Chapter 252

The enemy forces had surrounded the city. Masses of troops tood ready for an offense.

"The Zaiesk didn't waste time," Sailor Pluto said.

"It almost seemed like they won too easily," Sailor Uranus said.

"Like they had an inside you think?" Sailor Pluto asked.

"Maybe," Sailor Uranus said.

"Now we have a problem. They can lay siege to this city indefinately," Sailor Neptune said. "I had no idea they had this many forces."

"But why waste them here?" Sailor Uranus said. "They want the zone don't they?"

"Not anymore it seems," Sailor Pluto said.

"Maybe they see this as a means to that end, of course maybe they want something that's here and not anywhere is," Sailor Neptune said.

"Like us," Uranus asked.

Neptune nodded.

"This is terrible, the Zaiesk now have complete control of the ground," Latric said.

"Our two armies are decimated," Janus said.

"Agreed," General Tresia said. "It was not my idea to pursure the siege in the first place."

"Regardless of your feelings, the fact is that this is done," Latric said. "Do you agree General that we must cooperate in this matter."

"Fully," Tresia said. "You have my cooperation."

"That's what I thought," Latric said. "Now we'll have to plan some sort of defense."

"You have the scouts though?" Tresia said.

"They alone would probably not be able to stop a full Zaiesk assault," Latric said.

"True, then we should get to it," Tresia said.

"If I may ask though General. Why were your forces beaten so easily?"

"My suspicion is we were betrayed."

"Betrayed? But the Zaiesk don't reward betrayal, why would they accept any help, and who would be willing to give it to them?"

"I have no idea," Tresia said. "Wait...perhaps I do, and if it is true it's bad news."

"Who do you suspect?" Janus asked.

"Ah.Materic..your information was quite useful," the amazon leader said. "I fear I had to break a solemn oath my people have taken for generations for it. Still..."

"Now do I get what I want?" Materic asked.

"Yes, of course, you get to challenge as many of them as will meet you," the amazon said. "But why would they want to meet you?"

"I will tell them that if they don't we will attack immediately."

"And what makes you think we're going to."

"You won't, but it's a threat," Materic said.

"I've never been privy to such subterfuge,but if you must," the amazon said. "Go gain your mystical power or whatever."

"That I will," Materic said.

"How wonderful, a massive army out there even too big for us to take on. Wonderful," Mike muttered.

"Well.it could be worse," Rick said.

"How?" Mike asked.

"I'm sure you could come up with some reason," Rick said.

Mike sighed.

Guardian Pluto walked up to where the two were standing.

"Thousands and thousands of women and I wouldn't dare go near any one of them," he muttered.

"Tough huh?" Rick asked.

"Terrible," Pluto said.

"Yeah..how embarrasing to get beaten by an army of women.." Mike said.

"What are you being sexist?" Rick asked.

"No..I'm not saying that I don't believe they're capable, it's still embarrasing," Mike said.

"Why exactly?" Rick asked.

"I meant embarrasing to the other sexist males out there," Mike said.

"Oh.." the other two said.

"I'm going down to the bar," Mike muttered and climbed off of the wall.

"Don't you dare drink anything," Rick said.

"I don't drink," Mike said. "I know the consequences. To myself, and everyone else."

"Good," The other two said.

"Uh..Rick..about you marrying Lita."

"I've explained this Steve."

"I know, I know, but why did the idea even come up?"

"It just did, I don't know why."

"Oh..it just seems a little weird that's all. I mean..you're not attracted to her are you?"

"No, of course not, not really," Rick said. "She is attractive, but I'm fine with Raye."

"I was just wondering."

"Besides, why would it matter, you two aren't together."

"We're good friends that look out for each other, and I'm your friend too. I'm just trying to make sure you're not.."

"I'm not.." Rick said. "So don't bring it up."

"All right, I was just making sure," Steve said.

"I don't blame you for that, but we were desperate."

"Okay, okay, say no more."

"Uh Lita, about you and Rick," Raye began.

"Haven't we been over this?"

"Yes..but I find myself wondering how bad it could have been that you would even consider it?"

"Raye keep in mind this was a marriage that wouldn't matter."

"Marriage is a sacred thing.."

"I know that that's why it took my so long to agree with it. I didn't want to use it to get rid of my problems, but I was getting desperate. You would understand if you were there."

"If I were there, it wouldn't been a problem because Rick and I might just get married someday."

"Raye it wasn't like I was trying to cheat on you. That's certainly true for Rick. We're not interested in each other."

"Still Lita, you must have been slightly attracted to him."

"Well..isn't everyone?" Lita asked. "But..that's not the point."

"All right," Raye said. "But still..I know you've told me, but just how bad could it be that you would consider marriage?"

"I shouldn't have to defend myself....oh no..." Lita said stopping.

"What?" Raye said.

Lita turned and raced back down the street and hid behind a house. Raye wandered back and looked at her.

"Lita?" Raye asked. "What's going on."

"It's Tijiro, he's here," Lita said.

"That's him?" Raye asked starring at the familiar form of Tijiro.

"Yes.." Lita said.

"Jeez...and you gave him up for Rick?" Raye said.

Lita glared at her.

"So we managed to sneak into the city Tijiro, now what?" Princess Sakuro asked.

"We find the scouts, that's what we do, someone must know where they are," Tijiro said.

"Isn't this a little dangerous. What if someone recognizes us?"

"Sakuro, our two countries are at peace."

"Well..it's not a great peace considering we never help anyone out," Sakuro said.

"That's not our problem at the moment," Tijiro said.

"You're right you're right, let's go," Sakuro said. "Someone has to know where the scouts are."

"Rick..Tijiro's here!" Lita stammered up to the top of the wall.

"Tijiro?" Rick asked standing up. "That's not good. He hates both of us."

"That's right..and he can probably take both of us in a fight too," Lita said.

"We've gotta do something," Rick said.

"Count us in, we want to meet this guy," Steve said. Raye said.

"No you don't," the other two said.

Meanwhile Materic emerged from the amazon lines and approached the wall.

"I wonder who he is?" Sailor Neptune said.

"He is Materic," General Tresia said. "He's the traitor! Materic you treacherous leech!"

"Ah..General...you did not give me what I want, I want personal combat! Not war!" Materic shouted. "Now listen...I will fight each of your best warriors one by one at the time of my chosing. If they do not send me a good warrior, we shall attack. Understand?" Materic asked.

"What a vain proposition," Uranus said.

"Still it can buy us some time," Pluto said.

"Just who do you have in mind?" Latric shouted from the parapet.

"I believe these scouts of yours will do," Materic said.

"There he is.." Guardian Uranus said as the four scouts stood on a roof.

"Sakuro's there too," Sailor Jupiter said.

"So what do you intend to do?" Sailor Mars asked. "Blast them?"

"Hey guys!" came a shout. They all whirled. Guardian Neptune landed on the roof.

"You idiot Neptune.." Uranus said.

"What..listen..somethings happened at the front.." Neptune began.

"THERE YOU ARE!" came a shout from below.

"Uh..Tijiro..Sakuro..how ya doing?" Uranus asked.

"Oops," Neptune said. "Wait a second..they say there's this tough warrior outside and he wants to fight," Neptune said. "We don't have time for some petty squabbles."

"This is about love!" Tijiro said.

"It's not petty," Sakuro said.

"Wait..Tijiro Sakuro listen.." Uranus said. "If you let us handle this..you can have all the time you want with me..to fight me, love me, whatever.."

"Same here," Jupiter said.

"Very well..we shall keep an eye on you," Tijiro said.

"We won't be hard to find," Uranus said.

And the group headed to the walls.

"I am Materic, the greatest warrior in all the world. I wish to fight your strongest warriors as I am destined to do!," Materic shouted. "I await your first challenger," he added.

"Our powers won't be very useful against him. I've seen him in action, he's incredibly fast," Mercury said worriedly.

"Well we have to move faster, that's all," Sailor Uranus said.

"Why don't we just all rush em?" Sailor Venus asked.

"Because then the army will fight us..he's letting us take him on one on one," Guardian Saturn said. "Tactically it's the right move."

"Never mind about what the honorable thing to do is," Guaridan Uranus said.

"I've got first crack at him," Guardian Pluto said. "I think I've got a shot."

"You sure about this?" Guardian Neptune asked.

"Absolutely," Guardian Pluto said and moved off.

"He's going to get his butt kicked," Jupiter said.

"Uh huh," everyone else said.

Soon Materic and Pluto faced off against each other.

"So..you actually believe you can defeat me?" Materic asked.

"Yeah," Pluto said drawing his sword.

"Very well..but I warn you..this will not be your finest hour."

"It won't take an hour," Pluto said.

"Correct.." Materic said and lunged forward swinging his energy sword. Pluto barely rolled out of the way of it, but was clipped on the back, he spun forward only to be hit head on. He stumbled back and fell to the ground.

"You are hardly a challenge," Materic said.

Pluto sighed.

"Who's going to take him on next?" Sailor Moon asked.

"I will," Guardian Uranus said.

"Rick are you sure?" Sailor Mars asked.

"I have to fight again," Guardian Uranus. "I won't run away this time."

Several hours later, Guardian Uranus stepped up, his sword drawn. Materic starred at him.

"Yes you have more skill, I can see that. However..you are not at my level," Materic said.

"That's just what I want you to think," Guardian Uranus said.

"Even though it's true," Sailor Uranus muttered. The rest of the scouts nodded.

"Well..then..let's not waste time," Materic said swinging his sword into position. The two eyes narrowed. They sized each other up and then attacked swinging their swords, together, they met, and both slid away, only Materic followed it up with a kick. Uranus dodged it and tried a kick of his own, but Materic avoided it and swung his sword around catching him the face. Uranus spun back wincing and tried to put up a defense, but Materic threw a combination of moves at him, and he was soon thrown to the ground. The other Guardians carried him across the wall.

"He's come as close as anyone has," Venus said.

"I bet that doen't make it hurt any less," Mars said.

"You're right it doesn't," Guardian Uranus said leaning against the wall. "But at least I'm alive."

"And just who are we going to get to fight him now?" Sailor Moon asked.

"I got him," Guardian Neptune said.

"You're kidding," all of the scouts said."

"Hey, it's worth a try."

The next morning Guardian Neptune stared at Materic and grinned.

"Ah..Materic, are you ready for the greatest embarrasment of your life?" Neptune asked.

"And you're going to give that to me are you?" Materic said.

"Sure," Neptune said. "But first..let me show you something."

"What?" Materic muttered.

Neptune stuck his tongue out.

Materic stared at him.

"Are you trying to mock me?"

"Well..yeah.." Neptune said and mooned the warrior and the amazon lines. The soldiers all cringed.

"Maybe he should be Sailor Moon," Guardian Uranus said with a grin.

"Don't mock my name!" Sailor Moon whined.

"How dare you show your...ehh..to me!" Materic shouted and charged forward. Neptune flipped out of the way and then dodged the blows Materic threw at him.

"He can't keep that up for very long," Venus said.

Neptune was thrown through the air and slammed into the ground.

"I knew it," Venus said.

"Now..who is the fool?" Materic said.

Neptune mooned them all again.

The army let out angry cries as Neptune vaulted back over the wall.

Several hours later.

"I guess I should try to take him on," Guardian Saturn said.

"No..Saturn that's all right, he's too skilled," Mercury said.

"Fighting all these battles has to be weakening him a little," Saturn said.

"I just don't want to see you hurt."

"I'll be fine," Saturn said.

He headed out sword drawn.

"Yet another fool who thinks he can stop me," Materic said.

Saturn's eyes narrowed.

"So be it," Materic said and drew his sword. The two threw themselves into battle. The scouts all watched intently. The two met, and their swords smashed toghether. Saturn brought his sword around and lunged. Materic blocked that blow and countered with his own. Saturn avoided it. The two swords met again. The scouts hopes rose.

Materic stepped back and swung his sword. Saturn dived out of the way of the blast and swung his sword back. Materic avoided it and stabbed him. Saturn let out a shout. Materic kicked him to the ground and pulled out his sword. Several of the scouts carried him back across the wall.

"Well..so much for that," Materic said. "You put up an interesting fight."

"Good try Saturn," Guardian Neptune said.

Several hours later.

"My turn," Sailor Mars said vaulting over the walls. She turned and faced him.

"A girl? Really?" Materic asked.

"Don't underestimate me?" Mars said taking up her stance.

"All right..I won't," Materic said and readied his sword. The two faced off and then charged forward. Materic swung, Mars dived under the attack and came up with a chop. Materic slid out of the way of it and swung down at her. She flipped back and countered with a quick spin kick. Materic lunged at her again. She jumped out of the way and threw another kick. Materic dodged it and swung his sword straight at her. She ducked out of the way and slid back. The two stood facing each other again.

"So..you are well skilled," Materic said. "But just because you are capable of doing that does not convince me of anything."

"I don't care," Mars said. "I'm going to take you down."

"So be it," Materic said and spun his sword. A wave of energy flew from it.

"Mars Fire Ignite!"Mars shouted and threw her own attack. The two disipated.

"Ahh...fast," Materic said and lunged out of the feedback of the attack. Mars dodged it again and threw a chop, but Materic avoided and hit her with his sword. She stumbled back but landed on her feet.

"Let's go again," She said angrilly.

Materic grinned.

She charged and threw several quick punches. He blocked them with his other hand and looked for an opening. She kept trying, until his sword came up and hit her knocking her to the side. He kicked her. She stumbled to the ground. Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Venus, and Sailor Mercury leapt over the wall to get her.

"Let me at him..." Mars said.

"The fight is over Mars," Venus said.

"You need to heal," Mercury said.

Mars sighed.

The next morning Jupiter and Materic faced each other.

"So..another girl wants to try, fair enough," Materic said. Jupiter waited for his attack. He swung at her. She reached forward and grabbed his sword arm as he lunged stopping it. She then kicked him the stomach. He stepped back angrilly and swung his sword arm and his other arm quickly. The two went back and forth Jupiter used her senses to avoid the attacks and she punched him in the stomach again.

"NO!" Materic shouted and moved forward so quickly, Jupiter couldn't prepare, she was knocked to the ground. Materic picked her up and threw her to the ground. She stood back up and faced him. Materic lunged. She avoided him, but he caught her with a spin kick following it with a sword. She staggered back and fell.

"I win again!" Materic said.

Several hours later, Sailor Uranus stood in front of him.

"I didn't want to have to do this, but it is necessary," Uranus said drawing her sword.

"Oh..so you think you are any better then the others?" Materic asked.

"I am."

"Very well.." Materic said.

The two flew at each other. Their swords met, their arms through punches and blocks. Kicks flew back and forth. The two spun back and faced each other again. Materic used a fast attack. Uranus slid away from it and tried her own. Materic grinned and spun. Uranus matched it and the two stood facing each other again.

"You are tough...but not tough enough," Materic said. "Let's continue."

"I will beat you," Uranus said.

The two charged forward swinging their swords. They met and the two began to hit furiously again, energy flew out from the crackling the two energy swords did. Both managed to punch each other, the battle continue furiously. Until Materic grabbed Uranus' energy sword by the blade. Uranus's eyes widened as Materic took the pain and swung his own sword through her. She fell to the ground as the pain shot through her. She staggered back and leapt over the wall.

"Another has been defeated!" Materic said.

Hours after that.

"I demand the right to fight you," Sailor Saturn said.

"Request granted," Materic said.

"I think you shall be surprised," she said.

"Saturn, don't do it," Sailor Pluto said from the walls still worried about Saturn getting into this type of fight.

"I must," Sailor Saturn said lowering her scythe.

Materic moved forward. Saturn swung her scythe unleashing a wave of energy. He jumped through it and swung at her. She dived back in surprise, he knocked the scythe from her hands. She backed up as he advanced.

"Not..much without it are you?" Materic said.

"Saturn Mist Wave!"

"No!" Materic shouted and leapt into the air swinging down on her. She screeched before she was hit. She fell to the ground.

"He was holding back," Sailor Uranus said.

"We'd better got get her," Sailor Neptune said.

Hours later.

"Who is your next challenger?" Tijiro said.

"We're out of fighters," Sailor Moon said. Everyone looked at her.

"I can't.." she said.

"Hah..now it's my turn," Came a voice. Tijiro leapt down to the ground.

"This could be good," Guardian Uranus said.

"Yes if he gets killed our problems are partially over," Sailor Jupiter said.

"Don't talk that way," Sakuro said. "You be careful Tijiro."

"Yes Princess," Tijiro said.

Jupiter and Uranus glanced at each other.

"I've been waiting for this Materic," Tijiro said.

"Have you? And you are?"

"Tijiro..now bring it on."

Materic slid forward. Tijiro moved and hit Materic knocking him back. The group all let out gasps of joy.

"Not enough!" Materic said and shot forward. Tijiro avoided it and the two were soon throwing punches and kicks at a massive rate. Materic swung his sword around, and tried to catch Tijiro. Tijrio dodged it and kicked him. The two went at it again.

"He's going to beat him," Guardian Uranus said.

Materic flipped backwards and spun, energy flew from him distracting Tijiro, then the sword flew right into Tijiro, causing him to cry out in pain.

"That's not set to stun!" Mars said in shock.

Materic flipped backwards and let Tijiro sink to the ground. The scouts quickly carried him back over the wall.

"It's not mortal, but this is serious," a doctor said hurrying up.

"Ehh..I guess Tijiro can't win them all," Tijiro muttered wincing.

The next morning Materic stood waiting.

"Well? Now who?" He asked.

Sakuro vaulted up onto the wall.

"I'll take him on myself!" Sakuro shouted.

"No..you can't," Guaridan Uranus said. "He's tough."

"But who else do we have?" Sailor Moon said.