Starlit Ruins
A Sailor Moon/Rifts Crossover
by Simon Woodington
A Few Words
I didn't stop to consider if it was a good idea, but that's what youth does. Having read Harlan Ellison, Roberts Zelazny and Heinlen, Stephen King, Shakespeare and some Jane Austin, I set about to tell a burgeoning tale with a willing and interactive audience.
The original manuscript was 180k in length, and I have reduced that to 170k with good reason. Mostly for clarity, and because I was a sloppy, inexperienced writer. That’s another thing youth does: Power you through your mistakes so you can learn from them. Apart from the stark reality of overusing a few adjectives, I’ve had a couple of years to get over the more cringy sections of this story.
I was even comfortable with the idea of hurting the Sailor Senshi. It never bothered me, and still doesn't. Why? Read and you’ll learn. When I began, however, my friends wanted an adventure, so I gave it to them in the form of rescue and protection missions that meandered around the core concept for this book and then branched off into its own path.
I had horrors in store, as the Senshi were going to endure violence and magic, turmoil and molestation. I was skirting something I didn't know much about then but have learned much about since: Japan's cultural and historical fascination with abuse and exploitation. By that I mean the fetishism of sexual abuse.
But it was more. Doe eyed and same-faced these girls are appealing no matter what happens. The danger lies in forgetting that they are young women, deserving as much respect as any real woman because of that resemblance. Following the no-holds barred mantra of Anime was just the thing to do. Readers of the original version of these books will find some events changed and for good reason. They just didn't make sense. Tears don't stain, but they can ruin.
So, when is abuse okay?
The answer is never. However, at a certain point the story falls off the tracks and becomes too concerned with the subject of abuse. This is about the overall survival of the Sailor Senshi, their loved ones and those who step up the fill the void. During the process of editing this book, I’ve rediscovered characters I loved to meet for the first time. Putting them on more solid footing is a matter of professionalism, and respect.
That they might survive because they had to was not enough. Usagi especially lacked sufficient reason to carry on, and her metamorphosis gave her instinct but not purpose. Seems awfully metaphysical, doesn't it? I didn't know what I was doing except following my heart when I wrote these books. Somehow they've become well read along the way, and to leave them in an unpolished state is just plain wrong. So here I am to right the wrong, again. ‘Nuff said.
Table of Contents
Part One: Moon Shards
Prologue
Chapter 1 – Escape Atlantis
Chapter 2 – Rapt Prey
Chapter 3 – High Morals
Chapter 4 – Want Not Want
Chapter 5 – A Sailor’s Tale
Chapter 6 – Verbal Coveyance
Chapter 7 – A Ragged Talon
Chapter 8 – Hatred in Spades
Chapter 9 – Akin to Fire
Chapter 10 – Hell in a Needle
Chapter 11- A Phoenix Razing
Chapter 12 – Who’s that Senshi?
Chapter 13 – Problem Solvent
Chapter 14 – Tuxedo Frustrated
Chapter 15 – Clawed Out
Chapter 16 – Artemis’ Hunt
Chapter 17 – An Earthy Guardian
Chapter 18 – Average Perspective
Chapter 19 – Gruff Noble
Chapter 20 – Suitable Employment
Chapter 21 – Blond Bomb-Shelled
Part Two: Shatter Margin
Chapter 22 – Rest Less
Chapter 23 – Magic in a Cheap Suit
Chapter 24 – Visitation Rights
Chapter 25 – Bunny Hunter
Chapter 26 – Nursing for Shelter
Chapter 27 – Mixified, Vilified
Chapter 28 – Reunited for Good
Chapter 29 – Grep or Grok?
Chapter 30 – Significantly Askew
Chapter 31 – Somewhen Else
Chapter 32 – Risk Taking
Chapter 33 – The Worst Become
Chapter 34 – Outmatched
Chapter 35 – Husbands React
Chapter 36 – Familial Aftermath
Chapter 37 – Uniform Cause
Chapter 38 – Mean Time
Chapter 39 – Moments of Respite
Chapter 40 – Svelte and Rumble
Chapter 41 – Accelerated Light
Chapter 42 – Am Bushed
Chapter 43 – Direct to Film
Chapter 44 – A Brief Respite
Chapter 45 – Allegiences
Chapter 46 – Saving Xalia
Chapter 47 – Assault Within
Chapter 48 – A Friend was Dead
Chapter 49 - Galaxia
Chapter 50 – Stand Your Ground
Epilogue
Afterword
A Sailor Moon/Palladium Rifts Crossover
Part One
Moon Shards
Starlit Ruins Page 1