasia> Glancing at his longish blonde hair (only to his waist), Nian shrugs. "Our hair grows at different rates, just like it does for you humans."
[12:39] <Sailor_Jupiter> "I dunno, I think long hair looks good on you, Artemis," Makoto says, critiquing the bishounen cat-man's appearance. "Though I do think that outfit's wrong. Why the hell is your outfit revealing your belly button?"
[12:40] <Anastasia> He glances down, gawking. "Gah! I'll have you know that was the style back... er... yeah." he finishes lamely, Luna laughing lightly.
[12:40] * Sailor_Moon moves over towards Luna. "It's really you, isn't it?"
[12:41] * Sailor_Mars laughs herself at Artemis' distress, before giving him a critical once over. "You know... I don't think Mrs Mizuno will let you sleep in her daughter's room any longer," she smirks.
[12:42] <Anastasia> Luna nods, a big smile on her face. "It is," she agrees, before losing herself in a fit of giggles. "Oh, Usagi...I rather wanted to get back like this some day, just so I could..." Reaching out with a grin, Luna pulls on one of the odangos a moment, then almost petting it.
[12:42] * Sailor_Dragon admires Nian's Savile Row suit and gives him a manly hug.
[12:43] <Sailor_Moon> "Hey! Don't touch the hair!" Usagi giggles a bit before grabbing the Mau in a hug. "It's just so strange to see you like this, Luna."
[12:44] <Anastasia> Nian returns it, though blushes a bit. "Not when you're a girl, Princess," he whispers. "It's, ah, embarassing."
[12:45] <Anastasia> Luna returns it, before turning her head to Artemis. "It's a pity, Artemis, that this didn't happen earlier," she says with a fairy grin. "I'd scoop Usagi up and leave you with Nian," she giggles, while Artemis's face works in a protest. "HEY! That's not funny, Luna!"
[12:45] <Sailor_Dragon> "Ah, sorry," Herb says, embarassed herself now. "Well... um... I think this calls for a cup of tea."
[12:46] <Sailor_Moon> "Luna!" Usagi says sharply, then giggles. "You're terrible!"
[12:46] <Anastasia> Laughing again, Luna parts herself from Usagi. "Only in your dreams, right, furball," Luna teases, clearly enjoying herself immensely before going over to him, hugging him as well. "It's good to be back."
[12:46] <Anastasia> "Or perhaps sake," he muses. "This does call for a celebration, I think." Nian says aloud, smiling.
[12:47] * Sailor_Moon grins. "I think I'll need to teach you how to do your hair first," she says, tapping her forehead to indicate what she means.
[12:48] <Anastasia> He returns it, before glancing over at the Witches. "I don't know, Luna. I'm not too late to go check out those Witches," he shoots back, eyeing them. "In fact, I think that - OW!" Artemis yelps, as Luna pinches him on the side.
[12:49] <Sailor_Mars> "It's true, though," Rei nods with Artemis. "With you being able to turn into a handsome man, you don't need to rely on catching the eye of the last female talking cat on Earth."
[12:50] <Anastasia> Eudial does, for her part, cast an appraising eye over Artemis before he's pinched. "I know, Rei," he grins, mocking Luna. "In fact, I'd say that Luna needs to get out of the way of the hordes that'll be after me! Heck, I'm amazed the Witches have- OOOOOUCH!" This time, the stomp of foot onto foot pains Artemis.
[12:50] <Anastasia> "That's enough of that," she says, still smiling despite it. "If this keeps up, I'll be bailing you out of the local drunk bin... REMEMBER, Artemis?" she scowls, thinking back to one less than pleasant night.
[12:50] * Sailor_Moon can't help but laugh at the poor Mau's plight. "Cat or human, Artemis is still Artemis," she giggles.
[12:51] <Sailor_Mars> "Yeah, but I think I'll feel weird about petting him, now," Rei grins.
[12:52] <Anastasia> Scowling back, he just pushes lightly away from Luna, grinning at Rei. "Don't let that sto-GAH!" This time, he just got his hair pulled by Luna. "You're pushing it, Mr. Long Hair," Luna growls a bit.
[12:53] * Sailor_Moon grins. "I wonder what Mom's going to say when she gets to meet you, Luna."
[12:54] <Anastasia> That gets another grin from Luna. "I'm sure she'll be pleased to have the help in the kitchen," she replies, though she falters a bit. "Even if I'm not the world's best cook," Luna concedes before Artemis can mouth off.
[12:54] <Sailor_Moon> "You can't be worse than I am." Usagi makes a face.
[12:54] <Anastasia> Luna laughs at that, nervously. "Not quite," Artemis nods, "But she'd be eating a lot of ramen and takeout if she lived by herself."
[12:55] <Sailor_Mars> "Nothing wrong with ramen," Rei nods to herself.
[12:55] * Sailor_Moon swats Artemis herself. "You don't have to agree so fast!"
[12:56] <Anastasia> "Hey," he protests, "Aren't you happy having someone who can give you pointers at cooking without totally outshining you?"
[12:56] <Sailor_Uranus> "Or take-out," Haruka adds to Rei's sentiment.
[12:56] <Anastasia> Luna sighs a bit. "Still the same furball, alright," she notes.

Halbarad · June 30, 2006, 09:39:45 PM

[12:58] <Anastasia> ---
[13:01] <Anastasia> Due to the events of the day and not bothering with classes, Rei heads home a hair after noon, for a last day or two of rest before the beginning of the showdown. As she climbs the stairs, she sees something a bit out of the ordinary. Instead of two ravens coming to greet her, two fairies right out of a child's book are coming, yammering greetings in a high pitched voice.
[13:02] <Rei-chan> Rei's hair toings out at the strange sight. "Wh-what?" she looks at the fairies in amazement.
[13:03] <Anastasia> "Rei-chan," One chirps, both of them small, fluttering things. "You're home," the other says, flying around your head at a hyper speed.
[13:04] <Rei-chan> "Ye-yeah..." Rei says in a stunned tone, spinning around and getting a tad dizzy as she tries to track their movement as a memory pings at the back of her mind.
[13:05] <Anastasia> "We missed you," the other chimes in, landing on one shoulder while the other lands on the opposite shoulder. "It's good to be like this again."
[13:06] <Rei-chan> "Phobos...? Deimos...?" Rei says, still in that amazed tone. "Wait... you mean..." she swallows, finding her throat suddenly dry.
[13:07] <Anastasia> "Yep," Deimos grins, hugging onto your neck in a pixie hug. "We felt the Grail," Phobos smiles. "All the way here, it flowed to us through you."
[13:09] <Rei-chan> "You've been with me all this time?" Rei reaches up to touch them both, her eyes glistening. "After all the time since we last knew each other... you found me again when I was little..." She gives them both a bright smile. "Grandpa always did say it was odd how I named those two ravens Phobos and Deimos as soon as I saw them..."
[13:11] <Anastasia> "We're your servants, Princess Rei," Phobos pats your cheek, wiping your eye gently. "Of course we'd find you."
[13:12] <Rei-chan> "You guys..." Rei sniffs, a bit choked with emotion as she thinks about how long her two companions have always been there for her when she felt so alone. "Thank you. Thank you both so much."
[13:14] <Anastasia> They pat your cheeks, wiping away your tears like nothing. "Can you thank us by getting us some sugar and rice to eat?" Deimos asks. "I've been dreaming of that ever since we started eating birdseed... please, Princess Rei?"
[13:15] <Rei-chan> "Heh," Rei chuckles, "Of course!" she grins, heading inside to the kitchen.
[13:17] <Anastasia> As you climb the steps, you see your Grandpa coming right for you. "Rei," he smiles as he approaches. "You've attracted a few special guests. They wouldn't shut up about you... and I think," he pauses mournfully, "they scared away the cute girl I was talking to."
[13:18] <Rei-chan> "Oh, come on, Grandpa," Rei chastises him lightly, "Aren't Phobos and Deimos cute enough themselves, now?"
[13:19] <Anastasia> "Yes, we are," Deimos chirps. "And that girl was nothing but bad news," Phobos agrees. "I'd have pecked her eyes out if I hadn't just changed back to this form."
[13:19] <Rei-chan> "Now, now," Rei calms them, "You're supposed to be nice to guests. Well..." she frowns a bit, "Did the cute girl have an overwhelming aura of evilness or something?"
[13:20] <Anastasia> "No, Rei," Gramps grumbles. "I think I was even getting through to her, after she kept telling me to know my place," he scowls at the birds.
[13:20] <Anastasia> "She was no good, though," Deimos still argues. "There was something really bad about her!"
[13:21] <Rei-chan> "Oh, boy," Rei shakes her head. "That sounds like Usagi's evil cousin. I wouldn't blame them for pecking her eyes out."
[13:22] <Anastasia> "Evil? Bah, plenty of work at the Shrine would have taken care of that," he grumps. "Rei, you need to invite your friends over more to help out here," he goes on a different tack. "Especially Ami, Makoto and that Eudial girl. Since I keep losing any help we'd get."
[13:23] <Rei-chan> "Well... I could ask Eudial, I guess..." Rei muses, "Since it will just be you, Yuuichiro, and Hotaru-chan while I'm away fighting evil in another dimension."
[13:24] <Anastasia> "That's not a bad idea, Eudial could make a talented mi-" he stops, looking at you. "Wait. Rei, is there something you should be telling your grandfather?" His eyes tear up suddenly. "Oh, woe! My granddaughter is going away to battle evil and won't even tell me until the last minute!"
[13:25] <Rei-chan> "It's not for a few days," Rei hastens to add. "That's hardly the last minute. Come on inside while I feed these two and I'll tell you all about it," she says, once more heading to the kitchen.
[13:26] <Anastasia> Going with you and turning off the waterworks for now, "You're going with all the other girls? Our temple will be nearly drained of its miko supply!" Gramps looks throughly put out at that as you go into the kitchen. "Since Yuuichiro is leaving soon..."
[13:27] <Rei-chan> "He is?" Rei looks mildly surprised.
[13:27] <Anastasia> "He just told me today," Gramps says as you go into the kitchen. "He's interested in a small shrine outside of Kyoto, and from what I hear, the temple maiden there is interested in him."
[13:29] <Rei-chan> "Ah," Rei looks a bit relieved, "At least he's not giving up his training completely, then. I hope things work out for him with that temple maiden," she says, getting out some boil-in-a-bag rice from the cupboard.
[13:34] <Anastasia> "Yes," Gramps nod solemnly, before sitting down. "Since you proved to be as much of a ladykiller as I am, Yuuichiro never had much of a chance." He smiles at that, enjoying the thought.
[13:35] <Rei-chan> "Yeah..." Rei says a tad awkwardly as she starts to boil the rice. "Anyway, we'll probably be going to the other dimension Chibi Usa came from at the end of the week so we can deal with the cause of all the negative energy there. If we don't it'll just spill over into our world. Thing is, we don't really know how long it'll take..."
[13:37] <Anastasia> He nods at that. "I'm sure you and your friends will have it done quickly enough... and Rei, promise me something," he asks, completely serious.
[13:37] * Rei-chan looks at her grandfather expectantly.
[13:39] <Anastasia> "This other dimension... it'll have cute girls," he grins. "Bring back the best to work here, Rei... if you don't get them yourself first!"
[13:42] <Rei-chan> "Grandpa," Rei says in an indulgent tone of long-suffering, shaking her head. "I can't do that, but I'll ask some of the girls at school if they'd be interested in doing some part-time miko work here." Turning back to the stove she takes out the boiled rice and puts it on a plate, grabbing a bag of sugar and looking at the two pixies on her shoulders "How much sugar?"
[13:43] <Anastasia> "A lot," Deimos smiles, mouth watering at the confectionary.
[13:43] <Anastasia> "But Rei, you break this old man's heart! An entire dimension of beauty that you'll ignore!"
[13:46] <Rei-chan> "Okay," Rei smiles, sprinkling a liberal dose of sugar all over the rice while speaking to her grandfather, "The dimension is filled with untold evil, Grandpa." Thinking for a moment, she adds, "Oh yeah, Usagi's cat Luna turned into a cute girl earlier. I'll ask her if she can stop by here and help out a bit, too - hopefully the old bird/cat rivalry won't be an issue any longer with you two," she smiles at the fairies.
[13:47] <Anastasia> He sighs, but does perk up at that. "Do so," he nods.
[13:48] <Anastasia> They both nod at that, though they're both more interested in the rice than the words right now.
[13:49] * Rei-chan lets the pixies enjoy their meal as she turns back to her grandfather. "At least Hotaru-chan's training is coming along really well. It's nice to have an apprentice," she smiles lightly.
[13:50] <Anastasia> He perks up even more at that. "Young Hotaru is showing much promise," he agrees, nodding. "I think she'll make a wonderful miko if she keeps at it... though," he pauses. "She's one of your friends, isn't she?"
[13:51] <Rei-chan> "Of course she's my friend," Rei gives him a blank look before comprehension dawns. "Oh... you mean like that? Yes, she is a Sailor Senshi, but she won't be coming with us. She hasn't been in any fights yet, and I hope she won't have to be for a good long while."
[13:52] <Anastasia> "Rei," he says, now completely solemn and calm. "Have you sensed anything unusual from her, especially when she reaches an emotional peak?"
[13:54] <Rei-chan> "Yes," Rei nods. "The other day her aura started to fluctuate quite a bit when I was talking to her about being a senshi - she's not exactly thrilled with the idea."
[13:55] <Anastasia> He takes that in. "Yes, I saw something like that a few days ago," he explains. "Rei, I believe she has a fair amount of potential with the supernatural, and it's starting to blossom. Further, I don't think she's entirely aware of it."
[13:57] * Rei-chan looks thoughtful. "As Sailor Saturn she can wield tremendous power - even more than I can as Sailor Mars if I remember right. Hmm..." she begins to pace a little, "She doesn't want to accept being a senshi so I can't train her that way, but I think meditation can help bring her inner focus of her own powers so she can control them better..."
[13:58] <Anastasia> He nods, keeping half a curious eye on the fairies as they eat. "I think so, too. I don't want her to lose control - it will be ugly at best."
[14:01] <Rei-chan> "Yes... Saturn's powers are ruin and rebirth. And if she lost control I expect it would be to the former..." She sighs, "It's a terrible burden for one so young. I just hope with love and understanding she can find enough peace with herself that it won't ever happen."
[14:02] <Anastasia> "I'm not sure if she's any good," Deimos murmurs, a bit of suspicion coming up. "I don't like how she feels."
[14:03] * Rei-chan turns to the fairies. "She's a Sailor Senshi, just like me. She's just been through some terrible ordeals. You should try to be more understanding to her."
[14:04] <Anastasia> Phobos flutters over, whacking Deimos lightly. "You should be... I don't like how she feels, either, but she is a Princess."
[14:04] <Rei-chan> "And she really is a nice girl," Rei adds.
[14:04] <Anastasia> Gramps nods. "I suppose she is. But... let's keep an eye on her, Rei."
[14:05] <Anastasia> ---
[14:06] <Anastasia> After a fair bit of conversing, Usagi and Luna head home, Artemis with them as well. It's strange walking side by side with your advisors, even more so when they're as tall as you, or taller.
[14:07] <Anastasia> In a quick fix, Artemis borrowed a hair band, tying his hair back into a huge ponytail twice over, and it still reaches his middle.
[14:09] <Anastasia> "It's good not to get stared at by every third bright-eyed girl who wants a pet," Luna smiles as you walk down the streets.
[14:09] * Usagi-chan giggles a little at that. "Yeah, but it's weird to be walking down the street next to you without looking down to talk."
[14:11] <Anastasia> "And it's strange not looking up to you when you talk, Usagi," Luna giggles back. "Say... speaking of that, why don't we stop for some lunch? It would be nice not to have to eat under the table."
[14:12] <Usagi-chan> "Okay, just nothing too fancy." Usagi smiles. "I don't have a lot of money with me right now."
[14:13] <Anastasia> "Sure, as long as it has seafood," Artemis notes. "Some salmon, even," he licks his lips at that.
[14:15] * Usagi-chan grins. "I don't think that'll be too hard to arrange." Usagi starts looking out for likely restaurants that might fit within her meager budget.
[14:15] <Anastasia> Within a few blocks, you note a discount sushi shop selling the basics. Maybe not quite salmon, but it'll be good fishy stuff, you reckon.
[14:16] * Usagi-chan leads the two former felines over towards the restaurant. "This work for you guys?"
[14:17] <Anastasia> "It looks fine, Usagi," Luna nods, going in. It's a small place with a main serving bar and a few tables in the scant space away from it.
[14:18] * Usagi-chan glances over the menu, ordering a sushi combo platter for herself.
[10:03] <Ana-brb> The other two Mau simply go with that after a glance at the prices, all three of you heading to a nice little bar seat.
[10:04] <Ana-brb> Shortly, your plates of food are set down, Artemis licking his lips. "About time," he murmurs, bending his head down... then jerking it right back up an inch from the food, suddenly blushing hugely.
[10:04] * Usagi-chan giggles. "Chopsticks, Artemis."
[10:06] <Ana-brb> Luna nods, getting a pair of the disposable ones from a little cup on the table. "You need to watch your manners," she smiles, managing hers well enough, if a bit rustily.
[10:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah, yeah," he mutters, getting his own and getting in to his meal. "This isn't bad," he says after the first bite, then starting into it in earnest.
[10:09] <Usagi-chan> As usual, Usagi sets into her meal with a will, the sushi disappearing from the wooden platter rapidly. "Sure isn't..." she manages in between bites. "So what's it like, walking on two legs again?" Usagi grins a bit at that.
[10:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Better than catfood, Artemis," Luna gibes softly, around her own bite of food. "It's nice, Usagi. No more worries about being stepped on, or stumbling into a batch of territorial cats." At that, Luna shudders at a unpleasant memory, slouching a bit.
[10:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> Artemis snickers a bit there. "Got a story to tell, eh Luna?"
[10:13] * Usagi-chan smirks. "But even if you did, you KNOW your hero would be right there to rescue you again!"
[10:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh, Luna?" Another snicker from Artemis, the cat pointing at Luna with a chopstick. "Did a tall, dark and handsome cat save you from a mauling?"
[10:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna glowers at the both of you. "Nothing like that... that Rhett Butler must have been loopy from the Rainbow Crystal he carried," she nods to herself. "There was NOTHING there!"
[10:16] * Usagi-chan breaks out in a fit of the giggles. "He was one of the Rainbow Crystal carriers, Artemis - I swear, the biggest cat I've ever seen in my life." She demonstrates with her hands.
[10:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Wow," Artemis mock marvels, grinning. "Maybe I should start putting on more weight... or were you plumping up last winter for your boyfriend?"
[10:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> "BOYFRIEND?!" Luna sputters, her chopsticks clattering as she fumbles a piece of sushi. "That huge blue cat is NOT my boyfriend! The only reason I even saw him again was by pure luck!"
[10:19] * Usagi-chan looks surprised. "You saw him AGAIN? When did this happen?"
[10:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> Luna slumps as she realises what she just let slip. With a mutter best left unheard, she goes on. "Two months ago - I went down around that area to take care of something, and I had the misfortune to run into him and that little girl."
[10:20] * Usagi-chan giggles. "What happened?"
[10:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> "....he twirled a fishbone and gave it to me," she admits. "I ran like the devil." Artemis breaks into an outright laugh at that, doubling over as his humor overtakes him.
[10:23] * Usagi-chan breaks out into full-fledged laughter herself. "Awwww... that's so sweet!" she gets out once she calms down a bit.
[10:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hmph," Luna frowns, turning moodily back to her plate and her meal instead of talking anymore, in a serious snit.
[10:26] * Usagi-chan nudges Luna's shoulder gently. "Come on, Luna, we're just teasing."
[10:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> After a few more bites of her meal, she nods. "Yeah... and Artemis," she says suddenly, with disarming sweetness.
[10:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes, Luna," he asks, curious and leaning forward expectantly.
[10:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You're paying for dessert." Luna says this flatly, turning her head back to her meal again.
[10:29] * Usagi-chan covers another giggle, turning back to her own meal as she polishes the last of it off swiftly.
[10:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[10:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> A while later, after your meal, you approach home, but Luna stops. "Usagi-chan," she pauses, thinking.
[10:33] * Usagi-chan halts in her steps as well, turning her head to look at the Mau. "What is it, Luna?"
[10:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a quick look around, Luna shimmers a moment, a small black cat now in her place. "I think I'll wait to tell the others," she says, looking up to you. "At least until tonight. I think I want to lay down and think first."
[10:37] * Usagi-chan looks slightly surprised, but nods. "That's okay, I guess. There isn't anything wrong, is there?"
[10:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Not at all," Luna smiles as she hops onto your shoulder. "I'm just tired, Usagi."
[10:39] * Usagi-chan smiles, scratching the cat behind the ears. "I can understand that... it's been a busy day so far, that's for sure."
[11:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> Laying across your shoulders, Luna purrs a bit. "Indeed. Usagi... you've started your kingdom," she smiles. "Did you see what happened to the others?"
[11:56] * Usagi-chan nods, starting back on the short distance left to home. "Yeah... that was really a surprise. Even their auras changed - and the Professor's was strange somehow, but I didn't get much of a chance to see it."
[11:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> "How so, Usagi-chan?" Luna inquires, purring away on your warm shoulders.
[11:58] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Well, I said it back there, but I guess you guys were concentrating more on remembering how to transform." She strokes Luna's head gently. "It's almost like there's moonlight woven in with their auras now."
[12:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Really," she murmurs, then smiles broadly. "That was something that happened on occasion when Queen Serenity wanted to knight a peasant from the Moon Kingdom. It's a mark of honor." Luna stops purring, another part of her body working now. "The Grail did that?"
[12:04] * Usagi-chan nods. "Sure looked like it... I didn't intend to do it, that's for sure."
[12:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Hm... I suppose it's possible that you did it on instinct, but..." Luna frowns, thinking. "If the Grail is something from Selene, perhaps it's an old tradition the royal family picked up with the Crystal?"
[12:10] * Usagi-chan looks rather thoughtful. "Maybe... Rei's told me a little about the religion on the Moon, but I'm not sure I really understand the connection between the royal family and Selene myself."
[12:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Nor do I... religion wasn't my long suit, and I don't remember much of what I knew about it," Luna admits, feeling rather embarrassed at that. "But... let's just get inside, and worry about this later, Usagi-chan."
[12:14] * Usagi-chan nods, opening the front door. "I'm hooooome!" she calls out, removing her shoes as she steps into the house.
[12:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's quiet right now, no one else looking to be home.
[12:17] <Usagi-chan> "Huh, wonder where everyone is?" Usagi heads into the kitchen, hoping that her mom has at least left a note or something.
[12:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is one. -Out to take Chibi Usa shopping-.
[12:20] * Usagi-chan sighs. "Well, guess there's not much to do for now except take it easy for a while." Usagi heads back out into the living room, plopping herself down on the couch. "Probably just take a nap for now."
[22:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[22:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Napping away, Usagi's dreams of ice cream and of lives long lost and forgotten by all else are interrupted by a strong triple series of raps on the front door, rather insistent.
[22:18] * Usagi-chan 's eyes flutter open, the odangoed blonde rising and heading to the door groggily. "Just a minute!" She stumbles over to the front door, opening it for whoever seems to be so intent on getting in.
[22:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Opening the door, you find Professor Tomoe there, his hair slightly out of place and shirt untucked. He looks rather shaken, obviously. "Usagi?" he asks, entering without really asking or being invited.
[22:21] * Usagi-chan blinks in surprise. "Professor? What are you doing here?" Usagi steps aside to allow the man inside. "Come on in."
[22:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Almost pushing you out the way, he comes in, half-stumbling inside and right to the couch, sitting down quickly and breathing a touch rapidly. He runs a hand through his hair and over his face...
[22:22] * Usagi-chan quickly follows, worried at the man's disheveled appearance. "What's wrong?"
[22:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you look at him, you notice his aura is far different now. It was more or less normal recently, despite Germatou's former possession, but now? It's considerably brighter, streaks of brown, metallic grey and white in it, as well as the one strand of moon silver.
[22:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> He puts both hands over his face, covering it completely. "This is what is wrong," he says after hiding his face a moment, the grinning, twisted shadow mask of Germatou in place. In the same sickly, poisoned voice Germatou loved, "Would you like to play a handheld game while you wait, Miss Yuki?"
[22:26] * Usagi-chan's eyes widen, and she takes a step back. "Professor?! What... what's going on?" She makes a MUCH more intense study of his aura, looking for any traces of the daimon that formerly possessed the man.
[22:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Soul check, bunny.
[22:28] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[22:28] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[22:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> There isn't a trace of Germatou or any other possessing force, at least as far as you see. His aura does speak of magic, however. In a moment, the mask of shadow is gone. "That is," he explains, sounding a touch spooked. "Do you remember when I said Germatou's methods and memories were somewhat obscured?"
[22:30] * Usagi-chan nods, already coming to a guess from her viewing of his aura. "Let me guess... they're not any more." She sighs.
[22:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods once, wearily. "Yes. Along with the simple, I recall the more complex - including the way to summon a daimon and form and create a body for it, for example."
[22:38] * Usagi-chan blinks at that. "For real? And you think you could actually DO it now?"
[22:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I could," he agrees. "If I was so inclined to birth another abomination into this world. All of the equipment is more or less still there, and I understand how to power the magical parts of it now."
[22:41] * Usagi-chan takes a deep breath. "Wow... I knew summoning the Grail had changed you somehow, but I had no idea it was this much."
[22:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Not a change I entirely welcome," he sighs, running another hand through his now rather ruined hair. "The ability to create a daimon is one that shouldn't be known by anyone... or," he pauses, speaking softly, "how to choose a Messiah of Silence and summon Pharaoh 90."
[22:44] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "But you're not possessed any more, either. You might know HOW to do those things, but you don't ever have to."
[22:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes," he says again, staring at the ceiling. "It's still something I'd rather not have ever recalled."
[22:52] * Usagi-chan nods. "I... can understand that." She gives the scientist a concerned look. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
[22:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "No," he says. "I wanted to tell you, since the Grail is yours and your responsibility now."
[22:55] * Usagi-chan hesitates for a moment before asking the next question. "...Hotaru?"
[23:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I found her at home, watching TV," Tomoe notes, a bit of relief in his voice. "If anything happened to her, I couldn't tell."
[23:01] * Usagi-chan nods, visibly relaxing. "That's good, at least. I'm guessing you're not planning on telling her any time soon."
[08:51] <Anastasia> He nods agreement quietly. "Not anytime so-" The Professor is cut off by the door opening, a cheery 'I'm home' coming from Chibi Usa, Ikkuko right on her heels. Coming in and seeing the Professor, Ikkuko immediately smiles nicely. "We have a guest, Usagi-chan?" she says quickly. "Welcome."
[08:53] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Hi Mom, the Professor and I were just having a talk about what happened today."
[08:54] <Anastasia> "Oh, Professor Tomoe," she realises at that. "Welcome to our home," she bows. "Usagi, you haven't offered our guest a drink or refreshments," she says as she jets into the kitchen, childing you.
[08:55] <Usagi-chan> "Mom..." Usagi complains. "He just got here, I haven't had a chance to yet!"
[08:55] <Anastasia> "Hello," he nods politely, watching as Mom dashes off into the kitchen. Chibi Usa stops a moment, frowning slightly, before going into the kitchen herself with Ikkuko.
[08:58] * Usagi-chan turns an apologetic look to the professor. "Sorry about that... I was so worried from what you had to say that I didn't even think about that."
[09:03] <Anastasia> He shakes his head, taking a moment to use his hands to brush his hair back into place and fix his shirt. "Regardless," he glances back towards the kitchen, "Hotaru looked to be perfectly unaffected."
[09:03] * Usagi-chan sighs, relieved. "I'm glad to hear that. I was half afraid she might have been forced into transforming the way everyone else was."
[09:09] <Anastasia> He smiles, relieved himself. "I suppose this means Saturn isn't fully awake," he muses.
[09:11] * Usagi-chan nods. "I hope she can stay that way for a long time, too." She pauses a moment, then looks over at the disheveled-looking man. "Rei-chan and I talked about it, and before I leave I'm dropping the last of the extra shields on Saturn's glaive. I HOPE you won't have any reason to get it, but if you have to then Hotaru should be able to get it out on her own."
[09:14] <Anastasia> As you finish, Mom comes back with what looks like a store-made cake and drinks, moving quickly. "Please excuse Usagi's lack of proper hostess skills," she bows in apology, setting down the food. "Please, help yourself."
[09:16] <Anastasia> "That's alright," he recovers, nodding. "Mrs. Tsukino, correct? You've raised a fine daughter, even if she does lack in hostess skills as you claim." Tomoe smiles, taking a cup of tea.
[09:17] * Usagi-chan blushes, lowering her head a bit. "Sorry about that," she mumbles.
[09:18] <Anastasia> "Oh, thank you," Ikkuko lights up with a smile, sitting herself. "Usagi's quite a special girl." Mom agrees, taking her own cup of tea.
[09:19] <Anastasia> He nods back, keeping up a gentle air of conversation. "She is, and she's an excellent addition to Mugen."
[09:20] <Anastasia> Smiling even wider, Ikkuko shines like a Christmas tree. "Thank you," she says with a glance at the mentioned rabbit. "She's certainly done a lot to improve herself."
[09:21] * Usagi-chan blushes a bit more. "I've been working on it," she mumbles again.
[09:22] <Anastasia> "Usagi has done well at it, then. She's directly responsible for much of the good that's come in my life lately," Tomoe smiles at Usagi-chan. "My family owes her and her friends a debt we may never be able to repay."
[09:24] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "You don't owe me anything, Professor. I should be thanking you for all you've done to help us out since then."
[09:25] <Anastasia> Meanwhile, Chibi Usa comes back in, sitting next to Mom and staring at Usagi. "Oh," Ikkuko is beaming at this point with motherly pride. "Thank you."
[09:25] <Anastasia> "Usagi, if you hadn't saved myself and the entire school and the Witches, all of that would be moot," Tomoe says warmly. "It's the least I can do for you."
[09:26] * Usagi-chan nods, blushing as she finally accepts the compliment. "You're definitely welcome... it's been really nice to get to know all of you as friends."
[09:30] <Anastasia> Nodding to that, he turns to Ikkuko. "Regardless, I was merely stopping by to ask your daughter something to do with her business. I should be getting home to my daughter now," he nods, getting up.
[09:31] * Usagi-chan stands as well, ready to at least escort the Professor to the door even if she messed up with everything else. "Thanks for stopping by, Professor. I'm sure everything will work out all right." She smiles warmly.
[09:32] <Anastasia> "It will, I think," he says simply, leaving. As you come back to the living room, you swear Mom is still in the same 'exalted parenthood' state, almost glowing with pride.
[09:35] * Usagi-chan can't help but grin at the look on her mother's face. "How was your shopping trip?"
[09:35] <Anastasia> "It was fine," she mumbles, then leaps up and fiercely hugs you. "Oh, Usagi! You make your mother so PROUD!"
[09:36] * Usagi-chan hugs back, giggling a little at her mother's enthusiasm.
[09:39] <Anastasia> A short bit later, after Mom winds down, you find Chibi Usa still keeping an eye on you, almost distressedly so.
[09:40] * Usagi-chan looks over at Chibi Usa, looking a little worried at the girl's demeanor. "Something wrong, Chibi Usa-chan?"
[09:41] <Anastasia> Chibi Usa looks up at you suddenly, blinking. "Um... Usagi, where did you get that Moon on your forehead from?" she asks directly.
[09:42] <Usagi-chan> "Hmm?" She looks up instinctively, although she of course can't see the mark itself. "Oh, it showed up I guess about six months ago now. Kind of a long story how it got there, but it's been there ever since."
[09:44] <Anastasia> Chibi Usa looks away, thoughtful. "Mommy has one like that, too... and those odangos..." Chibi Usa murmurs, her mind working to a truth she'd rather not confront.
[09:48] <Usagi-chan> "Chibi Usa, I..." Usagi starts, her voice trailing off as she watches the expression on the girl's face.
[09:56] <Ana-food> Looking away with a tear glimmering in her eye, Chibi Usa speaks in a sad, teary voice. "I don't want... Mommy to be that klutz Usagi... she can't be..."
[09:57] * Usagi-chan drops her gaze, having no idea what she could possibly say to reassure the girl at this point. "Chibi Usa, I... I'm sorry."
[09:58] <Ana-food> With a choked whimper, Chibi Usa leaps up and runs upstairs like all the ghosts of the Dark Kingdom are at her heels.
[09:59] * Usagi-chan rests her elbows on her knees, cursing herself for having been so careless as she tries to figure out what to say to the pink-haired girl.
[10:03] <Usagi-chan> Perhaps a quarter of an hour passes before Usagi heads up the stairs in search of Chibi Usa, hoping that she'll at least be willing to talk at this point.
[10:03] <Ana-food> Upstairs, you find Chibi Usa sniffling and curled up, clutching her oversized stuffed rabbit plushie from the fair. The girl looks despondent, Luna gently talking to her.
[10:04] * Usagi-chan sighs, walking over to sit down next to Chibi Usa on the bed silently.
[10:07] <Ana-food> Luna sends a look to you, a worried one as the girl huddles with her plushie.
[10:08] * Usagi-chan reaches over to Chibi Usa, stroking the girl's cotton-candy-colored hair gently. "It'll be okay, Chibi Usa-chan."
[10:08] <Ana-food> Chibi Usa shivers a bit under that, looking up at you under tear streaked eyes. "Are... are you my Mommy," she asks in a tiny, sad voice. "
[10:12] * Usagi-chan hesitates for a moment. "...Yes and no. You know I'm not from your world, so I'm not really your mommy. But the Usagi you know from your world is."
[10:15] <Ana-food> "..." Chibi Usa just hugs the rabbit even tighter. "I don't want her to be... she can't be! She's a bully and she hates me," Chibi Usa cries softly. "You're like Mommy, though... you're Mommy, aren't you?"
[10:17] <Usagi-chan> "I wish I could be," Usagi says, with a pang as she realizes the truth of that statement herself. "But I'm not. The other Usagi is probably the same person I am, but maybe she hasn't done some of the same things I have." She smiles a bit. "You never know, she might surprise you."
[10:19] <Anastasia> "She can't be," she moans. "She's a mean person! She's nothing like Mommy!" More tears escape the girl's eyes, as her sorrow trickles out. "Usagi... can't... be..."
[10:19] * Usagi-chan rests her hand on Chibi Usa's back. "I'm sure she doesn't hate you, Chibi Usa-chan."
[10:24] <Anastasia> "She does," Chibi Usa moans. "She's not my Mommy! She's not! NEVER!" You can feel Chibi Usa's energy and aura starting to rise...
[10:25] * Usagi-chan gathers Chibi Usa into her arms carefully, letting the girl's head rest against her shoulder. "Just settle down, Chibi Usa-chan... it'll be okay, I promise." She tries to keep the edge out of her voice, hoping that Chibi Usa doesn't get agitated enough to release her energy again.
[10:26] <Anastasia> Her energy rocks and swirls, but doesn't seem to be quite to that release point. Yet. Yet... yet... it's so familiar, so much like the lost Crystal that it hurts in a way. The girl just cries into your chest, sobbing out 'no' and 'mommy' over and over.
[10:28] * Usagi-chan feels tears begin to trickle from her own eyes, a maelstrom of emotions rising inside her. She gently rocks the girl back and forth, murmuring soft reassurances.
[10:29] <Anastasia> As you do so, the energy within Chibi Usa slowly and finally winds down, from the near crescendo it was at to the normal levels of her body.
[10:29] <Anastasia> Looking down at her, Chibi Usa's breathing has become slow and regular, her eyes closed.
[10:30] * Usagi-chan lays down herself, the girl resting on top of her in the bed. She closes her eyes, speaking quietly so as not to disturb Chibi Usa's rest. "What am I supposed to do, Luna?"
[10:33] <Anastasia> Sighing, Luna looks down at the sleeping, heartbroken girl. "Let her sleep... things will look better to her in the morning," Luna finally advises.
[10:37] * Usagi-chan strokes the pink-haired head gently, looking down at Chibi Usa herself. "I just wish... I knew what to say, what to do to make her feel better."
[10:40] <Anastasia> Luna looks down at the girl with compassion. "We'll... save her mother, so that she can go back to her and not have to worry about the other Usagi," she finally says. "Maybe that's what you should say."
[10:41] <Usagi-chan> "It's definitely worth a try... I just can't imagine the other Usagi being THAT bad." Usagi sighs a bit.
[10:43] <Anastasia> Luna shrugs. "If this other world is as different as she says... then perhaps even you're different. Maybe you are a mean bully at that time in your life, or a hateful brat." Luna sighs, thinking. "The gene for it is certainly in the family."
[10:44] * Usagi-chan makes a face at that thought. "I sure hope not... I can't ever imagine being like Eiko myself."
[10:46] <Anastasia> "I hope you aren't," she agrees with a bit of amusement. "The speeches you give would at least be more interesting, though."
[10:47] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, stop!" Usagi smiles a bit at that, reaching over the side of the bed to give Luna a playful swat. "My speeches aren't THAT bad."
[10:48] <Anastasia> Grinning now, Luna chirps a Usagi like voice, "Hold it, monster! In the name of the Moon, I'll show you your place!"
[10:49] * Usagi-chan groans in disgust. "Oh great, now I've got a picture of Eiko as Sailor Moon in my head... thanks a lot, Luna."
[10:50] <Anastasia> Giggling fiercly, she can't resist one more gibe. "Moon Bitch Emplacement," she muses. "That poor world."
[10:52] * Usagi-chan gently settles Chibi Usa onto the bed by herself, then pops up to a sitting position so she can see the black mooncat. "Don't make me come over there, Luna..." she says with a mock glare.
[10:53] <Anastasia> With fake horror, she draws back. "Oh no! Sailor Moon will put me in my place! Heavens!"
[10:54] <Usagi-chan> Giggling, Usagi pops out of the bed, going after the Mau. "I'll show you your place all right!"
[10:56] <Anastasia> Laughing, Luna darts around and out of the room, stopping to stick her tongue out at Usagi. "You'll have to catch me, or all those cakes you ate will show you YOUR place," Luna taunts from the doorway.
[10:57] * Usagi-chan stands up, thumping her chest. "I'm perfectly trim and fit! As you're about to find out!" She heads after the Mau quickly, a grin on her face.
[11:01] <Anastasia> roll 2d6
[11:01] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[11:02] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[11:02] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[11:02] <Anastasia> Perhaps all the cake did get to you, as Luna is downstairs and away from you faster than you reckoned...
[11:03] * Usagi-chan valiantly maintains her pursuit, giggling all the way. "You can run, but you can't hide, Luna!" she calls out.
[11:03] <Anastasia> "You can't catch me, Usagi!" she giggles from the kitchen.
[11:03] <Anastasia> roll 2d6
[11:03] * Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[11:04] <Usagi-chan> roll 2d6
[11:04] * Hatbot --> "Usagi-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 2."
[11:08] <Anastasia> Coming right into the kitchen, Luna tries to run under your legs. Sadly for her, though, you have the reflexes to go straight down and snatch her!
[11:09] <Usagi-chan> "Ha! Gotcha!" Usagi crows triumphantly, hoisting the Mau up in both hands. "Now what's your place, Luna?"
[11:15] <Anastasia> Glaring, Luna giggles. "In your hands, it seems," she admits.
[11:18] * Usagi-chan grins, tucking Luna into her arms to carry her a bit more normally. "Darn right! Have to remind you who's queen around here, after all," she says with a grin, scratching between the cat's ears playfully.
[22:26] <Usagi-chan> -----
[22:28] <Usagi-chan> Late Wednesday morning, a day before the big event. A day for taking care of all those last minute details - and for Ami and Usagi, that means one last trip to the Moon, both for exercise and business.
[22:28] * Usagi-chan leads the way back into the palace, having just detransformed from another session of practice dodging with Ami. "You did really well today, Ami-chan - took me a long time to actually hit you. You're getting pretty good at this."
[22:30] * Ami-chan blushes and shrugs meekly, smiling. "It's all thanks to the extra help you're giving me."
[22:32] * Usagi-chan smiles. "It's a fair trade - I think I actually managed to pass my geology final, which HAS to be some kind of miracle." The blonde threads her way through the palace unerringly, heading for her study.
[22:34] * Ami-chan giggles softly, shaking her head as she follows, a step behind. "You sound as though it was impossible, Usagi-chan." She glances at the walls as they pass, smiling. "There's no reason why you couldn't do it."
[22:36] <Usagi-chan> "You mean other than the fact that absolutely none of it made any sense until you explained it to me?" Usagi says, giving her friend a grin as the two enter the cluttered office. "And I know I got a better grade on my geometry test thanks to you, too."
[22:39] * Ami-chan shakes her head. "Mmm. Well, I was happy to help." she murmurs, blushing a bit more. She pauses as they enter the office, quickly looking away, then scanning the room. "This reminds me of your room." she observes, nudging a box with her foot.
[22:40] <Usagi-chan> "Huh?" Usagi says, leafing through a stack of papers. "What do you mean?"
[22:41] <Ami-chan> "You seem to resist the necessity of organization." Ami says with a faint edge of humour, gathering up some of the papers that have fallen off the desk.
[22:42] * Usagi-chan blinks a couple of times. "Ummm.... translation?" She stops what she's doing to look at her blue-haired friend.
[22:44] <Ami-chan> Ami giggles with amused exasperastion, and begins moving things slightly, not cleaning up at all, but reducing the haphazard nature of the clutter. "Messy?" She tries again with a sheepish grin.
[22:46] <Usagi-chan> "Oh." Usagi blushes at that. "I guess I don't keep things very clean, do I?" she admits with an embarrassed grin, straightening out the stacks of paper on her desk. "It's just, I don't know. Seems like it takes too much time to keep things in order while I'm working."
[22:47] * Ami-chan nods. "It's not uncommon. Though, you'd probably save a lot of time if you tidied your workspace once in awhile." She commented pleasantly. "Though, I suppose Chibi-Usa hasn't left you much time for that lately, hm?"
[22:49] * Usagi-chan sighs. "That's for sure... other than for practices, I don't think I've managed to come up here more than once or twice a week since she arrived. I don't like leaving her alone on Earth, and I can't very well bring her up here with me - I don't think she even knows what we're doing here."
[22:51] <Ami-chan> "If..." Ami blushes, "If you don't mind me asking, why haven't you told her?"
[22:54] * Usagi-chan takes a seat at her desk, resting her chin on her hands. "I guess because she's had to deal with so much just coming here from her own world - I mean, I'm... different from the Usagi she knows," Usagi almost chokes a bit on that line. "Minako and Mamoru are gone here, and none of us really know her. With all that to deal with, why add this on top of everything else if I didn't have to?"
[22:57] * Ami-chan nods slowly, moving to the side of the desk and resting a hand on Usagi's shoulder tentatively. "I understand." she replies softly. "Adjusting to her must have been strange... I don't think I would have been able to handle this as well as you are."
[22:59] * Usagi-chan deflates a little as Ami places her hand on her shoulder. "It's... it hasn't been easy, that's for sure. Between her and all the trouble with Eiko, life at home has really been crazy for a while."
[23:07] * Ami-chan nods, gently squeezing Usagi's shoulder. "I can't even imagine. But you've done so well, despite it all." Ami says gently, then hesitates a moment, smiling. "I admire you for it."
[23:10] * Usagi-chan looks back at Ami. "You do? I mean, I haven't done anything all that special - I'm sure you'd have done just as well if you were in my place."
[23:14] * Ami-chan smiles and shakes her head. "I doubt that very much, Usagi-chan. I don't have the inner strength that you have." she replies serenely. "No matter how much you deny it, you ARE special. If you don't believe me, just ask Rei-chan." She adds with an almost undetectable blush.
[23:16] * Usagi-chan giggles a little at that. "Yeah, but she's biased." She smiles. "But thanks, Ami-chan." She shuffles a few more piles of papers together, apparently deep in thought. "I'm going to miss her a lot when this is over," she says quietly after a few moments.
[23:20] <Ami-chan> "Chibi Usa?" Ami asks quietly, releasing Usagi to move over and lean against the desk, raising her eyebrows.
[23:22] * Usagi-chan nods. "It's been kind of nice to have her around, not counting those stupid sisters and their droids of course." She makes a face at that, but smiles again. "It's been kind of like having a little sister."
[23:23] * Ami-chan smiles. "She reminds me of you." she admits.
[23:24] <Usagi-chan> "Gee, I wonder why," she says wryly. "Not like she's related to me or anything."
[23:25] * Ami-chan giggles. "Well, there is that... but... I was thinking more along the lines that she makes me think of what you'd been like as a child."
[23:26] <Usagi-chan> "Really?" Usagi looks surprised. "You haven't been getting embarrassing stories from Mom or anything, have you?" she asks suspiciously.
[23:28] * Ami-chan laughs. "No, but now I'm tempted." she giggles. "Is there something worth asking about?"
[23:29] * Usagi-chan blushes. "Nothing you'd be interested in, I'm sure..." she mumbles. "Just typical kid stuff, really."
[23:32] * Ami-chan smiles, blushing a bit. "I probably would." she counters. "I wasn't really a normal child." She moves around the front of the desk, beckoning the blonde girl. "Let's go eat, hmm?"
[23:32] <Usagi-chan> "Sure..." Usagi says slowly, giving Ami a curious look - that last comment is getting filed away for later.
[23:34] * Ami-chan nods and heads to the door, opening it an looking back, waiting for Usagi.
[23:34] * Usagi-chan quickly rises from her desk, heading out of the room and down towards the kitchens.
[23:38] * Ami-chan follows, her gaze sliding over Usagi before blushing, and shaking her head to clear it. "Have you thought about your own Chibi Usa?" Ami asked curiously.
[23:39] * Usagi-chan slows down a bit, her cheeks flushing a bit pink. "...actually, kind of. But I have no idea how it could happen."
[23:41] * Ami-chan blushes. "I... Uhm... I do."
[23:42] * Usagi-chan stops and turns to look at Ami, surprise written all over her face. "You do? How?"
[23:46] * Ami-chan blushes a little darker, stopping as well. "Well... it's an involved process..." she begins hesitantly. "But If my theory is correct, one of the procedures now being researched for human cloning could be adapted to allow two women to have a child together..."
[23:47] * Usagi-chan stares at Ami open-mouthed. "Are you serious? It would really work?"
[23:49] * Ami-chan holds out her hands in a placating gesture. "I'm not certain." she says, embarrassed. "But, I am 75 percent convinced it would work..."
[23:49] * Usagi-chan 's mouth opens and closes for a moment, the blonde struck speechless.
[23:51] <Ami-chan> "Ano... Usagi-chan..." Ami laughs nervously. "Are you all right?"
[23:52] <Usagi-chan> "It really COULD happen then..." she says quietly a moment later. "You're saying I actually could... could have children."
[23:53] * Ami-chan nods slowly, pushing down on a sudden burst of malaise. "Yes, I think so."
[23:54] <Usagi-chan> "That would be..." Usagi shakes her head slowly. "I mean, not now of course, but after having Chibi Usa here I do think I want to have at least one child someday."
[23:56] * Ami-chan nods and smiles. "Of course." she replies easily. "In any case, it would take some time to investigate to see if my theory is viable, in any event."
[23:59] <Usagi-chan> "That would be amazing if you could really do it, Ami-chan," Usagi beams. "Oh wow, to actually be able to have kids... Mom would probably flip out!"
[00:03] * Ami-chan smiles, conflicting feelings vying for attention, giving way to pleasure for her friend. "She'd been worried about that?" she asked, gently prodding Usagi into resuming their trek to the kitchen.
[00:05] * Usagi-chan walks next to Ami as the pair continue on down towards the kitchens. "She's... well, she's never really been very happy about me being together with Rei, and I swear she's fallen in love with Chibi Usa while she's been with us. I bet she'd love it if I could give her a grandchild for real."
[00:09] * Ami-chan sighs inwardly, but smiles for Usagi as they walk. "If you like, when things settle down, I'll see if I can confirm that my theory would work... that way, even if you wait a while to have children, your mother will have something to hope for..."
[00:11] <Usagi-chan> "You really mean that?" Usagi asks with a broad grin. "That would just be beyond cool, Ami-chan..."
[00:18] * Ami-chan smiles and nods. "Certainly." she agrees.
[00:20] * Usagi-chan gives Ami a quick hug just at the two enter the kitchen. "Ami-chan, you're amazing! Thank you SO much!"
[00:24] * Ami-chan blushes, shivering slightly before tentatively returning the hug. "Usagi-chan, I haven't done anything yet..."
[00:25] <Usagi-chan> "I know, but you said you would - and I didn't even ask you or anything!" Usagi bubbles, clearly excited.
[00:27] * Ami-chan can't help but laugh quietly. "I'll accept your thanks when I've done something more concrete, Usagi-chan." she replies warmly, blushing more as she forces herself to release Usagi.
[00:29] <Usagi-chan> "Darn right you will!" Usagi grins. "Anyway! Time for lunch!" she declares, stabbing a finger in the air. "Anything in particular you want?"
[00:32] * Ami-chan blushes. "Sandwiches?" she suggests mildly.
[00:34] * Usagi-chan nods. "You go ahead and sit down, I'll get the cold cuts out." She heads over to the fridge, almost getting herself lost inside the industrial-size appliance.
[00:37] * Ami-chan watches absently, sighing slightly and beginning to blush as she watches Usagi from the rear, blood rushing into her cheeks.
[00:39] * Usagi-chan emerges from the refrigerator a few moments later, laden with various meats, cheeses, and bread as she heads over towards a dining table that's been temporarily set up in the kitchen. "Okay, think I got it all." She unloads her burdens onto the table carefully, making sure not to drop anything. "Anything else you can think of that I missed?"
[00:41] * Ami-chan quickly snaps out of her trance with a slightly guilty expression, then eyes the array of food Usagi has laid out. "You're saying there's still more in there?" She asks wryly.
[00:43] <Usagi-chan> "Well, there's still drinks in there, although they're not going to go bad at least." Usagi replies as she heads back over to the fridge, retrieving one of Ami's usual sodas as well as a bottle of cold tea for herself. "Figured you'd want your usual for lunch," she grins.
[00:47] * Ami-chan perks up almost visibly just from the sight of the bottle, and beam at Usagi. "Thank you!" she returns happily, opening it and drinking some immediately. The effects in the sudden improvement of her posture, and more energy in her expression are almost dramatic as she examines the variety of sandwich material.
[00:51] <Usagi-chan> Pretty much anything you'd care to name is there; not particularly surprising, given the combination of Usagi's cooking skills and her appetite. The odangoed one herself settles down at the table and starts constructing a massive triple-decker sandwich...
[00:54] * Ami-chan makes herself two sandwiches with salami and smoked cheese, and sits down to eat, her soda, strangely nearly gone...
[00:55] * Usagi-chan starts in on her own sandwich with a will, her usually vigorous appetite in full effect today. "So, are all your projects up here settled for the moment?" she asks between bites.
[00:56] * Ami-chan nods, smiling. "Mmhmm. Though, I wish I had a little more time... the weapons designs I've been tinkering with might have been useful, but I haven't had the chance to test them..."
[00:57] <Usagi-chan> "Weapons designs? I didn't know you were working on anything like that." Usagi raises her eyebrows. "What kind of weapons?"
[01:00] * Ami-chan smiles sheepishly. "Well, As I said, I haven't tested them... But I've been working on developing stun grenades, for one." she offered, finishing off her soda.
[01:01] <Usagi-chan> "Is it something you wanted to use in senshi fights, or is it just something where you had an idea and decided to work on it?" Usagi asks.
[01:03] <Ami-chan> "I was working on it as a backup, in case we ran into malignant mind control on civilians." Ami admits. "I'm unsure about my ability to deal with them without inflicting injury, so I was hoping to avoid it..."
[01:05] * Usagi-chan nods. "I can understand that - that'd be really tough for any of us, really. I've got an idea of what I'd try myself, but I have no idea if it'd work at all or what it might do."
[01:06] <Ami-chan> *"Like what?" Ami asks curiously as she gets up to retrieve another soda from the fridge.
[01:08] <Usagi-chan> "Well, it's kind of a weird idea... I almost don't like it just for what it is," Usagi replies, leaning her elbows on the table. "A couple of times when we were fighting Alan and Ann's cardians, I managed to draw energy away from them. If I can do that to people, I could probably knock them out - but it'd really feel weird to do that, when we've fought against so many people who did that themselves."
[01:11] * Ami-chan nods slowly. "Yes... I can understand being uncomfortable with that..." she agrees. "But, as a last resort, it's serviceable." she offers, smiling slightly. "Though... if I could work on my elemental control enough to leech heat from the air... colder temperatures make the human body sluggish..."
[01:13] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, but that could make them sick too - well, not that my idea's a lot better, since they'd be tired for a few days afterwards." Usagi sighs. "I just hope we don't have to fight people at all - just droids."
[01:15] * Ami-chan nods. "Hopefully not." She agrees again. "Though, as I said, I wish I'd had time to test them." she sighs.
[01:16] <Usagi-chan> "So are you going to bring them along, or just hope we don't have to worry about it?"
[01:18] <Ami-chan> Ami's expression turned serious. "I'm uncertain as to their effects, but I do know they're not fatal." she offered. "But I have four prototypes made. -Should- I bring them along?"
[01:20] * Usagi-chan thinks for a moment. "Do you think they could really hurt anyone? I mean, more than just knocking them out or something like that."
[01:21] * Ami-chan sighs and nods slowly. "There IS a certain amount of risk, but the design itself shouldn't cause any lasting injury."
[01:23] <Usagi-chan> "I guess go ahead and bring them along, and hope you don't have to use them." Usagi says after a few moments. "I don't think any of the rest of us have any foolproof way of dealing with a lot of brainwashed people, so it's as good as anything else we might try."
[01:25] * Ami-chan nods and smiles. "I'll be fully satisfied if they don't get used." she agrees. "But it might be good to have them."
[01:27] <Usagi-chan> "Anything else you're going to have to leave behind while we're gone?" Usagi asks curiously. "I know what you've been working on for the palace itself, but I know not EVERYTHING you work on has to do with that."
[01:29] * Ami-chan smiles. "Just two more projects..." she hedges, smiling a little.
[01:30] * Usagi-chan grins. "Come on, you can tell me..." she cajoles the blue-haired girl.
[01:31] * Ami-chan blushes. "Well...I've been improving on Lita-chan's design..."
[01:32] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Are you making another Lita then? Or just stuff to make the one Mako-chan has better?"
[01:33] <Ami-chan> "Oh, I'll upgrade Lita-chan for her, but I've been working on an imouto-chan for Lita..."
[01:34] * Usagi-chan giggles. "Really? What's she look like?"
[01:37] * Ami-chan blushes. "Chibi Usa made me want to make her look like a little girl." she admits. "About six years old, with eyes like Rei-chan's and a ponytail..."
[01:38] <Usagi-chan> "How cool! I can't wait to see her when she's finished - have you made a name for her yet?" Usagi asks eagerly.
[01:40] <Ami-chan> "Not yet." Ami laughs, embarrassed. "I've been calling her Mao-chan for now, but she'll need a new name when she's done..."
[01:40] <Usagi-chan> "Well, I'll be patient - for now, at least." The blonde grins. "And what's the other project?"
[01:42] * Ami-chan reddens even more, and looks away. "It... well, It was just an idea I had, that happened to work." she replied vaguely, taking a deep pull from her bottle to hide her deepening embarrassment.
[01:43] <Usagi-chan> "So what is it?" Usagi asks, her face a picture of honest curiosity.
[01:44] <Ami-chan> "Uhm...Have you ever hear of an American movie called 'Star Wars'?" Ami asked slowly, embarrassedly looking up at the other girl.
[01:45] <Usagi-chan> "Oh sure - I saw that once on TV with subtitles," Usagi nods. "It was pretty cool."
[01:46] <Ami-chan> "Well..." Ami blushes and shrugs. "I... made a lightsaber." she blurts out, blushing. "It works, but it sucks up too much power to be any real use..."
[01:47] * Usagi-chan laughs. "But it really works? That's awesome, Ami-chan!"
[01:50] * Ami-chan ducks her head, her blush refusing to fade away. "Thanks... It wasn't too hard, though... the only problem was making it small enough to hold without exploding.."
[01:51] <Usagi-chan> "Exploding?" Usagi looks rather shocked. "There weren't any accidents, were there?"
[01:53] * Ami-chan blinks and looks up blankly. "Oh! No, no... Not what you're thinking." She assures Usagi hastily. "Making a focusing lens of the right shape was hard at such a small size... they tended to shatter spectaclarly when I turned them on..."
[01:54] * Usagi-chan calms down a little at that. "Oh good - I was afraid you might have hurt yourself or something."
[01:56] <Ami-chan> "Nothing serious." Ami assured Usagi quickly. "Just a few cuts, and a small burn."
[01:57] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I know I can't make sure you never get hurt, but promise me you'll be careful, okay?"
[02:00] <Ami-chan> Ami blinks, her cheeks growing warm again. "O-Okay." she replied, smiling awkwardly.
[02:01] * Usagi-chan gives her friend a warm smile. "Good, that's all I really wanted to hear." She takes a drink from her tea to wash down the last of her massive sandwich.
[02:03] * Ami-chan nods, and finishes off her own food, moving back to the fridge to extract a third soda, and beginning to drink. "Have you got everything organized to leave?" Ami asks curiously, wondering what preparations Usagi has made.
[02:05] <Usagi-chan> "Pretty much, yeah. I needed to straighten up my office, but that's already done. Alan and Ann said they'd take care of the gardens while we're gone, so we don't have to worry about that." She thinks for a moment, then snaps her fingers. "There is one thing Rei-chan wanted me to do that I forgot, but I can get that after we finish eating - shouldn't take very long."
[02:07] <Ami-chan> "Oh?" Ami asks curiously, returning to her seat after stretching, a slightly nervous energy beginning to show in her movements.
[02:09] * Usagi-chan nods. "She wanted me to drop my shield over the Silence Glaive, in case Hotaru-chan needs to come get it for any reason while we're gone. If I leave it there, she couldn't get through my shield to get to it, so I'm just going to take it down. Saturn's shield should be more than enough protection anyway."
[02:12] * Ami-chan nods. "I hope she doesn't need it..." She sighs. "Is she the only senshi staying behind?"
[02:13] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Viluy will be staying too - she's too new at this to go into something as dangerous as this other world sounds like it might be. She'll have the rest of the Witches and the Professor to help her out in case anything happens here, though."
[02:16] <Ami-chan> "Hopefully Sailor Pluto and Endymion will back them up..." Ami ventures softly. "Though, I admit to some doubt... they're both very inexperienced. If something happens..."
[02:18] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, I've thought about that too. I'm HOPING the Professor will have some way to contact us if there's an emergency back here, but he hasn't said anything about it to me at least. I almost want to leave one of the rest of you here to keep an eye on things, but if things are really that bad in Chibi Usa's dimension we'll probably need all the help we can get there."
[02:22] * Ami-chan nods. "I'd feel better if we could at least count on Setsuna-san, or Endymion-san to watch out for them... They don't even have to fight, but the experience would be invaluable..."
[02:24] * Usagi-chan just shakes her head. "I hope they will, but with Setsuna trying to get her to do anything is worse than pulling teeth. Her duty to the Time Gate, whatever it is exactly, seems to be more important than absolutely everything else in the world - or at least that's the impression I got from her. I bet Endymion will help if things get bad, though."
[02:28] * Ami-chan nods. "Uhm... This... Have you asked him directly?" she wonders softly. "Well, I suppose it shouldn't be necessary. He IS the knight of earth, after all..."
[02:29] <Usagi-chan> "No, I haven't asked directly - it's kind of hard to, since the only way I have to talk to him gets me to Setsuna, not him - and she kind of made it sound like she didn't want to be bothered all that often. I do know he won't just sit back and watch if things start to go wrong, though."
[02:32] * Ami-chan nods. "I hope so." she replies softly. She glances at Usagi and smiles wryly. "Fifteen and already worrying about the fate of the world..." she mused. "We lead interesting lives..."
[02:34] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Tell me about it... this is NOT what I had in mind for my life at all - but I'll try to make the best of it, since it seems this is what I have to do." She smiles a bit at that.
[02:40] * Ami-chan smiles back. "It's all we -can- do, really. But I really think you're the best one for this job in any case..." she nods.
[02:41] * Usagi-chan smiles a bit more. "Thanks, Ami-chan - it's really nice to know you have confidence in me. I'll have to try to live up to your expectations."
[02:43] * Ami-chan giggles softly. "Don't. Live up to your own, and I'll be happy, Usagi-chan." she replies warmly, stretching her arms above her head, humming happily.
[02:44] * Usagi-chan leans back in her chair with a smile. "All right, I will." She looks over at Ami for several moments, still smiling but silent as she watches her friend.
[02:46] * Ami-chan relaxes, blinking as she notices Usagi's eyes on her, and begins to blush again. "W-What?"
[02:47] * Usagi-chan grins. "Looks like you've been taking my advice, I see."
[02:48] * Ami-chan blinks again. "What makes you say that?" she asks hestitantly, confused.
[02:49] * Usagi-chan smiles. "You don't look nearly as stressed out or as tired as you did a few weeks ago. Did you put aside some time to take it easy like I suggested?"
[02:59] * Ami-chan smiles slightly. "Sort of." she admits. "Nothing special, but I managed to start sleeping better." she shrugs and blushes. "It's not usually a dramatic difference, but it's been a good day..."

Halbarad · June 28, 2006, 03:14:10 PM

[15:25] <Usagi-chan> An early Sunday afternoon in late June finds one Usagi Tsukino headed for Haruka Tenoh's apartment for some planned business. She walks through the warm, early summer afternoon with a cheery smile, finally coming to a halt just outside Haruka's apartment. A short knock announces her arrival at the door.
[15:28] * Haruka answers the door dressed rather casually in shorts and a tanktop, blinking at who she finds at the door. "Usagi?" she says, taken somewhat by surprise at your presence. "Something up?"
[15:29] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Nothing too major, I was just coming to see if you wanted to come work on the palace a bit today. Remember, I told you I was going to start working on your bedroom soon, so I thought you might want to come."
[15:31] * Haruka wracks her brain, trying to recall the conversation, but shrugs. She knows her memory is pretty shoddy by her own account anyway. "Sure. I'm not up to anything right now. Come in while I get changed up a bit."
[15:33] <Haruka> "Fridge is over there," she makes a vague motion to the right. "And the couch is... somewhere over there," she finishes with an equally vague hand motion towards the left.
[15:34] * Usagi-chan nods, stepping inside Haruka's apartment. "...okay..." She takes a look around the apartment, curious as to what kind of home the newest senshi keeps.
[15:40] <Haruka> The kitchen is clean save for a few dishes and cups in the sink. Take-out boxes are stacked by the side of the fridge and the stove area is relatively stain free - a testament to its infrequent use.
[15:41] <Haruka> The living room has a fairly comfy looking brown couch that's still somewhat visible under magazine, book and newspaper foliage. There are a few potted plants and paintings for color, but nothing very eye-catching.
[15:43] <Haruka> "Help yourself to something to drink if you want." Haruka calls out from her room. "Be mindful of the cheese in the back of the fridge though. I think it's got some personality issues," adds a moment later.
[15:45] * Usagi-chan giggles a bit at that, clearing off a space on the couch so she can take a seat. The mess of paper doesn't slide off to the floor, although it does threaten to invade Usagi's lap if she shifts around too much. "That's okay, I'll be all right for now."
[15:49] * Haruka steps out of her room now in black long jeans, long sleeve shirt, holding a light jacket. "A pity. I was hoping you'd blast it and put the darned thing in its place," she says with a smirk, straightening her collar.
[15:50] * Usagi-chan makes a face. "It's not THAT bad, is it?"
[15:52] * Haruka simply chuckles ominously for the girl's amusement. "So, too much? Too little?" Haruka asks Usagi, presenting her current attire with a twirl and a pose.
[15:54] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Should be fine, it's not usually too bad once we start working." She rises from the couch, dressed herself in a pair of jeans and a short-sleeved pink blouse. "Did you have anything you wanted to take up with you?"
[15:56] <Haruka> "Huh..." Haruka says, thinking about that a bit. "I think I've got a few things, but not much. Care to give me a hand?" she asks, motioning to her bedroom.
[15:57] <Usagi-chan> "Sure, no problem." Usagi follows Haruka over to the bedroom, waiting for the taller girl to ask her what she needs help with.
[15:59] <Haruka> "I've got a few things I wanted to take with me, but it's slightly cumbersome," she tells Usagi while stepping through the doorway and into her room. "I'll take the bulky stuff, but I needed you to grab the smaller stuff."
[16:00] * Usagi-chan nods, stepping inside. "Do you have a box or something to put it all in?"
[16:02] <Haruka> Walking into the room, Haruka goes over to a corner and grabs a book as well as what resembles a jewlery box. "We don't need a box. You just need to grab these, while I grab that over there." Haruka points to a fairly large painting depicting a lighthouse on a coastal cliff, overlooking the tide below with a strangely familiar someone standing by the guard rails.
[16:04] <Usagi-chan> "That's easy enough then, I guess." Usagi takes the book and jewelry box from Haruka, glancing at the book's cover out of curiosity.
[16:08] <Haruka> The cover has a picture of the former Neptune, with the name 'Michiru Kaioh' in Lunarian below it.
[16:09] * Usagi-chan raises her eyebrows at the book, but decides not to ask about it - for the moment at least.
[16:11] <Haruka> Standing atop her bed, Haruka finally manages to get the painting off the wall, making sure her grip is firm. Carefully stepping off the bed she stands next to Usagi with a questioning look. "Mmkay. I think that's all I want to take up for now. Ready to beam us up, Princess?"
[16:15] * Usagi-chan grins. "Sure thing. Hold on to your hat!" Usagi closes her eyes, chanting softly. Mere moments later, Haruka sees a bright flash, followed by darkness. When her vision clears, she finds herself standing in a dusty bedroom, the walls cracked in several places and much of the furniture in ruins. "Here we are!" Usagi announces.
[16:17] * Haruka chuckles at Usagi's presentation. "I thought I ordered the deluxe suite!" Haruka mock protests, noting the state the room is currently in. "Ah, well," she adds a moment later with a simple shrug. "It's still better than a few of the places I've had to crash at, I suppose."
[16:19] * Usagi-chan glances around the room. "It's not as bad as some of the others', at least. Mostly dirty - there's no real holes in the walls or anything."
[16:21] <Haruka> "Point," Haruka concedes to Usagi, noting unfortunately, that the task was going to require some actual elbow grease.
[16:23] <Usagi-chan> "Anyway, I've got buckets and so forth in the bathroom if you want to get started on cleaning. I'll start with fixing the walls for now, and they'll probably get cleaned next." Usagi moves over towards the nearest wall, which is sporting a lovely six-foot long crack running from chest level up to and across the ceiling.
[16:25] * Haruka places the framed painting down while setting off to do just that, but dragging her feet slightly nonetheless. "Yes, ma'am...."
[16:29] * Usagi-chan grins. "Hey, at least it won't take THAT long. And it'll be really nice when we get done with it." Placing her hands on either side of the lengthy fissure, she begins to chant softly. After a few moments, the crack begins to seal over - almost like someone closing a zipper, the fissure sealing up from where Usagi's hands touch the wall and traveling upward.
[16:30] * Haruka only groans like the undead while grabbing the cleaning supplies and getting down to business.
[16:30] <Haruka> "On my hands and kness..." Haruka huffs and puffs slightly, looking towards her partner. "With a cute girl... Normally this would be a GOOD thing, but this," Haruka scrubs away dutifuly at a particularly stubborn spot on the floor. "This is definitely not what I had pictured."
[16:33] * Usagi-chan whirls to face the short-haired blonde, blushing furiously. "Haruka!"
[16:36] * Haruka tries to feign innocence, but is unable to wipe the rakish smirk off her face. "Yes, calling out my name was also part of it. Multiple times though." Haruka continues cleaning, enjoying Usagi's company.
[16:37] * Usagi-chan's mouth works silently for a moment, Usagi coloring to her ears. Finally, the exasperated blonde turns back to her work silently, not even sure how to respond to that one.
[16:41] * Haruka snickers at Usagi's reaction, moving on now to other areas as well. "I'm shameless, I admit, but you'd miss me if I changed."
[16:42] <Usagi-chan> "Only if I ran out of things to throw," Usagi retorts, but with a smile.
[16:44] <Haruka> "Ouch," Haruka returns. "You got me, right here," Haruka finishes, clutching her chest in a wounded manner.
[16:46] * Usagi-chan giggles, standing behind a shattered chair as she begins to repair it. "I know I've said this before, but it's still true - you're terrible, Haruka."
[16:50] <Haruka> "No denial here," Haruka says with a shrug, now working on wiping some of the dust off the bed posts. "Huh..." she remarks, pausing to study them with a careful eye now.
[16:51] * Usagi-chan quickly repairs the chair and desk, then sits down for a moment to rest. "Something wrong?" She turns the chair so she can look at Haruka.
[16:52] * Haruka looks up at Usagi with a solemn nod, coming to her mental conclusion. "Not a mark on 'em. I'll have to rectify that one of these days," she finishes with a laugh, making sure to keep out of arm's reach for a swat.
[16:53] * Usagi-chan grins, shaking her head. "I'll be sure to keep out of this wing after today, then."
[16:56] * Haruka gives the girl a wink. "By all means, don't be a stranger."
[16:58] * Usagi-chan just shakes her head, leaning back in the chair as she gathers her strength for another assault.
[17:01] <Haruka> Taking a bit of a break, Haruka lies across the bed and stares upwards. "I wonder how often I've stared up at this ceiling," Haruka says aloud, her hands atop her chest and abdomen.
[17:03] <Usagi-chan> "Not too often, I think. I can just barely remember meeting you once, maybe twice back in the Silver Millenium." Usagi has a rather faraway look. "And even that wasn't for very long, as I recall."
[17:06] * Haruka hums to herself in thought at that. "I get bits and pieces here and there," she admits to Usagi. "Though the book that Setsuna gave me has pulled out a few memories or three, I don't recall this place too well. Figured it was just holes in my recollection, but I guess I wasn't around by your account."
[17:08] <Usagi-chan> "My memories aren't perfect, but I do remember a LOT of my old life here. It really started once I got the silver crystal, and then I got a bunch more after Cynthia died, and even now I still pick up bits and pieces of stuff I'd forgotten." Usagi says thoughtfully.
[17:12] * Haruka has her eyes closed, digesting that nugget of information. "What about the others? Have they been recovering a good chunk of their memories as well?" Opening her eyes, she turns her head to look towards Usagi questioningly. "Most of my memories are centered on Michiru and I haven't really gotten much else."
[17:15] <Usagi-chan> "It kind of varies for everyone else. I know Rei-chan has a lot of her old memories back now, although hers really didn't start coming back until just recently. Mako-chan remembers bits and pieces, but not a lot, and I don't really know about Herb or Ami-chan."
[17:18] * Haruka nods storing that away in the back of her mind.
[17:19] * Usagi-chan leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "What kinds of stuff do you remember the most?"
[17:22] <Haruka> "Like I said," Haruka begins, turning her body on the side so she's now facing Usagi. "Almost all of what I recall has to do with Michiru in some shape or form."
[17:22] <Haruka> Haruka's eyes go distant as her mind swims through time. "How we met, the times we spent together..." her tone grows wistful before she shakes herself out of her reverie. "Stuff like that, anyway."
[17:23] * Usagi-chan nods. "I really do wish she could have made it here to be with the rest of us," she says quietly.
[17:26] * Haruka nods sadly at that, the somber mood was becoming slightly oppressive. "You know, Usagi. Michiru and I started off our relationship hating each other back then," Haruka says, to change the atmosphere if nothing else.
[17:27] <Usagi-chan> "Seriously?" Usagi says, sounding rather surprised.
[17:30] <Haruka> "Yup." Haruka says nodding her head. "She was the haughty, prissy girl and I was... well, the very opposite," she chuckles, "And we mixed horribly at the beginning. We got on each others nerves constantly."
[17:31] * Usagi-chan can't help but giggle at that. "Why does this story sound familiar for some reason?" She shakes her head. "Don't mind me - go ahead."
[17:36] * Haruka grins at her words. "Well, you know, it wasn't like I despised her, mind you," Haruka tells Usagi honestly. "In fact, I was pretty neutral on the whole matter, but she was SO uptight and you know how I am, right?"
[17:38] * Usagi-chan grins. "How was she uptight? Just really picky about stuff or what?"
[17:42] <Haruka> "She couldn't take a joke, always so stiff and formal, a real harpy about protocol, and..." Haruka trails off with a weary sigh. "And... she was fun to be around, to tease, and for all her faults she was one of the few who'd always stick by me."
[17:45] * Usagi-chan grins. "Not like anyone I used to know at all."
[17:48] * Haruka returns the grin. "No resemblance whatsoever?" she finishes with a chuckle.
[17:56] <Usagi-chan> "Well... maybe a little." Usagi giggles. "I definitely wouldn't call her prissy, but haughty? For sure."
[17:59] <Haruka> "How did you get through to your Michiru, Usagi?" Haruka asks, taking the bait for 'war story' exchanges with her companion.
[18:02] * Usagi-chan smiles with the recollection. "I still wonder sometimes. She used to dog me all the time - always going on about how I didn't take things seriously enough, that I needed to be more responsible. It seemed like she'd take the slightest little excuse to yell at me - used to drive me absolutely crazy."
[18:04] <Haruka> "What a frightening echo..." Haruka remarks with a chuckle. "Michiru did a lot of the same."
[18:06] * Usagi-chan grins. "It finally started to change when I actually listened to some of what she was saying. I HAD been slacking off, and I decided to try not to do it so much anymore - and then it seemed like we didn't get into so many fights anymore. That's probably when I really started to think of her as a friend."
[18:09] <Haruka> "Michiru didn't really go for trying to change or improve me any. She accepted I was who I was and worked with what she had," Haruka trails off slightly at that. "Wait, that makes me sound really bad... Well, okay, maybe I may be a little out of hand at times, but it's a charm point, I'm sure."
[18:11] * Usagi-chan grins. "Well, I definitely had room to improve - she wasn't all wrong, even if she probably was too hard on me. I think I actually got MORE stubborn about NOT changing because she harped on me so much, at least at first."
[18:13] <Haruka> "The women we fall in love with are so similar yet we couldn't be any more different," Haruka offers with a chuckle.
[18:16] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Funny how it works out, isn't it? If you'd asked me about Rei a year ago today, boy would you have gotten an earful - and probably the same from her if you'd asked her about me. We were fighting like cats and dogs this time last year."
[18:20] <Haruka> "Love works in strange and mysterious ways..." Haruka intones sagely with a simple nod.
[18:22] * Usagi-chan leans back in her chair, staring up at the ceiling. "That's for sure... me getting together with Rei was the LAST thing I ever expected to happen, even after we did start getting to be better friends."
[14:43] * Haruka smiles at Usagi warmly then sighs. "Watching you and Rei work out so well makes me envious. It's like watching what I had with Michiru..." Haruka sits up and stretches her arms overhead. "Well, no use dwelling on it, I guess."
[14:44] * Usagi-chan smiles. "You'll find someone else, Haruka - I'm sure of it. Just give it a little time."
[14:47] * Haruka returns Usagi's smile weakly. "I wonder about that sometimes," she says forlornly, picking at the sheets slightly. "My head says exactly what you say, that I'll find someone else, but in here," she touches a spot above her heart, "it's telling me a different story, you know?"
[14:49] * Usagi-chan nods, her smile dimming a bit. "I... know how you feel. I used to be the same way."
[14:51] * Haruka cocks her head to one side, studying the girl with a sidelong glance. "Oh? Do tell."
[14:54] * Usagi-chan plucks at her jeans a bit, not meeting Haruka's eyes. "I was pretty much convinced after I dumped Endymion that I'd done the wrong thing, that I was never going to find love again after that. My head told me it was still the right thing to do, but it hurt. A lot."
[14:59] * Haruka gives her companion a sympathetic smile. "I guess," Haruka begins slowly, waiting to try and catch her eyes. "We aren't quite as different as I originally thought."
[15:00] * Usagi-chan looks up, smiling a bit more. "You think? But you know how things turned out for me - why should you be any different?" She gives Haruka a wink at that.
[15:05] * Haruka can't help but chuckle at that. "We'll see how it goes. No guarantees though." She kicks her feet that dangle over the bed while studying the wall across from her. "I was so focused on finding Michiru that I ended up ignoring a lot of girls along the way. All those missed opportunities..."
[15:06] <Usagi-chan> "So don't kick yourself over what you've missed, just keep your eyes open now." Usagi grins. "Who knows what might drop into your lap when you're least expecting it?"
[15:10] * Haruka gives Usagi a strange look filled with doubt. "If you say so..." she offers, unconvinced.
[15:12] * Usagi-chan smiles. "I guess we'll find out, won't we?" She rises from her chair. "Anyway, enough of a break! If we're going to get this done today, we need to get going again." She nods sharply. "You ready?"
[15:14] <Haruka> "You've seen through my brilliant plot to waste the time away!" Haruka points at Usagi accusingly then relents with a groan. "I guess I'm ready... 'No' isn't one of the multiple choice answers, is it?"
[15:15] * Usagi-chan giggles. "Not unless you want to come back and do this again another day." She places her hands on the desk in front of her, swiftly repairing it magically. "You've got some nice furniture in here, Haruka."
[15:17] <Haruka> "I guess so," Haruka replies to Usagi's observation with a shrug. "I don't think I picked out any of these, personally. If I did though, I wonder why that skill didn't carry-over into my present self. I suck at picking furniture and decorating," she chuckles.
[15:21] <Usagi-chan> "Well, yours is in a lot better shape than some of the other rooms I've seen." Usagi replies. "Most of it is really good furniture, but some of it's been wrecked so badly I can't do anything to fix it. I don't think anything in here is in that bad a shape though." She glances back at Haruka with a small grin. "And you're bad at decorating, huh? Just don't like bothering with it, or actually bad at it?"
[15:25] * Haruka coughs. "Just... bad. At least that's what I've been told anyway," she responds to Usagi with a smirk. "A friend of mine actually did the decorating after shooting down all of MY proposals...." she trails off in a mutter.
[15:25] * Usagi-chan giggles a bit. "What did YOU have in mind then?"
[15:30] <Haruka> "My eye tends to drift towards furniture that looks a bit flashy and bold," Haruka says after some thought. "'Tacky and garish' were the words she used on me, I think." Haruka shakes her head at the memory. "Simplistic was the middle ground we went for and I could live with it, so it wasn't TOO bad."
[15:31] <Usagi-chan> "What, like really bright colors and stuff?" Usagi asks. "Somehow I can see that." She grins at that.
[15:36] <Haruka> "Well, not just bright colors, but that's part of it," she returns thoughtfully. "Sometimes it's just whatever catches my eye and suits my fancy." Haruka shrugs. "And what do you mean by, 'you can see it'?" she asks Usagi suspiciously.
[15:39] * Usagi-chan grins a bit wider, working on dusting off the furniture she's just repaired. "You seem to like flashy, over the top stuff. I can just picture you picking out something like a bright teal sofa or something."
[15:41] <Haruka> "Bright teal... That doesn't sound too bad, actually..." Haruka thinks aloud. She's standing now and beginning to work on cleaning the cabinet next to her while pondering the merits of a teal couch seriously.
[15:42] <Usagi-chan> "Oh lord..." Usagi just shakes her head, getting back down to her work. "I've created a monster!"
[15:43] <Haruka> "But teal isn't such a bad color..." Haruka retorts, moving from the cabinet to wiping down some of the walls.
[15:45] <Usagi-chan> "No, but you don't want to look at it every DAY - or on something that big. It's too bright!" Usagi shakes her head.
[15:45] <Rei-chan> As the pair banter while cleaning up, the door opens and a raven-haired head pops in. "Oh, hi guys," Rei smiles, entering the room fully, dressed in her pink overalls and a white t-shirt. "Hey, this place is starting to look pretty good already," she comments admiringly, looking around.
[15:46] * Usagi-chan smiles over at her girlfriend. "Heya, Rei-chan! Yeah, it's starting to really shape up, I think." She steps back from her work a moment, giving the room a once-over.
[15:48] <Haruka> "She's such a slave driver, Rei," Haruka mock whines. "You should do something to hold back her reign of terror." Haruka wrings out the towel after dipping it into the bucket on the ground.
[15:49] <Rei-chan> "Usagi?" Rei snorts, not buying that at all.
[15:49] * Usagi-chan just shakes her head, moving on to the last piece of furniture in the room - the bed - before kneeling down next to it and starting its repair.
[15:50] <Rei-chan> "You okay doing that yourself, Usagi?" Rei gives the blonde a concerned look, remembering how worn out she got fixing her own bed that time.
[15:51] * Haruka blinks then blinks again. "Gee. I'm glad that didn't break while I was lying across it..." she says with an embarrassed chuckle.
[15:52] * Usagi-chan pays no attention, intent on the operation of the magic. As the spell completes, her head dips for a moment but she remains upright, shaking her head a little. "I'm okay, Rei-chan. Not so bad once you get used to it." The large four-poster repaired, Usagi rests back on her heels, catching her breath.
[15:53] <Rei-chan> "I suppose so," Rei nods, deciding that Usagi doesn't seem completely wiped, so it isn't worth making a fuss over.
[15:55] <Haruka> "So, came to check up on us, Rei?" Haruka asks, before looking towards Usagi. "I didn't think we were so loud..." Haruka trails off, with a chuckle.
[15:58] * Rei-chan snorts at Haruka's implication. "I was just getting bored by myself down in the garden so I figured I'd come see how you two were doing," she says, not dignifying the older girl's suggestion with a direct response.
[16:00] * Haruka chuckles then looks at Usagi. "Just like you know who." Haruka says with a wink before moving on to check the other rooms for cleaning.
[16:00] <Usagi-chan> "Anyway, I'm kind of hungry after all that - think I'll head down to the kitchen to get a snack. Either of you want me to bring you back something?" Usagi rises to her feet, grinning a bit at Haruka's implication.
[16:02] * Haruka comes back into the bedroom after checking the other room. "Something to drink would be nice. I'm not too hungry right now."
[16:02] <Rei-chan> "Not for me, thanks," Rei replies, "Breakfast wasn't that long ago."
[16:04] * Usagi-chan nods. "And Rei-chan, maybe YOU can explain why a teal couch is a bad idea while I'm gone. Anyway, I'll be back in a little while." Usagi waves cheerily to the two and departs in search of food.
[16:05] <Rei-chan> "Teal?" Rei winces a bit. "No, I can't imagine any good coming of that..."
[16:07] <Haruka> "Bah! Yet another soul joins the legions conspiring against me and my unique fashion sense!" Haruka declares sadly.
[16:08] <Rei-chan> "The thing about legions is that we're often right," Rei remarks dryly. "Still, the way things are set up here right now are pretty good - a little plain, but why you'd want to ruin it with a teal couch is beyond me..." she shakes her head with a pained expression.
[16:11] <Haruka> "Oh, no. I was thinking of a teal couch was for my apartment. Not here." Haruka responds with a chuckle. "About the only thing I want to add in terms of decoration is that painting there," she indicates, pointing to the framed picture lying against the wall near Rei's left.
[16:16] <Rei-chan> "Oh?" Curious, Rei turns and hunches down to take a look at said painting. After a moment she stands up and smiles at Haruka. "It's a good choice. Hmm..." she looks around thoughtfully. "It would probably look best over there," she points to the wall facing the right hand side of the bed.
[16:17] <Haruka> "Oh, my fashion ego has been beaten to a pulp with the sensibility stick so I'll just nod my head and agree with you, Rei." Haruka does just that by nodding her head. "Do we have anything to hang it with?" Haruka asks.
[16:18] <Rei-chan> "Not unless you brought something up yourself," Rei shrugs, leaning her back against the nearby dresser. "So, this place bringing back any memories for you?" she asks curiously.
[16:21] <Haruka> "Not really," Haruka answers, grabbing the painting and walking it over to prop up against the wall that Rei had indicated. "I don't have much of a connection with this place, and according to what Usagi can recall, I was hardly here, I guess."
[16:23] <Haruka> "I have more memories thanks to the book that's on the dresser you're leaning against than this place," Haruka finishes with a soft sigh, taking a seat on the bed.
[16:25] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, guess so," Rei nods. "You were always off in the far reaches of the solar system, defending the kingdom. You know..." she gives a small smile to the other girl, "I don't think we ever met, or if we did I can't remember, but I do remember I used to really look up to you and," she hesitates for a tiny second, "Sailor Neptune back then. Your job seemed so exciting compared to mine."
[16:25] * Rei-chan snorts. "Of course we've all gotten plenty of excitement fighting evil in this lifetime."
[16:29] <Haruka> "Thanks, I guess." Haruka admits to Rei awkwardly, not used to such high praise. "It wasn't really that exciting, really. Most times it was a lonely job - to be out there in the wilds of space waiting for possible invaders."
[16:31] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods sadly, quite aware of the fact that Haruka and Michiru had each other to alleviate that loneliness but no longer. "Grass is always greener on the other side and all that, I suppose."
[16:41] <Haruka> "That's the truth." Haruka replies with a chuckle, before pausing. "You know," she begins, pillowing her head on her palm, while studying Rei's feature. "I think I do remember seeing you back then..."
[16:41] <Rei-chan> "Really?" Rei perks up.
[16:43] * Haruka thinks about it hard for a second before chuckling. "We started off our meeting with a misunderstanding, just as we did in this time."
[16:44] <Rei-chan> "I hope we at least didn't try to kill each other..." Rei shakes her head, recalling the times she's had to dodge World Shakings.
[16:46] <Haruka> "Well, I think the feeling was strictly one-sided..." Haruka chuckles embarrassedly. "You went to talk to Michiru, as was I, but by the time I'd gotten there all I saw was you in Michiru's arms. It wasn't pretty."
[16:52] * Rei-chan chuckles. "Oh, my. I can't remember meeting Michiru either, but knowing what I was like back then I really can't see me having... those, sorts of feelings towards another girl. I hope the misunderstanding got cleared up before anyone got hurt."
[16:55] <Haruka> "Michiru gave me a good tongue lashing," Haruka admits. "Always with the scolding and reprimands that girl," she finishes with a grin. "Like a certain someone, from what I've heard," Haruka gives Rei a knowing look.
[16:55] <Rei-chan> "Oh?" Rei leans forward, interested. "Has Usagi been telling tales about 'that meanie Rei-chan'?" she asks, smirking.
[16:58] <Haruka> "We were just comparing notes on our women," Haruka tells Rei with a smirk. "From what I've gathered though, Usagi is lucky to have swooped in when she did. I might've given you a shot as well," she says with a grin.
[16:59] * Haruka coughs. "World Shakings and implications of death aside, of course."
[17:02] <Rei-chan> "Of course," Rei grins. "I guess she can't have given you that bad an account of me." She then puts a finger to her cheek in apparent confusion, "And I remember I told Shiori-chan I probably wasn't your type after we first got properly introduced." Her confusion gives way to a sly look, "So what happened to that girl I saw you chatting up before I nearly blew your cover that time?"
[17:07] <Haruka> "You want me to pull a name out from among all my conquests?" Haruka replies in disbelief, before snorting at her own exclamation. "She just wanted me as a trophy," Haruka recounts with a sigh. "I'd been turning down some girls rather brusquely and they got it into their pointy heads that I was a cool, mysterious person who was a challenge. So annoying...."
[17:11] <Rei-chan> "Better that than to be seen as easy," Rei replies cheerfully, before continuing in a more understanding tone, "Don't worry, though. I'm sure you'll find someone who appreciates you as a person and not as a..." she smirks, turning the other girl's term back at her, "Conquest."
[17:16] <Haruka> "Sharp and so quick to stab back," Haruka returns feigned hurt. "Since I've dropped the aloof, gruff loner schtick I haven't had much luck with girls lately. It's true," Haruka begins with a frown, "Girls really DO like jerks. Perhaps it's time for a personality shift?" she jokes.
[17:22] * Rei-chan shrugs, taking a few steps towards Haruka. "I used to go for the cool mysterious types myself, but that ended rather..." she frowns. "It didn't really end badly or good. It just ended. But it wasn't all that great while I was with him." She gives her companion an encouraging look, "And the person I'm with now is pretty much the exact opposite. Open, friendly, caring... those are the qualities I'd go for."
[17:23] <Rei-chan> "Think about it, though, how you act defines the type of person you're likely to attract. Do you want to be with someone who 'digs jerks'?"
[17:31] <Haruka> "If I get desperate enough..." Haruka begins with a serious look before cracking her mask and chuckling. "Like I told Usagi, I'll see how it goes. Though now I'm beginning to suspect a senshi conspiracy afoot..." Haruka trails off, looking around her warily.
[17:32] <Rei-chan> "You make it sound so sinister," Rei says in a hushed whisper, grinning a bit.
[17:34] <Haruka> "It is sinister! Setsuna, then Usagi, now you, are all offering me support in my turbulent path down the road of love?" Haruka replies in equally hushed tones, sporting a wide grin. "Not that I mind any help, of course, but should I be suspicious, I wonder?"
[17:36] <Rei-chan> "It's just support," Rei gives her a playful swat on the shoulder, "It's not as if we're doing anything horribly demeaning like setting you up on blind dates."
[17:40] * Haruka rubs her shoulder with a mock sniffle. "So quick to violence, just like Usagi's scouting report said," she adds a wink to indicate jest to the fiery one. "Huh..." she begins thoughtfully. "I can't recall the last date I've been on... Junior High? Has it been that long?" Haruka shakes her head.
[17:43] <Rei-chan> "Eh, it's no wonder," Rei says understandingly. "You did get rather preoccupied when you awakened as a senshi, after all. But now things are more relaxed you've got all the time in the world to find someone right for you."
[17:48] <Haruka> "Maybe," Haruka draws out that word in a sing-song voice. "Eh," she shrugs,"If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. I'm only going to drive myself batty worrying about it."
[17:50] * Rei-chan nods. "There's no sense fretting over it. Just wait and see what happens - there's hardly any rush."
[17:56] <Haruka> "True," Haruka admits.
[17:59] <Rei-chan> "Just one thing, though," Rei leans in closer to Haruka, a curious lilt in her tone.
[18:00] * Haruka blinks, leaning in closer as well.
[18:02] <Rei-chan> "If you bring a girl back to your apartment and she sees a teal couch there, you'll get no luck." Rei nods solemnly before giggling as she steps back again.
[18:06] * Haruka hangs her head, defeatedly. "Why must you and the bunny make fun of my unique fashion sense?" Haruka growls, lacking any real heat behind the act.
[18:07] <Rei-chan> "For your own good," Rei nods decisively. "Better we get you on the right track now before you scare someone off down the line," she grins teasingly.
[18:11] * Haruka snorts and chuckles. "Between Kira, Usagi and you, I'm seeing a trend here..." she allows a sigh to leave her lips. "I suppose my tastes are just too sophisticated to be understood...." Haruka laments sadly in an overly dramatic fashion to silly to be taken seriously.
[18:13] <Rei-chan> "If you want to word it that way," Rei makes a face, "But simpler is definitely better."
[18:18] <Haruka> "Eh, which is pretty much the style my apartment is done up in," Haruka replies. "I just let Kira dress the place up for me after the fuddy-duddy needled me on the point."
[18:19] <Rei-chan> "So who's Kira?" Rei asks, hoping to learn a bit more about Haruka's life outside the senshi.
[18:23] <Haruka> "Hmm?" Haruka says, before answering. "Oh, childhood friend of mine. I haven't seen her in years, but I bumped into her again when I moved here. She owns a lounge downtown and I play there once in a while when I'm bored and I've got the free time." she says with a shrug.
[18:24] <Rei-chan> "You play?" Rei prods curiously.
[18:26] * Haruka nods. "Sure. My dad's a musician so he taught me how to play a bit," she says as a matter of fact. "Piano, saxophone, bass, guitar, a few others. I picked up the piano from dad, but the other instruments I learned from his buddies."
[18:28] <Rei-chan> "Hey," Rei looks at Haruka, a definite note of approval in her voice, "You're pretty talented. Maybe I could hear you play some time?"
[18:32] <Haruka> "Sure, no prob." Haruka replies. "I'll poke you when I get some free time - bring Usagi and the others if you want." Haruka thinks for a moment, "Speaking of which.... She's been gone for a while, no? I wonder if she's emptying the fridge," she remarks with a chuckle.
[18:33] <Usagi-chan> As if on cue, the odangoed blonde steps back into the room with a pleased smile, bearing two glasses of lemonade. "Hi guys - sorry I took so long. Everything just looked so good!" She looks a bit guilty at that.
[18:33] <Rei-chan> "Wouldn't surprise me," Rei snorts, "She's always really hungry after," she falters a brief second and blushes, "After working really hard. Hi, Usagi!"
[18:34] * Usagi-chan passes one of the glasses to Haruka. "I forgot to ask you what you wanted - hope this will be okay. And I brought one for you too, Rei-chan, in case you changed your mind."
[18:35] * Haruka gives Rei a wide grin full of mirth, having caught the full implications of that remark while taking the glass from Usagi. "Thanks," she replies, taking a short sip.
[18:36] <Rei-chan> "Sure, thanks," Rei accepts it politely. "I just got an invitation from Haruka for us to hear her play at her friend's lounge downtown," she tells the blonde.
[18:37] * Usagi-chan blinks. "You play, Haruka? I didn't know that." She gives the tall senshi an appraising look. "What instrument?"
[18:40] <Haruka> "Quite a few, actually. I have the magic fingers for the discipline," she replies, wriggling her fingers for emphasis. "I can do a fine job on most of the instruments, though the trumpet can give me a fit at times."
[18:41] * Usagi-chan giggles. "Better than I can do... I took piano lessons for a few months a couple of years ago, but I never really stuck to practicing very much. About all I can do is sing, and I'm really just learning how to do that again."
[18:42] <Haruka> "Kira might snatch you up if she hears that, Usagi." Haruka warns with a wink.
[18:44] <Usagi-chan> "Who's Kira?" Usagi asks, looking a bit puzzled.
[18:44] <Rei-chan> "She's Haruka's friend who owns the lounge," Rei supplies helpfully.
[18:46] * Usagi-chan grins. "I'm not THAT good... I mean, I LIKE singing, but I'm not that good at it." A sudden thought strikes her and she giggles. "You know what might be fun though? Get together as a group and do a song or something, just for fun."
[18:47] <Rei-chan> "That could be fun," Rei agrees.
[18:47] <Haruka> "I'll run it by her in passing," Haruka says with a grin.
[18:49] * Usagi-chan continues giggling. "No no, I was just kidding - you don't have to do that." She blushes a bit at the idea of being up on stage, singing in front of a crowd. "I'd probably freeze up if I tried to sing in front of a bunch of other people."
[18:51] * Haruka waves her concern off. "It'll be a thrill, and an experience," Haruka interjects.
[18:51] <Rei-chan> "Come on, Usagi," Rei nudges her, "You did okay when we did Peter Pan at school, remember? It's not that different with less people."
[18:52] * Usagi-chan smiles shyly. "Yeah, but I got to hide in the back of the chorus for that. It'd be different if I was up in the front singing by myself."
[18:53] <Haruka> "The patrons are really laid back and fun-loving," Haruka adds with a chuckle. "If you don't go up, invariably someone else will. Much to my sadness...."
[18:55] <Rei-chan> "Well, we can stop by and at least hear you sometime. Anything more..." Rei shrugs, "We'll see, I guess. I wouldn't mind giving it a shot myself."
[18:55] <Usagi-chan> "Oh, so it's a karaoke lounge?" Usagi asks curiously. "I've always wondered what those are like - I've only been to karaoke parlors, and only a couple of times."
[18:59] <Haruka> "It didn't start as a karaoke lounge, but Kira-chan was never one for stringent rules and regulations..." Haruka bemoans. "But it's a nice place and everyone generally has a good time."
[19:00] <Rei-chan> "Sounds like it could be fun," Rei nods happily.
[19:08] <Usagi-chan> "It might at least be fun to come and listen, that's for sure." Usagi nods. "So, what all have you been talking about while I was off having lunch - besides Haruka's musical skills, anyway."
[19:12] <Haruka> "We started by engaging in a torrid affair then we topped it off with a good round of rumormongering," Haruka replies with a straight face.
[19:13] <Rei-chan> "Such a short affair, too," Rei shakes her head sadly. "You leave me wanting, Haruka-san," she pouts.
[19:13] * Usagi-chan bursts into giggles at that. "I know, she did the same thing to me earlier. You come in expecting so much from her..."
[19:14] <Rei-chan> "Well, you must have worn her out then," Rei shoots back, grinning.
[19:18] * Haruka has been keeping her head held low after Rei's initial verbal volley and only now begins to stir. "Normally I applaud a three-way romp like this, but..." Haruka raises her head. "I don't know if my ego can take this abuse!" Haruka whines pitifully.
[19:19] <Rei-chan> "Giving up already, just when the rest of us are getting warmed up?" Rei can't resist a final jibe.
[19:20] * Usagi-chan giggles. "She just can't keep up with the two of us, Rei-chan."
[19:22] <Haruka> "Haruka may seem strong on the exterior, but Haruka is soft and delicate at heart," Haruka mews weakly.
[19:23] <Rei-chan> "Aww, we'll stop teasing you, Haruka-chan," Rei finally shows pity on the other girl. "But you really shouldn't dish it out if you can't take it in return. Tit for tat, you know," she snickers a little at the double entendre.
[19:23] * Usagi-chan merely keeps giggling.
[19:26] <Haruka> "I've learned over the years that there are times when a creature should fight and show its fangs, while at other times, it's smarter to just play dead," Haruka responds with a solemn nod of her head.
[19:27] <Rei-chan> "And what time is it now?" Rei asks, rather certain of Haruka's likely response.
[19:29] <Haruka> "It's time for lemonade," Haruka says, dodging the question entirely, sipping on her cup.
[19:29] * Rei-chan smirks, but silently nods and sips her own drink, finally cutting the poor girl a break.
[19:31] * Usagi-chan shakes her head, looking around the room. "So did you guys just talk or did you get anything done while I was out?"
[19:31] * Haruka takes the lull in verbal combat to lick her proverbial wounds, while eyeing the fiery senshi warily.
[19:32] <Rei-chan> "Uh... just talked," Rei says, a bit embarassedly. "I did give advice on decorating the room, though."
[19:33] * Haruka looks away, slowly working the rag in her left hand on the nearby bed post, while whistling.
[19:35] * Usagi-chan grins. "That's okay, but break time is over." She claps her hands. "Up to you if you want to help out in here, Rei-chan - I'm going to go work on the sitting room for a bit myself, and then make sure everything's working in the bathroom."
[19:36] <Rei-chan> "I'll just clean up where I can, since I can't exactly fix things like you do," Rei shrugs, grabbing some of the cleaning supplies and getting to work.
[19:38] <Usagi-chan> "Thanks... saves me the trouble of having to do it later, at least." Usagi smiles before heading out into the larger sitting room.
[19:39] <Haruka> "But after storytime and snacktime, it should be naptime..." Haruka grumbles, throwing Usagi a grin, but beginning cleaning once more.
[19:39] <Usagi-chan> "It'll probably be naptime soon - at least for me, anyway," Usagi calls back from the other room.
[19:41] * Rei-chan just shakes her head, humming quietly as she works.
[19:41] <Rei-chan> -------

Halbarad · July 01, 2006, 01:39:37 AM

[11:19] <Anastasia> --
[18:21] <Haruka> The days leading up to the eventual journey across dimensions bring about different emotions for each. Haruka finds herself standing outside the Tsukino residence. Pressing the doorbell, she waits patiently for an answer....
[18:23] * Usagi-chan answers the door a few moments later, looking a bit flustered. "Yes - oh, hey, Haruka. Come on in!" Usagi steps out of the doorway, allowing the tall blonde to enter her home.
[18:25] * Haruka follows Usagi into her home, taking off her shoes at the doorway as she enters. "Did I catch you at a bad time or something?" Haruka asks Usagi curiously.
[18:26] <Usagi-chan> "Huh? No, I'm just trying to make sure everything's ready for tomorrow." Usagi fidgets with her hands a bit. "Getting everything cleaned up before we leave, that kind of thing."
[18:29] * Haruka nods in return, smirking a bit. "I know what you mean," she tells Usagi, "I did that last night as well, actually. Never seen the place so clean..." Haruka trails off slightly before snapping back to attention. "I was hoping we could have a chat about something."
[18:31] * Usagi-chan blinks. "Sure, if you want." She takes a seat in the living room, flopping into an armchair with a short sigh. "Is anything wrong?"
[18:35] * Haruka takes a seat across from Usagi, pausing a bit to form her thoughts. "During a conversation with Ami and Viluy, the topic of elemental powers came up." The image of Ami's display of water mastery surfaces in her mind before she continues. "I'd been meaning to investigate further, but it slipped my mind until now." she finishes with a shrug.
[18:36] * Usagi-chan looks curious. "You mean like how Ami-chan can control water, or Mako-chan with electricity or Rei-chan with fire?"
[18:40] * Haruka nods at that, leaning forward in her seat slightly. "Exactly." The first image of what Ami did with her power wasn't so pleasant, but her second display... "Ami was able to make a serpent of water. It was so... I'm not sure how to put it in words."
[18:42] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Yeah, they can be pretty impressive." She holds out an open palm, a slowly spinning globe of multicolored energy forming above it. "Or it can be something fairly simple, like this." She lets the ball float in place for a moment before allowing it to dissipate. "What was it you were curious about with it?"
[18:46] * Haruka snaps her attention back to Usagi after staring at the globe of light. "Ah, well. They said I might have an element of my own, but they weren't sure what it might be. Ami said she'd try to look into it, but she's been so busy lately," she says with a helpless shrug. "Anyway, I was hoping you might be able to help."
[18:47] <Usagi-chan> "Well, it's certainly worth a try." Usagi studies Haruka intently for a moment, then shakes her head a bit. "I can't tell too much about your aura as it is right now... it's just a pale yellow color, I can't really see your element with it right now." She thinks for a moment. "Maybe if you transform?"
[18:52] * Haruka blinks, looking around at the living room before chuckling. "I had the sudden urge to duck behind the nearest hiding place to change," she admits to Usagi with a grin. "But anyway... Uranus Holy Power, Make Up!"
[18:53] * Usagi-chan giggles a little, turning her head as Haruka transforms in order to give her a modicum of privacy. Once the flashing lights end, signaling the end of the older senshi's transformation, she returns her attention to Sailor Uranus, giving her another close look. "Hmm..."
[19:02] * Usagi-chan reaches out towards Haruka, narrowing her eyes a bit. "It's hard to see, but it's like something is making your aura move around - sort of tugging at the edges of it. I can't make it out very well though - it almost reminds me of a flag moving in the wind a little bit."
[19:05] * Sailor_Uranus watches Usagi's actions with interest. "So... wind?" she asks uncertainly, with a large dose of curiosity and wonder in her voice.
[19:06] * Usagi-chan frowns just a little. "Maybe... like I said, it's hard to tell. With the others, it's really obvious - Rei's aura looks like a big bonfire, Ami's is sort of like ice, that kind of thing. But yours is... well, like I said the only thing it reminds me of is either a flag or a clothesline blowing in the wind. Do you feel any connection with the wind?"
[19:10] <Sailor_Uranus> "I think I like the image of the flag better than the clothesline," Haruka replies with a chuckle before sobering. "Though wind DOES sound right... I think." Haruka frowns at her own lack of conviction on the matter before turning her gaze back to Usagi. "How can one tell for certain?"
[19:11] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "I really couldn't tell you for sure, to be honest. I really only found mine out because of an accident, and it's taken me a long time to really figure out how to use it. But if it IS wind, you've at least got a direction to start looking."
[19:16] * Sailor_Uranus hums to herself, mulling over Usagi's words. "I guess..." she replies with a finger tapping her chin in thought. "How did you start off with controlling your element then? It doesn't sound quite as straightforward as uttering an attack phrase."
[19:18] * Usagi-chan grins wryly. "The first time I ever used it, I blew the roof off an apartment building. I really didn't start learning to control it until I figured out what it was I was doing, and then it was just practicing... a LOT."
[19:23] * Sailor_Uranus snorts at the image then fails at trying to stifle her snickers. She waves her hand at Usagi apologetically, but continues to chuckle nonetheless. "Ahh," she begins, wiping tears of laughter from the corner of her eyes. "Right, I'll try not to let it get that out of hand."
[19:24] * Usagi-chan giggles. "You probably won't, but I'd be careful practicing with it just the same. Until you get a feel for how it works, it's hard to tell what's really going to happen when you try to use it - that's where the practice part comes in, really."
[19:28] <Sailor_Uranus> "I'll have to find a nice place to test it out then," Haruka tells Usagi, regaining some of her lost composure.
[19:31] <Usagi-chan> "I'd suggest the Moon, to be honest. There's definitely TONS of room up there, and no one around to see you in senshi form doing stuff either." Usagi smiles. "That's really where I did most of MY practicing, at least."
[19:35] <Sailor_Uranus> "So that's why the surface of the moon is cratered..." Haruka jabs, smirking at Usagi. "We'll have to set up time for that," Haruka continues. "Though I'm not sure if we have time before we have to go off on our little adventure."
[19:36] * Usagi-chan rolls her eyes, then shakes her head. "It'll have to be today if you want to go - we're taking off tomorrow, and I don't think there's going to be time then. If you DO want to go today, we can - it's not like I have anything really important to do until later on this afternoon."
[19:39] <Sailor_Uranus> "Sounds good to me. So it's a date then?" Haruka answers Usagi with a grin and a wink.
[19:40] * Usagi-chan giggles, holding a finger up to her lips. "I won't tell Rei if you won't."
[19:43] * Sailor_Uranus laughs heartily at that. "So evil under that candy-coated exterior... To the moon then?"
[19:45] * Usagi-chan nods, grinning. "Looks like it... hold on to your fuku, this will only take a minute." Stepping a bit closer to Haruka, she casts her spell of teleportation, the pair finding themselves on the broad gray expanse of the Lunar plains just outside the palace a few moments later. There are a few odd furrows in the loose dirt here and there, but otherwise the surface is unmarked. "Here we are!"
[19:49] <Sailor_Uranus> "Nice and spacious property," Haruka comments in a jokingly haughty manner, "Can't say much about landscape, but the view..." she drawls, looking at the stars and the Earth.
[19:52] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, but we just got some amazing new gardeners," Usagi grins. "I bet it'll be back to its old self in no time at all." She puts her hands behind her back, looking over at the senshi in yellow and blue. "So... do you have any idea what to do?"
[19:57] <Sailor_Uranus> "Not a clue, teacher." Haruka bows low to Usagi in deferral and with her head still down she begins, "Fill this empty vessel with your vast knowledge, oh wise and generous one." Haruka raises her face then smirks at Usagi.
[19:58] * Usagi-chan simply rolls her eyes again. "You're terrible, you know that?"
[20:00] * Sailor_Uranus stands then whispers. "So the vile rumors say," she then looks to the right and left conspicuously, "But I pay them no heed."
[20:05] * Usagi-chan smiles, shaking her head a bit. "Anyway... I can't explain EXACTLY how to do this; the way it works for me may not be the same way it works for you. From what Rei-chan's told me, the way she does it is similar though, so hopefully it will work for you. You need to really get a feel for your element - for me, it's letting myself get in tune with the energy I can see and feel around me. For Rei, it's the fire, and for you, probably the air."
[20:12] * Sailor_Uranus nods in reply, closing her eyes and spreading her senses in an attempt to see if she can feel something, anything....
[20:22] * Sailor_Uranus feels a... tingle? at the very fringes of her perception. She tries to pursue this sensation, but it's hard to grasp, like catching... the wind. "I think I felt something," Haruka tells Usagi with her eyes still closed.
[20:23] * Usagi-chan nods, closing her eyes as well. A very faint glow surrounds the odangoed blonde as she attunes to her own element. "It helps at first just to try not to think about anything else, just concentrate on your element and nothing but that," she says quietly.
[20:56] * Sailor_Uranus silently takes in Usagi's words as she keeps her eyes closed in concentration. There was a strange feeling of being embraced... surrounded. Gentle currents of air around her, warm and cold, rising and falling... It felt as if the air had become a part of her, making her... whole.
[21:01] * Sailor_Uranus keeps her eyes shut tight, trying not to lose her mental grasp. "Usagi?" she asks tentatively. "I think I've got it... but what do I do now?"
[21:03] * Usagi-chan nods. "If it's what I think, just imagine using it however you want - move it around, that kind of thing." She opens her eyes; seeing that Haruka's eyes are closed, she decides not to demonstrate, but watches Haruka instead.
[21:06] <Sailor_Uranus> "Move it around... er... okay." Haruka offers in reply. Holding the palm of both palms up, she tried to direct a small ball of air to move clockwise slowly.
[21:07] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[21:10] <Sailor_Uranus> Feeling nothing, Haruka hazards a peek then frowns. "Well, I guess we can't all be perfect...." She raises a finger and twirls it in the air slightly.
[21:10] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[21:10] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[21:16] <Sailor_Uranus> A small, tight ball of air spins and floats above the tip of her right index finger. It pulls and pushes her short-cropped hair to her amazement and Haruka lets loose a whoop of victory, pumping her left fist in the air, which in turn, serves to dispel the ball. "Fudge..." Haruka mutters, yet shooting Usagi a wide grin.
[21:23] * Usagi-chan smiles. "Not bad for a first try. Give it another shot, see if you can do it again."
[21:25] * Sailor_Uranus nods, feeling a bit more confident this time around. "Sure."
[21:25] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[21:31] * Sailor_Uranus opens her palm, pointing it out away from her body but slightly towards the ground at an angle. Expecting a breeze to manifest leaves her wide open to the violent gust that erupts! The force of the wind catches her off-guard, blowing her off her feet, a senshi cannonball!
[21:31] * Sailor_Uranus lands with a thud and a soft groan, the surprise doing more damage than the fall itself.
[21:33] <Usagi-chan> "Gah!" Usagi squeaks, the powerful rush of wind sending her to her rear with a thump. "Be careful!"
[21:37] * Sailor_Uranus dusts herself off, from her position, coughing slightly. "Sorry, wasn't quite expecting that," she begins sheepishly, "I was expecting a gentle breeze, or something."
[21:38] * Usagi-chan slowly gets to her feet, rubbing her sore rear end. "It's okay, I probably should have been expecting something like that," she says wryly. "I wasn't kidding when I said I blew the roof off a building my first time using my control."
[21:39] <Sailor_Uranus> "Or lack thereof," Haruka adds with a cheeky smirk. "Though now I do see what you mean."
[21:41] * Usagi-chan grins. "You probably heard about that one on the news, actually." She blushes a bit at that. "But anyway, you see why it's important to really practice with it a lot. It's hard to do anything useful with it until you can really control it."
[21:43] * Sailor_Uranus nods at Usagi's sentiments. "Practice makes perfect, and all that."
[21:44] <Sailor_Uranus> "Though, I don't quite recall hearing about it on the news." Haruka says a moment later. "I don't watch too much TV really."
[21:44] * Sailor_Uranus grins cattily. "Share?"
[21:46] * Usagi-chan sighs a bit at that. "You remember last December when that 'terrorist attack' destroyed an apartment building, right?"
[21:47] <Sailor_Uranus> "I think I seem to recall that, yes." Haruka replies, slightly confused.
[21:49] * Usagi-chan nods. "This would have been a few days before that - the first time we fought Oxyite." Usagi sighs at the memory. "We'd just fought one of Cynthia's demons when he attacked us, and I was so desperate for some kind of distraction to get everyone away that I just... grabbed what I could and threw it at him. I didn't really understand what I'd done for a long time afterwards, but it really did blow the roof off the building."
[21:52] * Sailor_Uranus doesn't say anything for a moment, but she does blink a few times to show that she is indeed alive. "Oh," she says simply, her brain not really giving her anything brilliant to reply with.
[21:53] * Usagi-chan opens her eyes, a bit taken aback by Haruka's abrupt reply. "Is something wron..." She realizes what she was just saying and slaps herself in the forehead. "Oh man, I can't believe I started talking about... I'm sorry, Haruka."
[21:57] * Sailor_Uranus waves off Usagi's concern. "Don't worry about it," she says, her eyes distant as her mind wanders even farther than the stars she currently stares at. "I just wish I was there with the rest of you when you took him down...."
[21:59] <Usagi-chan> "I wish you could have, too." Usagi says quietly. "We definitely needed all the help we could get," she says almost too quietly for Haruka to hear.
[22:04] * Sailor_Uranus runs a gloved hand over her face with a soft sigh. She then continues the motion upwards, ending with a brush back of her bangs. "Don't worry about it, Usagi. Cheer up." she tells her companion with a smile. "Tomorrow is another day and yet another battle awaits. Let's not dwell too much on the past."
[22:05] * Usagi-chan smiles. "It was a tough time, but we still won. Not always bad to remember the hard times - sometimes it helps me remember what I've come through, and then what I have to deal with from there doesn't look so bad anymore." She giggles a little. "Compared to Metallia, this should be a piece of cake - I hope, at least."
[22:08] * Sailor_Uranus doesn't really say anything in reply, but she does continue smiling. "You've got everyone to help you, so don't worry too much about it. I'm sure we'll do fine."
[22:10] <Usagi-chan> "I know we will." Usagi smiles. "I just wish we had a better idea of what we're up against... but I'm sure no matter what it is, we can take care of it."
[22:10] * Sailor_Uranus nods.
[22:11] <Sailor_Uranus> "So, is class dismissed, Ms. Tsukino?" Haruka asks with a grin. "Or are we up for extra credit?"
[22:13] <Usagi-chan> "I don't know, did you want any homework?" Usagi giggles. "If you're done, I guess we can go home, but if you want to practice a while longer that's okay with me." 'Might as well, it beats running around the house all day with nothing to do but worry...' she fails to add.
[22:17] <Sailor_Uranus> "Oh, I figured I could just blow out the window and roof of my house for practice as it's done wonders for you." Haruka smiles. "Actually, I had plans of enjoying the time before we march off to battle tomorrow leisurely." She begins ticking a list off with her fingers. "Go for some ice cream, get a cruise with my bike in, spend some time at my rest place... I think there's more, but the rest are a secret." she finishes with a grin.
[22:19] <Usagi-chan> "Far be it from me to pry." Usagi grins. "But yeah, I can take us back now if you're done here. I don't have anything else to take care of up here... Alan and Ann are taking care of the gardens while we're gone, and no one else will be able to get up here unless the Professor builds another teleporter so everything else will just stay the way it is for now." She heads over to Haruka. "At least you know for sure what your element is now, right?"
[22:24] <Sailor_Uranus> "Yup, Mistress of Water!" Haruka says, before looking at Usagi askance. "I think your assessment of 'horrible' from earlier may have been an understatement, no?"
[22:25] * Usagi-chan just shakes her head. "You're hopeless, Haruka." She does, however, smile as she casts the spell to return the two to her home in Juuban.
[22:26] <Sailor_Uranus> ---
[12:29] <Usagi-chan> As Wednesday evening draws around, Usagi gets herself ready for her evening out. After a quick shower following her brief trip to the Moon with Haruka, she selects a rather nice (but not overly showy) cream-colored dress, checking her pocketbook as she heads downstairs. "I'm headed out, Mom - not sure when I'll be home, probably be late."
[12:31] <Anastasia> "Okay, dear," she calls out.
[12:32] * Usagi-chan slips into her shoes, depositing her pocketbook in her purse as she heads out on her way to the Hikawa Shrine.
[12:35] <Rei-chan> At the Shrine, Rei is just finishing getting ready herself, wearing the same short red dress she wore at her last dinner with the Tsukino's and applying the finishing touches to her makeup as Phobos and Deimos flit around the room.
[12:36] * Usagi-chan raps on the main door to the Shrine as she arrives, not wanting to barge in today in case Rei isn't ready yet herself.
[12:39] <Rei-chan> Hearing the knocking just as she finishes her makeup, Rei exits her bedroom and goes to the front door to let her girlfriend in. "Hi, Usagi," she smiles sunnily.
[12:40] <Anastasia> Fluttering besides Rei are two fairy-like things, landing on her shoulders, one to each side. They look like something out of a fairy tale...
[12:41] * Usagi-chan returns Rei's smile, then blinks in surprise at the two creatures perched on Rei's shoulders. "Okay, they're new." She leans in a little closer, to get a better look and make sure her eyes aren't playing tricks on her.
[12:42] <Rei-chan> "No they aren't," Rei grins. "You've met them a bunch of times before. Phobos, Deimos, say hello to Usagi," she encourages them.
[12:42] <Anastasia> "Hi, Usagi," one of them chirps, cheery and bright. Unless Rei picked up illusion magic as well, it's not your eyes that are malfunctioning.
[12:43] <Usagi-chan> "Wow..." Usagi reaches out to gently touch the one on Rei's right shoulder with her finger, making sure not to poke too hard. "These are - were - your ravens?"
[12:44] <Anastasia> The other one, the one you didn't just poke, nods. "That's right, Usagi," it agrees cheerfully.
[12:45] * Usagi-chan stands back up, her face a picture of wonder. "When... how did it happen?" she asks Rei.
[12:45] <Rei-chan> "They used to be my servants back in the Moon Kingdom, and they found me again in this life." She smiles slightly distantly, still rather overwhelmed that they managed such a feat. "They felt the power of the Grail through me and it let them regain their old forms."
[12:46] * Usagi-chan breaks into a smile at that. "That's really cool, Rei-chan... so they've been with you all this time, huh?"
[12:46] <Rei-chan> "Ever since I was little," she gives each of her longtime friends a fond smile at that.
[12:47] <Anastasia> They smile back, Phobos outright grinning. "We couldn't leave Princess Rei alone, could we, Deimos?"
[12:50] <Anastasia> "Yeah, we couldn't... though, Rei found someone to be with even before we could help!" Deimos frumps a bit.
[12:51] * Usagi-chan giggles. "Well, I promise I'll keep on taking really good care of her, how's that?" She grins back at Rei. "At least you didn't get stuck with a grouchy mooncat."
[12:53] <Rei-chan> "Aww, Luna isn't so bad these days," Rei says in defence of the Mau she needs to ask a favour of. "Anyway, I'm ready to go now, Usagi." She briefly turns to her two fairies, "Don't wait up, guys."
[12:56] <Usagi-chan> "Yeah, she can be fun sometimes. Except when she makes me think of Sailor Eiko." Usagi makes a face at that. "I don't even want to go there."
[12:56] <Rei-chan> "I don't think anyone would," Rei matches Usagi's expression.
[12:58] * Usagi-chan shakes her head, a smile returning to her features. "Anyway, was there anywhere in particular you wanted to go tonight? I didn't make reservations or anything this time, so we can pretty much go wherever you want."
[13:00] <Rei-chan> "Hmm..." Rei looks thoughtful for a moment. "I don't really have any particular preference... let's just wander around a bit and see if we can find someplace nice we haven't tried before?" she offers.
[13:02] * Usagi-chan shrugs. "That works for me, I guess." She reaches the foot of the Shrine stairs and turns east, towards downtown Tokyo. "I'm definitely looking forward to a whole night out though... with nothing else to worry about than spending time with you." She gives her girlfriend a smile.
[13:03] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei takes Usagi's hand as they walk. "With so much to do tomorrow, we definitely need to make the most of tonight."
[13:10] * Usagi-chan walks on, nodding as the two walk through the early evening streets of Juuban. "Seems like it's been too long since we really got to spend a lot of time with each other, with everything that's been going on lately." She gives Rei's hand a squeeze.
[13:13] <Rei-chan> "That's true," Rei agrees. "We've just been kept so busy..." she sighs, "And after tomorrow we're going to be even busier, for who knows how long. I don't think we'll be able to get any time alone while we're fighting who knows what in that other dimension."
[13:15] <Usagi-chan> "Which is exactly why we're going to make the most of tonight," Usagi declares, leaning over to give the miko a quick kiss on the cheek. Spotting a newly-opened restaurant up ahead, she points it out to Rei. "There's that new Chinese place... want to give it a try?"
[13:16] <Rei-chan> "Sounds as good as anything to me," Rei nods, starting towards the indicated restaurant with the blonde.
[13:19] <Usagi-chan> The pair's luck appears to be good, as the restaurant isn't too crowded during the middle of the week, and it even appears to be having a few grand opening specials on various plates. Rei and Usagi find themselves seated in a small booth in short order, menus in hand.
[13:20] <Rei-chan> "I think I'll have a vegetable ramen and duck in orange sauce," Rei muses, perusing the menu.
[13:23] <Usagi-chan> "Hmm... cashew chicken and wonton soup for me, I think." Usagi says, handing her menu to the waiter with her order. He bows as he takes the orders, heading off towards the kitchen a moment later.
[13:24] <Rei-chan> "So," Rei leans a bit closer to Usagi, "At least Chibi Usa is looking forward to tomorrow, I take it?"
[13:26] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I'm not even sure, to be honest." She looks down at the table. "She figured out who her mother is this afternoon. I'd been taking a nap on the couch with my braid off before she got home, and, well... she worked it out once she saw the mark."
[13:27] * Rei-chan gasps quietly before composing herself. "Well... I suppose it really was just a matter of time. How'd she take it?" she asks gently.
[13:28] * Usagi-chan remains quiet for several moments, before speaking almost too quietly for Rei to hear. "She wants me to be her mother, not the Usagi from her own world."
[13:29] * Rei-chan blinks. Twice. That really wasn't what she had expected.
[13:30] <Usagi-chan> "For whatever reason, she's convinced that the other Usagi hates her. I can't really imagine that myself, but... I don't know what to think, Rei-chan." Usagi looks up at Rei, her eyes moist. "It almost broke my heart when I heard her say she wanted me to be her mommy."
[13:33] * Rei-chan reaches over to take Usagi's hand in her own, feeling her heart clench. "I don't understand, though," she begins, tackling Chibi Usa's problem rather than her own feelings, "I mean, she seemed to think so highly of Neo Queen Serenity. How could the Usagi in her world be so different?"
[13:34] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "I really don't know... I mean, it's really obvious that she loves her mom to pieces, but she's never had anything good to say about the other Usagi - not that she's said a lot about her at all."
[13:35] <Rei-chan> "I'd say it's just impossible for the other Usagi to match up to the perfect image of her mother she's built up, but..." Rei bites her lip, giving Usagi a worried glance, "You must have matched up..."
[13:38] <Usagi-chan> "Me?" Usagi looks a bit shocked at that. "But I'm nowhere near perfect either! I mean, I've tried to take good care of Chibi Usa and everything, but..." Usagi trails off.
[13:39] <Rei-chan> "She did say she wanted you to be her... mommy..." Rei sighs.
[13:40] <Usagi-chan> "I know!" Usagi says tearfully. "I mean, it's been wonderful having her here, and I think I'd love it if she WAS my daughter, but... she's not, and she can't be." Usagi finishes in a small voice.
[13:44] * Rei-chan looks downcast, again reminded harshly of the sacrifices their relationship demands. "Even if she doesn't like the other Usagi in the twentieth century, she still loves Neo Queen Serenity in the thirtieth century. And I'm sure Neo Queen Serenity and... King Endymion love their daughter just as much."
[13:45] <Usagi-chan> "I know..." Usagi whispers. "I wouldn't dream of taking their daughter away from them, but... I just wish it could be me, for real."
[13:49] * Rei-chan lowers her head, silent for a long moment. "I'm sorry, Usagi," she says quietly.
[13:49] * Usagi-chan gives Rei's hand a firm squeeze. "You don't have to be sorry, Rei-chan... it's not your fault."
[13:52] <Rei-chan> "No... but..." Rei shrugs helplessly. "I just wish there was something I could do or say to make you feel better."
[13:53] * Usagi-chan turns a sad smile up to her girlfriend. "Just having you here is enough to make me feel better, Rei-chan. It'll be okay, it's just... it was hard hearing that."
[13:55] <Rei-chan> "I can imagine," Rei nods. Of course, imagine is all she can do, since the odds of a having a similar situation for herself are... well, a fair bit better than the average person's, but still pretty darn slim.
[13:58] * Usagi-chan takes a deep breath, composing herself as she wipes away her tears with a finger. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't even be talking about this," she says with a shaky smile. "This was supposed to be a night for us to spend with each other, not worrying about everything that's been going on."
[14:02] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei smiles herself. "We shouldn't be going into what's coming tomorrow with heavy hearts, we need to have some fun tonight."
[14:05] * Usagi-chan nods. "Absolutely!" She smiles at the waiter as their food arrives, nodding to him as the plates of food are placed in front of the two girls.
[14:08] <Rei-chan> Putting her napkin on her lap, Rei eagerly (but politely) starts in on her ramen. "This is good," she nods her approval after a mouthful. "Say..." she begins a moment later, "Do you think Mako-chan and Alan are doing the same thing we are tonight?"
[14:10] * Usagi-chan pauses between bites of her soup, thinking. "I don't really know... I haven't talked to either one of them since Tuesday, so I don't really know if they were planning anything."
[14:13] <Rei-chan> "They probably are," Rei nods. "Ann and Herb too, maybe. I bet we're all thinking the same thing - try to get as mcuh out of today as we can before... well, before whatever happens when we leave tomorrow."
[14:15] * Usagi-chan nods. "I know Haruka said she was going to go out and enjoy herself tonight - ice cream and driving her motorcycle around, she said." Usagi smiles at that.
[14:17] <Rei-chan> "Heh," Rei smiles. "Wonder what Ami-chan's doing... probably studying knowing her. Or off on one of her mysterious appointments..." she frowns a little, "Actually..." a smile begins to form on her face, "I wonder if Ami-chan has found herself a boyfriend and hasn't told us?"
[14:19] * Usagi-chan grins a bit at that herself. "It's definitely possible... I remember one time a week or so ago when we came back from a short trip to the Moon, she had me drop her off in a park downtown - but she didn't tell me why or where she was going."
[14:23] <Rei-chan> "Oh ho," Rei chortles, "We'll have to see if we can get her to come clean. Hmm... wonder what he's like? Probably really smart to grab her attention..." she purses her lips. "Maybe it's Ryo-kun?"
[14:25] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "No idea... I thought about following her that time, but I decided to let her keep her secret for now." Usagi grins. "I'm sure we'll find out what's going on eventually."
[14:26] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei nods. "I do wonder why she's been keeping it so secret, though..." she muses.
[14:28] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "Couldn't say for sure, but she's definitely been staying busy." Usagi decides not to mention what she DOES know of Ami's 'secret' schedule, since the blue-haired genius seemed rather embarrassed about her outside training.
[14:32] <Rei-chan> "I guess..." Rei agrees, "I suppose if she's already gotten together with someone she doesn't need our help like Mako-chan did, but she could at least introduce us," she grumps a bit.
[14:35] * Usagi-chan grins. "I'll have to 'talk' to her once we get back." She giggles a bit, then digs into a bit more of her chicken. "So... what did you think of the ceremony on Tuesday?" She looks up at Rei curiously. "I kind of wondered what it was like for everyone else there."
[14:38] * Rei-chan smiles, leaning back a bit. "It was amazing... like the first time I transformed, but drawn out, and..." she spends a moment groping for the right way to phrase it, "More complete. It wasn't just me, it was everyone, and I could feel the power flowing through each of us."
[14:41] * Usagi-chan nods, digesting Rei's words carefully. "For me, it was.... sort of..." She shakes her head. "I'm not even sure how to START describing what it was like when I took hold of the Grail. It was sort of like when I used the Silver Crystal, but then again it wasn't. It was just weird."
[14:46] <Rei-chan> "Hmm," Rei mulls over that. "I guess it is a source of near unlimited power like the crystal was, so it would be similar. But it's not the crystal..." she looks askance at Usagi, "Similar power just with a different flavour?" she suggests.
[14:50] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "I don't know... I just know it made my hands tingle just holding it." She puts on a wry grin at that. "Kind of silly to look at it that way, but it's true."
[14:51] <Rei-chan> "I dunno. Holding onto that much power would make anyone tingly," Rei replies, before giving Usagi a more intent look. "Of course, if it IS like the Crystal, you'll need to be really careful in using it."
[14:52] <Usagi-chan> "I know, I know," Usagi replies. "I remember what happened when I tried to really use the crystal for the first time, so I know I need to be careful."
[14:55] * Rei-chan nods, satisfied with that. "Hopefully you won't even need to call that much power from the Grail, anyway."
[14:57] * Usagi-chan nods. "I do want to learn to use it the right way, but I'd really rather take my time and start small with it. If I can, it'll be a huge help in getting the palace up and running again."
[15:00] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, but there's no rush. We can afford to take things slow and keep on the way we've been going already," Rei replies calmly.
[15:02] <Usagi-chan> "I know, I'm not planning on trying to repair the entire palace at once." Usagi sticks her tongue out for a second. "But it'll be nice to have it there if we come up against something big like that balcony that was in my room."
[15:03] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, that was kind of tiring, wasn't it," Rei agrees.
[15:05] * Usagi-chan nods. "Not the first thing like that, either. The pillars in the great hall weren't QUITE that bad, but still not something I enjoyed doing much." She shakes her head. "Either way, it's nice to know that no one else is going to get their hands on the Grail now - like Germatou or anyone else like him."
[15:07] <Rei-chan> "Not like anyone could have gotten their hands on it before," Rei notes dryly. "Considering there was no Sailor Neptune to get the Talisman from until we decided to get it ourselves, and Pluto's Talisman is probably quite safe with her."
[15:13] <Usagi-chan> "True, I guess," Usagi says with a grin. "But either way, it's nice to know where it is for sure." She takes a sip from her water, then looks over at Rei. "Did you sense anything... different about the others? Not the senshi, all the other people that were there watching."
[15:15] * Rei-chan shrugs. "Like I told Tellu, she - and the rest, all seemed a little bit stronger, and they felt a bit different even without the change in strength." She chews on a mouthful of duck and rice as she considers, swallowing before she speaks. "I think you said their auras had been interwoven with streams of moonlight? That sounds about right for what I felt changed."
[15:17] * Usagi-chan nods thoughtfully. "Have you seen Hotaru since then?"
[15:19] * Rei-chan nods. "She was at the Shrine this afternoon - I've been teaching her meditation techniques."
[15:20] <Usagi-chan> "Did you sense anything different about her at all? The Professor said he didn't think she was affected, but I haven't seen her myself." Usagi asks.
[15:23] <Rei-chan> "No," Rei shakes her head. "Nothing at all changed in her that I could see."
[15:26] * Usagi-chan nods. "Luna said that for the others, the Queen used to do something like that when she knighted peasants back in the old kingdom - although she didn't use the Grail for it, of course."
[15:28] <Rei-chan> "Hmm..." Rei mulls over that. "I suppose it would have been quite quite a mark of distinction back then."
[15:30] <Usagi-chan> "Probably so... I don't remember being around for any ceremonies like that, so I don't know for sure. I only had to be there for the REALLY big fancy occasions - state dinners, welcoming other royal families from offworld, that kind of thing." Usagi replies. "I never really got to see most of the day-to-day stuff Mother did."
[15:34] <Rei-chan> "Me and the other girls were sometimes around for things like that," Rei furrows her brow in recollection before shaking it off as not that important right now. "Although I do wonder what practical effect the change in their auras will have on them..."
[15:36] <Usagi-chan> "Guess it's hard to say right now, although I bet they'll find out in time." Usagi leans back in her seat, holding her glass of water. "It was amazing, in a way... it was almost like that was the official 'start' of the new kingdom. I mean, we've been working on it for a few months now, but it was almost like it was officially recognized when I took the Grail."
[15:38] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei smiles, "I got that impression too. I guess Setsuna lent it that aura of formality to really make it feel official."
[15:40] * Usagi-chan smiles, thinking back over all that's happened since the start of the new year. "It's almost impossible to believe everything that's happened, sometimes. I mean, a year ago would you have believed I'd be at Mugen Gakuen? Or that YOU'D be there?"
[15:41] <Rei-chan> "Heh," Rei chuckles at that thought. "Not a chance."
[15:43] * Usagi-chan giggles a little at that. "Me either... but here we are." She glances over at Rei. "In more ways than one."
[15:46] <Rei-chan> "Yes," Rei smiles warmly, resting a hand on Usagi's thigh under the table. "And I wouldn't change it for the world."
[15:47] <Usagi-chan> "Me either..." Usagi breaks into a mirthful grin. "Especially since it means I get free access to your manga collection now."
[15:49] <Rei-chan> "Like it ever stopped you before," Rei snorts, though her expression remains playful.
[15:49] * Usagi-chan giggles. "No, but I usually don't get yelled at for it anymore."
[15:51] <Rei-chan> "That's got more to do with you actually taking proper care of them, now," Rei points out. "Girlfriend or Princess or Queen, I'd still protect my manga from you if it was necessary," she nods to accentuate her statement.
[15:53] * Usagi-chan puts one hand to her heart dramatically. "Are you saying that you would deny your queen?" she says haughtily, although it's obvious she's trying hard not to laugh.
[15:56] <Rei-chan> "Of course!" Rei retorts, still nodding. "Can't let her take me for granted."
[15:58] * Usagi-chan smiles, her mirth subsiding. "I'd never take you for granted, Rei-chan. I remind myself every day just how lucky I am to have you - as a friend and everything else besides."
[16:01] <Rei-chan> "Thanks," Rei looks at Usagi gratefully, "And I'm glad you'll have me. We're both lucky to have found each other."
[16:02] * Usagi-chan nods in agreement. "Absolutely." She looks down at her empty plate and grins. "What do you say we both get lucky with dessert now?"
[16:04] * Rei-chan brings up a hand to cover her mouth as she snickers, eyeing Usagi speculatively. It was always interesting trying to figure out if the blonde actually knew how her words could sometimes be taken.
[16:05] * Usagi-chan blinks as Rei gives her a particularly salacious look. "What? What did I say?"
[16:07] <Rei-chan> "Nothing," Rei chuckles, shaking her head as she gives Usagi a reassuring pat on the arm. "Let's just order dessert."
[16:09] * Usagi-chan grins, the look slipping out of her mind almost immediately. "Hmm... not in the mood for chocolate for once... you have any suggestions?"
[16:10] <Rei-chan> "I was going to get a banana split myself," Rei replies. "But it's more fun if we both get something different so we can share..."
[16:12] <Usagi-chan> "Hmm..." Usagi thinks for a few moments, glancing over the small dessert menu on the table. "Oooh, that looks good. Raspberry cheesecake."
[16:13] <Rei-chan> "Might as well try it," Rei nods, getting their waiter's attention and passing on the orders.
[16:15] <Usagi-chan> The desserts arrive in short order, a generous slice of cheesecake for Usagi and a banana split for Rei - with three cherries. "Mmm... looks really good, Rei-chan." Usagi can't help but eye the ice cream confection a bit jealously.
[16:17] <Rei-chan> "Tastes good, too," Rei grins after a quick bite, digging out a spoonful with a cherry on top and holding it up to her companion. "Try some?"
[16:19] <Usagi-chan> "You bet!" Usagi leans across the table, accepting the sample eagerly - and notices a few of the other patrons staring in their direction. She doesn't hesitate to take the ice cream, leaning back in her seat with a happy smile as she savors the mouthful. 'We've got an audience, Rei-chan.'
[16:22] <Rei-chan> 'We're not THAT exciting are we?' Rei wonders, taking a quick scan of the restaurant to confirm for herself their audience before lowering her head and resuming her eating.
[16:24] * Usagi-chan takes a forkful of her cheesecake and tries it herself first. "Mmmm... this is really good, Rei-chan. You want to try some?" 'That older couple on the other side of the restaurant, and I think I saw a family a couple tables over from them staring at us too.'
[16:26] <Rei-chan> 'Oh, boy,' Rei represses a sigh, not wanting to become the centre of attention when trying to enjoy a quiet date with her one and only, but also not willing to change her behaviour to be less noticable. "Yes please," she says in response to Usagi's question.
[16:27] * Usagi-chan holds up a forkful for Rei to take, smiling as she communicates mentally. 'I don't care... I like showing off my beautiful girlfriend.' She winks at Rei.
[16:31] <Rei-chan> Rei blushes as she darts her head over and wraps her lips around the fork, quickly swallowing the dessert and returning to her own. 'It bothers me. I don't like being stared at like some oddity in the circus.'
[16:34] * Usagi-chan reaches below the table with her free hand, resting her hand on Rei's knee. 'I'm sorry, Rei-chan... at least we're almost done here anyway. We won't have to worry about it for much longer.'
[16:35] * Rei-chan nods quietly, feeling oddly self-conscious. 'You'd think people would pay more attention to their own dinner companions than to us.'
[16:37] * Usagi-chan nods, working on her cake in silence. 'I guess I can see where we'd look a little out of place... it's not exactly common for two girls to be out on a date together.'
[16:41] <Rei-chan> 'I suppose so,' Rei reluctantly concedes, likewise putting a big dent in her dessert. 'I just don't see what it has to do with anyone else.' She sighs quietly, 'I guess we can be grateful that just staring is all they're doing. Even if it is still rude.'
[16:45] <Usagi-chan> 'Some people just like to be nosy, I guess. Maybe like grown up Uminos?' Usagi finishes off the last of the cheesecake, sitting back with a satisfied sigh. "That was really good."
[16:46] <Rei-chan> "It was, wasn't it," Rei smiles, likewise finishing her banana split. "Might have to come back here again sometime."
[16:47] * Usagi-chan flags down the waiter for the check, paying the modest bill without even letting Rei see it. "My treat today," she says with a smile. "Anyway, you ready to go?"
[16:48] <Rei-chan> "Thanks," Rei smiles appreciatively at Usagi paying for her. "And yeah, I'm ready to go."
[16:49] <Usagi-chan> "Anyplace in particular you wanted to go next?" Usagi rises from her seat, leading the way out of the restaurant and away from the prying eyes. Outside, the sun is just beginning to set, turning the horizon into a riot of red, gold, and pink.
[16:50] <Rei-chan> "You're the one taking me out, tonight," Rei smiles at her girlfriend as they walk out onto the city streets. "Whatever you decide will be fine with me, I'm sure."
[16:52] * Usagi-chan takes Rei's arm as the two head for the park, walking slowly as she admires the summer evening. "Then I think a walk is in order, then maybe a long-distance trip?" She gives Rei a wink at that. "Of course, if you don't want to that's fine," she grins.
[16:55] <Rei-chan> "Like I said, whatever you decide is fine," Rei takes a brief glance skyward, "And we don't know how long we'll spend fighting evil in that other dimension, so I definitely want to get the most of tonight that I can," she licks her lips while looking the blonde up and down.
[16:56] * Usagi-chan giggles as Rei gives her the once-over, winking at the raven-haired miko. "Just be nice, you'll wear me out before our big trip."
[16:58] <Rei-chan> "But it's a fun way to work the stress off," Rei retorts playfully. "Besides, we probably won't leave until the afternoon, so it's not like we'll be late like we were back before dealing with Alan and Ann."
[17:01] <Usagi-chan> "I guess not... you just have a tendency to drive me absolutely crazy with it sometimes. Not in a BAD way, but all I can say is 'wow'." She grins at that. "I'm definitely not complaining though."
[17:02] <Rei-chan> "I wouldn't do it if it wasn't fun for me, too," Rei replies lightly.
[17:02] * Usagi-chan gives the miko a peck on the cheek. "I can only hope I'm as good at it as you are, then."
[17:05] <Rei-chan> "You haven't given me reason to complain so far," is Rei's cheerful response as the pair head into the park.
[17:07] * Usagi-chan strolls along the wooded path through the park slowly, taking her time and enjoying the peace around her. "I wish we didn't have to go... everything's been so peaceful for the past few days, almost like nothing at all is wrong." She stops on a small footbridge overlooking the lake, letting her head rest against Rei's arm. "It's so beautiful right now - I just wish it could stay like this forever."
[17:10] <Rei-chan> "I know what you mean," Rei sighs. "Hard to believe all this is at risk because of what happened in another dimension..." She wraps her arm around Usagi's waist, enjoying the peaceful moment and the feel of her love against her even as they discuss the fate of the world. "I wonder what kind of place that other dimension will be... it'll be strange, seeing our friends and families, except they won't be our friends and families..."
[17:12] <Usagi-chan> "I know what you mean. I can't help wondering how we're different from our other selves - I mean, from what Chibi Usa's said I know we're not exactly the same, but I do wonder what my other self IS really like." Usagi has a rather distant look on her face as she considers the possibilities.
[17:16] <Rei-chan> "Yeah... if we even get to meet our other selves. There's no telling what happened to them for things to go so badly in that world..." Rei holds Usagi a little tighter, wondering if the same thing could happen here.
[17:18] * Usagi-chan holds Rei a bit closer herself as the miko grips her more tightly. "We'll have to find that out..." A harsh thought strikes her as she comes to a realization. "What are we going to tell their families if they ARE missing or... or dead?"
[17:20] <Rei-chan> "We can't pretend to be our counterparts," Rei states the most obvious fact. "Personally I hope we won't have to deal with people we 'know'. It's too much of a minefield. But there's no telling what might happen when we get there... we just have too little information on the situation."
[17:21] <Usagi-chan> "I know..." Usagi mumbles, deflating a little bit. "I keep wondering what's actually happening there and my imagination keeps running away from me - I keep picturing all these horrible things that might be happening, but I don't know what it'll really be like."
[17:23] <Rei-chan> "Well, we do know for certain that the situation can't be good..." Rei shudders a little. "Things over there are probably close to what happened here near the end of the Dark Kingdom..."
[17:25] * Usagi-chan closes her eyes, remembering... Metallia's portal, Rei's rampage, Tokyo Tower... She clamps on to Rei's arm tightly. "You'll stay with me no matter what, right?" she asks quietly.
[17:29] * Rei-chan hesitates for the barest of seconds, her thoughts running parallel to Usagi's and recalling the promise she made shortly before those horrific battles, and how badly she had failed in it. "I promise, Usagi," she whispers quietly, holding her love just as tight and praying dearly that she can keep this one.
[17:30] * Usagi-chan melts into Rei's embrace at those words, relaxing visibly. "Then I won't worry... there's nothing so bad that we can't get through it together."
[17:32] <Rei-chan> "That's right," Rei strokes Usagi's back comfortingly. "Together we can stand against anything."
[17:36] * Usagi-chan gives Rei a tight squeeze, then steps back with a smile, trying to lighten the mood a bit. "But if you get brainwashed this time, I'm knocking some sense into you before I purify you again." She gives her love a lopsided grin. "So don't do it!"
[17:40] <Rei-chan> "I really hope it doesn't become an issue," Rei replies seriously, shivering a bit.
[17:40] * Usagi-chan smiles, leaning in to give Rei a soft kiss. "It won't... I won't let it."
[17:41] <Rei-chan> "Thanks," Rei relaxes a bit, managing a smile of her own. "We'll look out for each other this time, won't we?"
[17:42] <Usagi-chan> "Always," Usagi replies, still smiling. "I have to take care of my girlfriend, don't I?"
[17:44] <Rei-chan> "And that goes double for me," Rei smiles a bit brighter, taking Usagi's hand as the pair resume their wanderings around the park.
[17:46] * Usagi-chan nods as the two begin to walk again. "I wonder if all the other people we know are there too? Like Motoki-oniisan, or Naru-chan, or Umino? Chibi Usa never said anything about them."
[17:49] <Rei-chan> "Hmm... who knows?" Rei shrugs, "I'm a bit more interested in the state of people like the Professor or Alan and Ann. They could have more of an impact on how things happen in that dimension..."
[17:49] * Usagi-chan frowns a bit. "You think maybe they haven't been purified there?"
[17:50] <Rei-chan> "Has Chibi Usa mentioned any of them?" Rei asks.
[17:52] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "No, but she hasn't mentioned Beryl or any of her generals either. And I can't imagine that if they were still around, they'd have given up on trying to revive Metallia - she'd at least have said something about them."
[17:53] <Rei-chan> "Unless the Senshi in that world had already dealt with Metallia before Chibi Usa arrived? I mean, have you told her anything about the Dark Kingdom?"
[17:54] <Usagi-chan> "No, but I really haven't told her all that much about the Professor either. She's only been over to his house that one time, and then she saw him again yesterday when she came home." Usagi replies. "Other than that, she doesn't really know anything about what happened with the Deathbusters, either."
[17:55] <Rei-chan> "Which means we don't know for sure," Rei returns to that annoying point. "We'll only find out when we get there."
[17:56] * Usagi-chan grumbles. "At least we'll know for sure tomorrow... I'm really starting to get tired of hearing that."
[17:59] <Rei-chan> "Well, let's just forget about it, then?" Rei suggests. "It'll all be there tomorrow, one way or another. For tonight let's just be two girls who don't have the fate of the world on their shoulders."
[18:01] <Usagi-chan> "Sounds like a good idea to me," Usagi answers with a smile, gripping Rei's hand. "Just you and me, and everything else can go away, just for tonight."
[18:02] <Rei-chan> "Yeah," Rei smiles. "That would be perfect."
[18:10] * Usagi-chan leans in close, a playful smile on her face. "How about we go away too?"
[18:11] <Rei-chan> "Sounds good to me," Rei smiles, taking a quick glance around in case anyone can see them.
[18:12] * Usagi-chan looks around as well; finding this particular area of the park, she utters the words of her teleport spell... leaning in to kiss Rei as the last word completes and the two vanish from the face of the Earth.
[18:13] <Rei-chan> -------
[18:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> As the spectre of your trip looms large and forboding, the girls find themselves tying up loose ends and such... just in case it's a long trip, or worse. For Makoto, this involves inviting Alan over on Wednesday evening.
[18:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> He arrives a bit after school, looking nice in his slightly rumpled school uniform, smiling. "Hey," he says as he enters, going to the couch.
[18:09] <Makoto> "Hey Alan, how are you?" Makoto asks with a small smile.
[18:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I'm fine," he says as he sits. "Class was boring, but that's normal." He turns to look right at you. "So... you said you were leaving tomorrow?"
[18:11] * Makoto nods. "That's the plan, as far as I know," she says quietly as she takes a seat besides him, leaning her head on his shoulder and wrapping one of her arms around his. "What do you think? About us leaving?"
[18:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> He finishes the embrace, wrapping his free arm around your shoulders. "I hope you're back soon," he says matter-of-factly. "I hate that you're going, but it's something you have to do... like how I have to make sure the Tree keeps on growing and stays strong, no matter what."
[18:16] * Makoto smiles. "Well, I hope you don't have to do anything bad while I'm away to help it grow..." Makoto teases, pecking his cheek with a kiss before turning to a more somber expression. "But yeah, I'm hope we come back soon too. This trip worries me a bit."
[18:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Despite that, he smiles, just visible underneath his hair. He must be letting his bangs grow out even more, it looks like. "A dimension full of dark energy and how many more of those Sisters are left, and whatever is behind them?" Alan muses a moment. "If I wasn't tied to the Tree, I'd go with you to help."
[18:23] <Makoto> "I wish you could help, really," Makoto states. "I've been having doubts over how my own usefulness really. My past record with them isn't very good. I... don't want to let Usagi and my friends down, but there's just no time to do anything."
[18:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You'll do fine," he says finally. "I saw you fight a few times, remember? Between you and the others, you'll be able to hold up your end."
[18:29] <Makoto> "Thanks for the vote of confidence, but you haven't seen me in my last few fights," Makoto says with a weak smile. "I just really wish I had the time to do some training. Right now, all I can do is hope everything goes well."
[18:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> He turns his head, just enough to see you. "If you're that worried, I guess we can do some sparring," he suggests. "If you're really that badly out of form."
[18:34] <Makoto> "Thank you, but that's not really going to help right now," Makoto says with a shake of her head after a bit of musing, giving the thought consideration. "Still, that's probably something to consider for afterwards."
[18:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods, still holding you. "Sure," he agrees, then a short pause as neither of you speak. "Did you have any plans for today, Makoto?"
[18:39] <Makoto> "Actually..." Makoto starts to say coyly as she gets up and turns around to look at Alan in the eyes. "There was one thing I wanted to show you in my bedroom..."
[18:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> Smiling a bit too widely, he nods. "Of course," he meets your eyes back as you would expect, gently getting up.
[18:43] <Makoto> Nodding, she turns around and skips to her room, knocking on it and calling out, "Lita! You want to meet Alan?" as she opens the door.
[18:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan halts dead in his tracks at the door, blinking. "Lita? Um... Makoto..." he says, suddenly looking very stunned. "Um...."
[18:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> From the way he's just staring at you, surprised, you get the feeling a stiff breeze could send him flying right about now.
[18:58] * Makoto giggles at Alan's expression and explains. "Lita is a hand-sized robot that Ami-chan built and gave to me. She's very shy, and has either been charging or hiding when you've come to visit."
[18:58] <Makoto> As she says this, a small head peaks out from behind the drawer, and waves.
[19:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Alan blinks a second time, trying mentally shift from one range of expectations to another. "A... robot..." he says, shaking his head quickly out of the confusion plaguing him. "Um... Lita, it is?" he says, coming into your bedroom for not the first time.
[19:04] <Makoto> Lita jumps out of the drawer, landing on her toe and giving a small piroutte, before raising her arms. Makoto giggles and claps as the little robot takes quick steps for someone her size, bypassing Alan and walking up to Makoto who picks her up as she enters the room.
[19:27] <Ana-brb> Alan takes a step forward, peering down at Lita. "Hey," he smiles at it, then looks at Makoto. "She's kind of cute."
[19:37] <Makoto> Lita cocks her head to the side at the sound of the word "cute" and examines Alan before lifting her arms and making motions to be picked up. Makoto giggles then, remembering how shy Lita had been up till now about being around Alan. Lita really did love attention.
[19:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> Glancing up at Makoto's reaction, Alan shrugs and does so, picking up Lita. "She's pretty light," he says, as he brings her up to eye level.
[19:47] * Makoto nods. "Yeah, Ami did something great in building her. She says Lita's not perfect, but I like her as she is. She's pretty intelligent too."
[19:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nodding, he inspects the robot. "As in human intelligent?" he inquires.
[19:50] * Makoto shrugs. "Kinda. She's more limited in what she can learn and do. Ami says her AI has some bugs, though I honestly can't tell what."
-------
If there is more, I lack it. Sadness.
-------

Halbarad · July 01, 2006, 02:25:45 AM

[09:35] <Anastasia> Arriving at Mugen in a cloudy, gloomy morning at the request of Professor Tomoe, Usagi finds herself in the Witches office with him. The Twins are there as well, Cyprine napping while Ptilol sits next to the Professor quietly. "Usagi," he begins once you've sat down, "The portal is complete, it just needs to be activated and powered through with the Grail," he begins.
[09:36] * Usagi-chan sits at her desk, nodding. "How exactly do I need to do that?"
[09:38] <Anastasia> "From what Germatou understood," a slight reflexive frown there, "it's merely a matter of using the Grail's innate energy to pave a path through the negative energy - it's not all THAT different from how the dimensional boundaries would have been blown away for the Pharaoh." He leans forward a bit, a certain intensity brought to him when discussing this matter. "If I understand right, you just need to unleash the Grail's power. Not too [09:38] <Anastasia> much to risk causing more damage to the barrier between these two worlds, but enough to part the negative energy."
[09:40] <Usagi-chan> "I'll have to be really careful then," Usagi says with a slight frown. "I don't know if the Grail is anything like the Silver Crystal was, but it was really easy to use too much power with the crystal."
[09:42] <Anastasia> Tomoe nods. "Some caution will be in order," he agrees. "If the boundaries between these two worlds are damaged further..." Professor Tomoe shakes his head. "I'm not entirely sure what would happen, but it would be best for all of us if we never find out."
[09:43] * Usagi-chan grimaces a little at that, but nods. "I'll be sure to be extra careful when I use the Grail then." She looks over at the Professor. "How are we going to get back, anyway? Will the portal stay open or what?"
[09:47] <Anastasia> "The portal won't stay open - it would be an open invitation for anything on two legs to stumble through, and to give a vent to the energy in that world." Turning to Ptilol, Tomoe lets her speak.
[09:49] <Anastasia> "This morning, we were able to project ourselves briefly into that world," she starts. "It's far simpler to slip by the darkness in an astral body, though it carries it's own risks." Ptilol smiles a moment at that, but then goes on. "The portal will allow us another look into the world, and another reference point. We should be able to maintain contact every few hours as needed."
[09:50] <Usagi-chan> "Good, so we will be able to stay in contact." Usagi smiles at that. "I was a little worried about that, in case something was to go wrong here after we leave."
[09:51] <Anastasia> "We'll stay in touch," he assures you, then glances over to the napping Cyprine, then Ptilol. "Could you take her up to the clinic if she's going to nap," Tomoe asks suddenly.
[09:52] <Anastasia> Ptilol shrugs a moment, then smiles and nods. "If you like, she agrees, going over to her sister and picking her up. A moment later, the duo vanishes.
[09:54] <Anastasia> Once the two are gone, Professor Tomoe turns his attention back to you. "I see that you chose Viluy to become Sailor Neptune."
[09:55] * Usagi-chan nods. "We knew I was going to have to pick someone fast, and it's better that it was someone we already knew. All the senshi talked it over to make sure, and we all decided that Viluy would probably be a good fit."
[09:56] <Anastasia> He nods, not unkindly. If anything, there is a faint smile on his face. "I am curious about one thing, though. Just a week ago you said that you felt none of the Witches were suitable. Did something change your mind?"
[09:58] * Usagi-chan pauses a moment. "A couple of things, really. One of them was Rei - she had a fire reading that pointed to Viluy as a good choice, but it's also talking more with the others. I really didn't know Viluy all that well myself, and I kind of judged the Witches based on the one I know the best - Eudial." Usagi blushes a little at that. "Probably shouldn't have done that, but when we had our last meeting I heard more about Viluy from Rei and Ami."
[10:01] <Anastasia> He nods once at the end, going on. "Eudial..." he smiles faintly again, thinking. "She's so... erratic, I suppose," he says finally.
[10:03] * Usagi-chan nods. "And kind of reckless, too. Did you hear about what happened at the cosmetics store last week?" Usagi puts on a wry grin.
[10:04] <Anastasia> "I heard," he smiles openly at that for a moment, before resuming a more sombre expression. "Eudial is something of a loose cannon, you think?"
[10:06] * Usagi-chan thinks for a moment, her own expression becoming a little more serious. "I really think her heart's in the right place, it's just that she doesn't always think before she does things."
[10:09] <Anastasia> Nodding to that, he goes on. "Regardless, though, the Twins told me what they saw today in that other world."
[10:09] <Usagi-chan> "And?" Usagi leans across the desk, clearly interested. "How bad is it?"
[10:11] <Anastasia> He grimaces. "Dark enegry is flowing freely all around Tokyo, Usagi. Enough so that most of the people seen are tainted with it, and order is beginning to break down."
[10:12] * Usagi-chan takes a deep sigh. "I was afraid of that... we're going to be busy when we get there, that's for sure." The blonde shakes her head. "I know she might not have been able to tell much, but is there anything else they noticed that might be important for us to know?"
[10:15] <Anastasia> "Nothing useful past that," he explains, leaning back in his seat slightly. His face is still serious. "They weren't there long, perhaps only ten minutes."
[10:16] * Usagi-chan leans back in her chair, nodding. "What about the portal itself? Do you have any idea where it's going to put us over there?"
[10:20] <Anastasia> "Yes," he confirms. "If my calculations are correct, I've aimed it to be in Tokyo's main park, in a secluded area so that you don't cause undue problems on arrival."
[10:22] <Usagi-chan> "That'll be good, then. Hopefully we won't get into any trouble the minute we land." Usagi taps her chin for a moment. "I'm going to have everyone use the portal already transformed though, just to be sure. Especially since we don't know exactly what we might be walking into."
[10:23] <Anastasia> Tomoe nods at that. "When are you planning on going today?"
[10:24] <Usagi-chan> "Probably just after lunch, if that's okay with you. It'll be one less thing we have to worry about, and it gives everyone time to tie up any last-minute loose ends before we leave." Usagi nods.
[10:24] <Anastasia> He nods. "Alright... then I should go and run a final set of tests on the portal." With that he rises up, smiling a bit. "Good luck, Usagi."
[10:26] <Usagi-chan> "Thanks, Professor." She stands from her desk, turning to leave - but pauses. "Oh, and one other thing that I HOPE you won't have to worry about, but I should still tell you."
[10:26] <Anastasia> "Yes?" he asks, turning back to you.
[10:28] <Usagi-chan> "Hotaru's Talisman is on the Moon in the artifact hall - I left a map to it on my desk up there. Rei and I have removed our shields on it, so the only one left guarding it is Saturn's shield. If for any reason Hotaru needs to get it, she'll be able to - although I'm really hoping she won't have to. I will warn you that no one else but her should even TRY to get it out though."
[10:30] <Anastasia> His mood going serious again, "Alright. I doubt she will, but it's noted."
[10:31] * Usagi-chan nods. "I doubt she will too, but I wanted you to know just in case." Usagi smiles again after that. "Guess there's not much left for me to do until we're ready to go then."
[12:16] <Anastasia> ---
[12:17] <Anastasia> The day has come to storm Chibi Usa's home dimension and hopefully set things right again. In the bowels of Mugen the girls gather, Witches, Senshi and Chibi Usa. The latter is almost deathly quiet and thoughtful, keeping a sad but strangely hopeful eye on Serenity.
[12:18] <Anastasia> In one of the old Deathbuster labs, converted to a portal room, a metallic arch almost too thin to stand on its own is there, painted white and arching about fifteen feet in the air at its peak. From it come wires hooked up to myriad machines, regulating the great magic and techonology used.
[12:19] <Sailor_Mars> "Everyone got everything they'll need?" Rei asks her fellow senshi. "We could be there for a while."
[12:19] * Serenity nods. "I'm ready as I'm ever going to be." She gives Chibi Usa a smile. "You ready for this, Chibi Usa?"
[12:20] <Anastasia> Viluy, Eudial and the Professor are behind the machines, working away while the other Witches stand to the side.
[12:20] <Anastasia> Looking up at you with wet, loving eyes, she nods. "Okay, m... Usagi," she says, staring at you. The rocking to her world since you assumed the guise of Serenity is still easily detected.
[12:21] * Serenity smiles warmly. "We'll take care of everything - just stay close to me when we get there, all right?"
[12:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Slowly, a dark light forms in the arc as the Professor works the dials, a doorway to beyond. "It's ready," Tomoe calls out over a slowly increasing hum as the boundaries between two worlds are spread apart. "Use the Grail when you're ready, Usagi!"
[12:23] * Serenity nods, turning her attention to the portal in front of her. Solemnly she raises the Holy Grail, willing its power to come forth and drive away the darkness in the world beyond.
[12:23] * Sailor_Mars warily regards the portal, unconsciously drawing a bit closer to Serenity.
[12:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Soul check, Serenity.
[12:23] <Serenity> roll 2d6
[12:23] * Hatbot --> "Serenity rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[12:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> Holding the Grail, it shines with the light of purity, white beams spilling out from it as it opens! The light zooms into the portal, the humming going louder and louder as the gate solidifies! Finally, the darkness parts to reveal a dark forest-like area ahead, with a small path. "It's open," Tomoe calls. "Go!"
[12:25] * Serenity maintains her grasp on the Grail, waiting for her friends to pass through the portal.
[12:25] * Sailor_Mars nods, hurrying through the portal to face what lies on the other side.
[12:25] * Sailor_Uranus steps through after Mars.
[12:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> Herb and Ami both go, with Ami giving Usagi a quick smile before dashing through the dimensional gateway.
[12:25] * Sailor_Jupiter nods as she follows after her friends also.
[12:26] <Serenity> "Go on, Chibi Usa!" Usagi urges. "I'll be right behind you!"
[12:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Looking fearfully at the gate for a moment, she turns and looks up at you with that, her fear fading. "Okay..." With that, she runs and goes through the portal.
[12:27] * Serenity grits her teeth, lowering the Grail as she hurries through the portal herself.
[12:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> And with that, Serenity steps through the portal!
[12:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[12:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> As she does so, the portal flickers and fades, leaving the Witches and Professor Tomoe behind. "Good luck, Usagi," Cyprine murmurs, her sister nodding with her. "Professor, shall we start in a few hours?"
[12:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a sigh, Tomoe turns from the portal. "Yes," he agrees. "Once the dimensional barriers cease to resonate from this gateway."
[12:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> ----
[12:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is a momentary pulling as you step through the portal, like being forcefully and instantly taken elsewhere. It lasts but a second, though, and your eyes take in what looks to be a nice park, with a path through some trees leading to a lake. It looks to be late twilight, with only a bit of light about.
[12:30] * Serenity blinks. "Whoa... that was weird." She glances around the park for her friends. "Everyone here?"
[12:30] <Sailor_Mars> As soon as she arrives, Rei stretches out her supernatural senses to their fullest extent to discern everything she can about their new location.
[12:31] <Sailor_Mars> "So much negative energy..." Rei breathes, looking around.
[12:31] <Sailor_Jupiter> "I'm here," Makoto comments as she gets her bearings and looks around.
[12:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is little light to see around with, but the trees alone look different - almost twisted and scary, like from a horror movie. The branches look like sharp demon claws, waving in a non existant wind.
[12:32] <Sailor_Uranus> "No problem here," Haruka replies with a shrug.
[12:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> Shivering, Chibi Usa quickly darts to Usagi. "It's scary," she whispers, but steels herself when she looks up at Serenity.
[12:34] * Serenity looks around, frowning. "That's for sure... not exactly a spot for a picnic, is it?" She gives Chibi Usa a small smile. "Stand back for a second while I transform, okay?" Once the child has done so, Serenity calls out her transformation. "Moon Purity Power, Make UP!"
[12:36] * Sailor_Moon glances around. "Negative energy everywhere... where do we START?" Usagi says with a sigh.
[12:37] <Sailor_Mars> "There must be focal points," Rei replies, "Those Crystal Points Beruche mentioned - that Haruka and I saw in our visions."
[12:38] <Sailor_Jupiter> "If we're gonna move, we want to move now. We might be getting company any minute now if they sensed something from our arrival," Makoto suggests.
[12:38] * Sailor_Moon closes her eyes for a moment, stretching her senses out to search for any nearby concentrations of negative power.
[12:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Soul check, Usagi. +3 due to the extreme general level of saturation.
[12:38] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6+3
[12:38] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6+3 and gets 13."
[12:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> You can only sense the ambient energy, it's difficult to note anything past it. This world... is terribly tainted, you can already tell. Almost to its core...
[12:39] * Sailor_Moon sighs. "I can't make anything out... there's just too much negative energy in general to find any place where it's stronger."
[12:40] <Sailor_Mars> "Hmm... we know they targeted that clothes shop, the ice cream shop, and the cosmetics shop..." Rei muses, "And the fire seemed to say that the Shrine was one of those points as well. I guess any of those places are as good as anywhere to start?" she looks at the others for their thoughts.
[12:41] <Sailor_Uranus> "Let's get moving like Jupiter suggested," Haruka comments, looking around warily. "We can try to feel out where to go while on the move."
[12:41] * Sailor_Moon thinks for a moment. "Of those.... I'd vote for the Shrine first. If nothing else, it'll give us a place to stay while we're here, since it looks like this is going to take a while." She kneels down, gathering Chibi Usa up in her arms. "And I agree - let's get moving."
[12:42] <Sailor_Mars> "I guess," Rei looks a bit unhappy. "I'm almost afraid of what we'll find there, but it can't be worse than what I've seen before..." she grimaces, recalling what she herself did under Metallia's sway. "Let's go."
[12:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> Walking down the path, you soon come to the lake. It's familiar to Rei, Usagi and Ami... Rei in particular, as it's where her first date was, even if the man in question was Mamoru.
[12:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you walk by the lake, both Rei and Usagi see and feel something coming, and fast!
[12:46] <Sailor_Mars> "Look out!" Rei cries, turning to face whatever it is.
[12:47] * Sailor_Moon quickly dives out of the way, not wanting the girl in her arms to be hurt by whatever is approaching.
[12:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> The lake begins to churn, four columns of water forming and reaching to the sky! In the center of this appears a man, red hair, black crystal earrings, and a strange vest and greenish pants. "Welcome to Shadow Tokyo, Sailor Senshi," he calls, laughing as he appears over the lake. "You've even brought the rabbit back for us!" he mocks, Chibi Usa whimpering in fear.
[12:48] * Sailor_Moon glares at the man in silence, stroking Chibi Usa's head to reassure the girl.
[12:49] * Sailor_Mars puts herself in front of Usagi and Chibi Usa, glaring at the man. "Are you responsible for all of this?" she gestures around at the corruption apparent everywhere.
[12:49] * Sailor_Jupiter also steps up, protectively, but simply glares at the man.
[12:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Of course," he smiles arrogantly, his voice full of condescension. "Welcome to our paradise in the twentieth century! I'm sure you'll find it as appealing as you counterparts did," the man jibes, sneering at you a bit.
[12:51] <Sailor_Mars> "We'll do to you what we did to those girls you sent to our dimension, you bastard!" Rei yells, not at all wanting to think of her counterpart's fate in this world.
[12:52] <Sailor_Moon> "In your dreams, buster. We're here to clean this place up - and not you or anyone else is going to stop us." Usagi growls.
[12:53] * Sailor_Uranus chooses not to say anything though the urge to snap the mirth from the man does grow.
[12:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Such high words for a little girl," he grins darkly. "Perhaps you can back this up with power... not that your counterparts were even good for that," he cackles, putting his hands out as reddish-black disks of energy come from them and engulf the four pillars of water. "Greater Droid Seaboim! Come forth!" With a splash, they come together in front of the man, the water forming a body of blue! A woman comes from this, made entirely of dark water.
[12:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> A white bikini appears around the woman, the red-haired man laughing. "We'll see how you are after you play with my friend here," he says, vanishing back to whence he came. "Don't die on me this quickly, Sailors!"
[12:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "After all..." his voice is distant now, but hearable, "I never got to really have fun with the native set of girls before they died."
[12:56] * Sailor_Moon sets Chibi Usa off to the side of the path. "Keep your head down, Chibi Usa-chan. We'll take care of this in no time flat." She gives the girl a wink before turning to face the droid.
[12:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa smiles at you with faith, then scampers back out of the way.
[12:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a quick glance at the others, Herb dashes to make sure nothing tries to mess with Chibi Usa while the others are fighting. Ami, for her part, has her visor appear and begins to scan...
[12:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Initiative.
[12:58] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+10
[12:58] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+10 and gets 15."
[12:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[12:58] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[12:58] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 1d6+14
[12:58] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 1d6+14 and gets 18."
[12:58] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[12:58] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 15."
[12:58] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 1d6+13
[12:58] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 1d6+13 and gets 19."
[12:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Seaboim," the thing murmurs, it's head jerking up nimbly as it glares at all of you. "Prepare to meet the Dark Moon!" it calls in derision.
[13:00] <Sailor_Jupiter> "You want to have fun with us? Fine, here's some fun. Jupiter Thunder Dragon!" Makoto shouts as she attacks the creature.
[13:01] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[13:01] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[13:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:02] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[13:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Breaking apart into droplets of water as the Thunder Dragon comes, the monster reappears and reforms a bit to the side, being missed by Jupiter's attack entirely!
[13:05] * Sailor_Jupiter growls. 'Dammit... this is not how I wanted to start this mission out.'
[13:06] * Sailor_Uranus follows Jupiter's lead by charging her own attack. She's unusually quiet, not even a cheap jab leaving her lips as she calls out, "World Shaking!"
[13:06] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[13:06] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[13:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:06] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[13:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> The attack whams into the monster, causing it to fall apart in a shower of droplets! Yet a moment later, the droplets reform, seemingly undamaged, if slightly scrambled!
[13:10] <Sailor_Uranus> "Oh for the love of..." Haruka trails off in a grumble. "This is giving me Guinvain flashbacks...."
[13:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> Grinning, the monster concentrates a moment, a giant pillar of water forming and coming right at Sailor Uranus, crashing down at her in deadly impact!
[13:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:10] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[13:10] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[13:10] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[13:11] * Sailor_Uranus sidesteps the attack, glaring at her watery foe. "And that was just lame..." she offers in criticism.
[13:12] * Sailor_Mars only makes a guttaral growl of rage at the man's parting words, not wanting to believe them, but finding it hard to see how the senshi could still be alive in this world. "I'll show you power!" she mutters darkly, putting her feelings to action, she concentrates intently to superheat the lake and flashboil all the water to steam in an instant!
[13:12] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[13:12] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[13:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:13] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[13:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> Lashing out with her power, Sailor Mars causes the water to flash boil! A gout of steam bursts out, the monster vanishing in a blast of steam as all the water there is cooked!
[13:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a groan, the monster's aura vanishes away, dispersed by Mars's action.
[13:14] * Sailor_Moon grins. "Nice shot, Rei-chan."
[13:15] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Well, that was cool. Good job, Rei," Makoto says, surprised at how fast she took it down.
[13:15] <Sailor_Mars> "Too easy," Rei says, not entirely happy. "Things will probably get harder from here on out."
[13:16] * Sailor_Moon checks for any decrease in the level of negative energy in the area - it seemed like that at home at least, defeating a droid would dissipate it.
[13:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> There isn't much of a change, if any. The entire area is still super soaked in the foul stuff.
[13:17] <Sailor_Mars> "Come on, we might as well keep moving," Rei suggests.
[13:18] * Sailor_Moon nods, collecting her 'daughter' once again. "No sense in hanging around here waiting for that jerk to come back," she says as she follows the fiery senshi.
[13:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa smiles at Rei as she is taken, then settles in quietly. She still looks rather overwhelmed.
[13:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[13:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> Exiting the park, you see that the late twilight hasn't chaged a bit - and the clock in the window of the store near by says 3:21 PM. All the buildings look soot-covered and dim, only a few cars about - and those that are zoom at top speed, as if to spend no more time around than needed. The few people around walk with a slump, grinning up at you with disturbing eyes...
[13:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> There are no signs of the normal law and order about, many store fronts smashed in, and there is a thin plume of smoke ahead signifying a fire somewhere east.
[13:20] * Sailor_Mars looks to the east. "Think we should check it out?"
[13:20] * Sailor_Moon frowns at the looks the group is receiving. "I REALLY don't like this, guys..." She glances to the east. "Any idea what it might be?"
[13:22] <Sailor_Uranus> "Rioting, burning building... could be anything really," Haruka responds with a shrug.
[13:22] <Sailor_Mars> "It could just be looters," Rei gives a distasteful look at the smashed store fronts. "But if we're here to help this world, shouldn't we do something about it?"
[13:23] * Sailor_Moon frowns a bit more. "I want to get settled in somewhere as soon as we can, but I guess we SHOULD do something - it's pretty obvious that no one else is going to if we don't."
[13:23] <Sailor_Mars> "Lets use the rooftops," Rei suggests. "I don't like the looks we're receiving."
[13:24] * Sailor_Moon nods, making sure she has a tight hold on Chibi Usa before leaping to the nearest rooftop.
[13:24] * Sailor_Mars quickly follows.
[13:25] * Sailor_Jupiter also follows afterwards.
[13:25] * Sailor_Uranus leaps up as well following behind.
[13:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> Once you begin to roof hop, you quickly get your bearings - you're not that far from Juuban Middle... and if you're right, the burning building ahead is none other than your former school!
[13:26] <Sailor_Moon> "Oh no..." Usagi increases her speed, springing lightly from building to building as she speeds towards the burning school.
[13:26] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Oh my god..." Makoto mutters as she also increases her speed.
[13:27] * Sailor_Mars shakes her head, the burning school far too much a reminder of what she did to T*A. Nonetheless she quickly follows Usagi and Makoto, wanting to get closer before she tries to quell the angry flames.
[13:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you get closer, you can see a small mob of students in from of the merrily burning place, laughing amongst themselves as they toss gasoline into the fire. Among them are friends, like Naru and Umino... hell, Unimo is near the front, tossing another can of gas into the doorway.
[13:28] * Sailor_Moon frowns deeply at the tainted students, setting Chibi Usa down on the roof nearest the school before walking to the edge to survey the scene a bit better.
[13:28] <Sailor_Mars> "Can you tell if anyone is inside the school, Usagi?" Rei asks worriedly, knowing Usagi is better at sensing 'normal' auras than she is.
[13:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> At least one hundred students are about, all laughing and jeering at the cooking school. Many of them you recognise, or are old friends.
[13:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> The fire is burning brightly, reaching up to the upper stories now.
[13:29] * Sailor_Moon hears Rei's words, trying to sense if there is indeed anyone still inside the school.
[13:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Make your check, rabbit. +3 due to the resident aura.
[13:29] <Sailor_Jupiter> "What the hell?" Makoto mutters as she finally registers that the students are doing this.
[13:29] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6+3
[13:29] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6+3 and gets 13."
[13:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's hard as anything to sense past the crowd and into the school. All the energy present is just like a soft fuzz across your sensing eye.
[13:31] * Sailor_Moon shakes her head angrily, trying to clear her head as she stretches her senses out once again.
[13:31] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6+3
[13:31] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6+3 and gets 10."
[13:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> Managing to partially pierce the fuzz, you can sense a few people inside, a few on their way to whatever lies beyond this world for them. As you sense this, you hear something. "Hey, it's Sailor Moon," a boy from the crowd calls, pointing up. "It is," Naru yells out, nudging Unimo in the side. "She's such a whiny brat, isn't she?"
[13:34] * Sailor_Moon ignores the voices of the crowd, more intent on making sure no more of the people inside the building turn into victims. "There are a few, Rei-chan - some of them probably aren't going to make it, but there are a few that can still get out."
[13:35] <Sailor_Mars> Nodding grimly at Usagi's words, Rei holds out a hand towards the school as she focuses her mastery over flame to quell the blaze.
[13:35] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[13:35] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[13:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> With an arc of heat, the flames start to abruptly go down, much to the disappointment of the crowd as they simmer down. "Hey, that's not supposed to happen," a girl from the crowd complains. "I wanna see the school burn down!"
[13:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Sailor Moon probably did it," Naru calls, pointing an angry finger at her, much to the rumbling agreement of the mob.
[13:41] * Sailor_Moon frowns. "This is getting ugly..."
[13:42] <Sailor_Mars> "They're all horribly tainted by dark energy. I don't think we can reason with them," Rei says worriedly.
[13:42] * Sailor_Moon looks at her former friends worriedly. "Do you think I should try to purify them?"
[13:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> "We should go up there and teach her a lesson," Umino cries out, angrily.
[13:43] <Sailor_Mars> "If you think you can," Rei nods. "They'll probably be tainted again in a few days unless we deal with the root cause, though."
[13:44] <Sailor_Moon> "The only other thing I can see to do is run - I sure don't want to fight regular people, it's not their fault this is happening." Usagi says sadly.
[13:45] <Sailor_Uranus> "Shouldn't we worry about the people in the school who were hurt rather than these people?" Haruka asks, scoffing slightly at the sight of the small mob of students.
[13:46] <Sailor_Moon> "Have to get past them to get inside the school, Haruka - I don't want to hit the roof if the building's been on fire, it could collapse." Usagi replies.
[13:47] <Sailor_Jupiter> "I could try to paralyze them with a shock, so we can get past them, but not sure how well it could work," Makoto says, not really having any better thoughts.
[13:48] * Sailor_Moon shakes her head. "We've got to do something, and fast. Some of those people inside the school are almost too far gone to do anything about." Usagi summons the Grail into her hands, watching the crowd below.
[13:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> The student mob is buzzing, and starting to move now. "We'll take that girl down," Naru calls as she leads them on.
[13:48] <Sailor_Moon> "Stop this! You don't want to do this!" Usagi calls down to the mob.
[13:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Stop begging," Naru fires back, grinning evilly at you. "C'mon! Let's burn down this building," Naru points at the one you're on, more students with gas cans ready.
[13:50] * Sailor_Moon raises the Grail high overhead again, opening the lid to allow a single drop of the liquid within to escape. "Holy Grail Purification!" she shouts.
[13:50] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[13:50] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[13:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sparking and chasing away the ever present darkness for a crystal clear moment, the drop falls down into the crowd. With a WOOSH, the mob falls, the taint fading from them in an instant.
[13:54] * Sailor_Moon takes a deep breath, finding the use of the holy artifact rather draining. "Well, that takes care of them... come on, we need to help the people inside the school. Haruka, would you stay here and keep an eye on Chibi Usa?"
[13:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> Haruka nods. "No problem," she says with a grin to Chibi Usa. "Get going."
[13:56] * Sailor_Moon replaces the Grail in her subspace pocket before leaping lightly down to the street below, quickly moving past the fallen group of students into the burned-out shell of the school as she looks for anyone she can help.
[13:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going inside, you manage to sense three people that need help - there are others about, but feel stable enough.
[13:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> All are on the first floor.
[13:58] * Sailor_Moon quickly heads for the one closest to the main entrance.
[13:59] <Ebiris> Rei stays right on Usagi's heels as she hurries through the school.
[14:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> The first one is in a class room, a young girl you don't know. She's badly burned, and needs help quickly...
[14:01] * Sailor_Moon doesn't pause for an instant as she brandishes her new Lunar Staff. "Moon Healing Escalation!" she cries, sending a wave of healing energy towards the badly burned girl.
[14:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> Washing over her, the healing magic soothes her burns and reforms her skin.
[14:03] * Sailor_Moon pauses only for a moment to make sure the girl is stable before heading off to the next closest victim of the fire.
[14:04] * Sailor_Mars continues following Sailor Moon.
[14:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> The next two are together, in another charred classroom. Both need help now.
[14:07] * Sailor_Moon again raises her staff, sending forth magical healing energy towards the badly wounded pair. "Moon Healing Escalation!"
[14:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> The two are soothed and healed by this, rested and restored.
[14:09] * Sailor_Moon takes a deep breath, forcing down the exhaustion rapidly creeping up on her by sheer force of will.
[14:09] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[14:09] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[14:10] <Sailor_Mars> "We can't keep going at this rate," Rei observes worriedly, noting Usagi's predicament. "Not when we don't even have a safe place to rest in this hellhole."
[14:11] * Sailor_Moon nods tiredly. "I know, but I couldn't just leave them to die."
[14:11] <Sailor_Mars> "I wasn't saying you should!" Rei replies, horribly offended. "I just meant that we need to find a safe place, and soon!"
[14:12] * Sailor_Moon shakes her head. "Not what I meant," is all she replies, finding herself too tired to make an issue of it. "Question is, where do we go?"
[14:13] <Sailor_Mars> "There aren't any safe places here," Rei also lets the matter drop, "We'll have to make someplace safe ourselves, I think."
[14:14] <Sailor_Jupiter> "What about the moon? It won't be as good as home, but we shouldn't have problems there, right?" Makoto tries suggesting
[14:15] * Sailor_Moon frowns a bit. "Maybe not, but that puts us at a disadvantage every time we come down here - wears us out a lot to be teleporting back and forth a lot."
[14:16] * Sailor_Jupiter frowns too. "Oh, hadn't thought of that..."
[14:16] <Sailor_Mars> "Well, our original plan was to go to the Shrine, right?" Rei says, "We might as well continue with that."
[14:17] * Sailor_Moon nods. "It'll work, I think. It's got enough room for all of us at a pinch, and we won't be too far away from trouble when it happens."
[14:18] <Sailor_Mars> "And trouble won't be too far from us, but that's true everywhere here," Rei sighs. "Anyway, we should get back out to the others if that's the last of the wounded, here."
[14:18] * Sailor_Moon nods. "I don't sense anyone else in immediate trouble, so I think we're done in here. Let's meet up with everyone outside."
[14:19] * Sailor_Mars nods herself, heading back out of the school.
[10:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> Coming out of the building after your exertions inside, you see that the mob of students is still unconscious by and large. The other girls are still waiting for you above with Chibi Usa.
[10:25] * Rei-chan leaps back up onto the rooftop to rejoin the others. "Nothing happen while we were in there?" she asks.
[10:25] * Sailor_Moon springs back up to the rooftop, taking a deep breath as she lands. "Hopefully that will keep things safe, at least for now," she says quietly.
[10:26] <Sailor_Uranus> "Nothing of note," Haruka replies, while stretching.
[10:27] <Sailor_Mars> "Okay, then," she looks to their leader, "So we're going to the Shrine, now?" she asks, a little bit uneasy with the prospect of what they might find there.
[10:28] * Sailor_Moon nods. "Unless anyone else has a better suggestion. We need a place to settle, and that's as good as any - I doubt anyone will be doing much there with the way things are right now."
[10:28] <Sailor_Mars> "Yeah, but if Grandpa and Yuuichiro are like them," she gestures at the unconscious mob, "There's no telling what we'll find..."
[10:30] <Sailor_Moon> "I know, but where else can we really go? None of our houses are going to be in much better shape, and they're all smaller than the Shrine. I don't think we'd all fit in Mako-chan's apartment."
[10:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> Speaking up quietly, "They came to Rei-chan's shrine before," Chibi Usa chips in.
[10:31] <Sailor_Mars> "Oh?" Rei kneels down besides the little girl, "So it definitely is one of those Crystal Points?"
[10:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nodding to Rei, the pink haired one goes on. "The Sailors came there and there was a big fight."
[10:33] * Sailor_Mars nods, giving Chibi Usa a reassuring smile. "Well, we'll go there and investigate. If it is a Crystal Point then purifying it is a priority."
[10:33] * Sailor_Moon looks around at the rest of the group. "Anything else before we get going, then?"
[10:34] * Sailor_Uranus shakes her head in the negative.
[10:34] * Sailor_Mercury shakes her head, frowning at the unconscious students thoughtfully.
[10:35] * Sailor_Moon nods, collecting Chibi Usa once again as the group prepares to move to the Shrine.
[10:35] * Sailor_Mars leads the group back to her... counterpart's, home, hopping from roof to roof in order to avoid the tainted pedestrians below.
[10:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Soul check for everyone, -2 bonus for Mars and Moon.
[10:37] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[10:37] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[10:37] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6-2
[10:37] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6-2 and gets 1."
[10:37] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[10:37] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 2."
[10:37] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6-2
[10:37] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6-2 and gets 4."
[10:38] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[10:38] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[10:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you leap and bound you way closer, you begin to feel a dread in your stomach, a shiver across your body as the Shrine gets closer. Rei and Usagi sense, in their way, a growing nexus of dark energy from the Shrine. It's formidable, and very strong.
[10:39] * Sailor_Mars slows down. "There's an incredibly strong dark energy... we can't just charge in blindly, here," she cautions her friends.
[10:40] * Sailor_Moon's expression becomes grim as she feels the rise in dark energy from the Shrine. "That's for sure... but if this is one of the sources of all the dark energy everywhere else, we've got to clean it up sooner or later."
[10:41] * Sailor_Mercury stops, wincing and pulling out her computer, resisting the urge to shiver as she scans the shrine fron where she stopped.
[10:41] * Sailor_Uranus keeps relatively quiet, waiting for any directions.
[10:41] <Sailor_Mars> "That's why we plan our attack first," Rei points out to Usagi before turning to Ami. "Ami, can your computer scan the area of the Shrine to find out just what we're up against?"
[10:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> Mercury - Your computer is scanning... scanning... scanning. The results show that an obvious pooling point for dark energy is at the Shrine, and it's very robust.
[10:44] * Sailor_Mercury nods to Rei. "It's defintely a nexus for dark energy." She replies, without looking up, and begins to narrow her scan, looking for specific details about the weak points of the pool, or points where it's the strongest. "Details will take a moment."
[10:44] <Sailor_Mars> "Any people or droids there?" Rei asks.
[10:44] * Sailor_Mercury adds that to her scanning criteria quickly.
[10:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> Mercury - The scan will take a few minutes, it seems. The level of dark energy is making things difficult.
[10:46] * Sailor_Mercury frowns and looks up, but leaves the computer to do its work. "The dark energy is interfering with the scan. It'll take a few minutes to finish."
[10:47] * Sailor_Moon nods, experiencing much the same with her own vision at the moment.
[10:47] <Sailor_Mars> "We can wait," Rei nods. Better a few minutes doing things carefully than getting their asses kicked by a nasty surprise.
[10:49] * Sailor_Moon takes the intervening time to study the swirling mass of dark energy herself, hoping she can spot any kind of weakness in it.
[10:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi - Soul check, +3.
[10:50] * Sailor_Mercury monitors her computer's progress, slightly uneasy about how long the normally speedy computer is taking.
[10:50] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6+3
[10:50] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6+3 and gets 12."
[10:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi - it's just too dense to make anything out for you.
[10:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ami - Your computer finally finishes. Results - There are people there of some sort, but futher analysis is impossible.
[10:52] * Sailor_Mercury frowns and looks up. "There ARE people there... but I can't tell you anything more than that." she replies with a hint of frustration. "The dark energy is too dense."
[10:53] * Sailor_Mars shakes her head. "If they've been living next to that..." she grimaces, "I hate to think what kind of state they'll be in..."
[10:53] <Sailor_Moon> "Where exactly are they, Ami-chan?" Usagi turns from the Shrine to look at the blue-haired senshi.
[10:55] * Sailor_Mercury shakes her head. "I can't even make out how many, Usagi." she replies apologetically.
[10:55] <Sailor_Mars> "Well, shall we?" Rei gestures towards the Shrine with a thin smile.
[10:57] <Sailor_Mercury> "Perhaps we should have a few of us quietly look around first." Ami suggests.
[10:57] * Sailor_Moon sets Chibi Usa down, nodding to Sailor Jupiter. "Would you keep an eye on Chibi Usa while we're gone, Mako-chan?" At Makoto's nod of assent, she joins her friends in facing the corrupted Shrine. "Ready when you guys are."
[10:57] <Sailor_Mars> "I don't like the idea of splitting up so near to that while it's active, Ami-chan," Rei replies to Ami's suggestion.
[10:58] * Sailor_Mercury nods. "I agree... but without knowing what exactly we're walking into, all of us entering blindly is... dangerous."
[10:59] * Sailor_Moon frowns. "The problem is, what if the person who's going to look gets into trouble? I'd rather have all of us there, and just take it really slowly and carefully."
[10:59] <Sailor_Mars> "Far less dangerous than sending one or two of us in by themselves, still just as blindly," Rei points out the gaping logical flaw in the genius girl's plan.
[11:01] * Sailor_Mercury shrugs. "Perhaps. Though fewer numbers are more easily hidden..." Ami shakes her head. "No, you're right. I'm sorry, I just have a bad feeling about this..."
[11:02] <Sailor_Mars> "Against all this negative energy we stand out a lot," Rei sighs, "They already showed at the park they can find us easily. We're better off staying together and ready for a confrontation at any time."
[11:03] * Sailor_Moon nods in agreement with Mars. "And the more of us that are there when they attack, the better."
[11:04] * Sailor_Mercury nods. "Agreed." she concedes, though not feeling better about it.
[11:05] * Sailor_Moon sets her face in a determined expression. "Then if that's settled, let's get going. We're not going to do anything about it just sitting here."
[11:05] <Sailor_Mars> "Right then," Rei agrees, starting towards the Shrine and keeping all her senses tensed for whatever they may find.
[11:07] * Sailor_Moon stays right next to Rei as the group begins to move towards the Shrine, staying as alert as she possibly can for any sort of trouble.
[11:07] * Sailor_Mercury nods and follows Rei, an obscure quote from an old novel floating through her mind, and making her wince as they get closer to the polluted Shrine.
[11:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> Approaching, you can see visible strands of darkness fluttering around the Shrine, making the Shrine nearly impossible to see combined with the twilight. The feeling of wrongness grows and swells as you get to the steps leading up...
[11:08] * Sailor_Dragon walks at Ami's side, leaving her own unvoiced doubts aside.
[11:09] <Sailor_Mars> "This place has been desecrated," Rei nearly moans, sick to her stomach at the feeling she's getting here, and not at all eager to see what has become of those who live here.
[11:09] <Sailor_Moon> 'Can you tell where all this is coming from, Ami-chan?' Usagi thinks, not wanting to attract attention by speaking.
[11:10] * Sailor_Mercury takes out her computer again. 'I'll try, but scanning through this is almost impossible..." she warns, glancing around as she begins to scan again, to see if any new information registers.
[11:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> Mercury - You get the feeling your computer is out of its element. It just brings back: Error - Ambient energy too thick to analyze successfully.
[11:12] <Sailor_Mars> Steeling herself, Rei begins to climb up the stairs.
[11:12] * Sailor_Moon frowns. "I can try purifying the place, but I really want to hit it where it started to make sure it doesn't come back." Seeing Rei's resolve, Usagi quickly moves to follow her girlfriend.
[11:13] <Sailor_Mercury> 'It's no good...' Ami replies to Usagi. 'Too much interference...' she sighs and puts her computer away, feeling bad for it...
[11:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you begin to climb the stairs, Mercury and Moon see something dark darting at Rei! (DCV check, Rei. +1.)
[11:13] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6+1
[11:13] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6+1 and gets 4."
[11:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> Instinctively sidestepping, two shadowy birds just miss Sailor Mars. Angry cawing is heard as they hover a bit away from you, beady black eyes shining in the dim light.
[11:15] <Sailor_Mars> "Phobos, Deimos!" Rei cries in alarm and horror, "What has happened to you?"
[11:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> Only a primal, angry noise comes from them, their darkness covered wings flapping furiously...
[11:16] * Sailor_Moon eyes the birds warily. "I don't think they're listening, Rei-chan..."
[11:16] <Sailor_Mars> "They're beyond reasoning," Rei mutters angrily, producing a pair of ofuda. "Akuryo Taisan!" she yells, throwing them at both birds!
[11:16] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6+1
[11:16] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6+1 and gets 7."
[11:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> The wards fly true, slamming into the heads of your guardians! With a weak cry, they both fall to the ground, the excess darkness melting off them and revealing the ravens.
[11:17] * Sailor_Mars hurries over to cradle them. They may not be her own friends, but they're close enough.
[11:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> As they lay perfectly still, Phobos manages a weak squawk... they both look somehow haggard and drained.
[11:18] * Sailor_Moon stays close to Mars, keeping her eyes open for any other threats as she deals with the two ravens.
[11:19] * Sailor_Mercury risks the interference again, and moves over beside Rei, taking out her computer to see if she can get anything useful on the state of the birds.
[11:20] <Sailor_Mars> "Oh, Phobos... Deimos..." Rei looks at the pair sadly, stroking Phobos' head. "You two just rest. We'll fix the rest of the Shrine." Giving them a small smile of reassurance, she gets up again and resumes her path to the Shrine itself.
[11:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> Your computer is able to get a little bit - they are rather weak and ill fed, but that's about all you can get.
[11:22] * Sailor_Moon stays with Rei as she moves on.
[11:22] * Sailor_Mercury bites her lip, and nods to herself, closing up her computer as she glances at Rei, and reluctantly leaves the poor things where they lie, before following after Rei quickly, wondering if she got enough information.
[11:23] * Sailor_Uranus gives the pair of birds a glance before following after the three.
[11:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> Coming to the top, the darkness swarms around you, like an unwanted overcoat. The charms counter is still there, and you see someone behind it... the other buildings are completely twisted and covered in shadows...
[11:24] * Sailor_Dragon takes up the rear, watching the backs of the Sailors.
[11:37] <Sailor_Mars> With some trepidation, Rei approaches the charms counter, trying to see who stands behind it.
[11:37] * Sailor_Moon takes out her staff, making sure she's prepared for anything that might happen.
[11:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> Charms printed on sullen white paper are about, all in unfamiliar words. "Cursed Life", "Broken Hearts", "Ill Health" read the talismans, the man behind the counter working on another. Looking up with his hair over his eyes but not over his huge, sick grin, Yuuichiro smiles. "Wanna buy a charm?" he asks, laughing a bit. "I'm even better at it than Rei is... heheheheheheh."
[11:39] * Sailor_Mercury recoils, her eyes widening.
[11:40] <Sailor_Mars> "No one would buy those kinds of charms," Rei says, a mixture of sadness and anger in her voice. "These hallowed grounds have been desecrated."
[11:40] * Sailor_Moon tenses, her knuckles whitening as she grips her staff a bit tighter.
[11:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> "What do you mean," Yuuichiro laughs again. "I'm finally having fun here! Once Rei gets back, I'll marry her and be happy here," he cackles hollowly, grabbing one of the charms off the shelf. "Take one, you deserve it," he thrusts at Sailor Mars. "Ill health for you!"
[11:42] <Sailor_Mars> "I've got a better one," Rei snarls, producing one of her ofuda, and grateful that she brought a ton of them with her. "Akuryo Taisan!" she yells, throwing it at his head.
[11:42] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[11:42] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[11:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> Springing onto his head, the charm sticks straight and rigid! Yuuichiro goes the same way, moaning and then falling to the ground.
[11:44] <Sailor_Mars> "Should have asked where Grandpa was when he was still awake," Rei mutters, trying to sense even the slightest glimmer that the Kami still dwell here.
[11:44] * Sailor_Mercury watches the scene with grim fascination, before looking away, and beginning to scan the area visually. 'This worries me...' she thinks, biting her lip.

Halbarad · July 01, 2006, 02:58:05 AM

[11:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> Rei - You sense... them, but it's horribly wrong. As you do, "Welcome, Sailors," A voice from atop the Torii is heard, the man from before standing atop it arrogantly. "I trust you like the new decor?"
[11:46] * Sailor_Mars shudders. Not even the Kami have escaped this corruption? It's almost enough to make her cry. Instead she turns her feelings to anger. "Damn you!" she yells at the man on the Torii, "Why are you doing this?!"
[11:46] * Sailor_Moon narrows her eyes, turning to face the red-haired man. "Not really, but we're planning to do some redecorating anyway," she retorts.
[11:46] <Sailor_Uranus> "Bad the first time and the sequel is even worse..." Haruka says upon seeing the familiar figure once more.
[11:47] * Sailor_Mercury feels her blood run cold, and she pulls out her computer once more to scan the man standing on the torii, praying fervently that her computer will return something valuable...
[11:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Because now," he laughs a bit. "I'm having fun ruining this city, too much to stop!" With that, he holds up a tiny fragment of something dark. "There are powerful spirits protecting this place, or were." His eyes narrow as he leaps up about twenty feet, hurling the object in his hand straight down. "I say they make even better guardians for myself," he says as he vanishes, the little thing landing on the ground, sudden thick
[11:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> tendrils of darkness coming into it... as well as the spiritual force of the temple, as twisted as it is.
[11:49] <Sailor_Mars> "NO!" Rei cries in horror.
[11:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Mercury - The man has lots of dark energy, both in body and from what he's drawing around him. He's quite up there in power at the moment.
[11:50] <Sailor_Moon> "Oh no..." Usagi takes a step back from the object, readying herself for a fight. "Is that the kami?" she says, horrified.
[11:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> The object on the ground takes in the energy, growing into a shadowy body! The kami so corrupted and summoned go into it, taking form...
[11:51] * Sailor_Mercury switches her scan to the kami-possessed object quickly, getting a definite sinking feeling...
[11:51] * Sailor_Mars shakes her head in denial, backing away almost fearfully.
[11:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> It grows into a roughly humanoid body, perhaps ten feet tall. Fire springs into life over its body, giving it the appearance of a pure black man on black fire, sizzling with hatred and darkness. "Grwargh..." it says, starting to move. "Destroy you... destroy..." the voice of many is heard as one, voices that are familiar to Rei on her most fundamental level.
[11:54] <Sailor_Mars> "No!" Rei tries to deny this horrible affront before her. "You don't destroy, you nurture and protect. Please, remember!" she begs.
[11:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Destroy... this place... this vile place..." its chorus of voices replies. With that, you can feel its poisoned energy surging!
[11:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Initiative, girls.
[11:56] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+10
[11:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+10 and gets 11."
[11:56] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 1d6+14
[11:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 1d6+14 and gets 19."
[11:56] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+11
[11:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+11 and gets 15."
[11:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[11:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 4."
[11:56] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[11:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 14."
[11:57] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 1d6+11
[11:57] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 1d6+11 and gets 12."
[11:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ami - Your computer isn't getting much - it's a helluva lot of dark energy around some sort of spirit, though.
[11:59] * Sailor_Uranus surges with power, but taking a different stance from usual. She extends an open palm in front of her and calls out, "Space Turbulence!"
[12:00] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[12:00] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[12:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:00] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[12:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> With effortless grace, the moster steps away from the attack!
[12:04] * Sailor_Dragon summons her own ki around her, and unleashes a burst of pure energy at the monster. "Dragon Spirit Blast!"
[12:04] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[12:04] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[12:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:05] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[12:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> The energy impacts on the Kami's chest, staggering it slightly! A musically dark chorus of groans come from its mouth, but it seems relatively unfazed.
[12:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> Gathering up the fire, "Let our Corrupt Flame burn," it says, wellsprings of black fire popping into existance all around, geysers of pure black!
[12:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - All DCV check, +1.
[12:09] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6 (eating penalty)
[12:09] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 (eating penalty) and gets 2."
[12:09] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6+1
[12:09] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6+1 and gets 6."
[12:09] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6+1
[12:09] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6+1 and gets 11."
[12:09] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[12:09] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[12:10] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6+1
[12:10] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6+1 and gets 8."
[12:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> Flames fly about, Sailor Mercury burned across her left side and Sailor Dragon scorched across her legs! (30 damage to both, and -10 EP.)
[12:21] * Sailor_Mercury regains her footing, clutching at her side and breathing heavily before straighting up and taking a deep breath. Extending one hand, a fluid marble of blue forms in it; with a flourish, she fires it at the flaming man. "SHINE AQUA ILLUSION!"
[12:21] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[12:21] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[12:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:22] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[12:23] <Sailor_Anastasia> The icy shine splashes onto the Kami's body, a hissing sound heard. Pain and agony in a thousand voices erupts from its mouth as it staggers.
[12:25] * Sailor_Mars winces at the pained sound issuing from the Kami that has been a focus of her life for so long. "Please, please stop this," the miko begs, approaching the corrupted Kami with her arms spread wide. "You are the Sacred Flame, you don't destroy, you protect and guide. Throw off the corruption and help us purify this place!"
[12:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> "We... burn... burn... destroy," is heard from it. "Burn it all away..."
[12:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> The voices sound slightly unsure, though, in slight disagreement.
[12:27] <Sailor_Mars> "No!" Rei retorts fervently, "You don't do that! You protect this place, you nurture with your warmth! Please, remember!"
[12:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> Its body roaring up and releasing heat, a rumble comes from its throat. "BURN! We are the Kami of Fire, to burn this world into dust!"
[12:30] * Sailor_Mars shakes her head in denial, putting out her own aura of flame, hers pure and bright to contrast the Kami's state. "That's wrong. Fire can burn, but we use it to burn evil and protect the rest. You know this is wrong, it goes against everything you've ever meant to me!"
[12:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> The flaming Kami simmers a moment. "We want to burn," it says in it's myriad voices. "Want to burn it away now!"
[12:35] <Sailor_Moon> "Then burn away the evil that's inside you," Usagi adds a moment later. "Let us help you!" She pulls out the Holy Grail once more, holding it high overhead. "Holy Grail Purification!"
[12:35] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[12:35] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[12:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:36] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[12:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> do-over.
[12:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:36] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[12:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> do-over numero duece. This thing is so screwed. >_>
[12:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:37] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[12:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> A single white droplet pours out from the sacred cup, penetrating the black flames! A momendary shiver as the two forces battle... and with a sigh, the flame dies away, spiritual bodies fleeing, again free to do what they have done for years. One becomes slightly visible, a wisp of light that swirls around Rei a moment before vanishing.
[12:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> The darkness seems to lift a bit as the Kami here are turned back to normal, but the gloom still lingers. "Impressive," the man from before calls out from atop the Torii again. "Where did you get that marvelous cup, Sailor Moon? A foolish girl such as you shouldn't run around with such a nice toy!"
[12:42] * Sailor_Moon narrows her eyes, storing the Grail away. "Wouldn't you like to know."
[12:43] * Sailor_Mars smiles slightly as the Kami return to their natural state, before turning to glower at the man. "Stop talking as if you know us like we're the same as this world's senshi. Those two girls you sent to our world made that mistake."
[12:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh, I'll take that and the information from your bleeding body," he smirks. "It'll at least make killing you more fun than the last set of Sailors were. They barely managed to scream as they died." He laughs mocking at thier memory, making a small stomp with his black boot clad foot. "Just bugs under my boot..."
[12:44] <Sailor_Moon> "You won't get anything from me, and you'll only wish you could have killed me by the time I get through with you!" Usagi retorts, infuriated.
[12:45] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6 for righteous indignation rejuvenation!
[12:45] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 for righteous indignation rejuvenation! and gets 5."
[12:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Bold words, brat," he chuckles, then turns. Another woman has materialized in front of him, dark brown hair tied back tightly, with a black cresent moon on her forehead and yellow, form fitting top and reddish dress. "We've found him, Rubeus," she reports quickly. He turns to her. "Finally," he smirks. "Take care of these girls, I'll go finish that business."
[12:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> With no fanfare, Rubeus dissapears, leaving only the other woman.
[12:51] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[12:51] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[12:52] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[12:52] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[12:53] <Sailor_Moon> "Let me guess, another one of those stupid sisters," Usagi scowls.
[12:54] <Sailor_Mars> "I hope you do better than poor Beruche and Cooan did. They didn't last very long at all against us," Rei taunts viciously, producing the Ash Rods in her hands as she prepares for battle.
[11:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> Descending slowly, the woman fixes arrogant, steely eyes at you. "I owe you for Cooan and Beruche's sake," she declares. "Droids! Come forth!" Calling out, you feel a surge of energy from the temple...
[11:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is a pattering sound, the sound of feet against the wooden floor as something rushes forth. From the dimness ahead, you see the door to the main temple burst open and away, knocked off its hinges. Spilling out are multicolored humanoid monsters, each wearing the blue garb of a temple man. There must be at least ten of them bulging out, each one emitting a dark aura. There is one far stronger in the back, as well.
[11:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Smiling a bit now, "We've had more than enough time to prepare for any more interference," she comments with a hint of arrogance. "Can you manage this much, Sailor Moon?"
[11:51] * Sailor_Moon smirks. "I thought this was going to be hard..." she boasts, although she can't help but feel a bit nervous inside.
[11:53] <Sailor_Mars> "Sailor Moon, purify the point itself, I'll cover you against these droids," Mars says, moving into position for the impending free for all.
[11:53] * Sailor_Moon nods, focusing her attention on the temple building itself.
[11:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Any last comments you girls have, then initiative.
[11:54] <Sailor_Uranus> "No fair having fun kicking droids by yourself, Mars," Haruka tells Rei, stepping up adjacent to her, facing the droids as well.
[11:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Droid Legionen! Kill all the Sailors! No mercy, by command of Calaveras!" the woman declares, pointing at the group of Senshi.
[11:55] * Sailor_Mars gives Uranus a grateful nod, still wearing a grim expression as she faces the enemy.
[11:55] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+10
[11:55] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+10 and gets 15."
[11:55] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+11
[11:55] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+11 and gets 14."
[11:55] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 1d6+14
[11:55] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 1d6+14 and gets 19."
[11:55] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 1d6+11
[11:55] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 1d6+11 and gets 12."
[11:55] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[11:55] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 16."
[11:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[11:55] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 5."
[11:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[11:55] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 2."
[11:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[11:55] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 4."
[11:58] * Sailor_Uranus raises her palm outward, aiming at a droid, as her power surges around her. "World Shaking!"
[11:58] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[11:58] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[11:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> The droid mob moves apart as one, making a path for World Shaking to pass by, not harming anything but the Shrine's architecture.
[12:01] * Sailor_Moon takes a deep breath, bringing forth the Holy Grail once more as she turns her attention to the center of the swirling mass of dark energy permeating the shrine. Holding the cup high overhead, she shouts as she attempts to purify the holy site of the darkess! "Holy Grail Purification!"
[12:01] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[12:01] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[12:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:01] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[12:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> The two energies meet, black and white in a battle of yin and yang! There is a rippling as the light of the Grail battles with the darkness of the infested Crystal Point!
[12:04] <Sailor_Mars> "For defiling the Sacred Flame there can be only one punishment!" Mars declares forcefully, "Be cleansed by my righteous fires!" So saying, she wills forth a large burning inferno to encompass the entire mob of droid fodder!
[12:04] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[12:04] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[12:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:07] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[12:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Fire bursts into being around the droids, searing and cooking the impure creatures! Yet the stagger on, even as their burning clothes char them!
[12:10] * Sailor_Dragon flies up above the maelstrom, getting a clean line of sight on Calaveras, and then declaims "Flying Sword of the Dragon!" With a forceful gesture, she calls down a furious storm of knife-like ki on the woman.
[12:10] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[12:10] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[12:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:12] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[12:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> Looking up sharply, Calaveras quickly erects a shield of force around herself, a shimmering mirror to deflect the attack! Yet, the Sword cuts through it like nothing, shattering it and going to slice open Calaveras's slender arm!
[12:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> Amid her cry of pain and other hand darting to the bleeding wound, there is a cry from deep in the crowd. "Go, my minions!" Black light surrounds the rest of the still smoldering droids, giving them power!
[12:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:15] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[12:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> From the corrupted point, power and energy surge into each and every droid! You feel their dark aura increase!
[12:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> Glaring at Sailor Dragon, Calaveras focuses her power! "I'll kill you for leaving a scar," she shouts, a strange looking whip coming out as she charges, the Whip going straight for Sailor Dragon!
[12:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:18] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[12:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sadly, though, her aim is just errant, only the temple grounds getting into her whipping fun.
[12:20] <Sailor_Dragon> "It'll do more than leave a scar, sister," Herb says, remembering Cooan.
[12:24] * Sailor_Mercury pauses to take a breath before gathering herself once again, and again stretches out her hand, the marble of fluid blue gathering between her outstretched fingers, and with a slow, lazy arc, she repeats the attack on Calaveras that she performed on the Kami. "Shine Aqua Illusion!" She shouts without preamble, and fires her attack at the injured woman.
[12:24] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[12:24] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 12."
[12:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Yet the attack only half forms, the weak stream of icy power easily sidestepped by Calaveras!
[12:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Shambling out like zombies, a horde of supernaturally powered droids surge out, each Sailor being assaulted by at least one!
[12:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - The horde will make one attack on each Sailor. If successful, they get a DCV check as per usual. Just to clarify.
[12:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> Uranus is the first reached, a nasty clawhand coming at her!
[12:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:27] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[12:27] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[12:27] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[12:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> Leaving a bloody row of swipes through her left side, Sailor Uranus is wounded by the monster! (28 damage)
[12:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> While this happens, one comes at Sailor Mars, trying to hit her with a temple broom, glowing black with negative energy!
[12:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:29] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[12:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> And sadly misaims, missing the miko!
[12:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> Coming at the bearer of the Grail, a pair of them try to smite Sailor Moon with claws!
[12:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:30] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[12:30] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[12:30] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[12:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> Stepping out of the way, Sailor Moon continues to pour her energy and the Grail intot he point, uninterrupted!
[12:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> Another black broomer comes at Ami, trying to slay Sailor Mercury!
[12:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:31] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 12."
[12:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> But instead stumbles on his half-burned and falling-off temple garb, face first into the ground!
[12:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Initiative.
[12:32] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[12:32] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+10
[12:32] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+10 and gets 12."
[12:32] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 15."
[12:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[12:32] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[12:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[12:32] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 1."
[12:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[12:32] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 1."
[12:32] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 1d6+14
[12:32] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 1d6+14 and gets 19."
[12:33] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 1d6+11
[12:33] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 1d6+11 and gets 17."
[12:33] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+11
[12:33] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+11 and gets 16."
[12:35] * Sailor_Uranus hisses in pain as she runs a finger along the gash at her side and comes away with blood. Raising her head she glares at the big droid in the back and launches yet another... "World Shaking!"
[12:35] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[12:35] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[12:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:35] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[12:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> Aiming true, the World Shaking engulfs the monster in the back, sending it flying back into the temple!
[12:37] * Sailor_Dragon continues trying to flay Calaveras' flesh from her bones with the Flying Sword of the Dragon.
[12:37] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[12:37] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[12:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> This time the Flying Sword of the Dragon cut only a bit of a tree branch nearby, the Sister unharmed!
[12:39] * Sailor_Mercury concentrates on regaining spent power...
[12:39] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[12:39] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[12:39] * Sailor_Moon grits her teeth, focusing her strength into driving away the negative energy in and around the Shrine as she continues her attack.
[12:39] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[12:39] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[12:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6+3
[12:40] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6+3 and gets 10."
[12:42] <Sailor_Anastasia> The white on black struggle continues, energy sparks flying about like wisps of vapor in the winter! With a crash, the black energy starts to recede, the purity of the Grail pushing forward! The droid mob begin to slow and stop glowing black, moaning...
[12:46] <Sailor_Mars> Unable to affect all the droids at once any longer, Rei decides to take out their leader, crying out "Mars Star Inferno!" as she unleashes a torrent of flame at the latest Black Moon sister!
[12:46] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[12:46] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[12:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:46] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 12."
[12:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> The fire consumes Calaveras, the Ayakashi sister screaming in perfect agony! She falls to her knees as she burns yet somehow stays just there, shaking in pain as her body is cooked well done!
[12:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> With the last surge of her power, Calaveras stands as she burns. "This isn't the end," she cries. "I won't join Beruche and Cooan in Hell!" Charging her Dark Whip with all the power she has, she lunges at Sailor Mars! "Die!"
[12:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:50] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[12:50] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[12:50] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[12:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Skipping out of the way of the desperate Sister, Sailor Mars avoids the lethal Dark Whip!
[12:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> Meanwhile, the lead droid staggers out from the temple again, this time quite unhappy. Leaping up, it rains down a black orb of dark energy at Sailor Moon!
[12:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:52] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[12:52] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[12:52] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[12:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> Using all of her energy, Sailor Moon still somehow avoids the blast by a milimeter!
[12:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> Stunned but not out of it, the crowd of droids again attack!
[12:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> One lunges at Haruka, trying to add another scar to her well formed body!
[12:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:54] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[12:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> But it's pathetically amiss, landing well over a foot away from her!
[12:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> One tries to smack Rei with a broom, bringing a painful end to her Senshi life!
[12:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:55] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[12:55] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[12:55] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[12:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> Yet Mars easily evades, while another monster tries to claw Sailor Moon!
[12:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[12:56] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6 (eating penalty)
[12:56] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 (eating penalty) and gets 8."
[12:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> The droid is just pushed away by the intense energy of the Grail, not even getting close!
[12:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Coming at the already burn-injured Sailor Mercury, a claw swipes at her!
[12:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[12:57] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[12:57] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[12:57] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[12:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> A nimble roll evades this fate, however!
[12:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[12:58] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 2."
[12:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[12:58] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 2."
[12:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[12:58] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[12:58] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[12:58] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 17."
[12:59] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 1d6+14
[12:59] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 1d6+14 and gets 15."
[12:59] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+10
[12:59] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+10 and gets 11."
[12:59] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+9
[12:59] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+9 and gets 11."
[12:59] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 1d6
[12:59] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 1d6 and gets 4."
[13:01] * Sailor_Moon collapses on her knees, drawing the Grail to her chest as she struggles to regain enough energy to go on.
[13:01] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[13:01] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[13:03] * Sailor_Mercury again grits her teeth, struggling to replenish her reserves...
[13:03] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 1d6 burning 10 EP
[13:03] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 1d6 burning 10 EP and gets 3."
[13:05] * Sailor_Uranus summons her Space Sword to her hand and attempts to finish Calaveras off!
[13:05] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[13:05] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[13:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> The blow is just too forceful too soon, missing the swaying Calaveras!
[13:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Amid this battle, the sea of small time droids continue to attack the Senshi - first, Haruka gets a broom aimed at somewhere she never wanted it to go!
[13:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:07] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 12."
[13:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> It flies out of the monster's hands before reaching you, the swing too extreme!
[13:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> Meanwhile, Mars is swiped at by razor sharp claws!
[13:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:08] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[13:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> And the claws miss again, Sailor Mars dancing out of the way like a beautiful, raven-tressed dancer of death!
[13:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> Moon is again assailed, a claw coming at her!
[13:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:09] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[13:09] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[13:09] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 2."
[13:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a small flare of purity white energy, the claw is simply batted away like nothing!
[13:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> A broom comes right for Sailor Mercury, having been thrown by a droid!
[13:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:10] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[13:10] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[13:10] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[13:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> Impacting on the poor girl's shoulder, a bit of pain blossoms there, a fine bruise promised! (14 damage)
[13:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> Landing lightly for a moment, the main droid jumps again, this time aiming at Sailor Uranus with its Dark Orb!
[13:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:13] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[13:15] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[13:15] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[13:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> Leaping gracefully away, Sailor Uranus evades the sphere attack!
[13:16] * Sailor_Mars reaches out to telekinetically snare Calaveras so she can use the evil woman as a human projectile against the lead droid!
[13:16] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6-4
[13:16] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6-4 and gets -1."
[13:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:17] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[13:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Bracing her critically wounded body, Calaveras resists the pull!
[13:17] * Sailor_Dragon calls on the power of the ancestral dragons, drawing energy from the constellation of Dracos.
[13:18] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[13:18] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[13:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> Staring dead on at the woman who has come very close to slaying her, Calaveras again whips out, trying to end her existance!
[13:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:18] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[13:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> But her body fails to cooperate correctly!
[13:19] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+10
[13:19] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+10 and gets 12."
[13:19] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 1d6+14
[13:19] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 1d6+14 and gets 18."
[13:19] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[13:19] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 18."
[13:19] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 1d6+11
[13:19] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 1d6+11 and gets 13."
[13:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:19] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[13:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:19] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 5."
[13:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[13:19] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[13:20] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+11
[13:20] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+11 and gets 15."
[13:21] <Sailor_Moon> Feeling some of her energy return, Moon continues to draw on her inner reserves of strength, knowing that she has a difficult struggle ahead.
[13:21] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[13:21] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[13:23] * Sailor_Uranus turns her sword towards the main droid and slashes with her Space Sword.
[13:23] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 2d6
[13:23] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[13:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:24] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[13:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> The lethal stab of the Space Sword is avoided by a last minute leap skyward by the monster!
[13:28] * Sailor_Dragon flies above the combat, trying to find a new, clean line of attack on the badly hurt Calaveras. Finally, she spies an opportunity, and calling once more on the Flying Sword of the Dragon, launches a renewed attack on her.
[13:28] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[13:28] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[13:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:29] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[13:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> The Sword cuts into Calaveras in her trim stomach, a gurgling wet moan escaping her lips as she is cut deeply. Staggering and falling back, a weak cry follows as she fades away, gone by the time she would've landed on the ground.
[13:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a snarl at the falling of it's master, a third orb is thrown by the droid, this one at Sailor Mercury!
[13:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:32] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[13:33] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 2d6
[13:33] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[13:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> This one finds its mark, slamming into Sailor Mercury's stomach! Sent back and down to her back by the expression of force, Sailor Mercury feels her ribs burn in pain! (30 damage)
[13:40] * Sailor_Mercury gasps and struggles to regain enough power to stay in the fight...
[13:41] <Sailor_Mercury> roll 1d6 burning 10 EP
[13:41] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Mercury rolls 1d6 burning 10 EP and gets 2."
[13:43] <Sailor_Mars> Seeing Calaveras is history, Rei turns back to the droids, focusing on the leader as she crosses her arms and cries out "Mars Snake Fire!" unleashing an angry flaming viper's head at the dark creature!
[13:43] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[13:43] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[13:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:43] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[13:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> The fiery Snake rams into the monster, lighting it ablaze. It howls as it is burned and charred, falling apart under the righteous flames of Sailor Mars!
[13:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a groan, the rest of the mob does as well with their leader, unable to exist with both Calaveras and the lead droid slain.
[13:47] * Sailor_Mercury wavers, looking around and noting the lack of activity...and falls bonelessly to the ground.
[13:47] <Sailor_Moon> Her strength restored, Sailor Moon raises the Grail high once again and resumes the work of purifying the sacred grounds of Hikawa Shrine. "Holy Grail Purification!"
[13:48] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[13:48] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[13:48] <Sailor_Mars> Seeing that the immediate threat is gone, and Moon is dealing with the nexus of dark energy, Rei hurries over to check on the wounded soldier of ice, cradling her limp form and turning a worried look at their leader. "Usagi, Ami needs help!"
[13:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6+5
[13:48] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6+5 and gets 10."
[13:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Picking up the magical assault where it left off, the purity of the Grail shines, the cup glowing brightly, brightly, brightly. The entire area is covered in light, your eyes cast into uselessness as the darkness is cast out!
[13:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Slowly, the light fades, replaced by late afternoon sunshine tumbling down from a break in the clouds. The menace is gone from the Shrine, the battered and worn building now visible again.
[13:51] * Sailor_Moon breathes heavily as she lowers the holy relic, putting it away as she gets out her staff to attend to the Senshi of Ice's wounds. Moments later, healing energy flows forth from it, washing over the wounded Ami.
[13:56] * Sailor_Mercury slowly opens her eyes as the healing energy bathes her wounds, and reknits broken bones - not completely restoring her, but putting her back almost completely. She smiles faintly up at Usagi, her expression slightly embarrassed. "Thank you..."
[13:57] * Sailor_Mars gently lifts Ami up and helps her to her feet. "You feeling okay, Ami-chan?" she asks, concerned. "You took some nasty hits, there."
[13:57] * Sailor_Moon smiles as she lowers the staff, looking rather weary. "Don't worry about it, Ami-chan." Closing her eyes for a moment, she thinks towards Sailor Jupiter. 'Mako-chan? You can bring Chibi Usa in now, we've finished. The Shrine looks like it's safe now.'
[13:58] * Sailor_Jupiter nods to herself as she hears Usagi's mental statement, and thinks back, 'Gotcha Usagi. We'll be there in a minute.'
[13:58] <Sailor_Jupiter> Turning to Chibi-Usa, she says, "Okay, it's safe to go after them now, kid. Let's go."
[13:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nodding once and looking up at the patches of sunlight now making their way down to this part of Jubban, Chibi Usa smiles a bit as she follows Makoto.
[14:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> Shortly thereafter, the two arrive at the freshly purified shrine grounds, having stopped at least one point of dark poisoning.
[14:03] * Sailor_Moon smiles at the pair as they enter the grounds. "Think we did it... it's a beginning, at least."
[14:03] <Sailor_Mars> With the place being safe for now, Rei goes to collect Phobos and Deimos from where she left them on the steps, carrying the poorly ravens/transformed pixies back up to the Shrine.
[14:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> The two - still ravens in this dimension, it seems - are quiet but alive as you carry them, not offering much except a silent sense of gratitude.
[14:06] * Sailor_Moon picks herself up, nodding. "One more thing I want to take care of, if I can." Closing her eyes, Sailor Moon draws on her reserves one last time as she shifts into the form of the Queen of the Moon Kingdom.
[14:06] <Serenity> roll 2d6
[14:06] * Shai`Hulud --> "Serenity rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[14:06] * Sailor_Mars looks at Serenity curiously, wondering what she is doing now.
[14:06] * Sailor_Jupiter blinks in surprise as Usagi transforms, curious as to what she's doing as well.
[14:07] * Sailor_Uranus raises a curious eyebrow.
[14:07] <Serenity> Focusing on the Grail in her hands, Serenity closes her eyes - remembering a time before the defeat of Metallia. Calling on the power of the Holy Grail, she uses the experience she's gained in the time since to fashion a barrier around the newly-purified section of Juuban.
[14:10] <Serenity> roll 2d6+2
[14:10] * Shai`Hulud --> "Serenity rolls 2d6+2 and gets 7."
[14:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> A focus point of light glows around Serenity as the power is so summoned, expanding from her rapidly in a dome, covering the area! It grows with every second, covering every speck of now purified Tokyo so far!
[14:12] * Sailor_Uranus blinks a few times at the sight before clapping her hands at the feat.
[14:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> Serenity shimmers again as it completes, the guise of Usagi appearing again as she falls to her knees from the effort, drained muchly of EP. (Down to 5 EP.)
[14:13] * Sailor_Jupiter moves to hold onto Usagi, lest she falls hard on her face.
[14:14] * Sailor_Mars walks over and kneels besides Usagi. "Nice work, Usagi," she says proudly. "At least now we have a safe place to rest after all that."
[14:14] * Sailor_Jupiter nods. "For the moment at least. And that's good enough."
[14:15] * Usagi-chan looks up at her friends, an exhausted smile on her face. "Thanks, Rei-chan. Think I need a nap now, though."
[14:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa is quiet, coming up to Usagi and hugging her wordlessly.
[14:16] <Sailor_Uranus> "I think the majority of us could use a nice nap..." Haruka adds with a weary sigh.
[14:16] * Usagi-chan puts one arm around the pink-haired girl in silence, smiling gently.
[14:17] * Sailor_Mars gently sets Phobos and Deimos on the ground, producing a bag of nuts she brought with her to eat. "I know it's not birdseed, but I didn't bring any, sorry," she apologises, scattering some out for the tired and malnourished birds to eat before returning to the others. "There's plenty room in the Shrine, although I wonder where Grandpa is..." she looks over at the charms counter Yuuichirou was manning.
[14:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> Rei can just see Yuuichiro still laying inside, showing no signs of recovering right yet.
[14:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> "You are just like Mommy, Usagi-chan," Chibi Usa finally admits, clinging to you.
[14:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa's voice is somehow brighter than it was, and she looks up at you with a teary smile.
[14:20] * Usagi-chan hugs the little girl tightly. "Thanks, Chibi Usa-chan. Means a lot to me to hear you say that."
[14:20] * Sailor_Mars can't help but smile wistfully at the scene the pair make.
[14:24] <Sailor_Mars> "Come on," Rei offers a hand to Usagi, "Lets get you inside. You can sleep in my... counterpart's, room..." she trails off a bit, wondering what it'll be like.
[14:25] * Usagi-chan gives Chibi Usa a quick kiss on the top of her head before slowly struggling to her feet once again, using Rei's hand to help her. "Thanks, Rei-chan. It's definitely been a long, LONG day."
[14:25] <Sailor_Mars> "At least the sun is shining, now," Rei smiles a bit, leading Usagi inside.
[14:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa follows Usagi, as does the tired Ami.
[14:26] * Usagi-chan nods, almost stumbling along in her weariness.
[14:28] <Sailor_Mars> Getting Usagi inside, Rei helps her into the bed before looking around, wondering if the room will tell her anything about her counterpart.
[14:28] * Usagi-chan practically collapses into the bed - not falling asleep instantly, but very, very grateful for the chance to really relax.
[14:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's more or less yours, though a few things that weren't there are - a stack of musical sheets gently tucked away in a corner, a nice tube of lipstick on the dresser, that sort of thing.
[14:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa hops into bed with Usagi, hugging her again. "I wanna fall asleep with you... like I did with Mommy when I have a bad dream," Chibi Usa confesses, looking at you hopefully.
[14:30] * Sailor_Mars picks up the musical sheets with a sad sigh, reading over them.
[14:30] * Usagi-chan smiles at Chibi Usa. "Then you can go right ahead, Chibi Usa-chan. I'll make sure all the nightmares go away," she says quietly.
[14:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> They look to be to a song - almost the sort of song an idol singer would croon. It's mostly unfamiliar to you, but one lyric rings a vague bell, something you thought of for a lyric long ago but never had the chance to enact.
[14:31] * Sailor_Jupiter just stands around silently, watching as Usagi and Chibi Usa talk and Rei looks over her other room.
[14:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> Smiling and hugging you warmly, Chibi Usa curls up against Usagi. "Goodnight... Usagi-chan."
[14:31] <Sailor_Mars> "Oh..." Rei gasps quietly, that bringing home just how much the other Rei was like her. Except that she's dead now... With a sudden desire to be alone, Rei hurries out of the room, still clutching the sheets.
[14:32] * Usagi-chan lets her eyes drift closed. "Good night, Chibi Usa-chan." In almost no time at all, the pair are sound asleep in the bed - the older Usagi snoring gently.
[14:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> The younger rabbit falls swiftly asleep as well, finally safe and secure in her mother's arms.
[14:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> As Makoto stands in the room, something else catches her eye. On the other Rei's dresser is a picture, of all five inner senshi. It looks recent, with Chibi Usa in it as well. Minako is there, laughing as she eats an ice cream cone and taunts an annoyed Usagi.
[14:37] * Sailor_Jupiter walks over to the picture, and a nostalgic smile crosses her face. 'We never really got to all hang out together like this, did we?'
[14:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> Makoto in this picture is laying a picnic spread out, a basket full of freshly made goodies on the ground. She's smiling as she watches the two blondes go at it again, Rei and Ami sighing at the antics.
[14:41] * Sailor_Jupiter looks at the picture, briefly wondering what set everything so differently in this world where Minako was still with them. Looking around, she searches for more things to learn about this world.
[14:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> Looking around and about, you find a few interesting things on a short search - a few more pictures, including one of the five senshi of this world, Mamoru, Naru, Umino, Ann and Alan. All are dressed up, all but Usagi, Ann and Mamoru as animals. Usagi is decked out as a really ugly witch, Ann as a Princess of some sort and Mamoru as a Prince. It's taken on a stage, a banner in the picture reading 'SNOW WHITE'.
[14:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> Mamoru is between Ann and Usagi, both trading an evil gaze with the other and inching towards Mamoru.
[14:48] * Sailor_Jupiter looks at the picture, somewhat amused by Alan's animal costume, though not so much by her own.
[14:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> Next is another picture, this one cut out from the newspaper. It's of a white clad man, almost dressed like someone out of an Arabian fable. He's jumping in the air, this unknown person's purpose unclear.
[14:51] * Sailor_Jupiter raises an eyebrow at the clip, making a mental note to ask the kid if there was anything they should know about this guy. She probably wouldn't be able to say anything, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. But later, right now both she and Usagi needed their rest.
[14:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Finally, in Rei's clothes dresser - winter tops, not needed right now at all - you find a small brown leather book. The pages are handwritten... it looks like a diary.
[14:53] * Sailor_Jupiter starts to peek into the book, before pausing. Shaking her head, she decides it's too much an invasion of privacy and closes the book, taking no further look than her first peek. Rei could look into her double's diary once she returned.
[14:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> That's all of note that you find, though you notice a few familiar things from Rei's room are missing.
[14:57] <Sailor_Jupiter> Closing the dresser once more, Makoto sits, watching the two girls in front of her sleep with a smile. 'Rest well, you two. I'll be here keeping an eye out,' she thinks.
[14:58] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[15:00] <Sailor_Mars> Leaving 'her' bedroom, Rei exits the building and hops up onto the roof of the Shrine, briefly taking in the sunny sky overhead before returning her attention to the musical sheets. 'Did you ever get to sing this song before...?' she wonders sadly, finding herself more distressed than ever over the fate of her counterpart. A girl who just as easily could have been herself.
[15:03] * Sailor_Mars sighs, thinking of all her hopes and dreams, wondering if the other Rei shared them, and sadly aware that her counterpart will never fulfill them now. After some time mulling this over, she looks out over the rest of Tokyo beyond the Shrine. "I will avenge you," she swears to the Rei who once lived here, wondering if her spirit will hear.
[15:07] <Sailor_Mars> With that promise in mind, Rei resolves to learn more of what happened in this world. Hopping down off the roof, she goes over to the charms counter to find Yuuichiro.
[15:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> Yuuchiro is still laying there, looking to the world to be napping instead of manning the counter. His mouth opens and closes a bit as he breathes, not a trace of his former state present.
[15:09] * Sailor_Mars kneels down beside the comatose man and lifts him up by his collar, gently slapping his cheeks with her other hand. "Hey, Yuuichiro, wake up," she calls.
[15:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Ugh... oh... Gramps... uh... huh?" After a few moments of stirring, Yuuichiro awakes and promptly does an eye bug-out. "Sailor MARS?" he freaks quickly.
[15:11] <Sailor_Mars> "Yes," Rei nods. "We Sailor Senshi purified the Shrine. Do you remember what happened?"
[15:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Oh..." he shakes his head again. "Um..." His eyes widen harshly then, frowning. "Where's Gramps?" he looks around frantically. "He said he was going to look for Rei - he sensed something had happened to her," he says in a state of near panic.
[15:13] <Sailor_Mars> "How long ago was that?" Rei asks interestedly.
[15:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I... a few hours ago," he frowns, now realising how badly shot his sense of time is. "He said he'd bring her back and told me to wait here if anyone came by."
[15:16] * Sailor_Mars frowns. "It was definitely more than a few hours ago." She lifts him up and pulls him over to the steps so he can look out of the Shrine and over the city. "See? All of Tokyo has been heavily infested with that evil energy. Even this Shrine was defiled until we came."
[15:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Looking out, Yuuchiro bugs out. "That's... Gramps said something bad was happening, but..." he gulps once. "He said that if it did go this far... that Rei... was..."
[15:19] * Sailor_Mars looks down sadly. "I don't know what's happened to her," she says, more or less truthfully, though she doesn't believe it. Those villians could have been bluffing. "But everyone in the city has been corrupted by the dark power. It's anarchy out there. You had been affected yourself when we arrived, though it seems you don't remember." A moment of inspiration strikes her, "What was the date when Gramps left?"
[15:20] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Um... July... 10th," he offers. "Or was it the 9th...?" he sighs, closing his eyes. "Rei..."
[15:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> "No," he frowns, "That can't be it. I went to that..." Yuuichiro shakes his head again. "Man, I can't concentrate," he complains.
[15:22] * Sailor_Mars sighs. "It's the 17th today," she informs him. "If Gramps has been out there all that time, there's no telling what's happened to him."
[15:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> "17th? No way it was that far in the month," he protests quickly, confused now.
[15:23] <Sailor_Mars> "You've been under the influence of the negative energy for some time," Rei replies. "It's no wonder you're confused if you can't remember any of that time."
[15:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> Still dazed, he just sighs. "Then... Rei... oh no..." Yuuichiro sighs, tightly closing his eyes. "We were just getting close..."
[15:25] * Sailor_Mars puts a comforting hand on his shoulder, closing her own eyes. "I'm sorry," she says, the words sounding hollow to her ears.
[15:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Rei..." he says quietly, his broken heart in his voice. Turning away from you, he starts walking towards the house part of the Shrine. "I want to be alone," he says tonelessly to you.
[15:28] <Sailor_Mars> "I understand," Rei sighs softly, hanging her own head and walking to the meditation room. Hopefully the Sacred Flame would provide some answers.
[15:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> Entering, you feel heat coming from the room. The Fire again burns brightly, having been saved by Usagi's valiant actions.
[15:30] <Sailor_Mars> Giving the Flame a wan smile, Rei bows before kneeling in front of it, commencing her familiar meditations as she seeks to learn exactly what happened to this world's Rei and her friends.
[15:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - Soul check.
[15:30] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[15:30] * Shai`Hulud --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[15:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> Falling into your familiar trance, the world vanishes again. A bridge at night... Calaveras is there, as well as another figure. She is covered with a encompassing darkness, a strange scepter in her hands. It pulses, a strange rift appearing below... where the Senshi are. They scream as they are sucked in, the rift shaking and then vanishing...
[15:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> A bit of time passes. No sign of the others, as the Sceptre-holder cackles. "They're gone," she sneers, waving the Dark Weapon in emphasis. Turning her gaze, yours travels as well. Beruche and Cooan are there, dressed in normal clothes and looking far different. "I'll take you back now, don't worry," the woman laughs, more energy coming from her artifact.
[15:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> As the dark energy engulfs the two, they scream, crying as well over the fate of their... friends.
[15:37] <Sailor_Mars> 'Cooan and Beruche... they were... controlled?' Rei thinks, horrified.
[15:39] <Sailor_Mars> Standing up on unsteady legs, and feeling rather nauseous as her stomach turns somersaults, Rei staggers out of the Shrine and heads back to the others in 'her' bedroom.

Halbarad · July 01, 2006, 09:48:39 AM

[15:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> Watching Usagi and Chibi Usa nap together is somehow right on a level, the two resting peacefully together after the exertions of the day. Haruka, Herb and Makoto watch, chatting a bit as they snore softly... until Rei comes in, looking both stirred and shaken.
[15:42] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Rei, is something wrong?" Makoto asks of the disturbed miko.
[15:42] * Sailor_Mars nods, her face ashen. "I..." she swallows, "I found out some things about what happened in this world..."
[15:43] * Sailor_Uranus turns her head and looks at Rei curiously at that. "Oh?"
[15:44] <Sailor_Dragon> "You look awful, Rei-hime. Was it about what happened to the senshi here?" Sailor_Dragon asks.
[15:45] <Sailor_Mars> "Yeah..." Rei replies slowly. "I saw what happened to this world's senshi. And..." she glances over at the sleeping Chibi Usa before turning back to the others. "Beruche and Cooan."
[15:47] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Huh?" Makoto asks simply.
[15:49] * Sailor_Mars takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "Beruche and Cooan were the senshi's friends. I saw Calaveras and another woman - she had some strange sceptre and it sucked the senshi into a rift of some sort. And then..." she clenches her fists and looks away, ashamed. "And then she used it on Cooan and Beruche to corrupt and control them."
[15:51] <Sailor_Jupiter> "...what?" Makoto asks quietly as color drains from her face.
[15:51] <Sailor_Mars> "I saw it," Rei nods, still looking away in her shame. "They were crying over what happened to the senshi when that woman turned her sceptre on them."
[15:54] <Sailor_Dragon> "Damn. And we killed them." Herb says, slumping a bit. She glances at the queen, wondering how she's going to take this.
[15:55] * Sailor_Uranus remains quiet, looking up towards the ceiling in contemplation.
[15:57] <Sailor_Mars> "The other thing," Rei says quietly, it seeming rather unimportant, really, "It's been at least a week since things went to hell here. Yuuichiro doesn't remember what happened when he was tainted, and Grandpa left just before then to look for... Rei." She sighs, looking at the sleeping Usagi and then at her own hands for a brief second before turning and exiting the room, once more wanting some time alone.
[16:06] * Sailor_Uranus bows her head low while in thought. "An unfortunate situation," Haruka states, eyes now open to gaze at the other pair in the room. "But this still changes nothing. The goal of helping this world still exists and we have to focus on that. We can mourn for the loss of innocents when it's over...."
[16:07] <Sailor_Jupiter> After a brief pause, Makoto nods, trying to get past the nausea she's feeling. "Yeah, you're... right," Makoto mumbles, though no real conviction can be felt from her statement, the girl still shaken a bit by Rei's news.
[16:08] * Sailor_Dragon sighs. "We can, but Mars-hime feels it more strongly. She's been mind-controlled herself, you know, so she identifies with them. I feel guilty, but she feels far worse than that."
[16:09] * Sailor_Dragon sits against the wall, wondering if she was better off before Nian gave her a conscience.
[16:10] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Maybe so, but it's not something we can just fix just like that for her, or ourselves," Makoto says as she finally steels herself to some degree, even if uncertainty flickers in her eyes. "Haruka's advice is the best at the moment."
[16:12] * Sailor_Dragon hesitates, then nods agreement.
[16:12] <Sailor_Uranus> "It's not as if I don't feel sorrow for her situation, Herb," Haruka says, while standing from her seat. "But this world needs all of us, so she has to shake it off."
[16:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[16:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ascending to the rooftop again, Rei falls into another melancholy spell, the events of the day racing and tumbling through her battle-hardened mind and spirit.
[16:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> This is broken slightly by a dull thump on the other side of the roof, like something hit the side.
[16:37] * Sailor_Mars looks over lethargically. With nothing better to do, she picks herself up and slowly walks over the roof to investigate.
[16:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you get up, you see the very top of a wooden ladder, Yuuichiro coming up on the roof. Just as he gets on, he sees you. His face looks tear streaked, his eyes covered as he has his head down and hair hanging. "You're still here?"
[16:40] <Sailor_Mars> "I... yes," Rei hangs her head, feeling for the man's pain. "This is the only safe place in all of Tokyo, and we need to rest after the battle we had driving off the darkness," she explains, her voice melancholy.
[16:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> He nods once, going to the edge of the roof where you were, more or less, and sitting. "Yeah," he says, sighing.
[16:43] <Sailor_Mars> "You really loved her... didn't you?" Rei asks, thinking of her own Yuuichiro, leaving to be with a Shrine Maiden in Kyoto who returned his feelings as she did not.
[16:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah..." he says quietly, brokenly. "We... even were starting to date, finally. She'd kissed me a few times..." Sounding no less than a shattered soul, he fights to hold in tears.
[16:46] <Sailor_Mars> Feeling her heart ache for him, Rei walks over and puts a hand on his shoulder, wondering if she could have ever felt for Yuuichiro that way. "I'm sure that... wherever she is, she's thinking of you," she does her best to offer some comfort.
[16:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> "...I guess..." he finally says. "And what about her grandfather? If he's gone, the temple is finished. I don't know enough to do anything about it."
[16:53] * Sailor_Mars doesn't have a ready answer for that. "I don't know," she admits sadly, quailing at the thought of Hikawa no longer being a Shrine.
[16:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> Looking down at the damaged courtyard below, he sighs again, then lays back on the roof, turning his gaze to the late afternoon sky.
[16:57] * Sailor_Mars hangs her head. Even if they do succeed in eliminating the Black Moon, the scars on this city and its inhabitants will remain. Looking at Yuuichiro, she opens her mouth as if to speak, then thinks better of it. "I'll leave you to grieve in peace," she mumbles, bowing deeply before hopping down off the roof and going to rejoin the others.
[17:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[17:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> Thus, the girls rest that night, Yuuichiro off and away, keeping to himself. No one comes to the Shrine, and the night passes without incident.
[17:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi's slumber is finally disturbed by not another girl or Chibi Usa, but by the incessant rumbling of her own stomach.
[17:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Stirring amid a earthquake in her tummy, early morning sunshine hits the rabbit's blue eyes as her dreamless sleep finally parts.
[17:58] * Usagi-chan yawns cavernously, stretching for a moment as she returns to consciousness. "What time is it..." she mumbles.
[18:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> By the dim bits of light coming through the window, it can't be much past early dawn. The other girls are on futons, all asleep.
[18:02] * Usagi-chan sits up carefully, trying not to wake the sleeping girl in the bed beside her. She cautiously tiptoes past the other girls, doing her best not to wake anyone else as she heads for the kitchen - and hopefully at least a snack.
[18:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> In the kitchen, you manage to dig up some food, though the bulk of the stuff in the fridge has gone bad.
[18:07] * Usagi-chan munches on a slightly stale box of crackers, wrinkling her nose at the mess in the fridge - that'll need to be cleaned out before too long.
[18:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> The crackers fill Usagi's stomach up enough to stop her from freaking, but she is still rather hungry in the early hour. A clock in the kitchen reports the time as 6:20 AM.
[18:16] <Usagi-chan> Finding it a bit too early to wake any of the others - they must all have been as tired as she was - Usagi decides to step outside the shrine for a few minutes and enjoy the fresh air outside.
[18:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> The air is a bit on the cool side, refreshing here and restoring. No one is about, the stillness of the morning only disrupted by the bolt of negative energy lighting crashing down on the barrier far above... what? Looking up, you can see a stroke of black lightning crash on down at the barrier, failing to make much effect. It's high in the sky, the bolt fairly huge - it would have to be to be seen from here.
[18:20] * Usagi-chan frowns as she watches the assault on the barrier, although she has confidence that her work will hold this time - she has far more experience than the first time she attempted something like this.
[18:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Another bolt rains down, a similar fate as to the first one. The barrier looks to be holding.
[18:23] * Usagi-chan narrows her eyes. "I'm not going to let you take this place back, so forget it," she mutters to herself as she watches the attacks.
[18:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> A third and fourth bolt, both landing at the same point, have only more futility.
[18:26] * Usagi-chan turns her attention elsewhere, as the barrier seems to be doing its job admirably. Remembering the plight of Rei's poor ravens the day before, she looks around the courtyard for them.
[18:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> A bit of searching finds the two birds, resting on top of the Torii quietly.
[18:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> They look a bit battered to your untrained eye, and don't seem to really be too aware of things right now. At least you think so.
[18:30] * Usagi-chan walks over towards the torii, sighing a bit at the birds' condition. Coming to the top of the long staircase leading up to the shrine, she looks out into the streets of Juuban, curious as to just how far her barrier managed to extend itself.
[18:30] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's a bit past the streets - not too much, as it's more up than wide, you see - perhaps a few blocks around, if that.
[18:31] * Usagi-chan sighs, taking a seat on the top step as she looks past the barrier into what are currently the wilds of Juuban. "This is going to be way harder than I thought...." she says with a frown.
[18:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you sit there and think, "...Usagi..." a voice echos in your mind, distant and unclear. "Can... you hear us... Usagi?"
[18:33] * Usagi-chan perks up, a puzzled look on her face as she responds to the odd voice. 'Yes... who is this?'
[18:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Usagi... Cyprine... Your barrier is... making it difficult for us to... communicate, on top of the... other problems," It does sound like the Witch duo, maybe, but it's too muffled to be anything but moot.
[18:35] * Usagi-chan grimaces a bit. 'Sorry about that, but from the looks of things I'm going to have to make sure it stays up. What's going on back at home?'
[18:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Quiet here... The Professor and the others are working on... something to help you in time..." she replies, any emotion in her voice killed by the intereference.
[18:36] * Usagi-chan nods. 'I understand. Not sure how much you guys can make out, but we've managed to purify Rei's shrine, and we'll probably be using it as a base of operations while we're here. I'm the only one up right now though.'
[18:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yes... alright... I'm running out of... we'll be back as soon as we can..."
[18:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> With that, you hear nothing more.
[18:40] * Usagi-chan sighs a bit as the Twins break contact. At least now she knows that everything is well at home; rising from her seat on the stairs, she heads into the shrine courtyard to run through her t'ai chi forms, for lack of anything else to do.
[09:14] <Ana-breakfast> ---
[09:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Soon the girls all rise, breakfast being made and cooked by Mako-chan. Seeing her cook as Sailor Jupiter is something different in a way, yet her food tastes just as good.
[09:19] * Sailor_Dragon turns on the radio, trying to see if there are any stations on the air.
[09:19] * Usagi-chan wanders back inside at the smell of breakfast cooking, abandoning her exercise in favor of filling her still-empty stomach.
[09:20] <Sailor_Mars> "Usagi, can you transform?" Rei asks their leader as she arrives. "Yuuichiro is still living here, and it's best if he doesn't know who we really are."
[09:20] * Usagi-chan grimaces. "Sorry, didn't think about it." Without further delay, the blonde transforms back into Sailor Moon.
[09:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> Fiddling with the radio, you at first only get bursts of static - the local stations don't seem to be coming in... no, wait. There is one on the AM dial, playing some loud, too-fast-for-its-own-good pop music. It's rather discordant.
[09:21] * Sailor_Mercury sits at the table, frowning at her computer records as she reviews what she picked up the previous day.
[09:22] * Sailor_Dragon listens to the unpleasant music, hoping for a station ident or a news bulletin.
[09:22] <Sailor_Mars> "Ami, can you get any news off the internet on your computer?" Rei leans over towards the genius girl.
[09:23] * Sailor_Moon concentrates intently on breakfast, still half-starved even after her early-morning snack.
[09:24] * Sailor_Mercury frowns at the radio for a moment, then blinks at Rei. "I hadn't thought of that," She smiles wanly. "Just a moment." She finishes, beginning to pull up the local news pages.
[09:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> After more work, you come across a fuzzy news bulletin. "...crisis in Japan continues to grow with the greater Tokyo area in martial law..."
[09:25] * Sailor_Dragon stops eating to listen more intently.
[09:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a bit of work, internet pages begin to come up. There seems to be a big crisis in Japan - all trips to the country are canceled, Tokyo and the surroundings are in martial law, state of emergency, and so on.
[09:26] * Sailor_Mars chews her food slowly, half an ear on the radio while waiting expectantly on Ami.
[09:26] <Sailor_Anastasia> The radio goes on, repeating this and that. Looks like Japan is in a spot of trouble, eh?
[09:27] * Sailor_Mercury blinks. "This agrees with the radio report," she says, half to herself as she begins checking international news pages, to see how far the trouble has spread.
[09:28] * Sailor_Moon listens with half an ear, the greater portion of her hunger satiated for the moment.
[09:28] <Sailor_Mars> "Martial law..." Rei frowns. "If they sent the army in to restore order, the soldiers would just fall victim to the negative energy themselves." The thought of a berserk army on the loose in Tokyo is not a pleasant one.
[09:28] <Sailor_Anastasia> The rest of the world seems to view it as a Japanese matter, but it's noted that many countries aren't issuing visas to Japan right now.
[09:30] * Sailor_Moon sighs. "Hopefully they're outside the worst of it - maybe they're just keeping people from going in and out of Tokyo?"
[09:30] * Sailor_Mercury looks up. "So far, the issue seems to have confined itself to Japan." she tells Rei, frowning. "Though Tokyo itself seems to be worst off. The rest of the world is keeping an eye on us, but people aren't moving in or out of the country in any great numbers."
[09:32] <Sailor_Mars> "That's something at least," Rei nods. "But if the negative energy is going to build up enough to spill into our dimension, I bet it's only a matter of time before it affects this entire planet. Unless we stop it here."
[09:32] <Sailor_Dragon> "The Japanese army is tiny. They probably have enough to do in the rest of the country without expeditions into Tokyo. I hope so, anyhow." Herb says.
[09:33] * Sailor_Moon nods. "And that's what we're here for, after all." She smiles a bit. "And even if it's bad right now, we've at least made a start."
[09:33] * Sailor_Mercury nods to Rei. "It seems clear we're on a limited timetable, but we need more information to act effectively." she observes.
[09:34] <Sailor_Mars> "Well..." Rei purses her lips, "The main problem is these Crystal Points - they seem to resonate dark energy and feed off each other to continually build up more. Purifying them is certainly our top priority from what we know right now."
[09:35] <Sailor_Mercury> "Do we know where they are?" Ami asks, nodding.
[09:35] <Sailor_Moon> "Question is, how many more are there?" Usagi pauses for a moment. "If this place is like our world, there are at least three others that we know of - that ice cream store, the cosmetics shop, and the clothes store."
[09:35] <Sailor_Mars> "Chibi Usa-chan?" Rei turns to the little girl among them. "Do you know where these points are?"
[09:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa frowns. "I... might," she finally says, thinking. "I'm not sure, though."
[09:39] <Sailor_Mars> "Anything will help," Rei gives her an encouraging smile.
[09:40] * Sailor_Mercury nods and smiles to the child as well, idly calling up a map of Tokyo on her computer.
[09:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Well... there were battles around Tokyo," she starts.
[09:54] <Sailor_Moon> "Do you remember any specific places?" Usagi asks.
[09:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I do," she says.
[09:59] * Sailor_Mars looks at Chibi Usa expectantly.
[10:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> She looks to Usagi. "I'm not sure, though...."
[10:04] * Sailor_Moon smiles. "It's okay, Chibi Usa - just whatever you can remember will help. We're not going to be upset if you can't, though."
[10:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> "There was something when..." Chibi Usa stops a moment, but goes on. "When I saw those girls."
[10:07] * Sailor_Moon nods. "Go ahead."
[10:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> "It was at..." Chibi Usa frowns. "Like one of those places where you hang out..."
[10:50] <Sailor_Mars> Sensing that they won't get much out of Chibi Usa, Rei speaks up again, "Well, we can just try to sense for strong concentrations of negative energy - the Shrine stood out a whole lot yesterday."
[10:52] * Sailor_Moon nods to Rei. "I guess that will work, although we really didn't sense anything until we started getting close. I don't know about you, but with all that negative energy out there it's hard to make anything out at a distance for me."
[10:53] * Sailor_Mercury nods. "And the Mercury Computer is having trouble with interference, too."
[10:53] <Sailor_Mars> "True," Rei concedes, "But if we move around enough we're bound to get close enough to one of them that it'll stand out."
[10:54] * Sailor_Mercury stares. "That seems a bit reckless, considering the current condition of the city."
[10:55] <Sailor_Moon> "Yeah, I kind of agree with Mercury. It's not exactly a good idea to wander around out there randomly right now." Usagi frowns. "I guess my best idea is to check the places that got attacked in our world first. Even if they're not the same here, we might find another Crystal Point on our way there."
[10:56] <Sailor_Mars> 'Which is basically what I said,' Rei thinks, but declines to say. "Yes, that's a good idea," she nods.
[10:57] * Sailor_Mercury frowns. "I'll start trying to find a way to make ourselves less conspicious." She suggests.
[10:57] <Sailor_Dragon> "Is there any pattern to the points?" Herb asks, hopefully. "If there's some sort of structure, maybe Mercury-hime could work it out?"
[10:59] <Sailor_Moon> "It'd be great if you could, Mercury, but I get the feeling we're going to stand out no matter what we do. There's just so much negative energy out there that we probably stand out like lightbulbs in all of it." Usagi sighs.
[10:59] <Sailor_Mars> "We'd need to find a few of them before we could determine a pattern, though," Rei points out to Herb, nodding to Usagi's point.
[11:01] <Sailor_Dragon> "I guess there's no substitute for going out and looking for them, then." Herb concedes.
[11:02] * Sailor_Mercury nods to Usagi. "I understand that." She agreed ruefully, "But if we're going to search the city, we should at least try to be low key. They no doubt have anticipated this, and will be looking for us if we leave the barrier..." she adds.
[11:03] * Sailor_Moon thinks for a minute. "What about teleporting, at least while we're scouting things out? I can't teleport ALL of us, but I could get one or two of us out to look around some without wearing myself out too much."
[11:04] <Sailor_Mars> "I don't like that idea," Rei says, frowning. "We should stick together as much as possible. And teleporting into battle has proven very costly for us in the past," she adds, thinking of their first battle with Oxyite.
[11:05] * Sailor_Mercury frowns. "Ideally, we wouldn't be telepoting into battle, Mars."
[11:05] * Sailor_Moon shakes her head. "I'm not saying we teleport straight in, or that while we're out after teleporting we try to take another Crystal Point. I'm just thinking of using it to look around, then coming back here to plan what to do from what we find out."
[11:06] <Sailor_Mars> "It still leaves us at a risk of being caught in fewer numbers and in a weakened state - they can teleport, too, and they can find us very easily," Rei points out.
[11:07] <Sailor_Mercury> "As a group, we're even MORE easily found, Mars." Ami observes. "And we don't know that greater numbers will give us an edge."
[11:08] * Sailor_Mars blinks at Ami. "Of course it gives us an edge. We're far more powerful together than alone."
[11:08] * Sailor_Moon nods with Ami. "I'm not saying we have to, but at least teleporting out gives us a LITTLE element of surprise. If we just walk out of here as a group, they can watch us leave the barrier and attack us on the spot. They're already attacking the barrier."
[11:09] * Sailor_Mercury shakes her head. "We have no idea how much power they can muster. Numbers make us more powerful, but not necessarily more powerful than they are."
[11:10] * Sailor_Mercury smiles tentatively. "I understand the concern, but I think we should go as far as possible to avoid fighting while we scout the city..."
[11:11] <Sailor_Mars> "We were strong enough yesterday," Rei notes. "I don't like the idea of being caught and picked off one by one as we scout all over the city."
[11:13] <Sailor_Moon> "And if I teleport maybe two other people out with me, I can get all three of us back with no trouble if we DO run into something while we're out looking," Usagi counters. "We don't have to stay there and fight if the odds are bad."
[11:14] * Sailor_Mercury sighs. "I'm certainly not advocating that." she says to Rei, wincing at the memory of the day previous, and nodding to Usagi.
[11:14] <Sailor_Mars> "Are you sure?" Rei replies to Usagi. "What if they have their own ways to prevent teleportation? Or if you get hurt before you can teleport everyone away? We're going to be attacked no matter where we go outside the barrier, so we might as well ensure we're ready to fend them off with everything we have."
[11:16] * Sailor_Moon sighs. "I DON'T know... I just don't want to have to fight for every step we take once we leave here. And I'm afraid that's what's going to happen if we leave here on foot, no matter how big a group we have with us."
[11:18] <Sailor_Mars> "And we'll have to fight wherever we teleport to," Rei wonders if she's being unclear. "Going on foot might be troublesome, but it's still a lot safer than taking the risk of teleporting into who knows what."
[11:19] <Sailor_Moon> "I guess I just think it's a little less likely that they'll be ready to attack us as much if we show up someplace they aren't expecting." Usagi says with a sigh. "If I was them I'd have as many people as I could outside the barrier waiting for us to come out."
[11:21] <Sailor_Mars> "Yeah, but all those people can instantly teleport to wherever we teleport to. We can't outmaneuver them - this is their home ground, now."
[11:23] * Sailor_Moon relinquishes the point unhappily. "I guess you're right... I just don't want to walk into a battle the second we leave, and I'm sure we're going to if we leave on foot."
[11:24] <Sailor_Mars> "That's just it," Rei sighs, "We'll be going into a battle no matter what we do. Teleport or walk, it makes no difference to them, but it makes too much difference to us."
[11:28] <Sailor_Moon> "Well, they're out there now, I know that much for sure. Someone's been throwing big lightning bolts at the barrier at least since I went outside this morning - must have been about 6:30 or so." Usagi says.
[11:29] <Sailor_Mars> "Oh?" Rei stands up to go outside and look for herself.
[11:31] <Sailor_Anastasia> Going outside, Rei sees the morning sunsine, the pristine, pure barrier Usagi made... and a rhythm of bolts crashing down to test the barrier, each one failing to have much effect.
[11:34] <Sailor_Mars> "Hmm..." Deciding to investigate further, Rei sits down and closes her eyes, astrally projecting her consciousness up into the sky near the edge of the barrier so she can look out and hopefully get a better view of what's making the bolts.
[11:38] <Sailor_Anastasia> Gathering her power, Rei projects her spirit forward. Appearing moments later, Rei's astral eyes take in a sight. A roaring bolt slams into the barrier, the din of impact louder than anything you can remember in recent memory. A few seconds later another one strikes, at the same point as the last. And again and again and again. Looking ahead, you don't see anyone shooting them, but instead the bolts spring to life outside of the barrier to meet their fate.
[11:39] <Sailor_Mars> Satisfied with what she sees, Rei returns to her physical body and goes back inside to rejoin the others.
[11:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---
[11:42] <Sailor_Moon> Once Rei heads outside, Usagi turns to Chibi Usa, the other senshi seemingly more interested in breakfast than planning for the moment. "Is there anything you can tell me about what happened before you came to our world, Chibi Usa-chan?" Usagi asks gently.
[11:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> Looking up from her own meal that she's demolished, Chibi Usa stares at you with her now slightly sad, innocent red eyes. "Like what?" she tries.
[11:45] * Sailor_Moon smiles. "Anything you can remember about places that got attacked, or things that happened. It might be able to help us put things right here a lot faster if you can."
[11:49] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Well...
[11:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> " Chibi Usa starts, thinking. "There...was a shop that sold strange drinks..."
[11:50] * Sailor_Moon blinks. "Strange drinks?"
[11:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> Looking away, "Mina-chan and Mako-chan went to a shop, and it had some funny green drinks and charms..." Chibi Usas, again wilting a bit at the mention of Mina-chan.
[11:53] * Sailor_Moon sighs a little at that, but nods. "I guess you don't remember the name? But even if you don't, that's okay - there can't be all that many stores that just sell charms around here." Usagi smiles. "We can look in the phone book if nothing else."
[11:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa nods to that, stirring her spoon around her empty bowl. The mention of Mina-chan really seems to have taken the wind out of the girl's sails...
[11:58] * Sailor_Moon strokes Chibi Usa's hair gently. "We'll get them back, Chibi Usa-chan."
[12:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I miss Mamo-chan and Mina-chan," she says quietly, taking your hand. "Why can't they be here with us?"
[12:02] * Sailor_Moon gives the girl a hug. "We'll find them, Chibi Usa-chan." With that thought comes another, one that sparks a bit of hope - especially given Rubeus' abrupt departure the day before. "Did you see Tuxedo Kamen a lot before you came to our world?"
[12:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Nodding and perking up just a bit, "Yeah. He always helped Sailor Moon and protected me..." Chibi Usa smiles.
[12:04] * Sailor_Moon smiles a little at that, remembering her own time with her own Tuxedo Kamen - long ago as it seems now. "Did... do you know if he was lost when the senshi were lost?"
[12:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> "He wasn't there," Chibi Usa says, again, losing her energy. "I haven't seen him since before..."
[12:07] <Sailor_Moon> "He wasn't there at all?" Usagi perks up visibly at that. "You're sure about that?"
[12:09] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I think so," she comments. "I didn't see him..."
[12:11] <Sailor_Moon> "Then he may still be out there!" Usagi says quickly. "If that's true... I'm sure he probably knows where ALL the points are, if he's been here this whole time."
[12:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you talk, you see Rei coming back in, your love returning from her trip outside.
[12:15] * Sailor_Moon spares Rei a quick glance before going on. "Does Mamoru live in the same place here?" She quickly describes Mamoru's old apartment building, figuring that the address itself probably wouldn't mean much to Chibi Usa.
[12:16] * Sailor_Mars remains silent, letting Usagi finish her conversation.
[12:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Chibi Usa nods to that. "That's it, Usagi-chan."
[12:19] <Sailor_Moon> "Then I think that should be the first place we head." Usagi nods. "We can keep our eyes open for more Crystal Points ourselves on the way there, and maybe head for that charms shop if we don't find anything at his apartment." Usagi nods.
[12:21] <Sailor_Mars> "Usagi," Rei begins quietly, seeing the blonde looks to be concluding. "Can I talk to you for a few minutes? Alone?" She looks to be rather ill at ease as she makes her request.
[12:22] <Sailor_Moon> "Hmm?" Usagi looks up at her girlfriend. "Yeah, just a minute Rei-chan." She gives Chibi Usa a smile. "Thanks for your help, Chibi Usa-chan." She stands and heads over to join Rei. "Something wrong?" she asks quietly.
[12:23] * Sailor_Mars leads Usagi out into the hallway before beginning. "While you were sleeping yesterday, I consulted the Sacred Flame." She sighs, "I saw what happened to this world's senshi."
[12:25] * Sailor_Moon takes a deep breath and nods. "So what did happen?" she asks quietly.
[12:29] <Sailor_Mars> "They were at a bridge, like Chibi Usa said. Calaveras and another woman were there. The other woman had some sceptre that she used on the senshi, and it sucked them into some sort of rift." She looks at Usagi with dulled violet eyes, her expression subdued. "And then she used it on Cooan and Beruche. Those two were crying over what happened to the senshi, and she... she used the sceptre to corrupt and control them."
[12:30] <Sailor_Moon> The color slowly drains from Usagi's face as she takes the impact of Rei's words. "They... were being controlled?" she says hoarsely.
[12:32] * Sailor_Mars nods slowly. "They were the senshi's friends. And when they were distraught over what had happened, that woman turned on them to bring them under her control. 'Don't worry. I'll take you back,' she said."
[12:32] * Sailor_Moon closes her eyes, bringing one hand up to cover her mouth. "And we killed them... oh god."
[12:33] <Sailor_Mars> "Yeah," Rei sags, looking at her hands. "Killed."
[12:37] * Sailor_Moon begins to weep silently for the two sisters, the tears streaming down her cheeks. "We didn't know... I should have checked, it shouldn't..." she stammers out. "I never knew they were good..."
[12:40] * Sailor_Mars feels ashamed as she watches Usagi cry the tears that she could not, her own innocence long since shattered. "They were hostile invaders and we treated them that way. They never gave any indication... they even mocked the memories of this world's senshi - their friends." She sighs, "And so they died for a cause they never wanted to be a part of."
[12:42] * Sailor_Moon hangs her head in sorrow. "We didn't know..." she whispers, over and over like some sort of protective mantra. "We did what we thought was right."
[12:44] <Sailor_Mars> "We honestly did," Rei nods sadly. Sighing and leaning back against the wall, she stares at her hands. "But sometimes I wish we weren't so good at what we do..."
[12:46] * Sailor_Moon takes a deep, shuddering sigh as she tries to compose herself. "What else could we have done?" She looks up at Rei with red-rimmed eyes. "They never gave us any reason to think they were anything but evil, and then Beruche died and everything started going so fast..." She shakes her head.
[12:47] <Sailor_Mars> "Yes... burned away to nothing more than a memory..." Rei says, her tone distant.
[12:48] * Sailor_Moon wipes her cheeks with one gloved hand, sniffling a little. "I guess all we can do now is hope they've gone on to someplace better. It's... there's nothing we can do for them now," she replies sadly.
[12:50] * Sailor_Mars nods. "They're beyond all other concerns. All we can do is carry on. I just thought you deserved to know - I've already told the others, but we should probably keep this from Chibi Usa." Rei clenches and unclenches her fists, still staring intently at her hands. "No sense in ruining her innocence, too."
[12:51] * Sailor_Moon nods, moving over to embrace the miko. "We did the best we could, Rei-chan... we just didn't know everything."
[12:54] <Sailor_Mars> Hesitantly returning the embrace, Rei rests her chin on the other girl's shoulder. "I'm sick of killing," she admits quietly.
[12:56] * Sailor_Moon gives her love a tight squeeze. "Me too, Rei-chan... me too." She strokes the miko's back gently. "I don't ever want to have to kill anyone again, but... I can't just sit back and do nothing if we're being attacked, either." She sighs. "Why can't people just leave us alone and live in peace on their own?"
[12:58] <Sailor_Mars> "I'd like a peaceful life." Rei shivers a little, "I could be a priestess and help people with guidance and kind words... but I'm a soldier. I have to fight and kill to protect everyone. I know it's important, but..." she trails off helplessly, shrugging in Usagi's arms.
[13:00] <Sailor_Moon> "You'll get to be a priestess, Rei-chan." Usagi moves back a little, leaning up to give Rei a small kiss on the cheek. "I refuse to believe that we'll have to fight forever."
[13:02] * Sailor_Mars gives Usagi a wan smile, not really believing it, but appreciating her love's hopeful spirit all the more. "We'll face what the future brings. But for now we have to fight to ensure it for ourselves and everyone else." Glancing at the door, her smile becomes a tiny bit mirthful. "Anyway, we'd better go back before the others start imagining we left for some other reason."
[13:03] * Sailor_Moon manages a small giggle at that. "I wish we could leave for some other reason..." She gives Rei a wink. "But it'll have to wait for now."
[13:04] <Sailor_Mars> "Yeah," Rei chuckles a little. "Work, work, work..." she sighs, going back into the dining room with everyone else.
[13:05] * Sailor_Moon smiles a bit as she follows Rei back into the dining room.
[13:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> After that heart-wrenching scene, the girls regroup yet again...
[13:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's getting on towards late morning now, the dark day pressing forward.
[13:38] * Sailor_Moon takes a seat in the living room, looking at the assembled girls. "Okay, two things thanks to Chibi Usa. First off, she's told me about one of the places that was attacked before - some kind of shop selling charms, apparently. She doesn't remember the name exactly, but there can't be too many stores like that - I bet we can find it in the phone book." Usagi gives Chibi Usa a smile at that.
[13:42] <Sailor_Uranus> "If the shop opened fairly recently, like how most of their shops tended to do, it may not be in the phone book yet though," Haruka replies with a bit of a frown.
[13:42] * Sailor_Mars nods at that.
[13:43] <Sailor_Moon> "What about the internet? I don't know that much about it myself, but I remember Umino used to use it to look up phone numbers for new places a lot." Usagi replies.
[13:44] <Sailor_Mars> "That would be Ami-chan's department," Rei glances at the blue-haired senshi.
[13:46] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ami nods. "I can try, Rei-chan," she says, already working in the Mercury Computer.
[13:47] <Sailor_Moon> "And one more thing, too." Usagi takes a deep breath. "Mamoru is apparently still here, and he'd been working with the senshi here up until they were lost. Chibi Usa said he wasn't there when they fought the sisters, so that means... he may still be out there somewhere. If we can find him, he might be able to tell us a lot of what's been going on here."
[13:49] * Sailor_Mars frowns. 'It's been some time. Even if he's avoided being killed since then, he's probably been exposed to a lot of negative energy,' she says telepathically, not wanting to upset Chibi Usa.
[13:51] <Sailor_Moon> 'I'm mainly thinking of what Rubeus said yesterday - remember right before he disappeared? They'd cornered 'him' somewhere and Rubeus was going to deal with it himself. I can't think of anyone else who'd give them any trouble at this point.' Usagi replies to the miko.
[13:52] <Sailor_Mars> 'Good point,' Rei acknowledges. "So where are we going to go first?" she asks aloud.
[13:54] <Sailor_Moon> "My idea was to stop by Mamoru's apartment and see if there's any clue there as to where he might be right now. We could go from there to the charms shop or one of the other places that was attacked in our world." Usagi answers.
[13:56] <Sailor_Mars> "Well, which is nearest? That'd be the most sensible one to go after, I think."
[14:19] <Sailor_Mars> "Hmm... unless that charm shop is nearby, I guess the ice cream store or that cosmetics shop would be nearest..." the miko continues thoughtfully.
[14:21] <Sailor_Moon> "Any luck on that, Ami-chan?" Usagi looks over at her blue-haired friend.
[14:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Looking up from her computer, Ami shakes her head. "I'm afraid not, Usagi-chan."
[14:26] <Sailor_Moon> "I guess we can try the ice cream place then - I think that one's a little closer to Mamoru's apartment, so we can get from his place to there quicker." Usagi nods.
[14:27] <Sailor_Mars> "Okay, then," Rei looks around. "So are we going to go now? And what about Chibi Usa?"
[14:30] * Sailor_Moon looks over at the girl. "She should stay here, I think - probably good if one of us stays with her, too - unless you think Yuuichiro can take care of her by himself?" Usagi gives Rei a questioning look.
[14:31] * Sailor_Mars shakes her head. "Yuuichiro... has a lot on his mind," she says sadly. "And he won't really be able to protect her if something does happen."
[14:32] * Sailor_Moon glances around the room. "Ami-chan, would you mind keeping an eye on her today? I don't think we'll need you since we know where we're going, and it'll give you a little more time to rest after yesterday."
[14:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I can stay," Ami pipes up from her computer. "I'm still feeling tired from yesterday," she admits.
[14:34] * Sailor_Moon nods. "That's that settled, then." She rises from her seat. "Everyone else ready to go?"
[14:35] <Sailor_Mars> "Yeah," Rei asserts.
[14:35] * Sailor_Uranus nods.
[14:35] <Sailor_Dragon> "Yes, your highness." Herb says
[14:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> Makoto nods.
[14:41] <Sailor_Moon> "Then let's get going - not much sense in waiting here now that we know what we're going to do." Usagi nods sharply.
[14:43] * Sailor_Mars nods, walking outside. "I investigated that lightning earlier. It doesn't look like there's someone directly causing it, it just seems to be an effect of the negative energy reacting to the positive energy of the barrier, I think," she tells Usagi as she goes.
[14:44] * Sailor_Moon nods, leading the group of senshi out of the shrine. "The barrier seems to be holding though - that's the main thing I'm worried about. I'll probably reinforce it some when we get back just to make sure it holds - we can't afford to have this one collapse on us."
[14:45] <Sailor_Mars> "Yeah," Rei agrees as they start down the Shrine steps, "We never had any warning of the last one weakening before it fell, so it'd be best to continually reinforce it."
[14:46] <Sailor_Moon> "Yeah, that's what I'm thinking of. I REALLY don't want that to happen here, or they'll be on top of us in nothing flat." Usagi frowns a bit.
[14:47] <Sailor_Anastasia> Walking outside, Makoto frowns as she sees the thunder and lightning. "...Could at least do it with some style," she grouses to herself.
[14:48] <Sailor_Mars> "You can show them the proper way of it, Mako-chan," Rei grins at the brunette.
[14:50] <Sailor_Mars> "Hopefully in a few days we'll have weakened them enough that they couldn't do that even if the barrier did fall," Rei says confidently, starting off in the direction of Mamoru's.
[14:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> Passing down a block or so, you come to the limit of the barrier - past it the city of Shadow Tokyo awaits you, the limit of Usagi's purification seen. With a few steps, you'll pass on from this and into the wilds...
[14:53] <Sailor_Anastasia> The difference is notable - it's gloomy and dark past the barrier, yet bright and summery as it should be inside it.
[14:53] <Sailor_Mars> "Ready, everyone?" Rei tenses, ready to go once more unto the breach.
[14:53] * Sailor_Moon stops for a moment, steeling herself as she prepares to step past the barrier. "Here we go..."
[14:54] * Sailor_Uranus readies herself as well.
[14:55] <Sailor_Mars> Taking a deep breath, Rei steps through the barrier and into the zone of negative energy.
[14:55] * Sailor_Moon braces herself as she steps through the shimmering wall of energy, feeling a slight tingle as she passes through it.
[14:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> Stepping past, you feel the temperature drop at least twenty degrees, from warm to clammy and coolish. Your eyes are momentarily blinded by the lack of light, needing a few seconds to adjust. The spiritual difference is notable even to the untrained such as Haruka and Makoto, and painfully obvious to Rei and Usagi.
[14:56] * Sailor_Mars looks around warily, wondering if they'll get attacked right off the bat or if the enemy want to wait until they're farther from their avenue of retreat.
[14:57] * Sailor_Moon shudders a bit at the sudden wash of negative energy. "Let's make this quick, guys... I REALLY don't like it out here."
[14:58] <Sailor_Uranus> "Feels creepy, but I guess it's worse off for you guys," Harka notes to Usagi and Rei, while peering around the area.
[14:58] <Sailor_Mars> "I've felt worse," Rei says, her brow creasing. "But yeah, we should get moving." Putting action to words, she leaps up onto a nearby rooftop.
[14:59] * Sailor_Uranus shrugs and follows after.
[14:59] * Sailor_Moon follows suit wordlessly, blinking a bit in the deep gloom.
[14:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you might expect, it's rather hard to see much with the oppresive gloom. Despite that, there are no streetlights working, and precious little light elsewhere. The shops are closed off, showing no signs of being open right now, though some have broken windows and the like. A few people are straggling about, avoided easily enough as you roofhop.
[15:00] <Sailor_Mars> Pacing herself with the group, Rei leaps from rooftop to rooftop across Juuban, moving inexorably closer to Mamoru's apartment building.
[15:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you travel over the roofs...
[15:01] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[15:01] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[15:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> There is a momentary feeling of energy being discharged, Sailor Jupiter crying out in pain! The girl stops cold, screaming as black energy crackles through her, paused mid roof.
[15:02] <Sailor_Mars> "Jupiter!" Mars cries in alarm, looking around for the source of the surprise attack.
[15:03] <Sailor_Moon> "Jupiter!" Usagi stares at the wounded senshi in horror.
[15:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Thrashing about like a bear caught in a foottrap, Makoto finally falls bonelessly to the ground and doesn't show any signs of moving yet, Jupiter steaming slightly.
[15:03] * Sailor_Uranus skids to a halt looking around. "Where the heck did that come from?!"
[15:04] * Sailor_Moon rushes to Makoto's side as the attack ceases, checking her friend over quickly.
[15:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> Above there is a woman, smirking madly. In her hand is some sort of sceptre, her spiritual aura heavy and darkly powerful. The same black cresent moon of the others adorns her head, as well as some oddly sort of metallic breast bra/cup thing and black pants. "Heh... heh... I wanted to do it again," she cackles, lightning around her weapon. Her voice is different from the others - not taunting or arrogant in the least, but fanatically devoted.
[15:05] <Sailor_Mars> "You!" Mars cries in alarm, "You're the one who killed the other senshi!" she accuses, also serving the purpose of warning her friends.
[15:06] * Sailor_Uranus tightens her guard on hearing Mars' words, while glaring at their opponent.
[15:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Grinning and laughing sickly, the woman agrees. "I sent them right to Hell," she agrees. "Just like you did to my Sisters, Sailors!" A fit of giggling stops her for a moment, before going on. "But it doesn't matter! I'm better than all of them, anyway!"
[15:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Makoto looks to be badly shocked and unconscious, her transformation silently slipping away. She's breathing, though.
[15:10] * Sailor_Moon places a hand on Makoto's forehead, soothing the girl's injuries as best she can. Her hand glows briefly, then she stands and turns to face the woman in green. "You're the one who turned them to evil, aren't you?" She grits her teeth.
[15:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> "I am Petz, the Queen of Shadow Tokyo," she laughs at you, waving her spectre as if to crown someone but good. "And I did... or brought them back after those vile girls meddled where they shouldn't have..."
[15:12] <Sailor_Mars> "They could have lived peacefully, but you sent them to their deaths!" Rei accuses angrily.
[15:12] <Sailor_Anastasia> Blinking from her position about twenty five feet in the air, she suddenly reappears on the roof, not far from where you are. "You're tresspassing in my kingdom now," another giggle at that. "And the penalty is DEATH!"
[15:13] <Sailor_Moon> "We're taking this city back, and YOU'RE not going to stop us!" Usagi shouts back.
[15:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> "And I loved it," she tells Mars. "The screams as they cried for those idiot senshi, or as they died... and I have this wonderful Sceptre to thank for it," she casts greedy eyes on it.
[15:14] * Sailor_Mars grins at the idiot woman confirming where the source of her power lies.
[15:15] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+10
[15:15] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+10 and gets 16."
[15:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[15:15] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 1."
[15:15] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[15:15] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 13."
[15:15] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+11
[15:15] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+11 and gets 17."
[15:17] <Sailor_Uranus> roll 1d6+14
[15:17] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Uranus rolls 1d6+14 and gets 19."
[15:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Gathering her power in one mighty force, Sailor Uranus cries forth as her attack rips across the roof! "World SHAKING!"
[15:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[15:22] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[15:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[15:24] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[15:25] <Sailor_Anastasia> Waving her relic once swiftly, a tiny point of blackness appears, the attack sucked into it! To Usagi's aura sense, it's like a tiny tear was just made in the area, closed in an instant after the attack went though.
[15:27] * Sailor_Moon's eyes widen momentarily. 'What the... oh my god, she just absorbed the attack into one of those rift things!' Usagi thinks.
[15:30] * Sailor_Dragon hesitates for a moment, but the indecision doesn't last long. "Dragon Spirit Blast!" Herb cries, gesturing at the strange-looking sceptre, hoping to knock it from the madwoman's hand.
[15:31] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6+2
[15:31] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6+2 and gets 14."
[15:32] <Sailor_Anastasia> The attack barely even manages to form, Sailor Dragon's mighty blow a whimper that fades away to the side of Petz!
[15:33] <Sailor_Mars> Narrowing her eyes, Rei reaches out telekinetically to grab the sceptre and wrench it from the woman's grasp!
[15:33] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6-4
[15:33] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6-4 and gets 6."
[15:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6 burning 10 EP
[15:33] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 burning 10 EP and gets 7."
[15:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> The sceptre twitches a moment in Rei's mental grasp, but Petz pulls her arm back fiercely! "You can't have it," she cries suddenly, protectively holding the dark artifact!
[15:36] * Sailor_Moon times her attack carefully. Raising her Lunar Staff high, she releases a powerful stream of energy directly at the scepter in Petz' hand! "Rainbow Moon Heartache!"
[15:36] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6 eating the ACV penalty
[15:36] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 eating the ACV penalty and gets 9."
[15:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> 2d6 applying her overflow to help her roll's mod
[15:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6 applying her overflow to help her roll's mod
[15:37] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 applying her overflow to help her roll's mod and gets 6."
[15:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> Gathering her own energy into a powerful force as the Heartache zooms in, Petz begins to attack! "Dark Moon A..." her voice is cut off as the Heartache slams into her hand! The sceptre pales a moment, then glows violently as the level of energy around it surges hugely!
[15:42] * Sailor_Mars instinctively takes a step back as her senses register the change.
[15:42] * Sailor_Moon grits her teeth as she holds the attack, bracing herself against the energy fluctuations.
[15:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a shimmer and a tiny crack, the Sceptre finally calms down, but its energy field is disrupted. "What?!" Petz says, looking weak for a moment as her weapon is damaged. "You hurt my Sceptre!"
[15:47] <Sailor_Mars> "Not feeling so invincible now, are you?" Rei inquires.
[15:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> Growling deeply, "I'll kill you for that, you little pest," she declares, again focusing her energy! "Dark Lightning Burst!" she emits a crackling stream of lighting, much like the attack that trumped Sailor Jupiter, right at Usagi!
[15:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[15:48] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[15:49] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6
[15:49] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[15:50] * Sailor_Moon quickly hops out of the path of the stream of dark energy, the burst impacting on the rooftop several paces behind her.
[15:51] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+10
[15:51] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+10 and gets 13."
[15:51] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+11
[15:51] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+11 and gets 17."
[15:52] <Sailor_Moon> roll 1d6+12
[15:52] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 1d6+12 and gets 18."
[15:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[15:54] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 5."
[15:55] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 1d6
[15:55] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[16:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Glaring daggers at them, Petz grins. "It's time for you to join the other senshi in death!" With that, she raises up the weapon, power flowing from the cracking artifact freely! All around, you can see something happening, like the boundaries of space are being stressed!
[16:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[16:00] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[16:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> With a sickening ripping sound, black replaces the air and sky! You feel yourselves being lured into the yawning void between worlds ahead!
[16:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> OOC - DCV+4, all.
[16:03] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6+4
[16:03] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6+4 and gets 15."
[16:03] <Sailor_Mars> Do-over!
[16:03] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6+4
[16:03] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6+4 and gets 15."
[16:03] <Sailor_Mars> Do-over!
[16:03] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6+4
[16:03] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6+4 and gets 13."
[16:03] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[16:03] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[16:04] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6+2 (eating what I can)
[16:04] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6+2 (eating what I can) and gets 6."
[16:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[16:04] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[16:05] * Sailor_Dragon breaks off her attack and manages to stay free of the void for now.
[16:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> Resisting the siren lure of the void, Sailor Uranus focuses the energy in her hand as Rei begins to be dragged in. "I won't let you do this to us," she calls, "WORLD SHAKING!"
[16:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[16:05] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[16:05] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[16:05] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[16:06] <Sailor_Moon> "NO! Not my Rei!" Usagi screams, pouring even more energy from her staff at the glowing scepter in Petz' hand.
[16:06] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6 eating penalty
[16:06] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 eating penalty and gets 6."
[16:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> Fighting against the suction, the World Shaking flies forth as Usagi turns up the gas!
[16:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> roll 2d6
[16:06] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[16:08] <Sailor_Anastasia> As the World Shaking hits her, the Heartache glows anew, a burst of energy causing even more cracks to run across the artifact. "ARGH!" Petz calls as is caught in the fierce golden light of Haruka's attack, then nothing escapes her lips when Usagi's attack causes the Dark Weapon to shatter, a sudden nova of black consuming her and sending all flying!
[16:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> All the girls are sent soaring off the roof, all sense of awareness fading into blackness all around with a *slip* feeling. You float, your friends around you and aware in this nothing zone. It's not hot or cold, nor loud or quiet. It just is, an endless array of nothingness.
[16:10] <Sailor_Anastasia> You see the rift into your world far away from you, large at the moment... but closing and shrinking rapidly, like a wound healing in fast motion.
[16:11] <Sailor_Moon> "What the... where ARE we?" Usagi says, looking around rapidly for her friends.
[16:12] <Sailor_Mars> "In the rift, we have to get out!" Rei says frantically, trying to propel herself to the exit as fast as she can, while expending her telekinetic effort to push Usagi even faster.
[16:12] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6-4
[16:12] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6-4 and gets 6."
[16:12] * Sailor_Dragon reaches out, trying to grab whoever's near to her
[16:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> Makoto floats a bit away from you, still unconcious but grabbed by Herb as he tries to escape...
[16:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> As you start to move, you notice there are also a few other bodies off to the side. You can't quite make out who or what they are from here, though.
[16:14] <Sailor_Mars> Still mostly focused on *moving*, Rei nonetheless looks at the bodies, trying to sense if they're alive as she has a sinking feeling as to who they are.
[16:14] <Sailor_Anastasia> You feel no life force from the bodies, but you also note your friend's life force is somewhat muted here, as is the general feeling of energy. It's like the volume of everything is turned way down.
[16:15] <Sailor_Moon> "Grab them, Rei-chan!" Usagi shouts, pointing at the bodies. "I'll try to hold the rift open!" She focuses on the rift ahead of her, picturing a ring of energy to hold the opening from closing any further.
[16:15] * Sailor_Dragon tries to fly, knowing that there's not much to bounce ki off in the void.
[16:15] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi - Soul check, +4.
[16:15] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6+4
[16:15] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6+4 and gets 9."
[16:16] <Sailor_Mars> Trusting her fate to Usagi, Rei tries to grab one of the bodies and start propelling it towards the exit, then doing the same for the next and the next until she has them all moving.
[16:16] <Sailor_Anastasia> Sailor Dragon finds she can move somewhat like flying, and Haruka is doing the same. It's more like zero gravity, an intellectual part of your brain comments, like you have free movement.
[16:16] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6-4
[16:16] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6-4 and gets 5."
[16:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> Gathering her spiritual energy, Usagi places desperate stopgaps at the gaping hole between worlds! It slows it somewhat, a decently sized opening saved!...for now.
[16:17] * Sailor_Dragon drags Makoto and any of the other bodies she can find along with her to the exit
[16:17] <Sailor_Anastasia> The bodies are shuffled out in quick order, the task easy enough.
[16:18] <Sailor_Mars> "Come on, that's the last of them," Rei says, moving herself as quickly as she can to catch up to Usagi at the exit.
[16:18] * Sailor_Moon keeps herself moving towards the rift, straining as she tries to hold the portal between worlds open. "Hurry, guys, I don't know how much longer I can hold this!" She waits by the portal itself.
[16:18] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi uses her power, energy sacrificed for their lives! (25 EP consumed so far.)
[16:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> The girls approach the rift as the binds of soul around it flicker, reaching out back to the real world!
[16:20] <Sailor_Mars> Escaping into the physical world, Rei gasps for breath on her hands and knees for a moment, that being far too close a call. Then she goes to check over the bodies they retrieved.
[16:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> Plopping down on a now cratered roof, the clammy coolness of this contaminated world greets you, even this a welcome relief.
[16:22] * Sailor_Moon lands on her hands and knees as well, panting from the exertion of holding the portal open. "I think... our trip today is canceled," she gasps out, looking over at what she suspects to be this world's senshi.
[16:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Looking at the bodies... you see Usagi, Ami, Rei, Makoto and Minako. All are naked and have deathly white skin, drained of all color save for their hair. Even that, though is muted and streaked with icy white. They do have auras still, but each is tiny and inert.
[16:22] <Sailor_Mars> "They're alive," Rei says, shocked, "We need to get back to the Shrine! Can everyone handle a Sailor Teleport?"
[16:22] <Sailor_Anastasia> Something is dreadfully wrong, you realise. No living being should look like this - it's like the very lifeforce of them was crushed in a brutal manner. And not just sucked out - this is far worse, and far more personally devastating.
[16:23] <Sailor_Moon> "They're still alive, but barely," Usagi says. "We've got to get them back to the Shrine!" She struggles to her feet, forcing her exhaustion down in the face of necessity.
[16:23] <Sailor_Moon> roll 2d6 for rejuv
[16:23] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Moon rolls 2d6 for rejuv and gets 11."
[16:23] * Sailor_Dragon stares at the naked senshi, taking in their pale skin, their lifeless attitudes, their naked boobies.
[16:23] * Sailor_Dragon blushes crimson.
[16:24] <Sailor_Anastasia> Gasping for air, Haruka stands on wobbly legs. "I think I can manage."
[16:24] <Sailor_Mars> "Focus, Herb!" Rei reprimands the aquatransexual sharply, grabbing 'her' hand and Usagi's and getting into position around the bodies.
[16:25] * Sailor_Moon goes over to stand next to the downed senshi, holding Rei's and Haruka's hands.
[16:26] <Sailor_Dragon> "Uh, yeah, right!" Herb says, and gratefully holds onto Rei's hand, than takes Sailor_Uranus's free hand.
[16:26] <Sailor_Mars> "Sailor Teleport!" Rei calls, focusing on 'her' bedroom.
[16:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> ---

Halbarad · July 01, 2006, 10:35:53 AM

[16:27] <Sailor_Anastasia> Appearing again in the bedroom of this Rei with valuble cargo, the girls almost fall to their needs in relief and exhaustion...
[16:28] * Sailor_Moon quickly scrambles to her counterpart's side, checking her twin for any visible signs of life - and hopefully any way to fan what little flame remains.
[16:29] * Sailor_Dragon scurries away from the room, trying to find something useful to do that doesn't involve naked girls.
[16:29] * Sailor_Mars slumps, most over her attention focused on the alternate Usagi and Rei, although she does steal a glance at Minako. Deciding that they look really cold, and there not being much else she can do, Rei heats up the air in the room to something more warm and comfortable.
[16:29] <Sailor_Anastasia> This Usagi's life force is all but gone, or perhaps it is and you're seeing the last mournful echoes of it. The tiny bit of aura here is weak and dormant...
[16:29] * Sailor_Moon quickly gets out the Grail, desperate as she scrambles for any bit of help she can get as she concentrates on what she wants to do.
[16:30] <Sailor_Mars> "Can you heal them, Usagi?" Rei asks hopefully, scared by what she sees in their auras but also more hopeful of their survival than she was this morning.
[16:30] <Sailor_Moon> "I'm going to try, but I don't know how well this will work. I've never tried anything this major before." Closing her eyes, she transforms into Serenity, knowing that her skill with the magical arts is slightly better that way - and she needs every edge she can get.
[16:31] <Sailor_Mars> Standing up, Rei puts a hand on Serenity's shoulder, lending as much power as she can to aid her love.
[16:32] <Serenity> Focusing on the Grail in her lap as a source of power, Serenity begins to chant the words of her healing spell, holding her hands out above the nearly-dead senshi as she wills their life force to return to them.
[16:33] <Sailor_Anastasia> Vitality flows from one Princess to another, then another. The Grail shimmers as the energy passes into this Usagi... and yet, nothing happens. Not a single effect is wrought by your magic, not in body or spirit or aura.
[16:34] * Serenity lowers her head as the spell completes, shaking her head. "There HAS to be something I can do!" Desperately, she searches through the auras of the girls on the floor, desperately seeking some clue as to how she can heal them.
[16:35] * Sailor_Mars does likewise, hoping she might spot something Usagi missed.
[16:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> It's just so little, so little to see. It's like seeing a shattered ruin of the Moon Palace versus the peak of it in the Silver Millenium - the current senshi just can't compare at all.
[16:36] <Sailor_Anastasia> You see nothing telling, just tiny fragments of what they are... or once were.
[16:37] * Serenity grabs her counterpart's shoulders. "Dammit, you aren't allowed to die!" Tears begin to flow as she looks for some way, ANY way, to help the senshi of this world. "You can't still be alive and then die right after we found you!"
[16:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> The body shakes limply, her hair flopping listlessly.
[16:38] <Sailor_Mars> "There has to be something..." Rei trails off helplessly before receiving a moment of inspiration. "Wait!" Quickly scrambling over to her comatose twin, she places her hands on the other Rei's shoulders and tries to will her own fiery aura into the other, hoping it will be enough to jumpstart it or do *something*.
[16:39] <Sailor_Anastasia> You pour a fragment of yourself into that Rei... yet again, it seems to be pouring a bottle of water into the ocean of nothingness.
[16:40] <Sailor_Anastasia> Your counterparts just lay there, limp and comalike - no sign of moving at all.
[16:41] * Sailor_Dragon goes to tell Ami-chan the news and see if she can help.
[16:41] * Serenity takes the other Usagi's face between her hands, tears falling on the comatose girl's body. "You just can't die... please, I don't know how else I can help you. Hang on, all right?"
[16:42] <Sailor_Mars> "Dammit, it's no good," Rei laments, deciding to check if the other Rei's body at least works where her spirit is lacking, putting two fingers at the girl's neck to search for a pulse.
[16:43] <Sailor_Anastasia> Feeling her warmthless neck, Rei thinks she may feel the tiniest of pulses, perhaps. Maybe.
[16:51] <Sailor_Mars> "It's like they went into some sort of suspended animation to survive in there," Rei comments, "But they should be getting better now that they're out. Why aren't they getting better?" she asks angrily, the question not really directed at anyone since she doesn't expect anyone to know.
[16:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> Coming back with her, Ami and Chibi Usa entering. Ami gasps as she sees the nude, dead/dying/comatose senshi, her computer appearing in her hands as if by magic. Chibi Usa also gasps, seeing how they look and starting to sniffle as she rushes over to Minako.
[16:51] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Mina-chan," she cries, rushing into the girl and hugging her.
[16:52] <Serenity> "I wish I knew..." Serenity shakes her head, glancing over at Chibi Usa as she enters the room. Turning back to the senshi, she at least looks for any signs that their condition is worsening, even if it's not improving.
[16:52] <Sailor_Anastasia> Usagi - They don't seen to be getting visibly better or worse, at least to your judgment.
[16:53] * Serenity sighs. "At least they don't seem to be getting any weaker." She closes her eyes. "Hopefully they just need time to recover... I just wish there was something I could do to help things along."
[16:54] * Sailor_Dragon sits outside the door hugging her knees, and feeling guilty for not being able to do anything, and for embarrassing the Queen.
[16:54] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Come on, Mina-chan," Chibi Usa urges as she hugs the girl. "You'll take me shopping and I'll get a pretty dress just like you said, right?"
[16:56] <Sailor_Mars> "Ami-chan, does your computer have anything?" Rei asks the senshi of ice hopefully.
[16:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> Her eyes starting to swell with tears as Minako fails to do anything but lie there, "Mina-chan...you said you would..." she whimpers. "C'mon..."
[16:56] <Serenity> "She can't hear you, Chibi Usa-chan," Serenity says dully. "She's... she's not dead, but I don't know how to wake them up."
[16:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> Working with a speedy fury, Ami glances up at Rei. "I'm getting very minimal readings from them," she says finally.
[16:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> "But she SAID," the girls emphasizes, shaking Minako as best her small body can. "She promised, Usagi-chan!" Tears start to roll down the little rabbit's face. "Don't ignore me, Mina-chan!"
[16:58] * Serenity moves over to comfort the girl. "I know, Chibi Usa-chan, I know." She begins to cry again herself. "I want her to take you out shopping too, but I don't know what to do." She hangs her head.
[16:58] <Sailor_Mars> "Maybe they just need a little time?" Rei suggests hopefully, deciding that she can at least get them more comfortable than laying in this haphazard arrangement on the floor, naked for all to see. Starting with the other Rei, she sets about getting the comatose girls in the futons still laid out from last night.
[17:00] <Sailor_Anastasia> Hugging onto Usagi, Chibi Usa wails. "I don't want her to die," she sobs, admitting what her poor young mind thinks. "I don't want her to leave me again, Mommy," the girl rocks in your arms, more tears coming. "I want to be happy with Mina-chan and all my friends!"
[17:01] * Sailor_Mars winces as Chibi Usa calls Usagi 'mommy', but dutifully continues her self-appointed task.
[17:01] * Serenity holds the girl tightly, feeling Chibi Usa's pain as her own. "I promise I won't let them die, Chibi Usa... whatever it takes, I'll make sure they come back."
[17:02] <Sailor_Anastasia> The girl says nothing more, rocking in your arms as she lets loose another torrent of sadness onto your clothes.
[17:03] <Sailor_Mars> Coming to Minako, Rei hesitates a moment, but steels herself and gets the blonde tucked up under the blankets, trying to avoid really looking at the girl as she goes about the task.
[17:04] * Serenity just hangs on to Chibi Usa, racking her brain for something - ANYTHING - she hasn't tried, or that might work, or that might have happened to the girls on the floor.
[17:07] <Sailor_Anastasia> Scanning further, Ami finally shuts her computer. "It's like they're barely there," Ami says, shaking her head.
[17:08] <Sailor_Mars> "Maybe if we just give them time? I mean, they must have gone into that state to survive in the rift, and it'll probably take them a while to 'warm up' to normal again, right?" Rei looks around to see if the others think that's reasonable.
[17:08] <Serenity> "That's all I can think of right now, Rei-chan... nothing else seems to be working." Usagi's shoulders slump at the admission of her own failure in that regard.
[17:10] <Sailor_Mars> "Well, we'll give them a few hours. We'll need some time to rest ourselves before we try going out again." So saying, Rei takes a glance at the wounded Makoto.
[17:11] * Serenity nods, feeling drained in more ways than simply emotionally. She strokes the crying Chibi Usa's head gently, finding some comfort in reassuring the little girl.
-------
[09:34] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ami and Serenity stay in the room with the other Senshi as they lay there, Rei dressing them in short order and leaving the room to look for Yuuichiro. Herb, meanwhile, stays outside for the moment.
[09:35] <Sailor_Anastasia> A simple look outside suffices - the man is in his temple robes, sweeping much like the other Rei would on a normal day, save for no visitors coming up the stairs to disturb him.
[09:35] <Sailor_Mars> "Yuuichiro...san?" Rei speaks up as she approaches the man.
[09:37] <Sailor_Anastasia> Turning, you see Yuuichiro didn't bother to shave (more so than usual) and looks a touch haggard still. "Hello, Sailor Mars," he says with as much politeness as he can manage. "I figured I might as well try to keep the place clean, right?"
[09:39] * Sailor_Mars gives him a tentative smile. "That might be a good idea. Rei," again she hesitates, "-san, wouldn't like to see the place a mess when she wakes up."
[09:41] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Yeah..." he starts, then blinks. "Wake up... do you mean that she's alive," he asks quickly, dropping the broom and dashing up to you. "Is she?"
[09:42] * Sailor_Mars smiles at seeing him a bit more lively. "We found her and her friends when we went out into the city earlier." She sobers quickly, "They're in bad shape, but alive."
[09:45] <Sailor_Anastasia> "Thank the Kami," he says quickly, making a genuflective gesture towards the building where the Sacred Flame is kept. "Where is she now?"
[09:45] <Sailor_Mars> "She's in her room," Rei starts in that direction, beckoning him to follow.
[09:48] <Sailor_Anastasia> He not only follows, but breaks into a sprint past you, robes flapping in the wind as he passes.
[09:49] <Sailor_Mars> Chuckling, Rei hurries to catch up.
[09:09] <Anastasia> ---
[09:39] <Serenity> An hour later, Chibi Usa has calmed enough to be left alone, and Usagi and Ami get down to business - trying to glean as much information about the native senshi's current condition as they can. Usagi concentrates on her own counterpart at first, as she feels that she has a better chance of reaching her 'twin' than any of the others.
[09:41] <Sailor_Mercury> Ami settles down beside the other Usagi as well, aiming to see if Usagi's efforts have any physical effect, as well as the scans.
[09:44] <Sailor_Anastasia> The two work in their way, in tandem to try and retrieve even the smallest snare of information from these poor fallen Sailors. The fundamental problem is that there really isn't much to see - just the smallest fragment of aura and little more. You can turn ove the same penny over and over, but you'll see the same thing every time, eh? It's much the same for Mercury - her computer scans them quickly enough each time, coming up with the same results as Usagi in techno speak = i.e., little pulse, comalike symptoms, and so on.
[09:46] * Serenity shakes her head. "There's just not enough there... I can't make anything out about them this way." Glancing over at the other comatose senshi in the room, she frowns. "At this rate, the only thing I can think of doing is trying to feed energy from the Grail into them directly and hope that improves their condition - but I have no idea if it would do anything to help at all."
[09:49] * Sailor_Mercury moves to a purely physiological scan, looking for a possible way to discern the reason for the diminished auras. "I agree." She says as she works. "But it IS an option... we just need to look at the problem from a new direction, if we need more options... unfortunately, I can't think of what that would be."
[09:50] <Sailor_Anastasia> Scanning... the Mercury computer reports that it's not really sure why they are such as they are, but it does look like some circumstance caused this. It wasn't an internal change, but an external one.
[09:50] * Serenity sighs. "I KNOW they're alive, and there has to be a way to bring them back - but what IS it?" She looks down at Usagi, apparently in a deep, deep sleep. "What happened to all of you?"
[09:52] * Sailor_Mercury blinks at her computer. "Well, that's -something-, at least. Apparently, this is the result of external stimulus... which means there must be some sort of antidote, if they've stayed alive. We just need to find it."
[09:53] <Serenity> "Do you have any idea what caused it?" Usagi looks up at Mercury. "That's usually the best way to figure out how to undo it, right?"
[09:55] * Sailor_Mercury flashes Usagi a quick smile. "Usually." she agrees. "I'll look for probable cause, then." Quickly, she begins entering the symptoms into her computer, and searches for a link, or possible causes for the current condition of the Senshi.
[09:56] * Serenity checks Usagi's forehead, hoping that they've all at least warmed up from their previously chilled condition.
[09:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> Not a bit. No warmth is coming from her body, you find.
[09:56] <Sailor_Anastasia> As the girls chat, the door to this room is thrown open by a frantic shrinekeeper in training. Yuuichiro quickly looks around, zeroing in this world's Rei and running over. "Rei!"
[09:57] * Serenity snaps her head up at the sudden interruption. "Huh?"
[09:57] <Sailor_Anastasia> Mercury's computer works away again... Processing... looks like it's going to be a minute or two.
[09:57] * Sailor_Mercury settles back to wait, casting a quick glance up at the new arrival.
[09:57] * Sailor_Mars follows him inside, kneeling down next to him and the other Rei. "She won't wake up soon," she tells him sadly. "It's like they were in suspended animation or something."
[09:59] * Serenity nods sadly. "We're doing all we can to figure out how to wake them up, but it's... going slowly."
[09:59] <Sailor_Anastasia> Touching her cheek, Yuuichiro recoils in surprise. "She's cold," he comments in surprise, then turns to Serenity. "You can wake her up, right?"
[10:00] <Serenity> "I'm working on it... I don't know how yet, but I WILL find out." Serenity nods to the disheveled shrine apprentice.
[10:00] <Sailor_Mercury> "We can, and will try, Yuuichiro-san." Ami promises, checking the status of her computer's search.
[10:02] * Serenity goes back to her studies, looking for any traces of foreign energy in the senshi's bodies - perhaps it's some sort of contamination that's making their auras so weak.
[10:03] <Sailor_Anastasia> Ami's computer is just finishing when she checks it again. "The cause of the status is unclear. Suspected causes are prolonged exposure to extradimensional conditions or void."
[10:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> Yuuichiro nods to you, taking other Rei's hand and sitting by her, staring at her face
[10:04] * Sailor_Mercury frowns, and looks up recommended treatement, and prognosis for recovery with a week's exposure.
[10:04] <Sailor_Anastasia> You don't find any visible contamination, Serenity. At least nothing that catches your eye.
[10:05] * Serenity closes her eyes, her hands hovering over Usagi's chest as she attempts to feed her own energy directly into the kernel of her twin's aura.
[10:06] <Sailor_Anastasia> This pulls up the entire file on extradimensional exposure. It starts by describing it - the space between planes and worlds is inherently draining to living beings, being a vacuum of sorts. A normal human can withstand perhaps ten minutes of it before succumbing, a powerful entity perhaps up to a day at most without powerful magical means. Means of treatment for a week? Not applicable, the computer file asserts that anyone exposed that long would be long dead.
[10:11] * Sailor_Mercury narrows her eyes, wondering whether their Senshi forms preserved them this long, or something else did. While she's thinking, she scans Usagi's twin again, and asks the computer to estimate how long she's been exposed to the void.
[10:11] <Sailor_Anastasia> Energy flows between Usagi and Usagi, entering her body... ... ... Dammit! If there was any impact, you didn't sense any.
[10:11] * Serenity looks at her counterpart for any change, positive or negative.
[10:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> You just don't sense anything. Your gift of energy seems to have been insufficient to help Usagi as is.
[10:13] <Sailor_Anastasia> Estimated time - Over 3 days. That's what your computer comes up with, though it isn't too certain at all.
[10:14] * Sailor_Mercury nods to herself, and asks the computer for a recommended treatment.
[10:14] * Serenity frowns. "I know the energy went into her, it's just not enough to have any effect I guess." She sits back on her heels, looking down at her other self. "I could TRY using the Grail, I suppose - it's got a lot more energy than I do, that's for sure. I'm just worried I'll overdo it."
[10:15] <Sailor_Mars> "We already tried that, Us... Sailor Moon," Rei sighs. "It's like pouring a bucket of water in an empty ocean."
[10:17] * Serenity looks over at her girlfriend. "I know, but I can't see what else to DO. Their auras are just so weak... giving them energy is the only thing I can think of that would help, but it's obvious that it's going to take a LOT to have any effect at all."
[10:18] <Sailor_Mars> "What about food?" Rei suggests. "They probably haven't eaten in all the time they've been like this. Instead of giving them our energy, we should try and help them recover on their own, right?"
[10:19] <Serenity> "It can't hurt, but... I've never heard of anyone being this cold normally, either. It might help them recover, but how long will it take?" Usagi sighs. "There's no way of knowing."
[10:19] <Sailor_Anastasia> "There is no recommended treatment," is the computer's reply after a little while.
[10:20] * Sailor_Mercury sighs with frustration. "So much for that..." she muses, and tries to come up with a new line of approach.
[10:20] <Sailor_Mars> "I don't know, but we can keep trying until they do get better," Rei asserts, standing up. "I'll go heat up some soup we can feed them. Anyone else want anything while I'm up?"
[10:21] <Sailor_Anastasia> "A hot water bottle," Yuuichiro suggests. "Maybe it'll warm Rei up?"
[10:21] <Sailor_Mercury> "Can you bring me a soda, please?" Ami asks quietly, staring at the screen.
[10:22] * Serenity smiles at Yuuichiro. "It can't hurt, that's for sure." Turning to look at Rei, she nods. "If there's anything to snack on out there, it'd be good. I'm kind of hungry after everything that's happened today."
[10:22] <Sailor_Mars> "Soda, a snack, and a hot water bottle," Rei repeats, nodding. She could point out that she's already tried to magically warm them, but she'd rather not disillusion him. "Back in a bit," she says, exiting the room.
[10:24] * Serenity looks over at the other senshi for a moment, a slight frown on her face. "A..." Noticing Yuuichirou still sitting next to Rei, she switches over to mental communication. 'Ami-chan, could you go sit next to this world's Ami? The only other thing I can think of is comparing your aura to hers and seeing if I can figure out what's caused hers to change that way.'
[10:25] * Sailor_Mercury blinks and nods, getting up and moving over to her counterpart. 'Do you need me to do anything specific?'
[10:25] * Serenity shakes her head. 'Just keep working on whatever you need to... I just want you there to compare her with.' That said, Serenity begins to compare Sailor Mercury's vibrant aura with the barely-there energy of Ami Mizuno, trying to see exactly how Ami's energy has been so drastically reduced.
[10:26] * Sailor_Mercury looks down at... herself, and represses the urge to shiver. Looking at her computer, she begins to search again, looking for the reasons why exposure to the void causes these symptoms.
[10:31] <Anastasia> OOC - Usagi, Soul check, +3
[10:31] <Serenity> roll 2d6+3
[10:31] * Hatbot --> "Serenity rolls 2d6+3 and gets 9."
[10:35] <Anastasia> Compared to her lifeless double, Sailor Mercury bursts and shines with vitality. The shard left in this world's Mercury is even smaller looking now, pathetic indeed. How did such an aura become such as it is now...? No obvious clues jump out to you.
[10:36] * Serenity manages a wry smile. "Well, the good news is that you look like you're in perfect condition, Mercury. But it doesn't tell me anything about her, unfortunately."
[10:37] <Anastasia> Mercury - Your computer shortly returns with results. "The void of extradimensional space naturally diminshes and flays away the life force of any exposed."
[10:38] * Sailor_Mercury shivers, smiling weakly at Usagi's comment. "It's... not good." She tells the blonde seriously.
[10:43] * Serenity looks over at Mercury. "Has your computer turned anything up that might help?"
[10:44] <Sailor_Mercury> "We need to heal their life force directly, somehow." Ami tells Usagi grimly, relateing her computer's findings. "The reason for their current condition is prolonged exposure to an extradimensional space, which has whittled down their life force to where they currently are."
[10:45] * Serenity blows out a breath. "Does it have anything about how to do that? I can give it a try if I know the basic idea behind it, I think, but I'm not sure where to start."
[10:46] * Sailor_Mercury sighs. "No... it says there's no treatment available." she replies. "Whatever we do, we'll have to invent as we go along."
[10:48] * Serenity sighs. "It looks like I'm going to have to start using the Grail... it's pretty obvious I don't have enough power by myself to make a dent in whatever's wrong with them."
[10:50] * Sailor_Mercury nods. "We'll have to experiment." she agrees. "The Grail IS the only thing we have yet to try..."
[10:51] * Serenity nods, hesitantly drawing the powerful magical artifact out of subspace. "Any suggestions from your end before I get started?"
[10:53] * Sailor_Mercury thinks for a moment. "I don't know." she admits. "We do know what specifically is damaged... or at least one of them, and a vague idea of how to treat it. I'd suggest starting small, until we can be sure we're having an effect."
[10:54] <Serenity> "Well, their life force is basically energy, so I guess I'll start by trying to add directly to that." She looks over the five unconscious girls in the room. "Who should I start with, though?"
[10:55] <Sailor_Mercury> "Are they all in the same condition?" Ami asks.
[10:56] * Sailor_Mars returns, bearing a bowl of tomato soup on a tray, followed by Sailor Dragon carrying the hot water bottle and requested snacks. Starting with Makoto as the nearest, she kneels down beside the sickly tall girl and lifts her head up to begin feeding her a few spoonfuls of the warm soup.
[10:56] * Serenity glances over the girls' auras again, looking for any that might be in marginally better or worse condition than any of the others.
[10:59] * Sailor_Dragon wraps the hot water bottle in a clean handtowel and places it by the side of the unconscious Mars
[11:08] <Anastasia> Yuuichiro looks up, taking the water bottle that Sailor Dragon put down beside Rei and applying it to her forehead and body.
[11:08] <Anastasia> Serenity finds that any difference between them is negligible at best, really.
[11:08] * Serenity shakes her head. "They're all in about the same shape, really."
[11:09] <Sailor_Mercury> "Then we can start just about anywhere." Ami sighs.
[11:09] <Sailor_Mars> "Start?" Rei looks up, having finished feeding Makoto.
[11:11] * Sailor_Mercury looks to Usagi, then to Rei. "We have a theory to try." Ami tells her.
[11:11] * Serenity nods. "We're going to try to use the Grail to restore their life force... all that time in the void stripped most of it away, apparently."
[11:13] <Sailor_Mars> "Well, let me finish feeding them first," Rei asks, moving onto Minako. "You might as well eat something yourself before trying something this big," she adds, lifting up the blonde's head so she can get some soup down her throat. Her expression is slightly pained as she looks at the twin of her former girlfriend.
[11:13] <Anastasia> Poking up, Yuuichiro turns to the Princess. "What's that void," he inquires. "Where were they?"
[11:14] * Serenity sighs. "I guess you're right... this isn't going to be easy, that's for sure." She looks over at Mars and Dragon. "What do you have?"
[11:15] <Sailor_Mars> "Just some biscuits," Rei gestures at Herb, "Unless you want what's left of the soup when I'm done." She gets up and moves to the comatose Usagi to repeat the process.
[11:16] <Serenity> "That'll be fine. Just need something to fill me up, really." Serenity gives Herb a smile as she takes the biscuits from the aquatransexual senshi.
[11:16] * Sailor_Dragon smiles back and offers the tray of biscuits round the rest of the group.
[11:18] <Sailor_Mars> In short order Rei finishes feeding Usagi and Ami, coming to Rei last. "We're not sure," she tells the long-haired man, "It was some place one of those monsters put them in, like a completely empty dimension. I don't even know how they survived as long as they did."
[11:18] * Sailor_Dragon places a tin of cola by the side of the senshi of Mercury.
[11:19] * Sailor_Mercury smiles gratefully at Herb, and immedately opens it, and begins to drink.
[11:19] * Serenity eats slowly, rather deep in thought as she considers how best to go about restoring energy to the comatose senshi.
[11:21] <Anastasia> He nods to that, quiet again for a bit. He continues to hold Rei's hand...
[11:21] * Sailor_Mars smiles a bit at his obvious concern for the other Rei, clearing away the soup and returning in short order.
[11:23] * Serenity settles down next to the other Usagi, deciding to begin with her alternate self. "All right, here goes. Wish me luck, guys." Closing her eyes briefly, the queen uses her control over energy to fashion a sort of conduit linking Usagi's aura with the currently inert Holy Grail.
[11:25] * Sailor_Mars simply watches intently, trusting Usagi to do her best and praying for her success.
[11:25] <Serenity> That done, she closes her eyes, willing the Grail to provide its energy through the link to the unconscious girl on the floor, very carefully regulating the powerful flow of energy to make sure it doesn't overwhelm the other girl.
[11:25] <Sailor_Mercury> Ami ponders for a moment, then opens her computer again, and begins to scan the life force of Usagi's twin as she begins, scanning for any changes, positive or negative.
[11:29] <Anastasia> White energy flows from USagi's body, a wonderfully soothing show of light surrounding the two rabbits! The downed rabbit receives the energy, the power flowing into her body..
[11:30] <Anastasia> A minute or so of this glowing spectacle goes. Yet Usagi shows no signs of recovering, the energy going into her body with no effect. Her aura stays dead despite the constant infusion of life force.
[11:31] * Serenity frowns slightly, increasing the flow of energy as she silently wills the other Usagi's life force to return. 'Come on, work!'
[11:32] <Anastasia> The Grail shines anew with light, a small star of white now. Gushing into Usagi, light and vitality flow in! Maybe... there is the slightest change, perhaps a second of twitchiness in her aura...
[11:33] * Serenity pounces on the slight improvement, increasing the flow of energy once again. 'Come on, come on...'
[11:33] * Sailor_Mercury scans the other Usagi's life force in the smallest details she can manage, looking for any clues...
[11:34] <Anastasia> Mercury - The power from the Grail is indeed flowing into Usagi's being, affecting it but slowly.
[11:34] <Anastasia> Other Usagi's aura flickers again, and then again at this, but nothing solid or continued.
[11:35] * Serenity maintains the flow between the Grail and Usagi, hoping that her aura merely needs more fuel to finally begin returning to its former vitality.
[11:35] <Sailor_Mercury> "Progress..." Ami says aloud, allowing herself a slight smile, and recording the scan now.
[11:37] <Anastasia> The energy continues to go into Usagi. A few more twitches from her aura... but nothing past that. It's not expanding or revitalizing.
[11:38] * Serenity takes a deep breath, turning up the power once again. 'Come on, this has to work... I don't know what else I can do!' she thinks desperately.
[11:41] <Anastasia> The Grail becomes incandescent, the light from it filling the entire room and hurting your eyes! Another surge of power, this one rocking Usagi's body and spirit! (20 HP/EP consumed due to extreme exertion at this point) Other Usagi gasps for a moment, her aura spiking up... then right back down, the Grail's shine slowing.
[11:42] * Serenity falls forward onto the other girl, gasping with the exertion as the Grail ceases its activity.
[11:44] * Sailor_Mars hurries over to lift Serenity up and get her lying down where she isn't all over her counterpart. "You really exerted yourself..." she reprimands softly, looking to see if it had any real effect on the other Usagi.
[11:44] * Sailor_Mercury winces with disappointment, and begins scanning the second Usagi, looking for lasting changes.
[11:44] <Serenity> "Had to... do all I could," Serenity pants. "Still... didn't work."
[11:44] * Sailor_Dragon looks thoughtful and glances between the Usagi and Sailor Mercury
[11:45] <Anastasia> There are still some embers of energy left in her, yet her aura is reverted to what it was before this. Real change looks to be minimal at best, nonexistent at worst.
[11:46] <Sailor_Mars> "I don't think brute force is the answer, here," Rei says sadly, squeezing Serenity's hand. "But at least you really tried."
[11:47] <Sailor_Dragon> Herb makes a suggestion. "Moon-hime, might my ki control help? I don't have the raw power of the Grail, but if we tried together it might do something."
[11:47] * Serenity lays back on the floor, a pained expression on her face. "What else do we have, Rei-chan?" she whispers. "I don't know of anything else that will do anything."
[11:48] * Sailor_Mercury smiles at Usagi gently. "This time, it had an effect, Sailor Moon." she adds encouragingly. "I'm sure there must be an answer."
[11:49] <Sailor_Mars> "If there was something actually suppressing their auras we could maybe remove it, like when we helped Jupiter that time, but..." she sighs and shakes her head. "I think it's up to them to recover themselves. Outside interference just doesn't seem to do anything."
[11:50] <Sailor_Dragon> "What do you think, Mercury-hime?" Herb asks, not knowing whether her idea has any actual merit or not.
[11:50] <Serenity> "And how long will that take? Months? Years?" Usagi says quietly, finally opening her eyes to look at Rei. "I've never seen an aura that weak before, not even CLOSE to that weak."
[11:51] * Sailor_Mercury glances at Herb. "I'm not sure." she admits. "I need to find out more about why this didn't work, first."
[11:52] <Sailor_Mars> "Neither have I," Rei shrugs, "But they've only been out of the rift for an hour. Considering what they've been through, we can't expect an immediate recovery."
[11:52] * Serenity lays her head back on the floor, breathing heavily still. "I can't... I failed, Rei-chan."
[11:53] * Sailor_Mars strokes Serenity's forehead. "You've only failed when you give up. It's not over yet," she reassures the blonde.
[11:54] <Serenity> "I don't want to give up, but I don't know what else I can do!" Usagi protests. "I've tried everything I can think of, and nothing works!"
[11:54] * Sailor_Mercury frowns, and begins going over the events she recorded in the scan earlier, combing for clues as to why the energy didn't take. "I wonder if it's a leak of some sort..."
[11:56] <Sailor_Mars> "You never know when inspiration can strike," Rei tries to remain upbeat. "I'm sure with all of us trying our best we'll come up with a solution, if they don't recover by themselves first."
[11:56] * Serenity sighs tiredly. "I hope you're right... I really, really hope you're right."
[11:57] <Sailor_Mars> "Of course I am," Rei nods confidently.
[12:04] <Anastasia> The Mercury computer continues its labors of the day, pinging along with the data it has. "Analysing... Analysing... Suspected cause is insufficient power."
[12:07] * Sailor_Mercury boggles. "Insufficient power?" she marvels, then glances at the comatose Usagi. "Well... I suppose it's -possible-..."
[12:08] * Sailor_Mars looks up at Ami. "The Grail is insufficiently powerful?" she asks in disbelief.
[12:08] * Serenity gapes at Mercury as she catches her words. "THAT wasn't enough power? My god, I was just short of letting the entire Grail loose. Don't tell me I need to get the Silver Crystal back on TOP of that - how much more power can I use?"
[12:10] * Sailor_Mercury blushes and shakes her head. "It may not be the case." she assures them hastily. "The computer IS working with limited data."
[12:13] <Anastasia> Having stayed a bit back and away this entire time, Chibi Usa continues to do so, albeit fixing her gaze at her cute little shoed feet.
[12:15] * Serenity looks over at Ami. "What else do we have to go on, Mercury, except what your computer tells you?"
[12:19] <Sailor_Mercury> "I know." Ami replies seriously. "But, as R-Mars said, we've only been at this a short while. Another answer may present itself. Or, the best thing to do may be to treat it as an injury, rather than an illness, and allow them to recover."
[12:20] * Sailor_Mars nods thoughtfully.
[12:21] * Serenity shakes her head sadly. "I guess that's all we have left... we can't do anything more than we already have."
[12:22] <Sailor_Mercury> "...Yet." Ami adds with an encouraging smile. "We've overcome worse than this."
[12:23] * Serenity sighs. "I guess you're right... I just hate feeling helpless like this."
[12:26] <Sailor_Mercury> "I understand. But don't give up. We'll figure this out, together, right?"
[12:27] * Serenity manages to give Ami a small smile. "If you're working on it, I know it'll get figured out," she says with more confidence than she feels. "We'll work something out."
[12:28] <Sailor_Mars> "Of course we will," Rei asserts, not inclined to give up so quickly even though she hasn't really done much and there's precious little else she can think of doing.
[12:29] * Sailor_Mercury blushes and nods. "Right." She agrees. "Why don't you rest, U-Sailor Moon? You could probably use it..."
[12:29] * Serenity lays her head back and closes her eyes. "I can definitely agree with that one."
-------
[09:11] <Anastasia> After the failed attempt to restore other Usagi and a needed nap, Usagi is up and about again past noon. Stepping out for a breath of fresh air, she finds Chibi Usa sitting in the courtyard, playing with what looks to be marbles. Though, she's a bit absent minded about it...
[09:14] * Serenity sits down crosslegged next to the young girl, giving her a smile. "Whatcha doing?"
[09:17] <Anastasia> Looking up from her distraction, Chibi Usa smiles a bit. "Hi, Usagi-chan. I'm playing marbles - Ami-chan taught me how to."
[09:18] <Serenity> "Kind of boring by yourself though, isn't it? Mind if I join in?" Usagi asks.
[09:20] <Anastasia> Smiling up at you a bit, "Okay," she says, scooting back a bit. "Ami-chan told me you could have fun at this by studying the 'geometric angles'.
[09:21] <Anastasia> " The child frowns a bit at that. "Usagi-chan...can you help me with that?"
[09:22] * Serenity makes a wry face. "Ami-chan would say that, wouldn't she?" She shakes her head, giggling a bit at that. "I can give it a try, I guess, although I'm nowhere near as good as she is. I just think it's fun to play around with marbles."
[09:25] <Anastasia> Chibi Usa smiles at you again, this time brighter and with an innate cheeriness you haven't gotten to see much of. "So do I," she agrees, flicking a marble at two others.
[09:26] * Serenity grins. "Good shot... here, let me take a try." Usagi picks up one of the marbles, aiming it carefully and flicking it at another pair close to each other.
[09:28] <Anastasia> The marble shot goes well, sending a few more glassy spheres about. "My turn," Chibi Usa chirps, taking another shot. This time, though, her reflexes fail, the marble missing the cluster and rolling over to Usagi instead.
[09:30] * Serenity makes a face. "I hate it when I do that..." She takes up the marble just fired by Chibi Usa and takes her own shot with it. "Takes a lot of practice to get really good at this."
[09:31] <Anastasia> Chibi Usa nods and makes a startlingly similar face, marvelling as Usagi makesa nother good shot. "I hate it when that happens," she agrees, "Or when I mess up..." The girl trails off there for a moment, blushing.
[09:33] * Serenity grins a bit. "I know THAT feeling too... I've had a lot of practice with that, a lot more than I really want anyway."
[09:34] <Anastasia> "Yeah... Usagi-chan, would you forgive me if I made a big mistake," the girl asks, sounding drastically quiet now, and maybe even a bit afraid.
[09:36] * Serenity smiles. "Of course I would." She gives Chibi Usa a more serious look. "Did something happen?"
[09:37] <Anastasia> Forgetting the marbles and instead hugging her knees, Chibi Usa whimpers a bit. "I... just don't want you to hate me," she says finally. "Or for Mommy to."
[09:38] * Serenity moves over next to the girl, putting an arm around her shoulders. "I promise I won't hate you - and I don't think your Mommy would ever hate you either."
[09:40] <Anastasia> Chibi Usa sniffles once, a mournful sound. "But what if... I did something really bad?"
[09:42] * Serenity sighs a little. "I still won't hate you, no matter what. And I'll forgive you, no matter what you did - no matter how bad it is."
[09:43] <Anastasia> "Promise?" the girl asks, looking up at you with hopeful eyes. "You won't hate me?"
[09:44] * Serenity gives the girl a serious look. "I promise, no matter what."
[09:45] <Anastasia> "Thank you, Usagi-chan," she says around another sniffle, hugging her knees still.
[09:46] * Serenity rubs Chibi Usa's back gently. "What happened, Chibi Usa-chan?" she asks quietly.
[09:49] <Anastasia> The girl lets a single tear runs down her cheek, looking at the ground. "I didn't mean for it to to happen... I just wanted to be a lady like Mommy...."
[09:50] * Serenity continues to stroke the girl's back softly, waiting for her to continue.
[09:52] <Anastasia> "I just wanted to be like Mommy... pretty and graceful and happy and..." Chibi Usa goes on softly.
[09:52] <Serenity> "I understand... what did you do?" Usagi asks quietly.
[09:54] <Anastasia> "I... wanted to borrow Mommy's crystal... and... it just was gone!" Chibi Usa raises her voice a bit at that, some alarm leaking through even now.
[09:55] <Serenity> "Gone? You mean it wasn't there?" Usagi asks, surprised.
[09:58] <Anastasia> "I... I thought I took it... but it went away... and then..."
[09:59] <Serenity> "Wait..." Usagi shakes her head, confused. "You took it and then it was gone?"
[10:02] <Anastasia> Nodding once, the girl goes on. "Yes... Usagi-chan."
[10:03] <Serenity> "So it... disappeared or something after you took it?" Usagi asks. "Is that what you mean?"
[10:03] <Anastasia> "I think so," Chibi Usa confesses. "And now Mommy needs help..."
[10:03] * Serenity sighs. "You didn't mean for it to disappear, did you?" Usagi asks.
[10:06] <Anastasia> "No!" she replies quickly. "I wanted to be like Mommy... not for this..."
[10:07] * Serenity nods. "Then I don't think you really did anything wrong, Chibi Usa-chan. It was just an accident... even if it is a really weird one." Usagi gives the girl a smile.
[10:10] <Anastasia> Looking up at you again, Chibi Usa asks, "You mean it, Usagi?"
[10:10] <Serenity> "I mean it." Usagi's smile widens. "But you don't have any idea what happened to the crystal?"
[10:13] <Anastasia> "No," she says, trying to smile to you.
[10:16] * Serenity frowns just a little, staring at the girl's aura. "Just out of curiosity... did you feel anything when the crystal disappeared?"
[10:18] <Anastasia> The girl's aura is about the same as it was before. Strong, bright and altogether not like a child's. "No...it just happened.
[10:19] * Serenity nods slowly, still studying the girl's aura for a few moments, noting its similarities to the ginzuishou's power. "All right... I just had a funny thought for a minute." Shaking off her concentration, she smiles at the pink-haired girl. "What do you say we go get some lunch?"
[10:20] <Anastasia> "Okay," she agrees, getting up. The little girl looks somewhat relieved now, if still a bit guilty.
[10:21] * Serenity stands up, taking the girl's hand in her own and giving it a squeeze as she leads the way back into the Shrine.
[10:21] <Anastasia> ---

Soulriders 5.0: Legend of the Unending Games

News:

The Great Log Posting: Arc IV

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