Chapter 235
The eagle came in for a landing and Sy, Serena, and Visara climbed off. They approached a cave lit by some strange looking torches.
"What is this place?" Serena asked.
"The home of the grand wizardess Mirsala," Sy said.
"So..just what's going to happen?" Serena said.
"We find out where you're from," Visara said.
"I've told you where I'm from," Serena said.
"We have to be sure," Visara said.
"Visara has a point Serena. They've sent spies into our midst before."
"Fine..let's just get this over with," Serena said. The three headed further and further into the cave.
"So..this wizardess, what's she doing up here?" Serena asked.
"She prefers to be reclusive," Sy said. "I don't know why."
"She has her reasons I'd guess," Visara said.
"But what does she do?" Serena said.
"Uh..that's a little hard to explain," Sy said.
"It's also not important, she will tell us what we need to know," Visara said.
"Are we there yet?" Serena muttered.
The two glanced at her.
Tijiro and Rick were soon riding horses towards the palace gate.
"You might want to use that power of yours," Tijiro said. "We don't know what we may encounter out there."
"Oh..of course," Rick said and transformed.
"I mean it is just a ride through the city, but one never knows," Tijiro said. "I'm surprised you know how to ride a horsk."
"Why?"
"Well..I wouldn't think they'd have any on your planet?"
"We've got plenty of them. Anyway..I had some lessons several years ago."
"Here the skill is inate, everyone knows how to ride, and most know well."
"Good for you," Uranus said.
The gates opened and the two emerged. Uranus could see the city was lined with beautifully curved buildings as well as steeples.
"What do you think?" Tijiro asked.
"I'm not a fan of this kind of architecture, still I guess it's all right," Uranus said.
Tijiro grinned slightly.
"This is just the imperial sector. Our country has many areas, each with their own style," Tijrio said.
Uranus nodded.
"Our country is the oldest one in existence. We were formed hundreds of years before the others, interestingly enough we took in people from all the areas, they settled expanded their culture developed different ones, it's a very mixed group."
"Sounds interesting. Is it peaceful?" Uranus asked.
"Relatively, we keep ourselves out of wars, and we keep internal matters under control. Things are pretty good around here," Tijiro asked.
"No poor?"
"Well yes, but it's all on a relative scale. Every family here eats. Our medicine is advanced by other standards. Our country is more civilized, and the fact that we don't fight wars keeps our treasury well balanced," Tijiro said.
"Wars are pretty useless," Uranus said. "I agree."
"We figured that out years ago."
"I'll bet you did. So..tell me more about this country of yours."
"I think it'd be better to show you. This city allows me to do that," Tijiro said.
"Fair enough," Uranus said.
"So..how were your discussions with the wizard?"
"Interesting. He told me what was going on. I am a little annoyed at the fact I can't search for my friends, but I also know that you guys aren't just going to let me go."
"That's true, I'm not in the business of restricting freedom, however, if you were to try gallop off you'd be stopped by the time you got several blocks away. We're very good at internal policing."
"I figured. And I figure the others will find me eventually."
"That's a possibility. Still things are complex. If your friends are in the other countries the governments will undoubtedly be trying to use their powers as well."
Uranus nodded.
"However, once it spreads it out the problem is solved. You know that. It's just a matter of waiting. In the meantime...let's try and have some fun, I know where we can do it."
"Oh?"
Tijiro grinned.
"Are things satisfactory?" Janus asked.
"We're all eating well," Greg said. "But..they can't live in the school."
"I know, we've made a deal with a hotel, they will put up all the students and the teachers, there they can rest, and get free meals," Janus said.
"That's good to hear," Greg said. "I know there's a war going on and I'm glad you can spare the resources."
"With you here, the war may end much more quickly," Janus said. "But with that settled, would you please come with me."
"Where are we going?"
"To see the government council," Janus said.
"Uh..well let me tell everybody the good news first," Greg said.
"Of course..then we will send some government representatives to help the others to the hotel," Janus said.
"Uh..I'd better be there when we move them."
"Hmm..you're right, to prevent panic. All right let's move them now and then we'll go see the government."
"Good idea," Greg said.
"There finally, a town," Guardian Neptune said.
"Neptune, you know I don't think we can stay as scouts much longer," Guardian Pluto said.
"We'll change back once we have a place to hide."
"All right."
"But here we can get food."
"Steal food you mean."
"They're already trying to arrest us."
"Good point," Pluto said. "Let's go before our powers fail us."
"I'm with you," Neptune said. The two soon were heading towards the two
intent on finally eating.
"There is is," Azura said. Venus and Mars looked to see a large citadel rising out of the ground.
"Wow.." Venus said. "That's big."
"Tokyo's bigger," Mars said.
"Tokyo? Is that your capital," Azura said.
"Our much larger capital, yes," Mars said.
"How interesting," Azura said. "I always believed our city was the largest."
"Sorry," Mars said.
"Still your city looks nice," Venus said. "Says something about only women being in control, does that mean that you can order guys to uh..romance you."
"No..." Azura said.
"Oh.." Venus said.
"Still..the power we have does entice men to volunteer their services," Azura said.
"That's more like it," Venus said.
"Venus, what would be the point?" Mars asked. "Anything you set up here can't last."
"I don't know how long I'll be here," Venus said.
"That's awfully short sighted," Mars muttered.
"What's your problem. Why are you such a spoil sport."
"Maybe it's because you're getting way into this, have you considered just what is going on?"
"Sure..a little..I guess..." Venus said. "But there's no point in worrying about it."
"Worrying about it is what saved your life," Mars said.
"Not necessarily, I probably would have agreed to help those guys until they let me go," Venus said. "Your help was not necessary."
"That's the thanks we get," Mars said.
"I guess we could saving me pays me back for ignoring my singing talent."
"No it doesn't, I won't let that count," Mars said. "I did more for you then that."
"Now you're being a jerk," Venus said.
"I am not," Mars said. "You're the one being immature."
"Please girls, it's very important that you contain yourselves," Azura said. "The government doesn't have time to mediate your squabbles."
Venus and Mars just glared at each other.
"This is a large cave isn't it?" Sy observed.
"What's this wizardess's problem anyway?" Serena muttered.
"I suggest you be a little more respectful, she could vaporize you, you know," Visara said. "Which might be the best solution to this problem."
"You're so mean," Serena whined.
They made it finally to a door.
"Just how did that get there?" Serena asked.
"You wouldn't understand ancient civlizations, stop being so ignorant," Visara said.
"Who wishes to enter?" came a voice.
"I knew that was coming," Serena muttered. "This is like watching Slayers or something."
"What?" Sy asked.
"Never mind," Visara muttered. "Wizardess, I Visara come to speak with you."
"Why?"
"I wish to discern the identity of this girl," Visara said.
"I told you I was Serena Tsukino, age 16, what more do you need?" Serena muttered.
"Shut up," Visara said. "Wizardess, please grant me your wisdom."
The doors swung open. Visara stepped forward. The other two followed.
The room was dark, but light appeared seemingly out of nowhere leading up to a small wooden seat. A young wizardess sat there.
"She looks...like she's..eight?" Serena said in shock.
"Appearances can be decieving Serena Tsukino, Princess of the Moon," the wizardess said hopping off of her chair.
"Princess of the Moon?" Visara asked in shock.
"Yes..you can untie her Visara, she is no threat to you," the wizardess said.
Visara nodded to Sy, who untied her. Serena began to stretch.
"It's about time!" she muttered. "Told ya."
"So she is an outworlder," Visara said.
"Of course she is Visara," the wizardess said. "Couldn't you tell?"
"She did not understand our questions, but then again we figured she could be a spy," Visara said.
"You can be such an idiot sometimes Visara," the wizardess muttered.
"Now wait a minute," Visara stammered. Sy started laughing.
"Never mind," the wizardess said. "You were right to bring here to check though. So..what brings you to our planet."
"I don't know," Serena said. "Why don't you tell me?"
"I could do that," the wizardess said. "And I think I will. Visara listen closely all right."
"Stop patronizing me!" Visara said.
"Uh..by the way how old are you?" Serena asked.
"Nine hundred, but I like inhabiting the body of a cute little girl. Aren't I cute?" the wizardess said.
"Very," Serena said with a smile.
"Oh..thank you so much," the wizardess said.
Visara sighed.
"What is it Visara?" The wizardess snapped.
"Nothing!" Visara snapped. "You're crazy!"
The wizardess grinned.
"How immature. Anyway..." she said and hopped up on her chair. "Let me tell
you about what's happening.
"So..what is this place?" Uranus asked as he and Tijiro walked up to a large dome shaped building.
"It is the arena," Tijiro said.
"What for?" Uranus asked.
"The greatest sport even developed," Tijiro said.
"Which is?"
"Otri."
"Never heard of it."
"Well of course. Anyway..as a royal knight I can get us good seats."
"Good," Uranus said. "I like good seats."
They headed into the arena. Uranus glanced around seeing that the ground was dirt and shaped in a random six sided shape. Wooden seats surrounded the playing area. There were circles drawn in some sort of chalk, and some lines. Uranus couldn't make much sense of it.
He did see there was several openings under the seats that most likely lead to wherever the athletes came through.
"How is this game played?" Uranus asked.
"It can't be explained," Tijiro said with a grin.
"Is that Princess Sakuro?" Uranus asked looking across the arena at a well set up box.
"Oh..yes..she presides over the games a lot," Tijiro said. "I knew you and her haven't been getting along so I thought we should sit over here."
"Fine..fine.." Uranus said. "Just curious."
Sakuro rose from her chair.
"Otri will begin at my command," She said. A man emerged from an opening with a ball in his hand. He laid it in the center of the court.
The crowd went silent.
"BEGIN!" Sakuro shouted.
Out of all of the openings, several groups of people dressed in different color outfits raced onto the court and began to fight with each other.
"What?" Uranus said in surprise.
"Interesting isn't it?"
"What does the ball have to do with it?"
"That comes into play later," Tijiro said.
Uranus glanced at him in surprise.
"So what is going on?"
"Well...the last two teams left standing actually get to play in the game itself."
"Oh..." Uranus said. "This is how it's always done."
"Uh huh," Tijiro said.
Uranus sighed.
"You say we got transported here..but how?" Serena asked.
"Ah..interesting you should ask that," The wizardess said hopping off of her chair. She began to pace. "You see..this planet exists galaxies away from your own normally, but not at the moment because we are in a different dimension then the one you came from. The countries just don't know that."
"How?" Serena asked.
"When one moves beyond the physical realms things become very random, very uncertain. You see normally, it would be impossible to transport anyone from your Earth to our planet. We are just too far apart. The energy evolved would be enormous. Anyway..the solution, crack open the dimensional barrier and slip this planet inside."
"Uh..just exactly how is that done?"
"I don't know..it just happened."
"But what does that accomplish?" Visara asked.
"You're looking at her," the wizardess said. "You see, we moved the planet into a dimension that exists in a different form, and as such we moved to a position right near the Earth of your world. Then bang..open up a dimensional portal and you come through."
"But if we're in a different dimension, what does that mean and when do we return to our own?" Serena asked.
"See that's the thing, this planet is interestingly enough a traveller between the two dimensions."
"This is so outrageous," Visara said.
"Then shut up," the wizardess said. "Serena, do you have any experiences with different dimensions."
"Uh...yeah, but I've learned nothing from it."
"Uh..I see.." the wizardess said. "Okay look.."
She put a rock on the ground, then another.
"There are two dimensions.." she said. "Occasionally they overlap."
"Okay.." Serena said. "So they do."
"So..sometimes, this planet pops into the other dimension. Do not ask why this is so, accept it."
"Okay," Serena said.
"So..when this happens, what I just told you occurs."
"Okay," Serena said.
"Now..this happens about every year, which is about six of your own months," the wizardess said.
"Okay," Serena said. "Now the last time we changed dimensions, a portal was opened up, but you see the people doing it thought they were just transporting you across space."
"Why us?"
"I'll explain later."
"Okay," Serena said.
"Please stop saying okay," the wizardess said.
"O...right.." Serena said.
Visara grinned.
"Anyway..we have since moved out of range which means you're stuck here for six months."
"What?" Serena said. "That's awful."
"You'll survive I hope," the wizardess said. "Now..so now that we've handled that part of it. Who do you think opened the portal?"
"No idea."
"Take a guess."
"Someone on the planet."
"Uh..okay..we'll skip the guessing. Anyway, the four countries managed to open it in their efforts. See all of them have magic, and magic items. They all attempted to use them to pull through some of you to help them, but in the process, they opened the passage up wider and dragged you and your entire school through."
"The school's here?"
"Yes, it is, and so the four countries managed to get a select group of each of you, and it'll take all of them to send you all back," the wizardess said. ":Which is a problem at the moment."
"Why?" Serena asked.
"Because two of the countries are at war, and all four of them rarely agree on anything."
"But wait a sec, how'd I end up in this zone with Visara?" Serena asked. "She doesn't seem capable of dragging me here."
"Watch it you," Visara said.
"Quite true," the wizardess said. "I interfered in the process, cause I felt like it. I pulled you and one of your friends here."
"Who?"
"You will run into her later out there. There are a few more things to discuss. I told you about the prophecy about how you outworlders will change the face of this continent. You're going to have to if you ever want to get home."
"What does the prophecy say about us getting home?"
"It doesn't go into it."
"Great," Serena muttered. "Well just what do I have to do?"
"I don't know. The prophecy says it will be the outworlders themselves that know what to do."
"As long as you're here," Visara said. "You can help us fight of the armies invading."
"What do they want anyway?"
"Me of course," The wizardess said. "They want the knowledge I have as well, as the tons of gold embedded in the cave below."
"Oh..I see," Serena said.
"They don't think our country means anything, but we'll show them," Visara said.
"You call your little band in a cave a country?" Serena asked.
"It's not just us," Visara said. "Now that I know I can trust you, I'll tell you all you need to know, provided you will help you."
"I'll have to see, I don't exactly know what you're fighting for here."
"Whatever," Visara said.
"Visara go easy on her. She could have escaped from you whenever she wished," the wizardess said.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that Serena could have managed to get a hold of her power stick and turn into the power that you want. She then would have had no trouble beating all of you. But she held back."
"You did?" Visara asked.
"I was giving you the benefit of the doubt," Serena said.
"Oh..well..uh..thank you. But right now we have business."
"Wait..you were going to tell me why we were picked to be the outworlders," Serena said.
"Oh that. I don't know why..it just came up."
"That can't be it," Serena said.
"I'm afraid that's all there is to it."
"Jeez..that's not very impressive."
"There may be another reason. I don't know what it is though."
"Thanks for getting them to let me go," Serena said.
"Of course," The wizardess said.
"We may need to come back," Visara said.
"Of course Visara, but try to do something on your own all right?" the wizardess said.
"You're so mean," Visara muttered and the three walked out.
"You say they came through here?" Lord Rekar asked.
"Yes..Lord Rekar, they stole some food," a townspoerson said.
"Stole food?" Sailor Mercury asked in surprise.
"Desperate aren't they?" Lord Rekar said.
"Apparently so," Mercury said.
"Hmm..so what hapened when they showed up?"
"We immediately suspected them of being enemy spies. They trashed several of our houses and blasted some of the people using some sort of new magic. Then they took the food and hurried off."
"They couldn't have gotten far," Mercury said. "Their energy level must have dropped by now."
"Hmm..then we will spread out and search," Lord Rekar. "Just in case I have sent for Materic."
"Materic?" Mercury asked startled by the name.
"Yes, he is our best warrior."
"Oh..I see," Mercury said. "I don't think he'll be necessary, Neptune and Pluto have never been that much of a problem."
"Perhaps, still..they are quite dangerous right now."
"I agree," Mercury said.
"Well..let's keep moving. We'll find them."
Mercury nodded.
CHAPTER 231 CHAPTER 232 CHAPTER 233 CHAPTER 234 CHAPTER 235
CHAPTER 236 CHAPTER 237 CHAPTER 238 CHAPTER 239 CHAPTER 240
CHAPTER 241 CHAPTER 242 CHAPTER 243 CHAPTER 244 CHAPTER 245
CHAPTER 246 CHAPTER 247 CHAPTER 248 CHAPTER 249 CHAPTER 250
CHAPTER 251 CHAPTER 252 CHAPTER 253 CHAPTER 254 CHAPTER 255