Chapter 253
"And just who are you?" Materic asked snidely.
The scouts eyes were widened as they looked at the figure that stood there. A cape swung from his shoulders and blew back and forth in the wind. He faced down the Materic and prepared for battle.
"My name is Maverick," the figure said readying his sword.
"I see..so you chose to mock my name?"
"I could care less what your name is."
"So you believe that you are actually capable of defeating me?"
"Yes."
"And why do you believe that?"
"It's hard to put into words,"Maverick said. He quickly fired his sword all around Materic with pinpoint acurracy.
"Good aim will not suffice," Materic said. "You will need skill with that sword."
"Fortunately I have it," Maverick said his eyes narrowing.
The scouts all tensed.
"Is he a friend of yours?" General Tresia asked.
"He's my brother," Mercury said.
"Is he any good?" Tresia asked.
"Yes," The scouts all replied.
"All right then," Tresia said.
The two faced off, both with their swords at the ready. Neither made a move, each waiting to see what the other would do. The crowds of people were silent watching and waiting for them to make a movement, to start the battle.
"Do they really need to take this long to size each other up?" Guardian Neptune muttered.
"If it let's us win don't knock it," Sailor Mars said.
The two continued to stare at each other. Materic blinked, Maverick blinked. The two continued to stare at each other, waiting for the other to make a move. Waiting for someone to intiate combat.
"Get on with it!" one of the amazons shouted.
The two didn't listen and looked each other over more. Maverick's grip on his sword tightened slightly. He slid it forward slowly and brought it to an upright position. Materic brought his sword to the defense.
Maverick swung his sword downward. A barrage of energy flew from it. Materic swung up and blocked it. The two lunged forward and their swords met clashing against each other back and forth with great speed. Each looking for an opening.
They both slid backward and took up defensive positions again.
"Very good," Materic said.
The two leapt forward again swinging at vulnerable positions, each managed to block the other, they went back and forth, their swords each stopping the other. Each side gained some advantage, only to have it replaced by the other. They both leapt back again sending barrages of energy at each other which they both blocked.
The two stood staring at each other again
"No one has ever gone this long against me," Materic said.
"So?" Maverick asked.
"You should have some feeling of accomplishment. It will console you in your defeat."
"What defeat?" Maverick asked.
"I suggest you give up now. No one would look down upon you. You can only go down from here."
"I disagree," Maverick said. "You're the one at the top, it is you who will fall the farthest."
"Strong words," Materic said. "But this is only the beginning."
"I know," Maverick said.
The two faced off again, and concentrated looking for an opening.
Everyone tensed again and waited. The two held their swords at the ready.
They charged forward very quickly and ended up on opposite sides of the battlefield. They spun and charged back swinging.
Both of them stood there taking in a breath.
"Maverick got cut," Guardian Pluto said.
"But so did Materic," Sailor Uranus said.
The two both had gashes on their shoulders.
They both readied themselves again.
"I can see my basic moves will not be enough against you," Materic said.
"I was thinking the same thing," Maverick said.
"No one has ever wounded me before. I once again give you the chance to pull out with the achievement in your hands."
"Not interested," Maverick said.
"Very well," Materic said and swung his sword quickly unleashing an energy blast. Maverick leapt out of the way and jumped forward swinging his own energy attack. Materic rolled under it and spun firing at Maverick as he landed. Maverick backlipped and fired upside down. Materic dived out of the way and came up standing as did Maverick. The two were now standing perpindicular to the two armies.
Materic grinned.
"I suppose if this wasn't a challenge, the glory in the victory would not be as great," he said.
"True," Maverick said. "Of course we don't know who's going to have the glory yet."
"It will be mine. You will fall as did all the others."
"Doubtful," Maverick said.
"We shall see," Materic said and readied his sword. The two stood opposite each other again.
Maverick readied himself.
Materic leapt forward and Maverick followed. Materic swung his sword around quickly knocking Maverick's arm out of position and he went for Maverick's chest. Maverick's left arm moved quickly and his second sword flew out and blocked Materic's. The two stood there for a second before backing off.
"Two swords..impressive," Materic said. "However, it will not save you."
"I've heard that before," Maverick said and spun his swords unleashing a double barrage.
Materic blew it apart with a blast from his own sword, but didn't see Maverick leaping through the energy until it was almost too late. He barely blocked the attack and was pushed back, Maverick attacked all swinging his swords quickly. Materic blocked all of them before leaping over him and spinning to attack, Maverick blocked it awkwardly, the two sparred back and forth across the ground for a good five minutes before jumping apart and taking up stances again. They both had cuts on their arms and they stood ready.
"Here they go again," Sailor Neptune said.
The two's eyes narrowed.
The two charged and swung quickly, going back and forth like usual, their energy swords met and blocked each other, they came at each other from high and low, they both leapt back and launched energy attacks, they missed as the two leapt into the air and swung at each other up there, they landed and went back at it.
"So how's he doing?" a familiar voice asked Sailor Moon. She whirled to see Tuxedo Mask standing there.
"DARRIEN!" She screeched and hugged him.
"Nice to see you to," He said.
"But how'd you get here?"
"I'll tell you later."
"All right.." Sailor Moon said happily.
"Sailor Moon..I can't breathe..." Tuxedo Mask said.
"Uh..sorry.." Sailor Moon said letting go.
"Come on Maverick, you can't have much strength left," Materic said.
"Why? Getting tired?" Maverick asked.
The two were both breathing heavily.
"I will defeat you, I cannot fail," Materic said.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah...whatever," Maverick said. "Come on..come and get me."
"No..I'll wait."
The two squared off. Maverick sheathed one of his swords and held the most powerful one out.
"One sword again?" Materic asked.
"You have a problem with that?" Maverick asked.
"Absolutely not," Materic said.
The two leapt forward again, each had a target, and each connected, their swords dug into the other's left shoulders. They each fired off energy bolts. They were blasted back and hit the ground. They both stood up as they bled. The crowd gasped.
They raced forward again and delivered some quick blows. Each of them felt pain all over their bodies as cuts opened. They stood once again facing each other.
"I will win, even if I die," Materic said.
"That's the wrong attitude," Maverick said.
"Maverick be careful," Mercury said with concern.
Maverick nodded.
"He is at his most dangerous right now," Sailor Saturn said. "He is desperate and wounded, he must end this battle now. He has the skills to do it, but his strength is draining."
"Agreed," Sailor Uranus said. "He will do whatever it takes to win, even if that means accepting great physical harm."
Materic charged forward. Maverick met him and charged forward. Materic stabbed, his sword slashed into Maverick's chest. Materic grinned as Maverick staggered back.
"Now I end this!" Materic said and swung forward.
"No," Maverick said and swung forward he caught Materic dead on and swept him over head. Materic smashed into the walls of the city and collapsed.
"He took a hit to set up Materic for his most devastating maneuver," Sailor Uranus said.
"Brilliant," Sailor Saturn said.
But Materic stood up slowly. He turned.
"I'm not done," He said.
Maverick's eyes narrowed as he bled.
Materic charged forward, his sword at the ready. Maverick swung his sword quickly and connected again sweeping Materic into the crowd of amazons. He hit and fell unconcious. The Guardians quickly got Maverick over the wall.
The sky crackled.
"Did we do something wrong?" Sailor Moon asked.
"I think it means the prophecy has been broken," Tresia said. "Materic has been defeated, he will never recieve his power."
"And who was going to give him the power anyway?" Sailor Moon asked.
"I wouldn't know," Tresia said.
"Guess you wouldn't," Sailor Moon said.
"Maverick..are you all right?" Mercury asked.
"Fine," Maverick said and fell unconcious.
Mercury grinned.
Later that night the rest of the scouts were sitting around the hotel's lobby
"Well we've got the Zaiesk to deal with, but I think they're spooked," Sailor Uranus said.
"No darrien just how did you get here?" Sailor Moon asked.
"It's a long story," Darrien said.
"We've got time," most of the scouts replied.
"Okay," Darrien said. "Well I'll start then," he said.
Darrien sighed as he stared at the former location of Juuban High School.
Six months he thought. Six months since I've seen them all. I wonder if something/s happened. They have to come back, they have to. I keep waiting for them to come back. Why won't they?
He stood there lost in thought. Footsteps walked up behind him. He turned slowly and glanced at the newest guest, before turning back towards the remains of the school.
"Where have you been?" he muttered.
"Around," D.V. Patterson replied.
"Well come join vigil," Darrien said. "You might as well."
"I'm sure you would prefer to go after them," Patterson said.
"Sure I would, but it's not like that's going to happen."
"It might if you'd come with me," Patterson said.
"Where?" Darrien asked.
"Well first..to another dimension and then to see Serena," Patterson said.
"How?" Darrien asked.
"I don't know..let's go."
Several minutes later Maverick and Tuxedo Mask stood on the roof of Darrien's apartment.
"Are you sure about this Maverick?" Tuxedo Mask asked.
"Having second thoughts?" Maverick asked pulling an object out of his pocket.
"Well..yes.." Tuxedo Mask said.
"Join the club," Maverick said. The object glowed and a vortex appeared in front of them.
"Let's go," Maverick said.
"Through there?" Tuxedo Mask asked.
"Of course," Maverick said and stepped into it. Tuxedo Mask followed.
They two soon emerged ontop of the rooftop. Tuxedo Mask was surprised. He looked around. The city's layout was much different.
"A paralell dimension?" he asked.
"Becoming less parallell every day," Maverick replied.
"What is that?" Tuxedo Mask asked in surprise starring at a massive steel tower rising several hundred feet where Tokyo Tower used to be.
"Tokyo Tower, the new version," Maverick said.
"Why'd they need a new one?"
"Alien attack destroyed half the city. They've used the alien technology to advance science ten fold. That tower is the command center of the SDF," Maverick said.
"Oh..so not much need for scouts around is there?"
"I didn't say that," Maverick said. "But speaking of them. They're our ticket out of here, so let's go see them."
"How are they going to help us."
"A sailor teleport," Maverick said. "They'll direct it at us"
"Oh..I see.." Tuxedo Mask said. "How do you know this will work?"
"I don't."
"And once we teleport somewhere, how do we get back?" Tuxedo Mask asked.
"There are ways," Maverick said.
"Which are?"
"Hard to explain," Maverick said. "Let's just go."
Tokyo was much different then the one they just came from. Several cars zipped through the air, though most vehicle were still conventional models. Several space age looking buildings were already dotting the landscape.
"How'd they manage to develop so fast?" Tuxedo Mask asked.
"They're pretty creative," Maverick said. "Besides after the attack, they really had no choice."
"So what part did you play in all this?"
"That's really not important," Maverick said.
"Uh..I guess..do you have any idea of what has happened while you've been gone?"
"What do you mean?" Maverick asked.
And back on the planet.
"So that's what's going on in the other dimension. It's completely advanced," Mercury said with interest.
"Yes, it was different," Darrien said.
"Keep telling the story," Sailor Moon said. "I want to see how it turns out."
"You know it turns out!" Mars snapped.
"Yeah..but the plot development is important too," Sailor Moon said. Mars sighed.
"Ahem..well.." Darrien began.
"We're almost there," Maverick said. "I must warn you though Darrien, things are a little different in this dimension."
"I've already noticed that."
"I suggest you let me do the talking."
"You actually want to do the talking?"
"Unfortunately, it may be necessary."
"All right," Tuxedo Mask said.
The two dropped to the ground outside a large armored building.
"My house has been renovated," Maverick said.
"Oh..right..this is where your old house used to be," Tuxedo Mask said noticing soem familiar landmarks.
The two walked in and down a metal corridor.
"Security has to be tight," Maverick said.
"Uh..right," Tuxedo Mask said. "Are you enjoying this?"
"Somewhat," Maverick said.
They reached a door and walked in. Tuxedo Mask's eyes widened in surprise. Sitting around a large table were fourteen people, most whom exactly resembled the scouts he knew. However, there were some differences in hairstyle and such. Also, their uniforms were different. Everyone wore a variation of the guardian scout uniform except what looked liked Sailor Pluto, even some of the colors the scouts wore were different.
"How'd this turn out this way?" Tuxedo Mask asked.
"Long story," Maverick said.
"Wait a sec..is that me?" He asked looking at the far end.
"Uh huh," Maverick said. "Though you'll notice the differences soon enough, just don't take off your mask, he doesn't know who you are," he said and moved to the other end, Tuxedo Mask following.
The scouts all quieted down.
"About time you got back Maverick," one of them said.
"Yes well..whatever," Maverick said. "Our guest from my home dimension is Tuxedo Mask."
"Hi," most of the scouts said in unison.
"What is going on.." Tuxedo Mask said worriedly.
"Try to ignore it," Maverick said. "Anyway..I should introduce you all to him, in case this comes up again."
The scouts nodded. Maverick turned to the first girl sitting beside him. She had Raye's face, only her hair was curled back into a couple of circles which then trailed off down the back of her head.
He uniform had a red top and blue trim all around it. A tiara was on her head, with a crescent moon embedded in it. Tuxedo Mask did a double take at that.
"Raye Hino, Sailor Moon," Maverick said with a grin.
"You're kidding?" Tuxedo Mask asked.
"You have a problem with that!" Raye snapped.
"No..no.." Tuxedo Mask said. Maverick's grin expanded. He quickly contracted it.
"Right here..Darrien Shields.."
This dimension's Darrien had a black colored cape, with red trim.
"Guardian Earth," Maverick said.
Guardian Earth gave him the gun motion.
Tuxedo Mask nodded.
"Serena Tsukino, Sailor Mercury," Maverick said. Serena was there, only her long hair was not organized and fell down to the ground much like Raye's had. Her uniform featured blue around it.
"And beside her, Rick Chiba, Guardian Uranus," Maverick said. It was the same Rick with a pony tail and a red uniform. He nodded.
"Mike Leslie, Guardian Neptune," Maverick said. Mike's uniform was gold like before. He had no noticable differences.
"Steve Carlin, Guardian Pluto," Maverick said. Guardian Pluto had a tinge of white in his brown hair, as well, as a darkly tinted grey trim instead of green. A little scar ran across his right cheek.
"Makoto Nelson, Sailor Saturn," Maverick said. Lita dressed in a greenish blue outfit nodded and grinned. Her hair was not in a ponytail, but moderately long.
"Minako Aino, Sailor Venus," Maverick said. Venus blew a kiss. She was wearing orange like usual.
"Amy Mizuno, Sailor Uranus," Maverick said. Uranus grinned slightly. She was the same old Amy, her outfit was still blue which reflected Uranus' color.
"Michiru Kaioh, Sailor Neptune," Maverick continued. The familiarly dressed Neptune nodded.
"Her husband, Haruka Tenno," Maverick said. Tuxedo Mask did another double take. "Guardian Uranus," Maverick said. Haruka wore the same colors he/she had before.
"Of course Setsuna Meio, Sailor Pluto," Maverick said.
"Finally..Guardian Saturn, Yuchiro Vanderbilt," Maverick said.
A guy resembling Chad and wearing a red uniform grinned.
"You're kidding," Tuxedo Mask said.
"We're not," the group said.
"Where's Sailor Mars?"
"Don't ask.." Maverick said.
"Why?"
"I just said..."
"Okay..so what now?"
"Now...we teleport you two to the other planet, so you can be with your versions of us," Raye said standing up. "So let's not waste any time."
The group was soon headed out the door.
And back on the planet.
"Wait a second are you making all this up!" Sailor Moon said.
"Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned it," Darrien said.
"I would have recommended that," Sailor Pluto said. "Still something tells me it's best to get this out of the way now."
"But just how is Raye Sailor Moon anyway?" Sailor Moon snapped.
"Well maybe that universe actually had some common sense," Mars said.
The two soon began arguing.
"But why was I a man?" Sailor Uranus asked in surprise.
"Interesting question," Sailor Neptune said with a grin.
The story continued.
They whole group stood in an open park. The entire group of scouts stood in a circle around the two.
"Sailor Pluto. This will work right?" Tuxedo Mask asked.
"It should," Sailor Pluto said. "I've been in contact with myself over space, she know's you're on the way."
"Let's do it scouts," Sailor Moon said.
The group all energized their powers. The two glowed with energy and
vanished.
"Anyway..we landed in some sort of forest and it took us several days to get ourselves out of it. Eventually we made it here," Darrien said.
"But I didn't think it was possible for us to transport back," Guardian Uranus said.
"It isn't anymore," Sailor Pluto said. "But they made it just as the planet was moving out of range."
"Good timing," Guardain Neptune said.
"I'm so glad to see you," Sailor Moon said.
"I'm even happier to see you," Darrien said.
"No..you can't be happier," Sailor Moon said.
"All right, you're happier," Darrien said.
"That's right," Sailor Moon said happily.
Minutes later in a hotel room.
"So how have you been?" Amy asked looking at the wounded Patterson.
"Hard to say..though this was a bit of a low point," Patterson said.
"I've missed you."
"Uh..good...how have you been?"
"Uh..well..I can't say great," Amy said.
"Oh..I'm sorry to hear that..." Patterson said.
"Yes..well..you should rest."
"Yeah...probably.."
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