Elements of Eternity written by: Gina Biggs & A.N.Ferguson site: http://secondlight.animehunters.com/ contact: haruka@magworld.com date completed: July 1997 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Episode 01 - Strange awakenings. The birth of new soldiers? The sun shone bright on Tokyo, its rays warming the hearts of all they touched. Two weeks had passed since the battle with Galaxia, and the relief and happiness Tsukino Usagi felt was immense. The calm and beauty of the day helped lighten her mood even more, so much that she could not stop smiling as she walked arm-in-arm with her love, Chiba Mamoru. Finally they were reunited and everything seemed normal again. Just like any other average day, they moved aimlessly through the streets, passing the Juban Shopping District and many other familiar places. After a while, the couple neared a construction site and Usagi stopped to watch the men working. They were building what looked to be a circular stage. "Ne, Mamo-chan, isn't that the old art academy?" "Yes, the Tokyo Planet Academy. Mostly, they specialize in the Performing Arts," Mamoru answered. "Oh," Usagi breathed, "wouldn't it be nice to go there? I heard it's very hard to get accepted. How long have they been working on it?" "Well, they started the re-construction sometime last year I think. I--" Mamoru's words ended abruptly. Suddenly, his legs gave out and he fell to his knees. Through pained eyes he saw a small mist rise from the ground beneath him. A sensation filled him, unlike anything he had ever felt before. He crossed his arms over his chest, holding tightly, as a strange energy seemed to rip from him. Two hands grabbed onto his shoulders and he looked up when he heard the sound of Usagi's worried voice. "Mamo-chan! Mamo-chan! Are you all right?" Not wanting to worry his girlfriend, he smiled gently, but her eyes were still wide with fear. He continued to smile and spoke in as calm a voice as he could muster, "It's okay, Usako. I'm fine." She gave him a look of disbelief and one eyebrow raised lightly. He continued to assure her that he was okay by placing his hand on hers. "Really, Usako. I'm fine. I'm just light headed, probably from all the dust." ****************** Time passed, as it always will, and the appearance of the art school became more strange and foreboding. Dark gray and black dominated the color scheme, which many thought was an odd thing to color a school. Some made the excuse that it was because the building was supposed to be modern but none could deny the horrible feeling they had when they passed the building. Often they would walk an hour longer just to skip passing the frightening place. By the time it was near completion, many rumors had spread about the weird behavior of those who traveled in and out of the academy. With spring school would start again soon and everyone felt sorry for those who would attend The Planet. Some things did differ from the rest of the school, though. Red and white roses had been planted throughout the grounds until they ended, clustered around the circular stage built in the middle of the academy's lawn. The stage was painted bright white and almost seemed to shine when the light struck it just right. It provided an odd contrast and felt foreign among the dark atmosphere the school possessed. It most certainly caught the eye and was, perhaps, the only thing that drew people to the academy. Four females sat in a local coffee shop, conversing over the many things that dominated their life. Their favorite topic of late, though, was of a pretty blond girl they had all grown to love. What else could they possibly find to talk about in this area any more was as much a mystery as the girls themselves where to most people. "It has been very quiet since Galaxia was defeated and Chaos was sealed away. Time seems to be passing with such serenity," Setsuna commented. Michiru nodded her agreement with the green haired woman across the table. She looked out the window to see the little blond girl whom most of their conversation centered around, only she was not as little any more, running past the store window waving. "Usagi has shown noticeable changes in her appearance since then. Her features are maturing finally." Haruka grinned mischievously as she watched the blond run across the street, dodging cars and busses. Her destination was a bakery. "It seems that her appetite still leads her by a leash. How adventurous she is!" She became serious again when Michiru gently nudged her. Michiru was silent for a moment, then smiled slyly as she whispered in Haruka's direction. "I can give you adventure." Haruka's cheeks donned a deep shade of red as she cleared her throat. Continuing on, Michiru spoke of the blond. "She has become more brave. Something changed in her during the time Mamoru-san disappeared." Setsuna took a sip of her coffee, then gained a far away look. "She is stronger inside and she knows it. Her confidence is growing." A pause in the conversation gave the black haired girl a chance to speak. Her was voice wise and commanding despite it's youthful sound, "Mamoru-san is also changing. The time is near for Usagi-san and Mamoru-san to wed. That day will bring forth a new era of peace." ****************** At the Hikawa Shrine an hour later, another four girls sat on the wooden steps. A white cat's tail swayed back and forth as a blond with a red bow in her hair scratched him gently. Mamoru's red car could be heard before the engine was turned off. In the distance, Usagi and Luna could be seen jogging towards them with Mamoru walking close behind. Usagi jumped at them and presented everyone with hugs, even Rei. Extremely happy she could not help herself. Luna joined Artemis as everyone said their hello's. The blond odango-haired girl sat down with Mamoru, and the girls broke into a noisy chatter about the coming school year. Ami tapped her eye glasses thoughtfully as she glanced at some advanced text books beside her. "The new school year is coming very shortly." "Just think, we'll all be in grade eleven," Makoto declared. "Alright!" Minako exclaimed, jumping to her feet and raising her fist in the air. She sat back down after receiving many awkward stares. "I wish I could go to Juban High School so I could be with everyone more," Rei sighed, her voice a little disappointed. "Rei-chan, you're always around anyway. We can't seem to get rid of you," Usagi jested with a sly smile. Rei growled at her through gritted teeth, "Ge-get rid of me? What's that supposed to mean?" Artemis was quick to change the subject. He and Luna began to talk about studying and after-school clubs they might join when they go back. They teased Usagi about joining the Go-Home Club again this year. She fought them off with more teasing, but their chatter downed to a buzz for Usagi. She sat close to the dark haired man and rested her head on his chest. Feeling Mamoru's eyes on her, a comforting warmth filled her heart. "I wonder what Chibi Usa is doing now? Hmmm... It sounds strange to say out loud, but I can't wait to see her again." "Someday Usako," Mamoru smiled, looking at her left hand. The ring he had given her before his tragic flight to America was still on her finger. He then added to himself, "Someday soon." ****************** The next morning, four strangers walked down the halls of Tokyo Planet Academy. A tall red-head led the group. Her fiery hair swooshed back and forth like a pendulum. Many others crowded the halls, but the three others that followed the red-head did not loose sight of their guide. An overwhelming silence had taken over in the halls when there should have been an uncontrollable amount of noise. The academy was intimidating to say the least, but the four girls' minds made up for the lack of noise with the constant flow of thoughts through their heads. "It's changed since last year, changed drastically," The red-headed senpai thought with a shiver as her eyes scanned the walls. The blond girl walking with the group looked around in amazement. Though everything was dark she admired its beauty. "This place is huge." "Wonder what kind of food they have here?" The third girl pondered, as she moved her dark brown pony tails with the flip of her head. She rubbed her growling stomach as if to calm it. "I've arrived!" The youngest thought as she smiled with pride. She turned her head upward as she walked, hoping to look more confident. ****************** All the girls, save the senpai, were stunned when they entered what was to be their sleeping quarters. The large room had it's own bathroom, and more than enough room for each indivudual to live comfortably. They picked beds quickly and without a word. The hungry girl flipped her dark hair off her shoulder again as she decided to break the silence. "These uniforms are really cute, don't ya think? Where I'm from we don't have to wear uniforms." It took the others a moment to adjust to the surprise. Finally, the blond found her voice, "I agree, they are very nice." The youngest simply stared at the senpai longingly. Her eyes trailed around the girl's long red hair, her calm smile and motherly nature. "She is so cool, like an adult. Mature, and probably really smart." "Maybe we should introduce ourselves," the red head suggested, "I don't think it's customary to call out 'hey you' all the time. I'll start. My name is Pepper Mint, grade 12. I've been here since grade 10." The short haired girl was reaching in her bag for something and the dark haired girl leaned over her to see what she was doing. Without warning the short haired girl got back up, inadvertently elbowing the other in the nose. The one squealed in pain but the other shrugged it off. Just as the smaller girl was about to speak, the other girl spoke up. "I'm Bunny Kinn and I'm in grade 11." "You really are a rude one!" "You should have more respect for your elders." Bunny waved her hand arrogantly, still holding her nose. "You may speak now if you want." She sniffed indignantly, then cleared her throat, "My name is Melody Agace and I am in grade 8." The blond who had been studying her roommates, inquired, "How ever did you get accepted at such an early age? It's very difficult and usually takes years to be accepted, if you're lucky. That makes most eight graders fourteen yet you don't look any older than twelve." Melody beamed, "It wasn't luck. It was my destiny to come to this school." "Destiny?" The blond echoed. "You still haven't introduced yourself," Bunny stated sounding nasal as she let go of her nose. She wanted to switch the subject from the high and mighty Melody's opinions. "My name is Oceanna Norris and I am in grade 11, like you Bunny." "Really? Then maybe we'll have some classes together!" She squealed for the second time, then asked Pepper, "Hey, senpai, are there any guys around here?" Oceanna looked out the window of their room, taking in the view of the campus. "Now that you mention it, I didn't notice any on the way in. Is this an all girls school?" "Of course not," Pepper answered. "the guys are probably getting settled in their dorms on the other side of the school. The classes are integrated with male and female." Rising to her feet, the senpai gestured towards her roommates' luggage. "As soon as you're situated here I'll finish your tour of the academy." ****************** Deep beneath the feet of unsuspecting students an evil had formed. The heat of the boiler room provided a perfect nest for its growth. A swirling mass of energy slowly expanded throughout the room. In time, it would have enough students to provide it with the energy it needed to take the entire world in its dark clutches. "Wait!" It thought, sensing a pair of unseen eyes watching it. "What is this power?" With a great force, the evil lashed out at the intruder causing the eyes to retreat back to wherever they had come from. Once again the evil was alone. ****************** Hino Rei's eyes shot open. Her head pounded with the psychic attack she had taken and sweat glistened in the dim light. She didn't know if she had screamed or not but she half expected Yuuichirou to come running in. He didn't come and she was alone. She clutched her chest as she stared at the crackling fire, distressed. "What was that?" She wondered, then whispered words that chilled her, "Our peace has ended." ****************** A boy with short brown hair ran to the four girls interrupting their tour. His smile was large and he spoke in Japanese. "Konnichi wa, Pepper-san!" He greeted. "G'day, uh... a-ano, ko-konnichi wa," she stumbled on her words before she looked to the girls and spoke in English again, "Everyone, this is Yukio, grade 11." "Greetings," he said in perfect English. The girls were amazed for they had been thinking they would have to really start studying their Japanese lessons more. Yukio's gaze raked over each girl, but lingered a moment longer on Oceanna. The smaller girl stepped forward. "Bonjour, Yukio. I'm Melody," she said making her French accent more pronounced. She offered her hand and fluttered her 'lashes when he accepted it, placing a quick kiss on its surface. The whole group laughed at the display. Oceanna's face still held her humor as she bowed to him and introduced herself, "My name is Oceanna Norris." After Yukio responded with a bow his deep eyes looked straight at her. She broke away after a moment of silence bringing them both back to the here and now. Bunny spoke up after sometime had passed. "This is so great. We're all three in the same grade. I hope we have some classes together. By the way, my name is Bunny. This place is so different from the school I used to attend. I hope they have good food-- Hey!" Her chattering ceased when she saw he wasn't paying attention to her, "Hey! What's with you? Are you all there?" Bunny knocked on his head with her knuckles gently several times to mimic knocking on a door. She finally gave up when some of the other guys in the area called for him. Snapping to attention he excused himself. ****************** Getting ready for bed, Usagi loosened her hair and began to brush it. She heard the phone just as she finished. As she set her hair brush down her mother called up the stairs for her to pick up the phone. "Hello?" "Hey Usak--" Mamoru began. Cutting him off, Usagi yelped in delight. "Mamo-chaaan!" "Careful, Usako. I still need my sense of hearing," he chuckled. "I was calling to find out if you would like to go to the park this Sunday." "Sunday? I'd love to! That's a great idea!" "Alright. Good night, Usako." "Good night, Mamo-chan," Usagi cooed. ****************** The first week of school proved to be grueling work for the four art students, as for everyone else as well. Wanting a treat, they decided to look around Tokyo on their only day off. Pepper offered to drive them and serve as their guide. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and already they had seen much of the area around them. Pepper drove them to a nice place called Ichinohashi Park. "It's a beautiful spot, so peaceful," Pepper assured. They were quick to agree when they entered the park. The girls started their walk together, but were so entranced by the scenery they didn't notice one had strayed from the group. The dark brown haired girl had seen something of interest and trailed off by accident. Bunny stopped by a tree and leaned against it when she realized she was alone. "I miss mom and dad," she thought to herself. She swiped the loose wisps of hair off her face, then let out a huge sigh. Her eyes fell to her hand. She wore a tiny ring with a green stone. Something attracted her then, a dark haired man who stood out from the crowd. "It's him! I remember him from my dreams!" The three girls had walked only a short distance when, from out of nowhere, a figure sped towards them at an inhuman speed. Unable to move in time, they collided, all four falling to the ground. As they rose, Melody grumbled, "I thought it was supposed to be peaceful here." "Gomen nasai," the battering ram apologized in Japanese as she watched the bright balloon she had been holding float further and further from her grasp. "It's alright," Pepper assured her, "I'm sorry about your balloon. If you like I can buy you another one." "Don't worry about it. Excuse me for not introducing myself. I'm Tsukino Usagi," the odango haired girl said. "I'm Pepper. This little one is Melody, her name is Oceanna and this is-- Hey!" she said looking around, "Where is Bunny?" They spotted her a few yards away and walked over. They tapped her on the shoulder and she spun around as if she had been doing something wrong. She did not want to be so obvious at what she had been looking at but Usagi called out to him. Bunny's eyes narrowed in suspicion but the other girl smiled and announced "That's my boyfriend." Bunny's voice became monotone, "Boyfriend?" Realizing that this blond was not previously with their group, she became wide eyed with curiosity and asked, "Uhh.. have we met?" "Nope. I'm Tsukino Usagi." "Oh, uh... Hi, I'm Bunny." When the dark haired man came closer, Usagi ran to him. She greeted him with a warm smile. Pepper's eyes grew distant. "I seem to remember seeing him before. In a dream." "Strange, so have I." Oceanna frowned. "Me too! What is this all about?" Melody placed her fists on her hips. Bunny looked down at her ring, then to the other girls hands. She looked away and she held her hand to her chest. "It seems that we have more than just these rings in common." The girls all looked at the others' hands noticing they all had similar rings on their fingers, each a distinctive style tinted with pretty stones of different colors. They straitened up when Usagi and the man approached. They made introductions again, then Mamoru asked, "Where do you go to school? I haven't seen you around before and your accents are different." Melody's air of superiority took over and she spoke in Japanese to them. The others could tell she had been practicing. "We attend the Tokyo Planet Academy of the Performing Arts." Her answer caught Mamoru's attention. "Wasn't that the school recently re-done?" Pepper nodded, "Yes, it was. Just before the new school year began the construction was completed." "Wow, that must have been expensive," Usagi commented. "Come to think of it, yes it was. I don't know where they got the extra money to afford that," Pepper rubbed her chin in contemplation. Bunny piped up, "I think it was worth it. That stage is awesome." "Speaking of which, why don't you two come to the first performance this coming Saturday night. Here." Pepper pulled two tickets from her pocket. Mamoru took her offering, a strange feeling passed among the five as he did. Brushing it off, Mamoru smiled. "Thanks for the tickets. Well, we better go," he grabbed Usagi's hand. "It was nice meeting you," Usagi called over her shoulder as he rushed her away, almost pulling her. "Ohhh, he felt it too!" Bunny gave an exaggerated sigh. Melody rolled her eyes. "He has a girlfriend, stupid." The dark haired girl began to bicker with the smaller one and Oceanna and Pepper were left to watch the unhealthy display. ****************** The girls left the park soon after that and walked down the store lined street of the Juban Shopping District. They happened upon a charm & good luck store and decided to go in to see if they would find something to help their recital. As they searched throughout the store, something caught Melody's eye. In a small basket laid four mirror compacts. "Hey, what do you think of these?" Melody inquired, holding the basket for the girls to look. They gathered around her, each one picking a compact as if drawn to it. The group took their items to the sales desk. "Oh dear, we get so many new things in here but I usually know everything in the store. I can't remember seeing these before," the clerk fretted before giving them a fair price. The four walked out happy with their purchases. ****************** During the rest of the week the girls tirelessly practiced their act for the recital eager to be on the circular stage. They had decided to perform together with Oceanna as lead singer and the others as back-up. With Oceanna's enchanting voice it wouldn't matter how bad they actually were or not. The night of the performance, the four were leaving the dressing room when they heard a familiar voice. Usagi ran up to them, wishing good luck. They thanked her, then hurried to the back of the stage. Before they walked out for their performance, a black haired girl grabbed Pepper's shoulder. "Best of luck, Mint-san," she whispered smiling. "Arigatou, Kuroi-san." Pepper moved from her burning grasp. "It's time to go," Melody hissed. The audience hushed as the lights dimmed. A blue spot of light illuminated Oceanna and followed her to the microphone. In the darkness, the others took their places. Moments later, the light flashed on in an assortment of colors. Fog machines emitted a cool mist which covered their feet. Oceanna began her song. "Why, when I am with the wondrous you Does the time fly by us so easily? Upon the lifeless sea, the nighttime descends, with the first star This is magic reaching us from the moon Even without a word, I know it's true The two of us must be thinking about the same thing" "Moonlight Destiny Forever, more than anyone, I want to be with you Below this spacious sky above, you who I met by chance Moonlight Destiny Through all the joy and pain, we will share it together In my heart that's how I feel, when I am with you" "Ever since I met the wondrous you I can see everything so vividly On the dark sea the road of silver continues to the stars This is a message brought by the moon We don't need any kind of promises The two of us seem to be walking toward the same tomorrow" "Moonlight Destin--" Oceanna choked and coughed violently. The fog machine had released more than needed causing the others to choke as well. A form took shape from the mist and a yoma jumped high into the sky. Cackling in a most grating voice, it began to absorb the energy of the terrified audience. The fog had made its way into the crowd when Usagi heard Mamoru shout, "It was a trap! Transform, Usa!" The sudden urgency in his voice and the way he called her 'Usa' almost put her in a panic. She nodded, then placed the basket she had hidden Luna in on the ground. Usagi held up her heart shaped broach, yelling, "Moon Eternal, MAKE UP!" When her transformation was complete, Eternal Sailor Moon looked to see Tuxedo Kamen by her side. ****************** The four on stage glanced at each other with confusion. Led by an instinct, they took out their newly bought compacts. Each opened by itself to reveal a holographic rose hovering above the mirror inside. Holding their compacts they felt a strange energy enter them and they held up their hands in the air calling out words that seems to form in their minds. First Pepper called, "Eternal Fire! MAKE UP!" Then Oceanna, "Eternal Water! MAKE UP!" Followed by Bunny, "Eternal Terra! MAKE UP!" Finally Melody, "Eternal Wind! MAKE UP!" Immediately after they hollered the words the rings they wore began to glow and a transformation began to take place with each of them. Their dresses were replaced with sailor uniforms. They wore arm length gloves and each had their own set of shoes. A breeze played with the four slender ribbons tied on the back of each of their skirts. Each held a long staff glowing with power. New Sailor Soldiers now stood in the place of the once normal school girls. "Wooooow!" An amazed Terra exclaimed. ****************** Tuxedo and Eternal Moon fought the yoma fiercely, but it seemed to no avail. Their powers flew right through the fog that the monster was created from, though its attack hit them easily. Just when the yoma headed for Eternal Moon a child's voice pierced the foggy scene, "Turbulence STORM!" A cyclone of wind gathered the enemy. The creature looked to the source. Four soldiers stood together. The lights of the concert were still flashing about, illuminating their faces ever so slightly. "I am the Sailor of the Wind." "I am the Sailor of the Water." "I am the Sailor of the Terra." "And I am the Sailor of Fire." "Soldiers of the Elements," said the blue clad Sailor Water. Sailor Terra, colors of the green earth, spoke, "Guardians of this planet." Red Sailor Fire called, "And defenders of the innocent." "In the name of the Earth..." Sailor Wind started. "We will punish you!" They finished in unison. End Episode 01.