"God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh." Voltaire, 1694-1778 ------ ---Crystal Tokyo, 3043--- The city shone in the early hours of the morning, as the sun slowly made its way into the sky. The royal palaces rose up into the sky like a giant glass forest, the tallest tower in the center of the great megalopolis housing the royal family. Neo Queen Serenity looked out the royal window as a smile teased her lips. She loved getting up before anyone else to watch the sunrise. Her people would be waking soon as well, and her royal court would be open today. It was a special occasion, the thousandth anniversary of the kingdom. Her kingdom. Elsewhere, Lady Neptune was waking up next to her wife. The light slowly coming in through the window of their chamber shone upon the handsome features of Lady Uranus. She wanted to run her fingers through the blonde's hair, but she looked so peaceful that Neptune decided to let her sleep. She was about to slip out of bed to fix them both some coffee, when she felt it. Something was amiss. In another royal apartment of Crystal Tokyo, Lady Pluto slept soundly in her wife's arms. Suddenly, her eyes opened wide as she bolted up into a sitting position, waking Lady Minerva up in the process. Back at the Imperial Palace in the center of the city, Neo Queen Serenity looked up and saw a flock of birds flying overhead, and smiled. The large explosion that took place quickly caused the smile to fade away. The shockwave knocked the Queen off her feet. She shook her head a bit as she slowly got back up, the palace guards rushing in to make sure Her Majesty was safe. Going back to the window, her eyes opened wide in horror at the large cloud of dense smoke rising out of a densely populated area of the city. Lady Saturn, visiting the palace to spend time with Her Royal Highness Princess Usagi II, rushed over to the Queen. "My... My Lady..." she began, "Are you alright?" Queen Serenity looked over to her, tears in her eyes, "The people." she gasped, "All those innocent people. Why? What happened?" Lady Saturn simply shook her head, "I don't know, my Queen. I don't know." ---Tokyo, the Present--- "What box does this goes in?" Makoto asked, holding up a small lamp. "Good grief, where'd you find that?" Kihomi asked. Makoto, Haruka and Mamoru had volunteered to help with the move, and were currently busy with packing the essentials. The teacher couldn't bring everything, and in fact didn't really have to. There was already plenty of furniture and essentials at the Outer's house. She was mainly taking clothing and certain objects with sentimental value. "I found it in the back of the closet." Makoto answered as she swiped some dust from her sweatshirt, "Along with a box set of the best of Dixieland jazz." Kihomi tucked a loose hanging bang behind her ear, "Put the jazz collection in the box labeled 'essentials' and the lamp in the box labeled 'junk'." "Wait a second." Haruka interrupted. She was currently helping Mamoru take apart the teacher's computer for packing when she stopped to turn to her two fellow Senshi, "Let me take a look at that lamp." Mamoru smiled over at the blond, "You think Hotaru might like it?" "Possible." Haruka answered. The teacher shook her head. "Doubtful. I bought the thing at a garage sale during my college years. It hasn't worked in over five years. In fact, I'm a bit surprised it's still here." Haruka chuckled a bit, "You don't know Hotaru." she answered, "I don't know what it is about that kid and lamps, but..." a knock at the door signaled that lunch had arrived. Going over to open it, Makoto let in Michiru and Setsuna, both carrying takeout bags. Michiru went to set her bag down on a counter while Kihomi's eyes wandered to her love's hand where the engagement ring was prominently displayed. Setsuna caught her, and smiled. The teacher smiled back as she started to move towards her. "Okay," the Senshi of the Seas asked, "Who ordered the soba noodles?" "Here." Makoto said, raising her hand. As she took the plastic bowl and chopsticks from Michiru, Kihomi took the bag from Setsuna and set it next to the other one. "Shrimp and rice?" Michiru asked. "That would be mine." Mamoru called over from behind the computer desk. The violinist came over and took the liberty of brushing some dust off the future king's head and shoulders before passing him his dish and chopsticks. "How much more is there?" Setsuna asked as she looked at the boxes. Kihomi scanned the room and shrugged her shoulders. "Well... Besides the computer, the CDs and DVDs there's not much else to bring, is there? I mean, most of my clothes are already there." Michiru passed Haruka her dish of hibachi steak and fried rice, stealing a quick kiss from her wife as she did so. Going to the second bag, Michiru was about to pull out the rest of the food out when everyone's communicators went off. Pulling hers out first, Makoto answered. "What's up?" she asked. "A youma." Ami's voice said over the speaker, "A tough one too, down at the electronics store by the Crown. Rei and I could really use some backup." "We're there." Makoto said, speaking for everyone. Hanging up, she and the others raced out of the apartment. ---Crystal Tokyo, 3043--- The large royal hall was usually used only for public celebrations and private meetings between the royal princesses and advisors. Today was an exception, however. Today, there was to be a verdict in the royal court. A scientist had broken two fundamental laws of the kingdom, and in the process had blown up a densely-populated area of Crystal Tokyo three weeks ago. Over three hundred dead and at least two hundred injured hung over her head. "Saeko." The guard called out, "Please step forward." In the large room the woman stepped forward, her straight black hair hanging down her back over her light blue suit. In the room directly in front of her were two objects marked exhibits 'A' and 'B.' Saeko scanned the angry faces of the court, and swallowed hard as she met the queen's eyes. Neo Queen Serenity was known as much for her mercy and belief that anyone could redeem him or herself as for her beauty. If the scientist was going to get out of this, she was going to have to rely on the monarch's credulity. "You're Majesty," she began, "I... Look, in all scientific endeavor there is trial and error, but..." "Trial and error?" Lady Mars interrupted incredulously, "Over three hundred innocent people are dead because of you! And on the millennial anniversary of Crystal Tokyo! How much more error do you need?" "You seek answers." Princess Mercury spoke up, "It's a scientist's job to ask questions and seek answers; I understand that. But there's a reason there are certain aspects of science that are closed off to investigation." "There is a very real danger in looking into time travel, as well as exploring into alternate universes and realities." Lady Pluto explained, "First off, time is something that should never be meddled in, as the threat to the present by a mistake in the past is enormous. But beyond time, the dangers inherent in interdimensional experimentation make it forbidden under any circumstances. Every time there's ever been contact with an entity from another dimension, it's been hostile. Queen Metallia, Pharaoh Ninety, the god of blood and death Oberon, Thelema X, Cthulhu..." "But just because in the past there were hostile forces encountered in trans-dimensional encounters..." "What is wrong with you?" Lady Minerva asked angrily, "You killed over three hundred people! Men, women and children are dead because of your actions, and you still have the gall to stand before the court and claim your actions are justified? Have you no shame?" She narrowed her eyes, "I should've expected this from you, from all of you." she said spitefully as she scanned the faces of the royal court, "All of you, keeping the truth of darkness to yourself, perpetuating the lie of light!" Lady Jupiter now stepped forward, the metallic-green arm she was given after loosing her original right arm in the war with the Star Spawn known as the Cthulhi shining under the lights of the chamber. "Lie of light?" she asked angrily, "What are you talking about?" Both Lady Saturn's and Neo Queen Serenity's eyes widened, "Those words," the queen began, "What have you done?" "I once said something similar, hundreds of years ago when I was possessed by an alien force." Princess Saturn said, "Is this, then, the fruit of your scientific investigations? The deaths of multiple innocents and contact with transdimensional demons?" King Endymion now stood up from his throne, "Saeko, I'm at a loss. I've watched you closely now for the last few minutes, as well as over the last week of this trial. And in all that time you've shown no remorse, no emotions whatsoever other than apathy. Do you have anything you wish to offer before the Queen and I pass judgment?" The scientist cocked a grin, "Yes, I do. This!" she exclaimed, pulling out a flash bomb she'd smuggled into the chamber in her pocket. An intense flash of light temporarily blinded the royals and guards in the room. Lady Minerva blindly groped her way to where the King, Queen and Princess were. "Great Shield." she exclaimed, remembering her first duty to protect the Monarchy. In the confusion, Saeko used a second electronic devise she'd snuck in under her tongue to temporarily disrupt the force field around the exhibit table. She grabbed the two objects from the table, the one shaped like a metallic ball and the other a type of cube. Pushing a button on the cube, a portal opened in time. The cube only had enough power for one time shift. The scientist tossed the now exhausted time cube aside and jumped in, not knowing or caring where she ended up. Lady Uranus was the first to regain her sight. Looking around, she angrily clenched her fists, "She escaped! Damn it, where's the palace guards?" Princess Pluto put her hand to her head, the disruption to the time field disorienting her to the point where she felt lightheaded. "Puu!" Princess Usagi II cried out, "Are you..." "I'm... I'm okay, small lady." she said reassuringly. "The unmitigated impudence!" King Endymion growled as Lady Minerva lowered her shield. Lady Neptune went to Pluto to check on her as the King continued, "How did she get those things in here? I... L... Lady Minerva!" the King gasped. The Queen, Lady Pluto and the others looked over to see Princess Minerva. Pluto let out a cry of fear and anguish, immediately recognizing what was happening. The woman in question however was unaware of anything being wrong other than a sudden slight pain in her chest and a strange shortness of breath. She looked over to the King to ask what was wrong, only to see absolute horror in his face. The queen likewise looked alarmed, standing up from her throne and rushing toward her. Turning away from the monarchs, she looked to her wife who had just cried out and the Lady Neptune, both equally terrified by something. She then looked down at herself. She'd become transparent. ---Tokyo, the Present--- The thing running around looked vaguely feminine in appearance, although the fact she was dressed like a Viking and had blue skin was enough to tip one off that something was wrong. A leftover from the days of the Death Busters that had survived for the last decade within the Tokyo sewers, the thing was giving Sailors Mars and Venus a run for their money. Sailor Moon soon arrived on the scene, followed by Mercury. The thing looked over at them and picked up a nearby car, holding it up over its head. "Berserker!" it shouted, throwing the vehicle at the two. Sailor Moon ran to her right as Mercury ducked to her left. The vehicle crashed into the wall of a post office. "Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!" Sailor Mercury shouted. The thing was able to move out of the way before the attack could reach her, however. "No way!" Mercury gasped. Sailor Mars limped over, a nasty cut visible on her shin. "The thing's fast." she declared. "Venus and I have been battling the thing now for about ten minutes, and have yet to land any attacks on it." The thing picked up a second car, intending to chuck it at the Senshi as well. "Jupiter Oak Evolution!" Sailor Jupiter yelled as she arrived behind the youma. Caught off guard, the thing screamed in pain as the attack landed. The car fell down behind it as the youma staggered forward. "World Shaking!" Sailor Uranus now yelled. After the second direct attack, the youma lay on the ground not moving, smoke slowly rising off its body. "Now Sailor Moon!" Uranus yelled. Sailor Moon used her Moon Spiral Heart Attack, quickly sending the thing off to oblivion. As Sailors Neptune, Pluto and Minerva arrived on the scene, they looked around to find everything already taken care of. "Everyone alright?" Sailor Moon asked. Venus looked over from the bush she'd landed in before Sailors Moon and Mercury had arrived and gave a thumbs up. The sound of footsteps alerted everyone that Sailor Saturn had arrived. "Sorry everyone." she offered weakly, "I was kind of... Indisposed when you sent for help." The others began to chuckle a bit. Sailor Minerva walked over to her and smiled. "Don't worry mei (niece), I'm sure..." a loud noise like an explosion, followed by a bright red light cut her off as she and the others turned their attention to see what was happening. The light disappeared to reveal a woman in a blue suit with long black hair flowing straight down her back. Uranus and Neptune immediately placed themselves between her and Sailor Moon. "Who are you?" Sailor Neptune asked, "And what are you doing here?" At first the lady in front of them looked frightened. Slowly, however, she looked around at her surroundings and smiled, "No." she said to herself, "This isn't still the royal chamber. I'm in the past." Turning to the woman with the wavy aqua locks who'd just spoken to her, her grin widened, "The Lady Neptune, or should I say 'Sailor' Neptune? That is what you go by at this time, isn't it?" The Senshi looked amongst each other in confusion. Sailor Mars helped Venus out of the bush as Uranus now spoke up, "Neptune just asked you a question; who are you?" "I am a scientist." she declared, "A great scientist from the future, here to show you primitive cave dwellers the wonders of silence and darkness." she said as she pulled out a metallic ball with a blue lens on the front of it, "Here; welcome to the dark." Minerva leapt out in front of the others now as a glowing beam of blue light raced forward. "Great Sh..." before she could raise the force field, the Senshi of War and Wisdom was enveloped in the blue light. A second later, she was gone. The scientist from the future began to laugh. Sailor Pluto's eyes opened wide in shock. "Minerva?" she asked. "Minerva! No!" ---Crystal Tokyo, 3043--- The royal chamber was in chaos. Lady Minerva, now fading into translucency, now going back to being solid, could feel her wife's arms around her as the queen slowly walked toward the first of the Princesses to volunteer to go back to capture Saeko. Lady Uranus stepped forward in protest. "My Queen," the sandy blond began, "Surely it would be better if I or one of the other outers went back instead. We have more power on our side." Princess Usagi II stepped forward as well, "Send me." she implored, "I've had experience with that time period, and..." Neo Queen Serenity shook her head, "No." she said, "She asked first; fate chose her for this. Besides, she originally came from that time period Usa-chan." Looking at the woman in front of her, she smiled in spite of herself as she pulled out a small object, "I can't believe I still have this." she said, passing the disguise pen to the woman who would be going back to capture the rogue scientist Saeko and save Lady Minerva. "Remember the rules of engagement." Serenity said, her voice suddenly stern, "Reveal nothing of what's to come, try to keep your identity a secret unless it's absolutely necessary to tell, and change nothing of what will happen. You are to find Saeko, place her under custody, and bring her back. Understand?" "Of course, my Queen." she answered. The stern look in the queen's eyes faded as she quickly hugged her old friend. "Be careful." she finally whispered. Turning to the Princess of Time, she looked at her determinedly, "Lady Pluto, have you got a fix on where she is?" The woman kneeling on the floor cradling her vanishing wife looked up and nodded, "Early... Early twenty-first century." she answered sadly, wiping tears from her eyes as she reluctantly let her wife go to take up her staff and open the time gate. Her fellow princess, disguise pen in hand, paused briefly to look at her sad friend. "I'll save her Pluto." she vowed, a determined look in her eyes, "I promise you; I'll save her." She then turned around and headed back into the past. ---An Alternate Reality, the Present--- Sailor Minerva slowly opened her eyes to find herself standing just inside of a large crater filled with water, the skies overhead almost completely dark. Waiting a bit for her eyes to acclimatize to the darkness, she slowly made her way out and shook the water from her feet. Once outside the crater, she looked around her. "Great Shield." she commanded, using the yellow-gold glow of the offensive weapon as a makeshift flashlight. All around her were devastated buildings and skeletons. There were thousands upon thousands of skeletons, as far as the eye could see. Strangely though, there were no skulls. As a light wind blew some dust past her, all she could think of was how much the landscape looked like old pictures of Hiroshima and Nagasaki after the atomic blasts, or planet Minerva after the demon Babylon was through with it. She could feel her heart beat a bit harder as she tried to keep from panicking. What in the hell had happened? Where exactly was she? As she tried to remain calm she noticed it; the quiet. She hadn't felt it before, because she was moving around enough to cause at least some noise. But now, standing still, there was nothing. Even the wind seemed to move without a sound. It was like there was a great silence, oppressively weighing down upon the land clothed in darkness. Looking up into a sky bereft of even starlight, she swallowed hard. Looking behind her, a cry of fright almost escaped her lips. There, on the opposite side of the crater in front of the sea was a huge statue jutting up at least three hundred feet into the air. It was of a woman in a robe with her arms held upward as if in offering. Two great wings, like those of an angel, spread out behind her, and her long hair flowed behind her as well. Sailor Minerva took a few steps closer. The statue wasn't smooth like bronze or even marble; it was textured, almost like it was a three-dimensional mosaic of some sort. As she reached the edge of the crater on her side, she realized two things that sent a shiver down her spine. First, the face was Hotaru's. There was no mistaking it in the cheeks and the area around the nose and mouth. She looked older in the statue, and a bit emaciated, but it was her. And second, the figure was made up entirely of human skulls. Hundreds of thousands of them, perhaps a million or more, all stuck together like some monstrous puzzle or the atoms of some complex compound, giving the effect from a distance of the sweet young girl she'd grown to call mei transformed into a grim angel of death. And in the face, that beautiful smile the child always had was turned into a malevolent sneer. "Guys..." she whispered, feeling a sinking sensation deep within the pit of her stomach, "Sailor Moon, Setsuna, anyone; get me out of here."
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