Down Town Tokyo – Old Quarter
I stood there shivering on the sidewalk looking over my shoulder, ducking in behind the occasional car or tree. I was so scared. On only wished it were just the length and the thin fabric of my cheerful yellow and pink sundress making me shiver as the storm front began generating a cold wind.
I tugged at the short hem of my dress, brushed my hair out of my eyes and bit my lip. Yeah, I was afraid, and cold as much on the inside as the fear mingled with the stormy weather descending upon Tokyo, taking with it, my friend and companion, the moon.
Goosebumps ran up my legs, arms and shoulders. Self-preservation became very important to me in that moment as I stood frozen to the spot, pure instinct and adrenalin kicking in, and I moved my little butt.
Assessing my narrowing options, I needed some kind of refuge and fast. Scanning the array of shops, small factories and private warehouses draped in darkness, I felt as tiny as Shrinking Violet. I jumped in fright at the sudden flapping awnings at each fresh gust of wind behind and in front of me. I broke into a run.
Plunging headlong into the inky blackness of the deserted narrow city street, I had no choice. I could see the faint street lamps punctuating my way. I was more scared now than I had been at any other time in my life. There was something closing in on me, and I didn't even want to guess at what that might be so I kept running.
Before long, I heard it, the heavy footsteps I thought I'd escaped earlier. The man, or whatever it was, chasing me had the strangest and most frightening eyes. He was a monster. I didn't understand, why me?
My name is Tsukino Usagi, just a girl, an orphaned child with a younger brother living at the Sakura Jinja guesthouse with Lady Hino Rei, our benefactor, trying to rebuild our lives after the pain of the past and deaths of our parents. The thing chasing me was I realized, all part of the nightmarish world I knew my parents had tried to protect Shingo and me from at the cost of their lives.
"Mom, dad, I won‘t let your efforts die in vain. They won't touch me or Shingo, I promise you," I whispered into the wind.
Spotting a nearby alley, I slipped into shadow and attempted to catch my breath.
"I've not done so much running since I was at Juuban Jnr. High!"
Trying not to cry or let the terror overwhelm me, I closed my eyes for a moment or two and tried to gather my thoughts. I was safe, at least for the moment, but for how long I had no idea.
My thoughts wandered back to the events of earlier that same night. It seemed almost an epoch ago now as my world tilted on its proverbial head and nothing would be the same ever again.
Only two hours ago, I'd left cram school, stopped by Crown Arcade to talk to my friend and mentor, Furuhata Motoki. I ordered a milkshake and fries. I took a little time out to relax after the grueling class schedule that was my weekly slog. I would always stop by the Arcade before visiting my parent's graves.
---
As I left the arcade, I blew Motoki a teasing kiss from the double doors that I kept open with my foot in the doorway to keep it open, giggling all the while, as he waved back. With a spring in my step, I melted into the night.
I stopped to pick up some fresh flowers along the way. Inhaling their scent, I knew mom and dad would approve.
There I was, in my cotton sundress, kneeling before the plot talking to each of my parents, telling them of my day, and the events of the past month. I did this every full moon and the ritual not only grounded me, but also brought them a little closer.
I could picture mom's sweet face, and remembered with fondness how she'd shaken me by the shoulder to get me out of bed to get to school on time. I sobbed at the memory.
The sadness, as painful as it was, touched my heart making me feel, and to feel was to love. Sad, but a honey-sweet sadness I welcomed.
I was a happy-go-lucky girl, and loved life. Father was an ambitious businessman, involved in futures markets and exports. Much later, I learned of the Shachihoko and its hold over my parents’ lives from Hino Rei.
No matter what, he did while working for those monsters, I was proud to be his little girl. I smiled whilst laying down the tender blooms on the manicured plot before setting the other pretty flowers on mom's grave.
I let my mind travel back to happier times when mom and dad were alive. I loved my Manga, Anime. Most of all I loved being with my parents and little brother. I would spend quality time with them in the family room, on walks in Azabu Park, shopping, and especially enjoyed our trips away in the summer: the fishing, hiking, swimming and all the fun we'd have together as a family, stacks of precious memories, I have that. I also cherished the family movie and photograph collection, and so much more that lived inside me. I could hear the distant rumble of thunder moving closer.
Father often went on business trips for weeks and months at a time. He had always done this for years without incident. When things started to get bad: the phone calls and the strange visitors becoming ever more frequent to our home, I'd sit there unseen and watch from my position at the top of the stairs, listening to the threats and arguments with these stone-faced men and the occasional woman. I was very frightened for him, for mom and all of us, biting my knuckles, trying not to cry. I was too young to understand.
They'd died to protect Shingo and me. Climbing to my feet, wiping tears away, hugging myself I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.
Sensing an unwanted presence, I looked over my shoulder, the soft tresses of my odango flopping against a solid object behind me as I spun around and squeaked.
So, what if it was dark, it wasn't as if I'd not been out this late before. I had been here each full moon since their premature deaths to lay flowers and care for the site. The burial ground was a sacred Shinto shrine to those loved ones lost, and this section always monitored.
I wondered who the man behind me was and what he wanted with me. Didn't he know the curator and his security staff were keeping an eye on them through the many cameras placed throughout the sanctuary ostensibly to watch out for vandals, or any signs of trouble? But here was this bear of a man, with glowing red eyes, no, this was all too real, I wasn't seeing things. I was terrified. After screaming, I ran.
The man following me was fast on his feet. I ducked behind a monument, took off my high heels, slipped them into my shoulder bag, and after a cursory glance around the sanctuary, not seeing my pursuer, I ran on stocking- clad feet towards the administration building to seek help.
After running through the open glass doors into the deserted atrium, I began to feel scared and uncomfortable. I leaned forward, hands on my knees catching my breath, I noticed the night closing in on me, something was terribly wrong here.
"Hi, anybody here?" I was met with only silence. Crossing the floor I drank from the water fountain, I was parched and drank as if I had spent time in the Sahara then washed my face. I tried again, calling out even louder this time. "Hello, can anyone hear me? I need your assistance. That's weird…"
Breathless, I composed myself and walked the short distance to the central administration office.
"By the Kamis, what the-"
The sight that met my eyes shocked and sickened me. The security staff was all dead. Beheaded. I vomited and shook myself; I had to keep it together. I was a teenage girl, not even nineteen and I'd only ever seen a dead bird and kitten, never a human, and never anything so horrible as this.
An ancient Chokuto, covered in blood, lying on the floor near the victim's bodies caught my attention. The only reason I knew the weapon was by Shingo's computer games where it was his weapon of choice. I was grateful to my little brother for making me watch that gory stuff, it helped me keep it together, I had to now as to do otherwise might be fatal.
I moved into an adjacent office and saw the men hanging upside-down tied by the ankles with fiber optic cable, and one woman with her neck broken at the reception desk in her leather office chair, her dark hair falling over her face, head tilted to one side.
I threw up again. Gasping for air, screaming and crying, I struggled to gather my wits all too aware that their killer, or killers, I wasn't entirely sure, could still be somewhere in the building, biding their time, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
"Tsukino Usagi, if you need to keep your head together girl, now is a good time. Oh mom, dad, protect me!"
I composed myself. Then spun around, my attention turning to the grotesque symbols written in blood upon the walls completing the macabre display. Staring at the sight of my name, ‘Tsukino Usagi' written in bold letters of dark red, I froze. I knew without doubt I was meant to see this horror and was in grave danger of losing my life.
Crying, I stumbled out of the office, the smell of blood and excrement clawing to my dress and body, and dry wretched, there was nothing of the evening meal left. The wind began to clear my head and the odor. I ran. But once again, the footfalls of my pursuer returned and kept pace with me, that was until I reached into my bag and instinctively grabbed my crystal charm.
The baby rabbit, forged from glowing crystal lifted my spirits immediately despite the dire situation in which I found myself. Its phosphorescent shimmer neither my friends nor I could account for, it was as hard as diamond, and far prettier. I'd worn it all my life. But had taken it off tonight when I took a shower and forgotten to put it back on. Pink and warm, the bunny gave me strength somehow.
I paused for a moment, panting as I slung it back around my neck; tucking it under my top and suddenly, my pursuer slowed and his footsteps faded to a walk. I sighed. Then, with renewed determination, moved at speed into the old quarter.
---
Now, I was running for my life, seeking shelter as the winds grew more intense. I reached the warehouse section and old stock market building. I snuck into a nearby lane, cutting through to the next street moving from lamppost to lamppost. I hid within an alcove belonging of a deserted bookstore come cafe.
Then I heard it, the snorting beast moving with caution in my direction. I was cornered.
"Damned stupid, stupid girl, Baka, Odango Atama!" I chastised myself, but that wouldn't help now.
I began to whimper as the huge shadow stood at the entrance to the narrow lane; it was less than ten meters away from me.
I began to cry as the red-eyed man began to change. I could only watch the elegant fine Italian three-piece suit tearing apart as a cluster of glistening dark spikes jutted out of its grotesque body — the thing's head swerving left and right, the flashing red eyes distinct in the darkness as they surveyed their surroundings.
I closed my eyes and called to Mamoru. Crazy I know, but seemed the right thing to do, to reach out for my friend and chief nemesis, who teased me incessantly about my odango hairstyle.
"Mamo-chan, I need you!" I whispered as the thing grew to a height of nine feet right before my eyes.
I gaped in disbelief at the youma. I knew of the legends and myths of such creatures, as they were a major part of our culture, and sub-culture, but this wasn't a manga but the real deal. Such a horror I'd not thought possible until tonight. It had to be a youma, or mutant or something, to do what it had to those poor people at the cemetery.
But as it lurched forward, growling and sniffing the air and zeroing in on my position, I clutched my crystal bunny and began to cry once more.
I was about to use one of my shoes to smash the window of the shop in a last ditch attempt to escape when much to my amazement and surprise, the bunny-shaped crystal talisman pulsed with brilliant pink light. The creature stopped dead in its tracks and looked confused. Tilting its head, the sight almost comical, that was, if one wasn't cowering in a corner of a shop entrance with Kamis knew what bearing down on you.
The youma looked up and swung around. Then I heard it, the cracking concrete as it began to rip itself apart and a cluster of vines, the thickness of a man's leg were punching their way through the pavement and beginning to wind their way around the struggling creature now screaming as the massive razor-sharp thorns en masse shot into its flesh.
Then the vines bloomed into large red roses, beautiful but deadly, especially for this youma.
I began to giggle, I don't know why, but all at once, the whole thing just seemed hilarious. I knew I was getting hysterical but who could blame me?
I felt tears streaming down my cheeks, but this time these were tears of joy. My crystal rabbit shot out a stream of silver light encasing the youma and it slowly dissolved, its death rows chilling.
"Baka! I mean, Mamo-chan!" I sobbed, running towards him.
Mamoru, with a large rose pinned to the lapel of his leather jacket stood a short distance away in somewhat of a daze, staring at the pile of ash where seconds before a monster was held in the grip of powerful magic. As I reached him, hugging him, we stared in awe at the cage of thorny vines, the roses releasing the sweetest perfume. He picked one, the thorns along its stem retracted at a touch, and handed it to me.
I inhaled the gorgeous scent of the most beautiful rose now in my trembling hands. I couldn't speak, nor do much of anything in that moment. I simply kissed the moisten petals. He smiled and placed another in my hair.
"Thank you, Mamoru," I whispered, continuing to stare at him as he smiled back at me. Both of us astonished at this weird turn in events.
"I don't know how I did all that, but this…for the lady," Mamoru bowed.
"Wow, oh Mamoru, you did that…," I whimpered and felt my body go limp as he caught me before I struck the concrete.
Tokyo Hospital
Juuban Prefecture
I stood there a moment, confused, watching men and women in white lab coats, nursing staff with clipboards in hand scribbling away, families piling through the exits after the end of visiting hours was rushing past me, or through me; the sensation was strange and a little upsetting to say the least. I blinked.
"How did I get here? Excuse me, doctor, can you-"
She ignored me. I reached out to grab her arm, frightened now, but my hand moved right through her.
‘Was I dead? I'm freaking out here; somebody… what about Mamoru, my friends and Shingo: what would I do without them, and they me?'
I cried, but tears were not forthcoming. I wiped at my eyes anyway. This place, filled with people seemed empty to me now, the busy atmosphere reminiscent of Tokyo airport.
I felt myself drifting along the corridor, unseen. I was morbidly curious as to why I was here. I couldn't remember. Was I dreaming, or was I really dead this time?
Doctors and nurses said their farewells to one another in the foyer as they clocked on and off for the night.
"Good night Akirina-san, see you in the morning," one called out, slinging her carryon over her shoulder and exited the outpatients section heading for the car park outside.
I followed her out through the glass. Yeah, I thought it worth the effort. Why not, I couldn't hurt myself, besides, it was fun, and I did it three times already.
I walked beside her, waving my hands in front of her face, and jumping up and down on the bonnet of her car, but to no avail. She couldn't see me.
She started the car, and then I saw it, apparently she had too; a huge shadow was sliding over the wall abutting the maternity wing detached from the main building opposite.
The girl strapping the chin-guard of her crash helmet in place, her blonde tresses flowing out from beneath its base, straddling her pushbike on the other side of the road was staring ahead. She had obviously seen the dark scary thing clinging to the façade of the building, too. She was cool and matter of fact as she punched an emergency number into her iPhone.
"Oh mother Amaterasu, help us!" the dark haired woman in the car beside me cried, shaking like a leaf, still trying to jam her car key into the ignition and began to whimper. The inky shadow covering half the building grew larger. "I got to get out of here!" she screamed as she put her foot down on the pedal and sped off down the road, car horns ringing out their protests in her wake.
Standing on the road, bare footed I noticed, and frowned.
‘Wasn't I wearing shoes a moment ago? No matter...'
I looked up at the shadow creature; it actually shone in an eerie kind of way. I thought it pretty, for a blobby shadow that is.
I plunged through the edifice of stone and soon found myself on the fourth floor in seconds; it was so cool.
Rei's Ojii-san was resting quietly, his daughter, Kamui leaning over to peck him on the cheek; I took this all in at a glance.
He opened his eyes. I knew he could see me. He smiled, and then looked to his daughter.
"Kamui," he croaked, gripping her hand so tight she cried out in pain, "Please, leave the hospital as fast as you can. Don't ask me how I know this, but Rei needs you. Save yourself. I cannot explain, no time, trust me and know I love you and Rei, now go!"
"Father, no, what are you talking about, you know we all want to see you come home-"
"Enough child, now leave me!" As he said this, a symbol appeared on his brow, a golden sword; then it was gone.
"I love you father, I…"
"Child, dam nit, go now, before it's too late!"
---
In tears, she moved down the corridor. I followed. She stopped. I could feel it too, a rumble coming from beneath my feet. Kamui rushed down the stairs, and pressed the fire alarm button knowing this would help save lives.
‘Good thinking Kamui, but this is terrible, so many are going to die!'
I felt the first thumping explosion, then the second hit, ripping huge chunks of stone that spun into the night air, these lit up by the streetlights, displaying a kind of grotesque beauty as they crashed into the darkness.
I stood opposite the shattered façade, fire licking the outer walls and the screams, smoke and sirens filled the night as secondary explosions sounding like artillery fire rocked the buildings around me. Then I saw it, a giant mirror above the blazing hospital wing, the slimy blob slipping inside it and it was gone. I cried and covered my eyes, I couldn't cry but I could scream.
Rei's mother was thrown clear of the worst of it, having landed in a group of shrugs that broke her fall. I knelt over her, unable to help. But then my bunny glowed and a shield of pink light enveloped her as the heat flash whooshed overhead. I screamed once more as everything went black.
Sakura Jinja
"Usagi…Usagi! Are you all right?" Ami said her voice tremulous.
I knew it wasn’t a dream. The hospital had been attacked, and Rei's grandfather had been targeted and killed.
"Oh Ami, I have to go to her,” I said, trying to sit up.
She eased me back down. "I know, her grandfather…"
"I saw it in a vision; I don't know the how or why of it. I thought I had died. I was inside the hospital when it happened and then outside. Rei's mom is okay, I was able to save her from the explosions. Oh, Ami, this is so awful!" I broke down in her arms.
Mamoru was at the hospital helping with the rescue effort. I then noticed the little black cat that sat on a nearby chair and cleared her throat. She spoke. "Usagi, I am Luna, it falls to me to guide you on your journey to fulfill your ultimate destiny. You are a senshi, a warrior. I wasn't sure if I had the right candidate at first. But after watching you, I am certain you are the champion of love and justice, the one known in legend as Sailor Moon." She mewed and climbed into my lap.
I wasn't shocked by the fact a little black cat could talk, it seemed natural and familiar and I stroked her soft fur and thought about all that had happened tonight. But why, in the face of tragedy, when we could not save those we loved, had these powers come? If they'd come any sooner, could I have, could we all have, saved Rei's Ojii-san and her father?
As if reading my mind Luna spoke again, "No Usagi, you are not to blame, nor can you save every sentient being from their fate. But know this. He is a great spirit. He will return in a future embodiment. I know its cold comfort, but Rei understands, as much as she is suffering right now, she knows. You must all be ready for what is to come. Our enemies won't rest, and neither should we."
Ami patted Luna's head and added, "You need to rest. She'll be okay. Wait until the morning. We're keeping an eye on her," Ami said, her eyes of sapphire boring into mine.
I was beginning to drift off and fall asleep, but had to ask Luna one more question, "But Luna, how can we-"
"After the service, we must fight. But I fear that Rei may go it alone for a time. Do not try to stop her, help her if you can. She is strong willed, but with you all watching her back, she will be all right. Now, rest, you are weary after your awakening, and so too is Mamoru who have been home asleep if not for the tragic circumstances at Tokyo Hospital."
"Mamoru?" then I remembered the battle against the youma he destroyed with his roses, the awful things I had seen at the cemetery, and passing out in his arms after my bunny crystal helped dust that youma guy. He must have brought me to the Jinja. “Yeah, we just fought together in the Old Quarter.”
“Yes, you are remembering it all now, Usagi, now please, get some sleep.”
“Yes mom,” I grinned and closed my eyes.
