Chapter 175
In the control center of Crystal Tokyo, Neo-Maverick winced slightly as he continued to study the various readouts he was creating.
"You are still hurting..perhaps you should rest," Sailor Saturn said.
"No time for that," Neo-Maverick said.
"You are not infallible..I can only suspect given your normal habits you have not done much sleeping during this time period," Saturn said.
"That's partially because I can't sleep with all these problems."
"But you should...we need you to have a clear mind."
"My mind is clear."
"You are also wounded."
"I've been wounded before," Neo-Maverick said and pressed a button on his communicator.
"Maverick, where are you?" Neo-Maverick asked.
"On the way.."
"Understood."
"It is fortunate in a way that he arrived..the two of you should be quite able to figure out any tactical situation."
"We're the same person Saturn..I mean you could argue that the future guardians and the past ones can be different people because of their experiences, but me..no..I'm the same."
"At least he has slept."
"I doubt he has since he came here."
"Perhaps..." Sailor Saturn said.
"And what does it matter anyway?"
"What?"
"My well being...that's hardly important considering what's at stake," Neo-Maverick said.
"Your well being is important...just as anyone's is."
The doors opened and Maverick walked in.
"Excellent," Neo-Maverick said. "I had something to show you..see if you agree with me in my analysis."
"Of course," Maverick said.
Neo-Maverick pressed a few buttons. An overhead map appeared of the city and the surrounding areas. A large area was colored green slowly advancing towards the city's defenses.
"The green is the flower?" Maverick said.
"Indeed.." Neo-Maverick said. "Within two days she will be at our defenses..with as much plant life power as she wants."
Maverick nodded.
"Now there are two ways we could handle this," Neo-Maverick said.
"One is to go out there and cut off her lines before she can get any closer, but that has it's own difficulties," he said. "There is so much plant out there...that the Sailor Scouts and our forces alone might not be able to stop them all."
"Unfortunately there was little I could do to prevent this situation..given the lack of any resources.." Sailor Saturn said almost apologetically.
"That's understandable," Neo-Maverick said. "It's not your fault...but that does lead to our second answer...take out the flower herself."
"That was how they did it the first time.." Maverick said.
"Yes..it is," Neo-Maverick said.
"It is the most logical conclusion to reach...why not proceed along those lines?" Sailor Saturn asked.
"There are problems with both ideas. With the second it involves the fact that I think she's more powerful then expected," Neo-Maverick said.
"I suspected the same," Maverick said. "If she wasn't...she'd be taking a big chance showing up here...I mean..it took a rose and one Sailor Scout to kill her before...she has to know the forces against her."
"Or maybe she doesn't..but..what disturbs me is that Sailor Saturn had no idea she was coming until she was right on top of us, it takes power to neutralize her..even Nehelenia didn't get by without her noticing," Neo-Maverick said.
"She's more powerful then Nehelenia?" Maverick asked.
"Not necessarily," Sailor Saturn said. "The interaction of cosmic forces is complex..but you are right to be wary."
"Furthermore..we don't know where she is.." Neo-Maverick said.
"That's a problem," Maverick said.
"We may have to fight her flowers just to draw her out," Neo-Maverick said.
"That may be the way she planned it," Maverick said.
"Even if you found her..she could then send her flowers to help her," Sailor Saturn said.
"And vice versa.." Neo-Maverick said. "It's fairly obvious we need to wait until the scouts are all a hundred percent."
"That will take some time..the Guardians were very injured.." Sailor Saturn said.
"Can the people on the spaceship help?" Maverick said.
"They might..." Neo-Maverick said. "But I was preferring to use them in case Nehelenia shows up."
"And what about her...is she just going to let the flower move in while she stands there?" Maverick asked.
"That's a good question," Neo-Maverick said. "She's weakened now..but if she waits..one of them may take care of the other."
"That might simply things," Sailor Saturn said.
"Yes..but only if they don't join up.." Neo-Maverick said.
Maverick nodded.
Sailor Moon walked into the room to see Tuxedo Mask resting. He had been moved to his own room by this point.
"Hey ya meatball head," Tuxedo Mask said.
"Darrien, I'm so glad you're okay," Sailor Moon said moving to hug him.
"Uh..don't. I'm still healing.." Tuxedo Mask said.
"Oh..sorry..I didn't mean to.."
"Of course you didn't..it's okay.." Tuxedo Mask said with a smile. "So..how was it up there on that ship?"
"Weird...that's what..." Sailor Moon said. "And the others found even stranger things, but that's not important right now is it? What is important is that you're feeling better."
"Yeah I am."
"See I knew that when there was trouble, you'd be there to save me even if it hurt you."
"Uh..well I didn't save you.."
"From Nehelenia I mean."
"Oh..yeah I guess that's right."
"You were there to save me and not just Rini right?" Sailor Moon asked.
Tuxedo Mask grinned.
"Yes Serena," he said.
"Were you there to save her at all?"
"Of course..."
"Oh..I guess I'll have to take what I can get. So..how are you feeling?"
"Better..." Tuxedo Mask said. "But it's going to be another day or so..till I can get up and move around."
"Yeah..I guess it would be..well I'll stay with you until then."
"You might get called away...there's still evil forces out there."
"I know..but until then."
"Yeah until then.." Tuxedo Mask said.
"And then maybe not even then."
"Serena."
"Hey..you'd be surprised at how good the others are at fighting things without me. I think I shouldn't insult their fighting skills by showing up..you know give them a chance to prove themselves."
"Serena..please.." Tuxedo Mask said.
"Yeah.I know..it's just that I'm glad to see you..after all this time."
"What has it been a day?"
"It was a long day!"
"I guess it was."
The door opened and Rini walked in.
"Oh..I see..." she said and turned to walked out.
"What is it Rini?" Tuxedo Mask said.
"Let her go," Sailor Moon whispered.
"I was just coming to see how you were doing..but you're a little busy I see," Rini snapped and walked out.
"Why does she hate me so much..I'm her mother..or I will be..." Sailor Moon said.
"She's been through a lot and at that age..I don't know..." Tuxedo Mask said starring after her.
"Oh well...what can you do?" Sailor Moon said.
Tuxedo Mask glanced at her.
"Sailor Moon be serious," he said.
"Oh..that's just great..now she's gone and got you worried about her.." Sailor Moon said. "Wonderful..she shows up for five seconds and ruins the mood. Thanks a lot Rini."
"Serena..try to understand.."
"Ehh..I understand all right.." Sailor Moon muttered.
"So they gave you your own room now?" Jupiter said.
"Well yeah..no use keeping me with the others..like that.besides..the Neo-Guardians were getting really annoying.." Steve said.
"I can believe that."
"They aren't bad fighters though."
"From what I hear.neither are you?"
"Well..we managed...but it hurt."
"I know..the burns..just what did you do again?"
"Ran straight into a fireball."
"And that was the only way to win."
"Believe me..it was," Steve moaned.
"Guess so..." Jupiter said. "Are you feeling better?"
"Oh..sure...and after Maverick told us all about the other dimension and we laughed for several hours..well that really helped," Steve said.
"What about the other dimension?"
"Oh..it's not that funny really," Steve said.
"Eh.."
"Anyway..you're okay..right?" Steve asked.
"Sure..a little confused..but all right."
"So the aliens are really a lost colony of humans right?"
"It seems that way."
"Well I guess I'd leave the planet too if I could."
"Really? You'd leave Earth?"
"Maybe..I guess it would depend on where I was going..but if a nice Earth like planet opened itself up...."
"You'd even leave me?"
"Well I'd hope you'd come with me."
"Oh..but why would I? I like the Earth."
"And all the invading aliens too?"
"No..but I just wouldn't want to leave."
"Fortunately the issue won't come up."
"I hope not...but what have you got against the Earth anyway?"
"Well..I have my reasons.." Steve said.
"Which are?" Jupiter asked.
"Lita..it's not that I don't want to tell you..it's just that I'd rather not."
Jupiter's eyes widened slightly.
"What?" she asked.
"Uh..let me rephrase that," Steve said.
"Ehh..." Jupiter said.
"Hmm..it would be a nice view..if I knew a bunch of plants weren't slowly creeping towards us.." Mars muttered glancing out the window of Rick's room. "And all the destruction."
"Yeah..destruction's bad," Rick muttered. "Not my first choice for a vacation spot.."
"I'd guess not," Mars said. "You feeling better?"
"Nope..." Rick said.
"Oh.."
"Believe me Raye...I don't like fighting ten armed creatures...." he said rubbing his chest. "Heck..I don't know if I'll ever be the same."
"Well..if you're a scout you'll heal eventually.."
"Yeah..well I've already died once..this isn't so bad."
"Don't remind me," Mars said her eyes watering. She sniffled. "I'm just glad you're okay?"
"Raye..is there something wrong?" Rick asked.
"I uh...no..of course..not.." Mars said turning towards the window.
"What is it?" Rick asked.
"It's nothing..really don't worry," Mars said.
"I think I'm kind of obligated to worry at his point," Rick said.
"It's just..I didn't want to see you all hurt like this..it just..it brings back too many memories of the past..."
"Oh.."
"Rick..why is it that you have to get hurt like this? You don't deserve it?"
"Well...apparently someone disagrees," Mars said with a smile.
"You're so brave..." Raye said. "You just swat this aside..but...I've been there..I've seen you killed in front of me Rick..I...just...don't want it to happen again..then I can't save you..."
"It's okay..Raye..a few days and bang I'm back to normal."
"I know..but.." Mars said. "You can't even understand what it's like.."
"I like to think I'm open minded about this sort of thing."
"Rick I don't want to explain it," Mars snapped.
"Oh..okay..I got ya.." Rick said. "Relax Mars..things are going to be fine."
"I wish I knew that," She said. "They're getting closer."
"So let me understand this.." Venus said. "You travel into the 30th century...."
"Uh huh," Mike said.
"And then travel to China...to battle evil from another galaxy...."
"Right.."
"And you just happen to meet a creature named Opium who can cause hallucinations."
"Yep.."
"You're lying."
"Am not.."
"I think you are."
"No I'm not."
"Only you could come up with it."
"The others will tell you."
"Well I don't trust them."
"Oh come on..why would I lie to you about that?" Venus asked.
"Because your name is Mike Leslie..and furthermore that you are Mike Leslie.." Venus said. She paused.
"That doesn't sound right at all," Venus said.
Mike started to laugh.
"Hey..it's not funny!" Venus snapped.
"So Venus..how does it feel to lose your mind?"
Venus growled and then stopped. "So if I'm insane that means I can get away with murder doesn't it?"
"Well..sure..why?" Mike asked.
"Why do you think?" Venus asked narrowing her eyes.
"Uh..we have no idea what 30th century law is like though..."
"Okay..I'll wait," Venus said.
"Somehow I thought you'd say that."
"How has it been?" Mercury asked sitting next to Greg.
"It's the first time I've intentionally detonated a missile before.." Greg said.
Mercury smiled.
"I guess it would be.." Mercury said.
"It's ironic. If he hadn't sent that thing after me I may never have beaten him."
"Yes..that's always been the problem with not having the hand to hand skills of the others," Mercury said. "Still..you have other talents."
"Yeah..I guess.." Greg said. "I'm just glad it's over...this part anyway."
"Don't worry..we'll handle the other trouble.." Mercury said.
"Heh.."
"What?"
"Oh..I was just thinking about how we had the same thing happening two years ago..you were sitting here concerned for my welfare...you know.."
Mercury nodded.
"Yes...that seems like so long ago...I know that sounds cliche..but I mean it."
"Time seems to have a different sort of meaning..and actually when you think about it..it was a long time ago."
Mercury grinned.
"Of course you're right."
"But I can't help wondering.." Greg said.
"What?"
"Well..this time..stuff..us meeting ourselves..this just isn't supposed to happen."
"I've thought about that."
"You don't have to worry about it..but I'm here talking to Neo-Saturn..and I don't get how it can work..he's my future self..so shouldn't he be receiving all the memories of me talking to him as I talk to him?"
"Hmm..there's probably something keeping everything in alignment..otherwise for all we know the universe could just explode."
"I'd hate to be the cause of that."
"Why? No one would know," Mercury said.
"You're right..thank goodness for that," Greg said.
The two started laughing.
Nehelenia stared at the projections appearing in front of her of the Kisenian flower.
"So..someone else has decided to interfere.." she said. "Well..whoever it is
wouldn't dare take me on..and besides..if they manage to lower Crystal Tokyo's
defenses so be it...still..I'll have to keep on it. Whatever it is."
"So far Nehelenia seems to be letting the flower keep going," Neo-Maverick said.
"Perhaps she does not sense her presence.." Sailor Saturn said.
"Unlikely," Neo-Maverick said.
"It is hard to know..." Sailor Saturn said. "Just what is going through their minds."
Neo-Maverick turned to see Maverick in thought by the door.
"You have an insight?" Neo-Maverick asked.
"This isn't the flower's style at all."
"What?" Neo-Maverick said.
"When has the Kisenian Flower ever been slow and careful? When she landed in London she just went out and attacked. The same was true in Tokyo..why would she need to get to our lines to attack..and besides...it's a wasteland out there..we'd notice her creeping up," Maverick said.
Neo-Maverick glanced at his map.
"You're right!" he shouted and dashed for the door.
"Wait..what's happening?" Sailor Saturn asked genuinely confused.
The two Mavericks hurried out the door.
"She only needed to gain enough strength to make an army..and she'll reach the edge within minutes..." Neo-Maverick said.
"I'm sorry..I should have seen it before," Maverick said.
"We both should have," Neo-Maverick said. "But...then again..we were hoping she wouldn't attack before we were ready."
"Right..and we're not ready" Maverick said.
"We can manage..but...with Nehelenia out there."
"So what's the plan?"
"Plan? The plan is we get the flower to make her move now without risking everything."
"I think I know how to do that."
"I thought you would."
They rounded a corner.
"Is something happening?" Sailor Uranus said appearing next to them.
"Yes," Neo-Maverick said.
"And that would be?" Sailor Neptune said.
"It's not even worth explaining," Neo-Maverick said. "You'll see."
The other Sailor Scouts headed into the command center to see Sailor Saturn studying the screens.
"What's happening?" Mars asked.
"I believe we are about to be attacked," Sailor Saturn said.
"You believe?" Jupiter asked.
"Yes..." Sailor Saturn said.
"Who's attacking?" Sailor Moon asked.
"The flowers."
"But I didn't think they were going to attack yet?" Venus asked.
"Neither did I?" Saturn said.
"But can't the energy wall keep them out?" Mercury asked.
"Perhaps..but it would be weakened..which would leave Nehelenia a chance to attack as well," Saturn said.
"Oh.." the five scouts said.
"Well we'd better get going," Sailor Moon said.
"I don't think that's necessary yet," Sailor Saturn said.
"What?" the others asked.
The two Mavericks, and Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune leapt out of the city towards the green fields beyond the city.
"Let's get her attention.." Uranus said. "Uranus World Shaking!"
"Neptune Deep Submerge!"
A layer of growth was blasted away. Seconds later the plants began to take on their true forms.
The group used their weapons and blasted away destroying as many plants as they could. The entire area seemed to swarm as more and more plants formed. Many more then could be simply blasted.
"Uh oh.." Neo-Maverick said.
"I never say uh oh..what is it?" Maverick asked.
"It doesn't really matter what she was planning..she's got millions of these things.." Neo-Maverick said.
"And that means...we don't have the forces to stop them.." Sailor Uranus said.
"Oh..." Maverick said.
"Back inside the walls now.." Neo-Maverick barked. The group all headed back.
The troops followed inside the energy wall. The plants all advanced and
surrounded the city.
"So it's going to be a siege.." Sailor Saturn said. "Strange..and they said she wasn't this careful."
"Well aren't we going to do something about this?" Sailor Moon asked.
"In time," Sailor Saturn said. "In time."
"Like what?" Mars asked.
"That I do not know," Sailor Saturn replied.
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