469/Princess and the Moon

Princess and the Moon
Date of Scene:	20 September 2023
Location:	The Forgotten District
Synopsis:	Sailor Moon and the Princess of Europe meet in the Forgotten District. A miracle - and a general - are discussed and an alliance made.
Cast of Characters:	Usagi Tsukino, Runealy Waldia

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Usagi Tsukino has posed:
It's evening on a school night, the moon barely visible, a waxing crescent of light far above the world. The constant light and noise of Tokyo are bizarrely dimmed and Usagi Tsukino - Sailor Moon, that is - wishes she wasn't here. But she's lived in Juuban all her life. She knows the ward like the back of her hand, has explored all the nooks and crannys with her friends - seen even more of them, since becoming a magical girl! And yet.

This place.

This mist-covered place of hills and abandoned homes...

In all her life, she had never before ventured here. And sure, maybe that was because this was the spookiest, most creeptastic place she's ever seen that wasn't a witch's lair, but - but no. Usagi Tsukino was a coward. A crybaby. There was no way she wouldn't at least know about a terrifying place in her own hometown.

"Oh, I really hate this," she mutters to herself, making sure to check that her communicator is still firmly attached to her wrist, and functioning. "But I've got to check it out. Just to make sure it's fine! Just a totally normal... abandoned area... that no one's ever tried to develop! Super normal!"

She swallows, scews up her courage - and leaps up to land atop an old roof, the better to get a view of her surroundings. The roof creaks omniously, the old wood threatening to give under her weight, and Sailor Moon's fearful whimpers and foot falls are loud in the deathly silence of this district as she races across the roof and leaps to another.

It's nothing! Everything is fine! She just has to get around the area, confirm no one's in trouble, and she can leave!

Anyone in the area can tell she's there - it is not in the nature of this Moon to be subtle. She is noisy, and her shadow cast against walls, trees, and the ground itself as she leaps across buildings is the most animate, lively thing in the region.

Runealy Waldia has posed:
While Rune is quieter and more composed about it, she is not particularly happy to be here either. She paces at the street level, or what's left of the streets given the ongoing tree growth, commenting to herself: "This would be unusually silent even for home... by Tokyo's standards, this is inexplicable."

The moon is barely visible, and despite the lack of stealth by its same-named Senshi... Rune might have failed to notice her, too. If not for the noise she made landing on the roof, she likely would have gone on her way without being seen.

That creaking, however, gets Rune to finally notice something she should have picked up several moments ago. "Hnn? ...Sailor Moon? Here? Alone? The very opportunity I sought!" An excited remark for her own benefit, then Rune picks up a bit of concrete debris and sprints after Sailor Moon.

Realizing she isn't catching up to Sailor Moon outright, Rune decides to make some noise too - she tosses the chunk of stone at a building in Sailor Moon's path. Rune aims low, wanting to make sure she doesn't hit Sailor Moon or something that will be 'load bearing', but she wants to make it clatter off something solid.

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
This area is creepy and eerie, the kind of place no one - especially her - wants to be turned around in, but all the roofs are more or less the same - dilapidated, falling apart, creepy - and then a rock goes flying by.

And Sailor Moon screeches, heart pounding a mile a minute, and jumps back a step, whipping around to see -

"Oh," her hand comes up, presses against her chest. "It's you! Oh, phew, you scared me, I didn't think anyone else was here! I - how are you?"

Runealy Waldia has posed:
Rune jogs closer, then comes to a stop as Sailor Moon speaks to her. "Forgive me; I believed startling you to be a lesser offense than alerting any nearby demons by calling your name aloud. I..." Sailor Moon is asking how she is.

The question is not met with an immediate answer; Rune actually tilts her head down a bit to think about it for a few moments before responding: "Well enough. I have wandered this region in hopes of finding you, especially you, and now you are before me. Would you come down and treat with me? I have a great many questions!"

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
"It's always, don't worry about it - I'm a bit of a chicken, ahaha," Sailor Moon pats at her chest a few times, feeling her racing heart slowing. "And you're right, a little scare is much better than a fight, even if I... hope there's no demons around here."

She really, really hopes that there are no demons here. She didn't come looking for a fight!

But there doesn't seem to be one brewing, and the familiar girl - Red, right? - was actually looking for her. It's a little confusing, and a little flattering too. "You were looking for me? Sure! What did you need?"

And she shops down, almost perfectly graceful if not for the way she fumbles on the landing, flapping her arms to catch her balance.

Runealy Waldia has posed:
Rune recoils a step away from Sailor Moon, surprised by the nearly-botched landing. "Oh my!" She keeps her distance unless Sailor Moon looks ready to trip into a wall or something else painful, but is ready to run in to help if needed.

Beyond that, she offers a single deep nod. "I sought you and none other! I have either been made a fool and sent in search of naught but nonsense and falsehoods... or you, among Tokyo's many Guardian Knights, may have unique knowledge."

Her gaze lowers, embarrassed as she adds: "I suspect it is the former. An officer of the Dark Kingdom said I should seek you and seemed profoundly sincere... then made jest, claiming you have a cat with a tongue as educated as any person's."

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
"Sorry, sorry! I'm fine! Still getting used to being able to do all these jumps, ahaha," she waves off any attempt at help, regaining her footing. She is fine - feeling a little sheepish, a little foolish, but - fine.

Her and no other, huh? Someone had sent her... to look for Usagi? Or - Sailor Moon, that is? But who would do that? Why would anyone be talking her up - oh. Oh of course. A goofy little smile comes to Sailor Moon's face even as Runealy lowers her gaze with embarrassment. Could anyone really blame her? Her boyfriend was talking her up! Sharing good things about her! How sweet!

"I can't believe Hematite told you about Luna. I do have a cat that can speak to people, but - is that the help you need?"

Runealy Waldia has posed:
"You know him, then? And he spoke rightly?" Rune nonetheless shakes her head a few times, hair swishing lightly from the motion. "I cannot help but think this is elaborate humor, yet even if it is not false and Luna is a cat that speaks... no, that is not what I sought - that was merely so you knew who I saw. Of far greater import..."

She faces Usagi properly now, expression more serious. "...he suggested I seek you in particular. If he is to be believed, you are either capable of manifesting miracles or at least know something of them."

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
"I know him well," Sailor Moon is all smiles at the thought of him - probably not the best idea, considering Hematite was a commander of enemy forces and all, but! How could she not smile? He's her boyfriend! They held hands!

"If you'd like, I could introduce you to Luna sometime. So you knwo we're being honest. I know seeing is believing, and all!"

And as risky as it was to her identity, considering Luna was a very recognizable cat, Sailor Moon hasn't come this far not trusting allies. They'd killed that witch together. The most awful thing Usagi had ever met.

"...a miracle?" Hemachan,,, just how much have you been talking her up? "What kind of miracle are you looking for?"

Runealy Waldia has posed:
"No... I shall not demand you produce Luna for my inspection. You have both been so forthright and consistent that I must accept that Tokyo hosts at least one speaking cat, else I impugn your honor as one of the region's Guardian Knights!" Rune has another slight headshake as she finishes those words.

Then Sailor Moon asks a very good question. Another pause, as Rune silently weighs the best answer. Again, a few seconds pass before she replies with an intense tone: "A tremendous power, to put it simply. A power so vast, so great, that it would ensure both Tokyo and Europe are protected for years to come!"

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
Sailor Moon says, "Tokyo has a lot of weird things in it, including Luna. She's my friend and advisor, and I'm a little surprised Hematite told you about her but - well, no, I can't say that, he thinks she's amazing."

She must be honest, because Mamoru thinks her having a talking cat is just genuinely the most cool and wonderful thing.

And time passes, as the other girl clearly weighs her words and figures out how to ask about a miracle, and Sailor Moon is very alright with that, honestly, because she is still trying to figure out exactly what her boyfriend has been saying about her, that she can make miracles happen... miracles of friendship maybe! Miracles of vanishing dinners, definitely! Miracles of showery sparkles of violence... pretty consistently! But miracles of -

"You're looking for power to protect Tokyo and Europe? Are things happening in Europe, too?!"

Wait, wait, if there are youma in Europe, how is she supposed to fight thme? Her mama and papa wouldn't even want her running off to Kyoto, let alone Paris!"

Runealy Waldia has posed:
Rune visibly 'jolts' in place when Sailor Moon asks that question. It's a very good question, and one Rune decides is best met with a lie upon a lie: "No. At least, not in the severity and frequency we see in Tokyo. In Europe, demons and witches do not roam the streets with near-daily frequency. The merchant squares are not beset with constant danger there. Of them, Tokyo is in far graver and more immediate peril."

Now that she has recovered from the surprise of Sailor Moon's question, Rune is quick to add: "However, that is why I am here - our fates are intertwined. Should Tokyo fall to demon or witch or any other manner of youma, I have little doubt they will march for Europe thereafter. In that sense, seeing to Tokyo's wellbeing tends to my own citizens as well. A miraculous power would make that far more convenient!"

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
Was... was she not expecting that question? Sailor Moon's a little baffled, but - pleased, because, thank goodness, at least it's not this bad over in Europe. She really, really couldn't afford to hop on planes to fight monsters! "That's a relief, at least, I mean... I wish it was quieter here in Tokyo, but at least it's not a whole continent and a country at risk.

And then, well, "We're in the same boat then, looking for the power to save our homes. A miraculous power would make it a lot easier but... Hematite might have talked up my abilities, if he said I had all that power."

Runealy Waldia has posed:
Rune's eyes go wide as Sailor Moon suggests they're facing the same problem. "You speak falsely, though with no intent to deceive! My home is well enough," Rune speaks with tons of intent to deceive, "Yet Tokyo is clearly in danger, and I would see it protected before its threats reach Europe. Forgive my approaching you seeking an unwarranted miracle, however. Though, if I may?"

She gives one deep, sharp nod to Sailor Moon. "Even if you cannot produce miracles on demand, you must be wondrous indeed if enemies, ones openly seeking Tokyo's utter destruction, praise you with such enthusiasm."

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
But she was the one who mentioned Europe and Tokyo in the same breath? Sailor Moon is baffled, but - grateful, that Europe is fine. She must have misunderstood, right? That made sense to her, but... why was a miracle needed, if Europe was fine?

"It's okay?" She offers, obviously puzzled, and nods her head when permission is sought to continue.

She's trying to understand. Miracles... why would someone come to her for a miracle? The only time anyone had ever mentioned a miracle to her - around her - was when she talked with Himeko and Pyrite and Darien... about the Silver Crystal.

It works miracles.

But Hematite needed the crystal. For Himeko-chan. To bring her back to life. So he wouldn't be thinking of it when he told someone to seek her about a miracle...

Right?

And then her thoughts scatter, as she blushes red at the compliment, "Aw, I'm just doing my best! And -" no. She can't. Hematite is an enemy and that's what the world needs to be - "He might be an enemy, but he's not without honor?"

Runealy Waldia has posed:
Rune, despite telling so many lies, is not very good at them. She is immediately glad to let Sailor Moon dismiss the topic. Especially when Sailor Moon praises Hematite in turn; that draws an interested, raised eye. "We might quarrel over the precise word to describe him - I see no honor in seeking the world's demise. Yet... I believe we mean the same, regardless of vocabulary, when we agree there is something to him. Some air of reasonableness, at least; in times I would expect a demon or witch to strike, he stays his hand and gives no fight."

She quickly decides to phrase it another way, adding: "You seem awed by him, and I cannot wholly fault that."

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
"His work might be... awful, but his methods aren't bad," Sailor Moon says after a moment of contemplation. "He was one of the first 'villains' I ever met, you know? And he chose to spare people when he could. I call that honorable. It's that - air of reasonableness, exactly!"

And she's blushing again, to be called out so bluntly! Ah! "There are scary people out there. It's different, when you know at least one of them won't do - or be - the worst of all kinds of people."

Runealy Waldia has posed:
"Small comfort that he spares our citizens in the here and now... he still seeks their demise, ultimately. Nonetheless," Rune's tone softens, "Your opinions are taken as they are intended; we can both accept that he is not the most depraved among the Dark Kingdom." Not that the alien princess has any clear idea who else is in the Dark Kingdom... she is making complete guesses on that part.

"Regardless of his nature, would I speak rightly if I claim you, Sailor Moon, would see Tokyo safe?" She places a specific emphasis on that word, as if it held religious significance. "That you would provide both protection and happiness to those who reside in this vast city?"

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
There's not a lot Sailor Moon can say in Hematite's defense in that point, because she definitely can't trust this girl with him. Not when she hasn't even trusted her own teammates with the truth! She's not - look! It's her business, you know? And the other girl has the right of it - Hematite is so much better than the others. At least, better than Jadeite.

"You would. Protecting Tokyo... and the people here, the people who need help, who can't protect themselves... that's what I do. I have strength so that others can be safe."

It's still not something she's thrilled with, but it's something she's accepted. She has power where others don't, and that power is to protect other people. To keep them safe. "I came out here to do that - to make sure this area of town is clear; it's weird and scary, but every part of the city should be as safe as it can be."

Runealy Waldia has posed:
"Then we have found a common ground, undisputed!" Rune's voice is more energized now. "Regardless of how each of us perceives Hematite... I, too, seek to protect Tokyo from all manner of monsters. Be they demon, witch, or even the telephone televisions that endanger the people."

She takes a step closer to Sailor Moon, smiling. "Can we agree to an alliance, to share that goal?"

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
"..the telephone televisions?" You know, maybe they don't have time to unpack that. That's alright. But this - "An alliance sounds good to me. We have the same goal, and we want to help people - so we should protect them, together. However and whenever we can.

Runealy Waldia has posed:
Rune decides not to elaborate on the dangers of Tokyo's technology, instead focusing on the agreement. "Wonderful! Then you have my esteem and cooperation both, Sailor Moon. As the Princess of Europe, I shall strive alongside you to purge Tokyo of monsters. For now, however... I should be off. Please be well."

She waits a moment for any reply from Sailor Moon, but afterward will turn and begin to walk away.

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
"You too. Be safe, alright? This place is really spooky!"

It's only when the Princess is gone that Sailor Moon thinks... magical princess... but her princess couldn't be the princess of Europe, could she? And - hey, wait - did Europe... have a princess? Just one? Wasn't there like... a lot of countries in Europe?

She was definitely going to have to ask Luna and Naru about that.