Chapter 241

Four days had passed. Setsuna Meio still lay unconcious in a bed at the hotel the humans were all staying in.

"No improvement doctor?" Miss Haruna asked one the medical experts.

"Well..it's hard for me to say," The doctor said. "I don't know exactly what's wrong with her. Only that's she under some kind of physical stress. It seems the only thing we can do is wait."

"But you have magicians right? Can't they heal her or something?" Haruna asked.

"Hmm...no..but I had not thought of a possibility of magic playing into the cause of her problem in the first place.. Still..if she was hit with some sort of magic that might explain it....I will send for one of the wizards..he will look at her."

"Thank you."

The doctor nodded and headed out. Miss Haruna looked in on Setsuna with concern.

Just what happened to you? She thought.

"There's no way we can sneak out of here, it's hopeless," Rick said leaning against the window of his guest room. "And Sakuro's chasing me everywhere."

"I could kill her," Hotaru said.

"Hotaru..no.."

"Well.considering they need us and all. It would make sense that they would have to accept it," Hotaru said.

"You can't be serious."

"I didn't say I would do it, merely that I probably could."

"I don't want you killing anyone," Rick said. "Not yet anyway."

Hotaru nodded.

"Then again..if we took her hostage, they would have to let us leave," Hotaru said.

Rick glanced at her.

"You're right," he said. "But..I'm not sure I want her as a hostage."

"Hmm..point taken," Hotaru said.

"And Tijiro would be pretty angry," Rick said.

"True."

"Still....that gives me an idea," Rick said.

"What?"

"I'll tell you later," Rick said and headed towards the door.

"Where are you going then?" Hotaru asked.

"Uh..I'll be back don't worry."

"But this is your room."

"Uh..well..uh..I guess I'll meet you in yours."

"Very well," Hotaru said.

Minutes later.

"Tijiro..have I got the plan for you," Rick said.

"Which is?" Tijiro asked with annoyance.

"Depressed huh?"

"I'm beginning to believe Sakuro doesn't have any feelings for me."

"What was your first guess?" Rick muttered.

"So anyway..what is your plan?"

"The plan is that I kidnap the princess for you."

"What?"

"No..listen..then..you can come and rescue her. She'll be indebted to you, and bam..first date."

"Hmm..." Tijiro said and grinned. "You wouldn't be trying to use this an excuse to escape would you?"

"Maybe..maybe not, but does that matter?" Rick asked.

"I'm not sure," Tijiro said. "It might."

"Let me know when you've figured it out," Rick said.

"I will," Tijiro said.

Rick headed out.

"Oh..Prince..Richard!" came a cry.

"Sakuro! No..not now!" Rick said and raced down the hall.

Tijiro grinned.

"But Richard, I can give you more than love, I can give you property!" Sakuro shouted.

"Not interested," Rick said.

"Our children will be well bred!"

Rick sighed and kept running.

"Hah!" General Tarsuk said looking at a battle map. "We are soon in a position to flank the enemy. They will be driven from the field in disarray."

Vitar glanced at the map.

"Are you sure about that intelligence General?" He asked.

"Vitar, my staff is very good at what they do," Tarsuk said.

"I'm not doubting that, it's just that flank seems a little too exposed."

"Listen Vitar, I'm the general here. If you're not sure, go check it yourself, and take your Guardian scout friend with you!"

"Very well," Vitar said and nodded to Saturn.

"Fool's going to destroy his army," Vitar said.

"But we are going to see if he's right aren't we?" Saturn asked.

"Of course, but what we'll find is that he's wrong," Vitar said. "Then we'll have to come up with something."

"Like what?"

"Don't know yet. We should hurry."

The two were soon riding off on a horsk.

"Hah!" General Tresia said starring at a battle map. "We are soon in a position to surprise and envelop the enemy forces. Victory will be ours."

"Excellent work Reisla," Lord Rekar said.

"But what if they find out about your complex maneuver?" Sailor Mercury asked.

"They won't," Tresia said.

"But if they do, you leave yourself open to a counterattack and.."

"Sailor Mercury, I realize you are quite intelliegent," Tresia said. "But I have been in the army for thirty seven years, I am well aware of the situation."

"I'm sorry," Sailor Mercury said.

"You're just trying to be careful," Tresia said. "Still..if you wish..you may head out to that part of the front, your power could be quite useful if things were to turn sour."

"Uh..yes sir."

"I will accompany you," Lord Rekar said and soon they were riding off.

"Uh..Lord Rekar? Where have Guardian Neptune and Pluto gone too?"

"Oh..we sent them out on a reconascience mission to search for the resistance with several of our troops," Rekar said. "I didn't get a chance to tell you before."

"I see...well..I guess.that's a good place for them."

"We thought they'd be the most useful there at the moment."

"I'm sorry I was butting in..I just..I'm no tactician..but.."

"Mercury, the way we fight battles now, risks are necessary, each side has stalemated each other hundreds of times, only the strange and new tactics get us anywhere."

"I see.." Mercury said.

"The only reason we didn't send you three in is we don't know how many scouts are on the other side, as soon as we find out, well..then we'll throw you three into real action."

"I see," Mercury said. "Whatever is necessary."

Rekar nodded.

"Look at this thing! It's just staring at us!" Guardian Neptune muttered.

"Quiet," One of the soldiers said.

"Sorry..but..." Neptune said.

"Yes I see what you mean," The soldiers said. The group was all staring at one of the staring animals.

"Let's just keep moving," Guardian Pluto said.

Another animal jumped out and stared.

"Great another one..go away..." Neptune said advancing. The creatures stared back. The group passed by.

"Eerrie little buggers," Neptune said.

"Yeah, well don't let them get to you," Pluto said.

"Anyone ever seen something like that before?" Neptune muttered.

"Once..but...not for very long," one of the soldiers said.

"We shouldn't be having conversations like this," The leader said. "We're on recon."

"You're right..sorry," Neptune said.

The group crept forward.

Elsewhere.

"How large is this forest," Sailor Venus muttered.

"Hmm..I don't know," Azura said. "We've never gone this far."

"Wonderful," Venus said.

Neptune grinned.

"So..you have no idea what you're getting into do you?" she asked.

"We're strong enough to fight off anything that will come our way," Their leader said. "But we should really be more covert, who knows who's lurking around."

"I quite agree," Neptune said.

A staring animal hopped out of the brush.

"What's that!" Venus screeched.

"So much for secrecy," Mars said.

"Shut up.." the leader said.

The group looked at the animal. It looked at them.

"It's cute I think.." Mars said.

The animal just stared and then lifted it's paw in the air.

Fifty more animals landed behind it. And they all stared.

"What does that mean?" Venus asked worriedly.

"We have no time to deal with animals.." the leader said.

"Uh..yeah..but they look like they're up to something," Azura said.

"We'll just ride through them..that'll clear them out.." the leader said. "Let's go.."

The group galloped towards the creatures who all stood there and then moved aside as the horses passed. Strangely they began to clap their paws together as the group finished passing.

"Are they clapping?" Mars asked in surprise.

"Guess so," Venus said. "I wonder why."

"This is so strange," Mars said.

"I've seen worse," Neptune said.

"Hold it," the leader said. The group all stopped. Venus glanced back at the creatures, who stopped clapping.

"I heard something.." The leader said drawing an energy sword.

"I didn't," Venus said.

"Shush.." the leader said. The amazons all looked around worriedly.

There was a thud.

"You idiot Pluto! You fell out of the tree!" came a familiar voice.

"You imbeciles! Attack!" came a male shout.

Out of the trees came energy blasts. The amazons leapt off their horsks and took up defensive positions. Mars and Venus practically fell off of theirs. Sailor Neptune sighed and pulled out her mirror. Out of the trees leapt the Lucoratorium troops with their energy weapons. The amazons charged them and the two were dueling.

"So..what do we do?" Venus asked.

"No idea," Mars said.

"Hey girls how's it going?" Guardian Neptune asked.

The two started and looked at him.

"What are you doing here?" They asked.

"Same as you I'd guess," Guardian Neptune said.

"I didn't mean to fall out of the tree," Guardian Pluto muttered rubbing his head as he emerged from the forest.

"They really shouldn't take you on covert operations should they?" Sailor Neptune asked with a grin. "So you're with them?"

"More or less. But I guess if you gave us a good reason we'd join your side," Guardian Neptune said.

"Are these the resistance?" Mars asked.

"Nope, Lucoratorium army," Guardian Pluto said.

"Oh..we really don't have a problem with them at the moment," Venus said.

"Apparently the amazons do," Sailor Neptune said.

"You two help us out!" one of the Lucoratorium guys shouted.

"Sorry..duty calls," Guardian Neptune said.

"Wait a second," Venus said. "You can't just go attack the amazons."

"Actually we can, it's sort of the idea," Neptune said.

"I won't allow it," Venus said. "They can settle it themselves."

"Hey..until I hear otherwise I'm fighting for them," Neptune said.

"This isn't going to be pretty," Sailor Neptune muttered and jumped off into the forest.

"Actually I kinda gotta go too," Pluto said.

"No ya don't," Mars said.

The two Guardians faced the two Sailors, their eyes narrowed.

"Look at this.." Vitar said crouching behind a bush.

"There's a lot of people here for an exposed flank," Saturn said.

"You noticed that," Vitar said with a grin.

"We've got to warn the general," Saturn said.

"Haven't you heard the battle going on along the line."

"Yes, you're right."

"Our forces will be here within minutes."

"And they'll be surprised right?"

"They'll be stopped. That's for sure. Unless we launch a surprise of our own."

"What are you thinking?" Saturn asked.

"Well...you've got that power of yours don't ya?"

"Yes..I guess.."

"Right now..let's go to it."

"Okay.." Saturn said.

Meanwhile Mercury and Lord Rekar were standing amidst a group of troops hidden in the forest.

"They'll come up that road there and right into an ambush," Rekar said.

"You sure we haven't been seen?"

"We have pickets, patrols out, they would warn us."

"I guess."

"The battle has already begun on the other fronts. It's only a matter of time."

There was a rumbling.

"What's that?" Mercury said.

An energy blast exploded into the line.

"They've found us!" Rekar said in surprise. "We've got to withdraw to the rest of the line."

To a battle cry an army of troops raced out of the forest at them.

"We're in trouble," Rekar said drawing his sword.

"MERCURY ICE STORM BLAST!" Mercury shouted. The attack blasted through the enemy line and knocked them away. Mist began to cover the battle field.

"Strike them from the rear!" Rekar shouted. The army raced in action.

"Saturn Ice Rings Blast!"

His attack flew over the enemy and blew them back. A force of army troops went surging into the battle and pushed the enemy back.

"Good work.." Vitar said drawing his energy sword. "You must have wiped out a brigade of them. Lets you and me flank them ourselves."

"Good idea," Saturn said. The two hurried to the right and came around behind another column of enemy troops. They turned towards them.

"Saturn Ice Rings Blast!" Saturn shouted. His attack blasted straight through the line. His own army surged forward.

"I believe we've got a rout on our hands here," Vitar said with a grin.

General Tarsuk sighed as he leaned back in his chair.

"I owe you two some thanks, I made a mistake," he said. "You saved the army. The problem we had is that our attempt to surprise the enemy on the other flank resulted in a rout of our own. Each of our armies managed to flank each other, resulting in no gain for anyone. However, it could have been worse, if you hadn't intervened, we would have lost for sure," Tarsuk said. "So...Guardian Saturn I am asking you, help me win this war. You're from a different world, you have no personal stake or interest in politics or advancement. Help me."

"I will do my best, but I've never considered myself a tactician," Saturn said.

"Vitar..if you wouldn't mind, I would like to promote you, you will assist Saturn in anyway he needs it," Tarsuk said.

"A promotion? To what?"

"General."

"I'm honored sir. Perhaps you aren't the idiot I thought you were."

"Don't push me Vitar," Tarsuk said.

Vitar grinned.

"Now..Saturn let's figure this out," Tarsuk said.

"Yes sir," Saturn said.

Across the lines.

"We nearly lost the war right there.." Lord Rekar said with annoyance. "You saved the cause today Amy."

"Oh I see," Amy said. "I'm glad I could help."

"You're too modest about it," Rekar said. "Anyway, I will have to a talk with General Tresia."

"Ah..Sailor Mercury, Lord Rekar," General Tresia said riding up. "My compliments."

"Tresia you let you almost lost your flank," Rekar said.

"Not thanks to you two, however, we have a problem or other flank collapsed," Tresia said. "I have come to ask a favor of you Sailor Mercury said.

"What?" Amy asked.

"Well..you did notice the problem on our other flank..you saved our army I hear. I want you to aid me."

"Aid you?"

"Be my tactical advisor."

"I'm not a tactician. I don't like war."

"But you're in one."

"Yes..I guess..I am," Amy said solemly.

"Please..you can be of great help."

"I guess I'll try," Amy said.

"Thank you," Tresia said.

"Smart move Tresia," Lord Rekar said. "You know your limitations."

"So I do," Tresia muttered and rode off.

"I'm really not up to this," Amy said.

"You'll do fine," Rekar said. "You're a smart girl."

"But planning tactics isn't my thing. You could really use my brother."

"Your brother?"

"Well one of them..he's a tactical genius. The most skilled soldier I know."

"Ah...is he one of your group?"

"More or less," Amy said. "Though he doesn't have that much power, he makes up for it by being able to outfight anyone."

"I see..sounds impressive. How many battles has he won?"

"Uh..well..he usually doesn't win."

"Oh? Then he isn't that good."

"No..he just fights people that are too strong for him. You know to delay them while the rest of us get up the strength to beat them."

"Oh..that's smart of him. So who has he beaten?"

"Uh..Sailor Uranus."

"Why was he fighting one of your associates?"

"Long story sir, but it meant a lot."

"So..I can beat one of you in combat?"

"It depends. But I think if he moved fast enough, he could beat anyone of us."

"Interesting," Rekar said. "Is he here on this planet?"

"I don't think so."

"Too bad..he would have been useful."

"My lord," Came a voice. Rekar turned to see Materic.

"Ah..Materic...how are you?"

"Fine sir, I came out of the battle unharmed," Materic said. "However, I would prefer to face their best warriors."

"Materic, you can't just expect them to send someone out."

"Yes..but you know what I mean. I can only earn my power by dueling."

"I know Materic, hopefully you'll get your chance," Rekar said.

"Princess, how have you fared today?" Materic asked.

"She saved the army," Rekar said.

"Impressive," Materic said and their eyes met.

"Well..yes.." Amy said blushing. "I try my best."

"Indeed," Materic said and galloped off.

"You all right?" Rekar asked.

"Sure..sure.." Amy said.

Materic is quite good looking. She thought. But why am I thinking about something like that right now? This is not the time.

"Come on Venus..see if you can take me down!" Neptune shouted.

"Gladly.." Sailor Venus said. "Venus Crescent Beam Smash!"

Neptune fired his sword. They were both hit and knocked backward. Venus was up first.

"I'll show you!" she said and threw a punch.

"Yeah right!" Neptune shouted and swung his sword back. Venus barely dodged it and connected with a weak kick before flipping back to a defensive position.

"When'd you learn to kick?" Neptune snapped.

"Venus crescent beam!"

"Geez..." Neptune said and dived out of the way.

"Uh..Mars..I really should be going.." Guardian Pluto said.

"No..either you stay here..or you'll fight me," Mars said.

"Uh..well..I.." Pluto said.

"Don't even think it," Mars said pointing her finger at him.

"I'd prefer not to have to fight..but..I sort of work for the other side."

"So?" Mars said. "What makes you think you have a chance to beat me?"

"Well..nothing..but.." Pluto said.

"So just stand there and mind your own business."

"Will you fight you imbecile!" one of the warriors said as the battle raged.