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Chapter Text

Part 1 SAILOR MOON X PERSONA 5: Web of Shadows

ACT I: AXE TO GRIND

Prelude:

Professor Tsyuchia scanned her keycard and descended a winding stairwell to reach the forbidden chamber. She reached into her designer handbag and switched on a flashlight, illuminating the dark recesses of the Mugen Academy’s basement. Her heels clicked on the tile, echoing throughout the eerie hallway with each wobbly step she took. How some women walked in these things boggled her mind. The tiny hairs on the back of her head stood on end when she could have sworn she saw something race across the poorly lit path. No, that was not possible. A lot of time had passed since she, or anybody else, had come down here. Access to the basement remained strictly prohibited ever since the tragic incident that befell her mentor, Professor Tomoe, over three years ago. Nobody should be down here apart from her and maybe a few mice. Ghosts and demons did not exist, according to modern science. All these rumors surrounding the famous professor were slander and lies exaggerated by his rivals, meant to discredit his line of work. Pure fantasy.

Despite her admiration for Tomoe, she hoped his sudden retirement would give a jolt to her career at the Academy, propelling her through the ranks in the science and technology department in his absence. But she had hit a frustrating plateau, struggling to get noticed by her peers and colleagues at the Academy, even getting passed up for a recent promotion to director of her department. She couldn’t find a date, and when she did, they went nowhere. Her life felt trapped in a monotonous cycle of work with no hope for the future, and she wasn’t getting any younger. The sheer concept of turning forty soon fueled her anxiety even further.

Now was time to move on to greener pastures and create a new name for herself. Tsyuchia flipped the script, ditching her plain and boring old self for a persona a bit more exciting. After spending a full day at the salon, her stylist had dyed her hair red, offered much needed makeup lesson, and helped pick out a wardrobe with the most expensive brand names and these uncomfortable shoes she struggled to walk in. Her new look garnished much attention, but her time at Mugen was over. She had recently returned from a successful interview, accepting a position as the director of a top-ranked university in Osaka, Japan. This was the next step in her career that she strived for. An opportunity to prove that all those who had ignored her at Mugen were wrong.

Although she was highly confident in her abilities to excel in her fresh role, a bit of doubt had crept into her after taking the job. A nagging insecurity that had led her into the forbidden basement on her last day employed at Mugen Academy. She placed the flashlight down on the tiled floor after spotting what she was after: the remains of Professor Tomoe’s controversial research from his doomed laboratory. What better way to begin in her career than presenting something extraordinary to her new associates in Osaka? Perhaps she could use her mentor’s old work. A forgotten development that she could expand upon, bringing her more fame and renown within the scientific field.

She tore open the first dusty box she found, but it contained nothing but old paperwork and scribbled notations she couldn’t even decipher. Her flashlight rolled away as she dug into the next bin. This one was more to her liking, full of gadgets and gizmos that hadn’t seen the light of day in quite some time. She reached for the flashlight to get a closer look at the contents, but accidentally kicked it with her fancy shoe. The flashlight rolled away, casting a shadow of an ugly behemoth against the far wall.

“Just a spider.” Tsyuchia grimaced in disgust after spotting the critter scurry across the floor. Her eyes must have been playing tricks on her. She squished the tiny arachnid with the ball of her foot and retrieved the flashlight to calm her apprehension.

A sudden hiss snared her eyes towards the ceiling. Her jaw dropped in utter terror after spotting the creature, but she had no time to scream before it was on her, wrapping her body with sticky webbing that bound her limbs together. The flashlight slipped from her limp fingers, plunging the basement into total darkness as a demon sank its sharp teeth into her flesh and dragged her away.

Chapter 1:

Rei Hino dumped a pile of paperwork onto her desk. A staggering amount of pink letters and envelopes spilled across the cluttered furniture. She shut the screen to her bedroom so that no one could disturb her, especially her boyfriend. The grumpy shrine maiden sighed, scooping the fallen bills and past due notices. She flipped through them one by one, separating each based on their urgency. Where could she even begin?

Minako had assumed her internship at Channel 6 News and enjoyed outstanding success. Every night, Rei watched her friend broadcast the New York morning news alongside her former mentor, April O’Neil. Her skills on camera were apparent, and her popularity grew with each second she graced the TV screen. Thousands of fans followed her on social media. She even had one of those blue check marks on her profile. Girls around the world envied her and countless boys wanted to date her. Minako got to live her dream, becoming an idol with all eyes on her. A true star in the making.

Although she was happy for Mina, she couldn't stop feeling jealous. She wondered what would've happened had she stayed in the Big Apple for the rest of the summer as originally planned instead of leaving the internship on a whim. One thing was for certain: the shrine would've permanently closed had she not returned when she did. Her arrival was both a blessing and a curse in that regard.

Instead of enjoying the serenity of the temple after her hectic trip, Rei didn’t have a moment of peace since coming home early. Between her grandfather’s mismanagement, and her boyfriend’s reckless decision to charge two expensive plane tickets to the shrine’s account, the temple had fallen into massive debt and disrepair. She had spent the last few weeks making phone calls to various banks and institutions, hoping to secure a grant or loan to save the failing property. The dire situation had led to resentment, putting a strain not only on her relationship, but on her friendship with Usagi as well. College began in a few days and if she did not devise a solution soon, she would have to consider postponing her academic endeavors for the year. The notion of putting aside her studies left her bitter, shunning her boyfriend and ignoring Usagi’s constant calls and texts. She refused to let this problem affect her career ambitions, especially after giving up the internship in New York. Why couldn’t she find the balance she hoped for?

“I’ll fix things.” Yuuichirou had promised her multiple times a day for weeks on end until she had to silence him. “I swear it on every fiber of my being!”

His false hope and blind optimism irritated her even further. How could the quirky priest possibly help? Yuuichirou created this mess in the first place! After professing their love for one another, the couple had barely spent any time together despite both living at the temple grounds. The financial troubles consumed her and things had gotten awkward between them. With the summer ending and her imminent return to university life, their relationship felt lifeless. She could never forgive him if the shrine closed, even though a piece of her longed to move on from this place. An unexpected knock on the door startled her, taking her attention away from the bills and back to her hopeless romance.

“Go away!” Rei snapped, assuming the bothersome apprentice disrupted her. “I’m busy!”

“Rei!” a high-pitched voice greeted her instead. “It’s me! Open up!”

“Wait! You don’t have an appointment scheduled!” Yuuichirou raced down the hall to stop the unwelcome guest from intruding. “Do not disturb Miss Hino! She is tending to important matters!”

“Best friends don’t need appointments!” Usagi tugged at the screen before the priest grabbed her wrist. “Let me in!”

“Hey, I can’t even get one, and I’m her boyfriend!” The two wrestled for control of the handle before Rei slid the screen open. They tumbled into her room, sprawling onto the floor. Yuuichirou grabbed at Usagi’s feet, trying to drag her out of the dwelling, but she squirmed out of his grip, losing both of her socks. He tripped onto the desk, bumping into the stack of papers. Letters and notices flew throughout the room like a whirlwind, ruining the organized pile. Now she would have to go through every single one again to put them back in order, wasting more time that she did not have.

“LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE!” Rei’s face flushed as she looked at the mess. “GET OUT!”

“Yes, Ma’am!” Yuuichirou scrambled out of the room in fear of his girlfriend’s wrath. The bumbling priest fled like a frightened cat, not even looking at his beloved. He knew he had screwed up and did not want to anger her. It was the last thing he wished to happen, yet nothing he did seemed to please her lately. In fact, everything he did had the opposite effect. He felt her love slowly slipping away, now turned to scorn and ridicule. Their wonderful time in New York felt like a distant memory.

“What do you want?” Rei towered over Usagi, boiling in rage with her hands on her hips.

“I’m so sorry.” Usagi picked up her socks and scurried out of the room. Papers crinkled under her bare feet. “I’ll make an appointment to come see you before you go back to the University if there’s still time. There’s something I need to tell you.”

“Wait.” Rei sighed, stopping her friend dead in her tracks. “Don’t go.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 2:

“Ahh! This curry is simply divine!” Yusuke commented, stuffing his mouth full of rice. The rail thin art student sat at a booth amongst his friends in the outdated eatery, devouring the steamy meal with gusto. “Such indelible flavor assailing my taste buds at every angle. A true masterpiece of the culinary arts. I commend you, boss! You are a curry and coffee virtuoso!”

“I’m glad you enjoy it.” Sojiro, the owner of Cafe Leblanc, took away the dish the young man had licked clean and placed it into the sink. “I have plenty more if you’d like another helping.”

“That would be most appreciated.” the artist bowed his head low with gratitude, showing his high respect to the curry master. Every chance he got to eat here was a blessing from heaven, especially considering he could not afford such superior quality of gourmet on his own. “I shall savor every last morsel.”

“Hey, you know this food ain’t free, Inari!” Futaba removed her headphones and thrust her finger accusingly over the table. “This place can barely afford to cover the rent. You are going to put us out of business!”

“It’s fine, Futaba!” Sojiro grunted, dismissing the notion. He would never take money from the phantom thieves after all they’ve done for society, even if he was struggling to make ends meet. “So, who wants some coffee? I’m brewing a fresh pot of my finest dark roast blend, imported from Brazil.”

“I’ll take a cup, boss!” Ryuji waved from atop a wobbly barstool. He dressed like he rolled out of bed five minutes ago, wearing black cargo shorts and a bright yellow graphic t-shirt that matched his messy head of dyed hair.

“Coming right up.” The cafe owner poured his guest a cup and placed it on a saucer, along with some milk and sugar, on the side.

“Does anybody know where our guest of honor is at?” Ryuji emptied several packets of sugar into his drink before taking a big gulp. “I’m tired of waiting.”

“You are the last person on earth who should drink coffee.” Ann stole the cup and took a sip of the piping hot liquid, savoring its aroma. If only there were some sweets to go with it. She had put much more effort into getting ready for this surprise party than the teen sitting next to her at the bar. After waking up extra early to bake a cake, she went to get her hair, makeup and nails done for the special occasion. She wore a red, low-cut blouse and a pair of tight denim shorts that showed off her legs to a catch a particular guy’s attention. Too bad he didn’t even put in a fraction of the effort she had to get ready. She doubted he even took a shower this morning. “You are hyper enough without caffeine.”

“Hey, why’d you do that for!” Ryuji grabbed for the cup back, splashing the brown liquid near Morgana who napped peacefully on the oak countertop.

“Watch it, you numbskull!” the feisty feline hissed, jumping into the girl’s lap to avoid the spilled coffee as if it was lava. “That’s no way to treat a lady! Show lady Ann more respect!”

“What?” Ryuji snapped, jumping off the stool in a fit of rage. “She started it, you stupid cat!”

“I AM NOT A CAT!”

“That’s why he doesn’t have a girlfriend.” Ann scratched the furry feline under his chin, much to his delight. “He doesn’t understand girls like you do, Morgana!”

“MEE-YOW!” the cat tilted his chin upward to mock Ryuji as she caressed his fur, savoring every second of her affection.

“For real?” Ryuji bristled in jealousy as the cat purred from the touch of her soft fingers. “Comparing me to that flea ridden fur-ball?”

“WHY YOU…” Morgana raised a paw, ready to scratch the one who dared insult him in front of lady Ann.

“If anyone has fleas here, it’s you Ryuji!” she stuck out her tongue.

“Oh, my gosh! Ren texted me!” Haru announced, to put an end to the quarreling. “They just arrived at Yongen-Jaya Station. We need to get ready!”

“This party is going to be sick.” Ryuji gulped the rest of his coffee before Ann could take it away.

“Indeed.” Yusuke nodded. “I am quite looking forward to the fine cuisine.”

“Of course you are, Inari.” Futaba shook her head. “I don’t know how you stay so damn skinny the way you eat. Starving artist my butt!”

“Here they come!” Ann beamed after spotting the couple through the window. “Everyone hide!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 3:

“You forgot about our double date.” Usagi helped pick up all the papers that had fallen on the bedroom floor, noticing that many of them bore bright red stamps that read “FINAL NOTICE” or “PAST DUE” in bold lettering.

Usagi had carried on about how she craved a slice of pizza ever since they returned to New York and wanted to go to an Italian restaurant right here in Tokyo to indulge her craving. Even Rei was excited to enjoy a romantic evening for their friends for the first time as an official couple, but it never materialized. This was their third cancellation.

“Things are pretty stressful here, as you can see.” She had overlooked their arranged double-date with all the craziness going on at the temple. Why didn’t Yuuichirou remind her? He wouldn’t forget a night out like this. Perhaps he gave up hope in their relationship. “I’m sorry I didn’t return your calls. Let’s try to reschedule.”

“Is everything okay?” Usagi could easily tell that Rei was not herself. The stoic hid her emotions well, but Usagi noticed that the glow of happiness radiating from her after the New York trip had all but vanished now.

“Hikawa Shrine is in trouble.” Rei admitted.

“What’s wrong?”

“Outstanding bills, lawsuits, debt, decreased attendance and donations, mismanagement, crumbling infrastructure, I could go on and on.” the shrine maiden’s gaze fell to the floor. “Maybe my father was right to abandon this place after my mom passed away. It’s not worth the upkeep.”

“Oh, no! You can’t possibly close!” Usagi knew how much the temple meant to Rei, even though she complained about it all the time. “This place is too special!”

“My family maintained Hikawa for generations.” Rei sighed. “And I’m the one who has failed to preserve it.”

“No, you haven’t! Don’t say that!” Usagi refused to let her friend give up so easily. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Not that I can think of.” Rei shrugged. “Unless you can get five million yen by the end of the month.”

“FIVE MILLION YEN? I’d have to live at my job to make that much!”

“Wait, you got a job?” Rei glanced up from the bills. She couldn’t believe her ears. “Where?”

“Yes, I couldn’t wait to tell you any longer!” Usagi knew the news would shock her best friend. “I am a proud space cadet of Big Bang Burger!”

“The fast-food chain?”

“Yup!” she nodded with enthusiasm. “They even gave me an employee discount! All the burgers I want for twenty-five percent off!”

“What made you decide to do this?” Rei never thought she’d see the day her friend acted like a responsible young adult.

“My Mamo is working all the time at his new job. I’ve hardly seen him all summer, but I know this is only temporary.” Usagi smiled, but Rei could sense the sadness underneath it. She loved her boyfriend more than anything and couldn’t stand to be away from him. “He doesn’t know about it yet. I wanted to save up enough money so that I can repay every yen for the tickets to New York, but now I’ll have to work overtime so I can donate to the Hikawa shrine.”

“You don’t have to do that.” Rei was extremely proud of her friend. Perhaps she had learned a valuable lesson from their misadventures in New York. “This is my burden.”

“Besides, I have plenty of free time now that Mina is overseas. Makoto is off training for her fight in the mountains. Ami returned to medical school and you will go back to the University soon too. I’ll work extra hard and think of ways to help you! Oh, I know! What about a fundraiser? How about I organize a carwash or something!”

“There’s an idea.” Rei laughed for the first time in days at the thought of Yuuichirou in a bathing suit hosing down a car. There’s no doubt he would do anything to save the shrine, even something that ridiculous. “I’ll come visit you for lunch when I am free, as long as I can find something healthy on their menu.”

“I would love that!” her smile widened. “Please, stop by anytime you are in Shibuya!”

“I promise.” Rei knew that even though Usagi was handling things pretty well, she would still feel pretty lonely with her boyfriend gone and all her friends out of town. She refused to let her down like last year.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4:

“SURPRISE!”

A roar greeted Makoto Niijima as she entered the LeBlanc cafe alongside her boyfriend. Her fellow phantom thieves popped out of nowhere, their sudden appearance startling her. She jumped into Ren’s arms, shielding herself out of fear.

“Did you set this up?” Makoto blushed as she glanced up at Ren. She did not even have to ask. The devilish smirk on his handsome face said it all.

“Man, you should’ve seen the look on your face!” Ryuji laughed at her expense. “You scare so easily! Better toughen up when you become a cop!”

“Shut up, Ryuji!” Ann hopped off her stool and grabbed her friend’s hand, leading her to a booth. She noticed a heart-shaped pendant dangling from a silver necklace around Makoto’s neck as she took off her blue overcoat and sat down. “Ren invited us all here to see you off before you head to the University.”

“You shouldn’t have gone through all this trouble for me.” The notion of a farewell party touched Makoto. She would miss everyone so much while away at college. Part of her wished she returned to Shujin Academy tomorrow morning with the rest, but she couldn’t help but feel excited about entering this next chapter of her life. Another step closer to following in her late father’s footsteps.

“Boss prepared quite a feast for tonight.” Yusuke delved into his second helping before it got cold. “The curry is exceptional today. Utterly divine! I sampled it before you arrived, just to make sure it met your standards, Makoto.”

“The vegetables came from my garden!” Haru chimed in. “Harvested fresh this morning! Enjoy!”

“And don’t worry, I brought us plenty of desserts. I even baked a cake for you!” Ann smiled, taking a seat back by the countertop next to Ryuji. She subtly inched her stool closer to his, hoping to catch his attention. “Hope you are hungry!”

“We wanted to send off our future police commish with some style.” Futaba threw a handful of confetti right over the table. “Hooray!”

“Guys, you shouldn’t have!” Makoto smiled. She didn’t have too many friends growing up and throughout most of highschool. Never had she imagined she’d be a part of such a special group. Now not only had her social life expanded, but she was now in a relationship with the leader of the Phantom thieves and about to head off to college. “Thank you so much, everyone!”

“Don’t thank us. Thank your handsome boyfriend over there.” Sojiro folded his arms, suppressing a grin. Ren had come a long way since he first appeared on his doorstep, a troublesome teen accused of assault and put on probation. The bar owner couldn’t help but feel proud of all he accomplished since, especially in the face of those false charges. Ren had turned his life around and excelled in his new school, even finding quite a catch in Makoto, a shy and intelligent young woman. A perfect match, as far as he was concerned. Hopefully, he didn’t screw it up. “I hope he’s treating you all right. Let me know if he does anything stupid. I’ll straighten him right out for you.”

“Yes, of course.” Makoto nodded to the boss with embarrassment. All this attention made her uncomfortable.

“Yay! About time you guys made it official! I always knew you two had a thing for each other.” Ann glanced at the new necklace dangling from her neck. Clearly a gift from her new boyfriend. “That’s so pretty! I’m so happy for you both!”

“Wait, What? When did this happen?” Ryuji asked. “I didn’t know!”

“That’s because you are oblivious, moron!” Ann rolled her eyes.

“Well, we’ve dated rather steadily for a while now.” Makoto reddened even further as she touched her pendant. “But I guess this makes it official now.”

“A day that will live in infamy!” Futaba threw her hands up in celebration. Showering the cafe with more confetti.

“I believe it is time for dinner.” Yusuke gestured to the boss after finishing his second plate. A mere appetizer. “The path to the heart is always through the stomach, or so they say. Shall we begin the feast?”

Chapter Text

Chapter 5:

“Man, I’m stuffed.” Ryuji leaned backward on his barstool and loosened the belt on his cargo shorts. “I don’t want to look at food again as long as I live.”

“Hey! I haven’t even brought out the dessert yet!” Ann couldn’t wait to serve her baked treat. “Wait till you see this cake! You are going to love it!”

“Argh, not now.” Ryuji groaned, clutching his belly. “I think I might throw up!”

“How about we play a game first?” Haru suggested. The last thing they needed was for Ryuji to get sick again.

“Oh, I know!” Futaba jumped in excitement. “Let’s start a dungeons and dragons campaign! I’ll be the dungeon master, and you guys will be the heroic adventurers whose fate belongs in my hands. Bwahaha!”

“How about something a little less time-consuming?” Yusuke added, scarfing down the remnants of his last plate. He still had plenty of room left for sweets. “A simple classic we could all enjoy. Might I suggest win, lose, or draw?”

“Nah, that’s too boring and I suck at it!” Ryuji scoffed. “I can’t draw for shit. Your team would win every time, Yusuke. What’s the point?”

“I know what will add a little spice to your life.” Futaba grinned. “How about truth or dare?”

“Sounds like fun!” Haru agreed. “Let’s play!”

“I don’t know about this.” Makoto hesitated at the idea. That game always led to trouble. She glanced at her boyfriend and gave him a look to intervene.

“How about monopoly?” Ren suggested at her behest. He had plenty of board games and retro consoles in the attic upstairs that they could play.

“For real? Come on, don’t be a chicken. Board games like that are for kids.” Ryuji mocked. “What are you, scared?”

“Hey Mr. bigshot, if you are so confident, why don’t you go first!” Ann challenged.

“Bring it on!” he puffed his chest, full of self confidence.

“Attention Ryuji!” Futaba tapped her fingers together. A sinister grin spread across her face. “Truth or dare!”

“Dare!” he slammed his fist on the countertop. “Good luck trying to get me to back down!”

“Nyahaha. A little courageous, are you? Let’s make a bet then.” Futaba laughed. “If I get you to tap out in defeat, you must buy me the latest Phoenix Ranger figurine release, limited edition set!”

“Whatever.” He shrugged. “I ain’t scared of nothin’.”

“Those are really expensive.” Ren warned his buddy. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“There’s no way she can stop me!” the arrogant teen boasted.

“RYUJI SAKAMOTO!” Futaba rose from the booth. “I DARE YOU TO GIVE ANN TAKAMAKI A BIG WET SMACKROO! RIGHT ON THE LIPS!”

“WHAT! NO WAY!” Ann objected, her face turning beet red as she jumped out of her seat in protest. “FUTABA! That’s not fair!”

“Lady Ann should not be subject to such disgusting cruelty!” Morgana agreed. “She committed no crime worthy of such punishment!”

“FOR REAL?” nervous sweat dripped down Ryuji’s forehead as he glanced towards Ann then back at Futaba. “You know I can’t do that if she doesn’t wanna!"

“Please pick something else!” Ann begged. “Make him dress up like a girl! We can paint his nails and do his makeup! It’ll be fun!”

“Everyone knows you two guys secretly love each other. The way you bicker like an old married couple is so adorable.” Futaba pointed at the pair. “Even I, a former shut-in with limited social skills, can sense the romantic tension!”

“You are one insane chick.” Ryuji mumbled under his breath. All that bravado prior to playing the game backfired on him. “Wait till it’s my turn to dare you!”

“Be prepared to wait in line for hours in the cold for the midnight release at the upcoming Phoenix ranger convention!” Futaba browsed the web on her phone, looking for the action figure she wanted to add to her collection. “So kiss the girl or I’ll text you the preorder link for payment! Nyahaha!”

“C’mon! Let me do it real quick.” Ryuji begged his longtime friend out of desperation. The cold sweat beading on his forehead worsened, evaporating along with his confidence. “We can’t let Futaba get away with this. She played you too!”

“I’d rather kiss a slimy frog!” Ann put up her palms and backed away. The dare caught her off guard. She tried everything to catch his attention, but Futaba forced the issue. “Hell no!”

“Skull, I’ll give you one last option in the spirit of fairness.” Futaba challenged. “All you gotta do is smash Ann’s face in that cake and you win and get all the bragging rights.”

“Ugh, I’ve had enough of this game!” Ann stomped her feet in protest. “Quit picking on me!”

“Maybe we could try charades?” Makoto offered. This had gotten awkward fast. “Monopoly sounds much better right about now. I’ll even play D&D, I’ve always wanted to try it!”

“Nope. You all had your chance for that.” Futaba shook her head. “Choose your own adventure, Ryuji. Cake or kiss, decide your fate!”

“Fine! Just get this over with!” Ann staggered backward as the boy hopped off the stool and approached. Her heart thumped in her chest. She closed her eyes in anticipation of a moment she had dreamed of since they first met in elementary school, although this was not how she expected it to happen. Maybe this could be the start of something special between them. A chance to express feelings for her secret crush that she had kept hidden after waiting patiently for him to ask her out. He leaned in close enough that she could smell the mixture of his body odor and cheap cologne, an aroma she had grown to find quite intoxicating for some strange reason. He cupped her chin gently and paused for a moment where time seemed to stand still.

“BOOM!” Ryuji let out a deafening war cry before smashing her face directly into the center of the fondant topping. Fluffy cake exploded everywhere, covering the girl’s blonde hair in frosting and strawberry filling as he raised his hands in triumph. “TAKE THAT, FUTABA! I WIN!”

“RYUJI!” Ann pawed at her frosting covered face, wiping away enough cake to open her scornful eyes. Never had she felt so humiliated. Only a fool would think Ryuji had matured past such a childlike stunt like this. She should’ve known better. A romantic relationship between them would never materialize. “I’M GONNA KILL YOU!”

“FOOD FIGHT!” Futaba grabbed a chunk of cake and threw it at Yusuke’s face.

“Exquisite!” Yusuke ignored the pandemonium around him and enjoyed the piece that landed on his shoulder.

Ren pulled Makoto underneath the table to keep her safe from the messy melee. She huddled close to him as cake and confetti rained all over the cafe in pandemonium.

“Thank you for everything.” Makoto nestled against his chest. The celebration had turned into a disaster, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Her friends meant everything to her. Her boyfriend, most of all. She closed her eyes as they shared a passionate kiss when no one was looking.

Chapter Text

Chapter 6

Yuuichirou walked down the serene temple grounds with a grand bouquet of rare flowers cradled in his arms. The sun had set, shrouding the shrine in darkness rather early after a hard day’s work. Colorful leaves littered the stone pathway and the brisk fall wind gave him a bit of a chill. He went into the housing area, tiptoeing along the corridor past grandpa Hino’s dwelling. The wiry old man snored loudly atop his cot, providing enough noise to conceal his movement so he could catch his beloved by surprise. Rei headed back to the University in the morning for another semester away from him. He wanted to assure her of his devotion and commitment to their relationship despite her coldness over the temple’s dire financial situation.

Rei’s room stood silent, but a lantern twinkled within, illuminating the tiny chamber with a golden hue. He could see her silhouette through the screen, sitting alone at her desk. She spent all day in there, not even to get something to eat once Usagi had left a few hours ago.

Yuuichirou nearly jumped out of his socks when the chiming of a cellphone sounded just as he placed his hand on the screen door. Probably that brat, Usagi. He thought to himself. She always stole time and attention away from him. But what if it wasn’t? Perhaps another man had stolen her heart? Curious, he crouched down into the corner, pressing his ear against the screen to eavesdrop on the conversation.

“Father.” Rei uttered. Her voice was full of contempt. Reaching out to this man was an act of last resort. She didn’t want to lose the shrine, and this could be her only option left to save it. “I’ve been trying to reach you. I left several messages with your secretary.”

“I’m a very busy man. Don’t you ever turn on the news? It’s election season,” the stern Takashi Hino responded, his dour tone matching her disdain. An elected politician, he put his career before all else, including family. Never building much of a relationship with his daughter, even after losing his wife to illness. Power and ambition consumed him long ago before her mom got sick. She would never forgive him for leaving her alone, a young girl, in the hospital as mother’s life slipped away. “Make it quick.”

“Hikawa shrine is in danger of closing.” She wanted to keep this conversation as short and to the point as possible. “I know you have no love for the temple, but if you could, please find it in your heart to support…”

“Good! That forsaken place died for me when your mother left us.” Her father’s voice turned even more irate. “Those false gods were not there for me, nor your mother, in our time of need. Frankly, I hope it gets bulldozed into a parking lot.”

“Like it or not, the Hikawa shrine is our family’s tradition and legacy.” Rei defied her father. He was not a spiritual person despite their long lineage of priests, yet his lack of faith worsened over the years. “Mother loved her time serving this temple. You’ve disparaged her memory enough.”

“Don’t speak to me of my late wife. You barely even knew her. A mere girl when she died.” He snapped. “I do not possess one iota of nostalgia for that rundown temple. I moved on with my life and suggest that you do the same. Focus on graduating from college, getting a good job and finding a decent husband to provide for you. That’s what’s important. Not that cursed shrine. Nobody will give a damn if you fall into debt and you will certainly get no sympathy from me.”

“You are right. It’s a dump. Not even worth saving.” Rei admitted, fighting back tears. “But there are still people in this community who care about it. I won’t let them down.”

“Let it go.” His shrewd voice cut through her like a sword. “That’s my advice, and the only help you’ll get from me. You may not want to admit it, but you take after me more than you think. I trust you’ll make the right decision, daughter. Do what’s best for your own future and move on.”

“I’M NOTHING LIKE YOU!” Yuuichirou could hear Rei sniffling from within once the call concluded. He wanted nothing more than to rush inside and hold her tight, promising her he’d be by her side to the end, no matter what happened. But he couldn’t do it. He wasn’t worthy of her love and affection. Not anymore. She deserved much better than a bumbling fool like him that put her in this awful position. He dumped the grand bouquet and retreated to his room, where he threw his belongings into a duffle bag and headed out into the dead of night. Vowing not to return to the Hikawa shrine until he paid off the temple’s debt in full and took away Rei’s worries. Redemption was the only way he’d earn Rei’s love.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7:

“Get away from me!” Ann stormed out of LeBlanc cafe. A mixture of frosting and tears dropped to the street. Her shirt ruined with stains of the cake’s strawberry filling. She stomped her feet, unable to contain the emotions swimming through her.

“Come on, don’t be like that!” Ryuji chased her down the alleyway until he caught up with her in front of the antique shop. “It was just a joke.”

“You ruined my cake!” she turned around, stopping the teen dead in his tracks as she stared at the vintage televisions, gaming systems, and other 80s memorabilia on display within the closed store. “I spent all morning baking and decorating it.”

“Hey, don’t blame me! It’s Futaba’s fault!” Ryuji argued. “She’s the one who dared me to do it!”

“You and your lame excuses!” Ann countered, turning to face her crush with an intimidating expression that made him back up a few steps. “She said you could kiss me to win your stupid bet, and I was dumb enough to agree! What was I thinking?”

“I knew you didn’t really want me to kiss ya. You said yourself you’d rather kiss a frog.” Ryuji shrugged. He didn’t think he had committed any wrongdoing. The cake option definitely seemed like the lesser of the two evils and he would not back down from the dare. “I thought I did you a favor, actually.”

“A favor?” Ann boiled in rage. “You clearly don’t care about anyone’s feelings but your own. You are the most selfish person I ever met in my life!”

“For real?” Ryuji sighed. “Don’t be so petty. It’s just a stupid cake. I’m sure we can still salvage some of it. Let’s go back to LeBlanc and enjoy the rest of the party before Yusuke eats everything. It’s not that big of a deal!”

“Ugh!” Ann shook her head in aggravation. Ryuji did not understand why she was so upset, which made her feel even worse.”You just can’t get it through your thick skull!”

“What I say?” he threw up his hands in confusion as she walked away from the antique shop and toward the train station. “I didn’t do anything! Quit overreacting! God dammit, you are so overdramatic!”

“Leave me alone.” She spun around and headed for the train station before he could notice her tears. “Don’t talk to me ever again. Not even at school.”

“For real? Ann, wait!” Ryuji shouted, but the girl wouldn’t give him a second glance. “AHH…SHIT!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 8:

“RED ALERT!” Futaba shouted after spying on the heated argument outside the cafe. Perhaps she had taken the hijinks of truth and dare a bit too far. She stopped pelting the artist with chunks of cake and pointed to the window. “Someone get out there quick before Ann slays skull and Leblanc becomes an active crime scene!”

“I’ll go.” Ren crawled out from under the table and darted out of the restaurant like a nimble thief, failing to notice his cellphone slip out of his pocket and clatter onto the checkered floor.

“Wait, you dropped your phone.” Makoto picked up the device when an incoming message flashed across the screen, catching her full attention. The text came from a girl named Hifumi Togo, asking if Ren was free for a game of shogi tomorrow night at the church. Her heart sank as another text from the mysterious Hifumi chimed in, saying that she wouldn’t let him win this time around, followed by a winking emoji.

Makoto sat cross-legged under the table, making sure nobody was looking as she scrolled through more of his recent messages, including one from a pretty maid agency that offered a wide variety of services from cleaning to sensual massages, confirming his appointment for tonight at midnight. Her face nearly went pale when she saw a text from a “doctor” named Tae Takemi who asked if he was available for another “experimental research session” What on earth did that mean? Who were these women flooding his inbox? A quick internet search of of Hifumi Togo displayed news articles of her shogi championships, including a picture of her hoisting a trophy. The famous champion was around her age, with long black hair and a beautiful face.

The picture alone made her heart sink. She had opened up to Ren, her very first boyfriend. Now she felt like she hardly knew him. Had he deceived her this entire time just to get what he wants? The thought of being used in such a fashion made her sick to her stomach. She wanted to unleash the fists of justice upon him.

“Looking for this?” Makoto charged out of the cafe, holding the cellphone screen up. She grabbed Ren’s wrist, pulling him away from Ryuji so he could see the recent text. “Who is Hifumi Togo? Are you cheating on me? Admit it!”

“Oh shit, guess the party’s over.” Ryuji backed away to give them privacy. “I’ll catch you guys later.”

“WHO IS SHE?” Makoto demanded once he left.

“Just a friend of mine.” Ren showed no unease about the accusations. “We play shogi together at the church where it’s nice and quiet so we can both concentrate.”

“You expect me to believe that?” she scoffed. “What about Tae Takemi and her experiments?”

“She’s my doctor.” Ren remained calm even under Makoto’s intense interrogation. “Her office is right down the street if you want to talk to her.”

“MASTER!” A middle-aged woman wearing a frilly maid costume interrupted the argument, her hair pulled into twin tails. She spoke in a flirtatious, high-pitched voice that sounded more like a teenager, yet something about her looked familiar. “I’m so happy you requested my services for tonight!”

“Oh, my God!” Makoto’s jaw dropped after recognizing the frilly maid. “Professor Kawakami? Is that you?”

“Ms. Niijima?” The professor dropped the maid act at the sight of one of her old students, the former student council president of Shujin High herself. “This isn’t what it looks like! I swear! Please don’t tell anybody!”

“She does my laundry and helps clean up the cafe to earn a few extra bucks.” Even Ren couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed. “I scheduled an appointment for tonight to clean up the cafe after the surprise party.

“It looks like my so-called boyfriend is nothing but a liar and a pervert!” Makoto ripped the silver necklace off and threw it on the street as tears of betrayal rolled down her cheeks. “Sis told me not to get involved with you. I should’ve listened.”

“No! He’s telling the truth!” Morgana pawed her shoes. “I know it looks bad, but Ren would never cheat on you. He cares for you nearly as much as I adore my lady, Ann! And besides, I’m at his side day and night! I’d know if there was any funny business going on.”

“Cats sleep for sixteen hours a day, on average.” Makoto argued. “That provides plenty of opportunity for him to sneak around and CHEAT!”

“I AM NOT A CAT!” Morgana hissed.

“What’s all this ruckus out here?” Sojiro stepped outside of his shop with a cup of coffee steaming in the brisk night air, only to see Makoto in tears standing next to a scantily clad maid in fishnet stockings. “Looks like you are in a bit of trouble. HOO BOY!”

“I’m disappointed in you, Ren.” Haru butted in after hearing Makoto’s accusations. “How could you do such a thing to poor Mako-chan? She has a heart of gold and cares about you so much! I never thought you’d stoop so low.”

“Let’s get out of here.” Makoto said to her friend, refusing to even look Ren in the eye.

“WAIT!” Futaba screamed. First Ann and Ryuji had gotten into a massive fight because of her stupid dare now this. The phantom thieves were all she had. “I know he’s innocent! There’s no way he’d cheat! I can prove it! Let me hack into his phone. I’ll siphon his data, screen through every call, text, voicemail, email and social media post he’s ever sent or received!”

“I have nothing to hide.” Ren took his phone back and tossed it over to the talented young hacker. “Go ahead, work your magic.”

“I’ll even do extensive background work on these women or anyone else you deem suspicious.” Futaba plead. “I will deliver a full report to you in no time!”

“I’m not sure if that will fix things.” Makoto sighed. “I can’t trust him again after this.”

“What’s all the commotion out here?” Yusuke finally emerged from the cafe with a ball of cake in his hand. “This dessert is delectable! The cake may not look aesthetically pleasing anymore, but I assure you, Ann’s cosmetics have not compromised the taste.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 9:

“This is all my fault.” Futaba buried her head on a cafe table once everyone else went home for the night. “I single-handedly killed the phantom thieves in one night. My life’s over.”

“Please don’t blame yourself.” Ren sat across from her and tried his best to lift her spirits. “You’ll clear my name.”

“You better hope she finds nothing, or you are toast.” Sojiro folded his arms. “Good thing I didn’t have those damn phones when I was your age. I’d have gotten into a lot of trouble myself back in the day.”

“It’s getting pretty late.” Morgana yawned, arching his furry back for a pleasant stretch. “There’s nothing we can do about this ugly situation right now, but I’m sure it will work out in the end because you are totally innocent! Makoto is level-headed and rational. She will cool off in a few days. Now, let’s go to sleep. School starts tomorrow for you guys too, ya know!”

“Come on, Futaba.” Sojiro put on his fedora and threw on a jacket. “Time to lock up shop.”

“Fine.” she grumbled, hanging her head low as she left the cafe. Her scheme had backfired in the worst way. She thought if she got Ann and Ryuji together at long last, then maybe he’d finally notice her, too. Why did she keep thinking about him like this?

Ren retreated to the attic and lay down on the old springy cot by the window. Morgana cuddled up on his stomach and drifted away to sleep, but rest did not come so easily to him. He took off his glasses and stared at the ceiling, full of regret for hurting Makoto the way he did. There was no guarantee that she would ever forgive him, even after Futaba’s investigation. Their relationship was most likely over, damaged beyond repair. Haru and Ann would most likely lose their faith and trust in him as well. He felt alone for the first time since arriving at cafe LeBlanc.

He eventually fell asleep despite the inner turmoil and drifted into the realm of dreams, falling down an endless chasm until his eyes shot wide open. Only now he did not find himself in the attic of cafe Le Blanc. Instead, he discovered himself inside a familiar jail cell, wearing a striped prisoner’s outfit with a heavy ball and chain latched to his ankles. He grabbed the bars, peering through the opening where a bizarre old man sat behind a desk in a business suit, writing in his ledger.

“Welcome to the velvet room.” Igor lifted his head from his book, a grin stretching from under his odd, elongated nose. Igor stood from his chair, barely over four feet tall, with wisps of gray hair jutting out from the sides of his mostly bald head and pointy ears. The sight of this mysterious figure still creeped him out. “Back so soon, Trickster? Why am I not surprised to see you again?”

“What am I doing here?” Ren asked.

“The world is at risk of a great peril once again.” The old man’s assistant, Lavenza, appeared before the cell. Her appearance was that of a young girl around ten years of age in a plain blue dress, but the twinkle in her golden eyes hinted at experience far beyond the years of her current form. He still did not know exactly who these two were. “Humanity’s fate hangs in the balance of this new threat, one that threatens to throw the entire world asunder. Therefore, we have summoned you to defeat this atrocity before it’s too late.”

“That is not the sole reason you’re imprisoned, however.” Igor smirked. His voice was deep and eerie. “Bonds of trust you have previously forged in the past are now fractured. You must repair these relationships and form new ones if you are to succeed in your next contract and save society from the brink of annihilation.”

“Remember, trickster, that you possess the wildcard which grants you the ability to call forth any persona you capture,” Lavenza stated. “Take advantage of this ability and return to us when necessary. We can perform fusions to aid you in this quest, but ultimately it is you who will determine the future.”

“What is this new threat?” The inmate asked, desperate for any hints.

“I shall reveal all answers you seek in due time.” Igor’s eyes bulged. His laughter echoed throughout the velvet room as everything went black. The last thing Ren remembered was the old man’s eerie voice. “Good luck, trickster. You will certainly need it.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 10:

“YAHH! I’M GOING TO BE LATE!” Usagi raced down the sidewalk. Luna the cat padded alongside her, avoiding cars and pedestrians on the busy Tokyo street to keep up with her tardy companion. She woke up a few minutes ago and was already late to her first day of work, but she had to make one last pit stop. Surely her boss would understand. Entering through the lobby of an apartment building, she scooped up her cat and pushed past tenants, squeezing into a packed elevator, much to the chagrin of those already crammed inside. She burst into the hallway once it reached the fifth floor, rushing down the corridor until arriving at Mamoru’s apartment. She banged on the door, eager to see her boyfriend one last time before he went away on business.

“Usako?” He opened the door to find Usagi Tsukino standing before him in a Big Bang Burger cadet uniform, a yellow dress shirt covered by a red apron decorated with stars. A funny-looking visor rest on her head, adding to the silly costume. She looked ridiculous, but it still made him smile. “What’s with the get-up?”

“It’s my new work uniform!” she twirled in a circle. “Am I cute or what?”

“When did this happen?”

“I figured a job would keep me occupied while you are away. None of my friends are in Tokyo, anyway.” She said, doing her best to conceal her sadness. “l start today at 10 A.M. I’m so excited!”

“Usako, It’s almost 11 o’clock.” He finished buttoning up his dress shirt and checked his wristwatch. They had gone out for pizza and returned to their homes late last night. Usagi attached herself to his hip, not wanting the romantic evening to end. “Aren’t you going to be late? You don’t want to give a poor first impression.”

“I couldn’t let you go on your business trip without saying goodbye one more time.” She planted a kiss on his cheek and marched into the dwelling, trying not to frown at the sight of his packed luggage. “I know we said farewell last night. But I already missed you.”

“Are you sure you are okay with this?” Mamoru took a seat on the couch and gestured for her to sit down next to him, where he clasped her hands into his. “I’ll tell my boss to assign someone else to this venture and stay here if you are not comfortable with me going away. It’s not a big deal.”

“NO WAY!” Usagi put a finger on his lips to seal them shut. She knew how important this business trip was for Mamoru’s career and would not interfere, despite how much her heart ached. As jealous as she was that Mamoru was going to Italy without her, she would not force herself to tag along. Nor would she ruin his endeavors with a childlike scheme. The misadventures in New York had taught her a valuable lesson in that regard. They had departed on such terrible terms the last time, with a fight that nearly ended their relationship. She would not let that happen again. “It’s only for a couple of months, right?”

“I’ll be back in time for Christmas.” He reassured. “I promise it will be special.”

“You’ll think of me every single day, right? Take plenty of pictures and call me every chance you get! And don’t forget to bring me back plenty of gifts!”

“Is there anything in particular that you want?”

“The only thing I want.” she leaned in for a hug as a tear rolled down her cheek. “Is to be with you forever!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 11:

Professor Tsyuchia blinked her eyes open, finding herself trapped in the middle of an endless spider’s web. She tried to shout for help, only to have her voice muffled by the icky webbing that tightly bound her body where she could barely wiggle her fingers or toes. Not that it would even make a difference. Nobody would hear her down here. In fact, she didn’t even appear to be in the Mugen Academy’s basement any longer.

Her eyes scanned across the room where more details came into view. She spotted the dusty boxes filled with her mentor’s lab equipment and piles of paperwork. Even the guts of the spider she had squished under her foot splattered on the floor. But something about the room had changed and she could not explain it away so easily. Floor tiles rippled like waves in the ocean. The room’s lighting changed colors unnaturally, shifting from hues of red and black. Even the walls themselves seemed to expand and contract as if they were breathing in and out. The academy had transformed into a sick and twisted version of reality. Where the hell was she? And what happened to the thing that had attacked her?”

The demon materialized before her as if reading her thoughts. Tsyuchia thrashed her body, desperate to escape the clutches of this hideous creature. It resembled a black widow spider with a bulbous abdomen and four protracted limbs flanking both sides, yet its torso looked more humanoid, resembling a woman’s curvy figure. An elegant visage, except for the sharp fangs and the many red orbs adorning its face in place of eyes. Her heart pounded in her chest as the demon carefully lowered itself, tearing through the webbing until freeing its captive.

“Welcome to the Metaverse.” The spider’s mouth did not move, instead the eerie voice echoed into the professor’s brain telepathically. Each syllable pounded into her brain, where it felt like her head might explode.

“Who… or what… are you?” Tsyuchia asked, tears flooding out of her eyes from the pain.

“Andrameta… an entity far beyond the comprehension of your pathetic human mind.”

“Are you some form of extraterrestrial?” it sounded pathetic, especially coming from such an intelligent scientist such as her, but an alien from another planet was the only thing the professor could think of to explain her sudden abduction.

“I am not of this world. Nor am I subject to the laws of the physical realm you call earth,” the creature admitted. “Transcending time, space, and all dimensions, I am more akin to what your species refers to as a god. That is the simplest description I can provide a lower life form.”

“A god?” she gasped, eager to learn more. Professor Tomoe must have opened a portal to another dimension, summoning this creature into their world prior to his breakdown. A terrible evil she awakened by accident. “What are you doing here? What do you want?”

“My essence is that of an advanced race, millions of years ahead of your own. I travel from planet to planet, eradicating more primitive civilizations such as this one. Earth shall fall victim next. I will cleanse it of the destructive disease known as humanity to create a more suitable habitat for my children.”

“How will you accomplish this?” she had seen countless sci-fi movies about alien invasions involving war and epic battles, but always believed that was unlikely. An advanced species could assume power over a world without a single inhabitant knowing the truth.

“That is where you come in, my pet.” a slight grin formed on the spider’s stoic face that chilled the professor to the bone. “Enter a covenant with me, and I shall make it worth your while.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 12:

“Where is this new cadet?” the mustached manager of the Big Bang Burger Shibuya location folded his arms across his chest. He checked his wristwatch. The time approached noon and the rush for lunch specials would soon begin. The only staff on duty at the moment was himself, and a temp loaned from another location. An eccentric girl with a poof of curly auburn hair he had never met before.

“Maybe she is not familiar with this area and got lost.” Haru shrugged as she tied an apron around her waist and adjusted her tie, eager to get to work. “Shibuya can be quite confusing. I’m sure she will get here in no time.”

“Still, I received no call, no text message, voicemail, nothing.” the stressed out boss sighed. “I may fire her on the spot if she has the nerve to show up. Teach this kid a lesson when you screw up in the real world.”

“SORRY I’M LATE!” a high-pitched voice squealed as the glass doors to the restaurant swung open. A young woman raced up to the manager clad in the big bang burger uniform with long blonde pigtails soaring behind her head. She gasped for breath, bowing low in humility. “I woke up late, and I had to see my boyfriend one last time before he went away on a long business trip.”

“That’s your excuse?” the manager scowled.

“It won’t happen again.” Usagi clasped her hands together, pleading for forgiveness. “I promise.”

“Yup, it won’t.” His mustache twitched. “Because you’re fired!”

“Can’t you give the poor girl a break?” Haru intervened. The trainee appeared on the verge of bursting into tears. She placed a hand on the newcomer’s shoulder. “It’s only her first day on the job and we are short staffed.”

“Why should I?”

“Because she could have easily lied or made up some excuse for her tardiness. Instead, she told you the truth.“ Haru argued. “Okumura foods values honesty and integrity above all else. I believe she’s worthy of a second chance. Sir, don't you agree?”

“Fine.” the manger’s eyes widened at the mention of Big Bang Burger’s parent company. Rumors circulated that the late owner’s daughter had taken over the company, firing managers left and right. She went undercover inspecting various restaurants and then implementing changes based on what she experienced from the staff’s point of view to improve working conditions. Could the gossip be true? He couldn’t afford to take the risk. “I’ll let you off with a warning this time, kid. Now get to work, both of you. Pick up orders are already coming in!”

“Thank you so much!” Usagi hugged her new coworker so tightly that she could barely breathe. “I won’t let you down!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 13:

“My name is Usagi Tsukino.” She introduced herself in the kitchen. “Thanks again for what you did back there!”

“Don’t mention it.” the girl with the poofy hair smiled. “I’m Haru. Have you ever worked in a fast-food restaurant before?”

“Nope!” she shook her head, unable to contain her excitement. “This is my first official job ever, actually!”

“Okay, I’m going to train you in the basics today.” Haru glanced at the monitor. Dozens of orders piled in for lunch already. “Do you have any experience in the kitchen?”

“Of course!” Usagi beamed with excitement. “I love to cook!”

“Great!” Haru exhaled in relief. Maybe she wouldn’t have to watch the trainee so closely. She could use the help today. Normally, four or five employees were necessary to run the restaurant efficiently, but she’d have to make do with less for now. In the morning, she would return to corporate and make sure this location hired more staff.

“BIG BANG BURGER CHALLENGE!” the manager shouted from behind the register. “HOP TO IT, CADETS!”

“YAH!” Usagi nearly jumped out of her shoes at the sound of the gruff voice. “WHAT’S THAT?”

“Coming right up!” Haru went to work with deft speed, slamming a giant meat patty onto the sizzling grill. Once fully cooked, she pulled a fresh oversized bun out of the oven and assembled a tower composed of meat, cheese, plenty of condiments, tomato, and other fresh ingredients plucked from her garden earlier this morning. The big bang burger was the chain’s staple food that represented the entire brand. A work of art that her friend Yusuke would commend.

“OH MY! THAT BURGER IS SO BIG!” Usagi’s mouth watered at the sight of the delicious meal constructed to perfection in a matter of seconds. “IT LOOKS DELICIOUS! I WANT ONE!”

“The burger is free of charge if you can finish eating it in one sitting.” Haru placed the completed masterpiece on a food tray. A clever promotion that brought in tons of money. “Very few have the guts necessary to accomplish this feat.”

“I could do it!” Usagi boasted. “No problem!”

“I’d love to see that!” Haru laughed as she carried a tray loaded with steamy food over to the customer.

“ANOTHER BIG BANG BURGER CHALLENGE!” the manager barked.

“Usagi, could you fill order number 302 while I work on this?” Haru gestured toward the monitor displaying a simple order of a cheeseburger with fries and a drink. She couldn’t possibly screw that up, even if it was her first day on the job.

“Piece of cake!” Usagi followed her coworker’s example, rushing to fill the meal while Haru assembled the gigantic burger. “ALL DONE!”

“Let me see that first” Haru wanted to examine the meal before she took it out to the impatient customer waiting by the register. Usagi had burned the meat into a charred brick, added way too much ketchup and onions. The patron requested no pickles, yet she had included extra in the order. The fries were soggy and undercooked. She even loaded the soft drink with ice, a common complaint many customers wrote on internet reviews. Nothing in this grease filled bag was edible or worthy of her valuable patrons.

“Pretty great, huh?” Usagi smiled with pride.

“Not too bad for your first order.” Haru glanced at the monitor where more orders flashed across the screen. It was going to be a long, stressful day for miniscule pay. No wonder the company struggled to keep their cadets. “But I think you should observe me for the rest of the day. I’ll teach you everything I know!”

“Whatever you say, Haru.” Usagi grabbed a spatula, ready and eager to learn.

Chapter Text

Chapter 14:

“You better get over here.” A text came in, disrupting Ren from his slumber before he could even process the dire warning from the velvet room. Morgana leapt off the cot, tucking his black coat of fur away in Ren’s bookbag while his human companion donned his Shujin High uniform for the first day of school. He put on his glasses and grabbed his bookbag before exiting the LeBlanc cafe and heading over to Sojiro’s house down the street.

“I changed my mind!” Futaba screamed from within her barricaded bedroom. “I don’t wanna go to school! Tell them I’m sick!”

“Damn it!” Sojiro grunted, pounding his fist against the bedroom door. He had to open the cafe for the morning regulars and didn’t have time for this. “You can’t use that excuse on your first day.”

“Let’s go together.” Ren rushed into the dwelling to Sojiro’s relief. If she would listen to anyone, it was him. “Don’t make us both late.”

“But I have to work on your investigation!” Futaba vowed. “I will not rest until Makoto takes you back and the phantom thieves are whole again!”

“Don’t worry about that.” Ren countered. “There will be plenty of time after school.”

“Uhh, no way!” She scoffed from within. “I’m sure those snobby teachers will bombard me with homework. Not to mention how exhausting it will be to socialize with other humans for a full eight-hour day. That’s like an eternity for me! I’ll have no energy for this by the time I get home! Let me focus on the task at hand.“

“Fine, have it your way! I’ll cover for you just this once. But don’t think you are going to make a habit of this!” Sojiro relented. The last thing he needed was for Futaba to burn herself out and have another one of her scary episodes where she slept for endless hours. An angry scowl crossed his face as he pushed past Ren, leaving his house without saying a single word to him.

“You can take this back.” Futaba opened her door a crack and tossed Ren’s cellphone away before slamming it back shut. “I uploaded everything I need onto my PC.”

“Boss doesn’t seem too happy with us.” Morgana commented from within his bag. He stuck his head out, enjoying the chilly fall weather, while Ren hurried to catch the train. They would not make it on time at this rate. “We have to get back on everyone’s good side.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 15:

Ann Takamaki let out an audible sigh, throwing a bunch of textbooks into her locker after an exhausting first day of highschool. Makoto had warned her nonstop over the summer that the third year would prove the most difficult and critical for applying to colleges. Her teachers reinforced that fact today, drilling her and the other students with threats that if they neglected their studies, it would forever hinder their future careers. She already had loads of homework and reading assignments to do. It all felt so overwhelming.

With Makoto off to college and her best friend Shiho transferred out, she could not rely on either of them for much support in this tough year to come. Sure, she shared some classes with Ren and Ryuji, but she could not stand the sight of either of them after what happened last night. Thinking of those two boys made her so angry. She avoided them all day, even eating her lunch alone on the roof by Haru’s old garden to get away from them. If only she could get the hell out of the school before…

“Lady Ann!” Morgana popped out of the bookbag. Ren pushed the cat’s head back inside his backpack, muffling the feline’s voice before he got caught with a pet in the middle of the crowded hallway of Shujin Academy.

“What do you want?” Ann did not bother looking at her classmate, filling her locker with more junk and supplies she did not want to carry back home.

“Have you heard from Makoto?” Ren asked with concern after checking his cellphone for any notifications from his girlfriend. “She won’t answer my calls or texts.”

“Don’t give me that crap. I heard what happened after I left.” Ann snapped. “You broke her heart, Ren! How could you?”

“It’s a giant misunderstanding.” Ren said with confidence. “Futaba will prove my innocence.”

“I wish I could believe you, but I don’t.” Ann sighed. “A maid service? Seriously? Professor Kawakami! Eww, that’s so gross! Boys are such creeps and jerks! Every single one of them! I’d expect that kind of behavior out of Ryuji, but not you!”

“Hey!” Ryuji raced through the hall to catch up to the pair. He had already taken off his uniform and now sported one of his obnoxious t-shirts. “What’s up guys?”

“Speaking of jerks.” Morgana muttered from inside, the bag slung over Ren’s shoulder.

“Who wants to grab some ramen?” the excited teen salivated at the thought of slurping a bowl of noodles. “I can sure use some comfort food right about now. Man, this year will suck, right Ann?”

“What part of “Don’t talk to me anymore” did you not understand last night?”

“C’mon. You are still mad at me over a stupid cake?” a perplexed Ryuji asked. “For real?”

“You numbskull!” She slammed her locker shut and left the boys behind. “Get lost!”

“Stop acting like a baby. Shit!” Ryuji swore as she disappeared into the swarm of students making their way out of the school.

“How bout that ramen?” Ren offered. A good meal would lift both of their spirits.

“Nah. I’m not in the mood for it now.” Ryuji slumped. “After the day I had, I want something so greasy it could cut my life expectancy in half.”

“I know just the place.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 16:

“The girls on the evening shift called out sick for tonight.” the dour manager approached his crew and scratched his moustache before they could even think of removing their aprons. “Sorry, looks like I have no choice but to stick both of ya on a double shift until we close at midnight.”

“WAHHH!! THAT’S NOT FAIR!” the bad news caught Usagi by surprise as she applied ketchup to a hamburger patty, spraying the tomato paste everywhere. This job proved much more difficult than she had expected when she applied. Orders came in so fast that she and Haru could not keep up with them. Her fellow cadet moved with expert precision, chopping up onions and lettuce, flipping the meat at just the right moment, and arranging the specialty burgers carefully, as if she knew every aspect of this business inside and out. Usagi tried her best to mimic her experienced coworker, but ended up making a total mess out of the kitchen. She could barely make french fries without supervision. After completing one full shift, she wanted nothing more than to take off this stained uniform, curl up in bed, and sleep for hours. “I’M SO TIRED!”

“Oh, then you are free to go, missy!” The manager grimaced, trying to control his anger in front of the potential mole as he wiped a glob of ketchup from his dress shirt and gestured towards the doorway. “But if you leave now, don’t plan on coming back tomorrow!”

“A nice day off sounds pretty good, actually.” Usagi sighed in relief. “Thanks so much!”

“I meant permanently!” the boss boiled in anger. This new hire tried his patience to no end.

“Don’t worry.” Haru reassured the pouting cadet. Although this Usagi clearly lacked experience and had a lot of learning to do, she would not allow this uptight manager to break her spirit. “We will get through this together.”

Haru spotted two familiar boys enter the restaurant and take a seat at a corner booth. The manager hurried over to take their order and barked for the cadets to prepare another Big Bang Burger Challenge. A devilish grin graced Haru’s face when she came up with a plan to make their guests pay for ruining Makoto’s farewell party.

“Hey Usagi-chan, you got this one!” Haru encouraged her trainee. “Give it a shot! All by yourself!”

“Umm.” Usagi hesitated. “I don’t think I’m quite ready for this.”

“Don’t worry about screwing up. Those two customers are friends of mine. They’ll understand if it’s not perfect. Besides, the best way to learn is by doing it yourself! You can’t be afraid to make mistakes! Have fun with it!”

“You are so right!” Usagi got to work, ignoring the complex step-by-step instructions highlighted on the display screen. If she followed the directions, it would take forever to construct the mega burger. Instead, she rushed around the kitchen, swinging open cabinets, grabbing everything ingredient she could find. Dumping the spice jars atop the counter, she slammed a mishmosh of vegetables and additives onto the bread in no particular order.

“THE MEAT!” Usagi panicked after charring yet another patty to a crisp. “OH NO!”

“This will help balance it out!” Haru handed over a container of extra spicy hot sauce which Usagi haphazardly emptied over the overcooked slab of beef.

"Is this good?”

“Perfect.” Haru nodded, scooping some ghost peppers from a jar. “Now just season it with these for some spice and you are all done!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 17:

“Are you sure you don’t want to order anything?” Ren said, taking a seat across from his sullen buddy. A mustached man tapped his foot impatiently, his hand ready to scribble on a notepad when the boys were ready.

“Nah, man.” a glum Ryuji slumped, burying his head in his phone. He didn’t even bother glancing at the menu, showing no interest in the array of juicy burgers available as the impatient manager took their order. “I’m good.”

“Not hungry, Skull?” Morgana peaked his head out of the bag when it was safe. “Never thought I’d see the day.”

“Is this about Ann?” Ren noticed that his friend’s appetite had evaporated once she refused to accompany them to the restaurant and he had an idea why. It was time to press him for answers. “Was Futaba right about you guys?”

“What?” the mentioning of their mutual friend snared his attention away from his phone. His eyebrows rose in surprise, stunned that even Ren would accuse him, too. “Are you going to come at me with this crap too now? For real?”

“Tell me the truth.”

“Fine, man.” Ryuji grunted as he put his phone away. “But swear you’ll keep it between us. Not another living soul can find out.”

“Of course.”

“Okay… so… I’ve always kinda had a thing for Ann... from the moment we met, actually.” Ryuji admitted, his voice barely a whisper. Talking about his feelings did not make him comfortable, even if he was confiding in his best friend. “But now I totally blew it.”

“You are not worthy of my lady, Ann!” a defensive Morgana hissed, nearly jumping out of the backpack in anger. “Stay away from her before you cause even more damage. You’ve hurt her enough already, dimwit!”

“SHH…Morgana.” Ren pushed the shrieking cat away, hoping that the manager did not hear the incessant meowing coming from under the table. Futaba’s suspicions proved accurate, and he wanted to learn more before getting kicked out of the restaurant for having a pet inside.

“The stupid cat’s right.” Ryuji relented, much to their surprise. Even Morgana couldn’t believe it, keeping quiet as the confession continued. “Ann is so hot! But it’s not just that. She’s fun to be around. When we hangout, it’s like I’m out with the guys, only she’s got boobs and I can’t take my eyes off her. I love playing video games, going out for ramen and all the shit we do together. Too bad she’s out of my league and would never go for a loser like me, especially after the stunt I pulled last night.”

“Don’t say that,” Ren encouraged. It shocked him to see Ryuji talk like this. Normally, his friend boasted a ton of self-confidence and bravado, but not in this current situation. Never had Ryuji seemed so insecure in their time together. “Maybe the feeling is mutual.”

“Are you kidding me, bro? She’s way outta my league!” Ryuji scoffed. “There’s no effing way she likes me back! Not a snowball’s chance in hell!”

“Gotta say I agree with you on this one, Skull.” Morgana chuckled. “Lady Ann only has eyes for me!”

“You guys see the way she talks to me.” Ryuji sulked. “Girls act all cutesy and shit around the guys they like. I’m stuck in her friend zone for years. And now she hates my guts. We aren’t even friends anymore.”

“It’s not like you treat her much better, Romeo!” Morgana mocked. “Need I remind you what you did to her wonderful cake?”

“She’s fun to mess with.” Ryuji smirked. “That’s kinda what I like about her. Didn’t think she’d get all bent out of shape over a cake. She never got so upset over one of my pranks before. Usually she forgives me no matter what dumb shit I do.”

“Maybe it was never about the cake.” Ren thought. “Perhaps she wanted you to kiss her.”

“What?” Ryuji’s eyes lit up in shock at the slim possibility of it. Maybe that would explain why Ann acted so differently towards him now. She secretly wanted him to go through with Futaba’s dare. Instead, all she got was a face full of vanilla frosting, strawberries, and fondant. Nah, it couldn’t be. There was no way she actually liked him back. “You really think so, bro?”

“There’s only way to know for certain.” Ren met his friend’s gaze. “You need to apologize and tell her how you feel.”

“FOR REAL?” Ryuji jumped out of the booth. “And get rejected? No effing way am I doing that! You are out of your mind, bro!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 18:

“SURPRISE!” Usagi skipped down the checkered floor carrying her specially made Big Bang Burger. Sparklers glowed from atop the bun, showering her path with golden light as blonde pigtails swung behind her head. She placed the tray on the table, proud of her creation. The smoke and sparkles cleared, revealing an unsightly volcano of charred meat, burnt veggies and steamy hot sauce. “ENJOY YOUR ORDER!”

“Is this for real?” one of the teenage boys nearly barfed at the sight of the blackened burger oozing with spicy peppers and an array of condiments that made his stomach churn. “You really expect us to eat that?”

“Mamo?” Usagi ignored the loudmouth and gasped at the sight of his friend sitting on the opposite side of the booth. She wished her boyfriend cancelled his business trip last second, and come to surprise her at the end of her first shift to proclaim his love and devotion, swearing he would never leave her side again. How romantic that would have been. But no, it wasn’t Mamoru. His plane probably landed in Italy a short while ago, yet he still hadn’t texted her.

“Hmm?” the boy gave her a puzzled look that made her heart race. He resembled Mamoru, with a shaggy head of black hair and a smooth, handsome face. The thick pair of glasses and the high-school uniform he wore brought her back to reality, but the close resemblance served as a reminder of how much she already missed her boyfriend. How was she going to last until Christmas time without him?

“Is that a kitty? Oh, how cute! I love cats!” a distracted Usagi spotted the fur ball’s face peaking out of the boy’s backpack. The black and white feline withdrew into the bag as she leaned for a closer look, but hissed as her hand grazed his whiskers.

“Don’t mind him.” The handsome guest apologized. “He doesn’t enjoy being called a cat… or cute.”

“Oh, hey guys!” Haru approached the table clad in an apron and visor. “What a pleasant surprise.”

“You trying to kill us?” Ryuji pointed at the burger accusingly. “What the hell is that shit?”

“This is a new burger crafted by my trainee, Usagi-chan!” Haru grinned, ignoring the threat as she turned towards Ren. “She worked very hard on it. A kind and honest gentleman like you would not want to disappoint her, right? And hurt a poor girl’s feelings? Oh, the Ren I know would never do that.”

“Don’t do it, bro.” Ryuji shook his head in warning. “It’s not worth it!”

“Of course not.” Ren ignored his buddy and picked up the greasy burger with both hands, giving Haru a defiant glance. The bun burned in his grip, and its unholy contents simmered and bubbled within the bread. Sweat beaded from just holding the burger, but he knew what Haru had planned. She was testing his loyalty and devotion to his girlfriend through this spicy burger from hell. Luckily, he possessed the guts necessary to beat this challenge... or at least that’s what he thought.

“Go! Go! Go!” Morgana cheered the human as he opened his mouth wide and chomped into the burger. He munched into it with gusto, devouring a decent sized portion until he bit into one of the ghost peppers.

“Oh, shit.” Ryuji noticed his friend’s face turning red as he fought on, taking another bite and another, but the humongous burger had taken its toll. Ren dropped the rest of it onto the tray, clutching his gurgling stomach in defeat.

“Thirsty are you?” Haru took the lone cup of water on the table and guzzled it herself before Ren could reach for it. She crumpled the paper cup in her hand and laughed maniacally. “Peppers too hot to handle? Or are you just a liar, liar, pants on fire?”

“C’mon Haru, this is bullshit!” Ryuji jumped out of the booth to check up on his friend before he choked to death. Ren face planted the table, pounding against it with a fist. His head was so red it might explode any second. “Get him a damn drink!”

“I’m terribly sorry, but the machine is out of order.” Haru frowned as she removed the tray. “Looks like you’ve failed the big bang burger challenge. That will cost you 1,200 yen. Please pay at the cashier at your earliest convenience. Better luck next time!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 19:

“You did a great job today, Usagi-chan.” Haru mopped up the floor while her exhausted coworker took a break, sprawling out on a booth while she stared at the clock, counting down the minutes to midnight so she could go home and get some sleep. “That burger you made certainly gave that guy the kick in the butt he deserved.”

“Who were those two?” Usagi perked up, eager to learn more about this Mamoru look alike.

“Just a couple of boys from my old highschool, Shujin High.” Haru slammed the mop into the bucket. “He’s dating my friend, but she suspects him of cheating. Their relationship might be over. What a shame. I thought they were a perfect match for each other.”

“That’s horrible!” Usagi gasped in disbelief. She jumped out of the booth and pressed her fellow cadet for more. “How could he do such a thing?”

“He claims he’s innocent, but I’m not buying it.” Haru shrugged as she continued mopping the slick floor. "Poor Mako-chan… she’s devastated."

“Maybe he’s telling the truth.” Usagi suggested. She had a hard time believing that the polite boy would do something so devious, even if she only spoke to him for a couple of minutes. Her intuition told her he possessed a pure heart, one that would never deceive a young woman he cared about.

“What makes you say that?” she shoved the mop into the wringer and kicked the lever to strain out the water, imagining that it was Ren’s face getting squeezed instead of the mop.

“Well, he reminded me of my Mamo, besides the glasses.” Usagi blushed at the very thought of him. “And my Mamo would never cheat on me!”

“Oh, you have a boyfriend too?”

“Yes.” Usagi sighed, gazing at the slick checkered floor. “But he’s away on business and won’t be back until Christmas time. I already miss him so much.”

“That’s too bad.”

“I hardly spent time with him since he graduated and started his career.” Usagi sulked. “That’s part of the reason I took this job. My friends are all away at college or busy pursuing their dreams. I’m the only one still stuck behind in Tokyo. So I figured why not get a job to keep me occupied? That way I can pay back my Mamo everything I owe and help save the Hikawa shrine!”

“Why do you owe money to your boyfriend?” a puzzled Haru asked. “Hikawa shrine?”

“It’s a long story.” Usagi giggled at the prospect of sharing her adventures in New York City, including her adventures with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. “I’ll tell you all about it, since we are going to be working together from here on out, right Haru-chan?”

“Oh, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I don’t really work full time at this location. I’m just a temp filling in for today only.”

“NO! PLEASE DON’T GO!” Usagi pouted in dismay. She thought she had made a new friend and did not want to lose her so soon after hitting it off. “STAY HERE WITH ME!”

“Don’t worry! You’ll have a new trainer tomorrow. I’ll make sure they are highly qualified.”

“No, they won’t be as good as you!” Usagi begged. “That mean manager will fire me in no time.”

“I assure you that won’t happen.” Haru promised. “You see, I’m not a cadet. I am really the chief exec…”

“It’s not just that.” Usagi interrupted, her eyes on the brink of watering. “I’m so lonely without my Mamo. All my besties are away. Won’t you please stay and be my friend?”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 20:

Yuuichirou wandered through the streets of Shinjuku late at night. His beloved Rei would awaken in a few hours, only to find him gone. This act of cowardice would most likely signal an end to their relationship. He could not bear to face her again, not even to say goodbye before she left for the university in Osaka. He failed Rei in every aspect ever since returning triumphantly from New York together as an official couple. Nothing had gone right for them from that point on. The shrine had fallen into such massive debt, and he promised to make things right. But she did not share his faith, going as far as contacting her estranged father for help. He did not feel worthy enough to be her boyfriend any longer. Not unless he could make things right.

The bright lights and billboards of the Shinjuku district reminded him of Times Square. He remembered those wonderful nights out with Rei over the summer, meeting her outside the Channel 6 News building after she finished her day at the office. The time they spent together on that trip was the happiest he had ever been in his life. He still couldn’t believe it when Rei surprised him at the airport and told him she had quit the internship to go home with him. If only he could relive that week, aside from the part where he got captured by Queen Beryl and turned into a monster. He longed to see that smile graze Rei’s beautiful face once again. The love in her eyes when she met his gaze. Feel her lips press against his.

“Lost, stranger?” a mysterious girl sitting behind a table snared his attention, drawing him into an alleyway. This man clearly stood out amongst the denizens that typically patronized this area, still clad in his priestly robes. A perfect mark for her scam. She could spot suckers like him a mile away. “Perhaps my cards can help you find your path. Take a seat for a reading.”

“I’m desperate.” Yuuichirou approached the table. “Please, help me.”

“Let me guess.” She shuffled her cards. “Girl troubles?”

“How’d you know?” the prediction stunned the flabbergasted priest. This psychic had serious abilities!

“Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Chihaya Mifune, the most famous seer of Shinjuku. For a thousand yen, I’ll answer that question. For five thousand, I’ll show you more,” the blonde smirked. “But for ten thousand yen, I’ll tell you everything you need to know. I can reveal the key to your ultimate fate, your love life, your career…”

“Take everything I have!” he reached into his wallet and gave her what she asked without bargaining. The priest had little money left, but this girl convinced him she had all the answers and he’d pay any amount to learn how to proceed.

“You are at a crossroads in life.” the girl quickly pocketed his money and flipped over her cards one by one, displaying them on the table face up. “A fork is dividing your destiny into two roads leading in opposite directions. One of prosperity, and one of ruin. One into the arms of your desired love, one into the depths of loneliness and despair for the rest of your days.”

“How do I find the right path?” Yuuichirou quivered in fear. “I don’t want to end up like that!”

“This dilemma you face.” she turned over the last card and could not hide her concern. “I’m afraid there is no viable solution I can offer you. This you must discover on your own or face dire consequences.”

“WHAT?” He rose from table and grabbed her by the shoulders. “You said you’d tell me everything!”

“I can only go off what the cards reveal to me and help guide you.” Chihaya pushed him away, seconds away from shouting for the police.

“Check them again!”

“Another reading will cost you five thousand yen.” She scooped up the fortune cards and gave them a shuffle. “That’s my discounted rate.”

“I don’t have any money left!” He threw his hands up. “That’s how I got into this mess!”

“That’s unfortunate.” She shrugged. “Then I’m sorry, but there’s nothing else I can do for you. Come see me again when you have some more.”

“Please.” he dropped to his knees and begged. “I don’t want to lose her. Help me!”

“Fine. I’ll give you one freebie.” Feeling guilty for her greed, she cut the deck and flipped over the first card. She had learned her lesson last summer after meeting a boy named Ren, who had reminded her why she gave fortunes to begin with. To help others, even if she didn’t have the power of clairvoyance. She closed her eyes and concentrated, desperate for a sign or clue to help this poor vagabond. “Hmm…says here, in order to go forward, you must go back.”

“Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“That’s for you to explore. You are a priest, right? Meditate on that or something.” She reached into her pocketbook under the table and pulled out a small ruby. “Here. Take this token for luck.”

“That’s her color!” His eyes widened as he clutched the fiery red gem into his palm and squeezed it tightly against his chest. “How did you know?”

“You need this more than I do right now.” Ignoring the question, she begrudgingly handed his money back to the holy man. “Don’t waste this opportunity. You will lose her forever if you fail.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 21:

“Let’s go back to LeBlanc.” Morgana yawned from within the backpack as Ren guzzled a bottle of water, his face still on fire after eating the volcanic burger. The cot in the attic called for them to return home and rest after such a long day. “Time to go to sleep.”

“I agree with fur-face.” Ryuji dropped a coin into a vending machine and handed over another sports drink. He tossed the empty can into a recycling bin, but it did not ease the burning sensation that still roasted Ren’s throat. “I’m beat.”

“I’m going Shinjuku if you want to come.” Ren sighed after glancing at his phone and seeing no message from Makoto. He had hoped that Haru would tell her what happened at the restaurant and she would finally reach out to him, but his girlfriend… or rather ex-girlfriend… had returned him with nothing but silence.

“That’s the last place you should go, considering the trouble you are in!” Morgana warned. “Besides, you are going to fall behind in your studies!”

“Nothing else matters if Makoto won’t forgive me.”

“Yeah, I guess we both really effed up, didn’t we?” Ryuji smacked his buddy on the back. “But tuna breath over here is right for once. I’mma head out. See ya tomorrow.”

They clasped hands and parted ways at the Shibuya train station. Ren took a quick ride to Shinjuku, walking through the crowded district until reaching his destination. The crossroads bar was empty tonight besides the regulars, including the disgruntled news reporter Ichiko Ohya, who sat at the bar drinking a glass of wine.

“Top me off with some prosecco, Lala.” the woozy woman called for the hefty drag queen behind the counter.

“Make that two waters instead.” Ren took the reporter’s sparkling white wine away and handed the glass over to the kimono clad entertainer before the angry drunk could grab it back.

“Hey! What’s your problem, buster?” she rose from the stool, ready to strike down whoever dared take away her precious drink when she noticed Ren disheveled in his school uniform, his face red and dripping with sweat. “Whoa, did you just get out of the sauna or fall into an active volcano? What the heck happened to you?"

“It’s a long story.” He said as Lala set down a couple of waters onto the oak countertop.

“Well, I got all night. Do tell!” the drunk gave him her cup of water and signaled for the bartender. "This may require a beverage stronger than wine, like whiskey! Get on it, Lala!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 22:

“Oh, to be young again!” Ohaya laughed after hearing the high-schooler’s drama. “She will get over it, kid. And if not, I’m sure you’ll find someone else. There’s plenty of fish in the sea, after all.”

“I don’t want just any other girl.” Ren shoved his empty cup across the counter. “Makoto’s special to me.”

“Wish I could help you but… ” Ohaya trailed off, glancing over towards the entrance of the bar where a shaggy headed priest stumbled through. His beady eyes wandered around, observing the drag queen behind the bar and the band of misfits that frequented this establishment. He clearly looked uncomfortable in this setting and backpedaled towards the exit. “Speaking of fish…”

“Can I help you?” Lala asked the confused young man clad in blue hakama stopping him in his tracks. “Are you lost?”

“Umm…” Yuuichirou glanced at the neon sign by the window. He had stumbled around Shinjuku for over an hour, clutching his ruby as he ruminated about what the fortune teller told him. In order to go forward, you must go back. What could that possibly mean? When he noticed the sign for the crossroads bar, he entered on a whim. Perhaps it was a sign from the gods. “I’m at a crossroads in my life…”

“Aren’t we all?” Ohaya leapt out of her stool, hooked the handsome priest’s arm and dragged him over to the bar. “Let me buy you a drink, stranger.”

“Sorry, I don’t drink.” he pulled away from the scantily clad reporter, who reeked of alcohol.

“Another water guzzler.” Lala gave him a glass and garnished it with a lemon slice.

“I hope spirits are not all you abstain from.” Ohaya giggled, wrapping a hand around his neck. She caressed his thick mane of hair, but he wriggled out of her grip and sipped his water through a straw, showing no interest in the flirtatious reporter as he drowned away his sorrows.

“Chihaya sent you here?” Ren asked the newcomer sitting next to him after the noticing the gemstone he dropped onto the counter.

“You can say that.” He stirred the ice at the bottom of his cup with a straw. “I came here searching for answers. I’ve driven my girlfriend’s shrine into bankruptcy, so I can’t bear to face her again after what I’ve done. Now I’ve left the temple in disgrace, abandoning my Rei like a coward with no hope in sight unless I can make up the millions of yen I owe. I don’t know what to do.”

“So you are single, then?” Ohaya gave him a wink, not giving up on her pursuit of the handsome guest. She caressed his shoulders and massaged the firm muscles under his robes. “There’s no need to be alone.”

“I’ll suffer in solitude for the rest of my life if I cannot win back my Rei.” the man refused her advances and nearly broke down into tears. He pounded his fist against the bar, spilling the ice out of his glass. “I love her with all my heart… Now I’ve hurt her… I’ve ruined everything… I’m a no-good bum… an idiot… just like she always says…”

“Arghh, this is depressing…” the drunk grunted and signaled Lala for another drink as she sat back down on her stool. She’d need a liquor even stronger than whiskey to listen to more of this.

“Maybe there’s something I can do to help.” Ren could not help but sympathize with the strange priest. Oddly enough, they were in a similar situation, both trying to reclaim the woman they cared about.

“In order to go forward, I must go back.” He glanced at the kid up and down and noticed the highschool uniform he still wore at such a late hour in the night. What was he doing out so late? He didn’t seem like a delinquent. “That’s what the fortune teller told me.”

“Are you from around here?” Ren asked, reaching for a clue. “Maybe you have to go back home for answers.”

“NO!” Yuuichirou shook his head. His wealthy family could bail him out of this, but he had vowed never to return up north. “I can’t do that. Out of the question!”

“We can organize a fundraiser at my highschool. There is a fall festival coming up at Shujin High.” Ren suggested. “Ohaya is an award-winning journalist. She can publish an article in the paper for you and help advertise.”

“That’s an excellent idea!” the reporter nearly choked on her liquor. “Now, give me your phone number and contact information so I can draft a wonderful sob story for you! A real tearjerker!”

“To go forward… I must go back… to Highschool! Of course!” Yuuichirou leapt out of the stool in joy and gave his new friend a bear hug. “That’s gotta be it! Kid, you are a genius!”

“Why don’t you get more comfortable and tell me everything, hun?” Ohaya lit up like a schoolgirl, prying the priest back towards the bar.

Yuuichirou gave the teen a helpless look as he gathered his belongings and slipped out of the bar before he could stop him. The priest gulped and sat back down to get his interview with this pesky drunk started. He’d do anything to win back his Rei!

Chapter Text

Chapter 23:

Rei Hino tossed and turned under her bedsheets, unable to fall asleep. She cursed herself for stooping so low to contact her father and thinking for a split second he would bail them out, even if it was only for publicity and positive media coverage. The greedy politician cared nothing for her or the family shrine, only power and wealth. His hateful words and disparaging comments proved it. She despised her father, but would not blame him should the temple shutter its doors for good. Fixing this dilemma remained her sole responsibility. He had given up on the temple years ago, losing his faith and abandoning the shrine once her mother passed away. But she would not quit. Despite sharing lofty ideals and career ambitions, she was nothing like her father, and she intended to prove it through her actions by saving the Hikawa shrine from ruin.

Her second year of college began tomorrow, and she had to leave early in the morning for Osaka University for student orientation and settle in her dorm room. Despite the turmoil at home, she decided she would not put her studies on hold. She would manage the shrine's financial issues amidst her classes and studying. Yuuichirou and her grandfather could run things while she departed, as they have in the past. They couldn’t possibly screw things up worse than they already were. The very thought of her boyfriend contributed to her restlessness as she squirmed to get comfortable. She had treated him so poorly since returning home, letting the stress affect their budding relationship. The summer had passed so quickly and they spent little time together as intended when she returned early from her internship. Now her cherished opportunity to embrace her love for the priest had evaporated in a flash. Their double date with Usagi and Mamoru never materialized, canceled time and time again. Perhaps her relationship was over. She did not deserve Yuuichirou after the way she handled everything.

Her thoughts and concerns finally gave way to exhaustion as she drifted into a tumultuous sleep plagued with nightmares. Hikawa shrine had shuttered its doors for good. The tall trees and foliage surrounding the serene temple withered away, their leaves burning to a crisp and showering the ground with ash until nothing remained but wooden husks. Grass and foliage melted to a mush of mud and rocks. Flowers decayed and bushes shriveled up. There wasn’t a sign of any wildlife, no birds chirping, not even an insect. It was as if the shrine itself had died.

“Yuuichirou? Grandpa?” her voice echoed throughout the grounds, but no one remained except for her. She found herself dressed not in the robes of a shrine maiden, but transformed into a sailor senshi. The ground beneath her red heels trembled, and the temple shook before her eyes until it collapsed into a mountain of rubble.

“NO!” she screamed, running towards the pile of ash and smoke rising from the ruined structure. What if Yuuichirou was still inside? She had to save him! Her legs scuffled against the stone pavement, but her upper body did not move. The more she kicked her feet, the further the temple drifted away, her sight replaced by nothing but darkness. Something took hold around her waist, pulling her like a puppet on strings. She fought against it, but the power of this hidden force overwhelmed her struggles, stealing her away from her beloved home.

Sailor Mars fell through a void until she smacked against the floor of an empty room. She rose to her feet, taking in her surroundings, which seemed to shift and change at random. Walking through a narrow hall, she soon recognized the place as her university. Only here, too, was void of all life. She opened doors, searching classrooms and the library for any sign of a fellow student. Her heart raced as a feeling of dread overwhelmed her. The sixth sense within her gut signaled that a terrible evil lurked nearby. She followed her instinct like an antenna that drew her into the University’s auditorium.

What she beheld shook her to the core. Students filled every seat of the spacious arena, but there was something off about them. Thick webbing restrained their limbs to their seats, eyes glazed over and fixed towards the center of the room where the true terror awaited her. A man in a business suit and a woman wearing a white lab coat stood atop a stage, staring at the intruder. She could not make out their features other than the demonic essence of evil that radiated off of them. Rei ran up the ramp, eager to escape the auditorium, but the doors slammed shut ahead of her. She pulled on the brass handles, but the locks clicked, trapping her inside.

A clicking sound brought her attention up towards the ceiling, where she noticed a massive spider web covering the entire auditorium. The webbing looked alive, feeding off the very essence of those trapped within. It grew wider by the second, wrapping around the walls and doorways, barring any potential exit. Then she saw it descending from the web above, a monster unlike anything she had ever encountered. A giant spider. No, not exactly a spider. A demon with a humanoid head baring red orbs and a dark torso with hairy limbs that touched down in the center of the room. The appendages shuffled up the ramp at blazing speed, hurrying towards its next victim. Mars tried to unleash a senshi attack, but the spider was on her before she could utter a single word, sinking a sharp set of fangs into her neck. She gasped in pain as her very soul left her body and into the beast, leaving nothing behind but an empty husk in a sailor suit that stared at the webbing above with eyes that saw nothing.

Chapter Text

Chapter 24:

Rei nearly jumped out of bed as her eyes shot open, snapping her out of the terrible vision. The webbed auditorium, along with the soulless students and the two mysterious people standing on top of the center stage, had vanished. She gasped for breath in her cramped room within the temple grounds, which thankfully remained intact. The sun shined brightly through her window between the trees swaying in the brisk fall wind. The nightmare that had felt so terribly real was just that, a nightmare.

A tap came at the door, startling her as she got out of bed. She threw on a robe over her nightgown, expecting to find Yuuichirou with her tea and breakfast that he delivered to her room every morning.

“Oi!” she opened to door to find her short and stout grandfather standing there. A grin stretched across his wrinkly face as he glared upward. “Guess you are staying home for the semester, eh?”

“What are you talking about?” she put her hands on her hips. “I told you dolts I’m going back to school today!”

“Oi, but wasn’t your train leaving at nine o’clock? It’s half past ten!”

“I’m going to be late for my orientation!” Rei shoved her grandfather out of room and changed her clothes in a flurry. Over sleeping like this would happen to Usagi, not to her! There was no time to shower, eat breakfast, or even mull over the terrible vision she experienced. What happened to Yuuichirou? she thought to herself. She got her answer when she wheeled her luggage out of the room, accidentally crushing a bouquet of brightly colored flowers underneath the wheels of her suitcase.

“Yuuichirou!” Her voice filled with rage, but turned to concern. She hurried over to his meager dwelling with the screen wide open. What she found inside made her heart sink. A dresser drawer hung open, all of its contents removed. His duffle bag and other belongings were also missing. She fought back a mixture of anger and tears at the sudden realization that her boyfriend had finally left her.

“He’s gone…” She couldn’t believe her own words even as she said them. Yuuichirou had never given up on her over the years, but she had broken his spirit with her rotten and selfish behavior. She wanted to collapse to the floor, to cry and shout in anguish at her loss. Instead, she gathered her bags and bottled up all of her pent-up emotions for the moment as she left the temple, hurrying to catch the next train to Osaka. Determined to stay strong in the face of all this adversity, nothing would stop her from saving the shrine and succeeding in school, even with a broken heart.

Chapter Text

ACT II: Despair of Hearts

Chapter 25:

Professor Tsyuchia adjusted her lab coat and entered the chancellor’s office for a meeting regarding her newly appointed position as director of the Sciences department. She carried with her a simple leather briefcase that she placed on the University president’s desk. After accepting the god’s covenant weeks ago, Andrameta sank her fangs deep into her flesh, pumping the scientist full of a thick venomous substance. Pain assailed every inch of her body as the juice swam within her veins and she feared the demon had already betrayed her as she blacked out from the relentless agony.

When her eyes reopened, she found herself back on the bed in her meager apartment. She thought about everything she had experienced in the cursed basement of Mugen Academy and figured it was just a bad dream, until she noticed the boxes stacked by her dresser, all labeled with the name “Professor Tomoe.” She pounced out of bed, eager to delve through the contents within. Something had changed. Scanning through the professor’s old notes, she could read and process information at a far faster rate than ever before. Almost as if her brain had transformed into a supercomputer. Her fingers raced across the keyboard as she inserted discs and usb drives into her laptop containing loads of research, theories, formulas and experiments for Tomoe’s controversial studies and the creation of daimon. Within minutes, her brain had downloaded everything she came across on the screen, taking a mental snapshot that etched complex equations, coding and bizarre theories into her memory, analyzing everything.

Tomoe was a man she had idolized and respected for most of her academic and professional career. She dreamed of having but an ounce of his intelligence and success someday. Now, his work seemed flawed and miniscule, with many cracks and errors. Ones that she did not understand how a man so brilliant could have missed in his field research. That’s when it hit her. Andrameta did not poison her in the basement of Mugen Academy. The arachnid had given her a wonderful blessing. Vast knowledge, wisdom and processing skills far beyond that of the greatest scientist she had ever known. Her brain now transcended the power of an ordinary human, granting her intelligence to see and sense what others could not. In fact, she no longer felt like a human being. She had transformed into something much more than an average, single, middle-aged woman.

Now she understood well Andrameta’s plan and was eager to take part in it. The contents of the briefcase contained an invention of hers far greater than what Tomoe ever concocted during his research. This creation would permanently change the world, delivering it into the web of her god, enabling the spider to feed off the planet while its inhabitants went about their daily business without a clue. In exchange, she would finally get the fame and recognition she so desperately craved all her life. No more living in the shadows of professor Tomoe or anyone else, for that matter. All would bow low to her superiority and genius. The time had come for all of Japan… no… the entire world… to know the name of Doctor Tsyuchia.

“I would like to present my invention to the entire student body during a grand assembly.” Tsyuchia closed the briefcase shut at the conclusion of the meeting with her superior, rising from her seat to shake the chancellor’s hand with a firm grip. “They will have the first opportunity to test this unique technology. One that will change the world forever as we know it. Invite the media and local politicians. This is a historic event, chancellor, that will generate billions of yen in revenue and donations for our university and mark us as the premier destination for gifted and talented students from every country.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 26:

“Get up, sleepyhead!” Futaba’s boots stomped up the creaky staircase leading to the attic of the Leblanc cafe. Ren had slept well past his alarm and ignored her calls, forcing her to come here and wake him. She ripped the covers off the cot, sending poor Morgana flying into the cabinet displaying all the knickknacks Ren collected in his time living here. Souvenirs, trinkets and the bewildered cat crashed onto the dusty floor, while the teenager grabbed for the covers, still lacking the motivation to get out of bed despite the noisy racket. “We are going to be late for school!”

“Hmm?” a dazed Ren sat up to find the awkward tech geek standing there dressed up in her Shujin High uniform for the first time. She sported the checkered skirt and black cardigan with a pair of headphones resting atop her auburn hair, blasting an anime podcast. Disheveled and exhausted after the long first day at Shujin, followed by his night out at Big Bang Burger and the Crossroads bar, he wanted to skip school today. Maybe he could stay home and get some rest. Later on, he could go pay a visit to Doctor Takemi down the block and get a note excusing his absence.

“Let’s go before I change my mind about this.” Futaba adjusted her glasses and the heavy bookbag strapped to her shoulders. It must have weighed more than she did. “Sojiro is angry at you as it is! Don’t want him to find out you made me late for my first date of physical attendance!”

“You seem happy this morning.” Morgana yawned, crawling into the duffle bag so he could accompany Ren to school like a sneaky trickster. “How’s the background check going? Doubt you found anything suspicious.”

“I finished my investigation! Got it done faster than I thought. Was up all night, though. Thank goodness for the magical elixir of energy drinks mixed with Sojiro’s bean water!” She raised her hands in triumph. “You’re as clean as a whistle. Now all Makoto has to do is read through my four hundred and twelve page report. Nyahaha!”

“Four hundred and twelve pages?” Ren sat up in bed and scrambled to get ready. He couldn’t play hooky now, not after all the trouble Futaba had gone through to help him out. Going to school would certainly trigger her anxiety and he had to be there to give her support. “That’s longer than most books.”

“What can I say? I left no stone unturned.” Futaba shrugged. She had gotten no sleep, working on this project day and night, determined to fix things between two of her best friends. Actually, Ren and Makoto meant more to her than that. They were more like family. Like a brother and sister she always wanted, who would always look out for her. If she hadn’t met them, there’s a good chance she would have never overcome the tragic loss of her mother and remained locked up in her tiny bedroom with no interaction with any member of the public besides Sojiro. She owed it to them to help fix their relationship and make things right, and now she had collected the evidence she needed to do so. “Every digital footprint you’ve made since the invention of the internet, carefully examined and recorded by yours truly! Makoto will take you back in no time once she sees you are innocent of any foul play in your strictly platonic relationships. I’ve uploaded everything to the cloud and tagged her in the report so she could have instant access.”

Ren got dressed in a hurry, donning his wrinkly school uniform. The pants fit a bit too snug after consuming that big bang burger last night and his bushy black hair an uncombed mess, but without Makoto in his life, his appearance made no difference to him. They rushed out of LeBlanc, sprinting along the sidewalk. Ren fell behind, watching as Futaba leapt down the stairs of the Yangen-Jawa train station.

“Come on! Hurry!” She swiped her transit pass and stuck her hand in the open train door, to prevent it from closing while her friend caught up. Morgana’s head bopped back and forth out of the duffle bag as Ren barrelled into the subway car, gasping for breath.

“Out of shape, are ya?” Morgana snickered. “Gotta lay off those burgers.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 27:

“I don’t know if I can do this!” Futaba froze at the entrance to Shujin Highschool. Her skinny legs shook within her boots as she watched a horde of students flood through the open gateway, heading into the building like knights marching off to war. Her earlier enthusiasm disappeared as her head swam with vertigo. She still wasn’t used to crowds, and would never feel comfortable in large groups of people. Her anxiety kicked into high gear. A cold sweat tickled down her forehead as her heart rate increased from the stress of her first day. “For… forget it! Take me back to LeBlanc!”

“I’m right here with you.” Ren placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and gave her words of encouragement. “Think of school like a video game. You need to gain the experience points to advance, right?”

“But my level isn’t high enough to enter this dungeon!” she backpedaled away from Ren and, bumping like a pinball into several students rushing in the opposite direction. “ABORT! ABORT!”

“Futaba, are you okay?” Ann spotted the awkward teen paralyzed at the front gate, her gaze fixed on the sidewalk, locked in total fear and embarrassment. Concerned, she bolted to her side to help. Ren caught up to them, but she acted like he did not even exist.

“Yeah… I’m… fine… I guess… I just… got lost for a second!” Futaba perked up at the sight of her friend. She had been meaning to apologize to Ann for her immature dare at the party, causing a major rift within the phantom thieves. Now was the perfect time to say sorry. She’d quell her anxiety and trudge through a rough day in this insane asylum known as Shujin High if it gave her another opportunity to fix things. Even if their days of stealing hearts were over, she’d do whatever it took to keep the band together. They meant everything to her. “Ann, do you think you can you show me around? Help me find my homeroom and get me settled in?”

“Sure, I’d love to!” Ann smiled, until a familiar voice filled her with disgust.

“Hey guys, what’s up?” Ryuji joined his friends by the gate. He gave Ren a high five before smacking both of the girls on their shoulders. The force of his blow nearly caused Futaba to lose her balance and tip over thanks to her heavy backpack. “Glad I’m not the only one running late.”

“Let’s go, Futaba.” Ann wriggled away from Ryuji and hooked her arm, escorting her towards the entrance. “We don’t want to end up in detention like this loser for being late!”

“Shit…” Ryuji swore under his breath as he watched his crush stroll up the steps without a second glance back towards him. She even had a sexiness about the way she walked. His eyes widened at the sight of her short skirt and red leggings stretching on each step. “I guess Ann’s still mad at us, huh?”

“She will come around.” Ren tried his bet to remain positive. Word of his innocence would reach the other girls once Makoto read the report, and things would slowly get back to normal.

“Wanna hit the batting cages after school?” Ryuji sighed, not looking forward to the long day of tedious classes ahead. Focusing on history and math was hard enough already, but he couldn’t get Ann out of his mind. The more she ignored him, the more he missed her friendship and wanted something more. If only he hadn’t screwed up at the party and smashed her head into the cake. What if he had taken a chance and kissed her? Instead, he had acted like a total moron. “I need to blow off some steam.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 28:

“Just focus on your studies.” Makoto made it a habit not to check her cellphone until she had finished all of her classes for the day. College was challenging enough, and she did not need anymore distractions. This first one came in from her sister after she had found out about Makoto’s breakup. Sis was not very sympathetic on the matter, shrugging off her feelings of heartbreak and offering no other advice other than to tough it out and forget about Ren. “Dating him was a bad idea from the beginning.”

Education always remained her top priority ever since she was a girl. She had won the presidency of the student council and performed her duties while maintaining grades that put her at the top of her class. But despite excelling academically and winning the election, she had felt unfulfilled and empty before meeting Ren and joining the phantom thieves. Until that point, it was as if she was nothing more than an invisible ghost, or an emotionless robot working itself into the ground. Despite all of her achievements, she did not have any friends... a boyfriend was even further out of the equation. Her phone would only buzz if a classmate needed a favor or help with studies, and even that was rare.

Now the phone chimed the moment she turned it on, going off like fireworks on a holiday weekend. Haru and Ann asked if she was okay. Even Sojiro wrote if he could do anything for her. She couldn’t help but feel touched by the outpouring of support from her friends. Then texts from Ren came in, filling her with mixed emotions. He told her how much he missed her, that he was sorry, how this was a misunderstanding if she could just hear him out. She wanted to believe him… to call and hear his suave, calming voice again… but she couldn’t pull herself to do it.

“Sis is right, as always.” Makoto sighed. Her heart ached as she deleted Ren’s texts so she could not get distracted by them. Homework, exams, and reading should remain her top priority if she were to achieve her dream of becoming chief of police. She was about to put her phone away when it rang once again. This time she had received an email from Futaba containing an extensive file marked with the subject. “BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION COMPLETE!”

“Hey Niijima, aren’t you going to the assembly?” one of her classmates caught her attention. “It’s about to start!”

“Oh, right.” Makoto glanced up from her phone and noticed the throng of college students pouring into the auditorium down the hall. Announcements over the loudspeaker and flyers posted on bulletin boards throughout the University promoted the director of sciences, an up and coming young woman named Doctor Tsyuchia, set to hold a grand reveal of an exciting new technology made only available to the student body of Osaka University. Professors encouraged every student to attend at the conclusion of class, stressing that this was not an event to miss.

The classmate paid no mind to Makoto, hurrying into the arena to get a good seat before they all filled up. Makoto followed the pack, but the phone buzzed again with another message from Futaba. “SOOOO….DID YOU READ MY REPORT YET?!?!?! LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!”

Makoto held her phone and pushed against the traffic, heading against the influx of students piling into the auditorium. The assembly could wait. She would get there a little later or find out what happened from one of her classmates. Futaba went through the trouble of digging through Ren’s phone for any evidence of his infidelity. If anyone could find definitive proof of his guilt or innocence, Futaba would. She still cared deeply for Ren and wanted to know the truth more than anything.

Chapter Text

Chapter 29:

Rei’s semester already got off to a rocky start. After arriving late for her orientation, she scrambled to check into her dorm room and get prepared for the hectic school year. Her schedule of classes this semester proved more difficult than the last, with advanced courses in business administration, calculus, statistics and even physics. No more introductory cupcake classes she could breeze through with little effort. Balancing the problems in her personal life and keeping up with her schoolwork would not be easy this time around, especially with Yuuichirou out of her life.

She tried reaching out to her boyfriend every opportunity throughout the day, but the quirky priest refused to answer his phone or reply to any of her text messages. Each rejection turned her sadness to anger and resentment. Whether he had given up on their relationship, or escaped the failing shrine like a rat jumping off a sinking ship, he had betrayed her trust. If grandpa ran into any problems, she’d have to take the bullet train back home to take care of it. Part of her wished the temple would just close its doors for good. She could concentrate on her studies and become an international businesswoman, focusing on her own goals and career development without having to worry about the temple. Perhaps this would prove a blessing. A time to reset and start over. No, that’s not what she wanted. Embracing Yuuichirou's love in New York made her the happiest she had ever been. Why had everything gone south since? Could she still fix things? Or would she never hear from him ever again?

Then she thought about her disturbing nightmare. An auditorium full of suffering students trapped in webbing, their souls drained so that nothing but empty husks remained. Two eerie figures stood atop the center stage with red eyes as a terrifying spider demon descended from the ceiling, scurrying on its eight legs to hunt her down. A sense of foreboding overcame her when she saw all the signs and posters promoting a seminar hosted by the director of sciences, Professor Tsyuchia. Students flocked into the auditorium in droves, eager to attend the revelation of a brand new technology. If an enemy had appeared, it was her duty as sailor senshi to investigate and report anything suspicious back to Usagi and the rest of the Sailor Team.

This feeling of uneasiness only increased as she approached the seminar, but the sight of a man wearing an expensive suit froze her in her tracks. Her father, Takeshi Hino, was wrapping up an interview with a journalist. Cameras flashed as the famed politician stepped away from the reporter to block his daughter’s path before she could avoid him.

“I see you took my advice.” the politician adjusted his tie. He expected his stubborn child to go against his wisdom as usual, fighting to hold on to that forsaken temple at the expense of her studies. “Trust me, it’s for the best.”

“What are you doing here?” Rei’s face reddened with fury. Her father was the last person she wanted to run into, especially after their recent conversation. She wouldn’t contain her outrage for long.

“Rumor has it this professor will reveal a technological device that could forever change the landscape of not just this country, but the entire world. As one of the premier leaders of Japan, I could not afford to miss this event, for the benefit of the people I represent.”

“You only care about yourself.” She knew her father well enough, despite hardly speaking to him. If he saw an opportunity to take an advantage over a political rival or gain more power, he’d stop at nothing to seize it.

“A lesson you could learn from instead of wasting your time and effort on that temple. Don’t worry, I looked into your dilemma. The bank is moving to repossess the property. I encouraged them to make this a top priority so they don’t drag you through the mud with more fees.”

“How could you?” Rei fumed with anger. She was foolish to believe that her father would leverage his power to assist her. Instead, he used his authority to achieve the opposite outcome.

“You should thank me.” he ran his fingers through his slicked hair before reaching into his pants pocket to pull out a ticket. “I got you a seat on the dais with me. I know we haven’t seen eye to eye in the past, but I can introduce you to many of my contacts in the business world in attendance. Win them over with that charming personality of yours and you could get an internship with a job lined up post graduation. Maybe you’ll even find a suitable bachelor of high status if you are lucky enough.”

“I’ll never play your political games!” Rei snatched the ticket and ripped it up, throwing it away like confetti. Her father’s words had enraged her, but she resisted the urge to smack him. The embarrassment of getting struck by his own daughter at such a high-profile event would only bring his fury down upon the shrine even further. The only way to get back at her father was to save the temple from closure by any means necessary. She stormed away from the conference in search of a place where she could gather her thoughts.

Chapter Text

Chapter 30:

The chancellor introduced Professor Tsyuchia to a raucous round of applause. Students, faculty and media representatives occupied every spot of the spacious gymnasium, including notable celebrities and politicians sitting on the edge of their seats in the front row. Her red hair swayed behind her lab coat as she as she graciously approached the podium and gestured towards the screen overhead to begin her presentation. Speaking in public and hosting seminars like this used to fill her with dread, but now she relished this opportunity to showcase herself to the world.

“Humanity is an outdated, highly flawed and dangerous animal. We face so many challenges that pose a direct threat to our future, from climate change to economic depression, overpopulation, to global conflict and war. A stark change is necessary for our species if we are to survive.” Tsyuchia silenced the crowd with her philosophical statement. “Yes, humanity must mature, but the process of evolution takes place over thousands of years. Mutations to our genome occur at a rate that is hardly discernable in the short term. That said, we have advanced as a species since the days of the caveman until now. From the discovery of fire to the invention of the internet, humanity has progressed at an exponential rate. But what if I told you we are now ready for the next step in the evolutionary process with the help of artificial intelligence? A chance to transcend into something more intelligent and powerful than ever before? To tap into the hidden chambers of our brain that have remained dormant for centuries? An opportunity to unlock humanity’s greatest potential?”

“Then allow me to introduce the Mind Augmented Reality Cybernetics…. the MARC!” A smirk formed across her attractive face as she looked into the captivated crowd. All eyes fixated on her. Her moment of stardom had finally arrived after years of going unnoticed in the scientific community. She pointed towards the monitor showcasing her wonderful new technology, a metallic spider made up of microscopic nanobots, stamped on a person’s hand that connected them to a universal web system. A trojan horse that would allow Andrameta to leech the essence of all those fools gullible enough to take it. Those who agreed would remain in the physical world, while their true soul entered the strange realm known as the Metaverse, subject to the demon’s control. Despite the god’s enhancement, she still did not fully comprehend the very nature of alternate dimensions, but Andrameta promised her with fame and wealth in this false reality under her control. The world would carry on as normal while the alien goddess consumed the planet’s resources and laid her eggs in those who fell victim to her trap. Tsyuchia, though aware of this diabolical plot, could live her life and achieve all her dreams of fame and fortune while humanity went extinct in the shadows through their unholy covenant.

“Smartphones have served us well for the past decade, but the MARC shall render them obsolete upon release. Why bother carrying around a device when you can communicate with your friends and family telepathically? No more worrying about dead batteries, or paying outrageous prices for the latest upgrade. Powered by an advanced artificial intelligence, the MARC shall grant you an interface in real time, where you can search the internet, pay bills, make purchases, play games in a virtual world, send emails, even take pictures, all with the power of your own mind. The MARC will monitor your health, analyzing your blood and detecting early signs of cancer and other diseases. Why should humanity wait millions of years to evolve, when, with this technology, we can heighten our consciousness and merge into a new entity far superior to that of a biological man or woman? This next step in our evolutionary process will see our species into the stars and beyond. Our intellectual capacity, partnered with artificial intelligence, will expand a thousand times over our current levels. Within one generation alone, humanity will take the next step in becoming an advanced civilization, with settlements beyond our own solar system as we explore the last frontier in search of life elsewhere and colonize other habitable planets. The capability of this technology has no limits. With its enhancements, we will discover solutions to chronic problems like climate change, eliminate pandemic before they spread, end hunger and bring about world peace. The MARC can monitor one’s brainwaves, using artificial intelligence to predict future behaviors such as crime. The future is now, with endless possibilities!”

“Students of Osaka!” Tsyuchia grinned after a roaring ovation. She had won the crowd over with her false promises. Volunteers would line up in droves, eager to take the MARC, thinking it would give them an edge over their classmates and adults in the workforce, making their miserable lives mores tolerable. Little did they know the MARC meant their own demise. Humanity did not deserve to survive this calamity. Andrameta showed her just how pitiful, weak and destructive humanity had become. The goddess could do what she wanted with these people while she lived out her greatest dreams of fame and recognition. “I offer you the opportunity to be the first to take the MARC.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 31

“Man, we both suck.” Ryuji ripped off his helmet in disgust. He handed over the helmet and a banged up metal bat as his buddy stepped into the cage to take his next turn. Ryuji gripped the chain-link fence on the outside and watched Ren slip a token into the machine before stepping into the batter’s box, determined to do better this time around. The system sparked back to life after accepting payment, signaling for the player to get ready with a red warning light. A bunch of balls rolled along a ramp, bouncing down a funnel to prepare the game. One of them sped toward the batter like a rocket, pounding against the backstop after he missed with a mighty upper cut swing.

“Sheesh, that wasn’t even close.” Morgana commented after Ren failed to make contact. “You are even worse than Ryuji!”

Ren tried to focus, keeping his eye on the ball the moment it left the mechanical throwing arm. His grip tightened around the bat with sweaty palms, eager to knock a shot into the home run target hanging in the rafters, but he came up empty on every swing until his turn ended. Ren left the cage, dejected, failing to get a single hit as the machine sputtered back to dormancy.

“Still can’t stop thinking about Makoto, huh?” Ryuji sensed his friend’s frustration. Normally, they crushed it in the cages, but neither one of them could hit a beach ball today. The teens came here for a fun distraction, but kept ruminating on their girl troubles. “I can’t get Ann out of my mind either. Guess we really effed up, huh?”

“Don’t worry, she’ll take ya back now that she has Futaba’s report. It’s only a matter of time.” Morgana chimed in, confident that the issue would resolve itself. “But Skull, you can keep on dreaming. Lady Ann is mine!”

“I’m sick of this shit.” Ryuji kicked away a loose baseball. The whole situation left him frustrated and restless. He still didn’t quite understand why Ann was so angry with him. She never overreacted to one of his pranks like this before. What made that joke any different? There was no way she had feelings for him like Ren had suggested last night. “We gotta stop feeling sorry for ourselves and take action! What could I do to win Ann over?”

“Offer her a sincere apology.” Ren suggested again. “Tell her how you feel, like I said yesterday.”

“Nah, that’s lame.” Ryuji scoffed at the notion. If he was going to tell Ann how he felt about her, he would go all in and make it memorable. “I gotta do something better than that. A meaningful moment that she won’t forget!”

“Buy her chocolates.” Morgana couldn’t believe he actually felt enough pity for Skull to help. “You can’t go wrong with delectable sweets! Lady Ann’s favorite!”

“Yeah, a gift!” Ryuji grinned. “That’s a good idea, Morgana. But I want to get her something more expensive than chocolates.”

“Well, we know Ann is into fashion.” Ren continued. “Maybe get her a pair of shoes or a handbag?”

“Nah, I wouldn’t even know where to start with that girly shit.” Ryuji hesitated as a thought creeped into his mind. “Hey, what about that necklace you bought for Makoto?”

“You mean this one?” Ren reached into his pocket and pulled out the heart-shaped pendant dangling from a silver chain. Makoto had discarded it in the street after suspecting him of cheating. He picked it up and kept it with him ever since, hoping that he’d be able to put it around her neck again one day.

“Ann kept staring at it the other night.” Ryuji commented as his friend put the necklace away. “Maybe she’d like one too.”

“If you do that, then she will know you have feelings for her.” Ren warned. “I thought you were afraid of rejection?”

“Eff it at this point! She already hates me. What do I have to lose? I can’t run and hide from her forever.” Ryuji grinned. “So, can you help me pick out a necklace for her?”

“Of course.” Ren nodded. "I know a place in the Shibuya train station that gives a good discount.”

“Great, I’ll check it out!” he smiled. “I’m gonna let things cool off with Ann for now. She wants some space, then I’ll show her how considerate and mature I am by giving her exactly what she asked for! In the meantime, let’s bust our asses to get back into shape, earn money and better ourselves. Then maybe around Christmas time I’ll surprise her with that present! Oh man, she won’t know what hit her!”

“Sounds like a plan.” Ren agreed.

“Hell yeah!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 32:

“Ann…” the chatter in the hallway drowned out Futaba’s voice as she pushed through the crowd of students to catch up with her friend before they left school for the day.

“Hey, what’s up?” Ann smiled cheerfully, despite her inner turmoil. “How was your first day?”

“Absolute torture. And I mean that. No exaggeration. Like actual medieval, seventh ring of hell, excruciating punishment.” Futaba grumbled as she shifted her heavy backpack. The noise, the teachers, the students, the dusty books, the bells. Lack of screen time. Everything about this place made her head spin. An eight-hour day here felt like an eternity. "I’m so exhausted.”

“Yeah me too.” Ann sighed. The turmoil within the phantom thieves added to what was already a very stressful school year. “Come on, let’s get out of this dump.”

“Wait!” Futaba snagged her friend’s slender wrist. “About the other night. I went too far with that dare. Please don’t be mad at me. I’m really sorry, okay?”

“Aww, I’m not mad at you. Don’t worry about it. Seriously!” Ann reassured her friend with a quick hug. “This new crepe shop opened up in Shibuya that I’ve been wanting to try. Want to come with? I could sure use the company.”

“Nah. I’ve had enough crowds for the day and I’ve neglected my dungeon lord sorceress for too long. I’m sure Ryuji or Ren would love to go with you! Let’s ask them!”

“I’d rather not.” Her voice turned bitter.

“You still aren’t talking to them?”

“Yeah, well, Ren’s a cheater and Ryuji’s a jerk, so...”

“I’ve already cleared Ren’s name! I delivered a highly detailed four hundred and twelve page report documenting my findings to Makoto via email earlier this morning. He’s a hundred percent innocent! Pure of heart! Loyal and faithful like a puppy. I can show you if you’d like?”

“No, that’s okay. I believe you!” Ann waved her hands. She barely had the time to do her homework, and now she planned to get back into modeling. With a few shoots already scheduled on the weekends, it would provide an excellent distraction to the ongoing drama with her friends.

“So you’ll forgive him then, right?” Futaba begged. “Please!”

“Maybe I’ll talk with Ren when I have a chance.” She relented.

“And Ryuji?”

“Nope!” Ann’s face scrunched in anger. “That’s not happening.”

“Come on!” Futaba begged. “I was the one who put him up to the dare! I made him do it! It’s my fault. Don’t blame that knucklehead. Blame me! The mastermind behind the crime!”

“Yeah, but he’s the goon who dunked my face in a cake!” Ann folded her arms in disgust. “When you gave him another… more preferable… choice to win the bet.”

“Wait, don’t tell me…” Futaba gasped, planting her palms against her cheeks in surprise. “I was right, wasn’t I? You really do like-like Ryuji, don’t you?”

“Ewww! No! Gross!” Ann blushed. ”THAT IDIOT? NO WAY!”

“ADMIT IT!” Futaba thrust a finger accusingly. “I swear I won’t tell another living soul both on and off the internet!”

“Ughhhh fine!” she threw up her hands in frustration. The cat was out of the bag after years of keeping her crush a secret. “I like him, okay! There! Are you happy?”

“Then why can’t you just forgive your little innocent man-crush?” Futaba asked. “I need the phantom thieves to be whole again! You guys are all I got!”

“It’s not that simple.” Ann sighed. She had never told another soul about her feelings for Ryuji. Not even her best friend, Shiho. Telling the truth was like a weight lifted off her shoulders, but it still changed nothing. In fact, it made her feel worse. Her fantasies of a relationship with Ryuji would never come to pass.

“What? Why?” the perplexed nerd wondered aloud. “I don’t get it.”

“Because he hurt me, Futaba!” Ann fought back tears. “I’ve waited a long time for Ryuji to ask me out on a date, or show any kind of interest in me… Tried everything to catch his attention… but it never happened… when you dared him to kiss me… Part of me was… excited… I thought maybe this was our moment… Ren and Makoto became a couple… maybe we’d be next… then he smashed my face into the cake! I’ve never felt so humiliated in my life.”

“Oh, Ann…” Futaba fumbled for words. She had little experience in this department other than the time she got married to an elven warrior in an online roleplaying game and even that ended badly. “I… I… don’t know what to say…”

“It’s my fault for being so naïve, believing Ryuji would ever grow up and show an ounce of maturity. But this is for the best. I’m going to get back into modelling and focus on myself for a change. Agents are already calling me for shoots.”

“That’s great and all, but that doesn’t mean you guys can’t patch things up.” Futaba encouraged. “How many times have you two pals gotten into terrible fights then act like nothing happened the next day?”

“It’s different this time.” Ann said. “Things won’t ever be the same between us again unless he changes… and I doubt that will happen… He doesn’t understand why I’m upset. That’s what makes this even more frustrating. Ryuji is totally oblivious to my feelings for him. He is really dumb or really selfish. But either way, I’m the idiot here… crushing on a guy for years who doesn’t give a damn about me.”

“Of course he does! He practically drools like a slobbering dog when he sees you in a bikini at the beach. Besides, how could any teenage guy not fall for the stunning and beautiful Ann Takamaki?” Futaba boasted. “We just gotta get him to admit it, that’s all! Leave it to me! Maybe I can hack into his phone or home computer. I could only imagine his internet search history… Or I could…”

“Don’t you dare!” Ann slammed her locker shut. “You’ve caused enough trouble already!”

“You’re… right… Absolutely right… I screwed up… I’m a total loser….” Futaba threw headphones over her ears and shuffled away, taken aback by her friend’s sudden anger. Ann hardly ever raised her voice unless you really pissed her off. Her world closed around her as she gasped for fresh air, desperate to get out of the prison known as Shujin Highschool. Students gave her odd looks as she sped past the crowded hall like the school was on fire. Her legs trembled in her boots, but nothing would stop her from getting the hell out of here and back into the safety of her refuge in Sojiro’s house. The only place she’d ever feel comfortable. Away from people.

“Futaba, wait!” Ann immediately regretted her outburst. She chased after the socially awkward student, but she had disappeared into the mass exodus of dismissal. Another friendship ruined, all because she couldn’t control her own emotions.

Chapter Text

Chapter 33:

“DID YOU READ THE REPORT YET? “

“PLEASE FORGIVE HIM!”

“REN IS INNOCENT”!”

Makoto’s phone buzzed with constant texts from Futaba as she entered the University’s library, far from the auditorium on the other side of campus. The spacious study hall was completely empty, except for her. The entire student body must have attended professor Tsyuchia’s press conference. She hoped she wasn’t missing anything important, but this could not wait any longer. She had to know for certain if Ren was unfaithful to her and justify her suspicions. Makoto found a desk and powered up the computer, logging onto the network so that she could check her email and download Futaba’s report. The file was so large that it would take a few minutes to download. Futaba kept spamming her phone relentlessly, asking for an update while she waited.

“TAKE HIM BACK!”

“MAKOTO PLEASE ANSWER ME!”

“ARE YOU THERE?”

“WHHYYYY?????”

The amount of information presented was mind blowing, with over four hundred pages of data that tracked Ren’s every transaction, phone call, text message, email, and geolocation over time they met. Reading through this volume would take her forever. She skimmed past a few dozen pages, looking for anything that included the shogi champion Hifumi Togo, but found nothing suspicious at first glance.

Ren had told her the truth. Nothing she found in the archive included anything suspicious between her boyfriend and the many females in his life. Futaba even included their own text messages and phone conversations. She blushed after re-reading some of them, especially at the flirtatious emojis and GIFs they sent one another in jest.

That’s when the guilt hit her. She had jumped the gun, accusing Ren of infidelity with no concrete proof. Her embarrassment worsened with each page listing her boyfriend’s daily interactions. His lunch orders. The movies he watched. The video games he bought. Nothing out of the ordinary for a teenage boy. How could she bear to face him again? She threw away the necklace he had given her, showing no faith in their commitment to each other. A true police chief or detective would not have reacted the way she did. They would remain calm and examine the hard evidence before doing anything rash. Maybe policing wasn’t for her. Perhaps she wasn’t good enough for Ren. Despite both being introverts, he was so popular with those he met, always helping others, where she was shy with no real friends until the phantom thieves came along. Maybe sis was right. She shouldn’t have gotten involved in a relationship and instead focus on her studies. Her fit of jealousy over an innocent shogi player proved her older sister right.

“Yes, I received it.” She finally responded to Futaba. “Thank you very much for your hard work.”

“SO WILL YOU TAKE HIM BACK??!?!?!?” the tech nerd sent an immediate reply. “PLLEEEAAAASSSEEEE!”

Makoto sat back in the chair, staring at her phone in thought of what to say next. Torn with indecision. Part of her felt that she wasn’t ready for all this. The other knew she didn’t want her relationship with Ren to end. No one in her life ever made her feel so special and important since her father had tragically passed away, killed in the line of duty. She cherished every second she spent with him. Truly happy for the first time since losing her dad. It was all too good to be true, like a living dream. She had found her soulmate.

Ren had brought up the idea of marriage once. A prospect she would have laughed at before meeting him. Yet she could envision spending the rest of her life with him, even getting married years from now, after they both graduated and started their careers. That’s how much he meant to her. But things remained complicated. How could she talk with him again after this embarrassing ordeal? She just couldn’t find the strength to do it. Maybe she was just a robot, after all. Unworthy of his love and affection.

“I can’t right now.” Makoto’s heart sank. She typed the message as if her sister guided her fingers across the touchscreen keyboard and hit send. Every letter felt like a stab wound. Yet it had to be done.

Just then, the door to the library swung open, revealing another student with long hair as dark as a raven’s feathers. Makoto recognized her from one of her classes, but the angry scowl across the young woman’s face hinted she wanted nothing to do with her classmate. Ren would have ended up in a conversation with the troubled student if he were here. She turned off the computer and gathered her things before heading back to her dorm.

Chapter Text

Chapter 34:

Ren returned to Cafe Leblanc after parting ways with Ryuji. The pair formed a pact at the batting cages, promising to right their wrongs and rebuild relationships after hitting rock bottom. A task much easier said than done. Both of them had a lot of work to do. He checked his phone for the millionth time, but had still not received any response from Makoto. Wind chimes sounded as Ren pushed open the door and found the coffee and curry restaurant completely empty, void of any customers except for the dour owner, Sojiro, who stood behind the counter watching the evening news.

“Oh, you’re back.” the rough tone of boss’s voice made Morgana stay hidden in the duffle bag, fearful of his wrath. The bearded manager folded his arms, not even turning to greet his tenant upon his arrival. “Bout damn time.”

“Is something wrong?” Ren asked.

“Futaba holed herself up in her bedroom again after class.” Sojiro grabbed his fedora off a coatrack and put on his matching jacket, eager to close up shop for the night. “Spouting nonsense that she killed the phantom thieves and that no one likes her anymore. Says she’s never going back to school again. I couldn’t even bribe her out with my curry or one of those expensive action figures she collects.”

“I’ll go talk to her.” Ren hurried for the door.

“DON’T BOTHER.” Sojiro’s anger froze him in his tracks. “She won’t answer, and I suspect she’s fallen asleep from exhaustion by now. Leave her alone. I doubt she’s going anywhere for a while. I’m going to have to call Shujin in the morning and let the principal know I’m pulling her out.”

“You can’t give up on Futaba just yet.” he defied the bitter adult.

“The kid needs serious professional help.” Sojiro fidgeted in his pocket in search of his keys. “I’ve tried everything. Doctors, teachers, priests, cat cafes, yoga instructors, reiki healing, you name it. Nothing got through to her until you kids came along and worked your magic, but you had to ruin it. Maybe coming back here was a mistake.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes to make things right with Futaba.” Ren promised the shopkeeper as the lanky man walked towards the door, keys in hand. “I’ll speak to her teachers and bring all of her books and assignments. Futaba can do the work from home, where she is more comfortable until she is ready to go back. I can tutor her after school if she needs any help.”

“Fine. You got a month to get her ass back in that school.” Sojiro reached for a cigarette in his pocket. “Oh, and I forgot to tell you. I’m raising your rent.”

“Not a problem.” Ren nodded. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“There are plenty of dirty dishes in the kitchen sink with your name on it. That’s not gonna get you any discount on your rent, though.” Sojiro left without even saying goodbye. Slamming the door shut behind him, he lit his cigarette and headed home, leaving a cloud of smoke in his wake.

“Sheesh, we sure pissed the boss off!” Morgana hopped out of the duffle bag and took a stretch before leaping onto the bar counter to take a seat by the television mounted to the wall. “Sounds like poor Futaba had a rough first day, huh? Guess she hasn’t conquered her fear of crowds and social interactions after all.”

“No, it’s more than just that.” Ren headed for the sink. Sojiro was not lying when he said there were plenty of dirty dishes. Curry crusted plates stacked so high like towers that they nearly toppled over. Yusuke must have stopped by today. He put on a pair of rubber gloves, turned on the faucet and got to work, scrubbing them off one at a time with a sponge until the cat snatched his attention.

“Hey look!” Morgana beckoned at the television with one of his front paws. “Isn’t that Makoto’s University? Looks like they are unveiling some kind of new technology. Pretty cool, huh?”

“Time for bed.” Ren grabbed for the remote and clicked off the TV without bothering to check out the top story. He didn’t need anymore reminders of his ex-girlfriend.

“Couldn’t have said it any better myself!” the cat pounced up the steps to the attic.

Chapter Text

Chapter 35:

“Dearest Mamo-chan.” Usagi lumbered over to bed and sank under the covers, not even bothering to take off her work uniform. Exhaustion from another double shift left her with no energy to change into her pajamas and barely enough strength to pull her comforter and bedsheets over her body. However, she would muster whatever she had left to send her boyfriend a message before drifting off to sleep. Luna yawned and curled up next to her, turning away from the cellphone screen’s soft glow as her human typed away with heavy eyes.

“Sorry I could not call you earlier. Work is just so busy.” the job at big bang burger proved much more demanding than Usagi had expected. With conflicting time zones and hectic schedules, the pair had a hard time reaching each other, with barely the time to send a text back and forth. It felt like forever since she had last heard Mamoru’s soothing voice, even though it had only been a few days. She missed him terribly, her heart aching every moment he wasn’t by her side.

“My manager is so mean! He yelled at me for messing up another order, and I accidentally dropped a jar of pickles and made a gigantic mess in the kitchen! I was so upset I could cry! But thankfully my trainer Haru had my back! I’ve learned so much from her already.” Haru had returned to work early the next morning, much to Usagi’s delight. Despite claiming that she was only a temp, the sweet girl pulled some strings with management and received permission to keep working at the Shibuya location until Usagi completed her training. If it wasn’t for her tutelage, she didn’t know how long she’d last on this job.

“Haru and I are quickly becoming friends, but I still miss the Sailor Team and you most of all!” With all her friends away, Usagi used her new job as a distraction from her loneliness. She didn’t want to pester Rei and the others, allowing them to pursuit their own dreams without her pesky interference. The last time she meddled in their affairs nearly ended in disaster when she accompanied Rei to New York after she accepted an internship over the summer. She could not repeat the same mistakes and had to allow everyone some space, especially Rei. She knew in her heart that her friends would never abandon her, despite how difficult it was to remain apart from them.

“I know you are doing a great job in Italy! Can’t wait to have you back home for the holidays! Maybe we can have a big celebration and get everyone back together? Won’t that be so much fun?” Usagi sent the last text, thinking about the joyous reunion of her loved ones as she fell asleep. It would give her much needed motivation to get up early in the morning and get through another long day at the Big Bang Burger.

Chapter Text

Chapter 36:

“You are going to wear yourself out, Minako.” Artemis greeted his human at the door, deep concern in his voice. He had waited up all night for her to return to the dorm room, anxious that something had befallen the blonde after finishing up her day at the news studio. Normally, she’d return home by now. “It’s dangerous out there!”

“Don’t worry about me!” Minako bent down to scratch the white cat under his furry chin, giving him a reassuring smile before emptying a can of tuna into his empty bowl. She had a history class in just a few hours from now, but she could find time to snooze in the back of the classroom if she felt tired. Her life turned into an exciting adventure ever since arriving here in New York, and she loved it here. Between taking classes at the prestigious New York University, her exceptional internship at Channel 6 News, responding to her thousands of fans and celebrities on social media, and moon-lighting as the crime fighter Sailor V alongside the man of her dreams, vigilante Casey Jones, she hardly had any free time. But that’s life in the city that never sleeps and she wouldn’t trade it in for anything in the world.

“Just promise that you and your new boyfriend will be careful!” the cat glanced up in between bites of his late-night snack. “That crazy jock is so reckless!”

“Casey Jones? Oh, he’s not my boyfriend just yet. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he asks me out, though!” Minako blushed at the very mention of her crush. “You should have seen us in action tonight! Those purple dragon gangsters never stood a chance! We make such an awesome crime fighting team!”

“I guess you found your new sidekick.” the cat turned his nose from the tuna and walked away from his meal, suddenly losing his appetite.

“Oh, Artemis!” Minako scooped up her sulking kitty and squeezed his body against her chest. He kicked his hind legs, desperate to get away, but could not escape her tight grip. “Don’t tell me you are jealous?”

“Jealous of that meathead?” Artemis scoffed as he tried to wriggle free. “I think not!”

“You miss them, don’t you?” Mina gently stroked the cat’s fur, calming him down. “Luna and the rest…”

“I just need some more time to adjust to this city.” that cat deflected her accusation.

“I miss them too.” Minako admitted. Even though she had met some amazing new friends in April O’Neil and the teenage mutant ninja turtles, life wasn’t the same without her best friends close by. “Perhaps we can go home for a visit! I overheard Mr. Thompson talking about some new technology under development at a Japanese University. He may send a team of journalists to go cover it once it’s released. I’ll volunteer! We can give Usagi a great surprise if I’m picked!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 37:

Ren woke up nice and early the next morning, eager to get his road to redemption started off on the right foot. He jumped out of bed and banged out a few pushups before putting on his glasses and getting dressed in his Shujin High uniform. Morgana was right, he had fallen out of shape in recent months, tiring after only a few reps, but he had to start somewhere. Hurrying out of LeBlanc, he made his way through the alleyway, walking past the opening store fronts and slow pedestrians heading into the train station. Before boarding, he stopped by a smoothie stand and ordered a vegetarino, a blend of green vegetables mixed with collagen and vitamins designed to make you radiate with charm. He handed over some coins to the clerk and gulped down the thick green smoothie as he made his way down an escalator and scrambled into the nearest car before the doors shut, luckily finding the last seat available.

“Now would be a good time to catch up on your reading,” Morgana commented once they settled in for the long ride. The feline poked his head out of the duffle bag, observing the salarymen and students aboard the train. Many talked about the new technology they heard about on the news last night, wondering if when it would get released to the public. Ren took his advice and pulled out a novel titled “Zorro: the outlaw” buried at the bottom of his bag, turning to the page he had bookmarked a while back. “Oh, my favorite! ME-YOW!“

“Hey kid, check this out when you got a minute.” A text from Ohaya came in once he got off the train and had cell service. He paused just outside of the school to read a draft news article regarding the Hikawa Shrine and their financial woes. It contained an interview with the priest they met at Crossroads the other night, desperate to save his temple from closure. “That should help that handsome hunk out, don’t you think?”

“Looks great, thanks.” he scrolled through the sob story of how Yuuichirou inadvertently put the shrine into debt by purchasing expensive plane tickets to New York without permission. A surprise with good intentions gone wrong. The article mentioned that the head shrine maiden was off studying at Osaka University, the same school as Makoto. He stressed how the temple belonged to her family for generations and he’d do anything to save it and win back the girl he loved.

“This story should get a lot of sympathy. He kept babbling on about that bratty girlfriend of his, so I had to cut the interview short.” She responded. “Oh, why can’t I find a man so dedicated to me like this? Or better yet, why couldn’t he just be single?”

“I’m going to present this article to the school board and ask if we can host a fundraiser for the shrine at the upcoming fall festival.” Ren ignored the reporter’s ramblings.

“Let me know the date and I’ll get this thing published.” Ohaya confirmed. “I doubt it will be as big of a story as that new tech out of Osaka or earn me any journalism awards, but I’m sure cutie pie will be thrilled!”

“Will do.” Ren put his phone on silent and tucked it away in his jacket as he made his way into Shujin. He’d present the priest’s story after class, but for now, he had to focus on his studies and prepare for upcoming exams. Makoto certainly wouldn’t take him back if he flunked out.

Chapter Text

Chapter 38:

“Our school festival is next month, on November 11th.” Ren text Ohaya after a brief meeting with the newly elected student president. Visiting Makoto’s tiny office brought back all the memories they shared in this room, studying late after school to prepare for exams or discuss their secret actions as phantom thieves. How he wished she was still here. Shujin wasn’t the same without his ex-girlfriend around. Luckily, her successor was more than happy to help the struggling temple in their local community with a booth at the annual fair after reading the news article. All funds and donations collected at the festival would go directly towards the Hikawa shrine. Yuuichirou may even get to make a speech or presentation to garnish more attention. “We are good to go!”

“Great! I’ll let our handsome friend know!” she replied. “In the meantime, I’ll get this thing published. Look out for my article in the newspaper.”

“Yo, want to hangout? Ryuji caught up with Ren in the crowded hallway. He went for a high-five, but Ren’s hands were full of Futaba’s homework. “We still haven’t gone out for ramen since you came back.”

“Not today.” Ren gestured at the pile of books he carried. “I have to give Futaba her assignments.”

“Yeah, boss will have our necks if we don’t stay on top of this!” Morgana commented from within the bag. “No screwing around today!”

“Wait, don’t tell me Futaba shut herself back in her room again?” Ryuji asked. “Damn, man! That sucks! She only lasted one day? Guess the crowds got to her, huh?”

“There’s more to it than that.” he shook his head.

“What the eff happened?”

“Hey.” Ann approached the pair before Ren could answer, her eyes fixated on the tiled floor. She ignored Ryuji, walking straight up to Ren as if his best friend did not exist. Her voice was full of concern. “Can we please talk?”

“I’ll see ya, bro.” Ryuji gave his friend and fist pump, shunning the newcomer in the same manner she showed him. “Gonna go for a quick run around the track, I guess.”

“Are you alright?” Ren asked, startling his friend as she watched Ryuji depart. She turned back around to face him with a frown, only this time she appeared more sad than angry.

“Not at all!“ Ann glanced at the pile of documents in Ren’s hands and spotted the name Sakura written across the front page with a long list of assignments. After waiting at Futaba’s locker before homeroom and not spotting the awkward freshman anywhere in the building throughout the rest of the day, her worst assumptions had become reality. “Futaba quit school because of me! I had a little outburst yesterday and hurt her feelings. I tried calling and texting her all night to apologize, but she won’t answer me!”

“She probably fell asleep.” Ren reassured. “Don’t worry.”

“I’m so sick and tired of all this fighting.” Ann whined.

“I’m sure things will go back to normal, now that Ren’s name is in the clear.” Morgana peaked his head out of the duffle bag and smiled at the attractive blonde with wide eyes. “Makoto will take him back in a heartbeat!”

“I still haven’t heard from her.” Ren tried to remain as optimistic as his feline companion. “Perhaps it’s going to take her some time to digest everything in that report.”

“If there’s anyone who pays attention to every detail, it’s our queen! I’m sure she won’t skip a page!” Morgana boasted. “But once she cannot refute Ren’s innocence, she will take him back! I just know it!”

“It’s not that simple. You broke her trust.” Ann knew all too well what it was like to feel heartbroken. “She’s pretty devastated.”

“Can you try talking to her?” Ren asked.

“Uhhh, I really don’t want to get involved, and she hardly even responds to my texts when she’s at school.” Ann sighed. “But I have a modelling gig coming up in Osaka. I’ll probably give her a visit if she’s available to chat. I can’t promise anything, though.”

“Thank you.” Ren nodded. “If there’s anything I can do about Ryuji…”

“Don’t bother!” Ann grimaced before storming off.

Chapter Text

Chapter 39:

Ren kept himself busy over the next few weeks as the day of the festival approached, starting with his morning routine of pushups and a healthy protein shake. He caught up with his reading on the daily train ride, making use of every precious minute. Every day after school, he brought Futaba her homework and collected her completed assignments before doing his own thing for the rest of the evening. Whether it was working at Le Blanc, doing chores, studying for midterm exams, attending a political rally, or simply helping a friend in need, he hardly had a moment’s peace. A nice soak at the bathhouse would ease his tired body, but respite would have to wait until after the school festival.

Yet how could he relax knowing that Futaba still refused to leave her room? Sojiro’s deadline loomed ever so closer. He had hoped that the shut-in’s condition would have improved and that she’d attend the festival, but she had gotten even more comfortable within the confines of her safe space. Sometimes she wouldn’t even acknowledge his presence, sliding her completed homework and projects underneath the door without uttering a word. The only sound he heard from within was that of her fingers racing across her computer keyboard at blazing speed. Boss said little more, only addressing him when necessary. Futaba’s guardian was not too pleased with the current situation, even though Futaba had gotten perfect scores on all of her take home tests so far. Still, he wanted her back in that classroom with the rest of the kids her age instead of sheltering in her room like a hermit. Ren figured Sojiro blamed him for her regression and feared that she’d even lose interest in her assignments before long. Pulling her out of school was still on the table. He understood Sojiro’s anger and took full responsibility for his landlord’s wrath. He had to make things right and bring the phantom thieves back together again. If only he could think of a way to make it happen.

When he wasn’t worrying about Futaba, his thoughts were always with Makoto. He checked his phone every time he got a notification, hoping that she’d return one of his messages. Morgana remained optimistic that she’d forgive him, but each day of silence filled him with more doubt. Fearing that Makoto was out of his life forever, he pestered Ann for updates, but she would not divulge much information, just saying that Makoto was busy with college.

“Ren, I have a huge favor to ask of you.” Ren’s phone buzzed, startling him from his slumber. He had retired to bed early to get a good night’s sleep at Morgana’s behest to rest for the busy week ahead. Tomorrow marked the beginning of midterm examinations, concluding with the school festival on Saturday, at the end of the week. Ren sat up in bed and rubbed his eyes after seeing an incoming text from his friend Haru flash across his device. He hadn’t heard from her since she and that trainee had sabotaged his big bang burger challenge with an abundance of ghost peppers and hot sauce last month. What could she possibly want at this hour?

“What’s up?” he typed away.

“I apologize for contacting you on such short notice, but is it possible that you can cover my shift at the Big Bang Burger in Shibuya tomorrow night? I have an important business matter that I must attend to and I can’t find anyone else to cover for me.”

“Of course.” Ren volunteered his services without hesitation. Despite having a long day of exams, the need to make last-minute preparations for the Hikawa shrine fundraiser and a list of other responsibilities, he couldn’t refuse Haru’s request. Helping her out may put him back in Makoto’s good graces if she heard about it. He could get to Big Bang Burger right after class. All he had to do was find someone to bring Futaba her assignments.

“Oh, thank goodness!” Haru replied. “Please keep my cadet Usagi out of trouble. She is a bit clumsy, but she means well!”

“You got it.” Ren confirmed before putting his phone away. Morgana cuddled up on his chest, eager to get back to sleep. Ren shut his eyes and tried to get some rest with such a hectic schedule starting tomorrow, when an idea popped into his head. A risky proposition that could help heal the phantom thieves, or possibly make things even worse. With Sojiro’s deadline approaching, he had to try.

Chapter Text

Chapter 40:

“Hey Futaba, can we please talk?” Ann tapped on the bedroom door, covered with various stickers that read warnings like danger and keep out. Ren had asked her to bring Futaba’s assignments after school since he had to go to work. She had tried apologizing on countless occasions, but Futaba wouldn’t acknowledge her presence, refusing to open the door on multiple visits. Things hadn’t gone well since school started, and she had most likely flunked all of her midterms today, except for English, of course. Modelling remained her only escape from this terrible year. She couldn’t wait for her upcoming gig in Osaka to get away from here and meet up with Makoto.

“Go away Takamaki!” Futaba groaned from within. “I’m in the middle of an epic boss-fight against the supreme demon lord!”

“Can’t you pause it for just a minute?” She tried the knob, but found it locked. “Look, I’m sorry for yelling at you. I’ve never admitted that I….

“What the eff…” a familiar voice caught Ann’s attention, freezing her mid-sentence. She turned around to find Ryuji standing there in his messy Shujin high uniform, holding another stack of papers. They had not spoken in weeks, but she had kept a careful eye on her crush, watching him go about his life like her absence meant nothing to him. Even though he most likely bombed his tests as well, Ryuji had rejoined the track team and worked part time after school. Seeing him go about his business so carefree added to her sadness, even though she demanded that he stop talking to her. He had moved on with his life, proving that he had no interest in her, romantic or otherwise.

“What are you doing here?” her voice was sharp with anger, yet she kept it low enough so that the shut-in wouldn’t hear. “I have Futaba’s homework!”

“How’s that possible? Ren asked me to do it.” Ryuji scratched his hair in confusion. “I got the papers right here. This must be some kind of mistake!”

“Don’t you see?” Ann shook her head at the boy’s stupidity. “Ren tricked us, you numbskull!”

“Probably wants us to hash it out or something.” he shrugged, trying his best to show indifference to the matter. Giving Ann space did not seem to help their relationship much, and the tension between them had not evaporated with time as he had hoped.

“No, it’s not about us. He wants us to help Futaba.” Ann glanced down at the floor in shame. She had flipped out on the awkward teen after finally admitting her true feelings for Ryuji. And here he was, standing beside her, completely unaware of how much he had hurt her. “She’s upset that everyone’s fighting and because we aren’t friends anymore. That’s why she’s locked herself up in here. Ren told me she’s worried the phantom thieves are dead. We have to convince her to come out.”

“I’ll handle this.” Ryuji banged on the door. “Hey Futaba! Open up or I’ll break this shit down!”

“Get lost, jerks!”

“Look, just cause Ann and I aren’t friends anymore doesn’t mean shit.” Ryuji argued. Admitting that he had lost Ann stung, but he only had himself to blame. The prospect of giving a gift to her and coming clean about his feelings scared him to death more than the deadliest shadows he fought in the metaverse. “Life changes and nasty shit happens. Don’t drag yourself into the gutter over things you can’t control. I’ve been there too, and it sucks!”

“Don’t care!” she shouted back, without taking her eyes off the computer monitor. “Now take a hike!”

“We are all phantom thieves for life!” Ryuji slammed his fist against the door. “I’ll always have your back no matter what…. and I know Ann will too!”

“Not listening!” Futaba mashed buttons on her controller, locked in combat against a high level boss. Any lapse of concentration could mean her demise.

“Damn it!” He gave the door one last thrust kick out of frustration before dumping his stack of papers haphazardly on the floor. “Well, I gave it my best shot. Maybe you’ll have more luck. I might as well get out of here since you can’t stand the sight of me and all.”

“Ryuji, wait.” Ann softened. Hearing him talk about how their friendship had ended nearly brought her to tears. That’s not what she wanted. This charade had gone on for long enough. She knew how to coax Futaba to come out. She had to tell the truth, no matter how ridiculous it sounded. Ryuji would most likely laugh in her face after she admitted the reason she got upset. Her heart pounded in her chest as she fumbled for the right words. “Look, about the cake… The reason I got so upset is… because… well… I…”

Chapter Text

Chapter 41:

“Ahh cake. Heavenly mixture of flour, eggs, butter and milk baked to perfection at three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit…” Yusuke interrupted before Ann got any further in her confession. The lanky artist walked into the dwelling without making a peep until he surprised the pair just outside Futaba’s room. He palmed his grumbling stomach at the very mention of dessert.

“Hey man, what’s up?” Ryuji smacked the artist on the shoulder. His sudden arrival easing the awkwardness, instead of contributing to it for a change.

“Ren advised me of the dire situation and asked if I could lend a helping hand.” Yusuke noticed the mess of school papers littering the floor.

“Inari?” Futaba perked up at the presence of their eccentric companion. She warped her character to a tavern so that she could take a quick break from the game. “That you out there?”

“In the flesh.” he bowed low towards the door.

“Head to LeBlanc if you want curry.” Futaba spat after taking off her headset. “I don’t have any leftovers.”

“I’d travel many miles to sample a mere taste of Sojiro’s trademark cuisine. But alas, that’s not why I am here.” Yusuke leaned against the door so his voice would carry. “I have a proposition for you, Futaba.”

“Go on.” the hermit sounded a bit intrigued, swiveling her gaming chair around.

“Have you heard of this new technology rumored to be in development at Osaka University?”

“You mean the MARC?” Futaba scoffed. “Who hasn’t? If only I could get my hands on it before the general release date!”

“Well, I have discovered a far greater experience, surpassing any known invented device.” Yusuke grinned. “How would you like to accompany me on a journey to see this grand spectacle? A once in a lifetime opportunity where we will have exclusive access to wonders, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. No need to worry about crowds or long lines. It will be just the two of us. Secluded from the rest of the population, embarking on an epic quest across the Japanese landscape.

“Intriguing!” Futaba remarked. “What is this quest exactly? Exploring a top-secret government facility? An alien base? Digging an ancient burial site? Spying on the meeting grounds of a clandestine underground group?”

“Tis a surprise. A treasure of sorts.” Yusuke grinned. “A secret to everyone, yet hidden in plain sight to the entire world!”

“Hmm… You’ve piqued my interests,” she responded after a slight pause. “Count me in on this quest.”

“For real?” Ryuji couldn’t believe it was that easy after everything he just tried.

“I shall pick you up early on Saturday morning, November the 11th.” Yusuke confirmed. “Make sure you pack a sufficient amount of winter attire for our adventure into the harsh terrain of our voyage.”

“This better be good.” Futaba warned. “But until then, the rest of you can scram!”

“Well, I guess our duty here is done.” Ryuji shrugged, keeping his gaze low as he left the house without a second glance back toward the artist or his former friend. “I’ll see you guys around… I guess.”

Ann said nothing as she watched him go. Her chance to explain her feelings to her crush had come and gone in an instant. Would she ever get another opportunity to do so? As time went on, the awkwardness between them grew, along with the rift she put in their friendship. Part of her expected that he’d pester her relentlessly, begging for forgiveness until she caved and accepted his apology. Maybe that’s what she secretly wanted. Instead, Ryuji went about his business in school and rejoined the track team as if nothing bothered him. She’d hear him complaining about exams and joking with his buddies in the hallway without paying her any mind. Maybe she had pushed him away to the point of no return by telling him to never speak to her ever again.

Chapter Text

Chapter 42:

Ren rushed out of the Shibuya central station and pushed his way across the horde of salarymen, tourists and students alike navigating the most hectic intersection in Japan. His shift at Big Bang Burger started in just a few minutes, and he did not want to get there late. Haru counted on him to cover her hours and help train their new cadet. Disappointing her would certainly get back to Makoto.

Morgana bounced around in the duffle bag with his head poked out through the zipper, taking in all the sights and smells of the famous Shibuya crossing until Ren screeched to the halt at the sight of someone familiar stirring a commotion in the crowded crosswalk. The quirky priest they met at Cross Roads stood in the middle of rush hour traffic, dancing and waving his hands at the angry drivers and pedestrians who did everything they could to avoid his path. Cars, buses, trucks and cabs honked their horns, shouting obscenities for him to get out of their way, yet he still approached every vehicle to hand out a flyer, bowing low in humility if they accepted it.

“Hey, look! I’m at another cross road! See! Just as that psychic predicted!” the priest shouted after spotting his savior clad in his Shujin High Uniform. Meeting this brilliant young man again in all this swarm of people and vehicles couldn’t be a coincidence. Another sign of destiny from the gods. Flyers flew everywhere like confetti as the priest hoisted Ren into the air, spinning him in a circle that made the teen’s head spin. “I couldn’t have done this without you! Thank you so much!”

“Don’t mention it.” Ren broke free and steadied himself on the pavement, hoping Morgana did not throw up that can of tuna he fed him after school all over his homework. “We still have a lot of work to do.”

“I’m going to save the Hikawa shrine and win back my Rei!” Yuuichirou smiled, now full of confidence instead of despair. “That drunk reporter wrote a great article for me. She even printed these flyers to promote the festival, see?”

“Maybe you should find a safer place to circulate them.” Ren suggested after dodging a truck that didn’t want to change lanes. “Before you get hurt or cause an accident.”

“You’re right. The cops already gave me a couple of warnings, but this is such a high volume area that it’s worth the risk.” Yuuichirou scooped up papers off the street. "Hey, do you mind helping me out?”

“I’m running late for work, but I’ll do whatever I can.” Ren accepted a bunch of flyers and tossed them into his duffle bag. He didn’t need anymore problems with the law and had to hurry over to the burger joint. After work, he’d make some copies and post them at strategic locations across Tokyo and then head back to Leblanc. Perhaps Sojiro could hand them out to his regulars in the morning, assuming he got back into the boss’s good graces. Hopefully, one of his plans to bring Futaba out of seclusion proved successful tonight.

“You there, priest!” A disgruntled police officer and his younger partner charged in their direction, wading through the heavy foot traffic. “Halt! You are under arrest!”

“See you on Saturday!” the drifter fled before the cops could catch up, still passing his papers to confused onlookers who watched the officers pursue the shaggy headed priest across the busy intersection.

Chapter Text

Chapter 43:

“Where’s Haru-chan?” Usagi wondered aloud. She threw on her apron and cap to prepare for her shift. Right now, it was just her and the mustached manager on duty. Haru never arrived late. Even though her skills in the kitchen had improved, she still heavily relied on Haru’s help. The thought of working alone and facing the wrath of her mean boss made her legs wobble.

Just then, the door to the restaurant burst open and Usagi’s heart skipped a beat in excitement at the newcomer. For a second, she truly believed that her Mamo had returned. Home early from his business trip to surprise her here at work. But her fantasy came crashing down as she realized it was just Haru’s friend who bared a strong resemblance to her boyfriend.

“Here for another big bang burger challenge?” Usagi asked the approaching customer from behind the counter. She couldn’t take her eyes off the handsome stranger. The very presence of this boy reminded her how much she missed Mamo and wished he’d come back. Weeks of working here at the fast-food joint dragged by so slowly, like serving time in a prison. Each day that passed with brief contact from Mamo and her friends left her lonely, yet she had to show them all that she was strong.

“I’m not here to eat.” the stoic highschool student shook his head. He grabbed an apron off a hook on the wall and tied it around his waist. “I’m filling in for Haru today.”

“Okay.” Usagi sighed in disappointment that her trainer wasn’t here today, yet a small part of her was excited to work with this Mamo look-a-like. Maybe she could get to know him better. But now was not the time. The evening rush had just begun. Hungry parents, office workers, teens, tourists, and others filed into the restaurant, lining up to place their order. A more rowdy crowd than usual. The sight of all these people put Usagi into panic mode. She scrambled around the kitchen as the orders came piling in. She tried to remember everything Haru had taught her, yet kept making mistakes.

“YAHH!!” Usagi screamed as a big bang burger challenge came in. The first of the night. She hurried over to the cabinet to grab the ingredients. Ren watched her make a mess of the kitchen as the clumsy girl dropped everything on the counter in a total rush to prepare the order.

“Take your time,” Ren said. His gentle voice calming her instantly. He went to Usagi’s side and helped chop up the lettuce before she accidentally cut off one of her fingers with the knife.

“Thank you.” Her face reddened and heart raced as he got closer. It felt like Mamo was right there, working alongside her. He placed his hand on top of her own to show the proper form to chop vegetables and together they built the big bang burger special to perfection.

Chapter Text

Chapter 44:

“So I heard you have a girlfriend.” Usagi mentioned once their shift neared its end. The restaurant was dead and void of any customers, leaving plenty of time to get to know her handsome partner in the empty kitchen. She and Haru would usually chit chat throughout most of their shift, but her new colleague barely spoke, making the evening drag by.

“I’m not so sure anymore.” Ren sighed as he hung up his hat and apron on a hook. The sudden mention of his failed relationship caught him off guard. Not a day went by that he didn’t think of Makoto and their break up at the party. He hoped that she’d contact him after reading Futaba’s report, but each day that passed with silence made him doubt his chances of winning her back.

“Haru says you cheated on her.” the very thought of such an act of betrayal put a lump in Usagi’s throat. The way Haru described their relationship made it seem like they loved each other deeply. How could he do such a thing and break her heart? She refused to believe it. “Please tell me that’s not true!”

“She saw some texts that looked suspicious and my homeroom teacher showed up at my house in a frilly maid costume. I get why she’s upset.” he shook his head, recalling the look of hurt and anger on Makoto’s face from that night. “One of our friends is a tech genius and proved my innocence after searching through all the data on my phone, but I still haven’t heard from Makoto. Maybe we will have time to talk when she gets back from college.”

“That’s your plan?” Usagi raised her eyebrows in confusion. Why wasn’t he doing more to fight for his love? “To wait it out for months? What if she moves on and finds someone else? Doesn’t it feel hopeless? Isn’t this tearing you apart inside?”

“Yes, of course.” he nodded solemnly. “But she deserves the time and space to make her own decision, and I have to respect that even if I don’t agree.”

“Do you love her?” Usagi didn’t hesitate to ask him such a personal question despite hardly knowing him. The Mamo look-a-like froze in place, stunned by the sudden inquiry, but he did not hesitate to answer.

“Yes.” the admission filled him with sadness. “I’d do anything to get her back.”

“Then go to her!” Usagi demanded. “Go to her campus and tell her exactly how you feel! Sweep her off her feet! Buy her flowers and sweets and write her a nice card. Beg for forgiveness! Show her how much you care! Sending her a report of your innocence isn’t enough! Prove it to her by expressing your true feelings!”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” he shook his head. Nothing would make him happier than seeing Makoto again, but now was not the right time. Maybe a relationship wasn’t in her best interest right now. He had hurt Makoto enough already and didn’t want her to lose sight of her academic goals. “She needs to focus on her studies. I don’t want to cause any distraction.”

“My Mamo and I got in a terrible fight over the summer when I traveled to New York City without his permission. I charged his credit card to get the tickets last minute. I thought our relationship was over when he found out!” Usagi confided in her new friend. “But not only did he forgive me, Mamoru flew to New York and apologized for arguing, even though I was totally in the wrong. That’s why I’m here! To pay him back every penny I spent and donate the rest to help save the Hikawa Shrine.”

“This Hikawa shrine?” Ren retrieved a flyer and handed it over, along with a copy of the newspaper article. “Shujin High is hosting a fundraiser this weekend. You should come.”

“Wow! Just wait until I tell Rei about this!” Usagi grinned. “She will be in for quite the surprise!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 45:

Rei Hino retreated to the library after class. The only place she could get some peace after a long day of boring lectures. Her grades had proven subpar to this point, and she lacked the motivation to improve them. She neglected her studies, instead spending most of her time trying to keep the Hikawa Shrine open. Banks had sent representatives to the temple at her father’s behest, demanding payment and making various threats, forcing her to make calls to lawyers to stave them off. The stress mounted each day, and without Yuuichirou or anyone else to help, this all fell on her shoulders.

After a month of brainstorming and meditating for a solution, she had exhausted all options and concluded that the temple would have to close by the end of the year if nothing changed. She knew it would break the hearts of Usagi and other patrons who loved the serene grounds, but there was no way to pay off the mounting debt.

That’s not to say that she did not notice the strange happenings at Osaka University. The student body had acted very suspicious ever since that scientist held her conference in the auditorium. Anxious pupils lined up in droves by her office over the following weeks, begging to receive the newly announced technology known as the MARC. Those lucky enough to get it raved about the spider on their wrists and all of its advantages. The select few seemed to become superhuman, with soaring grades and enhanced intellectual performance. The demand for the MARC went through the roof as the days went on and the lines got longer and longer until most of the student body bared the spider attachment.

Yet Rei noticed that something was off with those who accepted this emblem and a sense of foreboding grew within her gut with each passing day. Even though the students and faculty bragged about their new capabilities, Rei could sense that they lacked the spark of those who did not. It was as if their very aura or essence got sucked out of their body, replaced by a force that radiated evil. An evil that slowly spread throughout the entire university right under her nose.

The science laboratory expanded from a sparely used study hall into a factory that would rival one of the major tech giants. Students rushed to help their director, working round the clock to produce more of the eerie spiders, with the promises that their friends and family would soon get their chance to take the MARC. Rumors floated throughout the campus that it might get released to the public soon.

Had a new enemy emerged? She could not wait any longer. After ignoring the dire nightmare before coming to the University, she prayed it was not too late. Rei reached into her bag and took out her phone, ready to call Usagi, when a text came from the very person she was about to contact.

“YOU GOTTA SEE THIS!” the message came with a link to a news article.

Yuuichirou had not abandoned her after all. Rei’s face reddened with embarrassment as she read the story where her boyfriend explained how he had ruined the Hikawa shrine and lost the love of his life. The last thing she wanted was sympathy for her failings, yet it warmed her heart to know Yuuichirou had gone through all this trouble to help. But why wasn’t he answering her texts? Why had he fallen off the face of the earth? Nothing about his disappearance made any sense.

“THEY ARE HAVING A FUNDRAISER THIS WEEKEND AT SHUJIN HIGH!” An excited Usagi sent another text in all caps with a flyer containing all the details. “PLEASE COME!”

“I’ll see you there,” Rei replied. A trip back home was necessary, yet she’d come baring a lot of bad news. She admired the effort, but doubted the fundraiser would raise enough money to save the shrine or even cover their legal expenses, if it was successful. The troubled temple remained the least of her problems. Whatever was happening here at the University demanded the Sailor Team’s attention before it got worse and she had to tell Usagi immediately.

Just then, the door to the library creaked open and in came a shy girl from one of her classes. This student spent most of her time in the empty library studying books or using the computer, never speaking a single word. Yet this time, instead of going off in the corner to read, she approached Rei’s desk. What could she possibly want?

Chapter Text

Chapter 46:

Makoto Nijima finished reading the full four hundred page report. Futaba’s lengthy deluge of information not only proved that Ren did not cheat on her, but showed that Ren was even more compassionate than she believed. From the time he had arrived at Shujin after being falsely accused of assault, Ren had spent so much time helping others and changing hearts as the leader of the phantom thieves. She felt ashamed when more details of his interactions with the various women in his life came to light. From subjugating his body to experimental drugs to help a doctor cure a sick girl’s rare disease, to helping Professor Kawakami out of financial troubles. Even the shogi champion had personal problems with her over competitive mother fixing matches that Ren helped get her through. Ren possessed a heart of gold. Yet she was the only girl who had captured it.

There was no way she could face Ren again after what she did. She had treated him no better than all those at Shujin who had judged him for his criminal record without knowing a single fact about those bogus assault charges. She didn’t deserve a boyfriend like Ren. Yet she could not get him out of her mind and her grades suffered because of it.

Her head remained in the clouds over the past month as she delved through Futaba’s work, unable to focus on school for the first time in her life. The temptation to call Ren got drowned out by the shame over her actions. Their relationship ended, and it was all her fault. Her sister’s voice kept sounding in her head, telling her to drop this idea of a boyfriend.

Makoto noticed the students of Osaka had acted differently ever since the grand assembly at the beginning of the semester. Professor Tsyuchia’s new technology granted those who took it access to great capabilities. Futaba would certainly find the MARC interesting, yet she had no desire to learn more about it. She noticed that those who took the MARC acted strangely, despite their elevated brainpower. It was as if these students were no longer human, acting more akin to a robot powered by superior artificial intelligence than that of a normal person. They lost their individuality. She wanted nothing to do with this MARC, but just now she had received an email that left her stunned as she walked to the library.

The chancellor released a statement that as per the recommendation of Professor Tsyuchia, all those who had not yet received the MARC were required to do so, or they could no longer continue their studies at the University. With reasoning that Osaka University could lead the way into the future, bringing humanity to a new golden age. Only such students who believed in this vision and accepted the MARC would have permission to continue their education here. The email left her outraged. As student president of Shujin, she would never had let the principal or administrators get away with forcing a worn technology upon the student body against their will.

Makoto had no such sway or influence here at this massive university, but could not sit idly by. As she entered the library, she noticed the girl from her class that spent just as much time, if not more, in the study hall than her. This student appeared standoffish and intimidating, but she did not have the spider etched into her hand like most of the others on their campus. They had never spoken, but perhaps they could work together. Makoto nervously approached the black-haired girl, who glanced up from her cellphone, freezing her in place with an irritated scowl.

Chapter Text

Chapter 47:

“I’m so sorry to interrupt your studies.” Makoto spoke after an awkward pause. “I noticed you don’t bear the MARC on your wrist.”

“Yeah, and I have no intentions of getting it.” Rei gathered her things, eager to get back to her room so she could get ready for her trip back home over the weekend. She wasn’t in any mood to explain herself further, even though this one did not have the dark aura that consumed most of her unfortunate classmates.

“Did you check your email?” Makoto displayed her phone so that her colleague could read the chancellor’s edict. “The directors are making it mandatory to study here. We have to accept the MARC or find another university.”

“What? This is outrageous!” Rei fumed in disgust. She knew she had waited too long to do something about this. The professor’s power had grown where she now had the chancellor on strings like a puppet. Soon, the entire student body and faculty would be under her spell. What diabolical plot was this woman trying to hatch? With no more time to waste, she had to take action now. “Let’s go to the administrator’s office and demand they reverse this!”

“I doubt anyone is there at this hour.” Makoto shook her head, taken aback by the girl’s fiery outrage. “But if you’d like to help, maybe we can find other students who support our cause and form a protest group.”

“There isn’t enough time for that.” Rei cursed herself. She had ignored all the warning signs, going about her daily business while the Professor tricked innocent students into taking this experimental technology. Now she was coming for those who resisted it.

“Well… I umm… did some research on this Doctor Tsyuchia.” Makoto continued, displaying a picture of the professor taken a couple of years ago. The old photo showed a modestly dressed woman with no makeup, her brown hair pulled back into a ponytail. She had a humble smile and thick glasses that drastically contrasted her current exaggerated appearance. “Her background seems innocent enough. She taught at Mugen Academy for years where she…”

“Did you just say Mugen Academy?” Rei cut her classmate off. She knew it couldn’t be a coincidence. They definitely had an enemy on their hands.

“Yes…” the sharpness in the girl’s voice intimidated Makoto. “Apparently there was some kind of incident there a few years ago involving a man named Professor Tomoe, but I wasn’t able to find much information on the internet. Perhaps my friend Futaba could help me investigate this further.”

“I gotta go.” Rei grabbed her books after hearing the name, whispering a dire warning to her classmate. “Stay out of this. I suggest you get out of here while you still can. And don’t take that MARC. It’s dangerous!”

“Wait!” an aghast Makoto called out, but her fiery classmate ignored her and left the library. She didn’t want her to attempt anything reckless that could land her in trouble. Something about this girl’s reaction hinted that she knew more about their dilemma. What could she be hiding? “Where are you going?”

Chapter Text

Chapter 48:

“I knew you’d come.” Professor Tsyuchia leaned back in her chair, putting her legs up on her desk as she reapplied lipstick. Everything had gone exactly the way she had promised her master so far. Most of the University had accepted the MARC, and those who remained hesitant would soon follow suit or get crushed under her heel. She enjoyed the outstanding success of her project and the rave reviews from media outlets crediting her with the invention of this world changing technology. Andrameta had kept her end of the bargain. So many magazines, online personalities, news broadcasts and even eligible bachelors desired her attention. She could not keep up with all the garnished flattery, the fame she had always craved. No, the glory she deserved after years of going unnoticed at Mugen.

It did not matter in the least that Andrameta feasted upon those unfortunate souls transported to her realm, filling nearly every seat in the auditorium with lifeless husks wrapped in sticky webbing. Tsyuchia remained indifferent while the trans-dimensional demon ripped into their bellies, devouring flesh to make room for her eggs. Soon they would hatch and feed off the body’s remains until mature enough to leave this world and conquer more planets throughout the galaxy.

This horrific sight would have left Tsyuchia sick to her stomach in the past, but she had not the slightest pity for these lost souls after entering the covenant with her master. Humanity composed mostly of useless parasites anyway, going through their mundane daily routines, voiding the world of resources valuable to higherlife forms such as Andrameta and herself. The spider demon ensured that this minor success at the University was nothing more than an insignificant beta run. A mere test for what was to come. The time had arrived for the next phase to take things to another level. All she had to do was find the perfect patsy for her plan.

“Thank you for the invitation, professor.” A tall, dour man in a black business suit closed the door behind him, frowning at the seductive woman lounging behind the desk. He got straight to the point, demanding an explanation why she had summoned him for this secret meeting so late at night. “What is the meaning of this?”

“I believe we can help each other achieve our goals.” She smirked as she swung her legs off the desk and leaned forward in her seat to show off her assets. “But a few weeks ago, I lived in mediocrity, an insignificant scientist, ignored and shunned by most of my colleagues in the academic community. Lost in the shadows of my disgraced mentor, Professor Tomoe. Not given the much deserved promotion I had earned after years of hard work.”

“I admit, I have never heard of you before your conference. And I do not care to learn more,” the blunt man spoke with a harshness to his voice. “Why did you summon me here?”

“We are not so different, you and I. Like me, your career has not gone as planned.” She teased. “I know you’ve always wanted more. More recognition… More power… Yet you lack the popularity amongst your peers in the diet to become Prime Minister of all Japan, your ultimate dream.”

“Go on…” the man grunted.

“My master can help bring about your desires if she deems you worthy of entering a holy covenant.” Tsyuchia smiled. The politician’s face remained stoic, yet she could tell that she had him hook, line and sinker. She snapped her fingers and the world around them distorted like a camera out of focus. “Would you like to see her? She’s just dying to meet you.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 49:

Rei ran through the empty halls of Osaka University, determined to reach the professor’s office. A rash decision, but one she had to make to gather more evidence and confirm her suspicions. She might have the power to defeat this evil before it escalates.

Usually, she could spot a few people roaming around the campus no matter the hour, but now it was void of all students except for her. Rei guessed that the MARC most likely usurped control over those who had accepted it. Students believed they now possessed superhuman abilities, but had inadvertently sacrificed their free will to whatever entity Tsyuchia worshipped.

Rei tripped over her feet when the narrow hallway shifted, twisting like an unstable bridge caught in a hurricane. The disoriented student tried to get up as her surroundings changed, knocking her flat. Walls changed colors, flashing red and black. Light bulbs burst and turned to flame. The floor quivered like an earthquake, throttling her body across the carpet.

By the time the shifting stopped, Osaka University had transformed into a dark nightmare, more akin to a gothic castle. Paths stretched out in endless directions, leading to the abyss, but there remained familiar decor like paintings and furniture from her college. Whatever this place was, she surmised it dwelled within the University but on some other dimension or plane of existence. How did she end up here?

This realm was eerily similar to the dream she had stupidly ignored prior to the semester. Rei climbed back to her feet and took in her strange surroundings, reliving the vivid nightmare in her mind’s eye. She cursed herself for not taking heed in the dire warning of her vision. For failing to tell Usagi and the rest about what transpired at her school. She was on her own, with no help on the way. She would find this auditorium and put a stop to whatever evil had taken over Osaka university. Its presence grew stronger by the minute, filling her with dread. But she would not cower to fear. There was only one thing left to do. Transform.

“MARS POWER, MAKE UP!”

Chapter Text

ACT III: Blooming Villain

Chapter 50:

“Explain this, doctor.” The politician wiped black ichor and webbing off his expensive sports jacket with a handkerchief, unperturbed by the grotesque spider demon lurking among them. A crackling noise echoed throughout the arena as Andrameta sank her fangs deep into the flesh of a helpless student clutched in her tendrils, tearing away at her ribcage.

“This is the Metaverse.” Tsyuchia gestured to the seats of the spacious arena from their spot on the stage. Seats packed with her unsuspecting victims wrapped in sticky webbing. Hundreds of unsuspecting students occupied the arena, their bodies trapped in place as their life energy slowly depleted. Essence that provided power to the goddess and her realm. “A dimension of space parallel yet separate to our own reality.”

“Soon these worlds will merge and the earth will be mine…” Andrameta pulsed into both of their brains as she fed on the corpse. With each meal, the demon’s size and power grew. Her plan was coming to fruition. All of Earth would soon fall victim, just like the many planets she conquered throughout the galaxy.

“When one takes the MARC, they surrender their soul to the goddess.” Tsyuchia explained. “The MARC enhances the five senses in your world, providing humanity with knowledge and gifts previously thought unattainable. Yet it comes with a price.”

“Death.” the grim politician observed the multitude of lifeless bodies piled throughout the auditorium.

“No, not death. Quite the opposite, in fact. They provide nourishment for Andrameta and her offspring in this realm while living their meaningless lives.” Tsyuchia continued. “Without ever knowing their true purpose.”

"In time they will grow sick and die as my venom courses through their veins…” the spider demon’s voice rang in their heads. “Once they realize what has happened, it will be too late…”

“There are a select few elites such as myself who possess this forbidden knowledge, exempt from the goddess’ control, providing we carry out her orders.” Tsyuchia grabbed the politician’s hand and peered into his stone cold eyes. “Join with us, Mr. Hino. Help us spread the MARC throughout the rest of Japan with your resources. We will control the narrative, manipulating the populace through science and politics until everyone submits.”

“AN INTRUDER…” Andrameta’s voice nearly made the man’s head explode before he could respond to the offer.

Chapter Text

Chapter 51:

Sailor Mars wandered throughout the empty halls of the distorted University for what felt like an eternity. She braced herself for battle before reaching her destination, knowing what she may find beyond the doors leading to the campus auditorium. The horrors inside proved far worse than she remembered from her nightmare. Scores of her classmates, trapped in thick webbing, sprawled out on the stadium seats. Their rotting faces frozen into expressions filled with pure terror. Students she recognized had chunks of flesh torn from their bodies, their poisoned blood staining the carpet with tainted life fluids. She could sense these unfortunate victims still clung to life, but living was perhaps a fate even worse than death. Their souls suffered, trapped in this alternate dimension, slowly withering away. That’s when she noticed the eggs. Fluorescent sacs of bile festering deep within the wounds of the unlucky students of Osaka University.

“Daimon…” The terrible creations distracted her from the staging area where professor Tsyuchia stood in her white lab coat next to a businessman just like in her dream. The mysterious man turned around to meet her gaze with cold, callous eyes and a grim frown. A frown of disappointment she was very familiar with.

“Father…” Mars muttered in utter disbelief. But before she could even comprehend her dad’s presence, an even more terrifying entity from her dream manifested. The spider demon that had ended her life. Only this time, she would not wake up if caught in its clutches.

“FIRE SOUL!” Mars retreated up the ramp, leaving a trail of flames in her wake. Fire seared through the aisle, igniting the carpet and rows of empty seats into a blazing inferno as the demon shrieked, filling her ears with a hiss. The successful attack gave her a glimmer of hope until eight legs emerged through the fire and smoke, its humanlike torso and slimy skin untouched as it propelled upon her at an alarming speed. Webbing spat toward the senshi, covering the doorway to prevent any exit.

“PITIFUL WEAKLING…” the creature’s voice radiated through her brain, pounding the senshi’s head like a sledgehammer. “YOU KNOW NOT WHAT YOU HAVE INTERFERED WITH…”

A net of sticky webbing engulfed her entire body, spat from the demon’s mouth like a cannon. She crawled towards the door, desperate for any avenue of escape, but the substance stuck her to the ground like a fly caught in a glue trap. Unable to move, the demon pounced on the prone senshi. Mars gasped, turning her head to stare into the multiple red orbs adorning the demon’s head. The demon opened its mouth wide, letting out a sickening shriek before a row of sharp fangs descended toward her body. She closed her eyes and thought of Yuuichirou in her last moments, wishing things had turned out differently between them.

Chapter Text

Chapter 52:

“PERSONA!” a confident voice boomed out of nowhere, echoing across the auditorium. A blinding flash of blue light engulfed the arena, crashing into the spider like a missile before erupting in a violent explosion.

Andrameta staggered, crashing into the rows of seats from the awesome shock wave, leaving the false goddess stunned. Deafening shrieks filled the arena as a mushroom cloud rose to the roof. The powerful blast had served only to enrage the spider further. Mars scrambled out of the thick webbing, determined to get away while she had the chance. An engine revved in the distance, the hum of its motor growing louder until the wheels of a motorcycle screeched to a halt at her feet.

“Grab on!” A gloved hand stretched out from atop the motorcycle, offering to lift Mars onto the back of the bike. The rider wore a tight-fitting biker suit. Her knuckles adorned with sharp spikes. A titanium mask covered most of her face, yet Mars still recognized her savior as the shy girl from class and accepted her grip before the spider recovered.

“I told you to stay out of this!” Mars glanced behind her as the monster lunged toward them, leaping upon the bike like a predator hunting its prey.

“I’m sorry, but I followed you out of the library. Didn’t think I’d end up back in the Metaverse.” Makoto apologized and took a sharp turn, veering the motorcycle over a balcony to avoid a volley of webbing.

“The what?” Mars asked, looked over her shoulder as the pursuing demon smashed through a ticket booth. The motorcycle roared through rows of seats to get away from their enemy, passing the grotesque remains of those under the demon’s spell. They approached the stage, skidding to a halt before the professor and her suit wearing guest.

“It is hopeless to resist.” Tsyuchia laughed at the defiant pair. With a wave of her hand, the husks encased in webbing spurned to life. They rose from their seats, eager to serve their master. “Andrameta will rule this world and enslave all of humanity.”

“I think not!” Makoto revved her engine as bodies with soulless eyes surrounded the platform, closing off all avenues of escape. The mummies groaned as they lumbered forth with their arms outstretched, ready to tear the females limb from limb.

“You can’t win!” the politician grumbled to his daughter. “Submit to the higher power. Do not throw your life away.”

“Father…Why?” Mars choked. Despite their poor relationship, even she didn’t believe her estranged father joined with such a terrible evil. Or maybe it shouldn’t surprise her at all. “Don’t do this…”

“DESTROY THEM…” the spider’s voice sparked a change in her minions. The husks burst into puffs of black smoke before transforming into various mythological figures and beasts. Gods and goddesses, ancient creatures of folklore, legendary warriors and heroes brought to life. All seeking their destruction.

“The students have become shadows.” Makoto steeled herself. She stepped off the bike, bringing her hands up into a fighter’s stance to stand guard over her fellow student. Brawling her way out would not be easy. The rest of the phantom thieves could not help her, completely unware of her current predicament. Without Ren, she stood no chance of winning.

“I can fight!” Mars regained her composure after the shock of seeing her father in the so-called Metaverse had subsided. She was determined to put an end to this diabolical plot, even if it meant defeating her father in battle. Mars jumped off the bike and hurried to her classmate’s side before pointing at the demon in defiance. “In the name of Mars, I shall chastise you!”

“Is she a persona user?” Makoto thought to herself as she stared at the senshi for a moment, wondering why her intimidating classmate now donned a sailor suit and red heels. If so, where was her mask? Either way, she welcomed the help. They had plenty of questions to ask one another, but that could come later if they survived this melee.

Chapter Text

Chapter 53:

“CHARGE JOHANA!” Makoto rushed to her bike and gripped the throttle, zooming a protective circle around her companion to boost their defenses with a blue glow. A horde of shadows burst onto the stage, taking the form of personas she battled throughout her time as a phantom thief. She ripped off her titanium mask, unleashing her persona upon a disgusting pale horse, baring only half of its body. Makoto recognized the demon as a kelpie. A supernatural horse known to haunt rivers and lakes. Not the strongest of foes. Her nuclear blast eviscerated the shadow, reducing it into a puff of green smoke.

“FIRE SOUL!” Mars found herself tormented by the visage of a ghostly woman in a long green dress, floating towards her. The beautiful lady split into two, then three, then four copies of itself, spinning around the senshi. Her finger tips unleashed fire that obliterated the ethereal forms, protecting her from harm. But before she could even blink, Mars found herself surrounded by a swarm of giant moths, with colorful wings and long, human-like legs.

Makoto drew her revolver and fired at the Mothmen, recalling their weakness to gunfire. The popping sound of each shot rang throughout the arena. One by one, the pesky Mothmen dropped from the air until she ran out of bullets. She punched and kicked, carving a path over toward her fiery companion. An overwhelming number of shadows filled the stage, making it difficult for her to get through, even with her spiked fists.

“EVIL SPIRIT BEGONE!” Sailor Mars held off an ugly-looking devil with red skin and horns jutting from its wrinkly skull. The beast’s eyes bulged with lust and its forked tongue licked its lips in a desire that revolted the senshi to the core. She could smell the rancid breath of the incubus as she slapped the talisman on its forehead. The demon shrieked in anguish as the holy symbol seared to his flesh and melted the shadow from existence.

“Hahaha…” Professor Tsyuchia cackled in the distance. She waved her hands again, transforming more of the husks into monsters. A fully armored knight on horseback answered her call, charging towards the stage, a deadly lance held at the ready. Berith. A powerful duke straight out of the pits of hell, leader of demons. “Enough games…”

“BURNING MANDALA!” A blazing inferno engulfed the seats, casting an eerie glow against the darkened auditorium. Mars, with her black hair flowing in the torrent, emanated an aura of power and determination. Her eyes blazed with intensity as she commanded the elements to form rings of fire. The armored warrior, with his imposing figure and gleaming armor, remained undeterred by the fiery onslaught. He held his ground, his steed snorting with fury, as he raised his shield to deflect the swirling hoop of flames, and galloped towards her. The clash between Mars and the armored warrior created a spectacle that surprised even her father. Sparks flew in all directions, illuminating the battlefield with bursts of heat as Mars unleashed her fiery wrath upon her adversary.

“That one’s resistant to fire!” Makoto warned, but it was too late. The demonic knight emerged from the flames and swept his lance toward the senshi, nearly decapitating her. Makoto hopped on her bike and beckoned for her companion to join her. They couldn’t fight any longer. The auditorium teemed with shadows emerging from the victims of the MARC. Retreating gave them the highest probability of survival at this point. “Come on, we gotta get out of here!”

“FIRE SOUL!” Andrameta had sealed every door of the auditorium shut with webbing, trapping the two students inside. Mars pointed at the nearest exit, lighting up the arena. A stream of fire ignited a path forward, burning through the shadows and decaying husks impeding their path.

Flames ate away at the webbing as Makoto sped away on the bike, leaping off the stage and into the center aisle. Berith galloped after them, leading an army of shadows in pursuit. Mars glanced over her shoulder in fright as the lance drew closer despite the bike’s breakneck speed up the ramp. This shadow may not feel the effects of her fire, but they had to stop it.

“MARS… FLAME… SNIPER!” Sailor Mars summoned an ethereal bow into her hands, aiming an arrow not into the pursuing demon, but to the ceiling above them. The arrow slammed into a grand chandelier overhanging the balcony, which collapsed into the center aisle. Berith reared on his horses, unable to traverse past the rubble and rows of seats blocking his way forward. Makoto popped the enchanted motorcycle onto one wheel and barged through the damaged door, zooming out of the auditorium to safety.

“THERE IS NO ESCAPE…” Andrameta’s voice thundered into their heads as Tsyuchia’s cackling laugh echoed above the sounds of her engine.

Chapter Text

Chapter 54:

“We should be safe here.” they rode around the labyrinth of Osaka University, an endless maze of hallways and dead-ends within the distorted campus, now transformed into a gothic castle. Makoto brought her bike to the halt after glimpsing upon a rippling door. She hopped off and turned the knob, signaling for her companion the join her after peeking inside.

“Did we just return to the real world?” Mars hesitated for a moment as they entered through the doorway and stepped right back into a typical classroom within their school, full of empty desks and chairs. A chalkboard lined one of walls along with a television and computer station for presentations.

“No.” Makoto gasped, falling to one knee as she clutched at her side. “We are still in Metaverse. This room is but a glitch in this false reality that will provide us safe-haven for now.”

“Are you hurt?” a concerned Mars helped her companion to her feet and guided her to a desk so she could sit down.

“I may have overexerted myself in battle.” Makoto struggled to catch her breath, craving one of the replenishing snacks or drinks that Ren often brought with them when infiltrating a palace or jail. She had never fought in the Metaverse without the rest of the thieves at her side. This situation felt hopeless without them. How did she get into this mess? What was happening? “I’ll be fine after I get some rest, then we can plan our next move.”

“How do I get out of this Metaverse?” Mars demanded. “I need to warn the others.”

“I’m not sure.” Makoto shook her head and checked her phone. “Normally, we exit a palace via an app through a safe space like this one. But this place… This differs significantly from anything I’ve ever experienced. I… I don’t know what to do.”

“Who are you exactly?” Mars asked. This masked girl had powers that rivaled those of a sailor senshi. “And what is this place you call the Metaverse?”

“I could ask the same of you, Hino-san. I saw you transform.” Makoto replied, unwilling to share her identity for now. Despite their stark differences, they needed each other’s help if they were to get out of here. “The Metaverse is the manifestation of an alternate world from an unconsciousness mind. A creation from an individual psyche, or a mass collective. Under normal circumstances, I would suspect that Tsyuchia or her accomplice created this world. However, this realm feels quite different from the palaces and jails I’ve infiltrated in the past.”

“Andrameta...” Mars shuddered at the mention of the demon’s name. She could sense that a terrible evil dwelled within this school ever since the start of the semester and cursed herself for ignoring it. “She mentioned her plan to merge this world with our own.”

“If that happens, all of our classmates will die.” Makoto spoke with despair, thinking of all the innocent victims manipulated by this creature. The lasting image of all those decaying bodies etched into her mind.

“The spider is feeding off the energy of those who take the MARC and will grow stronger with each victim.” Mars continued. “Using puppets like Tsyuchia and my father to push her agenda further.”

“Your father?” Makoto gasped.

“Takashi Hino.” she spat. “The corrupt, no-good politician…”

“A politician… That means Andrameta seeks to push the MARC beyond our university.”

“I fear that as well.” Mars nodded. “My father will stop at nothing to gain more power for himself, but even I didn’t believe he’d make a deal with the devil like this.”

“Perhaps I can help you.” Makoto pushed herself back up to her feet. “I am Makoto Nijima, a member of the phantom thieves, and we change the hearts of the wicked. I promise you that justice will prevail.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 55:

The sun had not yet risen when Yusuke arrived at the Sakura residence early on Saturday morning. His gloved hand wrapped around a walking stick and he wore a puffy bubble jacket over his rail thin body. Around his shoulders hung a pack stuffed full of hiking gear for their journey, including some painting supplies if the opportunity presented itself. He went to knock on the front door when it swung open, almost startling him out of his boots.

“Bout time you got here!” Futaba grinned, dressed in her warmest winter clothes as requested. She beamed with anticipation for this adventure Yusuke planned for her, eager to get going. “I stayed up all night waiting for you, googling outdoor survival tips and trying to figure out what secret place you are taking me.”

“You certainly seem excited about this trip.” Yusuke thought he’d have trouble getting the shut in out of the room and wondered why she looked so ecstatic to see him.

“I just have one tiny favor to ask. Rumors are circulating on the web that the MARC gets released to the public today at select locations!” Futaba’s eyes lit up at the prospect of testing the new technology. “I didn’t think this would happen for months! Can’t we make a quit pit-stop on the way? Please? The MARC will aid us on our quest, I’m sure!”

“I think not.” Yusuke shook his head. “Remember what I promised you. Where I am taking you will go far beyond this so called MARC, proving it insignificant by comparison. A pitiful, outdated relic compared to the true beauty and power, carefully hidden, yet everywhere.”

“C’mon, Inari!” Futaba begged. She had enough of her friend’s cryptic riddles. “Don’t you want the power of artificial intelligence at your fingertips? Imagine what it could do for your creativity? I bet you’ll sell a lot more weird paintings with the help of a supercomputer. Think of all the curry you could buy with the proceeds!”

“I shall show you the soul of inspiration. A breathtaking experience you will not forget.” Yusuke’s stomach grumbled at the very mention of curry, but he forced himself to ignore it. “I shall prove why I need no such thing, for I have access to something far greater.”

“This better be good.” Futaba fussed as she grabbed her belongings, slinging a heavy pack over her shoulders.

“Take good care of her.” Sojiro emerged from the kitchen, holding a container of his famous curry and rice dish. He wasn’t crazy about this idea, but couldn’t believe Futaba had actually agreed to it. Truth be told, he didn’t think she’d leave her room ever again. If this scheme of his got her to come out, then he had no choice but to go along with it. “Or you can kiss the free food goodbye!”

“I assure you Futaba is in excellent hands.” Yusuke bowed low, graciously accepting the amazing curry from its creator. “I will bring her home safely in three days’ time and provide you with travel updates of our progress.”

“Listen to Yusuke and don’t get yourself into any trouble.” Sojiro warned his adopted daughter with a stern look. “Call me every morning and evening to check in. I expect you to…”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Relax Sojiro, I’m not a little kid anymore. I’ll be fine!” Futaba cut the boss off, stepping out of his house for the first time in weeks. “Now let’s hit the road before I change my mind.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 56:

The day of the festival had arrived. A beautiful fall day without a cloud in the sky. Ren went through his morning routine like it was just another school day, but on this occasion he planned to make a difference in someone’s life by helping his new confidant get the struggling Hikawa Shrine out of debt. Morgana took a stretch before jumping into the duffle bag, ready for the long day ahead.

Yuuichirou greeted him upon his arrival. The excited priest wore his finest kimono, standing at the foot of their booth with copies of his news article in hand. He bowed low, handing them out to students and guests who came flooding into the closed off street. An enormous crowd had formed at the far end of the festival, drawing most of the attention. Discarded papers littered the floor, stepped over by dirty shoes like trash.

“Surprise!” a cheerful Usagi emerged against the horde of pedestrian traffic. She approached the temple’s booth alongside her friend Haru, their hands filled with steamed pork buns and other snacks sampled while exploring the rest of the festival grounds.

“Usagi?” Yuuichirou pointed his shaking finger at the blonde. He had purposefully avoided speaking with Rei or any of her friends over the past month. For all they knew, he had disappeared and broken up with Rei. “What are you doing here?”

“Why would you keep this fundraiser a secret from me?” Usagi stormed up to the priest after taking a chomp out of her delicious bun. Grease and brown sauce sprayed from her mouth, soiling the priest’s pristine garment as she yelled. “Don’t you know I’d do anything to help? Rei’s going to be so happy when she gets here!”

“My Rei is coming?” the priest jumped in a mad panic. “I cannot face her again! No! Not until I save the shrine and pay off the debt in full!”

“Excuse me, sir. I read your article and found your story very touching.” Haru tried to calm the nervous priest down with a reassuring smile. She reached into her pocketbook and pulled out a blank check. Haru scribbled down an amount before hastily placing it into an envelope stacked on the table. She dropped it into the bottom of the collection jar, making her the first contribution of the event. After seeing how tirelessly Usagi worked, pushing herself to the brink day after day, Haru just had to help. Her dear friend never quit despite her struggles, and she worked not for herself, but to earn money for her boyfriend and the struggling temple. She admired Usagi’s pure heart, but could not continue the charade of acting like a mere cadet for much longer. Usagi’s plight had taught her much about what the average worker deals with on the ground level of her business. The experience made her a much better executive of Okumura foods, but she worried how Usagi would take the news once she found out the truth. Would she want to remain friends? “I’d like to make a donation to your just cause.”

“Aww thanks so much, Haru-chan!” Usagi gave her a friend hug, wrapping her so tightly that she almost dropped her food. From sticking up for her against the mean boss, having the patience to teach her how to cook, and being a much needed friend in the absence of her boyfriend, she couldn’t express her gratitude. This latest act of generosity showed how selfless, caring, and warm-hearted of a person Haru was. “You are the best!”

“Thank you.” Ren added.

“It’s my pleasure.” Haru smiled at Ren before wriggling out of the hug. She owed this small favor to Ren as well for misjudging him, and hoped that Makoto would find the courage to speak with him about it soon. Haru put on her big bang burger visor and said goodbye to her friends before they saw the amount on her check. “Well, I’m heading to work. Enjoy your day off, Usagi. I hope this fundraiser proves successful. I’ll see you tomorrow!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 57:

“Sup guys!” Ryuji stopped by the booth towards the end of the afternoon, slurping down a cup of noodles he picked up at one of the food vendors. He gave Ren a high-five before returning to his ramen. “How’s it going?”

“We are doing alright.” Ren glanced over to the glum priest, who now sat down behind the table, anxiously surveying the crowd as if he was looking for someone. His girlfriend had yet to arrive, as Usagi had promised. Her absence only adding to the tension.

Yuuichirou’s enthusiasm evaporated with the lackluster showing. They received a few donations, filling the jar with yen, but still not as much as they hoped. These meager collections wouldn’t put a dent in the mounting debt. Rei would certainly mock his latest failure once she arrived, filling him with more shame. He’d never earn her love back. Not after this.

“I’m going to see what all the excitement is over there.” a frustrated Usagi grabbed discarded flyers and headed off to the far end of the festival, pushing her way through the street where the crowds had grown even larger.

“Let’s go help.” Ren signaled for Ryuji to join him. They left the depressed priest behind and gave chase, darting into the throng of spectators gathered around one particular setup.

“Save the Hikawa shrine!” Usagi squealed, waving her papers in the air. Everyone focused on the stage up ahead, where a lucky few got selected at random to receive a free promotion, galvanizing the entire festival’s attention. The Hikawa shrine’s booth wasn’t the only one getting ignored. Popular food booths that once had long lines were empty at this point. A few operators had even abandoned their stations to come see this spectacle.

“It’s that MARC bullshit.” Ryuji pushed his way closer to the stage where a man clad in a suit took the volunteers into a tent one at a time. Desperate onlookers raised their hands in unison. They jumped to their feet, begging to get picked next.

“I didn’t know you cared about the news, dumb-dumb.” Morgana commented. “Thought all you watched was cartoons.”

“You can’t avoid this crap. It’s everywhere!” Ryuji ignored the cat’s insulting remark. “I bet that’s what got Futaba out of the house. I’m sure she wants to be one of the first to get her hands on this stuff. Wait till she finds out where Yusuke is really taking her!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 58:

“PLEASE SAVE THE HIKAWA TEMPLE!” Usagi shrieked over the crowd noise to no avail. She hopped about like a rabbit, flailing her hands to get people’s attention, but all the highschool students ignored her, entranced by the up-close revelation of the MARC and its amazing capabilities.

A young woman marveled at the mechanical spider latched onto her wrist, gloating to her friends as she gained access to the features of this new technology. The presenter asked her complex questions, such as mathematical equations that even Ami would have trouble solving. Those who took the MARC answered correctly in a matter of seconds, as if their brain calculated at hypersonic speeds. Others reported the ability to communicate with those who took the MARC by a simple thought, joining a social network unlike anything ever created. These stunts and the rave reviews of its users gathered more and more attention before consuming the entire festival into an uproar. Everyone at Shujin wanted the MARC and could careless about the other attractions, not to mention a debt ridden shrine.

“IT”S NOT FAIR!” Usagi pouted once Ren caught up with her. Something about this situation didn’t feel right. It reminded her how Queen Beryl’s minions would con innocent civilians with a scheme like this while she stole their energy. Had a new enemy appeared? “NOBODY WILL PAY ATTENTION TO ME!”

“It’s no use.” Ryuji shrugged. “This MARC shit is brainwashing everyone.”

“Guys, I’m not liking what I see,” Morgana muttered to the two humans who could understand him. “This looks very suspicious to me. Someone… or something… is manipulating the public’s behavior again. We have to stop it before it spreads!”

“But how?” Ryuji whispered to the cat. “Do you sniff a palace nearby?”

“Not exactly.” the cat glared at Usagi who didn’t seem alarmed that Ryuji asked a direct question to a pet. She hadn’t entered the Metaverse. The only thing she heard was meowing. “I smell something suspicious, but it feels faint… like one is approaching? I know that makes little sense...”

“This technology originated out of Osaka University, right?” Ren pulled out his phone and tried giving his ex-girlfriend a call. He remembered the dire warning he received in the velvet room not too long ago. A great evil had manifested, one that threatened the fate of the world. Could this MARC have a connection with Igor’s message? If so, that meant Makoto might be in grave danger, in the center of this nexus. The phone rang several times before going to her voicemail. “Maybe Makoto can help us figure out what’s happening. If I could ever get a hold of her.”

“My friend Rei goes to that school, too.” Usagi called her friend, but Rei didn’t answer either. With the rest of the Sailor Team out of town, the burden to stop this potential threat fell on her shoulders. The thought of taking on an enemy by herself filled her with dread, but she couldn’t sit idly by, especially if her best friend was in danger. “She promised she would come to the festival today but hasn’t shown up. I’m getting worried about her.”

“Then let’s go pay them a visit.” Ren didn’t care if Makoto despised him, hating his guts for the rest of his life. The weirdness of this MARC spread out of her university and he had to make sure she was safe. Perhaps the culprit behind this technology needed a change of heart. If so, it was a job for the phantom thieves. “Will you come with us, Usagi?”

“For real, bro?” Ryuji shook his head in disapproval. “We seriously takin’ her with us?”

“Of course I will! I just need to ask Haru if she can cover my shift again tomorrow.” Usagi lit up in relief. With Ren at her side, they could tackle this problem together. She’d have to protect him if they encountered any danger, but perhaps Ren had special abilities, just like her dreamy Tuxedo Mask. “Besides, this is your chance to make things right with the girl you love!”

“You can too.” Ren nudged his buddy. “Ann has a modeling gig in Osaka this weekend. That’s why she wasn’t at the festival. Remember what you promised.”

“Oh, shit! You know what I just realized? Ann’s birthday is tomorrow!” Ryuji had forgotten all about it. They usually hung out on her birthday, going to catch a movie or grab some food. It hurt knowing that she’d spend it working instead of with him like the good old days.

“Then it’s perfect timing for you. Did you buy her that gift yet?”

“You have a girlfriend too?” Usagi looked surprised. “Who’s Ann?”

“Nah, he’s joking.” Ryuji scoffed. “Long story. I had a crush oh this girl for a long time. We were close friends, but she kinda hates my guts now. I made things even worse the other day at Futaba’s house when you set us up. I’m still pissed at you for that! It totally backfired!”

“HOPELESS!” Morgana hissed. “STAY AWAY FROM MY LADY ANN!”

“Maybe I can help you with your girl troubles.” Usagi grinned. “Tell me everything!”

“For real?” Ryuji gave Ren a whiny frown. He had a feeling this blonde wouldn’t stop pestering him about his pitiful love life the whole way to Osaka.

“Let’s leave for the University first thing in the morning.” Ren wrote an address on the back of a flyer and gave it to Usagi. “Meet up at LeBlanc cafe.”

“Go to bed early tonight, guys.” Morgana warned. “I got a bad feeling about this.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 59:

Coins rattled within the jar cradled in his hands as Yuuichirou made his way through the Tori gate, en route to the sacred temple grounds, the sun setting behind him, spreading golden rays through the canopy of trees. This marked the first time he had returned to the shrine in over a month, and it would be his last. The only reason he had come back was to drop off the meager earnings of his failed fundraiser. He did not bother to count money yet, or open the lone envelope resting at the bottom of the jar, but he doubted the collection could buy them any time to stave off the collectors.

Yuuichirou stopped for a moment by the incense burner, letting the smoke purify his battered spirit. He looked around the grounds, recalling the memories of Grandpa Hino’s brutal training or the many times Rei scolded him after a mishap. Despite the many challenges, he considered his time here at the shrine the best days of his life. A scared place where he had met the woman of his dreams and found his true calling. Yet now it had gone up in smoke, just like the smoldering remnants of incense he breathed in. He never wanted to leave, yet now he had no choice. Where could he go from here? A hand slipped into his pocket, grabbing the stone the psychic had given him. He carried it with him everywhere, hopeful it would provide answers.

The priest hung his head low as he tip-toed into the dark temple, careful not to make any noise. Grandpa Hino slept in his room, with loud snores that echoed throughout the dwelling. The last thing he wanted was to wake the old man and face his wrath. He needed to do just one thing before leaving his cherished home for good. Yuuichirou tested the screen to Rei’s room and carefully slid it open. He placed the jar on her desk and took a seat on her bed after grabbing a pen and a piece of paper.

“I’m sorry I failed you.” he wrote a last message to his beloved. She would get this whenever she returned. He searched for the right words to express himself. He wanted her to know that he loved her. That he’d always love her. But she deserved better. A man she could rely upon, one that could treat her like a princess. Not a bumbling fool like his own self.

“Rei…” he nearly jumped out of his seat as a shadow caught his attention just outside the screen door. Maybe it was just a lost cat, or perhaps she had returned home for the weekend after all. Catching him in here without permission could set her off even further. The priest panicked, refusing to take any chances. He grabbed at the window, pushing it open to make his escape, when the screen door swung open. Yuuichirou turned around, expecting to find the beautiful woman he admired, yet he couldn’t have been more wrong.

Yuuichirou ducked as a club swung at his head before he could blink, smashing into Rei’s desk instead of bashing his skull. A masked man clad in all black came at him again, this time tearing a hole in the wall with a mighty swing. The priest found a broom and used it to deflect the assault, but the intruder proved too skilled for his own martial arts ability. Another intruder snuck in, throwing what looked like an egg. The object smacked into his shaggy head of hair, exploding into a white powder that made his eyes burn. A roundhouse kick crashed into the priest’s ribs, sprawling him to the floor. The ninja’s boot kicked away the fallen broom.

“You’ll never have this.” a blind Yuuichirou hugged the fallen jar, cradling the money against his chest from the burglar. He had taken plenty of beatings over the course of his training and would not relent his grip. Perhaps taking physical abuse remained the one thing he was good at it. “It belongs to my Rei!”

“We are not here for the money,” the ninja hissed as another burglar crawled in through the open window. This one held a long straw to his mouth, spitting at their prone victim. His fingers reached for the sharp pain that followed out of instinct, grazing against the feathers of a blow dart protruding from the side of his throat. His head spun in circles, fighting a losing battle to stay conscious against the poison. The jar slipped from his grip and rolled away as the leader slipped a bag over his head and signaled for his men to seize their captive. “We are here for you.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 60:

“This place stinks!” Futaba grumbled after getting off the bus and out of civilization. She watched their ride pull off the side of the road, leaving them in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by trees. The duo had spent most of the day traveling, barely stopping for a break to eat or use the restroom. Her skinny legs burned with each grueling step on the grass. The inactivity of weeks spent shut in her cramped bedroom caught up to her. To make matters worse, the mysterious MARC had gotten released to the public by surprise, as predicted by her trusted sources on the internet. Pop-up locations appeared at major events throughout Tokyo and other cities, where a lucky few could get their hands on the new tech. Futaba glued her eyes to the phone all day, reading articles and online forums on the MARC and the awesome powers it gave. Yusuke had to drag her away from an exhibition they came across at the terminal, promising their destination held something far greater. Not even the enormous crowds or annoying Yusuke could keep her away from getting the MARC for long. She had to have it!

“I find the fresh air quite uplifting.” Yusuke sniffed, taking in his surroundings for a moment. The changing of seasons had left the foliage in beautiful shades of red, yellow, and orange, enhanced by the undisturbed natural life, far away from the bustling cities. No noise, no cars. Just the sky, clouds and all wonders of the world underneath them. “What is this foul odor you speak of?”

“That’s not what I meant, Inari.” She yanked her headphones off and pocketed her phone since its battery died on the bus. She folded her arms across her chest, teeth chattering as brisk winds battered her face. They had just arrived, and she was already miserable. “Where in the name of Dungeon Lord have you taken me?”

“If you didn’t bury your head in your phone the entire trip, you’d know we are currently in the mountainous region of Hakone. Famous for its natural hot springs and the beautiful lakes, basking in the shadow of Mount Fuji.” Yusuke gestured at the rolling hills as he turned off the main road and took a path leading deeper into the woods. They walked in silence until they reached a simple cottage that emerged out of the brush. “Alas, we have arrived!”

“This dump?” Futaba shivered, staring at the dilapidated structure before them. Just looking at it filled her with a rage that warmed her frozen body.“I spent all those hours on buses and trains with people for this? I bet they don’t even have wi-fi!”

“Precisely.” Yusuke marched towards the door. “This “dump” is the most I could afford, even with Sojiro agreeing to put up your share of the cost. But I assure you, this is a traditional Ryokan. A chance for us both to get away from the harsh realities of our cruel world and embrace what the gods have given us. An opportunity to connect with our inner spirit and the root of our human experience.”

“So, this is your great secret, then?” she frowned in disappointment. “You lied to me!”

“I did no such thing. Tomorrow I shall take you to where I spoke of, but for now, we recuperate from our journey and rest for our next adventure.” Yusuke tapped on the door and an elderly woman wearing a kimono greeted them, ushering them inside the inn. She poured them each a cup of piping hot tea while checking on their reservation.

Futaba sulked on a chair, refusing to even look at her traveling companion as she sipped her green tea, eager to warm up. The very sight of the eccentric artist infuriated her for tricking her into coming here. He had betrayed her, just like the rest of the phantom thieves! Now this weekend was going to drag on forever with boredom. How could she survive the next couple of days with no internet, no video games, no television, no fun! If anyone should have experienced the MARC first hand, it was her! By the time she got her hands on it, it would be outdated. Why did she agree to come here in the first place?

“The hot spring is available for you wonderful young couple anytime you’d like.” The old lady returned with a pair of bathrobes and a set of keys to their room. “Enjoy your stay and make yourselves at home.”

“What? We are just a couple of weirdos, lady!” Futaba barked back, spilling her tea. “Nothing to see here!”

"I am grateful for your hospitality." Yusuke bowed low to their host to make up for the disrespectful remark before turning to Futaba. “Now it’s inappropriate for us to share the Onsen bath together. As you know, people traditionally experience Onsen baths in the nude. However, we can take turns, or we can ask for permission to wear swim suits if you’d wish to join me. I’m sure they’d make an exception in our case.”

“Take your stupid mineral bath by yourself, creep-wad!” Futaba snatched the key out of his hands and stormed off. She hurried over to their room, shutting herself in and locking the artist out.

Chapter Text

Chapter 61:

“Dearest Mamo.” Usagi took off her socks, changed into her pajamas and slipped under the bedcovers with one last task before going to sleep. Even her single day off from work had proven exhausting, spent fundraising at the Shujin High festival with her new friends. The shrine had collected a decent amount of money, but not nearly enough as they hoped to save the Hikawa temple. Yuuichirou had disappeared afterward, without saying goodbye. Usagi figured he was heartbroken over Rei’s absence, fleeing before she could explain her suspicions about this MARC technology that captivated the entire festival. She tried calling the dejected priest to express her concerns for Rei’s safety, but he didn’t pick up the phone.

“I’m sorry to bother you at work. I just wanted to let you know that I’m going to Osaka University tomorrow to visit Rei.” Usagi wanted to hear her boyfriend’s calming voice before leaving, but unfortunately he couldn’t speak right now, relegating their conversation to text messaging. The soft glow of her phone illuminated the bedroom as she silently wished for a single reply that never came. Mamoru was so busy at work overseas. He would get her messages and reply eventually, but the absence of her boyfriend weighed on her each day they remained apart. She wanted to tell him the truth. To sound the alarm to her love and the rest of the Sailor Senshi of a potential enemy, but couldn’t pull herself to do it. Not after what had happened the last time she had interfered with a friend’s plans.

“She never showed up at the festival today, but I’m sure she is just super busy, just like everyone else lately.” If Rei was in any danger, then she had to rescue her. The rest of the senshi and even her Tuxedo Mask couldn’t help her right now, having gone their separate ways for the semester once again. Usagi’s intrusive actions had fractured the Sailor Team over the summer when accompanying Rei on her internship in New York City. She wouldn’t dare meddle in their personal affairs again and disrupt their dreams. A risk that could lose her friends for good this time around.

“Is this thing called the MARC available in Italy? Have you heard of it? It’s a brand new technology that originated out of Rei’s University. People are acting so strange around here lately. It’s probably just a coincidence. I want to make sure Rei is okay and cheer her up. She’s on the verge of losing everything she held dear to her… the shrine… her boyfriend… I feel so terrible and can’t imagine what she’s going through right now. I have to support her in any way I can.”

“I’ll have Luna with me, and a couple of Haru’s friends I’ve met are coming too, so I won’t be alone. One of them looks just like you! No need to worry though, he has a girlfriend he’s trying to win back and I’m going to help make it happen!” Ren had proven invaluable when filling in for her mentor at the Big Bang Burger. The kind hearted teen had even helped the Hikawa Shrine by setting up a fundraiser. She barely knew Ren, yet felt very comfortable in his presence. Was it his calm demeanor, strong resemblance to Mamoru, or something else that made her heart beat faster? Despite the familiarity, only one man could fill the void in her empty heart.

“I miss you so much, Mamo. Wish you could come to Osaka and explore a different city with me, but I carry you in my heart, even though you are many miles away. I’m so blessed to have you in my life. Not a second goes by that I’m not thinking about you. Love, Usagi.”

She set her phone down on her nightstand, curling in the bedsheets once the display had dimmed to black. She tossed and turned, unable to fall sleep as uneasy thoughts and worries filled her troubled mind. What if she was too late? Did something terrible happen to Rei? Had the entity behind the MARC already grown too powerful for her to defeat?

Not only was her very life at stake, but now she had two innocent teenage boys accompanying her and felt responsible for their safety, too. She couldn’t let anything happen to Ren or his obnoxious buddy. Facing this unknown foe filled her with dread. She hated fighting and needed a respite after her battles in New York, but now she may not have a choice. Rei and her classmates depended on her help, and she might walk straight into a trap tomorrow with her new friends.

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she glanced at her dormant phone, praying that her Mamo would respond before she fell asleep. Even a simple message wishing her to have a pleasant trip, or ensuring that her suspicions wouldn’t come to pass. She fought against every instinct to pick the phone up, call him at work, and tell him how frightened she was. To beg for him to return with the rest of the Sailor team. With Tuxedo Mask at her side, there was no way she could fail, just as they had defeated Metalia atop the Freedom Tower together after his surprising arrival in New York. But he wasn’t coming. Nor were the others. She drifted off to a restless sleep, gathering her strength for the upcoming adventure tomorrow morning. Usagi had to remain strong for Ren, and wear a mask that she was a carefree, bumbling and ordinary girl. She’d do everything in her power to protect her friends, stop this threat and save Rei. Even if she had to fight alone.

Chapter Text

Chapter 62:

“Maybe she ain’t showing up.” Ryuji let out a yawn and stretched his arms before he took a sip from a fresh cup of coffee poured by his friend behind the counter. Both boys wanted to get their day trip to Osaka started, but their guest hadn’t arrived on time. “Don’t know why you even invited that klutz.”

“She’ll be here.” Ren topped his friend off with more coffee from a freshly brewed pot and handed him a few packets of sugar. “If her friend is missing too, then we owe her our help.”

“Bro, that girl is just going to get in the way!” Ryuji argued. He ripped apart the packets and emptied their contents into his cup. “Aren’t we supposed to keep our identities secret? She could totally blow our cover if it we get involved in some serious shit!”

“Says the guy who blurted “WE ARE THE PHANTOM THIEVES!” in the middle of school when the entire country hunted for us.” Morgana chimed in from a cushioned stool.

“Sorry I’m late!” the door swung open revealing their pigtailed companion. Another black cat scampered into the restaurant with her. Usagi gasped to catch her breath and scooped the feline into her arms. The outdated restaurant smelled of coffee and curry. Its enticing aroma left her craving some of both. Her stomach grumbled in hunger after a long and restless night where sleep did not come easy. ”Hope you don’t mind if I take my cat along. Her name’s Luna!”

“Oh, great…” Morgana buried himself in the duffle bag at the sight of Usagi’s furry companion. Maybe he should have taken Ryuji’s side of the argument. “Another cat! Seriously?”

“Let’s roll.” Ren slung his bag over his shoulder and held open the door so his companions could exit the restaurant. The bullet train would get them to Osaka in two hours, but they had to take care of an important matter first. “We gotta make one stop on the way.”

“Where are we going?” Ryuji asked.

“To fulfill the promise you made. It’s Ann’s birthday, remember?”

Chapter Text

Chapter 63:

“So let me get this straight. You are a Sailor Senshi. A reincarnated guardian sworn to defend the solar system from external threats and protect the Moon Princess?” Makoto woke up from restless slumber and found that her partner also couldn’t fall asleep. They spent much of the night talking in the empty classroom and got to know each other better as they planned their next move. The unlikely pair had more in common than they thought, despite their contrasting personalities, including their estranged relationship with their boyfriends.

“Innocent or not, he broke your trust!” Mars commented after hearing about the phantom thief’s discovery at her farewell party. “I certainly wouldn’t forgive him, even after proven wrong!”

“I see…” Makoto let out a sigh.

“But I’m the last person you should take romantic advice from.” Mars tried to cheer her companion up. She could tell just how much this Ren meant to her by the sadness in her eyes. “I’m too stubborn. I pushed away the only man that ever cared about me. If I had just talked to him or opened up about what I was going through, I might not have lost him.”

“Maybe it’s not too late for both of us to make amends.” Makoto suggested. “Once we get out of here, of course.”

“We have to destroy Andrameta before she gains more power.” Mars argued once she had gained mutual trust with the phantom thief. “The MARC is spreading everywhere in the real world while we sit in this Metaverse and do nothing about it.”

“It’s important that we think tactically as we approach this decision.” Makoto countered. This dire situation put her experience as the master strategist of the phantom thieves to task. “Brute force is not an option with just the two of us. Challenging Andrameta to another open battle would likely result in certain death. She has an army of shadows at her disposal.”

“And daimon.” Mars added, trying her best to conceal her trepidation. “I saw the eggs. Hundreds of them. If they hatch…”

“Our best option in this case is to explore the campus and look for any avenue of escape. We must rely on stealth. Hiding and remaining undetected is our best advantage. Striking only when necessary. If this castle is anything like the palaces I’ve explored in the past, there will be traps and security features waiting to catch us. Between Andrameta, shadows, daimon, Doctor Tysuchia, and… your father… our best chance of victory is to make it back to the real world and seek help in rest of the phantom thieves and sailor senshi.”

“Father…” she grumbled in disgust.

“Rei… I’m so sorry… but I know what it’s like… I had to change my sister’s heart once…” Makoto fumbled for the right words. “I promise you we can help. If we can get Doctor Tsyuchia to admit the truth and expose this MARC for what it is, Andrameta will have nowhere to run. That’s when we strike.”

“Don’t be sorry.” Mars stood up, full of determination. After what her father had done to sabotage her efforts in saving the shrine, he deserved no mercy. She would make him pay for the evil crimes he committed against not just her, but all of society. “Let’s get out of here.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 64:

“You slammed Ann’s face into a cake? The same one she baked for the party?” Usagi couldn’t believe what she had just heard. She pestered the boys for gossip as they walked through the crowded terminal and learned all about Haru’s group of friends from High School. Ren lead the way and took them to the booth where they could purchase their passes for the bullet train. Another long wait meant more time to chat. “That’s so mean! Why would you do such a thing?”

“Only because I got dared to do it!” Ryuji threw his arms up in frustration and tapped his feet as he looked at the queue ahead. There was no use explaining himself anymore. The line for the kiosk moved slowly, and he wasn’t in the mood to take criticism over his bone-headed decision. He had spent more than enough time regretting his immature actions for the past month.

“Ryuji forgot to mention that there was another option.” Ren pointed out. “He could’ve given her a quick kiss to win the dare.”

“So why didn’t you?” Usagi gave him a perplexed look. “You like this girl, right?”

“Ann said she’d rather kiss a frog!” the teen scowled in response and slumped his shoulders after reliving the incident. Ann always busted his chops, constantly reminding him how impulsive, reckless, gross and sloppy he was. There’s no way she’d ever go for a guy like him.

“True, but she eventually agreed to it, didn’t she?” Ren mentioned, snaring his friend’s attention.

“Well, yeah…”

“She must’ve felt so humiliated.” Usagi couldn’t imagine how she’d feel if Mamo had pulled off a stunt like that on her. Anticipating a kiss from your secret crush, only to get a face full of cake. Luckily, she was the immature one in their relationship. These childhood friends clearly liked each other based on what she learned, but they didn’t know how to express themselves. She wanted to help bring them together and watch the sparks fly. “Poor Ann.”

“Fine, take her side. Everyone thinks I’m the bad guy here.” Ryuji grumbled, returning his gaze to the ground. “I thought I was looking out for her! Trying to get her out of shit she didn’t want to do! Don’t know why she took this shit so personal.”

“And did you try talking to her about it?” Usagi asked. She remembered the days when she first met her Mamo and how she couldn’t stand the very sight of him. This situation, however, was different. Ryuji and Ann had known each other for a few years now and became close friends. Both kept their feelings secret for quite some time, and now it threated to ruin everything they once shared.

“She wouldn’t let me!” Ryuji shouted. This pigtailed brat got on his nerves. “Every time I tried explaining myself, she just got even more mad at me. I tried giving her space just as she asked for, and that didn’t work either. Why do girls like you gotta be so damn complicated and emotional about everything? I don’t see what the big deal is! Shit!”

“That’s because Ann doesn’t want a bunch of your sorry excuses! I agree with Ren! I think she likes you too, but you didn't realize it. She dreamed of sharing that kiss for years, but the dare caught her off guard. You broke her heart when you smashed her head into that cake and showed no remorse!” Usagi got in his face, yelling at him in the middle of the bustling station. “You like this girl, right? So tell her the truth! Tell her your feelings. She deserves a heartfelt apology from you! Even if she doesn’t love you anymore!”

“That’s why we’ve come here first.” Ren gestured at the jewelry store just past the ticket booth. He presented his pass to the guard and headed into the shop. Usagi hurried in after him, hopping from one display case to another, enamored with all the gold, silver and precious gemstones. She pressed her palms against the glass, wishing for the day when Mamo gave her a diamond ring and pledged his eternal love to her. A tap came on her shoulder, snapping her out of the daydream. If only she hadn’t spent his savings. She still planned on paying him back every penny she borrowed for her trip to New York. Her heart thumped in her chest as she turned to face Ren, taken aback again by his startling resemblance to her boyfriend. “Could you help Ryuji pick something out for Ann?”

“Oh, I’d love to help.” Usagi blushed.

Ryuji made a purchase before the pair could even blink. He handed over a wad of cash to the clerk after she boxed the item he had requested and quickly put it away in one of his cargo pockets. Ryuji had come to this shop in Shibuya a few weeks ago after their conversation at the batting cages and put a deposit down for a necklace with Ann’s name engraved in gold and diamonds. He could’ve picked it up earlier, but lacked the confidence to give the gift after their unexpected encounter outside Futaba’s room. He debated cancelling the order all together, giving up on his hopes for romance. But this trip to Osaka provided an opportunity for him to change that. A perfect surprise for Ann’s birthday.

“That was fast. What did you buy?” Ren asked.

“I just asked for what the most popular and expensive thing girls these days are wearing.” Ryuji shrugged, hoping they didn’t see through his lies. He wanted to shock the world, surprising everyone when he presented Ann her gift. He had busted his ass off working odd jobs after school for this moment.

“You could’ve put a little more thought into it.” Usagi rolled her eyes. “That’s what counts, you know!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 65:

Makoto slipped out of their safe room and signaled for Sailor Mars to follow her once the coast proved clear. They found themselves in the University’s main building where most classes took place, only now it had morphed into a gloomy castle. Spider webs caked the walls and interior decoration, an everlasting reminder of Andrameta’s presence. Makoto drew her revolver after spotting a security camera mounted to the ceiling. The device swiveled back and forth over an upcoming intersection, capturing all those who crossed it. She took a knee and aimed carefully before taking a single shot. Her bullet struck true, and the camera burst to pieces upon impact.

“Brace yourself!” the phantom thief raced around the corner where a swirling portal caught her by surprise, dumping the pair into the science lab, filled with computers, charts, microscopes, beakers, and other testing equipment. A fat security guard patrolled these grounds, his uniform wrapped in webbing and his face shrouded. He held a flashlight that he swung back and forth along the hallway, in search of any intruder.

“Looks like we are going to have to fight our way out of here.” Sailor Mars whispered to her partner. They crouched down behind a desk to stay hidden, watching the security guard from the shadows, when Mars spotted another patrolman walking in their direction.

“Then we fight on our terms and take back the advantage.” Makoto waited patiently as the bumbling officer lumbered past them without noticing the two girls. Adrenaline pumped through her as she crept behind the guard, preparing to ambush their foe. The shadow paused for a moment, scanning the lab with his flashlight, granting the phantom thief the perfect opportunity to strike. She leapt onto her enemy’s back and tore away at his mask. “I’LL REVEAL YOUR TRUE FORM!”

Makoto’s actions transformed the security guard into a strange creature with a human-like torso and the head of an owl. Long wings sprouted from its back as the beast let out a deafening shriek. The phantom thief pounded her fists into its red flesh, but her spiked knuckles had little effect. Andras flapped its wings, catching the persona user in a whirlwind that tossed her clear across the lab.

“BURNING MANDALA!” Mars rushed to her companion’s aid, summoning rings of fire with a spin of her hand. The fiery discs spun across the laboratory and engulfed the beast, tightening around its torso. Andras shrieked as the flames devoured its feathers and flesh, reducing it to a pile of ash before the fire died out.

Her victory was short-lived. The ambush had caught the attention of the other guards. One of them blew a whistle, summoning more shadows into the lab before they too turned into bizarre creatures of myth and legend. Some looked ridiculous, others absolutely terrifying.

“We gotta get out of here!” Mars wasn’t taking any chances. She helped the stunned phantom thief back to her feet and together they ran for the exit. A herd of Onmoraki stood in their way. Corpse birds… Revolting freaks with a skull that resembled an onion and the body of a flayed chicken. Makoto drew her pistol, gunning down the revolting foes impeding their escape. Bullets burst through the macabre shadows as Mars turned to face more enemies from the rear.

A woman crept towards her on all fours, letting out a hiss. The closer she got, the more Rei realized she had more feline features, including a long tail that fluffed in anger. The monstrosity wriggled her tail, leaning on her rear paws before lunging at the Sailor Senshi. Claws threatened to tear away at her Sailor Suit, but Mars proved even more agile than the crazy cat lady. Mars stunned the shadow with a kick of her heel to the woman’s skull, sprawling her out on the lab.

“Let’s finish this!” Makoto holstered her revolver and took advantage of their weakened foe with an all out attack. Together, they pounded Nekomata into oblivion until the shadow dissolved into a puff of smoke. More shadows appeared in the lab, filling the room with a never ending gauntlet of foes. With the path to the doorway cleared, now was their chance to get out of here. Their escape route turned out to be just another portal, dumping the pair back into the main building where they had started.

“We will never get out of here!” Mars stomped her heel in frustration as she took in her surroundings. The webbing around the walls had worsened since they had last been here, with the sticky substance draped over the chandeliers and other fixtures like an invasive species. Part of her wanted to incinerate all the webbing in a fit of rage.

“This isn’t good…” Makoto shook her head in dismay. Andrameta had them trapped. Her powers growing with each passing minute. Soon the personas at her disposal would not prove so easy to defeat as more innocents took the MARC in the real world. She did not know how much or how little time passed, but the false god’s army was growing. They arrived at the intersection, noting the broken security camera from earlier. “All we can do is try another path and keep moving.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 66:

Yuuichirou awoke, tucked under silk bed sheets and a hand-knit quilt. The wound on his neck was now bandaged, but the after-effects of the poisonous dart lingered and left him with a pounding headache. An aroma-therapy diffuser sprayed the room with an uplifting smell of lemongrass. There was an ornate folding tray beside his bed, baring a silver platter with a lid that covered the steamy contents within. The kidnapped priest lifted the cover, revealing a breakfast of his favorite comfort foods from his youth. French toast, chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, muffins, all the things Rei scolded him for eating, saying they would make him fat. Yuuichirou grabbed a fork, dousing his pancakes with maple syrup as hunger overtook him, until he finally realized where he was. He dropped the fork at the sight of familiar baby pictures on the wall, letting the utensil clatter against the rug below with half of a pancake dripping with syrup still attached. He had returned to a place out of his worst nightmares. A place he never thought he’d see again. His childhood home.

“Good morning, Sir. How do you fare? The effects of the tranquility serum shall wear off shortly, if they haven’t already. I assure you the dart was harmless, and I humbly apologize for any inconvenience your sudden… departure... may have caused.” A butler with a thin moustache watched him by the door, wearing a finely tailored tuxedo. He brought over a teakettle and poured the captive a cup. “Might I suggest you sample our English Breakfast tea, a delightful handpicked blend of the finest tea leaves in the region, while I advise Madame Kumada of your recovery status? She would like to speak with you once her piano practice is complete in the forenoon.”

“Nah, I think I’ll speak with mother now.” Yuuichirou took a gulp of tea before getting out of bed. “Get out of my way, Jeeves.”

“Madame adheres to a strict schedule. You must not disrupt her musical study hour! Please, master! I implore you! Have your breakfast and recuperate while…” The butler tried to stop him, but Yuuichirou wasn’t having any of it. He picked up his tray of food and slammed the plate into the butler’s chest, covering his tuxedo with maple syrup and strips of bacon.

Classical music filled his ears as the priest stormed out of his bedroom and down the steps leading to the mansion’s grand hall. His mother sat beside a grand piano, running her wrinkly fingers across the ivory keys of an instrument that cost more than most common people earn in several years. Additional butlers, handmaids, and other attendants stood alongside her in admiration, waiting to answer her every call. But it all came to a stop when Yuuichirou leapt off the stairs and landed atop the piano’s lid.

“Ahh, cherished son. How I’ve missed you so.” the madame of the house smiled, dismissing her instructor and servants so they could be alone. She wore an extravagant ball gown for the special occasion. Heavy makeup caked her face to conceal the wrinkles of age, but she allowed her permed hair to go gray, marking her full of distinction and class. Gold and silver jewelry adorned her neck, ears, wrists, ankle, and fingers, along with rubies and other gemstones. Just about anywhere she could show off her wealth. “Barely back a few scant hours and already you are jumping on my furniture and making a mess of your bedroom, like the petulant child you are. I see your spiritual awakening hasn’t changed you much, after all. Such a pity.”

“What am I doing here?” Yuuichirou stepped off the piano and looked around the mansion’s parlor. It looked just as he remembered, with not a speck of dust on the checkered floor, stained glass windows, abstract art sculptures that cost a fortune, and an endless fire burning within the marble mantle. A boring and miserable dwelling, full of useless displays of mother’s materialism, with no spirit like his cherished temple. Butlers and other workers ran to perform their tasks before catching their master’s ire. “I vowed never to return!”

“Oh, you can’t possibly abandon your family. We are blood!” she shook her head in dismay. “I thought I raised you better than that…”

“You had a mercenary kidnap me in my home, drug me up and take me here against my will!” he raged as the smell of her overpowered perfume filled his nostrils. The same overpriced bottle imported from France that she had always worn since his youth. “Why???”

“What else would you have a concerned mother do to rescue her long-lost child? I’ve been trying to bring you home for years. You proved most illusive, evading even the best private detectives I could hire for quite some time.” She snapped her fingers and Jeeves shuffled toward them, donned in a fresh tuxedo, baring a newspaper. Madame Kumada snatched it from him, licked her finger and turned to the page with Yuuichirou’s article to save the Hikawa shrine. “Until you made but one critical mistake.”

“What do you want from me, mother?”

“It is time you took your place as the rightful heir to this estate so that I can properly enjoy my retirement.” Jeeves came back with a bottle of wine from the cellar and poured them each a cup after mother approved of the vintage. “This responsibility is too much to bear. You must take the mantle in my stead and carry on our family name, with a suitable partner of my choosing.”

“That’s why I left this place in the first place!” Yuuichirou refused the wine. “I deserve to live my life. You don’t get to decide where I go, what I do, and who I love!”

“You think your mother so cold and callous?” Madame smirked. “I read your article here and found your sob story of the bankrupt shrine quite amusing. Pathetic… but amusing. I am quite intrigued by this Ms. Hino… Perhaps she is a worthy suitor, after all.”

“YOU STAY AWAY FROM HER!” Yuuichirou jumped, bumping into the Jeeves, who kept insisting he take the wine. The full cup spilled all over the butler’s fresh tuxedo. He struggled to maintain his composure in front of his rich employer, bowing low as he ran off to change for the second time.

“I’ve done some homework on your lady.” mother ignored the threat. “A star pupil at Osaka University… former intern at channel 6 News in New York City… a career woman… a real go-getter… one destined for much greater things than a maiden at a crumbling shrine… seems like you didn’t need mother’s help to find a successful, smart girl capable of taking good care of my charming son! Does she know of this place? I’m sure she will take a liking to her new home here. Far, far away from that failing temple.”

“You know nothing of her!”

“Oh, I know much more than you think.” Madame Kumada teased. “Her father is the rising politician, Takashi Hino. An old acquittance of mine, in fact. Rumor has it he might fare a good chance at getting elected to prime minister this year. A generous donation to his campaign should help put us in his good graces. The Hino name will make a fine addition to our family tree. Perhaps this is a start of a lavish career for you in politics. Given she accepts your engagement proposal.”

“Engagement?”

“Yes, my son. You want to save that pitiful shrine and win back your lost love’s heart? Then let me help you. I shall offer you all the money and resources at my disposal, provided that you can somehow convince this Hino’s daughter to accept your hand in marriage and take your position here in Sapporo, where you two belong.” She shoved the newspaper article into his hands. “This is what you’ve always wanted, is it not?”

“And if I refuse?” Yuuichirou glanced at the article, looking at the pictures he had provided Ohaya. Photos that showcased the serene temple grounds and some of its staff, including the woman he loved. He stared at Rei’s portrait, the paper shaking in his hands. Take mother’s help or find his own solution? He didn’t know what to do. Everything he tried so far had failed.

“Then go! Get out of here and never return! Abandon your family and your inheritance!” Madame’s face turned sinister as she swirled the wine in her glass. “Wander the streets again like a no-good, lazy bum, with no hope and no future. The shrine will shutter its doors and you will lose Ms. Hino for good. Admit it. You need your mother’s help. There’s no shame in it…”

“To go forward… I must go back…” Yuuichirou muttered the words of wisdom the psychic had given him. His hand raced into his pocket and clutched the ruby he carried with him everywhere since that fateful day. Luckily, it was right where he left it. Perhaps it was a sign. ”Back… home?”

“What nonsense are you babbling now?” she frowned in disgust after a sip of wine.

“Fine…” Yuuichirou grunted in acceptance. This was not the way he wanted to save the shrine, but he promised Rei he’d save Hikawa by any means necessary. The only question was, would she even accept the proposal? He had his doubts. “I’ll do it… for my Rei… I’d do anything…”

“A wise decision. I’ll have you transported to Osaka in no time, where I’ve arranged a meeting with your prospective father-in-law.” She glanced at her son’s appearance and deepened her frown at the sight of his unkempt mane of hair and the priestly robes he wore. “But first, we need to get you out of these rags you are wearing and make you a bit more presentable for your future bride and her esteemed father.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 67:

“I couldn’t possibly have forgotten it!” Futaba emptied her pack onto the floor of her meager quarters. A simple room with minimal furniture and a pair of sleeping mats. That was it. The room didn’t even have a television, sporting only one electrical outlet. She rummaged through her belongings, searching for the one thing she could not have left behind: her cellphone charger. Futaba showered the room with her belongings, searching through every pocket and crevice of her bubble jacket and clothing that the wire could have slipped into. “Where is it?”

“Inari…that sneaky little…” Futaba grumbled after tearing through everything she took with her. It left only one explanation. Her traveling companion must have stolen it from her when she wasn’t looking. Without a charged phone, she couldn’t contact Sojiro to request an emergency evacuation from this dump or find out the latest news about the MARC. It had to be him! Yusuke wanted to keep her away from the MARC. He had lied to her about their destination, promising to take her on an exciting adventure, and now this?

She stormed out of her room and back into the lobby in search of her companion, but only found the elderly inn keeper talking with another guest.

“Your wonderful boyfriend went to take his bath.” woman gestured towards the side door, which lead to the hot springs. “He’s such a fine young gentleman. So polite and kind. You are most fortunate...”

“Then you can date him, lady.” Futaba griped. The very thought of it made her want to vomit. She stormed into the lodge where she found the quirky artist relaxing in the hot waters, basking in relief, without a care in the world.

“Futaba? I am without attire!” Yusuke sank to his bare chest beneath the boiling bath once he noticed the unwanted intruder. His face turned red as a lobster from a mixture of embarrassment and shame. “How undignified!”

“Where is it?” Futaba demanded, ready to jump into the pool and strangle him if that’s what it took.

“Where is what?”

“You know what I’m talking about!”

“I do not.”

“Quit lying… Liar! I know you stole my phone charger!” Futaba snapped. “My phone’s dead. There’s probably no service in here. Not even a television set. What are you trying to do, torture me? I want to go home! Take me back to LeBlanc!”

“I did no such thing.” Yusuke shook his head. “Are you sure you even packed it?”

“I’M SURE!”

“Excuse me, you looking for this?” a tall girl with brown hair pulled back into a ponytail walked into the hot spring and eyed the bickering pair. She wore a white gi that a traditional martial-artist would use while training with a black belt tied around her waist. Yusuke dunked his head below the water to avoid being caught naked by the two young women. He held his breath as the stranger dangled the chord before the tech loving nerd. “It fell out of your pocket when you bolted up to your room earlier.”

“Oh…I… ugh… thanks…” Futaba snatched the charger and fled out of the hot spring, desperate to give life back to her device.

Yusuke burst out of the water once both women were gone and gasped for breath. His first night at the ryokan had not gone as planned so far. Futaba proved more than a handful. But then he remembered the container of curry Sojiro had given him before they departed. A delightful meal would satiate his growling stomach and give him renewed strength for the next day.

Chapter Text

Chapter 68:

“Are we there yet?” Usagi asked for the thousandth time. She sat between the two boys, climbing over Ryuji to peer out the oval window as the bullet train zoomed through the Japanese countryside. The ride dragged on forever, but soon gave way to the metropolis of Osaka, a booming modern city Usagi had never visited. She wrestled with Ryuji, prying his fingers off the glass to get a better look through the tiny viewing space. Seeing the towering skyscrapers of this new city got her excited, yet also nervous about what she may find if she confirmed her suspicions at Rei’s school. The thought of another battle with an unknown enemy filled her with dread, but she did her best to conceal her anxiety.

“Just about.” Ren glanced up from his book to check his cellphone. Unlike his restless companions, Ren sat patiently for the duration of the train ride. He tracked down Ann’s location after snooping around on her social media. Ryuji hovered over his shoulder after forfeiting the window seat to Usagi, eager to get a good look at any of her recent pictures, since she had blocked him after their fight. “Ann’s modeling agency “The Rose Bud” has a photoshoot scheduled at an office building near Osaka Castle, a short train ride from the University. We can head there first and surprise her.”

“Great! I can’t wait to meet her!” Usagi knew they’d make good friends based on what she had heard from everyone. She unbuckled her seatbelt once the train screeched to a stop and grabbed her belongings. Luna the cat scrambled to keep up as the group disembarked, darting around the travelers and off the train before the doors clamped shut.

“Hey guys, I don’t think this is such a good idea.” Ryuji hesitated once they regrouped at the bottom of an escalator. Pedestrians pushed past the teenagers, heading to and from the station to catch their trains or meet up with loved ones, but Ryuji didn’t budge as if his feet had turned into cement.

“Why not?” Usagi asked. It was such a beautiful day, with a clear blue sky. She couldn’t wait to get out of this underground tunnel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Maybe after finding Rei, they could all relax, see the sights of the city, and get something tasty to eat. “Don’t tell me you are getting cold feet?”

“It’s not that!” Ryuji grit his teeth after Usagi had struck yet another nerve. The jewelry in his cargo pocket weighed him down like an anchor. Buying it was one thing, but presenting it to Ann was another. He’d never back down from a challenge or a chance to show his bravado, but making himself vulnerable and coming clean about his true feelings for his long time crush was a whole other ballgame. Would she forgive him? And if so, did she feel the same way as Ren and Usagi had alluded? He wasn’t ready for a potential heartbreak. All he wanted was his friend back. The girl who would play a video game or go out for ramen late at night instead of studying for some bullshit exam. “I don’t wanna piss Ann off again by showing up at her shoot. Let’s catch up with her later when she’s finished.”

“Sounds like someone is a chicken to me!” Usagi snickered. “You cannot run and hide from your feelings forever.”

“I am not a chicken, buns for brains!” the teen fumed. “I bought her the damn gift, didn’t I?”

“Are too!”

“AM NOT!”

“ARE TOO!”

“AM NOT!” Ryuji stomped his feet before turning to his best friend. “I TOLD YOU WE SHOULDN’T HAVE LET HER COME!”

“What a couple of immature children.” Morgana muttered, nestling himself within Ren’s duffle bag to hide himself from further embarrassment. Even Usagi’s pet cat looked ashamed at the public display of such foolish behavior.

Chapter Text

Chapter 69:

Another ride on a local line took them to a quiet part of the city, away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown business district. The campus of Osaka University emerged out of the concrete jungle of skyscrapers, giving way to a large spacious grounds with modern buildings surrounded by tall trees and a field of green grass. They marched in awkward silence right up to the main entrance, still tense over the verbal dispute in the terminal. Ryuji kept his arms folded in disgust, bitter over the pigtailed girl who kept pestering him about his apology to Ann.

“Osaka University is under restricted access.” An officer with a face void of all emotion stopped them in their tracks at the gate. A bridge covering a small body of water that looked like a moat from a medieval castle barred them from entry. Armed security and police presence flooded the campus, as if something terrible had happened on the grounds. “Only current students or guests who bear the MARC may enter, unless you are on the list.”

“We just want to visit our friends.” Ren noticed the spider on the man’s wrist. In fact, everyone entering or leaving the school had it, from security, to faculty, to the students. Security had the entire campus on lockdown, screening all those who entered for the MARC and turning away those without it except for a select few escorted inside. Those baring the MARC all had blank, expressionless stares, along with a presence that no longer felt human, as if they had lost their soul. Something sinister was happening in this school, and the thought that Makoto may have fallen into this trap made him nervous.

Beyond the main gate, a never-ending line of college students wrapped around the entire campus. They pushed and shoved, awaiting their chance to get their hands on the coveted technology. Police did their best to maintain order while doctors administered the nanotech spider onto their flesh. “What list?”

“You haven’t heard? The MARC is now available to the public.” The officer looked at Ren and his friends as if they came from another planet. “Do to the high demand, those who want the MARC must register for the lottery online. Average wait time is approximately three to four weeks at the moment. Come back when you have an appointment.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 70:

“This is bullshit!” Ryuji gestured at the long lines within the University. Security patrolled the perimeter of the campus, while officers maintained order within. The school needed everyone of them on duty to keep the mob in check as students and lottery winners awaited their prize. “They can’t kick people out because they don’t have a stupid spider on their arm! What kind of shit is that?”

“We have to come up with a plan.” Ren pulled his buddy away from the main gate as the officer signaled for backup after hearing the loudmouth’s outburst. The behavior of the citizens of Osaka had the leader of the phantom thieves very concerned. Society had changed overnight, manipulated by an unknown force to take this experimental tech. A spider that supposedly blessed those who took it with heightened abilities. Interest in the MARC soared through the roof, with more and more people approaching the school, begging for the technology. His estranged girlfriend trapped inside made matters even worse. “What we need is a diversion. A ploy to draw away security so we can sneak past them and find out what’s going on inside.”

“Leave it to me!” Usagi jumped as an idea popped into her head. Sneaking into the school felt like a terrible idea, but what other choice did they have? If caught, they could get arrested and sent to jail. What would Mamo think of her? Doubt crept in, but she kept fears concealed from the others. She had to remain strong, for Rei’s sake. “Wait here!”

“Where is that crazy girl going?” Ryuji watched her skip towards a large oak tree as she fumbled with her backpack. The black cat trailed behind its owner, darting over the grass to catch up. He gave Ren a look and shook his head, again wondering why they had asked her along on this trip. This klutz was no phantom thief. How could she possibly help them?

“Are you sure about this?” Luna whispered to her human as she grabbed her transformation pen from the bottom of her bag and raised it triumphantly overhead. She had been skeptical of this adventure to Osaka at first, scoffing at the notion that a new enemy had surfaced, but seeing the hysteria at the university first hand raised her concerns. She had to protect the Moon princess from danger, especially since none of her guardians were present. “I think this is foolish, Usagi. We need to warn the others and tell them what’s happening here!”

“It’s too late for that now. Rei is in there and might be in trouble. I can’t abandon her.” Usagi’s face turned more serious as she gripped her transformation pen. She couldn’t pull her friends away from their hectic lives. Even if she reached out to them, there was no guarantee they could provide any aid. She had to take action now. Usagi gave the transformation pen a wave, wishing that it would turn her into a fast-food delivery girl complete with a sack full of burgers just as she had envisioned. A blinding light washed over her form as her casual clothing changed before her very eyes.

Chapter Text

Chapter 71:

“What the heck is she doing now?” the gang watched Usagi dart behind a large oak tree only to reemerge less than a minute later. Only now she looked completely different, dressed up in her obnoxious Big Bang Burger uniform. She skipped past the boys, giving them a wave as she headed back over to the officers guarding the bridge, carrying a steaming bag of burgers and fries that made their mouths salivate. Her pet cat followed closely behind. How’d Usagi get changed so fast? And where did she get all that food from? Ryuji wondered as his stomach grumbled. They didn’t even have lunch!

“She’s going to cause a distraction for us.” Ren nodded, moving closer to the perimeter wall. He signaled for his buddy to join him behind a bush where they could stay hidden from the patrol, watching and waiting for the opportune moment to sneak past security.

“I HAVE A SPECIAL DELIVERY!” Usagi hoisted the heavy paper bag of burgers into the air, waving it at the befuddled officers posted at the gate.

“None of us ordered anything.” the lead guard blocked the bridge, stopping the pigtailed intruder in her tracks.

“Hmm..” Usagi masked her fears and took another step forward. “Maybe this yummy food is for a student inside the University. Let me check the order sheet.”

“Only those who bare the MARC or have an appointment the receive the MARC may enter the premises.” the robotic officer got on his radio and signaled for backup. He held his gloved palm up to stop her as she fumbled through her bag for a form that did not exist.

“But I HAVE to deliver these burgers or my boss will fire me!” the girl took yet another step onto the bridge in defiance of the man’s order. She stomped her shoes and waved the bag frantically in his face, refusing to take no for an answer. Usagi pouted, dropping to her feet. She let go of the bag and grabbed at the officer’s pant leg, wailing at the top of her lungs. The outcry garnished the attention of both the brainwashed students and police alike. “Please help me! He’s so mean! I can’t take them back!”

“Now’s our chance. Let’s move in!” Ren signaled to jump from the bush once officers on post moved towards the bridge to surround the distraught delivery girl. The teens rushed to the perimeter wall and scaled it one at a time, using the vine overgrowth to propel them onto a ledge. They paused for a moment, taking in the many housing and educational facilities inside the campus grounds. Newly mounted security cameras hung from lampposts covering every square inch of the property. Drones hovered in the air, patrolling the skies with artificial eyes that scanned over the campus from the dorms to the educational facilities and main campus hall. A long line stretched from the entrance all the way to the gymnasium. Why did this university need such advanced security features?

“How the hell are we going to find Makoto here and not get caught? We don’t even know what building she’s in.” Ryuji asked at the sight of all the obstacles just over the edge of this perimeter wall. Despite Usagi’s distraction at the gate, plenty of cops still patrolled the grounds, controlling the massive crowd of people waiting on line to get the experimental injection inside the building in the center. Sneaking into the University wasn’t a simple job, even for an experienced phantom thief.

“Just try to act natural, like we belong here. There’s so many students, maybe we will go unnoticed.” Ren leapt off the wall and landed softly on the grass below. “Lets go. I want to check out the dorms first and see if we can find her there.”

“You want to just walk right up to it?” Ryuji scratched his head. “For real?”

“Yeah, and don’t do anything stupid, Skull!” Morgana tucked his head out of the duffle bag. “I think it’s an excellent plan. Hidden in plain sight, we will sneak around this campus right under their very noses and find Makoto in no time.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 72:

The boys leapt off the wall and crept down the grass hill until finding a tree-lined path, doing their best to blend in with the beautiful grounds and avoid the security crew diverted towards the main gate. Ren could still hear their female companion wailing at the top of her lungs, pleading for the officers to let her into the campus so that she could deliver her order of burgers. Ren made eye-contact with her for a moment and gave her a nod in acknowledgment of her efforts that allowed them to breach the University’s gate undetected and sneak into the campus unnoticed.

They avoided the ruckus outside of the main building, where hundreds had lined up, eager to receive the coveted MARC. Seeing the hysteria up close shocked them to stunned disbelief. Men and women of all ages and backgrounds pushed forward with impatience, cramming themselves into the hall while officers tried to hold them back and maintain order. The uproar allowed them to sneak over to the dorms at the far end of the campus. With less security presence, they should be able to ask around and see if they could locate Makoto and Usagi’s friend.

“Excuse me, miss…” Ren approached a student sitting on a bench just outside the dorms, but the young lady ignored him as if he did not exist, staring straight ahead with a blank expression on her face. She had looked normal at first glance until he noticed the spider stamped on her wrist.

“Dude, what’s wrong with these people?” Ryuji elbowed his buddy in the ribs, motioning towards the students hanging out nearby. Morgana popped his head out of the duffle bag, and even the cat could not believe his eyes. Students stood still, staring off into space. All of them branded with the spider tattoo on their wrists. What had this MARC done to these poor people? Nobody here was bragging about the new technology and its wonderful capabilities. They all looked dull, passive, and restrained, as if their power switch had turned off. Void of any personality to distinguish one over another. Maybe that’s the real reason they didn’t want to let anyone in without it. “It’s as if they are no longer human!”

“Maybe you can help us.” Ren pulled out his cellphone and scrolled over to a picture of his ex-girlfriend, holding it in front of the seated woman. His words caught her attention, as if flipping on a switch. “I’m looking for a fellow student of yours, Makoto Niijimma. Have you seen her around lately?”

“NIJIMMA…” The very mention of the girl’s name seemed to snap the idle student back to life, triggering some sort of chain reaction. She leapt off the bench, pointing at the two boys as they backed away in retreat. “THE ONE WHO DARES TO DEFY OUR GODDESS.”

“Oh, shit…” Ryuji swore as more of the students sparked back to life, their eyes now fixated on both of the intruders and their feline. Each wore the same blank expression, as if they all belonged to some kind of hive mind. The MARC had hijacked these poor students, robbing control of their own bodies. Whoever controlled it had awoken at the mention of his girlfriend’s name, and now it had the teens in their sight.

“Trespassers!” a mass of students shouted in one united voice. “SEIZE THEM!”

“Abort mission!” Morgana leapt out of the duffle bag, darting away from the dorms on all fours as security forces came barreling towards them. One student swooped his arms and tried to catch the cat, but Morgana darted right under his legs. The mindless puppet tumbled right into one of his colleagues and they all fell down like bowling pins. “I’ll distract them. You two get out of here!”

“I’m with the stupid cat on this one. Let’s get the eff outta this crazy joint!” Ryuji sprinted back up the grassy hill, eager to leap back over the wall, but his best friend ran towards the dorm building, not away from it.

“What the eff, bro!” Ryuji shouted at his buddy just before making his escape. Students charged up the mound while security sounded a blaring alarm. Officers abandoned their posts at the entrance gate and the main hall to pursuit the unwelcome intruders. Usagi saw this unfolding and tried her best to stall the police response, throwing her bag of burgers with all her might. The juicy, foil wrapped burgers rolled over the bridge, tripping several of the guards like banana peels, providing Ren with just enough time to scale up the side of the dorm buildings and slip through an open window. The pigtailed girl, however, did not get away. Security slapped a pair of handcuffs behind her back and hauled her away.

“SHIT! USAGI!” Ryuji swore. His heart pumped in his chest as he watched his new friend struggle to break free from grown men who outweighed her three times over. Dozens of mindless students stormed up the hill with lightning speed, far faster than anyone he raced against at a track meet. Unable to help and faced with no other option, he scrambled up the barrier wall and jumped, leaving his friends behind, swearing up a storm in a mad panic as he fled from the cursed university.

Chapter Text

Chapter 73:

Ren did not find himself where he expected. After entering the dorm, he had plummeted into an abyss, free falling for an eternity until he crash landed in an empty chamber that rattled every bone in his body. He blinked his eyes open and found himself sprawled on the floor of a jail with a heavy ball and chain latched to his feet. Ren fought against a spell of dizziness, rubbing the back of his head as memories of his clash with security came back after his failed breach of the University. He grabbed at the bars, pulling himself back onto his chained feet for a better look at his surroundings, when he noticed his clothes had changed into a striped prison jumpsuit. This wasn’t in a holding pen inside the University or the basement of a police precinct. He had awoken back in the velvet room, a mystical place not of this world. His head throbbed and body ached as he peered through the cell and noticed that something was amiss. Igor’s wooden desk and chair in the center of the room sat vacant, covered in what appeared to be spider’s webbing.

The eerie ward of this room was not behind his desk. Ink had spilled across his ledger, which had flipped open to a random page. Blood stained the tattered papers, dripping to the floor and splattering against the webbing plastered across several of the cells in the chamber.

“Trickster…”

A soft voice brought Ren’s attention to a cell on the opposite side of the circular chamber. Lavenza hung her head low, her long blonde hair draped over her face, concealing her scars. The wounded girl grasped her blood-stained dress, struggling to remain conscious so she could deliver her final warning to the only one who could save the world from ruin.

“Lavenza, are you all right?” Ren tried the bars to escape, but they wouldn’t budge. “Hang on, I’ll help you.”

“I’m afraid…. it’s too late for that…” Lavenza rasped with a voice that was barely audible yet somehow found its way to the jailed occupant across from her. She felt her life slipping away. Despite living for countless ages in this void between space and time, she had always known death would come for her at some point, even in this sanctuary. But never had she expected an entity to breach into her world like this, and tear the velvet room asunder. “I can no longer aid you on your quest trickster… This threat to earth… Is even more powerful than I predicted… but there is hope… you can still win this battle.”

“How?” Ren was speechless. He tore away at the webbing and pounded against the iron bars, eager for anything to help him get out of here. He didn’t even know who or what he was up against. And without the velvet room assistant’s aid to fuse and create more powerful personas, even he had his doubts of defeating this entity.

“The love you share…” Lavenza peered through the bars to lock eyes with the trickster one last time and offered him sage advice for the future. If only she could do more to help him in the war to come, then just mere words. “For your family… your friends… the woman of your dreams… and all those you have helped through acts of kindness… will light your way through… the darkness… these bonds are the source of your true power of persona… and must never… break… farewell… trickster… good… luck… to you…”

“No! Don’t give up! I’ll get you out of here!” Ren rattled the cage with his hands, desperate to get to the girl as her slender hands slipped off the cell. He watched helplessly as Lavenza collapsed to the floor. The ethereal body dissolved into a puff of smoke, taking the shape of a butterfly as it floated up and away.

Chapter Text

Chapter 74:

“YOU CANNOT HOPE TO WIN THIS GAME…” a sinister voice pounded into Ren’s brain once the butterfly had flown out of sight. He grabbed at his head, cringing in pain. The sharp sound threatened to make his head explode. “STOP PLAYING BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.”

“Who are you? Show yourself!" Ren grabbed at the bars, refusing to let the creepy voice intimidate him. He could sense that the one responsible for this massacre lurked nearby, toying with him. “What do you want?”

The creature descended from the ceiling, hovering over the wooden desk with a set of eyes that sparkled like rubies, and peered into his soul. Igor dropped from her fangs and rolled to a stop before his cell. Wrapped fully in webbing, the man’s beady eyes stared back lifelessly with an eerie smile that did not leave him, even in death.

Ren had witnessed some grotesque monsters, spirits, and devils over his time as a phantom thief, but the sight of this demonic spider made his skin crawl. It bore a woman’s curvy torso with an expressionless face that did not move as it spoke into his mind. The rest of her body was that of a black widow, with a shimmering exoskeleton ready to burst into something much greater. He had never seen such a creature before. A nightmare from the depths of hell.

“ANOTHER INTRUDER SEEKS TO DISRPUT MY PLANS… THERE IS A UNIQUENESS ABOUT YOU… I SENSE THAT YOU POSSESS A GREAT POWER … BUT YOU PERSONA USERS HAVE NO HOPE OF DEFEATING ME WITHOUT THE HELP OF THIS ROTTING CORPSE AND HIS ASSISTANT.”

Ren grabbed his head, nearly ripping out his black hair as the pain intensified. Images flashed before his mind’s eye as if he was on the brink of death. This entity pounded him with negative images from his past, drawing on dark emotions that he had kept buried for sometime. Shido tossed him to jail, framing him for the mugging and rape of a young woman he was trying to protect. The cruelty shown to him by Kamoshida and other adults. He relived it all until more recent memories came to the surface… Ann and Ryuji fighting… Futaba locking herself in her room… and finally Makoto throwing the necklace he gave her into a puddle on the street… The relationships he had forged since transferring to Shujin lay on the brink of ruin.

Then he saw Usagi, the cheerful yet clumsy girl he had recently become friends with. Only now she remained trapped, wandering through a dark place not of this world. The poor girl looked terrified, shaking in her Big Bang Burger outfit. Tears streamed from her eyes as she collapsed to the floor, trembling in fear all alone. Shadowy figures emerged from the darkness, descending upon the girl before she could even react. A high-pitched squeal echoed throughout the void until she vanished from view.

“Usagi!” Ren’s heart broke with guilt, knowing that he had lured his new companion to her doom by bringing her here on this foolish quest. He should’ve listened to Ryuji after all. Maybe he belonged in this jail. Destined to serve time for the wrongs he had committed, hurting and harming all those he had come into contact with.

Then he saw Makoto, or rather, Queen, of the phantom thieves surrounded by shadows. She fought valiantly, punching and kicking with the tenacity he knew all too well, but the sheer numbers would soon overwhelm her.

“MAKOTO!” Ren shouted, to no avail. She couldn’t possibly hold out for much longer and would soon perish if he did not get to her. He reached for the girl he loved as she slowly vanished from view. Shadows pounced upon her, hissing and snarling as they tore into her biker suit. Ren rattled the bars of his confinement, shaking them with all his might to reach the girl he cared about.

“I WOULD LOVE TO FEAST UPON THE DARK ENERGY IN YOUR TWISTED HEART, BUT WOULD HATE TO SEE SUCH POTENTIAL GO TO WASTE… SO I OFFER YOU THIS… ONE LAST CHANCE… A WILD CARD IF YOU WILL… TO SALVAGE YOUR LIFE AND THOSE YOU CARE ABOUT… BEFORE THEY ARE FORFEIT.”

“LET THEM GO!”

“JOIN WITH ME… ENTER INTO A HOLY COVENEANT WITH ANDRAMETA… YOUR GOD…AND I CAN GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU SEEK… MONEY… FAME… FORTUNE… YOUR NAME RESTORED… THE GIRL WHO NO LONGER LOVES YOU… YOUR FRACTURED FRIENDSHIPS…”

The cage, along with his chains, vanished in an instant as Ren considered the offer from the self-proclaimed deity. He took a step forward, passing the corpse of Igor that still seemed to watch his every movement. He put the pieces of the puzzle together as he approached the spider demon. This creature was clearly the one behind the so-called MARC, using the technology to control and manipulate the masses to harvest their energy. Andrameta had made a base at the University of Osaka and recruited corrupted adults to further her agenda, giving them whatever they wanted in exchange for their eternal souls. Sure, the god could deliver him Makoto and whatever else his heart desired, but it would not be real. He didn’t want to earn her love this way and could never partake in such a falsehood. He’d stop this demon’s diabolical plot, even if it cost him his life. Ren stared into the ruby eyes and expressionless face below.

“And what if I refuse?”

Andrameta leapt at Ren, crashing into the wooden desk before he could even complete his daring question. He ran for his life, desperately searching for any avenue of escape, when a steam of webbing snagged around his leg. Ren face planted the floor. The demon was on him before he could even move, dragging him towards the gallows. Andrameta’s front limbs placed his head into the guillotine, trapping him in place before hissing into his brain.

“THEN YOU DIE…”

Chapter Text

Chapter 75:

Yusuke awoke just before dawn. His lower back throbbed in pain after sleeping on the cold floor in the ryokan’s lobby with a belly full of Sojiro’s curry. Futaba had locked him out of their room, and he did not have the money to request his own private quarters. Another soak in the hot springs would certainly ease his ailing body, but that would have to wait until later in the evening, after their hike. He had so much planned for today, but filling his stomach with the complimentary breakfast was paramount before getting started.

The old lady who owned the place was up bright and early, setting up a wonderful spread for her mere three guests. Steamed rice, fish, miso soup and other traditional Japanese delicacies to go along with a freshly brewed pot of coffee, hot tea and other more common breakfast items like French toast and pancakes. Plenty of options to satisfy whatever her patrons desired. Yusuke’s stomach growled as he eyed the bountiful feast. He closed his eyes, inhaling the steam of the hot food through his nostrils, but a shout from the backyard caught his attention.

He snatched a chocolate drizzled croissant, nibbling on his way out of the ryokan, where he found a wooden patio surrounded by tall trees, shrubs and the natural wonders surrounding the isolated inn. On it trained the tall girl who had interrupted his bath after finding Futaba’s charger. Her white gi and black belt drenched with sweat, the athlete worked her way through a series of arranged movements of punches and kicks with a sharp sense of focus that Yusuke couldn’t help but admire.

“Can I help you?” she spotted the intruder by the doorway, taking a bite out of a pastry. The sudden appearance caught her by surprise, making her forget the next sequence of movements that sensei had taught her. She lowered her fists, trying to hide her frustration.

“Pardon my interruption.” Yusuke bowed low. “But is that traditional karate you are practicing?”

“Yes, I’m preparing for a tournament.” She noticed that the tall and slender teen held his chin, deep in thought. He had an air of maturity about him that well surpassed his current age. Far different from any guy that normally caught her eye, something about his quirkiness and the intelligent way he spoke attracted her. “My sensei in New York told me to train up in the mountains to clear my mind before the big fight.”

“Excellent advice. As an artist, I appreciate those who practice the ancient ways of warfare. It is a way to honor the past by passing on these cultural traditions of combat that played such an important role in our country’s history. There is much we can learn from the way of the samurai… the bushido code.” Yusuke’s eyes lit up when he saw a pair of swords sticking it out of her equipment bag on the deck. “What marvelous katana. I too delve into the ways of swordsmanship. They say mastering such a beautiful weapon will bring about divine grace.”

“Care for a friendly challenge, artist?” she retrieved blunt edged training weapons given to her by Master Splinter and handed one over. “My name is Makoto Kino.”

“Well met, Kino-san.” he bowed low after accepting the practice sword into his open palms. A smirk flashed across his face as he drew the blade from its sheath and carefully examined it before nodding in approval. “For I am the renowned painter Yusuke Kitagawa, and I shall spare you no quarter! Prepare yourself!”

Chapter Text

Chatper 76:

Futaba zipped up her winter coat and threw on a knit cap over her headphones after dressing up into several layers so she could to keep her rail thin body warm. Spending the night alone and without technology gave her time to reflect on her fight with Yusuke. She felt guilty for giving him such a hard time about this crummy place and even accusing him of stealing her charger. Going for a hike in gloomy woods, searching for whatever he promised to show her, sounded like a long and miserable day to come, but she owed it to him after acting like a brat last night. At least now her phone, laptop, Nintendo switch, power pack, backup power-pack,blue tooth headset, and all the other devices she took along with her now had a hundred percent full charge. But maybe she didn’t need them. Losing the charger and her irate reaction proved that she had grown too addicted to technology. A break was in order for a full day other than checking in with Sojiro and the latest news on the MARC.

She left the room and walked downstairs where their hostess greeted her with a wrinkly smile and gestured to the wonderful breakfast spread. Futaba gave her an awkward nod of thanks and took an empty plate, loading it up with a stack of pancakes to satiate her hunger. She paused for a moment after drowning the pancakes with maple syrup. Something felt wrong here. Where was Yusuke? There’s no way he’d shy away at the opportunity to pig out at an all you can eat breakfast buffet like this. No wonder he picked this ryokan. What could distract him from this glorious feast of carbohydrates and saturated fats?

“I believe your boyfriend is outside in the garden.” the old woman read her thoughts.

“Alert! He’s still not my boyfriend, lady. Get that out of your head right now!” Futaba grumbled as she set aside her pancakes and marched over to the rear of the Ryokan, where she could hear the sounds of swords clashing.

“En garde!” Yusuke warned before unleashing a flurry of swipes at his opponent. His adversary, the pony-tailed girl from last night, parried each stroke, sweat dripping down her forehead and splashing against her karate gi until she counterattacked with a wild swing. Yusuke saw it coming a mile away. He blocked the strike, while moving in close. His leg swept behind her knee, taking her down to the deck. He pointed the tip of his sword at her throat. “Very good for a novice. You almost had me that time. But you are predictable and still thinking way too much. You have too many minds, the samurai used to say. Clear your thoughts and let the sword move effortlessly like a paintbrush stroke across a blank canvass!”

“Let’s go another round.” She reached her hand up, and he took it into his, helping her off the wooden deck. Makoto couldn’t help but blush as she peered into his deep blue eyes, pausing for a moment to admire the handsome artist. “Best three out of five?”

“Very well.”

“Grrrrrr!” Futaba slammed the screen door shut, storming past her breakfast platter as a swarm of emotions filled her heart. Feelings that she had never experienced before in her life rose to the surface of her heart. Seeing Yusuke with that tall and athletic girl made her so furious she wanted to scream in rage. Another side of her wanted to burst into tears. The phantom thieves had already fractured, but she shared a connection with Yusuke and thought their bond would last longer than the rest should they fail. Both with eccentric personalities, clearly the weirdos of the group with absolutely nothing in common, but their unique dispositions drew them closer together. Yusuke made her feel more comfortable in her own skin since he was a fellow nonconformist. Without him, she’d never have the courage to go on a trip so far away from home like this.

The prospect of being alone with Yusuke made a strange feeling brew in her gut while she had shut herself back in her room that she had never experienced before. She stared at her computer screen for hours as improper thoughts of the eccentric artist swam through her mind, unable to concentrate on her dark web conspiracies web sites, hacking programs or even video games until the big day arrived. Did this mean she was developing feelings for him? No way! It was probably just Sojiro’s spicy curry that upset her stomach!

Either way, it didn’t matter. At the drop of a dime, he had found a girl far better than her. An attractive young woman with legs for days, she could never hope to match her athleticism or beauty. She was just a pathetic nerd with no friends, pitied by those who only pretended to care about her. She’d always be an outcast. There was no one on this planet for her out there. Not even Yusuke. A peculiar painter who was probably from another planet himself. Now she felt stupid, cursing herself for even thinking about having a boyfriend. What a waste of time that would be, anyway.

Futaba’s phone buzzed within the pocket of her jacket. Her eyes widened in disbelief at the sudden announcement flashing across her screen. She had won a lottery, granting her access to receive the MARC. Finally! This was her chance! Screw Yusuke and his stupid hike. It’s not like he cared about her. New tech like this was what made life worth living. She didn’t need him or the phantom thieves. Futaba scrambled towards the exit before Yusuke or anyone else could stop her, only to nearly trample into the hostess, who offered her a cup of tea by the front door.

“Outta my way, lady!” Futaba pushed her way through.

“You haven’t touched your breakfast, young one.” the elderly woman gave her a look of concern. “Is everything okay with you and your boyfriend?”

“Tell that creep I’m going on the hike without him.” Futaba grumbled. “All the way to Osaka!”

End of Part 1

Chapter Text

ACT IV: BREAK IN TO BREAK OUT

Chapter 77:

“I’ve failed her.” Yusuke waved away the elderly hostess, burying his face into his palms. The smell of the warm food brought over to the dining table caught his attention, but not even the delectable breakfast buffet cheered him up right now. Futaba left the ryokan without a word, running away first thing in the morning. Was she that miserable here in the wilderness, surrounded by Japan’s natural beauty? Or did she detest his presence after their argument last night?

His plan to take Futaba on an adventure far from civilization had flopped. A much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo turned into a nightmare for everyone involved. If he didn’t find Futaba and bring her home safe, his days of free curry were over. But Sojiro’s exquisite cuisine was the least of his concerns right now. When Ren approached him with this outlandish idea of an excursion in the mountains with Futaba, he took the opportunity to help the shut in break out of her shell. A chance to strengthen his bond with Futaba, this adventure provided them a time to explore the world and try a new hobby aside from their usual obsessions. But now, he questioned the decision to bring Futaba here. Where did Futaba go? And what made her depart suddenly?

“What’s wrong?” Makoto Kino noticed her distraught sparring partner sulking in the common room. She lugged her training equipment back inside the ryokan and sat next to him at the dining table. A plate stacked with breakfast sat in front of him, left cold and untouched. “Crying over that last hit I scored on you?”

“I can’t find Futaba anywhere.” the artist regained his composure, hiding his sadness. Yusuke hoped to spend the day with Futaba, but she had other plans, departing the inn without him. He should have checked up on her first thing this morning instead of training with their fellow guest. Another critical oversight on his part. His promise of a surprise now felt like an empty gesture, failing to captivate Futaba’s interest. “Perhaps you have seen her?”

“Now that you mention it, I think I saw your girlfriend standing by the door watching us fight.” Makoto remembered seeing her slamming the screen shut in disgust. The brief distraction had left her wide open to her opponent. Yusuke, who did not lose focus easily, landed a slashing blow on her neck, failing to notice his companion observing their skirmish.

“She’s not my girlfriend, just to clarify.” Yusuke found it puzzling that everyone in this ryokan believed they were a romantic couple. The mere mentioning of it irritated Futaba even more than the tranquil surroundings. Is that why she left? Perhaps coming to this cottage wasn’t such a good idea after all. “We are just very close friends. Futaba is a former shut-in who shut herself back in after our group of mutual companions got into an argument. I convinced her to accompany me on this adventure far from home, promising her a revelation that would make her forget all about her computer for a change. To my surprise, she agreed to it.”

“Oh, that explains why she disappeared. I know that look.” Makoto noticed the pain in Futaba’s eyes in that moment she spotted her. It reminded her of a time years ago, when she crushed on her senpai. A handsome highschool senior who broke her heart before she revealed her true feelings. She had been in Futaba’s position years ago, and knew just how awful it felt. To see the person you love with another, oblivious to your emotions. “She got upset after watching the two of us spar together. I think she got the wrong idea.”

“You think she’s jealous?” Yusuke scoffed at the notion, unable to contain his laughter. “No offense towards you, but that’s highly unlikely. Preposterous even. Futaba has not shown an inkling of romantic interest towards me, or any other male or female, for that matter. She’s not like the other girls her age. Far more interested in her video games or the latest anime to worry about anything else, especially an intimate relationship. She’d call you insane for even coming up with this contrived notion, I assure you.”

“‘I’m not like most girls either. Trust me, I know what she’s going through!” Makoto admitted, recalling the painful memories of her youth. A time when students snickered behind her back, mocking her for her height and strength that rivaled most of the boys in her class. The artist’s apathy towards his friend’s feelings made her so angry. “Just because she’s different doesn’t mean she can’t fall in love. You know what I think? You may act like a sophisticated artisan, but you are not different from any of the jerks out there who would break a girl’s heart and careless about it!”

“I apologize if I have come across as insensitive to the matter of love, but that is far from the truth. To the contrary, I have dedicated my path in the arts to searching for the true meaning of love and all that it entails.”

“Well, love stared you in the face and you missed it.” Makoto’s heart ached for Futaba, knowing the anguish she must’ve felt. They didn’t know each other, but the thought of Futaba going through that same heartache made her want to protect the awkward tech-nerd from the callousness of the world full of ignorant boys like Yusuke.

“How unfortunate.” Her words stung like a stab through the heart. The last thing he wanted was to hurt Futaba if this theory proved true. Failing to acknowledge Futaba’s sentiments only added to his list of missteps. “My goal is to capture the essence of true love in a painting someday, as my mother did when she completed “the Sayuri” before her untimely passing. I’ve failed her. Just as I’ve failed Futaba.”

“Is there a lover’s quarrel in my precious ryokan?” the innkeeper returned to the table with a steaming teapot. “Your girlfriend ran off this morning! I see now why she looked so upset! Betrayed for another! Shame on you both!”

“You saw Futaba leaving?” Yusuke jumped off the chair and threw himself at the old lady’s feet, bowing low at her mercy. “Pray tell me, where did she go?”

“Hmm…” The woman paused in thought. “I believe she mentioned taking a hike to Osaka without you!”

“That’s one of the busiest cities in the country. I doubt she’d go there without me. Unless…” Yusuke knew far too well how she despised enormous crowds. Why would she traverse to Osaka by herself? Then the answer came to him. A quite simple one, in fact. Futaba didn’t leave because she thought he fell in love with his sparring partner. She had snuck off to get the MARC. “Unless she seeks that new technology she kept talking about. Yes, that’s it! She must have gone to Osaka University. One of our friends is studying there, who also bears the name Makoto oddly enough. I believe that’s where they are releasing the MARC to the public. I’m weary of this device. My gut says it will bring Futaba and others more harm than good.”

“Looks like I’ll be checking out early.” He turned to their hostess and bowed low in reverence. “I apologize for any inconvenience my sudden departure may cause, but I must stop my companion before she does something she might regret.”

“I’m coming with you.” Makoto felt responsible for what happened, no matter how much this artist tried to dismiss Futaba’s feelings. There was more to the story than just wanting a new technology. She’d do anything to help another girl from the heartbreak she experienced when she was that age. “I have a friend studying at Osaka University as well. She can help us find her.”

“Very well. Let us be off.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 78:

The sky darkened when Yusuke and Makoto stepped outside. Trees didn’t sway in the brisk morning breeze, and the birds no longer chirped. All the wondrous sounds and sights of the natural beauty surrounding the ryokan had vanished in an instant. Replaced with an atmosphere that felt artificial, as if they had stepped through a portal and entered a false reality. A mere copy of what had once been the magnificent mountain region of Hakone.

“Where are we?” Makoto glanced up and noticed that a dome now covered the cottage and surrounding area, shadowing the sun and cloaking the pair in darkness. But that’s not all that changed. Her companion now looked like a different person, clad in a leathery jumpsuit with white boots and a bushy tail behind his back. A fox mask concealed his face, and a katana hung at his side.

“It appears we’ve entered the Metaverse.” Yusuke muttered. Everything felt off from the inn’s tranquil garden, the surrounding shrubbery, even the very air tasted stale. The grounds of the ryokan now appeared void of the bustling sounds and sights that made it beautiful. “But how?”

A cackling laugh snared his attention back to the ryokan’s front door. The old lady stood outside her home with a grin stretching across her wrinkled face. Yusuke noticed the spider stamped on her wrist. His hand grazed the hilt of his sword.

“I’m afraid I cannot allow you guests to depart so soon.” The inn keeper’s eyes looked cold and lifeless now, lacking the spark of kindness they once possessed when he had arrived. A dark aura emanated from her body, giving her a ghostly appearance. The air grew heavy with malevolence as the woman walked closer.

“What have you done with Futaba?” Yusuke drew his katana from the scabbard in a flash. His heart pounded in a mix of fear and determination.

“Hehehe.” She snickered. “It’s too late for you, phantom thief. The one you call Futaba now rests in the hands of my queen. A vital piece of the Goddess’s plan to conquer this realm. Join with us, and you may meet her again if the master permits.”

“I care not who your master is.” Yusuke didn’t know what was happening, but assumed the MARC bore the responsiblity. He never trusted this new technology and its alleged capabilities from the moment he heard about it. Someone, or something that the inn keeper referred to as a goddess, now used the device to manipulate the hearts of others and create a metaverse. Futaba went straight to the source, determined to accept this technology after their failed outing at the ryokan. “I shall spare you no quarter unless you surrender and provide me Futaba’s location.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 79:

“Foolish choice, young man.” The innkeeper’s body twitched at the empty threat. Smoke consumed the shadow as her frail body twisted the sweet old lady into a monstrosity that resembled the mockery of a beautiful woman. Her voice turned sinister, echoing across the dome.

Pink hair sprouted from her skull down to the grass. She wore a sparkling jacket of silver sequins and an outdated pair of tights with green and purple stripes. A mask covered her decrepit face, decorated into a youthful visage with eyes that popped out, blushed cheeks and full lips.

“Queen Mab…” Yusuke recognized this powerful demon. A capricious harlot known for her many lovers. Perhaps the abomination represented what the inn keeper missed from the joyful days of her youth, now repressed by her withered body, far away from the city. He stood guard over Makoto, his blade held at the ready as the persona hissed, making his skin crawl.

“GOEMON!” Yusuke removed the Inari mask, summoning his persona. A colorful figure out of Japanese folklore that looked like it had appeared straight out of an ukiyo-e painting. Goemon wore a flowing red cape and carried a pipe that he spun in his hand. The phantom thief swung his katana, powered by his manifestation that fissured the dirt towards the demon at the inn’s entrance.

Queen Mab leapt, floating away from the slash before it struck. She opened her palms, calling forth fires that lit up the dome into a red hue. Yusuke felt the heat bearing down on him, and shouted his persona’s name again to stop her attack. Goemon took a puff of his pipe and exhaled an icy frost that encompassed the demon. The Queen emerged from the wintry mix untouched, her hands glowing with flame that melted the ice, raining slush upon the ground. She hissed in anger before volleying a ball of flame at the phantom thief. The blast struck Yusuke in the chest and sent him hurtling into the ryokan. Flames spread around him, devouring the trees and the inn. He dropped to his knees, losing the grip on his weapon. Yusuke glanced up and saw the demon hovering toward him. This time, her hands sparkled with a bright light. A storm cloud brewed overhead. Thunder cackled as it grew stronger. Queen Mab grinned as she lifted her hands in the air, preparing to zap the phantom thief from existence.

Chapter Text

Chapter 80:

“JUPITER POWER, MAKE UP!” Makoto wouldn’t allow this so-called phantom thief to fight by himself. The artist owed her an explanation for his new look, abilities, including that strange samurai that attacked alongside him. But whatever they fought against was evil, and if Futaba was in danger, then she had to help. A blinding light overtook Makoto. Her training gear disappeared, replaced by her sailor suit, green combat boots and matching skirt. As the transformation completed, Makoto found herself adorned in her signature senshi uniform, complete with the vibrant pink bow and tiara. Her long, brown hair flowed behind her head, and her emerald eyes sparkled. The power surging through her body made her feel invincible, ready to face any challenge that came her way.

She emerged from the transformation and found the demonic woman hovering above the ryokan, with slender arms raised high. The creature’s hands glimmered with an electrical charge that made her pink hair stand on end. Flames and smoke spread under the dome, engulfing the trees and even the cottage itself, as a storm cloud brewed throughout the sky. Thick clouds circled over the ryokan, and ominous foreboding for a powerful spell. Then she spotted the intended target, a wounded Yusuke, lying prone on the ground, unable to reach his sword. Fire encircled the phantom thief on all sides, trapping him like a mouse stuck in a trap. If she did not act now, Yusuke might perish.

“SUPREME THUNDER!” She tightened her fists, drawing energy from her tiara, which grew like an antenna. A storm of her own clashed with the one already forming. The clouds battled and thunder rumbled, filling the dome with strong winds and rain that extinguished the burning trees. Queen Mab laughed, unaware of the sailor senshi behind her. She hovered over Yusuke and watched lightning flash all around her as she cast her hand forth.

Only the lightning was not under her control, as the demon believed. Jupiter turned the storm against its creator. She channeled the electrical currents forming in the clouds into a single bolt that annihilated the grotesque woman with a blinding flash.

Queen Mab shrieked in agony, collapsing to the floor. The demon remained paralyzed from the electrical shock, but still a viable threat should she recover. Jupiter found the phantom thief amidst the chaos of the swirling storm, wrapping both hands around his katana.

“Time to raise the curtain!” Yusuke didn’t know what his companion had transformed into. Had she awakened into a phantom thief, or was she something else? That didn’t matter right now. They had to defeat this demon and rescue Futaba. Together they pounced on the prone Queen Mab for an all out attack. She pounded her fists alongside the swordsman, his katana dancing with grace.

“Goemon, Strike!” Yusuke called his persona to deliver the final blow.

“Supreme Thunder!” Jupiter shouted, combining her electrical torrent with the phantom thief’s freezing storm. A mixture of ice and lightning engulfed Queen Mab, illuminating the Metaverse with an intense flash of their dueling powers. The sailor senshi and phantom thief stood in triumph over the fallen shadow as the snow flurries settled. A faint glow rose from the Queen Mab’s body, revealing her true form.

Chapter Text

Chapter 81:

“I’m… so… sorry…” the old lady wept at entrance of her damaged ryokan. It’s once beautiful architecture tainted, turned into a smoldering house of horrors. The spider slipped from her slender wrist, along with the influence of the demon who had usurped her mind. Her tear-stained face reflected remorse and confusion for her actions. She struggled to comprehend the havoc wrought under the demon’s control. Trembling in grief, she threw herself at Yusuke’s feet and begged for mercy. “What have I done? Please… don’t hurt me!”

“Who did this to you?” Yusuke sheathed his sword and knelt beside the hostess, offering his support. His heart went out to the innkeeper as he witnessed her despair. With a gentle hand, he helped her rise, assuring that he would uncover the truth behind her suffering if she provided him with information.

“Last night, a Jorōgumo visited me in my slumber.”

“A joro what?” Jupiter wondered.

“Jorōgumo are yokai from Japanese folklore, with the appearance of a woman and spider.” Yusuke turned to the innkeeper, troubled over the mentioning of this spirit. “Please continue.”

“My master… She promised that if I helped her, she would bless me with eternal youthfulness and health. A chance to look beautiful once again. To feel loved instead of dying alone in this inn. I accepted the bargain and betrayed your trust. Please forgive me.”

“There is beauty and grace in all things, even old age.” Yusuke consoled her, his calm voice conveyed reassurance and understanding. “You touch the hearts of everyone who visits your ryokan with your kindness and hospitality. Memories people will cherish even well after you pass from this earth. I forgive you for what it’s worth. But is there anything you can do to help us? What else did this spirt say to you? Tell me how I can stop her!”

“It’s too late for that. She knows all about you phantom thieves and sailor senshi and will not stop until you are all dead or join her mission to takeover this planet. She has your precious girlfriend Futaba. The rest of this country… no, the world… will receive the MARC and fall to the goddess cloaked by her web of shadow. You can’t defeat her. She’s grown too strong. Nothing will….” The old woman stared off into the distance. Her jaw hung in fright as she spotted the one who warped her ryokan and corrupted her soul. She pointed a finger into the air, tracing the behemoth as it crawled along the domed ceiling, leaving a trail of webbing in its wake.

“An…. Andra… Andrameta.” The old lady gasped, her hand quivering as a stench of rot and decay grew heavy in the air. A shadow darkened the metaverse, blocking the light that filtered in through the dome. She bolted for the ryokan, but a streak of webbing yanked her towards the ceiling before she made an escape.

Yusuke drew his sword, his knuckles turning white as he and Jupiter glanced upward to find a gigantic spider with a woman’s torso so big that stalked over the entire cottage, feasting upon the trapped inn keeper. Ruby orbs sat on an emotionless face, zoned in on the pair as it dug its tendrils into the dome.

“PHANTOM THIEF…. SAILOR SENSHI…. ENTER A HOLY COVENANT WITH ME AND JOIN MY CHILD FUTABA…. OR PERISH ALONG WITH THE REST OF YOUR FRIENDS…CHOOSE YOUR FATE…”  a demonic voice rang within their heads. They both covered their ears out of instinct, quivering at the demon lurking above them. Its multiple eyes glowed, relishing in the fear and desperation of her adversaries.

“Never!” Jupiter defied the spider, bracing herself for battle. Sailor Moon. Was she in danger? A terrible evil unlike anything they faced before had appeared, using this MARC technology to control others like the poor innkeeper. She doubted she could defeat this evil, even with the phantom thief’s help. Perhaps stalling this enemy for even a few moments would give Sailor Moon valuable time wherever she was.

“Prove that Futaba is unharmed, and I shall do whatever you ask, goddess.” Yusuke dropped his sword, bowing before the spider demon. The old lady’s admission that Futaba now belonged to this demon clouded his judgment. His heart raced, torn between his duty to fight this entity and his vow to Sojiro. A promise he made to protect Futaba. If she developed affections for him, then he owed Futaba for neglecting to notice it, no matter what consequences he faced.

“What the… Yusuke? You can’t trust that thing!” Jupiter back peddled from the swordsman, stunned by his treachery. It was then that Jupiter witnessed her companion’s true heart. He might not show it, but he loved Futaba, even if he didn’t realize it yet. She saw the determination in his blue eyes. He’d save her, killing the sailor senshi if necessary.

“I must do whatever it takes to assure Futaba’s survival.” Yusuke lowered his eyes in shame. Defying Andrameta ensured Futaba’s demise, but accepting a covenant provided a way to safeguard her survival. “I’m responsible for this mess she’s in. The phantom thieves have faced defeat already if this creature speaks true. I must find Futaba. Even if it means joining in league with this foul demon. I’m sorry, Kino-san. There’s no other option.”

“You are making a big mistake!” A silent understanding passed between them. No words would convince the stubborn artist otherwise.

“VERY WELL…” Andrameta spat webbing that encased the phantom thief. Fox fell flat onto the grass, screaming in terror as the spider descended on him. A tendril extended towards Yusuke, burning the MARC of the spider on his hand.

“ARGHH!!!” Pain ravaged through every nerve in his body. The intricate design glowed with an eerie red light, pulsating with a mysterious power that surged through his veins. He felt the essence of the demon sucking away at his very soul, yet also showing him his deepest desires. The loving mother he never knew. He smelled the aroma of Sojiro’s curry and see famous pieces of artwork throughout the ages. But one image stood out more than the rest. Futaba. He fought against the demon, pushing away these visions with all the will he had left, but the spider had found his weakness. His thoughts lingered on Futaba, her body motionless as the MARC sapped away her energy. “FUTABA!”

“SURRENDER!” The phantom thief resisted her efforts, but wouldn’t prove strong enough. His strength waned, adding to her hive mind. Draining another would surge her with power. “I SHALL DELIVER WHAT YOU SEEK IF YOU DO WHAT I ASK OF YOU…”

The demon felt Yusuke slip out of consciousness and abandoned him on the floor along with the trapped sailor senshi. Andrameta sensed a problem at her main-hub that must get taken care of. She vanished from the Metaverse, leaving her new puppet with his orders. “ELIMINATE THE SAILOR SENSHI FOR HER REFUSAL AND I’LL BRING THE ONE YOU LOVE UNHARMED. FAIL ME AND FUTABA DIES!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 82:

Luna emerged from the portal, landing on all fours in a circular room lined with empty jail cells. Blood stained the once decorative carpet on the web encrusted floor, trailing from the corpse of an eerie old man lying next to a ruined desk with an open ledger on top. The book lay open, its tattered pages soaked with blood. Wide eyes and a sinister smile stared into the feline’s soul. A deafening shriek snared her attention away from the corpse and towards a narrow passage. The key shimmered, beckoning the cat to take it in that direction where a monster lurked in the shadows. Luna padded along the webby corridor, allowing the light to guide her through the darkness. The key pulsated with intensity as she drew closer to the demon. Stick-like appendages grazed atop the handle of a switch, preparing to drop a sharp blade from the top of a guillotine. The lone prisoner remained with his head and arms trapped in the jaws of the wooden pillory, waiting for the razor’s edge the descend upon his neck.

“Ren?” Luna froze in disbelief upon recognizing the inmate. He looked up, still baring a stoic even when confronting certain death. Not even a talking cat startled him. What other secrets did this prisoner hide? Ren kicked his legs, rattling the heavy ball-and-chain latched to his ankle, trying to escape his bounds.

“I’D HATE TO WASTE SUCH UNTAPPED POWER.” the demon’s voice rang throughout the chamber. “YOUR LOVE FOR THAT GIRL WILL BE YOUR FOLLY… SHE WILL FALL NEXT TO MY WEB OF SHADOWS… TRAPPED IN THIS REALM FOR ETERNITY WHILE I FEAST UPON HER FLESH…JOIN WITH ME… TRICKSTER IF YOU WISH TO SAVE HER!”

“Never.” Ren faced the goddess with defiance. The thought of accepting the demon’s covenant crossed his mind. Not to empower himself, but to save Makoto from the demon’s wrath. He changed his mind upon seeing Usagi’s cat and hearing her voice, hoping the sneaky feline would break him free.

“VERY WELL…” Andrameta tugged on the lever, releasing the heavy slab of metal suspended from the rafters.

Ren closed his eyes, bracing for death, when Luna darted from under the spider’s torso, trying to reach Ren before his head went rolling. She opened her mouth and tossed the key over to him. The key sprouted wings, shimmering as it floated to the captive. Ren caught it just seconds before the blade grazed his neck. A blinding light rocked through the chamber, smashing the guillotine and his chains to pieces. Even Andrameta staggered from its power, an aura that filled the velvet room with a radiating energy of holy light.

Ren stepped through, only now his appearance had changed once again. A white mask covered his eyes, and an overcoat replaced the striped jumpsuit. He adjusted his red gloves before drawing the dagger tucked into his belt.

“ARSENE!” Ren tore off his mask. A red, devilish creature wearing a top-hat appeared before them, protecting the teen and his feline ally. Angelic wings sprouted from its back, beating ferociously to hold the goddess back. Andrameta fought against the gale of wind, enraged by the persona’s presence. The spider barreled into Arsene, tearing away at his flesh. Arsene fought back when the titan clashed, but proved too weak against this superior entity. He gripped the spider’s torso with all his might, rolling along the floor in a struggle to buy Ren time to escape.

“Tuxedo Mask?” Luna wondered aloud, even knowing it wasn’t him. The resemblance was uncanny, especially now. The butterfly key floated back towards the velvet room, pulsating as if to snare their attention. She pawed at the human’s leg, stopping him from charging Andrameta head on with his dagger. Even with powers that rivaled a sailor senshi, fighting this demon now would end in death. Besides, they needed to save Usagi. Together, they might have a chance once they regrouped. “Ren! The key! Look!”

“Hmm?” Ren glanced down the hall and watched the butterfly key flutter away. Its delicate wings glowed like a beacon, leaving a flickering trail of pixie dust in their wake. The soft glow illuminated the dim hallway, casting a magical ambiance that directed their path out of the chamber.

“Go!” Arsene groaned in pain as Andrameta overpowered the persona with no effort. His attempts to defend himself proved futile. The spider pinned Arsene down, sinking her razor sharp fangs into his vulnerable neck. Arsene’s strength dwindled, but he endured the torment long enough to buy his other half time to avoid the spider’s wrath.

Ren scooped up the cat into his arms, bolting towards the key now hovering in the velvet room to take advantage of Arsene’s skirmish. The key morphed in shape, expanding into a shimmering void, rippling a hole into the velvet room. Andrameta abandoned the wounded persona, refusing to let the phantom thief escape. The Spider Queen hissed, racing down the corridor on all of its appendages. Ren smelled her rancid breath getting closer. He dared not look behind him, pushing his tired legs into a sprint. Andrameta broke out of the corridor, lunging with her front pincers. Ren held onto the cat and jumped, a tendril grazing his overcoat as he plummeted into the abyss.

Chapter Text

Chapter 83:

Usagi backpedaled on her feet, unable to believe the nightmare unfolding before her eyes in this scary castle. Morgana stood by her on his hind legs, defending with her with his sword as bizarre monsters descended upon them on all sides. He moved quick despite his bulbous head, hopping about to avoid an axe from a mounted soldier and a flaming blade swung by this cat-like beast with tiger stripes running along his white fur.

“YAH!” A slimy glob of ooze pulsated, sliding her way. An eerie face emerged in the liquid, contorting with malicious intent. Its gaping maw widened, eager to consume its victim. Usagi gagged from its rancid odor as it lunged. The ooze would have swallowed her whole if it wasn’t for the cat and that cloaked figure he summoned. Zorro’s rapier blew the slimeball back enough for her to scramble away. The dexterous cat leapt to her rescue, his sword gleaming. With a single, swift slash, the cat reduced the menacing glob to a quivering puddle of goo that ate through the castle floor.

“Stay behind me, Usagi! These shadows are no match for me!” Morgana turned to the frightened girl, his eyes filled with confidence. The fighting feline whipped out a slingshot, facing the floating blue orbs that had them surrounded. Usagi shrieked in terror as they got closer, covering her eyes to hide from grotesque heads popping out of the balls like warts. They moaned and drooled, inching closer to devour the pair, but Morgana fought on, pelting the countless shadows with his ammunition until running out. Then drew his sword, hacking and slashing at the stunned chronozons and any other creature that dared harm his friend.

Despite his best efforts to slow them down, shadows kept coming wave after wave. Usagi refused to let the cat fight alone. They’d soon get overrun at this rate. She grabbed her broach and prepared to transform. “MOON POWER MAKE UP!”

A blinding spectacle of bright colors filled the castle, stunning the shadows in place. A radiant light enveloped Usagi, engulfing her in a whirlwind of energy. Usagi levitated off the ground. Her clothes disappeared. A white leotard with a blue sailor collar covered her body, along with a billowing skirt. All of her accessories manifested next, from her red boots and matching gloves, to the bow pinned onto her chest with her broach. A golden tiara adorned with a crescent moon descended atop her head. She snatched the moon stick and landed on her feet, finding herself back in the gothic castle. The silver crystal illuminated the space, filling her with the confidence she needed to take on this army of monsters. With new found strength and determination, the warrior of love and justice raised her wand into the air, basking in its light, ready to unleash her powers upon the encroaching shadows.

“WHOA…” Morgana admired the beauty emerging before him, smitten by the blonde and her amazing transformation.

“MORGANA!” she warned her feline companion. A Sandman knocked the distracted cat into a brick wall with a sack. Morgana slumped to the webbed floor, dazed and too weak to even lift his sword. He didn’t have the energy to summon Zorro again, but he kept protecting Usagi, crawling over to her position. Usagi looked way different now. Her big bang burger disguise replaced with a cool sailor uniform ready for battle. Another blonde bombshell, rivaling that of his lady Ann! Had Usagi awoken her persona? Even so, a rookie phantom thief still needs his guidance!

A mounted figure cloaked in all black intervened before he reached her, galloping his pale horse to block the cat’s path. The imposing shadow made Morgana’s fur stand on end. This one possessed much more power than the others he had fought so far. The monster raised his scythe, a long wooden stick with a curved blade, ready to lop the cat’s head off.

“HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!” She bashed a path through the shadows, reducing the sandman and other monsters to dust with her wand until catching the hooded persona’s attention with a high-pitched squeal. The black-clad entity of death reared his horse and turned his back to the downed cat to face the challenger. Light emanating from the silver crystal revealed a skull under the hood, with black eye sockets that locked onto her with malice. “I AM THE PRETTY GUARDIAN OF LOVE AND…”

The rider kicked his horse and started galloping toward her at full speed, not interested in hearing her introduction. He charged past the other shadows, abandoning Morgana to pursue his human victim.

“YAHH!” Sailor Moon ducked as the scythe swept towards her neck, slashing through a woman’s portrait framed on the wall. She scrambled away, sprinting along a web covered corridor. Morgana shouted from the distance, his voice suffocated amongst the pandemonium unfolding in the gothic castle. The remaining personas growled and hissed. Their snarls echoed off the stone walls, drowning out the cat’s warning. Beasts, mutants, specters and more joined in the hunt, led by the galloping horse and its skeletal rider. The sailor senshi screamed in panic, running for her life in this endless maze of twisting passageways of this strange castle. She huffed and puffed, dashing deeper into the darkness and into a chasm of hallways that forked off, only to end like a rat maze. Any wrong turn into a dead end meant her doom. The hoofbeats grew louder as they clopped along the red carpet. Death closed the gap, raising the wooden shaft of his weapon high into the air above his cloaked skull. Sailor Moon beheld the embodiment of death itself reaching toward her from the pale horse. She screamed in fright, alone and afraid, as the scythe descended upon her.

Chapter Text

Chapter 84:

A burst of light erupted, sending Sailor Moon sprawling to the cold castle floor before the reaper’s blade struck. Dazed from the unexpected blast, she watched a storm of energy swim through the manor, ripping a void through the Metaverse. A figure appeared from the growing portal, somersaulting into the gothic castle. Luna hung onto his fluttering coat, determined the help rescue her princess. The suave thief landed on his feet between the prone girl and her mounted adversary. Luna hopped off as the hero stood guard, holding off the curved blade with a dagger. Undaunted, the masked man stared into the empty eye sockets of the skeleton, not allowing the shadow to harm the sailor senshi. He dug into the web coated floor, using all his might to keep the scythe at bay.

“Tuxedo Mask!” Sailor Moon shielded her eyes, desperate to make out any details of her defender, clad in an overcoat with a bushy head of black hair. The portal vanished and its blinding light faded away when she noticed the mask adorning his handsome face. Of course, her one true love would come to rescue her from danger. Her heart jumped in her chest, so full of happiness to see Mamoru again.

“SNAP OUT OF IT, SAILOR MOON!” a paw lashed out, grazing her cheek to bring the love struck human back to reality. “DON’T JUST SIT THERE! HELP REN DEFEAT THAT MONSTER!”

“Ren?” Usagi muttered in confusion, pushing herself up. She looked back at her rescuer in stunned disbelief as he fended off the cloaked skeleton, struggling to hold the scythe at bay. Her cheeks flushed at the realization that she had mistaken Ren for her boyfriend again! But why did his clothes change in this strange place? What other secrets did he hide from her? Should she trust him? Right now, she didn’t have a choice. Ignoring her embarrassment, she rushed to Ren’s side and waved her Moon stick, battering away the wooden scythe. The silver crystal flashed as the weapons collided, blinding the mounted shadow.

“ARSENE!” A devilish creature manifested to their aid, unleashing an onslaught of bullets that tore through the reaper’s cloak, knocking him off the pale horse. Ren pounced upon the monster with his dagger, thrusting the weapon through the black cloth and into a bony ribcage, but the stab did nothing but enrage death further. Skeletal hands wrapped around Ren’s throat, pushing him against the brick wall. The dagger slipped from his hand, clattering against the stone floor as bony digits dug into his neck, drawing blood. The reaper opened his jaw, flashing jagged teeth that aimed to tear off the human’s nose.

“MOON TIARA ACTION!” Sailor Moon grabbed her tiara and flung it towards the hooded skeleton, hoping to save Ren from the clutches of the reaper before it claimed his life. The golden disc struck true, crashing into the bony monstrosity’s skull. Radiant energy exploded from within its cloak, shattering the shadow. Ivory bones and fragments scattered in every direction from the brilliant display of raw power. When the light cleared, nothing remained except for a tattered cloak resting atop a pile of bones.

“REN!” Sailor Moon raced to her fallen companion’s side after spotting him lying motionless on the floor. Blood trickled from the claw marks dug into his throat, staining his overcoat. Tears threatened to escape as she hovered over his wounded body, praying her attack wasn’t too late. Ren saved her life, and she failed to return the favor. It was her fault for dragging him into this mess. The thought of remaining stuck in this strange castle all alone frightened her. “PLEASE WAKE UP! DON’T LEAVE ME!”

“Usagi?” Ren found himself cradled in Sailor Moon’s arms. The pigtailed girl knelt beside him on the castle floor, staring deep into his eyes behind the mask as if she wanted to find another person underneath. He noticed her red cheeks, wet with her salty tears. The fear and despair melted away the moment she heard his voice.

"Thank goodness you are okay.” Sailor Moon hugged him, fighting back more tears. She wiped them away in haste, a sheepish smile forming on her face, relieved that her worst fears wouldn’t come to pass. “Don’t scare me like that again.”

“I’m glad I found you.” Ren returned her embrace, as he leaned towards her. For a moment, time stood still as his face inched closer to her own. If she turned her cheek in the slightest, their lips would meet. Usagi blushed, pushing out her hands to keep him at bay, afraid of what might happen if he got any closer. She kicked her legs, falling onto her butt. Ren reached over and picked up his dagger lying beside her, tucking it into his belt before standing back up. She had misread the situation, thinking he wanted to kiss when he reached for his weapon.

“Are you alright?” Ren offered to help her back up, puzzled by the erratic behavior. Haru wasn’t lying about this girl’s clumsiness, that’s for sure. She took his hand and avoided his gaze as he helped her to her feet, full of embarrassment at the close encounter.

“WHOA, THAT WAS SO COOL, USAGI!” Morgana caught up with the group, interrupting the awkward tension still lingering in the air. Usagi flailed about, desperate to remove the webbing stuck to her sailor suit after falling onto the stone floor. She may be a goofball, but that wand of hers packed a powerful punch. The more time he spent with Usagi, the more he admired her, from her good looks to her quirky personality. “That was quite a heroic display! Your awakening left me speechless!”

“Aww, Morgana!” Sailor Moon, still blushing from the misunderstanding, rushed to the cat with relief, happy to see the talking feline again and grateful for the distraction. He arrived with perfect timing, sparing her from further awkwardness. “You saved me, too! I didn’t forget!”

“Guys, look!” Luna struggled to hide her envy. How did Ren’s cat learn to walk upright and wield a sword? She wished to fight like that too, or unleash a persona! The ability to talk once set her apart from other cats, but not anymore. Luna wanted to prove herself useful to the group and make a difference. The butterfly key caught her attention, shimmering on the floor. Luna scooped it up in her mouth and delivered it to Sailor Moon. The key pulsated in her gloves before floating down another corridor.

“Follow that key!” Ren motioned for the others to chase after the shimmering object, hoping it guided them to freedom. Trails of neon dust illuminated their path deeper into the castle. Portraits of a woman with red hair lined the walls underneath the webbing plastered atop the stone. Then he noticed degrees and other achievements, along with statues resembling the mysterious figure. Bronze giants of the same woman stood tall and proud, watching the group as they progressed further into the castle. Who was she?

“Looks like we have another persona user on our team, right Joker?” Morgana remarked with a grin, taking his attention away from a towering effigy. Whether Usagi awakened as persona user or not, she fought with the heart and determination of a phantom thief. They needed her on their team.

“Joker?” Sailor Moon asked, turning away from the statue that caught their attention. Usagi stole a glance at Ren, her heart still racing from their close encounter. Ren reminded her so much of Tuxedo Mask, especially in that phantom thief outfit. She yearned for her boyfriend, but he was thousands of miles away.

“Oh, that’s just his code name. I’m Mona, and he’s Joker, leader of the phantom thieves.” Morgana stuck out his chest with pride. “I guess you guys are the newest members of our group, huh? We need to pick secret call signs for you too!”

“Call me Moon, I guess.” She giggled. Code names sounded so cool. Why didn’t she think of that for her friends?

“Moon! That suits you! I like it!” Morgana nodded in approval.

“What about Luna?” Usagi didn’t want her to feel left out.

“Nah, she doesn’t need one.” Morgana grinned at the feline. “She’s just a cat, after all!”

“SO ARE YOU!” Luna hissed.

“I’m not so sure they are phantom thieves.” Ren stopped in his tracks to face his new ally with a bit of skepticism. She bore no mask, except for that golden tiara, and she didn’t summon a persona during battle. He had no reason to distrust Usagi, but needed to know more about her. There was more to the bumbling big bang burger cadet than met the eye. “Who are you?”

“Hey!” His sudden questioning offended her. She folded her arms and stuck out her tongue. “Maybe I should ask the questions here! How can I trust a thief, huh?”

“We will explain everything on the way.” Morgana reassured her. “Let’s get moving before more shadows ambush us.”

“The cat’s right.” Luna agreed.

“I’M NOT A CAT!” Morgana snapped before a puzzling expression crossed his bulbous head. “Wait a minute, you can talk?”

Chapter Text

Chapter 85:

“Looks like we made it.” an exhausted Makoto burst her motorcycle through a door and screeched it to a halt just outside of the main campus building, now transformed into an enormous castle. Mars hopped off the bike to take in her surroundings. They had spent an eternity traversing through the castle, battling shadows and avoiding traps until finding a keycard that unlocked the exit they just took.

“I don’t think so.” Mars didn’t share her friend’s optimism. She pointed up towards a dome of energy that encased the entire campus. The grounds remained dark, even during the daytime. She beheld the sun and clouds above, blocked off by whatever evil force had enclosed the University. It was quiet. No birds, no wind, no students. Nothing but emptiness and webbing that stretched along the grass, gravel and trees in every direction. They escaped the castle, but remained inside the Metaverse.

“I thought we’d reach the real world once we broke out of the castle. We are never going home, are we?”

“Don’t say that!” Frustration boiled over for Mars too. “Are you just going to give up? I’ll go on without you then!”

“No, of course not…”

“Look.” Mars saw the defeat in her companion’s eyes. She felt sorry for berating the phantom thief. Summoning her persona sapped away at Makoto’s energy, and they hadn’t found another safe room to rest. She wouldn’t have made it this far without her help. “We won’t make it home to the people we care about if we sit here and whine about it. Fight on for them! Think of what you’ll say to Ren when you reunite.”

“HAHAHA.“ a cackling laughter interrupted. “Looks like you two have become such wonderful friends in your time together.

“Tsyuchia…” Makoto found the director of sciences standing before them, only now her appearance had changed even further. Heavy makeup caked her face and her flaming red hair now reached the floor. She still wore a white lab coat, which now fit more snug, altered to highlight her busty figure. Long legs stretched from her miniskirt down to her high heels.

“That’s Doctor Tysuchia to you!” she snarled. “I’ve had enough of you fools meddling around in my castle. This is my domain, gifted to me by the goddess Andrameta. Submit to her or die! Join our crusade to save humanity.”

“Save humanity? Can’t you see what you are doing?” Makoto defied the mad scientist. “All those students… suffering… dying… because of you and that evil technology you forced on them. Didn’t you swear an oath to do no harm? What kind of doctor are you?”

“I care nothing for them!” Tsyuchia hissed. “My experience showed me how corrupt and cruel this world is. The strong conquer the weak. Survival of the fittest. That is the nature of things. Andrameta offered me the opportunity to claim what I deserved after living in the shadows, unnoticed!”

“So instead of striving to make the world a better place, you seek to destroy it?” Makoto challenged her. “How can you justify this?”

“Peasants like you don’t deserve free will.” the woman’s voice deepened, angered by Makoto’s words. She reached pulled out an egg out a pocket on her lab coat, showcasing the white object to the pair. “Humanity is a scourge on the planet. A nuisance that I will bring to heel. Provide sustenance for Andrameta and her offspring while I rule the docile sheep you have become.”

“Daimon…” Mars now understood the plan. The goddess exploited the desires of her pawns to spread this MARC across the country. Those who accepted the MARC thought they’d get blessed with incredible abilities, when, in reality, their souls got transported to the Metaverse, where Andrameta provided sustenance for her children. The more souls, the more the goddess’s power grew. The eggs…. Daimon… She had seen thousands of them in the auditorium. If they hatched, the world would face destruction. She had to put a stop to this before Yuuichirou and her friends fell victim to this sinister plan. “IN THE NAME OF MARS, I SHALL CHASTISE YOU!”

“I’m with you.” Makoto stood by her side and clenched her hands into fists. “Justice will prevail!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 86:

Futaba presented her phone to the officer at the gate, who waved her through after scanning the QR code and confirming her lottery number. She had spent all day navigating various buses and trains to escape the remote wilderness Yusuke had taken her until making it back to civilization. Crowds and hectic cities like Osaka had their own annoyances that made her uncomfortable, but it was better than a stupid forest. She had even made it all the way to the University on her own. A pretty impressive task that must award her enough experience points to level up at least a few times. She’d receive the MARC and all its amazing capabilities at long last! Then she’d return to her room at Sojiro’s and shut the world out of her life once again.

She felt abandoned by the phantom thieves. The group had fractured after her dare on Ryuji had backfired at the surprise party. Ann and Ryuji hated her guts now. Makoto and Ren had broken up, even after she had worked to prove his innocence with a thorough background investigation. Starting school didn’t help either. The thought of that prison called Shujin High and all those students made her head spin. She never wanted to go back there. But seeing Yusuke and that karate girl laughing and sparring together was the final straw, stirring her with emotions she had never known existed. She had suppressed them for a long time, refusing to acknowledge her feelings for the artist until they erupted like a super volcano.

But none of that mattered anymore. Technology would never cause this pain. Video games, anime, the internet, all these wonderful, modern inventions provided her with endless hours of entertainment, knowledge, and fun. She didn’t need any real friends. Tech wouldn’t hurt her the way people did. The MARC would make her more happy than having a stupid boyfriend like Yusuke. The only thing stopping her was this long line snaking all around the University. A ton of people must have won this contest! How long would she have to wait? Lines made her anxious.

“Hey! Watch it! Coming through! Move it or lose it!” Futaba got off the line and started pushing forward. A sneaky phantom thief like her could cut the line with ease. All she had to do was pretend that she was looking for her dad, and then she’d procure the spider instead of waiting here for hours on end. Unfortunately, her scam didn’t trick the security guards. Drones honed in on her from overhead, their blades buzzing to track her every movement. She ran from them, desperate to get into the building where they administered the technology. She made it up to the front door when security grabbed her. “No! Wait! I must have that MARC!”

“Let her go. I’ll handle this.” A man dressed in an expensive business suit ordered the brutes as he exited the building. They released her upon his words, not daring to upset a man of his stature and importance. He looked down at the girl and smiled after adjusting his tie. “I have a rebellious daughter a little older than you.”

“Yeah, sorry about that.” Futaba backed away, her eyes down on the ground. The last thing she wanted was to talk to strangers. “I’ll go back to my place in line now.”

“No need for that. You want the MARC now? Then follow me.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 87:

“Are you ever going to tell me what this is all about?” Ann broke a long silence. She followed Ryuji through the streets of Osaka in silence after he agreed to let her come along. The sun set by the time they made it to the University. Instead of going through the front gate, Ryuji kept off the road, darting his eyes in fear that an enemy watched their every movement. Darkness allowed them to slip through the trees and brush en route to the perimeter wall; The pair of thieves encroached past the vast presence of security guards and drones flying overhead. Ann struggled to keep up. Her white dress and high heels were not the proper attire for a night of subterfuge in the woods.

“Shh!” Ryuji crouched low, crawling over to an overgrowth of vines hanging from the stone wall surrounding the campus. He tested their durability with a tug before scrambling up and over like a ninja. “You’ll get us both caught!”

“Hey, wait up!” Ann did her best to climb up the overgrowth so she wouldn’t fall far behind. She had gotten a manicure yesterday, and now her hands had turned green from all the vegetation and dirt that you couldn’t tell what color she painted her nails. Ann kicked off her designer heels, preferring to walk bare foot then risk spraining an ankle keeping up with Ryuji.

The vine snapped in her fingers just before she reached the top. Ann plummeted, landing in a muddy pile of leaves next to her abandoned shoes. Covered with twigs and dirt, her dress now ruined, Ann yearned to go for a warm soak at a nearby onsen, salvaging her birthday. Instead, she rose to her feet, ready to try again, when Ryuji popped his head over the wall and offered his hand, grabbing her wrist before she slipped and fell for a second time.

“Are you coming or what?” Ryuji grinned. Ann looked so hot, even when she was a total mess. In fact, he liked her even more this way. He saw the fire and passion in her eyes, ready to help her friends in the face of any danger. There was a time she’d run through a brick wall for him too, but not anymore.

“I’m fine, thanks for asking.” Ann rolled her eyes. She climbed up and over the barrier without his help, determined to make it on her own. The smirk on his face made her furious, but seeing his mischievous smile again warmed her heart. For a second she saw a glimpse of the Ryuji she knew. The Ryuji she crushed on in secret all those years. Together, they snuck past the ramparts, scurrying behind a rock before she wiped the dirt and leaves off her dress.

“Can you please tell me why we are sneaking onto this campus?” Ann peered over their hiding place until Ryuji pulled her back behind the boulder. She missed these spontaneous adventures with Ryuji. They used to be partners in crime, always getting into mischief together before their argument at the party. Their time stealing hearts as phantom thieves was dangerous, yet exciting. The rush of nostalgia faded as she took in her surroundings.

“It’s that effing MARC shit.” Ryuji whispered, checking the area for drones or security patrol. “Some weird ass shit going on in this school. Ren left me behind to escape and got caught! We gotta find where he’s kept prisoner and break him out! You see…”

“Wait, What? Prisoner? Slow down!” Ann saw a large group of people waiting on a line that snaked around the campus with a heavy security presence. Buses arrived, dropping off hundreds more who rushed to join the queue after screening. Armed officers in military-style uniforms escorted people in and out of the University. But other than an increased security and visitors, it didn’t look like anything was out of the ordinary. “What were you guys doing in Osaka to begin with?”

“Ren wanted to apologize to his “girlfriend” in person since she won’t answer the damn phone. Even after Futaba sent her that long ass report proving he did nothing wrong!”

“Maybe if he mentioned… I don’t know…. hiring his homeroom teacher as a sexy maid to clean his room… his attractive shogi buddy and their alone time at church… or one one of his many other secrets from the beginning of their relationship… she wouldn’t have broken up with him in the first place! Gosh, you boys are so dense!” Ann would not let him blame Makoto for this mess. She sensed a bit of envy in the way he said the word girlfriend. Another fight brewed between them, but they had to stop arguing out of concern for their missing friends. “But now that you mention it, I wanted to grab a bite to eat with Makoto after my shoot, but she didn’t answer my calls. I figured she was busy with homework. I hope everything’s okay.”

“Yeah, Usagi couldn’t contact her friend who goes to this effing school either, so she tagged along with us. Pestered me the entire train ride! God, I can’t stand her!”

“Who’s this Usagi you keep mentioning?”

“Just some klutz that works at Big Bang Burger with Haru. The guards grabbed her too!”

“Guards?”

“Security wouldn’t let us visit since we don’t have that MARC and weren’t on some stupid list. So we tried to sneak inside. Usagi caused a distraction while Ren and I broke in, but we got caught and all hell broke loose! All because we didn’t have that effing spider. You believe this shit? They might be dead for all we know! We gotta do something!”

“Calm down Ryuji! Stop freaking me out! You are overreacting. I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation for all this.” She scrolled through her phone’s contact list. “Have you tried calling them again?”

“No, you don’t understand. Something happens to the people who get that shit on their hand. Ren and I saw it! They are no longer human! It’s like they are aliens or zombies straight out of a science fiction movie. Japan’s under attack! Everyone’s getting their mind warped into taking this shit!”

“You sound like a crazy conspiracy theorist. They wouldn’t release a technology like this to the public without a lot of testing, especially if it’s not safe.” Ann refused to believe such nonsense spewing out of his mouth. But she found it odd that all the models, makeup artists, photographers and support staff at the studio talked about the MARC all morning.“Everything I read online says how totally great the MARC is. It’s in hot demand!”

“Yeah, well, that’s what they want you to think. Someone or something is manipulating the public again, through that spider.” Ryuji’s voice grew more serious. “Now they got Ren… Morgana… even poor Usagi and her cat dragged into this. I know I’m the last person you wanted to see. I should’ve handled business by myself instead of running away like a wuss. I knew you wouldn’t believe me.”

“Wait. How did you know about my photoshoot?” Ann changed the subject, pretending not to feel hurt by his comments. Despite their differences, she remained a phantom thief. Their fight dragged on long enough. She shouldn’t have let things between them get this awkward. “I understand why Ren traveled to Osaka, but what’s your reason to tag along with him?”

“I didn’t see you at the school festival. Ren told me you went to Osaka for the weekend to model. We dug around your social media and found the schedule on the Rose Bud studio’s website. You make a hell of a toothpaste model.”

“Ugh! you little creeps!” she punched his arm.

“Oww!” He rubbed the red mark on his bruised skin. For a girl, she sure hit hard. Ann glared at him a look of annoyance that made him uncomfortable. He didn’t know how she’d react to what he was about to do next. It wasn’t the perfect moment, but he didn’t know if he’d have another chance since the world might end. He struggled to find the right words to say, fumbling in his cargo pocket for the jewelry box before placing the gift in her hands. “Look… the reason I came here… because… I… ugh… well…. I know it’s your birthday and all… so I wanted to give you this.”

“Oh?” Ann’s eyes widened as she opened the box thrust into her hands. A gold necklace containing a decorative heart-shaped pendant with her name encrusted in diamonds. She stared at it in disbelief until the guilt overwhelmed her. It proved that he cared about her, despite her insecurities and weeks of giving him the cold shoulder. This gift must’ve cost Ryuji a small fortune. How did he afford it? She didn’t know how to react. Her dreams had come true, but after what she put Ryuji through, she didn’t deserve it. “Ryuji… This is way too much…. I…I can’t accept this…”

“For real?” Ryuji sighed in defeat, as if he suspected that would be her reaction. He grumbled under his breath, folding his arms across his chest. He should never have listened to Ren. To think that this babe liked him? “Look, I’m tired of feeling like shit for ruining the party. I’m sorry, okay? Just take the stupid thing. Throw it away if you don’t like it!”

“No, that’s not it!” Ryuji took her refusal the wrong way. She saw the hurt in his eyes, but this wasn’t the time or the place for this serious conversation. He picked the absolute worst moment to open up. “Look, what I wanted from the beginning was…”

“SHIT!” Ryuji interrupted the awkward tension after noticing a far worse problem. Silent drones buzzed overhead, blasting a spotlight that blinded the pair. A siren wailed, alerting security of intruders. “RUN FOR IT!”

Ryuji dodged the drones, zigzagging with perfect timing so that the two machines collided in midair. An explosion rocked the campus as cops sprinted over from their station on the drawbridge, drawn toward the commotion. Ryuji eyed the dormitory up ahead and searched for a place to hide. Ann ran on her bare feet, clutching her new necklace. They exchanged a brief glance, their unspoken understanding fueling their resolve to work together and survive whatever happened next. She wasn’t leaving his side.

“What the eff! What’s happening?” Ryuji stumbled, but not from the distraction of seeing his crush. The ground beneath them wobbled. Grass and stones shifted in various colors. Even the school buildings morphed. Turning from modern architecture to grotesque castles that stretched high into the bubble enclosing the campus like a snow globe. He tumbled, unable to maintain his footing on the warped terrain. Ann lunged to save him, her fingers grazing against his outstretched hand, but unable to grab hold. She watched him roll away toward a gaping abyss.

Chapter Text

Chapter 88:

Ann Takamaki chased after Ryuji into the campus, skirting past security and evading drones when everything changed. The grounds, trees, buildings, even the air, had morphed into a dystopic version of Osaka University as if she crossed through an invisible barrier. Her filthy dress, replaced by her phantom thief attire, confirmed that she now stood in a Metaverse. But how? And who did this cognitive reality belong to?

She didn’t have time to contemplate the answer. Ann found Ryuji on the ground after smacking his head against a tree. Luckily, his thick skull saved him from disappearing into the void beyond. Officers closed in on her, pressing the phantom thief to a cliff that descended into a black hole of nothingness. Their appearance also changed when they passed through the dome, with expressionless faces. The bodies lumbered towards her, arms extended. Intent of tearing her apart limb from limb.

“PERSONA!” Ann stood over her fallen companion, ready to defend Skull. Carmen, the sexy femme fatale of her persona emerged, spinning in her flowery dress, summoned flames that washed over the shadows. Dozens of the officers went up in smoke. She snapped her whip, keeping the shadows at bay.

“Ann?” a woozy Ryuji opened his eyes to the sound of Ann’s voice. She hovered over him, her masked face full of concern. No, it wasn’t Ann, but Panther clad in her tight fitting catsuit fighting an army of shadows. He admired how the outfit hugged her curves, especially her nice butt with the tail wiggling above it. Even the way she twirled that whip around was sexy, lashing it at another of the MARC’s victims.

“A little help, please!” Ann panicked when a shadow quivered. An egg hatched within the chest of the figure, exploding into a bulbous entity with flailing tentacles and a mouth full of sharp fangs.

“WHAT THE EFF IS THAT!” Ryuji grabbed her arm and pointed not towards the creature emerging from the shadow, but above the Metaverse. A massive spider rested atop the dome, hanging upside down, surveying all of her domain. The demon sent shivers down their spines. Its hulking figure grew so massive that it cast a shadow over the entire university, instilling dread upon those who gazed at her.

“Oh, my God!” Ann shrieked, holding her companion close. Her grip tightened around Ryuji’s waist as she tried to regain her composure from such an evil creature looming above them. A grotesque combination of human and spider, with gnarled limbs and ruby eyes staring down her next victims. Ann felt her pulse quicken and her breath catch in her throat. She clung to her old friend Ryuji, seeking comfort and protection from the terrifying presence above them. When would she wake up from this nightmare?

“FEAST UPON THEM MY CHILDREN… GROW STRONGER!” a ringing sensation pierced their brains. The chilling command almost made their heads explode, threatening to shatter their sanity. The phantom thieves held each other, facing certain demise at the hands of Andrameta, her army of shadows and that monstrous hatchling. They had fallen into her trap.

Chapter Text

Chapter 89:

“HAHAHA!” Doctor Tysuchia laughed at the sailor senshi’s empty threat. They had no hope of victory, especially with the surprises she had in store for them. “RISE DAIMON! CHILD OF ANDRAMETA!”

Tsyuchia squeezed the egg in her hands, releasing a cloud of smoke that rose to the top of the dome enclosing the entire campus, blocking out the enormous castle behind them. Wings of a dragonlike beast flapped. The behemoth soared through the air, unleashing a torrent of flames upon her two enemies. Mars and Makoto dove for cover as a blaze encircled them, igniting the web covered grass field. Makoto noticed that the flying creature appeared half woman, half lizard with purple scales and ruby red eyes, just like its mother, Andrameta. They heard the doctor cackling as the daimon charged her breath for another volley of fire.

To make matters worse, doctor Tsyuchia transformed into something horrific. Her head expanded, tripling, quadrupling in size until it grew so big that it blocked out the castle behind them. Gone was the beautiful face and the heavy makeup, revealing an ugly countenance beneath adorned with boils and blemishes. A thick set of glasses rested atop her crooked nose, covered with hairy warts and skin tags.

Her torso disappeared, but two gloved hands descended. One of them held an empty beaker, the other adjusted her thick glasses. Then four giant test tubes filled with various colored liquids shot toward the earth like asteroids, digging deep into the earth. Makoto and Mars fled on foot to avoid them, while also steering clear of the daimon hovering above. Wildfire spat from the daimon’s mouth and seared the earth, separating them.

The ground trembled as the test tubes lodged deeper into the earth, their contents bubbling. Acrid smoke filled the Metaverse, making it difficult to see and breathe. The daimon whirled above Doctor Tsyuchia, beating its wings in search of its prey. Makoto and Mars knew they needed to regroup and defeat these monsters before they unleashed further destruction. The towering castle and all its spires now lay hidden behind the colossal figure of Doctor Tsyuchia’s floating head, a haunting reminder of the danger that surrounded them.

Makoto hopped on her motorcycle and zoomed across the fiery battle field, seeking a path to help the sailor senshi lost amongst the fire and smoke. The daimon hovered like a helicopter, stalking her companion as Doctor Tsyuchia got to work on her science experiment. Her free hand reached for a test tube filled with pink liquid and took a sip. She dumped the contents into the beaker in her opposite hand, where it foamed to the brim. Exhaust rose from her ears like a smokestack, and her eyes turned to the pinkish color of the liquid she ingested. Lasers shot from both sockets, aimed to stop the persona user as she sped away on her bike. The magnified beams tore through the earth, impeding her path. The bike hurtled over bumps, zigzagging across the rough terrain. Makoto hung on for her life. If she lost control, it was game over.

“FIRE SOUL!” A stream of fire danced from Sailor Mars’ fingertips, engulfing the daimon. Despite the intensity of her flames, the dragon humanoid emerged from the haze unharmed, its scales shimmering with an otherworldly resistance. Mars felt the heat radiating from its scales as it descended upon her, its wings beating with intensity. The talons on its feet flexed, ready to strike.

Makoto drew her revolver and shot at the Daimon, clipping the dragon’s wing with a lucky bullet. The daimon screeched before regaining its flight pattern. A roar shook the Metaverse as the daimon circled overhead, enraged by the minor wound. The projectile slowed it enough for Mars to escape before the daimon caught her. Tsyuchia took advantage of the distraction, honing her laser eyes on Makoto. The phantom thief turned her bike at the last second to avoid getting hit, but the momentum tossed her from the seat. The motorcycle crashed to a halt as Tsyuchia reached for a green test tube, guzzling the liquid before pouring the rest into the beaker.

“HAHAHA!” Tsyuchia laughed after a belch and regurgitated the green potion, hurling a disgusting glob of acid upon the wounded phantom thief. Slime dripped from Tsyuchia’s lips as she laughed with sinister delight. Queen gasped for air, tumbling off her bike from the noxious fumes. The green goo rocketed her way, leaving no time to react.

“LOOK OUT!” Mars dove to save her friend, tackling her from the acid’s path. The blob hit the earth, creating a gaping void in the grass field. Rocks, trees, benches, and debris collapsed into the abyss as Makoto rolled away.

The glob splattered upon impact, sizzling and hissing, on the ground where Makoto once stood. A mere splash of acid corroded the thief’s protective garments, leaving behind a putrid stench of decay. The searing pain and disintegration of her flesh intensified, causing her to writhe in agony. Mars saved her from far worse, but did the sailor senshi escape the clutches of Tsyuchia’s assault?

“MARS!” Makoto raced to the cliff despite the pain, fearing the worst. She found her friend clinging to the muck as more earth collapsed into the abyss, eaten away by the acid. Mars survived the assault, but looked in rough shape. Acid burned her skin and ate away at her sailor suit. The daimon circled above them like a vulture awaiting its easy prey.

“USE YOUR PERSONA!” Mars reached for a handhold to climb out of this pit, but the stone gave way and disappeared below. Her arms burned from a mix of the searing acid and over exertion. She couldn’t hold and Makoto was too far away to pull her back up.

“I… CAN’T….” Makoto tried to climb down and help her friend, but the earth had become too unstable from the acid and tore it apart. She watched Tsyuchia grab for a yellow test tube, cackling as she poured it into the beaker after taking another sip. A belch filled the air with a yellow haze that clouded the dome. Only one test tube remained. What sinister liquid was she trying to concoct in that beaker? “YOU’LL DIE!”

“IDIOT!” Mars knew that death awaited them both if the phantom thief did not take action. The daimon descended upon them, claws extended as it rained fire upon the pit. “DO IT NOW OR WE BOTH DIE!”

“PERSONA!” Makoto found herself seated atop the bike once again. She raced a circle around the pit, summoning a shock wave of nuclear energy that met the daimon in mid air. The force of her attack eviscerated the flames, but also made the ground more unstable. Mars disappeared deeper into the void.

The daimon emerged from the smoke, untouched. It landed on its talons, walking upright to the phantom thief. It stuck out its forked tongue, salivating at the thought of its meal. Tsyuchia’s toxic breath must have made the daimon immune to her nuclear attacks. Makoto backpedaled away from the monster and found the earth giving way as the pit spread further. She shuddered, knowing that death might come at any moment. But then she thought of her fallen friend. The senshi fought with bravery, sacrificing herself to give the persona user a chance. She refused to die, vowing to hold these criminals accountable!

“FISTS OF JUSTICE!” Makoto balled her hands together, exposing the jagged studs on her gloves. She sprinted towards the daimon.

Chapter Text

Chapter 90:

The butterfly key no longer floated. It soared, darting through the long corridors of the castle in a blaze of sparkling light. The key guided Sailor Moon and the rest down a flight of steps and to the main hall, where an open door greeted them, allowing the two allies and their felines to step into the fields of the surrounding campus.

What they saw shocked them. A dome of energy covered the University. Electricity and lightning crackled, trapping them all inside like goldfish in a tank. The grounds within looked like a war zone. Flames leapt from the web covered fields, devouring the grass. A large pit spread from a gurgling clump of acid, creating an endless pit. A dragonlike woman soared in the air, breathing fire upon the combatants. Not a shadow, but an entity far more powerful. But the most sickening thing was the ugly head floating above all the chaos, seen pouring the blue contents of one last test tube into a beaker, smoking like a chimney, on the verge of bursting. A forked tongue stuck out of the hideous face, licking her lips before drinking the potion.

“SAILOR MARS!” Usagi watched her guardian battle alongside another persona user, on the brink of defeat. She ran towards the battlefield, moon stick at the ready, alongside Ren. Both rushed down the stone steps, desperate to reach their friends. Mars disappeared as fog clouded the dome. A blinding flash of blue engulfed the winged daimon, which emerged from the nuclear attack unharmed. They sprinted together as the ground grew more unstable. Usagi struggled to keep her balance, tripping over the rough terrain.

“I’ll save her!” Ren assured the sailor senshi. The nimble thief gave her a nod before sprinting towards the pit, dodging all the obstacles that blocked his path from the wild flames to the churned up earth. There’s no way she’d make it on time, but he had a chance. “Help Queen defeat that monster.”

“We got this, Joker!” Morgana drew his sword and pointed at the daimon, now standing on its hind legs after landing on the scorched campus. “MOON, LUNA! WITH ME, CHARGE!”

Makoto pounded her knuckles into the scales of the reptilian. Her aggressive fists caught the daimon by surprise, buckling it to its knees. She threw a roundhouse kick, trying to decapitate to the monster with her boot, but the daimon had baited her. It caught her leg and grabbed her torso.

“ZORRO! LUCKY PUNCH!”  Morgana’s persona summoned a golden boxing glove into thin air. It smacked into the daimon’s skull, breaking Makoto free of its grip. The daimon collapsed, seeing stars circling above her scaled head, but Makoto slipped, falling near the pit.

“I’ve got you!” Sailor Moon lunged forward and snagged her hand just before Makoto plunged into the abyss. They almost went sprawling to their demise together, but Sailor Moon’s grip held true. She smiled at her with reassurance. Ren’s girlfriend was just as beautiful as he described. She couldn’t wait for them to reconcile after they defeated this enemy.

“Morgana?” Makoto scrambled up the cliff with Sailor Moon to find the cat with his sword drawn, ready for battle. “What are you doing here?”

“Rescuing you!” The cat winked, pointing at the stunned daimon. “EVERYONE! ALL OUT ATTACK NOW!”

Queen and Sailor Moon gave each other a quick nod before pouncing upon the enemy. Makoto rained her fists of fury upon the daimon’s tough scales, while Morgana slashed with his sword. Even Luna jumped into action, scratching and clawing at the daimon’s reptilian face.

“MOON… SPIRAL… HEART…. ATTACK!” Sailor Moon readied her Moon Stick to finish their wounded enemy with a final blow. She thrust it into the air, allowing the silver crystal’s energy to wash over the entire battlefield. The surrounding chaos disappeared for the moment, replaced by millions of stars in the vastness of outer space. Sailor Moon spun around and around in a circle, unleashing a beam of light on the daimon’s chest. The light pierced through the daimon’s scales until it erupted into a blast that formed a heart-shaped aftershock that spanned across the battlefield. Daimon screamed in terror, disappearing into the light. Its shrieks faded away until nothing remained.

“WOW, MOON THAT’S SO COOL!” Morgana jumped up in the air to slap a high-five when a scream in the distance snared their attention before they celebrated their minor victory.

Chapter Text

Chapter 91:

Ren felt the ground weakening beneath him. He tiptoed along the muck, towards an unstable pit where he found another sailor senshi in red, clinging to a rock for her life. He sprang into action, digging the metal end of his grappling hook into the crumbling cliff. Ren slithered down the rope and into the abyss. The earth quivered around him, tossing the phantom thief like a pendulum. Time wasn’t on his side. Any second now, the hook could give way, sending him hurtling down the void to his death. Even the black-haired senshi looked at him as if he was insane.

“You are crazy!” Mars held out her hand in desperation, but the thief was still too far away. She guessed that this was Joker, the leader of the phantom thieves. Makoto’s boyfriend. Her red heels slipped on the rocks as she struggled to cling onto the cliff. “Save yourself and get Makoto out of here!”

“Not without you.” Ren ignored her warning, shimmying lower on one hand until there wasn’t any wiggle room left. He kicked his legs, swinging over to sailor senshi. “JUMP!”

Mars didn’t look down. Nor did she hesitate. She leapt off the cliff, her hands stretched out towards his, but she didn’t have enough momentum, only enough to graze against his red glove. For a split second Mars thought that was the end, but she snagged his leg, and caught a firm grip on his boot, enough to wrap around his ankle. They swayed on the unsteady rope. Ren felt the grappling hook trembling from the added weight, threatening to snap at any second.

“I’ll let go!” sweat poured down Rei’s forehead in regret. Jumping cost them both of their lives. Mars glanced down into the abyss, making peace with her fate.

“No!” Joker fought to climb back up the twine, but didn’t make it very far. The rope burned through his gloves, his grip weakening.

“GUYS!” Sailor Moon cried out after peering over the edge and finding her friends hanging on for their lives. Concern all over her face, she grabbed the rope and pulled with all her strength. “HELP!”

“SAILOR MOON?” Mars gaped. The guardian of love and Justice, Sailor moon, came to her rescue for a change.

“HANG ON!” Morgana pounced on the rope alongside Sailor Moon to lend a paw. “DON’T LET GO!”

“I’ll haul you out of there on Johanna!” Makoto raced on her motorcycle, stopping before the edge. She peered into the void and found her friends dangling on the rope, their grip slipping.

“That’s too big a risk!” Ren shouted back, unable to hold on much longer with the weight baring him down. “You might fall in the pit too!”

“Well, I’ll take that chance!” Together, they wrapped the hook to Johanna’s frame. She jumped on the bike, flooring it in reverse. Makoto found the force pulling her bike down towards the pit. The wheels skid against the rocky earth, unable to gain traction. She gasped, frightened that she wouldn’t make it after all. If she failed, then the motorcycle would hurtle over the edge and they would all die. Her hands squeezed on the handles, pushing the bike beyond its limits until she gained some ground, pulling the rope upward. Sailor Moon and Morgana extended their arms, helping both of their friends back to the surface just seconds before the rope snapped, throwing Makoto off the bike.

“Ren.” The fall rattled Makoto’s body and tore through her jumpsuit. Bloodied and wounded, but still alive. The only thing that mattered to her was Ren. When the hook broke free, all she thought of was Ren, even as her body slammed against the earth with the full weight of the bike behind her. She tried to push herself up, desperate for any sign of Ren after her reckless attempt to save his life.

Seeing Ren racing towards her gave her the strength to sit back up. She limped several feet until he caught her in his arms. Makoto embraced him, burying her head in his shoulders. She found tears flowing from her eyes, overwhelmed with the emotions of everything that had transpired from their breakup to getting trapped in the Metaverse.

“YAHHH!!!” Sailor Moon shrieked, bowling over the couple as she raced over to them, with Mars and the cats close behind. She hated to interrupt such a tender moment, but a hideous face now loomed over them. A giant hand gripped this beaker, bubbling with a brown concoction of mixed liquids from the test tubes. “WHO’S THAT!”

“Doctor Tsyuchia, she’s the one who started all of this.” Mars shielded her princess.

“Then let’s change her heart!” Joker released his girlfriend for a moment to assess the situation. It would take all of them working together to defeat this boss.

“Yeah!” Morgana agreed. “Let’s bring this palace down!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 92:

Joker held onto his girlfriend as she zoomed over the remnants of the battlefield on her motorcycle, driving closer to the hideous head, rather than away from it. The leader of the phantom thieves had formed a plan on the spot to take out this monstrosity, and each of them played a pivotal role. Tsyuchia focused on the bike, shooting lasers out of her eyes to zap the phantom thieves like a pesky bug, but Makoto weaved the bike out of their path despite her injuries. Joker released one hand from her waist to draw his pistol, spraying bullets at random to draw to draw attention away from the rest of his allies.

Tsyuchia grew frustrated, opening her mouth to belch a disgusting smog over the battlefield. Makoto slowed the bike down, unable to see even five feet ahead of her. One wrong turn would catapult them both over the pit.

“ZORRO! SHOW YOUR MIGHT!” Morgana summoned his persona, Zorro. The mighty caped hero swung his rapier. A gale force blew away the smog, clearing Makoto’s sight line.

“ERRRRRRR!!!!” Tsyuchia squeezed the beaker, annoyed at these pests. The beaker swung in her suspended hand, tipping the bubbling liquid over.

“AIM FOR THE EYES, NOW!” Joker leapt off the bike with Makoto. Together, they crouched low and aimed their firearms, emptying all of their rounds at the glasses perched atop the woman’s head.

“GO! GO! GO!” Even Morgana chipped in with his slingshot, peppering the ugly face until the glasses shattered. He waved on the sailor senshi to attack as Tsyuchia brought the bubbling beaker to her lips.

“MARS… FLAME… SNIPER!” Sailor Mars summoned her fiery bow into her outstretched arm and fired a single shot into the air. A flaming arrow lit up the domed metaverse before it slammed into the beaker, heating the liquids within. The beaker bubbled out of control, growing too hot for even the doctor’s animated hand to hold. Tsyuchia’s free hand closed around the giant beaker and raised it up high over her skull.

“CHARGE JOHANNA…” Makoto had enough energy for one last attack. She jumped back on the bike, revving her engine, nodding to Ren.

“ARSENE!” Joker ripped his mask off as he jumped back on the motorcycle with his girlfriend. The devilish persona combined forces with Johanna, filling the battlefield with a blue and red light that culminated with a massive explosion aimed at the beaker.

“AAAGHHHHHHHHHHHH!” The beaker exploded, emptying all of its contents on the hideous woman’s face. Acid tore away at all of her flesh, reducing it to a skeleton with empty eye sockets still bent on their destruction.

Makoto revved her engine, zooming away as the beaker’s contents flooded the battlefield and eradicated everything in its wake. She pushed Johanna to max speed, twisting and turning her bike to safety.

“You got this Moon.” Morgana jumped up to give the sailor senshi a high-five, passing the baton over to her. Now was Sailor Moon’s time to shine. They hadn’t sent a calling card. Nor did they find a treasure. But Joker placed his faith in the moon princess and her abilities. “Change her heart and bring this palace down!”

“HOLD IT RIGHT THERE! I AM THE SAILOR GUARDIAN OF LOVE AND JUSTICE, SAILOR MOON!” She stepped toward the skull, still melting from the contents of the beaker. Empty eye sockets focused in on her. Tsyuchia opened her jaw, hissing in defiance. “DOCTORS ARE SUPPOSED TO HEAL THE SICK AND CURE DISEASES! HOW DARE YOU MANIPULATE INNOCENT STUDENTS TO TAKE THIS EVIL TECHNOLOGY? IN THE NAME OF THE MOON, I SHALL PUNISH YOU!”

“NOW, SAILOR MOON!” Mars joined her side, refusing to let her take on this enemy alone.

“MOON… HEALING… ESCALATION!” She waved her moon stick, sparking the silver crystal to life. A beam shot forth from her wand, striking the skull in the forehead. Tsyuchia let out a deafening scream as the light washed over her and erupted into a violent explosion that blinded everyone in its vicinity. Mars tackled her friend to the ground, protecting her as the aftershock rocked through the entire dome, extinguishing the flames until everything went dark.

Chapter Text

Chapter 93:

“What’s that?” the sound of a woman crying caught Sailor Moon’s attention, a sadness that echoed across the domed metaverse. She raced over to the source, climbing up an endless flight of stairs. A modest woman in a white lab coat sat on her knees at the foot of the grand castle, her palms covering her face in shame.

“Stay back, Sailor Moon!” Mars warned and gave chase to protect her princess from danger. Usagi always let her emotions get the better of her. Even in defeat, this mad scientist was not a woman to underestimate. “She’s treacherous!”

“Doctor Tsyuchia?” Makoto recognized the woman from her research. Gone was her flashy makeover and red hair, replaced with a plain yet pretty face with a thick set of glasses and brown hair pulled into a messy ponytail. The look she sported from her days back at Mugen University when she worked as Professor Tomoe’s understudy, well before this massive power trip. “Is that you?”

“What… have I done…” the incoherent woman whimpered.

“Are you okay?” Sailor Moon broke free, rushing over the doctor’s side against her guardian’s wishes. She faced her friends, pleading for their help.

“Go away….” the doctor looked up at the sailor senshi. “I… broke my oath… my promise to the people…I betrayed my profession…so many innocent students…their lives ruined for my personal gain.”

“But why?” asked Sailor Moon. This woman reminded her of her friend Ami. A shy, yet brilliant woman capable of great things. What forced her to go down such a dark path? “Why did you do this?”

“I wanted recognition.” Tsyuchia admitted. “For all my years of hard work gone unnoticed. Andrameta… she promised it all to me… fame… fortune… power… if I went along with her covenant and convinced people to take the MARC… She feeds on the souls of those who accept the spider... They are all her slaves now.”

“Who’s Andrameta?” Sailor Moon wondered aloud.

“The goddess of this awful place…” the doctor quivered in fear, jerking her face upward. “Soon the entire world will belong to her.”

“There’s still some time to change that.” Makoto approached. “Tell everyone the truth. The dangers of this technology. Admit your wrong doings to the world. Halt producing the MARC and find a cure for those suffering from it! We can reverse this if we act now!”

“You are right…” Tsyuchia stood back up and marched towards the castle door. She could provide these heroes with a gateway to their reality to help stop this madness before it continued. The only chance she had left to redeem her soul from regret and eternal damnation. “I must end Andrameta’s evil agenda. Humanity’s future depends on it!”

“I think not.” a shadowy figure emerged from the castle’s main gate, plunging a knife deep into the woman’s stomach. She clutched at the gaping wound, smearing blood all over her lab coat. Tsyuchia collapsed, her life slipping away.

“Forgive… me….” Tsyuchia muttered to the senshi after taking her final breath.

Chapter Text

Chapter 94:

“DOCTOR TSYUCHIA!” Sailor Moon shrieked. She raced up the steps to help the scientist, but her guardian snagged her arm before she got any closer. The doctor had already passed away. There was no helping her now. Mars kept a tight grip on Sailor Moon, especially after realizing who committed the murder.

“Father!” Sailor Mars’ jaw dropped in horror. Despite his coldness towards her, she never expected him to commit such an atrocity like this. Murder. An evil act worse than anything she had ever witnessed. Tears threatened to form as she clenched her fists, ready to unleash flames of Mars to punish her father for his heinous crime.

“Doctor Tsyuchia served her purpose to the goddess, but failed.” Takashi Hino spoke in a tone void of any empathy. “A mere pawn in our plan, deployed to distract you. A means to an end, nothing more. I disposed of her because she’s no longer of use. Her role in the revelation is complete.”

“You’ll never get away with this!” Makoto defied the vile politician. Whether it was reporting him to the authorities once free, or defeating him in battle here and now, justice would prevail.

“Andrameta’s powers have grown while you children tried to play the hero. I’m dispersing the MARC as we speak, not just nationwide, but across the globe. Metaverses such as this one are already forming in major cities. New York… London…Los Angeles… Rome… Paris… Beijing… Soon Andrameta’s web of shadows will shroud the earth!”

“Rome!” Sailor Moon shuddered at the mention of the Italian city. Beloved Mamoru remained overseas on his business trip. And what about Minako in New York City? She felt powerless without her senshi, all exposed to this threat. What if her guardians accepted MARC? She had to warn them!

“The goddess chose me to lead as her representative in the false reality you once lived in. I will bring forth a New World Order, uniting the earth under one banner. A planet of obedient humans, incapable of damaging mother earth any further. The MARC allows me to track and trace every person’s action. Every purchase and conversation monitored to ensure compliance with the post-industrial world. The masses will own nothing… have nothing… but the MARC, and its wonderful features, will keep them happy and docile… Andrameta did not arrive to destroy this planet, but to save it! Shield earth from a destructive race that polluted its oceans, tarnished the atmosphere with cardon dioxide, decimated its rainforests and forced countless species into extinction.”

“Liar! You don’t care about any of those ideals!” Mars shouted, horrified by her father’s polished speech. She knew the truth. Power consumed any morality he had left after her mother had passed away. Andrameta had promised him control over the world if he carried out her plan. Even if it cost the lives of millions of people, their souls sucked away in the Metaverse. He was nothing but her puppet, just like Doctor Tsyuchia. This New World Order was not the utopia her father believed, but a nightmare where humanity became a slave race, beholden to the MARC and its creator. Its users delivering their souls to this spider queen. Mars raised her hand, preparing to attack her father. This madness had gone too far. She would stop him now!.

“The greatest weapon is not a gun or a bomb.” The politician lectured his daughter. “It matters not if I believe in these words I speak. What matters is the authority over information. To control the world’s knowledge is to manipulate all the minds that consume it. With the MARC, I now have that power. I will make it mandatory to function in society until every single inhabitant of this planet bears the MARC, allowing Andrameta to consume them until none remain.”

“Politicians are called upon to serve the public, not the other way around. What you seek to create is a tyranny!” Makoto reminded him, hoping to strike a nerve. Both the doctor and Mr. Hino may have had good intentions in their careers, but Andrameta had exploited their innermost desires to further her own agenda.

“I’VE HEARD ENOUGH! CHANGE HIS HEART, JOKER!” Morgana encouraged his friends, drawing his dagger.

Chapter Text

Chapter 95:

Mamoru put his phone back into his pocket after another call to Usagi had gone straight to voicemail and went back to work in his cubicle. He had tried reaching her all morning with grave news. The time difference between Italy and Japan, along with his busy work schedule, made it very difficult for the couple to stay in contact. He knew that their time apart and rare chance to chat must have made Usagi lonely. He’d be lying if he didn’t admit to loneliness as well. Perhaps coming here was a mistake. After securing a new job after returning from New York, he strived to succeed and make Usagi proud. Earning enough money to shower her with gifts like vacations, jewelry, clothes or anything else her heart desired. She deserved all of it and more for the endless love she gave him.

Working abroad in Rome had proven a valuable experience, but exploring this beautiful country without Usagi just didn’t feel right. Every time he passed by a pizzeria, a gelato stand, or anything else that his girlfriend would enjoy filled him with guilt. Someday he’d make enough money to take her here for a vacation. They could take a tour of Rome and see its rich historical sights. Then they’d drive south along the Amalfi coastline for a more romantic experience in a smaller town or go north to Venice. She’d love a gondola ride. Perhaps on their honeymoon.

He found the last message he received from Usagi peculiar. She was off to Osaka University with a couple of new friends to check up on Rei and another student. Why leave for Osaka so suddenly? And who were these guys accompanying her? Was she not telling him the whole story? His suspicions didn’t make him fear infidelity, although he was jealous, to be honest. A feeling in his gut told him something else wasn’t right. That Usagi may have run headfirst into danger.

He spent his lunch break reading about Osaka University on the internet. One click on the search engine on his phone was enough to bring about a plethora of recent news articles about this new technology released by the University. A product called Mind Augmenting Reality Cybernetics or the MARC for short. Once taken onto the body, its user would access capabilities of artificial intelligence far beyond what the average person can achieve. Years of work, researching, practicing obsolete and no longer necessary. This raised his suspicions. Time and time again, the sailor senshi battled enemies who tricked the public with false promises like this. Youma drained energy from unsuspecting people for a greater purpose, such as reviving Queen Metalia. The new technology became a global phenomena, spreading from Osaka University to the rest of Japan in days. Now it went international, even affecting his career many miles away.

“Mamoru Chiba.” His gruff boss called him into the spacious office. A highrise overlooking the Roman Colosseum. He turned in his swivel chair and offered his employee a seat across the conference table. A woman in a lab coat entered carrying a briefcase. She opened it up and retrieved a metallic spider from within. A mechanical creation that appeared very life like.

“My apologies, but I have to decline this generous offer.” Mamoru received an email that an executive from Japan had arrived at their Italian office first thing this morning. An instruction that required staff to receive the MARC. The news made all the colleagues on this business trip ecstatic, except for Mamoru, who saw through the blatant manipulation.

“This is non-negotiable, Mr. Chiba. Everyone employed at this company wears the MARC, myself included.” the boss held firm and rolled up his sleeves to prove he wasn’t lying. “You are a hard worker and I’m very impressed with your portfolio, but this technology is the way of the future. I’d hate to lose you over this!”

“I thought this was a voluntary pilot program?” The world morphed into a dystopia overnight. Why didn’t any of his coworkers notice the stark changes? The dangers of everyone across the globe accepting this technology without a thought of the consequences frightened him.

“The mandate from upper management just came in.” the boss shook his head. “They want everyone to have it. Statistical analysis determined that it’s not cost effective to keep anyone on our payroll who won’t accept the MARC.”

“I’m more than happy to answer questions.” The woman in the lab coat smiled. The spider’s legs wriggled in her grip, reaching for his arm. “I assure you, it is safe. You won’t regret taking the MARC. There’s no need for concern.”

“Don’t throw your life away, kid. Think of that girlfriend of yours! How will it feel to go home to her and explain that you lost your job because you were too stubborn to get with the times?” The boss rose from his desk. “Besides, good luck getting out of the country without the MARC.”

“I’ll take my chances.” Mamoru went to the door. He had never told his boss about Usagi. How did he know about her? The door slammed shut and locked before he reached the knob. He turned to find the woman facing him, frozen in place with a palm extended, her eyes glowing after using her powers of telekinesis.

“ACCEPT THE MARC.” they spoke in unison with a voice that did not sound human. Mamoru tugged at the door and yanked it open, only to find his coworkers approaching. All with the same blank stare as if some puppet master controlled their movements. They converged on him, blocking every means of escape until the doctor grabbed him, slapping the mechanical spider onto Mamoru’s wrist. It dug deep into his flesh, poisoning his blood stream. He fought against his captors, struggling to pry the spider off his arm. The image of Usagi flashing before his eyes. He had to return to her side and protect her from this evil running rampant over the world. He fainted as if a switch had turned off in his brain, rewiring his mind to forget all about his girlfriend.

Chapter Text

Chapter 96:

“Do you not trust the science?” An angry professor shouted, locked in an intense discussion with a girl who had not spoken a word for the entire semester.

“Questioning is the very basis of the scientific method. Trial and error paves the way for new discoveries. Experimentation of various theories is the foundation of science. Nothing is absolute!” Ami’s cheeks went red. All eyes had turned to her. The meek student stood before the packed lecture hall, no longer keeping quiet. She had dared to defy the professor who praised the MARC and the advantages it would bring to doctors, nurses and surgeons across the globe. She didn’t like this attention. Public speaking wasn’t her strong suit and made her nervous no matter how hard she tried to improve. No one else spoke out against this atrocity, forcing her to take matters into her own hands. Sparking an intense debate with her instructor that earned her the ire of everyone in the classroom. “What is science if I can’t even voice my opinion without getting mocked for it?”

“So you are downplaying the countless experts who decree the safety of this new device?” the instructor interrupted before she argued her point further. The MARC had spread throughout her medical school like wildfire, leaving her one of the few students without it. Pupils and faculty alike raved about the artificial intelligence coursing through their veins. Their advanced intellects supercharged with knowledge and computing ability, far surpassing the average person.

“We need more research and independent studies in a control group. Right now, there’s not enough sufficient data to make that determination.” Ami was skeptical of this technology from the beginning and became even more concerned after digging into its origins. A scientist named Dr. Tysuchia, who trained under Professor Tomoe at Mugen Academy, introduced the product. After accepting a job at Osaka University, Tsyuchia became a rockstar in the scientific community by introducing this mind augmenting system. “No one knows the long-term ramifications of this device. Artificial intelligence can provide many benefits. But without proper regulation and oversight, the outcome could prove dangerous for humanity.”

Mugen academy and Professor Tomoe. Two major red-flags from her past that confirmed her distrust of the MARC had validity. What was the true origin of this technology? Another enemy had emerged? Tricking the public into these rumored advantages? She texted her friends, voicing her concerns whenever she had a spare second of time, but they never responded. Medical school demanded all of her time, leaving her with limited opportunities to keep in contact with them. Maybe Rei never forgave her for getting everyone those last-minute tickets to New York over the summer. Perhaps the rest had already forgotten about her.

“Your antiquated views have no place in this academic facility, Ami Mizuno. Merging with artificial intelligence is the next step of the human evolutionary chain. The MARC will revolutionize the medical field, helping the wellness of billions across the planet. Failing to realize this shows your incompetency and proves you are not qualified to practice medicine.” The professor grimaced. Students laughed at her expense, snickering obscene comments behind her back, forcing her to give up the debate.

Whispers and jests brought back memories of her troubled youth, before she had met Usagi. Back then, students had mocked her for studying and always finishing with honors. It wasn’t until she met Usagi that she found a place where she belonged with the Sailor Team.

She hoped medical school would prove different, with more colleagues along her same intellectual level. A lifelong pursuit of medicine, with hours spent alone deep in her books, with the goal of following in her mother’s footsteps. What a bitter disappointment. The more things changed, the more they stayed the same. She needed Usagi now more than ever.

Ami gathered her things and rushed out of the classroom to uncontrollable laughter, tears welling in her eyes. Years of studying for medical school, all those long nights, time spent alone reading instead of hanging out with friends. All wasted because she disagreed with the professor over an experimental procedure. What had this world come to?

She found the door locked, barring her exit. Laughter rose louder, only now their pitch had turned deeper and monotone, merging into a singular demonic voice.

“JOIN WITH THE GODDESS, SAILOR SENSHI…” Ami gaped with horror at her classmates. They rose up from their seats as if yanked to their feet by a puppeteer. She tugged at the doorknob, desperate to escape as her heart raced. Lights flickered, and the room shifted around her. A spider’s web spread snagged her by the feet, wrapping around her body in an instant. She screamed, desperate to transform into Sailor Mercury and fight against her captors, but the webbing had sealed her mouth shut.

Laughter echoed as the students encircled her, staring at her with blank eyes. Then she saw it. The goddess who controlled them. The one behind this evil. A spider demon latched onto the ceiling, staring down at her prey. Andrameta watched her minions close in on her prey. She offered the sailor senshi a choice. Accept the MARC, or perish.

Chapter Text

Chapter 97:

“Good Morning! This is Minako Aino of Channel 6 News with your favorite segment, Minako Morning Madness!” Minako sat behind a desk with a bright smile. Her co-star Artemis the cat rested atop it, grooming himself as the camera rolled. She relished every minute spent on live television, especially this new fifteen-minute segment. Her likes and subscribers on social media soared along with her airtime. She received high paying offers from other networks, but turned them all down to stay under April’s tutelage. She admired her mentor’s no nonsense attitude, always standing up for what she believed was right. “Demands for the MARC have taken New York City by storm. The new technology out of Osaka University spread across the globe like wildfire, but some remain hesitant. Let’s go to the beautiful April O’Neil, reporting live from the streets of Times Square interviewing local citizens, eager to voice their concerns.”

“CUT TO COMMERICAL!” Vernon Fenwick jumped in front of the camera, waving a folder containing the script for today’s broadcast. He fumed at the upstart anchor, throwing his headset in disgust as he rushed up to her desk. The network would not be pleased if that clip went viral. They received specific orders. No one was to question the MARC or say anything negative about it on air. “THAT’S NOT WHAT WE DISCUSSED! WHY CAN’T YOU READ OFF THE TELEPROMPTER LIKE EVERYONE ELSE? WAIT UNTIL MR. THOMPSON HEARS ABOUT THIS!

“I didn’t sign up for this internship to promote shameless propaganda! The public has questions and so do we! April and I will expose the truth behind this MARC technology and any potential dangers or side effects.” Minako defied the obnoxious cameraman. Together, she and April researched the origins of the technology and discovered its creator, Dr. Tsyuchia of Mugen Academy. The Mugen Academy alone raised red flags. A once meek professor, transformed to a charismatic beauty after accepting a new position at Osaka University, she rose to fame after a stagnant career. Announcing the MARC propelled her to stardom. Channel 6 higher ups denied April’s request for an investigative trip to Osaka once they learned of their stance on the technology and threatened to take them both off the air.

Before going live this morning, she tried getting in contact with Rei one last time. Minako reached out to the Osaka student several times over the past few weeks, hoping she may provide more information, but Rei never called back. She didn’t push the issue, figuring that Rei was busy with school and the Hikawa temple. She also felt bad for taking away her spot on this internship, even with her blessing. Rei earned it with good grades and hard work, whereas she got lucky with a viral video during her vacation, drawing interest from the news outlet. Her worries increased when she couldn’t get in contact with Usagi. Did this Dr. Tysuchia unleash an enemy from Mugen Academy? If so, her princess and the sailor senshi might be in danger and she was stuck in New York city.

She witnessed the MARC turn the entire city upside down overnight. Everyone rushed to get their hands on the spider, distributed in all five boroughs. She drew the line when she received specific instructions to promote the device on air, highlighting its many benefits. Management even pre-selected guests to interview on her popular broadcast, hoping her influence would further the demand for the new technology. This sparked her mentor to conspire a plan to sabotage the network’s agenda, regardless of the consequences. Journalism seeks the truth, not the dollar, she always told her.

“Don’t you want to be cool and hip like me? I follow all the latest trends!” Fenwick rolled back the sleeve of his pink dress shirt to showcase the MARC. “Stop listening to April’s nonsense! Think of the possibilities. The stardom you strive to achieve. Without the MARC, you’ll fall out of fashion faster than your shoes. Accept the MARC, Minako, if you ever hope to become a world famous idol, like yours truly.”

“You are the one who’s brain washed, Vern!” Minako backed away from the cameraman. The light blinking from the device captivated the entire workforce at the Channel 6 News station. They dropped their coffee cups, donuts, or whatever else they carried, turning their attention to the intern.

Chapter Text

Chapter 98:

“We gotta go!” Minako grabbed Artemis off the desk and bolted for the elevator before the mindless horde of Channel 6 News employees reached her. She pushed the button, illuminating the down arrow as the staff converged on her. The mob closed in on their prize when one of the air vents on the ceiling popped loose.

“Turtles to the rescue!” Leonardo, the fearless leader, led the ninja turtles into the studio, dropping from the air duct. He drew the twin katana swords sheathed to his shell and . With a determined expression on his face, Leonardo spun his weapons in a whirlwind, deflecting blows and disabling the mindless employees one by one without killing them. His expert swordsmanship and strategic movements created a protective barrier around Minako, giving her a moment of relief amidst the chaos as she waited for the elevator.

“Looks like your suspicions proved correct.” Donatello nodded as he jumped down from the ceiling. He bashed his bo staff, using the weapon’s long reach to push back the mob of employees. The MARC intrigued the tech-savy turtle, but he heeded their warning. “I’ll reverse engineer one of these devices in my lab and discover who is controlling it.”

“Bummer, dude!” Michelangelo somersaulted from the vent and landed next to their leader. The party dude wore an apron around his chest that read “kiss the chef”. He carried a skateboard in one hand, and spun his nunchaku in the other. “You promised I’d grill some steak on this stakeout! You owe me a pizza later!”

“Wasn’t a total loss. Save a few baddies for me, Leo” Raphael grinned, eager to fight. Waiting in that stuffy air vent paid off, much to his surprise. He drew his sai, pummeling through the zombies until he grabbed Fenwick. The turtle gave the obnoxious cameraman a wedgie before hoisting him above his head and tossing him across the studio. Fenwick crashed onto the wooden desk, splintering the wood.

“Get to the hideout.” Leonardo snatched the skateboard out of his brother’s hand and tossed it over to Minako as the elevator door opened. “Warn Master Splinter and April, stay there until we get back!”

“But I can fight!”

“That’s an order!” Leonardo shot her a look that let her know he wasn’t playing games. The turtles didn’t know what they were up against, or how serious this threat was. Minako and April had to remain unharmed, to warn the masses about the MARC.

Minako scrambled into the lobby where security staff and other businessmen and women waited for her. The device on their wrists blinked, activated by Fenwick. Their bodies no longer under their own control. Minako hurried out of the building and into the bustling streets of New York City. She jumped on her skateboard, dashing towards the nearest sewer cap. She pulled the heavy sewer cover over her head and hurried down the ladder. The sewers smelled awful, but it was a welcome aroma after escaping from the surface.

“JOIN US!”

Minako heard creepy voices echo through the tunnel. She skated away from it, only to find another horde of humans splashing through the disgusting sewage, chasing after her. Minako fled in the opposite direction, her heart thumping in her chest at a lumbering figure.

“Masked man!”The handsome hunk held a golf club in one hand, baseball bat in the other, ready for a fight as the bad guys sloshed through the sewers. Of course, he’d save her. Together, these mindless zombies stood no chance. She hugged him tight until noticing the spider attached to his wrist. “No… Not you too…”

“I can stream every live sporting event in my brain with this thing! It’s like I’m there sitting courtside at the Knicks game right now.” The spider blinked to life, snaring control over the vigilante. Panic surged through Minako as she realized the extent of her predicament. The masked man, under the control of the MARC, had turned from her savior into her captor. She searched for a way to escape, her heart pounding with fear and adrenaline. Casey brought his club down onto Minako, knocking her out cold. A swarm of Andrameta’s minions piled on top of her. “Sorry, girly….”

Chapter Text

Chapter 99:

Two contrasting figures marched out of the gate before Mars uttered a single word. She first noticed a short, skinny girl with orange hair. She wore a futuristic spacesuit with a tinted pair of goggles that covered most of her face. Her presence froze Ren in his place after recognizing the young woman’s identity. A dapper gentleman walked alongside her, clad in a fitted business suit. This one they both recognized.

“Yuuichirou?” Mars didn’t identify him until she got a closer look, more in shock at her boyfriend’s changed appearance than anything else. Never had she seen him so clean cut, with a shaved face and his messy hair trimmed and pulled into a taut bun. That navy suit fit him so well, showcasing his muscular arms and broad shoulders. She didn’t even remember the last time she saw him wear anything but his faded hakama, with sandals on his calloused feet. Now his ugly feet lay hidden by patterned socks and suede shoes.

“My Rei…” He adjusted his tie, taking a step forward. “I saved the shrine... I told you I’d find a way.”

“What are you doing here?” His voice sounded just as off as his appearance, but she took another step closer, then she noticed why. He bore the MARC. A spider stamped into his wrist that just peaked out from under his sleeves. Something about his eyes frightened her. They lacked the spark of life, that intensity of passion and desire she always recognized in them.

“I’ve proven my worth to your father and received his blessing. The shrine’s debt is forgiven!” He dropped to his knee and presented her with a diamond ring, demanding her hand in marriage instead of asking for it. The ring looked like it cost a small fortune, featuring a rock so large it would weigh her hand down if she wore it. “Marry me, Rei.”

“Daughter, it is time for you to decide your fate,” Takashi offered. “Andrameta knows everything your heart’s desire. I can give you this dream man of yours and fix that temple. Accept Andrameta’s covenant and I might spare your friends too.”

“No, I won’t live for a lie!” She smacked Yuuichirou across the face, bowling him over. Mars grabbed him by the shoulders, pleading into his dead eyes that stared off into nothing, hoping for some semblance that his soul remained within his body. “Idiot! Wake up! He’s lying to you! It’s not the stupid shrine I cared about! It’s you I don’t want to lose!”

“Very well. Soon everyone you care about will be under Andrameta’s control.” Takashi Hino fixated his gaze on Sailor Moon. “I know all of your identities, sailor senshi and phantom thieves. The rest of your companions will soon join my ranks. It’s a shame you won’t live to see them serve her holiness.”

“YOU NORMIES DON’T GRASP THE POTENTIAL OF THE MARC!” the girl stepped forward, pointing at their leader with a hand that bore the MARC. Her voice sounded robotic and came from a face with a blank expression. “MY MISSION IS EXTERIMINATE THE PHANTOM THEIVES FOR THEIR BETRAYAL AND REFUSAL TO COMPLY WITH THE MIGHTY GODDESS!”

“Futaba, don’t do this!” Makoto pleaded with her friend.

“NECROMINCON!” Futaba tore away her goggles. A flying saucer etched with glowing symbols of an alien language hovered over the castle, growing larger until it shadowed over the entire castle. Futaba ascended into the craft through a beam of light and sat in the captain’s chair. Mechanisms and lights from within the engine flickered, emitting strange sounds, preparing for an attack.

“Guys.” Morgana back pedalled from the castle as the metaverse rumbled, shaking the ground. “It’s time to go!”

“HAHAHA!” Takashi Hino snapped his fingers. An army of shadows poured out from the castle and dormitory buildings surrounding the University. He gestured towards the ceiling, beyond the UFO, where the red eyes of Andrameta glimmered with a malice that made their skin crawl. She had tripled in size since their battle in the auditorium. The goddess released a flurry of her eggs throughout the campus. They burst into smoke, spawning monstrous youma and daimon of all shapes and sizes. Shadows transformed into various persona. Thousands of enemies surrounded them on every corner, preventing any means of escape to the few who dared resist Andrameta’s will.

“Sailor senshi… phantom thieves… Accept the MARC or prepare to die.” the goddess’ words rang through their skulls. The demon’s beady eyes scanned across the battlefield. She ordered her minions to attack with a flick of a tendril. Andrameta controlled their every movement, organizing the shadows into position around the castle so that none would escape this time around.

Chapter Text

Act V: Osaka Emergency

Chapter 100:

“C’MON, C’MON! GET IN!” Morgana morphed into a bus and beckoned for his allies to climb aboard, honking the horn and flashing his headlights. The feline refused to back down from a fight, but even he knew when it was time to run away and flee. Their odds against Futaba’s persona alongside that politician and his army of shadows and daimon weren’t very good. Not to mention the enormous spider goddess latched atop the dome, watching it all unfold beneath her.

Sailor Moon and Sailor Mars exchanged puzzled looks from the sudden transformation before hopping in. Accepting their own talking felines was one thing. But another cat standing upright and wielding a sword that could turn into a cat-bus? Even they didn’t expect that! The vehicle resembled the feline’s cartoonish face and even his bushy black tail. With headlights for eyes and a bumper for a mouth, Morgana had become viable transport for the group while retaining his witty personality.

Makoto took the wheel, with the leader of the phantom thieves seated at her side. She gripped the wheel and floored the gas, sending the cat-bus hurtling down the steps, away from the castle. The occupants bounced as she struggled to maintain control of Morgana and avoid the dangerous obstacles in her path. The previous battle had left campus a war zone, with a gaping pit that descended into nothingness. Rough terrain littered with boulders, broken trees and charred hills made it difficult to traverse, even without enemies in pursuit. The dome darkened, only illuminated by Morgana’s headlights and the remaining fires that hadn’t extinguished yet. Shadows leapt onto the bus, sacrificing themselves to stop the bus in its tracks. They pressed their grotesque forms against the windshield and side windows, scratching and clawing to get inside and tear them apart.

Makoto slammed her palm against the horn out of instinct to warn the zombified officers, teachers, and college students. She cringed as the bus plowed through a horde of Andrameta’s minions, especially when she felt the bus roll over the body of a shadow caught under a wheel. The goddess would sacrifice all her pawns in order to stop them with no regard.

Joker pulled out his pistol and fired out of the passenger-side window, shattering the glass. Bullets took out three shadows threatening to get in, but several more took their place. Out of ammo, he drew his dagger and stabbed the snarling guardsman through his vest. He climbed through the opening once free, hanging half his body out of the window. Ren went for his gun again and loaded a fresh magazine, squeezing the trigger. Gunfire popped as he took out more monstrosities latched onto the hood, threatening to obscure the driver’s vision.

“OW!” Morgana shrieked as bullets ricochetted off the metal frame. “That hurts, ya know!”

“YAH!” Sailor Moon buried herself in her guardian’s lap, covering her ears to hide from all the gunfire. Tires screeched as the van swerved left and right, making her stomach queasy.

“Pull yourself together and help them!” Luna smacked the human with her paw.

Luna was right. Mars couldn’t just sit back and watch. She looked through the rear window and saw a flying saucer tailgating the bus from above. A cannon descended from the center of the UFO, preparing to fire at them. The weapon glowed, forming a green orb that beamed with energy, ready to burst. “TURN NOW, NIJIMMA!”

Makoto made a sharp turn moments before a glowing emerald whizzed by overhead, devouring the land with a radioactive ooze. Sailor Moon screamed, her body tossed like a rag doll, but if the bus veered a second later and they’d all have melted away. Makoto leaned forward in the seat, struggling to see where she was driving with all the surrounding chaos. The sludge emitted a blinding light, further reducing her visibility. Her heart thumped in her chest, knowing that Futaba pursued them as well. For a moment, she thought the orb had at least slowed down the shadows, but that was not the case.

The shadows emerged from the blast zone, dripping with slime. They radiated with a green aura that buffed them up. Futaba’s orb turned them stronger, faster, and more vicious than before. Not even Ren’s gun slowed them down now as bullets thudded off their chests. She slammed on the gas, looking for any clearing of road to put distance between them. Makoto still believed they could leave this Metaverse by breaking through the dome. But could they even reach it with this gaping pit and all these enemies chasing them?

Chapter Text

Chapter 101:

“I’ll blast that piece of space junk out of the sky!” Mars kicked the rear door of the bus, glancing at the UFO. The masked operator within pushed buttons and pulled levers, changing the dynamic craft on the fly. Symbols decorating its exterior flashed in bright colors. Another weapon descended from the craft. A laser cannon, far more powerful than the last device. She felt it wouldn’t miss this time around. Swarms of shadows chased after the bus, their mouths hanging low, arms extended. Powered up by the UFO, they gained ground on the bus no matter how fast Makoto drove.

“Wait! She’s one of us!” Ren grabbed her hand before the senshi shouted her attack. He then turned to Sailor Moon. “Can you try using your wand? Save my friend Futaba. The same way you rid of Dr. Tsyuchia of her curse.”

“I can try…”

“GUYS!” Makoto stomped on the brakes, bringing the vehicle to a sudden halt. “BAD NEWS!”

“WHAT NOW?” Sailor Moon whined.

“WE ARE TRAPPED!” Makoto turned on the high beams just to confirm her worst fears. She had steered the bus onto a peninsula of land cut out by Doctor Tysuchia’s beaker. She thought there was a crossing ahead, only to find a sizeable gap of the pit blocking their path to the edge of the dome. So close, yet so far from freedom! Now, because of her blunder, the bus was stuck. Shadows converged on all sides. If she didn’t act in a matter of seconds, enemies would rip the bus apart until they found their victims. This left her with only one option. A leap of faith over the pit that would kill everyone on board if it failed. “EVERYONE HANG ON!”

“FIRE SOUL!” Sailor Mars pointed a finger out the window, summoning a wall of flame that sealed a barrier in front of the bus. For a moment, the shadows slowed down, some even went up in a puff of smoke after getting caught in the senshi’s attack.

Necromnicon put an end to that real fast. A blue orb dropped from the UFO, extinguishing the flames with a splash of neon ooze. The shadows now had another aura. Mars assumed it made them invulnerable to fire. The bus zoomed forward. Makoto pushed the cat bus to breakneck speed. Mars threw herself on the backseat, and held Usagi close, ready to protect her princess to the bitter end, but she pushed her away.

Sailor Moon rose from her seat and gripped her Moon stick, staring down the UFO and its orange-headed operator sitting in the cockpit. Necromnicon threatened to fire its cannon at the bus, speeding along the narrow road before it could make the leap. She swung the wand in a circular motion. The silver crystal sparked to life, washing the bus in radiant light as it increased in speed to the edge of a cliff. Morgana’s wheels left the road once she spoke. “MOON HEALING, ESCALATION!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 102:

For a moment, time seemed to stop in mid flight. All occupants screamed as the cat bus hurtled through the dome under Andrameta’s ruby gaze. The opposite end of the cliff appeared miles away. Silver crystal’s light faded away, only for the group to find the UFO still hot on their tail.

Futaba swiveled within the craft, pushing more buttons, angered by the celestial attack that breached her defenses. Perhaps she underestimated her new foes, but that wouldn’t happen again. She had activated a force field at just the right time, deflecting enough of the sailor senshi’s spell. Thanks to the MARC, Futaba knew what the sailor senshi was capable of. The advanced technology given by the goddess uploaded a plethora of data on Sailor Moon and her team, rendering her unstoppable. Their true identity, background, abilities, strengths and weakness. Soon she would crush them, along with the phantom thieves who betrayed her.

A last ditch effort to change Futaba’s heart and save their lives had failed. It was that sudden realization when gravity caught up with the bus. Makoto let go of the steering wheel and hugged Ren as the vehicle took a nosedive from the sky. Everyone screamed at the top of their lungs, awaiting their imminent demise when the tires struck land. The impact sent the bus careening out of control. Makoto and Ren grabbed the wheel together, trying to maintain control of the bouncing cat-bus before it toppled onto its side or crashed.

“Morgana, are you alright?” Makoto brought the bus to a halt and scrambled outside. Smoke rose from the engine and the headlights had gone dark. The shapeshifting cat had taken the brunt of the damage from the drop. She could see the edge of the Metaverse just a few feet away, and her theory proved correct. The world beyond appeared normal, as if this plane of existence ran parallel to it. If they could only figure out a way to break through this dome and return to the real world. The Metaverse expanded outward into Osaka as if it grew in real time with every soul Andrameta claimed.

“I guess your attack worked, after all.” Mars watched the UFO hover over the pit, as if analyzing the situation. The cannon mounted under the flying saucer pivoted from its mark before rocketing off in another direction.

“No. She found another target she wants to destroy even more than us.” Joker pointed his dagger at two familiar figures in the distance. Lightning crashed and flames crackled around them like fireworks. Phantom Thieves, locked in a losing battle with one of the goddess’ children, a daimon. Skull and Panther came to his aid and now found themselves trapped. He couldn’t leave the thieves behind. As leader, their safety was his responsibility. He turned to Makoto. “I’m going after them. Find a way to get us out of here!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 103:

“JOKER!” Makoto didn’t even get to say goodbye before he dashed away, disappearing into the battlefield. It pained her to see him go, but she couldn’t allow her emotions to get the best of her again. Panther and skull had found their way in the Metaverse, both now in imminent danger. She wanted to help them, but the leader of the phantom thieves assigned her with breaking out of this Metaverse. All their lives depended on it. She would not fail.

Makoto raced to the expanding edge of the dome and tested it with her fingers. The energy within her confinements pulsated, but did not harm her. She could see cars and buses passing by out in the real world beyond the university walls, oblivious to what happened here. She banged her spiked fists against the dome in frustration, knowing that no one in the outside world could help.

Her temporary respite ended. The UFO may have left them alone for the moment, but Andrameta’s army of shadows did not relent. The goddess’s pawns kept coming. A massive horde made up of innocent guards, teachers, students and more all conned into taking this MARC. They surrounded the smoking cat-bus before transforming into bizarre monsters.

“LUNA!” Sailor Moon screamed when her cat scampered away, chasing after an ethereal butterfly. The magical key floated away again, following Ren into the melee like a moth drawn to a flame. The phantom thief disappeared into the horde of shadows, stabbing with his dagger to carve a path towards another skirmish in the distance.

“I can’t let that key get away!” Luna batted her paws, dipping through the legs of a shadow and leaping into the air. Her mouth chomped at the key, but came up empty. The mesmerized cat darted deeper into the horde, swallowed up by the force of enemies converging on the smoking cat-bus.

“YAH!” Sailor Moon found her path blocked by a devilish fiend sitting atop a floating toilet. The creature had a pointy beard with tall horns sticking out of his head. But even worse than his ugly appearance was the awful smell that accompanied him and his lavatory. The horned demon squirmed on its porcelain throne, wiggling its butt to prepare for an attack. Noxious gas bubbled within the toilet and the foul odor worsened.

“FIRE SOUL!” Mars called forth a searing bolt of flame. Fire erupted after contacting with the gas, consuming the shadow. The toilet cracked on the floor, trapping the demon in a mess of brown sludge. Sailor Moon braved through the muck, smashing her wand against the monster’s grey forehead. The silver crystal vanquished the persona, but her cat had disappeared along with Ren. She rushed to find them amidst the chaos. “LUNA!” REN!”

A sword came down at her neck. Sailor Moon got the Moon Stick up to avoid her head getting chopped off by an ogre sized behemoth with the trunk of an elephant. The silver crystal sparked to life from the clash, blinding the shadow for a moment. Sailor Moon countered, but the monster repelled her attack and parried away her wand with martial expertise. He blinked his one eye and dipped his head, charging at the sailor senshi with his two curved tusks aimed to skewer the senshi’s body like a shish-ka-bob.

“YAHHHH!” Sailor Moon wailed, flailing her arms as she ran from the cyclops elephant.

“BURNING MANDALA!” Mars shouted her attack, summoning rings of flame into her outstretched hands. She cast them forth, hoping they would reach the shadow before it gored Sailor Moon from behind. Fire consumed the shadow as the rings encircled its body, but did not have the effect she had hoped for. The elephant smoked, his skin turning red with fury. He broke free from the binds, fueled with rage by the fire that made him even stronger. He charged at Mars, swords held high.

“PERSONA!” A blast struck the incensed demon before he reached her. The elephant crashed to the floor, stunned by the surprise attack, giving Sailor Moon the opening she needed to finish the job.

“MOON TIARA ACTION!” The radiant light escaping from her tiara consumed the enraged beast until it vanished from existence. Its power spread far beyond the targeted shadow, washing over the Metaverse. Countless shadows melted in its wake as it returned to its owner.

“Attack the dome!” Makoto noticed that the Metaverse itself rippled when the shockwave of Sailor Moon’s attack struck the barrier of the dome. The best solution was often the most simple one. They had to break out of here using brute force, and Sailor Moon’s power seemed to have the greatest effect on the Metaverse. “Give it all you got!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 104:

Fire and nuclear energy battered into the dome like a hammer. The Metaverse illuminated with sparks of flame and the cool blue of Makoto’s nuclear persona. A slight crack in the surface of their confinement gave the fighters hope. They doubled down on their attacks, depleting all their energy until getting the results they hoped for.

“MOON SPIRAL… HEART…ATTACK!” Sailor Moon twirled her Moon Stick, shouting the words of her attack. The power of the Silver Crystal combined with the blasts of blue and red peppering the dome. She gripped her weapon in both hands, and could feel the energy within growing stronger as a stream of light broke through the dome. Cracks spread from the impact, creating an opening to the outside world. The metaverse shook, threatening to collapse. Sights and sounds of the real world filtered through. A welcome change from this lifeless dystopia created by the spider demon.

“You did it!” Makoto jumped for joy, but her optimism was short-lived. Andrameta fought back, sputtering webbing from the ceiling to reinforce the Metaverse and seal the exit, preventing their escape.

“I CAN’T HOLD ON MUCH LONGER!” Sailor Moon held firm, but was struggling to hold back the goddess’ power. The hole she created shrank little by little. They had a small window to escape. “FIND THE OTHERS AND GET OUT OF HERE! HURRY!”

“ARE YOU CRAZY OR JUST PLAIN STUPID?” Sailor Mars joined her hand to the Moon Stick. She had to stay and protect her princess at all costs. Neglecting her sworn duty was not an option. “I’m not leaving here without you!”

“Please save my cat!” Sailor Moon begged Makoto before she nodded and ran off to find Ren.

“Morgana!” Makoto raced over to the smoking cat-bus and hopped in the driver’s seat. It was up to her to get everyone to safety. She tried to turn the car on, but the engine sputtered. She could see shadows in the distance, heading her way. Flashes of lightning from persona attacks erupted in the distance. Necromincon hovered in the air, pursuing the phantom thieves. She could hear their screams. “Please wake up! I need your help! Lady Ann is in trouble!”

“Lady… Ann?” The mentioning of her name sparked the cat-bus back to life. Headlights blinked when the engine roared. Makoto stomped her foot on the gas pedal, zooming to their rescue. She hoped that the sailor senshi could keep the exit open until she got back.

Chapter Text

Chapter 105:

“SURRENDER NOW IF YOU WANT A MERCIFUL DEATH…. I’TS TOO LATE…I’VE ALREADY WON! THIS PLANET AND THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO OCCUPY IT BELONG TO ME!” The voice of the goddess pulsated through Sailor Moon’s mind, making her ears ring. She held the shimmering Moon Stick in a tight grip alongside her guardian, pouring her power into the blast that held open their window of escape. The wand shook in their hands, her strength waning at the sight of the terrifying demon lurking above her. “MILLIONS HAVE FALLEN TO MY SPELL. NOT EVEN THE POWER OF THE SILVER CRYSTAL CAN STOP ME NOW!”

“DON’T LISTEN TO THAT HIDEOUS BEAST!” Sailor Mars encouraged, letting go of the wand. She tried to remain positive, but Andrameta’s web threatened to plug the hole shut. Sailor Moon had to make it out of here, no matter the cost. She heard the Daimon and shadows snarling as they approached on all sides, ready to converge on her princess. “FIGHT WITH EVERYTHING YOU’VE GOT! KEEP THAT PORTAL OPEN!”

“WHERE ARE YOU GOING!” Sailor moon shouted, reaching to stop her guardian. “DON’T LEAVE ME!”

“FIRE SOUL!” Mars charged forth, unleashing flames that devoured the webbing along the dome, giving Sailor Moon a chance to regain her focus and push back against the encroaching web. More Daimon emerged from cocoons and nests scattered throughout the perimeter of the Metaverse, called forth by their mother. Hellish humanoids crossed with critters and creepy crawlies surrounded the sailor senshi, eager to feed on their souls. “I’LL TAKE CARE OF THEM! HOLD STRONG! DON’T WORRY ABOUT ME!”

“I CAN’T DO THIS…” Sailor Moon’s heart sank as the daimon converged on her guardian. She could not help her unless she surrendered to the goddess. Flames lit up the Metaverse and shrieks of agony echoed off the dome as Mars fought to protect her with every ounce of energy she had left.

“JOIN WITH ME…” Andrameta’s voice screeched inside their heads.

Sailor Moon locked eyes with her enemy lurking above. The sight of the ugly arachnid sent a shiver down her spine. Its gaze hypnotized her, despite her fear. She tried to look away, but could not avert the ruby orbs on the demon’s emotionless face, devoid of any heart. How could she possibly defeat such a terrifying creature? She was all alone against the power of a goddess that rivaled all the enemies she had faced in the past.

Images of her friends and loved ones flashed in her mind, fueled by the dark energy of Andrameta. She beheld the sailor senshi, all suffering at the hands of the demon’s minions. Captured one by one and forced to take The MARC against their will. The Moon Stick wavered in her gloves as emotions of despair threatened to overtake her. Andrameta claimed her guardians… her best friends… and she was powerless to help them. She wanted to scream. To cry in anguish over her companions. But then she saw the victim that shattered her heart the most.

“MAMO!” Tears streamed from her eyes. The love of her life had fallen into the clutches of this goddess, overtaken by her puppets at his office in Italy. She heard his screams in agony as his corrupted coworkers pinned him to the floor in his office, forcing the MARC onto his flesh. Sailor Moon watched in horror as the life in his face melt away, replaced by a blank stare. Andrameta fed on his soul, adding her boyfriend to her hive of slaves under her power.

“ENTER A COVENANT WITH ME SAILOR MOON, IF YOU WISH TO SEE THEM AGAIN…HAVE THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS… ENJOY YEARS OF HAPPINESS… EXPERIENCE THE BIRTH OF YOUR DAUGHTER… ACCEPT THE MARC AND IT WILL ALL BE YOURS…DENY IT AND YOUR DREAMS ARE GONE FOREVER!”

“JOIN US, USAGI! TAKE THE MARC!” Minako waved. A warm smile appeared on the peppy blonde’s face as she beckoned her friend to follow them into the light atop the dome of the Metaverse. She displayed the MARC on her wrist, showing it off like a top model. “IT’S TOTALLY FINE! I PROMISE! ALL THE CELEBRITIES ARE GETTING THEM!”

“DON’T WORRY, USAGI! THE MARC IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE! A MARVEL OF MODERN INGENUITY!” The meek Ami Mizuno stepped forward wearing a lab coat and spoke in a reassuring tone. “ALL THE TOP SCIENTISTS AGREE, AND I CONCUR WITH THEIR FINDINGS! I’M FINALLY ACCEPTED BY MY PEERS THANKS TO THE MARC!”

“YOU WON’T REGRET IT, USAGI!” Makoto encouraged, wearing her martial arts uniform. “ACCEPT THE MARC! DON’T BE A CHICKEN!”

“USAKO…” Mamoru’s handsome visage made her heart melt. “I MISS YOU. ACCEPT THE MARC AND EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY. WE CAN BE TOGETHER AGAIN.”

“DENY MY COVENANT AND YOU WILL SUFFER IN AGONY AS THE WORLD AROUND YOU CRUMBLES TO MY WILL. MY OFFER IS ONE OF MERCY. THE CHANCE TO LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER WITH THOSE YOU LOVE. OR YOU WILL DIE ALONE ONCE I ELIMINATE EVERYONE WHO IS IMPORTANT TO YOU! WHY BOTHER FIGHTING? YOU WILL LOSE! ACCEPT WHAT I OFFER!”

“NO….” Usagi collapsed to a knee, hanging onto the Moon Stick. Nothing mattered anymore. Without Mamo, she had no reason to fight. No reason to go on. Maybe she should just accept the deal. Even if it was a lie, she could live in ignorant bliss and have everything she ever wanted. The gap in the dome closed in as her the power of the Moon Stick gave out.

“You aren’t alone! To hell with that false goddess and her offer! It’s a trick!” Mars emerged victorious over the daimon, reducing them to burning husks of charred demon flesh. Blood stained her tattered sailor suit, along with scratches and cuts that covered her body. The demon had prayed on Usagi’s greatest fears, but Mars wouldn’t have Usagi succumb to fear as long as she still lived. Andrameta had the odds in her favor. If the MARC had truly spread across the world, they might not stop her. But she wouldn’t give up. Mars collapsed to the floor, unable to stand. She crawled towards her princess with bloodied gloves, desperate to make it back to her side and lend her support. She offered the last words before passing out from exhaustion. “The phantom thieves are our friends, too. We can’t let them down… Don’t… give… up…Keep… fighting…”

Chapter Text

Chapter 106:

“SHIT!” Ryuji swore at a bulbous creature with a single eye protruding from a soft, round body that resembled brain matter. Tentacles shot forth from the egg-like shell, snatching Ann out of his hands and into the air. The slimy appendages wrapped around her torso like a boa constrictor, binding her arms together so that she couldn’t summon her persona. She dangled towards a mouth of jagged teeth, a snack for the child of that demonic spider lurking above them. This wasn’t an ordinary shadow. This thing wanted to swallow her whole, to gain more power. He had to stop it now before it grew into a monster the size of its mother.

“CAPTAIN KIDD!” Ryuji tore the skull mask from his face, calling forth the mythical pirate of legend. The skeleton of the proud seafaring captain stood atop the bow of his ship with his tricorn hat on his head and sword in hand. With one swing, a mighty bolt of lightning crashed down upon the monster, blasting directly into its lone eyeball.

“HELL YEAH!” Electricity coursed through the creature, paralyzing it. The daimon fell to the floor and bounced away before rolling to a stop like a basketball. Ann slipped from the tentacles as they withered away, but Ryuji was there waiting and caught her. “That was too easy! I forgot how much I loved this shit!”

“Nice catch.” Ann was grateful that she didn’t hit the ground and even happier to land in the arms of her crush. For the first time in what felt like months, they shared a laugh. Her face turned red, matching the color of her phantom thief gear, but she turned her gaze away from him. “Now, can you please get your hand off my butt?”

“Oh! I didn’t mean to!” Ryuji let go as if his hand had touched an open flame, dropping Ann to the grass. “That was an accident!”

“I didn’t say drop me, idiot!” Ann rubbed her head before noticing a craft hovering over the cliff behind them. A flying saucer, shimmering with various neon colors that illuminated the markings etched into the metal. Inside, a masked pilot with long orange hair pushed buttons and pulled levers to control the spaceship. “Futaba?”

“What the eff is she doing here?” Ryuji backpedalled away from the UFO out of instinct when a cannon descended from the craft and took aim directly at the two phantom thieves. He grabbed hold of Ann’s arm and pulled her up to her feet. “Oh, shit…”

“Please don’t do this Futaba!” A bad feeling bubbled in Ann’s stomach as she stared down the barrel of the cannon. She grabbed Ryuji’s hand into her own and squeezed it tight, showcasing it to the shut-in. “Look, we are friends again! See?”

“SILENCE YOU LIARS AND SCOUNDRELS!” Futaba’s voice thundered out of the UFO like a megaphone. “THE GODDESS ANDRAMETA HAS MADE ME MORE POWERFUL THAN A PETTY PHANTOM THIEF COULD EVER HOPE TO ACHIEVE! MY DAYS OF GETTING HURT AND MANIPULATED BY YOU SO-CALLED FRIENDS IS OVER!”

“What goddess?” Ann glanced at the spider lurking overhead. Andrameta, or whatever that thing’s name was, poisoned Futaba and countless others with the MARC.

“Don’t blow us up!” Ryuji panicked at the sight of the humongous demon lurking on the ceiling of the Metaverse. “You win! I’ll get you that rare action figure you wanted. Whatever you want. I swear!”

“ENOUGH LIES!” The cannon took aim and fired a bolt at the pair of phantom thieves. “IT’S GAME OVER FOR YOU TWO!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 107:

“Missed us!” Ryuji tackled Ann to the ground, watching the laser bolt soar well over their bodies. He popped back up, mocking the UFO hovering over the void after the shot went wide of its target. “That MARC ain’t shit! Is that all you got?”

“HEHEHE.” Futaba cackled from within her craft. Her busy hands at work on the control panels, pushing buttons and activating the other gizmos at her disposal. “Do you really think I missed, nitwit? BEHOLD!”

The egg-like creature stirred back to life. Only now, the spawn of Andrameta evolved into a humanoid shape with indigo skin and a pair of glowing eyes matching her mother’s. Sprouting a pair of long legs, she looked quite attractive for a moment. Then her back arched, twisting and contorting until a deadly stinger emerged from its spine and a pair of pincer claws from its torso. The daimon hissed, marching forward on all eight appendages. The stinger arced above her body, ready to impale its victims like a spear.

“Oh Shit!” Ryuji steeled himself as the scorpion demon lumbered towards them. They were in real trouble now. He ripped off his mask and called forth his persona. Flashes of lightning descended from the heavens, striking the deadly stinger like a rod. “LET’S GO, CAPTAIN KIDD!”

“CARMEN!” Panther twirled off her mask, joining the electric charge with a funneling tornado of fire. Neither had any effect on the daimon except to anger it further. The daimon let out a deafening war cry, lunging its stinger at the pair. They dove out of its path at the last second, feeling the emptiness of the void behind them.

“GET OUT OF HERE!” Ryuji turned towards Ann as the daimon wriggled the stinger from the ground. Futaba had powered up this monster, granting it immunity to both of their personas. They had no chance of beating it now. Each step the daimon took pressed them closer to the abyss. He watched debris disappear into the nothingness just inches away. “I’LL DISTRACT IT AND BUY YOU TIME TO ESCAPE!”

“NO WAY!” Ann gaped in fear at the daimon, dancing away from the stinger. She lashed her whip, trying to keep the daimon at bay to no avail. A pincer snapped at her throat, but only came up with a chunk of her blonde hair. Her boots skidded closer to the void. Ann stumbled, nearly falling into the emptiness beyond. “I’m not leaving you!”

“HEY YOU UGLY MOTHER EFFER!” Ryuji stepped forward, confronting the daimon with the shotgun strapped to his back. He squeezed the trigger several times, bracing himself against the violent kickback. The slugs bounced off the demon’s flesh like ping-pong balls until he had no shells left. The pincer snapped at him. He blocked the claw with the shotgun and planted a kick into the daimon’s abdomen, hoping that Ann would come to her senses and run away. Claws crunched his shotgun into a twisted metal mess, but Ryuji refused to backdown. He teased the creature with more insults until he had its full attention. “COME FIGHT ME YOU DISGUSTING PIECE OF SHIT! I’LL SQUISH YOU LIKE A BUG!”

“Shadows!” Ann gasped at the sight of the endless army of shadows closing in on them, flanking the scorpion on all sides. She glanced at the black void behind her and wondered if jumping would be a less painful death than facing this daimon. Futaba watched from within her craft hovering above the pit. Neon lights within the craft glimmered as the cannon focused on the phantom thieves, preparing for another shot that would not miss its mark this time around.

“ANN I’M SORRY! FOR ALL THE DUMB SHIT I’VE DONE! THE CAKE…” Ryuji sensed his own demise, but wouldn’t go down without getting this off his chest first. He stood before the woman he loved, shielding her from the daimon so he could protect her to the very end. “I’M SORRY I HURT YOU THE WAY I DID! I SCREWED UP REAL BAD!”

“I don’t care about the cake right now!” Ann couldn’t believe he was bringing up the cake incident at a time like this. This was what she had wanted the entire time. A heartfelt apology from Ryuji. Why did it have to happen under such dire circumstances? She held him tight, refusing to let go as the demon readied its stinger for a final blow. “I’m sorry too! I acted so immature and blew it out of proportion!”

“FUTABA WAS RIGHT! SHE SAW RIGHT THROUGH MY ACT!” It felt as though an enormous weight had lifted from his shoulders by admitting his feelings for Ann, but it had come too late. The daimon pushed them closer to the edge. He knew what he had to do, despite her protests. His only regret was not telling Ann waiting until the brink of death. He kissed her lips as the deadly stinger descended upon him.

Chapter Text

Chapter 108:

“I…WAS… RIGHT?” Something within Futaba changed after watching her two friends kiss. She grabbed at her head, fighting back the voice in her brain screeching that the phantom thieves had betrayed her. A light within her battled against these dark thoughts, bringing up happier memories of sipping coffee at LeBlanc cafe. Had the sailor senshi’s attack breached her defenses? She remembered playing video games with Ren in the attic. Roughing up Morgana’s fur. Having a girls’ night at the empty amusement park with Ann, Makoto and Haru after the Okumura foods heiress rented the entire property just to make her comfortable by keeping out the crowds. Making fun of that cute weirdo Yusuke. Laughing at the starving artist along with the rest of the phantom thieves after one of her famous one-liners. They weren’t traitors. They had saved from living the rest of her life as a hermit, unable to cope with her mother’s death. Her awakening as a phantom thief was the best thing to happen to her. Not this stupid MARC. She ripped the spider off and stomped it with her boot, crushing the mechanical device before it could slither away. “WHAT HAVE I DONE?”

Futaba raced her fingers along the control panel before smashing her palm down on a big red button that fired her laser. A bolt soared from her cannon, striking the daimon before it could impale the two lovebirds with its stinger. The monster erupted into an explosion of guts and ichor that splattered onto the UFO’s windshield, falling into the void below like chunky snowflakes on a winter day.

“YOU’VE DISAPPOINTED ME, FUTABA SAKURA… THE PUNISHMENT FOR VIOLATING OUR COVENANT IS DEATH…”

Andrameta’s voice thundered within Futaba’s mind before she could celebrate her minor victory over the daimon. Killing the creature made its mother angry. Webbing encased the UFO, spat from the demon lurking atop the Metaverse. Her fingers raced across the panel, struggling to maintain the craft. Lights flickered on and off within the cockpit, but nothing she did made a difference. Andrameta had full control of the craft and was intent on crashing it into the chasm below.

“RED ALERT!” Futaba strapped herself in the seatbelt and pushed the emergency button. The craft dipped forward into a nose-dive and spun out of control. Andrameta had disabled her anti-gravity, reducing the craft to a metal frisbee wobbling in mid air. She grabbed the steering column and closed her eyes in the face of her imminent death. Fighting back tears of regret, all she could do now was just wait for the end. If only she could see her friends one more time, she’d tell them how much they meant to her…. especially Yusuke. Hopefully, her sacrifice gave them a chance to survive. “I’m sorry guys…”

Chapter Text

Chapter 109:

“EWW! SO GROSS!” Ann grimaced, wiping off all the guts that had turned her cat-suit black with stains no detergent could remove. The smell alone made her gag. She had taken the brunt of the explosion, whereas Ryuji looked untouched by the entrails of the scorpion that had interrupted the kiss she dreamed about for so long.

“C’MON, the kiss wasn’t that bad... Was it? For Real?” Ryuji scrambled to his feet, unable to piece together what had just happened. He had closed his eyes, kissing Ann with the bottled up passion of years waiting for this moment when a violent explosion nearly sent them both hurtling into the pit. Futaba had either missed again, or had a change of heart. The piercing shriek of the spider queen above provided the answer. Webbing shrouded the craft, veering it out of control.

“I wasn’t talking about that, numbskull!” Ann readied her whip and snapped it at an oncoming shadow. The kiss was as magical as she had always hoped it would be, given their circumstances., but she still needed to tell him how she felt. They weren’t out of the woods just yet, even with the daimon gone. Andrameta’s minions came at them by the droves. To make matters worse, Futaba was in danger and needed their help.

“CAPTAIN KIDD!” Skull summoned a chain of lightning, stunning all those caught in its wake. The power of his persona wiped out scores of shadows, but more kept coming. A seemingly endless horde of people from all walks of life, not just students from Osaka University. Construction workers, salarymen, cops, nurses, firefighters, old people, even little kids. Andrameta now had millions at her disposal and wouldn’t stop at sacrificing any of them to stop the phantom thieves. They could only fight on for so much longer before running out of gas.

“CARMEN!” Ann snapped her fiery whip, reducing the shadows to ashes with each swing. She gasped for breath, feeling her energy deplete every time she called forth her persona. A tornado of flame spun throughout the campus, eliminating hundreds of shadows, but more kept coming, dashing through the fires to reach them.

“ARSENE!” Ren fought his way through the Metaverse, hacking and slashing a path of shadows to join his companions on the destroyed campus grounds. The devilish persona cut through the unfortunate souls caught in its wake. He couldn’t believe how many had already surrendered to the goddess and taken the MARC. Maybe it was too late to stop her. The sheer numbers alone gave the spider queen an advantage they couldn’t match.

“Boy, am I glad to see you!” Ryuji gave him a high-five, catching his breath for a moment. Captain Kidd wiped out scores of shadows, sailing through the Metaverse on his boat with sword at the ready. But more approached. He could only summon his persona a few more times, but his best friend showing up provided a morale boost. “Where’s Usagi?”

“Joker!” Ann hurried to his side and gave him a hug, relieved that their leader still lived. The sight of him gave her a glimmer of hope that just maybe they could get out of this place. If anyone could defeat that goddess, it was Joker. A cat padded alongside him, chasing after a shimmering butterfly key that fluttered towards the pit. She opened her arms, expecting Morgana to jump right into them, only to get ignored. That cat wasn’t Morgana at all. This one had black fur and bore a crescent moon on its forehead. And it was a girl! She could tell by its high-pitched voice. Wait, another talking cat? Where did she come from?

“ALMOST GOT IT!” Luna jumped at the key, following it towards the edge where a UFO spiraled towards the chasm.

“HEY!” A horn honked in the distance, catching their attention. Ann waved her hands, jumping in relief after spotting the beaming headlights of the cat-bus heading in their direction with Makoto at the wheel. A wide grin spread across Morgana’s face, emblazoned to the front of the vehicle at the very sight of his beloved lady Ann as they bulldozed through a horde of shadows.

“Sailor Moon opened a path to the real world!” Makoto shouted, imploring her companions to get on the bus immediately. Every second counted. Sailor Moon couldn’t hold the portal open for much longer. Ann jumped in right away, eager to get out of the Metaverse and never look back. She turned around, hoping to find Ryuji right behind her, but he didn’t follow.

“I’m not leaving Futaba behind.” Joker looked toward his girlfriend for what might be the last time. He glanced back at the wobbling UFO, drifting towards the abyss. Staying in the Metaverse with that goddess was a suicide mission, but he couldn’t live on knowing he had failed Futaba. He would get out of here or die trying. “Get the sailor senshi to the real world and change that politician’s heart. Put a stop to this.”

“No…I need you…” Makoto knew she couldn’t change his mind, no matter what she said. The leader of the phantom thieves would never run away without trying to save one of his own. But how could she abandon Ren like this?

“There’s no other way.” It hurt Ren to leave his girlfriend just after reuniting with her. They might never see each other again after this if he didn’t survive. It pained him to force Makoto to leave his side, but there was no other option. The sailor senshi had the power to defeat this beast. “Bring Sailor Moon to safety, Queen. I entrust you to lead the phantom thieves in my absence.”

“I’m staying too.” Ryuji slammed the bus door shut and pushed his weight against it so that Ann couldn’t protest. He pressed his hand against the windowpane and stared into her eyes. “I’m the reason Futaba is in this mess to begin with. Get the hell out of here before it’s too late!”

“WHAT! NO! IT’S MY FAULT!” Ann banged on the glass window. It was bad enough leaving Joker behind. But not Ryuji too! Boys and their bravado! There had to be another way to rescue Futaba, together without taking such a risk. They could come up with a plan. She reached for the door, desperate to pull them both into the van. Nothing would pry her away from Ryuji now. Not after he expressed his feelings for her.

“Guys, we gotta go!” Shadows jumped on the cat bus, threatening to overturn it. Morgana activated the windshield wipers to knock a student off, but more hopped in its place. Dozens of shadows climbed atop the roof, pounding at the metal and glass with bare fists. Ann shrieked at the top of her lungs, pressing her face against the window to get one last look at Ryuji running towards certain death to save their friend. Makoto slammed on the gas before either had the chance to say goodbye. Anymore hesitation meant that none of them would survive and her boyfriend sacrificed his life for nothing.

Chapter Text

Chapter 110:

“This way!” Luna pawed at the phantom thief’s leg at the edge of the cliff as he fought against a horde of shadows with his dagger. She chased after the butterfly key as it drifted over the abyss, pulsating above the webbed UFO like a beacon in the dark Metaverse. Luna almost tumbled over the edge, so distracted by the sparkles fluttering from the key’s wings. The object called to her, beckoning the cat to trust its guiding light. It wasn’t like they had much of a choice. “Hurry, before we lose it!”

“We have to jump!” Ren thrust his knife deep into the belly of a shadow. He tore off his mask with his free hand, summoning Arsene. The persona swept through the campus in a blur, slashing through the army with his claws. Shadows evaporated, but they barely even noticed a difference in the army’s numbers. More kept coming. They couldn’t fight their way out of this. He could only hope that Makoto and the sailor senshi made it out of here alive.

“FOR REAL?” Ryuji’s eyes lit up in horror at the massive drop behind him. He bashed his fist into the skull of a nearby shadow. Soon they would get over run. But before he could utter another word, Ren scooped up Usagi’s cat and took a leap of faith, somersaulting atop the webbed UFO. Luna dug her claws deep into his cloak to stay attached to Ren’s shoulder, catching the key into her open mouth. The impact sent the craft spiraling out of control, giving Ryuji even less of a chance to survive the jump as the craft plummeted further into the darkness below. A shadow grabbed at his back while distracted, tearing away a piece of his gear. Another lunged forth, almost pushing him over the edge. He had no other choice but to jump into the abyss or get thrown off by shadows. Ryuji closed his eyes and hurled himself over the cliff. “OH SHIT!”

Ryuji’s fall wasn’t graceful like his leader. The phantom thief face planted the metal craft and would’ve rolled off the saucer if it wasn’t for the sticky substance that slowed his descent. Ren grabbed him before he plummeted to his demise, keeping his balance on the wavering disc and making it look easy.

“WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING? ARE YOU BOTH CRAZY?” Futaba pressed a button to open up her windshield. They both scrambled inside the crowded cockpit along with a black cat on Ren’s shoulder. His companion wasn’t Morgana. She eyed the dark feline and the crescent moon on its head with suspicion. Its teeth clamped onto a glowing key, snatched out of the air like a fly. “I tried to save your asses and you pull this stunt? Our probability of survival is only 8 percent, and it’s plummeting every second! 7.9… 7.6….”

“I’ll take those odds.” Joker nodded, assuring her they’d make it.

“Can’t you fix this stupid thing!” Ryuji looked around at all the blinking lights and gauges within the UFO and couldn’t help but touch the levers and keypads around him. Hoping against hope that he got lucky and stabilized the spaceship. Then he saw the wriggling MARC on the floor and almost jumped out of his shoes in panic. He stomped on the spider out of rage several times until it broke apart into several pieces.

“Don’t you think I tried everything already? This ain’t my first rodeo, Einstein. Quit touching everything! You’re making things worse!” Futaba groaned. She shook the steering column in every which direction, to prove to the numbskull that nothing worked. Even in a life and death situation like this, Ryuji annoyed her. The persona dipped into the abyss. The phantom thieves and their feline companion bounced around in the cockpit like pinballs while she sat back in her chair and gripped the armrests, preparing for the end. “HANG ON TIGHT! WE ARE GOING DOWN! BRACE YOURSELVES! I DON’T THINK IT HAS ANY AIRBAGS!”

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Chapter 111:

“SORRY GUYS…” Futaba grimaced, yanking the steering column in one last attempt to regain control of the craft and land it safely. The UFO rocketed deeper into the pit when the surface of the depths approached below. A wasteland of jagged rocks and rivers of boiling lava from what they could see through the windshield. “This is all my fault. Everyone’s dying because of me!”

“No, it’s not!” Ryuji crouched low, wrapping an arm around Futaba on the opposite side of Ren. They huddled close together, bracing for impact. “If I didn’t dunk Ann’s head in that cake, none of this shit would’ve ever happened! We’d all be hanging out in LeBlanc right now like old times.”

“Yeah, but I was the one that dared you, nitwit!”

“So what!” Ryuji scoffed.

“That means I began this snowball of unfortunate events, not you!”

“Not true! I did!”

“Can you guys please stop arguing!” Luna hissed at the bickering pair. This reminded her of the banter between Usagi and Rei. She should never have abandoned Sailor Moon to save this stupid key. It was a risk that didn’t pay off. How could Usagi stop this evil without her guidance? She had failed her duty. This key mesmerized her, clouding her better judgment.

“Whatever…” Futaba sighed in defeat. “At least you got to show Ann how you felt about her before you died. Looks like I’m taking my secret crush to the grave.”

“What the eff are you talking about? Some anime character? They aren’t real, you know.” Ryuji couldn’t believe his ears. Maybe he was going crazy in the last moments before he died. Who or what could Futaba be more interested in than her computer? He just had to know. “No, seriously, you gotta crush? For real? Tell me!”

“Yeah, and don’t worry, it’s not you, bozo! I’d rather take it to the grave than tell you!”

“C’MON who is it?”

“PERSONA!” Joker ripped off his mask before she could answer. The devilish persona landed in the abyss, digging his talons into the jagged surface. His arms spread open, ready to absorb the UFO’s impact. Arsene caught the craft like a wide receiver, sacrificing his body of rippling red muscle to slow the craft down from a fiery end in a lake of lava. The UFO bounced onto the surface, tossing the occupants within the cockpit. Joker’s persona used his body to protect those within the spaceship, bursting through boulders and stalactites until the craft slid to a stop.

Chapter Text

Chapter 112:

“GIVE UP….” Andrameta’s voice thundered. Sailor Moon tightened her grip on the Moon Stick, pouring all her energy into the collapsing portal, now a mere crack through the dome of the Metaverse. Grunts of oncoming shadows paralyzed her with fear. She fought for a losing effort. Soon, Andrameta’s web would soon seal the exit shut, trapping them all inside for good.

“MARS!” Sailor Moon’s guardian collapsed at her feet, covered in scars and blood from battle. The senshi had used her strength to scorch the campus in a circle of flame that devoured a legion of shadows and daimon, buying her valuable time that ticked away at an alarming rate. Monsters emerged through the dying fire, closing in on the lone warrior. She fell to her knees, trembling in fear at the sight of spirits and beasts ready to pounce upon her. The Moon Stick dimmed, plunging her into darkness, but she refused to give up, pouring all she had left into the silver crystal.

“THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE…” Andrameta dropped from the ceiling, lowering herself to block the Silver crystal’s beam. The Moon Stick’s light faded, dying against the spider queen’s massive torso. Red orbs glared down at the sailor senshi, who gaped in fright at her enormous presence stalking over the entire campus. Soon, not even the Metaverse could contain her sheer size. Webbing spat down at the fallen senshi in red, latching around her sailor suit like a whip. Andrameta dragged the prone woman towards her, eager to feast on the fallen guardian. “SURRENDER TO MY WILL OR YOUR FRIEND DIES. JOIN ME AND I’LL GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU DESIRE! DO NOT SUFFER ANY LONGER, MY CHILD! FOR I AM BENEVOLENT!”

Sailor Moon’s eyes welled with tears as she watched her friend get dragged into the clutches of the evil goddess. She almost dropped her wand in defeat, but then remembered Mars telling her never to give up. Her guardian woke up and kicked her legs, but didn’t have enough strength to break free on her own.

“MY ANSWER IS NO!” Sailor Moon rose to her feet in defiance. She gripped her Moon Stick with both hands, pouring everything she had left into the Silver Crystal to save her friend’s life. She thought of Mamoru and the rest of her guardians, refusing to believe in the demon’s empty promises. The light of the Silver crystal pushed the demon back, keeping the portal open just enough to squeeze someone through.

“THEN YOU DIE ONCE I CONSUME YOUR FRIEND!” Andrameta snapped her salivating jaw towards the wrapped sailor senshi. Her head was enormous enough to swallow the prone senshi whole. Sailor Moon held her ground, not wavering in her attack. She screamed at the top of her lungs, hoping against hope the power of her wand would push the spider back. The Moon Stick’s energy tore through the demon’s flesh, but slowed it down. Mars could only watch in horror as the spider lurked over her body, feeling its rancid breath against her face. Drool dripped from her gaping jaw, salivating over her meal, raining down like acid on the campus ground as it snapped toward her.

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Chapter 113:

“PERSONA!” A blue missile struck the goddess, deflecting her head just enough to miss. Makoto used the distraction to hoist the downed senshi on her motorcycle and get the hell away from the demon before she recovered. After seeing the Sailor Senshi in danger, Makoto screeched the cat-bus to a halt and jumped out before Ann could protest. She called forth Johanna and sped through the Metaverse to help her fellow pupil of Osaka University.

“AKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!” The strike caught the spider queen’s attention. Andrameta screeched in anger, swiping one of her telephone-poll sized limbs at the motorcycle zipping across the Metaverse. Makoto ducked her head and turned at the last moment, leaning so hard to the right that her leg scraped against the charred grass.

“I hope they make it…” Makoto muttered under her breath. She planned to distract the spider queen, peppering it with her nuclear attacks to give the rest a chance to escape. She revved the engine, staring defiantly into the red orbs of the massive demon. With Ren gone, she had nothing left to lose. She’d keep her promise to him and get Sailor Moon to safety, willing to risk it all. “Come and get me!”

“HEY!” Ann couldn’t believe that Makoto had leapt into the fray of shadows, only leaving her with the instructions of saving the girl with the blonde pigtails and escape the Metaverse through that crack in the dome. She jumped behind the wheel. Morgana’s engine purred to life as she stepped on the gas. This was the first time she had ever driven a car, and she didn’t have the time to learn. The cat bus bolted forward. She kept both hands on the steering wheel, struggling to keep the vehicle on an even trajectory towards their ally.

“WHOA!” Morgana groaned as the bus dumped into a pot-hole, almsot popping a tire. Having lady Ann behind the wheel for a change made him happy, but that excitement was short-lived. “WATCH IT!”

“SORRY!” Ann leaned forward, mowing down shadows that threw themselves onto the windshield. She stomped on the gas to keep them off the car, but the faster she drove, the more she lost control. “I CAN’T SEE ANYTHING!”

“THERE SHE IS!” Morgana shouted at the sight of Sailor Moon on the brink of exhaustion. She still held the Moon Stick, keeping the portal open. Shadows grabbed and pulled at her, tearing apart her sailor suit. She fended them off with her Moon Stick, erasing them from existence with the light of her wand, but her strength was waning. Morgana beeped his horn to catch her attention. She looked at the cat bus and took a step toward it, but fell to her knees, too weak to take another step forward.

“CARMEN!” Ann jumped out of the car, ripping off her mask to incinerate the foes surrounding this girl before they tore her to shreds. She lashed her whip amid a whirlwind of flame, snapping away at shadows and daimon until making it to the fallen senshi. “Usagi is that you? We gotta get out of here!”

“You… must… be Ann?” Sailor Moon smiled. This phantom thief was even prettier than Ryuji had described. She collapsed into Ann’s arms, unable to walk on her own.

“Hang on tight, Moon!” Morgana warned the senshi once they made it back to the bus. “Lady Ann can’t drive!”

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Chapter 114:

“GO! GO! GO!” Morgana’s headlights shined on the closing portal up ahead. All they had to do was drive past the spider queen to freedom before it shut. He wiggled the tail on the bus, eager for his inexperienced driver to get moving. “WE’RE NOT GONNA MAKE IT!”

“SORRY!” Ann fumbled with the keys and slammed her boot down on the gas pedal once the engine started back up. Tires screeched as the cat bus burst towards the portal, bouncing over the uneven terrain. They zoomed under the massive torso, pushing the bus to its limits at the sight of the closing portal. She swerved to the left and right, avoiding the shadows and pitfalls that she couldn’t see until the last moment.

Makoto darted around Andrameta. Flashes of blue lit up the Metaverse as she unleashed her persona on the goddess, determined to give her friends a chance to escape. Andrameta roared in anger, swiping her limbs to rid herself of the pesky phantom thief. Makoto caught up alongside the bus, using Andrameta’s massive size against her. The behemoth twisted its body, searching for the intruders before they could flee. Webbing spat at the Metaverse, sealing the portal shut with a wall of white strands. Only a glimmer of the outside world remained, shining through the patched up crack.

“MAKOTO!” Ann meant to stomp on the brakes, but her foot flattened the gas pedal to the floor once again. Morgana’s engine roared as the bus smashed towards the dome at breakneck speed. The two girls screamed at the top of their lungs, bracing for impact. Glass shattered as the bus disappeared through the barrier, tossing them back into the real world.

Andrameta shrieked in anger. Her body had grown too large, thus giving the intruders the advantage of sneaking right under her nose. Makoto weaved her bike around the goddess’s legs and revved her engine. She had two options. Go back and return for Ren or get the sailor senshi out of here. Makoto couldn’t find any sign of her boyfriend out there amongst the sea of shadows swarming the Metaverse. The UFO had vanished into the pit along with the terrifying daimon. She fought back tears as she glanced at the millions of enemies now flooding the destroyed campus grounds, knowing that Ren was still out there. More poured out of the castle, joining the army of shadows and daimon. Andrameta continued to swell by the second. Soon she’d burst through the ceiling. If she didn’t leave now, she might die too. The portal sealed shut. Sailor Mars tore through the webbing binding her limbs, used the remaining strength she had left to summon a bolt of flame from her fingertips, opening the window to the real world once again. With no other option, she sped towards the exit, whispering under her breath. “Ren… I’m so sorry…”

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Chapter 115:

“Usagi…” Rei forced herself to her feet, finding herself strewn on the forest outside the walls of Osaka University, launched back into the real world like a catapult. The sun shone in a cloudless sky with a brisk wind that shook more colorful leaves from their branches. She could hear the sounds of traffic coming from the street in the distance. A normal fall day. Nothing out of the ordinary. Even the University looked quiet. The crowds had died down, along with the security presence. Her sailor suit vanished, replaced with the outfit she wore prior to transforming. The wounds she had sustained, however, were all too real. Cuts and scrapes covered every inch of her body from the battle, including a bloody gash on her forehead. Pain coursed through her body with every step she took, but it didn’t matter. She had to find her best friend to make sure she survived. Rei scoured the woods, looking for any sign of life. “USAGI!”

Rei found her sobbing on the ground. Palms buried into her face, unable to control her emotions of all that had transpired in the Metaverse. Another girl with blonde hair knelt next to her, along with their talking feline, who now looked like a normal domestic cat instead of a cartoon character walking upright.

“Hurry! We have to get away from this school before Andrameta comes after us.” Rei scowled, reaching down for Usagi’s arm. She didn’t have the patience for this pity party. Usagi didn’t budge and turned into a deadweight, like cement. She face-planted a muddy puddle in protest, landing in a pile of yellow and red leaves. Rei didn’t have the patience to deal with a tantrum right now. “Quit acting like a baby! Get up!”

“Can’t we just have a moment?” the other blonde turned to face Rei, meeting her gaze. She wore a white dress and looked like a model, if not for the grass smears staining her outfit and dirt caked on her legs. “We are all struggling with what just happened in there. Three of my friends are still stuck in the Metaverse! Have you no heart?”

“I’m sorry, but she’s right, Ann.” Makoto approached. Her eyes fixated on the forest floor with grief. “We have to keep moving.”

“Where’s my cat?” Usagi jumped up like a bunny. Her lips quivered, fearing the worst. “Please tell me you saved Luna!”

“She didn’t make it out with us.” Makoto shook her head. “Along with Ren… Ryuji... and Futaba. They all disappeared into the void… and I… I couldn’t go after them… I promised Ren I’d get you guys out of here safe.”

“You just left them behind to die!” Ann couldn’t believe what she had just heard. She clutched the necklace that Ryuji had given her, holding it to her chest. He had admitted his feelings, but she never got to express how much he meant to her. Now she’d never have that opportunity. She couldn’t hold back the tears, full of regret and sadness. “I should never have gotten on that bus with you!”

“I’m sorry, but I had no choice.” Makoto couldn’t even make eye contact with her friend. She stared at the ground, fighting back tears as reality set in. Ren, Ryuji, Futaba, Luna… all most likely perished in the Metaverse. She had lost not only her boyfriend, but the very leader of the phantom thieves. How could they even hope to stop Andrameta without him?

“WHY!” Usagi trembled, clinging to Rei’s legs. “Tell me this isn’t happening! Please tell me everything will be okay!”

“Stop embarrassing yourself!” Rei nudged her away with her foot. They lost the battle, but the war wasn’t over just yet. “You aren’t fourteen anymore, Usagi! Grow up! We need to keep fighting!”

“BUT ANDRAMETA… SHE HAS EVERYONE…MINA… AMI… MAKO… and EVEN MY MAMO!”

“I lost Yuuichirou too!” Rei wanted to slap some sense into her friend. Hatred for her father and the spider demon overtook any feelings of grief, fueling her with anger. “Crying here won’t bring them back!”

“Cheer up Usagi.” Morgana rubbed up against her, nestling his chin against her. He had returned to his original form after exiting the Metaverse. Even though he hated acting like a cat, he knew it would bring comfort to Usagi. “I’m not giving up just yet. Ren wanted you to make it out of there because he believed you have the power to defeat that wicked spider goddess. Besides, I bet Joker and Skull survived. We will save them. And all your friends too!”

“I tried…” Usagi shook her head in defeat. She had poured everything into the Moon Stick. Not even the power of the Silver Crystal stopped Andrameta. They barely made it out of the Metaverse alive, and the spider demon would only grow stronger. “She’s too powerful… It’s no use… I can’t fight anymore.”

“Fine, just give up then!” Rei stormed away, marching back towards the street. Her father had ruined every aspect of her life by joining with this goddess. He kidnapped her boyfriend. Even committed a murder in cold blood. All to satisfy his desire for power. She vowed to make him pay. “Sit here forever and cry! I’m going to do something about it.”

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Chapter 116:

“Holy shit. Did we survive?” Ryuji coughed, trapped within the smoking cockpit. He stepped through the open windshield and slid down the saucer until his feet landed on solid ground. Rivers of lava flowed in every which direction, carving through solid rock to form tunnels in the cavernous abyss. Moans of agony escaped from ghostly forms, drifting along the streams. The sight of these tormented spirits made his skin crawl. Maybe he had died in the crash and went straight to hell after all. “What is this place?”

“This is where those who have perished from the MARC rest. Their souls trapped forever with no escape. Entombed here for all eternity while Andrameta controls their every action on earth like a puppet master. Anyone who takes the MARC becomes a part of the goddess’ mind. She takes control of your thoughts, your movements, your emotions. Everything until your humanity is gone.” Futaba climbed out of the wrecked craft. “Her web has stretched far from Japan at this point. Every soul she collects makes this place grow, along with her physical form. Think of this underworld as her central hub. The center of the web that connects everything together. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of Metaverses covering major cities all over the planet converge here. It’s only a matter of time before the goddess commands every man, woman and child in this vast network. When that happens, she will consume what’s left of the earth and move on to another planet. Daimon will feed off the remaining souls until they too grow strong enough to leave their nest at Osaka University.”

“I guess this nexus is like Mementos.” Ren caught up with his friends. The black cat cradled in his arms. “A giant prison for those who took the MARC. A collective metaverse of the masses.”

“So, what do we do now?” Ryuji slumped his shoulders in defeat. He glanced upward and could not even see the top of the depths. Everything enshrouded him in darkness except for the glowing rivers of lava. They couldn’t climb out of here. Traversing this landscape would prove difficult, too. He wondered if Ann made it out of the Metaverse and cursed himself for dragging her into this mess. And even if they both survived, how would she react when they saw each other again? She probably wanted to kill him after that pathetic confession, and the way he forced that awkward kiss on her. Maybe getting stuck down here wasn’t the worst thing in the world. “Just sit and wait for the apocalypse in this hellhole?”

“We have to turn this network against Andrameta.” Ren suggested after taking in his surroundings. Countless ghosts populated the fiery underworld, trapped in this purgatory. Prisoners to Andrameta and her plan to control humanity. “Change the hearts of as many souls that we can find. Wake them up and join our fight against this Spider Queen.”

“There’s too many!” Ryuji threw up his hands, eyeing the ghostly forms drifting around the purgatory with no will to resist their captor. The time for a revolutionary overthrow of Andrameta’s rule had passed. Too many submitted to the goddess, accepting the MARC. It angered him how easily society had changed. He wondered what was happening in the real world and if anyone up there still fought back. “That will take forever.”

“Hmm... Not if we target specific, important individuals.” Futaba considered. “Andrameta knows everything about the phantom thieves and the sailor senshi. She’s already captured them. Yusuke too! The spider queen is five steps ahead of us and is smarter than all of us times a billion. But perhaps this place will offer us a backdoor to their location in the real world and give us a chance to rescue them.”

“With their added abilities of her guardians, we might give Sailor Moon a chance against Andrameta.” Ren nodded. He had faith that Makoto got everyone out of the Metaverse. She would figure out a way to take Andrameta out, and he’d do everything in his power to assist them from here. “I think that’s our best course of action.”

“Usagi fights best when she has her friends and loved ones at her side,” Luna added. “I shouldn’t have abandoned her. I don’t know what got into me. This strange key hypnotized me!”

“Yeah, but how are we going to find them?” Ryuji gestured to the cavernous abyss. Rivers of lava stretching in all directions. Millions of ghosts wandered along the banks of the charred depths. “This place is huge!”

“Maybe this key will take us there.” The butterfly key shimmered from within Luna’s mouth and floated away. Luna pounced upon a rock, leaping from one to another to avoid falling into the lava. She called for the rest to follow her deeper into the abyss. The quicker they saved the others, the sooner she could rejoin Sailor Moon and finish this fight. “Let’s go!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 117:

Rei stepped out of the thick brush skirting the university and found her way back to the streets of Osaka. Everything appeared normal at first glance, but the longer she walked through the city, the more she noticed things were out of place. Cars drove along the road in single file, all at the same slow speed. Drivers didn’t cut each other off. No horns honked from all the traffic. Pedestrians walked across the intersection in unison, their eyes fixated on a single point forward with no humanity left in them. Spiders latched onto their wrists, stealing away their energy while they went about their daily routine.

She saw advertisements and billboards promoting the MARC. Its safety and accessibility plastered on every inch of space. Now, you could get the MARC anywhere with no wait time. Then her father flashed on a screen, snaring her attention to the tallest skyscraper in a sea of giant buildings. The leader’s visage brought everything to a standstill. Cars braked and pedestrians stopped walking to gaze upward and listen to his speech.

“Good Afternoon.” He announced that the artificial intelligence within the MARC’s network had gained the consensus of the people, declaring him the prime minister of Japan without contest. With this technology, even fair elections had become obsolete. Artificial Intelligence, or rather Andrameta, would decide everything that happened here on earth. Selected pawns like her father and Doctor Tsyuchia were the only ones who would benefit, while those who took the MARC fed the goddess and her offspring with their energy.

“As of today.” Prime Minister Hino announced. “I am issuing an executive mandate across all of Japan. After conversing with renowned scientists and experts, I’ve decided that the MARC is now mandatory to access all means of entertainment, sporting events, restaurants, public transportation and commerce. Shopping at supermarkets and convenient stores is now made easier thanks to this advanced technology. Artificial intelligence will monitor all transactions. For example, AI will help select the food you consume to ensure that it is in line with our environmental protective laws, reducing your carbon footprint while maximizing your nutritional intake to optimize your health. Cash payment is no longer necessary. The MARC will deduct payment from your accounts with a simple scan upon exiting the store. This is just one of many luxuries that you get once you accept the MARC and will eliminate illegal purchases to keep you and your loved ones safe from fraud and wrongdoing.”

“How could everyone believe these lies?” Rei looked around, finding that the entire populace had believed this propaganda and accepted the MARC. The world had changed since she had entered the Metaverse, adopting this technology into their lives at the behest of the government and the scientists who recommended it. She shuddered to think that the rest of the planet would soon follow, if it hadn’t already. Andrameta had transformed the world overnight with her false promises of safety and comfort. Everything her father embellished was an inversion of reality. The opposite of truth. He had created a totalitarian nightmare.

“HEY, WAIT UP!” Usagi wailed in the distance, sprinting along the sidewalk to catch up. She found Rei scowling at the visage of her father in his business suit on the screen, promoting the MARC to the public. Citizenry remained frozen in place, staring at their leader, heeding his every word. She dodged around them, hurrying to catch up without tripping over herself.

“The MARC will do wonders for public safety. If a citizen commits any crime, from a major felony to a minor traffic infraction, the MARC will record and report any wrong-doing. Penalties include deduction of monetary credits or even termination for serious infractions. This will put an end to the archaic and discriminatory prison system still in operation in major countries.”

“Termination?” Rei wondered aloud. A more polite way of saying execution. This world her father created sounded pleasant, but reality was quite the opposite, with no freedom of thought. Everything monitored, tracked, and traced by the goddess and her minions.

“Please encourage all of your friends and family who have not yet adopted the MARC to do so at their earliest convenience or it will prove difficult for them to engage in this greater society we strive to create. We are now offering benefits for every referral. The world is entering a new age of enlightenment and prosperity, but we need your cooperation. We are all in this together. Bringing humanity forth, guided by advanced artificial intelligence. I strive to unite the world under one banner, bringing an end to all wars, disease, famine, and human suffering. All is possible with the MARC and my leadership. Together we shall create a New World Order, and usher in an era of peace and harmony for humanity.”

“Who’s this jerk?” Ann gestured at the slimy politician. She couldn’t believe how the populace had become so entranced by this man. They bowed their heads in unison at his every word, as if belonging to a singular entity.

“Any dissident spreading misinformation about the MARC and its capabilities will receive a harsh punishment,” the politician warned. “Those who refuse to comply with my directives will soon face elimination.”

“My father.” Rei lowered her eyes in shame. His lofty aspirations had gotten way out of control. He had sold his soul to Andrameta with the hopes of not just ruling over Japan, but the entire world.

“We will change his heart and bring him to justice for his crimes.” Makoto put a hand on her shoulder. She tried to remain confident, but seeing how Osaka had already transformed into a dystopia made doubt creep in. The mantle of the phantom thieves now fell on her shoulders. How could she lead them out of this in Ren’s absence? Ren always had a plan in these situations, but she didn’t know what to do. It felt hopeless.

“It might be too late for that.” Rei gestured at the brainwashed populace. They had to put a stop to this, but how? Her father had grown so powerful and had the goddess pulling his strings. An interdimensional entity that grew stronger with every soul sapped from the MARC numbering in the billions at this point.

“Snap out of it! He’s lying!” Usagi shook a highschool student staring at the screen. Why couldn’t everyone realize what was happening around them? A robotic army of clones had replaced the life of this vibrant city, stealing away its personality along with the very humanity of those who inhabited it. Watching this unfold brought tears to her eyes. Reality set in, overwhelming her with emotion. She had lost her guardians and even her boyfriend to this goddess. Nothing would ever return to normal. They stood no hope against Andrameta now that the world had submitted to her will.

“WAKE UP!” Usagi noticed the spider latched onto the girl’s wrist. A small yet intricate mechanical device that emitted a red glow as it activated, alerting the others nearby. Its legs twitched, almost like a living creature, digging deeper into her flesh. In an instant, all eyes in the vicinity snapped towards her. Usagi’s heard pounded in her chest, as she backpedalled with a sense of urgency to escape. Without a second thought, she sprinted down the boulevard screaming at the top of her lungs, as every man, woman and a child bearing the MARC hunted her.

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Chapter 118:

“USAGI!” Rei chased after her foolish friend as the entire populace converged on them. Usagi’s outburst garnished Andrameta’s attention, exposing their position right after escaping the Metaverse. The demon activated her pawns. Mindless citizenry dropped their belongings and jumped out of cars, all to capture those who didn’t have the MARC. Rei weaved through the chaotic crowd, hoping to make it to Usagi’s side before she ended up in the hands of an enemy. She cursed at Usagi’s inability to contain her emotions. It would lead them to ruin!

“ACCEPT THE MARC.” Monotone voices shouted in unison, demanding compliance. The horde grew louder and more menacing as their numbers increased. Their faces grim with hostility towards those who didn’t possess the MARC, labelling them as outcasts and enemies of the state.

“YAH!” Usagi slipped out of the grasp of a businessman and darted across the street. With the entire city coming after them, she had nowhere to run, nor the time to transform back into Sailor Moon. Besides, how could she fight against these poor people? They were all innocent, brainwashed by Andrameta into taking that creepy spider. No, she wouldn’t harm any of them.

“Come this way!” Makoto Nijimma’s heart raced at the sight of the alarmed citizenry. This wasn’t the Metaverse. She couldn’t summon Johanna and fight here in the real world. The only other option was flight. But where could they run away to? She scoured her surroundings and saw more and more brainwashed people pouring out of cars, restaurants, subway stations, even the towering office buildings. All except for one structure that stood out amongst the rest. An impressive cathedral built of brick with stained glass windows and a spire that stretched up high.

She sprinted up the steps and tugged on the handle of a heavy wooden door. It didn’t even budge. Ann started banging on the door, glancing behind her to see a massive horde marching towards the church. Even Morgana scratched his paws against the door.

“HELP US!” Usagi jumped in alongside the cat, pounding on the wood with her fists until they turned red. “PLEASE LET US IN!”

“Stand back.” Rei faced the crowd, preparing to transform into Sailor Mars. She would incinerate the populace if it meant protecting her princess from harm. Even if Usagi hated her for it. Luckily, it didn’t come to that. The wooden door cracked open, giving them a chance to slip inside. A priest barred it shut once they hurried inside.

Chapter Text

Chapter 119:

A terrified crowd filled up the wooden benches stretching from the entrance to the altar. Children cried with their mothers. Men paced back and forth, glued to their phones, looking for any update from the outside world. Some had turned to prayer, while others argued, pushing and shoving, shouting obscenities. A priest tried to calm them down before it turned violent. This was a diverse bunch of strangers huddled together, with one thing in common. None of them had accepted the MARC. Stragglers that had refused to go along with Andrameta’s vision of the future, hidden away in fear. This church had provided them all a place of refuge, but even the holy leaders could not quell the heightened sense of anxiety permeating the sanctuary.

Usagi peeked through the stained glass window and noticed that the brainwashed populace had given up on pursuing them for the time being. The MARC had stopped blinking on their wrists, allowing them to return to their tasks as if nothing happened. She walked over to the pew where the rest of her friends sat in awkward silence. Ann sat with Morgana on her lap, still crying over the loss of her friends. She clutched a gold necklace in her hand and kept her distance from Makoto, ignoring any attempt by her to talk. Ryuji must’ve summoned the courage to give her the gift and reveal his true feelings to Ann after she had pestered him about it on their trip to Osaka. It warmed her heart to see how much they cared for one another. But unfortunately, their love ended in heartbreak, extinguished before the flame of love could grow. Ryuji had perished in the Metaverse, along with Ren.

“Are we safe here?” An anxious Usagi paced back and worth, unable to settle down in the church.

“Not for much longer.” Rei answered. “This is a holy place under divine protection, but I assume that will not last much longer. Andrameta will overwhelm every shrine, temple and church until everyone submits to her will or perishes. We are on borrowed time.”

“WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?” Usagi’s eyes watered, unable to cope.

“It’s the end of the world.” As a Shinto priestess, Rei studied the world’s major religions and always found biblical prophecy quite fascinating. Although she herself was not a Christian, she couldn’t help but admit the parallels to scripture detailing the mark of the beast and the rise of the anti-christ. A man worshipped as a god, proclaiming himself as the savior the of the entire world while bringing its ruination. A time of great suffering and persecution to those who did not comply with his orders. Her very own father now represented that evil man described in passages centuries ago. The harbinger of the apocalypse. “There’s nothing we can do to stop it now.”

“Ann, can we talk?” Makoto couldn’t take listening to the sailor senshi’s prophecy of doom and gloom. They couldn’t give up now, even in the face of defeat after losing their friends. Makoto summoned the courage to approach her friend and clear the air between them. She needed Ann back on her side for the battle to come.

“I have nothing to say to you.” Ann stroked Morgana’s fur and avoided her gaze, fighting back tears. “Leave me alone.”

“I’m so sorry.” Makoto muttered under her breath. She walked away and scrolled through her phone, looking for anyone who could help. The first one called was her sister, the famous prosecutor, Sae Nijimma.

“Sis?” Makoto expected the phone to go to voicemail. Her sister rarely answered her calls, especially during the daytime. The hectic life of a prosecutor didn’t afford her much time to talk to her only living relative. Sae often gave her the blunt truth, providing her pragmatic advice based on the facts and what she thought was best, even if she might disagree. She spoke against her relationship with Ren after finding out about it, but Makoto always valued her advice. Maybe she’d know what to do.”

“Why haven’t you received the MARC yet?” Sae’s stern voice shouted into her ear. “I don’t see you in my network of contacts.”

“Sis, take that spider off your arm now! It’s not safe! The government is using it to…”

“Don’t you dare spew that conspiracy nonsense to me!” Sae snapped. “Get in line with society and take the MARC. You need it if you want to go anywhere in this world.”

“Please, just hear me out…”

“I thought you were more intelligent than this Makoto, but once again, you have shown poor judgment.” Sae cut her off before her meek sibling could continue. “Just like when you dated that trickster who lied and manipulated you, talking to scores of women behind your back. Do you think father would have thrown away his future? You are a disgrace to his legacy and a blemish on our family name!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 120:

Every insult hurled by her sister stung like a knife through the heart. She always valued her sister’s opinion, but too often she put her passion in front of principle. Sae would do anything to further her career, so it didn’t surprise her when she found out her sister had taken the MARC. That did not mean her words hurt any less, especially at the mention of Ren and her father. Her sister was another victim of the MARC and its false promises.

“Zenkichi?” Makoto moved onto her next contact.

“What’s up, Nijimma? How’s Osaka treating you?” the newest member of the phantom thieves answered. He spoke with Makoto often, providing the prospective police officer with his first-hand experience in a career in law enforcement. She considered him a mentor of sorts, even though he’d never regard himself as one. Zenkichi wasn’t a model officer over the years, but he wanted to help her avoid the costly mistakes and poor choices he made. Not that she ever would. Makoto was brilliant and mature beyond her years. He tried convincing her to go down another career path. Maybe a prosecutor like her sister. But Makoto was determined to follow in her father’s footsteps and honor his legacy. He couldn’t help but respect that.

“I’m fine. Please tell me you haven’t taken this MARC.” Zenkichi worked as a police officer stationed in Kyoto. Perhaps he would know more about what’s happening on the inside. He’d have more resources to fight against the MARC. If one thing in this depressing church made her optimistic was the fact that not everyone had submitted to the MARC just yet. She hoped the police would stand up against this tyranny instead of following orders.

“No, I haven’t. Not yet, at least. Something felt suspicious from the beginning. My gut told me not to take it. But the department issued a mandate that all officers must have the MARC if they want to continue working. I spoke out against it, but got scrutinized by my colleagues. It’s a losing battle. The union caved to the mandate, and once that happened, everyone fell in line. Nobody wanted to risk getting transferred to a terrible assignment or having their tour changed. Selfish bunch of jerks instead of banding together and stopping this in its track. I get where they are coming from, though. I’m a single dad. How am I supposed to support my daughter if I lose my job? I need to put bread on the table somehow.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that. Please don’t give in to them. The phantom thieves will fight back. That’s why I’m calling. We need your help!”

“I wish I could do something, but I’m pulling my daughter out of school and taking her home. I heard on the news that they are going to every school, giving the MARC to children of all ages. Even newborns in the hospital! Can you believe this? I’m getting her the hell out of there!”

“I understand.” Makoto couldn’t blame him. Protecting his daughter in the face of this evil was his top priority. The news about how easily the police department had submitted to the MARC troubled her. That meant Mr. Hino and Andrameta could enforce their orders with no repercussions. With all officers mandated to accept the MARC, the goddess had an army of disposable officers to hunt and track her enemies down. Keep her safe.

“Don’t worry, I got faith in the phantom thieves!” Zenkichi heard the despair in her voice and tried to lift her spirits. “You and your boyfriend, Ren, will take care of this.”

“I hope so…” the mention of Ren made her choke up. She wished she could share Zenkichi’s optimism, but had very few options left. “Take care…”

Chapter Text

Chapter 121:

“Haru Okumura. This board has voted to remove you from your title of the Chief Executive Officer of Okumura foods.”

“On what grounds?” Haru defied the businessmen and women sitting around her round table in her weekly staff meeting. This pool of sharks tried to sabotage her from the day she took over for her father’s company. Her inexperience, youth and unorthodox business practices did not sit well with these greedy adults who only cared about the bottom dollar. “I am the majority shareholder of this company and inherited all of my father’s assets when he passed away. You can’t remove me from my position without just cause.”

“Ms. Okamura, the authorities are going to charge you with multiple crimes. You’ve violated Prime Minister Hino’s directive that all workers in the food and restaurant industry must have the MARC. The government has fined the company a substantial amount for refusing to comply with his edict. If we delay any further and the corporation will go bankrupt. Besides, this technology is going to advance our industry. With the help of artificial intelligence, we can move on from expensive beef products to more scientifically designed protein sources such as bugs and plants. This will cut costs and increase profit, especially when we eliminate rudimentary jobs, such as cashiers, and replace them with MARC scanners.”

“Let them sue and toss me in jail! I’ll never betray the company’s principles of quality products and a just working environment. When I took over this company, I promised everyone that Okumura foods would work for the betterment of its employees, not take advantage of them.” Haru rose from her chair in her pink sweater and white tights, staring down the businessmen with authority. “I won’t sell my customers disgusting bug burgers, nor shall I fire any of my entry-level employees! The government has no right to dictate how I run this company! I won’t force anyone who works here to take that MARC if they don’t want it! It’s a personal decision they must make on their own free will, and I will not hold a gun to their head!”

“Foolish girl. Everyone seated at this table has the MARC, except for you!” the businessman rose from the table to defy the young CEO. He displayed the spider latched onto his wrist. “It’s time you join us. The MARC will grant you the skills you lack to run this company. Mega corporations at the forefront of this technology will reap all the rewards. Fall behind and get crushed by the system or make millions with us. What do yo say?”

“No, thanks!” Haru smiled until she noticed that the spider on his arm blinked. The rest of the council also stood, rising from their seats in unison to surround her. Their humanity escaped them. Eyes stared straight ahead, void of any emotion. She had noticed that the behavior of those who had taken the MARC had changed, increasing her suspicions about this product.

She left the council meeting only to find secretaries and other staff members leave their cubicles as if dragged from them by an unseen force. Haru hurried over to the elevator before they could catch her. She scanned her personal keycard, which granted the CEO access to two floors reserved only for her. The penthouse and the roof. It was only a matter of time though before the crazed staff reached her. They trapped Haru in her own office building with nowhere to run or hide.

“Mako?” Haru heard her phone buzzing atop a desk in her suite after she got off the elevator. She noticed several missed calls, including a voicemail from Makoto. Work kept her so busy that she had forgotten about Usagi and the rest of her friend’s trip to visit her at Osaka University. The very place where all this craziness had originated now that she thought about it. She hoped everyone was okay, but the message confirmed her worst fears. Makoto relayed her unfortunate news in a calm and concise manner, but Haru knew her well enough to notice the uncertainty in her voice, especially when she mentioned that Ren, Ryuji and Futaba didn’t make it out of the Metaverse alive.

A demon named Andrameta had created this MARC, using public figures like politicians and scientists to promote it while she leeched their energy and grew even stronger. Manipulating the public with promises of a greater future while she enslaved everyone who took it. In a brief span, this goddess had tricked most of the population into accepting the technology.

Makoto explained how they made it out of the Universe, but now took refuge in a Church just outside of the campus grounds. They couldn’t take public transportation or even walk the streets without getting harassed by Andrameta’s minions, who had accepted the MARC. The public had once again turned on the phantom thieves and all those who stood against this tyranny. The prime minister issued a reward to anyone who captured them, or anyone else who spoke out against the MARC.

“Don’t worry, I’m coming to get you guys out of there! :-) “ Haru added the smiley face to the end of her text message and hit send just as she heard pounding on the door to her penthouse. The staff had found her, turning the locked handle.

“YOU MUST TAKE THE MARC IF YOU WANT TO LEAD THIS COMPANY!”

Haru rushed over to the elevator in her penthouse, lighting up the up arrow with the touch of a finger. She kept pressing it as the pounding grew louder. A thunderous kick knocked the door from its hinges. Staff piled in, their blank eyes fixated on their young CEO. Haru scrambled inside after a ding signalled and closed the doors just before they could grab her. She stepped out onto the roof and fought against a brisk wind to her one and only escape route.

Chapter Text

Chapter 122:

Makoto returned to the pew after spending over an hour trying to find anyone in her contacts list who could help them get out of this mess. Zenkichi had his own problems to deal with. Sae had already fallen victim to the MARC and its false promises. But what concerned her the most was that Yusuke and Haru had not answered her after several calls. She left both missing phantom thieves messages hoping they’d respond, but feared the worst. Andrameta might have gotten to them.

She looked around the room and saw the despair and fear in those hiding inside the church. The arguing had calmed, replaced by an eerie silence as the setting sun shined through the stained glass windows. Rei with her arms folded in anger, as if waiting for their imminent demise while the two blondes sulked. Morgana jumped from one lap to another, trying his best to cheer the girls up.

The door to the church swung open, startling the refugees. All eyes turned as officers rushed inside, clad in black uniforms with helmets and bulletproof vests. They hurried into a tactical formation, lining up to block any path of escape.

“This is a holy place!” A brazen priest waked down the center aisle to stop them. “You have no right to disrupt my congregation!”

“Prime Minister Hino voided all religious protections against taking the MARC.” the lead sergeant confronted the priest. “Organized religion has resulted in centuries of war. Millions of dead. An outdated relic of the ancient past. The MARC and its source are the new gods of this world. Accept the MARC and you will experience the truth to your salvation.”

“I cast you from this place of worship.” The priest defied the officer, eyeing the spider on his arm with disgust. “You are not welcome here. Be gone!”

Officers started grabbing the refugees one by one. Panic set in, turning to a quiet cathedral into an uproar. Some fought against the oncoming security forces with punches and kicks while others fled, only to get taken down by the police equipped with batons and riot shields. Andrameta now had complete control over law enforcement and would use them to enforce Hino’s mandate across the entire county. They slapped cuffs on the refugees and hauled them out of the church, loading them onto a prisoner van where they would accept the MARC or get taken away to jail.

Chapter Text

Chapter 123:

“USAGI!” Rei screamed. She sighed in relief after spotting her hiding under a bench while the police rounded up dissidents. Nothing would have pleased her more than to transform and unleash fire and fury upon these corrupted police, but Makoto grabbed her hand before she could do so.

“This way!” Makoto pointed to the head priest ushering refugees into a secret passageway behind the altar. Fighting here would prove useless with these numbers. They had to escape. Ann scooped Morgana into her arms and hurried after them.

“These stairs lead to the belltower!” The priest shut the door and guided the group through a secret passageway with a candle. He brought them to a spiral staircase that winded up around the brick spire for an eternity. “You girls will remain safe there.”

“It’s worse than I thought.” Makoto stared out of the bell-tower and observed more police vehicles patrolling the streets, swarming into buildings and arresting those who did not have the MARC. It looked like a military invasion. An army of police going building to building to round up the few who stood up to this tyranny. Those who didn’t receive the MARC would have it forced upon them at the risk of losing their very freedom. It wasn’t just the church, but every office building, store and apartment complex. Based on the size of this operation, Andrameta might have the entire world under her control by the end of the night.

“I’m not running away anymore!” Rei stepped out of the bell-tower and onto the roof, appalled by the sight of the ongoing apocalypse. She raised her hand to the air. “MARS POWER MAKE UP!

“You are going to get us all caught!” Ann chased after her with Morgana in tow, stepping onto the roof. The sailor senshi emerged from her transformation, ready for battle. Eager to fight through legions of Andrameta’s minions. But this wasn’t the Metaverse. She didn’t have any abilities here in the real world to help. They should’ve stayed hidden.

“Guys!” Makoto followed them onto the roof.

“Wait!” The last thing Usagi wanted to do was go on that roof but she wouldn’t leave her friends behind.

“YOU’VE FALLEN RIGHT INTO MY TRAP, SAILOR SENSHI… PHANTOM THIEVES…” the priest emerged from the belltower. His holy garments vanished, replaced with purple skin and a muscular physique. Horns sprouted from his head as his torso morphed into that of a beetle, with a hard, black shell protecting his exterior. The plan worked perfectly. Collect poor fools in this church who failed to follow mother’s vision. More souls to feed on. How proud he’d make her once he claimed these girls and their stupid cat. Police surrounded the building. Officers scaled up the brick, while others poured through the main entrance.

“FIRE SOUL!” Mars pointed her fingers and unleashed a streaming bolt of flame upon the daimon. The creature tightened his body into his shell, shielding himself from the flames with his protective exterior. The fire bounced off the armor. She braced herself as the daimon scampered toward her with its horns pointed at her gut. Facing certain death, she would not neglect her sworn duty. She could hold this daimon off and buy the phantom thieves time. “Get Usagi out of here!”

“No!” Makoto sprinted forward and thrust her shoulder into the demon to knock him off course just before he would impale the senshi. Leaving Ren to die had stung. She couldn’t live with herself after making that mistake. Soon she’d see him again. The daimon turned towards her and let out a piercing hiss. Makoto could smell its rancid breath. She readied her fists into a fighting position as it lowered its head and thrust forward.

“Look out!” Ann jumped onto the creature’s back and covered his eyes. It thrashed its torso like a raging bull until tossing her off its exterior. She crashed to the roof with a thud. Morgana padded over to her and stood guard over her, even in his domestic cat form.

“MOON POWER MAKE UP!” Watching her friends sacrifice themselves to protect her inspired her to fight back. After wallowing in tears for an eternity in the church, crying for Mamoru, Ren and those she had lost, she had neglected those she still had. She wasn’t alone. Not yet. The world might end tonight, but she couldn’t hide forever. Mars was right. They had to fight to the end, even in defeat. She approached the daimon with her Moon Stick held before her. “HOW DARE YOU CORRUPT THIS PLACE OF WORSHIP AND TRICK THOSE WHO TRUSTED IN YOUR SPIRTITUAL GUIDANCE! IN THE NAME OF THE MOON, I SHALL PUNISH YOU!”

The daimon charged at her, but Sailor Moon didn’t back down or run away. Instead, she ran towards the daimon and swung her Moon Stick. A blinding light illuminated the night sky as horn and wand clashed. The daimon screeched in agony, overwhelmed by the holy light emanating from the silver crystal. The shell shriveled up, and the torso disintegrated into a husk. A puff of smoke was all that remained.

Sailor Moon collapsed to her knees, exhausted from the attack. She had defeated the daimon, but the victory was short-lived. Officers had swarmed onto the roof, surrounding the four girls and their cat. She dropped her Moon Stick as tears formed at her eyes. How could she fight against such a great army? And to make matters worse, these police officers were innocent. Victims of Andrameta manipulated into taking the MARC at the threat of their livelihoods.

“I’m with you…” Mars put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. The army of police encircled them, closing in with weapons drawn. They’d have to pry Usagi away from her dead fingers before she gave up. “Don’t give up.”

“Me too.” Makoto knelt beside the sailor senshi. “No matter what happens.”

“Don’t forget us!” Morgana chimed in alongside Ann. “We believe in you, Moon.”

“Thanks guys…” She smiled at their support, but it felt hopeless. The entire world had fallen into a nightmare dystopia. Evil had run rampant and conquered the world, manipulating the desires of the masses. Andrameta must have grown to the size of a skyscraper at this point. She picked up her Moon stick and rose to her feet to face the oncoming army. “I’ll keep fighting…”

A helicopter buzzed overhead. Usagi glanced upward as the operator opened the door and dropped a rope ladder to the church roof. She couldn’t believe her eyes after spotting the cheerful smile of the girl with a poofy head of hair hanging halfway out of the helicopter.

“HARU IS THAT YOU?” Usagi couldn’t believe it. “YOU CAN FLY?”

“How are you Usagi? Good to see you safe. We can catch up later!” Haru waved towards the girls on the roof. “I suggest you get in now!”

Chapter Text

Act VI: Revelations

Chapter 124:

“I see you got my message.” Makoto jumped in the seat next to Haru as she elevated the helicopter away from the church. Guns shots popped, firing at the fleeing helicopter. Bullets battered into the frame, ricochetting off the metal. Haru yanked on the steering column, veering the helicopter out of the way as it rose higher into the sky, taking them away from Osaka.

“You can always count on the beauty thief to save the day!” Morgana joked.

“Beauty thief?” Usagi wondered. “Wait, does that mean you are a phantom thief too, Haru?

“I didn’t know you had helicopter’s license.” Ann said. “When did this happen?”

“Oh, I don’t have one.” Haru smiled. “Not yet, at least.”

“Well, I hope you have a permit or something.” Makoto strapped herself in with a seatbelt after that remark. They were in for a rough ride if Haru’s flying ability was anything like her driving skills.

“Of course, don’t worry! I have plenty of hours of training under my belt!”

“That’s reassuring.” Makoto exhaled a sigh of relief.

“Yeah, you’d never guess how advanced these flight simulators are these days! Futaba got me hooked on those video games!”

“That’s NOT reassuring!” Ann buried her head in her palms, refusing to look out the window as the helicopter spun away from the building. Morgana jumped on her lap, digging his claws deep into the seat cushion.

“Don’t worry about a thing!” Haru scanned the panel and pushed a couple of buttons at random to make it look like she knew what she was doing. “You are in excellent hands.”

“HARU, THIS IS SO COOL!” Usagi wanted to hug her friend. She didn’t know her sweet mentor could fly. “WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME YOU HAD A HELICOPTER? ARE YOU A PHANTOM THIEF TOO? WHAT OTHER SECRETS ARE YOU HIDING FROM ME?’

“I could ask the same of you, Usagi.” Haru smirked, eying her sailor suit. “I like your outfit, by the way. Saw what you did to that monster. Much more impressive than flying this death trap, if you ask me!”

“What are we going to do now?” Mars had enough of the chitchat they needed to get down to business. and form a plan of attack. “You phantom thieves change hearts, right? Maybe we can get my father to end this reign of terror.”

“I like that idea. He’s Andrameta’s the chosen leader.” Morgana chimed in. “Cut the head off the snake. Topple the first domino and the rest will follow! We change his heart and get him on our side, then he will expose this evil for what it is and reveal the truth!”

“We have to send a calling card, unmasking his crimes.” Makoto continued. “And I think you are the best one to write it, Rei.”

“Calling card?”

“Desires have no physical form by nature.” Morgana explained. “Hence, we’ll first need to make the real person aware that their desires are, in fact, a Treasure. Once they’re conscious that their desires might be stolen, the Treasure shows itself. We warn them. Tell them we are going to steal their heart. Once we do that, the Treasure will appear!"

“What Treasure?” Usagi asked.

“It could be anything! From gold and silver to a cherished heirloom. Whatever their heart’s deepest personal desire is. Once we find it, we can lure Mr. Hino out and confront him! Think of sending the calling card as a declaration of war! There’s only one problem…”

“Which is?”

“We don’t know where Mr. Hino’s Metaverse is located.” Morgana admitted. “He could hide anywhere in the country.”

“I know where it is.” Despite their poor relationship, she knew her father well enough to know what he desired, even more than his lust for power. A hiding place that no one in the world would dare look except for her. She had one clue. The dream prior to returning to Osaka University. She remembered seeing the Hikawa shrine, destroyed. Collapsed and burned to the ground. Her father waited for her there. “Haru, please take us to the Hikawa shrine.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 125:

“So, who is this secret crush of yours?” Ryuji hopped from one boulder to the next, testing their durability before turning to help his companion across. Makeshift platforms of misshapen rock floating downstream provided their only means of passage along a river of lava as the phantom thieves chased after the butterfly key. The flickering light guiding their path through the abyss, populated by the lost souls of those captured by Andrameta. Ghostly spirits trapped in this purgatory plane sent a shiver down his spine as he watched them drift away into the endless channel. Talking left him with the only distraction from the horrific surroundings that shook him to the core. “C’mon, you gotta tell me!”

“Just drop it already, Skull!” Ren and that black cat took the lead while she lumbered along at a slower pace, with Ryuji at her side. One simple misstep would send them both falling into the steaming hell pit of liquid hot magma. They had to take extra precaution, but Ryuji couldn’t help but pester her with more questions. The annoying banter made her wonder if maybe falling into the pit wasn’t such a terrible fate after all. Death would come swift and painless as she melted away from existence in microseconds. Then she wouldn’t have to deal with Ryuji nagging her anymore.

“Let me guess, then.” Ryuji leapt onto a platform that wobbled under his legs, sinking into the river from his weight. He extended his hand to Futaba after catching his balance with a grin stretching across his face. “It’s gotta be Ren, am I right? It’s okay, I won’t tell him. I swear it.”

“Nope.” Futaba kept her eyes on the uneven platform as she stepped onto the next rock. “Wouldn’t I have sabotaged his investigation if that were the case? I did everything I could to get Makoto to take him back!”

“For real?” Ryuji thought for sure he had it on the first guess, but she had a point with that defense. If it wasn’t the leader of the phantom thieves, then who could it be? He started running off a list of names of his top suspects. “Mishima? Of course! He’s an even bigger nerd than you! I know he’s kinda shy, but I can hook you guys up if we make it back out of here alive. That dude could definitely use a girlfriend.”

“No, thanks. I’m good.” she dismissed the notion with a wave of her hand.

“Goro Akechi?”

“That pancake craving deranged psychopath?” she scoffed. “Not a chance!”

“What’s his name… Shinya? Oh yeah! That kid Ren plays video games with at the arcade?”

“What? Way too young!” she shook her head.

“Zenkichi then?”

“Gramps? He’s too old! And he’s got a kid!” Futaba knew Ryuji was dumb, but even this level of stupidity surprised her. “Is that all you can come up with?”

“Sojiro?” He was running out of guesses and just threw the boss’s name out there.

“Eww gross! he’s practically my dad! You still can’t figure it out? FOR REAL?” She threw that last one in there with a heightened hint of sarcasm. “Do I have to spell it out for you? Are you really that stupid?”

“Don’t tell me…Wait I got it…I know who it is!” Ryuji gasped, freezing in place. He noticed that Futaba’s face had turned red with embarrassment. He knew he’d guess right, eventually. “It’s Ann, isn’t it? I mean, it’s cool if it’s her. Trust me, I get it! But I called dibs on her already!”

“Wrong again, loser!” Futaba rolled her eyes and hurried on ahead to catch up to Ren before she lost sight of him. She couldn’t take much more of this game.

“Wait, I think I’m getting warm!” he chased after her.

“Haru?”

“Negative!”

“Makoto?”

“Spoiler alert! It’s not a girl, sherlock! There! I cut your options in half and I bet you are still too dumb to guess correctly!”

“Hold on…” There was one name he had forgotten to mention. His voice turned serious for a moment. He paused before jumping to the next platform. Now it made sense. There was one person who got her to come out of solitary confinement after all the others had failed. “Please don’t tell me… wait a minute. Do you have a thing for… Yusuke? No way! It can’t be him…”

“Silence!” Futaba broke free of his grip and leaped across the next rock on her own. She pressed her hands to her ears to block out his incessant laughter that followed his guess. “This conversation is over!”

“Seriously? For real?” Ryuji couldn’t contain himself. “It figures. The two weirdest people I know! How’d it take me so long to figure out?”

“Because you are an ignoramus, jerk-wad! Imbecile! Dunce! Nitwit!” She wanted to strangle him. Now everyone would find out. He had such a big mouth there’s no way he’d keep this a secret. “Now shut your trap and drop it! Mention this to anybody and I’ll show Ann your internet search history!”

“C’mon lighten up Futaba, I’m just messing with you.” Ryuji stopped laughing after noticing that it made her upset. He grabbed her hand and tugged her across a bridge to the next platform. “Whether it was Ann, Yusuke or whoever you liked, I’m cool with it. I promise I won’t say anything to nobody.”

“So tell me… do you think… he likes me back?”

“Dude, how the hell should I know?”

“Because you are a guy! Duh!” She threw up her hands. “Teenage boys perve out and talk about girls all the time! Don’t deny it! I saw you drooling over Ann at the beach… It’s so obvious that you liked her to everyone but Ann, apparently! but Yusuke… he doesn’t even look at me. He’s more interested in chasing after the lobsters.”

“Yusuke is a tough egg to crack. I got no clue what’s going through that kid’s mind. His head is always in the clouds, thinking of his next art project or contemplating the mysteries of the universe. I dunno. Why don’t you just ask him?”

“Says the guy who crushed on Ann for years?” she scoffed. “You think it’s that easy to come clean? Especially for a socially awkward introvert like me? Besides, there’s no way he likes me. I’ve calculated the probability!”

“I know how you feel. It sucks. ” he paused again. “Take my advice. Don’t make the same mistakes I made. I wish I had told Ann how I felt about her a long time ago instead of hiding it like a coward. Now who knows if I’ll ever get to see her again.”

“Fine. I’ll bite the bullet and tell him if we make it out of here…Regardless of how he feels about me… I owe him an explanation for ditching him on his mountain retreat.” she smirked. “Besides, you are right about one thing. I don’t want to end up like you, Ryuji.”

“Hey, that’s not nice!” Ryuji threw up his arms. “And what happened on that trip of yours, anyway? How the hell did you end up getting caught by Andrameta?”

“Well…”

“Over here!” Joker called for his friends to join him on a rocky outgrowth in the middle of the river. The butterfly key floated before a void in the tunnel, thrashing up and down to alert the phantom thieves. A swirling energy spiraled within a black-hole that disappeared into another realm.

“I think it wants us to go in there.” Luna pawed at the key, leaping off Ren’s shoulder to catch it in her mouth. She eyed the vortex before glancing back up at the phantom thief for further direction.

“This is what we are looking for.” Futaba commented after climbing up the rocks. “A wormhole that, in theory, should transport us to another Metaverse connected to Andrameta’s web. Or It could eradicate every atom that compromises our body into a violent implosion.”

“Yo Ren, you will never believe this!” Ryuji couldn’t contain his smile, or his mouth, even though he was out of breath from climbing up the ledge. “Guess who Futaba likes? I got her to spill the beans!”

“Hey! You promised not to say anything!” Futaba shoved him before he uttered another word. Ryuji stumbled backwards into Ren, knocking him and the cat into the void.

“Oh, shit!” Ryuji went to grab Ren, but he had disappeared into the blackness along with the cat. He reached his arms into the void and found himself snagged by a gravitational force that yanked him inside, too. Ryuji glanced back at Futaba, a look of terror on his face as the vortex swallowed him whole.

“I hope this works!” Futaba jumped in after them. “Geronimo!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 126:

“SURPEME THUNDER!” Lightning flashed throughout the distorted grounds surrounding the once serene ryokan. Sailor Jupiter shouted her attack, targeting the corrupted phantom thief, but none of her dazzling strikes met their mark. It was a rare opportunity to counter the relentless assault of the phantom thief, leaving her on the defensive for most of their skirmish.

Yusuke Kitagawa dodged around the lightning bolts and closed the distance between them as he went for the killing blow. Enough toying with his inferior opponent, as he did during their sparring session. His expressionless face hid behind his Inari mask as he leapt through the air, slashing his sword with grace and precision of a master-swordsman. No human could match his unparalleled skill. Maybe because he had lost his humanity. The spider on his arm blinked to life, fueling his movements with supernatural agility. He accepted Andrameta's covenant, selling his soul and promising to destroy anyone who got in the way, as long as Futaba remained unharmed. A steep price, forcing him to commit acts of atrocity he’d never consider before. But after failing Futaba, he owed her that much in return.

Jupiter turned at the last moment as the sword descended upon her before she could even blink. The gleaming blade missed her neck, but ran down her back, slicing through her sailor suit. She collapsed onto the grass field into a puddle of her own blood, staring into the empty eyes of the corrupted phantom thief lurking over her prone body. He wiped the blood from his blade before sheathing his sword into its scabbard, ripping off his mask before shouting the name of his persona: “GOEMON!”

The samurai’s spirit lurked over the fallen senshi. Jupiter could feel the coldness of the ghost turning the grass and blood into a sheet of ice. She closed her eyes, awaiting her imminent death as the persona descended upon her to claim her life…

“LET HER GO!” a familiar voice echoed throughout the domed enclosure of the tainted ryokan. Futaba raced through the Metaverse, slipping past Ren before the leader could stop her. She threw herself at his feet, begging him to spare the sailor senshi. Then she noticed the spider on his arm. Of all people, why would he take the MARC? She thought he’d be the last person on earth to get it. “You accepted the MARC, but why? Why did you do it?”

“To protect you, of course, Futaba.” A sliver of humanity returned to his eyes as he waved away his persona for the moment. He helped Futaba back to her feet before drawing his blade and pointing it at the other intruders who had interrupted him in this sanctum. “I am glad to see that the goddess has kept her end of the bargain and delivered you to me. I promise no harm shall come to you. But I must fulfill my duty now. Stand aside while I slay these inferior cretins.”

“For real?” Ryuji picked up a tree branch, ready to square off against the swordsman should it come to it. “Please don’t tell me you bought into whatever bag of goods that spider demon sold to you. Take that shit off your arm now!”

“She offers nothing but lies.” Joker drew his dagger as webbing cloaked the dome of the Metaverse, sealing the wormhole to the underworld back shut. Andrameta was expecting them. They had fallen right into a trap. “Yusuke, you are one of us. Don’t do this!”

“A pity it must end this way, phantom thieves…” Andrameta’s voice pulsed into everyone’s brain. They glanced up to see just the head of a massive spider demon peering through the dome of the metaverse. Her frame was so large that she couldn’t fit inside. She wrapped her stick-like appendages around the entire Metaverse as if waiting to crush it and all the occupants within. “You could’ve had everything you ever desired. Now I shall enjoy watching you all suffer a slow and painful death!”

“Shut up, you ugly bug, before I stomp you!” Ryuji taunted the colossal demon with his branch. “I don’t give a shit what abilities that MARC gives him. Yusuke can’t beat us on his own.”

“HAHAHA YOU FOOL!” Andrameta’s voice nearly made his head explode. “ALLOW ME THEN… TO EVEN THE ODDS FOR YOU.”

“You had to open your big mouth?” Futaba muttered under her breath. She watched as a portal appeared and out stepped three figures.

“Sailor Venus… Sailor Mercury… Artemis?” Luna gaped at the sight of the sailor guardians, only now they had changed, wearing blank expressions that saw everything and nothing at the same time. The spider latched onto the gloves on the transformed senshi’s wrists, turning them into puppets for Andrameta. Even Artemis had a spider strapped this front paw. He hissed at her, arching his back to prepare for a fight. Then she saw another step out of the shadows. A masked man with a long cape and top-hat. A white mask shielded his face. “Tuxedo Mask…”

“DESTROY THEM!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 127:

“Prime Minister Hino. A man who left his daughter alone to watch her mother’s life slip away on a hospital bed from a terminal illness. He chose a career in politics over his own family, but did not do so for the good of the people, but for his own selfish desires of power and control. Now he has surrendered to an unspeakable evil that seeks to enslave the world, selling his very soul to a demon that promises to deliver it to him. He will stop at nothing, including the murder of innocents to get what he wants. Father, in the name of the phantom thieves and in the name of Mars, I shall punish you and change your heart for your crimes!”

“It’s done.” Mars hit send on her phone, texting the calling card to her father. She knew it would strike a chord, angering her father to reveal the treasure within his own Metaverse, as the thieves explained. She stared out of the helicopter’s window as it whizzed over the Japanese countryside en route to the Hikawa shrine, wondering if this half-baked plan by the phantom thieves would even work. Her thoughts went to Yuuichirou, held captive and corrupted by her father and that demon. She wondered if he still lived.

“Are you okay?” Sailor Moon sat alongside her, sensing her friend’s pain despite her best efforts to conceal her emotions. She placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry… I’m sure he’s fine… Mamo too… We have to fight for them… right?”

“I’m sure that was tough for you.” Makoto commented. “I know what it’s like. I had to change my sister’s heart once. But you did the right thing. Now we can end this nightmare. I believe your father will come to his senses and expose this atrocity if we are successful.”

“Yeah!” Morgana jumped with enthusiasm. “Let’s break into that shrine, steal his treasure and change the prime minister’s heart!”

“I hope you’re right.” Mars had her doubts. But no matter what, if she had her chance to face her father, she would make him pay. For her mother. For Yuuichirou. For Tsyuchia and all the other lives he ruined.

“Attention passengers! This is your captain speaking!” Haru announced, dipping the nose of the helicopter to plummet in altitude. “Please buckle your seatbelts and prepare for descent. We will arrive at our destination in approximately twenty minutes. Weather at the Hikawa shrine is fair, with cloudy skies and a temperature of degrees Fahrenheit…”

“Ugh, you remember this is a helicopter and not an airplane, right?” Makoto asked.

“Oh, of course!” Haru smirked, scanning the display of gauges. “Now, how do I release the landing gear on this thing?

“You don’t have to do that on a helicopter!”

“Right…” Haru chuckled. “Silly me!”

“Everyone, hang on!” Ann grabbed Morgana and squeezed so tight, closing her eyes as the chopper dropped from the sky. “I can’t watch!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 128:

The helicopter landed on a soft patch of grass on the outskirts of the Hikawa shrine. Mars jumped out first before the blades stopped spinning, hell bent on confronting her father. She ran up the stone steps leading to the temple entrance. Trees with colorful leaves swayed in the brisk fall wind, littering the grounds with foliage. Too often, she had ignored the beauty of her home, especially during this time of the year. Now the temple looked abandoned, void of any visitors or an apprentice to sweep the walkways and maintain the serene grounds. So quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Maybe she was wrong to assume that her father waited for them here. But something felt a bit off. A shiver went up her spine. She sensed that a terrible evil watched over them, lurking in the shadows. Waiting for the opportune moment to strike her down.

Everything changed when she stepped through the towering tori gate. Trees turned barren. Charred bark stretched into a grey sky, their leaves now ash that blew away in the wind. The temple before her lie in smoldering ruins, just like her vision had predicted before she left for college. Snow fell from the sky, battling against the flames ravaging through the temple. The place she called home and met the love of her life.

“No!” Mars fought off tears of rage, rushing into the flaming structure. A blinding light within caught her attention amongst the smoke and ruins. The only object not destroyed by the fire. She bent down to pick it up and dusted off a picture frame containing an old photo from a time she barely remembered. A young girl embraced by both of parents, a happy family. She had never seen her father smile like that again after her mom passed away. Was this her father’s treasure? How could that be?

“Did you find the treasure?” Morgana asked in excitement. The cat had transformed back into his metaverse form and stood upright with his sword held before him, ready for battle. With the treasure now in their possession, they could lure Takashi Hino into their trap.

“I believe so.” Mars stepped back outside where the rest had gathered, holding the glowing photograph of her family before the untimely death of her mother. She eyed the old picture with confusion as they took refuge from the snow under an overhang. For all these years, her father had shown no remorse toward the loss of his wife. He neglected Rei when she needed him the most, forcing her to rely only on herself during the most difficult time in her life. Takashi had refused to put his political ambitions aside at all costs, neglecting his only child. How could this picture of their family be his utmost inner desire? Maybe he cared about her more than she thought? No, that’s impossible! She just couldn’t believe it.

“I knew you would come here.” Takashi Hino emerged through the Tori gate clad in his business suit, the snow picking up in his wake. Alongside him walked Yuuichirou, also clad in a suit and tie. Clean shaven with his shaggy head of hair pulled back into a gelled ponytail behind his head. His eyes transfixed onto Rei, yet still looked hollow, void of the intensity he always showed in the presence of his love. “Your actions are predictable and short-sighted.”

“Enough of this charade. It’s over!” Mars declared. Her heart sank at the sight of Yuuichirou, still brainwashed by her father. She held the picture above her head for all to see before tossing it at his feet. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think you cared about us… you lost your way… pushing me aside and devoting all your time to work in the wake of mother’s death… but deep down, I think you regret it. You miss mom and our family before tragedy struck. This is your chance to make it right and honor her memory. This power over the world Andrameta has given you will not bring her back. It will not fill the gap of your empty heart. You have the power to end this right now. Give it up and expose the goddess for the monster she is! Or in the name of Mars, I shall chastise you!”

“She speaks the truth.” Makoto stepped alongside the sailor senshi. Maybe they didn’t need to change his heart after all if he would come to his senses here and now. “Confess your crimes or the phantom thieves will bring you to justice!”

“Keep telling yourself these lies.” the politician broke into laughter at her words while Yuuichirou stood motionless beside him. He bent down and picked up the picture before staring down the sailor senshi. “You think this relic is my prize? Well, you are wrong! The treasure. This metaverse is YOUR CREATION!”

“That’s not possible!” Morgana pointed his sword at the politician. Had Andrameta known they’d come here? The goddess created this metaverse for Mars. A trap to imprison them.

“What are you talking about?” Mars asked, falling prey to his manipulative tactics.

“You act ambitious, but I know your true weakness. This pathetic photo of a time long forgotten represents all you desire. A perfect family. True love. Things you will never have. That is why the Hikawa shine lies in ruins. It is a very representation of the thoughts within your subconscious mind. This derelict temple is a constant reminder of your painful past and the reason you push away those foolish enough to care about you like this one here, who gave up his very soul to the goddess to save it. Rei, you want this place razed to the ground, even more so than I! Don’t deny it!”

“You are a monster!” Haru couldn’t believe a man could treat his daughter this way. She didn’t know this Sailor Mars very well, but they had a lot in common, with neglecting fathers on power trips. Haru’s appearance also changed in the Metaverse. Haru’s once demure and reserved demeanor transformed into that of a fierce warrior. Her lustrous chestnut hair flowed, cascading above her shoulders. Adorned in a sleek, form-fitting vest, she exuded an aura of confidence. The musketeer hat atop her head added a touch of regality, emphasizing her status as a formidable force to be reckoned with. Gripping her heavy battle-axe, she stood tall, ready to challenge the politician or any foe that dared to stand in her way. She tipped her hat at Sailor Moon, promising to protect her protegee from harm.

“Don’t listen to him! I know how special this shrine is to you.” Sailor Moon stood beside her friend, tears welled in her eyes, overcome by the emotion. Mars remained stoic despite her father exposing her greatest inner secrets. Her face was tough to read, even in the face of such accusations that questioned her very character. “You have the sailor senshi… You have Yuuichirou… we all love you…”

“Rei....Is this true? You hate this beautiful temple?” Yuuichirou spoke as if the mention of his name flipped a switch, bringing him back to life. He pulled the diamond ring out of his pocket. It quivered in hands and slipped, rolling to a stop at Mars’ heels. He dropped to his knees, sobbing in the snow until he regained his composure. “You didn’t want me to save the shrine all this time, did you? You hoped I’d fail… Our relationship… It was all… a lie… you.. never loved me…”

“Yuuichirou… I…”

“It is time to put this poor soul out of his misery before you torment him any further. You’ve manipulated him for your own selfish reasons long enough, but the goddess he serves is loving and merciful. If he cannot have what he desires as promised, then I shall grant him a swift end.” Mr. Hino crumbled his daughter’s treasure before she could answer. Flame consumed the photo, devouring it into a wisp of smoke. “Come and save him if you wish, or protect that princess of yours. It matters not. None of you are powerful enough to stop me. This temple will serve as your eternal grave for defying the goddess. A fitting end!”

Takashi Hino’s laughter deepened into a demonic tone. Shadows overtook him, changing his appearance from human to monster. Muscles ripped through the business suit, exposing a dark torso with a wingspan that shadowed over the sailor senshi and phantom thieves, shielding their eyes from the whipping snow. Horns rose through his skull and a mane of golden hair. His eyes turned into a pair of rubies that could pierce through your very soul. “I am Lucifer… the lighter bearer… leader of the world in to the new age… only death lies in the path you have chosen…”

Chapter Text

Chapter 129:

“This isn’t good!” Makoto watched the monster continue to grow from behind a stone wall, swelling to a size that dwarfed the entire temple. A golden sword descended from the top of the Metaverse and into his outstretched hand. He flapped his wings, blowing a whirlwind of snow and ice everywhere. The blizzard made it impossible to see beyond a few feet. She analyzed the demon and couldn’t find any weaknesses. Only strengths against all of their abilities. This persona was one of the most powerful she had ever encountered in her time fighting with the phantom thieves. Without Ren’s wild card, they stood no chance against him. It was up to her to keep them all alive. She tried to rally her companions and form a strategy. Running head first into battle wasn’t a good idea against this behemoth. “Fall back to the temple!”

Unfortunately, Mars did not listen to the phantom thief’s warning. The Sailor senshi charged towards the possessed priest, sobbing in a mound of snow while the rest took refuge in the temple ruins. She could hear Sailor Moon shouting for her, but she ignored her pleas, overcome by her own emotions in a rare moment of weakness.

“IDIOT!” Sailor Mars shouted as the demonic entity lurked over the prone priest with his golden sword raised high, unsure if she referred to her foolish boyfriend or herself for neglecting her sworn duty as sailor senshi. Mars raced right into a trap and she knew it. Lucifer flapped his wings, summoning a blizzard so powerful that the rest could barely move. Mars fought against the wind with fire brewing in her hands, desperate to reach her boyfriend before the blade struck true.

“NOW, YOU WILL WATCH HIM DIE!” Lucifer swung his blade towards the priest’s neck, but Sailor Mars jumped before the sobbing buffoon to protect him, taking the bait. The golden sword sliced through her sailor suit, ripping a slash through her torso. Blood splattered the snow, staining the serene grounds.

“I’m…so… sorry…” She collapsed into Yuuichirou’s arms, tumbling into the snow. She stared into his lifeless eyes and forced herself to smile, hoping that the real Yuuichirou remained somewhere within this handsome imposter. She wished he knew how much she loved him, but words no longer came to her. In her last gasp of strength, she closed her hands around the diamond ring sparkling atop the snow and brought it to her chest. Life slipped away as blood pooled around her body. She stared at the snowy sky overhead until she was too weak to keep her eyes open. A sense of calm overtook her, even in the face of death. She couldn’t have asked for a better death here in the temple with the man she loved. It had come too soon. If only she had done things differently. The ring slipped from her lifeless fingers and everything went black.

Chapter Text

Chapter 130:

“SAILOR MARS!” Sailor Moon could do nothing but watch as the demon butchered her best friend. Tears streamed down her eyes. The golden sword tore through the senshi, splashing the temple grounds with blood. She gripped her moon stick, running away from the temple to her guardian’s side. Her boots struggled to traverse the piling snow. Lucifer turned to face her and flapped his wings. The evil in his eyes focused on the Moon princess as he readied his sword for his prize. A torrent of wind tossed her into the temple wall like a rag doll. Her back smashed against a support column. She collapsed to the snow as pain assailed every inch of her battered body. Lucifer stomped his way through the blizzard, making his way toward her. She could only see the golden sword shining from an enormous black shadow concealed within the blizzard. The sight of the very demon brought terror to her soul. No Mamoru or guardian could protect her from her imminent death. She wanted to close her eyes and accept her fate, but Sailor Mars’ voice sounded in her head.

“Get up, you stupid idiot! Keep fighting! Don’t give up!”

“NOW!” Makoto signaled to her phantom thieves to emerge from the temple. This was their one and only chance. She ripped off her mask to summon her persona. The motorcycle skid through the snow, blasting a blue missile at the unsuspecting demon. Lucifer folded his wings inward to protect himself from the nuclear blast. This gave opportunity for the rest of the thieves to come out of hiding and surround the demon. She ordered her thieves into position, putting them in the best tactical location to carry out her plan. There was only one person who could save them. Ren placed his faith in her, and so would she, even at the cost of her life. “PROTECT SAILOR MOON!”

“ZORRO!” Morgana called forth his brave persona. The cloaked figure summoned a gale of wind, aimed to fight against the blizzard. Snow cleared, granting the team better sightline and the chance to move as the storm died down.

“CARMEN!” Panther took advantage of the wind, calling forth her persona to summon a tornado of flame to engulf the demon. Lucifer stepped through the fires untouched and sliced his blade at the thief clad in a red catsuit.

“LADY ANN!” Morgana launched himself through the air. His blade glanced off the demon’s wings without making a scratch, but distracted him just enough to miss decapitating the phantom thief by an inch. Lucifer balled his free hand into a fist and swatted away the cat like a flea, knocking him onto the temple roof.

“MILADY!” Haru twirled as she tore off her mask. A beautiful woman appeared wearing a pink ballroom gown. Her face concealed by a fan held in her gloved hand. She lifted her dress to reveal a machine gun that peppered the demon with a barrage of bullets. Lucifer roared in anger as the slugs bounced off his skin. He wielded his sword, ready to eliminate these pests who dared to defy him and his goddess.

“Burn in hell!” Ann lashed her whip around the demon’s arm to keep his sword in check. Lucifer staggered, but regained his footing as an axe glanced off the horns on his head. Lucifer gripped the whip and swung his arm, launching the phantom thief into Haru. Both women tumbled to the snow as the sword arced in the air…

“Oh, you are going to pay for that one!” Morgana pointed his weapon at the demon and leapt off the roof, landing on his head. He grabbed hold of the horn and tried to drive his sword downward, aiming for the demon’s neck. “How dare you attack innocent ladies, like the beauty thief and lady Ann! Pick on someone your own size!”

“FISTS OF JUSTICE!” Queen jumped off her bike and pummeled the demon with her spiked gloves before he could strike down her companions. She pounded his stomach with punches and kicks, knowing that it did nothing except give Sailor Moon the opening she needed.

“Haru…” Sailor Moon watched her big bang burger mentor meet the demon in battle alongside the rest of the phantom thieves. Haru hoisted an enormous axe that must’ve weight as much as she did. Yet somehow, the beauty thief brought the blade up just in time to block the sword from ending her life. They fought for her. Willing to give their lives for a girl they hardly knew. She reached for her Moon Stick and stood in her wobbling boots, defying the demon who took her best friend’s life. Sailor Moon faced the demon and all of her fears.

A hooved foot stomped the two prone phantom thieves to the ground, pinning them as the remaining fighter pounded his flesh to no avail. Lucifer roared in anger, knocking the pesky cat off his horn. He then wrapped a claw around Makoto’s neck, and hoisted her into the air, squeezing the life away from her as he swung drove his sword down at the phantom thieves trapped under his foot.

“MOON.. SPIRAL… HEART… ATTACK!” Sailor Moon charged forth with her Moon Stick, filling the Metaverse with a blinding light as she called the words to her attack. The power of the silver crystal washed over the demon, engulfing the entire Metaverse. The ruined temple disappeared. Snow stopped falling. Time itself seemed to freeze. Sailor Moon collapsed to her knees, hoping against all hope that her attack suceeded. Lucifer emerged untouched when the light dissipated. He lurked toward the prone senshi and raised his golden blade for the kill.

Chapter Text

Chapter 131:

“Rei…” Yuuichirou held his girlfriend’s lifeless body close as a white light washed over him and the rest of the Metaverse, erasing it from existence. The spider latched onto his wrist slipped free, restoring clarity to his mind. Takashi had lured him into accepting a covenant, promising Rei’s hand in marriage and the sanctity of the shrine. He had fallen into the goddess Andrameta’s web of lies, becoming their pawn. Even changing his appearance to attract the one he loved. Despite his foolishness, Rei had sacrificed herself to save his life. But why? He wasn’t important. She didn’t even love him. In the end, his efforts to win back Rei and save the shrine had brought his dream girl to her death. “What have I done?”

He wept at the sight of his beloved dead in his arms. Her sailor suit ripped open, dripping with blood. Then the light turned so bright that he couldn’t see her face. He held her to his chest, never wishing to let go, but the body disappeared, vanishing without a trace. Leaving him alone to his tears of agony echoing throughout the chamber.

“Quit crying!” a familiar voice startled him. “I swear you are a bigger baby than Usagi!”

“REI!” Yuuichirou turned to find his beloved standing beside him in an immaculate white gown, hands on her hips, healed of all her injuries. She looked beyond beautiful. Like a radiant angel sent from heaven. The priest jumped to his feet to embrace her, but she thrust out her hand, stopping him in his tracks. Now wasn’t the time for a joyous reunion, apparently.

“I have one last favor of you.” Rei wore a serious face.

“What do you mean?” Yuuichirou did not wish to leave this place. He wanted to be with Rei and never leave her side again. It didn’t matter if he lived or died. “I’d do anything for you.”

“I gave my life to save you, neglecting my sworn duty to defend the Moon princess.”

“Do you regret it?” he lowered his gaze, fearing the answer.

“Not at all.” Rei smirked. “You are much weaker than Sailor Moon. It left me with no choice. Besides, I tried to instill her with confidence to defend herself, even without me.”

“Gee, thanks.” he slumped.

“Still, I am fearful my decision may have doomed the planet. I need you to fight in my place. You must defeat my father and protect Usagi with your life.”

“But how?” He couldn’t go back to earth and face Takashi’s shadow. Besides, he did not have the powers of a sailor senshi. “I must stay here with you. Forever!”

“We will meet again. In this world, or the next. Our souls are bound by fate. I’m sorry I didn’t realize it sooner. Please forgive me and cherish our time together. I’ll miss you.” She took a piece of silk from her dress and wrapped it around his eyes before kissing his lips one last time. “It’s time for you to awaken to your true calling.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 132:

“NO! Don’t leave me!” Yuuichirou ripped the cloth from his eyes, tearing the very skin off his flesh. He hoped to find his beautiful Rei after she pulled back from their embrace. A moment of ecstasy that warmed his soul. Instead, he found himself back in the Metaverse, stained with her blood. The snow covered grounds of the destroyed Hikawa temple as the wind swirled. He searched for Rei, but couldn’t find her body.

Yuuichirou fell to his knees. His head pounded in agony, scolding his brain with the most intense pain he had ever experienced. He grabbed at his ears, wishing for it to all end. Maybe he’d die and reunite with Rei in the afterlife. Nothing would make him happier.

“I AM THOU, THOU ARE I…” a thunderous voice rang through his head. “WHO WILL AVENGE THE WOMAN YOU LOVE IF YOU DO NOT… WHO WILL CARRY HER MANTLE, FULFILLING AN OATH OF GUARDIANSHIP IN HER STEAD… WHO WILL BRING FORTH JUSTICE AND VANQUISH EVIL FROM THIS WORLD… BUT YOU…BLESSED BY HEAVEN… A WARRIOR OF FAITH AND PENTENENCE… I OFFER YOU THIS HONOR… ONE LAST CHANCE… LET US FORGE A CONTRACT AND BRING DIVINE COMPASSION TO THOSE WHO SEEK IT!”

He found the pain leaving his battered body, replaced with an invigorating spirit that gave him strength. Plate armor of an English knight manifested onto his body. Sparkling silver metal that covered him from head to toe. The archangel Michael stood beside him wielding a spear, his face hooded with a glorious span of ethereal wings spreading out from his spine. Heaven’s blade. The holy angel who led the forces of good in battle over evil awakened Yuuichirou, calling him forth to fight for the girl of his dreams.

Michael handed the simple wooden spear over to his champion genuflected before him. Yuuichirou watched spear’s pointy end spark into flames once he took hold of the weapon, a message from beyond that Rei was still with him. Then he heard a scream in the distance. He knew what he had to do.

“TAKASHI HINO…” Yuuichirou pointed his weapon at the demonic shadow of Lucifer, snagging his attention before he brought his sword down at the prone Sailor Moon. The archangel of his persona floated aside the knight in support, eager to wage war against his nemesis. “YOU MANIPULATED THE MASSES WITH YOUR LIES, DELIVERING MILLIONS OF SOULS TO THE GODDESS… INCLUDING MY OWN… YOU DESECREATED THIS HOLY PLACE… BUT WORST OF ALL.. YOU KILLED YOUR OWN FLESH AND BLOOD FOR YOUR GREEDY AMBITIONS.… YOUR DAUGHTER… MY REI… THE SUNSHINE OF MY WORLD… FOR THAT I OFFER YOU NO FORGIVENESS, ONLY ETERNAL PUNISHMENT IN HELL!”

“I’ve failed...” Makoto couldn’t move, too weak to stand. She fought with all her remaining strength, assaulting Lucifer with a flurry of punches and kicks until the behemoth swatted her away like a fly. Her back crashed through the temple ruins as Sailor Moon unleashed her attack, but it did not affect the demon. Sailor Moon now stood alone, facing the Takashi Hino’s shadow with no one left to defend her. Even if she could move, she didn’t have any energy left to summon Johanna and ride to her rescue. She had failed the phantom thieves… failed Sailor moon… failed Ren… and now they would all die because of it. The thought of her boyfriend brought tears to her eyes. Maybe she’d see him again soon if he perished in the Metaverse.

“Not just yet, Queen! Look! ” Morgana lifted his head up from the snow, watching the transformation unfold. The phantom thieves lay in defeat, scattered among the temple grounds after trying to protect Sailor Moon and give her the opportunity to attack, striking Lucifer’s weakness if they had any luck.. In the end, they had all failed. But now he had hope from the most unlikely source. “Don’t tell me…

“PERSONA!” Archangel barreled into Lucifer. The titans clashed against one another, exchanging blows that shook the entire Metaverse. These two possessed so much power it threatened to collapse everything around them. The ground shook in mighty tremors each time spear and sword clashed. The Hikawa shrine collapsed further, now reduced to a mountain of wood.

Radiant damage blessed by the persona proved the only weakness against Lucifer. Yuuichirou fought with the archangel at his side, pushing the demon back with his flaming spear. He stood before Sailor Moon, protecting her from harm. For the first time, Lucifer found himself in the defensive, overwhelmed by the knight in shining armor.

The demon hissed in anger, lunging forward with his blade. Yuuichirou met him head on, thrusting his magical weapon forth, its flame leaping with anticipation. The tip of the spear pierced through Lucifer’s torso, bursting out of his back. Holy fire consumed the demon. Lucifer let out a terrifying wail as his body disintegrated from existence, devoured by the flames that spread to his wings and up to the grotesque head topped with horns. The demon exploded in a violent force that sent a shockwave through the metaverse, flattening the remains of the Hikawa temple and all the charred trees in its vicinity.

The blizzard came to a halt at the defeat of the demon. Yuuichirou had won thanks to the awakening of his powerful persona that exposed Lucifer’s only weakness. The grey clouds parted and for a moment the sun shined through the dome, encasing this false reality. But victory had come with a price. Lucifer’s sword had also struck true, cutting through Yuuichirou’s armor like butter. He slumped to the snow, falling onto his back, unable to move. Blood trickled from his mouth as he lifted to his head to find a gaping wound in his side.

“Yuuichirou!” Sailor Moon hurried to help the wounded knight who saved her life. She knelt beside him and tried to stop the bleeding with her gloved hands. A futile effort. The sickening wound made her gag. His innards spilled onto to the snow.

“I did it… You are still alive…” He stared up Sailor Moon, at peace with his imminent death. “Now I can… join my Rei…”

“No, please… don’t leave me… I’ll find help…” she cried until his eyes saw no more.

Chapter Text

Chapter 133:

“GUYS!” Sailor Moon’s voice echoed throughout the Metaverse. None of her allies answered the call, forcing her to trudge through the snow that had blanketed the temple grounds in search of the phantom thieves.

“HARU! ANN!” Sailor Moon found her mentor collapsed in the snow next to Ann. Both had fallen unconscious after taking a brutal hit from the demon. The phantom thieves had sacrificed themselves to save her, hoping she would defeat Takeshi Hino and change his heart. She knelt beside her friends, shaking them. Hoping it would to stir them back to life somehow. She couldn’t face the stark reality surrounding her. She was all alone, trapped in this Metaverse with nowhere to go. What was she supposed to do now? “PLEASE… WAKE UP…”

“What… have.. I.. done…” The sound of a man sobbing caught her attention. She found Takeshi Hino returned to form, clad in his business suit, cradling the body of his only child.

“Rei…” Sailor Moon couldn’t contain herself. She threw herself to the ground beside the politician and clasped her gloves around Rei, an ocean of tears flooding down her face. “WHY!”

“I’m so sorry…” Takashi whimpered as this girl embracing his daughter. They forged a better bond in friendship than he shared as her father. It hit him now. All those years spent away, building a successful career in government for what? Time he would never get back. Now his little girl had left him, taken from this world far too soon, just like his wife.

“YOU!” Sailor Moon pointed a finger of accusation at the evil politician. “YOU DID THIS! YOU KILLED MY BEST FRIEND! HOW COULD YOU? YOUR OWN DAUGHTER!”

“Andrameta’s false promises consumed every fiber of my being.” Takashi shook his head in regret. He pulled out a dagger and put the edge of the blade to his gut, drawing blood. The blade shook in his grip as he contemplated ending his own life. Intent on committing seppuku as disgraced samurai once did to reclaim their lost honor centuries ago. “But it’s no excuse. I am not human. Not anymore. I’m a monster! I don’t deserve to live after what I’ve done!”

“Rei came here to change your heart. That’s why we sent you that calling card. We all hoped… No, we believed.. that you would come to your senses and reveal the truth of the MARC to the public and help end this nightmare!”

“It’s too late for that.” He shook his head, still considering whether he should thrust the dagger into his gut. “The goddess has grown too powerful. I’d suspect that billions across the world have accepted the MARC by now.”

“I can stop her!” Sailor Moon replied with conviction. She rose to her feet and wiped away her tears, fighting against all the doubt that crept into her mind. Her attacks haven’t proven too effective against Andrameta and her minions. How could she hope to defeat her? She placed a hand on to his and lowered the dagger so that he wouldn’t harm himself. “If Rei was still here, she’d want me to keep fighting. And she’d ask for your help. I believe in my heart that you both loved each other despite your strained relationship. Don’t let her death count for nothing!”

“You’re right.” Takashi dropped the dagger, letting it clink onto the ground. He waved his hands in a circular motion, summoning a portal. A blinding blue light emanated from the widening hole ripped into the center of the Metaverse. Andrameta would most likely end his life after she discovered his betrayal. Not even death would relieve the agony he felt for committing such grave sins in his thirst for power. “This will take you to Andrameta. Good luck in battle, Sailor Moon.”

“Thank you.” Sailor Moon stared at the grief-stricken politician and felt pity for him. Rei had found her father’s treasure, after all. Takashi had lied when he said this Metaverse belonged to Rei. She wished things turned out differently. They deserved the happy family they all wanted. She turned toward Mr. Hino and offered him words to ease his pain. Words even she had difficulty speaking. He had killed her best friend. An unforgivable crime. But holding a grudge would not bring her back. She needed his help if she had any chance of defeating Andrameta. “I forgive you…Andrameta is the one who killed Rei. It’s not your fault.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 134:

An earthquake shook the Metaverse, tossing Sailor Moon to the snowy ground. She needed to get out of here before the portal closed shut, but she wasn’t going anywhere without the rest of the phantom thieves. The ground broke apart, forming a chasm between the tori gate and the temple. Wood and debris fell into the pit as the Metaverse continued to break apart, land crumbling like a soft cookie.

“What’s happening?” Sailor Moon shrieked, gazing up at the dome as cracks and fissures formed. Shards fell from the structure, crashing into the ground like meteorites. Each impact broke through the earth, creating holes in the false reality.

“The Metaverse is collapsing.” Morgana alerted, popping his bulbous head up from the snow. “This is a realm of cognition. Now that we changed Hino’s heart, this place is no longer necessary. Get out of here Moon, while you still can!”

“Not without you!” Sailor Moon tried to pull him to his feet, but the animated cat couldn’t stand up on his own. She looked around for anyone that could help her, but Ann and Haru both remained unconscious. The tremors worsened, tossing Sailor Moon off her feet.

“YAHHH!” She rolled down a snowy hill, plummeting toward the abyss, when a hand grabbed her just before she fell to her demise. Makoto lugged her back onto the crumbling surface and turned onto her back. Sailor Moon noticed that the phantom thief had a broken leg and fought to stay conscious.

“You must leave us behind.” Makoto spoke with conviction. Her large brown eyes pierced through her steel mask. There wasn’t any other way out of this mess and it was only a matter of time before the whole metaverse collapsed in upon itself.

“No!” Sailor Moon shook her head. There had to be another way. How could she live with herself if she left everyone behind to die “I can’t do that!”

“You have to!” Makoto steeled herself, accepting her fate. The failed temporary leader of the phantom thieves that got everyone killed. “You are our only hope of stopping Andrameta. Ren told me to protect you, and I can die knowing I succeeded in that, at the very least. Now go through that portal and save the world, Sailor Moon!”

“I’m so sorry.” Sailor Moon trembled as reality set in. Tears poured from her eyes. The Metaverse became even more unstable, with more land breaking apart into nothingness. If she didn’t act soon, she would remain trapped and perish here with the rest. Leaving her friends to die would be a burden she would carry forever if she defeated Andrameta. Or maybe she’d join them soon enough if she lost.

“If you see Ren again…” Makoto clasped Sailor Moon’s hand before letting go. She felt in her heart of hearts that he still lived. If only she could have made it back to his side one last time. “Please tell him I love him.”

“I promise I will.” Sailor Moon bolted, jumping from island to island to make it to the portal. Each step she took filled her with more sorrow. She took one last look at the phantom thieves, tears in her eyes again as they disappeared into the abyss. She wanted to scream. All this pain. All this loss. It was too much to bear. She couldn’t take it anymore. What made her life so much more valuable than the rest? She wanted to give up. But then she thought of Rei and pictured her shaking her head in disapproval. At that, she jumped through the portal and left the rest behind… to die...

Chapter Text

Chapter 135:

“I thought you wanted the MARC more than anything else in the world.” Yusuke drew his sword at the behest of his goddess. Andrameta issued the order, commanding the phantom thief and sailor senshi under her control to eliminate those who defied her. They engaged his former friends Ryuji and Ren in battle. Phantom thieves who refused the glorious MARC. Traitors, all of them! The Metaverse lit up as powers of persona and sailor senshi attacks clashed, cackling throughout the Metaverse. The ryokan flashed from the spectacle of combat locked in a stalemate. He would crush his fellow thieves soon enough, proving the supremacy of the MARC and the goddess who provided him with this gift. But that would have to wait until he delt with this turncoat. A shocking surprise indeed. “I’m disappointed in you, Futaba. If anyone here should understand the importance of technology and the impact of artificial intelligence in modern times, I’d expect it to be you.”

“No, I was wrong about everything!” Futaba threw herself at his feet. She stared up at the steel blade leading to his cold eyes. Yusuke glared at her with no emotion through his Inari mask, calculating the moment to strike her down. “Now I know why you took me to this wilderness. To get away from it all! I’m sorry I didn’t realize it back then, but you were right! I failed to see the natural beauty of the world around me, with my face glued to a screen all day!”

“Yet you still left me to take the MARC. Only to betray our mighty goddess in the end. I blame myself for this folly. If only had I escorted you to receive the MARC sooner. We could have entered a covenant together. Perhaps you wouldn’t have acted so foolishly with my guidance.”

“That wasn’t my intention. I left the ryokan because…” The demonic tone to Yusuke’s voice scared her. Something had changed within him. She eyed the fallen sailor senshi in green, bleeding on the floor behind him. Jupiter pushed herself back to her knees and gave Futaba a nod to keep the phantom thief distracted while she snuck up from behind him. She had to keep him occupied to allow the senshi a chance to strike. Was there anything she could do to snap him out of this before she attacked? “Well I….”

“My patience wears thin, Futaba.” He raised his sword, ready to chop off her head. “If you do not repent your sins to the goddess, I will have no choice but to remove your head from your shoulders. It pains me to do so, even now. I can’t comprehend why you wouldn’t relish in all the benefits the MARC offers humanity and transcend to the next level of consciousness. Such a shame to lose one of your intellect. Despite this, I promise you a swift death, with one clean stroke of my sword.”

“I left because I was jealous, okay!” Futaba threw up her hands in frustration. The Yusuke she crushed on would never harm her. She had to bring him back to the surface. Even if it meant revealing her greatest secret. “Getting the MARC was just the after effect.”

“Jealous? Of whom?” Yusuke dropped his guard for a moment, puzzled by the sudden confession. “Those lucky enough to receive the MARC earlier than you?”

“Ugh, no!” Futaba sighed. Here goes nothing. She muttered under her breath before continuing. “When I saw you sparring with that girl. I dont know what came over me!”

“I’m not sure I understand.” He scratched his head in confusion. Not even the advanced intelligence powering his brain could comprehend what she babbled on about.

“Why did I agreed to go on this trip to the middle of nowhere? You don’t wonder why I came out of my room for you and not for anybody else? It’s because I…. I… kinda like, like you! I’m not even sure I understand why… I never had feelings like this for anyone else… Didn’t think I would until my thirties… At least that’s what Sojiro always told me when the awkward topic came up.”

“You “like, like” me?” Yusuke froze at the sudden confession, speechless. Unable to process what Futaba just told him. He heard Sailor Jupiter coming at the last moment and spun to cut her down before she reached him. Jupiter bled from a mortal wound stretching from her shoulder to her opposite hip. Blood dripped from her torn sailor suit as the dying senshi charged forth on pure adrenaline, desperate to save the redhead from her imminent death.

“No! Don’t hurt her!” Futaba made a grab his sword arm and tried to wrench it free. The blade sliced across her throat.

“SUPREME THUNDER!” Sailor Jupiter wrapped her arms around the phantom thief as she called out her spell. Thunder cracked overhead and lightning flashed in the dome containing the ryokan. A burst of electrical energy surged towards the sword, frying both the phantom thief and the one who called forth the lightning. The might of the storm lit up the entire Metaverse with a flash that made the ground beneath them tremble. Futaba clutched the gash in her throat, spitting out blood in shock as she collapsed..

“I was too late…” Jupiter watched the poor girl bleed to death as she too fell to fell to the floor in defeat. She had hoped her last ditch effort would at least save the poor redhead, who had died at the hands of the one she loved. What a tragedy. Her last thoughts went to Sailor Moon. She hoped that wherever she was, she somehow put an end to this nightmare. If only she could have fought alongside her again.

“Futaba…” Yusuke groaned in sorrow. The spider slipped free of his wrist, fried by the electric shock. He abandoned his sword, crawling towards Futaba with the remaining strength he had left. He placed his hand on top of hers. She looked into his natural blue eyes, not out of hatred for killing her, but out of love. Relieved after confessing her deepest secret. That’s when it hit him. He had spent his academic career as an artist searching for true love and beauty when it hid right under his nose this entire time. How did he never realize it? How foolish and ignorant was he? He crawled closer, embracing Futaba as her life slipped away. A smile crossed her face for just a moment. She stared into his blue eyes, lost in their beauty, before she left this world.

Chapter Text

Chapter 136:

“CRESECENT BEAM!” Sailor Venus pointed a finger at her target, unleashing a stream of light that burst across the Metaverse. The phantom thief she chased after looked cute, with his blonde head of hair and that skull mask concealing his features. The rugged outfit he wore reminded her of vigilante Casey Jones, the man of her dreams, back in New York City. But none of that mattered anymore. She had accepted the MARC so that she could keep her internship at Channel 6 News, entering a covenant with the goddess. Andrameta promised her a life of fame and stardom, as well as the heart of the one she desired. An offer very tough to resist. The spider on her wrist pulsed, emanating a red light from its eyes. Andrameta’s orders controlled her every thought and movement. She had to eliminate the phantom thieves and anyone else who stood in their way.

“SHIT!” Ryuji flopped onto his belly, watching as the dazzling beam whizzed by overhead and obliterated the tree he hid behind. A large piece of the trunk tipped over, threatening to crush him under a shell of bark and splintered wood. He covered his head out of instinct, rolling away from the fallen tree just in time. Its branches battered his back. He crawled through a pile of leaves and lay silent, hoping this unhinged senshi couldn’t find him. Her sudden appearance had forced him to run into this miserable forest, dodging beams of light. He cursed himself again for leaving Joker’s side.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are, cutie pie!” Sailor Venus teased, scouring the forest for her victim. He couldn’t have gone very far, but she’d have some fun with him first.

Ryuji could hear the sailor senshi laughing as she searched the wooded grounds surrounding the ryokan. He grabbed a tree branch and peeked up from the brush, where he saw a smoking hot blonde clad in an orange skirt, scanning the wreckage wrought by her attack. Must be one of Usagi’s friends. Why was it always these blondes causing him so much grief? His hands tightened around the makeshift weapon as he broke out of his hiding place, charging forth. Ryuji let out a war cry, hoisting the branch high above his head before swinging it towards the unsuspecting blonde.

“BUBBLE SPRAY!” Dark Mercury called forth her attack before the phantom thief could strike the senshi. The Metaverse filled with a mist that reduced visibility to zero, clouding the ryokan. Bubbles floated across the ryokan and the surrounding forest, trapping the phantom thief in a void of suds and bubbles that hampered his movement.

How could she throw away years of academic studies and deny her destiny? Her colleagues had shown her benefits of the MARC and all it could do to advance humanity into the next age. We must eliminate simpletons like this phantom thief who rejected the MARC. Useless peasants like him only wasted precious natural resources on this wonderful planet. After accepting a holy covenant, the goddess awakened a deep darkness within her soul. The MARC granted her a profound level of intelligence that years of studying could never reach. In her hand, she clutched a jagged sword of ice, stalking the pathetic thief like a lion hunting its prey, ready to pounce for the kill.

“EFFING BUBBLES!” Ryuji swung his stick, hoping to clear a path. The tree branch bounced off the bubbles without popping them. In fact, each swing made matters worse. Every bubble he struck would multiply times two, three, and four. This only enraged him further. He swung the branch like a madman until it broke, hoping it would connect with Sailor Senshi. He could still hear laughing nearby. Once he found her, he could unleash his persona and maybe take her out.

“VENUS, LOVE ME, CHAIN!”

“SHIT!” The broken stick slipped out of his grip as a chain of heart-shaped links wrapped around his torso.

“LOOKS LIKE YOU FELL OUT OF THE FIRE AND INTO THE FRYING PAN, DUMPLING! YOU ARE KINDA CUTE! TOO BAD I HAVE A HOT BOYFRIEND WAITING FOR ME BACK IN NEW YORK ONCE I’M THROUGH WITH YOU!” Sailor Venus yanked him to the ground. She hovered over him, giggling at her captive as another Sailor Senshi in blue slashed at his prone body with a jagged sword. Ryuji turned his head and closed his eyes, awaiting his death at the hands of the Sailor Senshi.

Chapter Text

Chapter 137:

Sailor Moon crashed to the ground, flung out of the portal like a missile. The rough landing rattled every bone in her body, but she scrambled to her feet despite the pain screaming for her to rest. There wasn’t any time to waste. The portal opened by Takashi Hino had transported her to another Metaverse, dropping her onto a patch of soft grass with a traditional Japanese ryokan surrounded by trees. A lovely retreat, providing a pleasant escape from the crowded cities of Japan, proved anything but such. The ryokan had turned into a battleground, stained with the blood of those she loved. A chaotic scene unfolded before her. One taken out of her worst nightmares.

“NO!” Her heart sank in her chest. Luna and Artemis lay motionless beside her. Blood oozed out of several scratch marks lined along their coats of white and black fur. Why would the cats have torn each other apart like this? They loved each other! Then she saw it. The MARC. Latched onto the white cat’s front paw. She held Luna close, unable to accept her demise. The cat had protected the butterfly key to the very end, still clutching the handle in her mouth. Tears splattered onto the key as she took it into her hand. Luna knew this object was important. Maybe it could help her against Andrameta.

“JUPITER!” It only got worse before she could even process the feline’s death. She raced through the Metaverse after spotting her guardian lying on the grass. Sailor Jupiter had collapsed face first into a puddle of blood, no longer drawing breath. Futaba and another phantom thief wearing a fox mask also perished. A Katana soaked in blood lay on the ground next to him, along with the spider once latched to his wrist, now dormant.

Jupiter suffered a sword slash that had torn through the back of her sailor suit. Evidenced by the trail of blood in the grass. Jupiter must have given her life trying to save this poor girl, now in the arms of another thief who loved her. None of them survived this carnage. Andrameta must’ve turned them all against one another. Using friends and loved of those who defied her as pawns. How despicable.

“WHY!” Sailor Moon couldn’t contain her emotions at the sight of all this death. She fell to her knees, hugging her fallen guardian’s lifeless body as tears streamed down her face. This couldn’t be real. First Mars. Now Jupiter, Luna, and two phantom thieves had lost their levies. Victims of Andrameta and her plan to conquer the earth.

A bright flash snared her attention towards the forest, followed by a swear. She could hear a familiar laugh cackling in the distance as several trees tumbled down on the perimeter of the inn. Sailor Moon rushed into the woods, desperate to stop anymore unnecessary deaths. Bubbles clouded her visibility as she raced deeper into the forest, turning it into a maze of soapy bubbles and the thick foliage.

“VENUS! MERCURY!” She gripped her Moon stick, using the silver' crystal’s light to clear a path under the eerie brush that darkened the forest with shadow. The presence of her guardians filled her with hope. Maybe she could change their hearts and convince them to stand with her against Andrameta. But a sense of dread lingered in her gut. What if she failed to get them on her side?

Chapter Text

Chapter 138:

“RYUJI!” Sailor Moon blazed a path through the suds and bubbles littered all over the woods. Venus stood with a heel pressed into her captive’s back as she yanked on her chain to keep the thief from wriggling free. He tried to shout something, but Venus stomped his head into the mud, muffling his voice. Mercury… or rather, Dark Mercury, stabbed the captive in his shoulder with a blade of ice before she could stop her. Not a killing below, avoiding major organs with surgical precision to maximize his pain and suffering. Sailor Moon could only watch in horror as her own guardians tortured the helpless phantom thief. Why would they do such a thing? She could see the spiders latched onto their wrists, pulsating with an ominous red light.The answer became obvious to her. Andrameta had already gotten to her guardians as she had feared.

“I always knew you were of low intelligence, yet the level of your stupidity continues to surprise me.” Dark Mercury retrieved her sword from the wounded phantom thief, pointing the icy tip at the Moon princess. Blood trickled off the blade as she made her demands. “Accept the MARC, Sailor Moon, unless you want to end up like this new friend of yours. Do not deny the proven science and statistical data. This technology will do wonders for that primitive, emotionally driven mind of yours.”

“Mercury.. Venus… How could you?” Sailor Moon cried at the sight of Ryuji sprawled out on the ground, still wrapped in Venus’ chain link. The phantom thief whimpered in agony, unable to move as icy blood leaked out the gaping hole in his shoulder.

“Everyone else is doing it!” Venus chimed in, digging her heel deeper into the back of Ryuji’s blonde head. “Don’t you want to be cool and popular like me? Just take the MARC and join your besties! Are you going to resist, like this loser? How can you choose a phantom thief over us? We are your best friends! Your guardians!”

“I’TS ALL LIES! CAN’T YOU SEE!” Sailor Moon begged her friends. “THE GODDESS IS MANIPULATING YOU! SHE MAKES FALSE PROMISES TO GET YOU TO DO HER BIDDING! SHE’S DRAINING YOUR SOUL! ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE PLANET! I NEED YOU HELP TO STOP HER! PLEASE! PLEASE LISTEN TO ME! I CAN’T DO THIS WITHOUT YOU! MARS… JUPITER… THEY ARE ALL GONE!”

“And you will join them next, Sailor Moon!” Dark Mercury had heard enough, scoffing at the names of traitorous senshi. She charged forth with her sword, arcing a long overhead swing toward the one she had once sworn to protect. Anyone who defied her goddess deserved death. She’d end her life quickly. She owed her that much after all they had gone through together.

“STOP IT!” Tears flooded down her eyes as she raised her Moon Stick just in time to avoid getting her head lopped off. Dark Mercury did not settle on just one attack. She swung her sword again and again, chilling the air with every wave of her ice blade. Sailor Moon’s legs shook with every close call. She stared into her guardian’s eyes, and could see the wickedness of Andrameta controlling her every movement. The warmth that once belonged to Ami was no longer present. “I CAN’T… I WON’T FIGHT YOU!”

“VENUS CHAIN SWORD!” Venus joined the battle, giggling as she retrieved her chain links. She whipped her chains, dazzling the hearts around the dome until the links came together to forge a sword. The corrupted senshi admired her new weapon for a moment, before abandoning the dying phantom thief to join the fray of battle.

Sailor Moon grimaced as one deflection sent Mercury’s blade slicing close to her neck. The icy weapon grazed deep into her ribs, spilling blood onto the ground. She couldn’t take the pain anymore. Falling to her knees, she begged for her guardians to hear her words one last time. “Please stop this… I can’t fight you…”

“It didn’t have to come to this.” Sailor Venus circled around the Moon princess, preventing her escape. She raised her sword for the killing blow, ready to chop off her head with one swoop. “Just accept the MARC and everything will be okay, I promise!”

“No…” Sailor Moon shook her head, defying the two senshi. She had to believe they wouldn’t harm her. “I won’t do it…”

“Such a pity…” Venus swung her sword.

Chapter Text

Chapter 139:

“Argh…” Ren raised his dagger above his head just in time to block the baton, aiming to crush his skull into a pulp. They had arrived too late. Both Yusuke and a sailor senshi had fought to the death, staining the grounds of a tranquil ryokan with their blood. Futaba had rushed to stop them before he could grab her. He gaped in horror as a sword sliced across her throat, watching in despair as she collapsed, clutching at the laceration on her pale skin.

The sudden appearance of two sailor-senshi and this handsome figure caught him by surprise before he could even process Futaba’s death. His assailant wore a black tuxedo with a red-lined cape flowing behind his back. A top hat rested on his head and a white mask concealed his eyes. He noticed the frown plastered on the man’s face. An expression of pure hatred and rage focused on the leader of the phantom thieves. Who was this mysterious figure and what could he have done to draw his ire?

“THIS HARLOT STOLE THE HEART OF THE ONE YOU LOVE!” Andrameta’s voice pulsed into Tuxedo Mask’s brain, fueling his anger. He lunged at the trickster with his cane, intent on bashing in his brains. Every word the Goddess spoke renewed his conviction to slay this trickster and all those associated with him. “HE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF HER LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT. SUCH A VULNERABLE AND LONELY GIRL IN YOUR ABSENCE. HE’S TAKEN HER AWAY FROM YOU AND CLAIMED HER INNOCENCE. ”

Ren deflected the baton, avoiding a strike that would have caved in his nose if it had connected. Each strike pushed him further away from the ryokan and deeper into the forest, where a flurry of bubbles obscured his vision. The Metaverse transformed into a dreamlike state, with large trees frozen in time. Not a single leaf moved, with no wind to push them. There wasn’t any sign of birds or any other type of wildlife. Everything here seemed artificial and motionless, with no movement except for the countless bubbles bouncing off one another. The only sound he could hear was the clashing of the two weapons until a high pitch shriek snared his attention.

“Sailor Moon!” Joker saw her knocked to the ground, begging and pleading her own guardians not to harm her. Tears ran down her face as she held out her hands, pleading for them to come back and overcome Andrameta’s corruption.

The distraction proved costly. The baton smashed across Ren’s face, almost knocking him out cold. He found himself on the ground, peering into the callous eyes behind the white mask as the tuxedo wearing fighter prepared to attack him again. Instead of lifting his dagger to block the strike, he ripped his own mask from his face and shouted the name of the persona he summoned. “ARSENE!”

The Demon did not attack his assailant, flying throughout the Metaverse towards the individuals he targeted instead. Beating his wings, Arsene swooped down upon the sailor senshi, knocking their blade free before they could end the life of the princess they once swore to protect. Arsene swiped his claws at them, ripping their sailor suits to shreds before they could even react.

“NO!!!” Sailor Moon gaped in horror, watching her guardians fall at the mighty demon as he tore them limb from limb.

Ren braced himself for another strike as the baton crashed against his back again and again. He had left himself vulnerable after casting out his persona to defend Sailor Moon. The man in the tuxedo had disarmed him, kicking away his dagger from his reach. Now he stood over him, planting a boot into his ribs when he tired of smashing the baton across his battered body. He lifted his head, hoping to see if his last ditched effort to save Sailor Moon had succeeded. It pained him to slay her guardians, but they would have killed her had he not intervened. Before long, he would also join them in death at this rate. He hoped Sailor Moon would defeat Andrameta and make use of his sacrifice.

Chapter Text

Chapter 140.

“TUXEDO MASK?” Sailor Moon couldn’t contain her despair. Ren’s demon had slain both Mercury and Venus before her very eyes. They might have ended her life had the monster not intercepted them in time. Arsene shielded Sailor Moon, stretching his massive wingspan as his muscular legs touched down before the Moon princess. Swords bounced off the persona’s red skin to no effect, allowing the demon to strike back, unleashing a wave of demonic energy that blasted Venus and Mercury. She shouted for them to stop fighting, but the corrupted senshi kept coming at her. Sailor Moon could see the MARC blinking on their wrists, yanking her friends off the ground like puppets on a string. Arsene stood guard over the Moon Princess, protecting her from a volley of attacks cast by the senshi. A mixture of blue and golden light swarmed towards the demon. Usagi shielded her eyes as the blasts struck Arsene to no effect. Ren’s demon had grown much stronger, now able to absorb these powerful attacks. She tried to stop her friends, but it was too late. Arsene countered, slashing his claws at the two senshi before they could harm the Moon Princess. They fell to the grass in defeat, their sailor suits torn and drenched with blood. The MARC slipped off their wrists, no longer controlling their movement.

It shouldn’t have come to this. Why couldn’t her senshi awaken to what was happening? Why couldn’t they realize Andrameta manipulated them? Seeing all her friends die was too much to bear. She couldn’t move. She didn’t want to live anymore. Why bother going on without them? How could she hope to defeat Andrameta without her trusted guardians at her side? The goddess was toying with her, taking away all those she loved before defeating her. She wanted to surrender. Fighting had taken too much of a toll on her. All this blood and destruction made her head spin. Her stomach churned at the sight of her guardians and Luna stiff on the floor. Ryuji and the phantom thieves had perished along with them, sacrificing their own lives for her. She fought back the natural urge to vomit. She fell to the floor in sorrow, unable to move. Unable to go on.

But then she saw him. The man she loved. Donned in his tuxedo and cape. The sight of him took her breath away. Even after all the death and destruction she witnessed, the sight of Mamoru still made her heart skip a beat. She expected him to throw a rose and swoop down and save her from this wicked spider queen and all of her evil games. But then reality caught up with her. Tuxedo Mask had not even noticed her. He stood over the last of her friends, still alive, bashing a baton into his prone body over and over. Ren wouldn’t be around much longer if she didn’t stop her boyfriend from bludgeoning him to death.

“STOP!” Sailor Moon got to her feet and rushed through the bubbled forest, but not even the sound of her voice slowed Mamoru down. He bashed the baton into Ren’s body so hard she could hear his bones cracking after each strike. The phantom thief looked up at her, struggling to remain conscious as he withstood the savage beating to buy her time to escape.

“SO IT’S TRUE THEN…THE GODDESS WAS RIGHT.” Tuxedo Mask turned, leaving his victim for a moment to face the woman he once thought loved him most of all. The tall trees shrouded him in darkness under the dome of the Metaverse. Time seemed to standstill the moment their eyes met. “YOU DO LOVE THIS ONE!”

“WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?” Sailor Moon couldn’t believe what she heard. Why would Mamoru think for a second that she had fallen in love with Ren? Sure, the leader of the phantom thieves was handsome. She’d lie if she said that she didn’t find him attractive. The resemblance between him and Mamoru was uncanny. It only made her miss Mamoru more in his absence. Her heart only belonged to him. Then she saw the spider latched onto his wrist. Its red eyes blinked to life. Andrameta had filled her pawn with lies to turn Mamoru against her. “I LOVE YOU! ONLY YOU!”

“IF YOU LOVE ME, THEN PROVE IT!” The sound of Tuxedo Mask’s voice scared her. Gone was the love and adulation that always accompanied his presence. The calming aura that made all her worries disappear, no matter how grim the situation was. When Mamoru was at her side, she believed she could do anything. No evil, no matter how great, could ever come between the power of their love. All that remained now was hatred. Vehemence directed at both her and the phantom thief she sought to protect. “TAKE THE MARC! JOIN US AND ALLOW ANDRAMETA TO GRANT YOU ALL THAT YOU WISH! WE CAN HAVE IT ALL! EVERYTHING WE TALKED ABOUT EVERYTHING WE EVER DREAMED OF. IT CAN ALL BE OURS! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ACCEPT A COVENANT AND THIS NIGHTMARE WILL END!”

“Mamoru…” Sailor Moon wanted to accept the offer. She wanted nothing more than to fall into his arms, close her eyes and make everything go back to the way it was before she ever went to Osaka University. She wanted to see her friends again and give them all a hug. Run her fingers through Luna’s fur. But it wouldn’t be real, only an illusion. She thought of Mars and the rest of her guardians that she watched perish. Accepting the covenant wouldn’t change anything. They’d still be dead in the real world. Husks for Andrameta and her children to feed from. And she would have dishonored their sacrifice. “I… I can’t… I won’t…”

“KILL THEM!” Andrameta’s voice pierced his mind.

“I guess you never loved me. If I can’t have you, then neither will he!” Tuxedo Mask yanked Ren onto his feet, but he was too weak to stand on his own. He held both ends of his baton on opposite sides and pressed the metal rod against Ren’s throat, suffocating the life out of him. The phantom thief grabbed at the bar with his red gloves, trying to create enough space to draw breath. A losing battle. Within seconds, he would fade away if nothing changed. “This petty thief has stolen your heart and turned you against me. I shall end his life and then yours for breaking my heart! How could you do this to me? I gave away my soul to the goddess, hoping to see you again, yet you have betrayed me!”

“PLEASE! NO! LET HIM GO!” DON’T DO THIS!” Words wouldn’t change anything, just as they had no effect on her sailor guardians. Mamoru didn’t even hear her, focused only on choking away the life of the phantom thief. She saw Ren’s dagger lying on the floor. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she picked up the weapon and charged to stop the man she loved from murdering the phantom thief. The cold metal shook in her trembling hands as she plunged the dagger deep into Mamoru’s chest, puncturing through his vest and into his heart beneath. The baton slipped from his grasp, allowing Ren to slump forward. He gasped for breath, watching in disbelief as Sailor Moon drove the dagger deeper into her boyfriend’s chest, splattering the Metaverse with blood.

“USAKO…” The spider slipped from his wrist as life left his body, returning Mamoru’s spirit to his body for a moment. Long enough to say goodbye. He had fallen prey to the goddess, and her lies, succumbing to her will, hoping to see the girl he loved again. A foolish decision. Sailor Moon would have to defeat the spider Queen without him. “I’M SORRY…”

“NO! MAMO-CHAN! I’M… I’M SO SORRY… I DIDN’T MEAN TO… PLEASE! DON’T LEAVE ME!” Sailor Moon’s heart jumped at the sound of his normal voice. Her Mamoru had returned to her, but was gone just as fast. He closed his eyes and faded away, lying unresponsive in her arms. Blood stained her sailor suit as she squeezed Mamoru’s lifeless body against her own. She sobbed, unable to process Mamoru’s death. She had murdered the love of her life.

“I’m sorry…” Joker had no words for what had just happened. He retrieved his dagger, pressing a cloth against the man’s open wound, but he proved unresponsive. Sailor Moon had sacrificed the one she loved for him. He looked around the battlefield and found nothing but more bodies, including Ryuji. No one else had survived. The ground shook beneath his feet as the Metaverse collapsed in upon itself. Trees wobbled, toppling over. A fissure carved through the grass leading towards the ryokan where a hole formed, swallowing the old inn. He watched the dilapidated structure disappear in the void below as the fissure spread towards them. He took Sailor Moon’s hand and pulled her away from her loved one before they all fell into the pit. “We gotta go!”

“I… can’t… I’m not leaving him!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 141:

“FOOLISH HUMANS!” Andrameta’s voice rang through the Metaverse. “YOU MAY DIE HERE IF YOU WISH…OR COME AND BEAR WITNESS TO THE DESTRUCTION OF YOUR PLANET. I INVITE YOU TO SEE WHAT REMAINS OF THE EARTH BEFORE YOU PERISH!”

A shimmering portal of energy formed, offering them a path to escape before this Metaverse collapsed in upon itself. Why would the goddess give them yet another chance of survival? She had them both on the brink of death.

“It’s another trick.” Sailor Moon whimpered amongst her sobbing. She stared down at Mamoru, hugging the body one last time before he disappeared into the void. The ground crumbled around him, but she didn’t care. She wasn’t letting go. Not now. Not after reuniting with him after all this time. “It’s no use in fighting anymore. She’s going to kill us, anyway. Let me just be with my Mamo and all those I’ve lost… How can we win? It’s over.”

“We can’t give up now. I know how to outwit her!” Ren watched the portal shrink in size, along with the surrounding ground, which turned to darkness. If he couldn’t convince Sailor Moon to resist, then it was indeed the end of the world. That’s when he figured it out. Andrameta’s biggest secret and the key to her defeat. “The goddess keeps offering us these choices because she needs us to accept the MARC and submit to her will. The goddess used pawns like Dr. Tsyuchia and Takeshi Hino to do her dirty work. I believe it’s because she cannot directly interfere with our actions. Therefore, Andrameta cannot outright kill us herself unless we choose not to fight or join her side by accepting the MARC. That’s why she preys on our desires and dreams. She knows how to manipulate the people of this world with all her false promises and rules. They promised the MARC would provide the answer to humanity’s problems. Everyone who took it did so of their own free will and for their own selfish reasons. Andrameta controlled those who resisted through fear. We are the only two who haven’t caved, yet we still live. It’s not a coincidence. She wants us to surrender to her fear and sap the energy from our souls. Convincing us to take the MARC is the only way she can do that. The power to defeating her lies in one word. We have that power. We can defy this goddess with one simple word. All we have to do is keep saying NO!”

“She loved you.” Sailor Moon remembered Makoto’s last words before she perished, along with the rest of the phantom thieves. She took hold of Ren’s hand. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she watched Mamoru fall into the abyss. Ren tugged her towards the shrinking portal. Even if they made a break for it now, they might not make it in time. She watched Mamoru disappear into the empty void, spreading around them. If Ren could keep fighting without his girlfriend and the rest of the phantom thieves at his side, then she had to persevere. She owed Ren that much for saving her. Her legs shuffled along as if cement had filled them, but she allowed Joker to guide her towards the portal and away from the body of the man she loved. “The phantom thieves… they are all gone… Ren… I’m sorry…”

“Makoto believed in you, just as I do.” the portal closed shut. Ren broke into a sprint, dragging a reluctant Usagi along with him. The terrible news made his heart sink in his chest. He had hoped to find his way back to his companions in the ultimate battle, but his plans didn’t come together. Only he and the Moon princess remained. Together, they would have to face Andrameta head on. An impossible task. Only now he knew her secret. If they defied her to the end, there is no way she could conquer humanity. “I ordered her to protect you, knowing that I may never see her again. She took the risk and gave her life defending you. And so will I. Please trust me on this Sailor Moon. Remain strong no matter what she throws at us beyond this portal.”

“We fight on for them… for the phantom thieves… for the sailor senshi… for your Makoto… my Mamo… for all those we love!” Sailor Moon gave one last look behind as her foothold disappeared. Ren grabbed her before she slipped into the void. The Metaverse collapsed, swallowing the trees, the ryokan and all those who had died on its grounds. It all disappeared as a white light overtook her.

Chapter Text

Chapter 142:

“Where are we?” found herself on a rocky terrain. The air was thin and smelled of sulfur. Water trickled down the boulders and cliffs, snaking around them to fall down an endless cliff. The sky turned blood red, with ominous clouds blanketing the atmosphere. Fires burned in every which direction as far as the eye could see, ravaging the landscape on all sides of the horizon. Lush forests or dense urban cities, it made no matter. She could see all of Japan from this vantage point. Everything burned to the ground. Then she saw them. Giants. Disgusting monsters out of her worst nightmares. Andrameta’s children. The daimon towered over the earth, devouring everything in their path to grow stronger. Half human and half insect. The very sight of them revolted her. The critters pillaged cities in the distance, toppling skyscrapers and apartment buildings in search of more humans to feed upon until there was nothing left.

“I think we are on the summit of Mount Fuji.” Joker groaned. He didn’t have the strength to get back up. Tugging Sailor Moon through the portal on pure adrenaline sapped whatever strength he had left. The injuries he had sustained in the Metaverse caught up to him now. Standing on the summit of the mountain without a parka coat and an oxygen tank shouldn’t even be possible. Had Andrameta created another Metaverse to fool them, or was this the real world? The answer came to him when he took in his surroundings. A sky teeming with fire and brimstone. Infernos that spread across the Japanese countryside. Cities and forests alike burned to the ground. Giant daimon feasting on those poor souls left behind.

“Ren, are you alright?” Sailor Moon ran to help him back up. His guess appeared better than any answer she could think of. Instead of freezing on a mountaintop, the sweltering heat made her sweat. She tried to get Ren moving, but he struggled to make it to his feet. They had to regroup and figure out what to do next. She noticed Ren’s eyes fixated on the red clouds above. What she saw next made her skin crawl. She trembled in fear, shaken to the very core.

“BEHOLD YOUR WONDERFUL PLANET!” Andrameta emerged through the clouds. Her torso was vast enough to dwarf the entire mountain, making it look like a mere ant hill in comparison. The goddess had grown so large that the planet could no longer contain her. Legs wrapped around the earth, cutting deep into the charred land. They looked up at her sinister red eyes and expressionless face that blocked out the full moon behind her. “I OFFER YOU ONE LAST CHANCE TO SAVE THIS PITIFUL PLANET AND ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS. ACCEPT THE MARC AND SURRENDER TO ME NOW!”

“NO!” they shouted in unison.

“You cannot get us to fall for your lies, Andrameta!” Sailor Moon snapped.

Andrameta hissed, exposing a set of ugly fangs. Her eyes shimmered, glowing, until a missile shot forth at the mountain. The base of Mount Fuji rumbled. Boulders and rocks tumbled from the summit, threatening to crush the last two humans on earth.

“Find your way to higher ground. Reach the summit.” Joker ordered Sailor Moon. “I can’t move.”

“NO!” She tugged on his arm as the ground quivered beneath her boots. She shook her head from side to side, unable to accept the phantom thief’s order. “No! I’m not losing you too! Come with me!”

“Get to the top of that mountain and unleash your powers on Andrameta. Everyone we lost along the way sacrificed themselves to give you this very opportunity. Don’t squander it!”

“I can’t… not without you…” Tears welled down her cheeks. She tried to wrap her arms around Joker, but he pushed her away.

“I have to go…”

“What are you doing?” She watched him push himself to his feet and rip off his mask. “ARSENE!”

“NO!” Sailor Moon tried to stop him as she realized what Joker planned. The devilish persona appeared before them. It had grown in size yet again. The experience gained from defeating their enemies had made its powers grow, but not enough to take on a goddess the size of Andrameta. “I WONT’T ALLOW THIS. YOU CAN’T GO! PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME!

“Remember what I told you. The power of the word no is enough to defeat Andrameta!” Joker gave her one last embrace before climbing onto the demon’s back. “Even if I am gone, you are never alone. Keep our memory shining with you!”

“DON’T GO!” Sailor Moon shouted at him, but it was too late. Arsene beat his wings, soaring towards the goddess.

Chapter Text

Chapter 143:

The visage of Andrameta grew larger the closer Arsene got to the goddess. They flew higher and higher, stretching above the clouds until millions of twinkling stars came into view. Andrameta lashed at the demon and his rider. A massive limb swung towards them, threatening to knock the phantom thief out of the sky, but Arsene proved too quick, darting out of the way like a pesky fly avoiding a flyswatter. Lasers shot forth from her eyes, seeking the persona user and his pet.

“I SHALL REVEAL YOUR TRUE FORM!” Joker locked eyes with the terrifying goddess, refusing to back down. Refusing to cave into her fear tactics. Arsene folded his wings inward, diving at the goddess like a missile. Joker gripped his dagger, letting out a war cry as they slammed into her skull. The demon slammed against her full force. Joker leapt onto her head, driving his dagger deep into her flesh to remove the human-like mask that covered her face. The persona joined him, pouring all of his energy into the blade.

“ARGH!” Andrameta hissed in rage. She thrashed her head back and forth, trying to rid herself of the phantom thief, but Joker held onto that dagger with every ounce of strength he had left. He knew this attack would not be enough to defeat the goddess on its own, but hope to create a weak point that Sailor Moon could target. Leaving her side and sacrificing himself was their one and only option in his battered physical condition. He did what he could. The rest was up to her. He closed his eyes, driving the dagger deeper and deeper into the spider’s face, peeling away her skin until one of the hairy limbs snatched him up.

“NOW YOU DIE!” Andrameta hoisted the phantom thief into the stars. He watched his dagger slip from his grip and fall, dropping away to the clouds and earth miles below them. The spider queen stretched open her mouth, exposing a forked tongue that salivated at devouring this tricker. One who had proven a major thorn in her side to conquer this planet. Yet not even he was strong enough to defeat her.

Ren got a look at what lied beneath the demon’s mask. She ripped away the remnants of her face, exposing a grotesque visage composed of mechanical parts. That’s when he realized the truth behind her true form. Andrameta wasn’t a goddess as she claimed, but an alien hybrid composed of both living tissues and a metal endoskeleton, powered by advanced artificial intelligence. She stole the souls of humans because, despite her superior intellect, it was the one thing she lacked. The one thing that made her an inferior life form. Love, joy, anger, fear, she could experience none of these things and hated all those who could. Ren closed his eyes, awaiting his death as the false demon let go of her tiny human snack. He could feel her rancid breath on his skin as her forked tongue wrapped around him, lashing him into her mouth. Colossal fangs clamped down around him, encasing the phantom thief in total darkness. The stench of death lingering within her mouth made him wretch. Trapped in a puddle of acidic saliva that burned his skin, he struggled to stay afloat, swimming against the current that threatened to swallow him whole. His gloves grazed against a tooth, but the pull was too strong. He disappeared into the bowels of the spider goddess, the very last of the phantom thieves to suffer defeat at the hands of this vile monster. Ren prayed that Sailor Moon could succeed where he failed and defeat Andrameta.

Chapter Text

Chapter 144:

“Why…Ren… Why did you leave me too?” Sailor Moon scrambled atop the quivering mountain, with no time to wipe away her tears. One slip on these slick rocks would send her hurtling to her death. She crawled onto a plateau where she could see Arsene, now just a red speck in the distance, hurtling towards Andrameta through the thunderous clouds. A bright flash sparked through the atmosphere as Arsene crashed into the spider’s face. Andrameta reeled in anger, swiping at her face until she caught Joker in her grasp. Sailor Moon forced herself to her feet, watching in horror as the Spider Queen devoured the last phantom thief before turning its attention towards her.

“AND NOW YOU… SAILOR MOON… THE LAST HUMAN REMAINING ON THIS PATHETIC PLANET… HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE ALONE AND BEAR WITNESS TO THE UTTER DESTRUCTION OF THE EARTH! I HAVE SHOWN YOU MUCH MERCY, BUT NOW YOU WILL FACE YOUR OWN DESTRUCTION AND THAT OF HUMANITY!”

“I’m not alone…” Sailor Moon defied the goddess. She noticed her face had changed, as if Joker had pulled a giant mask off her head, exposing what lied beneath. Gone was the eerie visage of a beautiful woman, replaced with a bare metal gears and levers hiding beneath the mask. The sight of it horrified her. What on earth was this thing she faced? Joker and sacrificed himself for her, hoping to create a weak point she could exploit. All those that had died lost their lives for her. They believed in her. They had faith she could come through and save the world.

“I’ll carry all of my friends with me in my heart. You can’t take them away from me! The memories we share are eternal! They are with me even now. I can feel it! Now stand down, Andrameta! leave this planet or I will destroy you!”

“FOOLISH GIRL!” Andrameta hissed, growing in size with every word she spoke. The energy she had stolen from the inhabitants across this planet turned her into an unstoppable force, stronger than anything else in the galaxy. After disposing of the last sailor senshi, she and her children could move on from this solar system and onto the next, devouring planet after planet until her kin dominated the universe. Andrameta reached out with her front limb and punctured the Moon itself. A show of force to further crush the Sailor Moon’s spirit and will to resist her any further. Andrameta’s eyes glowed before she released her energy into the moon, causing a violent explosion that stretched across the night sky. Earth’s satellite erupted into a puff of smoke, raining what remained of it through the atmosphere like fiery teardrops. “BEHOLD THE RUINS OF YOUR MOON KINGDOM. THIS WORLD IS LOST. LOOK AROUND YOU! IT’S MINE! SEVEN BILLION SOULS… ALL MINE… THERE IS NOTHING BUT RUIN HERE… I WILL CRUSH EVERYTHING YOU ONCE HELD DEAR! YOU SHOULD HAVE ACCEPTED A COVENANT WITH ME… THIS IS YOUR FINAL CHANCE. IF YOU DON’T WANT THE EARTH TO SUFFER THE SAME FATE AS THE MOON THEN SURRENDER AND BOW DOWN TO ME NOW!”

“WHAT YOU OFFER ME ISN’T REAL!” Sailor Moon shouted back in defiance. Seeing the Moon explode into a million pieces should have broken her. She watched the dust shower the atmosphere as the memories of her past life flashed across her eyes, filling her with more grief. Andrameta had taken away Mamo and all of her friends. Now she attacked her past… her previous life.. memories tucked away in the back of her mind. She saw the remains of the Moon Kingdom. The forgotten ruins of the palace where her mother once ruled, centuries ago. Where she had fallen in love with Endymion. All gone. Destroyed. Andrameta had taken away everything she had cherished. “YOU HAVE NO POWER OVER ME! I AM NOT AFRAID OF BEING ALONE… I AM NOT AFRAID OF DEATH… I AM NOT AFRAID OF YOU! I HOLD MY MEMORIES WITH ME IN MY HEART. YOU CAN NEVER TAKE THEM AWAY! YOU CANNOT CONTROL ME WITH YOU FEAR AND MIND GAMES! IN THE NAME OF THE MOON, I SHALL PUNISH YOU! AND AVENGE MY KINGDOM!”

“ARGHH!!!!” Andrameta pounced upon the mountain, stomping it with her massive front legs. The giant limbs punctured through Mount Fuji, tearing through it like a knife into a cake. Sailor Moon felt the ground below her shake, threatening to give way. Boulders and rocks collapsed inward, tumbling upon her like a meteor shower. Soon, she would join Mamo and the others in death. At least it would be in another lifetime and not in a false reality given to her by this goddess. She would fight to the end and die, knowing she did not give in. It is all she could do to represent the last of humanity. Andrameta could never conquer this planet without her consent. Even now, she defied the goddess, shouting at the top of her lungs. The one word Ren said gave her the power.

“NO!!!!!!” She rose to her feet, watching as Andrameta pulled her enormous limb free from the mountain. The goddess stared down at her and repositioned her leg. Ready to squish her like a bug. This time she would not miss. Sailor Moon braced herself for death. She took hold of her Moon Stick and the key Luna had given her life to protect. “I’M NOT AFRAID OF YOU!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 145:

The butterfly key twinkled to life in her hands, shielding Usagi from harm as Andrameta crushed what remained of Mount Fuji under her tendrils. Rocks and debris flew everywhere once Andrameta stabbed into the mountainside with her colossal front appendages, driving them deep into the earth’s crust, pounding the majestic mountain into oblivion. The entire planet quivered, creating a mudslide that moved gravel, melting chunks of ice, and boulders along with it at breakneck speed. Not even Mount Fuji could withstand the might of Andrameta. The souls of billions had made her bigger and stronger than she had hoped when invading this planet. Her children would thrive, devouring the scraps left over. But it wasn’t enough. She needed to claim this one last soul to complete the takeover of earth.

A white aura overtook Sailor Moon, emanating from the key she clung onto. The ground beneath her feet gave way and an avalanche of stone and melting shards of ice cascaded towards her. Tons of wreckage. Enough debris to flatten her body into a pancake. Mount Fuji collapsed in upon itself from the impact, imploding into a massive crater. Smoke and icy dust clouded the sky, rising from the fiery devastation around her as if all the volcanoes on earth had just erupted. Andrameta revelled in her work. No one. Not even a phantom thief or a sailor senshi could have survived the weight of an entire mountain caving in on them. She let out a piercing cry, celebrating her victory over the last human of the earth. Victory at long last.

“NO!” Sailor Moon screamed in defiance. Seeing the Moon itself crumble had broken her spirit, but this mechanical goddess could not kill her if she did not surrender to fear. She held onto her faith, even in the face of certain death. The butterfly key protected her from harm, forming a protective bubble that grew wider and wider until she couldn’t see anything. Had she died? All that surrounded her was the white light escaping from the key, holding the rocks at bay before they could crush her. A bright ambience spread around her, erasing the crumbling mountain and the surrounding inferno from existence, until all that remained was an empty expanse of nothingness stretching across the universe. A warmth eased her pain and reinvigorated the rest of her body. She floated in the light, soaking it all in. Finally, at peace.

“MAMO!” She called his name, hoping her boyfriend would appear if this was indeed the afterlife. It echoed across the empty void to no response. She longed to see him again and be in his arms just one more time. It was her greatest wish. More so than anything else in the world. “LUNA! REI! MAKO! AMI! MINA! Artemis!”

None of her beloved companions responded to her call. This peaceful sanctuary appeared void of all life except for her. Hope soon turned to sorrow. She found herself trapped here in this prison, all alone, without the friends and loved ones she hoped to see. This wasn’t heaven, but a purgatory. A place out of her worst nightmares. Perhaps Andrameta had won after all. She kept calling for her friends, shouting their names at the top of her lungs, when another voice answered her.

“USAGI TSUKINO… SAILOR MOON… I AM THOU… THOU ART I… DEEP WITHIN YOUR SOUL I HAVE SLEPT… WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT…ALLOW THE WINDS OF MY BLESSING TO FLOW THROUGH YOU… OUR UNION IS ONE OF DESINTY… TRAGIC FATES HAVE BEFALLEN US BOTH… I TURNED TO DARKNESS… BUT YOU HAVE FOUND THE LIGHT… A GUARDIAN OF LOVE AND BEAUTY… CHAMPION OF THE WEAK…”

She looked up to find a young girl in a blue dress standing before her. She had long blonde hair nearly touching the floor and cradled a stuffed teddy bear against her chest. The girl looked cute and innocent, reminding her of herself at that age. But something in her cold blue eyes hinted at great suffering and loss. A terrible fate had befallen this poor child. The sight of this girl scared her, but not enough to keep her away. She wanted to help her. To hold her tight and end whatever suffering the poor child had gone through. They shared a special connection that she couldn’t explain. It felt like she had known this child for her whole life despite never meeting before.

“Alice?” Sailor Moon couldn’t explain how she knew the girl’s name. It just popped into her head. A darkness within the girl’s smile after the recognition made her hesitate. Rei would’ve warned against trusting this troubled child. Was she an evil spirit or something else? She smiled, reaching out to her. Perhaps they could help each other.

“HEAVY IS YOUR BURDEN…” The child’s voice froze her hand before she could touch her. “TASKED TO SAVE THE WORLD… WATCHING YOUR FRIENDS SUFFER AND DIE ONE BY ONE UNTIL NONE REMAIN… THOU MUST AWAKEN TO YOUR TRUE SELF… THE STRENGTH OF YOUR HEART SHALL MANIFEST THE WARRIOR WITHIN! UNLOCK THE DORMANT POWER OF DESTRUCTION YOU SEEK, SAILOR SENSHI. THE STRENGTH NECESSARY TO SLAY A GODDESS! IT IS TIME TO BREAK FREE OF THE CHAINS THAT BIND YOU AND EMBRACE THE ULTIMATE WEAPON. DELIVER DEATH TO THOSE WHO’VE WRONGED YOU!”

“No! I don’t want revenge. I’m tired of fighting!” Sailor Moon cried at the child’s words. This little girl scared her. How could they share such a strong connection? “I’m no warrior. I just want my friends back. My Mamo… I’d give anything to see him again! I want all this pain and suffering to go away. I want my old life back. Revenge won’t put my Mamo back in my arms. What good is it now? Andrameta blew up the moon and ravaged the planet earth. There’s nothing left for me there but death.”

“Pain.. suffering… anguish… despair… I know the meaning of these words all too well. No one understands the pain and torment you’ve withstood more so than I. Do not deny your destiny. I offer you the strength to harness these emotions and turn them against your enemy. Potential to turn all the hatred within you against the culprit who seeks to end humanity. Now awaken to your true power! Or have you given up?”

“No, I won’t give up! I’ll fight for them to the end! I accept your blessing!” Sailor Moon closed her eyes as a bright aura overtook her, praying that this wasn’t another one of Andrameta’s tricks. Accepting help from this girl frightened her. How could she embrace the dark themes Alice spoke of? She felt something cover her face and desperately reached to remove it. Intense pain coursed through her body as she ripped off the mask that tore off the skin from her face. Her bloodstained sailor suit disappeared, replaced with a white gown lined with gold that hugged her torso. Her Moon Stick floated into the air where it transformed into a sword. The silver crystal stretched into a sharp blade, shimmering with a holy aura until she snatched it out of the air. In her opposite hand, a shield in the shape of a heart materialized. Alice stood at her side and gestured for her to look behind her.

“Accept this gift…”

The inner senshi stood behind her in the chamber. Restored to life by Alice, the mysterious young girl standing beside her, teddy bear in tow. What was this power coursing through her veins? Had she unlocked a persona like Ren and the rest of of the phantom thieves?

“Guys!” Sailor Moon couldn’t hold back the tears of joy as Luna jumped into her arms. She pulled her four best friends in for a group hug, sobbing in disbelief until she saw who stood beside them. She closed her eyes and pressed her lips against his. “Tuxedo Mask!”

“Now’s not the time to waste.” Mars pulled her away before they could enjoy a passionate kiss. “You must put an end to this! Harness your persona to destroy Andrameta.”

“We would love to fight alongside you once again.” Jupiter shook her head. She placed her hand on the hilt of Sailor Moon’s sword and closed her eyes. An emerald stream of energy poured into the crystal blade as she poured her spirit into the sword. “Our physical forms are bound to this plane now, but thanks to you and the phantom thieves, we are free of Andrameta’s control. Carry us with you into battle.”

“Please forgive me for attacking you in the earlier. I didn’t mean any of those terrible things I said to you.” Mercury bowed her head in shame before pouring her blue energy into the sword. “The goddess tricked me. I wasn’t strong enough to resist her.

“Me too!” Venus grinned, adding a golden hue to the weapon. “Totally sorry for trying to kill you. It’s not like you tried putting the moves on my boyfriend, Casey Jones!”

“This is something you must do on your own.” Mars was the last to release her energy into the blade. Ruby red swirled amongst the other colors, channeling the sword with the power of the last inner senshi. The sword pulsated with so much energy that Usagi couldn’t hold it. “Carry us into battle. We are always with you. Protecting you in both life and death.”

“No.” Sailor Moon shook her head, refusing to heed her words. “I can’t do it without you guys. I need you! Please don’t go! Don’t leave me again!”

“Now it is your time to save humanity from extinction!” Tuxedo Mask cupped her face and leaned in for a kiss. Usagi closed her eyes in anticipation, but when she reopened them, her friends were all gone and the white room had turned dark. She could still hear his voice dying out. “Go forth and achieve your destiny… I’ll be waiting for you…”

Chapter Text

Chapter 146:

Ren plummeted deep within the bowels of Andrameta, tumbling down the innards of the colossal demon until crashing into a pool of acidic waste. Computer circuit boards blinked underneath her red sinew as he splashed into the abyss of liquid that burned his flesh. Pain coursed through his broken body as it sank further into the pit of acid. Ren didn’t have the strength left to swim back up to the surface. He drifted miles away from the light by the second, succumbing to his defeat. Webbing shot forth from every angle, trapping the phantom thief into a sticky cocoon that squeezed his bones and locked his muscles. He felt Andrameta’s presence pulling on his limbs, dragging him deeper into her digestive system, draining whatever energy he had left. Without his dagger, he had no hope of breaking free from the demon’s control. Nor could he summon Arsene. The acid slipped into his mouth, searing his tongue as he gasped for air. He struggled against the webbing, but she only tightened the grip around his arms and legs. Within a few more seconds, he’d run out of air and drown, forced to submit himself to the demon after battling against her for so long. Sailor Moon remained the last hope for humanity. The phantom thieves had lost their lives in this war, placing their faith in their leader and his decision to protect the Moon Princess. Now he followed them in death, their plan on the brink of failure. He hoped their sacrifice wasn’t in vain. He clamped his eyes shut and surrendered to the pain, knowing he did everything possible to give her a chance to defeat Andrameta. But it may not have proved enough.

“JOKER!” Morgana’s voice called to him before he accepted his fate. The cat’s bulbous head floated like a ghost. Joker struggled against the binds at the sight of his feline companion, but couldn’t move a finger. Panic set in from lack of oxygen. “I’TS NOT OVER YET! MOON’S AWAKENED TO HER PERSONA! TRY TO STAY CALM! WE WILL GET YOU OUT OF HERE! DON’T GIVE UP!”

“SAILOR MOON NEEDS YOUR HELP!” Haru implored. A distorted image of his friend appeared next to the cat. She swung her great axe, trying to cut through the webbing. More webbing shot forth, snatching the long handle before the blade reached him. They could only watch as the weapon sank to the bottom of the abyss. “I WON’T LET YOU QUIT!”

"SO WHAT IF YOUR BATTERIES ARE DEPLETED!” Futaba joined them, reaching forward with both hands. “THERE’S GOTTA BE JUST A LITTLE LEFT IN THE TANK! HANG IN THERE, JOKER!”

“IT’S ALWAYS DARKEST BEFORE THE DAWN.” Yusuke’s voice chimed in with sage advice. He extended the sheath of his Katana and drew his blade, hoping to cut Ren free. The sword disintegrated before his eyes, rusting away in a matter of seconds. Losing the weapon did not deter his resolve. “SNATCH VICTORY FROM THE JAWS OF DEFEAT!”

“I CAN’T IMAGINE WHAT PAIN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW.” Ann appeared next. She lashed out her whip, casting the leather chord around Joker’s web encased torso. “PLEASE STAY STRONG! WE ARE ALL WITH YOU!”

“HELL YEAH! EFF THAT FALSE GODDESS!” The ghost of Ryuji grabbed hold of the whip and tugged with his all this might. The rest of the thieves joined, including Zenkichi and an awakened Yuuichirou, desperate to bring their leader back up to the surface. All of his past confidants appeared, cheering them on. Professor Kawakami, the reporter Ohaya, Doctor Takemi, Shogo champion Hifumi, the fortune teller Chihaya, and other lives he impacted along the way. Souls stolen from Andrameta. Claimed by the vile goddess. All except for the girl his heart belonged to. The person he wanted to see more than anyone.

“Makoto!” He shouted her name with the remaining oxygen left in his lungs, gulping down acid that filled his lungs. Ren’s head threatened to explode from the pressure. Andrameta’s pull proved too strong for the might of the phantom thieves. The whip frayed until it snapped in half. Joker watched his friends disappear as he called out her name. He never had the opportunity to say goodbye. To tell her how he felt about her.

“I’M SORRY I LET YOU DOWN, JOKER.” the sadness in Makoto’s voice startled him, but he still could not see her amongst the crowd of ghosts fading in the pool of water. Makoto sacrificed her own life alongside the rest to protect Sailor Moon. She had followed his orders and believed in his plans to the end, giving the Moon Princess a chance to defeat Andrameta and save the world at the cost of her own life. “I WON’T FAIL YOU AGAIN.”

“She loved you…” He remembered what Sailor Moon had told him before making his own sacrifice atop Mount Fuji. Makoto loved him, despite everything he put her through the past month. Not telling her his true feelings proved his deepest regret. He couldn’t die. Not now. The phantom thieves would not go down like this. Not without pouring his heart out to her. Not without avenging his fellow thieves. If he was to die, it would be in a blaze of glory. An honor to his friends, and especially the one he loved. Makoto’s visage flashed through the murky acid, swimming through the waters, hoping to reunite.

She dove forward, both hands extended, desperate to reach him for one last embrace. If she couldn’t save him, their spirts would remain here together until the end of time. He focused on the forsaken love they shared for one another as he struggled against the webbing with every ounce of strength he had left. Ren let out a war cry, gulping acid into his empty lungs. He ripped one of his arms free and reached out to Makoto, grazing his fingers against her outstretched hand. Andrameta’s pull yanked him deeper into the abyss. Everything went black as his hand slipped free of Makoto’s grip, falling away from his true love.

Chapter Text

Chapter 147:

“What’s the matter? Are you forsaking those who died for you? Will you accept this pathetic death or fight for the one you love? Show me your true feelings!” Arsene’s voice pierced through the darkness, overtaking Ren’s consciousness before Andrameta could claim him. “Vow to me! I am thou.. thou art I… Call upon my name one last time and release thy rage! Show thy strength and break free!”

The power of self-less love proved Andrameta’s greatest weakness. Tearing him away from Makoto awakened a potential hidden deep within. Nothing could stop this new found force surging through him, fueled by the desire to embrace Makoto and pour out his emotions. Webbing disintegrated into shreds. Energy swam through his veins. He tore the mask from his eyes, embracing the pain as he shouted the name of his persona, undergoing his second awakening. “ARSENE!”

The demon clasped Ren’s hand, pulling him free from the acid. He spat out the vile acid that filled his lungs, coughing up gunk as he gasped for breath. Ren grabbed onto his persona’s scales, holding on for dear life. The demon’s body swelled, growing until the Andrameta’s body could no longer contain it. Arsene spread his wings and launched into the circuitry laced sinew lining the spider’s interior. Together, they burst through the spider queen’s torso, soaring into the storm clouds with Ren clinging on. Arsene grew larger by the second, digging his lanky limbs into the earth. He soon stood before the giant spider, an equal in size and power. Ren scrambled up his back, climbing up his spine as if it were a mountain. He stood atop the demon’s shoulder and stared into the mechanical face of Andrameta. Joker drew his pistol and pointed it at the false goddess. Determined to put an end to her reign of terror.

“ARRGHHH!!!!!” Andrameta hissed in anger. Acid poured from the wound in her chest, raining upon the remanets of Mount Fuji like a waterfall. She lunged for the persona, wrapping her front tendrils around the red giant. Andrameta snapped her maw at the pesky little human standing on her opponent’s shoulder, but Arsene held her at bay. The two colossal monsters grappled one another, over shadowing every building and natural wonder on the planet. The earth shook, quivering each time they exchanged blows. Arsene beat his wings, summoning winds stronger than any hurricane to push her away, but the spider queen withstood the storm and gained the upper hand, stabbing Arsene through the chest. Her tendril pierced through his back, shattering his spine, but the persona kept fighting. Ren almsot fell to his death as the persona dropped to one knee. Arsene scratched with his claws, driving them deep into the gaping wound where her heart should be, refusing to go down.

Andrameta had the wounded demon exactly where she wanted him. She hissed in anticipation as she withstood the blows tearing apart her chest, wrapping all eight limbs around Arsene. She pinned his wings against his bloodied backside before snaring his arms together. Ren grabbed hold as Arsene toppled over, crashing into the earth. A fissure stretched across all of Japan, quaking from the massive collision. He peered up into the sky and found the goddess staring at him. Her eyes glowed red, filling the atmosphere with a crimson hue that spread across the horizon as she prepared to eliminate the pesky phantom thief and his persona who kept defying her.

Chapter Text

Chapter 148:

Sailor Moon ran, leaping over the rubble and moon dust that littered the Japanese countryside. She carried her sword, emanating with the energy of her fallen guardians. Its blade illuminated the path before her, shining the path ahead with alternating flashes of blue, red, green, and golden light. The weapon and its aura gave her the confidence to charge forth into battle and face Andrameta head on.

“Joker…” she gasped when Arsene burst through Andrameta’s chest. The persona swelled in size, matching that of the goddess they faced. She spotted Ren standing on his shoulder. The phantom thief’s presence and his persona gave her hope. She had to help him. Sailor Moon gasped when the two giants collided, wrestling against each other like a Godzilla movie. Their legs crumbled skyscrapers and hills alike as they fought for supremacy.

“I’m never gonna make it in time!” Sailor Moon’s heart sank in her chest. The spider queen gained control over the persona, wrapping her limbs around her prey despite the scratches raking across her torso. They tumbled to the earth, causing a massive earthquake that sent her sprawling off her feet. Fissures spread across the crust, threatening to swallow her whole. She gripped her sword, staring into the flashing blade as the ground beneath her gave way. She closed her eyes and thought of her guardians. There was no path of escape, but she believed the senshi stood with her, present within the sword as she shouted the words. "SAILOR TELEPORT!”

The sword flashed as the ground beneath her feet vanished. When Sailor Moon blinked open her eyes, she now stood atop Arsene’s shoulder. She found Ren staring into the eyes of the spider goddess, refusing to quit. The ruby orbs glowed with tremendous power as Andrameta prepared to obliterate Arsene and the one who summoned him.

“PERSONA!” Sailor Moon ripped off her mask just as Andrameta unleased a laser bolt from her eyes. Alice appeared before the phantom thieves in her blue dress, meeting Andrameta with an icy stare. The persona withstood the laser and unleashed a wave of death that engulfed the spider Queen, eviscerating the exoskeleton of Andrameta covering her body until all that remained was a giant metal frame of moving gears and blinking lights.

“AAAAAAAAAKKK!!!” Andrameta hissed in pain as the persona’s energy ravaged her. She swung her limbs, desperate to swat away the two persona users, but Alice protected them both from harm. The towering limbs broke apart into a million pieces as they slammed into the little girl standing on the demon’s shoulder.

Andrameta lunged her head forward in a last ditch effort. Her ruby eyes blasted through the protective shield cast by Alice. The spider queen opened her mouth wide, snapping her forked tongue and maw of colossal teeth upon them. Not even Alice could protect them now.

“Let’s end this!” Ren faced the demon, refusing to give in to her fear. He clasped Sailor Moon’s hand into his own, awaiting the ultimate battle.

“IN THE NAME OF THE MOON, I SHALL PUNISH YOU!” She pointed her sword at Andrameta and together they leapt into the air. Not away from Andrameta’s out stretched mouth, but towards it. She gripped her sword and arced it at the massive beast. The sword was barely the size of a toothpick compared to the head of the goddess, but it shimmered with a blinding light that stunned Andrameta before she could devour them. She closed her eyes, and could see each of her guardians floating alongside her, each of their hands on the hilt of the sword along with her. Together they shouted: “SAILOR PLANET ATTACK!

Sailor Moon’s crystal sword powered with the energy of her lost guardians slashed across Andrameta’s face, reducing what remained of the spider queen into a pile of broken parts. The lights of her circuity went dark as the mechanical parts of the goddess broke down. Her red eyes dimmed as what remained of her face. She let out one final screech in anguish before falling still, her eyes staring lifelessly at the last two who just would not give in to her will.

Chapter Text

Chapter 149:

Andrameta’s children answered their dying mother’s call. Daimon. Hybrid monstrosities of half-human and half insect roamed across the earth, eager to defend their creator.

“IT’S SHOW TIME!” Joker ripped off his mask as energy flowed through Sailor Moon’s sword and into his hands, filling him with vigor. Spirits of the fallen phantom thieves appeared before them when he tore off the mask, unleashing their persona across the night sky. One by one, the phantom thieves eliminated Andrameta’s children, lighting up the earth with the energy of their persona.

Ren watched in awe as his companions eviscerated those who threatened his life before they can reach him. Makoto gave him a nod before calling forth Johanna. A nuclear blast swept across the countryside, reducing the remaining daimon to ash.The earth went still for a moment in the wake of the nuclear blast. Ren turned around to find Sailor Moon struggling to control her sword.

“What’s happening?” Ren hurried to her side. Sailor Moon weakened the longer she held the sword, which continued to pour out the energy of the silver crystal.

“I can’t contain it anymore!” Sailor Moon closed her eyes as tears rolled down her cheeks. Intense pain coursed through her body. Each second she held the weapon filled her with an agony unlike anything she ever experienced. Unleashing the entire power of the silver crystal in order to defeat Andrameta came with consequences. If she could not contain it, the crystal had the power to destroy the entire planet. She struggled to maintain a grip on the weapon. If she were to let go, it was all over. “I’m sorry Joker…”

“I’m with you.” The phantom thief placed his hand on top of her gloves, adding his strength just before her hand slipped free. If the world ended here, then so be it. The last of humanity did not go down without a fight. Both of them refused to give in to Andrameta’s will, eliminating the threat of the false goddess and her offspring before they could spread their disease even further through the galaxy. They closed their eyes together as their hands shook, unable to maintain their grip on the weapon. The silver blade broke free of its hilt and rose into the sky, unleashing a blinding light that engulfed the earth. The energy tossed the sailor senshi and phantom thief far away from one another. Their bodies disintegrated into dust as the energy washed across the horizon and swept the entire planet until nothing remained.

Chapter Text

Chapter 150:

Ren blinked open his eyes, awakening from a deep slumber. He sat up in bed, shaken by his recollections. The battles in the Metaverse and the confrontation with Andrameta on the summit of Mount Fuji flashed before his eyes. He remembered the world ending after Sailor Moon released the energy of Silver Crystal, a force so powerful that it wiped Andrameta out of existence, along with himself and the rest of the world. The light had spread far and wide across the horizon, sweeping around the earth and erasing all matter until nothing remained. Was it all a dream? No, that wasn’t possible. Everything felt so real. But how did he end up here? He found himself back in his usual cell in the velvet room, only now he wore regular clothes, unlike the prison garb he donned on his previous visits. The ball and chain on the ground beside him had shattered and the cell door swung wide open where a familiar face sat behind a table, writing in his ledger.

“Good to see you again, trickster.” A wide grin stretched across Igor’s wrinkled face. He placed down his quill pen and looked up from his book as the wildcard stepped up to the table. “You performed amicably in your latest test. The bonds you share with your friends restored, growing stronger than ever. Your powers have grown, far surpassing my expectations. Congratulations.”

“I thought you died.” Joker remembered seeing the odd man’s corpse sprawled out on the floor. His body sucked dry by the spider demon. The sight of him sitting behind his table, tending to his ledger, left him unsettled. He wanted answers.

“Andrameta made a critical mistake when she invaded the velvet room, in mate.” Lavenza appeared out of nowhere as if reading his mind. The eerie girl stood beside her master, her golden eyes widened. “We took a gamble and faked our own deaths. Igor created a duplicate Metaverse, trapping your world and all of your companions within, along with the false goddess, unbeknownst to her.”

“I don’t understand.” Ren shook his head. “Does that mean none of this was real? Was this it just a dream?”

“What is truth and what is fantasy? That is a far more complicated question than you think, trickster.” Lavenza shook her head in disapproval. “Allow me to explain in the simplest of terms. Think of our creation as a parallel dimension. A carbon copy of your world. We trapped humanity inside this metaverse, leaving a small sparkle of their souls within the original plane. A spark that not even Andrameta could touch. This was the only way we could preserve your planet, and the souls of those who inhabited it from the devastation. I provided guidance to you via the butterfly key, to help you from afar. We placed our faith in you, the trickster, to stop Andrameta before she discovered this secret.”

“YAH!” a high-pitched squeal erupted from within a jail cell. Usagi walked out of the cell to find an ugly man behind a table. He stood shorter than her, with an elongated nose, pointy ears and wisps of white hair growing around a bald spot like a horseshoe. The wide grin on his face terrified her. She panicked, wanting to run back into her cell and slam the gate shut until a mysterious girl blocked her path. She noticed the butterfly in her hair and her golden eyes that didn’t look quite human. The butterfly matched the key Luna had died to protect. Was this girl watching over them the entire time? Who was she? What is this place? She had so many questions to ask. Ren stood next to the girl and didn’t look freaked out, as if he knew these mysterious people. “WHERE AM I?”

“About time you woke up, sleepyhead.” Igor chuckled. The strange voice and appearance startled her, but such reactions didn’t bother him anymore. “Welcome to the velvet room. A place between the conscious and unconscious mind.”

“Does that mean we are dead?” Usagi turned to face her stoic friend after gazing at her surroundings. The cell blocks formed a circular perimeter around the wooden table in the center of the room. The floor had a checkerboard pattern with a decorative blue rug beneath her feet and the ceiling stretched up endlessly. “It’s my fault the world ended. I couldn’t contain the power of the Silver crystal. I’m a monster. No different from Andrameta.”

“I’m not explaining everything again.” Lavenza sighed. “She won’t understand!”

“Huh?” She turned to Ren. “What is she talking about?”

“The unconditional love you shared with your friends and family poured out of the Silver Crystal, vanquishing my creation.” Igor said. “Bonds that cannot break. The adversity you faced, denying the goddess and her false teachings, helped you awaken to your true self. You overcame your fears of loneliness and displayed extraordinary power, even without our teachings.

“Quite impressive for a rookie. But you have much to learn.”

“What are they talking about?” Usagi still couldn’t look at that odd man without shuddering. Even the little girl freaked her out.

“Your not a monster.” Ren reassured her with his calm voice. “Andrameta’s gone. You didn’t destroy the world, you saved it!”

“Does that mean…” her heart thumped in her chest. “All our friends are okay?”

“A deck of cards possesses two jokers. Wild cards. Playful tricksters. Opposites, yet bound with a connection. The two of you share a destiny bound by fate.” Igor interrupted, before Ren could answer. “You have awoken to your true nature, Usagi Tsukino. You’ve grown into a woman of great power, with the combined might of a sailor senshi and the ability to summon multiple persona. The world you destroyed was but a copy. A ruse to deter Andrameta from ravaging the precious planet you occupy. I grant you permission to reunite with your loved ones and return to the plane you consider the real world, but please know that your services may be required again in the future. I will allow Ren to serve as your guide. My assistant Lavenza shall assist in your training.”

“We will meet again.” Lavenza took Usagi’s hand and led her down a dark hallway.

Chapter Text

Chapter 151:

“I’m late for class.” Rei woke up in the library of Osaka University, cursing herself as she gathered her laptop and the rest of her belongings. She must’ve fallen asleep while brainstorming on how to save the Hikawa Shrine from closure. Showing up late for class. Daydreaming about her boyfriend. Slacking in her studies. She was turning into Usagi. Her heard throbbed. Memories of the strangest dream flashed through her mind. She would have to write them all down once she had the chance. Meeting strange new allies, battling her father, sacrificing herself to save Yuuichirou’s life. It all felt so real! Maybe all the stress had taken its toll on her. She hurried through the empty library, eager to get to class, when another student came barging inside.

“Rei, is that you?” the library’s door swung open, revealing a girl with shoulder-length brown hair. She looked familiar.“You gotta come with me!”

“Makoto Nijimma?” Rei didn’t remember how she knew the girl’s name. She remembered meeting her in the library last night, but then everything after that was a blur. More startling memories came back to light. What if it wasn’t a dream? They could hear a familiar voice coming from the auditorium and rushed through the University to hear her words.

“I’ve called this emergency assembly this morning to state that I am here by resigning from my post as Director of Sciences of Osaka University.” Dr. Tsyuchia stood behind a podium with a microphone in hand, making her announcement to the packed auditorium. She looked unrecognizable. Her dyed red hair was now back to its natural brown color, streaked with hints of gray. A thick pair of glass sat on the bridge of her crooked nose. She had no makeup and wore modest clothing. Bowing her head low in shame, the confidence and swagger she once possessed had evaporated. “The MARC I revealed in our last assembly is a dangerous and untested technology that is not safe for human use. I stole research from my mentor Professor Tomoe of Mugen Academy and passed it off as my own to advance in my career, placing the students of this university and the mass public in danger upon its release.”

“I thought she died in the Metaverse.” Makoto commented, remembering when she got stabbed in the back by the politician.

“Sailor Moon must have saved the world and restored everything to the way it was before all the chaos broke out. That explains why our memories are still a little foggy.”

“I deactivated the MARC and took the system offline this morning.” Dr. Tsyuchia continued. “I am now turning myself in to the authorities and will cooperate with their investigation. I take full responsibility for my violation of human rights and harming the public trust. Let these events serve as a warning to the dangers of artificial intelligence to our world.”

“I knew Sailor Moon would come through.” Makoto nodded. One by one, students ripped the defunct MARC from their wrist and dropped them in trash cans on their way out of the auditorium until the baskets overflowed. They walked out in disappointment, muttering about the disgraced professor as the police came in and took her into custody. Makoto was happy to see Tsyuchia brought to justice for her grave crimes, but hoped she could redeem herself in the future. “If we changed Tsyuchia’s heart, then maybe there is hope for your father, too.”

“Don’t hold your breath.” Rei shook her head. “Let’s get out of here. I’m going home to Tokyo. There’s business I need to take care of before it’s too late. Things that mean a lot more to me than this stupid place. Do you want to come with me? Maybe pay that ex-boyfriend of yours a visit?”

“I’d like that.” Makoto took out her phone and saw a group text from Ren asking all the phantom thieves to meet up at Leblanc cafe. She wouldn’t keep him waiting. “Let’s go home.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 152:

“Yusuke!” Futaba raced along the treelined path leading up to the ryokan, deep in the mountainous region of Hakone. The cold air escaped from her mouth like a steam engine and her lungs ached with every breath as she huffed and puffed along the gravel. The last thing she remembered was dying here on this very grass. An epic battle had torn the grounds apart, turning the humble cottage and its peaceful surroundings into a bloody nightmare. She lost her own life trying to prevent Yusuke from slaying the sailor senshi, dying at his very hand. She had poured out her heart to him, revealing her innermost secret, hoping it would snap him back to reality and out of Andrameta’s grasp.

Futaba had so many questions on her mind after waking up on the grass. She ran her fingers along her throat and found her wounds had vanished as if nothing had happened. The spider demon’s presence disappeared, along with the metaverse that had once taken over the ryokan. Who defeated the false goddess? How did the world get restored back to normal? Those answers would have to wait. The screen door to the ryokan slid open and there stood the person she was looking for.

“Well met, Futaba.” Yusuke bowed low. He stretched his arms and walked towards her, basking in the natural beauty that surrounded the ryokan. The sun peaked through the canopy of trees. Birds chirped from their nests, and the wind shook the leaves on their branches. So many distractions and signs of life that were absent in the Metaverse. His blue eyes locked on Futaba after admiring the return of all the earth’s natural wonders. “I’m glad you returned. It appears that Joker and the others triumphed over the great evil that plagued this land.”

“I’m sorry for running away.” Futaba reddened in his presence and couldn’t meet his gaze. Not after what she revealed to him in her last moments. She didn’t know what extent of memories he had kept after receiving the MARC. Even worse, she didn’t quite know how he’d react to what she had said. She fumbled for words, unsure of how to proceed. “Look… I umm…about what I said…I ughh…Jeez this is awkward…”

“It’s all right, Futaba.” Yusuke smiled, trying to ease her worries. “You have nothing to apologize for. For it is I who committed such atrocities that are truly unforgivable.”

“Why did you do it?” Futaba turned the conversation away from her revelation. “Why did you accept the MARC? I don’t understand. You always warned me that all of this technology is dangerous. That’s why you took me here, right? To get away from it all?”

“Right.” He nodded. “I accepted the covenant with Andrameta for one reason and one reason only. To protect you, Futaba. The false goddess promised me that no harm would come to you should I accept her covenant. I consider you one of my closest of friends and did what was necessary to ensure you remain unharmed in the clutches of such an evil. Accepting the MARC wasn’t a wise decision. The spider demon corrupted my mind, which led to the tragic events that transpired in the metaverse. I’ll never forgive myself for harming you the way I did.”

“Closest friend…” Futaba muttered under her breath in disappointment, taking the hint. He didn’t feel the same way about her after all. She felt like such an idiot. “Gotcha.”

“Your words are not lost on me, Futaba.” Yusuke turned away and walked towards the ryokan’s garden. He bent down to examine the various produce the old lady grew in her spare time. This was an awkward conversation for both of them. “I heard what you said, and I am touched. Yes, I took you here hoping to give you a respite from the many technological devices we use daily. But I must admit that I also came here for my own selfish reasons.”

“What, so you could get more free curry from Sojiro?” Futaba folded her arms, disgusted at the artist. “I’m sure he was happy to get me out of the house.”

“No, not the curry this time.” Yusuke placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. His stomach grumbled at the very mention of curry, but he ignored it. Food could wait. “As an artist, I’ve searched everywhere for the meaning of true love. I strived to find the essence of love and express it in my work, but I’ve failed time and time again. Failed to capture the same beauty in my mother’s painting, “the Sayuri.” which displayed the unconditional bond between mother and her newborn son. I hoped I would find such inspiration here, in the mountains. It turns out what I was looking for sat right under my nose, hidden in plain sight, for quite some time.”

“What are you talking about?” Futaba perked up a bit as he turned toward her once again. She noticed his cool smile. His blue eyes peered into her own. “Do you mean to say that…”

“You’ve awoken a special fervor within me, Futaba. A sensation in my soul I never experienced before. Not just with your words, but with your actions as well. You lost your life, risking everything to help that sailor senshi despite your jealousy. You put it all on the line to save me from myself. It was then that I realized how much of I fool I am. Blind as a bat. Unable to see the beauty of true love. But I saw it. I beheld it there on the battlefield as your life slipped away in my arms. Pangs of sorrow punctured my heart at your loss. Sorrow and despair..”

“Yeah, yeah, you saw me die and felt guilty about it. I’m glad my death in the metaverse made your stubborn head wake up to Andrameta’s treachery.” Futaba didn’t know what to make of his ramblings and wanted to cut to the chase. “But that doesn’t that mean you share these feelings with me… does it?”

“I admit, I haven’t looked at you in a romantic light before.” Yusuke said. “But I blame myself for that. We share much in common, you and I, like kindred spirts. Your obsessions with technology and computers parallel my interests in the arts. Perhaps the arts have consumed me. Maybe it is I who need to take a step back from my preoccupations and experience other wonderful possibilities that life offers. I think this is something that could benefit us both.”

“So, what does that mean?”

“I’d like to begin a proper courtship and spend more time with you, Futaba.” He picked a wildflower growing amongst the garden in the ryokan’s front yard and offered it to her. “You’ve planted a seed in my heart that I believe will only continue to grow if we both nurture it.”

“Do you mean all that?” Futaba couldn’t believe her ears, ripping off her headphones. She accepted the flower and studied it for a moment, noticing the intricate details of petals. No boy had ever given her one of these before.

“Indeed, I do.” He nodded. “Let us begin this new journey in our lives together. But for now, we must return to cafe LeBlanc.”

“What? Why?”

“I received a group text from Ren prior to coming outside. He wants us phantom thieves to meet up at Leblanc to discuss what happened.”

“We can’t go back now!” Futaba hadn’t even checked her phone since waking up. She didn’t even know if it held a charge. Yusuke mattered much more to her than right now. She could careless about her phone, her Nintendo switch, or any of the other devices she brought on this trip. “Besides, we never got to go on that hike!”

“You want to go hiking?” Yusuke looked surprised. “But what about Sojiro?”

“I’ll take care of him.” Futaba grinned. “All I gotta do is tell him I’m going back to Shujin High first thing on Monday morning if he lets us stay. He’ll cave once I mention that!”

“Very well. Let’s just grab a bite to eat first. I’m famished.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 153

“Becoming the prime minister of Japan was my crowning achievement. A goal I set for myself at the start of my career upon graduating college. I climbed up the political ladder for this very opportunity. I achieved this apex after two decades of selfless service to our country. Many days and nights spent working tirelessly for you at the expense of my very own family. I lost my wife to illness, but that did not stop my aspirations. Years have passed by and I missed out on watching my daughter grow into an ambitious young woman. I hope to see her grow now. To teach her to learn from my past mistakes. Neglecting her is my deepest regret. One I can never make amends for.” The politician looked down at his microphone in shame, not bothering to glance into the camera despite years of living in the media spotlight.

“But this is not an excuse for my actions. Serving the public trust was an honor and privilege given to me. One I take seriously. One I will never overlook. However, I must announce that I am stepping down from my position. Public officials must serve the best interests of those we represent. I’ve failed in this regard. I betrayed the people I represent by promoting the dangerous MARC technology. The illegal mandates placed upon the populace are a breach of the public trust. A disservice that I pray never happens in our dear country again. If I ever return to politics, I will fight to ensure this tyranny never happens again. For this atrocity, I will turn myself in to the proper authorities and plead guilty to whatever charges the district attorney deems worthy of my crimes. To the citizens of Japan… To my daughter Rei… I leave you with these words… I am sorry.”

“This world is going downhill.” Sojiro turned off the television and let out a sigh. Takashi Hino, a confident and strong leader that strived to unite the entire world under one banner, now a broken man resgining from office. What a strange couple of days. A new prime minister had come and gone. An advanced technology had taken the world by storm, only to be discarded and forgotten about as if nothing happened. He looked around his outdated cafe and sighed at the sight of no customers. Then he checked his watch. Closing time was in fifteen more minutes, but he might as well close up shop now. Sojiro reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes along with his keys. He grabbed his jacket and fedora when the front door to the cafe swing open, sounding the wind chimes placed just above it.

“We’re closed…”

Drat, a customer at this hour? His biggest pet peeve was when patrons came in just before closing. They almost always wanted to order everything off the menu, not just a simple cup of coffee. A cat’s meow snared his attention to the door. Ren walked on in. His strange cat leapt out of his bag and hopped onto the bar counter like he owned the place, meowing for food.

“Finally home!” Morgana meowed, knowing that only Ren could understand his words. “I just knew you would and Moon would come through and save the world. My faith in the phantom thieves never wavered, even in the most dire of moments! We changed a few hearts and sent that spider queen packing! I’m proud of you guys! Can’t wait to celebrate our victory when everyone gets here. But I doubt anyone’s coming tonight. Let’s get right up to bed and catch up on some well-needed sleep. I’m sure you are exhausted!”

“Oh, you’re back.” Sojiro placed some scraps of food on a plate and gave it to the chatty feline. Morgana’s tail shot up as he dug in. He assumed that the phantom thieves had something to do with the politician’s sudden change of heart and the world going back to normal, but didn’t want to ask questions should the police come snooping around again. Futaba messaged him earlier, stating that she would come back tomorrow and even go back to school if he let her stay an extra day. He couldn’t say no to that. The fact she had lasted that long in the mountains surprised him. That put him in a much better mood. He turned to Ren before leaving. “How did it go in Osaka? Did your girlfriend take you back?”

“I’m sorry, boss. I know you are closing soon.” The cafe door opened again and there stood Makoto Nijimma. ”Do you mind if I come in and talk to Ren for a few minutes?”

“No, I was just leaving.” He tossed the keys over to Ren before leaving the couple alone. “Lock up for me, please.”

“Ren…” Makoto hugged him tight. “I’m sorry for everything.”

“You have nothing to apologize for.” He shook his head, holding her close.

“I shouldn’t have mistrusted you and accused you of cheating on me. I reacted poorly instead of talking to you. Then I ignored your calls.”

“Look, I understand why you were upset.”

"I jumped to conclusions, assuming that you cheated because… Well… I thought our relationship was too good to be true. This couldn’t be real. I didn’t think I’d ever find someone I cared about so much. The pressures of starting college.. Sis not approving our relationship… It all overwhelmed me. I felt hesitant. Unsure of what I wanted… My grades slipped. All I could think of was you, but I wasn’t brave enough to answer the phone or reply to your texts. When Futaba sent me the proof of your innocence, I read everything. All four hundred pages. The way you helped all those people… it showed me just how wonderful you are. And I treated you no better than those who misjudged you in the past. I’ve made so many mistakes in this relationship.”

“That’s not true.” Ren shook his head. He worried Makoto was about to break up with him. He wanted her to be happy and to make the right decision for herself. “I take full responsibility for what happened. I should’ve been more honest with you. If you don’t want to continue dating, I understand.”

“When you placed me in charge of the phantom thieves in your absence, I learned how difficult it is to be a leader. It forced me to make tough decisions in the heat of the moment. In the end, I sacrificed the phantom thieves to ensure Sailor Moon’s survival. Because… I believed in you. I trusted in your plan to save the world, no matter the cost. I realized I’d do anything for you.”

“We wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for your bravery.”

“Fighting in the Metaverse again. Leading the phantom thieves. It taught me something about myself. I can’t give in to fear. I can’t worry about the unknown or care what others are thinking about me. My life is in my hands. Sometimes you have to make a life-changing decision in an instant. If you waver, the moment is gone. Lost forever. Before you can even blink.”

“Makoto, I’d like you to have this.” Ren reached into his pocket and pulled out the silver necklace given to Makoto when she first became his girlfriend. She discarded it after their fight, dropping it to the street after the discoveries on his phone. Instead of turning to despair or anger at her actions, he kept the gift in his pocket as a reminder of how much she’s meant to him. He waited for the perfect moment to return it to her.

“I know what I want now and I’m going to fight for this relationship to make it work, no matter what. I want to be with you, Ren. To grow together as a couple wherever the world takes us.” Makoto’s heart fluttered as he put the symbol of their relationship around her neck. She never thought she’d reveal so much about her feelings, but losing Ren in the Metaverse made her realize just how fragile life was. She didn’t think she’d ever see him again or that life would return to normal even if they achieved victory. Makoto wouldn’t hold back now. No more running away from her feelings or questioning her own decisions. She leaned in close, summoning the courage to tell him one last thing. Makoto closed her eyes, whispering as she went in for a kiss. “I’m not sure if Usagi told you this… but… I… I… love you, Ren.”

“I love you too.”

“See Ren, I told you she’d take you back!” Morgana meowed. He jumped on the countertop, interrupting the tender moment. “I knew it all along! Now let’s go to sleep!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 154:

Rei returned to the Hikawa shrine late at night after a long commute back from Osaka. She hurried down the path to find the temple still standing, much to her relief. The full Moon, and a few lanterns provided lighting until she reached the temple. She walked through the grounds, hoping to find the man she loved, but his room remained empty. The temple was silent except for her snoring grandfather and the chirping cicadas in the surrounding forest.

“He’s not here.” Rei sighed in disappointment. She walked into his room and found the note left when he ran away. She picked it up, fighting back tears as she read it again.

“Who?” a suspicious voice asked. “Who’s not here?”

“Yuuichirou!” Rei found him unharmed. He still had his hair pulled into a bun and wore that expensive suit. But other than, he looked normal. “You’re alive!”

“A fate worse than death.” He hung his head in shame. “I failed you, my Rei. Failed to save the shrine. Even sold my soul to that wicked goddess. I vowed never to return here, but I wanted to see you one last time. To say goodbye.”

“No Yuuchirou, I’m the one who failed,” Rei Iamented. “I failed you and this relationship. This temple is just a building. It’s the people who make it special. I lost sight of what matters most.”

“But I drove your family’s shrine into financial ruin. I’m unworthy of your affection. A disgrace. Everything I tried. You must hate me.”

“Don’t say such things. Do you think I would have given up my life for you if I hated you?” Rei didn’t want him to sulk anymore. “We will always hold the shrine in our memory, even if it closes. But I’m not giving up just yet.”

“What’s your plan?”

“I’m taking the rest of the semester off. We will work day and night until I find a solution to this mess. And if not, we are going to host a celebration and bring the community together one last time to honor this temple. Are you with me or not?”

“Of course, my Rei!”

“Oh, and take off that suit. You look ridiculous!” Rei caught him by surprise as he removed the tuxedo jacket. She released the bun atop his head, letting his shaggy hair go free. Rei grabbed the collar of his dress shirt, drawing the stunned priest closer. She closed her eyes and kissed him with all the passion she kept bottled in, no longer worrying about the fate of the shrine. Rei teased Yuuichirou as she drew back, undoing the buttons on his white vest. She had just one question left to ask after ripping open his shirt and caressing his chest. “Yuuichirou… do you still have that engagement ring?”

“The ring!” He riffled through his pockets, searching for the diamond his mother bought for the proposal. “If we sell it, then…”

“Who said anything about selling it? The size of that diamond would fetch a lot of money, but not enough to save the shrine. Besides, the resale value shrinks once you leave the jewelry store. Would be a shame to see it go to waste. I thought you wanted to marry me. Unless that was just your shadow talking in the Metaverse.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 155:

“Thanks for staying with me.” Usagi woke up at the airport early the next morning. She stretched her arms and legs, removing the blanket to find the sun shining outside the airport window. Haru had come with her, offering to stay while she waited for Mamoru’s arrival from Italy. Having Haru at her side meant the world to her. In such a short time, they had become close friends. Haru’s kindness provided much needed comfort. Mamoru had cut his business trip short, returning home after all the craziness that unfolded. Usagi couldn’t contain her excitement, sleeping at the airport overnight to greet her boyfriend the minute he arrived.

“That’s what friends are for.” Haru smiled. She handed over a paper bag with some food she had bought earlier. “Here, I got you some breakfast. Would you like some coffee?”

“Thanks so much Haru-chan!” Usagi’s stomach rumbled. She reached into the bag and devoured the muffin when she noticed that the plane from Italy had just arrived. “My Mamo’s plane is here!”

They rushed down the terminal, hoping to greet him at the gate. Usagi hopped up and down in anticipation as passengers got off the plane. She pushed through the crowd, leaping into his arms the moment she saw him.

“MAMO!”

“Usako…”

“I missed you so much!”

“I missed you too, Usako.”

“Please don’t leave me again!”

“I won’t.”

“Usagi-chan…” Haru interrupted their embrace.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Usagi let the excitement get to her, that she didn’t introduce Mamoru to her new friend. “This is my friend Haru.”

“Turn around, Usagi.” Haru grinned. “I have a surprise for you.”

“A surprise?” When she turned around, she couldn’t believe her eyes. Ami, Minako, and Makoto waited for her.

“Guys!” She pulled them in for a group hug, tears of joy flooded down her cheeks. How was this possible?

“Haru got me a flight from New York.” Minako smiled. “This is all thanks to her!

“A limousine picked me up from medical school.” Ami nodded. “Thank you very much, Haru, for this opportunity.”

“A helicopter picked me up from the mountains. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Thank you Haru!”

“I have another limo waiting for us outside the airport.” Haru smiled. “Let’s go give Rei a surprise visit this morning, shall we!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 156:

“Are you guys having another party? I hope it turns out better than last time.” Sojiro left LeBlanc cafe for the night, granting Ren privacy with his girlfriend after they returned from Osaka. The love birds earned it after helping bring Futaba back to her senses. He reached into his jacket pocket for a cigarette when another member of the phantom thieves rushed down the narrow alleyway, startling him before he enjoyed a smoke.

“Is Ryuji here?” a disheveled Ann Takamaki caught her breath, running nonstop from the Yongen Jaya train station to the eatery in her white dress and heels. Ann woke up at the makeup counter in the Rose Bud studio, dazed and confused after falling unconscious in the Metaverse. She thought the world ended once the desolate temple grounds collapsed around her. What a horrible nightmare! The director snapped her to reality with his obnoxious voice, barking at her to return to the set and finish the photo shoot. She walked towards the fake beach, wondering if she dreamed the entire adventure in the Metaverse and the battle against Andrameta. Her bikini-clad costars rolled their eyes and giggled, whispering to each other in secret as the lead model arrived. Ann frowned at them as she took the toothpaste tube from the director and stepped onto the set, resigned to spending the rest of her birthday with these snobby jerks instead of people she cared about.

She thought about Ryuji. Visions from her dream flashed by in her head. The memories flooded back, including an awkward kiss they shared when facing certain death. Her heart ached when her fingers grazed against the gold jewelry dangling from her neck. Prior to his heroic sacrifice, Ryuji presented her with this valuable gift, revealing his true feelings for her at long last. The most unrealistic part of her dream. A pure fantasy that would never come to pass, especially after giving him the cold shoulder for so long.

Wait, where did I get this necklace from? Don’t tell me that happened? Ann tossed away the toothpaste onto the sandy beach and clutched the necklace to her heart, running back to the makeup counter to check her phone for more evidence. She saw a group text from Ren, asking everyone to report back to Leblanc. Ann gathered her belongings and stormed out of the studio, ignoring the irate director. The girls dove for the abandoned tube of toothpaste, eager to take Ann’s place as the lead model. An overzealous beach goer bumped into the photographer’s chair, breaking his camera when it slipped from his hands.

She didn’t care if this reckless decision ended her modelling career. The gold necklace and this text from Ren confirmed that everything she experienced in the Metaverse happened, including Ryuji’s death. Responses came in from the rest of the phantom thieves, all except for one. What if he didn’t make it out of the Metaverse alive?

“I haven’t seen him. Ren got back a little while ago.” Sojiro caught her attention. “Njimma arrived shortly thereafter.”

“Oh, I see.” Ann peeked in through the cafe's window and saw the couple inside. They embraced one another, sharing a passionate kiss in an empty booth. Makoto took his hand and turned off the lights, leading him upstairs to the attic. “I guess they made up.”

“Look, if you need a place to stay for the night, you can have Futaba’s room. She won’t be back until tomorrow.” Sojiro spoke up after an awkward silence. He adjusted his fedora after feeling rain drops splatter onto his hat. The full moon shone through the thick clouds for a moment before disappearing again.

“Thanks, but I’m just going to go home. I’ll catch up with them in the morning.”

“Are you sure? It’s getting late.” Sojiro sensed the sadness in her voice after he told her about Ryuji’s absence. Seeing her friends kissing inside the cafe didn’t help. Did she have feelings for Ryuji, as Futaba predicted at the last party? He wondered what Futaba was up to and couldn’t fathom why she’d want to spend another night alone with the quirky artist. Did she enjoy the outdoors that much? Or did they have a thing for one another, too? The thought of the bizarre pairing sent a shiver down his spine. He craved a cigarette even more now. The drizzle intensified, turning to a downpour, but nothing he said would convince Ann to stay. “Send me a text when you get back. Take care.”

“Please pick up.” Ann took the lonely walk back to the Yongen Jaya train station. She took out her phone and tried calling Ryuji, but he didn’t answer her call or any of her text messages. All she wanted was proof that he was okay. Why wouldn’t he respond to her? The rain intensified to a downpour. She hurried over to the train station and sat down on a bench after swiping her boarding pass. She found the station empty. Trains didn’t run too often at this hour and the next one wasn’t coming for a while. She tried reaching out again, texting in the group chat, asking if anyone had heard from Ryuji. Images of Ryuji charging into battle as she watched from inside the cat-bus filled her with guilt. What if Ryuji didn’t make it out alive? She regretted leaving his side in the Metaverse, and failing to reveal her true feelings.

Chapter Text

Chapter 157:

“What the eff happened?” Ryuji found himself on the grass in the middle of the Osaka University campus. He dusted himself off and caught students eyeing him suspiciously. The campus returned to normal, with professors and students alike hurrying to catch their morning classes. People carried coffee cups, others stared into their phones. Some ran fast, others walked slow. But none of them had that creepy spider latched onto their wrist. The MARC felt like ancient history, forgotten about by the populace. He checked his phone, trying to figure out his fuzzy memory. He saw a group text from Ren, but it died on him before he responded.

“Shit!” He swore, rummaging through his pockets. He couldn’t find the gift he had bought for Ann. The thought of it brought back more memories. Wait, did he give her the gift and confess his love? Did actually kiss her? Or was that a mirage, too? A made up fantasy in his head he dreamed of many times before but never acted on. It didn’t matter now. He was stuck here. How would he find Ann and the others?

Ryuji left the University, wandering around Osaka in search of the Rose Bud studio. He remembered what the building looked like, but not the address. By the time he found it, the studio had closed and security refused to let him up to check if she was still there. Now he faced another problem. He checked his wallet and couldn’t find his train pass. He had blown all of his money on the balance for Ann’s gift. How was he going to get home? He remembered the time this exact scenario occurred years ago when he bought a plush toy for his mother on a school field trip and didn’t have money for the bus. Ann stepped in and helped him out, while others laughed at his expense. It was at that moment when he realized there was much more to Ann than her cuteness. The cherished memory brought a smile to his face. He had to get back to her somehow, even if she still despised him.

Ryuji spent the rest of the day navigating his way across Japan. He evaded paying the fare, dodging past the conductors, and eluding the police hungry to make an arrest. Traveling around the country proved an arduous task without the help of his cellphone or friends. The sun had long set before he made it to the Yongen Jaya train station, a residential village on the outskirts of Tokyo. He doubted he’d find anybody at LeBlanc at this hour, but noticed the one he sought the most waiting to catch the next train.

“What are you crying about?” Ryuji approached the bench, surprised to see Ann here of all places.

“You’re alive!” she jumped off the bench and wrapped her arms around him, squeezing so tightly that he couldn’t breathe. “I thought I lost you!”

“Of course I’m alive!” Ryuji groaned. Everything was in a fog since he woke up on the grass outside of Osaka University. “What’s gotten into you?”

“Why didn’t you respond to any of the texts in the group chat?”

“My phone died on me, and I didn’t have any money to buy a charger or fare to Tokyo. I dodged the cops and snuck onto the train without buying a ticket!”

“How did you not have any money on you?”

“I ugh… spent it all.”

“On this?” Ann gestured to her necklace. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

“Hey, you kept it?” he noticed that necklace dangling above her chest with her name engraved in diamonds. “I thought you hated it.”

“I didn’t say that!” Ann couldn’t believe him. Was his confession all an act? A ruse to convince Futaba to get back on their side. Maybe he didn’t like her after all. “Do you want it back?”

“No. I busted my ass for weeks, saving up enough money to buy that for you.”

“You didn’t have to.”

“Yes, I did. I effed up bad, Ann. I hurt you.” Ryuji averted her gaze. “Look, I’m sorry.”

“I didn’t want an expensive gift.” She shook her head. “All I wanted was a heartfelt apology. I wanted you to acknowledge my feelings.”

“Kinda hard to do when you ignore my existence.”

“I know.” She sighed. “I’m sorry too. I didn’t handle things well either.”

“Guess we both effed up then, huh?” he shrugged.

“I guess so…”

“Ann, do you remember that trip we took to the aquarium back in middle school?”

“Yeah, what about it?” She remembered that day as well. Ryuji had spent all of his money on a dolphin plush for his mother and didn’t have enough money for the bus ride home. While the other students laughed at his expense for buying a gift for his mommy, she paid for his fare. The act of kindness made her realize Ryuji wasn’t the delinquent troublemaker everyone accused him of.

“Today got me thinking about it. How you hooked me with some spare change and helped me get home. I never forgot about it. You were the only one who gave a shit. Truth is, Ann, I’ve had a crush on you ever since that day. I saw how the girls picked on you for being different, so I dyed my hair blonde to take their attention away from you. It’s cool if you don’t feel the same, but riding here from Osaka without you… I realized something. I needed you back then, and I need you in my life now, too.”

“Why didn’t you ever say anything?

“I always thought you were outta my league. There was no way in hell that a girl hot as you could like me! No effing way! I thought you knew I liked you and but had no interest in me. You are always blunt and tell it like it is. You’ve called me out on my bullshit plenty of times over the years. How many times have you caught me staring at you?”

“Ryuji…” she had never seen this vulnerable side of him before. “All this time? For real? I thought if you liked me, you’d ask me on a date.”

“When we became friends, I realized that there was much more to you than just your hotness. I love hanging out with you, going to the movies, playing video games and shit like that. That’s why I enjoy messing with you. I can joke around and not worry about what anyone else thinks. I didn’t want things to get awkward between us if I asked you out and got rejected, like every other guy who tried.”

“Why do you think I rejected them? I waited for you to make a move! I thought I dropped enough hints over the years.”

“So, what are you getting at?” he scratched his head in confusion. “What hints?”

“I’m saying that I like you too! I always have!”

“What? For Real?”

“Yeah! I’ve crushed on you since middle school too. We are both outsiders who don’t quite fit in with everyone else, but you never treated me any differently. I remember you dyed your hair blonde after girls in class teased me about my hair. Don’t think I didn’t take notice of that.”

“Yeah, well, I can’t stand bullies, and I know girls can be even worse. I’m sorry if I was hard on you when Kamoshida put you through hell. I didn’t know how he blackmailed you and your friend, Shiho. It just pissed me off so much to see that piece of shit teacher try to date you. I knew you were better than that and didn’t want to see you get hurt. I’m glad we got to kick his ass!”

“Thanks for having my back.”

“It’s like you are one of the guys!” he regretted saying that the moment it left his mouth.

“Maybe we shouldn’t mess with our friendship then.” Ann sighed.

“Hey, It’s still your birthday…” Ryuji reminded her, changing the subject. His stomach grumbled from a long day of traveling. “Want to go grab a bite to eat? Whatever you want. Just like old times. I’ll pay you back, I promise!”

“Don’t worry, it’s on me.” Ann smiled. "How about ramen? That is, if we can find a place open at this hour.”

“Oh, hell yeah! I know a place that’s open 24/7.”

“Let’s go!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 158:

“Man, this is so effing good! Ryuji grabbed a pair of chopsticks and shoveled noodles into his mouth the moment the waitress placed the bowl down on their table. He dug in with gusto, as if he hadn’t seen food before.

“Slow down, you are going to get a stomachache!” Ann warned, watching Ryuji slurp down a bowl of ramen. The bowl was empty before she could even blink. Ann sat on the same side of the booth as him and cuddled up close. They remained the only two in the restaurant at this hour. A midnight run for ramen at a hole in the wall take out eatery was not how she pictured their first date, but she’d make it work. After what they had gone through, just spending time with Ryuji made her happy.

“Are you going to eat that?” Ryuji pointed at her untouched bowl of ramen. He wrapped the sticks around the noodles and offered some to her. He felt bad for picking this place, figuring that she didn’t want to eat ramen but came anyway since he suggested it. “C’mon, you gotta eat something.”

“I’m so exhausted.” Ann yawned. She pushed the bowl over to him and hooked an arm around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder. “You can have mine.”

“For real?” Ryuji ate carefully after noticing that Ann fell asleep on him. The waitress took away their empty bowls and handed him the bill. Instead of taking it, he pointed at Ann and whispered into the waitress’s ear. She hurried off to the kitchen and returned a few minutes later with a piece of cake baring a single lit candle.

“Wake up!” Ryuji nudged Ann until she stirred from her slumber.

“What’s this?”

“I wanted to wish you a happy birthday. Look, I ordered your favorite. Strawberry shortcake!”

“Aww, that’s so sweet of you.” She smiled at him. “It means a lot to me. You didn’t just think of yourself for a change!”

“What are you going to wish for?” He asked.

“Wouldn’t you like to know…” She blew out the candle and winked.

“C’mon, what is it!”

“I was thinking…. maybe… I’d like another kiss… from my boyfriend…”

“Boyfriend? For real?”

“Yeah!” Ann closed her eyes and waited as he leaned in closer. Her lips pressed against his for just a moment before she grabbed his head of blonde hair and slammed his head into the piece of cake. “BOOM!”

“HEY!” Ryuji wiped away the frosting from his face while Ann pointed and laughed at his expense. “NOT COOL!”

“Oh, it’s just a stupid cake!” Ann mocked as she wiped his face clean with a napkin.

“I guess I deserved that one. That makes us even now, huh?” Ryuji slumped his shoulders. For a moment there, he thought his dreams had come true.

“Ryuji… about my wish... don’t keep me waiting!”

Chapter Text

Chapter 159:

“Ahh Futaba, behold Mount Fuji-San!” Yusuke rowed their boat to the middle of the lake. He let go of the oars and stood up, taking in the view of the snowcapped mountain in the distance. After a long day of hiking through the forest, he had brought Futaba to lake Aisihi and rented a cheap canoe. Clouds parted, allowing the sun to shine off the calm waters. He reached into his backpack and retrieved a sketch pad, drawing the landscape for an oil painting he’d start after returning home.

“Can’t you put that pad away for a minute and just enjoy the view?” Futaba didn’t even glance at her phone once throughout the grueling hike. Her legs burned after walking countless miles and her arms throbbed from rowing, but it was well worth it to spend quality time with Yusuke.

“Right, forgive me.” He put away the sketch pad, remembering the promise they made to each other. “It’s quite a breathtaking view, isn’t it?”

“Thank you for bringing me here.” Futaba snuggled up next to the artist after he took a seat next to her. She removed her headphones, taking in the sounds of the lake. The serenity of the lake brought her a sense of relaxation she never experienced. No crowds, congestion or noise of Tokyo. Just the two of them and the mountain. “Your secret location lived up to the hype. Color me impressed, Inari.”

“Our little adventure was not about the destination. The true reward is spending time with those you care about. Enjoying the simplicities of life and the natural beauty around us. Even the graphics of the finest gaming system cannot capture the feeling of the wind against your face. The smells of the sea…”

“Point taken, Inari.” They sat in silence for a time in their parka coats, staring at the mountain in the distance. She cuddled up even closer to the artist. Her teeth chattered from the brisk fall wind and she couldn’t feel her toes.

“Are you cold, Futaba? It is frigid today, I admit.” He put his arm around Futaba and held her close. She nestled in, leaning against his shoulder. “Perhaps we should head back to the ryokan. The rest of the phantom thieves await us in Tokyo. I’m sure Sojiro is concerned about you, too.”

“Aww, can’t we stay? It’s our first date!” Futaba didn’t want it to end just yet. Not before she summoned the courage to execute her sneak attack.

“Fear not. We can plan more outdoor excursions, if you enjoy hiking. There are countless hidden wonders in Japan to explore. I’m glad we’ve found a common interest. I look forward to sharing these getaway vacations with you in the future.”

“Me too!” Futaba gave him a peck on the cheek. Mission complete! Yusuke grazed his face with his gloved fingers. His face reddened, shocked by the sudden kiss. “Thank you for bringing me here. I’ll never forget this place, I promise.”

“It warms my soul to hear that.” He leaned in to kiss her back, but the sudden shift in weight sent the painter overboard. Yusuke splashed into the lake, grabbing at the boat and nearly capsizing it. Futaba hauled him back on the canoe and almost fell in the water herself. She took out her phone this one time for a selfie, planting another kiss on his cheek as she snapped the photo.

Chapter Text

Chapter 160:

Rei Hino woke up late the next morning, hearing a commotion outside of the temple. She nudged Yuuichirou with her elbow and peeled his muscular arms off of her body before jumping out of bed to see what rucous stirred her slumber. Rei opened the blinds wide and peered through the window, shielding her eyes from the bright sun, her jaw dropping in disbelief.

“Get up!” Rei shouted at the lazy priest and rummaged through her closet, picking out her finest robes. She donned her scarlet hakama and left the bedroom to attend to their many guests. Rei hoped for a lazy day, beginning with a nice warm bath and breakfast, enjoying peace and quiet at the shrine before it closed for good at the end of the month. Now, she wouldn’t even have time to brush her hair or wash her face to look more presentable. Rei left the dormitory once dressed, stepping onto the serene grounds to find one of the largest crowds flooding the temple since festival season.

A flabbergasted Yuuichirou followed, throwing on his kimono in haste as he chased after her, tripping on his sky blue hakama. He paused at the doorway, unable to process the amount of people gathered here this morning. Pious pilgrims offered donations and bowed low, asking the gods for forgiveness after falling prey to the MARC and its false promises. Grandpa Hino scurried throughout the grounds with both hands full of fortunes, selling talismans to a high demand. Coins fell at the old man’s feet, his kimono pockets overflowing with yen. He bowed in gratitude, scooping up the donations once sold out of his wares.

“Don’t just stand there, get to work!” Rei shoved a broom into his hands before waving to her guests with a warm smile. She disappeared into the crowd, assisting all those in need while grandpa Hino hurried off to fetch more fortunes and talismans. A slow day of sleeping in with her boyfriend turned upside down, but they had responsibilities to take care of. She looked forward to the evening when they’d get more alone time.

“Rei!” a scream amidst the crowd caught her attention. Usagi tugged her boyfriend’s hand, pulling Mamoru through the swarm of pilgrims, until finding the priestess tending to an elderly patron. She barreled into Rei, knocking her into the collection box. Mamoru kept the bin from tipping over and prevented the yen from spilling out onto the deck. Usagi squeezed her friend into a bear hug, refusing to let go. “I’m so happy to see you!”

“I knew you’d do it!” Rei accepted the hug and returned the embrace. Tears trickled down her eyes as she held her friend close. Usagi overcame her fears, saving the world from the spider demon. Never backing down from the false goddess, even after losing those she cared about. “You defeated Andrameta. I’m so proud of you.”

“It’s because I had you at my side… you never left me… even in death… I heard your voice…you gave me the will to keep fighting against all odds… reminding me to never give up… Thank you for protecting me!”

“Can’t you see Rei is busy!” Yuuichirou dropped the broom and pried Usagi off of his girlfriend. He had never seen the shrine so busy in his time here. Every second wasted chatting with the pigtailed girl could take money away from the shrine! This was their golden opportunity! They had to collect enough to pay off the debt!

“Yuuichirou, my hero!” the pigtailed girl grabbed his collar and pulled him into the embrace instead of letting go. The lanky priest tumbled, and together they all fell to the wooden deck to a roar of laughter. Mamoru scrambled to help her up. “Thank you both!”

“Usagi, I’m the one who needs to thank you for rescuing me. You trusted your instincts and sensed something was amiss when I didn’t show up at the festival. If you didn’t take action, none of us would have anything to celebrate right now.” Rei’s face reddened in embarrassment, that faded to the clang of coins on the wooden floor. She dipped her head in shame. “Besides, I’m not worthy of your praise. I failed to fight alongside you to the bitter end. I neglected my duty as sailor senshi to save Yuuichirou instead of staying at your side. Please forgive me.”

“You have nothing to feel sorry for, Rei! I’m happy you made that decision and followed your heart, embracing Yuuichirou’s love at long last.” Usagi hugged her best friend even closer. “Besides, you gave me the strength to fight. To unleash the warrior within me and awaken to my persona. I couldn’t have defeated Andrameta without you.”

“I guess your kindness softened me.” Rei chuckled at the irony of it. She scolded Usagi countless times over years for letting her emotions get the better of her. All her whining and crying instead of fighting. Yet this time, Rei had followed her heart, sacrificing herself to save her boyfriend while Usagi steeled herself and kept defying a goddess that took away everything she loved. Usagi and her happy-go-lucky frustrated her to no end, but now she understood how they remained such close friends despite their differences. They shared a special connection, bound by fate, like two sides of the same coin. Together, they had much to learn from one another.

“I’d like the Hikawa shrine to have this.” Mamoru dumped the contents of his wallet into the donation box. Minako, Ami and Makoto followed behind him, bowing low to their friends sprawled out on the wooden deck.

“Usagi told us the shrine was in trouble. I took the first flight in from New York to help.” Minako smiled alongside her fellow guardians.

“Yeah, we aren’t letting this place shut down without a fight!” Makoto Kino flipped coins into the box. “And when I win the big karate tournament next month, I’ll make a big donation after I collect my winnings.”

“I know this isn’t much, but please accept this gift. It’s the least I can do.” Ami emptied her coin purse into the bin.

“Having you guys here means more to me than any amount of money.” Rei pulled her friends in for a group hug, overwhelmed with joy. Usagi showing up unannounced didn’t surprise her, but the rest of the sailor senshi had traveled from afar to lend their support in her time of need. The temple might close, but she’d cherish these memories for the rest of her life. Through good times and bad, she could count on those she loved to always stand at her side.

Chapter Text

Chapter 161:

“Rei, I’d like you to have this.” Makoto Nijimma approached the deck and put a donation into the box along with Ren. The rest of the phantom thieves followed their leader through the crowd until making it to the excitement near the altar.

“Thank you, Nijimma. But I am the one indebted to you. You displayed leadership and bravery in Metaverse. Fighting to protect the moon princess like a true sailor senshi.” Makoto proved much more than the shy and indecisive girl she met in the library. She glanced over to Ren. “I see your girlfriend found it in her heart to forgive you. Don’t screw it up!”

“GO EASY ON THE KID! I TOLD YOU WE’D SAVE THE SHRINE!” Yuuichirou hugged Ren. “I OWE IT ALL TO YOU! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!”

“You have your work cut out for you with these awakened phantom thieves, Ren.” Morgana spoke with from within the duffle bag slung around the human’s shoulder. He didn’t know who was more of a handful, the priest or Usagi. Either way, he welcomed both into their ranks.

“I appreciate all this support and generosity.” Rei bowed to her guests. “Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s enough. The bank will move in to repossess the property unless I can pay them the full amount owed by the month’s end.”

“Excuse me, Ms. Hino.” Haru stepped forward. “But did you receive my donation? I issued a check the day of the festival, which hasn’t cleared yet, according to my accountant.”

“THE JAR!” Yuuichirou scrambled to the dormitory and came back with a white envelope he forgot about when counting the money from the festival. He tore it open in and pulled out a check. His eyes widened at the sight of all the zeroes added to the total signed on the paper. The check slipped from his shaking hand, unable to grasp the amount of money this curly-headed girl donated.

“I can’t accept this.” Rei picked up the check from the floor, gasping in astonishment. The amount written was enough to pay off their full debt. Five million yen. She offered tt back to Haru, shaking her head. “It’s way too much.”

“It’s alright.” Haru smiled I want you to have it. “Consider it a thank you from the phantom thieves to the sailor senshi for your help in saving the world.”

“I can’t.” Rei motioned to tear the check in half.

“SHE WANTS US TO HAVE IT, REI!” Yuuichirou reached for the check before his girlfriend ripped it apart.

“HEY!” Rei snapped. “GIVE IT BACK!”
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Chapter Text

Chapter 162

“Rei.” another voice interrupted the skirmish, freezing her as Yuuichirou pried the check from her hands.

“Father.” Rei looked down at her feet to find her father clad in regular street clothes, down on his knees, his forehead low in reverence. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve resigned from my position as prime minister and quit politics for good.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.” She folded her arms in disgust. “How dare you show your face here?”

“Please… Rei… I’m sorry… Sorry for all I’ve done… I have many regrets…”

“Quit groveling and leave this place. You aren’t welcome!” Takeshi ruined this joyous celebration. The presence of her father revolted her more than anything else in the world. “You forced the world to accept the MARC, committed murder in cold blood, and you expect me to just forgive you? GET OUT! I never want to see you again! I hope you spend the rest of your life in prison to answer for your crimes!”

“Rei, I invited him here.” Makoto Nijimma interrupted the outburst. “Dr. Tsyuchia is alive and well, remember? Everything appears the way it was before Andrameta’s invasion.”

“That doesn’t excuse his grave actions!” Memories of her troubled youth fueled her fury. Her father chose his political ambitions instead of caring for his dying wife and their vulnerable daughter. She regretted asking him for help when the temple fell into debt.

“I spoke with my sister, the district attorney. Sis agreed to reduce Mr. Hino’s sentence to a year of community service, which he’s agreed to serve here, at the Hikawa shrine.”

“Nobody consulted me about this!” Rei boiled in rage. She’d lock her father in jail and throw away the key. How could Nijimma go behind her back like this? The self-proclaimed phantom thief of justice?

“Please hear him out, Rei. I know you are angry with me. I told you in the Metaverse that I lost both my parents and I’d do anything to bring them back. We changed your father’s heart. He’s realized the error of his ways. Reclaim the family you always wanted.”

“Your father was a man of honor, unlike mine!” The words cut through her father like a sword as she pointed at him with disdain. The temple fell silent, only disturbed by a grown man sobbing at her feet. She snatched a broom and walked away when her father’s voice stopped her.

“I lied…” Takeshi Hino cried. “The treasure you found in the Metaverse… The picture of our family… It’s my deepest desire. But no one… not even Andrameta, could grant me that. You revealed the error of my ways… There’s still time… let us be a family again… I’ll do anything…please…”

“Father…” Rei glanced at Usagi and found her anger dissipate. Her best friend nodded, smiling in encouragement. Rei thought about that photo of her parents. A happy family. Only now she pictured Yuuichirou, the sailor the senshi, the phantom thieves, and even grandpa Hino crammed within the frame alongside the little girl and her loving parents. She knew what she had to do. Extending her open hand to her groveling father, she helped him to his feet and muttered words she never thought she’d ever say. “If you are sincere… then I forgive you… but under one condition… when your community service is complete, return to politics… redeem our family name and make this country a better place for everyone. Ensure that a travesty like this never happens again.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 163:

“Ahh Futaba, behold Mount Fuji-San!” Yusuke rowed their boat to the middle of the lake. He let go of the oars and stood up, taking in the view of the snowcapped mountain in the distance. After a long day of hiking through the forest, he had brought Futaba to lake Aisihi and rented a cheap canoe. Clouds parted, allowing the sun to shine off the calm waters. He reached into his backpack and retrieved a sketch pad, drawing the landscape for an oil painting he’d start after returning home.

“Can’t you put that pad away for a minute and just enjoy the view?” Futaba didn’t even glance at her phone once throughout the grueling hike. Her legs burned after walking countless miles and her arms throbbed from rowing, but it was well worth it to spend quality time with Yusuke.

“Right, forgive me.” He put away the sketch pad, remembering the promise they made to each other. “It’s quite a breathtaking view, isn’t it?”

“Thank you for bringing me here.” Futaba snuggled up next to the artist after he took a seat next to her. She removed her headphones, taking in the sounds of the lake. The serenity of the lake brought her a sense of relaxation she never experienced. No crowds, congestion or noise of Tokyo. Just the two of them and the mountain. “Your secret location lived up to the hype. Color me impressed, Inari.”

“Our little adventure was not about the destination. The true reward is spending time with those you care about. Enjoying the simplicities of life and the natural beauty around us. Even the graphics of the finest gaming system cannot capture the feeling of the wind against your face. The smells of the sea…”

“Point taken, Inari.” They sat in silence for a time in their parka coats, staring at the mountain in the distance. She cuddled up even closer to the artist. Her teeth chattered from the brisk fall wind and she could barely feel her toes.

“Are you cold, Futaba? It is frigid today, I admit.” He put his arm around Futaba and held her close. She nestled in, leaning against his shoulder. “Perhaps we should head back to the ryokan. The rest of the phantom thieves await us in Tokyo. I’m sure Sojiro is concerned about you, too.”

“Aww, can’t we stay? It’s our first date!” Futaba didn’t want it to end just yet. Not before she summoned the courage to execute her sneak attack.

“Fear not. We can plan more outdoor excursions, if you enjoy hiking. There are countless hidden wonders in Japan to explore. I’m glad we’ve found a common interest. I look forward to sharing these getaway vacations with you in the future.”

“Me too!” Futaba gave him a peck on the cheek. Mission complete! Yusuke grazed his face with his gloved fingers. His face reddened, shocked by the sudden kiss. “Thank you for bringing me here. I’ll never forget it.”

“It warms my soul to hear that.” He leaned in to kiss her back, but the sudden shift in weight sent the artist overboard. Yusuke splashed into the lake, grabbing at the boat and nearly capsizing it. Futaba hauled him back on the canoe and almost fell in the water herself. She took out her phone this one time for a selfie, planting another kiss on his cheek as she snapped the photo.

THE END.