Sailormoon S: The Golden Heart : Act I

2 days after Kaolinite's death

"Lola, I'm counting on you," a male voice spoke through the phone.

"Don't worry, Professor. I think I have what it takes for this job," the woman named Lola replied confidently.

As Lola set her phone back to the ringer, she shifted her eyes towards a framed picture sitting on her dresser. It was an image of a female with ruby-colored eyes and scarlet hair, clothed in a white lab coat with a petite smile on her face. This was none other than Eugeal, Lola's rivaled and older cousin.

Besides her jade-green pupils, Lola had an indigo owl-shaped haircut. She was wearing a lemony tank top, jet-black pants, tiny dark earrings, azure fingerless gloves, and violet knee-length boots.

After graduating from high school, she was 18 years old, and had developed a competitive spark with Eugeal. Recently getting fired from a minimum wage fast food job, Eugeal had high hopes for getting employed by Professor Tomoe. Days after, the older woman told Lola that with her rash attitude alone, she wouldn't be suitable for the job. But fortunately for Lola, Professor Tomoe had noticed her first.

"Well Eugeal... looks like I'll be the one to prove you wrong. This job should be a piece of cake," Lola made a short laugh while viewing her cousin's photo.

Afterward, Lola arose from her desk and walked towards her closet. She opened it to find a white lab coat, so she grabbed the outfit from its hanger and slipped it over her regular attire.

Then Lola headed towards her body-length mirror, and viewed her entire self. With her round hips, this coat looked stylish.

'It's a shame, really. This lab coat would have been Eugeal's, but it looks like the Professor's noticed my charm!' Lola placed both hands on her hips and made a cunning grin.

3 months after Ash wins the Sinnoh League

"So Ash, do you think you've finally become a Pokemon Master?" Delia asked her son, holding her coffee mug with both hands.

"Even after winning the Sinnoh League Trophy, I still have a feeling there's more gym leaders out there waiting for me."

Before taking a sip from her warm drink, Ash's mother decided to respond to this confident answer.

"Ohh, Ash," Delia let out a warm smile. "You reminded me so much of your father just now. He didn't let anything stop him from his Pokemon journey either. You both have that same drive - not to let anything put you down."

Moved by his mother's words, Ash began to wonder about his upcoming challenges against Pokemon gym leaders. They would definitely be tougher than the ones he did defeat. But what about the other mysteries that lied along with it? Where exactly would they be? What type of friends would he meet? And who else would he have to vanquish from capturing Pokemon?

"Yep. Just like always, I'm gonna give it everything I got!" the young boy got up from his chair and formed a victory pose, with Pikachu sitting firmly on his shoulder.

"Pi-ka-chu!" Even if he were wearing a light-cerulean shirt and denim jeans instead of his trainer attire, Ash never held back his honest sense of pride.

"But Ash, there's still something I want you to promise me," Delia interrupted. By the tone in her voice, Ash's mother appeared to be glum, so he grew concerned.

"What is it Mom?" Ash returned to his chair. Suddenly, the single child found his mother's hands clung to his. In her eyes he saw sadness.

"Promise me that when you're out on the road again, you don't forget about me." Shortly after this, few tears streamed down Delia's cheeks. Times like these were rare, and Ash had just been lucky to witness it for himself; to imagine how emotional his mother acted while he was away.

While Ash would in fact be away from home, he had discovered and caught new Pokemon, collected several gym badges, and made friends along the way. On his own, the adventurous traveler developed a large amount of courage and skill with not only his Pokemon, but within his own personality.

"Don't worry, Mom. We always think of you when we're out on the road, right Pikachu?" Ash looked at his Pikachu for a response.

"Pika pi," the mouse Pokemon answered his owner.

Suddenly, three polite knocks came from the front door.

"That may be Brock or Dawn, Ash. Can you go see while I check on our dinner?"

"OK, mom." With Pikachu remaining on his shoulder, Ash rose from the table and headed towards the front door while Delia went into the kitchen.

Ash's excitement rose when he grabbed the doorknob and began to twist it. It had been weeks since he got to hang out with his friends, so picturing their smiling faces behind the door wasn't difficult.

Unfortunately, the door-knocker was neither Brock or Dawn, but instead it was a tall woman carrying garnet eyes, dressed in a fuchsia school uniform. Her dark-green hair lengthened past her back. With her ravishing good looks, Ash knew Brock wouldn't let her pass without a romantic statement.

"Who are you?" Ash asked the mysterious woman.

"My name is Trista. I've come here to ask you of a huge favor. Is it alright if I come in and explain?"

The scrumptious and zesty meal prepared by Ms. Ketchum was spaghetti and meatballs. As delicious as it both sounded and looked, Trista assured Delia that she wasn't hungry. So Delia and Ash dug into their portions, while Pikachu and Delia's Mr. Mime were given Pokemon food.

"So, what brings you here, Miss Meioh?" asked Delia, twirling spaghetti noodles around her fork.

"Well, you see, Ms. Ketchum, there is an evil that me and my friends are up against that we have had difficulty destroying completely. That's why I had no choice but to ask you're son for help."

Delia was processing Trista's words through her brain, then set down her fork once she gathered words to respond with. Traveling and battling with Pokemon wasn't as dangerous as what Ash was now being asked to help with; besides the fact that he had only stayed home for the past 2 months.

"We respect your eagerness, Miss Meioh, but there must be someone else who you can get help from. Ash is just a boy." At that instant Ash became stunned by his mother's last words and froze in the middle of eating. Even Pikachu became half-shocked, and Mr. Mime was surprised.

"True. There may be people stronger than Ash. There may be even people who are larger than him. But the truth is, I don't know anyone else."

Rather than make him feel pressured, this explanation only made Ash feel important and more needed. But Delia was afraid of letting her son go again; this situation didn't contrast from the way her husband had decided to leave.

With his fork in one hand, Ash placed both fists on the table and spoke for himself.

"I'll take on your request. As long as I can bring Pikachu with me." He had deliberately ignored his mother, but not to be in a rebellious manner.

"Pika!" came in Pikachu's high-pitched voice.

It was at this moment that Trista got the chance to get a full look at Ash's Pikachu. His appearance was so adorable.

"Yes. You can bring Pikachu along with you."

"But Ash!" Delia broke into the conversation. "You just came back from the Sinnoh Region. Don't you wanna stay a few more days before you leave again?"

The length of Ash's journey was unknown to Trista, but still she held understanding for Ash's mother.

Rather than interrupt the family's conversation, she kept her lips sealed.

"But mom! If Trista says that her friends need my help, why shouldn't I go?" When he looked back into his mother's eyes, Ash could sense those same depressive feelings. He didn't want to disappoint his mother, but never had he remembered ignoring any requests for help; Delia was completely aware of this. Oddly enough, Trista felt as though she had seen this same act of character before; so why was it only a fog in her mind?

"...You're right, Ash. Just make sure you don't get into too much trouble. Stay by Miss Meioh at all times, and don't forget to pack extra underwear."

"Moooooom, you're embarrassing me!" Even with her quiet personality, Trista couldn't help but smile and make an internal laugh. In the strangest way, Ash and Delia reminded Trista of Serena and Rini; Still being in her teenage years, Serena didn't fail to embarrass Rini with her clumsy and temperamental attitude. Once, when Lita forgot to pack Rini's lunch bag for school, Serena took the situation and gave the pink sweetheart everything but sugary foods. Or a time where both Serena and Rini battled over whose gift was better for Darien's 18th birthday.

"Ok, I'm ready to go!" Ash's voice bellowed from upstairs. Now Ash was in his usual Pokemon Trainer gear. The last thing he needed to do was place his black and red cap on his head. This head wear was close to Ash; a symbolic piece in his Pokemon career.

"Alright then," Trista promptly rose from the table, then turned her eyes towards Delia. "Ms. Ketchum, thank you for letting me borrow your son. I promise to take good care of him," Trista extended her arm for a handshake from Ash's mother.

"Oh, it's nothing," Delia kindly accepted the handshake. "Him and his father are the same when it comes to things like this. It's just watching them leave that's hard," Delia placed one hand to her chest and looked away sadly.

"Don't worry, Ms. Ketchum. I'll make sure to return your son home soon," Trista assured the single mother.

"Thank you, Miss Meioh."

"Mime!" Not to mention Mr. Mime became grateful for Trista's promise and clasped its hands.

"Oh, it's no problem," Trista returned a delighted smile to the psychic-clown Pokemon.

With its windy conditions, the weather outside carried slate-gray skies. Instead of shining its awesome bright rays across Pallet Town, the sun was hidden behind the clouds.

Stopping only a few inches before the dirt road, Trista pulled out a magical wand from her shirt pocket. And suddenly a strange lavender glow flashed, causing everyone except for Trista to shield their eyes. While Ash, Delia, and Mr. Mime used their hands, Pikachu turned around and used Ash's hair to cover his face.

The young woman that Ash had led into his home now carried a different set of clothes. She was wearing a ivory leotard with a V-shaped collar, a ebony skirt and choker around her neck, knee-length boots, blanched elbow-length gloves, blush earrings, a golden tiara embedded with garnet, and in her hand was a key-like staff topped with a heart. This extended weapon was known as the Garnet Orb.

Ash, Delia, and both their Pokemon's eyes widened in astonishment when the light faded and they witnessed Trista's super transformation.

"Oh my!" Delia exclaimed.

"Miiiime!" Mr. Mime took a similar emotion.

"W-w-what happened to your clothes?" Ash was completely starstruck and couldn't mend his stuttering.

"Pika!"

"I'll explain on the way," Trista responded with her back still turned away. She knew she'd get these sort of reactions; when Ash reached her universe, her sailor suit wouldn't be the only amazement.

Seconds later, Trista tapped the ground with the bottom of her staff, causing a large silver door to appear from thin air. This left everyone in awe; Ms. Ketchum with a wonder of where exactly her son was being taken to. Nobody mentioned Ash having to travel through dimensions.

Ash's mouth was agape when he saw what lurked behind the Space-Time Door. In it was dark amethyst portal, swirling endlessly. Ash became curious as to how long this supernatural ride would take, and he took a few steps towards it.

"We must hurry. This portal won't stay open forever," Trista began to head towards the Space-Time Door.

After Ash gave a nod to Trista, he turned around to give both Delia and Mr. Mime a bidding farewell.

"Bye, Mom!" Ash waved his arm while the other was on his backpack. Suddenly Delia noticed something that stumped her mind. As Ash was waving goodbye, there was a smile on both his and Pikachu's faces. Were they really up about Trista's request and not the least bit afraid of growing homesick?

"Pikaaa!" The Pokemon joined Ash and waved its short arm.

Ms. Ketchum knew that once Ash left, she would have to become strong; not only for his sake, but for his also. Soon enough, the lone mother would have to realize that Ash was loyal to the very end for anyone who needed help; even if they came from a different universe.

Coming to part of this realization, Delia gave a smile back to his son and its Pikachu.

"Bye Ash and Pikachu! I'll be waiting for you two!" She never stopped to rest her arm from the waving, just like she would never stop thinking about her one and only precious child.

And so these last words echoed when Ash finally entered the Space-Time Door.

Moments later, the pathway vanished, and the gateway disappeared when Delia and Mr. Mime ceased swaying their hands.

'I really DO hope those two come back soon', Delia thought to herself.

"Mr. Mime, why don't we try that Chocolate Fudge Brownie recipe from the cooking channel?" Delia started a conversation, and gave a pleasant expression to her Pokemon.

Mr. Mime rubbed its stomach at the thought of baking that delectable dessert. It turned around and headed towards the front door while Delia's eyes remained on the spot where Ash had been standing.

'We'll make sure to save you and Pikachu some of the brownie, Ash.'

Ash's P.O.V.

And to think that Pokemon were the coolest things that ever existed... I hated to admit it, but from what Trista told me, the Sailor Scouts sounded just as strong and powerful as Pokemon. On our way to Trista's universe, Trista told me about not only her secret identity, but about her friends who helped her fight crime and save the world. Just like Pokemon, each Sailor has their own elemental ability. They don't have every single type like Pokemon, but when united they can unleash a serious amount of energy.

Trista told me that I'd have to hide Pikachu until we reach her friends' house. A world without Pokemon? It just seems so unreal...

But I wonder what their leader's like. When I asked Trista about it, she got the strangest look on her face, and told me that I'd see for my self when we got there. It turns out Trista already told her friends about me. Still, I guess I'll learn about their leader when I reach their house...

"Rini, if you know what's good for you, stay out of this conversation! We're talking about adult things," Serena ordered her future-daughter.

"Serena, it's OK if she stays in here with us. Really!" Mina pleaded with the temperamental blond.

"I agree with Mina. Soon Rini will have to learn about these things," added Ami.

Day after day, Serena and Rini always argued over the silliest things, but that didn't mean their friends enjoyed it.

"Yeah, Serena. Now why don't you let Mina finish her story?" Rei fussed while sitting beside Rini.

Mr. Hino paused his work of sweeping the Hikawa Temple grounds to greet a pair of unexpected visitors.

"Why hello, Miss Meioh. Is there anything I can do for you?" asked Mr. Hino. The smile he gave to Trista was larger than his bald head itself. Fortunately for Trista, she had learned from Rei his habits of flirting with beautiful young women.

"No thank you. I've brought a friend with me to come visit Rei," answered Trista.

"Oh. Well she's still in her room with her friends as we speak. May I ask who this young boy is right here?"

"My names Ash. Nice to meet ya," Ash shook Mr. Hino's hand. Suddenly Mr. Hino noticed Pikachu and grew suspicious. Rei's crows named Phobos and Deimos were the only animals that her grandpa noticed while cleaning their shrine.

"And what's this animal on your shoulder?" Mr. Hino pointed his index finger directly at Pikachu. Ash and Trista grew fearful for being suspected. Pikachu wished that him and his friends were back in the Kanto Region.

"Oh! It's...it's myyyy... pet mouse!" Ash replied nervously while sweating.

Pikachu could also feel his furry body getting a chill while Mr. Hino's squinted eyes still glued to him. Pikachu felt that would be more likely to learn his identity and cause an uproar.

"Very well. Rei will like that you've brought a guest with you," Mr. Hino responded in a casual tone. Ash and Pikachu wiped their foreheads with relief.

So Trista began to walk past the shrine priest and lead Ash and Pikachu towards their destination.

"It was nice to see you again, Miss Meioh," Mr. Hino returned to sweeping the stoned ground when they were away from him. With Pikachu sitting on his shoulder, Ash couldn't help but look back at the elder with curiosity, since he had almost gotten his Pikachu discovered.

"Who was that guy back there?"

"That's Rei's grandpa. He is the priest of this shrine,' Trista answered.

As they continued down the long walkway, Ash and Pikachu studied their surroundings and noticed multiple cherry blossom trees. They were to the left of the Hikawa Shrine itself. Both trainer and Pokemon were attracted by their bright color and delicate appearance.

With each footstep, Ash kept his curious amber eyes on the cherry blossoms. Dangling from the tree branches, they seemed so innocent; so young since they had barely sprouted. Ash didn't mind letting a smile grow on his face, and neither did Pikachu; to them these trees were amazing.

Finally Ash took his sight off of the cherry blossoms and turned his face towards Trista.

"Back home we don't have trees like these. What are they called?"

"Pika Pi," agreed Pikachu in a delighted tone.

"They're called cherry blossoms. They're tree flowers that bloom only in spring," Trista explained.

Just before he had arrived, Ash used to think that this Pokemon-free world was strange and odd, but discovering one of its natural beauties began to interest him.

"Serena can be such a pain sometimes," Rini made this statement with her arms crossed and eyes closed. At that instant Serena couldn't hold her frustration back anymore.

"Why you little-!" It was the voice of this hot-headed blond that could be heard from outside. Trista, Ash, and Pikachu were alerted at its sound, becoming concerned. "You can't just tell me when to be quiet!" Serena deliberately reached over the table for Rini and attempted to grab her. Soon Trista learned what her and the others would be in for once she opened the door.

While Ash wasn't looking at her, Trista exhaled a sigh, and thought on what she had told Ash before; that he would learn about their leader for himself.

Scarily yet without hesitance, Trista slid open Rei's door, and witnessed Serena holding a pair of little arms, while Rini appeared to be tugging at Serena's dangling pigtails. Everyone's eyes widened when Trista, Ash, and Pikachu entered the room.

'Huh?' Now Ash and Pikachu, with sweat drops on their heads, had finally seen the Sailor Scout's leader for themselves. Ash wondered to himself why exactly he was seeing this type of scene, and also why Trista chose not to share it with him.

In utter embarrassment, everyone except for Ash and Pikachu bent their heads down.

"We're really sorry," Serena and Rini spoke in unison, returned to their seats, then bowed down in forgiveness.

Moments later, everyone regrouped around Rei's table except for Trista and the Moon Cats, who sat on her mattress. To avoid trouble, Serena sat by Mina, and Rini stayed close to Rei. Rather than feel disturbed by their little quarrel, Ash brushed it off his mind started talking to Ami.

"You'll have to excuse our friends for their little fight," Ami gave the trainer and his Pikachu assurance.

"No worries," replied Ash.

"My names Ash, and this is Pikachu. What's your name?"

"Well isn't he cute?" Ami reacted sweetly at Pikachu and ignored the question.

"Aw, he's so adorable!" exclaimed Rini.

"Ohh, I'm sorry," Ami caught herself avoiding Ash's question. "I'm Ami, and this is Rei, Serena, Mina, and Rini," the teenage genius introduced each friend with a show of her hands.

"And we are Luna and Artemis," Luna's words followed after Ami's.

Ash slowly turned his head around and looked at the female cat with disbelief. He knew that they weren't ordinary house cats the moment he noticed Luna and Artemis's crescent moon marks on their foreheads.

"You can talk too?"

"Huh?" Everyone but Trista grew confused by that question. It was as if Ash were assuming there were another creature in the room that could speak.

"Pikachu knows how to talk too!" In Pikachu's mind, the cute rodent wished his trainer didn't mention his speaking ability. It was fearful enough that Mr. Hino almost figured out its secret and made a piercing stare. So what if these were people who they'd help fight crime; there was still pressure that whacked Pikachu in the face.

"It's alright Pikachu. You can trust these people," Ash noticed the nervous look in his best friend's eyes. Ash was always there for his Pokemon, even when it came to simple times like this; Pikachu was only scarred from his short encounter with Mr. Hino.

His dark colored attire and cheek marks were something that the inner sailors had never seen before. Unaware of Ash's hometown, this created more wonder; especially for Mina, who was the most flirtatious and outgoing.

The cheery blond turned her eyes towards Pikachu and studied his entire appearance. In her mind, she quickly noted that it resembled one of her bedroom stuffed animals. And just like her stuffed teddy bear, she could hold Pikachu with the same memories of sweet childhood in her mind.

"Just out of curiosity, where'd you get Pikachu from?"

"I met him while I was out starting my Pokemon Journey."

End of Act I

SonicxReiHino: *screen fades in from black* Well, I hope someone enjoys this story. The idea was given to me by a creative person I know.

Batthan: Hey, someone's missing.

SonicxReiHino: There was a reason I didn't include Lita yet. I'm not exactly sure when, but I will add her later on in the story.

Batthan: Why? *becomes concerned* Did something happen to her?

SonicxReiHino: Well...*anime sweat drop*

Batthan: *pulls out blue katanas* Lemme at those Pure Heart Snatchers!

SonicxReiHino: No, no, no! No one took her heart crystal. Look, it's just a minor situation. Wait for chapter two or three, ok?

Batthan: Oh, alright. *puts swords away* But remember, if you need me, just shout my name and I'll appear faster than you can say -

SonicxReiHino: Alright, alright, I get it. *anime sweat drop* *screen fades out to black*