Episode 18

Part 3

As I said before, I headed west for the palace. It was quite far from the town, so I did purchase some food and water, and some other essentials incase something were to happen. I did know that a huge battle was about to begin any day. The thing is, I did not know when it was going to start.

As I started for the Royal Palace, I noticed that everything was so quiet. There was nothingness between the town and the palace. It seemed that everyone else knew that something was going to happen. I did not encounter anything as I traveled.

When I finally arrived, I found that the palace was heavily guarded all over. I was not too sure if I could get in and tell my story.

***

Inside a dimly lit room, Kyuuichirou stares outside of his window looking at the earth.

Kyuuichirou: I cannot do what Queen Serenity asks… I came here to help fight Queen Beryl, I know that it's my duty… I must protect our world

Kyuuichirou turns away from the window and walks toward the door, across from the room. As he turns the knob, he hears a scream.

Kyuuichirou: trouble!

Guards in the palace begin to scatter to the direction of the scream.

Guard: it's coming from that girl's room!

Kyuuichirou watches as the guards run across the hall in front of him. As the hall clears, Kyuuichirou steps out and listens. Suddenly, short bangs go off and men begin to scream. Kyuuichirou begins to run to the scene. After a short time, he finds guards on the floor, moaning.

Kyuuichirou: what happened?

Guard: {groan}

Kyuuichirou: it must be some kind of monster… I better be careful myself

Guard: don't… go…

A girl down the hall begins to scream loudly.

Guard 2: you… {cough} got to… help her…

Kyuuichirou: right

Kyuuichirou quickly makes his way through the hallway full of badly wounded men.

Kyuuichirou: this must have been a monster Beryl sent… I can sense evil intentions too

At that point, Kyuuichirou catches up with the monster.

Kyuuichirou: I can see it's shadow… it seems pretty big

The girl gives out another blaring scream.

Monster: be quiet!

Girl: no!

Kyuuichirou: [at least the girl seems fine] …hey monster!!

The monster suddenly freezes and turns around. It begins to walk slowly toward Kyuuichirou.

Kyuuichirou: I can sense how powerful this thing is… but there are more that one powers that I can sense

Monster: don't waste my time, boy

In front of Kyuuichirou is a dark blue colored, 7'5' tall robot. This mechanical being is also known as, A-51. Kyuuichirou marvels at the shiny creature.

Kyuuichirou: [this is a strange looking monster]

A-51: so, don't just stand there and stare, cower in fear!

Kyuuichirou: let the girl go!

A-51: heh, no one will learn

A-51 points his right arm at Kyuuichirou. The robot's ruby eyes shine in anticipation. A large gun shoots out of his forearm and he fires a shot at Kyuuichirou. Kyuuichirou bats the bullet away with his index finger.

A-51: what in the hell?

Kyuuichirou: let the girl go, now!

After some hesitation, A-51 quickly fires another bullet at Kyuuichirou's head. Then, Kyuuichirou catches the bullet right in front of his face with both of his hands.

A-51: [can this be him? Yes… it must be… who else could do such a trick?]

Kinoko: stop making all that noise and let me go!!!

At that point, A-51 tosses Kinoko to the side and stares at Kyuuichirou.

A-51: so… you are the one I'm looking for

Kyuuichirou: did Queen Beryl send you?

A-51: heh, no, someone even more powerful sent me

Kyuuichirou: who?

A-51: you don't have to know, because you will not live to see him

Kyuuichirou: you will not defeat me

Kinoko looks at Kyuuichirou. She remains knelt down on the floor, listening to what the two enemies have to say. And at that time, Kinoko remembers a faint memory.

((

Woman's voice: you must find him and protect him

Other voice: they have sent someone after him… if they get to him first, then all is lost… you must find him before they get him

))

Kinoko: this monster… [then, I'm supposed to protect this guy? But why? I just can't remember]

A-51: heh heh heh, when you are gone, the universe will cower under the rule of the Master

Kyuuichirou: I have no idea what you are talking about

A-51: hm… YAA!

A-51 charges straight for Kyuuichirou. As the robot prepares to attack, Kyuuichirou stands still watching A-51 race toward his direction. The robot pulls a black sword out of nowhere as he rushes to Kyuuichirou. Just as the robot gets closer and closer, A-51's evil red eyes glow brighter and brighter in excitement. Kinoko watches breathlessly as A-51 shoots straight for the seemingly unprepared Kyuuichirou. When the robot reaches his destination, he rises his sword and quickly swings the blade at Kyuuichirou's calm face. Kinoko quickly covers her face in fear. She can feel her heart beat madly. It was as if she was the one who was going to be attacked. Kyuuichirou watches calmly as the robot swings the blade downward. And with little effort, Kyuuichirou raises his hand and catches the sword in his hand just before he is hit.

A-51: grrr… impossible

The presumably strong monster puts his other hand on his sword and uses all his force to push the sword down on Kyuuichirou. Kyuuichirou remains as calm as ever. His one hand still handles the sharp edge of the blade.

A-51: [this can't be! I'm using all my power! And his hand isn't even bleeding!]

Steam begins to extract from the robot's body. And a buzzing noise begins to emit from A-51's body.

A-51: [he doesn't even seem scared! And it looks like he's not putting any effort into this! He can't be that powerful!]

Kyuuichirou: why don't you just give up? You will only lose if you try to fight

A-51 pulls back and the sword disappears from his hands. Kinoko still has her hands over her face and she remains still.

A-51: I'll be back… and next time I won't be so nice… you might see this little girl's blood on my sword next time we fight…

Kyuuichirou's calm face slowly turns into an enraged state. A-51 then quickly disappears.

Kyuuichirou: I'm sorry that this had to happen miss

Kyuuichirou walks toward Kinoko and then he kneels down next to her. He slowly puts his hands on her soft wrists. She hesitates as he slowly touches her wrists. Then as he pulls her cold hands away from her face, Kinoko opens her eyes.

Kinoko: …

Kyuuichirou: everything will be ok… it's over now

Kinoko: I thought… I thought…

Kyuuichirou: shh…

Kyuuichirou begins to soften his voice. He begins to lift her.

Kyuuichirou: you are frightened, I'll take you to your room

Kyuuichirou walks slowly down the hallway with Kinoko in his strong arms. Kinoko looks up at Kyuuichirou.

Kinoko: [maybe… this is a dream… but is it good or bad? Maybe… it was a sign]

Kyuuichirou finally arrives at Kinoko's room. Inside, the windows are smashed and pieces of glass are everywhere on the floor. There is a slight drift blowing the silk curtains, slowly flapping. Kyuuichirou heads for Kinoko's bed. He slowly sets her slender body onto the bed and then he covers her with the soft blankets that lay across the bed.

Kinoko: thank you…

Kyuuichirou: just rest… there's no need to speak

At that moment, palace guards head into Kinoko's room.

Guard: where is it?

Kyuuichirou turns around and looks at the guards.

Kyuuichirou: it's gone

Guard 2: where did it go?

Kyuuichirou: I do not know, it just disappeared

Suddenly, Queen Serenity walks into the room and heads toward Kinoko's bed. The Queen looks at Kyuuichirou.

Queen Serenity: what happened?

Kyuuichirou: a monster attacked this girl, your highness

Queen Serenity: did you save her?

Kyuuichirou: yes, your majesty

Guard: what?! From what I was told, all the guards around this area could not even touch the monster!

Queen Serenity: but this young man was able to? Maybe I misjudged you… please forgive me

Kyuuichirou: your highness… I'm sorry that I disobeyed you

Queen Serenity: what was your name again?

Kyuuichirou: my name is Kyuuichirou… Deki Kyuuichirou

Queen Serenity: Deki…

The queen begins to stare into space, holding both of her hands together.

Kyuuichirou: is something wrong your highness?

Queen Serenity: hm… no, nothing is wrong… is Kinoko ok?

Kyuuichirou: yes your highness, she is, she is just a little scared

Queen Serenity: the poor thing… soldier, will you protect her and the other princesses?

Kyuuichirou: yes your majesty

Queen Serenity: we will cancel the banquet and ball for now… we must get Kinoko a new room, one close to the other princesses… Kyuuichirou, you will have to remain by their side at all time… I do not want anyone to get hurt

Kyuuichirou: yes, your majesty

The queen leaves the room and the guards follow. Maids begin head into the room.

Kyuuichirou: …

***

I was trying to find the entrance, but then I noticed something heading my way. As it got closer, I saw who it was.

Beano: …it's him!!

I ran as fast as possible toward what was coming my way. I knew that it was the monstrosity.

Beano: stop right there

The monster stopped. It stared straight at me with it's glowing red eyes.

A-51: Beano…

Beano: hm

A-51: how did you find me?

Beano: it was luck

A-51: heh, so when where you able to time travel?

Beano: one of the Sailor Senshi sent me here

A-51: those damn Senshi…

Beano: let's end this here, I want to destroy you and finish my mission

A-51: I will kill the second chosen one, and the future will be preserved for the future

Beano: what do you mean?

A-51: the Holy Light will not appear if the second chosen one isn't there

Beano: Holy Light? What is that?

A-51: it's all in the future

Beano: well, I will not allow the Master to capture the second chosen one… and I will not let you kill him

I pulled my sword out. I was ready to face off with the monstrosity. But he refused to fight. It was not right, he should have excepted.

A-51: I have no time for you

Then, he disappeared. I could not sense his presence at all. But then, I was confused. What was the Holy Light? And what does it have to do with the second chosen one? He said it had something to do with the future. It did not make sense at the time, but I was sure that I would figure it out sooner or later. So, I decided to head for the palace. And then something hit me.

Beano: wait a minute… he came straight from the palace… did he just attack… oh no

Then I ran straight for the palace. There were no guards around, so I was able to make it to the front door of the palace. And then, I met up with the guards.

Guard: hey, who are you?

Beano: I, sir, am a soldier from the kingdom of Jupiter, my name is Beano

Guard: are you really from Jupiter?

Beano: yes sir

Guard: who were you sent by?

Beano: I was sent… by, uh… well I was sent by many people… but I need to speak with the Queen immediately

Guard: what for?

Beano: about that black monster that just came through here!

Guard: you know something about that monster?

Beano: I know a lot about that monstrosity

Guard: …ok, I'll trust you

I was relieved when I was told that I could come in. The Queen came immediately after she heard about my story. I met her at the thrown room and was ready to tell her everything I knew.

Queen Serenity: so, what do you know about this monster?

Beano: your highness, I know that this monster was sent by a man who goes by the name of "the Master"

Queen Serenity: is that it?

Beano: no, your highness, this monster was sent here from the future

Queen Serenity: is that so?

Beano: yes, your highness, and, the Master is also known as "the evil spirit" during this time

Queen Serenity's eyes widened. She looked at the guards around her.

Queen Serenity: I need to talk to this man alone

The palace guards headed out the door. And then, it was the Queen and I. She slowly lifted herself off her throne and started to pace around.

Queen Serenity: so… you know about the evil spirit too?

Beano: I only know a little about this, your highness

Queen Serenity: what do you know?

Beano: I know, that at this time, most of the inner planets in the solar system, except for earth, might have already been taken over by the evil sprit

Queen Serenity: what? That cannot be true!

Beano: I spied on the Master in the future, he told the whole story many times

Queen Serenity: so… I guess the evil spirit was even more powerful than we anticipated

Beano: but the chosen one did defeat the evil spirit

Queen Serenity: chosen one?

Beano: yes, the chosen one, the warrior who was created to stop this evil

Queen Serenity: yes… so he does do it

Beano: who does what, your majesty?

Queen Serenity: we do not call him "the chosen one" though, we did not give him a name

Beano: …in the future, he calls himself Myk

Queen Serenity: that is interesting…

Beano: your highness, may I ask how the chosen… I mean, how he was created?

Queen Serenity: yes… a man came to me, he told me of an evil sorceress who was a part of the Dark Kingdom. She created a powerful evil being before Queen Beryl waged war. Together, the man and I created a warrior who would stop this being. This warrior has the power of the Silver Crystal

Beano: are you the mother of the warrior?

Queen Serenity: no… but I would have to say that his mother would be the Silver Crystal

Beano: who was the man who told you about this?

Queen Serenity: I can not tell you, I promised this man that I would not reveal his identity

Beano: I have another question, your highness

Queen Serenity: what is it?

Beano: did you create a second warrior?

Queen Serenity: no… I did not… now, I have a question for you

Beano: yes your majesty?

Queen Serenity: do you know about a girl named Kinoko?

Beano: no, your majesty

Queen Serenity sat back down on her throne. She did not seem to show any emotion at all. She was not happy or sad.

Queen Serenity: you said you were from Jupiter, right?

Beano: yes, that is correct your majesty

Queen Serenity: are you a part of their army?

Beano: I used to be, your majesty

Queen Serenity: would you like to be a part of mine?

Beano: I… I would gladly accept… but, I can not

Queen Serenity: why not?

Beano: I already have a mission… to find and protect the second great warrior, the first great warrior told me to

Queen Serenity: is it that important?

Beano: the great warrior was told to tell me to protect the second great warrior

Queen Serenity: by who?

Beano: he said it was a voice in a vision he had… the creator of the great warrior… told him to ask me to search for the second great warrior. So that means, that you told him, in the future, to ask me to find the second great warrior and protect him

Queen Serenity: …I see

Beano: I will find him and protect him for the sake of our future

Queen Serenity: may I ask for a favor though?

Beano: yes, your highness?

Queen Serenity: we need to protect the princesses of our solar system, who are in this palace, from that monster who is roaming around this area

Beano: I will gladly accept that mission… but I will not forget my main objective

Queen Serenity: good… I will show you where you will be staying

The Queen took me to a room close to where the princess' rooms were. She told me that I would be helping someone else protect the princesses. I think fate played an interesting role in this part.

Queen Serenity: Beano, this is Kyuuichirou

Beano: it is good to meet you

Kyuuichirou: it is a pleasure to meet a soldier from the great army of Jupiter

Queen Serenity: I am glad that you both are already getting along… please, feel free to walk around the palace, I will call on you if you are needed

And then she left.

Beano: you sure seem a bit young to be doing something like this

Kyuuichirou: do you think that I am not able to protect the princesses?

Beano: heh, I used to be like that when I was young… I still act like that at this age too

I had no idea that I was standing right in front of the second great warrior. He was right under my nose.

***

Kinoko still lays asleep on the floor of Rei's guestroom. Outside, drops of rain begin to fall from the sky. The sound of rain pattering on the roof of the building can be heard as the rainfall begins to develop. Kyuuichirou looks outside for a moment and then looks at Beano.

Beano: that was the first time I met you Kyuuichirou

Kyuuichirou: but I don't remember anything about that

Beano: of course, no one does, except for myself

Usagi: so you met my mother?

Beano: yes I did

Usagi: wow

Rei: what about Kinoko?

Beano: just a minute, let me think

***

Kyuuichirou and I were wandering around the palace. I was very excited. Not many people from my planet get a chance to visit this palace. I was talking with Kyuuichirou as we walked down the hallways.

Beano: so, how old are you?

Kyuuichirou: I'm only sixteen

Beano: what!? And you're in this army? I thought you would at least be nineteen

Kyuuichirou: don't let my age fool you though… it does everyone else

Beano: hm… well, you actually look a little older than you are

Kyuuichirou: thank you

Beano: heh, you must be very skilled then

Kyuuichirou: I try my best, no matter what the situation

Beano: you sound confident

Kyuuichirou: I always am, even if my enemy is stronger than I am

Beano: heh… so, why did you get yourself mixed up with this?

Kyuuichirou: well, I have a couple of reasons

Beano: do tell

Kyuuichirou: hm… well, I believe the first reason is my mother

Beano: really? Why?

Kyuuichirou: I don't want this war to destroy everything… I want it to stop before it goes too far… I don't want it to set foot in my hometown… I love my mother dearly, so I must protect her

Beano: hmm… and what is your second reason?

Kyuuichirou: I think that fate is calling me here… it does sound a bit foolish, but I think that something big in my life is going to happen here

After I found out that Kyuuichirou was the second great warrior, I thought that what he said had more meaning. Why did he go to the moon? And what if he didn't go?

***

Makoto continues to march up the seemingly endless flight of golden stairs. She is determined to find the exit to the tower.

Makoto: do these stairs end?

The Voice: yes

Makoto: where? Am I close?

The Voice: no

Makoto: that isn't helping!

The Voice: I'm not supposed to give you answers, remember?

Makoto: you told me that hours ago… I think… what is today?

The Voice: that is not used here, you are dead, you there is no such thing as time and even if there was time, a second could mean eternity

Makoto: well that makes my day… or second or whatever this is

Makoto continues to run, now knowing that time does not exist.

***

The rain outside pours like a fountain of water, hitting what ever is in sight. Kyuuichirou sits next to Kinoko, who still has her eyes shut. Her whole body seems lifeless, as if death had come over her too.

Kyuuichirou: I feel something strange when I get close to Kinoko… it's an eerie feeling

Rei: what?

Minako: what are you talking about?

Usagi: huh?

Beano: what is it Kyuuichirou?

Kyuuichirou: I don't know…

Rei: hmm… what if Kinoko is trying to tell you something

Kyuuichirou: how?

Rei: E.S.P.

Usagi: but Kinoko is still out cold

Ami: what if? What if she isn't?

Usagi: you mean, she isn't asleep?

Beano: what if someone cast a spell on her?

Usagi: oh no! Kinoko and Mako! WHY???!!

Rei: be quiet Usagi!

Usagi: what?

Kyuuichirou: hmm… Beano, tell us more of your story

Beano: what about Kinoko?

Kyuuichirou: maybe that feeling is just chills… it is raining, so the temperature is dropping

Usagi: you got us all worked up over something like that, Kyuu-chan? That is not like you

Rei: shut up…

Beano: (interrupting) anyway, the monstrosity did not come back, but I knew he was going to sneak up when our guard was down… I wished that I knew when our guard was going to be down the most… it was not during the night… and it sure was not during the day…

***

Queen Serenity then had a special announcement.

Queen Serenity: it was cancelled thanks to an intrusion, but it has been scheduled for tomorrow. Tomorrow night, we will have our ball!