Episode 15 by Lady Dragonspaw
Katrina sat at the lunch table and sighed in exasperation. What on earth was Chrissy arguing about now? Oh no, it looked like she was about to ask Katrina to say something too. Katrina said abruptly, "I haven't been feeling well all day. I'm going to the nurse's office. Okay? See you guys later."
Everyone looked after her with a bit of worry. What was wrong with her? And would this illness affect her fighting ability?
Ana said, "She has been looking ill. She'll probably be sent home. Let's hope we don't have any trouble."
The others agreed.
Later…
Katrina got up and moved over to the tissue box and used one (a tissue). She then took the box and the trashcan closer to where she sat. She had a bowl of vegetable soup beside her and a favorite tape in the VCR. Katrina smiled, this was the best thing about being sick. Shadow even came over and curled up on her lap.
Ring!! Ring!!
Katrina scrambled up, dumping Shadow onto the floor in the process, to get the phone.
"Heddo."
"Hi, is Katrina there?"
"Yeah, that's me."
"Wow you really are sick."
"Okay, who is this?"
"It's I, Mary. We wanted to see how you were doing and I got elected to call you. (A hint of evilness crept into Mary's voice.) Seeing as you've been gone a week and all."
Katrina blinked. That wasn't possible. She'd only been gone today after she went home yesterday… Right? "I've only been absent a day and a half, counting when I went home."
"No. You've been absent a week and a half a day if you count when you went home."
"What?! I can't believe that much time has passed. Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Really sure?"
"Really really sure?"
"Yes! Now stop asking."
"Well okay… How'd today go at school?"
"Fine. No monsters showed up or anything."
Katrina showed what a one track mind she can have when she asked, "Okay… If a week has passed, what is the date?"
Mary sighed in frustration. This was getting pathetic. "I was just messing with your mind. You've only been absent a day and a half. Okay?"
Katrina said, "Well that's good. I should be coming back tomorrow. Tomorrow is Wednesday, right?"
Katrina hears some grumbling over the phone. "What was that?"
"Nothing. Everyone in our group is fine."
Shadow walked over and said imperiously, "Katrina, get off the phone! You need to rest."
Katrina said, "Well, I have to go. Shadow's nagging again."
Mary replied, "I know how that is. Zalla nags me all the time."
From beside Katrina and over the phone there was a chorus of, "I don't nag!" To Shadow's the words "Now get off the phone," were added.
Katrina added in a rush, "Okay, but if there's any senshi trouble let me know. I'm not too sick to fight."
"Okay. Bye."
"Bye."
Katrina went back, sat down, and pushed play. She must of fallen asleep because she was awakened by the beeping of her communicator. Idly she wondered exactly when these appeared.
In the screen appeared Chrissy and Sandy. They both looked very worried, not a good sign. Chrissy started, "You have to get down here! Larfiz is here!"
Sandy added, "Yui, Icesis, and Curtain are fighting him now. We aren't doing that well."
"Yeah, he keeps dodging our attacks the evil a-"
Katrina interrupted her, "Okay, I'll get down there. Where are you guys?"
The two said at the same time, "We're at the park."
"Okay, I'll be right there."
Katrina closed the connection, transformed and started running towards the park.
Meanwhile…
Steve, Tim, Alex, Kyle, Raoul, and Christian were at Kyle's house watching MTV2 when suddenly they had a bad feeling. A few seconds later all but Kyle transformed into their guardian forms. Raoul felt very strange in his gold and red outfit, but somehow he knew this was right and his name was the Gold Rogue. Christian had a similar feeling and knowledge of being the Ice Lord. Kyle felt a little out of place and said, "I'm Sailor Dragonspaw's brother," as an explanation for not transforming like the rest.
They all felt there was trouble in the park, thanks to their 'super' senses and got up and started running toward it…
At the fight the guys and Dragonspaw arrive to see Larfiz taunting the scouts. The girls are panting with anger and exhaustion. Sailor Curtain and Starfire tried to attack Larfiz again but he dodged again. Larfiz was slowing down, but not enough. When they saw the guys and Dragonspaw they perked up. They nodded for Dragonspaw to do her attack. She started… "Cookie Cy… Ah-choo!"
Oh no! She'd sneezed in the middle of the attack. She shook her head and heard Larfiz laughing. He said, "Well, well. So these are the great warriors that have been foiling my plans. How pathetic. My minions must have been weaker than I thought. So now that you are all here I'll show you some of what I can do." Larfiz held his palm open and towards the guys. Then suddenly the guys were gone. All the girls started in shock. Larfiz only smiled.
Yui and Starfire took an angry step forward and shouted, "What have you done with them?"
Larfiz smiled smugly and said, "They are somewhere you can't get them. Today was simply to arrange some details. I'm growing impatient with this game. Meet here in exactly one week and we will resume this fight. If you are at your best and all together it will be so much more fun to destroy you." Then he disappeared.
All the scouts expressed their frustration in their separate ways as did their animal guardians. Until Shadow broke the silence, "We could fly to Tokyo and get the original scouts. They'd be a big help. I'm sure Katrina can go alone."
Amarus stepped into view and said, "I'm coming too. I want to see what kind of people you're going to just let take over the town. Besides wouldn't want to worry that the little princess might run off."
Dragonspaw said, "If you're referring to me I won't run away. I have a brother and we all have friends on the line. Although I did fail them once. I'll make sure that won't happen again. So if Shadow can arrange it we'll leave tonight. Meet me at my house at 7. Everyone else, see what you can do for creating stories to tell the guys' families.
They de-transformed.
Snowy said, "We can take care of that. Can't we guys?"
Reepy said, "Don't worry about it."
Zalla said, "Yeah, I can do a very good imitation of most of their voices."
Emily said, "Meow!"
Bruce said, "I'll look out for Eorpe."
Zalla asked, "Who is that?"
Eorpe answered, "I'm the companion of Ignis Bearnett. It seems Larfiz forgot me. Don't worry, I won't be a hindrance. I probably can imitate the voices Zalla can't."
Ana smiled slightly at the animals and said, "Thanks you guys. Once you get that taken care of I guess all that's left to do is train and recover. And worry… Anyway. Thanks."
The girls wandered off to their separate tasks. (Oh no! Are our characters turning into wimps? Sure hope not.)
At 7 that night
Shadow was explaining how to transform into a dragon to Katrina…
Katrina interrupted, "But why as a dragon?"
Shadow answered, "Because of the wing speed, strength, stamina, and the reflection of radar. Nothing else would get us there that fast and unseen."
Amarus knocked on the door and Katrina let her in.
Amarus said, "I ran into Sandi. She wanted me to tell you that all the guys are covered. Something about some camp I think. Ready to go?"
"Almost. I still have to say good bye to Darby."
Katrina runs upstairs and said, "Darby, I'm going off to my friend's house now. Don't forget it's a slumber party and might run late. Okay?"
Darby said, "Okay. Say, Katrina, you seem a little down beat today. Anything wrong?"
"Nothing I can't fix. Bye!"
With that said Katrina ran outside to where Amarus and Shadow were in the backyard. In the dark you could hardly see them. Katrina felt a strange tugging all over as she transformed into a dragon, yet it also felt like when she transformed into Sailor Dragonspaw. When she was done she opened her eyes and looked down at herself. Her scales were an iridescent white with green highlights and had black scales as well in no particular pattern. She was surprisingly sleek and magnificent although she was easily twice the size of her house. She turned to look at Amarus. She was almost entirely black with blue highlights, except her blue accents. Oddly, or not so oddly, her face and body had the likeness of a cat as well as a dragon. She was also easily twice the size of the house near to them. Katrina started as she noticed that Shadow was talking.
"Katrina! Amarus! We really need to start on our way before you are seen. Katrina lean your head down here so I can ride in your ear."
Katrina thought, "What!?" and Shadow could hear her.
Shadow explained, "I'm small enough to ride in your ear. I've done it before. Now put you head down already."
Katrina did as she was told(it only tickled a little) and the three started off. Katrina's take off was a little clumsy. In fact if it had been any worse she would've fallen on the house and crushed it… That wouldn't be good. Amarus had never forgotten how to fly so she took off fine. Katrina did much better as she remembered how to again, (just like riding a bike).
As they were flying, Katrina mind-spoke to Amarus. (She remembered how to do this as well as flying. It's a nice dragon talent. Aren't they cool? Anyway…)
"Amarus, why do you hate us so much?"
"I'm surprised you ask. I suppose it's because I don't trust any of you."
"How come you don't trust us? We've been nothing but good… as far as I can tell."
"Well… I've had bad experiences with other senshi."
"Really? What happened? I mean, if you want to tell me that is."
"Okay, I'll give you the short version. You and the others were not the first group of dragon senshi I was to work with. The ones I worked with had never seen a feline dragon and didn't consider us real dragons. There are different kinds. You probably don't remember but dragons from each element look slightly different, and the worst of each bunch only considers their kind the only real dragons. These were like this. So in this group I was treated as a second class senshi. They made me fight whenever they were "busy", like brushing their hair. One day I got tired of it and left. I was almost made to go back, but they re-assigned me to this group. This time they made me swear an oath of loyalty to you so I couldn't just leave like I did last time. They'd need to punish me for not doing my duty, so I figure you guys have to be even worse in some way. Only I haven't found what it is yet."
This made a lot of sense to Shadow and Katrina. It explained why Amarus was so standoffish and always trying to fight against them.
Katrina replied, "What if there's nothing wrong with us? Not everyone is unjust, and they must have had an idea of what was going on to re-assign you."
"Well, maybe…"
"I'll tell you what. If you try to be friendlier I'll release you from your oath. So remaining here would be entirely your choice if you did."
"Really? You'd do that?"
"Yes. But it'll have to wait until all this business with Larfiz is settled. However that'll be soon. I hope."
Shadow said, "Sorry to interrupt but that's Tokyo up there."
They landed haphazardly on an empty dark parking lot. Transforming back into humans they felt very excited. They were nearing their objective. Shadow led them first to a snack stand, it was early morning there now. After eating they went in search of the scouts of Tokyo.
Shadow and the girls found Luna sitting on a low wall in front of some house. Shadow said, "Hi, Luna!"
Luna jumped up and exclaimed, "Shadow, what are you doing here? I thought you were in America. And who are these two girls? Oh no! There must be trouble, and it's been so quiet around here too."
They were interrupted when Artemis walked over and sat down next to Luna. Shadow said in a charming voice, "Oh, hi, Artemis. You look handsome today."
Artemis blushed and said, "Thanks."
Luna said, "Don't mind her Artemis. She has a boyfriend."
Shadow jumped up and said, "No I don't."
"Uh huh, tell me another one little cousin. Whenever I talk to you it's always 'Zalla this' and 'Zalla that'! You are so whiskers over tail for him."
"Well that still doesn't make him my boyfriend… Okay, you could put it this way. He's my boyfriend but he just doesn't know it. And don't get so ticked off, I was only being nice to your Artemis. And you're one to talk about how often I talk about Zalla."
Meanwhile the two girls and Artemis had huge sweat drops. Artemis ventured to speak with them as the two cousins continued to argue (in a way oddly similar to how Usagi[Serena] and Chibi-Usa[Rini] do). "Hi. I'm Artemis. What brings you to Japan?"
Amarus was tired of waiting around and got right to the point, "We want the Tokyo senshi to come and help us defeat Larfiz, our current enemy. He stole the guys so we need a real morale boost and… Katrina why else do we want them?"
Katrina struggled to think of why also and said, "Well first morale, and second training, and third… um back up in case we get beat up."
By now Shadow and Luna had stopped bickering and Shadow chimed in, "I doubt that you will need back up. You guys are all very good scouts."
Later…
Serena giggled with happiness as Luna finished explaining to all the inner scouts and Rini who Katrina, Amarus, and Shadow were.
(Now at this point, the more realistic among our readers might question the fact that in Japan they[how unlikely!] speak Japanese, so we'll chalk comprehension up to the fact they have been taught English and dragons can understand every language spoken in a given body/species/whatever)
After everything was explained it was decided that they would all do a big Sailor Teleport to Dementerville, to save on airfare and time. Luckily they ended up in an empty part of the park. After de-transforming they decided that everyone should meet at Amarus' house, mainly because it's empty (no curious family to ask awkward questions and enough space for everyone to cram inside).
Cronus was un-characteristically excited to see Steel Kitty. He'd been worried about her going to Tokyo without him. After looking her over he asked, "Are you okay? How was it?"
Amarus smiled and said, "I'm fine and it wasn't too bad. I'm no longer under oath to stay here."
Cronus sighed and said, "It's bad behavior to pick frights. At least it won't be a big deal anymore."
Amarus said, "Actually I didn't have to fight her. She released me when I asked her to."
Cronus was as surprised as Amarus had been. He was distracted by the arrival of the rest of the Dementerville senshi and their guardians.
Everyone milled around doing nothing when Sailor Jupiter shouted, "Sailor Moon has an announcement so be quiet!"
Silence…
Sailor Moon said, "Ahem, thanks Jupiter. You're a great pal. Okay, now here's how we're going to do this… Um, Mercury what's the plan again?"
Mercury said, "The plan is for us to separate into pairs so we can work with someone with similar powers."
Venus smiled and said, "Okay troops we'll go like birds to slaughter, er- that's not what I meant. Birds to water. Or… whatever fits. Anyway, Sailor Curtain, work with Sailor Jupiter. Sailor Icesis, work with Sailor Mercury. Sailor Dragonspaw, work with Sailor Moon. Sailor Starfire, work with Sailor Mars. Sailor Sandrock, you work with me. Sailor Steel Kitty, work with Sailor Chibi(Mini)-Moon. And um… Sailor Yui. Wait, we seem to be out of scouts. Heh, heh. That wasn't my fault."
A small brunette girl came up behind Venus and tapped her on the shoulder. She then said, "I can work with Sailor Yui. Hello Dementerville senshi. I am Sailor Saturn, the scout of death and rebirth. I may not be similar to her power, but I'll do just fine. That's how it's probably going to be with Sailor Steel Kitty and Chibi-Moon."
After Venus had gotten over her shock everyone started their 'one on one' training. Curtain learned some tactics to enhance her attacks, Icesis learned how to make her own computer thing-a-ma-jig, Starfire learned how to better focus her power, Dragonspaw learned how to unite the group's powers, Sandrock learned how to distract the enemy, Yui learned how to direct what she pulled from the bag a little better, and Steel Kitty learned that Chibi-Moon wasn't that wimpy after all and how to improvise.
After a good day of training, they all sat down to talk about various things. One topic that came up was how Chibi-Usa(Rini) came to be with the group. Sailor Moon pointed out, "You know, you guys are so similar to us. Maybe you have a daughter that'll come back from the future also."
Katrina looked like she was going to faint while Chrissy burst out laughing. Katrina recovered in a few seconds and turned to glare at the still laughing Chrissy.
The next day went like the first, however, they trained in groups and learned new things. Finally the day of the battle came… and it was decided that only the Dementerville scouts would go. The guardians waited at the house and the Tokyo senshi went back to Tokyo after luck was wished all around.
Larfiz was in the park and the guys were no where to be seen. Icesis shouted, "Where are they, you- you- evil messed fool?!"
Momentarily shocked by Icesis' out of character statement the senshi gaped. Larfiz smiled indulgently as he lifted his hand that held something the size and shape of a marble. The ball floated over to one side and grew to reveal that it contained all the missing guys.
The scouts all did their individual attacks and although they managed to actually hit Larfiz this time he was only slowed down. Each scout was sweaty, scraped, and bleeding. It was time for them to unite their powers and dust Larfiz.
"Icesis Power!"
"Curtain Power!"
"Sandrock Power!"
"Yui Power!"
"Steel Kitty Power!"
"Starfire Power!"
"Dragonspaw Power!"
Their powers did that cool swirl thing that happened in the fight against Queen Beryl/Metallica.
There was a BIG boom and everyone ended up on the ground. There was a happy re-uniting for all. Plenty of hugs! As well as the discovery that Eorpe could leap into his friend's, Alex's, hands.
Later...
Katrina had just stopped by her locker when she saw Max coming toward her. She asked, "What's up?"
Max looked down and said, "I'm moving."
"What?! Where?"
"Arizona. My dad got a job transfer. I wanted you to know that even though I'm moving I won't tell anyone your guys' secret. Oh, I have one last tip. It seems some guy is coming, and he has all the patients getting progressively worse."
Katrina said, "Thanks for telling me. I hope you like it in Arizona."
Max smiled and said, "I hope so too. I'll sure miss seeing the scouts in their mini-skirts and the cool monsters."
Katrina ignored that comment on the mini-skirts and said, "At least you're moving at the end of the year. It'd be horrible if it was the middle of the year."
Max turned to leave and said one last thing, "Have fun your sophmore year!"
"Thanks."
Katrina went down to the cafeteria and looked at all her friends eating. They were happy and animated as usual. She didn't notice Steve spot her. She turned and nearly jumped out of her skin when she noticed Amarus standing beside her. Katrina said, "Oh yeah. I said I'd release you. Okay. I, Sailor Dragonspaw, formally release Sailor Steel Kitty from her vow. That work?"
Amarus smiled, first real one we've seen possibly, and said, "Yes. That's enough. Thanks. C'mon. We're missing lunch."
Katrina went to the table and sat down and everything went back to normal. Katrina had seemingly forgotten all about the warning. Maybe Max should have told someone else the news before he left. Only the guardians wondered if this peace was only temporary.
The End of the first season!
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