Sailor Moon RPG LOGS

[Anastasia]

Logs will go here for the Sailor Moon game, from the main game AND from the OOC room.  The first session should be posted within the weekend.[/b]

[Anastasia]

This is the log for the first session of the SM RPG game.

The general gist of what's been editied: Typos, name change/quit messages, OOC comments not directly relevant to the plot, administrative dice rolls not relevant to the main game flow, and so on. Think of it as more of a cleaning up than a full conversion to prose, in case you thought otherwise. Timestamps are kept in to keep a sense of how the game is flowing.

Session 1

The temple scene! The first hints that Artemis is going to run his mouth too much!

[19:03] * Sailor_Dune sets mode: +m
[19:03] <Sailor_Dune> Okay.
[19:03] <Sailor_Dune> Players have voice, non players do not as I don't want interruptions, intentional or otherwise. If you need me, PM me.
[19:04] <Sailor_Dune> As from the story tidbit I handed out, it is three days past the events of the Starlight Tower.
[19:05] <Sailor_Dune> Since then, Usagi has been deeply depressed about the loss of Tuxedo Kamen, not going to school or seeing any of her friends.
[19:06] <Sailor_Dune> Sunday, the third day after the events, the Sailors have planned a meeting at Rei's temple to get to know the new Sailor Venus and discuss the recent events.
[19:07] <Sailor_Dune> It is a cold, dry day as you three meet at the steps of Rei's temple. Rei is nowhere to be seen, oddly, nor is Usagi.
[19:08] <Sailor_Dune> A few minutes of waiting and chatter do not produce either.
[19:11] * V-chan glances at Artemis. "Should Rei be this late?" she says out loud.
[19:12] <Sailor_Dune> "I would hope not. She lives here, I think," Artemis replies.
[19:12] <Sailor_Dune> Turning to the other two, Artemis says "Do either of you know where Mars is?"
[19:13] <Ami> This is highly irregular for Rei.
[19:13] * V-chan nods, and chews on her lower lip. "Maybe we should ask the people she's staying with?"
[19:13] <Makoto> You mean her grandfather?
[19:13] <Makoto> Do you really want him around us?
[19:14] * V-chan blinks. "What's wrong with him?"
[19:15] <Makoto> "I kind of expect him to go 'She's not around? Don't worry, I'll take care of you!' and then we'll never be able to just talk."
[19:15] * Ami nods solemly.
[19:15] <V-chan> "... right."
[19:16] * V-chan opens her senshi communicator, and tries to call Rei.
[19:17] <Sailor_Dune> Minako: It sends and beeps, but you get no answer.
[19:18] <Ami> "That's odd."
[19:18] * V-chan tries to call Moon, then, saying, "Maybe Usagi would know anything...."
[19:18] * Ami tries to reach either Mars or Moon with her own communicator.
[19:18] <Sailor_Dune> As you glare at it, Venus, you see a grungy, rocker looking man with long hair walking up to the group. He is wearing blue temple robes.
[19:19] <Sailor_Dune> Venus and Ami: Moon's beeps as well, and is not answered. Ami, you know that Usagi has not been answering calls this week.
[19:19] * V-chan puts away the communicator, noticing the man, and gives him a wave.
[19:20] <Makoto> "Oh! Yuichiro...right? Do you know where Rei is?"
[19:20] <Sailor_Dune> "Hi, pretty lady," he says with a grin. "Are you another of Rei's friends?" he says as he looks over to Ami and Makoto.
[19:20] <Sailor_Dune> "Rei? She left really early in a big hurry."
[19:21] <V-chan> "Of course!" Minako exclaims, before the second part of his words hit her. "Rei left? But she asked us to meet her here...."
[19:21] * Ami glances toward Makoto.
[19:22] <Ami> "How long ago did she leave? And which way?"
[19:22] <Sailor_Dune> "I dunno. That is odd for her,"  Yuichiro says, scratching the back of his head.
[19:22] <Sailor_Dune> "Um...it's 2 PM now...8 hours ago? It couldn't have been much past six in the morning."
[19:23] <Makoto> "8 HOURS AGO?!?"
[19:24] <Sailor_Dune> "Woah, calm down." he says, drawing back from Makoto's shout. "Yeah, it was about that long."
[19:24] <Sailor_Dune> "I'm stuck with her chores today, now," he says, with a tiny frown.
[19:25] <V-chan> "There's nothing wrong with doing a girl's chores for her!" Minako shouts suddenly. "It builds character!"
[19:25] * Makoto grinned. "And it also gives them time to go have some fun, right?"
[19:25] <Sailor_Dune> "Er....Yeah...That's right!" He grins widely. "She'll go for a guy with character..." he then mutters, grinning even more.
[19:26] <Ami> "Do you think her grandfather knows where she went?"
[19:26] * V-chan smiles at Makoto. "Right!"
[19:26] <Makoto> "Oh well, the meeting's a bust. You guys just want to go to the arcade and have fun of our own?"
[19:26] <Sailor_Dune> "I dunno. I saw her running out of the grounds."
[19:26] <Sailor_Dune> "But," he says, "now that I think about it...he was surprised when I told him about it."
[19:28] * Ami looked pensive. "Hm. Thank you, Yuichiro. If you see Rei, have her call us, OK?"
[19:29] <Sailor_Dune> "Well, I really should get to sweeping the grounds. Sure thing, Ami." he says, walking off.
[19:29] * Ami waits until he's gone a good distance. "I think we should check Usagi's house. Something isn't right."
[19:30] <Sailor_Dune> "Can we discuss this somewhere warmer, girls? It's awfully chilly." Artemis says, shivering lightly.
[19:31] <V-chan> "Hey, you have no right to say that with all that fur!" Minako chides Artemis, shaking her finger at him.
[19:32] <Sailor_Dune> "Hey, this fur is for show! It's pure white goodness, I swear! Besides, with all you eat, you certainly have an extra layer to keep you warm." he shoots back, smiling.
[19:33] * V-chan frowns. "I think it's time to get a certain kitty... fixed."
[19:34] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis goes up on two paws, screeching and making protective motions towards a certain area. "Most certainly not!"
[19:34] <V-chan> "Is so!" Minako yells, and lunges for his scrawny neck
[19:34] <Sailor_Dune> "But can we just go somewhere warmer, Mina?" he says, shivering again. This time he looks genuinly cold.
[19:34] * Ami looks up the street for a phone booth.
[19:34] <Sailor_Dune> And in saying this, fails utterly to dodge the choke.
[19:35] * V-chan sighs, and just doesn't have the heart to seriously choke him.
[19:35] <Sailor_Dune> Ami - That would require climbing down the temple stairs. You can't see from up here.
[19:35] * V-chan grabs the dazed cat and wraps him around her neck like a white muffler.
[19:36] <Sailor_Dune> Ami - You do recall Rei's house having a telephone inside.
[19:38] <Ami> "We should call the Tsukinos. I'm sure Rei's grandfather will let us use their phone."
[19:38] * V-chan fishes in her left pocket, then in her right one, and eventually produces a small cell phone.
[19:39] <V-chan> "You want to call Usagi yourself?"
[19:39] * V-chan shifts Artemis a bit to the right, offering Ami the cell.
[19:40] <Ami> "Yes, please."
[19:40] * Ami takes it and dials the number.
[19:41] <Sailor_Dune> Ami - The phone rings twice before it is answered by a male voice. "Hello, Tsukino residence," You recognize the voice of Usagi's father.
[19:42] <Ami> "Hello, Mr Tsukino? This is Ami. May I speak with Usagi?"
[19:43] <Sailor_Dune> "Hello, Ami. I'm sorry, but Usagi is out for the week. Her and her mother went up to the hotsprings."
[19:43] <Ami> "Oh. Nevermind then. Have a nice day."
[19:43] <Sailor_Dune> "You too," he says, hanging up.
[19:43] * Makoto asked curiously, "So what happened?"
[19:44] * Ami hangs up and gives the phone back to Minako.
[19:44] <Ami> "She left to a hot springs with her mother."
[19:44] * V-chan puts it away, and looks at her expectantly.
[19:44] * V-chan twitches, almost imperceptibly.
[19:45] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis stirs slightly. "Mi...minachan..."
[19:45] <V-chan> "Yes, furball?"
[19:45] <Sailor_Dune> "Inside...warm..." he gasps.
[19:46] * V-chan poses. "Don't underrestimate the healing powers of the Goddess of Love!"
[19:47] <Makoto> "Well, there's one accounted for. Still, if Rei's not over at Usagi's, where could she be?"
[19:47] <V-chan> "Dating!"
[19:47] * Ami stares blankly at V-chan. "Rei? Dating?"
[19:47] * V-chan coughs. "Not that, err, I would be doing that instead of having a meeting."
[19:48] * Makoto paused to ponder on that. "Well...it would explain her communicator being down..."
[19:48] <V-chan> "Wouldn't it?" Minako agrees readily.
[19:49] <Ami> "But at six in the morning? What kind of date could you possibly have? Nothing good is open yet."
[19:49] <Makoto> "Still, she'd show off her hunk to us, right? I mean, it's not like we'd steal him away from her or anything."
[19:49] * V-chan coughs suddenly
[19:50] * Ami heads down the stairs.
[19:50] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis looks up. "If she was on a date, there is only one thing they could do at six AM..."
[19:50] * V-chan pats his kitty head. "Don't I know it."
[19:50] * Makoto blushed. "But...Rei...she wouldn't do THAT...would she?"
[19:51] <Sailor_Dune> "I wouldn't be surprised," Artemis says in a lofty tone. "Temple maidens, while pure on the outside, are known for having huge carnal appetites."
[19:51] * V-chan shrugs. "It's always the quiet ones." Looking down the stairs, she adds, "Speaking of quiet ones, shouldn't we follow Ami?"
[19:52] * Makoto stopped blushing to blink and look at Ami. "Hey! Wait up you!" she shouted before following.
[19:52] * V-chan grabs Makoto's elbow, and heads after Ami.
[19:53] * Ami waits at the bottom for the others to catch up.
[19:53] <Sailor_Dune> Catching up to Ami, you decend down the temple steps to the nearby bus stop. Buses that link to stations that go all over Tokyo can be caught here.
[19:54] <Sailor_Dune> The breeze has picked up, making your coats seem lacking. It's distinctly cold now.
[19:54] <V-chan> "Wanna go to the Crown Arcade?" Minako asks. "It's got heating."
[19:55] * Ami adds "And food."
[19:55] <Makoto> "And Motoki!"
[19:55] <V-chan> "And Sailor V-chan's new game!"

Now at Crown Arcade. Venus mimes Ryouga, and watch the public spectacle unfold!

[19:57] <Sailor_Dune> An hour later, you are sitting confortably in the Crown Arcade's booths, enjoying a light snack and warm drinks.
[19:57] <Sailor_Dune> There is still no word from Rei or Usagi, but at least it's warmer in here.
[19:58] <Sailor_Dune> "Well now. Now that we aren't stuck in the cold, how about we discuss the matters at hand?" Artemis declares.
[19:58] <V-chan> "Don't you have madly elite moon kitty powers you could use to communicate with Luna or something?"
[20:00] <Sailor_Dune> "Hah, I wish. Nothing like your communicators, at any rate. I don't know if Luna went with Sailo...er, the Princess, but she wasn't at the meeting."
[20:00] <V-chan> "Where else would she go? Of course they'd be together."
[20:00] * V-chan laughs. "Just like you wouldn't last a moment without Minako-sama!"
[20:01] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis looks to the other two girls pleadingly. His face reads like 'Help'. "Er...Right, Mina. Right."
[20:01] * Makoto voiced silently "Minako-sama?" with a raised eyebrow.
[20:01] * Ami looks away, trying not to laugh.
[20:01] * V-chan laughs some more, before coughing and whistling innocently
[20:02] <Sailor_Dune> "ANYWAY," Artemis says, "Let's get down to business."
[20:02] <V-chan> "Right. So my pet doesn't have any way of contacting Usagi's pet. I don't have any way of contacting her, too."
[20:03] <Ami> "I could try the Mercury computer."
[20:03] <Sailor_Dune> "PET?!" he says, spraying a good amount of cat spit as he says that.
[20:03] <V-chan> "And her mom probably wouldn't appreciate us crashing in on their little mother/daughter trip."
[20:03] * V-chan completely ignores Artemis's outburst
[20:03] <Sailor_Dune> "I am your ADVISOR, young lady!"
[20:03] <V-chan> "You are DOGFOOD, <b>PET</b>!"
[20:03] <Sailor_Dune> "Without me, you'd still be stuck chasing after boys who don't even realise you exist!"
[20:04] * V-chan twitches. "I can hear the knife swinging."
[20:04] * Ami shushes both of them, looking around wildly.
[20:04] <Sailor_Dune> "Oh, big threat, Miss - I can't even find the other Senshi without my help"
[20:04] * V-chan grabs a fork. "I'll do it myself!"
[20:04] * V-chan lunges for Artemis.
[20:05] <Sailor_Dune> Ami -  You notice the outburst has gotten a fair bit of attention. Nothing critical yet, but there are a few raised eyebrows.
[20:05] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis skitters back, putting the booth's table between him and Mina.
[20:05] * V-chan closed her hands in the air in front of her, squeezing an imaginary cat's neck tightly
[20:06] * Ami makes a grab for the cat, to keep it out of V's reach.
[20:06] <Sailor_Dune> "Um, excuse me girls," A male voice says. "Is there a problem over here?"
[20:06] * Makoto turns from the fun to look at the new guy.
[20:06] * V-chan glances at him as well.
[20:07] <Sailor_Dune> Motoki is looking at all of you with a strange expression.
[20:07] <Sailor_Dune> "What's the matter. You're making a huge ruckus. Is something wrong?"
[20:07] <V-chan> "Motoki-oniichan!" Minako cries, flunging herself at him. "My pet is being mean to me!"
[20:07] <Sailor_Dune> "Er...Do I know you?" he says, taking a few steps back.
[20:08] <Sailor_Dune> Motoki is beginning to blush.
[20:09] <V-chan> "It's me, Minako!" She begins crying. "I can get a date, right? Right?"
[20:09] <Sailor_Dune> "Uh...Oh, yes, Minako. Well, I have a girlfriend." He says with aplomb.
[20:10] * V-chan cries harder. "The world... is a dark... and lonely... place...."
[20:10] * Ami looks on in horror at the scene.
[20:11] <Sailor_Dune> "Um...er..." Motoki backs off. "Hey," he says, changing the subject, "How about you girls go to the grand opening of the new beauty spa today?"
[20:11] * V-chan blinks the tears away. "Spa?" she asks cautiously.
[20:11] * Makoto frowned. "Are you saying we need to be more beautiful, buster?"
[20:11] <Ami> "I don't think that's what he meant, Makoto."
[20:12] <Sailor_Dune> "No! I'm just saying that there is a new beauty spa opening today, a whole grand deal! The flyers say there is free stuff today only."
[20:12] * Makoto perked up at the thought of free stuff. "Free stuff is good."
[20:12] * Ami turns to the man, holding the cat in the classic evil pose. "Do tell? Free?"
[20:13] <Sailor_Dune> "I don't know what's free, but I know the flyers they posted say there is free stuff."
[20:14] <Ami> "Do you have any of the flyers handy?"
[20:14] * Makoto blinked as something occured to her. "HEY! I bet that's where Rei went! She went to get all the free stuff for herself!"
[20:14] <V-chan> "I'll go," Minako announces. Turning to glare at Artemis, she adds angrily, "But I'm not taking you!"
[20:15] <Sailor_Dune> "Sure," he says. "Right behind the counter." He goes to the counter, presumably to get one.
[20:15] <Sailor_Dune> "And why not?  I already know how ugly you look without makeup." he snorts.
[20:15] <V-chan> "I do NOT wear make up!"
[20:16] <Sailor_Dune> "Just like you don't have a boyfriend?" His cat grin is back in full force, driving the words home.
[20:17] <V-chan> "Fine. Go live on the streets. See if I care."
[20:17] * V-chan turns her back on the cat.
[20:17] <Makoto> "Artemis...you've never really advised girls before, have you?"
[20:17] <Sailor_Dune> "STREET! You can't do that to your advi-" He  ceases suddenly, as Motoki comes back.
[20:17] * Makoto cracks her knuckles. "Speaking about a girl's lack of boyfriend's isn't a...nice thing."
[20:18] * Ami shakes her head while petting the kitty.
[20:18] * V-chan glances at Makoto with eyes glistening from unshed tears. "You understand my pain!"
[20:19] <Sailor_Dune> "Here it is." He hands Makoto a flyer. It is decorated with glamourous ladies, and promises great results and the 'New Sun Beauty Spa. Free treatments on the grand openin day!"
[20:19] <Sailor_Dune> Makoto - You also notice the typo on the flyer. Bad form, you think.
[20:20] <Makoto> "Free treatments only? I guess Rei wouldn't have gone there, she'd have been back by now if so."
[20:21] <Ami> "There's probably a line three miles long."
[20:21] * Ami coughs.
[20:21] <Ami> "Probably."
[20:21] <Makoto> "Well, we really don't have anything better to do, so we might as well take a look."
[20:22] * V-chan shrugs. "I'll teach you how to sneak in past the competition, then."
[20:22] <V-chan> "It's actually pretty easy, when you know what you're doing."
[20:23] <Ami> "I know- er, don't know rather."
[20:24] * V-chan feels another kindred spirit.
[20:24] <V-chan> "Idol-hunting skills, right?"
[20:25] <Ami> "Who? Me?"
[20:25] * V-chan nods. "What, was I wrong?"
[20:26] <Makoto> "We can find out when we get there, the longer we wait, the longer the line might be!"
[20:27] <Ami> "Oh, I'm not really the Idol hunting type. Though I once spoke with Ayu."
[20:27] <V-chan> "Ah." Minako nods at Makoto. "Sure, let's go, all three of us."

The spa! Free goods in Tokyo? Surely this isn't another Dark Kingdom trap, right?

The six minute gap in the logs was due to a bathroom break by the GM. Now never let us talk of this again.

[20:29] <Sailor_Dune> Another hour of busing and walking later, you get to the New Sun spa. It is a large new age style building, white and shiny in the pale winter sun.
[20:30] <Sailor_Dune> There is no line to the stylish glass doors, showing a pleasant interior.
[20:30] <Sailor_Dune> A few people are inside.
[20:30] <Ami> "Oh. Nice."
[20:31] <Makoto> "Well, looks like Ami won't get to show off her skills."
[20:31] * V-chan looks somewhat disappointed.
[20:32] <Makoto> "So, who wants to go first?"
[20:32] <Sailor_Dune> "Well, are you going in, or is this another game of 'Freeze the advisor?'" Artemis says, eyeing the girls.
[20:32] * Ami looks decidedly uncomfortable.
[20:33] * V-chan grits her teeth when she hears Artemis, and walks inside steadily
[20:39] * Ami follows.
[20:39] <Sailor_Dune> Inside is a nice and well heated lobby, in the same new age style. Three well dressed women are around, one manning a curved desk inside. They all look at you with nice smiles.
[20:41] * Makoto speaks as she enters as well, "Hello, we're here because of the flyer?"
[20:41] * V-chan walks over to the curved desk and returns the smile
[20:42] <Sailor_Dune> "Hello there," The woman behind the desk says. "Welcome to the New Sun beauty spa. Are you here for the free treatment?"
[20:42] * V-chan nods. "Of course!"
[20:43] <Sailor_Dune> "Well, we are glad to have you! Are your friends here for it as well?" she asks.
[20:43] * Ami nods. "Yes please."
[20:43] * Makoto frowns from where she stood near the entrance, "Didn't I just say so?"
[20:44] <Sailor_Dune> "Of course, madam." She smiles again. "If you come back here, we'll get you started." She walks towards a door on the left side wall.
[20:46] * V-chan begins following her.
[20:47] * Ami looks around while following. She never knows when she might want to 'visit' again.
[20:47] * Makoto shrugs and follows the lead of the other two once more.
[20:48] <Sailor_Dune> As you walk back, you three can faintly hear Artemis hissing 'Mina...'.
[20:50] * V-chan stomps her foot angrily, and walks back, grabbing Artemis by the scruff of his neck and carrying him outside. Once there, she dumps him on the ground, and leans over, shaking his finger at him. "And stay out!"
[20:51] <Sailor_Dune> "Mina, wait!" he nearly shouts before his butt hits the ground.
[20:52] * V-chan crosses her arms in front of her chest. "I don't want to waste my time talking to street cats."
[20:52] <Sailor_Dune> "It's important! This place is setting my senses off!"
[20:54] * V-chan momentarily forgets her anger at Artemis, puzzled by his behavior. "What do you mean?"
[20:54] <Sailor_Dune> "The Dark Kingdom, Mina!" He says in a quieter tone. "There is dark energy here!"
[20:55] * V-chan gives him a long stare. "Are you sure it's not just an underhanded ploy to keep me from getting a free spa treatment?"
[20:56] <Sailor_Dune> "No! I'm deadly serious, Venus!"
[20:57] * Makoto speaks up from where she stood paused, "Hey Minako, what's the holdup?"
[20:57] * V-chan thinks it over for a moment, before tilting her head slightly to the left. "Run that way," she whispers, "and don't stop till you've rounded the corner."
[21:00] <Sailor_Dune> "Right."
[21:00] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis does so, running as fast as his four legs can take him.
[21:01] * V-chan turns around. "The stupid cat's being stubbo--" Noticing Artemis moving, her eyes widened and she waved at Makoto and Ami. "He's running away! We have to catch him!" She then takes off after Artemis, not giving the two a chance to reply.
[21:02] * Ami hesitates a moment, and then gives chase.
[21:02] * Makoto sighs at the antics and gives chase, yelling "We'll take a raincheck on those treatments!"
[21:02] <Sailor_Dune> You two chase after Minako, reaching her after crossing the left corner of the building.
[21:02] <Ami> "So...?"
[21:03] <V-chan> "Ami, Makoto, this is a Dark Kingdom ploy!" Minako whispers to the two.
[21:04] * Ami gasps!
[21:04] * Makoto gasps as well!
[21:04] <Ami> "The Dark Kingdom? Are you sure?"
[21:05] <V-chan> "If the furball says it, then it is," Minako says with certainty, before looking around for any onlookers.
[21:05] <Sailor_Dune> Minako - There aren't any people really close by.
[21:06] * V-chan calls out, "Venus Power! Make Up!", while holding up her pen
[21:06] <Sailor_Dune> Minako - It isn't really safe to transform here, though, but there is an alley across the street.
[21:08] * Makoto holds up her own transformation pen, and makes her own shout of "Jupiter power, Make up!"
[21:10] * Ami holds out her transformation pen and yells "Mercury Power, Make up!"
[21:11] <Sailor_Dune> A short, sparkly time later, the Senshi of Venus, Mercury and Jupiter stand in place of three teenagers.
[21:11] * Sailor_Mercury summon her computer.
[21:12] * Sailor_Mercury scans the building.
[21:13] <Sailor_Dune> There are definite Dark Kingdom energy patterns, and the insides are twisted, with many faint life forces inside.
[21:14] <Sailor_Mercury> "There's definately definite Dark Kingdom energy patterns, and many faint life forces inside. Probably the people who went to the spa."
[21:18] <V-chan> "We can't afford to wait!" Minako says with a note of urgency in her voice. "Let's go!"
[21:19] * Sailor_Jupiter nods, "Let's save some people!"
[21:19] <Ami> "Wait! We need to free the people first."
[21:20] * Sailor_Mercury relays the whereabouts of the faint life energy to the other two.
[21:20] * V-chan frowns. "I'll keep them occupied, while you two find another way in."
[21:22] * V-chan runs towards the main entrance, and slams the doors open, stepping in.

In this section, there was a big hubaloo about CyWyrm(Our dice bot at the time) peering in and out, making life a bitch. Anyhow, the rolling was done in SR using Freya. Those rolls will not be added to the game in the interests of me not having to dig through a several MB long log. The general mess was deleted to stream line the log and not bog it down. While funny and rather profane, it just isn't relevant to the actual game logs. Time gaps in this part are due to that. Secondly, this section splits between Venus's and Mercury/Jupiter's POVs. I kept them together since they intertwined enough to where artificially separating them would be more confusing than clarifying.

[21:24] <V-chan> "Beauty spas exist to help girls get boyfriends, not to trap them and steal their youthful energy of love! Shattering a lonely girl's dreams with a fake invitation is criminal! I am the Warrior of Love, Sailor Venus, and this makes me your sworn enemy!"
[21:24] * Jupiter nods and prods Mercury, "Quick, does your computer show any other entrances we can use?"
[21:24] * Sailor_Mercury checks.

[21:24] <Sailor_Dune> Venus - The three ladies at the front take in your speech and laugh, twisting their human bodies into something not...quite human.
[21:24] * V-chan poses, and ends up pointing her index finger at the women inside. "In the name of the Planet of Love, Venus, I'll punish you!"
[21:25] <Sailor_Dune> "Ha, in your dreams, Sailor Bitch!" The one behind the counter says. She raises her arms as if to attack while the other two charge at you.
[21:25] <Sailor_Dune> Mercury - There is a back entrance that could be used.
[21:26] <Sailor_Mercury> "There's a backway. Let's go!"
[21:26] * Sailor_Jupiter runs with Mercury for the back entrance.
[21:26] * V-chan takes them on with her madly elite fighting skills, while wary of the third one keeping her distance!
[21:26] <Sailor_Dune> That will take you about half a minute. Venus's turn.
[21:27] * V-chan uses one of those two attacking as a shield between her and the third youma
[21:28] <Sailor_Dune> OOC - Okay. Initiative.
[21:38] <Sailor_Dune> Okay, you go first, Venus.
[21:39] <Sailor_Dune> Action(s)?
[21:39] * V-chan immediately points at one of the youma charging her, and cries out, "Crescent Beam!"
[21:40] <V-chan> OOC: Given you said action(s), do I get to act again after this?
[21:40] <Sailor_Dune> OOC - Okay, attack roll without any modifier for difficulty.
[21:44] <Sailor_Dune> The attack smashes through the minor youma, causing it to fall to the ground and dissipate in a cloud of darkness.
[21:45] <Sailor_Dune> The other charging youma draws closer and takes a wild swing at you...
[21:45] <Sailor_Dune> ...And misses you, it's fist hitting air instead of Senshi.
[21:46] <Sailor_Dune> The youma behind the desk makes a odd motion, and just as you dodge the punch, a hail of scissors, shampoo bottles, and other beauty care products flies towards you!
[21:47] <V-chan> "Eek!" Sailor Venus dodges!
[21:47] <Sailor_Dune> You dodge, but not fast enough. By a hair, one of the bottles slams into your leg hard. From the jolt of pain, you'll have a nasty bruise there.
[21:49] <Sailor_Dune> Venus takes 12 points of damage from the injury.
[21:49] <Sailor_Dune> Okay, while this round goes, back to the other two.
[21:50] <Sailor_Dune> You have reached the backdoor, what looks to be a service entrance.
[21:52] * Sailor_Jupiter kicks the door in!
[21:54] <Sailor_Dune> The door opens easily enough.
[21:54] * Sailor_Mercury begins scanning the interior the moment the door was opened.
[21:56] <Sailor_Dune> Mercury - The interior is much as you expected, warped and darkened, but there is a fairly quick path to where you detect the life forces.
[21:56] <Sailor_Mercury> "This way."
[21:56] * Sailor_Mercury leads the way.
[21:57] * Sailor_Jupiter follows, wondering if Venus is handling alright.
[21:57] <Sailor_Dune> Okay, while you are plunging into the depths of the spa...
[21:57] <Sailor_Dune> Next round for Venus versus youma.
[21:58] <V-chan> 17
[21:58] <Sailor_Dune> You go first again.
[21:59] * V-chan scowls at the youma that threw stuff at her. "How dare you mar this perfect skin! Crescent Beam!"
[22:01] <Sailor_Dune> The attack hits, turning the youma's head into a black puff of smoke. The body quickly follows.
[22:01] <Sailor_Dune> The in close youma swings again, but Venus is too quick, dashing out of the way.
[22:01] <Sailor_Dune> Meanwhile, again...
[22:03] <Sailor_Dune> Mercury and Jupiter - Opening another door, you come into the spa proper. Or what should have been a spa. Instead, vines are wrapped around numerous towel and should be covered with a towel women.
[22:07] * Sailor_Jupiter gasps and looks for something she could safely hit. She didn't want to risk using her electric attacks and hurt those women.
[22:07] * Sailor_Mercury checks to make sure these are the faint life forces.
[22:07] <Sailor_Dune> Jupiter - The vines seem to come from a wall, which has a greenish, darkly pulsing orb embedded in the wall.
[22:08] <Sailor_Dune> Mercury - The life forces are there, but faint.
[22:08] * Sailor_Mercury checks to see what drained them.
[22:09] <Sailor_Dune> Mercury - Your readings indicate that the life is being drained from them via the vines.
[22:09] <Sailor_Mercury> "Jupiter, the vines are draining them! We have to stop them!"
[22:10] * Sailor_Jupiter points at the orb, "If we hit that, will they be hurt?"
[22:10] * Sailor_Mercury checks!
[22:11] <Sailor_Dune> Ami - It does seem to be the source of the drain, as well as of the Dark Kingdom energy. You cannot tell if it will hurt them if you damage it.
[22:12] * Sailor_Mercury nods. "Yes, that's the source."
[22:14] <Sailor_Mercury> "... although I can't tell if they'll be hurt or not."
[22:14] <Sailor_Dune> Mercury - Although, your experiences indicate that they won't, it's no guarantee.
[22:16] <Sailor_Dune> Venus - Your turn.
[22:18] <V-chan> 17
[22:18] <Sailor_Dune> You go.
[22:19] * V-chan turns towards the remaining youma, and backflips away, before launching another Crescent Beam at him.
[22:21] <Sailor_Dune> The beam cuts across the last youma, slaying it. Taking a deep breath at the energy exertion used, you smile. Dusted 'em.
[22:21] * V-chan gives a victory pose, flashing her fingers in a V sign.
[22:22] <Sailor_Dune> "Good job, Venus," Artemis says, stepping into the building.
[22:22] <V-chan> "Thanks," she replies. "So, got a hunch where the drained people are?"
[22:22] <Sailor_Dune> And meanwhile...
[22:24] * Sailor_Mercury concentrates, using her water affinity to <b>pull</b> the water out of the room and air to leave a dry combat zone.
[22:25] <Sailor_Dune> You succeed, drawing the water out of the room.
[22:27] * Sailor_Jupiter crosses her arms as a lightning rod appears and she shouts "Supreme Thunder!", aiming the attack at the orb.
[22:28] <Sailor_Dune> The attack engulfs the orb for a moment, cracks spreading on it's surface. A second later, it crumbles away and you feel a palpable rush of energy escaping outwards.  The vines vanish, and the women begin to stir.
[22:29] * Sailor_Mercury checks the computer to make sure the women will be ok.
[22:30] <Sailor_Dune> Mercury - They should be fine. You also can detect energy more finely now without the DK taint, and Rei is not here.
[22:30] <Sailor_Dune> As you do so, Sailor Venus comes busting through the doors opposite you.
[22:30] <Sailor_Mercury> "Venus!"
[22:30] <V-chan> "Is everyone alright?" Venus asks, looking around
[22:31] <Sailor_Dune> Venus sees lots of towel clad and more than a few nude women milling about.
[22:31] * V-chan freezes
[22:32] <Jupiter> "You okay, Venus?"
[22:32] <Sailor_Mercury> "Yes, and Mars isn't here."
[22:32] * V-chan nods her head slowly. "Good for her."
[22:33] <Sailor_Mercury> "They'll be alright. Let's go."
[22:34] * V-chan sighs. "Yes, we should go." Venus sighs again.
[22:34] <Sailor_Dune> Shortly later, you are back to your teenaged selves, away from the site of another Dark Kingdom incident.
[22:35] <Sailor_Dune> While you have stopped another scheme, you still have not found Rei.
[22:35] <Sailor_Dune> OOC - Normally, I'd like to do a bit of wrap up, but that will have to wait until next session.
[22:36] * Sailor_Dune sets mode: -m

[Anastasia]

Here we have session two, boys and Koneko/InuYasha Chan. I would like to note that the editing has been taken over from this point on by Corwin, as I'm too busy to sit down and do it. Give Corwin a hand, people, he did a fine job.

[18:02] * Sailor_Dune sets mode: +m
[18:03] <Sailor_Dune> -Game Start-
[18:04] <Sailor_Dune> Sunday passed, without word from Rei or Usagi... You three broke up for the day.
[18:04] <Sailor_Dune> Come Monday morning...It's another gray early winter day. If it weren't for class, you'd be content to stay inside all day.
[18:05] <Sailor_Dune> As Ami prepares to leave for the day, the phone rings. Answering it, she hears Rei's voice.
[18:05] <Sailor_Dune> "Ami?" Rei's voice comes over the phone line.
[18:06] <Ninja_Ami> "Rei!"
[18:07] <Sailor_Dune> "Ami," she says, "Something happened." she sounds tired and angry, at who or what is unknown.
[18:08] <Ninja_Ami> "Rei, what's wrong? We couldn't find you or Usagi the other day."
[18:10] <Sailor_Dune> Rei sighs. "That's because we're up in the mountain's hot springs, Ami. It's a long story... but... can you get up here with Makoto and Minako? Usagi's in trouble."
[18:10] <Ninja_Ami> "Usagi's in trouble? Rei, what's going on?"
[18:12] <Sailor_Dune> "Relax, Meatball Head's not hurt," she says, sounding a bit more like the temple girl you know. "Hell. The short of it is that we ran into some sort of monster up here the Dark Kingdom was after. Usagi's mom was hurt pretty badly."
[18:13] <Ninja_Ami> "Will she be alright?"
[18:16] <Sailor_Dune> "The doctors think so, for what good they are. She lost a good deal of blood, but she'll live." She sighs again, sounding very tired.
[18:16] <Ninja_Ami> "And the thing that attacked her?"
[18:18] <Sailor_Dune> "It wasn't a youma, but something else. I think Tu-the Dark Kingdom was after it. It felt like a spirit, and it was much stronger than a youma."
[18:18] * Ninja_Ami hears the slip, but doesn't comment.
[18:19] <Ninja_Ami> "So it's still running around up there?"
[18:19] <Sailor_Dune> "No. It's gone now...Can you make it up here soon? I don't think Usagi will be moving any time soon."
[18:20] <Ninja_Ami> "Right."
[18:20] * Ninja_Ami grabs a notepad and pen.
[18:20] <Ninja_Ami> "Just tell me how to get there and we'll be on oue way."
[18:20] <Sailor_Dune> Rei proceeds to give Ami directions to Saint Yuberis Hospital, located three hours north of Tokyo.
[18:21] <Ninja_Ami> "I'll get the others. You look after Usagi, ok?"
[18:22] <Sailor_Dune> "Okay... I have to go now, Ami. I need to rest... I will."
[18:22] <Sailor_Dune> You here a soft click on the line. She hung up.
[18:22] * Ninja_Ami tries to contact Makoto and Minako via communicator.
[18:23] * V-chan picks up!
[18:23] <Sailor_Dune> Both connect. You can RP the interactions if you wish, or skip ahead. Your call, guys.
[18:24] <Sailor_Dune> OOC: Right-o.

The hospital scene begins. I would like to note this is what prompted me to join the OOC room...you might catch a bit of why if you pay attention. Oh, and some of the design was taken from the hospital I work at. Leads to some interesting mental images, eh?\

Usagi angst ahead. Be warned.

[18:25] <Sailor_Dune> Scarcely a half-hour later, the three of you are at Ami's house, trying to devise a quick way to reach the hospital.
[18:26] <V-chan> "Let's call a cab!" Minako suggests.
[18:26] <Sailor_Dune> "Well, can either of you girls drive yet?" Artemis says, from his perch on Minako's shoulders.
[18:27] * Ninja_Ami looks at Artemis oddly.
[18:28] <Sailor_Dune> Catching the gaze, Artemis replies, "What?"
[18:30] * V-chan pets Artemis.
[18:30] <Ninja_Ami> "Perhaps a train is in order."
[18:30] <Makoto> "We're 14. Besides the fact that none of us have a car, why would we know how to drive?"
[18:31] <Sailor_Dune> "Er... Why not? You can drive, can't you?" he asks.
[18:31] <V-chan> "Well, probably. But we don't have a car."
[18:31] <Makoto> "I say we take the cab too. We can get to the hospital more directly that way."
[18:32] <V-chan> "It's settled, then, Mako-chan!" Minako readily agrees.
[18:32] <Sailor_Dune> "Fine, whatever gets us to the Princess." he says, with a feline shrug.
[18:32] * Ninja_Ami shrugs as well.
[18:33] <Sailor_Dune> OOC: Okay. Shortly after, the three of you and Artemis pile into a cab, and zoom off. Nothing of note happens on the drive.
[18:35] <Sailor_Dune> When you arrive, you find a small, relatively modern hospital. In the main lobby, you find a napping Rei, having fallen asleep sitting up. Her jeans and yellow shirt are wrinkled and tattered.
[18:36] * V-chan runs over to Rei.
[18:37] * V-chan looks the sleeping girl over.
[18:38] <Sailor_Dune> Minako - She's a little grungy and her hair is messy. She looks like she's been on the go for quite a bit.
[18:38] * Makoto looks around for anyone else while also walking towards Rei.
[18:39] <Sailor_Dune> Makoto - You don't see anyone of note, beyond a nurse at the receptions desk and a passing person or two. It's fairly quiet.
[18:39] * Ninja_Ami walks toward Rei as well.
[18:39] * V-chan moves closer to Makoto. "Why don't you go ask for Usagi and her mother, while I'll keep Rei company?"
[18:40] * Makoto nods, their friend seemed to need the rest. Walking over to the nurse, she asks about the Tsukinos.
[18:41] * V-chan quietly took a seat next to Rei, mouthing to Artemis to be quiet as well
[18:41] <Sailor_Dune> Looking up, the middle aged and black haired woman glancing up. "Hmm... Are you family for Mrs. Tsukino?"
[18:43] <Makoto> "Yes, I'm her niece, I just heard they were here. Are they alright? Can I see them?"
[18:44] * Makoto feels bad about lying, but figures they probably wouldn't have helped her as much if she was just a friend.
[18:44] * V-chan feels a surge of pride, for some reason.
[18:44] <Sailor_Dune> "I see. She's in Room 312, floor 3. The elevator is right down there," she says, pointing down a hall to a set of three elevators.
[18:46] * Makoto nods and motions at the other two that she was going to try and see Usagi. She waits a second to see if they want to follow or keep Rei company.
[18:48] * V-chan stays where she is, nodding at Makoto.
[18:48] * Ninja_Ami moves toward Makoto.
[18:48] <Ninja_Ami> "I'll go."
[18:48] * V-chan nods again, and returns her gaze to Rei's face.
[18:48] <Sailor_Dune> Her face is peaceful, her chest rising slightly each breath. A stray strand of black hair is just above her cheek, floating above her skin.
[18:48] * Makoto notices Ami and nods back at Minako as she heads for an elevator.
[18:49] <Sailor_Dune> You head up the elevator, and are directed to a corner room.
[18:50] <Sailor_Dune> Inside, you see Ikkuko Tsukino. She is hooked up to a few machines, and Usagi sits in a chair next to her. Her hair is down and messy, and she is gazing at her mother. To be honest, she looks terrible.
[18:51] <Sailor_Dune> She does not look up as you enter.
[18:51] * Makoto knocks on the door as she enters and looks at Usagi. "Hey Usagi-chan, how are ya?" she asks with a strained smile.
[18:51] <Makoto> "Is your mom gonna be alright?"
[18:52] <Sailor_Dune> "Makoto?" she says.
[18:52] * Ninja_Ami moves to Usagi's side.
[18:53] * Makoto moves to Usagi's side as well and hugs her. "Yeah, it's me."
[18:53] <Sailor_Dune> "Ami?" she says again. She sounds distant, like someone who's not paying attention.
[18:55] <Ninja_Ami> "Usagi," she whispers.
[18:56] <Sailor_Dune> "Heya, Ami," she says again, around a sniffle. Looking closer, you can see she has been crying quite a fair bit.
[18:59] <Ninja_Ami> "Usagi, are you alright?" It seemed the right thing to ask, although she could plainly tell she wasn't.
[19:01] <Sailor_Dune> She doesn't reply, looking at her mother instead.
[19:05] * Ninja_Ami moves to the foot of the bed, looking for the report on Usagi's mom.
[19:07] <Sailor_Dune> She has some slash type wounds in her abdomen. While bad, they did not hit anything critical, mostly causing blood loss.
[19:11] <Ninja_Ami> Hoping to cheer Usagi up, Ami spoke.
[19:12] <Ninja_Ami> "Usagi-chan, the doctor report says your mother will recover, good as new. It really looks worse than it is."
[19:13] <Sailor_Dune> "Yes, listen to Ami-chan, Usagi." You can hear Luna's voice from the other side of the room. She sounds deeply worried.
[19:14] <Sailor_Dune> "Yeah, Luna," Usagi says. Normally, this would be her brushing off some lecture of the cat's, but this time it's flat and passionless.
[19:19] * Ninja_Ami moves back to Usagi and grasps her hand. "Usagi," she say's in an oddly strong voice.
[19:20] <Sailor_Dune> "Yeah," she says, "Ami?"
[19:20] <Makoto> "C'mon Usagi, get up, move around. We're all worried about you. Rei's all tuckered out in the main lobby, she's been worried sick about you."
[19:20] <Sailor_Dune> "I'm okay here."
[19:22] <Sailor_Dune> She turns back to her mother, having looked up at you briefly.
[19:23] <Ninja_Ami> "No you're not, Usagi. You look awful. I know you're worried, we all are, but if you continue like this you won't be able to help anyone," Ami pleads.
[19:23] <Makoto> "Look, being depressed isn't gonna help your mom. Ami, Luna, and the doctors, it all shows she's gonna be fine. How do you think your mom will feel knowing her daughter was letting herself get sick with worry and those around her? C'mon, just... walk around, talk with Rei, Minako, your dad, but don't stay locked in here!"
[19:25] <Sailor_Dune> "No. Sailor Moon's gonna be here to protect Momma. Momma's gonna be safe," she says, nodding.
[19:26] <Makoto> "Usagi, -I'll- stay and protect your mom. You know me, right? I'm Mako-chan, I'm invincible! Your mom won't be in any danger. Go. Walk. Talk. Do SOMETHING."
[19:28] <Sailor_Dune> "No!" she loudly says. "I'm going to protect Momma! Me, Sailor Moon!"
[19:31] * Ninja_Ami looks around quickly at Usagi's outburst.
[19:32] <Sailor_Dune> Ami - No one is around, and it doesn't look like anyone heard it.
[19:33] <Makoto> "Usagi!" Makoto exclaimed, giving her a light slap. Lowering her tone a bit, she hisses, "Do you think shouting your identity is gonna make your mom safer? People knowing who you are is gonna put your family at more risk! This is exactly why I'm telling you to move around and stop worrying at least a little! You. Are. Not. Helping. Her. Like. THIS!"
[19:34] * Makoto sighs, not knowing how to get through to her friend.
[19:34] <Sailor_Dune> Usagi reels a bit from the slap, and starts to cry. "I'm Sailor Moon... I'll protect Momma..."
[19:35] <Sailor_Dune> She looks over to her mother again, turning away from you.
[19:36] * Ninja_Ami tries to make eye contact with Luna.
[19:37] <Sailor_Dune> Luna catches your gaze and shakes her head sadly. "Outside?" she mouths.
[19:37] * Ninja_Ami nods.
[19:37] <Sailor_Dune> Luna walks out of the room, head low.
[19:38] * Ninja_Ami motions for Makoto to follow Luna.
[19:39] * Makoto looks sadly at Usagi and shakes her head, following Luna. She stops briefly to look at Usagi. "We'll be back later. Please Usagi..." she starts to say, but her words die in her mouth, and she just shakes her head, stepping out of the room with Ami and Luna.
[19:40] <Sailor_Dune> Once outside, Luna leads you to a small lounge away from the rooms. No one is around. "She's been like this for several hours now, I'm afraid."
[19:41] <Ninja_Ami> "What happened? Rei said there was an attack but not much else."
[19:43] <Sailor_Dune> "I'm not really sure. We were at the hot springs when Rei told us we had to get to safety. Out of somewhere, a youma or somesuch came and caused havoc. Whatever it was, it was strong and injured Usagi's mother in the ruckus."
[19:43] <Sailor_Dune> "There were... other things, but I'd rather wait until Rei wakes up before going over this."
[19:44] * Ninja_Ami nods.
[19:44] <Ninja_Ami> "Minako is with Rei right now."
[19:44] <Sailor_Dune> Luna nods. "How about we go see them?"
[19:45] <Ninja_Ami> "I'll go back to check on Usagi, OK?"
[19:45] <Makoto> "I hope you have better luck than I did. C'mon Luna, I'll go with you."
[19:45] <Sailor_Dune> "Okay...We'll be in the lobby, Ami."
[19:45] <Sailor_Dune> OOC: Okay, scene change. Whew.
[19:46] * Ninja_Ami nods and watches them go for a moment, before returning to the room.

In which Rei drops the plot bombs. I thought this part flowed better than the rest of the session, to be honest.

[19:47] <Sailor_Dune> Downstairs, you find that Rei is still sleeping.
[19:47] * V-chan is still watching her.
[19:48] <Rei-chan> As they approach, Rei stirs slightly before waking up and noticing whom she is leaning against. "Mmm... Minako-chan?"
[19:48] * V-chan smiles. "Yes, Rei-chan?"
[19:48] <Makoto> "Heya, Rei," Makoto says, seeing her stir at their approach. "Sorry if we woke you."
[19:49] <Rei-chan> Rei blinks several times to clear the fog of sleep away. "How long have you been here? I didn't mean to fall asleep, but I was so tired..."
[19:49] <V-chan> "You looked like you needed the rest."
[19:50] <Rei-chan> Rei then notices the others. "Hi Makoto..." She looks a bit nervous. "I take it Luna explained what happened?"
[19:50] <Makoto> "We got here a while ago, I just came back from seeing Usagi."
[19:50] <V-chan> "How was she?"
[19:50] <Sailor_Dune> "No, not fully, Rei." Luna says. "I was waiting for you to recover."
[19:50] <Makoto> "Yeah, some of it." Turning to Minako, Makoto shook her head. "She's a wreck. She's worried sick and obsessed with protecting her mom."
[19:51] <Rei-chan> "Oh..." Rei fidgets a little at Luna's statement. "I guess you guys need to know what happened..."
[19:52] <Rei-chan> Rei takes a deep breath to centre herself. "It wasn't a youma. It was the spirit of a woman... a spurned lover," Rei chuckles, but with no real mirth. "With Usagi's mother there, I thought we shouldn't transform - I could take care of a spirit with my miko training anyway, right?"
[19:52] <Rei-chan> Rei avoids their gazes. "I guess you saw how that turned out. I did seal it away, but not soon enough. But that's not all..."
[19:54] <Rei-chan> "Mamo-" Rei grimaces slightly before setting her jaw firmly. "Prince Endymion appeared. He was the one that set the spirit loose," Rei sighs heavily. "He tried to command it in the name of the Dark Kingdom. You've seen how messed up Usagi is, no wonder after hearing that..."
[19:54] * V-chan gasps.
[19:55] <Sailor_Dune> "WHAT?!" Artemis exclaims.
[19:56] * V-chan smacks Artemis, hissing, "Be quiet, it's a hospital."
[19:57] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis glares at Minako, but remains quiet.
[19:57] <Sailor_Dune> "Yes. I suspect they have established some sort of mental control over the Prince. It is certainly within their power," Luna says.
[19:58] <Rei-chan> Rei shivers slightly. "That's scary... I mean, if they can do that to Tuxedo Kamen, what if they could do it to one of us?"
[20:00] <V-chan> "I doubt it," Minako says. "We're a team. No one breaks us up." Frowning, she adds, "So I gather the ofuda didn't work?"
[20:00] <Rei-chan> "I tried using an ofuda to exorcise him, but he just skewered it with a black rose. I doubt I could get close enough to pin one on him... and I don't know if it would work..."
[20:01] <Rei-chan> "They worked fine on the spirit - I had to stun it before the sealing ritual. Maybe if I could catch Endymion by surprise, or if someone else pinned him... maybe... I'm not as strong as I thought I was..." Rei seems utterly despondent at not being able to protect Usagi's mother better.
[20:02] * V-chan realizes something. "So how did you manage to drive Endymion back?"
[20:03] <Rei-chan> "He just left after I sealed it. We weren't transformed, so he probably figured we were beneath his notice. Not even a corny speech about getting us next time..."
[20:04] <Rei-chan> Rei clears her throat. "Anyway, after that we got straight to the hospital. Usagi's a real wreck... I just can't get through to that dumpling head." Despite her words, Rei's voice is gentle and carries an undertone of wistfulness.
[20:05] <V-chan> "Do you know who was his real target?" Minako asks, looking at Rei and Luna. "One of us, or Usagi's mother?"
[20:06] <Rei-chan> Rei shakes her head. "I have no clue. He seemed more concerned with the spirit - it was totally berserk. I think he wanted to bring it back to the Dark Kingdom for some reason, but it just attacked him as well as us. He pretty much ignored us..." Rei pauses and looks thoughtful. "Actually, he got kinda mad after it got Usagi's mum..."
[20:09] <Makoto> "Well, maybe his brainwashing isn't as strong as it looks, but right now, we can neither do anything about him or Usagi. Short of Usagi's mom miraculously getting healed, I don't think anything will snap Usagi-chan out of it."
[20:09] * V-chan sighs, and hangs her head. "I should've been there."
[20:10] <Rei-chan> Rei puts an arm around Minako. "I thought I could handle it myself, but I wish I'd had you guys to help me..."
[20:11] * Rei-chan suddenly notices something. "Where's Ami?"
[20:11] <Makoto> "She stuck with Usagi, she wanted to try again at snapping Usagi out of it."
[20:12] * Rei-chan sighs forlornly. "I hope she has better luck than me..."
[20:12] <V-chan> "Does Usagi's father know about this?"
[20:12] <Makoto> "And me as well, but like I said, I don't think that until her mom wakes up we'll have any luck."
[20:14] <Rei-chan> "I don't know. I remember the nurses asked Usagi about family contact numbers, so I guess someone called them..."
[20:16] * V-chan nods to herself. "It seems like the best thing we could do now is stay with Usagi, and wait for her mother to wake up, just like you said, Mako-chan."
[20:16] <Rei-chan> "If only I'd been stronger... or if we'd both transformed?"
[20:17] <V-chan> "At least you were there, instead of trying to get a date and a free spa treatment."
[20:19] <Makoto> "We saved some people, Minako, and we didn't know. While I would have liked to have been here for Usagi and her mom as well, you don't have to put it like that. Feeling sorry for ourselves isn't gonna be of any help to Usagi."
[20:20] * V-chan nods. "You're right." Gathering Artemis into her arms, she raises him till he was on the level with her face, and tells him, "Go and stay with Usagi. If anything happens... use _that_."
[20:20] <Sailor_Dune> "And besides," Artemis says softly, "We need to worry about protecting the Princess and the Crystal now, along with any other Dark Kingdom plans.
[20:21] <V-chan> "And you'd be the last line of defense." Minako puts him down, and shakes her finger at Artemis. "You better not fail, or you'd become a stray!"
[20:21] <Sailor_Dune> "Alright, alright. Where are you going?"
[20:22] <Rei-chan> "We need to protect Usagi. Even if she's not very good company, one of us needs to be with her at all times."
[20:23] <V-chan> "I'll take the first shift, then," Minako offers.
[20:23] <V-chan> "Lead the way, Mako-chan."
[20:33] <Sailor_Dune> Minako - You head up to the room with Artemis still in tow. Inside, you find Usagi, with Ami trying to console her with little success. Usagi's mother is still asleep.
[20:34] * V-chan looks around the room.
[20:34] * Rei-chan follows Minako up to Ikkuko's room.
[20:35] <Sailor_Dune> Bed, a chair for Usagi, a chair on the other side of the room. A few machines hooked up to Usagi's mom, a single decently large window with curtains. These are the main features.
[20:35] <Sailor_Dune> It's rather sterile looking, as hospitals have a way of being.
[20:35] <Rei-chan> "Before I go get some dinner, do you think maybe I should put some wards in this room?" Rei's voice is slightly hesitant, yet hopeful that someone will validate her contribution as not being futile.
[20:35] * V-chan grabs the vacant chair, and drags it over to Usagi's side, and then plops into it.
[20:36] <V-chan> "Go for it, Rei-chan," Minako says, giving her an encouraging smile.
[20:37] * Rei-chan nods, firming up her stance slightly at the encouragement. She pulls out some ofuda and begins chanting softly, systematically putting them around the door and window.
[20:38] <Sailor_Dune> Rei - It goes without incident, your ceremony working as per usual.
[20:38] <Rei-chan> "Uh..." Rei has one ward left, with different kanji on it than the others. "This one is for speedy recovery... Do you want to help me put it on, Usagi?"
[20:39] <Sailor_Dune> "Hmmm? Sure, Rei-chan," she says, standing.
[20:40] <Rei-chan> Rei smiles encouragingly at Usagi and stands over Ikkuko on the other side of the bed, holding the ward over her. "Take hold of the ward and focus your positive feelings on it. I'll do the chant, okay?"
[20:40] <Sailor_Dune> Usagi weakly nods and holds onto it.
[20:41] <Rei-chan> "Come on Usagi!" Rei says gently, "Be positive, this is for your momma, remember?"
[20:42] <Sailor_Dune> "Yeah..." she says, holding it more firmly.
[20:43] * Rei-chan nods, then performs another chant before lowering the ward to stick on the headrest of Ikkuko's bed. "Thanks, Usagi, I know it will be a lot stronger, now," she says optimistically.
[20:43] <Rei-chan> "You can let go, now."
[20:44] <Sailor_Dune> Usagi lets go, letting it flutter down.
[20:45] <Sailor_Dune> She looks at Rei for a moment, and says, "This'll help Momma, right?"
[20:45] <V-chan> "If you believe in it, then it will!" Minako interjects.
[20:45] * Rei-chan smiles arrogantly. "Of course, Usagi! It's my special ward, guaranteed! Besides, with all the positive feeling you put into it, how could it fail?"
[20:46] * V-chan nods. "Never underestimate the power of Love!"
[20:47] <Sailor_Dune> "I hope you're right..." is all Usagi says back.
[20:47] <V-chan> "Of course she's right. It's her job to know these things."
[20:47] <Rei-chan> "That's right! The Usagi we know is always cheerful and loving, and it's those feelings that will help your mother," Rei speaks cheerfully in response to Minako, but falter slightly at Usagi's reaction.
[20:47] <Sailor_Dune> Usagi doesn't readily respond, instead staring at her unconscious mother.
[20:48] * Rei-chan takes a deep breath and looks around. "I guess I should go... please cheer up Usagi," she says before leaving.
[20:49] * Rei-chan goes down to the lobby to join Makoto.
[20:51] <V-chan> OOC: Is Usagi sitting? Standing? And where's Ami?
[20:51] <Sailor_Dune> Usagi is sitting. Ami is still in the room, unless she says otherwise.
[20:52] <Ninja_Ami> OOC: Still there, watching.
[20:53] <V-chan> "Usagi," Minako asks after a moment, glancing at the girl's supine mother. "Does your father know about this?"
[20:53] <Sailor_Dune> Usagi blinks a moment. "Yeah...I think the nurse said Dad was coming."
[20:54] * V-chan nods. "I hope he wouldn't mind us being here. I want to be here with you. We all do, you know...."
[20:56] <Sailor_Dune> OOC - Okay, moving things on a bit.
[20:57] <Sailor_Dune> A few hours pass. Makoto and Rei end up eating in a small hospital cafeteria. The food isn't great, but it's cheap. The rest hang around the room, which is only interrupted by the arrival of Kenji and Shingo. Both are quite upset, but they seem to reassure Usagi slightly.
[20:59] <Sailor_Dune> And I hate to say it, pause.
[21:00] <Sailor_Dune> Because I have to bail. We'll resolve this next time, we're through the slow part. (I hope.)

[Anastasia]

Session 3 - Um...I fucked around with a few things in this session. Most of 'em didn't stick. But overall, a fun time was had by all. I rather liked the interplay between the three senshi here, in particular.

[18:33] * Sailor_Dune sets mode: +m
[18:33] <Sailor_Dune> Okay, as soon as I send out this sheet and everyone has a moment to read it, we'll start.
[18:37] * KazaanaHoushi is now known as Makoto
[18:42] <Sailor_Dune> Two days have passed since the events at the hospital. Usagi's mother has begun recovering nicely, and Usagi has recovered somewhat as well. But since you can't stay there forever, Rei, Minako, Makoto and Artemis have headed back to Juuban and school.
[18:44] <Sailor_Dune> Ami stayed, wanting to help and watch Usagi. After a rough day of catch up, the senshi planned to meet at Rei's temple to discuss the events and what to do.
[18:45] <Sailor_Dune> Scene - Rei's room. Minako, Makoto are still in the school outfit, but Rei has changed into normal clothes. The meeting is just about to begin.
[18:46] <Sailor_Dune> "Ahem," Artemis says, "If we've discussed the local gossip pool enough now, I'd like to get this meeting underway."
[18:48] <Sailor_Dune> "AHEM!" he says, much louder.
[18:48] * V-chan kicks Artemis aside.
[18:48] <V-chan> "We have NOT discussed the local gossip pool yet!"
[18:49] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis is knocked off the low table and onto the floor. "Opphf!"
[18:49] * Rei-chan feels a bit of pity for Artemis, but not enough to speak up in his defense.
[18:50] <V-chan> "Stupid good for nothing cat," Minako grumbles. "Why didn't he stay with Usagi?"
[18:50] <Sailor_Dune> Getting up with an annoyed, twitchy expression, he speaks again. "You know, maybe we wouldn't have so many problems, Mina, if you spent more time discussing Sailor business instead of adolescent boys."
[18:51] <V-chan> "And what Sailor business do we have to talk about, exactly, that hasn't been done to death already?"
[18:51] * V-chan makes shooing motions at Artemis
[18:51] <Rei-chan> "She has you there, cat," Rei says.
[18:52] <Makoto> "He's just being bossy and whiny again," Makoto says boredly.
[18:52] <Sailor_Dune> "Well, how about the fact that we have, for one, apparently, lost Tuxedo Kamen to the Dark Kingdom!"
[18:52] * V-chan shrugs. "Haven't we, like, lost him days ago?"
[18:52] <Rei-chan> "And what's talking going to do about it? Face it, there's nothing we can do until he shows up again... unless you have some cunning plan?"
[18:53] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis sends a withering gaze at Mina. "Well..."
[18:53] <Makoto> "Yeah, we don't even have a clue to where he might be, so how can we do anything -about- him?"
[18:53] <V-chan> "We don't even know how to change him back, if at all."
[18:53] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis just hangs his head and sighs. "Don't remind me."
[18:53] <V-chan> "You got new ideas about that, pet?"
[18:54] <Rei-chan> "Maybe Usagi's Moon Healing Escalation could purify him?" Rei suggests.
[18:54] <Sailor_Dune> "But we HAVE to get him back! And yes, that's a great idea, Rei," he says, picking up on that.
[18:54] * V-chan shrugs. "Except for Usagi not lifting a finger against her old love."
[18:55] <Rei-chan> "Of course, we'll have to beat him up a bit before Usagi can do that without him escaping... do you really think she'll go along with that? Heck, I have some trouble with it..."
[18:55] <Sailor_Dune> "We can talk her into it! Surely the dream of having her beloved Tuxedo Kamen back would do it!"
[18:55] <Makoto> "Oh? And how do you plan to convince her to leave the hospital too? I don't expect him to go to the hospital anytime soon."
[18:55] <Sailor_Dune> "...Or not." He sighs again. "If we can get her into a fighting spirit in the first place..."
[18:55] * Rei-chan levels a flat stare at Artemis. "Oh yes, say Usagi, mind if we beat the hell out of your destined lover so he can come back to you? That'll go over well."
[18:56] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis doesn't respond, instead leaping back up onto the table. "Well, do you have any other ideas?"
[18:58] <Rei-chan> "Stupid dumpling head... stupid Mamoru-san..." Rei mumbles under her breath before throwing up her hands in exasperation. "No! I don't have any ideas! Things were supposed to be simple! We find the Princess and everything is great, but that didn't happen! It's all gotten worse!"
[18:59] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis takes in her outburst and nods. "Yeah, you may be right, Rei. This is looking more and more like one of your bad manga books, you know. Where things just go downhill for the handsome advisor and his crew of heroines..."
[18:59] <Rei-chan> "... None of my manga books are bad," Rei says in a warning tone.
[18:59] * Makoto snorts. "Don't you mean the beautiful heroines and their mangy and annoying advisor?"
[19:00] <Sailor_Dune> "Er..." he says, cowering a bit and glancing over in Minako's direction as well.
[19:08] * V-chan lies on her back, stretching out on the floor. "What's there to talk about?" she says distractedly. "I can't attack Tuxedo Kamen, brainwashed or not. I'm useless here."
[19:09] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis smirks for just a moment before resuming a serious face. "Well, why can't yo...oh come on, THAT again?
[19:09] <V-chan> "I'm not fighting my comrades. Not now, not ever. Not even lame ones."
[19:10] <Rei-chan> "Maybe... Sailor Moon could reason with him? He ignored Usagi the other day, but he never knew her real identity... There's a chance Sailor Moon could snap him out of it."
[19:10] <V-chan> "Are you actually sure he doesn't know her identity?" Minako asks.
[19:10] <Sailor_Dune> "Mina..." he says softly, "Listen to reason. If you don't, he'll spend his existence serving the Dark Kingdom. That's far worse than anything you could do to him."
[19:11] <V-chan> "I'm not fighting any of us. I won't."
[19:11] <Rei-chan> "I don't think so... unless Usagi told him before we showed up at the Starlight Tower..." Rei says, searching her memory.
[19:14] <V-chan> "What happened at the Tower is more than enough," Minako says, repeating softly, "More than enough...."
[19:15] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis droops down and lays down.
[19:16] * V-chan moves a hand and drops it on Artemis.
[19:16] <Sailor_Dune> "Great...How about we talk about something else, then? The Dark Kingdom has been quiet here lately, haven't they?"
[19:16] <V-chan> "Unless you count the double youma attack, sure."
[19:16] * Rei-chan snorts.
[19:17] * V-chan suddenly sits up. "There's no point in feeling sorry about ourselves. There are plenty of guys out there. Three of them will go out with us!"
[19:17] <Rei-chan> "Which three?"
[19:18] <V-chan> "We must find out!" Minako cries out, jumping to her feet. "Rei-chan, Mako-chan! It may be our chance!"
[19:18] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis looks up once, sighs yet again, and buries his head under his paws.
[19:18] * Rei-chan looks at Artemis, to see if he will give _one_ good reason why they shouldn't.
[19:19] * V-chan raises a shaking fist Heavenwards.
[19:19] <Makoto> "Well, this meeting's a bust anyhow. Let's move onto a more worthy topic. You're on! Let the hunt for boys begin!"
[19:19] * V-chan nods with a wide smile.
[19:19] <Sailor_Dune> "You know, you three should try hunting girls this time. It can't go any worse than your 'boy hunts'," Artemis says from under his paws.
[19:19] <Rei-chan> "Nothing better to do, I guess," Rei agrees. "But we have to find cool guys! Not just any bums off the street - like Yuichiro."
[19:20] * V-chan blinks.
[19:20] * Rei-chan gives Artemis a shocked look
[19:20] <V-chan> "Say, where's Yuichiro, Rei-chan?"
[19:20] <Rei-chan> "I don't know and I care less."
[19:20] <Rei-chan> "Good for nothing... lousy..." Rei mumbles quietly.
[19:20] <V-chan> "He may know where cool guys are!" Minako exclaims. "A boy thing and that sort of stuff."
[19:21] <Rei-chan> "A guy like that? All he'd know about are other losers. Why do you think he hangs around with my grandpa?"
[19:21] <Makoto> "Wouldn't Motoki have a better idea though? At least he's a bit more presentable so any guys he know should be too..." Makoto says with a face. Not that she had anything against Yuichiro, but he really needed a haircut.
[19:21] * Rei-chan nods. "Good idea, Mako-chan!"
[19:22] <V-chan> "You have a point," Minako admits, deflating. "Motoki works! Let's go!"

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE, MOTOKI!

Er...Am I the only one scared by the Sailors when they focus on something? Yowza.

[19:22] <Sailor_Dune> -------------------
[19:23] <Sailor_Dune> Scene - Crown Gaming Plaza, a booth. Motoki is sitting down, surrounded by the three girls.
[19:23] <V-chan> "So, you see, we simply must find three cool guys to have a date with," Minako finishes.
[19:23] <Rei-chan> "Cool guys, not bums. Like Yuichiro," Rei adds.
[19:24] <Makoto> "And you know three such cool guys in need of escorting three equally lovely ladies, correct?"
[19:24] * V-chan nods. "It's either that or talk to our cat. You don't want us to become old maids who talk to their cats, do you?"
[19:24] <Sailor_Dune> "Hmmmm....I do know one guy who is looking for a girlfriend."
[19:24] <Makoto> "Just...one? DIBS!"
[19:24] * Rei-chan leans closer, then glares at Makoto.
[19:25] * V-chan sniffs. "Artemis was right! I should just date girls! WAAH!!!"
[19:25] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis chuckles from besides Minako.
[19:25] <Rei-chan> "There there, Minako-chan," Rei pats her shoulder consolingly. "You'll find someone."
[19:25] <Sailor_Dune> "Be they man, woman or youma," Artemis sallies forth.
[19:26] * V-chan cries on the raven-haired girl's shoulder. "Oh, Rei-chan--!"
[19:27] * Rei-chan is slightly startled, but hesitantly puts an arm around Minako's back and makes comforting noises. "It'll be okay, you'll see..."
[19:27] <Sailor_Dune> "Umm...." Motoki starts.
[19:27] * Makoto squirms. "You sure you don't have two other boys in hand?"
[19:28] <Sailor_Dune> "Anyhow, did you want me to tell you where Hiro is?"
[19:28] <V-chan> "You don't understand!" Minako wails. "Three of my past boyfriends were youma! And the other one was in love with my middle-aged teacher! WAAAHHH!!!"
[19:28] <Sailor_Dune> "Er..." Motoki says again, eyeing Minako.
[19:28] <Rei-chan> "You poor dear..." Rei says while her eyes bug out, desperately looking around for someone to take over the comforting job.
[19:28] * V-chan clinches to Rei.
[19:28] * Makoto recoils at Minako's comment and lowers her head. "Tell Minako where the boy is, she needs him more than I."
[19:29] * Makoto mentally shakes fist at heavens and thinks, "Why must I be such a good friend?!?"
[19:29] * Rei-chan is totally rigid, unable to cope with her situation.
[19:29] <V-chan> Minako's hand snakes out, briefly pointing at Motoki before wrapping itself around Rei again. "And he dumped me with a single word. He forgot all about me, too!"
[19:29] * V-chan cries harder.
[19:30] * Rei-chan mouths 'help me' to Makoto
[19:30] <Sailor_Dune> "Hey there. How about I get you a soda and you just relax, Minako?" Motoki says, looking more and more uncomfortable.
[19:30] <Rei-chan> "Yes, soda is good! You need your arms free for soda!" Rei enthuses.
[19:30] <Makoto> "Some ice cream as well?"
[19:31] <Makoto> "Ice cream always seems to help Usagi..."
[19:31] <V-chan> "I need a boyfriend, not soft drinks," Minako whines, sniffing.
[19:32] <Sailor_Dune> "Okay, ice cream, too," he says, making to get up.
[19:32] <Rei-chan> "What about booze?" Rei jokes (badly), trying to lighten the mood.
[19:32] <Makoto> "Well I did say you could have this Hiro guy," Makoto says, slightly glum.
[19:32] * V-chan freezes. "Do you mean it?" she asks shakily.
[19:32] <Rei-chan> "You see! I bet this Hiro guy will be a real keeper, Minako-chan!"
[19:33] <V-chan> "Do you really, really mean it?"
[19:33] * Makoto nods glumly along with Rei.
[19:33] * Rei-chan tries to subtly dislodge Minako.
[19:33] <Makoto> "Can we at least ogle him while you go out with him until we find boyfriends?"
[19:33] * V-chan lets go of Rei and glomps Makoto. "Oh thankyouthankyouthankyou!"
[19:33] * Rei-chan breathes a sigh of relief and gives Makoto a pitying look.
[19:33] <Sailor_Dune> Managing to get out of the booth, Motoki goes to get the promised food items.
[19:33] <V-chan> "I thought I would be an old maid, losing my mind and playing kinky games with my cat!"
[19:33] * Rei-chan chokes.
[19:34] <Makoto> "Ack! You're welcome! You're welcome!"
[19:34] <Sailor_Dune> "MeROWR!?" Artemis half chokes out.
[19:34] * Makoto stares at Rei-chan and mouths silently, "This is karma, isn't it?"
[19:34] <V-chan> "You're the bestest friend, Mako-chan!" Minako cries out, and then glomps Rei again. "And you too, Rei-chan!"
[19:34] <Sailor_Dune> "MINA!" he says in a normal, but strong tone.
[19:34] * V-chan accidentally backhands Artemis.
[19:34] <Rei-chan> "No God could be so cruel," Rei mouths back to Makoto
[19:35] * V-chan lets go of Rei, and sits down, jumping in her seat.
[19:35] <Rei-chan> "Feel better?" Rei asks, hopefully.
[19:35] <Makoto> "They stuck you with Artemis, I'd say the gods are pretty cruel," Makoto said, trying to get some mirth back into her mood. She might have just lost the man of her dreams!
[19:35] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis lands back into the plush seat padding and stays quiet as he recovers.
[19:35] <V-chan> "I'm so excited! A first real date after my last Dark Kingdom boyfriend tried to kill me, and then jumped off a building when he failed!"
[19:36] * Makoto sweatdrops.
[19:36] <Rei-chan> "..."
[19:36] * V-chan giggles to herself.
[19:36] * Rei-chan edges away from Minako.
[19:36] <Makoto> "You'll have to tell us about that one someday, Minako"
[19:36] <Rei-chan> "Yes... some day, a long time from now."
[19:36] <V-chan> "I don't even mind Motoki-oniisan forgetting his first ever female customer after a short vacation now!"
[19:37] * V-chan taps her chin thoughtfully. "I think my old high scores are still here."
[19:37] * V-chan flashes a victory sign. "I'm the best!"
[19:38] <Sailor_Dune> Motoki shortly comes back with three cups of soda and three bowls of ice cream, balanced on a wide tray...
[19:38] <Rei-chan> "Actually, I think Ami beat all the high scores after Usagi introduced her to arcade games..."
[19:38] * V-chan twitches.
[19:38] <V-chan> "Did she now?"
[19:38] <Sailor_Dune> "Here you are, ladies. Now, if you excuse me..." he says, scurrying off before any of them can say anything.
[19:38] <Makoto> "I do recall seeing high scores by her," Makoto muses.
[19:38] <V-chan> "And safely away in the country."
[19:38] <V-chan> "There must be a rematch!" Minako loudly proclaims.
[19:39] <Rei-chan> "Thanks Motoki-san!" Rei calls out as she takes her ice cream and soda, edging further away from Minako.
[19:40] * V-chan takes her portion, and sits near Rei.
[19:40] * Makoto joins Rei and Minako in enjoying their drinks.
[19:40] <Sailor_Dune> "Mina...Can I have some of that ice cream?" Artemis says politely.
[19:41] * Rei-chan twitches slightly, but makes no comment as to Minako's invasion of her personal space.
[19:41] <V-chan> "No," Minako replies absent-mindedly.
[19:42] <V-chan> "There shall be nothing involving you, me and ice-cream. Ever. I've got a boyfriend!"
[19:42] <Makoto> "What about whipped cream and chains?" Makoto jokes.
[19:42] <Sailor_Dune> "Mina, you are such a PERVERT!" he declares.
[19:42] <Sailor_Dune> "All of you are perverts!"
[19:43] * V-chan just keeps on enjoying her sweets amongst her friends.
[19:43] * Makoto raspberries Artemis before returning to her drink.
[19:43] * Rei-chan ignores Artemis, but looks unhappy at his words.
[19:43] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis humps and settles back down into his seat.
[19:44] * Makoto whispers at Rei, "I think he was talking about those high heels, by the way."
[19:44] * V-chan notices Rei's expression, and says, "Don't worry, you're not a pervert."
[19:44] <V-chan> "I'm jealous of those high heels, to tell you the truth."
[19:44] * Makoto goes back to her drink, wondering if Rei will strangle the cat. Artemis-baiting is such a fun sport.
[19:44] <Rei-chan> "What, I wear high heels, and I punish evil! It's only perverted in his sick mind!"
[19:44] * Rei-chan dips her finger in ice cream and gives Artemis a wet willy.
[19:44] <Rei-chan> "There's your ice cream, Cat!"
[19:45] <Sailor_Dune> "Gah! Bad Mina! BAD! BAD!" he exclaims.
[19:45] * V-chan taps her lips thoughtfully. "Maybe my costume should have high heels too."
[19:45] <Rei-chan> "Hah! He's conditioned to blame Minako for anything bad!" Rei laughs.
[19:45] * Makoto joins Rei in laughing.
[19:45] * V-chan lowers her head, her shoulders shaking in anger.
[19:45] * V-chan suddenly makes a grab for Artemis.
[19:46] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis, still roused from the wet willy, dodges away and goes under the booth table to the other side.
[19:47] * V-chan attempts another grab, gritting her teeth.
[19:47] <V-chan> "Get back here, you lousy stray! You want ice-cream, I'll give you ice-cream!"
[19:47] <Sailor_Dune> roll 2d6
[19:47] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dune rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[19:49] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[19:49] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[19:53] <Sailor_Dune> Mina lunges over the table at the cat, but stumbles slightly and instead does a body flop onto the top of the table. Artemis, to be fair, looks as if he would have evaded quickly enough, but instead has a free second to scamper off.
[19:53] <Sailor_Dune> "Too slow, Mina!" he laughs as he distances himself from the Senshi of Love.
[19:54] <V-chan> "Hmph!" Minako turns away from him. "He'll get his. Bad karma never goes unpunished."
[19:54] * Rei-chan nods solemnly.
[19:54] <Sailor_Dune> "Yeah, and karma says you'll be an old maid, Mina-chan!" he says around a laugh.
[19:55] <Makoto> "...Why don't you neuter him again, Minako?"
[19:55] * Rei-chan stands up "In the name of women everywhere, I'll punish you! In my regular shoes, so don't get any ideas!" and races after Artemis.
[19:55] * V-chan is almost about to sniff, when she remembers something. "Hah! By this time tomorrow, I'll have a boyfriend, and you won't!"
[19:55] * V-chan moves to find Motoki.
[19:56] <Sailor_Dune> As Rei and Artmeis chase each other around, Minako catches up to Motoki.
[19:57] <Sailor_Dune> "Minako," he says as she approaches, "Could you tell your friends to quiet down a bit? They are really causing a scene now." Looking around, you see that a fair number of patrons are watching round 3 of chase the Artemis.
[19:58] <V-chan> "It's okay, I'm not upset with you about forgetting me anymore," Minako tells him cheerfully, ignoring his request. "It was my fault for being on a long vacation."
[19:58] * Makoto just plays with the spoon of her now empty ice cream soda and watches the fun with a smile.
[19:59] <Sailor_Dune> "Um, yes. Oh, did you want to know where to find Hiro?" he says, changing subjects.
[19:59] * Rei-chan notices the attention on her and stops chasing Artemis. Giving the gawkers an arrogant glare, she moves to sit back down with as much decorum as possible.
[19:59] * V-chan nods excitedly. "A living, human boyfriend who likes me! What more can a girl to ask?"
[19:59] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis follows, trying not to giggle. He mostly succeeds.
[20:00] <Sailor_Dune> "Right. Well, he works at Bright Sea Spectaculars, Tokyo. I'm sure you can find him there if you ask."
[20:00] * Rei-chan silently swears revenge on Artemis.
[20:00] <V-chan> "Thanks!" Minako replies brightly. "I'll come back soon to beat the high scores on your games!"
[20:01] <Sailor_Dune> "Sure, Minako," he says with a smile and wave. "Have fun."
[20:01] * V-chan waves, and walks towards Rei and Makoto.
[20:01] <Rei-chan> "So, what did you find out about Hiro?" Rei asks curiously.
[20:02] <V-chan> "Motoki-oniisan told me where he works, so let's go ogle him!" Minako replies, while heading outside.
[20:02] <Makoto> "And when can we spy on him? To make sure he's right for you, of course."
[20:02] <Rei-chan> "Let's go!" Rei gets up to leave.
[20:03] <V-chan> "And while we get there, let me tell you about the stupid things that sad excuse for a cat did over the past year...."
[20:03] <Rei-chan> "This I have to hear," Rei says eagerly.

I'd say Artemis got the better of that one. ^_^ Anyway, onward to the Dark Kingdom Tr...er, Bright Sea Spectaculars!

[20:05] <Sailor_Dune> ------------
[20:06] <Sailor_Dune> Scene - The front of Bright Sea Spectaculars, Tokyo. A large water park, it attracts people far and wide to see the ocean and whale shows.
[20:06] <Sailor_Dune> It is known as a moderately popular date spot for the more adventure some residents of Tokyo.
[20:07] * V-chan looks for a secluded place.
[20:07] * Rei-chan checks out the people coming and going.
[20:07] <Sailor_Dune> There are some benches to the side, under a large, barren tree.
[20:08] <Sailor_Dune> A fair number of people are around, most in a medium length line to get inside.
[20:08] <Rei-chan> "Shall we get in line?"
[20:09] * V-chan nods.
[20:09] * V-chan uses her madly elite idol-chasing skillz to get ahead in the line.
[20:09] * Rei-chan follows behind Minako, using her hard earned autograph hunting, otaku-skills.
[20:10] <Sailor_Dune> You push and bump through the line, Mina. You get perhaps three fourths of the way through the line before you get close enough to where you'd be seen cutting.
[20:11] <Sailor_Dune> It shouldn't be much of a wait here.
[20:11] * V-chan waits, then.
[20:11] * V-chan winks at Rei-chan.
[20:11] * Rei-chan grins back.
[20:12] <Sailor_Dune> A few minutes later, you are at the head of the line. The ticket seller, a man dressed in a uniform, asks, "What can I do for you today, Ma'am?"
[20:12] <V-chan> "Do you know a boy named Hiro who works here?" Minako asks, smiling cutely.
[20:12] <Makoto> "Three tickets! Three!" Makoto yells from her back spot near the end of the line.
[20:12] <Sailor_Dune> "Family name?" he replies.
[20:13] <Sailor_Dune> "There are more than a few 'Hiro's I know of here, you'll need a family name, Ma'am.
[20:13] * V-chan twitches.
[20:13] * Rei-chan looks back at Makoto and shakes her head at her friend's naivete. "I swear I will teach you the secret of queue skipping, Mako-chan!" she whispers determinedly.
[20:14] <V-chan> "The cutest one!"
[20:14] * Rei-chan giggles quietly.
[20:14] <Sailor_Dune> "Er...Well, that would be Tagashi. Okay, and did you want tickets?"
[20:14] * V-chan nods.
[20:14] * V-chan pays for everyone.
[20:15] <V-chan> "He's single, right? Right?"
[20:15] <Rei-chan> "Yes, three tickets! Our friend back there will be joining us," Rei waves for Makoto to come down the line.
[20:15] <Sailor_Dune> "That will be 3000 yen. Thank you very much. Ask the service women inside for Hiro Tagashi."
[20:16] * Makoto smiles and gets out of the line, going after the others.
[20:16] * Rei-chan enters Bright Sea Spectaculars.
[20:16] <Sailor_Dune> "Oh, ma'am. Wait!"
[20:17] * Rei-chan stops. "Yes?"
[20:17] <Sailor_Dune> "I'm sorry, but the young ladies' cat will have to stay outside. We have a no pets policy."
[20:17] <V-chan> "YES!"
[20:17] <Rei-chan> "Fine, go home, Artemis." Rei says dismissively, before heading back in.
[20:17] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis whimpers lightly but does not say anything as he's left behind.
[20:18] * Rei-chan feels no pity for the insulting cat.
[20:18] <V-chan> "He's a stray, but he follows us along so persistently!" Minako says. "You may have to kick him to get him away."
[20:18] * Makoto catches up to the other two at this point and frowns. She'd missed some Artemis harassment!
[20:18] <Sailor_Dune> "Uh, sure, Ma'am. Don't worry, the animal control people check around here fairly often. They'll round him up and get him to a good home."
[20:19] <V-chan> "Great!" Minako turns to smile at Artemis. "Hear that, fleabag?"
[20:19] <V-chan> "Your new master will get you your shots!"
[20:19] * Rei-chan feels a small pang of conscience. Artemis might be annoying, but she doesn't want him taken away to who knows where...
[20:19] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis hisses at Minako and frowns, annoyed.
[20:20] * V-chan looks at the guy with hopeful eyes. "Hiro Tagashi is single, isn't he?"
[20:21] <Makoto> "If he isn't, with a place as full as this, there should be at least some guys that are!"
[20:21] <Sailor_Dune> "Um...I believe so. I don't really know the guy, but I don't think he's married." he replies with a shrug.
[20:21] <Rei-chan> "Come on, let's go," Rei says impatiently.
[20:21] * V-chan stops for a second, considering. "How many Hiros here are single?"
[20:21] * V-chan glances at Rei and Makoto.
[20:21] <Sailor_Dune> "How should I know?" he says, starting to sound annoyed.
[20:22] * V-chan sighs, and walks inside.
[20:22] * Rei-chan heads on in.

The rest of the session is now 99% Artemis free. Poor cat.

It's like Minako HATES him or something...naw, couldn't be.

[20:22] <Sailor_Dune> ----------------
[20:22] <Sailor_Dune> Scene - Inside the water park.
[20:23] <Sailor_Dune> Inside, well defined white hallways lead around, with signs and the occasional woman dressed sea-themed outfits answering questions and directing customers.
[20:23] * Rei-chan checks out the people in the vicinity.
[20:23] * V-chan looks for a quiet place to transform.
[20:23] <Sailor_Dune> Most of the people are wearing normal clothes, and relatively it's a normal slice of Tokyo.
[20:24] <Sailor_Dune> There are some bathrooms off to the side, Minako.
[20:24] <Sailor_Dune> With luck, they would be reasonably quiet.
[20:25] <V-chan> "Wait for me here, okay?" Minako asks her two friends, before running towards the bathrooms.
[20:25] <V-chan> Once there, Minako checks for anyone occupying them.
[20:25] * Rei-chan goes up to one of the women in a sea-themed outfit who isn't currently dealing with a customer and asks "Excuse me, we're looking for Hiro Tagashi, do you know where we can find him?"
[20:25] <Sailor_Dune> There are a few women in stalls, but out of twenty stalls, only four are filled.
[20:26] * Makoto waits, while looking around for a good clothing shop. She was still in her school uniform and felt a bit out of place in her current choice of wear.
[20:26] <Sailor_Dune> "Hm....Tagashi? Try asking in housekeeping." she says.
[20:26] <Rei-chan> "Thanks," Rei goes back to Makoto and waits for Minako.
[20:26] <Sailor_Dune> There is a gift shop that looks as if it sells themed T-shirts.
[20:27] <Sailor_Dune> The sign says so, at least, but it's a small walk to it.
[20:28] * V-chan walks into the most remote stall, holds up her compacts, and whispers, "Crescent Moon Power Transform. Change me into my sixteen year old self, wearing cool water park clothing and Rei-chan's lovely heels."
[20:28] * Rei-chan sneezes, and looks around, slightly startled.
[20:29] <Sailor_Dune> After a moment, you are wearing a nice, tight T-shirt and a skirt. High heels complete the look, but they look slightly out of place with the shirt.
[20:30] * V-chan smiles at herself, and pockets the compact, before walking outside to join her friends.
[20:30] <Makoto> "Minako?" Makoto said with a raised eyebrow. "You look...older."
[20:31] * V-chan grins at her. "I wanted to look my best, Mako-chan!"
[20:31] * Rei-chan stares in shock at Minako. "Nice heels," she says sarcastically.
[20:31] * V-chan blushes. "I hope you don't mind...."
[20:31] <Makoto> "I'm more curious how you got them!"
[20:32] <V-chan> "You'd be surprised what make up can do," Minako replies with a smile and a wink.
[20:35] <Sailor_Dune> "Yeah..." Rei mutters. "How about you excuse me for a bit?" Rei says, stomping off towards the bathroom.
[20:35] * Makoto blinks, "Wonder what that was about..."
[20:36] <V-chan> "I didn't steal her high heels! Honest!" Minako swears.
[20:36] * Makoto shakes head. "Anyhow, I'm gonna go to that shop over there, I don't exactly fit in here in my school clothes."
[20:36] <Makoto> "You want to wait for Rei, or come help me pick something out?"
[20:37] <V-chan> "I'll go find Hiro-kun!"
[20:38] <Makoto> "Heh, well, go have fun. Shall we meet back here in an hour or so?"
[20:38] * V-chan nods, and walks to the first woman working at a stall she sees.
[20:38] * Makoto shouts at Rei inside the bathroom, "We're gonna go look around, meet back here in an hour, Rei!" before heading to the shop.
[20:39] <Sailor_Dune> You get a muffled response back that sounds like "Yeah, fine."
[20:40] * V-chan asks the woman, "Excuse me, do you know where I can find Hiro Tagashi?"
[20:41] <Sailor_Dune> "Hmmmmm? Hiro Tagashi? Oh, I know him, he's the lad who sweeps the floors. Try the housekeeping department, it's on the other side of the building. Just keep walking down that hall (she points down the way you were going) and ask people every so often.
[20:43] * V-chan nods, and thanks the woman, before following her directions.
[20:43] <Sailor_Dune> As you walk down, you hear someone going on about the 'main show' starting in ten minutes.
[20:45] * V-chan bravely ignores the show for the sake of love!
[20:45] <Sailor_Dune> A few minutes later, you are in front of a drab side door that reads 'Housekeeping'.
[20:45] * V-chan knocks on the door.
[20:46] <Sailor_Dune> The door is unlocked, and moves back a tad when you knock on it.
[20:46] <Sailor_Dune> "Yes?" a male voice asks from beyond the door.
[20:46] <V-chan> "I'm looking for Hiro Tagashi!" Minako brightly announces.
[20:47] <Sailor_Dune> "He's in here."
[20:47] <V-chan> "Can he come out for a second?"
[20:47] <Sailor_Dune> "Yeah?" A teenaged, male voice calls out. "Sure."
[20:48] * V-chan waits for him to come.
[20:49] <Sailor_Dune> Shortly, a short male with cute brown hair and a nice face comes out.
[20:49] <Sailor_Dune> "Do I know you?" he asks simply.
[20:49] * V-chan puts on her cutest face. "No, but I want to get to know you!"
[20:49] <Sailor_Dune> "Um, okay!" he says, grinning. "You are?"
[20:51] <V-chan> "My name's Minako," she says brightly, smiling. "Do you want to go and have a soda together?"
[20:51] <Sailor_Dune> "Sure!" he says, grinning again.
[20:52] <V-chan> "Great!" Minako replies cheerfully, and grabs his arm
[20:52] <Sailor_Dune> Soon, Minako has dragged her catch to a snack bar, and is having a soda with him.
[20:53] <Sailor_Dune> "So...Where exactly do I know you from?" he asks as Mina sips her soda.
[20:54] <V-chan> "A friend told me there was a cute single guy here, and you're it!"
[20:54] <Sailor_Dune> "REALLY, now?" he says, nearly splitting his face with his smile.
[20:55] <Sailor_Dune> "Kickass."
[20:55] * V-chan nods. "Really! I'm so happy it was true!"
[20:55] <Sailor_Dune> Just as he says, you get an odd case of goosebumps. Like something just went oddly.
[20:57] * V-chan suddenly frowns. "You don't have a crush on your married, middle-aged school teacher, do you?"
[20:57] <Sailor_Dune> "Yeah, so...Uh, no."
[20:57] <V-chan> "Ah, great!" Minako sighs with relief.
[20:58] <Sailor_Dune> "So..." he says, speaking quietly, "Which friend sent you over?"
[20:59] <V-chan> "He asked that his name be kept secret. I have no idea why," Minako says with a straight face.
[21:00] <Sailor_Dune> "Oh, I see. Well, then..." He is cut off by a crashing sound from deeper inside the building, from the performance area.
[21:00] <V-chan> "What was that?!" Minako exclaims, jumping to her feet.
[21:04] <Sailor_Dune> "I dunno!" Hiro says.
[21:04] <V-chan> "Let's go check it out!"
[21:04] <Sailor_Dune> The people around are all staring, trying to figure what happened.
[21:05] <Sailor_Dune> "Um...I should go back to my post now. I'll catch you later, Minako!" he says, running off.
[21:05] * Rei-chan exits the bathroom, looking very irritated. "What the hell was in that ice-cream?" she asks before looking around for her friends.
[21:05] * V-chan pouts, but calls back, "Yeah, catch you later!"
[21:05] * V-chan runs off towards the performance area.
[21:06] <Sailor_Dune> As you look around, you feel a rumble shake the building.
[21:06] <Sailor_Dune> To Rei, by the way.
[21:07] <Sailor_Dune> To Makoto - Just as you come out, clad in a themed T-shirt and slacks, a rumble shakes the building. As you look around, you see Rei just outside the bathroom.
[21:09] * Rei-chan uses her supernatural training to see if she can sense _evil_.
[21:09] <Sailor_Dune> Rei - You sense the by now familiar thread of Dark Kingdom energy, pulsing and throbbing.
[21:09] * Rei-chan rushes back into the bathroom.
[21:10] * Rei-chan looks to see if anyone else is around.
[21:10] <Sailor_Dune> Everyone else seems to have rushed out of the bathroom, more interested in the current events.
[21:10] <Rei-chan> "Mars Star Power, Make UP!"
[21:11] <Sailor_Dune> *Cue Sailor Mars transformation sequence*
[21:11] * Rei-chan is now known as Sailor_Mars
[21:17] * Makoto watches as Rei steps out and then back in. Though she might have normally thought it was just a case of stomachache acting up, the rumble didn't point to that sign. She runs to the bathroom after Rei, to confirm a need to change outfits once more.
[21:17] <Sailor_Dune> Rei - As you step out of the stall, you see Makoto running into the bathroom.
[21:18] <Sailor_Mars> "Mako-chan, transform! This place is crawling with Dark Kingdom energy!"
[21:18] * Makoto nods as she goes into the bathroom, away from roaming eyes. Once alone, she shouts "Jupiter Star Power, Make UP!"
[21:19] <Sailor_Dune> *Cue Sailor Jupiter transformation sequence*
[21:19] * Makoto is now known as Sailor_Jupiter
[21:19] * Sailor_Jupiter goes back out, and looks at Mars, "Which way?"
[21:21] * Sailor_Mars exits the bathroom and tries to see if she can sense the specific location of the _evil_ within the building, or failing that, if she sees anything suspicious.
[21:22] <Sailor_Dune> Mars - You sense that there is a well of Dark Power in the performing area.
[21:22] * Sailor_Mars turns to Jupiter. "The performing area, let's go!"
[21:22] * Sailor_Mars runs off to the performing area.
[21:22] * Sailor_Jupiter runs after Mars.
[21:24] <Sailor_Dune> Venus - As you enter the stands, you see that all the people are hunched over. Typical enough. In the pool, a shelled, finned youma seems to be concentrating.
[21:25] <Sailor_Dune> "Lord Kunzite, I do not sense the energy of the Silver Crystal on any of these people." it says.
[21:26] * V-chan sees all the hunched over people, and doesn't waste any time! "Venus Power! Make UP!"
[21:26] <Sailor_Dune> "Very well," the familiar voice of Kunzite says from location unknown, "Take their energy and report back."
[21:26] <Sailor_Dune> *cut Venus transformation on the side*
[21:27] <Sailor_Dune> Jupiter and Mars - As you enter, you here the echo of '...their energy and report back'. The voice sounds like Kunzite's.
[21:28] * Sailor_Mars examines the area, looking for the source of the voice and any cover she can use.
[21:28] <V-chan> "Hold it right there, buster!" Venus announces, posing. "Interrupting girls out on romantic dates is sacrilegious! The Goddess of Love, Sailor Venus, will never forgive you!" Venus blinks, and smacks the side of her head lightly. "Oh, and you can't steal all that energy. That's, like, evil and stuff."
[21:28] <V-chan> "In the name of Venus, I'll punish you!"
[21:29] <Sailor_Dune> "A Sailor Senshi? HA!" The creature laughs. "I'll take all your disgusting human cuteness from you before I steal the life from your body!"
[21:29] * Sailor_Mars leaps into the fray after hearing the speech, and adds, "And Sailor Mars will also punish you, in my trademark high heels which many imitate, but none do as well as I!"
[21:30] <Sailor_Dune> "Ha, two of them! Double the brats eliminated in one strike!" it roars.
[21:30] <V-chan> "Feel the awesome power of a girl's heartbreak at having a successful date interrupted!" Minako announces, holding up her crescent compact. "Love Crescent Shower!"
[21:31] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Make that three! Sailor Jupiter joins the fray!" Jupiter shouts as she follows Mars.
[21:31] <V-chan> roll 1d6
[21:31] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[21:32] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 1d6
[21:32] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[21:32] <Sailor_Dune> roll 1d6
[21:32] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dune rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[21:32] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6
[21:32] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[21:33] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[21:33] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 12."
[21:35] <Sailor_Dune> roll 2d6
[21:35] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dune rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[21:35] <Sailor_Dune> Venus shoots out her Crescent Shower, but the creature reacts too quickly, going entirely into its shell. The attack harmlessly bounces off the thick carapace, doing no visible damage.
[21:37] * Sailor_Jupiter makes the motion for her attack as she shouts, "Not paying attention to all the present opponents is a bad move, feel the fury of Jupiter! Supreme Thunder!"
[21:37] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[21:37] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[21:38] <Sailor_Dune> roll 2d6+2
[21:38] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dune rolls 2d6+2 and gets 7."
[21:40] <Sailor_Dune> The electric shock hits the shell, causing it to rock and crack for a moment. Shuddering, it floats upward to the top of the water and launches out, right towards Sailor Jupiter.
[21:40] <Sailor_Dune> roll 2d6
[21:40] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dune rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[21:41] * Sailor_Jupiter attempts to dodge.
[21:41] <Sailor_Dune> The shell comes right at Jupiter. (Defense roll?)
[21:41] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[21:41] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 2."
[21:41] <Sailor_Dune> Jupiter, reacting quickly, dives out of the way of the incoming shell.
[21:42] <Sailor_Dune> It crashes behind her, wrecking a nearby row of bleachers.
[21:43] * Sailor_Mars is horrified at the damage caused by the creature and crosses her forearms in front of her. "Now it's my turn! You'll pay for harming innocents! Mars Snake Fire!"
[21:43] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[21:43] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[21:44] <Sailor_Dune> The fire slams into the youma, causing the cracks in the shell to expand. The carapace shatters, revealing a shark like monster, wounded, beneath.
[21:45] <Sailor_Dune> roll 1d6
[21:45] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dune rolls 1d6 and gets 5."
[21:45] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6
[21:45] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6 and gets 1."
[21:46] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 1d6
[21:46] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 1d6 and gets 1."
[21:46] <V-chan> roll 1d6
[21:46] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 1d6 and gets 4."
[21:47] <V-chan> "You may have avoided it once, Dark Kingdom creep, but the punishment of Love is tried and sure! Love Crescent Shower!"
[21:47] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[21:47] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[21:47] <Sailor_Dune> roll 2d6
[21:47] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dune rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[21:48] <Sailor_Dune> The rain of crescent beams slam into the youma, drilling several holes into it. With a screech, it falls into a puddle of dust and dies.
[21:48] * V-chan makes a victory pose.
[21:49] <V-chan> "Love always prevails!"
[21:49] * Sailor_Mars goes to check on the people in the bleachers that were hit.
[21:49] <Sailor_Dune> As you go to check, you hear the voice of Kunzite echoing from...somewhere?
[21:49] <Sailor_Dune> "Well done, Sailors. But I'm afraid it's time to die."
[21:50] * Sailor_Jupiter whips around to look for Kunzite. "Where are you, you bastard?"
[21:50] <Sailor_Dune> "Ah, ah, ah. Bad manners, for such an ugly lady."
[21:50] * Sailor_Mars stumbles slightly as she hears the voice and tries to sense his location.
[21:50] <Sailor_Dune> roll 2d6
[21:50] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dune rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[21:50] <Sailor_Jupiter> "UGLY?!? OH, THAT'S IT, YOU'RE GOING DOWN!"
[21:51] <V-chan> "I don't want to hear it from a guy who stole the Princess's boyfriend for himself!" Venus yells at Kunzite.
[21:51] <Sailor_Dune> Jupiter - You here something coming, but before you can react, you feel a shard of something graze your arm. Blood comes forth from a jagged cut...
[21:51] <Sailor_Dune> (10 damage points)
[21:51] <Sailor_Dune> As you sally back, you see that pieces of the shattered shell are flying about by some unknown force...
[21:51] <Sailor_Jupiter> "ARGH!" Jupiter shouts as she grasps her arm. "SHOW YOURSELF, DAMMIT!"
[21:52] <Sailor_Dune> "Tsk, tsk," his voice says. "Try and stop it, Sailors."
[21:53] <Sailor_Dune> Mars - You sense his power is in the room, coming from an unknown source.
[21:53] * Sailor_Mars looks around for anything glowing or pulsating or whatever Dark Kingdom stuff does...
[21:53] * V-chan takes out her crescent compact, and looks into it.
[21:54] * V-chan moves along with it, so that it reflects light from around the room, trying to make a circle.
[21:54] <Sailor_Dune> Mars - You sense dark energy from the bottom of the pool.
[21:54] <Sailor_Dune> Venus - There are no illusions around, nor anything disgused.
[21:54] <Sailor_Dune> roll 2d6
[21:54] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dune rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[21:54] <Sailor_Mars> "It's coming from the bottom of the pool!"
[21:54] <Sailor_Dune> Another shard comes at you, Venus, but it misses.
[21:55] * Sailor_Mars tries to use her elemental control of fire to flash boil the water in the pool.
[21:55] * V-chan immediately launches a "Crescent Beam" at the bottom of the pool at Mars's shout, and keeps it going.
[21:56] * Sailor_Jupiter launches a Supreme Thunder Dragon towards the pool. "Eat this, you bastard!"
[21:56] <Sailor_Dune> Between the vaporizing effects of Mars's control, and the attacks send downward, you here a CRACKSHATTER, and the shell fragments fall to the ground.
[21:57] <Sailor_Mars> "Yeah! How'dya like that, Kunzite?" Mars cheers triumphantly.
[21:58] * Sailor_Jupiter edges toward the pool, noticing the drop of the fragments. "Let's not celebrate yet, let's make sure he's out!"
[21:58] <Sailor_Dune> "Next time, brats!" he hisses out, and then nothing else is said.
[21:58] * Sailor_Mars nods at Jupiter and tries to sense any remaining Dark Kingdom presence.
[21:59] <V-chan> "I sense a coward in that direction," Venus says with seriousness, pointing at the pool.
[21:59] <Sailor_Dune> Mars - You sense no further presence.
[21:59] * Sailor_Mars stifles a giggle, and speaks up. "He's gone guys. Let's check on these people." She nods towards the bleachers.
[22:00] * Sailor_Jupiter nods, as she moves towards the people as well.
[22:00] * V-chan squeals in joy, and glomps first Mars, the Jupiter, before looking at the people.
[22:01] <Sailor_Dune> They are still unconscious...they seem to be still suffering the aftereffects of energy draining.
[22:02] * Sailor_Mars goes to examine the bleacher that was wrecked in the battle.
[22:03] * V-chan twirls around in the center of the room while holding her compact to the Heavens, and calls out loud, "Venus Power! Love Crescent Shower! Pour down rain!"
[22:03] <Sailor_Dune> The metal structure, wrecked by the shell youma, is crumbled and fallen. A few bodies are scattered, not moving. One body has a fair bit of blood around it...
[22:03] * Sailor_Mars goes pale. "Guys..."
[22:03] <Sailor_Dune> Venus - The bodies glow and begin to move and moan, save one.
[22:03] <Sailor_Dune> The body Mars just saw fails to move.
[22:04] * Sailor_Mars dashes over to the unmoving body and checks for any breathing or pulse.
[22:04] <V-chan> Hearing the tension in Mars's voice, Minako quickly hurries at her side.
[22:04] * Sailor_Jupiter notices Mars quick movements following her tense announcement and likewise follows.
[22:05] <Sailor_Dune> As you get closer, you see the person's back is at a twisted, broken angle.  From the bone poking out their back (!), you can see where the blood came from.
[22:05] * Sailor_Mars covers her mouth "Oh... God..."
[22:05] <Sailor_Dune> By the name you are close enough to take a pulse, it isn't needed to understand the condition.
[22:05] <V-chan> Venus's eyes widen.
[22:05] * Sailor_Jupiter looks horrified.
[22:05] * Sailor_Mars turns away, unable to look.
[22:05] <Sailor_Dune> A middle/old aged lady, perhaps 55, lays dead. Her nice working outfit is ripped and soaked in blood.
[22:06] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Those bastards..." Makoto whispers. "First Usagi's mom and now this poor woman..."
[22:06] * V-chan quickly runs off outside without another word.
[22:07] <Sailor_Dune> And...Pause. I have to go, like, NOW.

Well...I thought the battle was decently good, even if the youma didn't last as long as I would have liked. I really started picking up on how powerful the Senshi could be here.

And this really set the next arc of events in motion, that woman's death really, really did some emotional damage to the cast. Minako in particular, although everyone felt it, down to the mooncats.

[Anastasia]

Session 4 - In where the angst can be cut with a machete, where Minako goes to fight crime, and in where Usagi suddenly steps up.

I have mixed feelings about this session overall, for some reason. Can't put my finger on why.

[18:29] * Sailor_Dune sets mode: +m
[18:42] <Sailor_Dune> Scene - Rei's temple, two hours later. Rei and Makoto, having had to leave shortly after due to people regaining consciousness, have regrouped to Rei's room.
[18:42] <Sailor_Dune> Venus, who ran off after seeing the body, is not with you, nor is Artemis.
[18:43] <Sailor_Dune> It's evening now, and the temple has quieted down.
[18:43] <Sailor_Dune> As you sit there, a knock is heard on Rei's door.
[18:44] <Sailor_Dune> "Are you in there, Rei?" Yuuchiro's voice is heard from outside.
[18:44] * Rei-chan is looking utterly lost and despondent. "No," she mumbles at the door.
[18:44] <Sailor_Dune> "Uh, I brought you some snacks, since you and Makoto looked so down." he says.
[18:45] <Sailor_Dune> "If you want them, I'll just leave them out here, okay?"
[18:45] * Rei-chan shakes herself a bit. Yuiichiro is only trying to help. "Thank you," she says slightly appreciatively, but makes no move to go and get them.
[18:46] <Sailor_Dune> "Okay...Rei..." he mumbles, barely audible. You hear him shuffling off.
[18:46] * Rei-chan sniffles a bit.
[18:47] * Makoto just hangs back, and tries to reach Minako on the communicator. "Minako, are you there?"
[18:48] * Rei-chan looks up at Makoto, seeming vaguely curious.
[18:48] <Sailor_Dune> After several moments, the face of Artemis appears in the communicator.
[18:48] <Sailor_Dune> "Hey, Makoto." he says, sounding a bit down himself.
[18:49] <Makoto> "How's Minako doing?" she asks glumly.
[18:49] <Sailor_Dune> "Ah, she'll be okay once she works through this." he says, glancing over his shoulder. "How are you doing?"
[18:50] <Makoto> "Heh..." she laughed without mirth. "Trying to 'work' through this as well. We're still a bit shell-shocked here."
[18:51] <Sailor_Dune> "Yeah...You know," he starts suddenly after a pause, "We've been lucky until now. From what Luna told me, you haven't had many, if any, fatalities."
[18:51] * Rei-chan overhears and looks up, "You have?" she asks.
[18:55] <Sailor_Dune> "I mean, it's terrible, but it doesn't do any good to lose yourself in this. We can't all afford to fall apart like Usagi did..." he leaves that hanging.
[18:56] <Rei-chan> "Oh God... what will we tell Usagi? This will destroy her, I know it!" Rei blanches.
[18:56] <Makoto> "So we don't tell her," Makoto replied calmly.
[18:57] * Rei-chan stares at Makoto, dumbfounded.
[18:57] <Rei-chan> "Are you serious?"
[18:57] <Makoto> "She has enough worries. I -refuse- to add more to her list," she said with all seriousness.
[18:57] <Sailor_Dune> "It's not a bad idea, Makoto. Or, at least not tell her for awhile. Right now, heaping that on would be vicious to her."
[18:57] * Makoto nods.
[18:58] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis huffs lightly and hangs his head. "We need a FUNCTIONING princess, not a vegetable who can't leave her room."
[18:58] <Rei-chan> "But what if she finds out we lied to her?" Rei asks, horrified.
[18:59] <Makoto> "Then we deal with it then. Hopefully she'll be more annoyed by our lying than agonizing over the death."
[18:59] * Rei-chan looks unconvinced.
[18:59] <Sailor_Dune> "Weeeellll...then we can tell her when she can handle it. Perhaps merely delaying it is more palatable for you?" he inquires.
[19:00] <Rei-chan> "I don't like it. We should be able to share everything with each other."
[19:01] <Sailor_Dune> "Look," he says, straightening, "How about we discuss this tomorrow with clearer heads and sounder minds?"
[19:01] <Sailor_Dune> "Think about it tonight, okay?"
[19:01] <Rei-chan> "Okay, I'll think about it, but I really don't like the idea of keeping something like this from her. She has a right to know..."
[19:02] <Makoto> "She does. And we'll tell her once she's ready."
[19:02] <Makoto> "But not before."
[19:02] * Rei-chan seems very disconcerted by this conversation, but remains silent for now.
[19:02] <Sailor_Dune> "Yeah...Anyway, goodnight, girls. I need to go..." with that, the communicator goes dark.
[19:03] * Makoto shuts off her own communicator, and sighs, falling into a heap at the floor, her head lowered and covered in her hands.
[19:04] <Makoto> "Nothing's going our way lately, is it?" she says, shaking a bit.
[19:04] <Rei-chan> "I know I always told Usagi to be more serious, but even I never expected anyone would really get hurt..." Rei mumbles, more to herself than anyone else.
[19:07] * Makoto just sighs into her hands again.
[19:07] <Sailor_Dune> As you stare into your hands, your stomach rumbles noisily. Thinking, you realize you haven't eaten since going to the Crown Arcade.
[19:08] * Rei-chan looks up at Makoto "Those snacks are still at the door..."
[19:08] * Makoto grumbles and shuffles over to the door.
[19:08] * Makoto opens the door and looks at what Yuichiro left.
[19:09] <Sailor_Dune> Some now warm bean buns and a few cans of soda are sitting on a large plate.
[19:10] * Makoto grabs the plate and gets back in, kicking the door shut behind her before sitting down.
[19:11] * Makoto offers a bun to Rei as she takes a bite of one for herself.
[19:12] * Rei-chan looks at the bun then shakes her head. "I doubt I could keep it down with the way I feel," she says, thinking of both her state of mind and what that ice cream earlier did to her.
[19:14] <Sailor_Dune> Scene, Rei's room, half an hour later. The plate of buns is now down one can of soda and two bean buns.
[19:14] <Sailor_Dune> *Knock* "Rei, you have a telephone call," Rei's grandfather says simply.
[19:15] <Rei-chan> "Coming," Rei says, getting up and going to the hall to answer, wondering who could be calling.
[19:15] <Makoto> "I'll stay here," Makoto said as Rei left.
[19:16] <Sailor_Dune> "Rei-chan?" Usagi's voice comes from the phone.
[19:16] * Rei-chan pales, but remembers Artemis and Makoto's words and tries to act natural. "Hi, Usagi-chan, how's your mother?"
[19:17] <Sailor_Dune> In a weary voice, she replies. "She's doing better...Are you and the others alright?"
[19:17] * Rei-chan clenches the phone tightly. "We're... we're doing okay... Usagi..."
[19:18] <Sailor_Dune> "Well...There was a story on the news about an incident at a aquarium in Tokyo and another case of people losing energy..."
[19:19] * Rei-chan looks on the verge of losing it completely. "Yeah... we handled it, Usagi..."
[19:20] <Sailor_Dune> "Okay...They said there were serious injuries..." she says softly.
[19:20] <Sailor_Dune> "I was worried..."
[19:20] * Rei-chan breaks down completely "Oh God, Usagi, I'm so sorry! I'm sorry! We tried... oh God, we tried..." she starts crying.
[19:21] <Sailor_Dune> "Rei...REI?" Usagi says, starting to cry softly. "Rei..."
[19:22] <Rei-chan> "It was horrible Usagi... I'm so sorry, we weren't good enough... we didn't even know until after the battle ended... the blood... oh God..." Rei babbles.
[19:22] <Sailor_Dune> "Rei-chan..." she sniffles.
[19:23] <Rei-chan> "I'm sorry, Usagi. I tried to be strong, but I can't do it anymore... I've never seen anything like that, and I never wanted to..."
[19:24] <Sailor_Dune> "What happened?" Usagi finally asks.
[19:24] <Sailor_Dune> Her voice is filled with concern. "You didn't get hurt?"
[19:25] <Rei-chan> "I... we..." Rei desperately tries to calm herself. "We're all okay, but this one old lady... the bleachers were hit during the fight, and she was crushed by the rubble. She died, Usagi..." she finishes as gently as she can.
[19:27] <Sailor_Dune> A long, uncomfortable pause fills the air. Finally, "Rei...I'm sorry..."
[19:28] <Rei-chan> "No Usagi, I'm the one who's sorry! Please believe me, I wish I'd been a better fighter and stopped it from happening, I'm so sorry!"
[19:29] <Sailor_Dune> "I'm...I'm sorry I wasn't there, Rei!" she yells. "It's my fault, God I'm soo sorry, Rei."
[19:30] <Rei-chan> "NO!" Rei screams in the receiver "It's NOT your fault! Never think that, Usagi! You couldn't have known, you needed to be with your mother!"
[19:31] <Sailor_Dune> "NO!...no." she says more calmly. "I'm sorry for leaving you all, Rei."
[19:32] * Rei-chan sniffles "Don't be, Usagi. It's our job to protect you. If I had done a better job at the hot springs, none of this would have happened..."
[19:33] <Sailor_Dune> "It's okay, Rei-chan. It's okay..." she says, sniffing again.
[19:34] <Rei-chan> "I... I wish it was, Usagi... I wish no one had to die..." Rei says softly.
[19:35] * Rei-chan continues philosophically "I suppose everyone has to die... it's the way the world works. But not like that, never like that."
[19:35] <Sailor_Dune> "Yeah...You remember Nephrite, don't you, Rei?" she asks suddenly.
[19:36] <Rei-chan> "Yeah... I was sad then, but... this is different. He was a Dark General, even if he was good in the end, he was a warrior. This old lady, she had nothing to do with the fight, she was just having a nice day out... then that happens..."
[19:36] <Sailor_Dune> "Do you remember how peaceful he looked as he faded away?" she asks. "I do...I remembered it last night..."
[19:37] * Rei-chan nods slightly "Yes... he was always so angry... so hateful, but when he was with Naru, in her arms even with his injuries, he seemed at peace..."
[19:38] <Sailor_Dune> "That face...It calms me. I'd like to think that lady is like that now too, you know? That it isn't so bad anymore..."
[19:38] <Sailor_Dune> Usagi speaks slowly and sadly, yet in control.
[19:39] * Rei-chan feels ashamed of herself compared to Usagi's strength. "Yes, that is what Grandfather always taught me... I just..." she trails off helplessly.
[19:40] <Sailor_Dune> Usagi doesn't respond.
[19:42] * Rei-chan composes herself slightly. "Usagi... when do you think you can come back? I think we need you... and Ami... things are getting too serious, and we need the whole team."
[19:43] <Sailor_Dune> "Momma and Dad were talking about her going home soon, to heal. I don't know if I can come back right now, even with school," she says. "Ami's been helping me catch up some, too."
[19:45] <Rei-chan> "Okay," Rei responds softly "We'll do our best until you get back," she takes a deep breath. "Usagi... Princess, I promise that I won't let anyone else die."
[19:46] <Sailor_Dune> "Thanks, Rei...Do you want to talk to Ami?" she asks.
[19:47] <Rei-chan> "Um, I'm feeling kinda drained, just pass on what I told you... Mako-chan is here as well, do you or Ami-chan want to talk to her?" Rei asks, hoping Makoto won't be too mad at her for blowing everything.
[19:48] <Sailor_Dune> "No...I should go back now myself." Usagi laughs lightly, rather oddly. "I've been away way longer than I said I would."
[19:49] <Rei-chan> "Okay, goodbye. Take care, Usagi," Rei whispers into the phone.
[19:49] <Sailor_Dune> "Bye, Rei-chan." she says.
[19:49] <Sailor_Dune> *click*
[19:49] * Rei-chan hangs up with a profound sigh, and trudges back into her room.
[19:50] <Makoto> "Who was it?" Makoto asks as Rei enters.
[19:50] <Rei-chan> "Usagi. She knows," Rei replies simply as she plops onto her futon.
[19:51] <Rei-chan> "She forgives us."
[19:52] * Rei-chan looks utterly exhausted and drained from her conversation with Usagi.
[19:52] * Makoto sighs as her hands cover her face again. "So how did she take it?"
[19:52] * Rei-chan laughs bitterly "Better than I did."
[19:53] <Makoto> "So," Makoto started. "Is her mom better? Are her and Ami coming back?"
[19:54] * Rei-chan shakes herself slightly and focuses properly on Makoto. "Mrs. Tsukino is recovering well, Usagi says they won't be coming back right away... Probably in a few days, but I didn't get an exact date."
[19:56] <Makoto> "But she's coming back soon," she says, lifting her head and revealing a weak smile. "That's good to hear."
[19:57] <Rei-chan> "If we can get the whole team back together, things will pick up, I'm sure of it," Rei says with a small smile.
[19:59] <Makoto> "Of course, that bastard Kunzite probably won't wait before making a mess again. We're going to have to be ready for next time."
[19:59] * Rei-chan clenches a fist angrily. "He'll get his. We'll make sure of that."

On to Minako...A crisis of faith for Sailor V-chan?!?!

[20:02] <Sailor_Dune> ----------
[20:03] <Sailor_Dune> Scene - Minako's Room, the outside door.
[20:04] <Sailor_Dune> "Mina?" Artemis calls from outside the door.
[20:05] <Sailor_Dune> "Mina?" he calls again. "Will you talk to me?"
[20:05] * V-chan opens the door silently.
[20:07] <Sailor_Dune> "Mina, how are you doing?" he asks gently.
[20:07] <V-chan> "I've been slacking off, haven't I?" she says tonelessly, while going back inside her room. "I haven't even helped Natsuna-oneesan in a while."
[20:08] * V-chan holds up her transformation pen. "I can't become Sailor Venus, you know?" She sighs. "I've tried, and even begged it to work, but it just doesn't."
[20:08] <Sailor_Dune> "Well, Mina..." he begins.
[20:08] <Sailor_Dune> "What, Mina?" he asks, alarm in his voice.
[20:08] <V-chan> "Some soldier of love and justice," Minako says bitterly.
[20:09] <Sailor_Dune> "Mina, slow down. What do you mean you can't transform?"
[20:10] <V-chan> "I just... can't." Holding up the pen, Minako whispers sadly, "Venus Power. Make Up."
[20:12] * V-chan waits a few moments, before shrugging, and dropping the pen on her desk. "See?"
[20:20] <Sailor_Dune> "I see..." he quietly says, staring at the pen.
[20:21] <V-chan> "But it's okay," Minako replies with determination. "I've got you, and I've got this." She shows Artemis her crescent compact.
[20:22] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis looks up sharply. "Wait a minute, Miss Minako, what are you planning?"
[20:23] <V-chan> "I haven't told anyone this, Artemis," Minako says sadly, "but I had a premonition today. I knew something was going on." She sighs. "But I ignored it. You know how long it's been since I had a date...." Minako laughs quietly.
[20:24] <V-chan> "I'm not going to wait for another one," she says decisively. "I'm going out there, and you're going to help me."
[20:24] <Sailor_Dune> "You don't really think it's because of that silly cu...bad luck at romance is it?"
[20:25] <V-chan> "Call it what it is. A curse. I can't get close to guys."
[20:26] <Sailor_Dune> "That's bullshit, Mina," he hisses between his teeth.
[20:26] * V-chan gives Artemis a smile, though there's not much mirth in it. "Let's put your evil-sensing skills to good use." She pauses for a moment, before adding, "Someone else might be about to die out there."
[20:27] <Sailor_Dune> "You're planning to go out there normally?" he asks, even more surprised.
[20:28] * V-chan poses. "I'm not the undefeated star of volleyball for nothing!"
[20:29] <Sailor_Dune> "...Mina..." he sighs and hangs his head. "You're really going to try this?"
[20:29] * V-chan ignores Artemis's protests, and walks straight into the bathroom, emerging from it a few moments later without any signs of tear tracks on her face. "Let's go, Artemis! Just like old times!"
[20:31] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis looks like he will protest again, but instead laughs softly. "Like old time, eh Mina?"
[20:31] * V-chan nods, and picks him up, before heading outside.
[20:32] <Sailor_Dune> As you exit, Artemis says, "But just be careful, Mina. Luna will go spastic if you get hurt..."
[20:32] <V-chan> "Luna always goes spastic, or so I hear...."
[20:33] * V-chan looks for a deserted alley to use the compact.
[20:33] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis snorts. "Ain't that the truth. That cat needs to get good and f...er, yeah," Artemis says, blushing under his fur.
[20:34] * V-chan pointedly ignores the pervert, dropping him and then stepping on his tail.
[20:34] <Sailor_Dune> "GWAH! MINA!" he protests loudly.
[20:34] <Sailor_Dune> "GET OFF MY DAMN TAIL!"
[20:34] * V-chan walks towards that alley
[20:36] * V-chan holds up the compact with both hands, and closes her eyes, calling out, "Crescent Moon Power Transform! Change me into the sailor-suited crimefighter, Sailor V!"
[20:37] * V-chan is bathed with light, which transforms her clothing into Sailor V's uniform, the final touches being the familiar red mask settling over her eyes, and a chain made of golden hearts wrapping itself around her waist like a sash.
[20:39] * V-chan comes out of the transformation posing with her head lowered, and her hands crossed in front of her chest, her fingers being the last things the golden light touches, covering their ends in orange nail polish.
[20:41] <Sailor_Dune> "Nice job, Mina," Artemis observes idly.
[20:41] * V-chan raises her head, her eyes opening and blinking once, before settling on Artemis. "Let's roll, Kitty," she says with a smirk, dropping her hands to her sides.
[20:42] <Sailor_Dune> "Let me guess, I'm going to be your radar?"
[20:43] <V-chan> "Got it in one, cat."
[20:43] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis sighs. "Well, give me some time. It isn't like this city is that overrun by the Dark Kingdom..."
[20:44] <V-chan> "Let's start by checking out the local crime spots. Maybe we'll stop some muggers along the way...."
[20:46] <Sailor_Dune> You travel down in the shadows, down to the seedier segments of Tokyo.
[20:47] <Sailor_Dune> It's a cold night, and most people are in side if they can help it. The dark, snowish cloud gathering aren't helping the matter, either.
[20:47] <Sailor_Dune> Perhaps because of this or perhaps of good luck, you encounter no muggers on the way.
[20:49] <Sailor_Dune> Finally, you reach Onigaza, a small, decrepit neighborhood that houses a populace of the wretchedly poor and criminals.
[20:49] <Sailor_Dune> It's quiet tonight - No great acts of villainy present themselves to you.
[20:49] <Sailor_Dune> At least at first.
[20:50] <Sailor_Dune> "Quiet night," Artemis observes, shivering.
[20:50] * V-chan nods.
[20:50] <V-chan> "No Dark Kingdom energy?"
[20:51] <Sailor_Dune> "Nothing like that, no. I don't believe the Dark Kingdom has been active in this area of the city."
[20:53] <Sailor_Dune> And...Pause. Just got the bum rush computer wise.

Paused mid way, as you gathered, but you can get the idea. The next session picks up with this...

[Anastasia]

Session 5! The entrance of Sailor Ana...er...Minako big crime busting plan!

[16:41] <Sailor_Ana> You remember where you were, correct?
[16:42] <V-chan> In some bad area of town?
[16:42] <Sailor_Ana> Yeah. Do you want me to post logs of the end of last session?
[16:42] <V-chan> A few lines from the end, sure. And let me know how long it's taken me to get there?
[16:42] <V-chan> ^^
[16:44] <Sailor_Ana> Yeah, the log snippet is incoming.
[16:44] <Sailor_Ana> > You travel down in the shadows, down to the seedier segments of Tokyo.
[16:44] <Sailor_Ana> > It's a cold night, and most people are in side if they can help it. The dark, snowish cloud gathering aren't helping the matter, either.
[16:44] <Sailor_Ana> > Perhaps because of this or perhaps of good luck, you encounter no muggers on the way.
[16:44] <Sailor_Ana> > Finally, you reach Onigaza, a small, decrepit neighborhood that houses a populace of the wretchedly poor and criminals.
[16:44] <Sailor_Ana> > It's quiet tonight - No great acts of villainy present themselves to you.
[16:44] <Sailor_Ana> > At least at first.
[16:44] <Sailor_Ana> > "Quiet night," Artemis observes, shivering.
[16:44] <Sailor_Ana> * V-chan nods.
[16:44] <Sailor_Ana> <V-chan> "No Dark Kingdom energy?"
[16:45] <Sailor_Ana> > "Nothing like that, no. I don't believe the Dark Kingdom has been active in this area of the city."
[16:45] <Sailor_Ana> > And...Pause. Just got the bum rush computer wise.
[16:45] <Sailor_Ana> * Sailor_Dune is now known as Dunefar
[16:45] <Sailor_Ana> It was maybe twenty minutes. It's decently into the evening, say 10ish.
[16:45] * Sailor_Ana sets mode: +m
[16:45] * Sailor_Ana sets mode: +v V-chan
[16:45] <V-chan> k
[16:46] <Sailor_Ana> Anyway, it's your move when you're ready.
[16:47] <V-chan> "Artemis?" Minako asks.
[16:48] <Sailor_Ana> "Yes, Mina?" he says, looking around as he does so.
[16:49] <V-chan> "How do you think the Dark Kingdom youma choose where to appear?"
[16:50] <Sailor_Ana> "Well, aren't they usually commanded in some way by a Dark General or some other force? I don't recall seeing many 'wild' youma if that's what you mean." He pauses for a moment. "No, there is generally some scheme in the works when we see youma."
[16:51] <V-chan> "But how would the generals know where to go?" Minako asks curiously. "They don't live here in Tokyo, do they?"
[16:52] <Sailor_Ana> "Not that we know of," he replies with a shrug.
[16:53] <V-chan> "It's kinda unfair that they just teleport all over the place like in some bad Star Trek episodes," Minako quips, pouting.
[16:54] <Sailor_Ana> "Um..." Artemis begins, giving Minako a look that speaks of many things, none of them terribly flattering. "Is this going anywhere, Mina?"
[16:54] <Sailor_Ana> "I'd really rather NOT discuss the fairness of teleportation when I'm freezing my fur off..." he says, scowling.
[16:55] * V-chan shrugs. "I dunno. And we don't have to discuss it, if you actually found the bad guys." She sticks her tongue out at him.
[16:58] <Sailor_Ana> "Hmph. Any ideas, Mina?" he says, trying to ignore her attempts to get into it with him. "Or at least somewhere WARM to go?"
[17:00] <V-chan> "No real idea beyond patrolling for a little bit longer. You get warmed up when you move, right?"
[17:01] <Sailor_Ana> "It's better than standing here," he says.
[17:03] * V-chan walks around, on the lookout for great acts of villainy.
[17:03] <Sailor_Ana> In an alley a block away, you hear some muffled thuds and clunks coming from the shadows. The thuds of boots hitting something soft and giving...like a human.
[17:05] <V-chan> "Over there!" Minako says, pointing towards the alley, and runs towards it.
[17:06] <Sailor_Ana> Artemis follows behind you, carefully. As you rush into the alley, you can see two man-shaped objects kicking what appears to be a downed man. It's too dark to get a good look, though. The streetlights are few and far between here.
[17:08] <V-chan> "Hold it right there, you creeps!" Minako announces loudly, standing at the entrance to the alley. "Code name: Sailor V! I am the sailor-suited beautiful soldier, Sailor Venus! For attacking a man and hitting him while he's down, prepare to be punished!"
[17:08] * V-chan poses appropriately.
[17:09] <Sailor_Ana> The thudding stops as you begin your speech, and you can see the man shaped objects turn and look at you. They do not respond during your speech, instead just looking (staring?). "What the hell?" one of them finally utters, disbelief and shock gushing from his voice.
[17:11] * V-chan points a gloved hand at him. "Stay right there, Villain!" she announces.
[17:11] <Sailor_Ana> "Sailor Venus?!" the other gasps out. "One of those bimbos from the news?"
[17:12] * V-chan twitches. "Bimbo?" Fuming, she begins walking towards the two. "Watch your mouth!"
[17:12] <Sailor_Ana> The first goon, takes a step forward. You can see him a little better now, a bulky figure.
[17:13] <Sailor_Ana> "How about I watch that sweet ass of yours, hmm, girl?" he says, laughing grossly and taking another step towards you.
[17:14] * V-chan whispers at Artemis, "Go check out the guy they were attacking."
[17:14] <Sailor_Ana> "Will do, Mina," he says shortly.
[17:16] <V-chan> "Your mother may forgive you for kissing her with that mouth, but I won't!" Minako boldly announces, and grabbing the chain from her waist, she begins twirling it, before attempting to catch that guy's head with it.
[17:16] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Go ahead and make an attack roll for that.
[17:16] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[17:16] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[17:17] <Sailor_Ana> You lash out with the chain, but the large man is prepared, falling back to the side a bit before coming headlong at you!
[17:17] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[17:17] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[17:18] <Sailor_Ana> He makes a tackle at you, but he is slow and easy to dance out of the way of. He ends up a bit behind you, trying to regain his center.
[17:19] <Sailor_Ana> The second man comes forward as well, and you can see him pull out a gleaming object from his clothing.
[17:19] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Your go, Venus.
[17:19] <V-chan> OOC: Could you describe our positions a bit, distance, etc?
[17:20] <Sailor_Ana> Okay. You are just in the alley, with the tackler 10 feet behind you and off balance. The second man is ahead of you, by 15 feet or so. He's just ahead of the downed person.
[17:20] <Sailor_Ana> Lighting is low.
[17:20] <V-chan> k
[17:21] * V-chan uses her acrobatics skills to dance out of the way of the strike, and attempts to trip the attacker rushing her towards his companion.
[17:23] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[17:23] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 2."
[17:23] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Criticalled, IIRC.
[17:23] <V-chan> OOC: Yeah  :p
[17:23] <V-chan> roll 1d6
[17:23] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 1d6 and gets 3."
[17:25] <Sailor_Ana> Considering it's a trip, the damage is almost nil, but...
[17:25] * V-chan nods
[17:27] <Sailor_Ana> Dodging carefully, you nimbly trip the oncoming assailant, sending him face first into the pavement. His head bounces off the hard flooring and he lays still.
[17:28] <Sailor_Ana> With a loud grunt, the first thug balances himself and launches his body at V-Chan again!
[17:28] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[17:28] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[17:29] <Sailor_Ana> And he misses again, scraping against the alley wall as he misses his intended target.
[17:29] * V-chan sends her chain flying at his feet, trying to grab them.
[17:29] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[17:29] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[17:30] <Sailor_Ana> You lash out again with your faux chain, but miss by a fair margin, hitting the wall instead of the creep.
[17:30] <Sailor_Ana> This time, he pushes himself off the wall and takes a fist swing at your pretty face!
[17:30] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[17:30] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[17:30] <Sailor_Ana> But Sailor Venus is too quick, avoiding his meaty mitts.
[17:32] * V-chan allows a scowl to mar her features, and kicks between his legs.
[17:32] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[17:32] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[17:33] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[17:33] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[17:33] <Sailor_Ana> Your foot races out, meeting his private area. He lets out a pained moan and sinks down, cupping said area.
[17:38] * V-chan drives her right heel into his spine, and reaches for his left arm, trying to twist it behind his back.
[17:40] <V-chan> roll 2d6-2
[17:40] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 2d6-2 and gets 5."
[17:41] <Sailor_Ana> You do so successfully, the man is unable to mount any resistance in his current state.
[17:41] <Sailor_Ana> "Ooooh...uhgghgh..." he moans.
[17:42] <Sailor_Ana> "Mina," Artemis whispers, having come up on you unawares, "Are you done with them?"
[17:43] <V-chan> "I think so," she replies in the same whispered tone. "How's their victim?"
[17:43] <Sailor_Ana> "He's been beaten up pretty bad," he says back. "Probably some broken ribs at the very least."
[17:45] * V-chan nods, and begins tying the guy's hands behind his back with her chain.
[17:45] <Sailor_Ana> You do so, the chain making a good tie.
[17:46] <Sailor_Ana> The tied up man makes no effort to struggle at the moment, still in pain.
[17:47] * V-chan steps away from the tied man, and holds up her crescent compact, asking for herself to appear with another similar chain wrapped around her torso.
[17:47] <Sailor_Ana> It so happens. A flash later, you have a second waist chain.
[17:47] * V-chan heads towards the other downed man, mindful of any movement from his, or flashes of light from the object his was holding.
[17:48] <Sailor_Ana> He makes no threatening movement, and seems to be unconscious or heavily stunned.
[17:48] * V-chan ties him up, like she had with his companion.
[17:50] <Sailor_Ana> He gives you no trouble. As you do so, you remove a switchblade from the ground near him and find that he is indeed unconscious.
[17:51] * V-chan dumps the switchblade out of reach from either of the two, and rushes over to the man Artemis was looking at.
[17:52] <Sailor_Ana> Peering at him through the dimness, you see that he is a scruffy-looking man, perhaps 30 years old. A short goatee and ragged slacks and a T - shirt give him the look of a bum.
[17:52] <Sailor_Ana> He has a cut on his cheek, and is breathing shallowly.
[17:54] * V-chan grabs her cell, and is about to dial the Police Superintendent's number, when she realizes the late hour and rings the emergency services instead.
[17:55] <Sailor_Ana> "Emergency Services. How can we help you?" a woman's clear, concise voice comes through the cell phone.
[17:57] <V-chan> "Could you send an ambulance to this area?" Minako asks her, describing where she's at. "There's a man here who had been beaten up by two thugs, and he's in a pretty bad shape. Oh," she adds after a moment, "send a squad car to pick up the trash as well, please!"
[17:57] <Sailor_Ana> "Ma'am? Could you stay right there and tell us how badly the man is hurt?" the woman replies in a calm, business like voice.
[17:58] * V-chan nods, before realizing she can't be seen doing that on the phone, and smacks her head. "Sure, no problem!" Minako repeats what Artemis told her.
[18:00] <Sailor_Ana> "Okay. Is any blood coming from his mouth?" she asks.
[18:00] * V-chan checks.
[18:00] <Sailor_Ana> There is a bit of blood by the corner of his lip.
[18:01] <V-chan> "His breathing is shallow, and he's got a cut on his cheek-- oh, wait, there's some blood at the corner of his lips!" Minako bites her lower lip, and remembering that one of the men had a switchblade, looks for any stab/slash wounds.
[18:02] <Sailor_Ana> A short check of his body - which is hindered by the lack of light - shows no slash type wounds.
[18:02] <V-chan> "I don't think he was cut," Minako adds, frowning. "But it's hard to see much in this light."
[18:03] <Sailor_Ana> "Okay. Just stay there until the ambulance gets there, okay?" she says.
[18:04] * V-chan mutes the cell, and looks down at Artemis questioningly. "Do you think he'll be okay on his own until the ambulance gets here?"
[18:06] <Sailor_Ana> Artemis looks over to him again. "He should be - if he isn't, he's beyond our help anyway."
[18:08] * V-chan nods at him, and activates the mouthpiece of the cell again. "I'm sorry," she says with genuine sorrow in her voice, "but there might be someone else who needs help. I've done all I could here, so now it's up to you. Good night." Minako hangs the phone.
[18:08] <Sailor_Ana> "Ma'a-" Her voice is cut off.
[18:08] <V-chan> "Let's go?" she tells Artemis, scooping down to pick him up.
[18:08] <Sailor_Ana> "Okay, Mina." He says, snuggling into her large, warm...

Oh, to be Artemis...

Anyhow, that was really the first time I was happy with how the battle system flowed. It worked well enough, although I'm just damn happy Minako pulled off the win. I would have hated to see what would have happened should she had eaten an unlucky KO.

[18:09] * V-chan heads towards the water park.
[18:12] <Sailor_Ana> It is a fair distance from here to the water park, and it is past 11 PM when you finally arrive.
[18:13] <Sailor_Ana> There are still a few scattered police cars and police barricades, a reminder of the incident today.
[18:16] * V-chan hides in the bushes, and takes out her crescent compact, whispering, "Crescent Moon Power Transform! Change me into a police detective!"
[18:17] <Sailor_Ana> A moment later, you are wearing a short police blue skirt with an official looking blouse. A badge is hanging from a chain on your neck, and your hair is tied back.
[18:18] * V-chan leaves the protection of the bushes, and looks down on her badge for a name.
[18:18] <Sailor_Ana> It reads 'Minako Aino, Detective' along with a badge number.
[18:21] * V-chan puts her cat inside her small, white purse, and then motions for Artemis to remain silent and hides him from view.
[18:21] * V-chan then strolls inside, projecting confidence.
[18:22] <Sailor_Ana> Just before the main door, a bored looking officer is waiting. He looks you over briefly, glancing at your badge.
[18:22] <Sailor_Ana> "Evening, Detective. Can I help you?"
[18:23] <V-chan> "Yes," Minako replies. "Detective Wakagi asked me to investigate something... strange... about the accident." She rolls her eyes. "You know how he gets."
[18:24] <Sailor_Ana> "Um, yes Ma'am," he says, moving out of the way.
[18:24] * V-chan nods, and steps inside, heading to the bathrooms that were the meeting area for her, Rei and Makoto.
[18:25] <Sailor_Ana> It is empty inside, as expected, but the lights are on.
[18:25] * V-chan inserts her hand into the purse, and lightly taps Artemis on his head. "Can you feel anything?"
[18:26] <Sailor_Ana> "Yeah, your hand," he shoots back.
[18:27] * V-chan smacks him.
[18:28] <V-chan> "I've been thinking," Minako says, walking towards the scene of their disastrous battle. "You said the Dark Kingdom types don't live here, and I agree."
[18:28] <Sailor_Ana> "Damn, Mina!" he grumbles. "No, I don't feel anything."
[18:29] <V-chan> "Then try harder!" she admonishes him. "As things are now, we are barely on time to protect those people, and sometimes not even that. We have to find some way of predicting where they would appear, or even where they're coming from so we could strike back."
[18:30] <V-chan> "There has to be something different about this place... something strange... something that made Kunzite choose to attack it."
[18:30] <Sailor_Ana> "That would be useful, wouldn't it?" he agrees. "Maybe it's because it had lots of people at one time?"
[18:31] <V-chan> "Motoki-oniisan's arcade was never attacked," she replies. "And so weren't a lot of other places. This isn't the only park in Tokyo."
[18:32] <Sailor_Ana> "If there is a pattern, it's one that I don't see, Mina," he replies tiredly. "Luna and I have discussed this before, too."
[18:33] <V-chan> "How nice of you to talk between yourself," she snaps at him. "What, you didn't think a mere girl would figure anything out? It takes a cat to solve the case, is that it?"
[18:34] <Sailor_Ana> "Look, Minako," he says in a authoritative voice, "We don't mention everything we discuss, ESPECIALLY when you show more interest chasing boys than fighting the Dark Kingdom!" he fires back, clearly annoyed.
[18:35] <V-chan> "We just never lost anyone before," she says tonelessly. "Not anyone good... you know?"
[18:37] <Sailor_Ana> "Yeah, I know," he says in the same tired tone as before. "It was bound to happen, though. No matter how hard we fight, we can't stop everything."
[18:38] <V-chan> "That's why we have to try something new," she replies. "Don't you have any Venus Lovely Youma-Finding Gadgets you've been holding out on me, or something?"
[18:39] <Sailor_Ana> Artemis laughs, shaking your purse. "Don't I wish. Maybe Luna does, but I certainly don't."
[18:39] * V-chan laughs as well. "Wouldn't it be nice, if you did?"
[18:40] <Sailor_Ana> "Yeah, or even a Venus Boyfriend/Girlfriend/Youmafriend finder, eh Mina?" he says, falling into a deep fit of laughing.
[18:40] * V-chan scowls. "One of these days...." she growls, her eyebrow twitching.
[18:40] <Sailor_Ana> "You'll give up and go out with me?" he finishes between gales of laugher.
[18:41] <V-chan> "I'd rather marry Luna," Minako replies, as she arrives to the scene.
[18:41] <Sailor_Ana> "I bet you would," he says, still smirking.
[18:42] * V-chan points at the pool, the stands, and briefly describe Artemis what happened during the battle.
[18:43] <Sailor_Ana> "Hmm...You want me to sense for anything in particular?" he asks.
[18:44] * V-chan ends the description by pointing at the pond. "That's where we all hit Kunzite, before he left. He was hurt, and had to be teleporting back to wherever he lives." Minako grits her teeth. "The Dark Kingdom."
[18:44] <Sailor_Ana> "I'll sense, but I'm not taking a dive into the water," he warns.
[18:45] <V-chan> "You'll find something, or you do," Minako warns.
[18:46] <Sailor_Ana> "Hey! You know how long it takes to get my fur so silky smooth? I'd spend ages cleaning myself if you did!" he protests loudly and freely.
[18:46] * V-chan shushes him.
[18:47] <Sailor_Ana> "Right, right..." he says, muttering...
[18:47] <Sailor_Ana> After a quarter of a minute, he replies.
[18:47] <Sailor_Ana> "I sense a tiny fragment of Dark Kingdom energy at the bottom of the pool" he says finally.
[18:48] <V-chan> "What do you think it means?"
[18:48] <Sailor_Ana> "It means there's a bit of Dark Kingdom energy left here. It could be a remnant of the battle," he suggests.
[18:50] <V-chan> "Does it feel any different than what you sense before the enemy attacks?"
[18:51] <Sailor_Ana> "Not really," he says with a feline shrugs and tail whish.
[18:52] * V-chan sighs. "Well, let's walk around the park a bit, to see if we can find more traces of this energy. If you're right, and they targeted this park for all the people who come here, maybe Dark Kingdom youma appeared elsewhere too, and were just disguising themselves."
[18:53] * V-chan travels around the park with Artemis.
[18:55] <Sailor_Ana> You walk the park around, even passing by where you had an almost date a half a day ago. Artemis reports no other energy of note.
[18:57] * V-chan sighs again, upon hearing this from Artemis. "Maybe we're approaching this from the wrong angle? Let's try to find out more details about the show that drew to it all the people that Kunzite attacked."
[18:58] <Sailor_Ana> "And where are we going to find that at this hour, Mina? All the employees seem to be gone for the night."
[18:59] <V-chan> "The police is still here," she replies. "They probably collected this information."
[18:59] <Sailor_Ana> "Well, ask them," he says as he settles back into the purse.
[19:00] <V-chan> "They may not be up to far for fighting the Dark Kingdom, but the Tokyo police does its best," she says with admiration.
[19:01] <Sailor_Ana> "Heh."
[19:02] * V-chan makes sure Artemis can't be seen, and then produces a pen and a notebook, like she's seen cops use, and approaches the cop at the entrance.
[19:02] <Sailor_Ana> As you come up, the officer on duty turns to you and smiles. "Done, Ma'am?" he asks pleasantly.
[19:03] <V-chan> "Almost, officer..." Minako looks at his chest for a badge, or some nametag.
[19:03] <Sailor_Ana> Ichiro Ayanami is on his badge that sits on the front of his shirt.
[19:06] <V-chan> "Officer Ayanami," she continues. "Could you fill me in on what the investigation has found, so that my report would be complete?"
[19:06] <Sailor_Ana> "I'm afraid that I'm not privy to the details of the report, Ma'am," he says. "I merely was assigned here tonight."
[19:08] <V-chan> Minako's face droops. "I'll have to make do, then." She sighs. "And the report had to be ready by the morning, too. What a shame...."
[19:08] <Sailor_Ana> "I'm sorry," he says perfunctorily.
[19:09] * V-chan shrugs. "Don't be. Well, I'll be off, then."
[19:10] <Sailor_Ana> "Alright. Have a good night," he says blandly.
[19:10] * V-chan nods at him, and takes her leave.
[19:11] * V-chan drops the disguise, once she's far enough and is sure no one can see.
[19:11] <Sailor_Ana> "Well..." Artemis begins.
[19:12] <V-chan> "We'll just have to ask Natsuna-oneesan about this tomorrow," Minako tells him. "No worries."
[19:12] <Sailor_Ana> "Tomorrow...Gah, it's nearly midnight already. Someone is going to have a bad morning."
[19:12] <V-chan> "Someone's going to sleep in."
[19:13] <Sailor_Ana> "Skipping class, Mina?" he asks.
[19:13] <V-chan> "If you like school so much, why don't YOU go instead?"
[19:13] <Sailor_Ana> "Oh, I don't know, because I'm a cat and I'm a gu...well, because I'm a cat, anyway. They'd probably notice the difference."
[19:15] * V-chan grabs Artemis, and puts the crescent compact into his palm, holding it there. "Now, repeat after me. 'Crescent Moon Power Transform! Change me into the beautiful and smart eighth grader Aino Minako-sama!'"
[19:15] <Sailor_Ana> "Wha?!" he exclaims loudly.
[19:15] <V-chan> "Say it, cat," she tells him sternly.
[19:15] <Sailor_Ana> "I'M NOT GOING TO TURN INTO YOU AND TAKE YOUR CLASSES!"
[19:16] <Sailor_Ana> You get a whiff of cat breath as he yells that out.
[19:16] <V-chan> "WHY NOT?!" she yells back.
[19:16] <V-chan> "IS THERE SOME OTHER GIRL YOU'D RATHER TURN INTO, YOU TRAITOR?"
[19:16] <Sailor_Ana> "Because it's your classes! It's your responsibility!"
[19:16] <V-chan> "Since when?"
[19:17] <Sailor_Ana> "Since now," he says, composing himself.
[19:17] <V-chan> "Is not!" Minako insists.
[19:18] <Sailor_Ana> "Is too!"
[19:19] <V-chan> "Speaking of school," Minako says coldly, "there's a subject we're studying called Physics. I wonder how much force needs to be applied to a small cat to make him sail over the horizon."
[19:20] <Sailor_Ana> "Let's not find out, Mina. And where in the WORLD did you come up with transforming me?" he asks, pointedly.
[19:20] <V-chan> "You like school. I like sleeping in. It's a mutually-beneficial relationship."
[19:21] <Sailor_Ana> Artemis opens his mouth, but suddenly closes it and grins. "Okay, Mina. You win, I'll try it," he says.
[19:22] * V-chan yawns. "In the morning. Do it in the morning."
[19:22] <Sailor_Ana> "Hah, I called your bluff, Mina!" he says, laughing.
[19:22] <Sailor_Ana> "Mina is full of it!" he singsongs quite audibly.
[19:22] * V-chan grabs him by the scruff of his neck, rears her leg and kicks Artemis far away.
[19:23] <Sailor_Ana> "GWAHHHH!" he shouts as he vanishes into the darkness.
[19:23] <V-chan> "Who's bluffing?" she asks the darkness in a huff, and strolls home.
[19:25] * Sailor_Ana is now known as Anastasia
[19:25] * Anastasia sets mode: -m
[19:25] <Anastasia> Okay, that was fun.

In retrospect, this was a huge fucking mistake on Minako's part. That's all I have to say, the rest stands on it's own.

[18:25] <Sailor_Ana> After dealing with the thugs last night and your unsuccessful trip to the water park, Minako went straight home and fell asleep, seeing no sign of the footba...Artemis.
[18:26] <Sailor_Ana> In the middle of a dream that involves peanut butter and Rei's fuku, you are woken up by a light clawing on your back. Cat Claws, to be precise, clawing at your back.
[18:26] * V-chan bats at them sleepily, mumbling, "Wait your turn, Mako-chan."
[18:26] <Sailor_Ana> "WAKE UP, MINA!" a distant voice seems to shout.
[18:27] <Sailor_Ana> Another claw digs into your back, this one a tad harder.
[18:27] <V-chan> "Not... wanna." Minako yawns. "Go 'way 'stead."
[18:27] <Sailor_Ana> "MINA! IT'S FOURTY MINUTES UNTIL CLASS STARTS!"
[18:28] <Sailor_Ana> This time, a not so nice claw slices on your back. You're fairly sure it drew a touch of blood. (1 damage)
[18:28] * V-chan opens bloodshot eyes and stares at Artemis. "Do you want to die, pet?" she asks blandly.
[18:29] <Sailor_Ana> "Do you want to miss class, Mina? You have a test today, don't you?" Artemis says, perched on your back.
[18:30] <V-chan> "I haven't studied." Minako fumbles for her crescent compact. "You do it."
[18:30] <Sailor_Ana> "Me?" he asks, then chuckles. "Sure. Okay, Mina." Your bleary eyes can see that he's shaking with held in laughter.
[18:31] * V-chan nods. "It'll be... our secret. Just like that nice doggie Luna."
[18:32] * V-chan yawns again. "I wouldn't _dream_ letting that slip by accident. To the Princess's Luna."
[18:32] <Sailor_Ana> "Right. You go back to bed, Mina," he says. "Just give me the compact."
[18:32] * V-chan fishes for one of her pet's feet, then holds the compact with him, and says, "Repeat after me."
[18:33] <Sailor_Ana> "Okay." he says, nodding.
[18:34] <V-chan> "Crescent Moon Power Transform! Change me into the brilliant eighth grader Minako-sama so I could take the test instead of her and my master could sleep in peace."
[18:35] <Sailor_Ana> "Crescent Moon Power Transform! Change me into the supersmart eight grader Minako Aino!" he says.
[18:36] <V-chan> "Close enough," Minako mumbles. Holding onto the compact, she turns over, rolling on top of her nude double. "Ask for clothing next time," she tells herself, before falling asleep again.
[18:36] <Sailor_Ana> The last thing you here before dozing off is a female laughing...
[18:36] * V-chan squeezes a bit at the laughter.
[18:37] <V-chan> OOC: Anyway, we stop here?
[18:38] <Sailor_Ana> Sure.
[18:38] <V-chan> k
[18:38] <Sailor_Ana> The die is cast, so to speak.

Oh, and was it ever. Rereading these, I couldn't help but laugh at poor Minako. She really set her own bed this time, at least to a degree.

[Anastasia]

Session 6! Fake Minako makes the scene! Fake Minako/Minako yuri?!?!

[18:43] * Sailor_Ana sets mode: +m
[18:44] <Sailor_Ana> Okay. It's the morning after the aquarium events.
[18:45] <Sailor_Ana> Are any of you three too broken up to go to school?
[18:45] <V-chan> Not... quite.
[18:45] <Makoto> no
[18:45] <Rei-chan> OOC: No, I can make it, though I'll be distracted...
[18:46] * Makoto will be in same position as Rei
[18:46] <Sailor_Ana> Makoto - no, you aren't going, or no, you aren't messed up.
[18:46] * Sailor_Ana nods. Okay.
[18:46] <Sailor_Ana> Flash to lunch time, 12 30.
[18:47] <Sailor_Ana> You are having a nice a lunch as possible, chatting when your communicator goes off, Rei.
[18:48] * Rei-chan answers the communicator (after getting some privacy).
[18:48] <Sailor_Ana> Minako appears in the viewscreen. She looks in decently good shape, better than you probably look today.
[18:48] <Sailor_Ana> "Hey, Rei," she says. "How're you holding up?"
[18:49] <Rei-chan> "Not too good... Usagi called last night, I told her everything..."
[18:50] <Sailor_Ana> "Whaaa?" she exclaims. "Well...how did she take it," she asks in a calmer voice.
[18:50] <Rei-chan> "Pretty well, all things considered. I was really freaking out, but she was able to calm me down... heh, I always figured it'd be the other way round..." Rei trails off, a note of admiration in her voice.
[18:51] <Sailor_Ana> "Great!" she says, smiling again. Someone had her Perky Flakes, it seems. "Anyway, are you up to a Sailor Meeting today?"
[18:52] <Rei-chan> "Uh, yeah, I guess... any particular reason?" she asks before continuing in an eager voice, "Have you discovered something about the Dark Kingdom?"
[18:54] <Sailor_Ana> "Well, kinda," she says.
[18:55] <Rei-chan> "Then we'll have a meeting after school!" Rei says decisively. "Usagi and Ami won't be back for a few days, so it'll be just you, me and Makoto. Do you want to call Mako-chan or shall I?"
[18:55] <Sailor_Ana> "I will, Rei-chan!" she says, beaming.
[18:56] * Rei-chan nods, glad that Minako doesn't seem distressed, and guessing it must be good news. "Great, I'll see you later, then."
[18:57] <Sailor_Ana> "Okay!" she says, disappearing.
[18:57] * Rei-chan pockets her communicator and resumes eating her lunch.
[18:58] <Sailor_Ana> Makoto - It's a quiet day at school without Usagi and Ami, but it rather suits your mood. Unimo and Naru are also both gone on unrelated reasons, leaving you to your own devices this lunchtime.
[18:59] <Sailor_Ana> Just as you finish your lunch, your communicator goes off.
[19:00] * Makoto looks to make sure no one's around before answering. If there's people around, she'll move, then answer.
[19:01] <Sailor_Ana> No one in particular is around, so it opens to Minako's cheery face. "Heya, Makoto!" she gushes.
[19:03] <Makoto> "Minako! How are you?" Makoto responds. "We've only been getting Artemis when we tried to reach you."
[19:04] <Sailor_Ana> "I'm doing okay," she says. "Anyhow, how are you doing, Mako-_chan_," her voice emphasizes the -chan, and her face changes ever so slightly.
[19:06] <Makoto> "Errr...I'm fine..."
[19:07] <Sailor_Ana> "Good!" she says with a wide smile. "Are you up to a Sailor Meeting today?"
[19:07] <Makoto> "Sure, I'm up for it. Got nothing else to worry about. Did you and the cat find something?"
[19:08] <Sailor_Ana> "Artemis did something useful, yeah," she replies. "Doesn't he always?" Her smile breaks out into a full blown ditz grin.
[19:10] <Makoto> "Not really, no...is something the matter?" Makoto asks, a bit disturbed by the grin.
[19:10] <Sailor_Ana> "No, everything is good, Mako-_chan_," she replies. "In fact, I'm sure we'll have a great time at the meeting."
[19:11] <Makoto> "Err...alright. I'm...gonna go now. Lunch and stuff. You can call Rei if you already haven't."
[19:12] <Sailor_Ana> "Righto, Mako! I already have, have a great lunch!" she disappears from the communicator.
[19:13] * Makoto shuts off the communicator and after putting it away, slaps her face. "Well that was creepy."
[19:16] <Sailor_Ana> Okay...

At least they noticed Minako was acting oddly.

Even for her.

Anyway, let's give it up for SAILOR DRAGON! (Doushinjis forthcoming.)

[19:16] <Sailor_Ana> ----------
[19:18] <Sailor_Ana> By an unusual stroke of chance, Herb found his afternoon classes cancelled, leaving him with a free afternoon...
[19:18] <Sailor_Ana> Scene - Herb's Apartment.
[19:19] <Prince_Herb> "Study, study, study!" said Herb, examining his textbook "Japanese art - an introductory history"
[19:20] <Sailor_Ana> "I assume your studies are going well?" An aristocratic, but not unkind, voice addresses you from behind.
[19:22] <Prince_Herb> "Indeed, o trusted advisor.   I plan to get this essay out of the way early, so that I can have more time for my Tai Chi studies."
[19:23] <Sailor_Ana> "Of course," he says, walking up to you and sitting primly in front. He is in his moon cat form today, you note. "Actually, I wanted to visit a local temple today as well, and moreso since you have a free afternoon."
[19:24] <Sailor_Ana> "Would you like to come?" he asks.
[19:24] <Prince_Herb> "An artistically significant temple, I hope?"
[19:25] <Sailor_Ana> "The construction is the old Japanese style. I hear it is a excellent example of it's kind." he replies. "I would suppose that it would be a boon to your studies."
[19:25] * Prince_Herb havers. He wants to work on his essay, but his wise counselor's advice is worth considering.
[19:27] <Prince_Herb> "Ah.   You have other reasons, then?"
[19:28] <Sailor_Ana> "Yes. I have followed and researched the news stories about the incidents that have taken Tokyo, and it comes up a few times."
[19:30] <Prince_Herb> "Interesting.   Good.   I have decided, then.   We shall investigate this temple" Herb says, "and even if it proves to be a blind lead, I shall be able to inspect the traditional Japanese religious art contained therein."
[19:31] <Sailor_Ana> "Capital!" he says. "When shall we depart?"
[19:31] * Prince_Herb wonders if he should take his servants, but decides that they would be more trouble than they're worth. These Japanese women keep distracting them.
[19:33] <Prince_Herb> "Now, unless you have a good reason why we should wait" Herb inspected his trusted advisor's feline visage for a clue.
[19:33] <Sailor_Ana> The feline merely shakes his head. "No reason, so let us go."
[19:34] * Prince_Herb travels down to the garage of the apartment block with Nian and straps himself into his Ferrari.
[19:35] <Prince_Herb> "You know the way, I trust?"
[19:35] <Sailor_Ana> "Of course."
[19:36] <Sailor_Ana> Okay. Scene pause.

Meanwhile....Damn, I love that word. Anyway, Rei's visions start to play a role in things. Can you say DM foreshadowing?

[19:37] <Sailor_Ana> Meanwhile, at Rei's Catholic High School...
[19:39] <Sailor_Ana> It's another class that you aren't really paying enough attention to. In fact, the teacher, normally a dry and dull lecturer, is breaking his record for boredom.
[19:40] <Sailor_Ana> As you are distracted, you barely notice yourself slipping off...
[19:40] <Sailor_Ana> ...and into a doze.
[19:42] <Sailor_Ana> "MINA!!" Makoto's voice echoes!  You see Minako clutching a wicked crescent of dark energy that has impaled her, and she falls to the ground.
[19:43] * Rei-chan watches the nightmare images with a sick fascination.
[19:43] <Sailor_Ana> Running up the steps, you come to her...but it's too late. Her glazed eyes tell you all you need to know. Above, Mamoru and Kunzite laugh, and then another wedge of energy flies out, right at you...
[19:43] <Sailor_Ana> "Miss Hino!"
[19:44] <Sailor_Ana> "MISS HINO!" An annoyed, male voice reaches past the fading images...
[19:45] * Rei-chan looks around in a panic, totally breathless.
[19:45] <Rei-chan> "I... have to go!"
[19:45] * Rei-chan gets out of her seat and rushes out of the classroom.
[19:45] <Sailor_Ana> "Wait just a moment, Miss!" the teacher yells to your back.
[19:45] * Rei-chan ignores him as she runs off.
[19:46] <Sailor_Ana> You are soon outside the school, having ran from your classroom in a panic.
[19:46] * Rei-chan slows down and tries to centre herself. Taking deep, calming breaths, she pulls out her communicator and tries to get Minako. "Come on... answer... answer!"
[19:47] <Sailor_Ana> After a several second wait, the communicator flicks to life with Minako's face.
[19:47] <Rei-chan> "Minako, thank God you're okay!"
[19:48] <Sailor_Ana> "Um...Of course I am," she says, looking at your image oddly, like she's a tad confused. "You don't look so good yourself..."
[19:49] <Rei-chan> "Uh.. I just... I dunno... I had a dream... Kunzite and Mamoru were there, and you..." Rei clenches her eyes shut and whispers "You died... and so did I..."
[19:50] <Sailor_Ana> "A vision?" she asks, suddenly serious.
[19:51] * Rei-chan nods. "It was so real... like the one I had of Usagi and her mother..."
[19:58] <Sailor_Ana> "Alright. I think I can get out of class...I'll meet you at the temple as soon as possible," she says.
[19:58] <Sailor_Ana> "Can you get out of class?"
[19:58] * Rei-chan scratches her head nervously. "Yeah, that's no problem. Hehe..."
[19:59] <Rei-chan> "I'll call Makoto, since she was in the dream as well."
[20:00] <Sailor_Ana> "Okay."
[20:00] * Rei-chan closes the connection to Minako and tries to contact Makoto, feeling slightly more calm now that she knows Minako is okay.
[20:03] <Rei-chan> "Come on Makoto... is something wrong?" Rei wonders aloud at the lack of response.
[20:05] * Makoto hears the communicator, but doesn't answer immediately, being in the middle of the class. Raising her hand, she calls for her English teacher. "May I go to the bathroom, please?"
[20:05] <Sailor_Ana> "Certainly, Miss Kino," the teacher replies.
[20:07] * Makoto gets up and thanks the teacher before going out the door. Running towards the bathroom, she answers the communicator, to let Rei know she heard.
[20:08] <Rei-chan> "Mako-chan, can you get out of class? I need to speak to you and Minako at the shrine right away! I had a vision."
[20:09] <Makoto> "...I just ran out of class for a bathroom break so I could answer! Is it that important? The teacher will KILL me if I cut!"
[20:10] <Rei-chan> "It's a matter of life and death!" Rei says insistently, trying to hide her own doubt in what could have been a random nightmare. After all, it had felt so _real_!
[20:11] * Makoto felt a migraine coming. "Fine...but if this was a false alarm, be aware that I will HURT you for anything the teacher piles on me."
[20:12] <Rei-chan> "It's not, I'm sure of it!" Rei says earnestly.
[20:14] * Makoto grumbles but nods. "I'll be heading there now."
[20:15] <Rei-chan> "Thank you, Mako-chan!" Rei gushes as she flips off the communicator and starts running to the shrine as fast as she can.

And onto the temple....they are converging, oh yes. Converging, man.

[20:15] <Sailor_Ana> ----------
[20:15] <Sailor_Ana> When you are nearly to the temple, Rei, you get a communicator call.
[20:16] * Rei-chan skids to a halt and answers the communicator.
[20:16] <Sailor_Ana> "Hello, Rei?" Minako comes in on the communicator.
[20:17] <Rei-chan> "Minako, is there a problem?" Rei asks, breathlessly.
[20:18] <Sailor_Ana> "Yes, I'll be a bit later than I thought. I ran into difficulties," she says.
[20:19] * Rei-chan looks worried. "What kind of difficulties, do you need help?"
[20:19] <Sailor_Ana> "No, it's something to do with...family. Nothing important, just time consuming," she says, scowling. "Anyway, I'll see you soon!" and she disconnects.
[20:20] <Rei-chan> "Dammit... I hope she's okay..." Rei says, unable to decide whether to me worried or upset. She resumes running towards the shrine, though at a slightly more sedate pace.
[20:22] <Sailor_Ana> Okay. You arrive at the temple and nothing is unusual. A few older visitors stir about, but otherwise it is quiet. Yuuchiro isn't around, nor is your grandfather.
[20:23] * Rei-chan rushes into the Fire room without bothering to change into her miko robes. She kneels in front of the Sacred Fire and starts to meditate, hoping to discern more about the circumstances surround Minako's death in the vision.
[20:26] <Sailor_Ana> You begin to meditate...After a few minutes, you feel yourself _pulled_ into a vision...
[20:28] <Sailor_Ana> You see your grandfather, brushing the steps of the temple...
[20:29] <Sailor_Ana> You see Prince Endymion holding a Dark Crystal in one hand, and your grandfather disappearing...
[20:30] <Sailor_Ana> You see Minako...falling...
[20:31] <Sailor_Ana> You feel yourself falling...it doesn't hurt, though. It's just warm...
[20:32] <Sailor_Ana> Blinking, you find yourself lying down, as if you stood straight up from your position and lay down instead. Your face is near the fire, and you are starting to sweat a fair deal from the heat.
[20:33] * Rei-chan gets up and steps away, brushing her forehead of the sweat. "I don't understand... I thought the Dark Kingdom had already got what they wanted from Gramps...?"
[20:33] <Rei-chan> "And I still don't know what's going to happen to Minako..."
[20:34] <Sailor_Ana> Meanwhile...
[20:34] <Sailor_Ana> ----------
[20:34] <Sailor_Ana> Makoto - You are nearly to the temple now, having cut out of class and lucked out with the bus timing.
[20:35] <Sailor_Ana> As you approach, you notice a rather nice car zoom by, unusual to see such a nice make of car in Tokyo, especially a foreign one.
[20:44] * Makoto shrugs at the odd car, doesn't put much thought on it, and moves on. Rei was waiting after all.
[20:44] <Makoto> Besides, if she got back fast enough, maybe she could just claim diarrhea or some such
[20:46] <Sailor_Ana> You go up the temple stairs, to the temple...
[20:47] <Sailor_Ana> Meanwhile....
[20:47] <Sailor_Ana> ---------------
[20:49] * Sailor_Ana sets mode: -m
[20:49] <Sailor_Ana> Okay, paused until tomorrow. *sighs and mutters about computer times*

This touches off a side story with Minako. As you might have guessed, this is what she does while Artemis is running around as Minako. Serious Minako angst warning...you can start to see how things fall apart for her here.

--Minako--

[19:02] <Sailor_Ana> You wake up, rather refreshed. The alarm clock say 1 PM, and the amount of sunshine coming through your window confirms that.
[19:03] * V-chan yawns loudly, stretching.
[19:03] * V-chan blinks down at the compact held tightly in her right hand, before shrugging, and getting dressed.
[19:03] <Sailor_Ana> You are hungry and need to take a bathroom trip, but your body feels rested.
[19:04] * V-chan takes the bathroom trip, brushes her teeth, and then goes downstairs to find some food
[19:05] <Sailor_Ana> There is food enough there, and you are soon fed.
[19:06] * V-chan decides to go and visit Natsuna-oneesan, and ask her for the files on Deep Sea Spectacular.
[19:07] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: You'd be in street clothes for this, by the way?
[19:08] <V-chan> OOC: Yes. She knows who I am.
[20:20] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: Would Minako have her cell phone with her?
[20:20] <V-chan> OOC: Of course.
[20:20] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: And it's safe to assume the cat knows the number?
[20:20] <V-chan> OOC: Yes, Arty knows the number. Or should, unless he forgot, the bitch.
[20:20] <Sailor_Ana> Okay, just before you arrive at your destination...
[20:20] <Sailor_Ana> Your cell phone rings.
[20:21] * V-chan answers it after two rings, as she keeps on walking. "Manager?" she asks.
[20:22] <Sailor_Ana> "Mina?" You blink for a moment before recognizing your own voice. "It's Artemis."
[20:23] <V-chan> "I thought you were-- never mind." Minako shakes her head. "So, how was school, Artemis? Did you ace my test?"
[20:23] <V-chan> OOC: I assume she remembers what happened?
[20:24] <Sailor_Ana> OOC -In the morning? Well enough.
[20:24] <Sailor_Ana> "The test went fine, Mina. But Rei had a vision. I think you need to go to the temple."
[20:24] <V-chan> "What kind of vision?"
[20:25] <Sailor_Ana> "Not a good one. Your death, from what I understand, among other things." Artemis sounds quiet serious and concerned.
[20:25] * V-chan is silent for a long moment, before asking, "Was I... alone?"
[20:26] <Sailor_Ana> "You were with the others...I think Rei died, too."
[20:27] * V-chan is silent once more, before saying quietly into the mouthpiece, "It all went straight to hell when I joined them, didn't it?"
[20:28] <Sailor_Ana> "...Mina..."
[20:29] <V-chan> "Before they met me, they never lost anyone. They never had anyone close to them get seriously hurt. They never had the Princess's boyfriend kidnapped and brainwashed to fight against her."
[20:29] <V-chan> "So...." Minako takes a deep breath. "Maybe... you know... if I'm not there, Rei's vision won't be true anymore? No one to jinx her and all that?"
[20:30] <Sailor_Ana> "And more likely, they'd be wiped out without your help, EVEN IF THAT DID HAPPEN," he says.
[20:32] <V-chan> "Who says they are the Dark Kingdom's target?" Minako replies quietly. "Artemis... maybe you should drop the disguise. It might be dangerous for you to be up and around as Minako."
[20:33] <Sailor_Ana> "I wasn't planning to go as you now, Mina." he says quietly. "I want you to go, Sailor Venus."
[20:35] <V-chan> "I... I don't know. I'll think about it. Talk to you later, Artemis." Minako presses a button to end the call, and stares at her cell.
[20:36] * V-chan squeezes the phone in her hand, and puts it in the back pocket of her cutoff jeans.
[20:36] <V-chan> "I know I'm right," she says out loud. "It's the best way to protect everyone."
[20:37] <V-chan> OOC: She's determined to get the police data on Deep Sea
[20:37] * Sailor_Ana nods.
[20:38] * V-chan steels her nerves, and plasters a fake smile on her face, before entering the police station.
[20:39] <Sailor_Ana> It has the normal hustle and bustle that you'd expect, with manh uniformed officers and nicely dressed administrative types scattered around. Natsuna's office requires you to go through a fair bit of this.
[20:40] * V-chan walks straight to her 'big sister's' office.
[20:40] <Sailor_Ana> The secretary outside looks up and smiles as you approach. "Hello, Miss Aino," she says, greeting a recognized visitor to the office.
[20:41] <V-chan> "Call me Mina-chan!" Minako replies brightly. "I have to talk to Natsuna-oneesan about something."
[20:42] <Sailor_Ana> "She's in a meeting, so you'll have to wait a half hour or so. If you wish to wait, I can get you some tea." she offers.
[20:44] <V-chan> "Sure!" Minako shrugs. "Can I play with your computer while you do?"
[20:44] <V-chan> OOC: I assume she'd have one, this being present day.
[20:44] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Yep.
[20:45] <Sailor_Ana> "If you wish, Miss Aino."
[20:45] <V-chan> "Thanks!"
[20:45] * V-chan takes a seat there, waits till the woman is out of sight and then opens both Mine Sweeper and the police files she can access from that PC.
[20:47] <Sailor_Ana> The files are there. The internal security doesn't look that good inside the network, you note.
[20:47] <Sailor_Ana> You can access a good deal of data from there.
[20:48] * V-chan tries to call up the reports on the Deep Sea Spectacular
[20:48] <V-chan> OOC: I'll also go ahead and assume I myself have a PC and an email account.
[20:48] * Sailor_Ana nods and pause this. We can finish this part up pre session tomorrow.
[20:49] <V-chan> k
Session Close: Wed Aug 20 12:42:02 2003

[16:47] <Anastasia> Where we left off - Minako had just sat down at the computer.
[16:48] <Anastasia> Your action, basically.
[16:54] <Anastasia> Hum? Something wrong, do you need logs, ect al?
[16:56] <Misha> No, sorry
[16:57] * V-chan was just cleaning up the room a bit
[16:57] * Anastasia nods.
[16:57] <V-chan> Okay, I was looking for the police files on Deep Sea Spectacular.
[16:57] <V-chan> It's actually your action.
[16:58] <Sailor_Ana> Okay.
[16:58] <Sailor_Ana> You poke around the subdirectories...It takes a few minutes, but you soon find the basic information on the incident.
[16:59] * V-chan looks for a box of empty floppies on the secretary's desk.
[16:59] <Sailor_Ana> A what happened and the fundamental details and workings of the incident, further information doesn't seem to be in the computer.
[16:59] * V-chan also makes a few moves on the Mine Sweeper in the meanwhile.
[17:00] <Sailor_Ana> You find a mostly empty box of floppies. There are four left, all of the standard type and make.
[17:01] * V-chan congratulates her luck, and makes a copy of the information she found on one of the floppies, returning the box where she found it and pocketing the floppy after she's done.
[17:01] <V-chan> OOC: Assuming TXT or similar format
[17:01] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Sure.
[17:02] * V-chan then begins looking for any cases cross-referenced in the files she skimmed through.
[17:02] <V-chan> Anything with tired victims, unexplained motives for attack, etc.
[17:04] <Sailor_Ana> A number of cases you stumble on seem to have the signatures of Dark Kingdom work - Drained victims, unexplained actions, ect al. In fact, they seem to be cross-referenced and a small group of detectives are on all the cases.
[17:04] <V-chan> OOC: Do I think I could copy those files as well before the secretary returns?
[17:05] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - You could try. You'd guess you have a decent chance.
[17:05] * V-chan tries to copy the files, grabbing the index first thing.
[17:06] * V-chan plays with the Mine Sweeper while the transfer's occuring
[17:06] <V-chan> "I'll take the title back from Ami-chan soon enough, oh yes," Minako mumbles to herself.
[17:07] <Sailor_Ana> As you finish the game of Minesweeper, you finish up downloading the files.
[17:07] * V-chan slips the floppy out of the drive, and hides it again
[17:08] <V-chan> OOC: On herself  ^^
[17:08] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - ^_^
[17:08] * V-chan writes her name in the high scores.
[17:11] <Sailor_Ana> A few minutes later, the secretary returns. "I'm sorry, Miss Aino, but the wait will be a while longer. The meeting is dragging out, I'm afraid."
[17:13] * V-chan sighs. "Just as well." Artemis's words come to her mind again, and she bites her lower lip worriedly. "I should really go visit my friend. Tell Natsuna-oneesan I'll be back later, okay?"
[17:13] <Sailor_Ana> "Okay, Miss Aino." She bows politely.
[17:13] * V-chan gives the secretary a smile. "I'll be sure to beat my previous high score next time!"
[17:14] * V-chan stands up, and returns the woman's bow.
[17:14] <Sailor_Ana> "Have a good day, Miss Aino," she says as she sits back down at her desk.
[17:14] <V-chan> "Well then, thanks for everything! Bye!"
[17:14] * V-chan walks out of the police station.
[17:15] <Sailor_Ana> And... Venus is going to the temple?

[18:58] <V-chan> If I'll be skipping ahead till the shrine, could I have the floppy shipped to myself, express, in one of the postal office branches while I'm on my way?
[18:58] <Sailor_Ana> Sure. It'll take about five minutes, though.
[18:59] <V-chan> Sure, I'm late as it is
[18:59] * Sailor_Ana nods.
[18:59] <V-chan> I'll take a cab after that or something, k?
[18:59] <V-chan> Should cut on my time

And that's it for this. Tune in next episode for the GREAT TEMPLE BATTLE! See you there!

[Anastasia]

Session 7.

Well, what can I say here? Oh, I know.

Sailor Dragon meets the Senshi! I will punish pervert sex changers in the name of the moon!

[18:39] * Sailor_Ana sets mode: +m
[18:41] <Sailor_Ana> Okay.
[18:41] <Sailor_Ana> We left off as everyone was converging on Rei's temple. Does anyone need logs from the past session posted?
[18:41] <V-chan> Nah, maybe a status on everyone?
[18:42] <Rei-chan> Yeah, where's the _real_ Minako? And Artemis for that matter...
[18:43] <Sailor_Ana> Okay - Minako - In transit, for all the senshi know. Rei - At temple, after fire reading. - Makoto - just arriving at temple - Herb - Just arriving at temple.
[18:46] <Sailor_Ana> Makoto - You arrive at the temple proper. It's fairly quiet right now, with Rei, Yuuchiro or Rei's grandfather nowhere to be found.
[18:48] <Sailor_Ana> Only a few scattered visitors are around. It's quieter than the afternoon, post school time tends to be, you note.
[18:51] * Makoto starts to move up towards the temple at a brisk pace, and heads to where they usually hold the senshi meetings.
[18:52] <Sailor_Ana> You look around the front of the temple, where you meet at times. Nothing.
[18:53] * Makoto calls out for Rei.
[18:53] * Rei-chan exits the Sacred Fire room and walks up to Makoto. "I'm glad you made it, Mako-chan."
[18:54] <Makoto> "So what's the big emergency?"
[18:55] <Rei-chan> "I had a vision... like the one I had of Usagi's mom... Minako was killed, and I think I was too... you were there, but Usagi and Ami weren't..." Rei trails off, before giving Makoto a serious look. "I'm really worried, the vision was pretty intense."
[18:56] <Rei-chan> "I did a fire reading, and saw my grandpa being attacked by Endymion... but it didn't reveal anything about the vision..."
[18:59] <Makoto> "...well great. Any ideas on when the premonition was supposed to take place or something to help?"
[19:00] <Rei-chan> "Well, I think it'll happen soon. My vision of Usagi's mom only gave a days warning, and since Usagi and Ami weren't in it, it'll probably happen before they get back..."
[19:02] <Makoto> "...and since your grandpa was in this vision, I can guess that it was here in the temple. Where we're meeting now. Peachy. I can already guess what's gonna happen with our current track record once Minako arrives."
[19:02] * Rei-chan looks around impatiently. "Minako said she'd be delayed... I hope she gets here soon."
[19:05] <Makoto> "Well, while we're waiting, let's go inside and see if we can figure out more out of your vision."
[19:06] * Rei-chan nods, says, "Okay," and leads Makoto inside.
[19:06] <Sailor_Ana> Meanwhile...
[19:06] <Sailor_Ana> -------------

And the great temple battle begins!

And by battle, I mean that he runs for a better shot. Can't say I blame him. Um...I got a laugh out of their reaction to Herb, but that was really a bit too mean* for my tastes.  That, and meh, I'm still not sure if that was even IC at all. *shrugs* And as a final note, I think I gave Herb too big a bonus to hit Mamoru. Oh well.

*Relatively. The GM gets a different set of rules. ^_^

[19:07] <Sailor_Ana> Herb - After finding the closest parking space possible and securing your car, you reach the temple. It's a classic example of Japanese architecture, down to the traditional gates.
[19:08] <Sailor_Ana> Looking around, Nian nods. "Beautiful place, better than all the concrete which normally rules this city."
[19:10] <Prince_Herb> "What is it's connection to all those news stories you were talking about before, o honored advisor? It looks utterly innocuous to me."   Herb paused at the gate trying to feel the ki energies of the site.
[19:11] <Sailor_Ana> Herb - You sense that ki energy is channeled more than usual here, and that there is a bit more latent ki energy as usual. Probably a side effect of the former.
[19:12] <Sailor_Ana> "A few times, monsters have been reported here or rumors of such have circulated. Usually, the monster attacks do not focus on one location," he replies.
[19:13] * Prince_Herb cautiously enters the shrine grounds.
[19:14] <Sailor_Ana> As you enter, you take in the surroundings, and note a few scattered visitors.  Most are older people. Coming out of a door from the main temple is an old, short man in temple robes.
[19:16] * Prince_Herb looks at the priest carefully.
[19:18] <Sailor_Ana> Catching your gaze, the old man walks towards you. "Hello there, sir," he says, waving...and as he does so, a man in armor appears between you and him, his back to you.
[19:18] <Sailor_Ana> "It's time to come back to the Dark Kingdom, old man," you here the man say, and he raises his arm.
[19:19] * Prince_Herb kicks the armored figure in the back of the knee to send him sprawling.
[19:20] <Prince_Herb> "Run away, priest.   I'll deal with this villain."
[19:20] <Sailor_Ana> Attack roll, +3 bonus.
[19:20] <Prince_Herb> !roll 2d6
[19:21] <Prince_Herb> roll 2d6
[19:21] * Musk-bot --> "Prince_Herb rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[19:21] <Prince_Herb> ACV 9+3+7 = 19
[19:22] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[19:22] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[19:22] <Sailor_Ana> Damage, Herb.
[19:22] <Prince_Herb> 19
[19:23] <Sailor_Ana> The man just begins to turn when your kick connects with his knee, sending him staggering. Turning, he looks at you and scowls. "A kind interloper?"
[19:25] <Prince_Herb> "Run, priest."
[19:26] <Sailor_Ana> The priest, surprised, takes a few wary steps backwards. "I will not run from this evil on the temple grounds!" he declares loudly.
[19:27] <Sailor_Ana> Meanwhile - Makoto and Rei - You hear a shout of 'I will not run...evil on the temple grounds' coming from outside just as you settle down inside.
[19:27] * Rei-chan stands up in shock "Evil... we'd better transform!"
[19:28] <Rei-chan> "Mars Power, Make Up!"
[19:28] <Makoto> "Oh for the love of...I -knew- this was gonna happen," Makoto mutters as she nods to Rei.
[19:28] <Makoto> "Jupiter Star Power, Make up!"
[19:28] * Rei-chan is now known as Sailor_Mars
[19:28] * Makoto is now known as Sailor_Jupiter
[19:29] * Sailor_Mars dashes out onto the Temple Grounds and surveys the situation.
[19:29] <Prince_Herb> "Eh..."
[19:29] <Sailor_Ana> Meanwhile - The man glances around, taking in the both of you. Just as you are about to react again, you catch the sight of two sailor suited girls running out. Those outfits...
[19:29] <Prince_Herb> "Sailor senshi. Damn..."
[19:30] * Prince_Herb swirls dramatically in his cloak and hops onto and behind the nearby shrine. Once out of sight, he mutters...
[19:30] <Prince_Herb> "Dragon Prism Power Makeup!"
[19:30] * Prince_Herb is now known as Sailor_Dragon
[19:30] <Sailor_Mars> "The Shrine is a place of peace and tranquility! Even if the Kami overlook this transgression, it won't get past me! For love and justice, the sailor suited warrior, Sailor Mars, will punish you!"
[19:32] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Also appearing, Sailor Jupiter! I'll punish you too!"
[19:32] <Sailor_Ana> Turning again, he sees the other two senshi and growls. "Dammit..." He steps back into a crack of dark energy that is suddenly behind him and vanishes. "I will get you, old man!" his voice echoes as the dark portal fades away.
[19:33] <Sailor_Mars> "What, isn't he leaving a youma for us to fight?"
[19:34] * Sailor_Mars tries to sense any _evil_ in the vicinity.
[19:34] <Sailor_Jupiter> "It was my lack of a good speech, wasn't it? He ran away because I didn't put any effort into it! Dammit, I wanted to relieve some stress!"
[19:34] <Sailor_Ana> Herb - As you peek out from the bushes, you see that the man is armor is gone.
[19:34] <Sailor_Ana> "Herb...Those are senshi...We found two of the senshi," he says.
[19:34] <Sailor_Mars> "I thought you sounded very intimidating, Jupiter-chan," Mars offers consolingly.
[19:35] <Sailor_Ana> Mars - There is no strong sense of evil now, just a fading wisp.
[19:35] <Sailor_Dragon> "Dragon... call me Dragon while I'm like *this*..."
[19:35] <Sailor_Ana> "Apologies, Sailor Dragon," he says a tad ruefully.
[19:36] * Sailor_Dragon steps out from behind the shrubbery, more than a little shyly.
[19:36] * Sailor_Mars turns to her grandfather "It's alright, priest! We saw the bad man off, you're safe now!"
[19:36] <Sailor_Ana> Nian follows behind, quietly.
[19:37] <Sailor_Ana> "You bet it's alright," he says, eyeing you and grinning.
[19:37] * Sailor_Jupiter blinks at the sight of an unknown senshi, and pokes Mars. "Mars?"
[19:37] <Sailor_Mars> "GAH!" Mars covers herself and gives her grandpa the evil eye.
[19:38] * Sailor_Mars is pulling down her skirt futilely. "What's that Jupiter?"
[19:38] <Sailor_Ana> He starts and hmphs. "Youngsters these days," he mutters.
[19:38] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Were there supposed to be any more senshi after Venus?"
[19:38] <Sailor_Mars> "Old pervert," Mars growls then blinks at Jupiter. "I dunno, I think Luna said Venus was the last one. Why?"
[19:39] * Sailor_Jupiter points towards the shrubbery leaving person
[19:39] * Sailor_Mars looks at Sailor Dragon. "A cosplayer?"
[19:40] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Oh. I hadn't considered the possibility. Think she wants our autographs?"
[19:40] <Sailor_Mars> "Probably. Do we really have time for this, though? Dealing with fans is more Venus' thing..."
[19:41] <Sailor_Dragon> "Nian, are these really the senshi?   They look awfully young, and not too bright..."
[19:41] <Sailor_Ana> "Hello, ladies," an accented voice comes from behind the Sailor (?). Stepping into view, you see...a talking cat.
[19:41] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Do cosplayers get talking cats too?"
[19:41] <Sailor_Ana> "I believe they are, Sailor Dragon. Senshi do not need to be brilliant in all cases."
[19:42] <Sailor_Mars> "Must have a tape recorder in the collar or something..." Mars muses.
[19:42] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Hey!" Makoto says, a bit miffed at the cat and cosplayer's comments.
[19:43] <Sailor_Ana> A golden furred cat, without a crescent moon, but with that shade of hair, it's hard to tell. "No, I assure you that we are not costumed teenagers out on a lark," he says, regarding them.
[19:43] <Sailor_Jupiter> "No autograph for you then!"
[19:43] <Sailor_Mars> "Well who are you, then?"
[19:44] * Sailor_Dragon looks at the cat.
[19:44] <Sailor_Dragon> "I am..."
[19:45] <Sailor_Ana> Turning back to you and whispering, Nian says, "Show them a senshi attack if you wish to convince them."
[19:45] <Sailor_Dragon> "I am the *mumbles something that might be 'pretty' * soldier Sailor_Dragon, senshi of the constellation Dracos, and ally to the Moon Kingdom!"
[19:46] <Sailor_Mars> "Constellation Dracos?" Mars repeats incredulously before leaning in to Makoto. "Have you ever heard of that?"
[19:46] <Sailor_Dragon> "Dragon Spirit Blast!" Sailor_Dragon calls out, and fires off a beam of pure ki energy at a nearby rock.
[19:47] <Sailor_Jupiter> "I haven't, but hey, she's got a mooncat, the cat's stupidity must have come up with that one."
[19:47] <Sailor_Ana> The blast of energy fires off, shattering the nearby rock into dust.
[19:48] * Sailor_Mars looks at Sailor Dragon suspiciously. The Dark Kingdom could easily do something like that, and this could be a ploy to gain their confidence. She focuses her senses to detect any duplicity or _evil_ from the new senshi.
[19:48] <Sailor_Ana> Mars - You do not detect any Dark Kingdom type evil from her.
[19:49] <Sailor_Ana> "Would you please not destroy the temple ground, young lady," the priest asks as he takes in a Dragon-sized eyeful.
[19:50] <Sailor_Mars> "I don't sense any evil from her..." Mars whispers to Jupiter.
[19:53] <Sailor_Jupiter> "So...anybody want to go to the arcade?"
[19:53] * Sailor_Mars falls over.
[19:53] <Sailor_Mars> "Arcade? Wha-?!"
[19:54] <Sailor_Jupiter> "What? That's what we always do when we get a new senshi, isn't it?"
[19:54] <Sailor_Dragon> "Old priest, why did that creature want to take you back to the Dark Kingdom?"
[19:54] * Sailor_Jupiter mumbles about how it's not the same without Moon around.
[19:54] <Sailor_Mars> "Not me. I got stuck on a cursed bus..."
[19:55] <Sailor_Mars> "Besides, she'll just try and hit on Motoki. I think we really need to break that pattern with the new senshi."
[19:55] <Sailor_Ana> Looking at Sailor Dragon again, "I don't have a clue, young lady."
[19:56] <Sailor_Mars> "They attacked you before, old man, but I don't know why they'd attack again... they should have figured out how worthless you are," Mars addresses her grandfather, smirking.
[19:57] <Sailor_Ana> "Worthless? Oh, the cruel but finely stacked youth breaks this old man's heart!" he says, sniffing.
[19:57] <Sailor_Dragon> "What do you think, o trusted advisor?   Why should the Dark Kingdom be interested in an aged priest?"
[19:57] * Sailor_Mars twitches and tries to keep from strangling the old pervert.
[19:58] <Sailor_Ana> "I know not, Sailor Dragon," he says. "Perhaps he is a youma in disguse, or his energy appeals to them."
[19:59] <Sailor_Mars> "Probably be better off if he was a bit less energetic anyway..." Mars grumbles under her breath.
[20:00] <Sailor_Dragon> "Could we use him to bait a youma trap?"
[20:01] <Sailor_Ana> "I suppose it is possible should the Dark Kingdom truly desire him," Nian replies.
[20:01] <Sailor_Mars> "HEY! Don't even think about it! That's my- gah, I mean, we can't do that!"
[20:01] <Sailor_Jupiter> "What kind of a senshi uses an innocent, albeit perverted and annoying, old man as bait?" Makoto says a bit horrified.
[20:03] <Sailor_Dragon> "This is war. We must be as cunning as our enemy. They will come for him anyway, so it's much better that it's on a ground that they didn't choose."
[20:04] <Sailor_Mars> "How do you know? Maybe now that we've driven them off, they'll leave him alone!" Mars says, not really believing her words, but unwilling to budge on this issue.
[20:04] <Sailor_Jupiter> "But it's a war based on principals, we fight for love and justice, if we resort to such tactics, aren't we being hypocrites?"
[20:04] <Sailor_Ana> "Ladies, ladies," The old man says. "Perhaps we should discuss this over a cup of tea?" he says, eyeing Jupiter.
[20:04] * Sailor_Mars blinks at Jupiter. "Good one."
[20:06] <Sailor_Dragon> "The venerable Sun Tzu said, 'It is a doctrine of war not to assume that the enemy will not come'."
[20:06] <Sailor_Ana> "It may behoove us to listen to the old man's suggestion, if not to the letter," Nian says, glancing around. "This is not a preferred place for this sort of discourse."
[20:09] <Sailor_Dragon> "Your advice is excellent, as usual, my advisor.   Should we retire to a nearby tea-house and plan?"
[20:09] <Sailor_Mars> "Good idea, though we'll need to find a place to transform first," Mars gives Dragon a calculating look, since giving away their identities is an act of no small trust.
[20:10] <Sailor_Jupiter> "We have to call Venus too, maybe we can meet someplace halfway from where she's at."
[20:11] * Sailor_Dragon uses her disguise pen to disguise herself as a "cool student".
[20:11] <Sailor_Dragon> "There are halfway measures we can take, if we don't wish to fully trust each other yet."
[20:12] * Sailor_Mars gives Dragon a dirty look. "Either you trust us or not. Our last 'mysterious ally' didn't turn out too good."
[20:14] <Sailor_Dragon> "What do you think, Nian? Is this a good idea?"
[20:15] <Sailor_Ana> He looks at them again and hmms softly. "I believe it may very well be, Sailor Dragon. I believe that despite the appaling lack of manners they show, they are senshi."
[20:17] <Sailor_Dragon> "All right, then..." Sailor_Dragon nods.
[20:17] <Sailor_Jupiter> "You know, you're as likeable as the cats that we hang around with. Is it some kinda moon cat thing to be snotty?" Makoto grumbles. "You're the ones who started insulting our intelligence, remember?"
[20:17] <Sailor_Mars> "Good, follow me." Mars leaps onto a nearby rooftop and roofhops several buildings away before dropping into a deserted alley.
[20:18] <Sailor_Jupiter> "I missed school for this?" Jupiter mumbles as she follows after Mars.
[20:19] * Sailor_Dragon chuckles. "My classes were cancelled."
[20:20] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Yeah, well, lucky you."
[20:21] <Sailor_Ana> You leap and prance away to the dark alley...
[20:21] * Sailor_Mars is now known as Rei-chan
[20:21] <Sailor_Ana> As expected, it's both dark and empty.
[20:21] * Rei-chan detransforms and gives Dragon a curt bow. "I'm Rei Hino. That was my grandpa you want to use as bait."
[20:22] * Sailor_Dragon is now known as Prince_Herb
[20:22] * Prince_Herb detransforms and returns the bow.
[20:22] * Sailor_Jupiter detransforms after Dragon, a little reassured that she's at least not an enemy.
[20:23] <Prince_Herb> "I am Prince Herb, heir of the Musk Dynasty.   I am pleased to make your acquaintance."
[20:23] * Rei-chan leaps away in shock. "Gah! You're a guy!"
[20:24] * Prince_Herb blushes and looks away.
[20:24] * Sailor_Jupiter mutters under her breath about how weird it is for a senshi to look like her old sempai.
[20:25] <Rei-chan> "How... I mean, you were wearing a short skirt like us... and those... those..." Rei holds her hands in front of her chest for emphasis as words fail her.
[20:25] <Prince_Herb> "I have an ancient Chinese curse..."  Prince_Herb says, looking very sheepish.
[20:26] * Rei-chan leans in and pokes Herb's chest.
[20:27] * Prince_Herb looks a little annoyed.
[20:27] <Rei-chan> "Uh... sorry... this is just weirder than what we usually deal with," Rei backs off "Except when Zoisite pretended to be Sailor Moon..."
[20:27] <Prince_Herb> "Don't do that, please."
[20:28] <Prince_Herb> "I'll tell you all about it in the tea-shop."
[20:28] * Rei-chan nods. "Right. Sorry. Won't happen again."
[20:28] <Sailor_Ana> Nian, who had merely watched until this point, speaks up. "Perhaps we should take a moment to fully explain the circumstances the Prince is under."
[20:29] <Prince_Herb> "Not now, Cat."
[20:29] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Hang on, let me try and reach one of our friends, she should have been heading to the temple when we left."
[20:29] * Sailor_Jupiter tries to reach Minako on the communicator.
[20:31] <Sailor_Ana> After several beeps, a miffed looking Artemis answers. "Hello?"
[20:32] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Artemis, where's Minako? We were supposed to meet with her at the temple, and she hasn't shown up yet."
[20:33] <Sailor_Ana> "She's indisposed at the moment," he says shortly. "Is everything okay right now?"
[20:33] <Sailor_Jupiter> "We actually left the temple, as we met someone, we were wondering if she could meet with us at a new place."
[20:34] <Sailor_Ana> "Met someone?"
[20:35] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Artemis, it's a new senshi and cat. She...err he...err...look, just tell Minako to come. You come too, I guess, it might be useful to have you around."
[20:35] <Sailor_Ana> "A new senshi?! WHAT?! Where are you meeting?" he asks in rapid fire.
[20:36] * Sailor_Jupiter looks at Rei and Herb, "Guys?"
[20:36] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Artemis wants to know where to meet with us"
[20:36] * Rei-chan points to Herb. "She... er... he said he knew a place for us to go."
[20:37] <Prince_Herb> "There's a teashop round the corner. Nian rates it quite highly. We should go there."
[20:38] * Rei-chan wonders how useful a cat's opinion of a teashop is, but refrains from commenting.
[20:38] * Sailor_Jupiter describes their location and the teashop to Artemis.
[20:38] <Sailor_Ana> "Alright, I'll be there as soon as I can. Mina, too," he says.
[20:39] * Sailor_Jupiter nods as she shuts the communicator.
[20:39] * Sailor_Jupiter is now known as Makoto
[20:39] * Rei-chan gestures to Herb, "Lead the way."

Tea time! That's all I have to bring to the table right now, good night everyone.

[20:40] <Sailor_Ana> As you sit, you find yourselves in a pleasantly decorated tea house. The waiting staff looks to be excellent, and various warm smells speaking of many teas waft out.
[20:40] * Prince_Herb orders a pot of tea, 4 cups and a saucer for the cat...
[20:41] <Prince_Herb> Prince_Herb explains about the curse, without saying much about the curious marital customs of the Musk, or, especially, the monkey-girl.
[20:42] <Rei-chan> "Wow. Just when you think you've heard it all..." Rei shakes her head in wonderment. "So what's the story with you being a senshi? Our mooncats didn't mention anything about you."
[20:43] <Makoto> "They normally don't mention much at all, remember?"
[20:44] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, but after Venus showed up they said 'all the senshi are together', remember?"
[20:45] <Prince_Herb> "I don't know about that, but there are more senshi than the six of us. Nian doesn't remember how many, or what they're called, though."
[20:46] <Prince_Herb> "How's the tea, o trusted advisor?"
[20:46] <Sailor_Ana> "Excellent, as expected," he says. "And yes, there are more senshi than the six plants of this solar system."
[20:47] <Prince_Herb> *six senshi
[20:47] <Rei-chan> "There's more sailor senshi? Well where are they, how do we find them?" Rei asks eagerly, leaning towards the cat.
[20:48] <Prince_Herb> "He's awfully quiet about that. I think he doesn't know."
[20:48] <Makoto> "Well, why don't you tell us about how you became a senshi then?"
[20:49] <Sailor_Ana> "I'm afraid I do not remember any more than that," he says, looking down into his tea.
[20:52] <Rei-chan> "Well, do you know anything about the Dark Kingdom?"
[20:53] <Prince_Herb> "I was in Japan, looking for a certain relic of my house, which certain local ruffians were trying to prevent me reacquiring. I met Nian in a hot springs resort after one of my many glorious victories. He reawakened my memories, and with my powers I was able to trounce the ruffians utterly."
[20:53] <Rei-chan> "Where the ruffians part of a Dark Kingdom plot?"
[20:54] <Prince_Herb> "No, just misled martial artists."
[20:54] <Rei-chan> "You sure they weren't possessed?" Rei asks hopefully.
[20:55] <Prince_Herb> "Well, they might have been. I wouldn't know what to look for in those days. They certainly behaved very oddly."
[20:56] <Prince_Herb> "Nian told me that this city was the nexus for the Dark Kingdom's attacks, so I should move here."
[20:57] * Rei-chan nods. "They've attacked other places around the world, but nowhere as much as Tokyo. And ever since Minako came here, I don't think they've attacked elsewhere... except the hot springs..." Rei trails off, looking thoughtful at this strange coincidence.
[21:00] <Sailor_Ana> "Indeed," Nian says.

As you may have noticed, Venus was off doing her own thing during this. This is what connects them...say hi to Venus the male pervert!


Meanwhile... (timestamps edited for consistency)
----------

[20:18] <V-chan> "Crescent Moon Power Transform! Change me into that hot guy I've seen in Rei's manga, when Usagi was reading it! That total fox Kurama!"
[20:18] * V-chan is now known as Kura-chan
[20:40] <Sailor_Ana> Minako - As your cab gets close to the temple, your cell phone rings.
[20:40] * Kura-chan answers it, asking, "Who's there?"
[20:41] <Sailor_Ana> "Mina?" Artemis's voice comes out. "I'll keep this quick, I'm managed to make it to a safe phone." He gives you a set of instructions and tells you to meet him there, hanging up before you can really say much.
[20:42] * Kura-chan blinks, and looks at the phone in confusion.
[20:42] * Kura-chan then shrugs, and taps the cab driver on his shoulder, giving him the new destination.
[20:42] <Kura-chan> OOC: I'm already disguised now.
[20:42] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: It's not that far, and you should be there in ten minutes or so.
[20:43] * Kura-chan nods.
[20:43] * Kura-chan mentions that there's a bonus in it for him, if he gets there in five.

Back to the main plot...
----------

Minako makes a move on Rei!

[21:02] * Kura-chan enters the teashop.
[21:03] * Kura-chan looks around for the other senshi, or Artemis.
[21:03] <Sailor_Ana> You see Rei, Makoto and another person sitting at a table off to the side.
[21:04] * Kura-chan walks over to the table, and smiles at the gathered girls, presenting Rei with a red rose.
[21:04] <Kura-chan> "Mind if I joined you, beautiful?"
[21:04] <Makoto> "Got a boyfriend while we weren't looking, Rei-chan?" Makoto teases with a smile.
[21:05] * Rei-chan blushes. "Do... do I know you?"
[21:05] <Kura-chan> "No, but that could change," Kurama replies with a dazzling smile.
[21:05] * Rei-chan giggles girlishly and slaps Kurama's arm. "Oh, stop!"
[21:06] <Kura-chan> "Should I take that as a yes?" he asks, looking at the empty seat next to the raven-haired girl suggestively.
[21:07] <Makoto> "Well, we -are- waiting for someone..." Makoto adds in a bit doubtful.
[21:07] <Rei-chan> "Uh... er..." Rei flounders, knowing that she shouldn't let him interrupt an important discussion, but the guy is pretty charming. She looks at her companions for help.
[21:07] <Kura-chan> "Not a boyfriend, I hope?" he asks, looking hurt and yet hopeful.
[21:08] <Makoto> "Not at all," Makoto responds with an amused smile.
[21:08] * Prince_Herb looks utterly clueless.
[21:08] <Makoto> He was just as charming as her old sempai. Although he didn't have his great taste if he was going after Rei-chan instead of her.
[21:09] * Rei-chan twitches for some reason.
[21:09] <Kura-chan> "I'm glad," he replies, and sits next to Rei. "My name... is Kurama. And might I ask for yours?"
[21:09] * Rei-chan tries to control her blushing. "You can call me Rei-chan."
[21:10] <Sailor_Ana> As you speak, you notice Artemis quietly sneaking into the building and coming to your table.
[21:10] * Kura-chan nods, smiling. "Rei-chan... what a pretty name...."
[21:11] <Rei-chan> "You really think so?" Rei asks, going all sparkly eyed.
[21:12] * Kura-chan nods again. "Yes. It is one with many meanings... I wonder which one suits you best."
[21:12] <Rei-chan> "It's written as 'spirit'," Rei informs him.
[21:12] <Makoto> "Excuse me, I think I see one of the ones we're waiting for," Makoto said as she gets up. "Excuse me a moment."
[21:14] * Kura-chan perks up. "Spirit..." he muses out loud. "You wouldn't be dealing with them in your line of work? As a... shrine priestess, perhaps?"
[21:14] * Makoto walks towards Artemis, and when next to him, says, "No, my mistake." before picking up Artemis.
[21:14] <Rei-chan> Rei's attitude suddenly becomes colder. "How did you know that?" she asks, suspiciously.
[21:15] * Makoto whispers at Arty, "Where's Minako?"
[21:15] * Rei-chan tries to sense _evil_ from Kurama.
[21:15] <Sailor_Ana> "She's...she'll be along," Artemis says, chuckling.
[21:15] <Kura-chan> "I have a way with ki myself," Kurama replies in a conspiratorial whisper. "And your name just sealed it for me."
[21:16] <Sailor_Ana> Mars - you sense no evil from him.
[21:16] <Rei-chan> Rei softens a little at not sensing any particular _evil_, but still remains guarded. "Are you sure you're not a stalker?"
[21:16] <Makoto> "Right," Makoto grumbles in a low tone as she heads back to the table, cat in tow.
[21:17] <Sailor_Ana> Artemis snuggles into Makoto's warm arms and chest...
[21:17] * Kura-chan looks sincerely wounded. "A stalker?"
[21:17] * Makoto pinches the cat. "Don't get too comfortable, Cat."
[21:17] <Sailor_Ana> Artemis responds by softly purring.
[21:17] <Rei-chan> "I find it odd that someone I've never met would know these things about me."
[21:17] <Kura-chan> "I must admit that's the first time a pretty girl called me that." He frowns. "It... kinda hurts."
[21:18] <Makoto> "Great, what has Minako been conditioning you like?" Makoto mutters.
[21:18] * Makoto sits back at the table, dumping the cat to the ground.
[21:18] <Sailor_Ana> Artemis lands and sends a unhappy look at Makoto before positioning himself near her feet.
[21:18] <Rei-chan> "A girl has to be careful in this day and age," Rei informs Kurama primly.
[21:19] <Kura-chan> "Of course." He nods to that. "Especially with all the unnatural activity going on around this city."
[21:20] <Makoto> "Minako should be here soon..." Makoto warns Rei, trying to tell her to get rid of the pretty boy.
[21:21] * Rei-chan gives Makoto a small nod. "Anyway, our friend will be here soon, so if you don't mind?" she makes shooing motions, seeming totally unaffected by his attempts at charming her now.
[21:23] <Kura-chan> "What a pity," he says, with a sigh. "Very well, I won't take more of your time then, Rei-chan."
[21:23] <Rei-chan> "Rei-san."
[21:23] <Kura-chan> "As you wish." Kurama stands up, and bows to everyone, before moving to a different table across the restaurant.
[21:24] * Kura-chan waits for a waitress there, and then orders some tea.
[21:24] * Rei-chan looks down at Artemis and whispers, "What's taking Minako?"
[21:24] <Sailor_Ana> "I don't know," he says, taking a last glance at the male interloper. "She should be along momentary. At least I HOPE she will be."
[21:25] <Sailor_Ana> Looking over, he takes in Herb and Nian.
[21:25] <Makoto> "Well, Artemis, meet Herb, Herb, meet the bum we ended up with as our advisor."
[21:25] <Sailor_Ana> "I am a fine mooncat, not a bum, Makoto," he replies loftily.
[21:26] <Makoto> "Eh, Herb's cat could probably tell us otherwise."
[21:26] <Sailor_Ana> "But..." he says, turning back to Herb, "Are you the...new senshi?"
[21:27] <Rei-chan> "Chinese curse. He turns into a girl. A very pretty girl at that," Rei eyes Herb, gauging his reaction to her words.
[21:27] * Prince_Herb blushes darkly and nods.
[21:28] <Sailor_Ana> "Really, a very pretty girl? Heh," he says, chortling. "And his house pet?"
[21:28] <Prince_Herb> "I am the senshi of the constellation Draco. I am pleased to meet you, o mooncat."
[21:28] <Prince_Herb> "This is Nian, my trusted advisor." Prince_Herb indicates the golden cat
[21:28] <Sailor_Ana> "I am NOT a mere housepet." Nian replies, raising his cat nose up. "I am Nian, Herb's trusted advisor."
[21:29] <Sailor_Ana> Artemis blinks. "Another one of us? Well, good to have you both, I guess. The timing couldn't be better, we're a bit shorthanded."
[21:29] <Rei-chan> "Hey, how many more mooncats are there out there, anyway?"
[21:30] <Sailor_Ana> Artemis shrugs. "At least one more..." he says, trailing off.
[21:31] <Rei-chan> "Really? How do you know? And is the other one a girl?"
[21:31] <Sailor_Ana> "It's a girl," he says, absently.
[21:31] <Rei-chan> "Oh, good. That balances out," Rei nods.
[21:31] * Kura-chan leaves money for the tea and moves to the bathrooms, after making sure non of the senshi or cats are looking his way.
[21:31] * Sailor_Ana nods.
[21:32] * Kura-chan uses the compact to transform back to Minako in privacy, knowing that they're waiting for her.
[21:32] * Kura-chan is now known as V-chan
[21:32] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: Okay. Going back out?
[21:32] <V-chan> Minako appears with a large and suspicious hat covering most of her face from view, as well as a large trench coat.
[21:32] <Sailor_Ana> "Yes," Nian says. "But, let us get to brass tacks."
[21:34] <Sailor_Ana> "Simply, what is going on here?"
[21:35] * V-chan walks up to the table with her fellow senshi, a large trench coat and hat covering her features.
[21:35] * V-chan sits down at an empty place next to Makoto, saying, "Hey guys."
[21:35] * Rei-chan looks askance at Minako. "What are you, an extra in a Humphrey Bogart film?"
[21:35] <Makoto> "Hey, Minako."
[21:35] <Sailor_Ana> "No, she probably just came back from her flashing run," Artemis says with a grin. "You know, flash open the coat and run."
[21:36] <V-chan> "It's my disguise," she says simply. "I won't draw attention that way."
[21:36] <Rei-chan> "Attention from whom?"
[21:36] <Rei-chan> "And you kinda stick out dressed like that..."
[21:37] <V-chan> "No way!" Minako exclaims, looking horrified.
[21:38] <Makoto> "Yes way. You stick out like a sore thumb, no pretty girl would cover herself up that much, so you'll attract attention that way."
[21:39] <V-chan> "But...." Minako's lower lip trembles. "Artemis told me that you had a vision, and you would die because of me! So I can't be seen with you!"
[21:40] <Rei-chan> "... I told you what happened in the vision, remember? I don't think you can avoid it by wearing a trench coat... besides, it concerned all three of us." Rei gestures to include Makoto in the discussion.
[21:40] * V-chan just blinks, then looks first at Rei, then at Artemis.
[21:41] <Rei-chan> "I did a fire reading which showed Endymion attacking grandpa, and then he was attacked barely five minutes later, but we stopped it. If we can stop that, we can stop whatever they have planned to get us," Rei says confidently.
[21:41] * V-chan looks at Rei strangely. "You stopped it? How? Did you undo the brainwashing?"
[21:42] <Rei-chan> "We didn't heal Endymion," Rei explains, drawing on her patience. "But we stopped him from doing... who knows what, to my grandpa!"
[21:43] <V-chan> "So he just... left?"
[21:43] * Rei-chan nods. "Didn't even leave a youma to fight us or anything."
[21:43] * V-chan stands up suddenly. "Please don't tell me you left your grandfather alone in the shrine."
[21:44] <Rei-chan> "Uh..."
[21:44] <Sailor_Ana> "You did...what?" Artemis says quietly, looking up.
[21:44] <Rei-chan> "They... they won't attack again so suddenly, right?"
[21:44] * V-chan breaks into a run out of the place and towards the shrine.
[21:44] <Rei-chan> "Shit!" Rei swears as she gets up and follows Minako.
[21:44] <Sailor_Ana> "Do you want to test our luck right now, Rei?" Artemis says, following Mina without another word.
[21:45] * Makoto runs out too, leaving Herb to pay.
[21:45] * Rei-chan doesn't answer, too concerned with mentally berating herself for being so naive.
[21:46] * Prince_Herb pays the bill and follows at speed.
[21:47] * Prince_Herb is now known as Sailor_Dragon
[21:48] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[21:48] * Musk-bot --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[21:48] <Sailor_Ana> You all race to the scene, Herb taking the time to transform first.
[21:49] <V-chan> "Crescent Moon Power Transform! Change me into the bishonen fighter Kurama-kun!"
[21:49] * V-chan is now known as Kura-chan
[21:49] <Sailor_Ana> Taking the steps 2 at a time, you reach the temple proper - and find your grandfather outside, accosting a group of teenaged schoolgirls to 'help at the shrine'.
[21:49] * Sailor_Dragon disguises herself as a cool student again
[21:50] <Kura-chan> OOC: Given I arrived on the scene first, I should be able to hide in time.
[21:50] * Rei-chan breathes a sigh of relief.
[21:50] * Kura-chan observes from the shadows.
[21:50] <Sailor_Ana> As the girls laugh and walk away from the dejected old man, he notices you. "Hello, Rei."
[21:51] <Rei-chan> "Grandpa, it's because you act like this that hardly anyone comes to the shrine anymore," Rei laments sadly.
[21:52] * Makoto arrives and blinks at Rei, "Where'd Minako go?"
[21:52] <Sailor_Ana> "REI! I'm shocked that you would say such things about your grandfather!" he wails.
[21:53] <Rei-chan> "Bah, I'll say that and worse if you keep acting like this."
[21:53] <Sailor_Ana> "...I'm so hurt, Rei. Oh, and guess who stopped by the shrine today?" he says, suddenly beaming.
[21:54] * Rei-chan looks around. "That's odd. Hey, Gramps, did you see Minako arrive? She was just a little bit ahead of me."
[21:54] * Kura-chan is now known as V-chan
[21:54] * V-chan walks up to Rei.
[21:54] <Rei-chan> "Huh? Who stopped by the shrine?"
[21:54] <Sailor_Ana> "Minako? I she one of your friends? But anyway, the Sailor Senshi stopped by today! They just can't get enough of me."
[21:55] * Rei-chan groans. "Minako is blonde with a red bow in her hair, I guess I haven't introduced her to you. I hope you didn't say anything perverted to the senshi, they're defenders of the peace after all."
[21:55] * V-chan nods to that. "They do a lot of good work."
[21:55] * Rei-chan starts. "Minako! Where did you come from?"
[21:56] <V-chan> "I took a walk around the grounds," she replies. "Just in case."
[21:56] * V-chan puts a special meaning behind the latter sentence.
[21:56] <Sailor_Ana> "I just wanted to thank them like they deserved to be thanked, Rei!" he protests. "Those beautiful Sailors should be, don't you think?
[21:57] <Rei-chan> "You shouldn't even stay around the senshi, what if you got hurt? Normally when they show up it means a fight will start."
[21:57] * Rei-chan nods slightly to Minako.
[21:57] * V-chan tugs on her hat to cover her face better.
[21:57] * Rei-chan spins on Minako and flips her hat. "Take that damn thing off! You look ridiculous!"
[21:58] <Sailor_Ana> "And how do you know so much about them, Rei?" he says, teasing. "I'd almost think that...you were interested in hot girls, too! Oh woe is me! My granddaughter would steal them away from me!"
[21:58] * V-chan snorts.
[21:58] * V-chan turns away from Rei and her grandfather, unable to control her chuckles.
[21:58] * Rei-chan gives her grandpa a scandalized look. "You pervert!" She swats at his head.
[21:58] * Makoto tries to hide laughter at Rei's grandpa.
[21:59] <Sailor_Ana> The wrinkled, old man ducks the swipe. "You won't be catching any hot teenage girls that slowly, Rei!" he says, running off and laughing.
[21:59] <V-chan> "Say, Rei, why don't we go to your room?" Minako asks suddenly.
[21:59] * Makoto looks back for Herb.
[22:00] * Rei-chan growls at her grandpa and vows revenge. "Okay, Minako. Hey, where's Herb?"
[22:00] <V-chan> "Who?"
[22:00] <Rei-chan> "The guy who was at the tea shop with us."
[22:00] * Sailor_Dragon waves.
[22:01] <Rei-chan> "Oh. He's a girl right now. Yeah, Minako, just so you know, Herb is sometimes a guy and sometimes a girl."
[22:01] <V-chan> "He must lead a heck of an alternate lifestyle!" Minako quips.
[22:02] <Sailor_Ana> "Hey, it's not that messed up to change into the opposite gender." Artemis mutters half audibly.
[22:02] <Rei-chan> "Heh, he doesn't seem to happy with it, though," Rei smirks. "Hey, Herb, Makoto! Come on you two, we'll go into my room and continue our conversation."
[22:02] <Makoto> "Do you do it, Arty?"
[22:02] * Makoto nods at Rei.
[22:03] <V-chan> "He makes a very hot girl," Minako asserts.
[22:03] * Rei-chan gives Artemis a curious look. "I don't see it."
[22:03] <V-chan> "I know," Minako agrees. "It's a hidden talent."
[22:03] <Sailor_Ana> "Er...No, no, no." Artemis says, waving his paws.
[22:03] <Rei-chan> "I hope it stays hidden."
[22:03] <V-chan> "A very, _very_ hidden talent."
[22:04] <Makoto> "We'll have to play dress up with him and see him as a girl then!"
[22:04] <V-chan> "No?" Minako blinks. "That's not what you said last night."
[22:04] * Makoto figures the sight of a male cat in make-up should be worth a laugh or two.
[22:04] * Rei-chan considers this. "That sounds rather cruel. I approve!"
[22:05] * Rei-chan leads everyone into her room.

And it all breaks down. It's comedy gold and it touches off serious Venus angst. You have been warned.

[22:05] <Sailor_Ana> "I AM...NOT A GIRL!" Artemis shouts suddenly. "It was a mistake! A prank idea gone wrong! I swear!" he babbles.
[22:05] * Sailor_Dragon sits Nian on her lap. "Don't worry, I'll keep you safe from them", she says.
[22:05] <Rei-chan> "Sure Artemis. I wonder what Luna will say about this?" Rei taps her chin thoughtfully.
[22:05] <V-chan> "Is there anything wrong with being a girl?" Minako asks in a threatening tone of voice.
[22:06] <Sailor_Ana> "I think I shall appreciate that," Nian says.
[22:06] <Sailor_Ana> "Yes, there is! You walk funny! Your crotch leaks! You have long hair that gets in the way!" he rants, making frantic motions with his front paws, sitting back on his butt.
[22:07] <Rei-chan> Rei's hair toings out. "Crotch... leaks..." she repeats dully.
[22:07] <Sailor_Dragon> "..."
[22:07] <V-chan> "I'll deal with you later, Pet," Minako says.
[22:07] * Sailor_Dragon looks a little shell-shocked.
[22:07] * V-chan glancing at the other talking cat, she asks, "Who might you be? I'm Minako!"
[22:09] <Sailor_Ana> "I am Nian, advisor to Sailor Dragon, the Prince of the Musk," he replies formally.
[22:10] <Rei-chan> "Hey, is Musk a planet in that Draconis constellation you were talking about?"
[22:11] <Sailor_Dragon> "Not that I know. It's the kingdom in China I'm due to inherit."
[22:11] <V-chan> "Sailor Dragon?" Minako asks, and then points at Herb. "You?"
[22:12] <Sailor_Dragon> "I am the *mumbles something* -ty soldier Sailor_Dragon!" she says, dropping her disguise.
[22:12] * V-chan grabs Herb's hand, and then shakes it vigorously. "I'm so very pleased to make your acquaintance! Wai! Another ally!"
[22:12] <Sailor_Dragon> "You're welcome, Princess."
[22:13] * Sailor_Dragon kisses Venus' hand.
[22:13] * V-chan blushes, and looks self-conscious. "Oh my, I always turn that way when this happens."
[22:13] * Rei-chan sidles up to Minako. "Remember, she's really a handsome guy!"
[22:14] * V-chan then looks at Herb strangely. "You're not another Dark Kingdom minion who would try to kill me, then fail and jump off a building, right?"
[22:15] <Sailor_Dragon> "No. I'm the righteous Sailor_Dragon, Queen Serenity's gallant ally," Sailor_Dragon replies, "and Nian tells me I should only kill youma and such-like."
[22:15] * Rei-chan nods. "Good policy."
[22:16] <V-chan> "Just checking!" she says, laughing with her hand behind her head.
[22:16] * Sailor_Dragon laughs self-consciously.
[22:16] * V-chan suddenly turns serious. "Guys," she says, looking at the gathered senshi. "I've tried to find out more about the recent attacks."
[22:17] <Makoto> "Did you find anything?"
[22:17] * Rei-chan perks up. "Oh yeah, you said you'd found something!"
[22:17] <V-chan> "I... what?"
[22:17] <Sailor_Ana> "Recent attacks, please tell," Nian says, perking up.
[22:17] <Rei-chan> "When you contacted me at lunchtime! You said you'd discovered something, remember?" Rei prods.
[22:18] * V-chan blinks. "But that's when I was hack-- err, browsing through the nice police files."
[22:18] <Makoto> "You contacted me at lunch too!"
[22:18] <Sailor_Ana> You see Artemis beginning to creep away from the group, Makoto.
[22:19] <V-chan> Minako's sixth sense alerts her to something, and she grabs his tail.
[22:19] * V-chan raises him on it, asking slowly, "Something you'd like to share, Stray?"
[22:19] * Makoto is curious too about what Artemis has to "say".
[22:20] <Sailor_Ana> "Nothing you need to know, Mina," he says winningly, with a large, almost believable smile.
[22:20] <V-chan> "I can turn you into a toad in your sleep," she says blandly, giving him a glare.
[22:20] <Sailor_Ana> "Okay...I...er...I didn't just do the test, Mina."
[22:21] * V-chan nods. "You did ace it, right?"
[22:21] <Sailor_Ana> "Yes!' he says quickly.
[22:21] <V-chan> "Good. Keep talking."
[22:22] <Sailor_Ana> "And...er...that's all..." he says, nodding vigorously.
[22:22] * Rei-chan looks confused.
[22:22] <V-chan> "I hear that in some countries, they have recipes for lying cats," Minako mentions absent-mindedly. "Would you know one, Herb-chan?"
[22:23] <Sailor_Ana> "Alright..." he begins.
[22:23] <Sailor_Ana> "I kinda used the communicator," he says blandly.
[22:24] <V-chan> "I want it back," she says conversationally. "Go on."
[22:24] <Sailor_Ana> "And...well...um...er...I think I made a small mistake at school."
[22:24] <Sailor_Ana> He's blushing at this point and squirming a good deal.
[22:25] <V-chan> "Do tell," Minako says flatly.
[22:25] <Sailor_Ana> "You know how I, well...that you girls are...leaky..." he begins slowly, trying to phrase it correctly.
[22:26] * Rei-chan is still confused, but has an expression of slowly dawning horror on her face.
[22:26] <Sailor_Ana> "Er..the body was leaking, and I was confused...so I asked how to stop the leaking down there..."
[22:26] * V-chan chokes. "W-Who... did you ask?"
[22:27] <Sailor_Ana> "I only asked the two girls who sit next to you and the teacher..." he says, gulping.
[22:27] <Sailor_Ana> "The girls laughed and the teacher sent me to the nurse...How do you deal with those...pads, anyway?" he asks suddenly.
[22:27] * Rei-chan bursts out laughing.
[22:27] * V-chan blanches.
[22:28] * Sailor_Dragon looks ill.
[22:28] * Rei-chan has tears streaming down her cheeks and has to lean on Makoto to keep from falling over.
[22:28] <Rei-chan> "Bwahahaha!"
[22:29] * Makoto holds Rei-chan and tries to hold back a grin. "Well, at least I'm not the only one with school troubles now."
[22:29] <V-chan> "That's... so mean!" Minako exclaims, tears appearing at the corners of her eyes.
[22:29] <Sailor_Ana> "And...I mean, I eventually stopped it up, but...I hope you have more underwear."
[22:29] <Sailor_Ana> Artemis deflates totally, not even trying to move.
[22:29] <Rei-chan> "My... sides...hahah... oh god...hahah!"
[22:29] <V-chan> "I hate you. I hate you!"
[22:30] * V-chan stomps out of the room, and goes outside.
[22:30] * Rei-chan falls over and pounds her fist on the ground, desperately trying to stop laughing.
[22:30] * Sailor_Dragon still looks mortified.
[22:31] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Still with Artemis held, Minako?
[22:31] <V-chan> OOC: Yes
[22:31] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Oh dear.
[22:31] <V-chan> Once outside, she asks coldly, "Return the communicator."
[22:31] <Makoto> "Should we go save Arty, or get control of our giggles first?" Makoto says.
[22:32] <Sailor_Ana> "Okay, Mina," he says sadly. He moves for a minute and the communicator plops lightly to the ground from magic cat space. "I'm...I'm sorry."
[22:32] <V-chan> "Minako's Ruined Childhood KICK!" she yells, drop-kicking Artemis as hard as she can.
[22:32] * Rei-chan sits up and wipes the tears from her eyes. "Oh boy, that was the funniest thing I've ever heard."
[22:32] <Sailor_Ana> Artemis doesn't even issue a peep as he goes flying into the twilight.
[22:33] * V-chan picks up the communicator, and goes down the stairs.
[22:34] * Sailor_Dragon looks at Nian with an appalled expression on her face. "Who are these people, and what have they done with the real senshi?"
[22:34] <Sailor_Ana> And on that note...pause.
[22:34] <Sailor_Ana> Work time for me.
[22:34] * Sailor_Ana sets mode: -m

Wow. Wow. Wow. Girls are...leaky? )O_O I had no idea, Artemis....

[Anastasia]

Session 8!

The fallout from the great leaking incident!

God help us all! Save us from the wrath of Minako!

[17:54] * Sailor_Dune sets mode: +m
[17:59] <Sailor_Dune> Right-o.
[17:59] <Sailor_Dune> It's a day after meeting the latest Pretty Suited Sailor of Love and Justice, Sailor Dragon.
[18:00] <Sailor_Dune> Minako, after hearing of Artemis's little social faux pas, has decided it's about time to check out greener pastures...
[18:01] <Sailor_Dune> Rei - As you walk to school, you are accosted by a certain white feline.
[18:01] <Sailor_Dune> "Rei!" a loud whisper from a nearby alley says.
[18:02] * Rei-chan giggles slightly. "Hello Artemis. How're the cramps?"
[18:02] <Sailor_Dune> "Oh, quiet," he mutters, scowling. "Um...Have you seen Minako today?"
[18:03] <Rei-chan> "No. Didn't she go home with you after we found out you had the painters in?"
[18:04] * Rei-chan covers her mouth and tries to keep from laughing loudly at her own wit.
[18:04] <Sailor_Dune> "Well, she went home. She was just...ah, unforgiving." he says slowly. "Very...unforgiving."
[18:05] * Rei-chan gives Artemis a pitying look. "I suppose it must have been weird for you, but really, asking her classmates? What were you thinking?"
[18:06] <Sailor_Dune> Artemis blushes and looks away. "I vaguely knew it was a female thing, so I thought: Who better to ask than real females?"
[18:07] <Sailor_Dune> "It's not like she came with a manual."
[18:07] <Rei-chan> "Shame Luna isn't around, eh? I'm sure she could steer you right."
[18:08] <Sailor_Dune> "Luna will NEVER let me live this down!" He droops and sighs again. "But...you haven't seen Minako?"
[18:09] <Rei-chan> "No. So she wouldn't let you inside last night? Didn't you at least hang around outside to see her leave for school?"
[18:10] <Sailor_Dune> "I don't think she's going to class today, Rei," he responds.
[18:11] * Rei-chan sighs. "Can't say I blame her. I know what teenage girls are like, and she won't be living this down for a loooong time."
[18:13] <Sailor_Dune> "Anyway," he says. "If you see her, could you try and reason with her?"
[18:14] <Rei-chan> "Well, I guess I could stop by her place after school... but you screwed up big time, Cat."
[18:15] <Sailor_Dune> "Okay, thanks," he says. He turns and scampers off, head still low.
[18:16] * Rei-chan shakes her head and resumes walking to school, trying to formulate excuses for ditching yesterday.

I had way too much fun with this scene. You have no idea how lucky Rei was that I avoided corpral punishment.

For now. ^_^

[18:16] <Sailor_Dune> Rei - As soon as you get to homeroom, you receive a message that the Headmaster wishes to speak with you.
[18:17] * Rei-chan proceeds to the Headmaster's office.
[18:20] <Sailor_Dune> You proceed, and when you arrive, his secretary instructs you to sit down. As all Headmasters seem to have, the chairs outside his office are hard and wooden.
[18:20] * Rei-chan fidgets slightly, but tries to project an air of confidence and aloofness.
[18:21] <Sailor_Dune> After a nice chunk of time, a female student comes out, pale and teary eyed. She doesn't even look at you as she runs out of the office, sobbing.
[18:21] * Rei-chan slumps in her chair.
[18:22] <Sailor_Dune> "Miss Hino? The headmaster will see you now." The old battle ax of a secratary says, barely looking up from her computer.
[18:33] * Sailor_Dune sets mode: -m
[18:34] * Sailor_Dune has quit IRC (QUIT: -=SysReset 2.51=-)

Basically, this session ran very short. If I recall,  I had to leave for some reason or another. Still, tune in next time for Rei's time in the Headmaster's office! I'll see you there!

[Anastasia]

Session 9 picks up where session 8 left off.

Will Rei survive her trip to the headmaster? Will her botton survive?!

[17:16] * Anastasia sets mode: +m
[17:16] * Ebiris is now known as Rei-chan
[17:16] <Anastasia> Is everyone clear on where we left off?
[17:17] <V-chan> Yes
[17:17] <Rei-chan> Rei was about to see the headmaster
[17:17] <Anastasia> Okay.
[17:17] <Anastasia> A few more long, tense minutes later: The old battleaxe that is his secretary calls you. "Miss Hino, you may see the Headmaster now."
[17:18] <Rei-chan> With a telling lack of enthusiasm, Rei gets up and trudges into the office
[17:19] <Anastasia> Inside is a nice, bookshelf lined office, rather airy despite the high number of bookcases. The Headmaster, a middle aged but still vigorous looking red-haired man, is sitting behind his desk.
[17:19] <Anastasia> "Miss Hino, I presume?"
[17:19] * Anastasia is now known as Sailor_Ana
[17:20] * Rei-chan nods, "Yes," and stands in front of his desk.
[17:21] <Sailor_Ana> "One of your teachers, Mr. Yamada, said you quote 'Ran out of my class like a bat out of hell' unquote," he says, his voice businesslike and cool.
[17:22] * Rei-chan squirms slightly. "Uh... I suppose I did, sir..."
[17:22] <Sailor_Ana> "Yes, you did. And furthermore, after checking with your other teacher that afternoon, I find that you did not show for that class."
[17:24] <Rei-chan> "Well, uh... you see... the thing is..." Rei presses her index fingers together as she tries to think of an excuse.
[17:24] * Rei-chan decides to put her acting skills to the test.
[17:25] <Rei-chan> "I had a problem of a... er... feminine nature, Sir. I didn't feel well afterwards and didn't feel up to staying in class..."
[17:25] * Rei-chan blushes.
[17:25] <Sailor_Ana> He leans back and puts his hands together in a steeple. "I see, Miss Hino. And did you go to the school clinic?" he asks.
[17:26] * Rei-chan puts her hands over her cheeks and shakes her head "Oh, I couldn't do that! It's too embarrassing... oh, and now you're making me say it..."
[17:27] <Sailor_Ana> He shakes his head and sighs. "I'm afraid that even with that excuse, we cannot condone students running off from class willy-nilly."
[17:27] <Sailor_Ana> "The proper rules must be maintained, Miss Hino."
[17:28] * Rei-chan looks at the floor. "I understand, sir, I just panicked... it won't happen again, Sir."
[17:29] <Sailor_Ana> "I certainly hope not, Miss Hino," he says crisply. "However, that still does not excuse the offense."
[17:30] * Rei-chan silently awaits her punishment.
[17:32] <Sailor_Ana> "I believe two detentions are in order...And also, some school service would be prudent."
[17:32] <Rei-chan> "School service?" Rei asks, thinking that she better not have to lead the school in prayers at assembly or anything like that.
[17:34] <Sailor_Ana> "Yes." He smiles in an almost friendly manner. Almost. "You see, we believe that when a student disrupts the fabric of life here at the T and A school that the best recourse is for them to give something back to the school."
[17:35] <Rei-chan> "I always do lots of extra-curricular activities for the school, Sir," Rei says, thinking of the fact that she normally has to run the entire school festival herself while everyone else goofs off.
[17:36] <Sailor_Ana> "I am aware of that, Miss Hino, yet some extra service will do you _good_," he says, lingering over the last word.
[17:36] * Rei-chan sighs, sensing that she won't get out of this one. "Yes, sir."
[17:37] <Sailor_Ana> "Therefore, you have been assigned to Student Services for the day. Your teachers have already been notified that you will be absent and make up work will be prepared. Are there any questions, Miss Hino?"
[17:37] <Rei-chan> "No, Sir."
[17:37] <Sailor_Ana> "Dismissed."

Sorry, Rei made it through with only detention and school service. Go away if you were reading for hot Senshi spankin' action.

Anyway, back to more serious matters. I had fun in this upcoming session, I thought it flowed nicely.

[17:38] * Rei-chan nods and leaves the office.
[17:41] <Sailor_Ana> A short time later, you are at the Student Services 'Office'. In truth, it is a desk and 2 seats in a corner of the administrative offices. The person in charge of it, a Mr. Kazama, takes a look at you and asks, "Are you Miss Hino?"
[17:42] <Rei-chan> "Yes."
[17:42] <Sailor_Ana> "Well, then. Excellent timing. There is a prospective transfer student here today, and we need someone to show them around the school."
[17:43] <Sailor_Ana> "You've just been nominated and voted into the role."
[17:43] <Rei-chan> "Okay," Rei says, slightly relieved. At least she isn't cleaning toilets...
[17:43] <Rei-chan> "So who's this transfer student?"
[17:45] <Sailor_Ana> "A Miss Minako Aino."
[17:46] <Rei-chan> Rei's face lights up. "Minako-chan is transferring here?"
[17:46] <Sailor_Ana> He blinks and looks at you. "You know her?"
[17:47] <Rei-chan> "Yes, we only met recently."
[17:47] * Rei-chan can certainly understand why Minako is transferring, but is rather surprised at the suddenness.
[17:48] <Sailor_Ana> "Well...You can pick her up at the main office." he says before going back to paperwork.
[17:48] <Rei-chan> "Okay." Rei turns and leaves the office with a little more spring in her step than when she entered.
[17:49] <Sailor_Ana> Venus - After going through the boredom of early morning paper work at your choice of transfer schools, you are told to wait for a student guide.
[17:50] <Sailor_Ana> You are rather surprised when you see a certain black-haired temple maiden coming, though.
[17:50] * V-chan twitches.
[17:51] <V-chan> "Rei-chan? You go to T&A?" Giving her body a once over, she nods to herself. "I guess I can see why...."
[17:51] * Rei-chan stumbles slightly. "Uh... I guess you'll fit in, too..."
[17:51] <V-chan> "YES!" Minako exclaims, jumping to her feet.
[17:52] <V-chan> "I knew you'd see it my way, Rei-chan! My parents didn't, but I told them I'd go back to Shibakouen over their dead bodies, and suddenly they let me transfer!"
[17:52] <Rei-chan> "Heh... you always did have a way with words, Minako-chan..." Rei says nervously.
[17:53] * V-chan drops her head. "Not always...."
[17:53] <V-chan> "But I'll try my best!" she proclaims immediately, posing
[17:54] <Rei-chan> "Uh..." Rei searches for another topic "Anyway, this is a pretty good school if you don't mind all the religious stuff. I think you'll like it here. And I'll enjoy having one of my friends going to school with me!"
[17:55] <V-chan> "Oh, I love religious boys!" Minako gushes. "They look so dreamy in their uniforms!"

I would like to note that line for the record.

Amazing how quickly things change, eh?

[17:56] <V-chan> "Not that shrine priestesses don't look nice in theirs. In fact, they look really pretty." Minako sighs happily.
[17:56] * Rei-chan waves a hand dismissively. "Most of the boys here are pretty geeky." Then catches what else Minako said. "Um... I never really thought my miko outfit was very flattering... you think it looks pretty?"
[17:57] * V-chan nods. "You look very nice in it."
[17:58] <Rei-chan> "Aww, thanks Mina-chan!" Rei blushes and gives Minako a friendly slap on the arm.
[17:58] * V-chan beams.
[17:59] <Rei-chan> "Anyway, I guess I should show you around the school... hmm, where to go first..." Rei wonders aloud.
[17:59] <V-chan> "The volleyball club," Minako subtly suggests.
[18:00] <Rei-chan> "Well, I don't really know much about the athletic clubs, but I guess I can show you the gym?" Rei offers.
[18:01] * V-chan shrugs. "Cool."
[18:01] * Rei-chan leads Minako towards the gym.
[18:01] <V-chan> "Rei-chan?" Minako says, trying to gain her attention
[18:02] * Rei-chan stops and faces Minako. "Yes?"
[18:02] <V-chan> "Let's say there was this guy," she continues, twiddling her thumbs, "and he saw this girl."
[18:03] <V-chan> "But he made a fool of himself, and the girl now hates his guts. What should this entirely hypothetical person do now?"
[18:04] <Rei-chan> "Hm... I guess he should apologize and try to show that he isn't the fool she thinks he is. I'm not really the person to ask on things like this..." Rei trails off a little sadly.
[18:04] <V-chan> "But most of your past boyfriends are still alive, right?" Minako asks. "That makes you more qualified!"
[18:05] <Rei-chan> "What's the difference between not being alive and not existing? I've never had a boyfriend, Minako," Rei says, a little testily.
[18:06] <V-chan> "Then you should try it!" Minako exclaims suddenly. "Maybe... maybe this guy will suddenly show up and apologize to you real soon!"
[18:06] <Rei-chan> "What guy?"
[18:07] <V-chan> "I have absolutely no idea!"
[18:07] <Rei-chan> "You're weird, Minako..." Rei says, continuing on towards the gym.
[18:07] <V-chan> "In a good way, right? Right?"
[18:08] * Rei-chan gives Minako a smile. "I wouldn't change you for the world."
[18:09] <Sailor_Ana> When you arrive, the gym is filled with students, as well as mats, vaulting horses and other gymnastics equipment.
[18:10] <Sailor_Ana> A class is going through various tumbles, leaps and rolls in the normal almost panties and white shirt outfit that is the PE suit of girls across Japan.
[18:10] * V-chan twitches. "It's so... lively."
[18:11] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, well class is in session," Rei shrugs, not really interested.
[18:11] <Rei-chan> "The sports club notice board is over there," Rei points. "I don't think they'd mind you joining mid-term, especially if you're as good at volleyball as you say."
[18:12] <V-chan> "Actually, I don't know if I'll join the club again," Minako replies, a bit sadly. "I might have to play against my old school, then."
[18:12] <V-chan> "I just wanted to take a look there."
[18:13] * Rei-chan nods "I suppose you might feel that way. Wanna see the gardens? They're really nice."
[18:13] * V-chan shrugs. "Sure, why not?"
[18:15] * Rei-chan leads Minako to the school's garden.
[18:16] <Sailor_Ana> A well enough maintained garden is here, albeit a mostly barren one as it is the early winter season. No one is really about.
[18:16] * V-chan begins whistling Full Moon's 'Myself' to herself.
[18:16] <Rei-chan> "The botany club and science classes use those greenhouses and some of the flowerbeds, but most of it is just ornamental. It's not really much right now, but in Spring and Summer it's really nice."
[18:16] * V-chan nods.
[18:17] * Rei-chan points to a well. "That well has been here since the Edo period, and predates the school itself."
[18:17] * V-chan picks up a small stone, and throws it into the well.

Temping the hand of fate, Minako? ^_^

[18:18] <Sailor_Ana> It falls in and you can distantly hear a *plop* sound a few seconds later.
[18:19] * V-chan giggles.
[18:19] <V-chan> "I never get enough of doing this!"
[18:19] * V-chan throws another pebble in.
[18:20] <Sailor_Ana> It falls in and you can distantly hear a *plop* sound a few seconds later, again.
[18:20] * V-chan giggles again.
[18:20] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, some people throw money down. According to school legend it grants wishes. Though some people just say an evil spirt lives there, and others say it's just a well..."
[18:20] <V-chan> "Wanna do it too, Rei-chan?"
[18:20] * Rei-chan takes out a 5yen coin and tosses it down.
[18:21] <Sailor_Ana> The coin flashes through the air before falling into the well and making the third straight *plop*.
[18:22] <V-chan> "I just had the strangest daydream," Minako suddenly announces, looking straight of Rei. "Of two girls falling inside after a freak accident, and getting to know each other before they're rescued later. Much later."
[18:22] * Rei-chan gives Minako an odd look. "That's a funny thing to daydream about."
[18:22] * V-chan laughs.
[18:23] <Rei-chan> "Did they exchange life stories? I suppose if you're stuck in a well you might as well talk about anything to pass the time..."
[18:24] * V-chan taps her chin thoughtfully. "I can only see fragments of it now, but I'm pretty sure one girl wanted to confess but was afraid of it, and this gave her the chance to try."
[18:25] <Rei-chan> "That's pretty sweet," Rei says, "Though it still seems weird to daydream about..."
[18:26] <V-chan> "If you say so," Minako says with a shrug. "Want to hear about my dream last night?"
[18:26] <Rei-chan> "Does it involve maiming Artemis?"
[18:26] <V-chan> "How did you know?" Minako asks, recoiling in shock.
[18:26] * Rei-chan giggles. "I'm psychic, remember?"
[18:26] <V-chan> "D'oh."
[18:28] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, I saw him this morning. He was a bit worried about you, but seemed more concerned with feeling sorry for himself..."
[18:29] * V-chan frowns upon hearing this. "There was more to my dream," Minako says, beginning to walk through the gardens. "There was this blonde champion of love and justice, only she didn't feel much like a champion of either, and this Kunzoid person shows up and offers her a chance at vengeance, and she took it, and there was much kitty carnage. Does it make any sense?"
[18:30] <Rei-chan> "Hey, you'll always be a champion of justice to me! I loved Sailor V even before I became a Sailor Senshi myself. Though Artemis probably deserves whatever he gets..."
[18:31] * V-chan blinks. "Sailor V? She wasn't there."
[18:31] <V-chan> "It was just some random, blonde champion of love and justice."
[18:31] * V-chan frowns again. "Now that I think of it, it IS a bit suspicious that she had Artemis."
[18:32] <Rei-chan> "Um... yeah..."
[18:32] <V-chan> "You think she was wrong to accept the offer of that evil guy?" Minako asks.
[18:33] <Rei-chan> "Yes, she could have punished the cat quite easily without help from anyone else. Besides a qualified vet..."
[18:33] <V-chan> "But I don't want to touch him." Minako crosses her arms under her chest. "I'm getting a restraining order against that pervert."
[18:34] <Rei-chan> "I don't think a court would grant a restraining order against a cat," Rei says tiredly. "Besides, he's not a pervert."
[18:34] <V-chan> "He is, and it can!" Minako protests.
[18:36] <Rei-chan> "I don't wanna know what he did to make you call him a pervert," Rei says, massaging her head. "Can't you just make up? He screwed up, but really, he's Artemis, what did you expect? That everything would go flawlessly?"

All things considered, I think this is where the Minako/Artemis thing really started to sour a bit.

[18:37] * V-chan begins crying.
[18:38] <Rei-chan> "Ack!" Rei awkwardly tries to pat Minako on the back "Don't cry, Mina-chan!"
[18:38] * V-chan cries on Rei's shoulder.
[18:38] <Rei-chan> "What the hell did he do to you?" Rei whispers in a shocked voice.
[18:41] <V-chan> "It's not fair." Minako sniffs. "I can't patrol the streets, investigate the Dark Kingdom and get enough sleep to wake up early! There's always 'do this test' or 'don't miss that class', but what can I do? Let some other poor person die?"
[18:42] * Rei-chan rubs Minako's back soothingly. "I know..." she says, not really having a proper answer for things she worries about as well.
[18:43] <V-chan> "And he's totally useless," Minako wails.
[18:43] <V-chan> "I'd rather have you as my companion, Rei-chan!"
[18:43] <Rei-chan> "Um... I'm not a cat..."
[18:44] <Rei-chan> "And if I was I doubt I'd be very useful either..."
[18:45] <V-chan> "You'd be very useful!" Minako insists. "You could help me find traces of Dark Kingdom energy with your psychic power, so that we could go there and punish them in the name of high-heeled girls everywhere!"
[18:45] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, but I have psychic powers anyway. I'd rather be Sailor Mars than a cat..."
[18:45] <V-chan> "Umm, you don't have to be a cat."
[18:46] <Rei-chan> "But we're already a team, so why would you need me to replace Artemis? You already have me."
[18:46] * V-chan glomps onto Rei.
[18:46] <V-chan> "Oh wow -- really? I'm so happy!"
[18:47] <Rei-chan> "Of course. Together we're the Sailor Senshi, and we'll protect everyone, right? Even if we do have those worthless cats dragging us down..."
[18:47] <V-chan> "I'm not working with him ever again. Only you, Rei-chan!"
[18:48] <Rei-chan> "Uh... what about Usagi and the others?"
[18:48] <V-chan> "Yeah, what about Usagi? She's been away for so long...."
[18:48] <Rei-chan> "It's only been a few days... it just seems longer with all that's happened."
[18:48] * Rei-chan sighs.
[18:51] * V-chan wipes her eyes, and announces, "I'm hungry! Let's go grab some food from your cafeteria?"

This bit look several sessions due to time constrains and the fact that Princess Herb and Makoto were...distracting me.

[Anastasia]

Well...

Session 10...heh. This where things reach critical mass, with the infamous Minako energy drain and Mineko. For real this time.

Why must teenage girls be such drama queens? Jeez.

[17:03] * Sailor_Ana sets mode: +m
[17:03] <Sailor_Ana> You guys were going to the cafeteria last time we left off?
[17:04] * Sailor_Ana sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[17:05] <V-chan> Yes.
[17:05] <Rei-chan> Yep. Is it open at this time of the day?
[17:05] * Sailor_Ana sets mode: +v V-chan
[17:07] <Sailor_Ana> Rei - It is, for a breakfast type of meal. Some students with a free early class come here to eat.
[17:07] <Rei-chan> Right. We good to go?
[17:07] <V-chan> Sure.
[17:08] <Sailor_Ana> Yeah.
[17:08] <Sailor_Ana> The cafeteria is an amazingly formal affair, more like a restaurant than a school lunch hall.
[17:08] <Rei-chan> "The food here is pretty good, and not too expensive," Rei informs Minako.
[17:09] <Sailor_Ana> Breakfast food are available, many of high quality and of a price that would squeeze your pocketbook normally.
[17:09] * V-chan barely manages to stop squealing from joy.
[17:09] <V-chan> "I'm in love," she whispers.
[17:10] <Rei-chan> "That board has the menu and prices," Rei points to a board above where the food is served out.
[17:11] * Rei-chan heads on over to order something, indicating Minako should follow her.
[17:11] * V-chan follows!
[17:11] <Rei-chan> "What'll you have, Minako-chan? I'll treat you."
[17:13] * V-chan points to a chocolate parfait
[17:13] <V-chan> "I want it! I want it!"
[17:14] <Rei-chan> "They only serve those at lunchtime. We can only order from the breakfast menu right now."
[17:15] * V-chan pouts for a moment, before brightening up. "Then you pick something for me, Rei-chan!"
[17:16] * Rei-chan contemplates the menu for a moment.
[17:16] <Rei-chan> "How about some muffins?"
[17:16] <V-chan> "Sure thing!"
[17:17] <Rei-chan> "Okay," Rei nods. "What do you want to drink?"
[17:19] <V-chan> "A soda, I guess," Minako replies, looking over the menu. "Though cacao would be nice for lunch."
[17:20] <Rei-chan> "Well, you can get that later, then." Rei goes over to order two blueberry muffins and two cans of soda.

Am I the only one who winced at the large muffin jokes here?

[17:20] <Sailor_Ana> The order is processed quickly, and you find yourself with two large muffins and cans of soda.
[17:21] * Rei-chan returns to Minako and leads her to a nearby table.
[17:21] * V-chan smiles at Rei.
[17:22] * Rei-chan smiles back as she sits and puts the food on the table.
[17:23] * Rei-chan begins eating her muffin.
[17:24] * V-chan looks at Rei eating her muffin for a while, before starting on her own.
[17:24] <Sailor_Ana> Rei - As you bite into the muffin, you get a sudden shiver, like someone just crawled over your grave.
[17:25] * Rei-chan looks around worriedly and then focuses her senses to see if she can detect any _evil_ nearby.
[17:25] <Sailor_Ana> Rei - You detect a generally evil aura creeping in the school. It's coming from the gym.
[17:26] <Rei-chan> "Minako, I've got a bad feeling. I think the Dark Kingdom is about to attack, and it's coming from the gym!" Rei whispers urgently to her companion.
[17:27] * V-chan takes a large gulp from her soda, bites into her muffin, and stands up. "What are we waiting for, then?"
[17:27] * Rei-chan gets up and heads to the gym at a rapid pace.
[17:28] * V-chan follows Rei, letting her lead.
[17:28] <Sailor_Ana> As you pass through the halls, the sense of evil grows. By the time you are in the hallway to the gym, it is strong. Very strong.
[17:28] * Rei-chan looks around to see if anyone else is in the hallway.

You can guess at the field day the OOC room had with this session.

[17:28] <V-chan> "Quick, Rei-chan! Show me to the locker room!"
[17:29] <Rei-chan> "Okay," Rei says, leading Minako to the locker room.
[17:30] * V-chan follows eagerly.
[17:30] <Sailor_Ana> In the locker room, there are two girls, both unconscious and clothed. They look drawn and pale, and the metal of the lockers looks...darkened, as if by soot.
[17:30] <Rei-chan> "This keeps getting better. Minako, let's transform!"
[17:30] <Rei-chan> "Mars Power, Make UP!"
[17:30] * Rei-chan is now known as Sailor_Mars
[17:31] * V-chan nods, looks around for bystanders, and holds up her pen. "Venus Power! Make Up!"
[17:32] * Sailor_Mars goes to check the unconscious girls are in no immediate danger.
[17:32] <Sailor_Ana> You transform. As you do so, you feel something odd, a stab of energy at you.
[17:33] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[17:33] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 2."
[17:34] <Sailor_Ana> As you finish transforming, you feel an energy drain hit you! Tendrils of dark power lace around you and try to drain our Pretty Soldiers dry!
[17:35] <V-chan> roll 2d6+2
[17:35] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6+2
[17:35] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6+2 and gets 9."
[17:35] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 2d6+2 and gets 7."
[17:35] <Sailor_Mars> ooc- divine relationship do-over!
[17:35] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6+2
[17:35] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6+2 and gets 4."
[17:36] <Sailor_Ana> roll 1d6
[17:36] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[17:36] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Ouchies.
[17:38] <Sailor_Ana> Mars - You shake off the energy drain with a quick focus of your inner will, but Venus is not so lucky. With a scream, she crumples to the ground and detransformed. She is badly energy drained, and quite unconscious.
[17:38] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: EP for Venus=0

That's the critical mentioned. It was meant to be an EP drain to weaken the Sailors a bit. Of course, I got a critical AND a x4 multiplier. If I had wanted to kill Minako from energy drain, I could have gotten away with it.

But...dying to one very unlucky critical? Fuck that.

[17:38] <Sailor_Mars> "Venus!!" Mars screams, quickly looking around and using her sixth sense to determine the source of the attack.
[17:40] <Sailor_Ana> Mars - The gym is the source. You're sure of it.
[17:42] * Sailor_Mars looks around to be sure there is no danger in the locker room.
[17:42] <Sailor_Ana> There is no overt danger at the moment, besides the wicked energy drain a moment ago.
[17:44] * Sailor_Mars calls Makoto and Herb on her communicator.
[17:46] <Sailor_Ana> You reach Herb with the first call...
[17:46] <Sailor_Ana> Herb - In the middle of class, the newfangled communicator you received from Nian activates.
[17:46] * Prince_Herb bows and leaves the classroom.
[17:46] * Prince_Herb answers, "Hello, Miss Hino."
[17:47] <Sailor_Mars> "Herb, you need to get to T&A Academy right now! The Dark Kingdom are attacking, and Venus has been drained. I'm going to try and fight them myself, but I'll need help pretty soon, I think."
[17:47] <Prince_Herb> "Of course. Just one question. Where is that?"
[17:47] * Sailor_Mars gives directions.
[17:48] <Sailor_Mars> "Look, I have to go. Try to contact the Makoto as well, please," Mars says before signing off.
[17:48] * Prince_Herb transforms in the broom cupboard and then flies at top speed down to the academy.
[17:48] * Sailor_Mars charges into the gym.
[17:48] * Prince_Herb is now known as Sailor_Dragon
[17:49] <Sailor_Mars> "School is a place for learning and unjust punishment, but your energy draining is a step too far! For daring to harm one of the beautiful sailor suited warriors, Sailor Mars will punish you!"
[17:49] * Sailor_Dragon tries to contact Jupiter on the communicator.
[17:49] * Sailor_Mars examines the situation in the gym.
[17:50] <Sailor_Ana> Inside, the class you saw tumbling earlier is now merely tumbled all about. A dark pall hangs over the room, and what looks to be an old lady in a kimono is off to the side, sitting on the bleachers. She is the source of the drains, you are sure of it. She almost pulses with energy.
[17:51] <Sailor_Ana> "Hello, dear," she says to you, looking up after your speech. "Are you so kind as to come here and offer my your energy?"
[17:51] <Sailor_Mars> "You'll die before taking my energy, Youma!"
[17:52] <Sailor_Ana> "Youma?" she asks? "What a unfilial child! What a lack of respect for your elders!" she exclaims in shock.
[17:53] <Sailor_Mars> "No more talking!"
[17:53] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+8
[17:53] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+8 and gets 12."
[17:54] <Sailor_Ana> roll 1d6
[17:54] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 1d6 and gets 1."
[17:54] <Sailor_Ana> Eeek. Yeah, you'll go first, Mars.
[17:54] <Sailor_Mars> ooc - w00t!

Yeah, Mars went straight for the gullet. She couldn't likely have resolved things by talking, but she could have bought time or maybe even toned it down a bit. Oh well.

[17:55] <Sailor_Mars> "Mars Snake Fire!" Mars blasts a flaming viper's head straight at the youma.
[17:55] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[17:55] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 2."
[17:55] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[17:55] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[17:56] <Sailor_Ana> You let loose a searing attack, and it slams into the youma!
[17:57] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6
[17:57] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6 and gets 2."
[17:59] <Sailor_Ana> The flame sends the woman back and down onto the hard wood floor. For a moment, she is still...until begins twisting and rising in the air! Her arms move behind her and form wicked black wings, and her torso grows fur and muscle! Feet turn into talons, and her face morphs into a red, pointy visage of evil!
[18:00] <Sailor_Ana> "GRARRWR!" it screeches!
[18:00] * Sailor_Mars just glares hatefully at the nightmarish creature.
[18:01] * Sailor_Mars vaguely recognizes the creature as something from Japanese mythology she learnt at the temple, but is too enraged to care.
[18:01] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+11
[18:01] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+11 and gets 17."
[18:02] <Sailor_Ana> roll 1d6
[18:02] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[18:02] <Sailor_Ana> Go Mars.
[18:02] * Sailor_Mars prepares another of her powerful attacks, and yells, "This time you'll stay down! Mars Snake Fire!"
[18:02] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[18:02] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[18:02] <Sailor_Mars> ooc - do-over!
[18:03] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[18:03] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[18:03] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[18:03] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[18:04] <Sailor_Ana> The fiery burst burns the creature's lower half as it vainly tries to scamper out of the way, turning the fearsome taloned feet into burned, charred remnants.
[18:06] <Sailor_Ana> It staggers in the air, but stays stable. With another screech, it flaps its wings! The students that were unconscious begin to slowly rise, blank eyed and lurching towards you.
[18:07] <Sailor_Ana> As they do so, the creatures retreats back behind them, making a barrier between itself and Mars.
[18:09] <Sailor_Mars> Mars' eyes widen before she takes a calculating glint and she addresses the youma again. "Hiding behind mortals? It seems the stories of the Tengu's prowess are greatly exaggerated!"
[18:10] <Sailor_Ana> It does not reply, instead squawking again. The crowd of fallen students comes closer, dangerously close.
[18:10] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Init time.
[18:10] * Sailor_Mars uses her acrobatic skills to leap over the students and dash towards the Tengu/youma, preparing an ofuda as she goes.
[18:10] <Sailor_Ana> Herb - You are near the school. From above, you can see the gym, as the room is darkened and rife with the signs of negative energy.
[18:11] * Sailor_Dragon drops down to the skylight to see what's going on in the gymnasium.
[18:11] <Sailor_Ana> roll 1d6
[18:11] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[18:11] <Sailor_Ana> roll 1d6
[18:11] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 1d6 and gets 5."
[18:11] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+8
[18:11] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+8 and gets 10."
[18:13] <Sailor_Ana> The Tengu (?) cries and drives the students forward as Mars attempts her action!
[18:13] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Acrobatics check, +1 penalty.
[18:16] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[18:16] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 5."
[18:17] <Sailor_Ana> You vault over the student masses, and land just past them, ofuda ready.
[18:19] <Sailor_Ana> The students try and turn, by they are slow and not agile.
[18:19] <Sailor_Ana> Herb - You see a crowd of students, and see Mars leap over them.
[18:20] <Sailor_Ana> Some sort of creature is also there, presumably the source of this disturbance.
[18:21] <Sailor_Dragon> "It's time to act; Sailor Mars needs help!"
[18:21] * Sailor_Dragon frowns as she opens the skylight, knowing she's going to have to make a speech.
[18:22] <Sailor_Dragon> "Dark creature, you shall not hurt these children, or the sexy soldier Sailor Mars. I, the beautiful girl soldier Sailor_Dragon will stop you!"
[18:22] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Init time
[18:22] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+9
[18:22] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+9 and gets 11."
[18:22] <Sailor_Ana> roll 1d6
[18:22] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 1d6 and gets 2."
[18:22] <Sailor_Ana> roll 1d6
[18:22] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[18:22] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+8
[18:22] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+8 and gets 9."
[18:23] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: Go, SD.
[18:25] <Sailor_Dragon> "Flying sword of the dragon!" Sailor_Dragon cries, showering down blades of knife-like ki onto the youma's vulnerable wings.
[18:25] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6+9
[18:25] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6+9 and gets 16."
[18:27] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[18:27] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[18:28] <Sailor_Ana> Seeing the attack coming, the vile creature screeches and tries to evade!
[18:28] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[18:28] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[18:29] <Sailor_Ana> ...and fails utterly, the ki cutting into it's wings and back. It staggers in the air for a moment before falling hard to the ground.
[18:29] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: Mars, your action.
[18:29] <Sailor_Ana> The creature is within running distance and looks to be stunned.
[18:29] <Sailor_Mars> ooc - do I get a bonus to my attack roll, or do I get a free hit because it's stunned?
[18:29] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: -3 bonus
[18:30] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6-3
[18:30] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6-3 and gets 4."
[18:30] <Sailor_Mars> "Rin, pyou, tou, sha, kai, jin, retsu, sai, zen..." Mars chants as she runs.
[18:30] <Sailor_Mars> "Akuryo Taisan" Mars yells as she slaps the ofuda onto the youma's head, hoping to paralyze it and prevent it from controlling the students.
[18:31] <Sailor_Ana> The ofuda latches on and the Tengu goes stiff as a plank and seems to be paralyzed. The students as a whole fall down again, and make no signs of getting up.
[18:31] <Sailor_Mars> "Sailor Dragon, finish it!" Mars yells up at her ally, backing off out of the line of fire.
[18:32] * Sailor_Dragon rises up into the air "Soaring Dragon Spirit!" and calls down waves of super-heated ki energy upon the Tengu.
[18:32] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[18:32] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[18:33] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - That was a hit before a bonus, soo...
[18:33] <Sailor_Ana> The Dragon Spirit attack plows into the defenseless creature! With a final wail, it vanishes in a puff of dark smoke!
[18:34] * Sailor_Mars tries to detect any remaining presence of _evil_.
[18:34] <Sailor_Ana> Mars - The evil is fading quickly, and you see that the dark cast to the gym is fading as well.
[18:35] <Sailor_Ana> The students are not moving, but the pale, drawn look to their faces is gone as well.
[18:35] <Sailor_Ana> They look to be sleeping quietly, instead of drained.
[18:35] * Sailor_Mars gives Sailor Dragon a grateful smile. "Thank you, Sailor Dragon. I couldn't have done it without you."
[18:36] <Sailor_Mars> "I'd better check on Venus!" Mars says, dashing into the locker room.
[18:36] <Sailor_Dragon> "That's what allies are for!" Sailor_Dragon says, happily

Yeah, I gave all the drainees a small chunk of EP back. In case you were wondering.

[18:36] <Sailor_Ana> Venus - You transform...scream...and the next thing you know, you're waking up, crumpled on the lockerroom floor. You feel exhausted, but alive.
[18:36] <Sailor_Ana> EP at = 30

*ANGST WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING...*

[18:37] <Sailor_Ana> Mars - You find Minako sitting up blearily.
[18:37] * Sailor_Mars checks if anyone else is awake.
[18:37] <Sailor_Ana> The two students in the locker room are also moving.
[18:37] * V-chan tries to stand up.
[18:37] <Sailor_Ana> You manage it, but you feel like you've been up all night.
[18:38] * Sailor_Mars gives the students a nervous look. "Not to worry girls, we Sailor Senshi have saved the day!" and gives Minako a reassuring look.
[18:40] <Sailor_Ana> The two students don't really seem to register it, being more dazed than anything else.
[18:40] <V-chan> "Yeah," Minako says dejectedly. "The Sailor Senshi saved the day."
[18:40] * Sailor_Mars cringes slightly at Minako's tone.
[18:40] * V-chan heads out of the locker room, using the wall as support.
[18:41] <Sailor_Dragon> "What happened to Sailor V?" Sailor_Dragon whispers.
[18:42] * Sailor_Mars starts and quickly ushers Sailor Dragon back into the gym "Hey! That's a girls locker room!" she hisses.
[18:42] <Sailor_Mars> "We got drained before we even entered the gym. I was able to shake it off, but it got Minako really bad..." Mars says sadly.
[18:43] * Sailor_Dragon blinks in confusion but is ushered out.
[18:43] * Sailor_Mars looks around to see if the students are still sleeping.
[18:43] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - In the gym?
[18:43] <Sailor_Mars> ooc- I entered the gym as I ushered Herb out of the locker room.
[18:43] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Yeah, just checking.
[18:43] * V-chan goes out of the gym, and towards the entrance to the school.
[18:44] <Sailor_Ana> They are stirring as well, but slowly.
[18:46] <Sailor_Mars> "I need to find somewhere to change..." Mars says, looking around.
[18:47] <Sailor_Ana> There is a closet just outside of the gym called the Making Out closet among the more risk taking couples. It's know for, ah, not being disturbed generally.
[18:47] * Sailor_Mars heads to the closet to detransform.
[18:47] <Sailor_Ana> It's abandoned, and you detransform.
[18:47] * Sailor_Mars is now known as Rei-chan
[18:47] <Sailor_Ana> Herb - What is SD doing during this?
[18:48] * Rei-chan starts heading the way Minako left at a rapid pace, not expecting Minako to have gotten very far with how drained she was.
[18:48] <Sailor_Dragon> I'll make sure that none of the students are hurt, then I'll 34.
[18:49] <Sailor_Ana> SD leaves before the students rouse, perhaps back to class.
[18:50] * Sailor_Dragon is now known as Prince_Herb
[18:50] <Sailor_Ana> Minako - As you stagger out, you run into a running, hustling Makoto.
[18:50] * Prince_Herb returns to the college.
[18:51] <Makoto> "Minako!" Makoto calls out, taking a second to catch her breath. "What's happened?"
[18:51] * V-chan gives Makoto a half-hearted wave. "You don't have to hurry, Mako-chan," she says. "The Senshi took care of things."
[18:52] * Makoto starts cursing. "I keep getting out of class for nothing, the teacher is -so- going to kill me now!"
[18:53] * Makoto suddenly notices Minako seems a bit depressed. "Hey Mina-chan, you okay?" she asks a bit concerned.
[18:53] <V-chan> "I'm sorry, Mako-chan." Minako continues walking towards a nearby bus station. "It's all my fault, so please don't blame Rei-chan."
[18:54] <Makoto> "Hey, hey, I'm not blaming anyone! I'm just...venting some stress, is all..." Makoto quickly replies, putting her hands up.
[18:54] * V-chan nods silently, continuing walking.
[18:56] * Makoto walks over next to Minako and matches her pace. "So, what happened?" she asks, trying to get more out of Minako than nods and short replies.
[18:57] * V-chan manages a shrug of her shoulders. "Who knows?"
[18:57] <Sailor_Ana> Rei - As you catch up, you see Makoto and Minako talking.
[18:57] <Rei-chan> "Hey guys, wait up!" Rei calls as she runs to catch up.
[18:59] <Makoto> "Rei! What's happened?" she asks worriedly. "I can't seem to get anything out of Minako..."
[18:59] * V-chan walks. Slowly. With her head bowed.
[19:00] <Rei-chan> "They caught us by surprise before we even entered the gym," Rei responds to Makoto before focusing on Minako. "What are you doing wandering around? You should be resting after getting drained so badly!"
[19:00] * V-chan turns away from Rei, not able to meet her eyes.
[19:02] * Rei-chan grabs Minako's shoulders and forces the blonde to face her. "Dammit, Minako, what's wrong? We beat the youma, and no one got hurt. Why are you acting so depressed?"
[19:02] <Makoto> "Drained? Jeez, and I'm worrying about school..." Makoto mutters.
[19:03] <V-chan> "It was my fault you walked into that trap," Minako says tonelessly. "You could've been killed. And Mako-chan was troubled. And...." She pauses. "And I don't think you need me around."
[19:04] <Makoto> "Hey! I was troubled by the youma, NOT you."
[19:04] <Rei-chan> "That's crap, Minako, and you know it! We're a team. I certainly don't recall wishing you weren't around when you saved us from Zoisite's trap that time."
[19:05] * V-chan laughs. "One lucky shot from behind. That's all I'm good for."
[19:07] * V-chan pulls away from Rei's grip.
[19:07] <Rei-chan> "Stop talking like that! So the Dark Kingdom got a cheap shot in on you today, so what? It happens to all of us! Geez, you should of seen some of the messes me and Usagi and Ami got into at the beginning... but you can't let it get to you! Then they've won! Do you want them to win, Minako?"
[19:08] <V-chan> "I'm cursed," Minako says, as she begins walking away again. "You don't need me jinxing your team."
[19:08] <Rei-chan> "Then I'll exorcise the curse! It's my job to deal with stuff like that!" Rei yells, keeping pace with Minako. "Come on, we'll go to the Shrine right now and I'll do it."
[19:09] <V-chan> "If you walk with me, bad things will happen to you."
[19:09] <Rei-chan> "I'll risk it," Rei says sharply.
[19:09] <Makoto> "Then bad things will happen. We're friends, friends stick together, through thick and thin."
[19:09] * Makoto nods with Rei.
[19:13] * V-chan keeps walking, leaving a trail of tears on the ground after her.
[19:14] * Makoto grabs Minako in a headlock to keep her from moving. "Dammit, are you even listening to us?"
[19:14] <V-chan> "Leave me alone!" Minako yells, pushing Makoto away. "Just leave me alone and go away!"
[19:17] * Makoto is pushed a bit and loosens the headlock. In a quieter tone, she just adds, "Is it that bad to risk being friends with us?"
[19:17] <V-chan> "I don't have any friends," Minako replies, and backs off to lean against the school's perimeter wall.
[19:17] <Rei-chan> "You have us."
[19:18] <Makoto> "We don't care about this so-called 'curse'. We want to be there for you. Isn't that what friends do?"
[19:19] * V-chan clamps her hands over her ears, her compact clutched tightly in her right hand.
[19:20] <Rei-chan> Rei's expression softens. "Minako... I never used to have any real friends... every one always said I was too creepy and stuck up... but since I've met you guys that's changed. I don't want to lose any of you!" she says earnestly.
[19:23] <V-chan> Minako shakes her head violently, and yells, "If... if you aren't going away, then I am! Crescent Moon Power Transform! Change me into a mooncat!"

I'm not sure what to say to that. Except...good kitty...I want to pet Mineko!

[19:23] <Rei-chan> "Minako, no!" Rei lunges at her friend.
[19:24] * V-chan tries to jump on the wall, then scamper off.
[19:24] * Rei-chan gives chase!
[19:24] * Makoto gawks before shaking her head and giving chase after Rei and... Mineko?
[19:24] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Action, Makoto?
[19:25] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Everyone make body checks and tell me your success/fail and by how much.
[19:26] <Rei-chan> roll 2d6
[19:26] * CyWyrm --> "Rei-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[19:26] <Makoto> roll 2d6
[19:27] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[19:29] <Makoto> roll 2d6
[19:29] * CyWyrm --> "Makoto rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[19:30] <Sailor_Ana> Mineko jumps a moment too late, her tail grabbed by Makoto. The cat's jump is interrupted, but Makoto can only barely hang on, sending her onto her butt, tail still grasped.
[19:31] <Makoto> "Rei, a little help here!" Makoto shouts as she tries to get a better hold.
[19:31] * V-chan turns back, hissing, and scratches at Makoto's fingers.
[19:32] * Rei-chan grabs hold of Mineko, holding her front legs down against her body to prevent her from clawing anything.
[19:32] <Makoto> "Ow!" Makoto yells, instinctively loosening her hold on the tail.
[19:32] <Rei-chan> "Come on, Minako, you hate mooncats! Remember what we talked about earlier?"
[19:32] * V-chan struggles in Rei's grip, hissing some more.
[19:32] <Sailor_Ana> As you grab hold of her, you are distantly aware that people are coming near, Rei.
[19:33] * Makoto shakes her finger as Rei holds onto Minako.
[19:33] * Rei-chan restrains Mineko securely to prevent her from wriggling free or clawing at her.
[19:33] * V-chan is not clawing or snapping her teeth at Rei, but otherwise tries to get free.
[19:35] <Rei-chan> "Minako, please calm down. You don't really want to be a Mooncat?" Rei asks the feline in a soothing tone.
[19:35] * V-chan sees that she can't get free, and just goes limp in Rei's arms, her eyes staring forward unblinkingly.
[19:36] <Rei-chan> "Look, Minako, why don't you turn back to normal, and we can go eat some chocolate parfait and discuss things rationally?" Rei grimaces slightly as she adds "I'll pay."
[19:36] * V-chan doesn't react at all.
[19:37] <Rei-chan> "Come on, Minako. I know you can talk, otherwise you'd have asked to turn into a regular cat."
[19:38] * Rei-chan hugs Minako tightly against her bosom. "Oh, I think she's snapped..." she laments.
[19:38] * Makoto sighs as Rei's attempts fail. "Why don't we go someplace else, like the temple? We'll have a bit of privacy, so we can look after her better..."
[19:39] <Rei-chan> "Good idea," Rei nods and starts walking towards the temple, still holding Mineko, though more gently than before.
[19:40] * Makoto walks after Rei, keeping a close eye on Mineko, in case she managed to get free.
[19:40] <Sailor_Ana> As you walk away from the T and A Academy, you see police cars and rescue personnel racing to the school. The rest of the trip goes without incident.
[19:40] <Sailor_Ana> When you arrive, you find Yuuchiro in a state of high panic in the main court yard.
[19:41] <Rei-chan> "Hi Yuichirou," Rei waves lazily to the bum.
[19:41] <Sailor_Ana> "REI! REI!" he shouts, "YOURGRANDFATHTERKIDNAPPEDGUYWITHARMOR!" he yells in a confusing mess.
[19:41] <Rei-chan> "SHIT!"
[19:42] * Rei-chan drops Mineko in her shock.
[19:42] * Makoto grabs the cat before she escapes.
[19:43] * Rei-chan grabs Yuichirou. "Calm down, and tell me _exactly_ what happened," she demands in a low voice.
[19:44] <Sailor_Ana> He blathers for a bit more before he calms down and takes a deep breath. "Man, it was all messed up! Some dude in black armor came and sucked your grandfather into some black crystal thingy!"
[19:44] <Rei-chan> "Sucked into a black crystal?" Rei repeats, frowning.
[19:45] <Sailor_Ana> "Yeah! It was like, creepy!"
[19:46] <Rei-chan> "Makoto, look after... Mi_neko_. I'm going to do a fire reading, and I don't know how long it'll take." Rei heads towards the main shrine. "I'll find you, grandpa, I swear it!"
[19:48] * Makoto nods as she picks up and holds Mineko in a similar position that Rei did.
[19:49] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Makoto goes to the lounge or den or wherever it is the Senshi study at in Rei's temple.
[19:49] <Sailor_Ana> Meanwhile...
[19:49] * Rei-chan kneels before the Sacred Flame, and begins focusing on her grandfather in an attempt to divine what happened to him and where to find him.
[19:49] <Sailor_Ana> You meditate...
[19:50] <Sailor_Ana> You stand up, in the ruins of your temple. It's daytime, and the sunshine is coming through where the roof should be.
[19:51] * Rei-chan looks around the temple to determine a cause of the destruction.
[19:52] <Sailor_Ana> It looks to have been...it looks like photos of bombed out areas from WW2, on a grander scale. Like something obliterated through the temple. The smell of ruin and blood is in the air, and you notice that a few bloodstains are about.
[19:53] * Rei-chan looks for any larger bloodstains, or other signs that anyone died here.
[19:53] <Sailor_Ana> There isn't much beyond that. Not much of the temple remains, and rubble covers a fair bit of the ground.
[19:53] * Rei-chan exits the temple and enters the courtyard.
[19:55] <Sailor_Ana> ...Or what was the courtyard. It's a ruin now, and you can see down into the city now that the trees are burned stumps. The entire view of Tokyo is a nightmarish one, out of a horror movie. Ruins are around, with no sign of human life. Away...past the horizon, you sense something suddenly. Something evil, like a youma on a far grander scale.
[19:56] * Rei-chan looks to the horizon and expands her senses, trying to gain a better sense of what lies there.
[19:56] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[19:56] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[19:56] <Sailor_Ana> You stretch your perceptions...It's just past the city, it feels like. It's a  youma, but... you can't tell any more.
[19:58] * Rei-chan tries to astrally project herself towards the direction of the _evil_ presence.
[20:00] <Sailor_Ana> You drift away from your body and closer to the evil...closer...And with a scream, you see a black shape moving on the horizon, along with a man in armor, a white-haired man in a uniform, and in the shadows, a brown-haired...woman?
[20:00] <Sailor_Ana> With a start, you are aware of the Sacred Flame and your sweat again.
[20:00] <Rei-chan> "I think that was... Endymion and Kunzite... but who was the woman? Was it... Queen Beryl?"
[20:01] <Sailor_Ana> And on that disturbing note...pause for the day.
[20:01] <Rei-chan> "And that shape... it was so... evil... even more than anything I've ever felt..."
[20:02] * Sailor_Ana sets mode: -m

Yep, the first hint at Metallia and her expanded role. This could have meant the Great Youma as much as Metallia, I guess, but hey. Incidentally, I went as far as making a draft of the Great Youma's stats, as I thought they had iffy odds of stopping it from being reborn.  That would have been a fight, let me tell ya. Especially if that thing was the distraction/guard while a gate opened for the Dark Kingdom...

[Anastasia]

And we open Session 11 with a short side story with Herb and Nian, to be followed by the adventures of Mineko!

[18:24] * Sailor_Ana sets mode: +m
[18:25] <Sailor_Ana> After defeating a vicious, evil monster at the T and A Academy, Sailor Dragon once again reverts to Prince Herb and goes back home for lunch.
[18:25] * Sailor_Dragon is now known as Prince_Herb
[18:26] <Anastasia> Nian is there, but not as distant and distracted as he was last night.
[18:26] * Prince_Herb tells Nian about the events of the morning whilst he eats his soup.
[18:28] <Prince_Herb> "Mars-hime's grandfather was abducted whilst she and I fought the youma at the T&A Academy," Prince_Herb says, "so it must be important to them that he is in their power."
[18:29] <Prince_Herb> "Explain to me how we may follow Endymion to his lair and thereby rescue the venerable and lusty priest."
[18:31] * Prince_Herb describes to Nian what he saw of the portal through which Endymion traveled.
[18:31] <Sailor_Ana> "Yes, another blasted youma attack," he says after you finish your tale. "The Dark Kingdom seems to be stepping up its activities, don't you think?"
[18:41] <Sailor_Ana> Nian nods as you speak. "It would appear to be a gateway between our world and the Dark Kingdom," he declares.
[18:42] <Sailor_Ana> "Should one fall into it..." he says, shuddering, "It would be a death sentence. Be wary of those portals, Sailor Dragon."
[18:42] <Prince_Herb> "How do we open it? Can we use the transformation pens?" Prince_Herb asks.
[18:43] <Sailor_Ana> "Open one? You mean, open a Dark Kingdom gate?"
[18:43] <Prince_Herb> "A death sentence? What about Mars-hime's grandfather? Will he be killed?"
[18:45] <Sailor_Ana> "Yes, if a lone Sailor were to pass through one of those gates, who could hope for that poor fellow's survival?" He gets onto his haunches and stretches, and you note he's been in his mooncat form more often than not lately. "As for Princess Mars's grandfather, I know not. If they capture him, they must have a reason other than wanton slaughter."
[18:46] <Prince_Herb> "So, half-a-dozen sailors might have a chance, I surmise. Is it possible to open the gate from our side?"
[18:46] * Prince_Herb quizzes Nian.
[18:47] <Sailor_Ana> "They may have a chance, yes. They also may walk into an ambush a hundred youma strong." Nian sighs. "Actually, I do not know how many youma they could muster nor how strong their homeland is."
[18:48] <Sailor_Ana> "As for a gate..." he says, "If one knew how to access and create a gate through some means, it may be possible."
[18:50] <Prince_Herb> "Ah. But you have no idea how it might be done, o Faithful Advisor."
[18:50] <Prince_Herb> "I feared as much."
[18:50] <Sailor_Ana> "I am afraid not. I know it was possible for Senshi to teleport during the Silver Millennium, but as of now..." he leaves it hanging.

And the mooncat really isn't any help, but it's a hint about the Sailor Teleport.

[19:01] <Sailor_Ana> ----
[19:03] <Sailor_Ana> Okay, your go, Rei.
[19:04] * Rei-chan scowls in frustration. That vision seemed to be of the overall threat presented by the Dark Kingdom, but she needs to know what's happening right now, not what could happen...
[19:05] <Rei-chan> "Hmm... the black crystal... I wonder if it has anything to do with how Grandpa was one of the Rainbow Crystal carriers..."
[19:06] * Rei-chan takes a moment to centre herself, then meditates on the Sacred Flame once more, this time trying to discern if the Dark Kingdom's plan revolves around the other Rainbow Crystal carriers.
[19:07] <Sailor_Ana> You meditate again. This time, the vision takes an effort to recieve, not overflowing like the last few times.
[19:07] * Rei-chan concentrates intently on the vision with all her will
[19:09] <Sailor_Ana> Slowly, like a mist parting in weak sunlight, the darkness parts and the vision reveals.  You see a man in jeans and a jacket at a crane game. From behind, Endymion raises a black crystal... In a church, a priest is preaching and a man rises from the pews, crystal in hand...
[19:11] <Sailor_Ana> Next, a slight women is painting, not even noticing the armor clad man behind her... A woman dressed like an archeologist is next, screaming as a black wave engulfs her...
[19:12] * Rei-chan tries to see if any of the Rainbow Crystal carriers haven't been attacked yet.
[19:12] <Sailor_Ana> Then... You see a boy wandering the streets of Tokyo. He is brown-haired and wears a simple jacket as he forces himself through the crowds. He looks as if he's running from something as he enters Juuban.
[19:12] <Rei-chan> "Urawa...?"
[19:13] * Rei-chan tries to see where in Juuban he is.
[19:13] <Sailor_Ana> To your surprise, he looks up...at you? "Rei Hino?" he says, as the vision abruptly ends.
[19:13] * Rei-chan leans back in frustration as the vision ends and tries to recall any landmarks she saw near Urawa in the vision.
[19:14] <Sailor_Ana> All you can recall is a busy, packed street and sidewalk. It looked like any streetfront/storefront shopping area in Juuban.
[19:15] <Rei-chan> "Dammit... I need more to go on than this... he could be anywhere in Juuban!"
[19:15] * Rei-chan suddenly has an inspiration!
[19:16] * Rei-chan leaves the Shrine building and steps out onto the courtyard.
[19:18] <Sailor_Ana> The courtyard is rather quiet today, you note.
[19:18] <Rei-chan> Taking a deep breath, Rei allows herself to relax completely, then stretches her esoteric senses to the limit, trying to detect any trace of the familiar Dark Kingdom energy.
[19:21] <Sailor_Ana> You let your sixth sense go, ignoring all else around you...
[19:22] <Sailor_Ana> After a blank time, you finally feel a thread of energy. It's nearby, within a few miles of the temple. It is coming in the direction of the temple.
[19:23] * Rei-chan takes out her communicator and contacts Herb.
[19:24] * Prince_Herb answers, "Moshi-moshi"
[19:24] <Rei-chan> "Hi Herb. Sorry to bother you again so soon, but we've got more trouble."
[19:25] <Prince_Herb> "Has Venus-hime's conditioned worsened? I feared as much..."
[19:25] <Rei-chan> "It has, but that's not the main issue. The Dark Kingdom is after the reincarnations of the seven great youma. They got my grandpa and only two are left."
[19:26] * Rei-chan gives directions to the house where Red Battler lives.
[19:26] <Rei-chan> "There's a cat there that you'll have to defend. It's a big fat one."
[19:27] <Rei-chan> "I'm going to go get Urawa. I think I know where he is, and I'll bring him back to the shrine so me and Makoto can look after him. If it's possible you can bring the cat here, but try not to upset his owner."
[19:27] <Prince_Herb> "A cat is one of the reincarnations? That's odd, but Nian was telling me that reincarnation isn't an exact science."
[19:28] <Prince_Herb> "All right. I'm on my way. I'll let you know when I'm at the place."
[19:28] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, well it turned into a cat youma, so..." Rei trails off, shrugging. "Anyway, I better go. Good luck."
[19:28] <Prince_Herb> "Dragon Prism Power Makeup!"
[19:28] * Prince_Herb is now known as Sailor_Dragon
[19:28] * Rei-chan starts running towards where she detected the thread of energy, trusting Makoto to look after Mineko while she retrieves Urawa.
[19:29] * Sailor_Dragon takes Nian with her to look for the fat cat.
[19:29] <Sailor_Ana> Okay. Rei first.
[19:30] <Sailor_Ana> Rei - You race down the temple steps and out to the street below. You can still vaguely sense the energy, and you follow it.
[19:30] <Sailor_Ana> It seems to be coming towards you as you progress.
[19:32] <Sailor_Ana> Closer and closer... Finally, you turn a corner and come hustling through a crowd on the other side of the street is Urawa.
[19:32] <Rei-chan> "Urawa-kun!"
[19:32] <Sailor_Ana> He sees you quickly and waves, trying to work his way through the crowd.
[19:32] * Rei-chan rushes over to Urawa and grabs his arm.
[19:32] <Rei-chan> "Thank God I found you before it's too late!"
[19:33] <Sailor_Ana> "Rei? Something terrible his happening," he begins.
[19:33] <Rei-chan> "I know, the Dark Kingdom are after the Crystal Carriers again. They got my Grandpa..."
[19:33] <Rei-chan> "Listen, I have to get you to the shrine so we can protect you!"
[19:34] <Sailor_Ana> "I'm sorry," he says quietly. He nods to your request simply. "I'm kinda tired..."
[19:34] <Sailor_Ana> Looking at him closer, you can see he has dark circles under his bloodshot eyes.
[19:35] <Rei-chan> "How long have they been after you?" Rei asks worriedly.
[19:36] <Sailor_Ana> "A...day?" he says, wearliy. "I've gotten lucky, Rei, lucky..."
[19:37] * Rei-chan gives him an appraising look. "It must be more than luck, I'm impressed. Come on, lean on me and we'll be at the shrine on no time," she starts leading him back the way she came.
[19:37] <Sailor_Ana> He leans heavily on your shoulder, and you make your way back to the temple.
[19:38] <Sailor_Ana> And you make it back without incident. Urawa is starting to stumble by the time you scale the temple stairs.
[19:38] * Rei-chan takes Urawa into the lounge where Makoto and Mineko are, and gets him to sit down.
[19:38] <Sailor_Ana> Okay, you are paused now, Rei.
[19:39] <Rei-chan> ooc - yep
[19:39] <Sailor_Ana> Sailor Dragon - You fly out of your apartment and zoom to the location given.
[19:40] <Sailor_Ana> As you get close, you see a black clad man floating near the house, his armor shining in the sunlight.
[19:40] <Sailor_Ana> His back is turned to you, and does not seem to notice you.
[19:44] * Sailor_Dragon puts Nian down and makes a called shot on the mysterious evil dude.
[19:45] <Sailor_Dragon> "You shall not have the seven great youma spirits if Sailor Dragon has any say in it! Dragon Spirit Blast!"
[19:45] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: Make your attack roll.
[19:45] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[19:45] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 7."
[19:46] <Sailor_Dragon> OOC: I hit
[19:46] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[19:46] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[19:47] <Sailor_Ana> As you fire, you can see the figure turning his head and beginning to react, but your attack is simply too fast.
[19:48] <Sailor_Ana> The blast slams into his side as he turns, sending his floating back several feet down backwards.
[19:49] <Sailor_Ana> With a grunt, he spins and glares at you. "A flying Senshi?" he mutters.
[19:49] <Sailor_Dragon> "Well, I'm certainly not the Goodyear blimp."
[19:51] <Sailor_Ana> "How many of you pests ARE there?" he wonders aloud, idly drawing a rose.
[19:52] <Sailor_Dragon> "We're onto your scheme, Rose-Boy. Just don't run away this time before we turn you into paste."
[19:53] <Sailor_Ana> Instead of responding, he grins. "So sorry, but I think I have an appointment elsewhere," he says, suddenly zooming downward.
[19:54] * Sailor_Dragon dives after him feet-first, hoping to plant a boot somewhere tender.
[19:55] <Sailor_Ana> He races to the ground, swooping down into the yard of a house, with you in hot pursuit. A large cat is in the yard, which Endymion is zooming towards.
[19:56] * Sailor_Dragon calls on her inner reserves of energy.
[19:56] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Rejuvination?
[19:58] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[19:58] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[20:00] <Sailor_Ana> While you focus your inner power, Endymion raises his crystal and the cat screeches... and vanishes into the black crystal.
[20:00] <Sailor_Dragon> "Curses!"
[20:00] <Sailor_Ana> "Come back to the Dark Kingdom!" he shouts.
[20:00] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: If you want to do an action now, roll initiative
[20:02] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 1d6+9 for initiative
[20:02] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 1d6+9 for initiative and gets 14."
[20:02] <Sailor_Ana> roll 1d6
[20:02] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 1d6 and gets 2."
[20:02] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: Your action, Sailor Dragon.
[20:04] <Sailor_Dragon> "How wicked, to kidnap an innocent kitty! Dragon Spirit Blast!" Sailor_Dragon doesn't fire at the villain, but at his black crystal.
[20:04] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[20:04] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[20:04] <Sailor_Ana> You fire, but Endymion is simply too fast. He surges to the side, avoiding the blow while swiftly putting the crystal away.
[20:05] <Sailor_Ana> Your attack plows into the ground, making a nice little dent.
[20:05] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[20:05] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[20:05] <Sailor_Ana> Turning, he throws a black rose at you!
[20:06] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6 to dodge the stupid rose attack
[20:06] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 to dodge the stupid rose attack and gets 9."
[20:06] <Sailor_Dragon> "Oh the indignity of it all!"
[20:08] <Sailor_Ana> The rose cuts across your hand, leaving a bloody gash! That hurt, o Sailor-Suited Dragon!
[20:08] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Damage of 39
[20:09] <Sailor_Ana> With a grin, Endymion says, "Sorry again, but I'm a busy man." With a leap back, he falls into a portal and vanishes.
[20:09] * Sailor_Dragon swears like a sailor.
[20:10] * Sailor_Dragon gets her communicator out and tries to raise the Senshi of Mars.
[20:11] * Sailor_Dragon swears like a sailor senshi: "Oh dear! That blackguard!"
[20:11] * Rei-chan answers and blinks at the swearing "Sailor Dragon? What happened?"

And SD gets owned by Tux boy.  That stands by itself.

[20:13] <Sailor_Dragon> "The villain got the cat while I was chasing him; he just zapped it with a black power crystal and sucked it up, then hopped through a portal. I think I hurt him a little, though."
[20:14] <Rei-chan> "Damn. Never mind, I'm sure you did everything you could. I've got Urawa here at the shrine, so come on over. We'll have to defend him at all costs, now..." Rei trails off ominously.
[20:16] <Sailor_Dragon> "And watch out for those roses.   They look dumb but they sting like billy-o."
[20:17] * Rei-chan nods darkly. "You'd better hurry on over here. No telling when he'll attack..."
[20:18] * Sailor_Dragon and Nian up and away back to the temple.
[20:19] <Sailor_Ana> Okay, the trip goes without incident. Pause.
[20:19] <Sailor_Ana> Minako?
[20:20] * Mineko waves
[20:30] <Sailor_Ana> Mineko falls asleep in Makoto's warm grasp, dozing away...
[20:30] <Sailor_Ana> It's lunch time! You float along the hallways into the cafeteria, in a hurry to catch a seat with Rei...
[20:30] * Rei-chan is now known as Dream_Rei
[20:31] <Sailor_Ana> Rei is always so happy when you sit with her...
[20:31] * Mineko feels warm inside.
[20:31] <Dream_Rei> "Hi Minako-chan! Come sit over here!" the priestess waves her over.
[20:31] * Mineko moves over to Rei, smiling brightly.
[20:31] <Sailor_Ana> You see the priestess waving at you, her temple robes fluttering slightly.
[20:34] <Sailor_Ana> As you move over, you step by the zebras. Damn zoo exhibit, you think, as you get closer to Rei.
[20:35] <Mineko> "Wow, Rei-chan!" Minako exclaims. "Your school's got everything!"
[20:35] <Dream_Rei> "If you're here I don't need anything else," Rei says, giving Minako a warm smile.
[20:36] <Mineko> "Not even... chocolate parfait?" Minako asks, producing one. But with two straws, for some reason.
[20:36] * Dream_Rei gasps. "How did you know?!"
[20:36] <Sailor_Ana> You see spoons floating by as you want one...what a good waiting staff...
[20:37] <Mineko> "To be able to share it with you...." Minako sighs. "I'm so happy!"
[20:37] <Dream_Rei> "I'm happy if you're happy," Rei gushes.
[20:37] <Mineko> "Really?"
[20:38] * Dream_Rei nods, her eyes sparkling with adoration.
[20:38] * Mineko sighs, closing her eyes. "You know, Rei-chan... I sometimes dream about this."
[20:38] <Sailor_Ana> "I'm happy if you're happy," says Tuxedo Kamen. Odd, you think, for him to be there in his heart-patterned boxers and rose-colored undershirt...
[20:39] <Sailor_Ana> "Aren't you too, Mineko-chan?" Tuxedo Kamen says, floating closer.
[20:39] <Mineko> "No!" she yells, throwing a spoon at him. "You broke Usagi-chan's heart!"
[20:40] <Sailor_Ana> The spoon hits him on the forehead and he falls over like a sack of bricks. "Mineko-chan!" he whimpers.
[20:40] * Dream_Rei simply gazes on Minako with a lovestruck expression and makes no sign of having noticed Tuxedo Kamen.
[20:40] <Mineko> "It's all your fault she's so miserable!" Minako yells, throwing cafeteria food at Tuxedo Kamen.
[20:41] <Sailor_Ana> Chocolates, beans and roast dragon legs all pound on the Tuxedo Kamen. With a bold move, he removes his boxers and blocks the food with them. "Don't be mean to me, Mineko-chan!"
[20:42] <Mineko> "You cheating pervert!" Minako screams, and a sword of stone appears in her arms.
[20:43] <Sailor_Ana> Tuxedo Kamen draws Artemis as his weapon! "Minako-chan!" he whines again.
[20:44] <Mineko> "Artemis!" Minako cries out, before holding her left hand to her forehead.
[20:45] <Mineko> "Is that... hatred, that I feel?"
[20:45] <Sailor_Ana> "Mina! Help me, it won't stop bleeding!" Artemis cries.
[20:46] <Mineko> "Die!" Minako charges forward, and runs her sword through Artemis.
[20:46] <Sailor_Ana> Artemis explodes into a rose shaped gush of blood! "Minako-chan!" Tuxedo Kamen whines yet AGAIN.
[20:47] <Mineko> "Shut up!" Minako yells, throwing a massive blast of golden energy at him with a wave of her hand.
[20:47] <Sailor_Ana> Tuxedo Kamen vaporizes with a final whimper, leaving just you and Rei in the school auditorium.
[20:48] <Dream_Rei> "You're so... masterful, Minako-sama!"
[20:48] * Mineko takes deep breaths to calm down.
[20:49] <Sailor_Ana> Looking up, you see Rei on the auditorium stage...
[20:50] * Mineko looks at Rei in confusion.
[20:51] * Dream_Rei starts to sing Eien no Melody.
[20:52] * Mineko listens to Rei in wonder, before joining her in song.
[20:52] <Sailor_Ana> You sing, and drift closer and closer...so close...
[20:53] <Sailor_Ana> And, now you notice, that there is nothing more depressing that the view of the back of Makoto's arms to freshly opened eyes.
[20:53] <Mineko> 'Another dream.'
[20:54] * Mineko sighs.

This last part was just some cutting loose fun, and a way to give Mineko something.

[Anastasia]

Can the Sailors save Mamoru and stop the Great Youma from reforming?

I'm betting on the Youma showing up.

[18:41] * Anastasia sets mode: +m
[18:41] <Anastasia> Where we are -
[18:42] <Anastasia> Rei, Urawa, Makoto, Herb and Mi_neko_ are in the main inner room of Rei's temple. Urawa is asleep, Herb has an injury to his hand and Minako is still a cat.
[18:43] <Sailor_Dragon> "Where's V-hime, guys?"
[18:43] * Rei-chan points to the cat and sighs.
[18:44] <Sailor_Dragon> "Have you tried pouring hot water on her? That often works where I come from..."
[18:44] <Makoto> "Err... Besides not working, I doubt she'd like us trying."
[18:45] * Rei-chan paces the room restlessly. "We need a plan. If the Dark Kingdom get Urawa it'll be over for us... at least I think that's what my vision meant..."
[18:46] <Sailor_Dragon> "Well, I can impersonate Urawa, but I don't know if it will fool that ruffian for long."
[18:47] * Anastasia is now known as Sailor_Ana
[18:47] <Makoto> "Would that even work? They can sense who the shadows are, so they'd probably still go for Urawa."
[18:48] <Rei-chan> "If they see two Urawa's next to each other it'll confuse them, maybe long enough to give us an edge..." Rei says thoughtfully.
[18:49] <Sailor_Dragon> "It's worth a try - even if it doesn't work, we're not losing anything, since I can still hit him."
[18:49] <Sailor_Ana> "That could work," Artemis says. Looking over, you see him standing in the doorway.
[18:49] <Rei-chan> "Artemis!" Rei cries out, before pausing and looking between the mooncat and the faux-mooncat.
[18:50] <Sailor_Ana> "Re..." he begins, before getting a gander of Mineko. Slowly, he says, "Minako?"
[18:51] <Rei-chan> "Uh..." Rei backs away as she doesn't need to be psychic to get a bad feeling from this.
[18:52] <Sailor_Ana> "What happened?" he asks.
[18:52] * Rei-chan looks at Mineko to see if she will speak up for herself.
[18:53] * Mineko doesn't stir.
[18:53] * Makoto sighs. "She's been like this for a while."
[18:53] * Rei-chan sighs and looks away from the faux-mooncat. "She freaked out and turned herself into a cat earlier."
[18:54] <Sailor_Ana> "...How'd it go down?" he asks, looking at her sadly.
[18:55] <Rei-chan> "She was upset at not being able to help when a youma attacked my school. She got drained really badly," Rei says, giving Mineko a pitying look.
[18:56] <Sailor_Ana> "...Okay," he says, turning away. "She'll be fine in time, she's a strong girl. What's with the guy over there?"

In fairness, it was that or try and talk to Minako as a mooncat. He banked on Minako's power of will, even if it did make him look like an uncaring ass. Even though I personally didn't care for the Mau's actions here, I think that it was the right call.

[18:57] * Sailor_Dragon transforms into Urawa so that if heid-the-ba' comes in now, he'll not find us utterly unprepared.
[18:57] <Rei-chan> "That's Urawa, one of the Rainbow Crystal carriers. The Dark Kingdom have been kidnapping them. They have all of them except him now... even Gramps..." Rei trails off, looking depressed and angry.
[18:58] <Makoto> "We'll save him, Rei..."
[18:58] <Sailor_Ana> "I see... why them?" he mutters, more to himself. "Any word from Usagi or Ami?"
[18:59] <Rei-chan> "No telling when they'll be back. I guess we should contact them..."
[18:59] * Rei-chan takes out her communicator and tries to get Usagi.
[19:00] <Sailor_Ana> *Beep* *Beep* "Hello?" Usagi says, appearing in the watch. She looks notably better than she did a few days ago. "Rei, what's up?"
[19:01] <Rei-chan> "Hi Usagi, how's your mother doing?" Rei asks, not wanting to get to the bad news right away.
[19:02] <Sailor_Ana> "She's going much better, Rei," she says, smiling. "She got up and walked today, it was soooo nice!"
[19:02] <Rei-chan> "I'm glad. We've been pretty busy lately, so I thought I should let you know what's going on. Do you want the good news, the bad news, or..." Rei looks at Mineko, "the weird news?"
[19:03] <Sailor_Ana> "The good news!" she chirps. She's sounding like the normal Usagi you know, the one that fails classes and sleeps through study days.
[19:04] * Makoto cuddles Mineko, hoping Usagi takes the news well.
[19:04] <Rei-chan> "We've found a new Sailor Senshi. Her name's Sailor Dragon, and she helped me defeat a youma earlier today," Rei says, leaving out the weirder parts of Herb's story for when Usagi can meet the Musk Prince in person.
[19:04] <Sailor_Ana> "Really, another one?" she asks. "I thought Luna said we found them all."
[19:05] <Rei-chan> "Those cats don't know squat, Usagi."
[19:05] <Sailor_Ana> "Ha! Hey Luna, you were W-R-O-N-G!" Usagi cries, looking away. "There are more Sailors!"
[19:06] * Rei-chan smiles at Usagi's antics, feeling her bad mood begin to dissipate a little. "Okay, which news do you want now?"
[19:06] <Sailor_Ana> You can vaguely hear another voice respond, but you can't make it out.
[19:07] <Sailor_Ana> "The weird," she says.
[19:07] <Rei-chan> "Minako's a cat."
[19:07] <Sailor_Ana> "Er... A cat? As in a furry ball that sheds all over the place and wakes me up too early on Sundays?"
[19:07] <Sailor_Ana> This time, you can tell it's Luna responding, and she doesn't sound flattered.
[19:08] <Rei-chan> "She turned herself into a mooncat earlier and won't talk to anyone now," Rei points the communicator so Usagi can see Mineko curled up in Makoto's arms.
[19:08] <Makoto> "She's a very cute cat though!" Makoto pipes up while scratching behind Mineko's left ear, already having forgotten the scratching from earlier.
[19:09] <Sailor_Ana> "So... why'd she do that?"
[19:09] <Rei-chan> Rei turns the communicator back so she can talk to Usagi. "She was upset over not being able to help in the last fight. She got drained really badly, and isn't taking it well..."
[19:10] <Sailor_Ana> "Is V-chan okay? She isn't hurt, is she? Oh God, is she in the hospital for cats?"

Don't ask.

[19:10] <Rei-chan> "No, she's right here, and isn't physically hurt. She just won't talk to us..."
[19:12] <Sailor_Ana> This time, you can hear Luna. "What did Venus do?" she says as she worms her way into the picture, partially shoving Usagi's face aside.
[19:12] <Rei-chan> "She used her crescent compact to turn herself into a mooncat and tried to run away. We caught her, but now she just won't respond to anything..."
[19:13] <Sailor_Ana> "A MOONCAT?!" Luna half-shouts before regaining her composure. "What exactly happened while I was gone?"
[19:14] <Rei-chan> "Look, Minako's had a tough couple of days, I think what happened at the last fight was just the 'straw the dumped on the donkey's back' as she would put it."
[19:14] <Sailor_Ana> "And where was Artemis during all of this?"
[19:15] <Rei-chan> "Artemis is part of why she's been so upset..." Rei says, choosing not to elaborate further.
[19:15] <Sailor_Ana> Luna sighs. "And what did the furball do to upset Venus?"
[19:16] <Rei-chan> "He impersonated Minako to go to school with the Crescent Compact, then freaked out over having his first period, doing permanent harm to her image at school. You know how it goes..."
[19:17] <Sailor_Ana> While nothing is said, you are fairly sure that from the sudden change of view, Usagi and Luna both face-faulted hard.
[19:18] <Sailor_Ana> A few seconds later, they reposition. "Say WHAT?! Artemis had a period? He a guy!" Usagi shouts. "Oh my God! He's really a she! Artemis is a girl!"
[19:18] <Rei-chan> "Who'd have thought the disguise magic was so thorough..." Rei says thoughtfully.
[19:20] <Sailor_Ana> As Usagi freaks out and goes on about Artemis, Luna replies. "I'm going to have to have a...DISCUSSION with Artemis, I see. What else is happening?"
[19:20] <Rei-chan> "Ah. The bad news." Rei makes a visible effort to psyche herself up for this.
[19:20] <Sailor_Ana> "Bad news?" Usagi asks, shifting from her rantings a moment ago.
[19:21] <Rei-chan> "The Dark Kingdom are after the Rainbow Crystal carriers again, and they've already got everyone except Urawa. They even got Grandpa earlier today while I was at school..." Rei trails off, looking disgusted with herself.
[19:22] <Rei-chan> "We have Urawa-kun here at the shrine, and are going to try and defend him and rescue the others when Endymion comes to attack us, but... it's going to be tough, Usagi..."
[19:22] <Sailor_Ana> "I need to get back, don't I?" Usagi asks, totally serious. "Me and Ami."
[19:22] <Rei-chan> "We need you, Usagi," Rei says, simply.
[19:23] <Sailor_Ana> "I'll be back as soon as I can, Rei," she says sincerely.
[19:23] <Rei-chan> "I had a vision, I think if we fail here, it really will be the end..."
[19:23] <Sailor_Ana> "We won't fail! I still haven't gotten Tuxedo Kamen back yet!" she declares.
[19:24] * Rei-chan gives Usagi a wan smile. "You're right. We can't let them get to us while there's still hope."
[19:25] <Sailor_Ana> "And I still have to read more of Rei's manga, too!"
[19:25] * Rei-chan twitches. "You always get food all over them and mess them up!"
[19:25] <Sailor_Ana> "I do NOT! The bean paste just happened to get all over your Love Hina manga!" she retorts.
[19:25] * Makoto breaks a small smile at the interplay between Rei and Usagi. Some things, at least, didn't change.
[19:26] <Rei-chan> "And it wouldn't have if you were more careful, you klutz!" Rei sticks her tongue out at Usagi.
[19:26] <Sailor_Ana> Usagi does the same. "Meanie!"
[19:27] * Rei-chan keeps it up for nearly a minute before stopping and smiling at Usagi. "Come back soon Usagi. Even if you are a klutz who ruins my manga, I've missed you."
[19:28] <Sailor_Ana> "Okay, Rei-chan! I'll get your hentai manga next time!" she says loudly, and then hangs up.
[19:28] * Rei-chan falls over.
[19:28] * Mineko twitches an ear.
[19:28] * Makoto raises an eyebrow.
[19:28] <Rei-chan> "That minx! I never knew she had it in her..." Rei trails off with a note of admiration in her voice.
[19:29] <Sailor_Ana> "Hentai?" A male voice says, confused. Urawa is slowly sitting up, tiredly.
[19:30] * Rei-chan stands up again and pockets the communicator. "Never mind," she says to Urawa, blushing.
[19:31] <Sailor_Ana> "Ugh... I had another vision..." he says, trying to stay stable by leaning on his elbows.
[19:31] <Rei-chan> "Really, what happened?" Rei asks, rushing over.
[19:32] * Sailor_Dragon stands behind Urawa so that he doesn't get disturbed.
[19:33] <Sailor_Ana> "Something dark outside of Tokyo..."
[19:33] <Rei-chan> "Outside? Where?" Rei leans forward intently.
[19:33] <Sailor_Ana> "Outside. It was muddled..."
[19:34] <Rei-chan> "Hmm..." Rei looks thoughtful for a moment, before she stretches her senses out to try and detect any _evil_.
[19:34] <Sailor_Ana> You stretch your sense outward...and you do not detect anything unusual.
[19:35] * Rei-chan slumps. "I guess I'm not good enough to detect it. But I'm not stupid enough to think that it's not there just because it's hidden..."
[19:36] <Sailor_Ana> "So you didn't sense Endymion or anything?" Artemis says.
[19:37] <Rei-chan> "I can't detect anything, but that doesn't mean it's not out there... whatever it is..."
[19:37] * Mineko slips out of Makoto's lap, and heads towards the bathroom.
[19:38] <Sailor_Ana> "Minako?" Artemis says as she goes towards the bathroom.
[19:38] * Mineko acts as if she doesn't hear the white mooncat.
[19:39] <Sailor_Ana> As she goes into the bathroom, Artemis hesitates for a moment and follows. "Mina..." he says as he gives chase.
[19:39] * Makoto blinks, and goes after Mineko, not wanting to see her try to run off again, especially not in her state.
[19:39] <Rei-chan> "I have an idea!" Rei pulls out several ofuda and hands them to Urawa. "If Endymion comes after you, use these. It might just buy you enough time for us to get the drop on him."
[19:40] * Mineko pops out her claws, and after digging them into the sliding door, opens it.
[19:40] * Mineko steps inside, and then closes it the same way.
[19:41] <Sailor_Ana> Artemis follows Mineko into the bathroom, opening the door the same way. "Mina," he says, more insistent.
[19:41] <Rei-chan> "Want something to eat, Urawa-kun? You look like you could use it."
[19:41] * Mineko turns towards him, with an angry look in her eyes. Her claws pop out again.
[19:42] <Makoto> "Artemis, you go back to Rei and the others! She doesn't want you around right now, remember?" Makoto exclaims at the mooncat, not wanting to further antagonize Mineko.
[19:42] <Sailor_Ana> "Damn it, Minako..." he says. "Let's so somewhere and talk, seriously. Okay?"
[19:42] * Mineko bares her teeth.
[19:43] <Sailor_Ana> "I'm not going to be scared off, Minako," he was, resolved.
[19:44] <Makoto> "Artemis... I'll take care of Mina-chan, right now all you're gonna do is cause trouble. So move away..." Makoto warns.
[19:45] <Sailor_Ana> Artemis hesitates a moment, looking at both of you. "Whatever," he suddenly says, angrily, before running off in the opposite direction, out of the room.

Meh. I don't agree with that at all. When he tries to step up and fix things, look how they reacted. Is it a wonder things got worse before they got better? Admittely, Minako wasn't in the best condition, but the others weren't so indisposed.

[19:45] * Mineko closes her mouth, walks over to the door, and slides it closed.
[19:46] * Makoto presses against the door lightly, but does not open. "You're not gonna ditch us, right, Mina-chan?" she asks quietly.
[19:46] * Mineko takes a look in the mirror and lets go of the transformation, changing back to her normal self.
[19:47] * Mineko is now known as Minako
[19:47] * Minako proceeds to wash her face.
[19:48] <Minako> Once satisfied, Minako dries it off and then reaches for the make up kit in her purse.
[19:48] <Makoto> "Mina-chan?" Makoto asks, hearing the tap, but no response.
[19:49] * Minako applies the make up to herself, also using it to hide the redness of her eyes or the bit of pale color on her skin.
[19:51] <Minako> Once done, Minako admires herself in the mirror for a long moment, before taking out her transformation pen.
[19:53] <Minako> She looks at it, and then raises the pen, shouting out, "Venus Power! Make UP!"
[19:53] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - That sound carried into the next room, guys.
[19:54] * Makoto blinks at the shout and opens the slide door! "Mina!"
[19:54] * Rei-chan looks alarmed at the shout and rushes in the direction it came from.
[19:55] * Minako is now known as V-chan
[19:55] * V-chan turns towards Makoto, who had just rushed in, and just stares at her
[19:57] * V-chan walks out of the room, brushing past Makoto and heading towards the room where everyone was previously.
[19:57] * Rei-chan bumps into V-chan as she heads towards the bathroom.
[19:57] <Rei-chan> "Mi-Venus?!"
[19:58] * V-chan nods, and then continues walking.
[19:58] * Makoto blinks and feels a stab in her heart. "Mina... why won't you just talk to us?" she asks softly before following.
[19:59] * Rei-chan slowly follows after Sailor Venus, wondering what's going on. "What's going on?"
[20:00] * Sailor_Dragon hugs V-chan "Help us fight Endymion, V-chan?"
[20:01] * V-chan smacks his hands away, saying coldly, "V-chan?"
[20:01] * Makoto steps into the room behind Rei and stands there quietly, watching Venus.
[20:01] * V-chan walks outside, seeing Artemis going down the stairs.
[20:02] * Rei-chan follows Venus, looking concerned.
[20:03] <V-chan> "Artemis!" Venus calls out, once she is sure she is within normal hearing range of him.
[20:03] <Sailor_Ana> He pauses, and you can see him hop back up a few stairs.
[20:04] * Rei-chan comes to within ten or so paces, then hangs back, watching curiously.
[20:04] <V-chan> "This is our last stand," she says simply, looking down at him. "Guard Urawa with your life."
[20:04] <Sailor_Ana> "...Alright," he says, turning to Venus.
[20:06] * V-chan nods, and turns around, walking back into the shrine without a backwards glance.
[20:06] <Rei-chan> "Minako...?"
[20:07] <V-chan> "Rei?" she asks, stopping and inclining her head slightly.
[20:07] <Rei-chan> "Are you... are you alright?" Rei asks, stepping closer to her.
[20:08] * V-chan nods curtly, just like before, and walks back to the shrine.
[20:09] * Rei-chan looks like she might want to say more, then withdraws in on herself. She stands for a moment like that before shaking herself off heading into the shrine herself with a determined stride.
[20:12] <Sailor_Ana> As you come back in, Urawa speaks to you. "You said something about food, Rei?"
[20:12] <Rei-chan> "Yeah, you look like you could use something to eat. Want me to make up some sandwiches?"
[20:13] <Sailor_Ana> "Please."
[20:13] * V-chan walks towards a discarded manga book she sees lying in one corner, and picks it up, reading it standing up while leaning against the wall.
[20:13] * Rei-chan nods and goes into the kitchen to make up a plate of sandwiches and pour several glasses of juice for everyone.
[20:14] * V-chan appears for all intents and purposes to only be paying attention to FotNS.
[20:15] <Sailor_Ana> Rei - As you prepare the food, you suddenly get a strong sense of Evil on the temple grounds.
[20:15] * Rei-chan drops what she is doing.
[20:16] <Rei-chan> "Mars Power, Make UP!"
[20:16] * Rei-chan is now known as Sailor_Mars
[20:16] * Sailor_Mars dashes through the lounge, yelling, "They're here!" and rushes into the courtyard.
[20:17] <Sailor_Ana> As you run into the courtyard, you see Yuichiro. "What? Sailor Mars?" he says, looking confused.
[20:17] * V-chan follows her at a normal speed, giving a glance to Urawa and Artemis
[20:17] * Sailor_Mars ignores the bum and tries to locate the _evil_ that she felt.
[20:18] <Sailor_Ana> It's above, you think.
[20:18] * Sailor_Mars looks up.
[20:18] <Sailor_Ana> Above, you see Kunzite and Endymion's boot soles. They are looking down, and see you. "Long time no see, Brats!" Kunzite shouts.
[20:20] * Sailor_Mars takes a step backwards before firming her resolve. "You'll pay for kidnapping those people!"
[20:21] <Sailor_Ana> Kunzite laughs, arrogant as always. "We shall see, Sailors." He blinks for a moment before appearing in the center of the courtyard with two wicked, curved blades of pink energy, one in each hand. "Yes, let's see, Sailors!"

*Cue boss music*

[20:22] * Sailor_Mars feels herself revitalized with energy as she prepares to defend her shrine!
[20:22] <Sailor_Mars> ooc - rejuvenation
[20:22] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: You'll forfeit any initiative if they act this round, though.
[20:25] <Sailor_Ana> With a sick grin, he throws both the blades at Mars!
[20:25] * V-chan forms a sword in her right hand with the power of her compact, and charges Kunzite.
[20:26] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Rei is Rejuvenating, so it's just Minako and Kunzite.
[20:26] <Sailor_Ana> roll 1d6
[20:26] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 1d6 and gets 5."
[20:27] <V-chan> roll 1d6
[20:27] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 1d6 and gets 4."
[20:27] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: Attacking with the sword, eh?
[20:27] <V-chan> OOC: Yes
[20:28] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: Kunzite goes first.
[20:28] <Sailor_Ana> The glowing blades rush towards Mars!
[20:28] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[20:28] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[20:28] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[20:28] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[20:28] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: Your dodge rolls, Mars?
[20:29] <Sailor_Mars> ooc - any modifiers?
[20:29] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: Only if you try to dodge them both. The second one gets the +2 penalty.
[20:29] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[20:29] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[20:30] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: Going to try and dodge the second one?
[20:31] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[20:31] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[20:31] <Sailor_Mars> OOC: do-over!
[20:31] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[20:31] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[20:32] <Sailor_Mars> ooc - Right, I'll take the second hit. Want to save the last do-over for later.
[20:33] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: 49 points of damage.
[20:33] <Sailor_Ana> The blade cuts into Mars's side, leaving a vicious wound!
[20:34] * Sailor_Mars screams in pain!

I think that was the first time a Sailor was actually wounded past 15 or so points of damage. Another one would have turned her into kibble....

[20:34] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[20:34] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[20:35] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[20:35] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 9."
[20:35] <Sailor_Ana> Pretty Soldier Venus charges the blade slinging Kunzite, and slashes at him. She leaves a cut in his arm, and some dark blood can be seen oozing from the wound.
[20:36] <V-chan> roll 1d6
[20:36] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 1d6 and gets 2."
[20:36] <Sailor_Mars> roll 1d6+8
[20:36] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 1d6+8 and gets 11."
[20:36] <Sailor_Ana> roll 1d6
[20:36] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 1d6 and gets 6."
[20:38] <Sailor_Ana> Kunzite, Venus, Mars.
[20:39] <Sailor_Ana> In Kunzite's gloved hands two more blades appear and he steps back, throwing them at V-chan!
[20:39] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[20:39] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 10."
[20:39] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[20:39] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 11."
[20:39] <Sailor_Ana> And both miserably miss, sailing just over her head!

Lucky bitches. That's all I have to say.

[20:40] <Sailor_Ana> Your action, Venus.
[20:40] <V-chan> "Crescent BEAM!" Venus yells, firing a ray of golden energy at Kunzite.
[20:40] <V-chan> roll 2d6
[20:40] * CyWyrm --> "V-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[20:40] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[20:40] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[20:41] <Sailor_Ana> The golden beam slams into Kunzite! He grimaces in pain as the shot leaves a nasty wound in his side, nearly matching the one he gave to Sailor Mars!
[20:42] <Sailor_Ana> OOC: Mars is up.
[20:42] * Sailor_Mars glares hatefully at Kunzite as flames surge around her, coalescing at her crossed arms and forming a giant viper's head. "MARS SNAKE FIRE!!" she screams, unleashing the attack on him.
[20:43] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6
[20:43] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[20:43] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[20:43] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 4."
[20:45] <Sailor_Ana> The Snake Fire engulfs Kunzite, and you hear his agonized scream as the fire burns him! When it clears, he is on his knees, badly burned. "Zoisite... dying here for that bastard... I can't..." With a seemingly superhuman effort written on his face, he blinks and is gone.
[20:46] <Sailor_Ana> Mars - You sense his energy was fading as he vanished...
[20:47] <Sailor_Mars> ooc - fading as in, leaving the vicinity, or fading as in he's dead and the teleport was the last thing he ever did?
[20:47] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Not sure. He was fading and fast, though.
[20:48] * Sailor_Mars turns to regard Endymion. "Unless you want to end up like him, you'd better surrender."
[20:48] <Sailor_Ana> When you look up, you see he isn't in the sky any more...
[20:48] <Sailor_Mars> "Oh, I feel stupid..."
[20:48] <V-chan> "Do you sense any evil around, Mars?" Venus asks her, once she takes a look around and sees no further enemies.
[20:48] <Sailor_Ana> Meanwhile.
[20:49] <Sailor_Ana> Herb - You are guarding Uwara when you seen Endymion come into the room. He looks around quickly, taking in the both of you.
[20:51] * Sailor_Dragon watches carefully so that when Endymion reaches for the crystal, she's ready with the broomstick to sweep it from his hand
[20:54] <Sailor_Ana> Seeing both of you, he just smiles. "Okay, I'll let the crystal choose!" He raises his hand, crystal ready...
[20:54] * Sailor_Dragon strikes!
[20:55] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[20:55] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 3."
[20:55] <Sailor_Ana> roll 2d6
[20:55] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Ana rolls 2d6 and gets 8."
[20:56] <Sailor_Ana> You swipe at the crystal, but he merely takes a step back and quickly raises it...Uwara screams as black light begins to surround him, the light ignoring the fake Uwara. And then he starts arcing with electrical energy.
[20:56] <Sailor_Ana> Falling to his knees from the shock, the light vanishes from Urawa.
[20:57] <Sailor_Ana> "I don't _THINK_ so, Buster!" Sailor Jupiter shouts.
[20:57] <Sailor_Ana> You can't see her, but she sounds as if she is in the previous room.

She was NPC'ed, in case you were curious. If I recall, Merc was late or something.

[20:59] <Sailor_Dragon> "Dragon Spirit Blast!" Sailor_Dragon cries, sending a beam of pure ki energy into Endymion's face.
[20:59] <Sailor_Dragon> roll 2d6
[20:59] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Dragon rolls 2d6 and gets 6."
[21:00] <Sailor_Ana> Stunned, the Prince is unable to dodge the attack, and he crumples the ground, his crystal still in hand.
[21:00] <Sailor_Ana> He looks to be very unconscious, and his nose is bleeding quite a bit.
[21:00] * Sailor_Dragon crushes the crystal beneath her heel.
[21:01] <Sailor_Ana> There is a CRACK, and then a release of energy. Besides you, Rei's Grandfather materializes, fast asleep.
[21:01] <Sailor_Ana> (Also, it looks like you may have broken his hand when you crushed the crystal. One of the cracks wasn't crystal cracking.)
[21:02] <Sailor_Ana> Mars - You enter the room at this point.
[21:02] <Sailor_Ana> Venus does too, if she followed.
[21:02] * Sailor_Dragon drops her disguise.
[21:02] * Sailor_Mars sees her grandfather and rushes over to check on him.
[21:02] <Sailor_Dragon> "Nian, what should I do with this one?   Shall I remove his head?"
[21:03] <Sailor_Ana> "Wait, Sailor Dragon!" he says sharply. "From what was said, he was brainwashed and is innocent!"
[21:03] * V-chan points at Endymion, and calls out, "Love Crescent Shower!"
[21:04] <Sailor_Ana> A golden glow surrounds him. A second later, Tuxedo Kamen is where Endymion was but a moment before.
[21:05] * V-chan drops to the floor a second afterwards, reverting to Minako.
[21:05] <Sailor_Mars> "Tuxedo Kamen!"
[21:05] <Sailor_Ana> He begins to stir... suddenly, dark energy forms above him!
[21:05] <Sailor_Ana> You feel an overwhelming presence, Mars, without even trying to sense.
[21:05] * Sailor_Mars lunges to slap a ward on him to stop him teleporting!
[21:07] <Sailor_Mars> roll 2d6+3
[21:07] * CyWyrm --> "Sailor_Mars rolls 2d6+3 and gets 10."
[21:08] <Sailor_Ana> Your ofuda sticks to him, and he stand rock still. For a dreadful time, the two energies clash, and finally...with a thunderclap, the Dark Energy vanishes!
[21:08] * Sailor_Mars sits back and breathes a sigh of relief. "We did it..." she whispers in an awed tone.
[21:08] <Sailor_Ana> Mars falls to the ground, the effort of stopping such an intense force combined with her injury draining her to the maximum.
[21:08] * Sailor_Mars reverts to Rei.
[21:08] * Sailor_Mars is now known as Rei-chan
[21:08] * Sailor_Dragon bandages the others' wounds.
[21:09] <Sailor_Ana> As you tend to Rei's injury... "Rei..." Mamoru gasps.
[21:09] <Sailor_Dragon> "You did very well, Rei-Hime, Minako-hime."
[21:09] * Rei-chan remains unconscious, but has a satisfied look on her face.
[21:10] <Sailor_Ana> "Usagi...where's Usagi...?" he mutters before his eyes close again.
[21:10] <Sailor_Ana> "We did it..." Artemis says quietly. "We really did it..."

Yeah, the did. I had almost figured that I would get to create a Great Youma for them to fight...such a pity.

[21:12] <Sailor_Ana> -----
[21:12] <Sailor_Ana> Three hours later.
[21:13] <Sailor_Ana> Venus and Mars have recovered, but are both still weak. Mamoru is still asleep as you meet again in the main room.
[21:14] <Sailor_Ana> "We really did it," Artemis says again. "We got the Prince back, and we may have finished off Kunzite. Good work, girls."
[21:15] <Sailor_Dragon> "Ahem. And guys."
[21:15] <Rei-chan> "Shall we tell Usagi or wait to give her a surprise?" Rei asks with a smile.
[21:15] * Sailor_Dragon is now known as Prince_Herb
[21:15] <Minako> "She should know right away. I know I would want to know, in her place," Minako states quietly.
[21:15] <Sailor_Ana> "Yeah...and then, let's have some sort of party. After all this, I want to celebrate a bit," Artemis says, smiling.
[21:16] <Rei-chan> "Hopefully she'll get here sooner," Rei says, taking out her communicator and contacting Usagi.
[21:16] <Sailor_Ana> She answers it quietly. "Yeah?" she whispers.
[21:17] <Rei-chan> "Usagi," Rei says with a wide smile "I have some news you might want to hear."
[21:17] <Sailor_Ana> "Can it wait? I'm on the way back now, Dad's driving me," she says.
[21:19] <Rei-chan> Rei gets a mischievous look. "Okay, but here's a little something for you to think about on your way," she says, turning the communicator so it is pointing at the slumbering Mamoru.
[21:19] <Sailor_Ana> "MAMORU?!?!" she shouts, loudly enough to be clearly heard across the room.
[21:20] <Rei-chan> "Hurry back, Usagi," Rei whispers into the communicator before turning it off. "That'll teach her for that hentai remark..."
[21:21] <Sailor_Ana> And... let's pause it there for the session.
[21:21] * Sailor_Ana sets mode: -m
[21:22] * Rei-chan is now known as Ebiris
[21:22] <Ebiris> Damn, we kicked ass, but good!
[21:22] <Minako> RAWR
[21:22] <Sailor_Ana> Yep, you did.

And thus, Prince Endymion got his ass whipped and turned back into Tuxedo Kamen. Also, that surfer boi Kunzite got iced. All in all, I think it was a good session for the girls.

Although, I'm not happy about one thing - it was rather vague as to why Kunzite was stuck helping Mamoru against his will. Beryl read him the riot act just before this, as she wanted that Great Youma. His last line hinted at it, at least.

[Anastasia]

After possession - The Mamoru Chiba story!

Or the next Sailor Moon RPG log. Whichever.

[21:02] <Sailor_Ana> You manage to get to school on time, and another day begins. Usagi is there, chirpy and bright.
[21:03] <Sailor_Ana> But, just before lunchtime...
[21:03] <Sailor_Ana> As you try to pay attention to math class, a student knocks on the door and hands the teacher a folded note.
[21:04] <Sailor_Ana> "Hmm..." the teacher says as she reads the note. "Miss Kino, your student counselor wishes to see you," she declares when she finishes reading the note.
[21:08] * Makoto freezes, but gives a squeaky, "Okay!" as she gets up. She knew what this was most likely about. Curse those youma!
[21:09] <Sailor_Ana> "You may leave now," the math teacher says as you get up. Walking down to the student counseling office, you can't help but worry. One school already bombed out...
[21:11] <Sailor_Ana> ..and you enter the office. The student aide on duty takes your name as you sign in. "Oh, Makoto Kino? Ms Suzuki is waiting for you," he says. "Third office down the hall."
[21:12] * Makoto makes a short bow and says, "Thank you." No need to start off with bad impressions. Well... worse ones, anyhow.
[21:12] * Makoto follows her directions and heads towards the office.
[21:14] <Sailor_Ana> Inside is a small office, with a wraparound wall desk, computer and a few scattered chairs for students. Your advisor, Ms Suzuki, is a rather old looking woman that should be in a nursing home instead of a school.

Yes, you get the joke. Good for you.

[21:15] <Sailor_Ana> From behind her bifocals, she eyes you. "Miss Makoto Kino?"
[21:15] <Makoto> "Yes, Ma'am."
[21:16] <Sailor_Ana> "Sit down." It's said as an order and not a request.
[21:16] * Makoto does so.
[21:17] <Sailor_Ana> "Now, Miss Kino, the computer says your permanent record is rather... checkered."
[21:17] <Sailor_Ana> "Fighting at your previous school, hm?"
[21:18] <Makoto> "They were bullies hurting others," Makoto mumbled.
[21:19] <Sailor_Ana> "Excuses, Miss Kino," she says, catching the mumbling.
[21:21] * Makoto says nothing, and waits for the woman to continue.
[21:21] <Sailor_Ana> "Well. Now, Miss Kino, I'm _sure_ that you are aware that you've left classes the last few days under suspicious circumstances," she says, pausing to eye you again.
[21:25] <Makoto> "I don't suppose you would buy that I'm really a member of an elite group of fighters dedicated to saving the world from evil invasions, would you?" Makoto asks. She didn't really have any excuses that would work. Maybe the woman had a sense of humor?
[21:26] <Sailor_Ana> To your surprise, the woman leans back and laughs, a grating, loud sound that makes you wish you had stayed in bed.
[21:27] <Sailor_Ana> "Really, Miss Kino, so you run around like those girls on the news and fight monsters?" she straightens up and looks at you intensely. "No, I suspect this is another pointer that you have a problem, Miss Kino."
[21:29] <Sailor_Ana> "Fighting and skipping class are the signs of gang ACTIVITY," she declares, sticking a bony finger at you. "You're another one of those stoned out troublemakers!"
[21:30] <Makoto> "Hey! You can't make accusations like that! I'm not in any gang, and I am most certainly not stoned!"
[21:31] * Makoto is starting to get annoyed, one thing is to drag her in for her school problems, it was another thing entirely to attack her personality.
[21:31] <Sailor_Ana> "I bet you are under the effects of that MAIRIJAWANA!" she almost shouts, rising and pointing at you despite mangling the word.
[21:31] <Sailor_Ana> "Right now, you bring that into our SCHOOL!"
[21:32] <Makoto> "Hey! Playing hooky doesn't mean drugs, there are things called video game centers!" Makoto says, trying to go for the video game excuse before the old bag keeps up with her delusions.
[21:34] <Sailor_Ana> "You lie, you miserable disgrace to this-" She is cut off by the door opening and the student aide you saw before coming in. "Ms Suzuki, I'm afraid you have a telephone call on line three."
[21:35] <Sailor_Ana> "Oh? Well... I'll talk to you later, Miss Kino," she says. "Dismissed."
[21:35] * Makoto nods curtly and rises, leaving the old bag behind. Honestly, how did such a nutjob end up as a counselor anyhow?
[21:36] <Sailor_Ana> As you walk out, the student aide walks with you. "Sorry about that," he says quietly, "Miss Suzuki blew up on you?"
[21:38] <Makoto> "How'd a woman like her end up as a counselor? She just out of nowhere accused me of both being a gang member and a drug-user!" Makoto replies amazed, but quietly too, not wanting the woman to hear and decide she was more important than the phone call.
[21:39] <Sailor_Ana> Brushing a bit of his brown haired bangs aside, he responds. "She's been here forever, from what I understand. She's in her last few years before her pension is complete, so..." He shrugs.
[21:40] <Sailor_Ana> "The principal seems to respect that and puts up with her. I think it's crazy, but so it goes. Don't worry, nothing usually comes of these things."
[21:41] <Makoto> "Bah, I wouldn't wish her on anyone, even the bullies and troublemakers," she says with a sniff.
[21:41] <Sailor_Ana> "Hey, you okay?" he says right after you sniff. As you get back out to the main room, he goes to the front desk. "Do you need some Kleenex?"
[21:44] <Makoto> "Oh, I'm fine, thank you for the offer though," Makoto says with a bright smile.
[21:45] <Sailor_Ana> "Oh, okay." He sits back down behind the desk. You notice he's a bit on the tall side when he does that, and the school uniform looks good on his slim figure. "So... You're welcome to stay a bit, the note here says they excused you until after lunch hour."
[21:48] <Makoto> "Heh, thanks, I don't really like Math. You're a nice guy, you know that? You kinda remind me of my old sempai a little."
[21:49] <Sailor_Ana> He grins broadly at that, blushing a little. "Heh. Well, thanks. So... What in the world happened, anyway? Did you really 'run out of class like a delinquent?" he asks, miming the old counselors voice for the last part.
[21:50] <Makoto> "Well, not quite like that..." Makoto mumbles, "I asked for permission to go to the bathroom and -then- ditched..."
[21:52] <Sailor_Ana> He smiles again. "Well, why'd you ditch? I know classes are boring and all, but it doesn't seem like the best idea to just get up and vanish in the middle of the day."
[21:54] <Makoto> "Well, it's not like I've done it often or anything. Sometimes a girl just has to unwind from the stress school gives..." Makoto says, hoping that's good enough for him.
[21:55] <Sailor_Ana> "Yeah, I can understand that. I daydream about just walking out from science class some days."
[21:57] <Makoto> "Heh, well, try not to, you don't want to end up having to deal with that counselor too," Makoto says.
[21:58] <Sailor_Ana> He laughs lightly. "That isn't a problem, since I work here I can deal with it that way. But it's good advice, my grades aren't that good to where I can just drop classes..."
[22:01] <Makoto> "Hmmm, I think I'd best leave, lest her phone call ends and she calls me back in because I'm around," Makoto says while getting up. She stretches out her hand to the guy as she adds, "Nice meeting you. Name's Makoto."
[22:02] * Makoto doesn't really want to head back to class and leave the boy, but she didn't need more harassment from the woman, and she wasn't gonna tempt fate by chatting it up with the guy.
[22:02] <Sailor_Ana> "I'm Kazan. Say... if you're not going to class, I could... er, 'escort' you outside for lunch early. So, you know, that no teachers give you a rough time about it."
[22:03] <Makoto> "Heh, you make a convincing argument."

Makoto getting asked to lunch by a BOY?!?!

Ragnarok ahead!

[22:05] <Sailor_Ana> "Great!" he says. "Shall we go?"
[22:06] * Makoto motions to the exit, "Lead the way, Kazan, lead the way."
[22:07] <Sailor_Ana> You don't get any trouble in the hallways, and are soon outside. It's an unusually warm day for early winter, and it's bearable outside with a light jacket.
[22:08] <Sailor_Ana> A bench under what will be a beautiful tree come spring time is where you sit. Kazan stops first, and gets you two simple lunches from a machine before coming out, which he presents with a flourish.
[22:10] * Makoto thanks Kazan for her lunch and opens it. "So how long have you been in this school?"
[22:11] <Sailor_Ana> "Long enough," he says. "Since I made it up to Junior High, basically. It's not a bad school, really. Just boring."
[22:13] <Makoto> "Heh, you say this even with all the monster attacks?" Makoto asks, curious on his take on the senshi and youma.
[22:13] <Sailor_Ana> "Yep," he says, shrugging. "I mean, yeah, some strange stuff has gone down. But what effect does it generally have on a normal student? Nothing more than a few blurbs on the news every few nights."
[22:15] <Sailor_Ana> "Sure, it adds to the gossip pool, and I know a more than a few guys who have the hots for those skirt heroines, but... it's still boring here."
[22:16] <Makoto> "Heh, I suppose that's one way of putting it. You one of those guys that likes the sailor senshi? Which one's your favorite?"
[22:17] <Sailor_Ana> "Sailor Senshi? Oh, yeah, that's the name that some of the media calls 'em. Weeellll, I like the black haired girl a lot, her hair is really cute. That one green-skirted girl with the ponytail is cute, too."
[22:23] <Makoto> "Heh, that's cool," Makoto says, taking a bite of her meal. "You know, this ain't half bad. I still prefer my own cooking, but it isn't bad..."
[22:24] <Sailor_Ana> "Yeah, the vending machines aren't half bad here. Say, do you follow those monster stories at all?"
[22:26] <Makoto> "Sorta..." Makoto says, not wanting to say that she didn't follow 'em mostly cause she lived through a number of them.
[22:28] <Sailor_Ana> "I wonder what it's all about. Really, it's like a half-baked manga story, you know? Some girls in skirts fight monsters while the rest of the world sits on its ass," he says, wolfing down another bite of food.
[22:32] <Makoto> "Yeah, but really, is it so bad to be out of the fire? I mean, you don't have to worry about stuff like getting hurt if you stay out of those monster stories."
[22:33] <Sailor_Ana> "True, I guess. Those Senshi probably get hurt all the time. Hell, now that you mention it... I wonder if we'll see a news story one day about them finding a Senshi body at a scene." he muses idly, stirring around his portion of rice.
[22:35] * Makoto 's blood runs cold at the thought. "I hope not. I truly hope we never do..."

Yeah. It could happen....although, unless they are all dead, I doubt they'd leave a body behind.

[22:37] <Sailor_Ana> "I hope we never do," he agrees.
[22:38] <Sailor_Ana> "So, anyway...What do you think about those big Senshi fans? There are ones who collect stories, draw pictures and even have Internet sites about them."
[22:41] <Makoto> "I don't really check up on that," Makoto says. "I mean, it's not like they're any more informed than anybody else."
[22:43] <Sailor_Ana> "Yep." He looks at his watch. "Damn, I really do need to get back to homeroom now. Can I walk you back to class, Makoto?"
[22:44] <Makoto> "Wouldn't mind the company if you did," she says with a smile as she gets up.
[22:46] <Sailor_Ana> You walk back to class, chatting about nothing in particular.
[22:46] <Sailor_Ana> "Well," he says just before your room door, "This was fun. I'll see you around, Makoto?"
[22:46] <Makoto> "See ya around, Kazan."
[22:48] <Sailor_Ana> He walks off, waving. "Bye, Makoto."

That was almost a date. Go Makoto! I told you they weren't all gay, Hal.

-----

Now, to Ami. She was pretty much back burnered as Panda was dealing with a messy real life situation with college.

[22:58] <Sailor_Ana> It's been several days since you decided to stay with Usagi.
[22:59] <Sailor_Ana> The first few days went by slowly, as Usagi was only beginning to come out of her depression. But as her mother recovered, so did Usagi.
[23:00] <Sailor_Ana> While emotionally draining, the sight of Usagi recovering was a good one.
[23:00] <Sailor_Ana> In fact, you feel decent when you go to check your email...
[23:02] <Sailor_Ana> And you find a rather large attachment-laden email from a child_of_love@rawr.com. For some strange reason, this rings a bell.
[23:02] * Ninja_Ami blinks.
[23:03] <Ninja_Ami> "Odd. It sounds a little familiar. And it did get past my spamblocker. Hm."
[23:04] * Ninja_Ami scans it for viruses before opening it.
[23:04] <Sailor_Ana> Your resident virus program does not detect any viruses.
[23:05] <Ninja_Ami> "Let's open you up, then."
[23:05] * Ninja_Ami does so.
[23:05] <Sailor_Ana> Before the attachment is a short text message.
[23:07] <Sailor_Ana> Dear Ami-chan,
[23:07] <Sailor_Ana> Enclosed is the information Tokyo police has about the Dark Kingdom attacks. Could you check it to see whether there's a pattern of any kind to them? Or whether you could find out how they pick their targets? There has to be something the cops have missed....
[23:07] <Sailor_Ana> I'm counting on you!
[23:07] <Sailor_Ana> Minako
[23:08] * Ninja_Ami stares in shock. "How...?"
[23:09] * Ninja_Ami looks around guiltily, making sure no one is in the area.
[23:09] <Sailor_Ana> It's relatively quiet here, no one is in the immediate area.
[23:10] * Ninja_Ami opens the attachment.
[23:11] <Sailor_Ana> Inside is several documents and a database full of police reports.
[23:11] <Sailor_Ana> They are cross-referenced, and they all seem to be about Senshi incidents.
[23:12] * Ninja_Ami reads through the headings, hoping to find a good place to start.
[23:13] <Sailor_Ana> One report catches your eye - The incident at the cram school where you became Sailor Mercury.
[23:14] * Ninja_Ami opens it.
[23:14] <Sailor_Ana> Inside is a detailed report. The report goes over the students that were found drained, the damage done to the school, and so on.
[23:16] * Ninja_Ami looks for any references to the youma-teacher.
[23:16] <Sailor_Ana> It makes no mention of Ami Mizuno nor Sailor Mercury, but classifies it as another 'unknown incident'.
[23:17] * Ninja_Ami bites her lip thoughtfully.
[23:17] * Ninja_Ami randomly selects another file and opens it.
[23:18] <Sailor_Ana> This one is about an incident at a Party Cruise Boat - This rings bells as well, as you went with Rei on a da...er, boy-scouting mission there.

C'mon. Even in the hacked US dub that looked like Rei and Ami were on a date. Don't bullshit me, man. Really.

[23:19] <Ninja_Ami> "I remember that. The boat was..."
[23:20] * Ninja_Ami checks for any information about the boat, how it was allowed to dock, it's age and thing of that nature.
[23:21] <Sailor_Ana> Most of the detailed information on the boat is sketchy, and the report concludes the boat was a front for something else. Also mentioned are sightings of 'Skirted women who battled a monster onboard'.
[23:22] <Ninja_Ami> "Well, duh," Ami mutters silently.
[23:23] * Ninja_Ami checks for incidents she recalls Dark Kingdom generals being involved in.
[23:23] <Sailor_Ana> Here's one - At a local mall, several young women gathered, and there were reports of a 'Lead human-like youma'. The description matches Nephrite.
[23:24] * Ninja_Ami reads more on this report.
[23:24] <Sailor_Ana> The investigator comes to the conclusion that there is an organized force behind the incidents, and that these 'Senshi' were opposing them.
[23:25] <Sailor_Ana> It speculates on the nature of both, but to nothing of interest or truth.
[23:28] * Ninja_Ami looks up the attack at the spa.
[23:29] <Sailor_Ana> The report looks to be only begun, as it was a recent incident.
[23:29] <Sailor_Ana> Only the bare fundamentals are present.
[23:35] * Ninja_Ami looks through the files, looking for similarities.
[23:36] <Sailor_Ana> The basic one is that as the reports get more and more recent, the speculation about the Senshi and the Dark Kingdom gets more and more advanced, even getting a few minor details right.
[23:37] <Sailor_Ana> Geographically, the Dark Kingdom seems to favor middle and upper class areas, poverty-stricken areas are almost never directly affected.

This wasn't a bad idea for Minako to get this information and send it to Ami. But, it was like asking a man for tips on how a mage casts a Fireball, you know? Wrong group to ask.

[Anastasia]

Log 14! We've done a full season of logs, man! Go us! Yay!

[17:22] * Sailor_Ana sets mode: +m
[17:22] <Sailor_Ana> For the sake of continuity in this case, I'll post the end of the last session in a moment.
[17:24] <Sailor_Ana> * Ninja_Ami looks up the attack at the spa.
[17:24] <Sailor_Ana> > The report looks to be only begun, as it was a recent incident.
[17:24] <Sailor_Ana> > Only the bare fundamentals are present.
[17:24] <Sailor_Ana> <Ninja_Ami> me looks through the files, looking for similarities.
[17:24] <Sailor_Ana> * Ninja_Ami looks through the files, looking for similarities.
[17:24] <Sailor_Ana> > The basic one is that as the reports get more and more recent, the speculation about the Senshi and the Dark Kingdom gets more and more advanced, even getting a few minor details right.
[17:24] <Sailor_Ana> > Geographically, the Dark Kingdom seems to favor middle and upper class areas, poverty-stricken areas are almost never
[17:24] <Sailor_Ana> directly affected.
[17:25] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Your action, Ami.
[17:27] * Ninja_Ami inputs the dates and places of the attacks into the Mercury computer to see if a pattern emerges.
[17:28] <Sailor_Ana> Several seconds pass as the supercomputer labors away at the data...
[17:29] <Sailor_Ana> "No pattern found," is the result.
[17:29] * Ninja_Ami frowns. "What am I missing?"
[17:31] <Sailor_Ana> "Ami?" Luna asks from behind. "Are you working on something?"
[17:32] <Ninja_Ami> "Just something Minako sent me."
[17:32] * Ninja_Ami recalls that both the boat and spa attacks were advertised, and searches to see if that might be a common thread.
[17:32] <Sailor_Ana> "Hm, something Minako sent you?" she asks.
[17:33] <Sailor_Ana> You turn up a few attacks that had advertisements. They are sometimes elements of the attack, but just as often not.
[17:34] <Ninja_Ami> "Yes. Apparently the Tokyo police have been keeping track of the Dark Kingdom attacks.  What little they know of them."
[17:35] * Ninja_Ami frowns as the idea doesn't pan out.
[17:35] <Sailor_Ana> "Really? But how did Minako get that information?" Luna asks, hopping up.
[17:35] <Ninja_Ami> "I don't know how she got them, but Minako sent their records over for me to look at."
[17:35] * Ninja_Ami pets the kitty.
[17:37] <Sailor_Ana> Luna moves under your petting. "Have you found anything out from it?"
[17:37] * Ninja_Ami shakes her head.
[17:38] <Ninja_Ami> "Not much. The police reports are sketchy at best, and I have yet to come up with a common thread to the Dark Kingdom attacks."
[17:39] <Ninja_Ami> "Any idea?"
[17:40] <Sailor_Ana> "Can I see the data?" Luna asks.
[17:40] <Ninja_Ami> "Of course."
[17:41] * Ninja_Ami brings the data up for the cat to see.
[17:42] <Sailor_Ana> Luna hmms as she reads and goes over it. "It's interesting, but I don't think it will be helpful. They don't even have the important facts right."
[17:46] <Ninja_Ami> "I know, I know. It's just, even if it was something minor anything that might let use predict their movement would help."
[17:46] * Ninja_Ami sighs.
[17:47] <Sailor_Ana> Luna does as well. "Perhaps there is a clue somewhere in that, but I do not see it."
[17:47] <Ninja_Ami> "I just... I don't want someone else to die, Luna."
[17:49] <Sailor_Ana> "Neither do I, Ami..."
[17:50] * Ninja_Ami pets the kitty some more.
[17:51] <Ninja_Ami> "This isn't getting us anywhere right now. Let's go check up on Usagi."
[17:51] * Ninja_Ami puts the computer away.
[17:51] <Ninja_Ami> "She seems to be doing better, at least."
[17:53] <Sailor_Ana> "Yes. She's getting better...if only we hadn't lost Tuxedo Kamen," Luna laments quietly.
[17:56] * Ninja_Ami lifts the kitty into her arms and makes her way to where Usagi is.
[17:57] <Sailor_Ana> Usagi is in her mother's room, as she usually is. Her mother is napping, and Usagi is reading a book while stealing the occasional worried glance over to her.

It's that or stare into space for Usagi. Now that It hink about it, though, staring into space would be more in character for dumpling head. This is also the first time Hal RPed Usagi. Say hi to the real Usagi, girls!

[17:58] <Ninja_Ami> "Usagi?"
[17:58] * Ninja_Ami enters.
[17:59] * Usagi-chan looks up and gives Ami a weak smile. "Oh hi, Ami. What's up?"
[17:59] <Ninja_Ami> "Just seeing how you're doing."
[17:59] * Ninja_Ami glances over at her mom.
[18:00] <Ninja_Ami> "Both of you."
[18:00] * Usagi-chan sighs quietly. "She's doing a little better, or at least that's what the doctor said the last time he was here to check up on her."
[18:01] * Ninja_Ami takes Luna over to her.
[18:07] <Usagi-chan> "Hey, Furball." Usagi takes Luna in her lap and pets her. "What have you two been up to?"
[18:08] <Sailor_Ana> "Research," Luna replies succinctly. "How are you, Usagi?"
[18:08] * Ninja_Ami finds a chair and sits.
[18:09] * Usagi-chan shakes her head. "I just keep thinking there was something else I could have done..." She glances over at her mother briefly.
[18:10] <Sailor_Ana> "Usagi, you did alright. Your mother is going to be fine," Luna says soothingly.
[18:11] <Usagi-chan> "And if my mom hadn't been hurt, I would have been there for the last attack, and maybe... it wouldn't have gone so badly."
[18:11] <Ninja_Ami> "Usagi, are you feeling up to returning yet?" Ami asks.
[18:11] <Ninja_Ami> "The others, they need us."
[18:13] <Usagi-chan> "Maybe you should go back. I... I don't want to leave my mom just yet."
[18:15] <Ninja_Ami> "Your mom is going to be ok, Usagi. We don't know if that'll be the case with the others. What if more people get hurt? We need you."
[18:16] * Usagi-chan gestures towards her mother, tears showing in the corners of her eyes. "I can't even protect the people I care about the most. What help am I going to be?"
[18:22] <Sailor_Ana> "Usagi, you know better than that," Luna begins. "You can full well protect people. Look at all the people you saved from the Dark Kingdom Energy Draining schemes alone, or the Rainbow Crystal carriers!"
[18:22] <Ninja_Ami> "Usagi, you couldn't know this would happen. We- you, Rei, Makoto, Minako, and myself- have saved more people than I even know since the beginning. Don't you think quitting is what the Dark Kingdom wants?"
[18:25] * Usagi-chan looks at her lap, speaking quietly. "Maybe it is what they want. But I don't know if I can do this anymore."
[18:30] <Ninja_Ami> "Do what, Usagi?" Ami asks, steel entering her voice. "Save lives? Protect the weak? Make sure no one else ends like that woman?"
[18:30] <Ninja_Ami> "Or are you just afraid to face him?"
[18:30] * Usagi-chan winces.
[18:36] <Sailor_Ana> Luna shifts in Usagi's lap.
[18:36] <Ninja_Ami> "Usagi, if you give up now you abandon him to the Dark Kingdom. You want to hide from Him? Fine, but don't use your mother as an excuse. Hpw can you say you want to protect the people you care about if all you do is run away?"
[18:37] * Ninja_Ami sighs yet again, her voice changing to pleading.
[18:38] <Ninja_Ami> "We _need_ you, Usagi. We aren't the senshi without our leader, and we aren't friends with Usagi Tsukino."
[18:38] <Usagi-chan> "What would you think?! The guy I've had a crush on FOREVER, who's been looking for ME forever, gets taken away from me right after I find out! And THEN he shows up with the bad guys and really hurts my mom! What the hell am I supposed to do?"
[18:40] <Ninja_Ami> "Fight," Ami said simply.
[18:42] <Usagi-chan> "Fight who? Fight what? Him? Do I have to kill him now?" Usagi is nearly frantic. "Is he just another Kunzite or Zoisite now?"
[18:46] <Ninja_Ami> "No! Mamoru wouldn't betray you like that. You said it yourself, he's been looking for you forever. The Dark Kingdom has brainwashed him somehow. We've dealt with that before, remember? Are you just going to give up? Fight, Usagi! For great justice and love!"

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh. Fight, Megaman! For world peace!

[18:49] <Sailor_Ana> "She's right, Usagi," Luna says. "Can you really just give up?"
[18:50] <Usagi-chan> "...I don't know. It's all just too complicated right now."
[18:51] * Ninja_Ami moves and takes Usagi's hand.
[18:51] <Ninja_Ami> "It'll only get worse if we don't make our time. Take, rather."
[19:06] * Usagi-chan sighs. "I guess that's all I want, is a little more time to try to make sense of everything that's happened."
[19:11] * Ninja_Ami nods, squeezing the hand.
[19:11] <Ninja_Ami> "Just don't take too much time, Usagi."
[19:14] <Sailor_Ana> ---

This was just Usagi and Ami touching base. They had to have been doing something during all this.

[19:18] <Sailor_Ana> A few more hours pass while preparations for Artemis's party go. The Senshi in decent shape (Read as: Herb and Jupiter) go get food and drinks while the others rest.
[19:20] <Sailor_Ana> Food is being passed around and the Senshi being to quietly (Relatively) celebrate their victory.
[19:20] * Princess_Herb phones home to tell Lime and Mint that she's going to be out late, so they needn't cook dinner for her.
[19:20] <Sailor_Ana> Mamoru is still asleep, and Usagi has not made it back yet.
[19:22] <Sailor_Ana> Rei is still resting on a futon, eating from a bag of chips and drinking a soda
[19:22] <Sailor_Ana> OOC - Your action, Minako.
[19:22] * Rei-chan has changed into her miko clothes, as her school uniform got covered in blood after detransforming earlier...
[19:22] <Sailor_Ana> Jupiter and Herb are discussing what happened with Nian and Artemis.
[19:24] * V-chan checks on Mamoru and Rei's grandfather.
[19:25] <Sailor_Ana> Mamoru is still unconscious, but his nose looks better. Rei's grandfather is resting in his room, watched over by Yuuchiro.
[19:26] * V-chan waves at Yuuchiro, and returns to Rei's side.
[19:26] <Sailor_Ana> Rei - Just as you eat another few chips that probably come back in your hips, Minako waltzes on up.
[19:27] <V-chan> "Both Mamoru and your grandfather seem better, now," Minako says, walking up to Rei.
[19:28] <Rei-chan> "That's good. Things went surprisingly well for us today..." Rei gives Minako a slightly calculating look, "Still think you're cursed?"
[19:29] * V-chan looks away.
[19:29] <V-chan> "How can you say that, after you got hurt so badly...."
[19:30] <Rei-chan> Rei's expression falls, then she laughs boisterously. "Hah! This is only a scratch!" After laughing for a few seconds, her expression becomes rather alarmed and she quiets. "Er... I think I just split my sides..." Rei tries to keep from giggling as she speaks.
[19:31] <Rei-chan> "Um... do you think you can come and help me fix my bandages?"
[19:31] * V-chan nods, and moves closer to Rei, still avoiding looking at her.
[19:32] <Rei-chan> "Come on, I've got a first aid kit in my room. No need to alarm Gramps by taking all the bandages from the one in the bathroom."

I could see the girls each having a First Aid kit in their rooms. It's pragmatic, and kinda funny.
[19:32] * Rei-chan gets up and slowly walks to her room, still clutching her side.
[19:32] * V-chan shows up at her side, supporting Rei.
[19:33] * Rei-chan gives Minako a grateful smile, and allows the blonde to support some of her weight.
[19:33] <V-chan> "You can, umm, put your hands across my shoulders," she offers timidly.
[19:34] <Rei-chan> "Okay," Rei says, not really seeing why she would need to, since she is receiving adequate support, but happy for any assistance.
[19:36] <Rei-chan> After entering her bedroom, Rei sits down on her bed and pulls a small box from underneath. Opening it to reveal first aid supplies, she takes the top of her robes off to expose the bandages she currently wears around her torso.
[19:37] <Rei-chan> The bandages are rather heavily bloodstained.
[19:37] <Rei-chan> "I guess I'm lucky we heal so fast, otherwise I'm sure I'd need stitches..." Rei comments offhandedly.
[19:37] * V-chan reaches for the first aid supplies, then shakes her head. "Might as well do it right," she mutters, and takes out her compact. "Crescent Moon Power Transform!" she says. "Change me into a cute nurse!"
[19:38] <Sailor_Ana> It works, down to a cute white dress and a Red Cross hat.
[19:38] <V-chan> "I'll make you feel better, I swear!" Nurse Minako insists.
[19:38] <Rei-chan> Rei blinks. "A 'cute' nurse?" Shaking her head, she gives a small smile. "At least you didn't ask for high heels this time."
[19:39] <V-chan> Blinking, she ponders out loud, "Was I supposed to have high heels? Would they help a person heal better?"
[19:40] <Rei-chan> "No, high heels are best used for punishing evil-doers," Rei says with a perfectly straight face.
[19:40] * V-chan nods to herself. "I think so too!"
[19:40] <V-chan> "They're just so stylish, and make a person look so good in them...."
[19:41] <Rei-chan> "They certainly do," Rei agrees. "Anyway, can you give me a hand with these?" she motions to the bandages wrapped around her lower torso.
[19:42] <V-chan> "Sure, let's take a look at your bandages," Minako says, as she expertly takes the first aid supplies, turns towards Rei and freezes.
[19:42] * Rei-chan blinks and leans forward, "What's wrong Minako? I know it's a little bloody, but it can't be that bad..."

*Snickers*

[19:44] * V-chan shuts her eyes, repeating in her head, 'Must concentrate... must help Rei-chan....'
[19:45] * V-chan takes a deep breath, and opens her eyes again. She reaches a shaking hand towards the bandages, and begins unwrapping them.
[19:45] * Rei-chan raises her arms so they won't get in Minako's way.
[19:45] * V-chan mostly ignores what that does to Rei's chest.
[19:46] <Rei-chan> "You know... I don't think we would have succeeded today without you..." Rei whispers softly "After Kunzite hit me... it hurt so much, I thought I would die... but I saw you, and you were so brave fighting him even after all the trouble you've had today..."
[19:47] <Rei-chan> "Seeing that gave me strength... I couldn't have done it without you, Minako-chan."
[19:47] <V-chan> "R-Rei-chan...."
[19:48] <Rei-chan> "You shouldn't doubt yourself, Minako-chan. You're stronger than I am..." Rei trails off ashamedly.
[19:49] <V-chan> "I should've taken that hit instead of you," Minako says, putting her arms around Rei's neck, and sniffing. "I'm sorry, Rei-chan...."
[19:49] <Sailor_Ana> The scene is shattered by Jupiter's voice. "Usagi and Ami are here, guys!"
[19:50] * V-chan jumps away, startled.
[19:51] * Rei-chan ignores Makoto for the moment and stands up to grab Minako's shoulders and stare into her eyes. "If you hadn't attacked him while I was just standing there, we both might have suffered worse," she says seriously.
[19:51] <V-chan> "Umm, I should change your bandages," she says, her eyes drifting down.
[19:51] <Rei-chan> "Er..." Rei backs off, a little embarrassed. "Yeah, better do that before we go back out, heh..." Rei trails off with a nervous chuckle.
[19:51] <Sailor_Ana> In the main room, you can hear a ruckus.
[19:52] * V-chan does so, her hands having many accidental brushes against Rei's perfect skin.
[19:53] * Rei-chan twitches every now and then, having to fight her ticklish impulses.
[19:53] * V-chan twitches aplenty as well.
[19:55] * V-chan is finally done, and admires her handiwork.
[19:56] <Rei-chan> "Thanks," Rei says as she puts the top of her robe back on and ties it off.
[19:56] * Rei-chan heads back to the main room at a slow pace, not wanting to strain her injury, but not wanting to advertise it either.
[19:57] * V-chan walks at Rei's side, casting worried glances at her occasionally.
[19:58] <Sailor_Ana> Rest of cast - When Minako comes out, you notice she's dresses as a... _cute_ nurse.
[20:00] * Usagi-chan throws herself across Mamoru, ignoring everyone else in the room completely.
[20:00] * Rei-chan smiles at the energetic display.
[20:01] * V-chan frowns at Rei smiling.
[20:01] * Ninja_Ami makes her way over to V-chan.
[20:01] <Makoto> "Why is Minako-chan a frowning, yet cute nurse?"
[20:01] <Ninja_Ami> "Hm. The suits you."
[20:01] <V-chan> "I'm not frowning," Minako replies with a straight face.
[20:02] <Makoto> "Of course you're not."
[20:02] * Rei-chan blushes for some reason. "She was just helping with my bandages," she says with more defensiveness than necessary.
[20:02] <Ninja_Ami> "It's good to be back, guys."
[20:02] <V-chan> "All nurses must be cute, to expedite recovery," Minako adds. "It's in the manual."
[20:03] * Princess_Herb looks concerned "What was wrong with them? I used a traditional Musk bandaging technique."
[20:03] <Rei-chan> "Wait... _you_ bandaged me?!" Rei looks at Herb with a scandalized expression.
[20:03] <V-chan> "Did you put your love into your bandages?" Minako asks, frowning again.
[20:04] <Rei-chan> "I'd have to be nearly naked for you to bandage me!" Rei all but yells, blushing even more and holding her hands over her breasts and crotch, despite the fact that she is fully clothed.
[20:05] * Ninja_Ami is understandably confused.
[20:05] * V-chan resists the urge to help cover Rei.
[20:05] <Ninja_Ami> "Excuse me? Have we met?" she asks the new person.
[20:05] <Princess_Herb> "Well, sure. Your sailor suit was rather ripped and bloody, so it had to come off."
[20:05] <Makoto> "Ami, he's the new senshi."
[20:06] <Ninja_Ami> "He?"
[20:08] * Ninja_Ami looks at them oddly.
[20:08] <Makoto> "Oh right! He's a she right now! I should have used a she!"
[20:08] <Rei-chan> "He's still a guy no matter what he looks like!" Rei shrieks, hiding behind Minako.
[20:08] <Princess_Herb> "It's a long story. My name is Herb, and I'm really a guy, as well as being Sailor Dragon and a girl," Herb explains.
[20:08] <Makoto> "Err, wait, that wouldn't help explain this to you..."
[20:09] <Makoto> "Yeah, that might do it, though..."
[20:09] * V-chan glares at Herb.
[20:10] <Ninja_Ami> "Wait. She's a he?"
[20:10] * Ninja_Ami points to Herb-chan.
[20:10] <Princess_Herb> "I'm a guy!" Herb reaffirms.
[20:11] * V-chan turns around, and pats Rei on her back. "I know exactly how you feel," she tells her sadly.
[20:11] * Princess_Herb sighs and goes to get a kettle of hot water for the demonstration.
[20:11] * Ninja_Ami looks at 'him' oddly again, and then does a chest grab to determine the truth.
[20:11] <Rei-chan> "He molested you, too?!" Rei asks with wide eyes.
[20:11] <Princess_Herb> "I didn't molest anyone! I only bandaged them!"
[20:11] * V-chan twitches. "Not exactly."
[20:12] <Rei-chan> "Now I can't get married!" Rei wails.
[20:12] <V-chan> "NO!" Minako exclaims. "Sure you can! Honest!"
[20:13] <Makoto> "Yuichiro might still marry you!" Makoto says, trying to be helpful.
[20:13] * V-chan twitches again.
[20:13] * Princess_Herb looks confused. Are there some strange Japanese marriage customs she's just walked into here?
[20:13] <V-chan> "On second thought...."
[20:13] * Rei-chan points a trembling finger at the Musk prince. "But he stole my innocence..." Rei looks like she might be about to cry, but is fighting to conceal an evil grin.

*Laughs* That was funny and yet so wrong.

[20:14] <Princess_Herb> "Eh, Mercury-hime, could you go and not do that, please?"
[20:14] <Ninja_Ami> "Are you sure you're a man?"
[20:14] * Ninja_Ami squeezes again, just to make sure.
[20:14] * V-chan whirls on Herb, and puts her hands on her hips. "Return her innocence this instant!"
[20:15] * Princess_Herb looks sternly back. "I left her innocence alone; I only bandaged her body - could you please go and not do that, Mercury-hime?"
[20:15] * Rei-chan suddenly bursts out laughing. "Hahaha! Oh man, that was great! Heh, don't worry Herb, I believe you didn't do anything. After all, why bother with me when you have such a _pretty_ body of your own?" Rei sniggers some more before wincing and clutching her side.
[20:16] * Princess_Herb scowls and goes to the kitchen.
[20:16] * Princess_Herb demonstrates to Ami. "Look - hot water + Herb = guy; cold water + Herb = girl..."
[20:17] * Ninja_Ami lets go, muttering about men with breasts.
[20:17] <Ninja_Ami> "Aquatransexuals."
[20:17] * Rei-chan fights to control her laughter as she hears Ami's term.
[20:18] * Princess_Herb scowls and blushes both at the same time.
[20:18] <Makoto> "Nice term, Ami. Is that a real word, or did you just make it up to sound as fancy as possible?" Makoto asks with a grin.
[20:19] * Ninja_Ami blushes, then dumps some hot water on Herb-chan, to make a hot Herb-kun.
[20:20] * Princess_Herb is now known as Prince_Herb
[20:20] * V-chan gives up glaring at Herb, and just goes to sulk somewhere."
[20:21] * Rei-chan follows Minako. "Don't pout, you have to admit that was kinda funny."
[20:21] <V-chan> "Was not!"
[20:21] <Rei-chan> "I guess no one appreciates my humour..." Rei gives a mock sigh.
[20:21] <V-chan> "How dare he do that to you?!" Minako seethes, grabbing her cute Red Cross cap and twisting it with her hands.
[20:22] <Rei-chan> "Uh..." Rei gives Minako a worried look. "I don't think he did anything. I'm sure Makoto would have stopped him, and I really don't think he's the type."
[20:22] <V-chan> "He's not your type?" Minako asks, stopping suddenly.
[20:22] <Rei-chan> "I never said he was..."
[20:23] * Rei-chan wonders if Minako is having a totally different conversation than the one she is.
[20:23] * V-chan isn't sure of many things, but seems happier now.
[20:23] * V-chan loses the transformation, reappearing in her plain clothing.
[20:24] <Rei-chan> "Aww, where'd my cute nurse go?" Rei teases.
[20:25] <V-chan> "I'll be there when you need me!" Minako insists.
[20:26] * Rei-chan puts a friendly arm around Minako's shoulder, "Great, just remember it works both ways. I'm here if you ever need me."
[20:27] * V-chan ponders it, and then nods, leaning her head to rest on the crook between Rei's shoulder and neck.
[20:28] * Rei-chan relaxes, a content smile on her face.
[20:30] <Sailor_Ana> As you banter... "ARTEMIS, YOU IDIOT!" rings out.
[20:30] <V-chan> Minako's eyes narrow.
[20:30] <Sailor_Ana> Luna seems displeased with the white haired feline.
[20:30] * Rei-chan sighs. "Alas, never a moment of peace..."
[20:30] <Sailor_Ana> "YOU WENT TO SCHOOL AS MINAKO?!" she shouts.
[20:31] <Sailor_Ana> "AND YOU ASKED _WHAT_??!?!"
[20:31] * Rei-chan covers Minako's ears, marveling at how soft and silky her hair is.
[20:31] <Sailor_Ana> The sound is coming from outside, but it carries easily into here.
[20:31] * V-chan buries her face in Rei's shoulder, clutching to her.
[20:31] <Rei-chan> "Geez... anyone walking by could hear those two..."
[20:32] <Sailor_Ana> No more shouting comes, for whatever reason. Shortly after, a miffed looking Luna trots into the room.
[20:33] <Rei-chan> "Good one Luna, way to tell the whole neighbourhood," Rei says sarcastically.
[20:34] <Sailor_Ana> "Sorry," she says, not really meaning it. "But a furball out there rather provoked me." She huffs.
[20:35] * V-chan sniffs.
[20:36] * Rei-chan moves her hands down to rub Minako's back in a comforting manner.
[20:38] * V-chan moves slightly, brushing her left cheek against Rei's neck.
[20:38] <Sailor_Ana> Luna blinks and looks at Minako and Rei. "I see you've made friends, Minako."
[20:39] * Rei-chan narrows her eyes at Luna. "Of course we're friends," she says, wondering what the stupid cat is getting at.
[20:40] <Sailor_Ana> "That's good," she says, smiling. "I was worried, that's all, from what I heard."
[20:41] <Sailor_Ana> "Although," she says, "I don't remember Mars and Venus being that close," she shrugs.
[20:41] * V-chan pulls away from Rei, and wipes at her eyes, before smiling. "This party blows. Wanna go grab that chocolate parfait now, Rei-chan?"
[20:42] <Rei-chan> "It's kinda late. Will any place be open?" Rei asks, not really feeling up to traipsing around town in search of confectionery.
[20:43] * V-chan looks downcast for a moment, before brightening up. "How about tomorrow, then?"
[20:43] * Ninja_Ami continues to pester Herb-kun-chan with water, making both hot and cold water appear from the air and drop on him. A near maniacal glee fills her eyes.
[20:43] <Ninja_Ami> "This is so fascinating!"
[20:43] * Prince_Herb sulks horrendously.
[20:43] <Makoto> "Ami! Stop that!" Makoto exclaims. "That has to be damn annoying to Herb!"
[20:44] * Ninja_Ami looks to Herb for confirmation.
[20:44] * Prince_Herb nods.
[20:44] <Ninja_Ami> "Awe."
[20:44] * Ninja_Ami evaporates the water.
[20:44] <Prince_Herb> "In the old days, I would have probably tried to kill you for that..." Herb mumbles.
[20:44] <Makoto> "Well, if you have some cocoa and some other stuff, I could bake a chocolate cake for us!" Makoto offers, looking at Rei for permission to use the kitchen.
[20:44] <Sailor_Ana> "You've come a long way, Herb," Nian murmurs, staying close to Herb.
[20:45] * Ninja_Ami just notices the new cat.
[20:45] <Ninja_Ami> "And who might you be?"
[20:45] <Sailor_Ana> "Hmm?" Luna looks to Nian. "The new mooncat they mentioned, I see. Glad to meet you, Nian," she says warmly.
[20:45] <Rei-chan> "Would you, Mako-chan?" Rei asks eagerly.
[20:45] * Makoto nods and heads to the kitchen. "Anyone want to help me?"
[20:45] * Rei-chan looks at Minako and nods, "Sure, that'd be great. By the way... I know a monster attack probably gave a bad impression, but do you still want to attend my school?"
[20:45] <V-chan> "You want me to go to school with you every day?"
[20:45] <Rei-chan> "Well, school would be more fun if you were there," Rei says to Minako.
[20:45] * V-chan beams. "Of course I'll do it, Rei-chan!"
[20:45] * Rei-chan smiles back, "Great! I'm sure you'll really like it at T&A! Maybe since I was the one who showed you around, I could talk to someone about making sure you get put in my class."
[20:47] <Sailor_Ana> And thus, the party reaches full swing...But that's the story of another day.
[20:47] <Sailor_Ana> Because I have to bail.

And they survived, we have a PC for Usagi AND Mamoru saved. Things are only going to get better from here on out. Right?