Sailor Mars' transformation

Dark Sailor Ares!? Sailor Mars' transformation

         The full moon glistened in the sky like an enormous, perfect pearl, shining down on Hikawa Temple. Only a few clouds were out; innumerable stars still shone in concert, reflecting off the cement to illuminate the area as much as during the day. The polished surface was interrupted in its uniformity only by a small patch of dust, and the red fabric of a hakama. Rei was sweeping the area clean, almost to a sparkle. Brushing the last little blemish of dust away, she stood perfectly still. Her ears were trained, her eyes readied for any movement whatsoever, her legs primed to react. Her cleaning at this hour was not driven by a passion for neatness; the girl had sensed an ominous aura all day, and remained outside now only to be prepared for its advance.

         Rei felt no need to alert the other sailors. She was trained to deal with demons before she ever became a sailor warrior, and was confident in her ability to handle whatever situation arose. More than that, however, she didn't entirely see the value in the investment of time required to ask them for help, even though it would only take seconds using the transponder. She made no secret of her disdain for Sailor Moon, but despite her lack of personal qualms with Mercury, she still didn't see any reason to bother her with this. It was something, she affirmed, that she could take care of by herself.

         A rustle in the trees echoed through the utterly silent courtyard. Rei tensed. This was no bird or stray cat. Sensing danger, she leapt back just in time to avoid the sneak attack: A heavy disc, thrown from above, returning to its wielder after marring the face of the cement beyond anything a broom could help. Though Rei was slighted, the condition of the area was a distant priority two. Turning her gaze upward, she caught the silhouette of the enemy outlined against the moon, as that huge disc came rushing at her again. She kept her broom in hand, and instead of dodging, jumped forward to meet the threat. The disc sailed past, just miffing her hakama, smashing into the cement again simultaneous with the strike from her broom. Her assault was met only with a toothy grin; the youma was utterly unaffected by her strike. Rei landed on her feet, grimacing up at the being that just now caught its disc again. The youma's back was turned, and Rei wasted no time, pulling out her transformation pen. “Mars Power Make Up!”

         By the time the dark threat had managed to turn itself around, it was met only with a wave of flame heading straight at it. Uttering a strange sound of surprise, seemingly made by more than one mouth, it shifted its disc-weapon in front of its body for protection. Its sound became more mirthful, yet still in its own hateful pronunciation, as the flame was deflected by the utilitarian circle. Lowering its shield, it seemed to survey the area, though no eyes were defined on its amorphous face. A grunt of confusion, then an ear rending scream were the next sounds emitted as Sailor Mars tackled it from behind, bringing it from the branch to the ground with a crushing impact. “I've got you now, you monster! ...Mm?” The warrior's arms met her own body, as the black mass that made up the creature dissolved into a thin gas as she held it, rushing past her face and out of her grip. “Ah!” She collapsed on the solid cement, scuffing her elbow. As the monster re-coalesced before the girl, its horrible fanged grin grew wider as it wound up its disc, readying itself to throw. Little did it seem to realize, Sailor Mars had a clear shot while it was in this position. Readying her own flame attack, she waited for just the right instant...

         “Halt!” The monster paused, turning its head toward the new intrusion. Mars did the same, her cheeks reddening in frustration. She knew the trademark squeak of that voice, and it had robbed her of her shot once again. Both fighters stared up at the moon, where in the same tree as the youma had perched now stood a decidedly more human shadow. “I won't let you get away with your evil deeds, you monster! In the name of the moon...”

         “Rrgh, shut up!” Sailor Mars intended to grumble it silently, but it came out as a much more vehement yell. Sailor Moon's monologue stopped short. Mars looked up at the bewildered expression of the other warrior, realizing her error... still, she wasn't against this turn of events. Bringing herself to her feet, the sailor warrior dusted herself off and grumbled. “You think I can't take care of this? You're out of your element, you meatball!” Sailor Moon stood in the moonlight with a dejected look, before her eye twitched and she returned fire.

         “Don't call me that! You couldn't handle it on your own! I just saved you from being a Sailor Pizza!”

         “I had a shot, you...! I can't believe this, you're always interrupting me! Is it that you realize you don't need to be here, that I'm a better sailor warrior than you!? I had this all wrapped up until you... just get out of here, you meatball!” Sparks flew between each sailor's eyes, as death glare was met with death glare. The youma didn't seem to know what to make of this, looking between the two; almost as though it were choosing sides. A soothing voice, separate from the malicious tones present, chimed in.

         “Stop it, you two! You can fight after we take care of this. We're supposed to be working as a team, right?” Sailor Mercury stood behind Mars, her blue scanner over her focused eyes. Data flew across it rapidly as it analyzed everything about the youma, from height and weight to birthday and taste in music. “Okay... it seems to be a concentration of dark energy, malicious thoughts turned into a physical... no, ethereal form. Sailor Mars, I think your exorcism tag could do the most damage. Moon, you hit it with your tiara to finish it off.” Sailor Moon nodded, readying her tiara, but Mars turned her head. She didn't need anyone to help with this, she thought. Still, she readied her tag anyway, having calmed down enough to realize it as the best course of action. Reciting her sutra, she leapt up and prepared the debilitating blow.

         “Akuryou-u-u... Taisen!” The tag shot from the sailor's fingers, planting itself directly on the youma's... forehead? The effect was immediate, the black mass boiling and erupting off the creature's body, revealing a more dense, shining black core at its heart. The sound that accompanied the visual was indescribable, not something that any human could ever hope (or be unfortunate enough) to make. Sailor Moon covered her ears, dropping her tiara and wailing at the noise.

         “Waaah! Make it stop! It's... it's awful!” Sailor Mars winced at the monster's scream and again at Sailor Moon's. She knew this kind of thing would happen, but fortunately she could maintain her focus enough to take care of business. Mercury's encouragement for Moon blended in with the screams, almost muted. Mars charged her Mandala, landing just in front of the crippled youma, and screamed out as she fired off her kill-blow.

         “Burni-i-ing...!” Mars took a step forward, steadying herself and aiming for the center of the monster's core. “Mandala-a-a!” The crystalline core cracked on impact, erupting in a tower of flame as the fiery rings burned through it. Erased from the world, its scream dissipated into nothing. The sailor warrior stood victorious, while Mercury held the shaking Moon. Mars brushed a hand through her hair and scoffed back at the other two. “Easy. What good is a sailor warrior that can't stand up to the scrubs the Dark Kingdom sends?”

         “Leave her alone,” replied Mercury, “That creature wasn't like anything that's come before.”

         “And everything else will be? If she can't adapt, she can't fight. I don't need a meatball prancing around, pretending to be the leader if she's just going to get jitters when it comes down to crunch time!” Mars sneered at the still shaking Moon, transforming back to Rei as she walked into the temple. “I'm going to bed. You take the baby home if she doesn't learn to stand on her own feet.” Mercury watched as Rei headed in, conflicted between the truth of her words and her belief in Sailor Moon.

         Elsewhere, in a dark realm separate from Earth, Queen Beryl sat watching the destruction of her monster. She hadn't entrusted this matter to Jadeite, having wanted it to have a chance at success for once. The event had shown her, however, that maybe it wasn't such an easy task to eliminate the girls... I understand now, she thought. I've been sending that fool after the three as though they were one, and the third seems to be stronger than either of the others. Very interesting... the warrior of flame, I think, can be useful. Nyarthom's destruction wasn't in my plan, but it seems to have created a rift between her and the others. Her mind is restless... selfish... angered... “Cilious! Come to me!”

         “My greetings, Queen Beryl,” hissed a disembodied voice. Nothing around hinted at the presence of anything animal, vegetable or mineral, but the temperature seemed to drop by a degree just as the voice was made audible. Nothing like a wind chill; it was as though the energy in the room stopped entirely, trembling at this new presence. “What task would my mistress have me perform?” Beryl projected an image of a sleeping Rei Hino, as her lips curled into a malicious grin.

         “This girl has great potential... Your assignment is to turn her to our side. I believe she would be enough to eliminate the other sailor warriors, and remove the last obstacle to our design.” The temperature returned to normal as the dark Queen ended her sentence. Straight to the task... an admirable minion. Turning her attention back to her window into the mortal world, she watched as Rei slept, her face wearing a malicious smile. This strategy should not fail... provided Cilious is as competent as usual... The queen chuckled darkly to herself, awaiting her plan's fruition.


                                                                            **********


         The flames in the Hikawa Temple's meditation room danced, sending a play of light and shadow against the evening-darkened walls of the room, flaring and ebbing as Rei concentrated her mind. The room heated up beyond what a regular fire should have been accountable for, latent energy rushing in currents throughout. The girl's focus was stronger than usual, more intense... but someone who had observed her in her meditation before would certainly find her unstable now, perhaps even dangerous. The flames before her burst out in all directions, licking at her face.

         They're both useless... Sailor Moon can't take care of herself or anyone else, but she still hogs all the glory. The flames burst upward, raging as though fuel had just been thrown upon it. She just got her abilities first, that's all she has over me. If I weren't here, she wouldn't last a minute... As before, the fire ballooned out again, threatening to burn down the temple if left unchecked. Fortunately for the occupants, the inferno quickly calmed, returning to a reasonable flare. And Mercury... she's proven she can be helpful, but if she were left alone... Her fighting ability isn't enough, and if she has to take care of Moon on top of that... I can't leave her alone. Can't. But Moon is eventually going to bumble hard enough that she'll take us both down with her! An eruption of flame burst forth again, this time almost certainly enough to set the roof ablaze... if it continued. The fire returned to its appropriate size, but no longer was it simply fire. The shape of the flame contorted and twisted, taking on forms more like water, but not so easily understandable. The blaze darkened, as well, becoming a deep black. The room chilled slightly. Should Rei have opened her eyes, she would have seen naught but the fire, as it seemed to steal light from its surroundings rather than provide it. Her meditation remained focused, a bead of sweat rolling down her face.

         I could leave them... I could steal Sailor Moon's tactic, and appear when they were in trouble... or I could convince Ami to make the two give up their game, and just stay out of the way. There are too many dangers now, and I seem to be the only one that can take care of them... I need to work alone, I need to be free of distractions, free of limits... I need... no... I must act by myself. I must bring down the Dark Kingdom... the enemies... I must kill the enemies... I must kill my enemies... The black flame grew larger, and burned itself into the girl's eyes. It was no longer something she could turn away from, something she could ignore. It was a beautiful flame, not giving of itself until it burned out. The nature of this flame was the opposite of what she had accepted to be fact; a fire that grew infinitely larger, brighter as it burned. A pyre that could not burn out, never yielding... one that took from those less worthy, not from itself. The more she reflected on this beautiful black flame's nature, the larger it became. She could see it plain as day in her mind's eye. The blaze expanded, swirling about the room, engulfing Rei's body. She felt no pain, no burning... only a rhapsody as the flame overtook her and she became one with it. Her clothes were immolated, as the black fire concentrated itself around her body, coalescing into the shape of her sailor warrior uniform... though distorted, altered from the norm. The color scheme of the iconic outfit had changed, now a dark gray with black trim. This, however, was probably the least noticeable change about the sailor warrior. Her hair was in constant motion, quivering as she stood. Her eyes burned with the same intensity as before, but now the righteous passion was replaced with a hateful, conflagrative glare. Her body, too, had changed, twisted by her dark desires; she had gained at least half a foot in height, and was of a more voluptuous shape than before. Her hourglass frame was shrouded in a dark, crackling aura that seemed to shift about her independently. The light had returned to the room around her, as the meditation bonfire was gone, but it seemed the sailor warrior now had a similar property to the black fire as the space immediately around her dimmed, a shadow being cast from all angles.

         Rei made her way to the roof of the Hikawa Shrine, looking out over the city with a sneer. The Dark Kingdom... the criminals of this world... the scum must be wiped from this earth... and to ensure the mission is completed, the bleeding hearts that would let them go free must be removed. The sailor warriors... I can't have them getting in my way! I will make them kne-kill-before-die... Rei shook her head, stopping herself... these weren't her thoughts, were they? They will be removed... they must be removed... killed... no! They will be brought to realize they can't stop me, or the Dark Kingdom... They will know the might of the new breed, of Dark Sailor Ares! With that, Rei leapt from the roof down to the cement of the courtyard, and rushed into the city.



         “Mmm, this is so yummy!” Usagi licked at her ice cream cone, starry-eyed. Ami smiled, perhaps a little patronizingly, walking alongside her through the park. “Didn't I say it would be worth the detour?” Ami nodded in agreement, taking a lick from her own cone. Luna sighed, walking behind the two; she bit her tongue, knowing her breath would be wasted on her usual chastisement.

         “It's good. But it's getting late. Shouldn't we start heading home?” Usagi was completely lost in her ice cream, licking at it with a furor. The time was indeed becoming a concern; the streetlights had come on some time ago, and the stars were already out. Muggers and animals could be handled by sailor warriors, but the two did have a bedtime to think about. Ami sighed as her question was ignored, turning back to her ice cream. She shivered a bit just before her tongue met the frozen dessert, stopping herself. Usagi took a few more steps before noticing something amiss, and turned to inspect the situation. Luna had stopped with Ami, feeling the same chill.

         “Ami? What's the matter?” Usagi's licking of her ice cream was uninterrupted, though her eyes were focused now on her friend. Ami shook her head.

         “It's nothing. I think I might be getting a cold...” The girl stepped forward to meet Usagi when the ground erupted beneath her feet. A black pyre burst through the park's walkway, knocking both girls and cat away with explosive force, ice cream splattered over the walkway.

         “Waaah!” Usagi screamed as the blast knocked her on her rear. Ami regained her feet first, looking around for the source of the attack.

         “Ami! Usagi! Transform into sailor warriors!” Luna had managed to keep her head throughout the event; more than could be said for Usagi. She was still planted on the ground, her legs as useful as jelly. Ami rushed over to help her to her feet, gripping her transformation pen in one hand.

         “Don't bother with her, Ami!” A voice boomed from an unknown direction, seeming to echo from more than one place. “She'll only slow you down. It's all she's good for.” From the trees, a sailor warrior silhouette emerged... though Ami couldn't pin quite who it was. The only others she knew of were Mars and V, and this shape didn't match either of them. The form was far more imposing than she was used to. Usagi gulped as the threat approached, and stood up with Ami's assistance, albeit shakily. As the form stepped into the pool of light created from a combination of moon and lamppost ambience, the space around it seemed to dim, while the outline of the entity itself became more vivid. This was certainly nothing Ami would have guessed at; the long, flowing, raven-black hair and burning personality were those of Sailor Mars, but this person was different in too many ways. It couldn't be, she thought. Usagi, however, was less skeptical.

         “Sailor Mars! What... what happened to you!?” howled Usagi, still holding on to Ami for support. Luna assumed a battle stance, arching her back and growling. The two girls seemed frozen, not making a move to run or transform. The black scout approached, chuckling grimly to herself.

         “I am not...” she replied, her voice twisted in three directions, “Sailor Mars. I have been reborn.” Holding out her palm as she advanced, a black flame appeared in her hand. “What you see before you is a new breed of sailor warrior. A being that will make you obsolete, and succeed where you have failed.” Her last few steps brought her face to face with Usagi, lips contorted in a wicked grin as she bent down to glare into her eyes. “And the first mission for Dark Sailor Ares... is to eliminate the bottlenecks that have prevented her from the Dark Kingdom's destruction. To remove the both of you from the equation...” Standing up straight, now nearly a head above the others, Ares continued. “Ami, I will give you the choice right now. Go home, and don't get involved with us again...” She seemed to stumble on her own words, but flowed past it without much concern, “Or transform here and die. Usagi does not receive this option,” she cooed darkly, holding the flame in her palm up to the girl's face. Usagi shivered, tilting her head back, her forehead drenched in a cold sweat. “She is someone who can't be allowed to butt in anymore. Transform, meatball. Understand your powerlessness.”

         “Do it! Usagi! Transform and break this spell!” growled Luna. Ares turned down to look at her, raising a foot and smashing it down on the feline, eliciting a shrill screech.
         
         “Speak when spoken to, you pesky animal.” Increasing the pressure, Ares took a grim delight in squeezing Luna's body under her shoe, her smirk hooking devilishly as cracks and howls sounded from the tormented cat. A loud, hard smack changed her grin to indignation. Usagi stood before Ares, arm outstretched, with a tear forming in the corner of her eye.

         “You...! Let Luna go right now! What's come over you, Sailor Mars!?” Usagi bit her lip, glaring into Ares' eyes. The sweat on her brow had warmed. “Stop this! I don't want to fight you!” Luna gasped for breath under the dark warrior's shoe, but no longer wailed in pain. Ares' eyes turned back to meet Usagi, now burning with full, hateful passion. The aura about her body crackled, black tendrils writhing along her form. Ami clutched her transformation pen, but held off from holding it up. Despite her faults, Usagi had given her reason to trust her in the past, and if she hadn't yet transformed...

         “I told you...” boomed Ares in her evil, twisted voice, now audibly filled with rage, “I am Dark Sailor Ares... and I will not stand for this humiliation!” The dark sailor's body quivered, as the tendrils that sprouted from her now began to take shape, forming into dark, pulsing hands. “Transform, you useless brat! My patience is running thin!” Luna tilted her head weakly, looking up at Usagi with pleading eyes. Ami now had to fight her urge to transform with all her will. Usagi simply stood, resolute.

         “I'm not going to fight you.” she repeated. “We're on the same team, whether you like it or not. Get your foot off Luna, Sailor Mars.” Ares winced. This wasn't the Usagi or Sailor Moon she was used to dealing with... this one could stand on her own. She wasn't simply foolhardy, either; Ares knew that her intimidation had genuinely failed.

         Still, she is an enemy, isn't she? She was against... no, she wants to fight alongside me, even like this, thought Ares. But she can't help, I would have to protect her... she's not strong enough... I'm stronger... The dark warrior took a step back, releasing Luna, glaring at Usagi with a pained, angry expression. I can't let her... I have to win, have to remove her, have to... protect... kill...  I can't kill her... she's my fr-KILL... I won't KILL... she... The tendrils around Ares pulsed, her collar and skirt igniting into a black flame, burning at the night air and dimming a much wider radius than before. Her face contorted as her body quaked, low growls emanating from the dark warrior. I can't kill her... she's useful... less... Useless... Psychotic images raced through her fevered mind, distorting her perception. Every time Sailor Moon had failed, every time she got in the way. Every time Usagi got on her nerves, or annoyed her, or took her manga without asking. The slap she had just received played back to her over and over, the warm sting magnified a thousand times. She... humiliated me... Ares took a step forward, glaring at Usagi with twisted eyes. She... must be made... to suffer the same degradation... the wrath of Sailor Ares...!

         Ares growled, the tendrils about her stretching their malicious fingers toward Usagi. Met with no resistance, each gripped an arm, a leg, or a part of the girl's torso. “Usagi!” gasped Ami and Luna in unison. Usagi made no sound, as she was lifted off the ground. The hand of each tendril squeezed at her, crushing at her body. Though Usagi winced, she made no move to fight back, nor escape. Her eyes burned through the tendrils, meeting Ares'.

         She... those... eyes... those horrible... eyes... Ares' growl became more audible, as her head tilted and her face twisted. Can't... look... I will... stop them... Jerking her head, she swung Usagi around behind her, slamming her feet hard into the cement. The girl whimpered in pain, as Ares grimaced. Ami and Luna both gasped, horrified.  Can't... let her... I must... make her disappear... At this thought, Ares' skirt flared, burning with far more intensity than before, matched by her collar. The dark presence about her seemed to be hinting, as her panties burned away, at once immolated and absorbed by the jet flame of her skirt. Dark thoughts flooded her mind in greater volume, obscuring any of her own... Yes... yesss... she will suffer... humiliation...The tendrils surrounding her pulsed, tightening their grip on the hapless girl. Ares uttered a low moan, clenching her fist. A solution had presented itself to her, far more appealing than simply killing her rival...

         Luna could keep her will no longer when she saw Ares' plan unfold. It began with the tendrils tugging Usagi to the dark warrior's rump, now uncovered and swelled. Pressing her face in between the soft mounds was certainly a humiliating tactic, but Usagi bit her tongue. She refused to give the darkness in her friend the pernicious satisfaction it craved. Ares' face, however, did not reveal a foiled plan, and Luna barked the order to Ami to transform when Usagi's head began to disappear. Only just before her mouth was enveloped did Usagi make any noise at all, screeching an immediately muted yell. Her will began to crack, as her body struggled, only now realizing what Ares had planned. As the meatballs atop her head popped inside Ares' exit with a similar sound to a licked lollipop, Ami could hold back no longer, giving in to Luna's command. “Mercury Power... Ma-KAH!” The girl was halted in her action, as a heavy black hand slammed into her abdomen, tossing her back like a rag doll. Luna gasped, running over to the girl. Ares smirked as the tendril-hand returned to her, taking its place on Usagi's thigh. Nothing could stop her from her revenge. The dark sailor gasped as the tendrils holding Usagi suddenly tensed apart from her command, forcing the wriggling girl deeper into her dank bowels. Ares moaned, seemingly no longer in control... The tendrils were likely to be powered by an outside force, but now it seemed her own body was  no longer hers to wield, as it stretched and warped to accommodate this dark desire. A strong thrust drove most of Usagi's torso up between her voracious, voluptuous buttocks, tendrils above the girl on that point not returning from the abyss, but instead melding to the inner walls of the evil senshi's intestinal walls and sending a tingling rush through her entire body. Ares gasped at the intensity of the sensation, about to be brought to her knees... yet she remained standing. Her own legs seemed unresponsive to her instincts, standing instead in a knock-kneed formation. Atop these legs, her gluttonous gluteus twitched and swelled of its own accord, devouring its victim with a comparable pace to the result of the tendrils' assistance. Ares' abdomen swelled, filling up with its unusual cargo, its pace slowing as the last of Usagi was drawn in. Every tendril now served to force her kicking legs in, both soon disappearing between the amplified cheeks. Ares cackled loudly, her shrill laugh filling the park, as Usagi's feet disappeared into her backside; each tendril following suit before the orifice closed, sealing Usagi inside. Ares' hateful smile, filled with self-satisfaction, fell upon the prostrate Ami.

         “You...” hissed Ares, her voice now without a shred of familiarity. “You are not... a threat to me... But one more infraction... and you will join this meatball...” Giving her rump a sharp smack, Ares licked her lips, saliva running down her chin, and leapt back into the cover of foliage. Luna nosed at Ami, in an attempt to get her to her feet. She was still breathing, but she didn't move... save to gasp Usagi's name weakly, passing out on the grass.



         To be continued. And continued, and continued.