Chapter 170
Crystal Tokyo continued to lay under partial siege. It wasn't that Nehelenia had overwhelming numbers anymore, but her mere presence that kept the troops on both sides waiting. For the moment their had been a relative calm.
Nehelenia paced back and forth in her small room watching as more energy flowed in from her minions in China. The number was slowly decreasing however.
A projection appeared in front of her of a well dressed officer with dark black skin and several more eyes than necessary.
"Queen Nehelenia..you called?" he asked.
"General..how is our energy flow proceeding."
"Excellent."
"Excellent? Then why am I receiving such small amounts. Just how many minions are left over there."
"Several..but the human armies and their Scout allies have been moving at us from the west. We lost another minion just yesterday."
"Just one? How many other minions are disrupted by the battle?"
"Not many Queen. We've withdrawn heavily to the Eastern part of the province. So..the humans will have to cover a massive amount of ground to engage us."
"And you only lost one minion?"
"Correct.."
"Are you sure?"
"As far as I know..some of the minions haven't been reporting in on schedule, but they are in outlying regions, where communications may be difficult. Still..the energy they are supplying should be quite high and worth the trouble."
"NOT IF THEY'RE NOT SENDING ME THE ENERGY!" Nehelenia shouted.
"Oh..you suspect this?"
"OF COURSE I DO!" Nehelenia shouted. "I'm not receiving as much energy as I should be. Find out what happened to those other minions."
"Yes Nehelenia..I will at once."
"You had better."
Nehelenia turned away from the projection as it faded away.
"Something is happening. I know it.."she said and scowled. "Still..I am
getting enough energy to make another attack. Forget the aliens..I will blast
Crystal Tokyo to pieces..I just need some patience. But not for much longer.
Meanwhile in the command center.
"She is recovering her strength it seems," Sailor Saturn said.
"Most likely," Maverick said. "That alien ship gave her a surprise, and she's going to need an incredibly large amount of energy to blast through the wall."
"Are you not worried about the potential wild card of Princess Rini's rebelliousness. Is it wise to leave the silver crystal in her possession," Sailor Saturn said.
"I'm not sure," Maverick said. "I'd prefer to have it back."
"You know she is tempted to do rash things."
"Yes..I know that..but it's our duty to protect her. We take the silver crystal away..and she could go off and do something rash anyway..and then she wouldn't have the power to protect her. On the other hand if she does something rash with the silver crystal and loses it...we could have other problems."
"You have analyzed the situation quite thoroughly," Saturn said. "Unfortunately it only makes it harder to make a decision."
"Yeah, it does," Maverick muttered.
"Well waiting isn't so bad.." Neptune said holding up his hand of cards to study.
"Could be worse," Venus said putting a card down in the pile.
"I wonder how the others are doing though?" Jupiter said.
"Maverick says they're leading the army across China and so far things have gone well," Pluto said.
"That's good to hear," Venus said. "And at least they've got the two relatively normal Neo-Scouts to deal with."
"If you count being suicidal as normal," Neptune said.
"Well..I hear he's not depressing at least," Jupiter said.
"Just suicidal," Neptune said.
"You don't have to be one to be the other..in some..uh..circles..I think," Jupiter said.
"That's what I thought too," Pluto said.
She glanced at him.
"Gin.." Neptune said.
"We're not playing gin rummy," Venus said.
"Well I've got it anyway..for whatever that's worth."
Venus grinned slightly.
"For some reason that one was funny," she said.
"But all of my jokes are funny," Neptune said.
"I'm sure you could write a term paper arguing the opposite," Pluto said.
"You can argue anything you want, proof is more important," Neptune said.
"Oh..I've got it," Pluto said.
"You've probably been saving it for a condition just like this am I right?"
"Yep," Pluto said.
"Hey everybody," Sailor Moon said.
"Sailor Moon, haven't seen you around lately," Venus said.
"Well..I've been busy..and Rini hasn't grown up any..she still wants Darrien.I'm sure of it," Sailor Moon said.
"She's only twelve," Jupiter said.
"Doesn't matter," Sailor Moon said.
"But he's her father..she supposed to love him.." Venus said.
"Not before he's her father, afterwards," Sailor Moon said. "That brat..has no respect for me..I mean...if you could go back and time and harass your mother would you do it?"
The four shook their heads.
"If I could go back in time I'd try and see if I could change the name of Tokyo to Mike and see what an effect it would have on time afterwards...heck..the name change might mean I wouldn't exist.." Neptune said.
"Oh..but you don't have any guarantees of that do you?" Venus asked.
"No.." Neptune said.
"Well we'd better not mess with it then," Venus said. "If there are no guarantees."
"Oh.." Neptune said. "Right.."
"Uh..but you know it's good to see you guys.." Sailor Moon said. "What are you playing?"
The four all glanced at each other.
"Gin Rummy," they said in unison.
"Oh.." Sailor Moon said. "It doesn't look like it."
"Well a lot has changed in a thousand years," Neptune said.
"But your deck of cards hasn't?" Sailor Moon said.
"So we learned the 30th century version of Gin Rummy around here. I don't see what the problem is..they still use the same cards," Neptune said.
"But....okay so I can't win this battle of wits! But I know you're all putting me on! I'm going to find something else to do," Sailor Moon said.
"Wait..Sailor Moon, we didn't want to drive you off," Jupiter said.
"Yeah..we can deal you in a hand," Pluto said.
"But I don't know how to play 30th century Gin Rummy," Sailor Moon said. The other four glanced at each other.
"What?" Sailor Moon asked not catching on to her own mental mishap.
"Ehh..look at all this," Neo-Neptune said chucking a piece of rock across a barren field. "We had this all replanted and everything..of course I don't care..what it looks like."
"It is much easier to destroy and create.." Neo-Pluto said.
"Yeah..well..we hardly need anyone else to destroy things for us..we're quite good at that ourselves," Neo-Neptune said tossing another rock.
"True enough," Neo-Pluto said.
"Yeah..and what will we accomplish with this wondrous war we're fighting? Not much at all really..after all..so we beat the enemy and drive back the all powerful Nehelenia, then what..well..we go back to everyone hating our guts because we're who we are...peace loving Crystal Tokyo."
He kicked a rock.
"I had no idea this had affected you in this way..I had perceived your goal was merely battlefield redemption," Neo-Pluto said.
"Ehh..who cares.." Neo-Neptune said. "I don't know if I have goals anymore. Can you believe what I was before..I mean..the 20th century..what an idiot I was."
"Is your encounter with him what brought on this momentary drop into philosophy?" Neo-Pluto asked.
"Yeah..maybe..what a complete fool..I never accomplished anything.."
"You know that you're deluding yourself. You accomplished things."
"Nothing of value."
"It had value to you..and value to us."
"Yeah..well...now look at me," Neo-Neptune said. "Yes Queen Serenity, we'll go out and fight every day of the week and then some..why because we're the chosen group of people who has to do it..sure..what do I care?"
"You're getting all excited over nothing," Neo-Pluto said.
"No I'm not..you know what I see..a wasted existence...since when did I ever want to be a soldier? Never..is the answer..and here I am..fighting evil with myself and the beautiful Sailor Venus...oh yes..gotta watch out for Venus because if you don't...."
"Please stop this.." Neo-Pluto said.
"Ehh.." Neo-Neptune said. "You see these bugs here.."
"Yes..what about them.."
"Bugs..just running around on the ground in their own little world.." Neo-Neptune said. "Never knowing when..there might be an act of god."
He stepped on the ground.
"Don't do that.." Neo-Pluto said.
"Ehh..what's the difference, people do it all the time, just not intentionally..their excuse is not noticing..you ever wonder about that..how all these aliens and enemies show up..you ever wonder if it's just god not noticing us..wandering around our little planet! And then he takes a little step...ooops..I didn't see...you..but me..no..at least I have a purpose.." Neo-Neptune said.
"Of course..by not stepping on them some of them might have survived.." Neo-Pluto said.
"Oh...sure..maybe.." Neo-Neptune said and drew his sword.
"You're not going to.." Neo-Pluto said reaching for his arm.
"No.." Neo-Neptune said holding his sword over an anthill. "No.not..today.." he said and placed his sword back. He then turned and walked back towards the city.
Neo-Pluto watched.
"He's even farther away then I am.." Neo-Pluto said. "But I can understand...."
And he followed.
"Hmm...I'm out of this round," Sailor Moon said tossing her cards on the ground.
"Good move..you only had a straight flush," Neptune said.
Sailor Moon glanced at him.
"Wait a second..Sailor Moon..where'd that one card come from?"
The group were fixated on a card which had a different design then all the others lying in it.
"That isn't one of mine.." Neptune said. "And there goes your straight flush..even though you had given up."
Jupiter picked up the card.
"It's a very nice card..." she said. "Though it looks kind of familiar."
Venus looked at it.
"I can't place it either..but I know I've seen something like it.." she said.
"Sailor Moon didn't you notice it in your hand?" Pluto asked.
"No..I could have sworn it wasn't there.." Sailor Moon said.
"It just showed up?" Neptune said.
"Yeah..the seven of spades just showed up.." Sailor Moon said.
"Woah..you gotta watch that Seven of Spades.." Neptune said.
"But where'd it come from?" Venus asked.
Tuxedo Mask ran in the door.
"Oh..there you are..I need all your help!" he said with urgency.
"What is it?" Sailor Moon asked.
"Rini's disappeared..I can't find her," Tuxedo Mask said.
"Here we go again.." Sailor Moon said.
"We'd better go..we don't know what she could be doing.." Venus said.
"Ehh..do you how many times we have to track her down every time we see her?" Sailor Moon muttered as the group hurried out.
"Maverick..Sailor Saturn..do you have any idea where Rini is?" Jupiter said into her communicator.
"Affirmative," Maverick said. "I've had her under surveillance constantly..she's managed to get through our defense perimeter and is heading straight for Nehelenia."
"SHE IS!" the whole group shouted.
"But her army won't let Rini through.." Venus said.
"Sure they will..." Maverick said. "Nehelenia won't resist a chance to get the silver crystal."
"We've gotta hurry then," Sailor Moon said.
"But we'll have the army to deal with," Neptune said.
"Not if we can help it," Maverick said. Seconds later as the scouts rushed out of the palace they could see the Crystal Tokyo army massing for battle. Nehelenia's forces were readying themselves as well.
"Hurry," Tuxedo Mask shouted and started jumping, he had a much longer jump then the others, but they followed quickly behind. Neo-Sailor Moon had already leapt over the enemy's lines.
The armies surged forward, Neo-Pluto and Neo-Neptune appeared out of the melee cutting down enemy forces left and right. The others began to fight their way across the battlefield.
"So..." Nehelenia said. "The young princess wants to stop me. Do you really think you can beat me?"
"I will stop you Nehelenia.." Neo-Sailor Moon said.
"Oh..sure..you will.." Nehelenia said. "Well? Let's see your immense power."
"Neo-Moon...Spiral Hearts Attack!"
The attack flew out and right at Nehelenia. She stood there as the energy flew around her to no effect. Neo-Sailor Moon's eyes widened.
"Well.well..well..this is unexpected isn't it?" Nehelenia said. Neo-Sailor Moon felt someone behind her. She turned. There stood Nehelenia.
"You're no match for me..you know.." she said and knocked Rini down with a blast. She was thrown through the hologram of Nehelenia across from her and smashed into the ground. Neo-Sailor Moon lay their unmoving. Nehelenia built up her power for a death blow. A barrage of roses slammed into her back. She let out a shout and whirled unleashing her energy before it was finished building. Tuxedo Mask was hit as he charged forward with his staff.
"MOON SPIRAL HEARTS ATTACK!" Sailor Moon shouted leaping forward. Her attack smashed into Nehelenia and made her wince. She stepped back. Sailor Moon gasped.
"It's going to take more than that.." Nehelenia said.
The other Scouts came up next to her, ready to start the fight anew.
She grinned.
"Oh..there are more of you.." she muttered. "What a bother?"
If anymore show up I might not be able to stop them. She thought.
She unleashed another attack. That flew at them. They all dived out of the way.
"Jupiter Thunder Crash!"
"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!"
"Neptune Triton Impale!"
"Pluto Storm Fist Punch!"
The four attacks flew at her. She formed a force shield to block them. Flying out of the way would take much to much energy. She hadn't expected Sailor Moon to leap at her swinging her sword though. Sailor Moon landed on top of her trying to stab Nehelenia in the chest. Nehelenia was knocked to the ground, and grimaced as Sailor Moon dug the sword into her. She felt the pain and waited as energy built up, she began to glow.
"Look out Sailor Moon!" Jupiter shouted.
Nehelenia discharged. Sailor Moon was blown off of her, sword and all and landed on the ground nearby covered with scorch marks. Nehelenia limped to her feet. A large shadow floated over them. They all looked up. The alien ship floated overhead. Two beams of light flew from it..picking up Sailor Moon and Neo-Sailor Moon. Tuxedo Mask staggered up.
"No!" he shouted.
Neo-Sailor Moon barely batted her eyes and saw what was happening, she pulled the brooch holding the silver crystal off of her.
"Darrien!" she shouted and threw it out of the beam.
"The silver crystal!" Nehelenia shouted and moved to grab it. Neptune and Pluto fired at her with their swords..she was knocked back. The brooch landed at Tuxedo Mask's feet. He clutched it gasping for breath as the two girls were drawn inside the ship.
"What do we do?" Venus asked.
"It is time to regroup," came another voice. Sailor Saturn stood there with Maverick.
"I'll stop you all!" Nehelenia shouted.
"But you won't do it now.." Maverick said readying his sword. "That is certain."
Jupiter and Pluto picked up Tuxedo Mask and hurried away with the others.
"What happened?" Neptune said. "Did we win?"
The battlefield was filled with unconscious soldiers and the Crystal Tokyo army standing firm.
"In a matter of speaking..yes.." Maverick said.
The scouts headed off to get Tuxedo Mask to safety. Neo-Pluto and Neo-Neptune stood there watching the barren battlefield. Maverick walked to them.
"Now it's our turn Maverick.." Neo-Neptune said.
"We can finish her.." Neo-Pluto said.
"You know we should.." Neo-Neptune said.
"Look.." Maverick said. Appearing on the rise were several creatures. "She's called back some of her minions. By the time you get through those."
"Send the others to handle them..we'll handle Nehelenia.." Neo-Neptune said.
"No," Maverick said.
"You're being a fool.." Neo-Neptune said.
"Nehelenia is vast in power..we knocked her back..but she was nowhere near the point of death.." Maverick said. "We go..and we'll probably die."
"So will she.." Neo-Neptune said. "I'm going."
"Do not make me draw my sword.." Maverick said.
"You would dare to try to strike me down.." Neo-Neptune said.
"Not down..I would dare to stop you from suicide."
"And how do you know you can stop me?" Neo-Neptune said.
Neo-Pluto grabbed Neo-Neptune's arm.
"He can..." Neo-Pluto said.
"Very well.." Neo-Neptune said and headed back towards the palace.
"He may try again," Neo-Pluto said.
"I know," Maverick said.
"What is going on back there Sailor Saturn?" Neo-Uranus said into his communicator.
"It is not good news.." Sailor Saturn. "Sailor Moon and Princess Rini have been taken by the aliens. Tuxedo Mask has been badly hurt."
"What was that?" Mars said walking up. "What happened to Sailor Moon and the others?"
"I think you had better come back Mars, you and Mercury.." Maverick said. "We may need your help."
"Of course." Mars said. "You'll arrange it?"
"Yes.." Maverick said. "You can be back here in hours.."
"All right.." Mars said.
"Maverick what should we do?" Neo-Uranus asked.
"Keep up the attacks. She's been drawing off minions from China to reinforce her here. She doesn't have an army left."
"Okay..we're on it," Neo-Uranus said.
"It's best that you move quickly..I have a feeling that our trump card in the area is not going to be there much longer," Maverick said.
"Trump card?" Neo-Uranus asked.
"Never mind...just keep on it," Maverick said.
"You got it.." Neo-Uranus said.
And the transmission ended.
"Someone should tell the queen," Sailor Saturn said.
The two glanced at each other. Neither of them wanted to do it.
The doors opened and King Endymion stood there.
"Tell me all that's happened," he said.
Tuxedo Mask woke up with a start.
"I've got to save them..." he said.
"Oh no you don't," Venus said pushing him back down onto the bed he was resting in. "You took an awfully big hit there."
"But...Venus."
"We're working on it.." Venus said.
"That's right.." Jupiter said. "You think we want anything to happen to Sailor Moon?"
"I know but..we have to find out..what's happening.." Tuxedo Mask said.
"I said we're working on it," Venus said. "You won't help things by hurrying around injured."
"I feel fine.." Tuxedo Mask said.
"You're lying," Jupiter said. "Now..just lay down."
"Do you know how hard it is to just lay down?" Tuxedo Mask said.
"Of course we do," Venus said with all honesty.
"But we're doing all we can," Jupiter said. "You've done your good deed for the day."
"Please..girls..find out what's happening," Tuxedo Mask said.
"We will," The two said. Mars and Mercury walked in.
"Darrien..thank goodness.." Mars said.
"Oh..hello you two..how was China?" Tuxedo Mask managed with a brief smile.
"Uh..weird..how is he?" Mars asked.
"If he rests.." Jupiter said. "The palace doctors say he should be fine...if he rests."
"I get the idea," Tuxedo Mask said.
"So..you know nothing about the aliens?" Endymion asked.
"They've only seemed interested in attacking Nehelenia occasionally and in taking injured Sailor Scouts aboard their ship," Sailor Saturn said.
"I bet the Queen already knows about Rini even though no one has told her."
"She usually does on matters such as this," Saturn said.
"I think it's time to get rid of Nehelenia for good."
"That maybe very possible.." Saturn said. "She does not suspect the true power we have."
"So she finally learned what we had wanted her to," Endymion said.
"Yes...she knows that Queen Serenity suffered a breakdown upon your disappearance. What she doesn't know is how we engineered your disappearance to allow you to counteract her energy gaining activities, and that Queen Serenity's breakdown has been faked to give Nehelenia a false impression of our weakness.
"You didn't tell the Sailor Scouts?" Saturn asked.
"Only..Maverick and I knew the entire time...to prevent the possibility that someone from our forces would get captured and give up the true information."
"Good....the plan worked well..that's one relief.." Endymion said.
"The silver crystal your highness," Saturn said handing it to him."
Endymion nodded and took it before heading into Neo-Queen Serenity's room.
He walked in.
"Endymion.." she said looking up. "They've got her...whoever they are."
"I know.." Endymion said. "But we'll get her back I promise."
He walked over and placed the silver crystal on the pedestal it usually rested on.
Then the two hugged.
"I had never wanted her to get involved, but because of our plan I couldn't stop her," Serenity said.
"I know."
"It's my fault...and you know..I was supposed to fake this breakdown..but at
times like these..I almost feel that I'm not faking anymore," Serenity said
wiping away a tear.
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