Midnight has been defined through the decades like the most favorite lapse of time thinkers, lovers and friends of a lifetime have preferred to extriorize feelings and thoughts that are not usually chosen as a daily topic of conversation. Naru Osaka and Umino Gurio were no exception... Although it is not the right time for boys of that age to be up, both went through radical changes after the sailor senshi murders. ( Note: In this story Naru and Umino are still Usagi's pals, even after the sailor stars conflict ). Truth and hidden facts disappeared when a couple of cats were discovered on their real identities due to a mysterious purity that appeared inside the hearts of both youngsters, which made them understand perfectly well what the felines were talking about. Now, the absence of Usagi Tsukino coincided with the death of the nationally known hero Sailor Moon and the rest of the gang who perished after Kilma took them all to the heaven above the house of Paro, at the Creator's side. Now that Haruka and Hotaru were taken away to the place where their training was going to take place, Luna and Artemis decided to converse with a new couple of pals. Things were different now to everyone, but even when sinking inside a sea of despair, faith never appeared to be absent in any of them. The headlights announced that the night was getting cooler and the stars brighter as never before, which was for our characters more than beautiful indeed. Naru: - Do you think she is watching us now ? - Umino: - Huh ? Usagi san you mean ? - Luna: - Why yes Naru chan. As an angel, nothing's out of her sight at all. Prove of that is the unique beauty this night has. - Artemis: - I could almost swear she is closer than we think. - Naru: - I don't understand, even after beating Sailor Galaxia... Usagi chan lost anyway later, against this mamono, Kilma. - Umino: - Neither do I, unless that means this Kilma owns the chaotic force that possessed Sailor Galaxia. Which means that the power expectations we might make on this evil being, could be awfully far from what these are for real. - Artemis: - [ Face down ] I'm afraid so. - Luna: - Yet, we must not to be faithless. I'm sure Haruka and Hotaru will be back in a year or so. - Artemis: - As well as the rest of the holy chosen, for our sake.- Naru: - I know... Luna, do you think we might have a chance to see Usagi chan again alive ? - Umino: - Naru san... - Artemis: - I, I, I don't know. But I also prefer to avoid a negative answer, so let's just wait and see what happens in the end, shall we ? - Luna: - We can only do that. - Umino: - [ Glasses wide open ?? ] Hey everyone, take a look. That shooting star up there seems to be descending here. - Luna: - Artemis, do you think it is who I think it is ? - Artemis: - I can't be no other but him. Though, he knows he's not to be here... Stubborn. - Naru: - That shooting star, even when being that I could almost assure you it is alive. - Umino: - Right Naru san, it feels like a denied grief getting closer and closer in that shooting star. - Luna and Artemis: - [ Bored ] It is him ! - The shiny shooting star began to slow its speed, until it finally descended ten meters in front of the amazed viewers. After touching some ground where to land, it took the shape of a young boy in a tight and semi-formal gray attire. It was Seiya, Usagi's most devoted suitor for some time during the saga against the chaos that dispatched Sailor Galaxia's goodhood. Even when being one of the starlights, Usagi's death on the hands of Kilma dragged him away from his sacred duties to get a deeper insight of what was going on over Earth's realm. Luna: - Seiya kun, wish I could say it's a pleasant surprise, though your lack of responsibility ashames me. - Artemis: - Away from your liege, right ? Well, let me inform you that there are people already taking care of the situation. - Seiya: - [ Calm ] Konbanwa to everyone, that's the reason precisely that brings me here, to know what is really going on... Oh Luna sama, sailor Galaxia sends me, don't worry. As a matter of fact, the others will be here also in a couple of minutes. - Artemis: - The starlights ? You mean both of them ? - Seiya: - Aha, I mean both of them, Yaten and Taik. - Artemis: - Yaten and... Um I mean, Starhealer and Starmaker ? - Luna: - In that case, sit down because a long story awaits. - Seiya: - So I thought you'd say that Luna sama. - Naru: - [ Thinking and blinking ] Although I know everything's strange, I don't feel it that way... Not at all. - Umino: - [ Smiling to Seiya ] Wow, what a great outfit you're wearing Seiya san. - Seiya ends up bisweating with that comment. ------------------------------------------------------------------ The sylph from darkness, chapter eight: " Me and my sisters, a tale from Alice the Palmarian. " ------------------------------------------------------------------ { Music cue: " Refazenda " Gilberto Gil }. < Amazon, Brazil >. On an unexplored region of these jungles, two flashy figures materialize into two beautiful women dressed in loose jeans and T-shirts ( Not even Haruka was excent to understand that those were crisis times, to put fashion as a priority ). Haruka began examining the ground she and Hotaru were on, before walking. As an obvious fact, it was a jungle. Which jungle ? That was Haruka's well-instructed brain's job. Hotaru: - I think it would be better to start walking before figuring out where we are. We'll know on the way Haruka san. - Haruka: - On the way where Hotaru san ? Be patient, I'm not so damn slow as you might be thinking. Besides, we don't even know who or what we are looking for, in a region on which our language is not spoken for sure since these are not Asian jungles... We are either in South America or Africa. - Hotaru: - Hai, Asian jungles are far from being this way. Setzuna san would have an answer to this easily... Or Ami san perhaps. - Haruka: - Right... [ Sighing ] Very well, we're not going to sweat it that much just because we don't know on which continent we are.- Hotaru: - Well, about your recent fear, I believe that like us, the rest are having the same kind of inconveniences on some other regions over the world. We'll find whatever we're looking for sooner or later, I know. - Haruka: - How can you possibly tell ? - Hotaru: - I am not, it's just something I heard while sleeping on today's dawn. - ( Note: Hotaru's comment does not keep any chronology ). Haruka: - [ Smirking ] That's an incredible thing, since we only slept for about an hour. Though, I believe you Hotaru san. I've been failing on my guesses lately, a lot. - Hotaru: - [ Smiling ] Arigato Haruka san... [ Stranged ] Though, I would strongly recommend you to quit playing the lottery. - Haruka: - [ Fuming and sweating ] Hai, I did that last week. - Haruka and Hotaru began walking then to some place their senses told them that it was right to walk on. Hotaru: - You know, I can find many things hard to believe so far, but there's one that is definitively out of my comprehension. - Haruka: - What might that be Hotaru ? - Hotaru: - The fact that you got separated from you family to live the unhealthy life you chose... [ Giggling ] Even with all your money, you also chose to play the lottery. - Haruka: - [ Sight up ] I had my reasons. - Hotaru: - But, you Haruka san ? it sounds like science fiction. - Haruka: - [ Fuming ] I believe we have been through this conversation before in the past, so Hotaru san, if you wouldn't mind.... - Hotaru: - Okay, okay, gomen nasai Haruka san. - Haruka: - Then again, now that I think it... How come you didn't had a period of confusion like Mamoru and I had ? I can certainly find THAT hard to believe. - Hotaru: - [ Looking away ] Things are not the way you think Haruka san. - Haruka: - If not, then, how are these ? - Hotaru: - [ Sighing ] Complicated... - Haruka: - As the way you became after Ayato san gave you your real age back. Like the way you were before you, you, you... You know. - Haruka: - [ Closing her eyes ] Hai, I know... Look Haruka san, I just know it is me that you're talking with. I might be a little different form the way I used to be, even as a child, but it doesn't matter; I know it is me you're talking to. Though, Otousan and Okaasan wanted me to be this way always... I guess it is just my way of... - Hotaru's explanation was interrupted by the intervention of several voices, that at simple judgment were easily taken as the voices of people that were putting resistance against aggressors. Haruka and Hotaru decided to make an intervention ( And why not ? They were still sailor senshi ) after both nodded to each other. Behind the vast vegetation, both watched a group of 4 men covered with formal wall street-style suits, hitting, spitting and insulting the elders of a Jibaro village there. In reality, these were low rank demons whose job consisted in collecting worthless things to greater demons, like gold and precious jewels. That's the reason why these were going to be stuck inside that insignificant rank... For a lust that was not proper of wiser and stronger demons. Although it was not available for their ranks and skills to speak Silih, they had the ability of learning other languages and dialects at a fast rate, that's the way how they successfully communicated with the Jibaro villagers... Just to oppress them, of course. Demon 1: - [ In Jibaro dialect ] < But of course you have more treasures here, in this goddamn jungle. Wasn't your land filled with this " shiny thing " ? ( He means gold ) > - Village elder: - [ Seriously ] < Our women and children are dying just because you want the shiny element. We haven't had the time for hunting or taking care of our children. > - Demon 2: - < [ Making fun of the elder ] So ? Look at my eyes and tell me, do I look like if I care a bit !? > - Village elder: - < [ Spitting over demon 2 feet ] I can only see doom inside that you call " eyes ". > - Demon 3: - < And doom's what you'll get. > - Village elder: - < [ Shouting ] If you know shiny element is out there, why don't you go look for it for yourselves !?? We have had enough of your terror and death !! > - Demon 4: - < [ Smirking ] When you've had enough, I will let you know, be sure of it. > - Demon 2: - < In the meantime... > - The second demon looked into the eyes of a woman who was holding one of her children. With this, the woman screamed in terror as she held tightly her child for the upcoming fate other villagers had in the past. Haruka made her appearance as Sailor Uranus to take the woman away from the demon's bullseye, absorbing a diabolique beam the mamono released for that poor mother and her son. It hurt a lot, that was shown as Sailor Uranus made a great effort to incorporate back to herself... Though, she knew that if the beam would have touched instead its original targets, these would have died for sure. Sailor Saturn then covered her comrade with her arms open, until her comrade got fully recovered. Sailor Uranus: - It hurts like hell, so I assume you come from that place, don't you mamonos ? - Demon 1: - Japanese, eh ? Haven't practiced in a while. - Demon 4: - Though, I haven't ever seen you people there. - Demon 2: - I haven't even heard from you. - Demon 3: - Are you sure you're not just... Um, pretending ? - The four demons cackled madly after this, as the senshi merely smirked against the comment. Sailor Saturn: - So we can say the same thing about you. - Sailor Uranus: - Hai, if it is about popularity that we're talking, the four of you together must be popular as garden radishes. - The four demons fumed at this in unison. Sailor Uranus: - [ Thinking ] So, it seems greed is one of their obvious weak spots. - Demon 1: - [ Grunting ] Gutless you'll be in a while. - Demons 1 and 2 went in a long jump over the senshi, who dodged the attack of claws that spread out from the demons fingers with the purpose of gutting our heroes. Then, Sailor Uranus and Sailor Saturn used their super attacks on both, disintegrating them... The other two demons just watched this terrified. Demon 3: - Those are the holy chosen alright. - Demon 4: - But here ? Why would the knights send them here ? - Demon 3: - [ Sweating ] For master Clovis and master Joao stupid. - Demon 4: - [ Gulping ] Better inform the masters then. - Demons 3 and 4 began an strategic withdraw away from the heroic senshi, who went in their pursuit instantly unwilling to let them go without an explanation of what was going on. Just before both senshi could reach them, at few meters away, both became astonished witnesses of how the demons in question were slashed quickly by what seemed to a sword. Though, even when someone slew those demons for them, both stood still in guard in any given case that " helping hand " did that not with the purpose of helping our heroes... Until a feminine voice spoke to them with a friendly voice out of the green of the vegetation. Voice: - Don't be mad at me I just made your job easier. - Hotaru: - Arigato good miss; and you are... - The feminine figure showed up in front of the senshi, covered with a pink cape that reached her ankles. Woman: - [ Smiling ] Alice, my name is Alice good ladies. - The scene fades as the senshi correspond Alice in the same way. --------------- Next, we come close to night and Haruka as Hotaru are back to their normal identities along with their recently met friend, a woman between 25 and 26 whose identity was only known as Alice. Besides that, she didn't spoke nothing much about herself or her past, but instead she preferred to start with a briefing about why were all there and with what purpose. Like in other stories, they acknowledged instantly Alice was going to be their sensei and that their purpose there was to develop themselves in order to evolve into something they were destined to become... Even though none of the senshi had an idea of what was that they were going to become, they were willing to put the best on them as part of the solemn plead in overcoming the evil that took away from both their own meanings of happiness. On the other hand, the Jibaro inhabitants of that village took the three of them as goddesses, instead of super-powered humans. Wich was good for them since Jibaros dislike foreign people. Thus, as a village away from any civilization at all, the only language they ever had the chance to hear in the past was portuguse... From people they personally, um, took care of. So, it was considered as a divine dialect. Anyway, even when being far from reaching common sense, their treatment towards Alice and the senshi was good, so they corresponded it the same way with understandable gestures. Haruka: - So, you are here to train us for what's left of the time Kilma gave us. - Hotaru: - I would like to know Alice sama, you said you were a warrior and at the same time a magician, yes ? But you speak japanese like us, even when your facial feature's far from being oriental. - Haruka: - Thus, warriors or magicians of our kind don't dress up the way you do... Your look seems a bit European and I just said a bit. Is there anything else we should know about you sensei Alice, besides the fact that you'll be the one in charged of training us ? - Alice: - [ Smiling slightly ] I guess you do deserve an explanation right away. Though, it is not my style at all, so have that in mind next time. - Haruka and Hotaru centered their attention even more to their new and beautiful sensei ( Haruka noticed this quality immediately by the way ). Alice: - I belong to another kind of Earth, placed in a different time and in a different environment. My planet's name is Palma and forms part of a solar system composed by another two planets: Montavia and Dezoris. The name of the solar system is Algol. - Haruka: - Well, under other circumstances I would find your story strange. - Hotaru: - Though, we cannot give ourselves the luxury to use the word strange that often lately. - Haruka: - Not at all you mean. - Alice: - [ Sighing ] Too many strange things for a single part of your youth, huh ? I also felt that way when I was younger. - Haruka: - Um, excuse me sensei, aren't you young enough ? - Alice: - Here comes the strangest part of all... ( Note: Another spoken flashback with frozen images... Ain't that lovely ? ). I am dead, in theory... I lived a hundred and eleven years in my time, as far as I can remember. Those were the times when three friends of mine and myself went into a quest around the three planets in order to destroy an evil that promised to obliterate life over all the planets if awaken... Unfortunately, it did. Although it managed to escape, after struggling hard for our freedom, my friends and I managed to win that battle against it. After that, I just remember I was known as a hero through all my life until the day The Creator took me with Him. I don't remember at all how the glory of the afterlife looks like. Yet, I can assure I lived in heaven for almost a thousand years... Until the day an old sorcerer on Palma revived me. What's incredible, is that this kind of things can't be done when being already at The creator's side... The only thing I remember is that, I was granted with the permission of going back to life. - ( Note: Okay, this is a delayed explanation, but here it goes: Heavenly and infernal circles tend to chance if shifting dimensions... The only thing that doesn't change is heaven itself, which occupies to receive all the souls on all the dimensions... At least those who have deserved it. On intermedium grades, you can also go to different circles in heaven as semi mortals with possibilities to ascend someday. You must have been pretty bad during your life to go to hell, which is quite frequent these days. About permissions to go back to life, only The Creator can grant those... In case of dying as a good semi mortal, your destiny is heaven. If you die as an evil creature, you just get destroyed with no other level of existence ). Haruka and Hotaru's voice: - Nande masu ka !? - Alice's voice: - Aha, suddenly my presence on Palma became brief, just to be sent to this realm... Not before watching that libidinous sorcerer's smile after viewing my naked image. ( Haruka and Hotaru bigsweated ) A holy knight from the house of Paro, Yolo Ligas, assumed responsibility of the actions just taken, he assured me that I was the one required for this job about to be done... So I accepted and after that, my old Laconia armor came back to me as well as my sword. I've been waiting for you for about a month since then. - Haruka: - [ Muttering ] And all because of that silly Ranma... - Hotaru: - What was that Haruka san ? - Haruka: - [ Distracted ] Aw, nevermind. - Alice: - [ Sweating ] Um well, hope you understood everything I just said... Because you did pay attention, didn't you ? - Hotaru: - I'm just curious about one thing. How can you speak japanese so well, even when not being an earthling. Is that an special ability of yours ? - Alice: - You know ? That also awakens my curiosity. But since I'm sure it is not an special ability of mine, I must accept the unusual possibility that this same language is used coincidentally on our corresponding continents. - Haruka: - Possibility which I find rather logical. Tell me sensei, What were those things we fought against just hours ago. - Alice: - Low ranked mamonos who have been forcing the people of these regions recently just to satisfy their banal desires for gold and precious stones. I've been dragging them away from when to when... Unfortunately, I can't cover this vast region by myself. - Hotaru: -[ Smirking ]So we are here to help you, how appropriate. - Hotaru: - Haruka san... But that is not the end of the story I assume. There's an enormous power behind this low ranked mamonos, hai ? - Alice: - And there always is. These are mamonos of the highest rank and respect behind the infernal lines. They have possessed the bodies of two brothers with power and vast economical resources here in Brazil... Joao and Clovis Suzano. - ( Note: Like Kabudo, Rilindo, Choluto and Kuwula, they all belong to the eleventh circle, close to their masters, the dark knights). Hotaru: - The leaders of the wealthiest and most trusted construction company in all Brazil ?? - Haruka: - [ Thinking with cracked lips ] How come she knows all that strange stuff ? - Alice: - Those exactly, in order to prevent them to take control over the most vegetated zones over the amazon, it is our duty to submit them at any cost. - Haruka: - Wait, there is a part that I didn't got quite well. Amazon jungle is supposed to be protected even by international laws. This place can't be touched just like that, without any protests from inside or even more, outside Brazil. - Alice: - Demons of their kind can revert people's thoughts and convince them that such actions are " for their own good ". - Hotaru: - But why do they have to set all this charade up ? Can't they just do it without possessing bodies and taking the place of billionaire businessmen ? - Alice: - Hai, but looking at it by their point of view... Wouldn't that be anything but funny ? - Haruka: - Ah hah, so that's the definition that high ranked mamonos have... [ Smirking ] I would rather find more interesting the definition their subordinates have about fun. - Hotaru: - Sensei Alice, what's that awaiting us during this time we'll be in your command. - Haruka: - [ With a huge vein on her forehead ] I beg your pardon Hotaru san !? - Alice: - [ Giggling ] Well, I'll introduce you both into the arts of hand to hand combat and at the same time the use of magic. - Hotaru: - [ Smiling ] Oh my ! - Haruka: - [ Smirking ] And since we'll do our best, it will not be that hard for us at all to get used. - Alice: - [ With little eyes ] Um, I do not know. - The next scene turns into training sequences where we see Haruka's smirk turning into a expression similar to anything but fun. Hotaru follows this, but a bit more calmed. We see both of them first fighting with their weapons against Alice ( Who uses her sword as well ) and losing, then individually and losing, then individually and winning but with a lot of effort... In the end, both win against their sensei almost easily. Oh, similar actions take place at the same time, but in hand to hand combat. Now, unlike Yohko's training, their magic powers were a bit more lesser compared with the ones of who was about to become the queen of wizards by that time. The elemental magic was powerful enough as well as their mental qualities for spells of that kind. Fortunately Hotaru had already knowledge in this field. Though, that provided just a little help compared with the rest of things she did not had any idea about. Four months later, we can see our friends in the same village they landed first... A little changed, though. With their " divine " influence over the natives, they managed to cahnge their lives quite a bit. And why not ? They are Goddesses to the villagers, so what the Goddesses say, they do. Cutting with that, human and animal sacrifices as well as hostility against the foreign. They even learned basic expressions and phrases when communicating with them as: Sama, ohayo, konichiwa, konbanwa, arigato, sayonara and so many others from which tourists bluff they know japanese. Alice: - You are conscious already on how strong you've got, haven't you ? - Haruka: - Um, well, yeah. We got stronger if that's what you mean.- Hotaru: - What is the meaning of that exactly, sensei Alice ? - Alice: - Hmmm, so as I thought, the training made you also humble in the process, [ Smiling ] how delightfully likable. - Haruka and Hotaru blinked at this in confusion. Alice: - Well, in case you haven't noticed, I'm just trying to say you've got already stronger than me. - Hotaru: - That we've got already what ? - Haruka: - Aren't you being a little exaggerated sensei ? - Alice: - [ Smirking ] Why ? Do you think that I really find likable to inform you about that fact ? [ Frowning ] Well, I don't. - Haruka and Hotaru bigsweat with little eyes. Alice: - However, the comment is just to encourage you to gather more responsibility of your actions. Because the stronger you get, the greater your responsibilities become... You are still far from reaching the power that'll destroy those mamonos for real. - Hotaru: - Well, Haruka san and I did not expect this to be the end at all, so we are ready for whatever's next sensei, right Haruka?- Haruka: - Well, er, I... - Alice: - [ Smiling ] Good, then tomorrow we'll start the next phase of your complementation. - Haruka: - [ Thinking sarcastically ] I, I really appreciate it Hotaru san. - Now, Alice takes the place of an elder sensei who merely watches the training between Haruka and Hotaru, just sharing her vast knowledge at a fair distance. As before, the sensei becomes unable to reach their pupils in power and strength in this part for not being a holy chosen, but instead, the central pillar of their future success or defeat in the name of Earth... Just like an economical assessor ( In the good sense ) who teaches a man who has won the greatest prize on the Lotto and whose sense of money's defined merely in pure luxury... And maybe even more luxury than that. Haruka and Hotaru practiced with weapons that were not theirs, since they were warned about not using their powers during the training's process. However, these were made of strong Laconia mineral that provided power, durability and at the same time beauty. Though, both were still sailor senshi ( Like Yohko, who was still a devil hunter ). Several abilities showed up at a fast rate and Alice's surprise became helpless each and every single day she watched her pupils becoming what the villagers mumbled since they arrived... Goddesses... That, if you look at it through another point of view. --------------- { Music cue: " Toda menina baiana " Gilberto Gil } < Bahia, Brazil > Eight months have passed through the lives of our friends, whose body and spirit was critically tired like bored. Ulike some other senseis, Alice shared the philosophy of healing these sort of problems with one or a couple of days " off duty ". Bahia was crossing the corner, since Haruka and Hotaru knew by then the art of teleport and so, they made use of it in the best of the ways... To rest and enjoy the brazilian sights properly, along with Alice who didn't wanted to miss at all either the beauty that surrounded all of Bahia. The beaches, the music, the "friendliness" from the inhabitants, the place's scent, all this and more made our heroes act like freshmen tourists as deeper they were getting. The authorities did not even bother in putting an eye on them, since thousands foreign tourists arrive at Bahia every year. Oh yeah, they also managed to materialize decent and very sexy outfits that kept them away from being suspicious. Until the day after tomorrow it was all about having: FUN, FUN, FUN.... And maybe more than that. At a bar in one of the many squares there, the night provided helplessly a lovely spell over everyone gathered inside... Um, the music of a band that was playing live music there, helped as well. Haruka: - I still can't find a way how to thank you sensei Alice, we really needed this. I don't care if it lasts only for a couple of days... Ahhh, paradise was never easy to reach to begin with. [ Smiling ] Never ever. - Hotaru: - [ Smiling ] I must also have to admit that even though we're supposed to be training for the world's sake... This escape to the most beautiful place I've ever seen, will relive our spirits from all the tension that got us back at the village. - Alice: - That is the attitude Hotaru san. You'll soon see how much you will improve as soon as we get back. - Haruka: - Ack, don't even think about that for the time being. - Alice: - [ Giggling ] Yeah, yeah, right. - Hotaru: - You know ? I was really wondering how the others might be doing... We have grown so strong through these months, I just can't imagine eight more people of our kind. - Haruka: - [ Smiling slightly ] Heh, finally got our sensei's philosophy, huh ? - ( Note: This philosophy is defined as justified greed ). Alice: - So it seems. [ Grinning ] But, haven't I seen you lately a bit greedy as well Haruka san ? - Haruka: - [ Winking her left eye ] Well I didn't say the method employed was useless, ya know sensei ? - Alice smiled at this, to be interrupted before replying her student by the band's leader, who spoke with a gentle voice after fininshing the song. Band's leader: - [ In portuguese ] < ...And this song goes dedicated to the most beautiful women this evening. Seated on table eight, we have got the company of " the daughters of Venus " We hope you enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed your presence this precious Friday evening. - The band began to play a beautiful acoustic introduction to another of Gilberto Gil's songs:" Beira mar ". The song was deep and its melody was delightful as a ballad can get. The three understood part of the announcement and felt quite pleased with a gesture of that kind. Alice: - [ Faking modesty ] No, I don't really think we are that beautiful. - Hotaru: - Though, I really find it sweet from them. - Haruka: - You think that ? I prefer to think about their fine keyboardist. - Alice: - [ Bigsweating ] Um, well, in that case you should tell her something as soon as they take a rest. - Haruka: - [ Sly smile ] Hah, I've seen better lately anyway. - Alice now bigsweated with little eyes, after noticing the message was going directly to her. Hotaru got a little worried with her partner's behavior, since it was not proper at all during the training period to behave that way... Even with a " license ". Hotaru: - [ Whispering to Haruka's left ear ] Haruka san, you're crossing the line, it's sensei Alice the one you're employing your cajolery on. - Haruka: - [ Smiling ] Gomen, Guess I got a little too excited again with the memory of sensei Alice taking a bath on the river. - Alice blushed deep red. Hotaru: - [ Sighing ] My, it's all my fault. I was so busy with my own concerns, that I forgot to keep an eye on how much you were drinking. - Alice: - [ Rubbing her neck ] Um, I fear that we'll depart tomorrow morning instead of Sunday. I believe that it would be better if we... - Haruka: - [ Interrupting while frowning ] Well, in the very first place you should not underestimate me, I mean both of ye. - Hotaru: - [ Thinking ] Oh no. - Haruka: - I can even bet that I'm the only one on this table who knows that our beloved foes are seated at a table just a few steps away. [ Smirking ] Take a look, come on, don't be shy. - The truth revealed itself, after the exceptical women turned behind slowly, just to view the sarcastic expressions on Clovis and Joao, who were bowing with their right hands a little: " howdy ". Haruka: - Although they may be our foes, they look quite kirei to be men. - Hotaru: - [ Sweating ] For how long they've been seated there Haruka san ? - Haruka: - Oh, fifteen minutes or so. - Alice: - Though, it was very nice to hear from you they were here since the very first minute they arrived. - Haruka: - Hey, thought you'd figure it out sooner. You didn't ? Well, that is the time when I've gotta do the talking. - Alice: - [ Standing up ] I believe there is something I must do given the uncomfortable circumstances. - Haruka: - Oh no, I'm not running outta here, not until the band finishes the song they gently dedicated ush. - Hotaru: - Sensei Alice, I believe they do not plan to hurt us. They would have done it earlier in case of wanting so. - Alice: - What do you mean by that ? - Hotaru: - Um, I guess we can wait until the song's over sensei. - Alice face-faults. Alice: - [ Thinking ] She must be drunk as well... At least a little. - The scene changes to an alley neighbor to the bar, Alice and Hotaru are helping Haruka in her walking and at the same time, finding a place where to teleport back to the jungle safely. Haruka: - It was beautiful [ Hic ] I should have helped them, though. With they keyboards, ya know... - Hotaru: - You really enjoyed yourself those days you were introduced to alcohol, didn't you Haruka san ? - Haruka: - [ Frowning ] Oh shaddup, ya know nothing about why did I chose to start drinking. - Alice: - [ Politely ] We know, we know Haruka san, gomen nasai. - Hotaru decided with the action taken by her sensei, to avoid the coherent talking with her comrade, who was far from providing a talking of that kind. It didn't took long before another surprise could show up. Between the crowd, the Suzano brothers appeared in front of them smiling like the way they did on the bar, stopping their straight trajectory. All of our heroes stopped, deciding that it was time to show at least that they were anything but scared. Alice: - Once again the Suzano brothers. - Clovis: - Aw, maybe for common mortals. For you, we are Zeso and Shrimario. - Joao: - Sons of Férico Parot, ninth dark knight of the universe and ruler of Achis. - Zeso: - Oh, by the way, we also happen to be your challengers. - Haruka: - Geez, so soon ? I didn't wanted to fight yet. Sensei Alice, can't you arrange something ? - Shrimario: - No, we are just here to set a date for our encounter, do not be afraid. - Hotaru: - [ Seriously ] A duel we are setting then and by the way, we are far from being scared, specially from you. - Zeso: - Well, you should be. If I were you I would not be ashamed to feel fear from beings like we. - Haruka: - [ Smirking ] Oh humble we are being tonight aren't we ? - Shrimario: - And as I said before, we are setting a date... To avoid fighting drunken lesbians or anything of the sort... - Shrimario did not finish that discriminatory comment before Haruka could appear right behind him with a dagger she improvised psiquickly over his throat. Haruka: - [ Whispering on Shrimario's right ear ] Baka, you should know by now as well that as the holy chosen we are, we can control our biological properties, turning sober anytime we want... About that last statement, I don't care, I know already what am I. - Zeso: - Have to hand it to her, she got you on that one brother. - Shrimario: - Uh yes, she did. Very well, I retract. Now, put that down before you hurt yourself with it and... - Haruka: - I think not, better end this sooner than later. - Hotaru: - But it is not the right thing to do Haruka san. - Everyone around looked at the scene with indifference, as commanded by Zeso mentally, in order to prevent further interference from common mortals that had nothing to do with that encounter. Alice made a step forward and spoke to her rogue pupil seriously. Alice: - In case you happen to be thinking you can slay that demon as easy as that, it is my duty to inform you that if you proceed with that way of thinking you are going to be the one lying on the floor lifeless. - Hotaru - Please face it Haruka san, both of us are still below their power. Wait for this until the time for our real encounter arrives. Sense their power just for a little and you will see for real I am telling you the truth. - Haruka: - [ Smirking ] Well, we will never know if I don't make my move for real. - Alice: - Maybe, but if it happens otherwise ( Which is the most expected probability ), all the things we sworn in the name of the ones we loved and lost, are going to be in vain then. - Haruka instantly released Shrimaro with a dumb grin. Haruka: - Golly gee, you're not being fun at all I have to say. - Shrimario: - One more month, undrestood ? - Alice: - Only if you stop during that time the "Amazon project". If you win, the jungle will be yours. - Zeso: - Very well, I do not see a reason why not. Though, I must complain that you are just delaying our progress. - Hotaru: - Not simply delaying, but stopping it mamono. - Zeso and Shrimario: - Ja ne. - The brothers disappeared in unison, concealing themselves into the ground by spinning. Haruka: - Did you all forgot we can't get drunk ? I mean, not for real at least. - Alice: - [ Sighing and thinking ] I don't remember at all, but I can assure for certain, afterlife was a happier place to be. - --------------- Back on the jungle, Alice watches again at some distance her pupils training harder than before, while floating on the sky. But unlike days before this, Alice looks tense and worried. This expression kept its maintenance over Alice's face, until she opens her eyes wide in decision and shouts loud enough. " I want both of you here and now ". The senshi obey the call instantly, having in mind something wrong was happening to their sensei. Haruka: - What's wrong sensei ? Didn't the mamonos respect the bargain ? - Hotaru: - What's the matter sensei Alice ? - Alice: - No, it is not what you think. I called you back because... [ Face down ] Because you are not going anywhere that way. - Both: - [ Worried ] And that means !? Alice: - Look, I didn't wanted to make you go through this, at least not yet... But given the current situation, I fear you are going to have to use your transformation pens now. - Haruka: - Yeah, what an unexpected surprise !! - Hotaru: - [ Stranged ] But why would that worry you so much sensei Alice ? - Haruka: - [ Smiling ] Because it was not on schedule fool, you know how perfectionist Alice sama is. Yahooo !! - Alice: - Far from being that Haruka san, I would have to ask you both to transform now... Please. - Haruka: - Did you really have to beg for it ? Are you ready Hotaru san ? - Hotaru: - [ Nodding slowly ] ... Um, if you say so sensei Alice, then it must mean that it is required. [ Sighing ] Anytime Haruka san, anytime. - Hotaru and Haruka began their respective transformation sequences normally and in the way we have all seen or heard before. However, an anomaly of strange kind did not took long in showing up when Haruka and Hotaru finished. A wild aura emerged out of them, giving the impression that this was far beyond their control... And it was the right impression. Both felt strange to that feeling, like if the fukus were trying let them know that they were not prepared to that sort of transformation process... not yet, at least. Haruka: - [ Grunting ] What is this !? I can't control my own power !! - Hotaru: - [ Gasping ] Are they... Rejecting us !? - Alice: - [ Shaking her head ] You better take those off before that power becomes even greater for you to handle. - Both refused the idea, considering that they could resist the challenging reaction their fukus had, even when tormented by this, their plan was to resist it. Unfortunately, the prediction their sensei made became true soon after the resistance showed up, erasing it. Touching the edged point of death's sickle, both desisted to that feeling in unison, falling almost unconscious to the ground moaning painfully after turning back to normal. Alice ran fast to her students to help them. With a little of her tellequinetic strength, Alice rose the bodies of both into the air as she began talking to their ill disciples. Alice: - At least now you know how the barrier that separates us from those mamonos look like. Better get that ready before the the appointed date... Or else, your fight against that diabolic pair will be over quite soon and I bet you want to be the last ones standing, don't you. - Haruka: - [ Moaning ] Owwwwie. - Alice: - [ Smirking ] Hai, just as I thought. - That frustrated Saturday became a false painkiller, but that little fact meant nothing compared with the rest of the days, on wich both senshi were forced ( And I mean this word ) to master the energy their fukus stored through the time Haruka and Hotaru trained. Just like Alice said: " ... The stronger you get, the greater your responsibilities become ". Now, those fukus were only worthy of even greater beings. Sailor Galaxia was the first and probably the most powerful senshi known alive. Though, she always knew that the power of a senshi had the possibility of increasing hundreds of times more. Her power meant nothing compared with those senshi whose veins allowed the circulation of " The blood of the heroes ". Two of the outer senshi became mysteriously from one day to another, the first ones in the history of that lineage in particular who possessed that divine quality. This was not a war to be won by means of avoiding violence, Kilma acknowledged no goodhood inside her... Reason why Sailor Moon was easily slew by the claws of Kilma Andrila. Usagi thought that Kilma fitted with Sailor Galaxia's profile, foolishly. Day after day, Hotaru and Haruka were a little closer to their goal. Though, the deadline to break was too tight even for pioneer senshi like them. So in the last day............ Haruka and Hotaru fell to the ground, after another failed attempt that regardless of the failure, was the closest one in succeeding so far. Alice: - [ Sweating ] I won't complain anymore, I've truly seen that you gave all of yourselves to break the natural course of your learning progress... [ Sighing ] It is not your fault at all. - Hotaru: - Sensei Alice you are not suggesting our doom is close and there's nothing we can do about it, are you ? - Haruka: - But it is not over yet, we still have time to master our own strength. We can still... - Alice: - [ Shaking her head slowly ] No, I'm afraid not. Sezo and Shrimario are probably on their way here and I believe that what we are going to have to do is... [ Smiling ] Improvise. - Haruka and Hotaru face-fault. Shrimario: - [ Behind Alice ] But we are here already, darling. - Sezo: - And with permission of our father to be exact. - Shimario: - [ Smirking ] Oh, about that last thing you said, do not worry, you can feel free on improvising all the resistance you want. - Haruka: - [ Frowning ] Why you... - Hotaru: - Though, it won't be that easy for you mamonos, I swear that... - Alice interrupted Hotaru's heroic speech by throwing her and Haruka a couple of weapons that were catch by the senshi instantly. It was a saber and a medieval spear. Alice: - [ Face down ] That's Laconia weaponry, it will provide you good enough power to face both of them. [ To the mamonos ] Though, I would like to ask you a last favor. - Shrimario: - [ Smirking ] Another one ? - Sezo: - Understood. Though, I must let you know that we are going to choose the place where the fight will take place. - Alice: - I must know where. - Sezo: - No you don't. - Alice: - [ Seriously ] I beg thee... LET ME KNOW !! - Shrimario: - It's a dimensional limbo, away from infernal domains... Yet, also away from angelical domains. - Alice: - [ Nodding them and then looking at her students ] Hotaru san, Haruka san... [ Shedding a tear ] I love you both, you are like sisters to me. Regardless what the outcome may be, always remember that, hai ? - Haruka: - [ Smiling tenderly ] We'll talk about that as soon as we get back, eh Alice chan ? - Hotaru: - [ Smiling with a tear on her right eye ] Arigato oneechan, we'll see each other later. - Both looked at their challengers with decision and these understood, warping along with the senshi to the cited place. Haruka and Hotaru disappeared, however the bodies used by Sezo and Shrimario remained there. Alice went to the Suzano brother's help rapidly... Not before looking at the day's dawn just to whisper: " Gambette sisters, I shall see good results out this, I know ". The scene fades in a black curtain. --------------- { Music cue: " Stage " Live }. The scenario now, is some place where only pale colors and fragile crystalline objects exist. That's what it seemed to be at first sight; though, it was merely the dimensional path between Earth 1 and Earth 132... Putting it into pseudo scientific words. The only thing available at first sight were flashes of sparkles that collided eventually, giving with each collision a sharp sound of metal clashing against metal. A shocking close-up reveals a fight between our heroes and two dark figures without any facial feature at all... Though, such description did not deprive these individuals to have a considerable advantage over a couple of senshi who had already bruises and slight cuts over their bodies, during a fight that had barely ten minutes of duration so far. In an outstanding move, both brothers combine a deadly attack together to the senshi, Haruka and Hotaru also employ teamwork in response, by shaping a defensive " X " with their weapons against the attack. To their surprise, even when being that Laconia weaponry ( And both knew that metal's story quite well thanks to their sensei ), these were easily broken into tiny-little pieces after the impact. The senshi fell over what looked like a crystalline asteroid. Then, Sezo and his brother began laughing in the most diabolical way a creature from the dark side can. Sezo: - And you got far indeed... To last more than the ones who challenged us before. Heh, at least you cannot say we did not gave you chances to desist as well as to get stronger. - Shrimaro: - It is a pity indeed, under other circumstances... [ Smiling evilly ] I bet we could have probably been lovers. - The sinister laughing was emitted again, while Hotaru and Haruka were sweating rapidly for sudden despair. Haruka: - Though this may seem like the end, I refuse to surrender myself to a thought of that kind. - Hotaru: - So do I, we made a commitment about this and we'll accomplish our part of the bargain. - Voice: - And for your courage, your reward will be no other but victory, Hotaru chan. - Hotaru's heart got filled with a strong warmth after recognizing that voice belonged to a transparent figure that materialized in front of the heroic duo... It was Setzuna chan covered in an angelic robe as she floated thanks to her long and white wings. Setzuna angel: - Hotaru chan, I never left you. Have that in mind always and free you heart from that sorrow. - Hotaru's impression was so strong that tears of joy began to flow from her eyes continuously as she did not found a time to blink. Haruka smiled at Setzuna angel instead. Hotaru: - I know Setsuna chan, I just wanted to see you once to say sayonara finally. - Setzuna angel: - Arigato Hotaru chan, [ To Haruka ] take care of her as you have done so far Haruka chan and fight with all your might. [ Fading ] This battle is for us to win. - Haruka nodded humbly. Hotaru: - I'll never forget you Setzuna chan. - Few seconds after that, Haruka and Hotaru smiled to each other with a nod, just to take out their transformation pens out. The brothers watched amazed that the transformation process was working up, not understanding why was that happening when it was not supposed to be that way. Sezo: - Out of angelical domains, says who !!? - Shrimario: - It was not supposed to be this way... Who the hell was that angel in the first place !? - Sezo: - Do you think that I really care !? They are resisting the feedback alright. We must fight as we know now. - Shrimario: - Hai, our father is not to be disappointed. - Voice: - Sons, whatever happens, I will always we proud of you... Always. - Sezo as well as Shrimaro knew that was their father's voice speaking inside their minds. They received the message with joy and without saying a single word both stood in guard, ready for what seemed to be the final stand. The transformation was over, appearing also in the end their corresponding weapons, which blades were now rather golden in shine. The attack began surprisingly by the senshi, who managed now to deliver stronger and faster blows, which found occasionally the surface of the offender shadows. Taking some distance now, all the fighters took a deep breath before initiating the final attack... The last vision of that, was a fulminating glow spreading throughout their eyes. The forces of evil and good rushed against each other with an overcoming speed in pairs. The result of that crash was a dazzling splendor which managed to cover all that limbic space in question. As the splendor begins to dissipate, a couple of female figures are visualized victorious over a couple of shadows that helplessly begin to rot and disappear. Though, the speed of our friends was too high to be stopped easily... Oh, that kind of speed also happens to be known by some people as the one required for interdimensional travel, so...... Haruka and Hotaru almost landed with their heads over a rocky surface, as a bald man watches this with a smile and a sweatdrop, as he aids a couple of green creatures who seemed unconscious. Haruka: - What the... ? - Hotaru: - Oh my, we are at the other side. - Haruka: - Hai, but at the other side of what !? - It was a desolated valley whose only occupants by that time seemed to be that black bald man and the green beings on the floor. An emphatical smile sprung across his face. Haruka and Hotaru knew that attitude was way too suspicious for a man on a place on which nobody would apparently choose to live on. Haruka: - Sir, excuse me but you seem to know something... - Bald man: - [ Interrupting ] I just know that if you don't take that dimensional gate behind you right now, you'll probably have to wait half an hour before creating another. - Hotaru: - I beg your pardon !? - Haruka: - [ Tapping Hotaru on the shoulder ] Um, believe it or not the man is right... [ Smiling ] Er, arigato good man. - Hotaru: - Em, eh... Hai, arigato. - Bald man: - Why no, don't even mention it. - Haruka and Hotaru bowed a little goodbye to that complete stranger before crossing the still open interdimensional gate. Bald man: - [ Smiling and thinking ] Heh, I just lied about that. I bet they've got already strong enough to create millions of dimensional gates without losing an ounce of strength. - As soon as his thought concluded a couple of women landed elegantly by another portal close to the place where Haruka and Hotaru took theirs in order to return home. One was blonde and the other had green short hair. Both were models of elegant combat attires that were not armors, but something close to that. Bald man: - Heh, you won after all, didn't you ? I'm so happy. But I'm also proud of you Rydia and Rosa, quite much. - Rydia: - Though, you are not going to believe what happened sensei Golah. - Rosa: - Hai, after winning the battle against those mamonos, a very beautiful woman was expecting us on some sort of jungle and... - Golah: - And you'll tell me all about it during breakfast. - Rydia and Rosa: - [ Smiling ] Yay, great ! - Rydia and Rosa hugged Golah as he smiled with tenderness. Golah: - Oh girls, what would I do without you ? [ Tear of joy ] You have become the only family I've got. - Rydia and Rosa: - [ Smiling ] And you have become part of ours sensei Golah. - On Earth 1, the result was the same as this... Just invert the character's roles. --------------- A day later... Haruka and Hotaru are close to a waterfall along with Alice, just to say goodbye before teleporting back to Japan. Alice remains serene as well as her former students, since all the emotion was shown the day before that, when they were proclaimed as the new owners of a couple of armors. -) The armor of Dori: " The white dolphin zone. " -) The armor of Achis: " The white elephant zone. " Dori was beign carried by Hotaru while Achis by Haruka. Haruka: - You know already better than anyone Alice sama how much we will miss you, so I won't say it again. - Hotaru: - I suppose you'll go back to The Creator's side now that we have concluded our training. - Alice: - I believe not yet Hotaru chan, a war between heaven and Earth is about to take place and this people are going to need someone to defend them from the evil side. - Hotaru: - Well, better do this now, or it will become a lot harder if we keep on talking. - Alice: - Just one more thing Hotaru san. - Alice kissed Hotaru on her right cheek in a friendly way, as she blushed a little with the gesture employed. Alice: - That was for being the most disciplined student I will ever have, arigato. - Haruka: - [ Crossing her arms and looking away ] Well, excuse me for being such a rogue bastard all along. - Alice: - As for you Haruka chan... - Alice held Haruka's face for a few seconds and gave her a slight kiss on her lips... It was the very first time Haruka blushed for a kiss of that kind. Though, it was way too unexpected, even for her. Alice decided that was going to be the first and last time she was ever going to do a thing of the sort. Though, that was the reward for the one that turned out to be her most encouraging student ever. Hotaru looked at this with a smile... You can even say that Hotaru took that with more serenity than Haruka " the conqueror ". Haruka: - A-a-arigato, Alice sama. - Alice: - Now, I'm done for real. Take care and leave now. - Hotaru: - Will we ever see each other again sensei ? - Alice: - A wish to be granted in a not so distant future, Ja. - Hotaru and Haruka disappear as they cross the waterfall without turning back, in order to prevent more delays in their return home. For the very first time in her life, Alice kneeled on the floor crying... For the very first time in her life, Alice felt for real the weight of loneliness. The scene fades in a black curtain. --------------- < The twelfth infernal circle >. A father is inside his luxurious room, sensing the bad news... A couple of powerful mamonos were ultimated during their decisive battle against two of the holy chosen. Férico Parot was cleaning a scimitar with unseen patience and dedication. Expecting to see good results with that attitude of his during a confrontation that seemed to be helplessly close. Férico: - [ Silently ] Vengeance, I have lived through that all my life and today will be no exception. Master Kilma taught me how to create my own offspring once, so after that you both were born, Sezo and Shrimario. I became overjoyed with you both during the centuries and I assure right now to every miserable being over this infinite universe that you will always be remembered... Even if I must tear apart the Achis-Tapa domain to get what I want. YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED !!! - ( Note: Kilma granted Férico the ability to create lifeforms by himself. Creating life was easy, but not quite as intelligent and powerful as Zeso and Shrimario ). Férico damages the floor of his room with the point of his scimitar, creating an enormous and horrible crack. At the same time the echo of his scream wakes up lesser demons outside. Some of them are unable to resist that decibel, that in the end they explode helplessly. The scene fades as Férico sighs and calms down to return again to the monotony that the business he was on provided. End of chapter eight.