160/The Virtue of a Helping Hand

The Virtue of a Helping Hand
Date of Scene:	11 July 2015
Location:	Mitakihara/Pikarigaoka - King Penguin Park
Synopsis:	Scorn continues her rampage... but will she keep to her evil path after learning that she's been tricked?!
Cast of Characters:	Mamoru Chiba, Ami Mizuno, Usagi Tsukino, Tadase Hotori, Haruna Kurosawa, Rei Hino, Iris Shelby, Ikuto Tsukiyomi, Kazuki Saito

---

Haruna Kurosawa has posed:
Tsukasa Amakawa knew where Scorn was going to strike next. For whatever reasoning, his starlight divinations on the matter assured him where and when. He didn't come alone though, of course. He brought Tadase. Why? Because Tsukasa hasn't been magical for a very long time. If he were to go alone, well. He has no interest in falling into a coma- though- he's willing to risk it.

For the past few moments, Tadase, and the witch girl known as 'Scorn' have probably been trading blows while Tsukasa tries to talk over this. He has a brilliant, loud speaking voice. "...this can't continue like this!" he tries to explain, his telescope under one of his arms. "I know you're hurting---but you can't fix it-- not like this!" he says grandiosely, motioning to the few unconscious Scorn managed to get before his arrival

c+"Don't listen to him... he's a hack-- go and give him, a good whack."</span> says the shadowy like raven perched on the witch's shoulder as she hovers in the air. She grits her teeth. How could they even pretend to understand!? Nobody cared before!? Why now! Instead- she just throws more orbs of dark energy without so much care, trying to overpower Tadase's barrier abilities. This isn't really working too well at

MEANWHILE, coming onto the scene are SAILOR SENSHI. They have a friend. He's currently "Okay Red."</span> says Procyon, who looks kind of a shadowy, grey raccoon being. "We're going to get there. And then you're going to throw me as hard as you can at feather face over there. I can cut him off, but for a bit. This is probably going to be uncomfortable for the girl- but maybe you can get through to her with a clearer head without Corvus screwing everything up.".

Other parties are probably drawn by the sheer strangeness of feelings and dark power being flung through the air at one another consistently. It's easily sensed and detectable by those with the senses for it.

Tadase Hotori has posed:
Tadase is standing in front of Tsukasa, and rapidly thinking that his plan may not be as great as he made it sound when he was in his office. The giant, golden-silver crown is doing its best to hold up against Scorn, but Tadase isn't the strongest magical hero on the plate, and Scorn is really putting up some heavy hits against his defenses. The stinging burn in his shoulder is testament to that. He's gonna have to sew a mend in his Guardian's Cape tonight...

"HOLY CROWN!" he calls out, putting a little more of his personal energy into defending against yet another barrage. "You should listen to him! He's trying to help you!" Tadase says. "I don't think that little bird has your best interests in mind!" he adds.

He's already considering ways to get Tsukasa out of this, because it looks like pretty soon it's going to start going even more poorly than it already is...

Rei Hino has posed:
Sailor Mars, guided by her psychic senses (and the super cute racoon god on her shoulder), races onto the scene, only to see Scorn fighting against two... unknown people? She's never seen them before, but one seems to be trying to reach her, and the other is holding her off.

She hesitates, briefly hiding in the shadows, to take in the scene as Procyon speaks to her. "Right. I'll get you close to him. If you can repress his mind magic long enough, maybe we can convince her that he's just using her."

Sailor Mars turns to the other senshi with a meaningful nod, saying, "You remember the plan, right? We might not get a second chance."

Sailor Mars waits a few seconds for a good oportunity to move in, when Tadase starts to use a special move. Holy Crown? Whatever that does, she decides to move in, she bolts forward, long legs carrying her faster than anyone wearing red high heels has any right going.

She reaches onto her shoulder, grabbing Procyon by the scruff of his neck, saying, "Now, Procyon!"

Eyes lock onto the raven, Corvus. Mars holds Procyon behind her at arm's length, and when her front foot lands she spins to the side, adding to Procyon's momentum while she swings him forward, releasing him at a precise velocity.

She nearly trips, falling to one knee, catching herself in a kneel.

"Scorn, that raven is using you! Don't listen to him!"

Kazuki Saito has posed:
Kazuki Saito, a somewhat new arrival in Tokyo, had just been finishing his work at the Penguin Public Library when strange events had once again started occuring. His initial instinct was to run before he was caught up in it. He wasn't ready... But then, something made him stop as he asked himself, would he ever be ready?

    Pushing down his doubts and fears, Kazuki turned back towards the sounds of battle in the distance. Well, it was now or ever, right? He glanced around, looking for a place to transform out of sight. Spotting an alley, he dashed into it.

    Now, Kazuki stands upon a roof top overlooking the battle site. Of course he had no intention of using his real name like this... All heroes need to keep their identities secret, right? So, Librarius will do. He is clad in his magical outfit, which he once considered a little over the top, but has since grown to like it.

    As the battle unfolds below, Librarius tries to keep track of everything that's going on. Having little practical knowledge about this new strange world he found himself in makes things difficult, which is why, for now, he simply watches.

Iris Shelby has posed:
Iris is attracted to the park by the 'dark show' going on, and quickly shows a habit of talking aloud to herself. "Oh dear, that doesn't look good at all..." She has the sense to keep her distance at first, pulling out a wing-shaped hair clip. "Valkyrie Wing, engage!" An echoing mechanical-female voice responds from the hair clip, <Standing By!>

Blue and white light swirls around her, replacing mundane attire with a long dress matching the light's coloration and a long staff now rests in one hand, the back of it atop her shoulder.

Then she flies closer, and looks down at the scene. Scorn's victims particularly catch her eye. "Valkyrie Wing, diagnosis mode!" The staff answers, <Ready to assess patients.>

The staff's tip changes from a round gem to a plus symbol, not unlike a medical emblem. "I'll leave this fight to you!" A shout to Tokyo's heroes who are arriving, and to Tadase who has already been fighting. Iris has another plan entirely, swooping down to wave her staff near those Scorn has rendered unconscious; a little display near her device's grip pops up to help her assess vital signs... and she asks a silly question while shooting a glance to Scorn: "Are /you/ the one who has caused this awful fad of people falling in to comas? It's not as trendy as you might think it is!"

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
Sailor Moon is here! Rushing onto the scene along with her fellow Senshi, she gasps as she sees that by-now familiar girl, as well as a boy in ruffles with a staff!

For once the girl forgoes any justice speeches, instead first focusing on Procyon's words!

"Uhm...I'll try to help the boy keep safe!" Offers Usagi. She's not exactly a tactical mastermind, far from it, but at least she's learned a thing or two around Ami. 'Protect your fellow magical warriors of justice' is magical girl fighting one-oh-one. And it's a class she might actually pass some day.

Then there's a firm nod to Mars! Rei runs in, and Sailor Moon is right behind her! Her tiara blooms into existance, and she throws as it fills with the light of the moon!

Not at Scorn, but at the energy balls being tossed at Tadase! The frisbee-like throw will try to slam into them and deflect them away from the boy! Then she's over to Tadase!

"He's just using you, Scorn-san!" Calls out Moon to Scorn, full of heart!

Ikuto Tsukiyomi has posed:
Ikuto is actually drawn here by a couple of reasons. The sheer strangeness and dark power is one reason. But also the realisation that Tadase is here. Tadase... and Tsukasa. Easter's Black Cat might be a much different individual than he was as a young man. But he also remembers when he was younger. He remembers he used to be friends with Tadase and Tsukasa. Ikuto has few enough friends. He doesn't need to lose them.

But at the same time he doesn't immediately leap in and interfere. Librarius is not the only one atop a building. For the time being, Ikuto remains up on one of the smaller buildings (not the same one Librarius is on, mind). He is ready for battle, though-- his cat-ears are turned forward to the battle, and his tail remains almost perfectly still, only the very tip of the tail twitching from side to side. Yoru floats above his shoulder as usual, paws curled in front of his mouth. "...Aren't we going to do anything, nya?" The small cat-boy says quietly.

"...Not yet," Ikuto replies. "I don't care what that girl does. We're only here for one reason. And there's enough heroes here." He's no hero. The assembled people doing various things to counteract or reach Scorn are.

Ami Mizuno has posed:
     Sailor Mercury smiles at her friends as she arrives as well, but she doesn't say anything quite yet. Naturally, she doesn't even attack. Sailor Moon and Mars do most of the talking of course. They have the heart, that's for sure, but Mercury wanted to hold back her argument for when Scorn faltered, if she did.

Haruna Kurosawa has posed:
Tsukasa Amakawa isn't giving up. But the arrival of new warriors on the scene causes him to pause. He looks down at Tadase. "Do you know these people Tadase?" he asks. They speak, as if they know what's really going on. One of them has-- a raccoon? What? This causes him pause. "So it's... the bird." he murmurs under his breath. That was obvious, wasn't it? "Why didn't I see /that/ before..." he murmurs. He shakes it off. "Tadase, go help them. They seem to be more knowledgeable of what's going on." he insists. "I'll be fine."

Proycon gets flung through the air, halfway he turns into some sort of gray flame and barrels into Corvus. "Hi Feather Face. Long Time. No See!" says the raccoon creature as he flies off onto the ground with the raven. "Corvus..!" says Scorn in surprise. The crow looks incredibly mad right now, as much as a shadowy raven can--- and goes to say something. There's some sort of magical 'pop' in the air followed by the wisp of gray smoke. When it clears, Procyon and Corvus are gone.

Things happen particularly fast--- mainly Scorn suddenly clutches at her stomach... and crashes towards the ground--- the broom she rides pops into black smoke- along with the surprise of wisps of white returning to their owners who are strewn about. The people don't wake up instantly- luckily, but whatever just happened /seemed/ to return the energy to them. Her garments... hat... everything begins to fade away--but it doesn't leave her entirely, they seem to hang around in the form of a black smog playing about her form- as if it could reform in a moment's notice---

The girl left behind has blonde hair and is wearing pretty mundane clothes. "W--What have you done!? This isn't Fun...! Don't come near me, let me /be/." she rhymes out. It's clear she's in some sort of pain from the hard and forceful disconnect of the raven. There's panic in her voice. She's afraid.

Tadase Hotori has posed:
Tadase Hotori nods to Tsukasa, and suddenly, so many things happen at once. There's a flying raccoon, a bunch of magical girls on the scene, and the raven vanishes. In fact, it all happens so much Tadase almost misses the girl un-henshin - until Kiseki, the tiny floating king who was until now staying out of the fight, tugs on his hair. "Look, Tadase!" he says, sharply. "That's her! Now we can talk to her!" he adds.

Tadase wants to rush over there; but he knows better. So he starts walking slowly towards Scorn, his scepter still in his hand but down at one side. "Look, I want to help you." he begins, carefully. "But we can't do anything for you if you keep hurting people!" he continues, looking into her eyes. "Are you hurting, too? I think we can help you as much as the rest of these people."

Iris Shelby has posed:
Iris winces as her Device rattles off some medical facts on those she's checking. <Vital signs within stable values. Damaged Linker Core. Vital signs within stable values. Damaged Linker Core.> This assessment repeats for each victim she inspects, then suddenly... white-wisps swirl by and return to some of those very same people. Valkyrie Wing changes its opinion very quickly: <Correction. Linker Core rapidly healing for all previously analyzed patients.> This brings a smile to Iris' face.

That news takes some of the immediate urgency out of the matter, then Iris sees /why/ it happened. Scorn just crashed, and now there is... someone else? Someone who looks very worried. Iris immediately stops teasing, and starts following Tadase's lead. She has /no idea/ who he is, who Tokyo's other magical protectors are, but... this seems like a good point to play along; something weird enough just happened that 'work with it' seems like a fine plan! "That's right! We don't have to get near you, but we can't just leave you alone like this. Tell us what's wrong!" It's awkward, it amounts to 'cold calling' due to an utter lack of context, but she's trying to help reinforce this plea for reconciliation.

Rei Hino has posed:
Mars throws. Procyon connects. What's left is a little girl falling to the ground, and Mars can only look on in shocked concern! "Scorn-san!"

Well... she looks okay, if a bit in shock. Time to move onto the next phase.

Mars looks over at Tadase and Tsukasa, and also at Iris, Librarius, and Ikuto. There are a lot of people here who don't know what's going on. Well, she has to tell this information to Scorn, so she may as well yell it, justice speech style!

With a dramatic point, Mars declares, "Scorn-san, we know what you're doing, and we know why, but you need to understand. You're being tricked!"

"We know that Corvus promised you that he'd give you your sister back... but that's not something that he can do! He lied to you. We're sorry about your loss, we really do want to sympathize with you, but what you're doing isn't going to change that!"

"We also know about the tablet you stole. Corvus is sealed inside that tablet. It's his prison, and all he wants to do is manipulate you into helping him break free. That's why he recruited you to be his priestess, and why he's tricking you into hurting all these people! It's all for his own sake."

Mars places her hands firmly on her hips, adding, "He's a God of Trickery! You don't have to listen to him or do what he says."

Ami Mizuno has posed:
Sailor Mercury, seeing her fall to the ground, starts to sift trhough the various files upon her computer-tablet. It doesn't take long to find the file with Ursa in it...and Procyon......and the recording.

yeah, Mercury had the foresight to recording the conversation.

She sets the computer on the ground, turns the volume up to maximum, and plays it for her....where it tells the sailor Senshi about she's being tricked, how her sister can't be brought back....how they asked if it was even possible, how Ursa said no, and how she was being tricked.

"You have been deceived, miss. As much as we tried to find a way to get your sister to come back, and I wish there was a way....there isn't. I can say that I know how you must feel, but I'm not you. I can sympathize, but I don't know you or how you feel. Talk to us....please." Mercury's voice isn't a justice speech, or commanding, but a soft, gentle, pleading voice of someone wishing to reach out to someone who really needs another to help them out of a pit of despair.

Ikuto Tsukiyomi has posed:
Yoru seems almost to be pacing as things unfold with Scorn. If one can actually pace while floating in the air. "Ikuto..."

"Not yet," Ikuto says. But his hands are clenched into fists at this side, so tightly his knuckles are white.

Ikuto is ready to spring at a moment's notice. He's not expecting heroic speeches and kind words to bring a girl around who's apparently been more or less brainwashed. But he holds back for the time being...

Kazuki Saito has posed:
    Librarius blinks at the series of unusual events... The girl in the magic sailor fuku throws the talking racoon at the talking raven, both disappearing and forcing the apparent enemy to exit her transformation. Man, this is definitely a weird world he has stumbled into.

    Still, Librarius considers Scorn's de-transformation. It seemed so simple. But then, he supposes it wouldn't be all that different for him.

    Librarius listens as those talking to Scorn try to convince her to abandon her bad ways. But the mention of the promise strikes a chord deep in Librarius, memories of his own sister flashing through his mind. He sympathises with the unknown girl, not sure he could have resisted the same promise too.

    However, Librarius shakes his head to clear his thoughts, returning them to the present. He remains still on the rooftop, not yet seeing any clear action to take.

Mamoru Chiba has posed:
Tuxedo Kamen, hanging back in the shadows after having followed Moon's henshin to the scene of the battle, squints hard as the raccoon-thing takes out the bird-thing, and his eyes widen. Scorn-- he's seen that girl around. He helped keep her out of the Dark Kingdom's clutches, and maybe...

He shoots a glance toward the Senshi.

Maybe he can help get her out of Miss White's group, too. She already got her wish, it won't cost her anything if this girl is helped away from her, and it might save the rest of those souls.

Abruptly, the tall youth in black with the classy threads and the swirling cape steps up next to and a little bit behind Sailor Moon and briefly puts a warm, encouraging hand at the small of her back. A glance down at her, ocean-blue eyes behind the mask earnest and open, strong in their belief in her, in her ability to help Scorn.

Then Tuxedo Mask drops his hand and steps forward, closer to the girl in pain. "I won't stop you," he calls out to Haruna, an echo of the words he's said to her before. "But these are good people who would have helped you if they knew, and who will help you now if you let them. Sailor Mars is versed in the truths of the spirit, Sailor Mercury in the truths of knowledge, and Sailor Moon in the truths of the heart. I don't know these others, but I can hear the sincerity in their hearts, and if you decide to begin healing instead of hurting, you will have an army of friends at your back."

He stops just shy of the circle of her personal space; it's not his to invade. But his voice is gentle. "If nothing else, we can do our best to keep Corvus away while you have time to think on your own, without his influence. But you have to decide that. Everything is yours to choose."

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
So many here! A woman in blue, a...librarian magical boy? Tadase with his crown and tiny king! The senshi gathered! All for this girl.

And then Tuxedo Kamen appears! There's a strong, warm hand on her shoulder. This mysterious stranger, always there to help...the fear, the doubt, they all vanish. There's no words. Sailor Moon nods to him and whispers.

"We will save this girl." It's a statement, confident, and yet almost begging. Sailor Moon cannot stand to see this girl suffer and be used. That very gaze is offered to all of those here, offering their support.

They have to save this girl! Sailor Moon steps forward alongside Tuxedo Kamen, he steps uncharacteristically purposeful.

Tadase is smart enough to not approach the girl. Inexperienced, and the knowledge of the loss of the girl's sister? Few forces in the world could stop the girl from approaching her. There's no guile or means of attack to the girl as she walks towards Scorn as she un-henshins.

Tears are in her eyes, pure and honest. It's not her usual childish tears, but ones of true sympathy and love. Sailor Moon kneels as the recording plays. She has nothing to add. It's self explanatory.

But more than that, in this moment, things like that raven and Ursa and stolen tablets don't matter. There's a hurting person right in front of her, and she knows of no way to stop that hole ripped open by the loss of her sister.

Instead, Sailor Moon kneels down, and tries to gather Scorn into her arms. A gentle hug, full of pure love and selfless care.

"I'm so sorry. No one should go through losing someone that close. Scorn-chan..." She sniffles, tears dropping without shame.

"I wish I could bring her back. I...forgive me. I want to. I want to see your beloved sister back. I can't judge you for doing what you do for that. I can't. If...if Mom or Dad or my little brother..." Usagi might not have much in the way of smarts or common sense, but matters of the heart are instinct to her.

"I don't know what I would do. But hurting people only hurts you too."

She then pulls back, looking Scorn in the eyes.

"If you need someone to bear that sadness, that pain, to hurt...then hurt me. Just please, Scorn. Don't take away anyone else's brothers or sisters. Please!" Comes Usagi's desperate plea.

Haruna Kurosawa has posed:
Tsukasa Amakawa manages to frown, when he hears words like 'lost sister', being thrown around. Is this what this has been about? It'd match with the feelings he gets when he tries to get divination on the matter. He doesn't say anything, because the others are. He hasn't seen Ikuto or his Guardian Chara up there pacing. If he did, he'd probably be reaching for a spray bottle.

Scorn-- or rather, Haruna-- is looking "Yeah, that isn't going to hold him much longer."</span>.

Haruna Kurosawa has posed:
Most of the heroes approach her. In her mind, she knows what's coming. They're going to do something horrible to her--- this of course, never happens. But it doesn't stop her from flinching.

Tadase speaks to her... remembering the boy from the last time she attacked. She looks up, then back down. This look isn't hopeful. Iris gets a similar response- she doesn't know these people.

"How do... you even know that..." she says quietly to Sailor Mars... "Priestess.....? No.. that's not.. what this is." she says.

Mercury plays the rather long talk they had with Ursa. As she listens, her hands dig into the grass and dirt-- is that true? Has she been tricked all this time? Without Corvus in her head, dissuading her otherwise, her mind goes to an awful place. This causes the black mist surrounding her to solidify for a moment before resuming being mist again. Procyon seems taken aback by this for a moment, Flinching on Mars shoulder.

Tuxedo Mask speaks--- and she looks up a bit, her eyes flash with a bit of recognition--- he was the boy who came in with Hannah when that creepy guy Corvus wanted her to meet tried to---take her away someplace. He speaks highly of these people speaking to her. She doesn't say anything.

Then Sailor Moon comes down to her level to look her in the eyes-- what Sailor Moon gets is a very lost and panicked look back--- is she crying?..... over her? No one even cared back then--- all the other students just gave her a wider berth after the accident. But really, it's her speech that causes to break down- crying.

"I just....wanted my sister back... that's a fact... Corvus... promised me that. Is that really all true...?" is all she can say. She's not used to talking to people regularly, it doesn't help with her rhyming behavior.

"I don't know what to do....I've been such a fool....."

Iris Shelby has posed:
Iris blinks, confused as Mercury sets something up... and then she hears the conversation. There are still many, many gaps in her understanding of what's going on, but 'loss of a loved one' explains a lot on its own. The jokes are most certainly over now, as she witnesses Sailor Moon cry and offer to be... some sort of 'hurt target.' Stirring, but alarming at the same time; Iris has top hope that particular offer isn't accepted.

She doesn't say much right now; it's obvious those who truly do understand the situation are handling it. Yet Iris remains, quiet as she kneels down by one of Scorn's earlier victims to keep an eye on them. At least, that's part of her focus here. The other part is to watch this unfold... it is rather gripping. "I don't know you," she calls out to the crying Haruna, "but it sounds like the best thing you could get right now is bed rest, a good meal, and... to keep talking with them." 'Them' is indicated by a sweeping hand gesture to those gathered here. "It sounds like they're the ones not stringing you along, even if listening to them hurts right now. They'll probably get you to where you need to be, if you'll let them help. Or at least that's how it looks to this stranger."

Tadase Hotori has posed:
The little king leans over - so many magical girls trying to reach out to the lost girl that there's really no room for him to get right up there - and tries as much as he can to meet her eyes.

"We're not here to attack you." he says, seeing her flinching. "We're here to help everyone we can - and that includes you. No matter what you think, everyone here wants to help you, too!" he says, mimicking Iris' gesture.

"Please, let us try. There can't be any harm in trying to let us help you. With everything you've done it's obvious you care for you loved one so much you're willing to do whatever it takes." Tadase thinks of his Grandmother, and his search for the Embryo. "There can't be any harm in trying all your options. You've been doing this horrible thing for a while, and yet you're still working. Why not try another path, try working with us instead of against us? Tell us your story. In your words."

Rei Hino has posed:
Mars glances up to the raccoon on her shoulder. "Well... let's hope it was enough. Thanks, Procyon" Mars laid down the facts of the matter, but she was depending upon Moon for the emotional angle and Mercury for the evidence. This was their one, best shot...

They seem to be getting through to Scorn. Yet, even though Scorn seems to believe them, they haven't really brought her good news.

The ferocity in Mars's tone dies down, replaced with mixed feelings. Getting past the trickery was just the start... now comes the sorrow, loneliness and loss...

"I know about the lonliness you felt, Scorn..." She felt it, from her divinations after all. "... because I felt it coming from you. The despair... the loss... I know it must be unbearable for you. I know you were desperate."

"... but Corvus doesn't give off any feelings like that. All I ever felt from him was malice, hatred, and a desire for freedom. I may not know every detail, but I know this has been hard for you..."

Nodding to Tadase and Iris, Mars takes a step forward, clutching her hand over her heart. "Please... let us help you. We can make things better... but you have to resist him! Corvus will try to influence your mind again... you can't let him trick you!"

Ami Mizuno has posed:
"You haven't been a fool." Mercury says in a soft voice. "You lost someone dear to you and wanted her back. Unfortunately, someone decided to take advantage of you when you felt that much despair." Mercury then squats down to Haruna and smiles to her. "I partly know what it feels like. I closed myself off to everyone around me and refused to talk to anyone, focusing upon something important to me. But then Sailor Moon came into my life and......to be honest I do see what you're going through, as I went through a similar situation."

"Please let us help you. That is truly all we wanted to do." She then gestures to Sailor Moon and Sailor Mars. "We all wish to try and help you....but you have to be the one to make the choice. I can only ask.....please."

Ikuto Tsukiyomi has posed:
Still up on the roof, Ikuto relaxes-- just a bit-- when Scorn seems to come around, just a little. And he narrows his eyes. Surely it's not going to be THAT easy, is it? Happy endings just don't come that easily. Yoru pipes up, "D'ya think it's gonna work, nya?"

"No," Ikuto replies quietly. "You heard the raccoon. Not too much longer." Pause. "Get ready. That bird's coming back. And then the girl will attack again. The others are too close. They're in her attack range. She'll surprise them."

Kazuki Saito has posed:
    It seems there are more than enough people trying to convince the girl she's not alone. And they're probably doing a better job of it then Librarius might have been able to do, considering the parallels between his life the one of this girl called Scorn.

    Still... Seeing Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Kamen trying to comfort the girl together creates a strange feeling within Librarius. He could swear there's something familiar about this. Though like a quote from a movie long past seen, he can't quite place it. As the other Sailor Senshi open their own hearts to Scorn, Librarius's feeling simply intensifies. He moves a hand to hold his head, what is this?

Mamoru Chiba has posed:
She's calling herself a fool -- she believes them, but she's turning that blame on herself, not on Corvus. Tuxedo Mask gets down on one knee, taking his hat off and disappearing it somewhere within the folds of his cape, glancing back at Mars, at Mercury, at Tadase. He doesn't block, he doesn't get between the people around them and the view of Haruna's face, her body language -- but then he focuses on Sailor Moon and on the girl who was Scorn and might yet be.

Finally he reaches out again, willing his strength to the two girls; one hand on Moon's shoulder, the other seeking one of Scorn's hands. Be strong, be strong. He's not sure where it's from, but there's a light that's steady and brave, and he latches on to that, too.

"You're not to blame. You're not a fool. You were taken advantage of in your grief and hope, and if you turn the pain that that causes you in on yourself, you're easy prey for it to happen again. Don't doubt yourself. Don't doubt that you're strong enough to come through this with the help of people who are willing to share the burden, the hurt," he says urgently, voice low. "If you need more strength, take ours, it's offered freely."

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
Usagi finally lets go, the girl nodding as others speak. They convey her own feelings, as well. She glances to the other senshi, to Tadase, to the Device User up above.

"I can't promise we can make that loss, that pain go away. But there's people here who want to help. To be your friend! To make that pain not hurt as much. No one should have to hurt. But if they're hurting, then everyone should work together so it isn't as bad!" Declares Sailor Moon, as sure as any justice speech.

Then she nods towards Mars and Mercury.

"I want to see you smile and be happy again." Ends the girl, drying her tears, and then reaching into her skirts, and offering a handkerchief. It's about all she can do, on her knees, offering her support to the others and Scorn.

Tuxedo Kamen kneels, and she nods right alongside him.

"Scorn-chan is strong. You love your sister. That proves it. If it's all too much, then we're here! I won't allow anyone near me to hurt that badly, if they'll just accept the love in all of our hearts!"

Haruna Kurosawa has posed:
The world shakes for a moment. It's enough to rattle nearby trees in the local area. Procyon reacts to this with a worried expression. "Yeah he's getting out. I'm going to make this quick. Hey you two!" he says, pointing at the various heroes. "I need you all to hold hands--- and-- you need to do it too." he says pointing at Scorn.

He then looks at Scorn, hoping up onto her shoulder. "Look. Here's the deal." he says to Scorn. "You're a Priestess of the Tablets. Like the first one in centuries. I'm sorry you were tricked into the role, and really... we, that is the other guys trapped in the other tablets, can't fix that-- but I can make things right as they're supposed to work."

He whispers something into Haruna's ear-- she merely blinks.."I... okay." she says as she looks between Moon and Mars, still looking a bit sullen, and quietly. She holds out her hands, shakily, and materializes a tablet--- it bears an image of a crow. Mars knows this one from her visions. "I.. I need to-- to borrow your energy."

Procyon nods matter of factly. "Usually, there's other Priestesses that do this, but... we only got the one. Don't worry this isn't the same thing like the Soul Release. We need just a little bit."

Before Haruna can res"You think you've won!? I'm not done!"</span>. He dives bomb straight towards Haruna. Who immediately winces as the crow just takes up residence in her again. At the same time- her outfit rematerializes from the mist surrounding her. "G..get out...I'm done." she murmurs.

"Come on! You can do this!" begs Procyon....

"Grant my... heart's desire... Sealing Stone..." she winces out- it takes a lot of will"You... stupid.. raccoon---what a baboon--- you're... RUINING EVERYTHING.</span> it speaks out.

The tablet begins to glow----

"Come on guys...positive thoughts!" begs Procyon. "Puppies! Kittens! ME!"

Ami Mizuno has posed:
Sailor Mercury's hand goes immediately to Sailor Moon's shoulder AND to Tuxedo Kamen's. Her mind is filled with happy thoughts.....all for Haruna to use to fight Corvus.

The first time she met Usagi-chan and actually talked to her...and she stopped being annoying.

The times she hung out with Makoto-chan...

When she realized Makoto-chan awakened into Sailor Jupiter.

Getting 110 percent on her tests.

Studying for said tests.

Just overflowing with positive energy for Haruna (even if they come from strange place, they're happy for Mercury)

Rei Hino has posed:
Mars sees the stone tablet. She knows what it is... Even with the research done by Mercury and herself, they still don't have all the answers. Trusting Scorn with her own energy requires no small amount of trust... yet, this is what feels right.

"Of course. We're here to help!"

Corvus reappears, and Mars frowns up at him. "I wont let you have your way this time!" She reaches out as Corvus dives into Haruna... but it's too late! At least Scorn seems to be able to fight it. It's a promising sign!

Mars doesn't wait any longer, immediately dashing to Scorn's side and taking one of her hands, leaving the other open for whoever wants to grab it. She closes her eyes and focuses her mind.

She tries to think of the good things that have happened to her... her precious friends, her shrine, her dreams and passions. She visualizes a successful outcome of this crisis, and she thinks about the faith she has in her friends.

"It'll be okay. It'll all be okay."

Tadase Hotori has posed:
Tadase grabs Sailor Mars' hand. While he may not have had the chance to meet her yet, he knows she's on the right side - the side trying to save this girl from the dark influence. And as things continue on, Tadase (and Kiseki!) leave their concerns behind. Surely, thinking positive thoughts couldn't have any negative effects. So he does.

He thinks about his Grandmother, strong and brave. His friends in the Guardians. Eating cakes with Nagisa! Drinking tea with Nadeshiko! The day he met Kiseki!

He leaves his own hand free for another person to continue the chain of hope.

Iris Shelby has posed:
Medical care, such as it is when none of the people Scorn attacked seem to immediately need it, becomes less of a priority for Iris as she continues to watch others reach out. Reaching out to considerable effect, as it seems the situation is rapidly changing. At first it's a relief; it seems they've managed to talk Haruna down. Then things get... potentially bad. Very bad, from what little Iris can piece together. And despite the weight of what's going on, she actually smiles and has a tiny laugh at the request. "Hold hands? That almost sounds like a children's drill to make sure we don't get lost from one another!"

She doesn't say that as a complaint. Instead, she walks up to join the ring, one hand linking up with Tadase. "Shall we? For the puppies," There don't seem to be any here, but she is playing along with Procyon's plea, "for them," a nod to the others who have been helping unravel this mystery, "And her too?" A nod to Haruna.

Positive thoughts? Sincere ones are slow to come. Iris looks within herself and simply doesn't find much... and she quickly realizes this amounts to looking in the wrong place for them. She won't find one inside... but she will find an external influence. Those around her, who have responded to a mystery and tragedy with an outpouring of concern. It deeply surprised her, but in a good way, to see several strangers on this world act that way. That pleasant surprise will serve as her good thought for this matter.

Ikuto Tsukiyomi has posed:
Positive thoughts? Does Ikuto even HAVE any of those? Believe it or not? Yes. True it's not that many. But even though he's not jumping down to join the circle, he's dredging up what few happy memories he has. That time when his family was still together. The times he spent playing with Tadase as a child. Listening to his father playing the vioin. It's really all he can do.

"Aah! You're doing it too, aren't you! I'm gonna try too, nya!" Mind, most of what Yoru's going to be able to think up is various tricks and stuff he's played that were particularly satisfying! Though just lounging around with Ikuto during times when Easter's not pestering his human counts as happy thoughts, right? Playing with string? Eating yummy fish? That has to count for something!

Ultimately they're not down there with everyone else, so it's not likely to do much. But the collective happiness of Ikuto and Yoru is offered, nonetheless.

Kazuki Saito has posed:
    Shaking his head to try and clear his mind once more, Librarius takes note of the request below. Think happy thoughts? He has his doubts that it'll work, or that his efforts will help...

    ... But then, he's seen some strange things tonight, so perhaps this will be no different. What thoughts does he have to contribute? Well, there is always the feelings of reading a good book. Probably not strong enough... His thoughts instead drift to his past, the fun he had with his sister, despite her condition... And he can't help but smile.

Mamoru Chiba has posed:
Tuxedo Mask's hand tightens on Scorn's, firm but not squishing it; his other hand stays right where it is on Sailor Moon -- bonus, she has both hands to use! -- and he takes Procyon's words to heart. He doesn't even glare at Corvus, he just calls forth the happiest, best, most shining things he can think of, and he opens the walls he uses to keep his heart and mind safe from the rest of the world, just a little bit. A little bit more. He's wearing his gloves, so it won't be a floodgate, but still... he can do this much for her, anyway. He promised his strength: maybe this kind of strength is what's needed, too.

Not his first memory. Not even the rest of that day. No: his first dream, his most precious thing, brilliance and hope and love in the empty darkness and confusion. Her. A dream of silver and warmth, of comfort for a terrified and achingly lonely child in a world of strangers; a dream of connection and love for a tiny boy with none. Peace and someone who didn't mind if he cried, someone who understood, someone whose heart beat with his, and everything she held his hand through.

Every single time Sailor Moon prevails, every time her heart wins--

The girl who put whipped cream on his nose and told him everyone needed a friend to talk to sometimes, and on her birthday, no less.

The little Prism Keeper whose mother's gone, whose sister's in a coma, coming into her own magic; the pride he felt for her when she stood up and took her destiny into her own hands. Sailor Mercury, bringing him back from despair with the promise that he can help, that he is needed, that she's his friend. Homura's quiet understanding and almost angry belief in him; Hannah's fierce insistence on helping; Suzuki's firm and terrified defense of him; Jupiter's joy in battle; Miss White's willingness to ask for his help after all. Being able to help give Madoka some peace on her terrible first day; Shiori standing up for him in the street when he didn't have to at all; Motoki knowing him well enough without prompting to know when to prod and when to just give him coffee; nearly getting his fingers bitten off when teasing Usagi with the cherry from her milkshake--

--it's with a sense of wonder infusing these thoughts and memories that Mamoru Chiba, behind the glimmering white mask, realizes that every single thing that makes him happy is another person, is other people, is because of them.

Usagi Tsukino has posed:
Hold hands and give them their energy? Sailor Moon looks to Mars, and nods this time. Something about this feels right, and so she doesn't hesitate. She's already reaching out when Corvus re-emerges and flies into the girl!

Makoto. Ami. Rei. All of her friends at school. Motoki. Her parents and little brother. Tuxedo Kamen, right by her side. Even that absolute jerk Mamoru Chiba!

Her love and care for all of them fill her, and then she reaches out a hand. She offers no defenses, only a simple hand, and all the love, care, and warmth she can muster.

"You can do it. You're stronger than that bird! Love, energy, friendship...I want to be your friend! We all do!"

Then she offers a hand to Iris as she joins the group, nodding! So too does Tuxedo Kamen get her own hand!

"We can do this, together!"

Haruna Kurosawa has posed:
Scorn is fighting Corvus from the inside. It's horrible feeling. "YOU'RE NOTHING WITHOUT ME. CAN'T YOU SEE!? YOU WORTHLESS MORTAL!" screams the bird from inside. Scorn begins to falter a bit... then something happens. The good memories... the good feeling helps to reinforce her.

The tablet continues to glow as four chains shoot out of it- into Scorn. This doesn't seem to hurt---they seem unearthly. "NOT AGAIN! YOU WON'T LOCK ME AWAY!" it yells- it's not rhyming. The chains taught and with a sudden pulling motion, immediately drag him back towards the tablet. It's rather pathetic as the thing flaps for all it's worth---

"NO!------"

"Bye Featherface~" says Procyon.

The tablet stops glowing when the thing's back inside---- two chains wrapping up and around the tablet-- another familiar sight from Mars' various visions. At the same time, Scorn opens her eyes--- "Thank... you..." she says before she collapses forward- her henshin drifting away again- though it doesn't hang around her like a black mist like last time....

"... Whelp." says Procyon. "She's going to be out for like a day. That's a thing that usually takes five of her to do. And she did it with one and your guys help. When she wakes up... I'll teach her how she can reverse the things she did. So people can start waking up soon. Also-----"

Procyon turns towards Tsukasa Amakawa. "You over there. Come over here."

Tsukasa has been watching, a little bit in awe, but looking happy, over the result. "No---you don't even need to ask. I know what you want." he says with a smile. "I'll make sure she's safe until she wakes up." Procyon gives two thumbs up--- and with a sudden pop, poofs out of existence- because even though he's not showing it- this drained him considerably.

Tsukasa looks over at the other girls, and Tadase. "You.. all did wonderful. You seemed to really get through to her. I know my contemporaries in other places would have had her killed for what she'd done. I'm glad you don't seem to share that philosophy. May I ask who you all are?" he asks.

Tadase Hotori has posed:
Tadase quickly steps back near Tsukasa, smiling wide. Kiseki sits on his shoulder. Tadase is beaming, and if you look closely (and really are fond of adorableness) you might even catch a sparkle or two. "Yes, I'm afraid I don't know any of you directly, and that's a real shame, considering how both strong and gentle you are." he adds, chiming in directly with Tsukasa.

Kiseki hovers off his shoulder and zips around, like he's taking in every member of the group individually. Super-small, super-curious!

Ami Mizuno has posed:
"Thank you Procyon. I hope to see you again." Sailor Mercury says before looking towards the girl that has collapsed. She sucks in a deep breath, and picks up her computer. "I tried to....once. It was.....when she attacked the children on the tower. I just.....lost it." She puts the file away in it's respective folder and looks to Tsukasa then to Tadase. "I am Sailor Mercury, Guardian of Knowledge, Wisdom and Water. And.....killing people doesn't do anyone any good. Plus, you lose out on a potential friend if you do." She says with a chuckle. "What might your names be?" She says to Tadase and Tsukasa.

Rei Hino has posed:
Sailor Mars focuses, and holds onto her happy thoughts, watching in anticipation as the stone tablet appears... and begins to steal Corvus away inside of it.

It's working... after all of the worrying and the planning and tension... it's really working!

As Scorn falls, Mars reaches forward to catch her, so she doesn't hit her head.

Procyon speaks with Tsukasa, and Mars glances between the two of them. When Tsukasa addresses the rest of them, she says, "I'm Sailor Mars, the Guardian of Fire and Passion. We weren't sure if we could save her, but... after knowing what she was feeling, we had to try."

Mars tilts her head and smiles. "I guess it all worked out as well as he could have, right?"

Ikuto Tsukiyomi has posed:
It's a tense few moments, listening to the bird screeching from inside Scorn, watching the chains, and just hoping things worked out. Because if it didn't, several people were going to get hurt that didn't deserve it. And then suddenly... everything seems done. Ikuto and Yoru wait silently for a few more heartbeats, until the raccoon's words confirm it. Tension that he hadn't even been aware of leaves Ikuto's shoudlers, and he exhales the breath he didn't even remember holding.

Yoru however, is a little louder in his celebrations...

"THEY DID IT, NYA!" Yoru crows, making Ikuto wince. That was loud enough to wake the dead. Nobody's going to miss that.

Ikuto turns to Yoru, one cat ear back, and one eyebrow raised. Yeah, he's not happy. And Yoru claps both his paws over his mouth. Oops?

Iris Shelby has posed:
Iris stands hand in hand with two strangers - Tadase and Sailor Moon. She doesn't even know their names, and at some points during the ritual she /is/ tempted to break ranks and take more direct action; it makes much more sense to her. Yet in the end, Iris decides to stick with the group; those two hands serve as good props to remind her to do that, to see if their method will work.

...And it does! Iris blinks several times, surprised before realizing this has mostly worked out. She starts to check on Haruna, but decides against it when others seem to have her well handled. "I've never seen anything like that before, but it really came through in the end... that's something special!"

She looks over in the direction of Yoru's voice, having finally realized someone else is here. "A friend of anyone's?"

Then there are calls for introductions, and she's glad to offer one with a smile. "You can have your pick! You can either think of me as just a mysterious wanderer, or as Dr. Iris Shelby!" A giggle follows, but she looks a bit young to be called 'doctor.' "And I guess that title should explain why..." Her gaze meets Tsukasa's. "I don't think of killing as a first solution. Can you /imagine/ how few patients I'd have if I did?" This remark is accompanied by a tiny laugh of its own.

Her eyes then wander to take in the sights of her unexpected allies in today's encounter; many of them look colorful and interesting, even if she doesn't quite manage to see Kiseki...

Haruna Kurosawa has posed:
Tsukasa Amakawa smiles. "My name is Tsukasa Amakawa. I am the headmaster of Seiyou Public School." he insists. "I'm also one of the older members of Virtue. We rather help people than beat them up. But sometimes one follows the other. Sometimes people get lost, and need help back on the right track." he says.

He looks down at Scorn. "It sounds like she's been through a lot. We have people she can talk to. Some have similar stories to her to tell. I imagine that, she'll want to talk to you too when she wakes up. They always do. She'll want to apologize. But it wasn't her fault. It's a pattern I'm familiar with. It happens more often then you think!" he says somberly.

Tsukasa looks at Iris. He hrmmms a bit. "Thank you for your help, regardless. I'm glad your help wasn't needed!..." then he pauses. "You know what I mean-- that, none of us need to see the doctor. We got off easy." he says with a smile. "Are the people around us okay?" he asks, about the few unconscious people around from Scorn's earlier attack.

He looks between Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars. "--- are you related to Sailor V?" he asks on a tangent. "Regardless, I'd like to extend an invitation to you all, to Virtue. We could honestly need more people like you all in our ranks. Kind people, who are willing to talk besides just fight." he says. "You don't need to accept now. But you can always come to my office in Seiyou and talk about it later." he smiles.

Then he looks upwards, and then he frowns. "And then... the cat came back. The very next day." he says deadpan.

Ami Mizuno has posed:
"We honestly do not know about Sailor V. We've run into her a couple of times, but i can't tell if she's just a really strong Cosplayer or the real deal. I've been trying to get information on her." Mercury says softly. "Virtue? I'd have to hear more about it before we made a decision, Tsukasa-san." She then looks to Sailor Mars. She would know why Mercury hesitated. "And, all of us would have to decide to join." She then shrugs. "You know the saying, all for one....." She then bows to Tsukasa.

Mamoru Chiba has posed:
As soon as it's over, Tuxedo Kamen withdraws a little, hands slipping from Scorn and Sailor Moon; he steps back silently, listening to Tsukasa and Tadase, then listening to the others. The headmaster of Seiyou is magical? A sorceror of some kind--? And a doctor, no matter how young she is -- she and Mercury can make sure everyone's all right. A voice in the darkness above; someone's been watching without coming forward.

While they're all talking, the masked boy soundlessly steps back into the shadows. If he's quick enough, maybe he can find out who else saw Scorn for who she was beneath the magic.

Kazuki Saito has posed:
    Librarius smiles at the sight of the girl freeing herself of what appeared to be a terrible curse. It's nice to know that in this world, stories can still have a happy end!

    The scene below seems to be coming to an end. Librarius continues to listen though, as there may still be more to learn. He reflects upon what's happened tonight... Perhaps it is a world worth digging into a little more.

Rei Hino has posed:
"Sailor V?!" Mars isn't sure how to answer that. Maybe? Maybe not? "Well we aren't /closely/ tied to her but we tend to be on the same side! Well I mean... it's complicated... I don't really know the answer to that, sorry."

There /was/ the time Sailor V crashed the divination ceremony... or at least someone claiming to be Sailor V crashed the divination ceremony. She's still not sure what to think of all that.

"Sailor Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, and myself make up a team. I wouldn't feel right joining up with others without talking to the other sailor senshi first, but we'll think about it..."

"I can understand wanting to save people like Scorn, though. Especially since..." Mars looks over at Sailor Moon, "... /some/ of our members would've even saved Corvus if she could."

Iris Shelby has posed:
Tsukasa speaks of doctors and medical care. Iris responds with bright eyes and a playful voice, "If you /do/ need to see me some time, I could probably be talked into a special discount for the... shall we say, Virtuous!" She digs around for a few seconds, then produces a piece of paper to offer him. "My card! Be careful who you share that with, okay?"

Only then does she answer his more important question, about the well-being of Scorn's targets. "As far as I can tell, yes. Medically speaking, there's no reason they shouldn't be up and around. Magically speaking, they... /should/ just need a little more time. I checked, and couldn't find any major problems the second time around."

Then... she laughs softly and shakes her head at his offer. "I'll have to decline. We can be friends and I was serious about the discount, but I know where this particular line goes. 'Serve a higher cause, be part of something greater!' Up until it's inconvenient for the higher cause to have to give a little something back, at least. Then things are not so glorious."

Tadase Hotori has posed:
Tadase smiles, nodding at each of them in turn. "I think it is always useful to have more friends to call on - things are getting a little wierd and a lot serious." he says, smiling.

And then Yoru speaks up. Or shouts up.

Kiseki is the one who responds. "I KNOW THAT VOICE!"

Tadase follows suit, pointing up, and right at Ikuto. His 'thieving scumbag cat' senses are pretty good. "YOU! WHY AM I NOT SURPRISED YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THIS, IKUTO!" Tadase goes from 'pretty bishonen boy' to 'righteously enraged king slash petulant elementary schooler' in under a quarter second. Yoru's voice has /nothing/ on Tadase's.

Haruna Kurosawa has posed:
Tsukasa Amakawa frowns. "To be honest. I'm not quite sure about this whole Corvus business. All I know is the divinations I've received were filled with raven feathers, and various bits of bad feeling. Regardless, It didn't sound like he was very pleasant. That was a very negative pressure. I don't think anything worthwhile would be gained freeing him.

He sighhhhs as Tadase yells at Ikuto. He doesn't find it endearing. But well. /Ikuto/.

He nods to Mars, Mercury and Iris. "Those are fair points. We're not looking to divide anybody. But if you ever find yourself needing some kind of help, the offer still stands." he asides.

Then he pauses.

"Wasn't there just a tall boy with formal wear here a minute ago." he asks an aside.

Ikuto Tsukiyomi has posed:
Crap! Sighted! As Tsukasa looks up, it's all Ikuto can do to keep his ears from laying back irritably. "Oops..." Yoru mutters.

Then the tiny purple-haired Kiseki notices too. "...Crap." And it's not too long before Tadase rounds on Ikuto, calling out in SPECTACULAR fashion. Ikuto emits a 'gh...' at Tadase's unconcealed rage.

"I think we better scram, nya!" Yoru observes. Ikuto nods, but there's a hesitation. Just long enough for Ikuto to frown sadly. This high up no one will probably see it. And then he's heading away from the area, making good his escape over the rooftops, leaping nimbly as... well, as a cat!

Iris Shelby has posed:
Iris winces as Tadase's mood suddenly shifts. "Wh... whoa... deep breaths, okay? Whoever that was, I think they're gone now?" Then Tsukasa points out some interesting things about who is and isn't here. "You know, I think you're right. I'll have to keep an eye out for him at that rate, he sounds secretive if he left so suddenly! And speaking of, I... should do the same!"

With that, Iris makes a needlessly elaborate single twirl to turn her back to those gathered, handwaves 'good bye' over her shoulder, then begins to pace away...

Rei Hino has posed:
Mars perks up slightly at the mention of divination. "... personally I never saw much point in saving him either, but... you saw things like that, too? When I did my divinations, I saw raven feathers and a stone tablet with the picture of a raven on it. The same stone tablet we just saw, actually

A disturbance happens. Tadase and Ikuto apparently have history. Mars has no idea what's going on. She sweatdrops at the two of them, and then talks about a different topic entirely, "Tuxedo Kamen-sama does that sometimes!"

It starts to be time for the Sailor Senshi to leave too. Mars can't just stay up forever, but she does say one thing before she leaves.

"Thanks for all your help! I wasn't sure we could do it with just us."

Mars waves one last time, and then vanishes around a corner.