Sailor Moon: The Rise of B'aal

Chapter 10:

Hikawa Jinga Shrine:

For nearly an hour, the Sailor Senshi team sat Indian-style in a semicircle and listened as Ami talked about rest of the findings she and Mamoru discovered through their research in their respective schools and libraries. Along with what they had already, this new research included the findings on an ancient cult that worshiped the unholy demon named B'aal, and how human sacrifices were made to him. These sacrifices normally consisted of young women, children, and even firstborns, which the team were horrified to know. They also discussed the many names the Demon Prince went by, and the countries that were reported to have secret organizations that still held those kinds of practices to worship B'aal. Finally, Ami ended by explaining the recent developments in Israel, about how riots of men screaming out B'aal's name were attacking and destroying whole neighborhoods and kidnapping the young for recruitment and sacrifice. No one knew how to stop it, or when or why it began.

"My God, this is becoming worse than we thought," sighed Usagi, already feeling her heart beat loudly at the thought of such things happening so far away, and the possibility of them happening here in her home country.

"Yeah, and I feel that if we don't stop this soon, the evil will just spread throughout the whole planet," Rei said worriedly

"Yes, this is very serious, and we have to do all that we can to make sure that whatever is happening around the world stops," nodded Mamoru, his intelligent eyes narrowing as he closed his thick note book and put it away in his book bag. "There are so many people out there that are losing their loved ones as Tanya has, and we can't allow that to go on any longer."

"That poor girl," said Michiru softly, "I knew something was going to happen. I felt it from my Aqua Mirror, but I didn't have a chance to say anything." Tears misted her in eyes as she brought a hand up to cover her mouth. "If only I would have done something to stop it, then that...that monster wouldn't have...it wouldn't have..." The teal-haired musician, unable to say anymore, shivered slightly at the memory of Tanya crying over the kind Father O'Brian's body, and sighed.

"Michiru, it's alright, it wasn't your fault, any of it," soothed Hotaru, going over to her one-time adoptive mother and putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We can't let guilt or grief stop us from doing what we must. We HAVE to be strong and stick together..."

"She's right," Haruka put in, putting a hand on Michiru's other shoulder. "The best thing we can do for Tanya now is be there for her and make sure this doesn't happen to anyone else...ever again" The racer's eyes narrowed in determination as she thought of the pain the shorter dark-skinned girl she'd come to love like a little sister was going through.

With those encouraging words, Michiru looked up at the two friends she had come to cherish the most, even more than her own life, and smiled gratefully, knowing that what they said was right. She took their hands in her own, and squeezed them gently to tell them how she appreciated their support.

"And don't forget, Yaten, we're here for you too," said Seiya, giving the shorter member of the Three Lights a supportive smile and thumbs up.

Taiki gave him a slightly annoyed glance, then smiled in knowing that even in the worst of situations, Seiya always had a way to try and brighten things up."Right, we'll do whatever we can to put an end to this. You can count on us." the brown haired young man said.

"I know, thanks," Yaten said softly, smiling his appreciation.

"Hey, speaking of which, you guys never really explained what you were doing back here. Is Princess Kakyuu in trouble or something?" asked Minako, getting curious.

"Actually, everything is fine on our home planet," replied Seiya, "The thing is, it got a little TOO peaceful, so me and Taiki decided to drop by for a visit to see how you all were doing, and to check on our soon to be hitched friend here." At that, Seiya reached over and laid a gentle hand on Yaten's shoulder as the the smaller young man blushed harshly. "Like you, we were able to keep our male form when we transformed, because in our hearts, we knew we wanted to stay men. Kakyuu's powers also helped in making us stay male, as it increased after she took all the Star Seeds Chaos stole back to their home. Then, all of a sudden, Kakyuu felt a disturbance in your system, so she sent us here to check on it while we visited. She gives you all her best and hopes to see you all soon." He gave a little wink, "Besides, it'd be fun to see if people remember us from the whole "idol" thing.....and to see if Odango wouldn't mind seeing an old friend again!"

Everyone chuckled lightly at that as Usagi blushed, grateful for at least a slight diversion from the troubles that they would face. Haruka rolled her eyes and muttered sarcastically, "Oh yeah, sure she would."

"Well, whatever the reason, I'm glad you're here," said Yaten, placing his hand on top of Seiya's. "We need all the help we can get, because this promises to be one of our toughest battles." With a determined nod, the Three Lights placed their hands on top of one another, knowing in their hearts that no matter what, they would defend this planet as much as they would their own home.

"Ami, if it's okay and you're done, I think I'd better go and check on Tanya now," Yaten said as he got up.

"Yes, it's fine," she replied, as she too got up with the others, then stretched out tired muscles. "I've told you all that I know so far, but believe me, they'll be plenty more."

"We'll go with you then," said Taiki as he and Seiya helped Ami gather her things. "I think it'll be good if she sees a few familiar faces now."

"Yeah, tell her for us we'll see her another time. She shouldn't get so many visitors now, it might overwhelm her," said Makoto. "When you get there, give her our best, okay?"

"And tell her that I'll bring some of Ouji-san's special tea next time too." Rei said, straightening her robes as she stood up.

With those parting words, the Sailor Team departed to their own homes, feeling better at getting information about the enemy they were about to face.

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In her modest-sized bedroom, Tanya lay flat on her back on her bed for long moments, wearing sweat pants and a large tee-shirt, and staring vacantly at the ceiling. So many thoughts and images were going through her head, she never noticed the door open slightly and Marco slowly walking in, his normally wagging tail now hanging limp with sadness. Tanya's eyes were now dry, for no more tears could be produced after the amount of crying she had already done. Now, there was nothing but a dull ache, a void that she had only felt when her mother had died.

Not even the long, hot bath she just had lifted the heaviness that surrounded her heart. She could only think of the times she had with Father O'Brien, the many things he had taught her about religion, history, and understanding other cultures and countries, since he had been to nearly every civilized and third-world country. He had been there for her when her parents couldn't, due to their missionary travels, teaching her right from wrong and taking care of her when she was sick. No one besides her parents held so much love for her, and had been such an influence in her life as her Uncle Tim, and Tanya knew that no one else ever will. She missed him already with a fierceness matched only to the loss of her mother. The day they left Libya to come to Japan, it was Father O'Brien Tanya ran to with tears running down her face and throwing her arms about his waist, wishing there was some way he could come. But he merely smiled and said that through God, they would always be together.

With a worried doggy whine, Marco jumped onto the bed and gently laid his head on her stomach, then looked up at her with concerned eyes. He too knew how important the older man was to his charge, and he missed him too, but he was still worried about her and he wanted more than anything to let her know that he and her friends will always be there for her. "Tanya, are you going to be okay now?" the gold-furred dog asked, "We're all worried about you, and we...I...just want what's best for you. Please, you have to say something now. It's been so long since you've said anything..." With another worried whine, the dog gently laid his paw and his head on her stomach again and waited for any sign that she heard him.

For a few moments, Tanya just stared straight up, as though not even noticing her canine companion. Then, she blinked a few times and reached down to slowly scratch his furry ears. She sighed and sat up on the bed, pulling her legs under her. "Marco, it's alright, I'll be...okay" she said softly, her voice still a bit shaky. "I'm sorry I worried you and everyone else. But I...I miss him so much already. I keep praying this is a horrible nightmare or one of those hide and seek games he used to play with me, and he would jump out and laugh at me, and we'd play again...and..and..." A mournful sob escaped her lips, and she threw her arms around Marco's thick-furred neck and cried softly again, fresh tears flowing down once more on her dark cheeks.

"Shhhh, it's okay. Just let it out," Marco said gently, "We all miss him, but it'll be okay, just believe..." For a few minutes he allowed Tanya to just cry, and he could feel her hurt and sorrow as her body shook with her sobs.

Tanya leaned away from him when the crying was done and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "I just can't believe he's gone. I mean, you hear about people dying all the time in far away places and you think...gosh, that's so sad for them...and you go on with your life. But when it happens to you, it...it just hurts so bad." She sighed and looked into Marco's eyes. "I...I couldn't save him Marco! All these powers and super abilities I have to help keep the world safe and protect strangers, and yet I couldn't save the one person that meant so much to me. Why Marco, why couldn't I save him?"

"Please don't blame yourself Tanya," said Marco, putting a paw on her leg, "There was nothing you could have done. Father O'Brien wouldn't have wanted you to worry like this. You and the Sailor Senshi will figure this whole...demon thing out, I know it. You just have to trust in yourself." He leaned over and gave her a quick doggy kiss, and nodded with assurance.

"Yeah, maybe you're right," smiled Tanya. She chuckled and scratched the dog's ears in gratitude, feeling a little better than she had in a while.

Just then, there was a soft knocking on the door, and when it opened, a tall, blue haired attractive woman entered, and she smiled when she saw Tanya.

"Oh, Mrs...errr..I mean, Dr. Mizuno!" exclaimed a surprised Tanya. "I...I didn't expect...I mean.." Her cheeks turned red at the sight of Ami's mother.

"It's okay, I know you weren't expecting me," the woman smiled as she sat down on the bed next to her and crossed her long legs. Knowing the two might want to talk, Marco hopped off and quietly exited the bedroom. "Actually, your father and I thought that maybe you wanted to talk about what happened. I know you lost your mom a while ago, so I figured you'd want to talk to someone who's...well...more of the motherly type. Someone like me?"

"Really?" Tanya's eyes widened as the woman nodded. From ever since her mom died, Tanya had never really been close to any other older women, and most of her fears and doubts, things that she couldn't even tell her father, she kept inside. The thought of actually have someone like a mom listen to her was enough to send the girl's heart soaring.

"Yes, of course! Any friend of Ami's is as good as a daughter to me. Just ask any of the other girls." Dr. Mizuno smiled, and reaching forward, tucked a stray lock of Tanya's black hair behind her ear. "And you're such a pretty young girl Tanya, you shouldn't have to be alone at a time like this. So please, don't hold anything back. Anything you want to talk about, I'm here."

With tears misting in her eyes, Tanya nodded, and taking a deep breath, she let out all her feelings she's been holding back for so long. She told the woman about how she felt when her mother died, her sorrows, her joys, and how much she would miss Father O'Brien. She even talked about her feelings for Yaten, and her hopes for the future with him. Leaving nothing out, Tanya spoke to Dr. Mizuno as she would have her own mother had she been living.

Dr. Mizuno proved to be a very patient and understanding woman, carefully giving her advice and listening attentively to Tanya's words. When she was done, Tanya allowed the woman to hold her in a gentle hug.

"See, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Ami's mother said as she stroked Tanya's hair.

"No, that made me feel better, thanks." Tanya smiled. She leaned back and looked shyly into the woman's eyes. "Do..umm...do you think we can talk again...someday? I'd like that. That is, if you don't mind..." She blushed slightly.

"Of course, I'd be more than happy to dear. Your dad has my number. When you want to talk again, just give me a call." The woman nodded, and after giving Tanya one last hug, rose and got ready to leave.

As she opened the door, Tanya's father just happened to walk up the stairs, a worried look on his face. Closing the door in a little so Tanya couldn't see, Mrs. Mizuno smiled and gave the thumbs up sign, showing him that the talk was successful. The man sighed with relief, and mouth the words "thank you."

The woman nodded with a smile, then walked down the steps and showed herself out the back door. When she was gone, Tanya's father walked into her room. "Hey sweetheart," he smiled. "You have some visitors here that I know you'll be happy to see. Are you up to meeting them?" He gave his daughter a concerned look.

"Yeah, I think so," Tanya smiled back, "I'll be fine now Daddy, don't worry. Mrs. Mizuno helped a lot. Tell them I'll be down in a minute". She quickly got up and went over to the closet to find a pair of jeans and shirt to put on.

"Okay then," He turned to go.

"Oh, and Daddy?"

The tall man turned back, "Yes?"

"Thank you. I appreciate what you did, and for being there for me." With a grateful smile, Tanya rushed over and hugged her father tightly. For a few moments, father and daughter just held each other, grateful that they had each other at such a tough time.

"Anytime sweetheart" the man smiled. He kissed her lightly on the forehead, then turned to leave as Tanya hurriedly got dressed.

A few minutes later, Tanya walked down the stairs, and she smiled happily when she saw who was waiting. "Taiki, Seiya, YATEN!" She rushed forward and gave each of them a long hug and kiss, saving the best for her love Yaten.

"We just thought that maybe you'd want a little fresh air, and spend some time with those who care about you," smiled Taiki.

"Are you going to be okay now?" Yaten asked, taking both of Tanya's hands in his own.

"Yeah, now that you're here," Tanya said softly. For a few seconds, it was just her and Yaten as they looked lovingly into each other eyes, drawing strength from each other.

"Hey, if ever you guys want to be alone, you can just say so, you know." smirked Seiya. He then grunted in pain as Taiki jabbed him lightly in the ribs with his elbow. He chuckled with the others as Seiya glared up at him.

"Come on, let's get out of here before he thinks of some other silly thing to say," the taller young man smiled.

The other three nodded, then walked out into the warm, late morning Spring sunshine, hoping that the walk would raise their mood.

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Ramalah, Israel

West Bank:

Out of breath and panting, a young Palestinian girl rushed through the old part of the city, desperately trying to put distance between herself and the rioting men about two blocks away. She was scared beyond belief, and she knew that if she wanted to live, she HAD to get out of this city, and NOW!

Not too long ago, she had witnessed these same group of men grab a woman of low reputation and drag her down a dark and secluded alley. The woman never even had a chance to scream, and the girl didn't know if she was dead or alive. The men were now running around and screaming and shouting the words "Death to all who opposes our Lord and Master B'aal!" The girl hardly had any idea who this B'aal was, but it certainly didn't sound good. She stopped and jumped at the sound of another scream and the sound of a bottle being smashed against a wall. Another victim.

She turned to run, but her sandaled foot caught on something, and with a gasp, the tanned skinned girl fell to the dusty, sandy ground. She quickly picked herself up and hurried to her home, where her widowed mother was packing away their meager belongings. By Allah, please help us leave this place alive! the girl prayed as she pulled the traditional covering over her head and hair. She ran on, leaving behind the screams and torture as the group of men continued to rampage the city.

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As Tanya held hands with Yaten, she and the other members of the once popular Three Lights walked within the peaceful surroundings of Ichinohashi park, talking about old times and what the planet Kinmoku was now like. "There's even a honorary memorial set up for the Sailor Senshi, for their help in cleansing Galaxia and returning the Star Seeds back to their planets!" Taiki smiled as he reached a hand up and caught one of the falling sakura blossoms.

"Wow, really? That is so cool!" smiled Tanya. She was so glad for the time she was spending with the man she loved and his friends. But more than that, it helped ease the pain of losing Father O'Brien.

Suddenly, there was a rumbling that shook the park ground heavily, and people all around fell and cried out in surprise.

"What's going on?" shouted out Seiya.

The ground split open right before them, and to their horror, Bzuzu burst through the split, and landed heavily before them with an evil grin.

"Well, well, hello again!" the evil demon grinned. "Are we ready to have fun?"

Tanya gasped in fear and stepped backwards, unable to speak because she was shaking so badly.

"You again!" Yaten screamed out in rage. "Get out of here, or you'll be sorry, I swear it!" His green eyes narrowed dangerously

"Oh, I don't think so!" the red, evil demon smirked scornful. "I brought along a few friends. Why don't you say hello to them?"

Bzuzu snapped his fingers, and in a series of flashes, about a half dozen strange looking monsters appeared all around them. Everywhere, people screamed and ran away. They were very tall, fat, and had only one eye in the middle of their foreheads. Above the eye, a white horn stuck out dangerously. They snapped their razor-sharp teeth and growled loudly.

"What the heck are those?" Taiki gasped as he went in a fighting stance.

Tanya's eyes blinked, then she gulped loudly. "My God, those are.....ONI!

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To Be Continued....

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