Chapter 162
In the bowels of the crystal palace, Sailor Saturn and Neo-Maverick starred at the control screen.
"You see that.." Maverick said pointing at a map.
"Yes...our defense will need to be strengthened there," Saturn said.
"With what?" Maverick said.. "It would have been nice if we had that many troops in the first place.."
"Do you insist on blaming me for Queen Serenity's decisions?" Saturn asked.
"No, sorry...you weren't responsible..but...I'm frustrated. We've got so much ground to cover and nothing to cover it with, furthermore this is already going to be tough, on everybody."
"You are upset that the 20th century scouts were called in to help."
"Yes, it doesn't help our cause any.."
"I understand you're feelings, but you have to remember Maverick the one true principle of the scouts you defined a thousand years ago."
"Why do you think I agreed with you when you suggested it. I know..but I didn't say it wouldn't hurt us emotionally.
"I know. You are handling yourself well."
"Like that means anything."
"It does."
"Have you talked to the Queen?" Maverick muttered.
"Only Sailor Moon has. Unfortunately all this has made the people restless. They're unsure of who is leading them. The two of us..are useful as tools to govern, but we are hardly replacements for the King and Queen."
"That's true enough," Maverick muttered.
"However, we have no choice but to continue doing what we do to preserve the kingdom. I have sent the scouts to meet with the Neo-Guardians, I know they will not be well received, but the neo-guardians will not question our orders," Saturn said.
"No they won't, but they will have their doubts," Maverick said. "Has anyone bothered to check on Princess Rini?"
"I should do that..but my responsibilities here."
"She's trouble..you had best keep an eye on her."
"I am better suited for other work.."
"Well I'm not going to do it," Maverick said and walked to the door.
"Wait," Saturn said and hurried up beside him.
"What about our other problem?"
"As much as I hate to say it...I'll have figure that out when it happens," Maverick said.
"Where are you going?" Saturn asked.
"The bathroom," Maverick lied.
He headed out. Saturn waited to figure out just what to do.
Rini meanwhile crept through the door into her mother's room. Neo-Queen Serenity was asleep on her bed. Rini carefully stepped across the room to where the silver crystal sat on a pedestal.
"Silver crystal," she whispered. "You can give me the power..you once gave my mother..."
The crystal glowed for a brief time.
"Please..I need the power to protect everyone." she said.
The crystal floated up and hovered a few feet off the pedestal. It then shimmered..and disappeared.
"Oh no..." Rini gasped. "Not..again.."
Suddenly in front of her reappeared a brooch that dropped onto the pedestal.
Rini grabbed it and hurried out the door. Queen Serenity stirred and looked around.
"I wonder what that was," she said to herself.
So..I'm to babysit you two.." Neo-Uranus said leaning against a wall. Sailor Mars and Sailor Uranus stood in front of him.
"Well.actually you're babysitting yourself in a way," Uranus said.
"Not really.....you wanna know where we were when the whole dark moon thing was going on.." Neo-Uranus said.
"We weren't going to ask," Mars said.
"But you want to know," Neo-Uranus said.
"I'll tell you where..we were lying unconscious on the floor of the palace, why? Because we went up against Rubeus and those four sisters and they wiped the floor with us! That's why...we failed."
The two 20th century scouts eyes' widened.
"Yeah...you see..oh we gave em trouble..but it didn't mean a thing, because they still trashed the city and it was up to you. It's nothing personal. But I know you've felt the helplessness," he said advancing towards Mars. "You watched me lying dead on the ground unable to do a thing about it."
Mars' eyes widened again and a tear began to form.
"Hey.." Uranus said. "Don't bring that up."
"And why not?" Neo-Uranus said. "Imagine that feeling on a scale of millions. It was my duty to protect the queen and the planet, and as I lay there asleep, I didn't see the enemy being defeated, I saw them in their moment of triumph!"
Mars sniffled.
"I'm sorry...I..." Mars said. "I know..it must have been hard..I..know the pain.."
"Yes, you do," Neo-Uranus said. "Listen we may have to work together, you will find me to be a most irritable person. But otherwise, if you are here to defend the city, then you're assistance is welcomed, even though..once again we need you to help us fight off an enemy.."
"So you're okay with us?" Uranus asked.
"No, but I cannot change it, and as much as I would like you two to go off and disappear, leaving us to handle things, it would be irresponsible and wrong to not accept your aid now that it is here," Neo-Uranus said.
"We appreciate that," Mars said. "And listen....the scouts work as a team right..even if we are from different times, the goal is always that the scouts, at least one of us wins the battle and triumphs over the evil. If that happens, everyone involved has done their part."
"Nice words, and perhaps you are correct," Neo-Uranus said. "But never mind that...you should rest, we will be leaving soon."
The two nodded.
"I never much liked either of you," Neo-Neptune said.
"What?" Venus and Neptune asked in reply.
"As a person back then I was sub par, a joker with no goals, no responsibility, and you...Venus...well...there is only so much of you a person can take."
"There's no need to get rude," Neptune said.
"Perhaps, but I am rude person, always have been..always will be," Neo-Neptune said. "But you two know that. Maverick says I should work with you two..." he paused and pulled a flower out of it's vase.
"I'd rather not," he said and crushed the petals.
"I'm beginning to dislike the idea of working with you too buddy," Neptune said.
"Yeah, quit being such a jerk," Venus said.
"Always critical...you know Venus, I wonder sometimes how you are so good at pointing out everyone else problems and yet, can never ever seem to recognize your own.." Neo-Neptune said.
"Listen..you quit insulting her or I'll kick your...um..you know what.." Neptune said.
"I assure you a fight with me..or you..as you might see it..would go my way...and by that I mean...my way.." Neo-Neptune said pointing at himself.
"I'm not convinced," Neptune said.
"No..please..both of you don't.." Venus said.
"You two are such...nieve fools," Neo-Neptune said. "Just wait for all the surprises that await you..oh..it'll just be a whole barrel of innocent idiocy.."
"What's with your vocabulary anyway?" Neptune snapped.
"It has its uses," Neo-Neptune said. "Why don't you two just run along and let me do what I like."
"Fine with me," Venus muttered and walked out.
"And what about you?" Neo-Neptune said.
"I think I'll stick around," Neptune said.
"Why?"
"It's not often I get a chance to a pain in the neck to myself."
"Very true, but your lackluster attitude is unappreciated."
"When did you...I become such a snob anyway?"
"The battle against the dark moon opened my eyes. Gradually I began a transformation from an annoying yutz to a civilized annoying yutz. It is much more depressing."
"Well I'm glad to see I'll live up to all my expectations."
"Ironic that you should say that. But I suggest you leave now before I make
it involuntary," Neo-Neptune said. Neptune scowled and headed out.
Jupiter and Pluto found Neo-Pluto in his room. He was rummaging through a mess brought on by part of the ceiling having collapsed.
"Wonderful place isn't it?" Neo-Pluto said kicking at the various mementos that used to decorate the room.
"So you two are assigned to me..for some reason..." he said. "You see this window.."
He pointed to the glass that looked out over the city. He rolled a fist and smashed the window apart.
"Not everything is crystal in this city. Good thing too..do you know how positively drab all this crystal architecture is..I mean at least the outside is just the old buildings..but this..ehh..just what do you two want anyway?"
"We were told to meet with you," Jupiter said.
"Ehh..I don't talk much," Neo-Pluto said. "It's not my way."
"I know that," Pluto said. "But we've been told we should work together."
"Work together? Now there's a concept," Neo-Pluto said. "Tell you what..you two work together..I'm going out to see what more misery I can find."
He pushed past them and out the door.
"Not a pretty picture is it?" Jupiter said.
"Yeah..and what's worse, is I'm going to turn into that guy.." Pluto said.
"Supposedly," Jupiter said.
"Supposedly?"
"Uh..never mind, " Jupiter said. "Just a random thought. Maybe we should try and talk to him some more."
"I'm guessing it won't help."
"Hmm.."
As that happened Saturn and Mercury approached Neo-Saturn's door. They could hear sword shots from inside.
"Do you think he's in trouble?" Mercury asked.
"No idea," Saturn said. They pushed open the door quickly. Neo-Saturn was inside blasting holes in the crystal of the wall with his sword.
"You didn't knock," Neo-Saturn said.
"Would you have heard us?" Saturn asked.
"No," Neo-Saturn said and lowered his sword. "You know this isn't really a sword. After all..no one is really cut with it. You blast them with it..you stab them with it. But you don't cut them."
"Uh..yeah..so?" Saturn asked.
"You know I've never killed anyone with this..never sunk my sword in through them and let it shock them until the let out their last cry....but...there's the potential," Neo-Saturn said.
"That's bloodthirsty," Mercury said in shock.
"No...there's never any blood involved..just death.." Neo-Saturn said. "You know there are so many ways to kill someone..especially without powers...of course you don't really know if you could take a life, until you take a sword and walk up to someone and....well..blasting them with some bubbles or ice rings..that's easy to do..but this...is different," he said swinging his sword.
"Uh.I think you're going a little overboard here," Saturn said.
"Yes, there's no reason to go this far," Mercury said.
"Oh..but I choose too," Neo-Saturn said. "It's for the best. Believe me it is. Maverick needs someone who is filled with Ice. The two of us...we're cold blooded now...our fighting ability rises with that."
"Uh..but.." Saturn said.
"I won't be held back by feelings of worry or compassion. I am a true warrior now," Neo-Saturn said.
"Why all this speech making!" Mercury snapped. "What are you trying to prove."
"I am trying to prove my dear Mercury, that I am ready. You two will be there to watch me prove it. This is war. And I am the warrior," Neo-Saturn said. "Just wait and see what I am capable of."
The other two walked out.
"This is really worrying me," Mercury said. "What's happened to him..all of them..this isn't right."
"Yeah I know, but I don't think we're going to change them," Saturn said.
"I don't know..somehow I wish there was hope."
"So do I...but...I don't want to be like that...any time..why couldn't this be prevented."
Neo-Saturn headed out his door.
"There's been another attack, come on, and let me show you how to fight!" he shouted.
The other two shrugged and followed.
Another wave of Nehelenia's soldiers flew at the cities defenses. The soldiers opened up.
"Uranus World Shaking!" came a shout. An energy wave flew out and smashed into the enemy forces, they flew back. The group of Tokyo's troops let out a cry. Nehelenia's forces reformed and moved forward again.
"Uranus! Fire Spikes Attack!" Neo-Uranus shouted.
"Uranus! Fire Spikes Attack!" Uranus Shouted.
"Mars Fire Ignite!"
Three more attacks swept into the enemy lines, knocking more troops down. Still they came rushing forward.
"Uranus! World Shaking!"
The fourth attack broke the wave. They paused a second before rushing forward again. The troops and the scouts let more attacks fly from them. The wave finally slowed and stopped waiting.
"They're not giving up easily are they?" Uranus muttered.
"So..we don't intend to either," Sailor Uranus replied.
"They won't get this position until all of us have been struck down!"
Neo-Uranus shouted. The rest of the group let out a shout of support.
Nehelenia's army reformed yet again.
At the second crystal point, Neo-Guardian Neptune stood beside Sailor Neptune.
"Interesting how they don't attack right out..how they advance slowly," Sailor Neptune said.
"Just trying to intimidate us.." Neo-Neptune said. "Are they doing that?" he shouted back at the line of troops he had.
"NO!" the troops shouted back.
"Good," Neo-Neptune said. "Because we're going to push them back..right now.."
Nehelenia's forces advanced a little farther.
"Now!" He shouted. The crystal troops opened up.
"Neptune Triton Impale!"
"Neptune Deep Submerge!"
The two attacks blasted holes in the line, but Nehelenia's forces kept coming.
"Venus...Crescent Beam Smash!"
"Neptune Triton Impale!"
More holes flew in the line as Venus and Guardian Neptune walked up.
"I have little use for you..but..as long as your here.." Neo-Neptune said.
"One more barrage and we'll send them running, or I will..anyway," he added.
The troops opened up.
"Neptune Triton Impale!" Neo-Neptune shouted.
"Neptune Deep Submerge!"
"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!"
"Neptune Triton Impale!" Guardian Neptune Shouted.
The enemy line was hit again. Still a few groups came marching forward.
"If they insist," Neo-Neptune said and lunged forward drawing his sword.
"What is he doing?" Venus said.
"What he has to," Sailor Neptune said.
Neo-Neptune charged Nehelenia's forces who began to shoot at him. He took a slight hit to his arm, but blasted away with his swords. He swept into the line. The enemy moved towards him he swung at them hacking them down with great speed. Guardian Neptune jumped off towards the melee.
"Hey! Don't do that!" Venus said.
"Sorry," Neptune said.
Seconds later the entire line of crystal troops on their own charged the enemy group. Both Guardians were swinging away, Neo-Neptune with more success then his 20th century counterpart, but still they managed. Nehelenia's forces finally broke and race back towards there old positions.
"There they go!" Neo-Neptune shouted.
His forces let out a battle cry.
"You..Guardian Neptune," Neo-Neptune said. "Are still an annoying idiot, but...out here...at least you can be a distraction as the enemy tries to pound your face in."
"Thanks," Neptune muttered sarcastically.
At the third crystal point.
Neo-Pluto stood there looking out at the line of Nehelenia's troops facing him. Guardian Pluto and Jupiter stood several feet back not wanting to be obtrusive.
"You see this...you see how they wait?" Neo-Pluto said. "These troops were from China originally. I can tell. They stand there.....waiting for us to get good and nervous, and then they run, they don't march..they won't even shoot. No, those weapons, they're for up close. We should be fortunate Nehelenia's more interested in knocking us out then killing us, because if this were a real war..this would be a bloodbath. Of course what do I care?"
He moved forward slowly.
"What are you doing?" Jupiter asked.
Neo-Pluto kept walking. He stood in the middle of the field and turned back to the line.
"When I raise my sword..will you troops join me at this line!" he shouted.
The troops cheered.
"Very well," Neo-Pluto said. "COME ON!" he shouted to the Chinese troops.
The enemy troops began a charge.
Neo-Pluto raised his sword. His forces rushed towards the enemy.
"Come on.." Jupiter said. And she and Pluto leapt into the field.
"What are we going to do?" Pluto said as he landed.
"Cover me.." Jupiter said.
Pluto stood in front of her his sword drawn.
"And just what are you doing?" Neo-Pluto said.
Jupiter didn't reply.
"Jupiter.......Oak Evolution!" She shouted in five seconds. The Chinese
troops were within feet. The wave smashed into them and pushed the majority of
them down. Neo-Pluto shrugged and swung his sword onward into what was left of
the enemy force. His lines charged forward and met the enemy. A brawl ensued.
Pluto swung his sword in an effort to protect Jupiter. She punched an enemy
down, and the rumble went on.
At the fourth crystal point, Neo-Saturn stood also facing a group of Chinese about to charge.
Mercury and Saturn looked on from behind.
"Now..troops! I'm going over there..and I'm going to mess them up! You wait for me to come back!"
The group let out a cheer. Neo-Saturn leapt forward.
"He's not going to attack all of them is he?" Mercury said.
"He is," Saturn said.
"No, I won't let him," Mercury said and leapt after him.
"Mercury!" Saturn said in surprise and followed.
"Do not involve yourselves," Neo-Saturn said.
"Too late!" Mercury shouted. "Come back!"
"No!" Neo-Saturn shouted. The enemy troops were surprised when Neo-Saturn leapt into their lines and started hacking away with a larger energy sword. They moved to swarm him.
Saturn and Mercury dropped to the ground a few feet away.
"Saturn Ice Rings Blast!" Saturn shouted and blasted a group of thirty away. Neo-Saturn continued to cut down the swarming troops. They hacked at him opening scars, he didn't care.
"Mercury....Ice..Storm...Blast!" Mercury shouted unmolested. Another wave of the enemy fell. They turned towards the two.
"NO!" Neo-Saturn said and attacked more of them. They still rushed at the others. Guardian Saturn swung forward and blocked some of them. Mercury jumped out of the way of the others attacking. They still came after her.
"Mercury Bubbles Blast!" she shouted. A fog fell over the battleground.
"Now they're mine!" Neo-Saturn shouted. There was a massive sound of grunting. Saturn found Mercury and the two moved to get a better position, but lost track of Neo-Saturn amidst the enemy. The mist cleared. Most of the soldiers were lying on the ground. Neo-Saturn stood there covered in scars, and near him stood Neo-Maverick. The rest of the soldiers bolted. Neo-Saturn and Neo-Maverick picked them off with their swords.
Neo-Saturn starred at Neo-Maverick. The latter returned the stare and then jumped off.
"What was that all about?" Saturn wondered.
"I'm afraid to ask," Mercury said.
Meanwhile.
"Oh no!" Sailor Moon shouted and dived out of the way of an energy blast.
"Are you okay Sailor Moon?" Tuxedo Mask said hurrying to her side.
"They just keep coming! I've hardly got time to attack," Sailor Moon said.
"Yeah I know," Tuxedo Mask said. He stood up from behind the line of defenders and threw several more roses. Several soldiers dropped, but a mass kept coming and were feet away.
"Moon Spiral Hearts Attack!" Sailor Moon shouted. The next wave dropped, but more kept coming.
"We can't stop all of them," Sailor Moon said.
"We have to.." Tuxedo Mask said.
"Have no fear!" came a shout. The two looked. A figure leapt down beside them dressed in a blue, white, and red outfit almost identical to Sailor Moon's. She had a shorter meatball head hairstyle that was pink instead of gold, but Sailor Moon couldn't figure that out yet.
"I am Neo-Sailor Moon!" came a shout.
"Who are you?" Sailor Moon said.
"No time for that Meatball Head!" Neo-Sailor Moon replied.
"Moon Spiral Hearts Attack!" she shouted.
Another energy wave flew across the battlefield and slammed into the enemy. They hesitated.
"That's right! You've got to face two of us!" Neo-Moon shouted. The enemy troops turned and raced away.
"Hah..." Neo-Moon said.
"Who are you?" Tuxedo Mask asked.
"I'm Rini of course couldn't you have figured that out,"Neo-Moon muttered.
"But you're not a Sailor Scout!" Sailor Moon snapped.
"Hey..if I wasn't, you'd be losing right now!"
"That's debatable!" Sailor Moon said.
"Rini..you used the Silver Crystal didn't you?" came the voice of Sailor Saturn. Neo-Moon turned to see the cloaked figure standing there.
"You bet I did Saturn! And this time it did some good!"
"But you are not ready.."
"I am too! Look at how I helped them!"
"It takes more than that," Saturn said.
"Ehh..what do you know, I'm going back to the palace," Neo-Moon said and headed off.
"That is not a good sign. Unfortunately we required your services, Nehelenia knows you're here now..but there was little we could do," Saturn said.
"We'll still beat her," Tuxedo Mask said.
"Perhaps," Saturn said and turned away.
CHAPTER 161 CHAPTER 162 CHAPTER 163 CHAPTER 164
CHAPTER 165 CHAPTER 166 CHAPTER 167 CHAPTER 168
CHAPTER 169 CHAPTER 170 CHAPTER 171 CHAPTER 172
CHAPTER 173 CHAPTER 174 CHAPTER 175 CHAPTER 176
CHAPTER 177 CHAPTER 178 CHAPTER 179 CHAPTER 180