Title: Children of Fire - Chapter 2 Author: Viper Inferno E-mail: viperdvman@hotmail.com Rated: PG Howdy, Sailor Moon Fans. Welcome back to the World of Y2V. After moving into my dorm room at the University of Oklahoma, I decided to continue with Children of Fire. As y'all last saw, Titanius was itchin' to get at Tuxedo Inferno. Let's just see what kind of plot twists come up, shall we? Here's the Y2V... ...Disclaimer: Sailor Moon and most of the characters ain't mine. They belong to Naoko Takeuchi, and I thank that woman for creating such great entertainment for all of us with a lot of free time on our hands to enjoy. The English dub belongs to DiC Entertainment, and I thank them for bringing' it to America, even though they lost the rights. Finally the S season's in America, it's goin' pretty good so far. Anyways, Russell Hino, Hino Kyodai, Tuxedo Inferno, and all his other identities are MINE (in a deep, dark, growling voice). Titanius is also mine. So, please don't sue me, I'm just a lonely college student who's barely got anything except these fics and a future website. Well, y'all enjoy this fanfic and e-mail me. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Children of Fire By Viper Inferno Chapter 2 Cherry Hill Temple... Russell slams the hood of his old coupe after checking the oil and making sure the engine's running well. He walks around to the driver's side and reaches through the open window to honk his horn, "Raye." Raye comes running down the temple steps in red tank top and black leather pants, ready to spend some quality time with her older brother. "Trying to pick up a guy or something?" says Russell, commenting on Raye's apparel. "You have no room to talk, lover boy. You look like you just had a makeover," Raye rebuts, commenting on Russell's black sport coat over his red T-shirt and black slacks, ready for fun at a nightclub. As Raye gets into the passenger side of Russell's old coupe, one of the guys comes running down the temple steps, yelling "Wait for me." Russell looks up at him as he runs toward the car, "What do you want, Gabianni?" "Yuuichiro, Romano, and I are coming with you," Gabianni answers eagerly. "Take your own car, mine won't fit the three of you," says Russell, "What about Grandpa?" "He's itchin' to come along," Gabianni answers. Raye lets out a sigh as a large sweat drop hangs from her head, "He must be coming along to flirt with the girls." "Hey, Grandpa needs some time out of this temple. Besides, a walk in the mall and few slaps in the face wouldn't hurt him," says Russell. "He'll ride with you if that's alright," Gabianni suggests. "As long as he stays away from me while he's putting the moves on every girl at the mall," says Raye. "Fine by me," Russell adds. Romano and Yuuichiro come out seconds later to join Gabianni at his car. Grandpa follows close behind. "Hey Grandpa, over here," Russell yells, waving Grandpa over. Russell leans his seat forward to allow Grandpa to hop in the back seat. Russell flips the seat back down and jumps in. He starts the engine and drives off toward the mall, with Gabianni following behind. After half-an-hour of fighting lunch hour traffic, along with everybody else who's out of school that day, the group makes it to the jam-packed mall. "Jeez, did everybody and their brother come here on their day off from school," Russell comments. Russell and Gabianni split up to find their parking spots, which seem to be quite rare around here. Russell finds an empty parking space and guns it to get there. His attempt is futile as another car rushes into that empty space. He slams on the brakes and repeatedly bangs his fist against the horn. "Oh come on," he yells as he grips the steering wheel with all his might. He grinds his teeth as he slowly moves his car along. He turns the corner to find Gabianni double-parking. "What on earth is he doing?" Russell asks absurdly. "He's waving you over, Russell," Raye answers, "It looks like he's saving you a parking space." Russell stops right near where Gabianni is parked. Gabianni hops back into his car and backs out of the two parking spaces, then drives back in, leaving room for Russell to get in. After the whole ordeal with finding a parking spot and doing battle with other cars to claim their coveted prizes, Russell slowly shuts down his engine and unwinds. Raye hops out and leans her seat forward to let Grandpa out, then notices that Russell is still sitting at the wheel. "Russell, it's over, you can get out now," she says sarcastically. Russell lets out a sigh as he opens his door and exits his vehicle. Grandpa joins Yuuichiro, Romano, and Gabianni, while Raye joins Russell. They walk into the cavernous mall, where people literally crowd every hall and close to every store. Christmas decorations line the upper floor rails and the ceiling, with the Christmas music barely being heard over the noise of the crowd. "This is the biggest crowd I've seen yet," Russell comments. "It's the Christmas season, what do you expect," says Raye. "I bet the music stores are just as jam packed," says Russell. "I don't doubt it," Raye replies, "Well, I'm off to the clothing store." "And I'll see if I can fight the crowds at the music store," Russell adds as Raye turns and walks away, blending into the crowd. Suddenly, someone bumps into Russell from behind, followed by the grunt of a female voice. "Why don't you watch where you're going you big ape," the voice yells, but not in Russell's direction. He turns to see a familiar pair of meatballs looking towards probably where she came from. "Hi Serena," he says, startling the poor girl. She turns to see Russell smiling at her. "I'm sorry," he says, "I didn't mean to bump into you." "No it was that oversized creep who bumped into me," Serena says harshly, "He's so big he couldn't even see YOU if you were in front of him." "What are you doing here?" Russell politely asks, trying to be the true gentleman he really is. "Oh, I'm doing my Christmas shopping. I'm getting some stuff for my family," Serena replies, "You here for the same in this crowd?" "Yeah, I'm getting stuff for everybody at the temple and a few friends of mine," Russell replies. "How are Romano and Gabianni?" Serena asks. "They're here too, and so are Yuuichiro and Grandpa," Russell answers. "I just hope your grandpa doesn't see me," says Serena. "Yeah, he'd hit on you in a second," Russell agrees, "For all I know, he's flirting with every girl here right now." "Well, see 'ya Russell," Serena says as she disappears into the crowd. Russell fights his way through the crowd and into the music store. He first thinks of his sister Raye, and what kind of music she likes. Heck, she likes a lot of stuff. So Russell begins browsing through the Japanese Traditional section, remembering that Raye has, on several occasions, asked to borrow those type of CD's from him. He searches for a few titles he doesn't have, which doesn't narrow it down much since he only has 5. He decides to grab a few CD's that are more Shinto oriented, and a couple from the very group that Raye borrows the most from Russell. With Raye's music gift taken care of, he then decides to search through the theme section. In this section, he finds some Caribbean music, Space Music, Celtic music, Oceanic music, music highlighting the each of the four seasons, and many others. While looking at oceanic music, thoughts run through his head about the dreams of this one girl. The dance seems to be most prominent, with the aquatic music running in the background. That thought seems to guide him to a couple oceanic CD's, ones that he doesn't have. He snaps out of it and decides to browse through various other sections for everyone else at the temple. After grabbing leaving the store with the CD's in a gift box so no one at the temple knows what's in there, Russell finds Darien among the crowd, who immediately greets him. "How's it going in the crowd, Russell?" he asks. "I'm surviving," Russell answers, "This has got to be the biggest crowd I've ever seen." "Christmas season, what do you expect," Darien comments. He then notices the gift box Russell's carrying, "What'cha got there?" "CD's," Russell answers, "Just some of the gifts for everyone at the temple." "Where do you get the money to get everybody gifts?" Darien asks. "Aunt Rosalyn sent me the money. I just thought I'd spend more on gifts for everybody than to spend some on myself," says Russell. "What about the sports car you had planned?" Darien asks. "That won't be 'til some time after Christmas. I still haven't figured out what kind to get yet," says Russell. "It's nice of your aunt and uncle to get you a new car," says Darien. "Yeah, they were such great people when I lived with them. But I really like it living with Raye, Grandpa, Yuuichiro, and even Romano and Gabianni," says Russell. "A new family, huh?" says Darien, remembering very little of his past, "Something I never really had. Feel fortunate both your family and everyone else at the temple love you and support you. All I have is you and some of my other friends." Darien snaps out of it, "Anyway, I got other stuff to do. See 'ya at the game tomorrow." Russell turns and heads for another gift store to get some more stuff for everybody at the temple. After grabbing a few gifts for everybody and hiding them if their own gift boxes, he walks out to his car. Unfortunately, Yuuichiro is already there, waiting on the others. "Hey, what's up Russell?" "Just coming back to the car to put these boxes in the trunk," Russell answers. "Are you sure they'll all fit in there?" he asks. "Of course. I've shoved much bigger stuff in this car," Russell answers as he fails to shove in all the gift boxes. He then opens his door and drops the back seat down to fit all the other stuff. "You think Gabianni can fit 4 people in his car?" Russell asks. Yuuichiro drops his head as a sweat drop hangs from his head, "Bigger stuff, huh? With or without the back seat down?" "Actually, now that my back seat's down, everyone else can shove their stuff in my car," says Russell. "And Gabianni can put some stuff in his trunk while carrying 4 people," Yuuichiro adds, "He was fitting all of us in his car before you moved back in with us." "Well that's the good thing about getting a mid-size sedan compared to my compact sports coupe," says Russell. "And you moving in with your car helped take that burden off of Gabianni for a while," Yuuichiro adds to his previous statement. "Wanna hop in with me since I'm done?" Russell offers as he opens the passenger side door. "Sure," Yuuichiro answers as he sits in the passenger side. "Didn't you get anything," Russell asks. "Oh yeah, it's on the other side of Gabianni's car," Yuuichiro answers, remembering that he actually went out and bought some stuff. Russell lets out a sigh, "You're just as bad as me sometimes, you know buddy." Yuuichiro comes back seconds later and tosses a bundle of gift boxes in the back seat. He has his marked so he can tell which ones are his. "So, Yuuichiro, when's Japan play again?" Russell asks, referring to soccer. "They play on Monday against Italy," he answers. "They're a pretty tough team, but I think Japan can beat them," says Russell. "You're pretty lucky to have a sister like Raye," says Yuuichiro, changing the subject. "What do you mean by that?" Russell asks, wondering why Yuuichiro changed the subject. "I mean she cares about everyone, except for Serena, they like to argue a lot," says Yuuichiro. "Actually, I think they're really good friends, despite what Raye says. It is said that people argue more when they care about each other," says Russell. "I too am lucky I moved in with your family," Yuuichiro begins explaining, "I lived on the streets for a while before I found the Cherry Hill Temple. It was there that Raye offered me to stay for a while. Your grandpa then took me in and began training me as a Shinto. Now, I have a family who cares about me, and ever since then, I can't seem to thank Raye enough." He then realizes he's about to reveal it all, then changes his words, "I don't know what about her drew me to the temple." It is a futile attempt, for Russell sees right through his coy disguise, "You like my sister, don't 'ya?" Yuuichiro knows he's slain, 'Russell figured it out, damn he's so smart. He's as smart as Raye is beautiful.' "Alright, to tell you the truth, your sister is very beautiful." "Aren't you a little old for her?" Russell asks, "And besides, isn't there something that states 'Never date a friend's sister'?" "Hey, I'm not much older than you, Russell. Besides, I knew her longer than I knew you. I had just moved in and began my Shinto training when you moved in with your aunt and uncle," says Yuuichiro. "Yeah, I had barely gotten to know you before I moved. About Raye, I don't always think she's good lookin', she's my sister. But I do understand how most guys could develop such love, and lust, for her," Russell explains. "Hey, hey, I'm not the lustful type," Yuuichiro immediately defends. "Relax, I know you're not like that," Russell reassures, "I love my sister, she can be a wonderful girl at times." "I think she's like that all the time, even if she does give me the cold shoulder a lot," says Yuuichiro. A Mall Restaurant... With the crowd beginning to disperse a little, Raye decides to order a soda after getting most of her shopping done. She walks outside to find Amy sitting on a bench with a slush, a book she had just bought at the bookstore, and a gift box, obviously a gift for her mother. "Hi, Amy," Raye greets. Amy looks up from her book, "Oh, hi Raye, care to sit down?" Amy asks. Raye immediately takes her seat, "I'm surprised you can read in such a crowded mall." "I'm just killing time, waiting for the crowd to clear so I can finish my shopping," says Amy, "Actually, I'm glad you came here. I could use the company." "The crowd's already starting to thin out a little," says Raye. "It'll thicken again after the lunch hour, when everybody will be filling this mall. You're lucky you came here when you did. It's gonna get worse later today," Amy explains. "You looked kind of distracted when you were reading," says Raye, paying attention to her 6th sense. "Yeah, I've had things on my mind lately," says Amy. "Mother always being at the ER? And you want to be an ER doctor too. It would be hard for you to have a family if you're out all the time, just like your Mom," says Raye. "It's not Mother that's on my mind, nor is my dream of being a doctor," says Amy, then she freezes, trying to hold back all her feelings. "Come on, Ames, you can tell me," says Raye, trying to build up some confidence in Amy. "Did you know Russell was in my Physics class yesterday for observation?" Amy asks. "He didn't tell me," Raye answers, "I didn't talk to him but for a few minutes after his soccer practice when he took me and Lita to her apartment." "I'm sure everything in my Physics class was second nature to him, but he still is into Mr. Felgar's lectures like they came from Jesus on the mount," Amy explains. "Sounds like he's a lot like you in school," Raye concludes. "Yeah," Amy says as she goes back to her book. Raye notices a spark in her eyes. "You like Russell, don't you?" Raye asks. "What?" Amy says, looking up from her book in hear shock, trying not to blush. "That look in your eyes is the same as the one when I showed you Russell's yearbooks," says Raye. "I think he's a really smart person and highly athletic," Amy says, trying to cover up her feelings she had back at the park the day before. "I haven't really gotten a chance to actually meet him, though," she adds, desperately trying to cover up feelings. "Maybe someday, Amy, you'll find the right guy, whether it's Russell, Greg, or some other guy you'll meet in the future," Raye says as she gets up, "I've got to round up Grandpa and the other guys. Some could already be at the cars right now." "See 'ya later, Raye," Amy says as the crowd disperses a little more. This is the best opportunity for Amy to finish her shopping. She exploits it and gets up to finish her shopping. Cherry Hill Temple... After everybody finishes unpacking their stuff they had bought, some like Yuuichiro and Romano hide in their rooms to begin early gift- wrapping. Gabianni hops back into his car to take a cruise, Grandpa walks into his room to take a nap, and Raye jumps into her red and white kimono and walks into the worship room to perform a fire reading. With the Hino household engaged in their activities, Russell decides to go out himself, but also leaves his car behind since he decides to take a long walk. With much of the house rather quiet and everyone engaged in their activities, Raye walks into the worship room and stands before the Great Fire. She closes her eyes and clears her mind of outside thoughts. She relaxes to the point where she softly drops to her knees. After a little time preparing, she swiftly opens her eyes and clasps her hands together. "Fire, water, earth, wind. Body, soul, dark, light. Oh, Great Fire, show me inside, show me outside. Show me your great wisdom." Raye closes her eyes as images flash through her mind. She first sees Amy from back at the mall, reading her book. She sees Amy closing her eyes as Russell's face seems to blend in the background. 'Amy must see something in Russell, just like she saw in Greg,' Raye thinks to herself, remembering this is what she saw in her fire reading when Amy first mentioned Greg. Suddenly, the scene changes to Russell walking the streets, alone, just like he said he was going to do. A dark figure appears before him, appearing to be more beast than man. The entire background turns to fire as the beast pins Russell with spears and then breathes fire at him, completely incinerating him. That vision awakens Raye instantly as she gasps, "Russell's in danger!" She gets up and runs out of the worship room in a rather big hurry, hoping that she can somehow reach Russell and hopefully convince him to come back altogether. Tokyo Streets... Russell walks by the park and toward downtown, with thoughts of tomorrow's soccer game against Kyoto running through his mind. He thinks about yesterday's practice and how he and Daniel were pitted against each other. 'With the power of fire in me, and my good friend Daniel at my side, Azabu Tech is sure to win tomorrow's game,' he thinks to himself. Then, thoughts of the girls in the stands watching him flash in his mind. 'Yes, Lita was there too. Hard to believe she still sees me as her friend even after I broke up with her last month," he thinks as other thoughts come to his mind, ones that are more stimulating. 'But Amy, how she and Sailor Mercury are alike. The way she looks when she reads, that sad look she displays when she studies. Man, do I look like that when I study?' he thinks to himself, wondering if others think of him that way. He snaps out of it as he turns a corner. He thinks about his adventures at the mall, fighting the crowds. Would Tuxedo Inferno have come in handy there so he can easily jump and fly through the mall like he could the streets of Tokyo. But even that wouldn't have worked since it'd actually draw an even bigger crowd. He then thinks of his conversation with Yuuichiro, about feelings, and family. 'So he likes Raye,' Russell thinks to himself, 'And he was actually able to share his feelings, like he was real sure of them. Me, I'm stuck uncertain what it is about Amy that fascinates me. I see her much differently than I saw Mina. It's more like how I see the girl in my dreams, but I see no one like I do that girl. At least Yuuichiro's real sure of his feelings.' Suddenly, his thoughts are interrupted as an odd sense comes over him. He feels someone watching him, stalking him, ready to pounce at him at any moment. He continues walking, remaining alert. The feeling returns, but more intense this time. He feels it to the point where he can hear 6 distinct laughs, all from the Negaverse. Images of the general killing Sailor Mars from one of his dreams flash in his mind, reassuring him of his sense, "Titanius." "Very good, Tuxedo Inferno," a voice says from behind him. Russell turns around to see Titanius in full armor and smiling mischievously at him. "I see your ESP still does you credit. You should probably know why I'm here, and how I know who you are," says Titanius. "And I know more about you than you realize," says Russell, "Well, what are you waiting for, release your youma and soldiers at me." "Oh no, I've decided to be a nice guy and play it a little more fair," says Titanius, completely baffling Russell. 'Jeez, maybe I DON'T know that much about him,' Russell thinks to himself. "There's nobody around, go ahead and transform. I would rather defeat Tuxedo Inferno than some wimpy little boy," Titanius taunts. "That's it, Titanius. You're mine," Russell yells as he raises his obsidian jewel ring and transforms into Tuxedo Inferno. He jumps back and strikes a battle pose, gazing into Titanius' pine green eyes, ready for Titanius to strike. Titanius throws his arm in front of him and launches a chain at Tuxedo Inferno. He anticipates the attack and jumps to avoid the chain and flies at Titanius. But Tuxedo Inferno is knocked back as Titanius raises a force field to protect himself from physical attacks. Tuxedo Inferno jumps back up, only to be knocked back even further by Titanius' dark energy beam. Tuxedo Inferno recovers again, only to have Titanius blast him again with another beam of dark energy. 'Jeez, this guy's really laying it on,' Tuxedo Inferno thinks to himself has he struggles to recover. "I also see your skills have gotten rusty now that the Sailor Scouts aren't around," Titanius says as he raises his arms and forms a ball of dark energy, "Now you will feel the pain I felt when you blasted me with that cyclone of fire." He launches the ball at Tuxedo Inferno, sending him on a ride, right into an apartment building. Tuxedo Inferno plunges to the ground, landing with near bone-shattering force. Somehow, he slowly makes his way to his feet. Meanwhile, as Raye gathers the Sailor Scouts, a sense comes over her, as if someone close to her is calling for help. She knows this feeling immediately as one similar to her fire reading. "Come on, Scouts, we don't have a lot of time," she orders. "Oh, so you're playing leader today, huh?" Serena says sarcastically. Raye's face turns red with fury, with her head growing three times it's normal size as she slaps Serena, "THIS IS NO TIME TO DEBATE ABOUT LEADERSHIP, MEATBALL HEAD. MY BROTHER'S IN DANGER AND WE NEED TO GET TO HIM." "That 6th sense of yours can really get to you, you know," Serena says as she grabs her pen. "Moon Prism Power!" "Mercury Power!" "Mars Power!" "Jupiter Power!" "Venus Power!" Sailor Mars leads the way, following her sense of danger to its origin, as the rest of the Scouts follow. "I'm not finished inflicting pain upon you, Tuxedo Inferno," Titanius says as fires his chain at Tuxedo Inferno, entangling him in it, "From hell's heart, I stab at thee." Titanius sends electricity running through the chain, utterly electrocuting Tuxedo Inferno. This is just how Titanius had planned it, death by the electric chair. Tuxedo Inferno's suit begins to smoke as he grunts in shear pain. Moments later, Titanius stops the electrocution and Tuxedo Inferno falls to his knees, seemingly about ready to completely collapse. Titanius walks up to him and draws his sword, "By the blood of my fallen comrades from the past, the power of the Negaverse, thus perished the warrior of fire." Titanius raises his crooked blade, ready to do Tuxedo Inferno in and collect his bounty. Tuxedo Inferno suddenly musters up some hidden energy and engulfs his hands. Then, as Titanius raises his blade to its peak, leaving himself wide open, Tuxedo Inferno thrusts his burning hands into Titanius' chest, giving him his frequent flyer miles. Tuxedo Inferno makes it to his feet and uses this time to muster up all his remaining energy. Titanius recovers to see that his adversary had somehow recovered from his onslaught, "So you have some fight left in you, huh? No matter, I'll still take you down fighting." Tuxedo Inferno waves his arms, "Inferno Fire, Beam!" He throws his arms in front of him, sending a beam of fire blazing at Titanius and drilling into him and sending him a few blocks away. "I'm not finished with him yet," Tuxedo Inferno thinks aloud as he begins running toward where Titanius landed. As he nears his destination, a beam of energy comes flying at him. Tuxedo Inferno jumps and rolls out of the way as the beam barely misses. "Agh, it singed my hair," he says, commenting on how close that beam had come. He hops back to his feet to see Titanius already within striking distance. 'How does he do it,' he thinks to himself, surprised at Titanius' speed. He waves his arms into another battle stance, "Ha, 'ya missed me." "Savor you triumph while you can, 'cause we're not through yet," says Titanius as he throws his arms to his sides to charge up for another attack. "Really. Inferno Fire, Dance!" He flies around Titanius at warp speed, setting both the area and him ablaze. Tuxedo Inferno watches as the fire engulfing Titanius slowly goes out. Titanius again throws his arms to his sides as his arms engulf in flames. Tuxedo Inferno looks in shock of Titanius' apparently new attack. Titanius throws his arms forward, sending blasts of fire flying around Tuxedo Inferno, setting the entire area around him on fire. "As you can see, my most worth adversary, I too wield the power of fire," says Titanius, "I'll fight fire with fire and defeat you with the very powers you wield." A distant beating sound catches Tuxedo Inferno's attention. He looks up to see a news helicopter flying overhead, covering their battle. He then looks back to Titanius, "Hey Titanius, you remember the last time you were on the news? There's a news chopper flying around here, watching your every move." "Good," says Titanius, "Now all of Tokyo will get to watch as I send you to your fiery grave." 'Damn, that didn't work,' Tuxedo Inferno thinks to himself. He decides it's time to end this, once and for all. "Fire with fire, huh?" says Tuxedo Inferno as he draws his flame sword and wields it around. "Inferno Blaze, Wall!" He swings his sword, sending a more powerful wave of fire, sending both it and Titanius' inferno right at him. "AAAAARGHH!" Titanius screams as he falls to his knees after suffering a double blast of fire. "And now, we end this," Tuxedo Inferno says as he raises his sword, "Flame Sword..." Fire begins collecting into his blade, setting it ablaze, "STRIKE!" He swings at Titanius, striking him with the true power of fire and sending him on a ride. Moments later, Titanius barely recovers from Tuxedo Inferno's blazing fury, too weak to continue on. "You win this round, but only because I let you win that one. Next time, I just might attack you in your civilian form," Titanius says as he throws a smoke bomb and disappears along with the smoke. A reporter from Channel 13 news runs up to Tuxedo Inferno with her camera crew desperately trying to keep up. "A flaming new warrior has defeated the villain that the legendary Sailor Scouts had previously engaged in battle with," the reporter comments, "So tell me, how was your battle with his villain Mr..." "I am Tuxedo Inferno, warrior of fire and an ally of the legendary Sailor Scouts. Titanius is no ordinary villain. He's more powerful than any of the youma I've seen the Sailor Scouts fighting on the news," says Tuxedo Inferno. "So Tuxedo Inferno, what do you know about this... Titanius?" the reporter asks, them puts the microphone to Tuxedo Inferno's face. "Titanius works with the so-called 'Negaverse' as the Sailor Scouts have come to call them. He's a bounty hunter who has come to the Negaverse to destroy me, Tuxedo Mask, and even the Sailor Scouts," Tuxedo Inferno explains. "How do you know Tuxedo Mask?" the reporter asks. "Well, I've known him for a long time. I remember being his best friend, but he doesn't seem to remember me very well," says Tuxedo Inferno. "It must've been a long time since you two had seen each other before you appeared," she says. "I remember the Sailor Scouts too, but even they don't seem to remember me. We do fight side by side, however, against Titanius and the rest of the Negaverse," says Tuxedo Inferno. Sailor Mars arrives on the scene, some short distance from the news crew, along with the other 4 Sailor Scouts. She expects to find Russell either in danger or in security after being rescued, but all she finds is Tuxedo Inferno interviewing with Channel 13. "Oh, great. We're the legendary Sailor Scouts and he gets all the attention," Raye says, disappointed, "Wonder what the hell happened here, and where's Russell?" "Humph," Sailor Moon says, disappointed that Sailor Mars seems to have brought her and the other scouts there for no apparent reason, "Thanks a lot, Pyro. We come here expecting Russell to be in trouble due to your gut feeling, but all I see is Tuxedo Inferno with the news crew. You must be pulling our legs." "I AM NOT PULLING YOUR LEG, MEATBALL HEAD!" Sailor Mars yells as Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Venus try desperately to hold her back, "I know what I saw in my fire reading, and Russell was in danger." "If he was, then Tuxedo Inferno must've beat us to the gun," says Sailor Mercury, trying to calm the two raging wolves down. "But who was after him?" Sailor Venus asks. "I don't know anybody who'd be after Russell," says Raye. "Let's talk to Tuxedo Inferno after his interview," says Sailor Jupiter as they hop onto a building and hide behind its sign. The news crew clears out and begins putting their equipment up as Tuxedo Inferno walks down the street. He glances at his obsidian jewel ring, knowing he's gonna change back as soon as he finds a spot. He looks back up, only to have all five Sailor Scouts with suspicious looks on their faces. "Yes, Sailor Scouts," says Tuxedo Inferno, wondering why they decided to literally drop in on him. "There was a man here in danger, obviously of being attacked by whomever you were fighting," says Sailor Mars, "I want to know what happened to him." "This place was pretty empty until the news crew came by to watch us," Tuxedo Inferno answers, "Describe him." "Oh, about your height, with long black hair and dark purple eyes, wearing a black sport coat over a red T-shirt and black slacks," Sailor Mars describes. 'How does she know about me in my civilian form,' Tuxedo Inferno asks himself. "Oh, yes, there were a couple people before the battle. One of them matched his description. I managed to get to him and the other guy and get them out of the battle zone," he answers. "At least you know how to get people out of there before you fight," says Sailor Mars. "Come on Mars, he's our ally," Sailor Mercury reminds her, "You don't need to interrogate him." "Come on, scouts. Let's go," says Sailor Moon, "Tell us about your battle sometime." "You can watch it on the news," Tuxedo Inferno says as the scouts scatter and disappear. Negaverse Headquarters... Titanius stands in front of an irate Queen Beryl following his recent loss to Tuxedo Inferno. She gets up from her throne and stares Titanius straight in his pine green eyes. "You once again failed to defeat Tuxedo Inferno. You're no better than the other generals," says Queen Beryl. "Tuxedo Inferno is weaker when the other Sailor Scouts are not around or when he's not saving them. Yet, I underestimated his power," Titanius explains. "I saw your battle Titanius," says Queen Beryl, "You found him alright, and in his civilian form. And yet, you let him show his true colors. I admit, you had the upper hand for the first half of the battle. Even after he blasted you, you surprised him with fire. Yet, in the end, he defeated you." "It was a glorious battle, his use of fire to throw my fire back at me surprised even me," says Titanius. "You had an opportunity defeat Tuxedo Inferno in his civilian form. But no, you had to challenge the real Tuxedo Inferno in your pity little quest for glory," Beryl reprimands. "With all due respect, Your Highness, I am a bounty hunter. I am only here to rid you of Tuxedo Inferno and collect my pay. Glory is part of my game," Titanius argues. "I now know what he looks like in his civilian form," says Beryl, "I'll send Malachite and his youma after him." "But you don't know how or where to find him," Titanius states, "I know him better than anyone in the Negaverse, and with all due respect, even you. I have respect for Malachite and have found him useful in both planning and carrying out my plans. As for Tuxedo Inferno, I've had my glorious battle with him. I'll take him in his civilian form next time in a preemptive strike. If he transforms, I'll blow him out like a candle." "Very well, Titanius. Use whatever means necessary to plan and carry out your objective," Beryl authorizes, "Dismissed." Titanius turns and leaves the throne room to prepare for his next strike against Tuxedo Inferno. Queen Beryl sits at her throne and continues to wave her hands over her crystal ball, "With each passing day, we step closer and closer to ridding ourselves of the Mars Prince, the only one who stands in our way of defeating the Sailor Scouts. Hah ha ha ha haaaaah!" Thunder sounds throughout the throne room as Queen Beryl continuously laughs maniacally in her upcoming victory. The Next Day, at the park... On the calm, cloudless morning, Russell runs the trail alongside the lake, warming up for the day's big game against Kyoto University. Raye rides alongside him on her bicycle, keeping him company as he runs the trail. "You're doin' good Russell, but don't overexert yourself. Save some of that energy for the game," says Raye. "I know Raye, I know," says Russell as he slows his pace a bit. Raye falls into a slight trance, with thoughts going through her mind. After a moment of thought, she comes out of it, "You know, Russell, I hate to admit this, but it's great having you back at the temple with us." Russell places his fingers on his ear lobe, making like he didn't make out what she was saying, "Come again?" "You left for high school after we took Yuuichiro in. Until Gabianni moved in the year after, he was the only one who actually kept me company," says Raye. "So you like Yuuichiro, don't you," Russell concludes. "Not like that, just... like... part of the family," Raye hesitantly responds. "Uh huh," Russell says skeptically. "Then Romano moved in 6 months later to begin his training," Raye continues. "Our family here had grown so much since I moved away," says Russell. "Then after I started Grade 8, I met Serena, who led me to meet Amy. Yuuichiro, Gabianni, Romano, and Grandpa were the only people I had close to me until I met them," says Raye, "Then later I met Lita, and then Mina. People avoided me when they heard about my practices as a Shinto, as well as my ESP abilities. Serena, Amy, Lita, and Mina are my Friends. They accept me for who I am." A tear begins to roll from Raye's eye. "Sounds like you developed a pretty good social life in the last year before I moved back home," says Russell. "When I heard you were coming back home, I jumped for joy and ran screaming throughout the temple. Romano thought I was in another one of my moods. Gabianni thought I had lost some screws. I don't know what Yuuichiro was thinking," Raye explains. 'I know what he was thinking,' Russell thinks to himself, 'He thought 'She's so beautiful like that'.' "When I told them you were coming home, Yuuichiro was grateful to have you back, and wanted to get to know you a little better. Gabianni and Romano also wanted get to know you as little more than just my brother who rarely comes to visit. Life at the temple changed for the better when you moved back in. The guys had another friend to socialize with, you and Yuuichiro share a love for soccer, you and Gabianni share an interest in cars, and you and Romano are both athletes. I think it did you some credit as well." "Hey, I had Darien, Daniel, and a couple other soccer buddies," says Russell. "I know you and Darien are best friends, but how often did you visit with your soccer buddies?" Raye asks. "Daniel's really the only one I'm really close to," Russell replies. "Another thing, it meant a lot to me to have a brother living with me again. I kinda missed having you around those four years you were gone, even if we do fight, and even if you don't choose to lead a Shinto life," says Raye. "What do you mean by that?" Russell asks. "I mean you're my brother. I've known you for 14 years, even if I missed 4 years of your life," says Raye, "I missed watching you fight your way through high school. I never was able to attend most of your soccer games. I only went to your second championship game. I never even had the chance to meet any of your high school girlfriends. Yet, I was at your graduation and watched you walk down the stage in your blue cap and gown and white Salutatorian stole. I listened as you gave your speech on the future." Raye slows down as tears begin streaming from her eyes. Russell stops at the sound of shudders and faint sobs coming from Raye. Obviously, something about her little speech struck a soft spot in her. "Russell, hold me," Raye whimpers. Russell runs up to her and wraps his arms around her as she cries into his shoulder. 'Raye missed me that much,' Russell thinks to himself. "It seems that we share a special kind of bond," he says. "I may have missed most of your life in high school, but I kept track of your progress. It was very generous of you to give me your second championship ring. You even had it resized to fit my finger," Raye says as tears continue streaming. "I love you, Russell, and I'm glad you're back with us," she gasps. "I love you too, Raye, and I'm glad too to be with you and everyone else," Russell returns. Raye lets up from his shoulders, with tears still filling her eyes, "Even Grandpa?" "Even Grandpa," Russell replies as they both smile at their attempt at teasing Grandpa. Russell begins running in place, seeing if Raye's ready to follow. She wipes the tears from her face and begins to take off as Russell continues with his run. After a short while, Russell notices someone running in the opposite direction in front of him. They get closer to find that it's Daniel, also warming up before the big game. "Hey Russell," Daniel greets as he turns around and joins the siblings, "Mind if I join you?" "Sure," Russell replies, "You ready for the game?" "I'm as ready as I'll ever be," Daniel replies, "How 'bout you?" "I'm pumped up, I'm psyched up, I'm ready to kick some Kyoto ass," Russell replies with motivation. "Yeah!" Daniel responds with equal motivation. They all stop running as the time to get ready for the game draws near. "I gotta get home and grab my gear," says Russell as he and Raye leave the trail, "I'll meet you at the stadium." "No problem," Daniel replies as Russell runs over to his car, with Raye following. "Gabianni will bring all 5 of us to watch you win," says Raye. "What about you? I know you'll be far behind me on your bike," Russell asks. "Don't worry about me," Raye answers, "You just go home, get your stuff, and get over to the stadium. I'll be there before the game starts." Raye rides off as Russell hops into his car and drives on toward home, psyched up and ever so determined to help win that game. 'We'll win, I'm sure of it,' Russell thinks to himself. After the game, at Azabu Tech Stadium... The crowd cheers and yells after Azabu Tech's 4-3 victory over Kyoto in the last seconds of the game, with Russell passing to the team captain, who scored the winning goal. After the celebration on the field, Russell and Daniel run up into the crowd where Raye, Lita, and the others from the temple were sitting. Raye flies into Russell's arms like a football linebacker, nearly knocking him out of the stands. "You guys did it," she says, "You showed those Kyoto freaks who was boss." He lets go of Raye and turns to Lita, whom she herself almost knocks Russell down in an embrace. "You sure kicked their asses out there," says Lita/ "Daniel and I are goin' to the arcade, anybody wanna come along?" says Russell. "What," Raye says in surprise, "You're not celebrating with the rest of your teammates?" "Darien, Daniel, and I are going to the arcade after out locker room meeting," Russell explains. "Hey Russell, they're going to the locker room now," Daniel says as he runs to the other Azabu Tech players. "I'll go with you guys to the arcade," says Raye. "Me too," Lita adds. "I'll see you guys there," Russell says as he turns and follows Daniel. Crown Game Video Arcade... Russell, Daniel, and Darien arrive at the arcade, ready to tackle any game thrown their way. There, they find Raye and Lita whom promised to meet them earlier. They aren't alone, however, for they brought the whole gang along. "We just wanted to congratulate Russell and Daniel on their victory today," says Lita. "Mina and I sat in section D on the 46th row and watched you perform out there," says Serena, "You two are as good as Lita says you guys are." "Thanks," Russell and Daniel say in unison. "We were in Section G near center field on the 5th and 6th rows," says Raye. "I was in Section O on the 28th row," says Darien. "I was in Section Y on the top row," says Amy. The other girls look at her with their mouths hanging open in shock, "You went to the game?" "Hey, I just wanted to... see the game. And... find out for myself what Lita was saying about Azabu's team, including these guys," she says, trying to hold a blush back. "I've never known you to go any sporting events, Amy," Lita says, with some doubt about her reasoning, "You're usually studying or at the library on the weekends." "So, I like soccer," says Amy, "I'm allowed to watch it." "So what'd you think?" Raye asks, giving her a slight grin. "Daniel and Russell here work very well as a team," Amy explains, "Kind of like the legendary Sailor Scouts." "I'm a big fan, especially of Sailor V," says Daniel. "Really," Mina says excitedly as she bats her eyes at him. "Which is why Sailor Venus is my favorite, since I heard she was Sailor V back in England," Daniel adds. "Oh, she's my fav too," Mina says as she wraps her arm around him. "Uh, Mina, I don't think Daniel wants your arms around him," says Raye. Mina lets go a little vigorously, "Humph," she says. 'How come everybody gets to flirt but me," she thinks to herself. Russell leans over to Daniel's ear. "You see what I mean about her," he whispers, "But she can a great girl once you get to know her." Darien immediately walks over to an arcade machine to avoid insulting the meatball head. Mina and Serena go walk over to a car arcade, Lita walks with Daniel and Russell to the Sailor V game, while Raye and Amy walk over to one of the prize-winning games. Russell battles Lita first in the Sailor V game, ex-lovers going at each other's throats like a pair of pitbulls in a fighting ring. Though they are friends now, they still like to compete with one another at some stuff. Lita whomps on Russell in the first round, gaining a lot of confidence along the way. Things take a turn come the third round. Russell finally gets the upper hand on his aggressive opponent, taking to her like a lawn mower on grass. Lita loses the third round and gives up. "Daniel, you're up," she says. "Quitter," Russell teases. Daniel's takes his position and prepares to battle Russell. The game begins, with the two soccer stars going head-to-head with each other. Later in the round, Daniel jumps ahead and begins laying the smackdown on him. Russell begins sweating waterfalls as Daniel pulls miles ahead of him, completely out of reach. "I don't know why you keep fighting, Russell," says Daniel, then deepens his voice, "You will be assimilated, resistance is futile." "I'm losing, I'm losing," Russell says ecstatically as he continues fighting on. "Russell, give it up," Lita suggests, "Daniel's got you through the ringer, damaged, immobilized, leaking, and in a tractor beam." "I... won't... surrender... to the likes... of YOU," Russell says jokingly, as he keeps fighting like there is no tomorrow. "Just keep right on coming," Russell says maniacally. "Call it quits, Russell, or I'll unplug the game myself," Lita orders. Daniel's face turns red as Russell continues welcoming his slaughter, with no end in sight. Daniel knows he's won it, Russell knows he's beat. 'Why the hell does he keep fighting if he knows he's had it," Daniel thinks to himself. Daniel finally breaks, "That's it, there's no end in sight. I'm outta here," Daniel says. "Ha, got you," Russell says victoriously. "But he was roasting you worse than Sailor Mars would," says Lita. "I couldn't beat him directly, so I just kept fighting until Daniel lost it and gave up," Russell explains. "You are so sly, you know Russell," says Daniel. Russell only cocks a grin, "I know." "Good strategy, Russell," says Lita. Raye walks up to Russell, "Hey Russell, it's getting late. Amy, Serena and I gotta get home. Would you mind taking us?" "Sure, no problem," Russell acknowledges as he walks out to of the arcade with the small group. Since the streets were so crowded, Russell had to park hundreds of feet from the arcade. Halfway there, a dark, but familiar figure jumps down onto the quiet street from the top of a nearby building. "What the..." Raye says in response. "No one could survive that fall," Amy adds. "He's a super man," says Serena. The figure only laughs at the group, giving his identity away. "Titanius," Russell says in response. "Very good young man," says Titanius as he claps his hands, "And the grand prize, an eternity in oblivion," he says. "Russell, get out of here," Raye says as she grabs Russell and pushes him in the other direction, "GO!" "So you flee from me, huh? No matter, I'll catch you myself," says Titanius. Russell runs back toward the arcade as Raye, Amy, and Serena scatter and hide in alleyways. Raye grabs her communicator, "Scouts, get out here fast. Titanius is after Russell." She puts it up and pulls her pin out. "Mars Power!" Sailor Mars emerges from the alleyway and tackles Titanius as he is running to catch Russell. Both recover in seconds. "You! Get out of here. I have no business matching fire with you," he says as he zaps Sailor Mars with a dark purple lightning and continues running in Russell's direction. As he passes by the arcade, wondering which way Russell went, Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Venus land in the street right in front of him, blocking his way. "Hold it right there," Sailor Mars' voice yells. Titanius turns around to see her with her hands engulfed in flames. "I won't let you torture an innocent young man. I won't let you torture any innocent," she says, "On behalf of the planet Mars, you're toast!" She slams her hands together, sending a wave of fire in all directions. "Mars Fire, Ignite!" She sends a ball of fire rushing at Titanius. He immediately puts up his force field, deflecting the fire without as much as a sizzle. "It's gonna take all of us, Mars," says Sailor Moon. Sailor Mercury steps up to the plate. "Mercury Bubbles, Blast!" She fills the air around them with a dense fog. Unable to see, Titanius is vulnerable. "Venus Crescent Beam, Smash!" A blast of light smashes Titanius in the back, knocking him clear out of the fog. He recovers seconds later. "Ouch," he says as he turns around and examines himself, "They ruined yet another cape. These things cost money." He then examines the fog. "Oh well, a little fog never hurts," he says as he engulfs his hands in flames. "Let's burn it, shall we," he says as he throws a spray of fire into the fog, setting it and everything in it afire, including the Sailor Scouts. After the fog clears, all 5 scouts lie on the street, scorched and struggling to get themselves up. Suddenly, a rose flies at Titanius, striking him across the face, leaving a deep cut and drawing blood. He winces in pain and puts his hand over the cut and looks up to see Tuxedo Mask with his cape flowing in the wind like a river. "First you torture innocents for no reason, then you take it out on the Sailor Scouts," he says, "That there is a double sin." The Sailor Moon is the first to get to her feet, "It's Tuxedo Mask." "Fight hard, Sailor Moon. He's busy tending to his cut," says Tuxedo Mask. "Right," says Sailor Moon as she removes her tiara, "Moon Tiara, Magic!" She throws her tiara at Titanius. But Titanius quickly draws his sword and knocks it right back at her, knocking her back a ways. The other scouts look in shock as Titanius' eyes glow a bright lavender. "Oh my goodness," says Tuxedo Mask. Titanius raises his hands above his head and forms an enormous ball of dark energy. It appears to be the end of this battle, when suddenly a beam of fire strikes him in the chest, dispersing the energy and drilling him into the ground and setting him afire. The scouts look in the direction opposite of Tuxedo Mask to see Tuxedo Inferno giving a slight pose. "You can do it, Sailor Scouts," he says. "Do it, Sailor Moon," says Sailor Jupiter. Sailor Moon once again removes her tiara and begins spinning it, "Moon Tiara, Magic!" She lobs it at the engulfed Titanius, this time landing a blow on him and sending him on a ride. With Titanius gone, the scouts look around for their saviors. "Where's Tuxedo Mask?" Sailor Moon asks. "Where's Tuxedo Inferno?" Sailor Venus asks. The scouts stand there on the quiet street, wondering about the tuxedoed duo. "Well, at least Russell's safe," says Sailor Mars, "Meeting at Lita's immediately." "But we have to be home soon," Sailor Moon argues. "Then we'll make it short. This battle began a little too oddly," says Sailor Mars as they all head in the direction of Lita's. Lita's apartment... The Scouts arrive at Lita's apartment, in their civilian forms, to discuss the day's battle and apparent mystery. Lita opens her door to let the rest of the girls inside. Luna sits on Amy's shoulder awaiting the results and findings from the last battle. The Scouts take their seats on the couches around Lita's coffee table. "Today's battle seemed usual," says Serena "But how it started is what's really odd," Raye adds. "I know, Titanius was after Russell," says Lita. "Why is Titanius after Russell?" Raye asks. "He might've been a random target for Titanius' energy draining," says Serena. "I've never seen Titanius go after one person specifically. He usually attacks groups of people if his mission is energy draining," Amy argues, "From what I heard, I think Titanius was specifically after Russell." "But why my brother is what I wonder," Raye asks. "He might know who you are and decided to use your brother to lure you," says Lita. "No, it can't be that. He specifically said 'I have no business matching fire with you.' He's not after the Sailor Scouts. He's after Tuxedo Inferno," Raye explains. "What does Russell have to do with Tuxedo Inferno?" Mina asks. "Who knows, maybe Titanius thinks Russell knows him," Serena replies. "If that was the case, Titanius would've interrogated Russell instead of trying to destroy him," says Raye. "Ahem!" Luna clears her throat to get the scouts attention, "I've never known Titanius to directly attack people, but this the Negaverse we're talking about here. Nothing they do surprises me anymore. If Titanius isn't after you, then he must've attacked your brother to lure Tuxedo Inferno." "Then Russell must've been a random target," says Raye, a little relieved now, "At least he's safe and probably home by now, wondering if I made it out of there." "Titanius sure succeeded in bringing Tuxedo Inferno into the battle," says Lita, "But he barely even assisted us." "He did have a lot of faith in Sailor Moon. He probably knew she would finish Titanius," says Mina. "What matters is we got Titanius and that Russell is safe," says Serena, "I have to get back home, or mother's gonna worry about me." "Me too," says Mina as the girls get up from their seats. "My mother's in the ER again, as usual," says Amy, "I don't think she'll worry that much." "I have to get back home to Russell see if he got his car back since Titanius kinda got in the way," says Raye, "You know how Russell is about separating a man from his car. Gabianni's the same way." "All car guys are like that," says Lita. "Well, do be careful, Sailor Scouts," says Luna, "If Titanius is this desperate to get Tuxedo Inferno, then I suggest you keep your eyes peeled. He could attack anybody or do anything to get his hands on you." "And he'll attack us if we get in the way of his mission," says Lita. "Then be ever so vigilant, Sailor Scouts," says Luna as Serena, Mina, Raye, and Amy walk out the door. ------------------------------end of chapter 2------------------------- Well, there's Chapter 2 for y'all, fat and juicy. Titanius has really made this personal with Tuxedo Inferno. It seems that the Sailor Scouts have a big mystery on their hands. Why is Titanius after Russell, and what does Russell have to do with Tuxedo Inferno. Audience, please don't e-mail me with the correct response. I hate it when they ruin the suspense. A little quote from the prologue to this story. Anyway, y'all know why Titanius is after Russell. We'll just find out what Chapter 3 brings, eh? That's where the big events occur. Oh, and about Romano and Gabianni, in case y'all haven't figured out, they're the same guys introduced in Chapter 1 of "Brother of Fire". I just gave 'em names this time. Y'all keep all y'all's eyes peeled for Chapter 3, a'ight? E-mail me with comments. OOOOOOO O O O U O U BOOMER O U O U SOONER! O U O U OOOUOOO U U U UUUUUUU Have fun Sailor Moon fans, Viper Inferno (Y2V)