Author's Note::bows very very low to all of her readers:: I'm so very sorry that it's taken this long to finish a new chapter! A lot of things have happened since I started writing this story. For one, I've found out that I'm going to be a mother and that will be taking place in the next week or so. It also hasn't helped that I've moved into my own apartment and haven't been able to afford basic cable much less internet. My computer also died, so I've been working on Martyr as often as I've been able to. Please forgive me::bows again:: Also, if anyone would like to contribute fan art to this fic, it would be greatly appreciated! Anyway, on with the story!
Chapter 5: Anima Mates and Bad Girls and Senshi, Oh My!
Minako and Makoto sighed. Toph and Katara were once again bickering back and forth about how the earth bender should help more about camp; how even the new coming warriors pitched in to help and she could still be bothered to do nothing. It looked horribly familiar.
"Please tell me that that reminds you of Rei and Serenity?" Makoto said in a somewhat bored voice.
The blonde nodded vigorously. "It does. Like the time Rei told her that her fighting stance wasn't right."
"Serenity said Haruka had told her to stand that way and Rei was certain that there's no way Haruka would've ever told her to use that stance." Makoto finished. "They're ridiculous sometimes. That's why I'm not so sure we should get them back together."
"I know what you mean." Minako snickered. "Those two would be worse than this war between the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation."
It was then that a beeping interrupted everything else that was going on in the camp. Hotaru and Setsuna rushed over, recognizing it. Toph and Katara ceased their argument and also joined the four. Sokka paused as he was about to tie the last rigging line down for the tent before actually doing so and hurrying over. Aang deposited the food he'd collected in a safe place and joined them. Minako gave a confused blink at the crowd of people before she activated her communicator.
"Minako here, report."
It was a deeper, more masculine voice that answered. "Have you found the princess yet?"
The blonde sighed as Setsuna answered. "Not yet, Haruka. We've been searching the villages around our camp and are on our way to Ba Sing Sei. What of your progress?"
"We've been traveling with the old general from the wanted posters. He last saw his nephew and Princess Serenity nearly a week ago." Haruka told them.
"We've been tracking them, though, so give us another day." Came a smaller voice.
"Ami!" Minako shouted. "Have you been keeping those two hooligans in line?"
"I've been trying my best. Michiru keeps Haruka in line mostly though." Ami said with a giggle.
"Hey! Who are you calling a hooligan, Minako? As I remember, it was you who convinced the princess to sneak out of the palace the last time to go spy on Seiya, Taiki, and Yaten." A bit harsher voice accused.
"Calm down, Rei. It's just a joke." Makoto covered for her. "We've joined the Avatar. Like Setsuna said, we're headed to Ba Sing Sei. How long will it take you to get there?"
"Iroh had said another week or two by walking. We'll make it there before our month is up."
"I think we'll make it there before you, Michiru!" Hotaru exclaimed. "We're flying on a bison!"
There was an amused giggle before Michiru replied. "Be careful, firefly. You don't want to fall."
"I think we should all be careful." Minako said in serious tone that surprised Aang and the others. "We've encountered the generals that are working for Chaos."
"So have we. They're Sailor Senshi too, are they not?" Haruka replied.
"They are. We've witness how they steal star seeds. They use the bracelets on their wrists to fire strange disks of light that pull the star seed out of the body. Avoid these disks at all costs." Minako explained. "Continue to destroy the phages. They'll cause nothing but problems if we don't. Only the princess can change them back."
"Roger." Haruka said, accepting her orders. "We wanted to touch base before we continued our journey. Haruka out."
Silence hung in the air for a few minutes to allow their exchange of information to sink in. Things were getting worse. If Chaos wasn't stopped soon, then it would become too powerful and then there would be no way to stop it. It was an unspoken signal that they should all turn in for the night. As they were about to do so, Toph gasped in surprise. The others turned to look at her.
"Something's coming toward us!" she cried.
"What is it?" Aang asked, worry written on his features.
"It feels like an avalanche, but also not like an avalanche."
Sokka gave her a bemused look. "Your powers of perception are frightening."
"Should we leave?" Katara asked.
"Better safe than sorry." Aang nodded.
The eight of them quickly moved to break down their camp. When they were done, they all climbed aboard Appa's saddle and prepared for another trip. As they rose into the sky, a great cloud of dust was rise up from the ground.
"What is that thing?" Katara asked, slightly shaken.
A large tank-like object was barreling through trees behind them. Whether it was after them or not, it was probably best in the long run to leave their campsite. It would probably end up to be a long night.
"Well, I can't say that we've been bored on this trip so far." Minako said in a joking manner.
"Minako!" the other Senshi exclaimed.
Even after just a day of riding, something was making Serenity uncomfortable. She'd felt a dark presence since sometime last night and had requested that Zuko keep riding through the night. Looking up at him, he looked a bit tired but never complained. Sighing, she realized that they were going to have to stop and some point and water the ostrich horse.
"Zuko." She said softly, kissing his chin.
"Hm?" he replied, looking down at her.
"I think we should stop and let the horse drink. I'm sure it needs it." Serenity suggested. The ostrich horse chirped in agreement.
As they stopped and Serenity led the horse to a nearby stream, she watched about her warily, as something felt off. An evil presence was startlingly close to them and she figured that the best way to have it emerge was to stop moving. It was as if the fire bender could sense her unease, for when he could be using this opportunity to sleep, he watched her carefully.
"Is there something that's bothering you, Zuko?" Serenity asked, looking at him over her shoulder as she rinsed her hands off in the water.
There was a long period of silence between them before he answered her question. It was as if he was forming his words carefully. "Something's got you upset, Serenity. Otherwise you wouldn't have had us stop after riding all night. Is someone following us?"
The Moon Princess nodded carefully, her eyes darting to the foliage that lay around them. "I sensed a dark aura last night when we left that village and it's been behind us ever since. I'm sure that it's after me."
"It's here now?" the fire bender asked, arching an eyebrow. Just as Serenity nodded her head, a figure came crashing through the bushes, her black leather catching the sun and her cat ears drooping in exhaustion.
"Meow, you're one hard princess to catch. I was sure that I'd stayed back far enough so you wouldn't sense my aura. Oh well. It saves me the trouble of stalking you anymore" the girl said cheerily.
"Who are you?" Zuko demanded, preparing to fight when Serenity placed her hand on his arm to stop him.
"I am Sailor Tin Nyanko! I'm one of the four Anima Mates that loyally serves our master. Now, it's time for me to get the supreme star seed from you princess."
"Celestial Cosmos! Make up!"
Tin Nyanko laughed in an amused manner as she gazed on Serenity's Senshi form. "Well now, you're weird, aren't you? I didn't think the pretty princess was supposed to fight."
"This pretty princess is full of surprises. I can't let you go around hurting more people." Cosmos told her with a determined look on her face. "No more people will die."
"Is that so?" Tin Nyanko asked as she brought her arms up in front of her. "We'll see about that!"
Firing two disks of golden light from the bracelets on her arms, the Anima Mate giggled as she had aimed for Zuko. Cosmos turned to see the lights collide with him, ripping his star seed from his chest. A cry of agony rang through the trees as the Moon Princess looked on in horror. In an instant, she was at his side.
"Zuko!" she breathed in panic, shaking him gently. "Zuko, please. Wake up!"
Cheeky laughter reached her ears. "That won't do, princess." She said, a glimmering red star seed floating above the palm of her hand. "It turns out that he was the carrier of a true star seed. Even if I don't get you, my master will be pleased."
Anger filled her silvery-blue eyes, changing them completely to the color of liquid mercury. Cosmos gently placed Zuko on the grass as she rose to her feet. Her staff appeared in her hand as she advanced on Tin Nyanko. The Anima Mate's gold eyes held amusement in them as she watched her approach.
"What are you going to do; beat me to death with that staff? I don't think so, princess." She said, launching hundreds of gold disks into the air.
Cosmos leapt gracefully away from them, dodging them in an expert manner. She landed mere centimeters from Nyanko, startling her. "I suggest that you hand over that star seed now or your death will not be swift."
"Oh so the little princess can fight. That's cute. Let's see if you can win this star seed."
Launching into battle, the two Sailor Senshi attempted to exchange blows; Cosmos blocking with her staff as Nyanko fought to get her claws around it. The Anima Mate, however, was a bit smarter than that. Crouching down, she knocked Cosmos's feet out from under her, prepared to steal her star seed. The Senshi of balance rolled out of the way, crushing her staff into the bends of her knees, causing Nyanko to cry out in pain and surprise. Cosmos was now on her feet, with the head of her staff jabbed down into Nyanko's chest.
"I suggest that you give me that star seed one more time or I'll do something that I know I'm going to regret."
Tin Nyanko growled as she watched the crimson star seed float into the white senshi's hand. She hissed as Cosmos removed the staff. "I'll be back, princess, you can bet on that."
She watched her disappear before quickly making her way to Zuko. Cosmos bit her lip as she studied his face. He hadn't even seen it coming. She was putting him in danger. His star seed glittered brightly in her hand. Lowering it, the Moon Princess watched it fade back into his body. Zuko gasped for air before groaning in pain. Blinking his eyes slowly, he sat up only to have Cosmos launch herself into his arms, sobbing.
"Serenity, I'm fine now. Don't cry. You saved me." he murmured softly.
She somehow managed to answer him between sobs. "You were almost killed because of me. It's too dangerous to be with me. You have to go, Zuko."
The fire bender tilted her chin up to him and kissed her tears as they fell. "I'm not leaving you. I'll just have to get stronger so I can fight these monsters with you."
Losing her transformation, Serenity had quieted a bit before she nodded. "I don't want to lose you, Zuko. I don't want you to die because I'm not fast enough. Please be careful."
"Don't worry." he replied, tightening his embrace. "You won't."
Since Toph had taken off on her own, they were trying to carry out their plan of giving Appa a good scrubbing and saving the fur so that they could throw the three girls that were chasing them off track. Everyone one was tired except Setsuna. She seemed to be awake. Hotaru had fallen asleep on the grass and she seemed so peaceful that they hadn't wanted to wake her up. Aang, finally gathering up the last of Appa's fur, took to his glider with the bag slung over his shoulder. Minako shook Hotaru awake before turning to her group.
"Okay, Aang may need backup. That's why Makoto and Setsuna are going to follow him on foot. Hotaru and I will stay with Katara and Sokka just in case something goes down here. Henshin for safety. We all sensed the princess's transformation a few hours ago. Stay on your toes and keep you head in the battle. Now let's go, ladies."
The two nodded, transformed, and took off after the Avatar as fast as their legs could carry them. Minako and Hotaru also transformed as they boarded the flying bison's back. It was then that Katara spotted two of the three girls rushing behind them.
"How did they find us?" she exclaimed, directing Appa toward the river.
"They must've noticed the two different paths." Hotaru commented as she watched their oncoming enemies. "They're gaining on us."
"Be glad we henshined, Hotaru." Minako commented back. "We just might need it."
As the flying bison was finally crossing over the water, the young Water Tribe warrior gave a howl in their success. They'd made it to safety. There wasn't anything to worry about any longer. As he looked back over his shoulder to gloat just a bit, his jaw dropped at what he saw. The giant lizards that the two girls were riding had reared up on their hind legs and were running across the water. How would they escape now?
"What are we going to do!" Sokka shouted in a panic. "They've caught up to us! That one has the power to take away bending!"
"You forget, Sokka." Minako told him in a severe tone. "We don't need bending to kick their butts."
Appa slid to a stop on the opposite bank as the two girls were just making their way to them. Minako and Hotaru were already on the ground and ready to fight. Sokka and Katara were beside them, wanting to help. The first girl in pink leapt off of her basilisk lizard and flipped toward the water bender. Katara was successful for the most part in dodging her, when Sokka stepped in. He was well away of what had happened last time. The other girl was content on fighting Minako and Hotaru. Katara soon joined them. As the second girl, Mai, threw several daggers at the young water bending master, Hotaru twirled her glaive gracefully.
"Silent wall!" she shouted. The shield prevented Katara's skin from being pierced by the daggers.
As Tai Li had struck a pressure point in Sokka's shoulder and was moving for a second one, Minako formed an orange chain in her hand and slung it in her direction, hooking the girl and slamming her into Mai.
"Venus love me chain!" she screamed as the two were bound and they all sprinted for Appa. "That should give us enough time to go after Aang!"
Within seconds, the four of them were on Appa's back and sailing off in the direction that Aang had last been seen going. If they were right, the Fire Nation princess was hot on his heels and they'd have very little time to stop her if Setsuna and Makoto couldn't catch them in time.
Toph continued on her chosen path as she huffed at the argument that they'd had earlier. How could they have said that she didn't carry her own weight? Those four girls that had joined them didn't do anything but fight monsters and worry about their precious princess. A rustle in the brush caused her to slam her foot down hard into the ground. A yelp of pain was her reward.
"Iroh! Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine, Ami dear." The man, Iroh, reassured her. It was then that Toph emerged from the bushes.
"Sorry, I thought you were an enemy." She said, aware that three of the five figures before had taken defensive stances.
"It's quite alright, my dear. What are you doing so far out in the forest?"
"I just left my friends behind. I'm on my own now." The girl told them as she looked away with her sightless eyes.
"Why did you leave your friends?" the girl small in stature asked.
Toph snorted as she looked away. "I don't think it's any of your business, but we weren't getting along. We're too different. Besides, I can carry my own weight."
There was a laugh from the other side of her. "You sound like someone else I know. Ne, Haruka?"
A figure that was larger than the rest of them 'humphed' and took a step or two away from them. "Must you always tease me, Michiru?"
"Haruka and Michiru?" Toph said quickly. "You're the ones that Minako was talking to, weren't you?"
The four girls looked at each other before looking back at Toph. "You've been in contact with Minako and the others? Who are you?" Rei asked, flicking her hair.
The Blind Bandit looked apprehensive until Iroh came to her aid. "There is no need for her to tell us who she is. She is traveling with your friends, Rei, that is all that matters. We are closing in on my nephew and your princess. It won't be long until we find them now."
"Your nephew?" Toph asked. "You must be General Iroh from the poster that Minako showed the others."
"I am one in the same. Tell me, my dear, why do you travel alone? Weren't you with your friends?"
The dark-haired girl looked away in an embarrassed manner. "We got in a fight. They wanted me to help them, but I can carry my own weight. Just because I'm blind doesn't mean I can't stand up for myself."
Iroh chuckled as the other Senshi sat around silently. "You sound just like Zuko. Do you know why I am searching for him?"
"Because the princess is with him?"
"That is not the only reason. It is because he needs me, as much as he doesn't like to admit it. I need him as well. We need to take care of each other. That's what family is for. I'm sure being with your friends is no different."
Toph smiled as she rose to her feet, realizing what she had to do. "Thanks, gramps. I need to go find my friends. Those crazy girls have probably caught up to them by now. They might need my help."
As the earth bender disappeared through the forest, Iroh was on his feet in a hurry and ready to move. A look of great displeasure settled onto his elderly features. Haruka scowled at this as she moved beside him.
"What is it, old man?"
"If the girls are who I think they are, then my niece is on the trail of the Avatar. Our paths are going to cross whether we like it or not."
Aang sat waiting patiently in the deserted ruins of a town for his enemy to arrive. Meditating until she got there, the young Avatar thought he'd heard voices not too far away. Cracking an eye open, he saw Setsuna and Makoto approaching him quickly. They had surely set out after he and the girl had. Where was she?
A streak of blue fire caused both Senshi to cry out in surprise as Aang leapt out of the way. A girl with dark hair and the same golden eyes that Zuko had sneered as she made her way toward him. The Senshi lowered themselves into fighting stances.
"It's quite nice of you to practically gift wrap yourself for me, Avatar. This is better than seeing the look of terror on that girl's face that was traveling with my uncle and brother."
Makoto jerked to attention. "You've seen our princess? Where! When!"
Setsuna quickly shushed her, but it was too late. Azula was interested. "So that little girl was a princess, eh? I knew she was much too fair to be a peasant."
Makoto looked away with a scolding look from her superior. She'd blown Serenity's cover and now she was in danger as well. The Fire Princess, however, seemed very pleased with her new discovery, forgetting the Avatar for a brief moment. Aang rose to his feet quickly so that he could be prepared for the oncoming attack, his staff held at the ready.
With a quick flick of her fists, Azula shot blue flames at the two senshi as well as Aang. The young Avatar used his air bending to deflect the attack, Makoto and Setsuna barely moving out of the way. An evil smirk placed itself on her face as she moved forward.
"I don't know what your little princess could possibly see in my dear brother, but I'm sure father would love to know that Moon Princess Serenity has paid this world a visit."
Jupiter, angered, moved forward, the antenna on her tiara extending. "You won't lay a hand on our princess!" she barked. "Jupiter oak evolution!"
Azula used her fire to deflect the electricity as she smiled evilly. "I'm sure you can do better than that."
Using her swift reflexes, the Fire Princess knocked Jupiter aside and headed after Aang. Pluto hauled Jupiter to her feet and moved to follow them through the ruins. The Air Bender was dodging attacks from the left and right as he attempted to escape his attacker.
The blue light in the ruins below attracted both of their attentions. The expression on Zuko's face was one of perplexed anxiety as he watched on. Steering the ostrich horse down the slope, he tried to ignore that Serenity was looking at him in a questioning manner. They were making their way to the ruins. There was clearly a battle going on. As he left the horse a reasonable distance away, Zuko slid off of its back and made his way toward the broken walls. Serenity watched him before climbing down after him.
"Zuko." She called. "What's going on? Where are you going?"
It was a moment or two before he answered. "My sister is here. She's after the Avatar. I've explained to you how important he is to restoring my honor. I can't allow my sister to rob me of my only opportunity."
The blonde stared at him as she lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry, Zuko. I still don't believe that capturing this boy will restore your honor in your father's eyes. I'm not going to tell you to stop, but I can't agree with this. I do want to help in the fight against your sister, though."
Zuko nodded, though he didn't agree. Sending her a cautioning look, the fire bender crept forward into a narrow space between two buildings. "Serenity, I want you to stay low until I give you a signal. It would probably be better if you were transformed. You might take less damage that way."
Serenity was about to protest, but remained silent. She quietly called on her Senshi fuku and stayed crouched down as Zuko prepared to make his move. The Avatar and Azula were very close to them now.
"Do you really want to fight me?" she heard the fire princess ask the Avatar. That was when Zuko leapt out between them.
"Yes, I really do." he said as he stood, throwing his coolie hat away.
"Zuko!" the young boy exclaimed in surprise.
A smirk placed itself on Azula's face as she stared at her brother. "I was wondering when you'd show up, Zuzu. Where's your pretty little friend?"
The Avatar broke into a short fit of laughter. "Zuzu?"
"Back off, Azula! He's mine!" Zuko told her in a definite manner.
"I'm not going anywhere." his sister told him matter of factly.
The three of them began facing off against each other, fire and air attacks flying in all directions. Cosmos calmly waited for her signal where she'd decided that she was going to pull the Avatar out of the fight. He couldn't have been any older than Hotaru from the way he sounded. As she saw Zuko throw to the ground in front of the alley, he gave her a look. She nodded once before darting out of her hiding place and grabbing the young Avatar by his sleeve.
"Come on!" she told him hastily. "We have to get out of here."
"Who are you?" the boy asked her, confusion evident in his gray eyes.
"I'm Serenity. I'll explain later. Right now, we have to get you away from that psycho."
As the two of them raced away from the battle, it wasn't long until Azula noticed their absence. She stepped over Zuko's tired body as she moved after them. A triumphant sneer placed itself on her face seeing that she'd managed to chase them into a corner. The young monk looked around them with worry, trying to look for any alternative to a fight. This adversary was beyond his skill. Even with extra help, he couldn't win. He could only pray that his friends would reach him in time.
"Well, well. I see your appearance has changed a little since I last saw you." Azula said, addressing Serenity. "That doesn't make you any tougher, I'm afraid."
"Don't underestimate me." Serenity said, gripping her staff tightly. "You don't know what I'm capable of."
Lowering herself into one of her bending stances, Azula snorted in very unprincess-like manner. "Frankly, I don't think you're capable of much. You appear to be a weak little girl to me. If you really insist on fighting me, then let's do it. This should be fairly interesting to say the least."
"Aang!" a voice called as Azula launched her attack.
Serenity pushed the boy toward the voice and out of harm's way as she attempted to block the column of blue flames. She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth as the sheer force of the fire caused her heeled feet to slide backward in the dirt. A cough escaped her as she stared down her opponent. She charged forward only to be knocked down by Azula's next move.
"Princess!"
Both Serenity and Azula looked back to see four more figures in fuku rush through the buildings toward them. Serenity's eyes lit up as she recognized them all.
"Venus!"
The Senshi in orange and white did not hesitate to launch her attack. "Venus love and beauty shock!"
Azula used her agility to move out of the way of her attack. The Senshi cried out as it headed straight for Serenity. In a flash of navy and white, the moon princess was moved out of the way. Serenity looked up, her eyes sparkling in happiness.
"Uranus!"
"I couldn't let my little kitten be hurt now, could I?"
As the king of the wind rescued the princess, the other groups advanced on the fire bending princess. Aang was reunited with his friends. Zuko, who was back on his feet, stood with them and joined his uncle. Toph had also joined back up with her friends. The moon princess and her Senshi stood looking on as they backed Azula into a corner.
"Well, look at this. Enemies and traitors all working together. I'm done." she said, raising her hands in defeated manner. "I know when I'm beaten. You got me. A princess surrenders with honor."
In a split second, Azula aimed a shot at Iroh and fired. All four benders aimed their attacks at her, creating a massive explosion. When the dust settled, she was gone. Serenity was already racing toward Zuko and Iroh, who were both on the ground. Panic had covered Zuko's face as he looked to her for some type of help. She grabbed his shoulders in an attempt to make some sense to him.
"Zuko, there are some of us here who can help your uncle if you just let us. Please."
The fire bender was about to give in when he noticed movement behind them. His fists clenched as he prepared to fight. Serenity followed his gaze, but smiled at the figures as they made their way closer and she recognized them. The figure in the middle halted and placed a hand on her hip, a cocky grin spreading her lips.
"It looks like we missed the fight, ne odango?"
Serenity smiled at the pet name that had been given to her. "Fighter."
Well, what do you think? That chapter is a little bit longer than normal, but I wasn't quite sure where to quit but where the episode stopped. Anyway, keep a look out for the next chapter: A Truce and More Senshi-Seiya vs. Zuko!
Aeden