| Author |
Topic:
Three New Sailor Senshi. SM/SW. New post 8/31/2008
|
Taeniaea
Registered:
Feb '07
|
Date Posted:
2/18 8:26am
Subject:
RE: Three New Sailor Senshi. SM/SW. New post on 2/17/2008
|
|
Great Story!!
-----signature-----
Light withinDarkness & DarknesswihinLight
FireflyofDarkness aka Hotaru Tomoe also knowen as
Sailor Saturn
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Jaded_Girl
Registered:
Aug '01
|
Date Posted:
2/23 10:44am
Subject:
RE: Three New Sailor Senshi. SM/SW. New post on 2/17/2008
|
For the Kyp/Makoto wedding, I'll be using Fighting Dreamers. Because, let's face it, Kyp-kun and mako-chan are fighting dreamers!
True, true! Can't argue with that. I approve! ^_^
Tahiri put her hand up to Makoto’s arm and tried to push it out of her way, but the arm was as unmovable as quantum armor. “What are you trying to pull, Tahiri?” Makoto asked, a note of command in her voice.
All hail Mako-sama!!! *_*
“Don’t you get it? I lost and you won, and I should be happy for you and wishing you the best because that’s what friends do! It’s what a mature, responsible Jedi Knight and Sailor Senshi should do, but I’m not doing that. I’m being selfish and mean and I don’t want to be that way!”
*sigh* Poor Tahiri. Well written, Striker. Well written.
“Besides, I can’t wait to see both your faces in 2587.” And with that, she ran down the stairs.
Bwa haaa! Oh, she's evil!!! 
Serenity levitated the cake over to the table and set it down with a thud. Both Tenel Ka and Jaina eyed it ravenously. “Chocolate is the greatest discovery in the history of both our universes,” Jaina said.
*nods sagely* Proof that God exists and that he loves us. 
*squeal* I love the girl time! The three queens are so cute!
Serenity giggled. “To hear Luna tell it, she figuratively had to drag me kicking and screaming into the role of a Senshi.” She paused and took a sip of milk. “Actually, she’s wrong. She had to literally drag me kicking and screaming.”
^_^;
Jaina let out an unladylike snort at that while Tenel Ka giggled.
*soooo cute!*
~Han let out a sharp bark of laughter. “Miko, you’ve got a lot to learn about women.”
~Jacen nodded. “The first thing to learn is not to listen to Dad when it comes to women.”
*snort* 
Ryo smirked. “Just watch yourself in 2587.”
 He's evil too!
~“Do you two need me to separate you two again?” There was an air of malice as she spoke.
~Mara and Minako straightened up and shook their heads vigorously. “No, that’s fine!” Mara said.
I can think of few things funnier than Tionne's psycological hold on those two. Absolutely hilarious!
Michiru glanced back at the stone benches. “It’s not as large as Jacen and Tenel Ka’s wedding,” she remarked. Leia shrugged. “Well, that was the marriage between a former chief of state’s oldest son and the princess of Hapes.”
Oi. What a circus. They should've eloped like Jaina and Zekk.
Jacen glanced over at the Amazon and half-smiled at her discomfort from being in a dress. Haruka noted it and glared back, causing him to shrink into his collar slightly.
*snort* *is amused but still feels a bit sorry for Jacen, even though he was kinda asking for it*
Tahiri motioned to the chair closest to him and it slid out. “No problem.” She leaned over and extended a hand. “My name’s Tahiri Veila. What’s yours? Oh, and what’s with the tattoos? Is that a clan thing? Did you know the bride or groom? What animal do I smell on you?”
The young man’s eyes blinked and his mouth opened for five seconds before words came out. “I’m… Inuzuka Kiba. My tattoos are sort of a family tradition, but I wouldn’t call them a ‘clan’ thing.” He slid into the chair and pulled up to the table while still speaking. “I went to high school with Hotaru, and how can you smell Akamaru?” he asked, his nose wrinkling.
A genuine laugh came from Tahiri‘s mouth. “Sorry. It’s a Jedi thing. Enhanced senses, you know?” She noted the glass clutched in his hand. “Hey, that’s the same thing I’m drinking!” She held up her own glass, grinning.
Kiba looked down. “Hey, you’re right. Oh, do you like dogs?”
The young Jedi shrugged. “I don’t see why not… but what’s a dog?”
...
...
...
I LOVE THIS DEVELOPMENT!!! AWESOME! 
Off to the side, Mara inserted The Black Album from Metallica. The plaintive sounds of ‘Nothing Else Matters’ soon came through the speakers.
*Jaded_Girl puts on shades and sways to the most kick-@$$ song Metallica ever made* Long live Mara's taste. *holds up lighter*
Uppers!
-----signature-----
L/M since reading HttE in '96.
Anchor . . . we need an anchor . . . say Zel, how much do you weigh? ~Lina, Slayers Next
Batman: Ingenious.
Superman: Yeah, I'm impressed. Let's go wreck it. ~Starcrossed
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
biganimefan
Registered:
Jul '06
|
Date Posted:
2/23 8:45pm
Subject:
RE: Three New Sailor Senshi. SM/SW. New post on 2/17/2008
|
Very good post! Loved the wedding of Anakin and Hotaru. I'm glad that Tahiri is moving on. Her with Kiba? Well...all that I gotta say is that if Tahiri doesn't like dogs it will NEVER work out between them.  It is an interesting pairing though...although I wouldn't know how to manage it.
LOL! Knowing Haruka as well as I do...dresses are entirely NOT her thing. Only for Hotaru... 
Uh...shouldn't someone familiar with Earth technology watch out for Minako? I remember VERY clearly in an episode of Sailor Moon R that she fiddled with the buttons of Usagi's stereo(or CD player, forget which one...actually it might have been Rei's), and destroyed it! Well...this story does take place 20 years later. So she might have become less destructive with those things...
Thanks and looking forward to more tomorrow!
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
RK_Striker_JK_5
Registered:
Jul '03
|
Date Posted:
2/24 6:11pm
Subject:
RE: Three New Sailor Senshi. SM/SW. New post on 2/17/2008
|
SSM12-Thanks. Tahiri and Kiba... is from you, natch. And glad you liked the talk.
Taeniaea-Thank you.
Jaded_Girl-lol, glad you approve. I'm glad you still like Tahiri's words, there. Chocolate is proof of that, yes. *Nods sagely* Ah, question, if I may. How do you visualize Serenity's posture/position when talking about her early career? It was a huge circus, yes. And glad you like Kiba and Tahiri.
baf-lol, yes. She'll like dogs. I'm not sure how to manage it, either.  Nope, no dresses for Haruka. Minako has grown up, yes. So no worries!
Well... maybe.
Okay, a happy belated birthday to SuperSaiyaMan12 and a happy early birthday to biganimefan! *Puts out cake and presents*
This is the first part of The Final Test: Conquer the Darkness Within. Almost done with the old stuff! And this fic takes place after the Senshi arrive on Yavin IV, but before their knighting ceremony in Chaos Unsealed? The Sailor Jedi Return to Tokyo!
Here we go!
*****
Part Eight: The Final Test: Conquer the Darkness Within
*Opening 28 seconds focus on the mouth of the cave. Luke, Kyp, Usagi, Mamoru, Haruka, Michiru, Makoto, Rei and Minako are standing in front of it*
GOMEN NE sunao ja nakute (I'm sorry I'm not candid.)
*Zoom into the cave itself. Makoto stands there in front of her ghost parents.*
Yume no naka nara ieru (I can say it if in my dreams.)
*They pass through her. Close up on her, but when it pulls back. Kyp is behind her with a hand on her shoulder.*
Shikou kairo wa SHO-TO sunzen (My thoughts are about to short circuit.)
*Cut to Haruka running through the forest.*
Ima sugu aitai yo (I want to see you right now!)
*A shadowy figure can be seen in the distance with long, wavy hair...*
Nakitaku naru you na moonlight (I'm just about to cry – moonlight)
*Usagi is seen battling her darkness. The light strobes over the camera...*
Denwa mo dekinai midnight (I can't call you, either – midnight)
*...And she's seen transformed for a moment into Serenity.*
Datte junjou doushiyou (But I have a simple heart, so what can I do?)
*Rei is seen surrounded by her 'fathers'.*
HA-TO wa mangekyou (My heart is a kaleidoscope.).
*She closes her eyes, and an image of her mother appears.*
Tsuki no hikari ni michibikare (With the light of the moon to guide us,)
*Minako is shown in the cave. She is surrounded by Sailor V, herself as a Senshi and a 'ditzy' version of herself.*
Nandomo meguriau (We’ll be brought together by fate many times over.)
*Mamoru is seen talking to his double.*
Seiza no matataki kazoe (Counting the twinklings of the constellations)
*Finally, all are outside again.*
Uranau koi no yukue (is how I foretell love's whereabouts.)
*Close-up on Mamoru and Usagi, Kyp and Makoto.*
Onaji kuni ni umareta no (Born on the same earth)
MIRAKURU ROMANSU (Miracle romance)
Chapter One: The Final Test
2004,
Chiba Usagi sat on the weathered stone steps of the Jedi Academy and sighed. After the initial excitement of space travel had worn off, Yavin IV was kind of…boring. She really had nothing to do!
Next to her, Hino Rei sat with her head propped up on her hands. “This is boring,” she said. “I wish I brought my comic books.”
Usagi sighed again. “So do I.”
At the bottom of the steps, Kino Makoto stood and conversed with Kyp Durron. The Jedi Master scratched the back of his head as he wracked his brain in order to think of what to say to the athletic-looking young woman. “So…what’s Tokyo like?” he finally blurted out.
Makoto shrugged. “It’s a big city, one of the largest on Earth. I live in the Jubaan District and run a small bakery.” She shuffled her feet and glanced down at the dusty ground. “It’s not the most exciting life, I’ll admit.”
Kyp waved her off. “It sounds quite peaceful,” he breathed out. “I sure wish I had that kind of life. Sometimes, at least.” He paused, letting comfortable silence pass between them.
Both looked up when they sensed Luke approaching. He walked out of the jungle with Luna perched on his right shoulder. “Makoto, I must talk with you and the rest of the Senshi.” Before she could respond, he walked off to the Great Temple, cape fluttering in the wind. He paused where Usagi and Rei sat. and, after a few moments conversation, both young ladies rose and followed him up.
Makoto’s green eyes turned to Kyp. “Does he do that all the time?”
The slightly older Jedi Master shrugged. “You get used to it,” he paused. “Well, eventually.”
Makoto shuffled her feet before turning and walking off. “See you later!” she called out, waving at him.
Kyp smiled and waved back, whistling a tune.
*****
Luke stood on the main stage in the Grand Audience Chamber with Usagi, Rei, Makoto, Aino Minako, Chiba Mamoru, Kaiou Michiru and Ten’ou Haruka all sitting on the stone benches of the front row. Luke’s blue eyes gazed out and took them all in simultaneously. “You have all done well in your training. However, there is a final test.” He paced back and forth, taking them all in with his penetrating gaze. “In each one of us, there are parts that we wish to keep buried from everyone, even ourselves.” A quirky smile played across his lips. “The final test of a Jedi is to confront that, alone.”
Rei looked up at him. “Where can we do this, Master? Is there some place set aside in the Academy?”
Luke paused in front of the priestess. “At the bare minimum, you enter an area alone. Ami went into an old storage closet to complete her test, while Setsuna actually entered a pocket dimension with help from her time staff.” He smiled as he thought back on that, then quickly resumed a more serious expression. “I have an idea on where you seven can take yours. When I first started on the path of the Jedi, I trained under Master Yoda on the planet Dagobah. There was a cave there where I looked upon my inner feelings.” Everyone felt shame radiating off of the Jedi Master as he spoke the next words. “I failed that test, striking down a phantom Vader.”
Rei stood up and locked eyes with him. “Master, how old were you when you took this test?”
The Jedi Master thought for a moment. “I believe I was about 21, why?”
The Senshi of the flame nodded and smiled. “Then there is no shame in your failure.”
Luke waved her off. “In truth, this is not a test to pass or fail, Rei. This is simply another test in life.”
Usagi raised a delicate hand and waved it about. “Master, when can we go to this ‘Dagobah‘?”
Luke smiled. “The Jade Saber is fueled and ready now.” He saw Usagi smile, but felt the nervousness behind it.
Mamoru apparently could as well as the future prince of Earth stood up and wrapped his arm around Usagi’s shoulder. “It’ll be all right, Usako,” he said.
Usagi let out a breath and placed her own arm around his, pulling him in tight. “Thanks, Mamo-chan.”
Minako abruptly shot to her feet and pointed to the ceiling. “Well, what are we waiting for? Our final trial as Jedi trainees awaits!”
After a few silence-filled moments, Haruka also stood up and thrust a clenched into the air. “We’re not waiting for anything. Let’s go!”
Michiru, meanwhile, raised her hand to her chin in thought. “Is this Dagobah place dirty? I want to look my best when confronting my inner darkness.”
*****
Two hours later
Luke and Kyp walked up to the Jade Saber as the rest of the Senshi and Mamoru waited near the boarding ramp.
Makoto looked up and gulped as Kyp approached. Rei snickered at her old friend in a teasing manner. “Does he remind you of anyone, Makoto?”
The brunette Senshi glared at Rei with her emerald eyes, but before she could retort, Luke and Kyp were there.
“Are we all ready?” Kyp asked.
Almost everyone looked to him and shouted, “Yeah!” They all boarded the Jade Saber with Makoto last, as Luke and Kyp took the controls. A few minutes later, the silvery cruiser lifted off and shot out of the atmosphere.
At the edge of the landing field, Sannah and Meiou Setsuna watched the gray-hulled cruiser leave. “I hope they know what they’re getting into,” Sannah remarked dryly.
Setsuna’s mouth turned up in one of her trademark mysterious smiles. “Oh they won’t fail-but they won’t pass, either.”
Sannah turned her yellow eyes up to Setsuna and rolled them in exasperation. “You love sounding cryptic and mysterious, don’t you?” She let out a sigh. “And why did you do present-tense? That‘s crazy!” Sannah brought her hands up to her forehead and massaged her temples. “I feel a headache coming on.”
Setsuna patted her on the shoulder. “Oh, you’ll learn about those tenses someday.”
Sannah shook her head, sending her curly brown hair shaking about. “I don’t think so.” She checked her chronometer. “I’ve got kitchen duty today. See yah!” And with that, she turned back to the Temple and ran off.
Setsuna’s scarlet eyes tracked her as she ran off. I am sorry, young one. Please forgive me one day for the burden I must place upon your shoulders.
*****
Dagobah
The Jade Saber exited hyperspace with a flash of light and entered orbit around the swampy planet. Luke’s eyes half-closed and his hands gripped the control stick. “I’ll land the Saber. You get everyone ready,” he said to his friend and fellow Jedi.
Kyp nodded, unbuckled his crash webbing and left the cockpit. He walked down a short hallway and entered the central cargo area. It was partitioned off, forming two areas for lightsaber training. The bulkheads there had a cortosis lining in case of accidents.
Usagi and Makoto stood in them with ignited lightsabers, practicing blaster bolt deflection. Both had helmets on with tinted visors down so the red-colored remotes would be invisible. Two remotes buzzed about Usagi, and she had trouble deflecting their fire. Her silvery blade wavered a bit, and the blond Senshi chewed her lip.
Makoto, meanwhile, had eight remotes darting about at high speed. Her double-bladed lightsaber was an emerald blur as she deflected bolts away, never letting any even come within a half-meter of her.
Off to the side, Rei sat cross-legged with her hands folded on her lap. She was deep, deep into meditation. Minako stood in front of a stack of cargo containers, her blue eyes half-closed as she levitated each one into the air, careful not to drop them and break them apart. Michiru and Haruka sat off to the side and talked. And finally, Mamoru intensely studied an old holocron.
Kyp cleared his throat, getting everyone’s attention. “We’ll be landing short-” The ship lurched, causing everyone to stumble a bit. “We’ll be landing now,” Kyp amended, his cheeks reddening a bit. He motioned to a side corridor. “Dagobah is a bit wild, so please watch out.”
Luke joined them at the airlock. “Be ready,” he said, pressing a button on the airlock control panel. The hatch hissed before sliding open, allowing Dagobah’s ‘unique’ scent to waft in.
Michiru’s blue eyes crossed and she coughed. “What is that?” she gasped out, waving her hands in front of her face.
Luke breathed in deeply, memories coming to him in waves. “It’s life.” He walked down the ramp, followed by everyone else.
Michiru’s gaze traveled across the swamp. “This is…nice.”
Makoto elbowed her in the ribs, her breathing slowing down somewhat. “Don’t worry, Michiru. Your makeup’s safe and sound on the Saber.”
Luke turned and pointed at a dark hole in the side of a hill. A dead tree rotted at the top of the cave, casting a shadow on the entrance. “There is the cave.”
Usagi let out a yelp. “Oh, I am not going in there!”
Mamoru took her hand and leaned in close. “It’ll be all right, Usako.”
Their bond in the Force glowed for a moment, and Usagi blinked her big, blue eyes. “I’m ready,” she finally said, her eyes watering a bit. “I think…”
Luke walked over to a mound of dirt near the cave. “I shall pay my respects to my master, and then we may begin.” He knelt before the mound, almost as if in reverence. Silence reigned as Luke paid his respects. Usagi suddenly walked forward and dropped to her knees, clasping her hands in front of her. Mamoru, followed suit, followed by Rei, Kyp, Makoto, Minako, Haruka and finally Michiru. Luke glanced up, tears stinging his eyes. “I thank you for that sign of respect,” he said, getting back to his feet. He motioned to the mouth of the cave. “Now, it is time.”
Chapter Two: Healing of the Heart
Everyone looked at each other, not sure what to do or even say. Finally, Makoto stepped forward. “I shall go,” she stated, stepping to the entrance of the cave. She glanced back at Luke and asked, “Umm, do I take my lightsaber?”
The Jedi Master shook his head. “You will not need your weapon.”
The brunette fingered the long cylinder before clipping it to her belt. She then turned her head to Kyp and smiled, although there was no happiness behind it. “Will you wait for me?”
Kyp nodded, his green eyes betraying the nervousness he felt. I’ll wait for you, Mako.
Makoto marched up to the entrance, pushed back a vine and stepped into the hollow. Her breath came in sudden, sharp gasps as the shadows danced about. A prickly sensation crept down her spine and a realization slowly dawned on her. I'm not alone.
Two shadows detached themselves from the wall and touched down. They were vaguely humanoid, but were covered in darkness and shadow. Makoto's hand went to her belt and she unclipped her lightsaber in one smooth motion. Twin emerald blades spun forth and a look of anger swept her face. "Stay back!" she yelled.
One of the wraiths spoke. “We cannot, Kino Makoto. We are a part of you."
Makoto swung the lightstaff above her head before settling into a defensive stance. The wraith continued on, however. The Senshi of lightning shifted stance and held out her hand, summoning an ornate wand to her right hand. Before she summoned her lightning, Makoto paused. She looked down at the wraiths and realized what they were. "You're...you're my darkness, right?"
Makoto deactivated her lightsaber and sent her transformation wand back to subspace. She then held out her arms as if to embrace the wraiths. "I accept you."
The wraiths paused and wavered. “We are glad, daughter." The wraiths paused and their forms grew more distinct, clothing and flesh replacing shadow. Their faces were soon recognizable as Toya and Meiling Kino-her parents. Meiling smiled. "We are proud of you, Makoto. And we love you." The wraiths dissolved into a beam of light and shot at Makoto's chest, entering her.
Tears of sadness and joy fell from her eyes while she clutched her chest. "I love you too, Mama."
*****
Ten minutes later
Makoto emerged from the cave, her feet light and a weary smile on her face. Luke and Kyp were both there to greet her. "Welcome, Jedi Knight Kino Makoto," Luke said.
Kyp's green eyes danced as he hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "You did great," he said.
Makoto smiled and melted into the embrace. "Thank you."
Michiru smirked. “Well that doesn’t seem so hard.” Before anyone could say anything, the elegant Senshi waltzed into the cave.
Luke tracked her movement and waited until she entered before speaking. “She will be in for quite a surprise.”
Haruka looked up at the Jedi Master and her mouth formed a straight line, but she simply crossed her arms and remained silent.
Michiru half-jogged into the cave entrance, but was not aware of a slight ramp near the hole. She slipped and fell on her butt-hard. “Ouch!” she yelled, rubbing the area of impact. “That might leave a stain.” The Senshi of the sea got to her feet-only to encounter cob webs. She shrieked, batting at them with her hands-only to slam into the wall.
The impact startled a nest of bats. The flying rodents dropped from their perch and swooped down at Michiru, skimming the top of her aquamarine-colored hair.
She shrieked and called her lightsaber to her hands, igniting the blade and chopping the air above. Most of the bats escaped her haphazard swings, but one was nicked in the wing and plummeted to the ground with a shriek. Michiru deactivated her lightsaber and clipped it to her leather belt, panting from fear.
“That…was…kriffin’…evil!” she panted out, wiping her brow. Her sky-blue eyes glanced down at the bat, and she smirked. “Don’t try and-”
Before she could finish, she noted a keening sound coming from the bat. It thrashed about in pain and had its wing almost cut off. It looked up at her. Why did you do that? We did not attack you!
Michiru’s eyes widened a bit at the telepathic contact. She reached out with her mind. No, you attack-
It interrupted her. You disturbed our nest, walker! And we did not even hit your fur!
Michiru balked, but the recent memory came back to her. The bats swept at me-but never once touched my head. She looked up and saw that the bats had once more settled back on their perches, the elders surrounding the newly born. She looked down, and an unexpected wetness blurred her vision. Michiru knelt and placed her hands on the fallen bat’s wings. I am sorry, she thought. Hotaru would be better at this, but I did pay attention to Kam’s lectures. She sent healing energies into the wing through the Force, accelerating the natural healing processes and mending the torn muscular tissue.
A few minutes later, the bat stood up on its feet. The winged creature flexed its wing before flapping it experimentally. It soon soared up to its perch on the cavern ceiling. Thank you, Kaiou Michiru! Your kindness betrays a pure soul.
Michiru waved at it before looking back at the entrance. She carefully made her way to the hole and left the cave.
Haruka, standing at the entrance, gasped as she saw Michiru’s disheveled appearance. Her hair was still covered with cobwebs, the pants she wore had mud stains on them and her hands were filthy! “Are you all right?” she asked.
Michiru glanced back at the cave, then turned to her best friend. “Oh, I’m all right. I just needed to help a friend.”
Luke walked up to her. There was a smile on his face and a slight bounce to his steps. “You faced your darkness.”
Michiru bowed gracefully to the Jedi Master. “I learned that all life truly is precious, Master.” Her blue eyes looked to the left. “And I also learned not to jump to conclusions.”
Usagi stood near the mouth of the cave and turned her head, causing her blond ponytails to whip around her body. “Master Skywalker? I’m going in.” She smiled wanly. “If I don’t, I never will.” She placed her lightsaber down on the ground, kissed Mamoru and then stomped into the cave, arms swinging wildly at her sides. “Here I go!”
Mamoru’s gaze bore into the entrance. Be true to yourself, Usako, and you shall come out even stronger.
*****
Usagi brushed aside a few stray roots poking out of the top of the entrance and timidly made her way down into the main area. Her blue eyes darted about nervously, not sure what was going to happen. “Well, I guess nothing’s coming out! I’ll just get out-now!” She turned to leave, but a brilliant-white light at the edge of her vision flared into existence, grabbing her attention.
A woman clad in a white dress emerged from the light and descended from the roof of the cave, her arms held out as if in welcome. Usagi’s eyes went wide. She immediately bowed her head and curtsied as her future self, Neo-Queen Serenity, descended. “Oh, Serenity!” She looked up and cocked her head to the side. “Wait, why are you here? I thought I was facing my inner demons and darkness.”
Serenity beamed. “You have none, Usagi. Your heart is as pure as the driven snow.”
Usagi blushed and waved her off, a girlish giggle coming to her lips. “Oh, it is not! I have my faults.”
Serenity let out a laugh and placed a hand on her upper chest, at the collarbone. “Oh, my dear, dear Usagi.” She floated over and caressed Usagi’s cheek with the back of her hand. “You are the one fated to end all evil on Earth, to bring about a golden age by purging all evil people-”
Usagi narrowed her eyes at the apparition. “Wait, ‘purging all the evil people’? What does that mean?”
Serenity withdrew her hand and-if only for a moment-her body flickered. “I mean you would-will bring about everlasting peace by ruling over all and separating the evil from the good! None shall-”
Usagi interrupted her again, her brow furrowed in deep thought. “How would I be qualified to do that? And won’t people hate me if I just separated people?”
Serenity’s mouth formed a thin line and her sparkling eyes lost some of their sheen. “Only evil people would oppose you, Usagi. The good will love you.”
The blond Senshi squared her shoulders and stood up. “Good people can still disagree with each other and be good. I would imagine quite a few people would be unhappy if I ‘purged’ them simply because they disagreed with me.” She crossed her arms and got a steely look on her normally delicate face. “You know something? I don’t like where you’re going with this. And I don’t think you’re really Serenity.”
While she spoke, ‘Serenity’s skin tone began darkening to red. Finally, she yelled, “You shall not address me in such an insolent tone, child!” Wind blew about the cavern, but Usagi held firm. Whether through simple instinct or intent, she posed and pointed up at Serenity-who now more resembled a demon than the benevolent ruler of Crystal Tokyo.
“Begone, evil specter of my ego and dark intents! I, Chiba Usagi, reject the idea that I could lead by anything other than example!” A white beam shot from her fingertip and enveloped the specter. It screamed in rage and agony before vanishing in a flash of light.
Usagi climbed out of the cavern entrance, her head held high. Mamoru stepped over to her and he felt confidence radiating off of her. “How did it go?” he asked rather anxiously.
The future queen shrugged. “I found out that having me as supreme ruler of Earth might not be such a good idea.”
Mamoru’s gaze slowly went from Usagi to the mouth of the cave. He then turned and looked over at Luke. The Jedi Master pointed to the mouth of the cave and Mamoru understood. He looked down at Usagi, kissed her and then walked over to the entrance.
Usagi clutched her hands together and held them close to her heart. Stay safe, Mamo-chan!
*****
Mamoru ducked down and walked down the natural ramp at the entrance, a single red rose in his hand. He stood in the middle of the dank hole in the ground and looked about. “Well, where are you? I don’t fear what lurks in my soul.”
On cue, an exact copy of Mamoru stepped out of the shadows-if said Mamoru hadn’t shaved for a week and was still working in an office ten years later. He even had a jacket slung over his shoulder.
The double glanced over and sighed, letting his head droop almost to his chest. “Do not get trapped in the mundane, Chiba Mamoru. Your destiny lies in the halls of the Imperial Palace, not some tired old office job.”
Mamoru locked his bright eyes with his counterpart’s tired dull orbs. “I know what I must do, and I don’t need you telling me what it is.” He pointed to the mouth of the cave. “Usagi and I shall lead humanity, but not before we are ready.”
The double glanced down, then looked back up and smiled. “I’m glad you realize that, Mamoru. Makes my job a hell of a lot easier.” And with that, he faded out of existence.
Mamoru shrugged, turned on his heel and left the cavern. As soon as he cleared the mouth, Usagi launched herself at him, grabbing him and almost hugging the air from his lungs. “Are you all right? Did it scare you? What did you see?”
Rei marched over and grabbed Usagi in a full nelson, hauling the hyperactive blonde off of Mamoru. “Get off, Usagi! You’ll kill him!”
In response, Usagi let out a wail and began crying. Oh, Rei! You’re so mean!” Several flocks of birds took off at the blonde’s shouts.
Rei simply let go of her and let out a sigh. “Oh, Usagi. You’ll never change.”
Usagi stood stock-still for a few moments before speaking, her back still to Rei. “I hope you’re right, Rei. I hope I never change.”
Her words stopped Rei cold. The priestess felt indecision and slight despair coming from Usagi. Rei walked around and placed two comforting hands on Usagi’s shoulders. “Usagi, I don’t know what you saw in that cave, but whatever it was, don’t let it change you.”
Usagi smiled wanly. “Thank you, Rei,” she whispered.
The fiery Senshi looked over Usagi’s shoulder at Luke. “Master, I’m going into the cave!” she shouted, clenching one of her fists and striking an abbreviated pose.
Luke walked over, cape billowing out behind him. “Very well, Rei. The Force will be with you-always.”
Rei’s onyx eyes flashed. “I won’t fail you, or myself.”
*****
Rei made her way down to the center of the dank, musty cave. She held her right hand up and summoned a ball of fire, lighting the way for her. The flame also cast shadows about the place, turning every nook and cranny into a possible place of attack…
A sudden flare of light from behind startled Rei, causing her to whip around with an Ofuda scroll appeared in her hand. She held it up and began chanting, “Rin, pyou, tou, sha, kai, jin, retsu, sai, zen.” The priestess’ chant stopped as the light faded, revealing an older man in a business suit.
“Well, well, well. It’s my worthless daughter. I knew you’d sink low, but finding yourself in a dank hole in the ground? That’s pathetic.”
Rei blinked back tears at the harsh words. She straightened up before addressing the specter. “Hello, Father. I didn’t expect to see you here.” A smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “Oh, wait. I’m seeing my inner darkness, aren’t I? Well, you’re pretty much at the cen-”
Rei’s ‘father walked forward and, to her shock, slapped her across the cheek! “You shall not speak to your father like that!” he bellowed, uni-brow arching over his eyes.
Rei recoiled, clutching her cheek. Fury built up within her, but she tried, oh lord she tried, to keep it in check. “I shall not give in to the hate,” she said. “I am the Senshi of the flame and almost a Jedi Knight. I shall not-”
Her head finished turning, only to encounter her father again. “Don’t you dare turn your back on me like that!” he shouted mere centimeters from her face, spittle spraying.
Rei backed up in fright, only to bump into the ‘other’ father. Soon, other apparitions detached themselves from the walls and took shape as her father. All started yelling at her.
“You’re worthless!”
“Your choice of friends reminds me why I left you!”
“You’re just like your mother, weak and useless.”
At the mention of her mother, Rei’s eyes grew wide. Her transformation wand appeared in her hand. “You can talk about me all you like, but leave my mother out of this!” She held the wand up high and shouted, “Mars Crystal Power Makeup!”
Flames surrounded her like a supernova, changing her pants and shirt into a Sailor Fuku complete with a purple bow on front and a red miniskirt. High heels and elbow-length gloves completed the ensemble. “I am Sailor Mars, Senshi of the flame!” she yelled, posing. “I’ll punish you in high he-” She stopped and looked around, long hair trailing behind her.
All but the original apparition were gone, driven back into the shadows.
She turned and walked forward, right hand raised and clenched into a fist. The fist glowed before being surrounded by flame. “For what you did to my mother, abandoning her in her hour of need, and for what you did to me, leaving me at the Shinto Temple, I can never love you.” She stopped and concentrated, willing the flame to die down. “However, I can forgive you.” She caressed his cheek, and the old man seemed to sag a bit in relief.
“Thank you, Rei,” he said before vanishing.
Sailor Mars left the cavern, head held high and proud. The raven-haired priestess stopped in front of Luke and bowed. “Master, I thank you.”
Luke smiled and returned the bow. “There is no need for thanks, Jedi Knight Hino.” He turned to Minako and Haruka as both ladies looked at the cave.
“So, shall I go?” Minako asked.
Haruka shook her head. “No, I will.” The athletic young woman walked over to the mouth and hesitated. She turned and waved her hand in a casual manner. “Wish me luck!” she said before going in.
Michiru’s blue eyes seemed to shine as she whispered, “Good luck.”
*****
Please read and review. The next post will be on the second of March. Up!
-----signature-----
E-married to the wonderful DarthIshtar. Now also her Padawan. Member of the Y.J.K. Revolution Staring into the Darkness http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/27537567/p1/?23
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
SuperSaiyaMan12
Registered:
Aug '05
|
Date Posted:
2/24 6:53pm
Subject:
RE: Three New Sailor Senshi. SM/SW. New post on 2/24/2008
|
|
Excellent chapter. Loved the tests the Senshi went threw.
-----signature-----
http://www.drewpotenti.com/BENEFIT.php Please donate, Drew needs all help she can get http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/22930083/p1/?93 Long live Young Jedi Knights! Revan/Bastila, Luke/Mara, Jacen/Tenel ka shipper
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Taeniaea
Registered:
Feb '07
|
Date Posted:
2/28 8:53am
Subject:
RE: Three New Sailor Senshi. SM/SW. New post on 2/24/2008
|
|
Great Story!!
-----signature-----
Light withinDarkness & DarknesswihinLight
FireflyofDarkness aka Hotaru Tomoe also knowen as
Sailor Saturn
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Idrelle_Miocovani
Title: Solar Power loving Scattergories Hostess
Registered:
Feb '05
|
Date Posted:
2/28 5:00pm
Subject:
RE: Three New Sailor Senshi. SM/SW. New post on 2/24/2008
- Date Edited:
2/28 5:00pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Idrelle_Miocovani
|
Woah. 
The problem with catching up with this story is that a) I have to run really fast and b) when I finally do catch up, my mind is spinning with all the things that have been happening that I can't seem to get them all straight. I'm still thinking about Charon. Those things really do creep me out, I must say. But at least our heroes really kicked their butts.
I'm looking forwards to this new story arc -- so far, it's great!
Chiba Usagi sat on the weathered stone steps of the Jedi Academy and sighed. After the initial excitement of space travel had worn off, Yavin IV was kind of…boring. She really had nothing to do!
Wonderful opening lines. It does make sense. I think I might feel the same way. Possibly.
“That…was…kriffin’…evil!” she panted out, wiping her brow. Her sky-blue eyes glanced down at the bat, and she smirked. “Don’t try and-”
Couldn't agree with her more there.
I loved the tests the Senshi put together. Very interesting.
P.S. I'm somewhat amazed at the amount of really great stuff you can write in a short period of time (at least, what I call a short period of time). Did I ever mention that before? I don't think I'd be able to right this much stuff in the amount of time you have. You rock!
-----signature-----
It takes an awfully long time to not write a book. "We're actors! We're the opposite of people!" Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead This Time Around (time travel, RotS AU): http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/27062943/p1/?2 Padawan of DarthIshtar
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Jaded_Girl
Registered:
Aug '01
|
Date Posted:
3/1 4:39pm
Subject:
RE: Three New Sailor Senshi. SM/SW. New post on 2/24/2008
|
Ah, question, if I may. How do you visualize Serenity's posture/position when talking about her early career?
Mmm. Well, mature or not, Sere-san is still Usagi-chan on the inside. So... while saying “To hear Luna tell it, she figuratively had to drag me kicking and screaming into the role of a Senshi” I imagine her saying it with typical Usagi gusto. Giggling then imitating Luna and pretending to be offended. Then a pause as she sips her milk, then looking slyly at the other two saying the last line with a primly coy smirk. Think season one when she and Mamo-chan are trapped in the elevator by Zoicite, and Mamo's just told her about his past. (Or lack of it... and the death of his parents, etc.) She starts with the high drama talking about how he was always the most obnoxious guy she's ever met. But after a pause, she sorta looks over and tells him now he's only the second most obnoxious guy. Ohhh, that scene is so CUTE, and the setup reminds me of your lines here. ^_^
After the initial excitement of space travel had worn off, Yavin IV was kind of…boring.
YES! Finally, someone has said it! Ha ha!
~“This is boring,” [Rei] said. “I wish I brought my comic books.”
~Usagi sighed again. “So do I.”
Wished that Rei had brought her comic books too.
“At the bare minimum, you enter an area alone. Ami went into an old storage closet to complete her test, while Setsuna actually entered a pocket dimension with help from her time staff.”
Allow me to repost my first response to this thought as it occured to me again the second time around.
>>I just had this vision of muffled cries inside some storage closet with a "Do Not Disturb: Final Jedi Trial in Progress" sign posted outside as another trainee stares at the door wondering how she's gonna get the mop out. <<
Setsuna’s scarlet eyes tracked her as she ran off. I am sorry, young one. Please forgive me one day for the burden I must place upon your shoulders.
*sigh* Setsuna's so cool.
The bulkheads there had a cortosis lining in case of accidents.
Awesome. I love a ship that's prepared for everything!
Usagi let out a yelp. “Oh, I am not going in there!”
She's so cute! ^_^;
Tears of sadness and joy fell from her eyes while she clutched her chest. "I love you too, Mama."
T^T That was sweet. She's been alone so long.
“Master Skywalker? I’m going in.” She smiled wanly. “If I don’t, I never will.” She placed her lightsaber down on the ground, kissed Mamoru and then stomped into the cave, arms swinging wildly at her sides. “Here I go!”
I know, I know. Broken record and all that. I've lost track of all the times I've said it, but here goes...
SHE'S ... SO ... CUTE!!! XD 
“Begone, evil specter of my ego and dark intents! I, Chiba Usagi, reject the idea that I could lead by anything other than example!” A white beam shot from her fingertip and enveloped the specter. It screamed in rage and agony before vanishing in a flash of light.
*waves little Japan flags and does her Usagi victory dance*
The future queen shrugged. “I found out that having me as supreme ruler of Earth might not be such a good idea.”
On the contrary... She just proved it! *Douglas Adams: It is a well-known fact that those people who must want to rule people are, ipso facto, those least suited to do it...anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job* *hopeless sigh, upcoming elections, hopless sigh*
..... I think Rei's is my favorite. Her or Usagi-chan. Those two I find particularly well done. (And that's saying something! ^_^) Ooooh, but that dad of hers... 
Uppers! Haruka and Minako! Mmmm. I think Minako was a favorite of mine too. I can't wait!
-----signature-----
L/M since reading HttE in '96.
Anchor . . . we need an anchor . . . say Zel, how much do you weigh? ~Lina, Slayers Next
Batman: Ingenious.
Superman: Yeah, I'm impressed. Let's go wreck it. ~Starcrossed
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
biganimefan
Registered:
Jul '06
|
Date Posted:
3/2 1:13pm
Subject:
RE: Three New Sailor Senshi. SM/SW. New post on 2/24/2008
|
So...Makoto's parents are Toya and Meiling? Well...her last name is Kino and I guess shortening it down from Kinomoto isn't that out of the question. But still...Toya with Meiling?
Great tests and looking forward to the others!
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
RK_Striker_JK_5
Registered:
Jul '03
|
Date Posted:
3/2 4:46pm
Subject:
RE: Three New Sailor Senshi. SM/SW. New post on 2/24/2008
|
SSM12-Thanks. It took me a bit originally to figure them out.
Taeniaea-Thank you.
Idrelle-lol, welcome back.  The Charon are gone... for now. And thank you for the compliment, but please keep in mind I'm only editing these portions from the original text. Save the praise for when I'm cranking out 10-15 pages of original stuff. I'm glad you like the tests, and yes. I would feel bored too.
Jaded_Girl-Ah, excellent. I can see it now. And it looks funny! Please keep in mind that, since I follow canon-unlike current profic-Ami-chan being in the closet will be in the new one. Yes, Setsuna's cool. And yes, the Saber's prepared-unlike the Falcon. Yeesh, Han! Except for when the fleetyard dragged your ship into the bay in the BFC, you never got her fully fixed. You fly your children around in it!  Yes, Usagi is cute. ^_^ And yeah, Mako-chan needed that, there. I know we think she'd be great... but seriously, Usagi-chan as anything more than a figurehead monarch?
baf-Same names, different people. You and SuperSaiyaMan12 share the same first names, and there's another Jon where I work. And thanks.
Thie ends the previous arc and begins the next.
Here we go!
*****
Haruka ran her fingers through her short, blond hair as she walked down the natural ramp at the mouth of the cave and into the pit at the bottom. A breeze blew through, kicking up dirt and startling the bats nested above.
Unlike earlier with Michiru, they didn’t swoop down on Haruka. The wind did cause her to turn her head, though. She gasped and her eyes widened when she saw Michiru at the mouth of the cave. “Michiru, what are you doing here?” she shouted, turning around completely. The elegant woman said nothing, but seemed to retreat into the distance.
The Senshi of the wind walked to her best friend, but the distance grew with each step taken. A small part of Haruka’s mind noted that, if this was real, she’d probably be back at the Jade Saber by now.
The rest of her mind promptly told that little sliver to shut up, which it did. A rock jutting from the ground tripped her, sending her tumbling to the ground. Haruka’s head shot up just as Michiru vanished into the mists. She raised her arm and shouted, “Michiru, no!”
Hushed voices could soon be heard from the shadows. She rose to her feet and looked around. “Who’s there? Show yourself!” she shouted. The shadows murmured and wavered, their words very indistinct. Haruka’s head whipped about as the mass of shadows expanded and contracted in a seemingly random fashion. She stepped forward and the shadows rippled, moving away. Haruka’s eyes narrowed as she noted that. She then took a step back. The shadows in front moved forward, but the shadows behind moved back!
The Senshi of the wind stood stock still, and the shadows also remained where they where. Then they moved closer, resolving themselves into people she knew. Michiru, Setsuna, Hotaru, Kyp, Luke…they all appeared.
Haruka smiled as the apparition of Michiru stepped forward. “You always run. Why is that?” she asked.
Haruka shrugged. “I…don’t know. Maybe I was afraid of what would happen if I stayed.” A sheepish grin crossed her face. “Perhaps I should stick around and see what happens.”
Michiru beamed, then dissolved into fog. The other apparitions followed suit, leaving Haruka alone.
The Amazonian Senshi eventually left the cave, a satisfied expression on her face and her gait easy and loose. She stopped and bowed before Luke. “I believe my days of running from my problems will soon come to an end.”
Standing beside Luke, Michiru giggled a bit. “Well, good.” Haruka glared at her for a moment, but a smirk tugged at the corner of her lips.
At the mouth of the cave, Minako’s blue eyes darted about and she cracked her knuckles. “Well, time to see what I’m really made of!” Before anyone could say anything, she dashed inside.
Makoto stared at the dark hole. “May you find what you seek,” she said.
*****
Minako made her way carefully down the small natural ramp, her right hand stretched out in front. She also attempted to reach out with the Force, but she could only feel cold, darkness and fog. “Hello!” she called out. "Is anyone in here?” She looked about, not sure when-or even if anything would appear.
A sudden rustling alerted her to something-or someone-behind her. Minako turned around, her blond hair trailing behind like the tail of a comet. She stopped and saw…herself, or some version of herself.
This version wore a midriff-baring shirt, red glasses and a blue skirt. She posed and spoke. “Denizens of evil, I am Sailor V!”
Minako’s jaw dropped. “What? I stopped being Sailor V twelve years ago!”
‘Sailor V’ tilted her head. “Are you sure?”
Minako harrumphed and turned from V, only to encounter another…her. This time, she carried a volleyball under one arm and wore a pair of gym shorts and a white sweatshirt. This Minako smiled and held the volleyball up in front of her. “Want to play?”
Minako’s mouth dropped open and she began sweating. “What-what’s going on?” she stammered. A sudden flash of blue to her left caught her attention. She looked over and saw herself in a sparkly blue dress with a microphone.
This one winked and held the microphone out to Minako. “Well, aren’t you going to sing?”
Minako pushed it away. “What’s going on? Who are you people?” The three apparitions exchanged glances.
“Why, we’re you,” Volleyball-Minako said.
The ‘real’ Minako let out a hoarse laugh and waved her hands in front of her face. “You can’t all be me.”
Singer-Minako shrugged. “Well, I guess I’m the real you, then.”
Volleyball-Minako interrupted. “I don’t know. I feel pretty Minako-like.”
The three apparitions started arguing amongst themselves, ignoring the real one in the middle. A sneaky grin crossed her face as the three around her argued. Finally, she shouted, “Hey!” stomping her foot for emphasis.
All three Minako’s looked to the real one in the middle as she pointed at each one. “None of you are me, but a part of each of you resides in me.”
Singer-Minako flashed a thousand-watt smile and bowed. “Well, good to see you getting it so easily.” Volleyball-Minako and Sailor V posed and flashed Minako a victory sign before all three vanished.
The real Minako shook her head and walked out of the cave. Luke stood at the entrance with everyone else standing about. “Did you find balance?” he asked, a knowing grin on his face.
Minako’s face took on a fairly rare expression-that of seriousness. “I did, Master.” She looked around with her blue eyes. “And…do we have to stay overnight or anything like that? I’m a bit anxious to get back to Yavin IV.”
Usagi piped up. “Yeah, it’s pretty…humid, here.” A lizard ran by, two centimeters from her shoes, causing her to screech and latch onto Mamoru. “EEK!!!” she screamed.
Kyp and Makoto both chuckled slightly at the blond Senshi.
Everyone turned to the pair. “You two seem a bit ‘chummy’,” Michiru observed, rubbing her chin in thought.
Kyp’s pale face flushed red, matching Makoto’s countenance. “Let’s get back to the Saber,” he said, turning back to the silver-hulled cruiser.
Luke smiled and shook his head. “Come on, everyone. Let’s go home.” And with that, the Jedi Master turned and followed the two, cape billowing out behind him.
Epilogue
Yavin IV
Rei sat on the ground next to the landing field and meditated. Her onyx-colored eyes were closed and her hands were on her lap. She was one with the Force, with life, with the universe itself…
A blood-red blaster bolt impacted the ground in front of her, missing her leg by a few centimeters. Rei didn’t so much as twitch as the ground blew apart, dust showering her face and clothes. When a shadow descended over her, blocking out the sun, that’s when she opened one eye and looked up. “Can I help you?” she growled out.
A young man stood there, deactivated lightsaber in hand and a sheepish grin on his face. “Oh, sorry about that. I didn’t mean to deflect that bolt over to here.”
Rei shrugged. “No harm, no foul.” She closed her eye again and attempted to slip back into meditation, but a small voice in the back of her mind spoke up. Talk to him. Go ahead.
She sighed and got to her feet. The young man, surprisingly enough, was still there. “Ah, my name is Hino Rei. What’s yours?”
The young man ran his fingers through his brown hair. “Oh, I’m Miko.” He held out his hand. “Miko Reglia.” Rei smiled and grabbed his hand…
The End
Part Nine: Tionne’s Journey
*Opening 28 seconds focus on the Jade Saber in hyperspace*
GOMEN NE sunao ja nakute (I'm sorry I'm not candid.)
*Close up on the cockpit. Mirax and Corran are flying it*
Yume no naka nara ieru (I can say it if in my dreams.)
*Shot of Kam and Setsuna in ghost forms. Tionne reaches for them*
Shikou kairo wa SHO-TO sunzen (My thoughts are about to short circuit.)
*She turns and sees Tionn'a and the other three in silhouette*
Ima sugu aitai yo (I want to see you right now!)
*She reaches for them, but cannot touch them*
Nakitaku naru you na moonlight (I'm just about to cry – moonlight)
*Corran, Mirax, Shada and Sarji are seen. Camera swoops in on them*
Denwa mo dekinai midnight (I can't call you, either – midnight)
When it pulls back, they're Corsec, Errant Venture, Emberlene and Bastion*
Datte junjou doushiyou (But I have a simple heart, so what can I do?)
*Tionne clasps her arms together and summons Fog of Truth*
HA-TO wa mangekyou (My heart is a kaleidoscope.).
*Tionn'a breathes in some and her eyes soften*
Tsuki no hikari ni michibikare (With the light of the moon to guide us,)
*Corsec tosses a rose at the camera, when it passes, you see Errant Venture readying a Hammertong*
Nandomo meguriau (We’ll be brought together by fate many times over.)
*She fires right at the camera. When the beam stops, Emberlene is revealed. She throws a Needle Storm at the camera, obscuring it.*
Seiza no matataki kazoe (Counting the twinklings of the constellations)
*Finally, Bastion readies an Imperial Starburst and throws it. It explodes and one of the beams hits the camera*
Uranau koi no yukue (is how I foretell love's whereabouts.)
*Shot of Tionne, Corran, Mirax, Shada and Sarji standing in front of the Saber*
Onaji kuni ni umareta no (Born on the same earth)
*Pull back, revealing Tionn'a*
MIRAKURU ROMANSU (Miracle romance)
Chapter One: Destination Known-But Unreachable
2014
The Jade Saber rocketed through hyperspace, its finely-tuned engines humming in perfect sync with each other. The smooth vibration of the deck plating helped Tionne slip into a meditative trance as she sat on the cargo hold deck. Her silvery eyes half-closed and her breathing became slow and rhythmic…
Tionne’s eyes snapped open-and she found herself in hell. Or it was an approximation of it. Steam billowed about, obscuring Tionne’s vision. When it cleared, she found herself in a stereotypical ‘mad scientist’s’ lair, like any one of a dozen from the holonet. Beakers bubbled on top of burners. Large columns filled with strange liquid bubbled and steamed.
The steam blew up into Tionne’s face again, leaving a damp film on her delicate features and pointed ears. She waved it away and…saw herself.
Well, she saw four versions of herself. Each was at a different age, but each was her. All four wore a silvery dress that was belted at the waist by a cloth sash. The first one was about ten. The second appeared mid-teen. The third was Tionne when she met Luke and the fourth was her now.
“You will save us,” the first said.
“You will kill us,” the second said.
“You offer us salvation,” the third one said.
“You offer us damnation,” the fourth one said…
Tionne’s silvery eyes snapped open with a start, and she found herself back in the Saber’s main cabin. A man’s voice echoed through her head. You okay, kid? She smiled at the words of her fellow Jedi Master, Corran Horn.
He and his wife Mirax had decided to come along as she sought answers about her past. She got to her feet and sent him a message through the Force. I had a vision-a disturbing one.
Corran’s voice came through again, a gruff-sounding one tinged with kindness. Well, could you join us in the cockpit? Mirax and I have been going over what’s known about Arkania. A list of respectable Hutts is longer than this.
Tionne smiled, even though she knew Corran couldn’t see it. She rose to her feet and left the cargo hold, the vision still gnawing at the outer edges of her mind.
Tionne walked through a hatch and padded silently down a short hall to the cockpit. Corran and Mirax sat in the pilot and copilot’s chair respectively. Corran looked over his shoulder and up as Tionne walked over.
“So, what do you have?” Tionne asked.
From her chair, Mirax let out a snort of laughter. “Not much, I’m afraid.” She pressed a few buttons on the console and a blue disk glowed, showing a holographic image of Eight planets circling a star. Mirax touched another control and the image grew until the seventh planet took up the entire area. “This is Arkania, in the Colonies Region. Officially, it’s a member of the New Republic. In real life? Trade is heavily restricted. Not many people go in.”
Mirax’s slender fingers danced about on the controls, bringing up the image of a stocky humanoid with long, white hair. Robes covered his body while clawed, four-fingered hands poked out from sleeves. “And this is your standard Arkanian. They’re geniuses, but some of them have-how should I say this?-loose ethics.”
Tionne looked over the image and suppressed a shudder. The image seemed to…leak evil, or at least menace.
Corran’s emerald eyes looked over a datapad. “Almost all traffic into Arkania goes through Ord Mantell, but it’s then routed through to Bastion.” He looked up from the slim plastic case and his brow furrowed in confusion. “That just…doesn’t make sense.”
Mirax reached over and plucked the pad from her husband’s hand. Her brown eyes looked over the info contained and, after a few minutes, a knowing smile crossed her lips. “Oh, I get it.”
Tionne shuffled over and looked over Mirax’s shoulder. “Get what?”
Mirax looked up at the Jedi Master and smirked. “By shipping from Ord Mantell to Bastion and then to Arkania, it appears that there’s a lot more traffic going in and out of the planet. It’s less suspicious than if everything flowed from Ord Mantell to Arkania.”
Corran glanced over and snapped his fingers. “It also means that people who track Arkanian shipments have one more planet to keep track of. Contraband has a better chance of slipping by that way.” A tight smile crossed his face. “We’re gonna have to be cautious.” He swiveled around in his chair and looked back up at Tionne. “Well, it’s your quest, so it’s your decision. Do we go to Ord Mantell, or Bastion?”
Tionne closed her eyes and thought about the decision. Images of both Kam and Setsuna fluttered across her mind‘s eye, but she quickly banished them. She weighed the pros and cons of both planets. At Ord Mantell, they could get a lead on any shipments to Arkania and sign up for them, enabling them to slip into the planet, but then they’d have to go to Bastion before looping back to Arkania. She thought about cutting out the middle man and going straight to the Imperial capital, but signed on for a cargo run there would be rather difficult and might raise suspicion. She finally sighed. “Set course for Ord Mantell.”
Mirax smiled and inputted the hyperspace coordinates into the nav computer. The Saber’s engines changed slightly in hum and pitch as they powered up and hurtled the silvery cruiser through hyperspace to Ord Mantell. Tionne patted both Mirax and Corran on the shoulder. “Thank you again for helping me out.”
Corran patted her hand and let a bit of the Force flow through. “Like I said, it can be painful sometimes to learn about your past. I had my grandfather and my wife with me along the journey, and I still almost lost hope.”
Tionne nodded her thanks, then stretched her arms out and yawned. “Well, if you two will excuse me, I think I’ll have something to eat and then take a nap.” And with that, she left the cockpit.
Mirax checked the ship’s chronometer. “It’ll be about a week before we reach Ord Mantell.” Her mouth turned up in a sly grin and her brown eyes narrowed a bit. “I wonder how we could…pass the time.”
Her right hand reached out and caressed Corran’s shoulder, but he simply shook his head. “Sorry, hon, but I wouldn’t feel right with Tionne here.”
Mirax thought about that for a moment. She knew Tionne was one of Corran’s first real ‘Jedi’ friends, and he looked upon her as sort of a kid sister. She shrugged and retracted her hand. , but quicker than the eye, Corran’s hand snaked out and grabbed it.
He pulled her in and gave her a long, lingering kiss. “Of course, there are many ways to pass the time,” he said after they both came up for air.
Mirax laughed. “Well, aren’t you the romantic.” The Jedi Master’s green eyes sparkled as they kissed again…
*****
One week later
The Jade Saber exited hyperspace in a bright-white flash of croneau radiation and quickly approached Ord Mantell. Tionne gasped as she looked upon the immense amount of traffic buzzing about the planet. Everything from New Republic fighter squadrons to two old Victory-class star destroyers orbited the planet. Six massive space stations were locked in orbit, providing ships unable to land with places to offload their cargo.
While Tionne rubbernecked, Mirax scrolled through the Saber’s list of alternate transponder frequencies until- “Got it.” She contacted one of Ord Mantell’s many traffic control towers. “Ord Mantell, this is the private freighter Fire Walker requesting permission to land.”
A rough, nasally voice came through. “Be prepared to transmit 450 credits for docking fees.”
Corran narrowed his eyes and reached out with the Force. “We already paid our docking fees.”
The voice came through the speakers again, slightly duller than before. “You already paid your docking fees. Proceed to landing platform 27 by following this signal.” A light on the console began flashing, indicating that the Fire Walker’s sensors were locked onto the homing beacon.
Mirax guided the ship down through the airways and merged perfectly with the traffic above the one of the massive cities. Although Ord Mantell wasn’t as built up as Coruscant, over 84% of its surface was fully urbanized. Huge towers shot into the sky, transparisteel-covered monuments to the almighty credit.
Corran’s green eyes glanced out the cockpit window. “I think I arrested some smugglers over there,” he said, pointing out at a building.
The Saber eventually came to a space port, a twenty-story complex surrounded by hangars. Mirax kept a steady hand on the control stick, flying the Saber into an outlying hangar. She flipped a few switches on the main console, powering up the repulsorlifts and extending the landing gear. The ship touched down and she cut the main engines. “Powering down engines,” she said as the vibrations slowed before stopping completely.
All three sat still for a moment before Tionne unbuckled her crash webbing and rose from her seat, Mirax and Corran following a half-second later. All three exited the cockpit and headed straight for the starboard hatch. “So, how will this work?” Tionne asked as she unsealed the hatch.
Mirax thought for a moment. “Well, with my connections, I should be able to get a contract for Arkania fairly quickly.” Mirax took the lead as they left the Saber. She locked the ship up while Tionne walked over to the main hangar door.
She raised her hand and concentrated, closing the heavy durasteel door through the Force.
Corran felt a momentary twinge of jealousy, but he let it pass.
Tionne turned back to Mirax and shuffled her feet a bit. “Ah, Mirax? I was wondering if I could go and check out the city.”
Mirax’s brown eyes narrowed a bit. “I don’t know, Tionne. It might be best if you stay here. Ord Mantell’s not the safest planet in the galaxy.”
The Jedi Master tilted her head down and skewed Mirax with a glare. She also patted her lightsaber as she spoke. “I think I might be able to handle myself, Mirax. And if Tionne can’t, Sailor Yavin can.”
Corran raised his hand and spoke up. “It might be a good idea to stretch our legs a bit. I’ll go with her and keep an eye on her.”
Mirax turned her head slightly to look over at her husband. Finally, she sighed and one of her shoulders slumped. “I want you two back here in two hours, understood?”
Tionne smiled and bowed her head. “Thanks, Mirax!”
Corran walked over and kissed his wife on the cheek and hugged her. “Don’t worry, honey. We’ll be fine.” He sensed a bit of trepidation from her, but also confidence that they would be all right.
She looked down slightly into his green eyes. “Well, if I come back and you two aren’t here, you should be easy to find.”
Corran’s nose scrunched in confusion. “Oh, how?”
Mirax chuckled and waved him off. “Oh, it’s simple. I’ll simply walk to the largest commotion in the area. More likely than not, you two will be at the center of it.” And with that, she hugged him and walked off, tossing a quick wave to Tionne before leaving the hangar via a service door.
Corran walked over to Tionne and smirked. “Ready?” he asked.
Tionne motioned to the a set of doors next to the main hangar entrance. “Let’s go have some fun,” she said, her tone lighter than it had been. Corran took this as a good sign as they left the space port behind and made their way to the city.
*****
Please read and review. The next post will be on the 9th of March. Up!
-----signature-----
E-married to the wonderful DarthIshtar. Now also her Padawan. Member of the Y.J.K. Revolution Staring into the Darkness http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/27537567/p1/?23
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
SuperSaiyaMan12
Registered:
Aug '05
|
Date Posted:
3/2 5:00pm
Subject:
RE: Three New Sailor Senshi. SM/SW. New post on 3/2/2008
|
Excellent chapter. I loved the last two tests.
Hm...whats the signifigance of Tionne's vison...?
-----signature-----
http://www.drewpotenti.com/BENEFIT.php Please donate, Drew needs all help she can get http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/22930083/p1/?93 Long live Young Jedi Knights! Revan/Bastila, Luke/Mara, Jacen/Tenel ka shipper
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Jaded_Girl
Registered:
Aug '01
|
Date Posted:
3/8 10:25am
Subject:
RE: Three New Sailor Senshi. SM/SW. New post on 3/2/2008
|
Go Haruka chan! ^_^
Volleyball-Minako interrupted. “I don’t know. I feel pretty Minako-like.”
*snot* She's sounding pretty minako-like!
Cool-as-a-cucumber Rei! 
Mirax and I have been going over what’s known about Arkania. A list of respectable Hutts is longer than this.
“Ord Mantell, this is the private freighter Fire Walker requesting permission to land.”
I LOVE THAT SHIP NAME!!!! That's what Luke and Mara should have named their new ship... 
~A rough, nasally voice came through. “Be prepared to transmit 450 credits for docking fees.”
~Corran narrowed his eyes and reached out with the Force. “We already paid our docking fees.”
~The voice came through the speakers again, slightly duller than before. “You already paid your docking fees...
Woah! An egregious abuse of Force powers! For shame, Corran!
Corran’s green eyes glanced out the cockpit window. “I think I arrested some smugglers over there,” he said, pointing out at a building.
Ahh, the memories... I can imagine Mirax piping up, "That's funny! I almost got arrested by a CorSec officer over there!" 
~“Well, if I come back and you two aren’t here, you should be easy to find.”
~Corran’s nose scrunched in confusion. “Oh, how?”
~Mirax chuckled and waved him off. “Oh, it’s simple. I’ll simply walk to the largest commotion in the area. More likely than not, you two will be at the center of it.”
EXCELLENT. I love a smart woman!
Uppers!
-----signature-----
L/M since reading HttE in '96.
Anchor . . . we need an anchor . . . say Zel, how much do you weigh? ~Lina, Slayers Next
Batman: Ingenious.
Superman: Yeah, I'm impressed. Let's go wreck it. ~Starcrossed
|
|
|
Quote Reply |
Active Topic Notification |
Private Message |
Post History
|
Taeniaea
Registered:
Feb '07
|
Date Posted:
3/9 1:04pm
Subject:
RE: Three New Sailor Senshi. SM/SW. New post on 3/2/2008
|
|
Great Story!!
-----signature-----
Light withinDarkness & DarknesswihinLight
FireflyofDarkness aka Hotaru Tomoe also knowen as
Sailor Saturn
|
|
|
| |