Chapter 168
"So.." Nehelenia said facing down the two outer Sailors.
"You managed to pass through my defenses to get to me..very clever, still...the two of you have never been a match for me."
"You may find yourself proven wrong," Neptune said.
"Right before you die of course," Uranus said.
"You two really think you can beat me.." Nehelenia said. "Well..please..let's not waste time.."
She stood there with her arms crossed.
"She obviously believes she is in control of the situation," Neptune said.
"Yes, that much if obvious..if we attack, we are falling into her hands," Uranus said.
"Still what choice do we have in the matter?"
"We are committed now.." Uranus said.
"Yes..we are!" Neptune said and leapt forward jumping over Nehelenia.
"Neptune Deep Submerge!"
"Uranus World Shaking!"
The two attacks exploded against a shield Nehelenia had constructed around herself.
Uranus slid forward even as the hits impacted and threw her grail sword forward it hit the shield and kicked back, knocking Uranus slightly off balance.
"Neptune Deep Submerge!" Neptune shouted. Her attack exploded against Nehelenia's shield again.
"Uranus World Shaking!"
"Enough!" Nehelenia said and sent a blast flying out from her in all directions. The two scouts had no where to go and were knocked to the ground.
"You see...I am just as powerful as I always was.." Nehelenia said and sent attacks flying along the ground which flew through them causing them both to shout out. They moved to stand up slowly grimacing. Nehelenia launched another attack. They both dived out of the way of it and winced, hardly able to move from the pain they were in..
She stood there and stared at them.
"First I will learn all that is in your mind..and then...the end.." She said. She probed the two's mind looking for valuable information and then raised her hands to begin her final attack.
A hail of energy flew at her and exploded against her shield she looked up in surprise. The alien ships were descending towards her.
She turned and launched an attack into the air it blew apart one of the alien ships. She then turned and walked back into her cave.
She watched as the aliens swooped down and pulled the two Sailor Scouts up with some sort of beam. She held onto a wall for support...as they lifted off and resumed their position.
"So..they weren't here for me.." she said and collapsed from exhaustion,
telepathically sending the recall of her troops seconds before.
"That's right run!" Neo-Pluto shouted firing sword blasts at the retreating forces of Nehelenia.
"They weren't really getting anywhere anyway," Pluto said.
"Indeed they weren't," Neo-Pluto said. "Let's return to the palace."
"What if they attack again?" Pluto asked.
"Then we'll come back."
"Oh..right..good idea," Pluto said.
"The perimeter is once again secure," Maverick said staring at the view screen.
"Except for a slight breakthrough at the fifth point," Saturn said. "Which has been repulsed."
"Yes," Maverick said.
"I have to ask if Neptune and Uranus' departure has affected you?"
"Maybe..do you have any idea what happened to them?"
"I will find out..but then I will need to rest.."
Maverick nodded. Saturn walked out. Maverick leaned against his console and sighed.
The doors opened a minute later and the two Guardian Pluto's walked in.
"Maverick..I hope this war has not made you feel any worse than usual," Neo-Pluto said.
"Well..considering that there's a point which one cannot feel much worse.." Maverick said.
"Understood.." Neo-Pluto said. "What are your orders?"
"I don't know..stay here for now..we don't know when we'll need you," Maverick said.
"Uh..Maverick..just what are those aliens doing anyway?" Pluto asked.
"I wish I knew..we picked up a brief movement of their forces to a position behind Nehelenia's lines..but it lasted briefly.." Maverick said.
"You weren't able to get any camera footage?" Neo-Pluto asked.
"She's continuing to jam those kind of transmissions," Maverick said.
"Any word on Sailor Neptune and Uranus?" Neo-Pluto asked.
"Saturn is going to find out..it doesn't look good," Maverick said. "The two of them are not a match..even for Nehelenia in her worst state."
"Uh...why is that?" Pluto asked.
"Nehelenia no matter how sapped she is can bring up a reserve of energy..she did it when Queen Serenity first fought her.." Maverick said.
"Oh..I see." Pluto said.
"On that reserve alone, she could surely beat two Sailor Scouts..even Neptune and Uranus."
"But could she have beaten five or six?" Neo-Pluto asked.
"Possibly," Maverick said. "And we didn't have five or six Sailor Scouts to spare."
"Are you absolutely sure?" Neo-Pluto asked.
Maverick turned to him.
"It was a risk filled plan in the first place," Maverick said. "To attack her at that point."
"I know..I didn't mean to criticize..you're doing your best..but..both of us know how skeptical we have become."
Maverick nodded.
"Where's Jupiter anyway?" Pluto asked.
"She's out at the fifth crystal point..we needed her to reinforce our lines there..that's why she was called away from your position," Maverick said.
Pluto nodded.
"She's assessing the damage," Maverick said.
"Maybe I should do that," Neo-Pluto said.
Maverick nodded, and Neo-Pluto walked out.
"So...have you been able to managing working with him?" Maverick asked.
"Yeah, we've been able to do it..I mean..it's not like any of us are enjoying this, but you can't expect that," Pluto said. "I mean..this is all a bit overwhelming for me..but..I'm doing my best..I mean..everyone's so serious it's nothing like the environment in the 20th century."
"Things were different back then," Maverick said. "Pluto..you may hear a lot of us talk about the past like it's a failure..and that...things don't go right..listen to me..in the end..when all is said and done..everyone comes out okay..you got me? People like Neo-Neptune are going to try to make you all worry every day of your lives about what's going to happen. What was just childish antics in the 20th century have become evil now."
"You're saying Neo-Neptune is evil?"
"Yes...he has loyalties, but that doesn't stop him..you have to understand he's just spiteful of all that's happened..."
"But Maverick..we know we end up like this.in the future. Isn't that bad enough?"
"No because the future can be changed by the past and there are other things."
"Are you sure?"
"It's very complex..but trust me..the way the universe works, the past is always the past..but the future..is not."
"Are you suggesting we try and change the future?"
"I'm not suggesting anything and it might be impossible for you to do, but this...the way it is right now..can be prevented."
"How?"
"That I can't say..."
"Oh.."
"Because if I did, that would guarantee the future would be changed."
"Oh.."
"I know it's hard to follow, but trust me...oh..and thank you for helping."
"Uh..you're welcome.." Pluto said.
Meanwhile Sailor Moon, Neo-Sailor Moon, and Tuxedo Mask were walking through the streets of the city.
"I never got a chance to see what was actually here the last time.." Sailor Moon said.
"It's nothing much..." Neo-Sailor Moon said.
"Wait a second, that's my house.." Sailor Moon said staring at it.
"Was your house," Neo-Sailor Moon said.
"Oh.." Sailor Moon said. "Does someone live there now?"
"Sure," Neo-Sailor Moon said. "But you don't know them."
"Have you met them?"
"No, but I know who lives there."
"Why would you care who lives there."
"I was just curious."
"So who does live there?"
"You wouldn't know em.."
"You already said that."
"Please girls calm down," Tuxedo Mask said.
"I don't know why she cares about the house anyway?" Neo-Sailor Moon said.
"I used to live there," Sailor Moon said.
"So did I...you don't see me caring."
"Ehh..what happened to you anyway?" Sailor Moon asked.
"You try growing up with wars going on all around you..see how you turn out."
"All I do is fight wars. Forget going on around me! I'm in them!" Sailor Moon said.
"Well good for you," Neo-Sailor Moon said and leapt off.
"Where's she going?" Sailor Moon asked.
"I don't know..but Sailor Moon..I think this house..triggered something in her, that maybe she didn't want to talk about," Tuxedo Mask said.
"Hmm..I guess..I suppose you want to go help her feel better."
"Why don't we both go?"
"Because she only cares about you.."
"I don't think that's true," Tuxedo Mask said.
"Well.that makes one of you then," Sailor Moon said.
"Uh..I'd better go see her.." Tuxedo Mask said and leapt off after her.
Sailor Moon sighed and followed.
What else am I supposed to do with my time. She thought.
Meanwhile..the gold team was arriving at the palace.
"Well..I must say it's been fun, but I hope I never have to work with you all again," Neo-Neptune said and walked down a corridor.
"What a complete and utter...butthead," Neptune said.
"I agree," Venus said.
"Ehh...at least you won't become him.."
"I certainly hope not," Venus said.
"Still at least I survive," Neptune said.
"I'd rather be dead then become him," Venus said.
"Really? Well..that's food for thought," Neptune said. "I'm going to find the
can."
"Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune are still alive, but I don't know where," Sailor Saturn. "Now..if I may go."
Maverick nodded.
"That's good news isn't it?" Pluto asked.
"Yes..and no..they are alive..but that also means that the tactical arrangement of this city is out in the open complete with the knowledge that the King and Queen are in no condition to fight," Maverick said.
"Oh..that's bad..but they're alive at least," Pluto said.
"Yes..that is true," Maverick said.
The doors opened and Neo-Pluto and Jupiter walked in.
"We managed to sure up the defense," Neo-Pluto said.
"Sailor Neptune and Uranus are alive we just don't know where," Maverick said.
"Oh..that's a relief," Jupiter said.
"Depends on your point of view," Neo-Neptune muttered walking in the door.
"I never much liked them," he said. "So did everyone enjoy themselves while I was gone?"
"I think you've got an attitude problem there pal," Pluto said.
"Do I care?" Neo-Neptune said pulling out his sword and firing at Pluto. Pluto ducked out of the way and Jupiter punched Neo-Neptune in the head. He whirled and jabbed his sword into her. She let out a screech. Pluto drew his own sword and lunged at Neo-Neptune who dived out of the way and whirled. Maverick and Neo-Pluto fired and blasted Neo-Neptune into a wall.
"Neo-Pluto take him out.." Maverick said. Neo-Pluto grabbed Neo-Neptune and threw him out into the hallway and followed. Neptune and Venus walked through soon afterwards.
"Something I said?" Neptune asked.
"You okay Jupiter?" Pluto asked as Jupiter winced.
"Ouch..those things really hurt.." Jupiter said.
"When used properly, yes," Maverick said.
"Rini..are you okay?" Tuxedo Mask asked finding her sitting and looking out at the shimmering water of the harbor.
"I'm fine...Darrien I just wanted to get away from her for a while," Rini said.
"Is something wrong Rini something you want to tell me about?"
"Darrien..after I spent all that time in the 20th century I found out I liked it a lot, a lot more than the time I spent here..I mean..here I'm the princess..and there are all these wars being fought if not against us, I still hear about them..seeing Serena's house reminded me of all the good times I had..and I want to go back there...I hate it here!"
"Rini...I know it must not be that nice here to you, but you have to hang in there.."
"I know..I will...but what am I protecting anyway? Even if we stop Nehelenia."
"You have to be strong Rini. You can do that can't you?"
"Well.I try..but..it's so hard Darrien."
"I know..it is."
She gave him a hug. Sailor Moon stood far away behind a building watching.
"She is a jerk, but she has been through a lot..after all..she's kinda like Haruka and Michiru must have been at that age," She said to herself. "It can't be good to grow up in an environment like this. I know that..still..she treats Darrien nicely she could at least give me the same courtesy, I don't know what's she's got against me anyway.."
"It's not I don't like Serena..it's just she has it so easy.." Rini continued.
"Oh?" Tuxedo Mask asked.
"Yeah..that's right, she's so laid back and carefree..I was never that way, I mean I was happy, but never lazy...because I couldn't be..my parents wouldn't let me be..and right now..I can't afford to be anything but tough and serious..and everything..so..how do you think I like hanging around with her all the time, she's such a slacker," Rini said.
"That was too convenient..and the question was rhetorical..or was it?" Sailor Moon asked herself. "Well I did want to know..sort of..oh..I don't know.." she muttered. "Well at least I've solved the mysteries."
"Hey! Quit spying on us!" Rini shouted.
"I was not..I was just waiting for Tuxedo Mask!" Sailor Moon shouted back.
"Oh sure you were meatball head!"
"Hey if you're going to come up with an insult try a little harder!"
"Fine I will! Goat Brain!"
"Goat Brain! Well at least you put some effort into it..." Sailor Moon said.
Tuxedo Mask sighed.
Nehelenia felt the energy flying into her.
"That's more like it..even though it's not as much energy as I had hoped for..it will do," she said.
"They may have stopped my advancements for now..but it won't matter...now let's see what I drew out from those two Sailor Scouts."
She closed her eyes and opened her mind to what they knew.
"Neo-Queen Serenity..is having a nervous breakdown..unable to fight..King
Endymion is missing and that's why she feels that way...so no one can use the
Silver Crystal can they? I have to move fast..I will destroy that alien fleet
with one strike and then..await the rest of my energy...for the final strike..it
won't be long now."
"Nehelenia hasn't sent any of her forces to face us," General Techia said in disgust.
"Then we move in farther," Saio said.
"Seems like she's called our bluff," Neo-Saturn said.
"We wouldn't have had this much trouble if you have followed orders," Saio said.
"I quite agree," Techia said. "However..you do have your uses Neo-Saturn..and you soon be able to risk your life all you want."
"Is that so?" Neo-Saturn asked.
"Quite so," Techia said. "Because in about eighteen hours the European armies are going to invade and attack Nehelenia's line..and you're going to be there."
"This is the first I've heard of it," Neo-Saturn said.
"Of course it is, because I don't trust you.." Techia said.
"That's understandable," Neo-Saturn said.
"The Europeans figure they can give Nehelenia a run for her money, but I want the scouts there..it is your choice to go..but I'm sure you're welcoming it," Techia said.
"I am," Neo-Saturn said. "Where do we meet the European army?"
Techia pressed a button on his command screen. A map appeared and zoomed in one a certain part of China.
"Right there..at a pass in the Ural mountains.." Techia said.
"All right.." Neo-Saturn said. "Do you have transportation."
"Of course.." Techia said.
"Good..I'm sure my departure will suit you fine," Neo-Saturn said.
"Indeed it will," Techia said. "You are a fine warrior, but a bad soldier.."
"I've been called worse.." Neo-Saturn said.
"With our rebel abilities useless there is no need of the talents of the other scouts either you understand..so I expect that once this engagement is decided you will either join the Europeans or do as you wish..it is out of my hands," Techia said.
"Of course," Neo-Saturn said.
"Keep something in mind.." Saio said. "Always be sure that when you believe no one else has something to lose by you getting yourself killed..that you're right."
"Wise advice.." Neo-Saturn said.
Seventeen hours later.
"Look at them over there.." Neo-Uranus muttered looking through a pair of binoculars at Nehelenia's fortified mountain pass.
"What about them?" Mars asked.
"They actually think that that will stop us.." Neo-Uranus said.
"Why are you so overconfident about everything?"
"Shouldn't I be..a couple of energy attacks and they'll be running for it," Neo-Uranus said.
"And what if they've got more of her minions with them.." Mars said.
"That still doesn't mean the barricade will hold," Neo-Uranus said.
"No..but...."
"Never mind..where's Rick anyway?"
"Over there.." Mars said pointing to where Uranus was sitting amongst a group of troops playing cards.
"Hmm..." he said. "Raise you twenty.."
The Frenchman on the other side of him grinned slightly. "Oui mousier, I'll match you."
"So..France actually survived another millennium huh?" Uranus asked.
"Of course it did..in 2245, we ruled all of Europe."
"Until 2246," the rest of the group said and started laughing.
"That was when Germany invaded again right?" Uranus asked.
"Yes, we came through Belgium and surprised them...again..." a German said and the group started laughing.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Mars asked.
"I guess..why do you ask?" Uranus asked.
"I don't know..maybe because you've got better things to do then play cards," Mars said. "Like get ready for battle."
"Mars..please..I'm relaxing..I fight better when relaxed."
"I hadn't noticed."
"You've never seen me fight relaxed."
"There's a reason for that..people can't fight relaxed."
"Sure they can..it's just rare."
"Oh..so you're saying you can."
"Yep."
"So if you please..."
"I don't know why I love you so much," Mars snapped and walked off.
The group all let out a little hoot.
"So you really mean you can fight relaxed?" one of the soldiers asked.
"Guys..I wouldn't lie to her," Uranus said. "It's just that I haven't fought while relaxed in about..eight years.."
The group all laughed.
"It's still possible," Uranus said.
There was a rumbling and a car skimmed up to them and set down.
"Wonder who that is.." one of the solders said.
The doors opened and Neo-Saturn walked out followed by Saturn and Mercury.
"Oh..just some friends of mine," Uranus said.
"How are things here?" Neo-Saturn asked.
"Just peachy..you're not dead yet I see," Neo-Uranus said.
"The opportunity to die has yet to present itself," Neo-Saturn said.
"I'll bet," Neo-Uranus said and the two Neo-Scouts walked off.
"I sure hope he doesn't die..." Saturn said. "The last thing I need to see is how I die.."
"I know what you mean.." Mercury said.
"Boy I'm glad to see you," Mars said. "It's been weird ever since I got here."
"Oh..well we've had our own problems," Mercury said.
"Nothing compared to me.."
"Well..that's debatable," Mercury said. "Would you have preferred to fight a giant rat?"
"A giant..rat..how tall..."
"Six..feet..."
"Six..feet..." Mars said. "Okay...so I would rather be here..."
"Hey Saturn..Mercury..how was China.." Uranus asked walking up.
"You would have liked it I think," Saturn said.
"Really? Why?" Uranus asked.
"Saturn..we're not supposed to talk about it," Mercury said.
"Talk about what?" Uranus asked.
"Well we can't tell you, that would be talking about it," Saturn said.
"Oh.." Uranus said. "Hey! You're just messing with my mind!"
"You'll never know will you?" Mercury asked.
"Hey..that's not fair..you two are supposed to be the nice ones.." Uranus said.
"It's time.." Neo-Saturn said walking up.
"Everyone got their party hats?" Neo-Uranus said.
"I'll take the lead," Neo-Saturn said as the line formed up and readied itself. He jumped across the terrain and charged the enemy lines.
"Eager isn't he?" Neo-Uranus said and jumped after him. The other four scouts raced after them and the army followed.
They blasted through the enemy lines and raced onward through the mountain pass.
"That wasn't hard was it?" Neo-Uranus said. Standing at the end of the mountain pass was a very large lizard. The six scouts stopped.
"Well..that is annoying.." Neo-Uranus said.
"Shut up," Mars said.
"I'll take care of it.." Neo-Saturn said and leapt forward.
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