Chapter 239
Sailor Neptune raced down the darkened corridor still unable to see in front of her.
Why does this corridor even exist? She asked herself. An energy bolt flew down the hallway. She sensed it and dived out of the way.
That means the wizard is back. She thought. Which isn't good, since she can.
A bolt flew out of from the darkness. Neptune dodged it barely.
"Neptune Deep Submerge!" She shouted sending her attack flying down the corridor. She gasped for breath, but kept going fully aware that the amazons were right behind her.
I have to do something they don't expect, and before that wizard finally gets a bead on me. But what exactly? I'm no good at this. Though I guess I should try to become good at this if I ever survive this. Hmm..given the circumstances. I think I have a good idea.
She stopped.
"Wait!" She shouted. "I give up."
A barrage of energy blasts hit her and she fell unconcious.
"Uh..Hotaru..now that you know all thats happened..how do you feel?" Rick asked.
"I feel confused. I do not understand what is happening," Hotaru said. "I can sense nothing."
"Well.you are on a different planet."
"So I am, but still...it is annoying."
"Well..you can't have everything I guess. But I'm here."
"So?"
"I'll do what I can."
"I guess you will. Where are the others?"
"I don't know."
"I see. And what exactly are you doing here?"
"The king and his friends don't exactly want me going anywhere. They're afraid I might tip the balance of power," Rick said.
"Your friends are out there."
"Yes, that's true Hotaru, but they aren't going to let me go, and they've got a point. They say the scouts are spread out. You know that. So once each group has an equal number, they'll cancel each other out."
"No they won't," Hotaru said. "More fighting will begin."
"You think so?"
"I'm sure of it and I'm leaving."
"Hotaru..they won't let you leave."
"Too bad, Saturn Planet Power," she said and transformed. She started towards the window.
"Hotaru can we at least plan this out?"
"You will come with me?"
"Yes, but I won't have you running off alone. There's better ways then just jumping out the window.
"They can't stop us."
"Tijiro can."
"He stopped you. Not me," Saturn said.
"Trust me, he's dangerous, and they've got other wizards and such."
"If they possess the power, what are needed for."
"Uh..I think it's because we're so powerful, with so little effort."
"But they have the power."
"I don't know Hotaru," Rick said.
"Address me as Sailor Saturn."
"Uh..yes..fine..Saturn, listen if Greg were here he'd tell me the same thing."
Saturn paused.
"Do not use his name to get what you want," she said holding her scythe menacingly. "Now..how do you propose we escape?"
"Give me some time to observe what's going on around here, and then we'll figure it out. But Hotaru, just how did you get here? You don't seem to think they're capable of stopping you?"
"I walked up to the palace gates and identified myself."
"Oh..why?"
"Because I figured this is where I would find some answers."
"Guess you figured right."
"Partially," Saturn said. "Will they allow us to walk around the palace?"
"Sure," Rick said.
"Then let's do that."
"Uh..all right," Rick said.
The two were soon walking out. Tijiro slid up.
"Hello..." he said. "You two glad to see each other?"
"No. I do not experience positive emotion at that level," Saturn said. "However, there is some level of material satisfaction."
"Sorry you asked aren't you?" Rick asked with a grin.
"Listen Rick, about you and Sakuro," Tijiro said.
"Tijiro, I'm trying to stay out of this," Rick said.
"And I know you are, but the King may try to drag you into it, if nothing else to try to get me to prove I love Sakuro," Tijiro said.
"So prove it to him, and to her," Rick said.
"Why do you spend so much time wasted on matters such as love?" Saturn asked. "Can't you see there are much more important things to be dealt with?"
"If you felt love you'd understand," Tijiro said. "I have to find out how to prove I love Sakuro. I'll see you later," he walked off.
"Good luck," Rick said.
"Do you think he will suceed?" Saturn asked.
"It really doesn't matter."
"That is true enough," Saturn said.
"They were trying to get me involved, but I've got my own problems."
"That seems obvious."
"RICK!" came a cry. He whirled. Princess Sakuro hurried down the hall and grabbed a hold of him.
"What..what..." Rick said.
"I'm so glad I found you my darling."
"Darling?" Saturn muttered.
"Rick..we must spend some time together, you know to talk," Sakuro said.
"No..listen..Sakuro..I don't know what you're up to but.." Rick said.
"I know it's just your friendship with Tijiro holding you back from declaring your love..but in private we can talk."
"Sakuro! No. I'm not in love with you get off of me," Rick said.
"Don't tease a princess!" Sakuro said and threw him into a wall.
"Ouch.." Saturn muttered.
"And just who are you?" Sakuro asked.
"She's a friend of mine," Rick said.
"In theory that is true," Saturn replied.
"Well..butt out, this is a personal matter," Sakuro said.
"No it isn't," Rick said. "Sakuro, Tijiro loves you, go bother him."
"I'll never love that arogant...man..but you..I love..and I know you share these feelings."
"You wanted me executed just a few days ago."
"Well I thought you were a spy and a louse..but now I see you're true nature."
"How?" Rick said.
Sakuro moved to hug him. Saturn barred her way and stepped in front of her.
"He has someone," She said.
"What?" Sakuro asked. "Who?"
"You wouldn't know her," Rick said. "But I love her a lot, and she loves me back. I can't abandon her."
"You can too.." Sakuro said.
"I will not allow it," Sailor Saturn said.
"You...you're her!" Sakuro said.
"No..wait.." Rick said.
"Yes..well..we'll see..." Sakuro said. "I'll be back my love," She said and hurried off.
"I did not get a chance to correct her," Saturn said.
"Why did you stand up for me anyway?"
"You looked like you need the situation."
"I guess it was," Rick said. "Thanks."
"I doubt the situation has improved very much though."
"Hmm..I think you're right there."
"We must move up our escape plans."
"Good idea."
Back in the resistance mountain.
"You should have been more careful," Visara said.
"It came out okay," Sy said.
"It might not have," Visara said. "Do you know what would have happened if the enemy captured Sailor Moon?"
"Yes I do."
"You be more careful or we'll all be in trouble. Got it!"
"Yes.."
Sy walked over to where Serena and Haruka were sitting.
"I'm sorry Sy, I didn't mean to get you into trouble," Serena said.
"It's okay, no problem," Sy said. "It happens. It was my fault."
"No it's mine, I tried to tell Visara said," Serena said.
"Don't worry," Sy said. "I'll make it up to her."
"All you can do," Haruka said.
"Visara's planning the next operation now that she has our scouting report on the army," Sy said. "Of course she sent someone else out to check the other army, because we sorta messed up."
"The eagle will listen to someone else?" Haruka asked.
"Yes...but very feel people can fly her," Sy said. "I'm the only one in real touch with her."
Haruka nodded.
"So just what do you think we're going to do next?" Serena asked.
"I don't know," Sy said. 'Probably give them a black eye. Try and get them to stop."
"Do you honestly think you can stop them?" Haruka asked.
"Well now that we've got you two," Sy said.
"I never said I'd fight for you," Haruka said.
"I thought.." Sy said.
"I haven't made up my mind," Haruka said. "I don't think you can win."
"Why not?" Sy asked.
"Because just knocking down their troops isn't going to accomplish anything," Haruka said.
"That's not just what we're doing," Sy said. "We attack their supplies, steal their horsks."
"Oh..gureilla tactics. They haven't seemed to do much good," Haruka said.
"We've held two full armies off for months," Sy said. "Only now they've gotten this far."
"But they have gotten this far. Just how do you expect to remove them from your territory?" Haruka asked.
"We don't, that's the beauty of it," Sy said.
"What is?" Haruka asked.
"We've held them off awhile, embarrased their governments and such, and now Zaiesk is going to invade," Sy said.
"Why is that a good thing?" Haruka and Serena found themselves saying.
"Because Zaiesk plans to annihilate both of the other armies," Sy said.
"Yes, but if your plan all along was to get Zaiesk to hit both the armies, wouldn't the best thing be for you to leave the other armies at their full strength, and then attack the remnants of the combat between them?"Haruka asked.
"If the two full armies were there, Zaiesk wouldn't attack," Sy said.
"This is complex, I'm going to get some butte pie," Serena said.
"Some what?" Haruka asked.
"I told you once you tried it you would like it," Sy said.
"What are you talking about?" Haruka asked in surprise.
"It's just a food, it has nothing to do with what you might think," Serena said.
"Oh..okay.." Haruka said. "Uh..so..Sy..why exactly is this all part of some
grand plan again?"
Sailor Neptune opened her eyes to find herself looking up at both Sailor Mars and Sailor Venus.
"Glad you're back with us," Mars said.
"Why'd you run?" Venus asked.
"I'm not sure," Neptune said. "Perhaps I kept running because I was so vigorously pursued."
"They just don't want to lose track of you," Mars said.
"Yeah, if the male resistance got you..." Venus said.
"Never mind them...I'm more worried about your amazon friends," Neptune said.
"The point is that they were desperate, they overeacted, see you're fine?" Mars asked.
"So what did she show you?" Neptune asked.
"This mirror had these memores in it. It told us all about the reasons we need to help the amazons out," Mars said.
"And those reasons are?" Neptune asked.
"We can't tell you," Venus said. "They're sacred. Only those that view the mirror can see them."
"Why are they sacred?" Neptune asked.
The two shrugged.
"Convenient," Neptune said.
"They'll let you see the mirror, then you'll understand," Mars said. "We need to go to the zone and get the power there."
"Why do we need the power?" Neptune asked.
"It's all in the mirror, it's so clear," Venus said.
Neptune glanced at both of them.
"Tell you what I'll do instead, I'll take your word for it," Neptune said.
Venus glanced at Mars.
"Well you have been awfully suspicious," Mars said. "I guess I could understand you thinking this is some sort of trick or brainwashing. But I think they'll accept that."
"Yeah, they're reasonable," Venus said.
"Then it's agreed," Neptune said. "Now what are we doing then?"
"Heading to the zone, to get the power," Mars said.
"You guys have no problems with this?" Neptune asked.
"It's entirely justified," Venus said.
"Yeah, we have to go," Mars said.
"These memories, neither of you believe they could be false?" Neptune asked.
"Neptune..I have a small esp power...it's telling me it's true," Mars said.
"Uh..and I trust them," Venus said.
"Hmm...if you insist," Neptune said. "But listen..I'll just watch your backs. After all that makes the most sense right?"
"Guess so," Mars said.
Venus nodded.
Neptune smiled back.
"Are you all right Lord Rekar?" Amy asked.
"What happened?" Rekar asked waking up.
"You got hit with an energy attack?" Amy said.
"How long have I been our," Rekar said.
"Uh...well it's morning," Amy said.
"Oh right..different time periods," Rekar said. "Did you find them?"
"No..I had to stay here with you," Amy said.
"Are they're any troops around?"
"I haven't seen any," Amy said. "I didn't want to leave you alone to get them. You should be recovered."
"Yes..I just feel a little tired. Guess I should. They got the drop on us didn't they?"
"Yes..it came out of nowhere..I'm sorry..I was trying," Amy said.
"It's all right...you're doing your best," Rekar said.
"Uh...yes..I guess so."
They heard a rustling. Amy whirled. Guardian Pluto leapt in front of her. Mike landed nearby.
"Mike..Steve.." Amy said in surprise.
"Hi ya Amy, what brings you to thse parts," Mike said.
"Uh..long story," Amy said. "But..you two have got to stop doing what you're doing."
"What are we doing? You mean running from these soldiers who seem very intent on killing us?" Pluto asked.
"They weren't going to kill you," Lord Rekar said.
"And who might you be?" Mike asked.
"Lord Rekar," Rekar said.
"Oh..so would you happen to be in charge of all these soldiers?"
"Somewhat," Rekar said.
"So..Amy..what are you doing with this goon?" Mike asked.
"He's not a goon," Amy said. "He found me unconcious near his city. He told me you two had been mislead into spying for another country."
"There are countries here?" Pluto asked.
"Yeah, we landed in this wilderness, we've just been trying to survive," Mike said.
"How'd you know we were here anyway?" Pluto asked looking at Rekar.
"I have my reasons. Listen..do you believe you can trust me now that you've found your friend?"
Mike glanced at Pluto.
"Well..we don't know..we've been chased through most of this forest," Mike said.
"Yeah, it's not exactly my idea of fun," Pluto said.
"I see..you do have a point. And I am not sure of your motives either," Rekar said. "We should discuss this further."
"We came in alone, they're are no soldiers around," Amy said.
"We know," Pluto said.
"That's why we decided to show up," Mike said.
"Why did you come back?" Amy asked.
"Come back?" Mike asked.
"We've been moving forward," Pluto said.
The two glanced at each other.
"We must have turned around in the darkness," Mike said worriedly.
"You imbecile," Pluto snapped.
"Mike..you know you hit Lord Rekar with an energy attack last night," Amy said.
"I did? Woah..sorry..I think," Mike said. "But..we were just being careful."
"I know, no hard feelings," Rekar said. "Still...you lead us on quite a chase."
"We still might if we don't work this out right now," Mike said.
"True enough," Rekar said.
Meanwhile a large group of horsks road across the ground. Greg sat behind Vitar on one as they moved quickly.
"I will teach you how to ride one if we get the chance," Vitar said. "It shouldn't take too long."
"It's relatively simple in concept, but in practice I've heard it's tough," Greg said.
"If your horses are anything like our horsks, that's probably true. But for the easy stuff I wouldn't worry."
"Yeah..so how far is it to the army?"
"Not far at all.." Vitar said. "We've already been passing some pickets."
"Oh..good.." Greg said. "I hope I'll be able to help with this, and hopefully, the scouts and I can settle things."
"Yes..that would be a good thing," Vitar said. "We spend too much time at war you know. This is just the culmination of it."
"I'm sorry to hear it. At least you don't kill anyone."
"That's true. It will be a terrible day when we do. Still..you gotta watch the other countries, you don't know what they might pull."
"I'm sure they watch you as well."
"It's their right," Vitar said. "And here we are."
Greg could see the army stretching as far as he could see all lined up and ready.
"Impressive," he said.
"We're quite proud of it," Vitar said with a grin.
"So you've agreed to help?" the amazon said.
"Yes..but you try to show me that mirror and I'll blow it out of your hand," Neptune said.
"All right," the amazon said. "I will accept your aid anyway."
"So what are we going to be doing?" Mars asked.
"Well..we have yet to actually declare war, we will wait until the two armies had finished themselves off, then move in," the amazon said. "You three will be especially useful beforehand though. You will help us get rid of the resistance."
"By get rid of what do you mean?" Neptune asked.
"Capture them and remove from their fortifications, that will do," the amazon said. "With them gone, the area will be wide open."
"You want us to do that now?" Venus said.
"Yes..they're in the way. I understand what they want. And they'll get it after the war is over. We will return the zone to them, once we have taken the power. But they'll attack us for sure because they don't trust us," the amazon said.
"Wonder why," Neptune said with a grin.
"Once they are defeated and hear our terms I'm sure they will be agreeable," the amazon said. "They're only there about the territory anyway," the amazon said.
"Yeah..I guess that makes sense," Venus said.
"Besides, when they see you, they may just surrender to prevent any unneccesary pain," The amazon said.
"Or they may fight to the last," Neptune said.
"Which we would respect. Now..we must make preparations."
"If you're right, it's brilliant," Haruka said.
"We knew we couldn't stand alone against one enemy, let alone four," Sy said. "But we have more weapons at our disposal then they think, and most of them we haven't even used yet. Our small numbers are inconsequential."
"It can matter," Haruka said. "But I'll go along with this. I don't trust you, I don't trust anyone, but something tells me that this is where I should be anyway..so I'll come along."
"Visara will be glad to hear it," Sy said.
"Hear what?" Visara asked walking up flanked by Serena.
"Haruka is going to join us," Sy said.
"That's good, if she wasn't I was going toss her of the mountain," Visara said.
"Doubtful," Haruka said. "I have heard of your plan, it is very ingenius."
"Uh..thank you," Visara said. "With you two scouts, I think we'll be able to really do some damage. Right now though we wait and see what happens. I've sent out some people to observe their next move. We just wait for any openings that come along."
"Does that mean we're going to be bored?" Serena asked.
"I guess at times," Visara said.
"Oh..that stinks," Serena said.
"How are you their leader?" Visara moaned. "You're a terrible example."
"No she's not," Haruka said. "Serena may have her faults, but we all do. In fact given the circumstances that exist, it is impossible for someone to do everything right. Serena has stood up for her friends and for her planet hundreds of times, she's risked her life, and always been willing to sacrifice to save others. So..don't criticize her ability as a scout again Visara."
"Uh..sorry.." Visara said. "I didn't know."
Serena grinned.
"Thank you Haruka."
"You're welcome," Haruka said.
Visara headed off.
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