Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ When Destiny Changed ❯ Chapter Eight ( Chapter 8 )

More definitions:

Henshi: To transform, more or less anyway. I know there's something else but I don't remember. If any one knows please let me know. Cha!

SFS

Chapter Eight

"Gomen Minna," Minako huffed as she quickly entered the room, taking a seat next to Ami on the couch, "Kind of slept in again."

"Humph!" Rei muttered, " You're getting as bad as…" she paused as Makoto chipped in.

"Usagi. But it's not that bad, now is it, Rei-chan?"

Rei was silent as she shook her head, then looked up, grinning bravely, "Well, we all have our habits. So, this is everybody?" she asked glancing around, "Good. Makoto-chan, what was your reason of calling us here?"

Makoto popped back out of the kitchen with a plate of cookies, setting them on the coffee table, "Well, it's actually about something I read in the papers. I'm not sure you all have yet." She picked up a newspaper from a side cupboard and set it on the table.

Haruka picked it up, glancing over the page, "'Mysterious accident out by Coastal Road. Medical teams were called out to an undisclosed location to treat severely injured victims.'" She glanced to Makoto, "Why should this interest us?"

"Keep reading."

"'Though nothing is known of what happened or where, sources speak of strange blast shots on many victims, causing instant burns much like fire but at a more increased rate. Some were also found with broken bones but no signs of a hit point other then they seemed as if they had been tossed by a severe force with no trace of contact. Some did show signs but not many…'" Haruka drew her breath as she continued softly, "'There were a few that suffered a more fatal causes… and died instantly.'" She looked up; "I see what you mean."

Rei was quiet as Ami grabbed her small computer and began tapping quietly. Minako was the first to speak up; "This doesn't sound very `normal', does it?"

Ami shook her head; "This sounds very strange. For one, what place are they speaking of? A place no one has heard of? Someone must. But this `attack', yes I believe it was one, why did it happen? And why in a secluded place?"

"I believe we should investigate," suggested Michiru seriously.

"Agreed," Makoto said as everyone but Rei nodded. Minako glanced her way, "Rei-chan?"

Rei looked up with a start and her face showed evidence of an inner struggle. For the past month now, she as well as Hotaru, Mamoru and the others met at Mamoru's place several times a week to talk to each other, go over what their feelings and thoughts were over their loss. It seemed to make them bond even closer, even if Mamoru and even Hotaru were still a little elusive. Mamoru did seem more stable then before, even if there was someone watching over him even now.

For Rei, it had made her come to the realization that nothing she did would bring her best friend back, that even finding out why it had happened wouldn't change anything. So it was that she would leave the temple more and even finish the last few days of school before vacation started.

But what they spoke of, it struck a nerve that had bothered her and she had hoped would never have to be realized.

"Rei-chan?" Makoto spoke up, "What's wrong?"

She was quiet but then quietly spoke, "This would be the first time… without her."

The others looked surprised but they too looked upset.

"It's been over five months since we were last Senshi," Minako said, glancing around, "Will we be all right?"

Haruka nodded with confidence; "We will be strong just as we always have been. For our Prince, for the memory of our Princess and for our future."

Makoto stood a strong grin on her face and a fist before her, "We won't let anyone kick us around. Besides, this attack doesn't sound as bad as some we've faced. We can handle it."

Ami nodded, "Right. If we're lucky this may turn out to be nothing but your average robbery or something."

Rei seemed dubious, as did Haruka and Michiru.

"We need to be careful," Haruka said, her arms crossed looking thoughtful, "Whatever it is, we need to be ready." She glanced to Rei; "It might be good to meet at your place again, if it's all right."

She nodded, turning to the others; "One other thing still bothers me. Usagi was our leader. I never wanted to face this question. Demo…" she looked down as the others glanced at each other thoughtfully. Ami broke the silence with her sound logic.

"It seems to be the only solution, as it was in our past. I believe Minako-chan and Haruka-chan should take this role, as a cooperate leader. They were both leaders of the Inner and Outer Senshi during the Silver Millennium." She looked at them, " What do you think?"

Minako and Haruka looked surprised, glancing at each other. They hadn't thought themselves to be likely candidates but here they were. Rei nodded, "This seems right." She looked up and they could see tears glistening in her eyes, "After all, you two were the ones who saved Mamoru from… himself… the first time."

"Agreed," Michiru said as the others nodded, "I believe Setsuna and Hotaru will agree to this. This will be a big responsibility."

"We can handle it," Haruka said as Minako nodded.

"Big shoes to fill," she chuckled sadly, trying to lighten the mood, then took a deep breath and rose, "Well then, I guess the first thing we need to do is investigate this report. Haruka-chan?"

She too rose and nodded, "Ami-chan, you and I will go to the coast. I'll see if Setsuna will come as well."

"Rei-chan," Minako asked, "would you consult the fire?" Rei nodded.

"And us?" Makoto asked. Haruka and Minako looked thoughtful, then Minako spoke, "Makoto-chan, why don't you, Michiru-chan and check the city records for anything that might explain what is out by Coastal Road and why it's such a secret."

They agreed, as Ami spoke up, "Should we recruit Mamoru and Hotaru to help somehow? Might they not be up to it?"

"We'll have him join us," Haruka said.

"Then Hotaru can come with us," Michiru said, "I would rather like to keep an eye on her anyway."

"Then it's settled. Tomorrow we meet at Rei's and go from there."

"Well since that's done," grinned Makoto, "Anyone up for some home cooking?"

~~~

Fortunately for Minako and the others, the records building was open for the weekend for some work being done for the upcoming festival. Not having to worry about people asking what they might be looking for, the group made their way to a room titled "City Property & Surrounding Area Records". Making sure they were alone, they each went through different file cabinets, taking out folders and sitting at a near by table close to a window.

After about twenty minutes or so, Minako perked up, smiling, "I think I found something. It's an old article. Listen to this. `The Kitaro Manor, once heading towards being torn down, was suddenly bought by an unknown buyer and was renovated soon after. Though many attempts were made to ask for interviews, all were declined. The owner is unknown to the community and has led a rather mysterious life. What has become the use of the Manor is unknown.'"

"How old is the article?" asked Michiru.

"Over 20 years. Wait here's another article. `The unknown buyer of two years ago, known to people as `The Hermit', was reported to have suddenly vanish from sight. Some reports say has left the country. Others believe he died of mysterious causes.'"

"This is getting weird," Makoto muttered, turning to a folder she held, "I found something about the manor itself. Apparently it is said to be built as early as the mid 1800's but it was never recorded by whom it may be built. It has just been there. There is some record of a family known as the Kitaro's, I'm assuming that's how it got it's name, and that they lived there from the 1900's till the 40's. After that, it was kind of abandoned. No one seemed to stay for long and it was soon forgotten. That might explain why no one remembers it."

Michiru looked thoughtful, "Minako-chan, is there anything on what happened after the buyers' apparent disappearance?"

Minako flipped a few pages, coming to a halt after a while. "Here I believe. `Some sources were able to find that after its previous owner vanished, it has been apparently willed to an unknown heir, a young boy three years old. His guardians, who also remain unknown, are taking care of the boy.'" Minako's brow furrowed and she turned the page, turning back again and looking at the others in confusion, "That's it. Nothing more is here. Makoto-chan?"

Makoto searched her files and shook her head, "Nothing. I guess we won't find much else."

"Well this is no help," Minako pouted, "So much for research."

"On the contrary," Michiru said, "I believe we've discovered a great deal. We know that it is still owned by someone, and that the place has an interesting past."

"That doesn't explain the attack, though."

"No, maybe not. But at least we have an idea who may be living there now. If we only knew why it's been kept so hush, hush."

Hotaru, who had disappeared into behind bookshelves for a while, came out holding a not so old stack of papers, "Maybe this will help." She set them down and quietly took a seat as Makoto picked of a slip, "Requests for operation? But what kind? It seems this was suppose to be discarded, from what the slip on top has said. Hotaru-chan, where did you find this?"

Hotaru had laid her head down and said nothing. Checking on her, Minako smiled, "My, she does fall asleep quickly."

Michiru smiled, "She hasn't really slept well for the past few months but I think she's getting better." She frowned sadly, "At least she does not ask the question so much. Only sighs."

Makoto and Minako looked to her, "Question?"

She explained quietly what had happened since the accident and also of the incident at the mall some time back.

"I wonder what she means by it," Makoto said, pondering.

"What about these papers?" Minako asked, picking up another, "This is a research list for eligible and well trained technicians, scientists, and so on. And here's another list, for equipment I don't even know. Ami might understand it."

"Here's another. A list for regular stay on staff." Michiru's brow furrowed as she looked over the lists again. Makoto looked puzzled.

"What's wrong with that?"

Minako glanced at Michiru and turned back to Makoto.

"The address is Coastal Road, Kitaro Manor."

~~~

I had been determined not to go, as I had not left my apartment since that day. But Haruka had been rather insistent and I somehow felt it would be good to investigate these events. At least for the memory of my love. She would have wanted it.

Dealing with each day had become easier but still I felt the pain. When I first stepped out of the apartment into the sunshine, I had squinted, like someone seeing light for the first time. The others had then noticed how pale I really was, but said nothing. They didn't need to. I could see in their faces: a look of pity, one I had grown tired of. Donning a pair of shades, we left in Haruka's convertible and ended up here. They had updated me of what was in the paper but it still didn't seem to be Senshi business to me. Still, I knew it might be important.

I stood before the manor with the others, the car behind a clump of trees, hands in my pockets. It appeared rather old with ivy creeping over parts of the walls. But the definite sign of trouble was the dark scarring around the door. Ami was already tapping on her small computer as Haruka and Setsuna stood at each side of me. I frown a bit at this.

"Still don't trust me?"

Haruka glanced at me before looking forward again, "Whether or not that is the case, you are our new charge. Don't be offended."

I didn't reply as we approached the front drive. Ami looked up from her typing.

"Wait. I'm not sure we should knock. Chances are they won't just let us in."

"There's someone in there?" Haruka questioned.

"Yes, about nine from my scan. I'd say at least 5 are security and the rest," she typed again, "Possibly technicians of some sort. Why they would be here is beyond me. This place seemed to be just a residence."

"Security," Setsuna said quietly, "That's means there must be something to protect. This manor wasn't exactly out in the open. I believe there is something hidden here of great importance."

We nodded, Haruka looking over the building, then gesturing, "There, second story. There's a window open a crack with a tree near it. If we can get to the building unnoticed we should be able to get in."

"Allow me." Ami grinned, transforming. In a display of light and bubbles she carefully stepped from behind the trees.

"MERCURY BUBBLES BLAST!" A sudden mist surrounded the grounds, making it impossible to be spotted from any windows.

"Good job, Mercury."

She nodded and then thought a moment, "Wouldn't it be wise to all transform? In case we do get caught. It wouldn't do to have a record for trespassing and it will make escape easier."

The others nodded but I looked away. This was asking too much. Not since that day, when once my star seed had been taken, had I transformed. My whole reason for doing so, from the beginning, had been her. I clenched my fists tight, my eyes closed.

"Prince," Setsuna said softly, "If you wish, you need not…"

I looked at them, my jaw set. "I will come. But do not ask me to henshi-up." I could say nothing else.

Slowly, they nodded.

"URANUS STAR POWER, MAKE-UP!"

"PLUTO STAR POWER, MAKE-UP!"

After a minute or two, we quickly made our way through the fog to the manor wall, reaching the tree. Even without my henshi form, I was still able to jump to the nearest branch, following Uranus and Mercury. Pluto came behind, reasons I knew why. After another branch, one by one we edged our way down the branch to the window. Uranus pulled the large window open more and slipped in followed by the rest of us.

We found ourselves in what appeared to be a large study of sorts. Books lined the wall, a large fireplace a way to our right with armchairs pulled near it, and a large desk and chair right in front of us. The place seemed a bit dusty as if it had been abandoned for a while.

Pluto approached the desk, coming around and tracing a finger along it, glancing at her glove, "It would seem no one has been here for at least three weeks." She peered into the dim room, a number of papers lying about, and a few books thrown carelessly here and there.

"And from the looks of it, they left in a hurry."

"Do you suppose it is because of the attack?" Mercury queried. No one answered

Reaching the door, Uranus peered out carefully, signally it was clear. In the hall, there was a similar scene. Papers everywhere, some furniture knocked over, all together a disarray of a hurried departure. But something stood out beyond this. I took in a breath as the others stared hard at one wall.

Burn marks. Like a deep scars, it looked like something had hit the wall in several places along the hall, blackening it, each about a meter across or less. Mercury taped her earring, her glasses appearing as she typed on her computer.

"It appears to be some sort of blast mark. What caused it is hard to tell. It's about as old as Pluto had estimated the dust and it was quite powerful. Almost like pure energy." Her brow furrowed, "I can't tell what kind. But I can say this," she looked at the others, a frown evident, "It's not from here."

"This would confirm the attack theory," Uranus said, "as well as explaining the burn marks on the victims. But what could they have wanted here? And who has that kind of power?"

Before anyone could say anything, her communicator beeped and she went off to the side. I heard a surprised `Nani?!' and soon after she returned to us, her face rather upset and explained what she had been told from Minako and the others.

"Technicians, regular staff and an heir of four? Well at least we know someone was living here." Mercury commented.

Pluto was thoughtful before she replied, "From the list you speak of, I would say there was a type of research or lab of sort set up here. And apparently no one was to know about it, officially."

"Well it seems someone did," I muttered, looking around. "I'm guessing, it wasn't a social call. And the attackers more then likely have some kind powers." I sighed.

"This is Senshi business after all."

I suddenly heard the sounds of footsteps and soft voices. Gesturing, I ran down the hall with the others, turning down another and another before reaching a room door. Instinctively, I entered without thought, with the others and closed the door. What had brought me to this particular room I had no idea. It was just a feeling.

As we waited for the coast to be clear, Mercury glanced about the room. It was a large bedroom with a canopy bed, a wardrobe sitting at one wall, a chest of drawers and a door leading to a bathroom, no doubt. There were two large bay windows, crisscrossed with a few bars giving the appearance of several small panes, and soft colored drapes allowing the late afternoon sunlight in. The bed was unmade as if it's occupant had not had a chance to fix it, a drawer left open and one of the wardrobe doors open, some clothing left on the bed and near the wardrobe.

Out of curiosity, I approached a soft blue dress left lying on the end of the bed. As I picked it up, my fingers tingled, like a forgotten feeling coming to life. I was startled and I looked it over. It would most likely have been worn by some one not quite short yet not tall and of a slim figure.

Much like my Usako. Sadly, I tossed the garment back, looking away and went to the window, taking in the view.

A grove of tree stood around a pond and what appeared to be a garden, not far from the manor. It brought memories to me times on the moon, secret meetings, soft caresses…

Turning away, I shut my eyes to the tears that threaten to come. Pluto stood near by, a sympathetic face as if wishing she could do something, but she could not speak.

"This appears to be a girls room," practical Mercury pointed out, "I guess this man had a relative or perhaps a guest here. It can't be one of the staff's rooms. Too elegant."

"There's a faint scent here," commented Uranus, "Almost gone. It seems like light summer flowers."

I took a deep breath and felt a shock to my mind.

It was like…. No, it couldn't be. My mind only wished to torture me. But I had to leave this room. I left the room quickly to the surprise of the others. There had been something else, a feeling of such sadness, longing, fear, something of uncertainty. I didn't need this in my state. I couldn't deal with it.

Stopping in another hall, I leaned against a wall, my fist tight again as I hit the wall behind me, looking up as a tear streaked my cheek. I could hear their soft running feet and knew they soon reached where I stood.

"Mamoru-chan?" Mercury said softly.

"That room… I couldn't be there anymore. Didn't you feel it?"

They shook their heads, but for Pluto who seemed to contemplate something. But then she suddenly looked down the long stretch of hall to the end.

"There." she said simply and made her way down the hall. The others waited for me as I reluctantly followed, trying hard to push away the feelings I had felt in that room.

Upon reaching the end of the darkened hall, we came to a dead end. Nothing seemed different about this wall but it was hard to tell, as there were no windows near by. Pluto went to one side and touched a small picture that hung on one side of the wall. The picture suddenly slid to one side in the frame and a hand print pad and two blue lights appeared.

"A hand and retinal scan," Mercury commented in awe, "There must be something hidden near here. But how did you know, Pluto?"

"I could hear a sound that didn't match the rest of the sounds in this place. It sounded familiar, like in the lab I work at."

"I don't hear anything."

"I can, faintly, now that I'm paying attention for it," Uranus said, "But how do we by-pass this scan?"

Pluto was already bringing her Garnet staff forward. The red orb glowed briefly and there was a click. Suddenly the middle of the end wall slid open, revealing a doorway into another room. I could hear the voice again coming near.

"We'd better go in or hide some where soon. They're coming back."

Quickly, we entered down a small hall and soon reached what appeared to be a large lab, dark but for a bluish glow rippling along the walls and ceiling, like light through water. Pluto approached the source, a large cylinder tank throwing off the light as if it were it's own light source.

Tapping at a panel as Mercury and Uranus examined some of the other workstations, she paused a moment.

"It would appear they were working on something rather secretive. But none of the data is here. I would say that it was wiped before they left."

I went into a cubicle where a smaller station was situated and noticed an empty picture frame on the desk. A strange thing for no picture to be in it. Tapping a panel on the wall, something popped up on screen. It was a computer representation of a female body but whatever was written about it meant nothing or made no sense. Turning it off, I returned to the main lab where the others stood, Uranus and Mercury holding some papers.

"This was left scattered, along with some other stuff," Uranus commented, "It would seem the attackers never found this place. Everything is intact. Apparently the head runner of this place was a professor or doctor or something like this. Research would seem the apparent reason for all this."

"Medical, it seems," Mercury added, "New methods of healing, cures and so on. But something is missing. Why would someone keep this a secret and have such advanced technology?"

"I know I've seen nothing like this in our labs," Pluto said, "Something else must have been going on. Illegally, I don't know. I would say this head scientist would be the heir the others spoke of. He'd be about twenty-one from what the dates say. But this tank," she turned to the panel she'd being working at, "It's a mystery what is was used for."

"It's about the right size for a human with space to spare," Mercury commented, "Perhaps a method of healing or research. I wonder… might that bedroom belong to someone who could have been in there?"

"That's a long stretch, Mercury," Uranus said in surprise, "What made you come up with it?"

"I don't know. It just popped into my mind. This whole place has a feeling of mystery. But I'm guessing, whoever or whatever was in that tank would be what the attackers were after."

"And the reasons why someone left in a hurry," Pluto said. "Of coarse, it is obvious people were left behind. If the attackers had come in from the front door, that would left no escape. Chances are that there is a helicopter pad on the roof and at least three or four people got away by one, more then likely the head scientist, the occupant from that room and another or two. Either the occupant may have been what was being worked on or it was something else."

"This is all speculation of coarse but still…" she looked thoughtful, "It makes sense."

"But how are you coming up with this?" Uranus looked more puzzled then ever.

"I… I don't know. It just comes to me," Pluto said softly, "I've never felt such clarity. As if someone spoke to me."

Mercury's eye widened, "Yeah, exactly. This whole place is uncanny."

My eyes were fixed on this tank and not knowing why, I went closer and laid a hand on its cool side. It was like electricity shooting through me. For a moment I felt I was someone else, wearing a lab coat looking up at something.

No… someone. Only for a moment, I saw silver hair reaching her feet, a soft dress floating about her, a sad face. But I couldn't focus on the face. My heart seemed to cry out.

Usako!

My hand dropped away and I stepped back quickly, clutching my chest and breathing hard. With a start the others came to my side.

"Prince! Mamoru-san! What's wrong?"

I tried to breathe, my heart pounding before it began to resume its normal rhythm. Slowly, I rose, my face still in shock. I went over in my mind what had happened but already things began to fade. But the feeling was there.

"I was… someone else. Something happened, I felt different, a sense of worry was in me… for whomever was in here."

Uranus stood before me, "Did you see who?"

I shook my head, "I can't remember what really happened. The images are fading already. But I believe Mercury was right. I think it was a girl."

~~~

Good? Bad? Suspenseful? Cliffy? Hehe, aren't I evil? Have I got your attention yet? That's right, you better start telling me what you think. Eight chapters and only 19 reviews. Come on, I need to know whether or not I should just drop this for a while and focus on my other fanfics. Is it really that bad? Or do you just not want to review? *sigh* At least I tried. May as well go find out if Papyrus has finished her story yet. Hehe, it's really good. Now I'm working so stories might take longer to put out. So for the sake of adding more of this soon…

Please R&R!