I acknowledge the fact the Sailor Moon, the senshi, etc. are the copyrighted works of Naoko Takeuchi. I did, however, right this story. But, I claim no rights to Sailor Moon, the senshi, ect. There, no one can sue me now.

The Mystery of the Murdered Senshi
By: Princess Gemini 4

It was a warm day in Crystal Tokyo. The senshi, including the time guardian, and the royal family, were in the palace command centre, located in the basement of the palace.
"And in conclusion, your majesty, I think that if evil forces were to show up, we would be ready to fight them." Sailor Jupiter said.
"Okay, thank you senshi, we may all go back to our regular duties." Sailor Moon said.
The queen, king, and Rini powered down, and became the royal family again. The senshi were about to leave, when the lights went out.
"What?!"
"I can't see!"
"Mommy, what's going on?!"
"Serenity, are you there?!"
"AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!"
The senshi heard the scream, and after what felt like forever, the lights came on. The senshi watched in horror, as a body fell motionless to the ground. Small Lady started to wimper, and the rest of the people in the room started to burst into tears. Sailor Mars went to her side, and took her pulse.
"I'm sorry, everyone. She is dead." Mars announced through tears.
"No, that can't be! I need her! She can't be dead!" Neo Queen Serenity exclaimed, and ran from the room crying.
"Serenity, come back here! Rini, come along." Endymion ordered.
The senshi continued to stare at the lifeless body. 
"Why her? She had so much to live for, so much to do with her life." Jupiter said, sadly.
"She has gone to a better place." Neptune said, trying to look calm, through her tears.
The senshi, looked at the body of the queen's closest friend. The senshi of ice,  the Princess of Mercury. Ami, Sailor Mercury, Small Lady's tutor, was lying on the cold, stone floor.
"I can't believe she's gone. Now we have to find out who did it. Everyone who was present when the murder happened is a suspect." Venus said uneasily.
"So, that means all of us, and the royal family are suspects? The queen won't like that." Saturn said.
The senshi picked up the body of their friend, and brought her to the funeral chamber. 
"Now, we must figure out who did this. Does anyone know anything?" Serenity asked.
"I heard someone other then Ami scream. Maybe Saturn killed her." Sailor Neptune offered.
"Sailor Saturn, what have you got to say for yourself?" Serenity asked.
"I didn't......How could I..... Why would I do something like that? Ami was one of my best friends." Sailor Saturn said.
"Maybe we should lock her up, just to be on the safe side." Sailor Uranus said, softly.
"I think that would be a good idea. Senshi, please accompany Sailor Saturn to the royal dungeon. Saturn, if you or someone else can prove your innocence, you will be free to leave." Serenity said, though her normally gentle voice sounded strained.
"But..... I didn't murder Ami! I've been framed!" Saturn shouted, as Pluto put a pair of handcuffs on her hands, and snatched her glaive, "Why are you taking that? No one but Sailor Saturn can use it's powers!"
"We aren't taking any chances. Sorry, Saturn." Neptune said, as she took of the handcuffs, and shoved Saturn in the jail, "We will also need you to power down, and give us your henshin stick."
"But......,"Saturn said, looking for help amongst the others for help, "Very well. Here." She handed them her stick.
"Are you wearing anything of value?" Venus asked.
"Just my tiara, my silk gown, and my jewellery." She answered.
"We're going to have to confiscate your tiara and jewellery. Please hand them over." Venus said, "As well, please change out of your gown, and into this more simply made dress."
Through tears, Hotaru gave her crown, jewellery, and purple silk gown to the senshi, after changing into the short purple, plaid, dress.
"My friends. Please, may I ask one small thing?" Hotaru asked in a weak, defeated voice.
"Yes. What is it, Hotaru?" Sailor Jupiter asked gently, feeling pity for her friend.
"Will you please bring me a blanket and some writing materials? It is quite cold down here, and I would like the writing materials so I will have something to do." She replied, in a terrified whisper.
"Very well. Sailor Mars, will you please go fetch some paper and a pen for Hotaru? I will go get her a blanket." Jupiter said.
"Sure. I will return in a moment." Mars said, with a sad look in Hotaru's direction.
Venus took charge. "Senshi, we will need to guard the dungeon, 24/7. We will each take a turn, working for periods of 5 hours each. Who would like to take the first shift?" She asked, looking from one scout to another.
"I will." Pluto stood up, "I will watch her, and make sure she remains here in her cell, safetly."
"Okay. Who will go after?" Venus asked.
"I will." Neptune said.
"Very well. I am sorry, Hotaru. Please do not think that we like doing this to you. We are just taking a precaution. If we find you innocent, we will release you." Venus said, softly. "Senshi! Come along."
Hotaru watched as the Senshi left. They each looked at her with pity streaming out of their eyes. Hotaru herself, was crying. As soon as they left, and Pluto had taken her place outside the dungeon door, she broke down, and cried heavily. She heard the door to the dungeon open, but didn't bother looking up. She sat in the dark corner of the room, crying, and trying to sleep.
"Hotaru? Hotaru, are you in there?" She heard a small, friendly voice say.
"Yes, I am." She said, as she emerged from her corner, and stepped into the light. "Rini! Why did you come to see me? Don't you think I did it, like everyone else?" She asked her best friend, when she looked outside her cell.
"No! I think you are innocent, that you were framed because you are the Senshi of Death. Whoever did this, planned it so that you would get blamed." Rini replied, sadly.
"I hate it in here, Rini! It is so cold, and the stone is so hard! And I know I have only been here for about an hour, but I am so lonely! I have never been totally alone before." Hotaru exclaimed.
"I'm sorry, Hotaru. I will try to convince the others that you didn't do it." Rini said, as she backed away from the cell, "I should go. I'll see if I can get you some leftovers from dinner, okay?" She said, hoping to cheer up her friend.
"Thank you, Rini. For visiting, and cheering me up." Hotaru said, rubbing her eyes. 
Hotaru curtsied, and Rini left. Pluto came in, and asked if she would be okay.
"Yes, but do you think you could try to find me a longer dress, or some jeans and a t-shirt?" Hotaru asked, hopeful.
"I will see what I can do. Maybe Small Lady can loan you her clothes." Pluto replied, gently.
"Thank you. I think I will get some rest, now. Thank you for being so nice to me." Hotaru said.
Sailor Pluto smiled, and went back to her guarding point. Hotaru fell asleep, and did not awaken until late the next morning. By now, Neptune, and Venus had taken their shifts, and it was halfway through Sailor Mars'. When she woke up, she called out to Sailor Mars.
"Sailor Mars, have I been proven innocent, yet?" Hotaru asked, hopefully.
"I am sorry, Hotaru. We have not been able to prove anything. You look so pale. I will send for some food for you. Oh, and here are some warmer clothes." Mars said, with a warm smile, "I hope these will do for now."
"Thank you." She replied, slipping on the ripped jeans and faded purple sweater. "Is the queen feeling better?"
"Yes, although she feels guilty for keeping you down here." Mars answered.
"Oh, that's good that she's better. Has the funeral for Mercury been planned, yet?"Hotaru asked.
"Yes, but I doubt that you will be able to attend. The senshi, and the royal family, with the exception of Rini, still don't know whether to trust you or not." Was the reply.
"Oh.. well, I hope that someone can prove my innocence. I don't like it down here....." Hotaru said, as she started to cry.
"Oh, Hotaru. Don't cry. I'm sure that we will figure something out. Even if you are not proven innocent, we will not keep you down here, forever." Mars said, warmly.
"What would you do with me? Execute me?" Hotaru asked, terrified.
"No, dear. We would most likely exile you to Saturn, with a guard. But, if you are proven guilty..., well, we would burn you, or have your head hacked off." Mars answered, guiltily.
"Please!" Hotaru cried, through the tears, "Please! Don't execute me! I swear, I didn't murder Ami!"
"Hotaru! You know, that you are not to use that name. She died a senshi, so you are to call her Sailor Mercury!" Sailor Mars scolded.
"I am sorry." Hotaru replied, quietly.
"Hotaru, dear. I know you are innocent. I asked the Great Fire, and it told me that someone else did. It couldn't tell who, but it did tell me that you didn't. Sailors Jupiter and Pluto, as well as Rini believe me. We are going to go the Queen, to try to prove your innocence." Mars said full of hope.
"You would do that for me?"She asked hopefully.
"Yes. Uranus is taking the next shift. While she is watching you, we are going to talk to the queen. Okay?" Mars said.
"Yes. Thank you so much, Sailor Mars." Hotaru said.
Sailor Mars smiled warmly, and walked away. Hotaru stared at the ceiling for a while, until she heard the sound of voices. She walked over to the prison bars, and looked down the hallway. Sailor Mars had already left, It was now Sailor Uranus' shift. Hotaru strained to hear.
"Uranus, you have to promise me, that what ever you do, you will not tell her. If she finds out that I killed her, than I will be lost." A voice said.
"Don't worry. Even if Hotaru does find out, no one will believe her. They will think that she is just lying." Uranus said.
"Okay, I better go, before things look suspicious." The voice said, and there was silence, with the exception of clacking footsteps.
Hotaru walked back to the small window at the back of her cell. She saw Neo Queen Serenity, Rini, Mars, and Jupiter walking around the grounds. Hotaru knew that it was forbidden for a prisoner to address the Queen, but she knew she had to try.
"Your Majesty! Senshi! Small Lady! Please come quickly!" Hotaru called out, hoping that Uranus didn't hear.
"What is it, Hotaru!? Are you alright?! Is something wrong!?" The Queen asked, rushing over to her.
"Your Majesty, I know I am not supposed to address you, but it is urgent that I secure an audience with you." Hotaru said, desperately.
"You! Prisoner. You are not worthy of speaking to the queen. Step away and ask mercy immiediatly!" Hotaru heard Uranus shout.
"No, I must speak with her!" Hotaru cried, as Uranus opened her cell. "Please, I really need to speak with her!"
"No," Sailor Uranus said firmly walking towards her, "You know the rules. You are not to have contact with anyone. Except the senshi who is guarding the cell. You must now come with me for a whipping."
"No! Please help me! Majesty! Rini! Please help me! I have been wrongfully accused." Hotaru yelled desperatly.
"Mother...." Rini started, but was silenced by her mothers' hand.
"Sailor Uranus, please come here." Neo Queen Serenity said, "And bring Hotaru with you."
"Yes, ma'am." Uranus answered, as she harshly grabbed Hotaru.
When the two made it outside, she threw Hotaru to the ground, as if she were diseased.
"The prisoner, Hotaru." Uranus said, for introductional purposes.
Hotaru made a low curtsy. She dared not look up. Serenity held out her hand, and taking Hotaru's, helped her up. She smiled warmly at the terrified girl.
"Hotaru. How are you, my dear? I have heard many stories, each claiming that you are innocent." She said.
"I am keeping up well in body, but not in spirit, your majesty." Hotaru answered, quietly, head down, shaking like a leaf.
"Hotaru, look at me." The queen said.
Hotaru raised her head and looked at the queens' beautiful blue eyes.
"Now, dear. If you can look me straight in the eye, and say that you didn't murder Sailor Mercury, I will believe you." The queen said.
"Your Majesty," Hotaru started," Of course I did-----" 
"Your Majesty! There you have it!" Sailor Uranus interupted, "She just admitted to killing Mercury!"
"Hotaru, did you?" The queen asked, tearfully.
"How could you think that I would do that to one of my friends?" Hotaru asked, crying.
"Just answer me." The queen said, harshly, "Did you, or did you not! That's all I need!"
"Your Majesty, I didn't!" Hotaru said, looking at Rini, "Of course I didn't. She is like family to me!"
"Hotaru! LOOK AT ME!" The queen screamed.
"Your Majesty, you are not well. You should come indoors." Sailor Venus said, rushing over to help the queen.
"NO! Venus, stop, do not come any closer." The queen shouted.
All the senshi were now outside the palace, witnessing the scene that was taking place out in the gardens.
"Small Lady," The queen said suddenly, in a stony, mono-tone, voice, "I want you to go to your rooms. Sailor Uranus, accompany her with King Endymion. The rest of you, leave us."
"But, Serenity..."Venus started, but was cut short by a glare from the queen.
"You dare question my orders?" the queen asked, angrily.
"No, your Majesty." Venus said quietly, walking away with her head bowed.
When all the senshi had gone, Serenity turned to Hotaru. She looked pale, and tired. Not to mention angry.
"Now, Hotaru. You do not have an audience. I want you to tell me your answer." The queen said, firmly.
"Your majesty, I did not murder Sailor Mercury. I swear, I didn't." Hotaru answered, hesitantly. 
"Okay, Hotaru. I believe you. I'm sorry for over reacting. Now, who do you think did murder Sailor Mercury?" She asked, satisfied with the answer.
"I don't know, Serenity. I heard Sailor Uranus talking with somebody, but I was unable to distinguish the voice. But, even if you ask her, she will not tell you. Uranus said, that even if I said I didn't, that no one would believe me. She won't tell you, and if she does give you an answer, she will say me." Hotaru said sadly.
"Well, we will fix that. Come Hotaru, there is much work to do." The queen said, lauching herself up the stairs.
When they were inside, the queen explained her plan.
"Hotaru, I am going to send you back to the dungeon. I will give you a small tape recorder. I want you to record all conversations. ALL of them, got that?" The queen asked.
"Yes. But, what if I am caught with it?" Hotaru asked, terrified of what could happen.
"If you are, then they will bring it to me. So, you are safe either way." The queen said, sneakily handing her the recorder, "Put this in your pocket."
"Okay. Just one thing, may I have something to eat? Please? I have not eaten for two days!" Hotaru said.
"Of course. I will go get Sailor Jupiter. I am sure she wouldn't mind getting you some food. She will be on watch, right now. Sailor Pluto, and Venus will follow." The queen informed her.
"Oh. Will Rini be taking a watch?" Hotaru asked, hopeful.
"No, I am sorry. If you want, I can send her down to visit you, though." The queen offered.
"That would be great." Hotaru said.
"I am going to call a meeting, and will tell the senshi about what is going on. Not the real story, of course, but I am sure I can come up with something."
"Thank you, your Majesty." Hotaru swept into a curtsy, and walked back to her cell, where Sailor Jupiter was waiting.
"Hello, Hotaru. Do you need anything?" Sailor Jupiter asked, giving her a warm smile.
"Yes, can I *please* have something to eat? I am startving!" she asked.
"Sure, how does some hot cocoa and spaghetti sound?" She responded.
"That would be great." Hotaru said, flashing her smile.
Sailor Jupiter left. When she returned, she not only had a dinner, but a Princess as well.
"Rini!" Hotaru shouted happily, as she ran over to her friend, and tried to give her a hug.
"How are you doing, Hotaru?" Rini asked, happily.
"I'm fine, how are you?" She replied.
"I'm okay. I wish you were allowed to leave. But, I'm sure you will be allowed, soon." Rini added.
"I know, I hope." Hotaru said, hopefully.
"I should go, I am not supposed to be down here, I sneaked down." She said, sneakily.
Hotaru laughed, and said good bye to her friend. She returned to her meal. 
"Sailor Jupiter, this is really good." Hotaru said, to the scout who was just down the hall.
There was no reply. Suddenly, Hotaru heard a thud. Then a moan, and then silence. 
<What's going on?> She thought to herself.
She heard the sound of footsteps. She looked down the hall and saw Sailor Uranus, and...Sailor Venus! Why were they down here? She saw Sailor Venus walk towards  her cell. Venus reached her hand in, and took Hotaru's.
"So my dear, how have you liked your stay?" Sailor Venus asked in a cruel tone.
Hotaru remembering the recorder pressed record and answered.
"I hate it." Hotaru replied, simply.
"Well, you won't be down here long. Once I murder another senshi, using your glaive, everyone will think that you did it. And when you get framed, you will be beheaded." Venus said, "And don't bother calling for Jupiter. Thanks to uranus, she's been knocked unconcious."
"You can't do that! What will her majesty think if she found out?" Hotaru cried.
"The queen is too dense to figure out that it's me. Remember, she is, after all, Serena. Remember? The whiny school girl with bad grades." Sailor Venus answered.
"Why? Why do you wish to ruin me? And why did you wish to murder Ami?" Hotaru asked, defeated.
"Why? Because, you were the favourite of the queen. She was the closest to to you. You were the closest to her. She adored you. You were loved by every senshi, except, Uranus and me. You were best friends with Rini, and if you weren't in her presence she would yell until you came. So, I decided to frame you. I murdered Ami because she was the queens' best friend, I was jealous. I am the queen's decoy. I shouls be the closest to her. So, I thought it would be fitting for you to murder her out of jealousy. She died, almost painlessly. I wrapped her up in my chain, and Uranus slashed her with her sword. She died either from suffocating, or from the wounds. That is why I wanted to ruin you and her." Venus answered, "And don't even try to tell the queen. She'll think that you just made it up." she added with a laugh.
"May I just see her, to say goodbye?" Hotaru begged.
Sailor Uranus and Venus talked for a moment, and finally came back to say no. They stood guard until Sailor Jupiter's shift was over. After that they left, taking the still unconcious scout with them. The next shift was to be taken by Sailor Pluto. When she entered the room, she immiediatly walked over to Hotaru.
"How are you today?" She asked gently.
"I am fine. I know that this will break a rule, but can I please speak with the queen? I have evidence that can prove my innocence." Hotaru begged.
"I will see what I can do." Sailor Pluto answered, "I will send word through Small Lady that you wish to speak with her."
No sooner had she said that, when a pink haired girl stepped forward. She smiled back at Hotaru.
"Be back soon!" She said, and dashed out of the room.
Hotaru, now comforted, layed her head back against the cool stone wall. Everything would be alright now she thought to herself. When Rini returned, she had the queen, and Sailor Mars with her. The queen approached Hotaru, who sank to the ground in a curtsy.
"Hotaru, my daughter says that you have evidence to prove your innocence." The queen said gently.
"Yes, your grace, I do." Hotaru replied, handing the queen the tape recoreder.
The queen listened to the whole thing. When she had finally heard it all, she sank to the ground in tears. Rini went over to comfort her mother, but was held back by Sailor Pluto.
"Release her." The queen whispered.
"Yes, your majesty." Sailor Pluto said, giving Hotaru a happy smile.
Hotaru was taken out of her cell, and out of the dungeon. They climbed the stairs, to the royal safe. Serenity then went in, and returned all of Hotaru's things to her. Hotaru changed back into her gown, and put on her jewelery. Then she took her stick, and became Sailor Saturn, again. And lastly, her glaive was returned to her. When she was finished, she was escorted to her rooms, by Pluto. Saturn opened the door, and saw Sailors Jupiter and Mars, and Rini waiting for her.
The first thing she did was give Rini a hug. After that she recieved a hug from the others. They then went down to the dining room for a late snack. They had just decended the stairs, when Sailors Venus and Uranus came towards Saturn.
"You liar!" Sailor Venus shouted fiercely.
"How dare you frame us for your actions!" Sailor Uranus cried.
"I did not frame you. Listen." Sailor Saturn replied cooly.
She took out the tape recorder, and pressed play. The two senshi cried out in disbelief.
"How could you have done this to us!" Sailor Venus shouted.
"I did because justice needs to be served." Sailor Saturn replied.
"Well," Sailor Uranus said walking towards her, "Lets do something about that mouth."
She drew her sword, and prepared to lunge at Saturn. Saturn whirled around her glaive, and stood ready for attack. Sailor Uranus stopped dead in her tracks.
"Sailor Pluto, will you please escort these two downstairs, with me?" Sailor Saturn asked, still holding the glaive to Sailor Uranus' throat.
"Gladly." Sailor Pluto replied, putting handcuffs on both of them, and confiscating Uranus' sword, and Venus' chain.
The four walked downstairs, and into the dungeon. Venus and Uranus were both stripped of the senshi sticks, and possesions. They both had to remove their fine gowns, and put on dirty old faded jeans, and thin small sweaters. When they had finished, the king himself came to watch them. The two senshi knew that to cross him, meant pain.
Sailor Pluto walked upstairs, as did Sailor Saturn. The queen rushed up to Sailor Saturn, and smothered her with a hug. She then stepped back, and led her to her rooms. The queen insisted on having Sailor Saturn take a long shower. She even let Hotaru use her shampoo which is made specially for her. She also insisted on her going to bed early, and getting the next day off.
After taking a long, hot shower, Hotaru felt better, and walked to her room. Rini was there, and she said that her mother was going to let them have a sleep-over, that would be held in Rini's apartments. Hotaru was thrilled. They spent the night talking, and giggling. 
The next morning, Hotaru rose with the rest of the senshi, to asisst the queen. 
"Sailor Saturn, why are you up, dear?" The queen asked.
"I want to get back into my normal routine." Saturn answered.
After breakfast, they went down to the dungeon, to sentence Sailor Venus and Uranus.
"I cannot believe you did this, Venus" The queen scolded, "You of all people. And you Uranus. Did you not know that you would get in trouble? Now Neptune wants nothing to do with you. She spent last night crying."
The two senshi looked at each other, guiltly. The queen continued.
"I will not execute you, but you are no longer welcome in this palace. You are hereby banished from the earth, moon, Venus, and Uranus. If you are ever caught in one of those places, you will be brought back here, and beheaded." The queen waved her hand, and they went back to the dark corner of their cells. The queens voice brought them upshort, however.
"By the way. You are no longer part of my royal court, nor will you be regarded as senshi. You are a commoner. And you will act like one. You will be despised, and hated for what you have done, by all the royal families. Especially on Mercury, and Saturn. You will go no where near your home planet, their moons, Earth or our moon. Understood?"
"Yes, your majesty." Came the sad, defeated reply.
The queen walked out, and the senshi went with her. Except for Pluto, who was to guard them. The next day, they were dismissed from the palace, court, and their duties. They were put onto a ship, to look for refuge. Serenity looked over at Sailor Saturn as the ship took off.
"Everything will be okay, now. Welcome back."
Saturn looked at the queen, with hope in her eyes. She knew that she would be safe.

The end.
By: Princess Gemini 4

Okay, I know that I am going to get a lot of flames for this story, but I didn't want it to be obvious. But, if you want to send me your comments, please do.
princess_gemini_4@hotmail.com

I hope, though, that you liked it. ^_^