Chapter 297
"Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!"
"Jupiter Oak Evolution!"
The two attacks smashed across the battlefield.
"Not fast enough!" Lead Crow shouted dodging the attack and launching some energy bolts of her own. Mercury and Jupiter leapt out of the way.
"Neptune Deep Submerge!"
"Uranus World Shaking!"
"Uh oh!" Iron Mouse shouted scurrying out of the way as the blasts converged. Sailor Uranus leapt at her sword drawn. Iron Mouse backed up quickly avoiding the attacks.
Golden disks flew from Aluminum Siren as she glided across the battlefield. Sailor Saturn adeptly avoided them and fired back with her silence glaive. Her eyes narrowed, as Aluminum Siren leapt towards her. Saturn leapt into the air and swung her scythe. Aluminum Siren banked out of the way.
"Brat," Siren snapped and fired off some more bolts.
"I will destroy you Sailor Moon," Coardite said advancing.
"We've been through all this before," Sailor Moon said standing her ground, her moon sword drawn.
"You think you can fight me with that sword," Coardite said holding up his own energy sword. "I can fight Maverick to a standstill."
"Actually he did quite a good job of fighting you off," Sailor Moon said leaping forward with Sailor Mars aura, she avoided a swipe of Coardite's sword and did her own spin kick. Coardite narrowly avoided it and swung his claw at her. Sailor Moon dived out of the way and swung her sword at the claw, slicing through it.
"Eww...." Sailor Moon said understandably.
"Ehh you'll pay for that!" Coardite shouted and swung at her. Sailor Moon leapt out of the way again and tried to think of her next move.
"Argosante's going to get ya!" the latest Argosante shouted swinging an energy ax. Guardian Saturn dodged it and fired off bolts of energy from his sword. Argosante blocked them with the ax.
"I am well skilled you know.." Argosante said.
Guardian Saturn's eyes narrowed.
Remember all you've learned. He thought. Have to hit him so I can get an opening for a major attack.
Argosante grinned. The two faced off amidst the ongoing battle.
Argosante pushed off. Saturn leapt over him and fired his sword. Argosante whirled and swung forward with is ax. Saturn barely avoided it and fired again. Argosante was nicked. He paused. Saturn fired again.
"Hmm..." Argosante said and avoided the attack.
"You are going to be a problem I see."
On a hill overlooking the battle, Gala stood watching.
"It appears to be a stalemate," She said.
"Let me end the stalemate," Prince Metalite said walking up beside her.
"Excellent idea," Gala said.
Metalite nodded and leapt down the hill.
Gala grinned.
Sailor Moon rolled backwards as Coardite swung at her repeatedly. She let out a screech as she avoided the next attack. An energy blast flew at her. She screeched and jumped out of the way again. Prince Metalite jumped into the fray.
"Oh no..Metalite too.." Sailor Uranus muttered and turned away from Iron Mouse leaving Neptune to handle it.
"More bad news," Sailor Moon said.
A rose smashed into the ground. Everyone looked at it, paused slightly, and then the evil forces attacked again.
Tuxedo Mask looked on in surprise.
"It just doesn't have the intimidation value it used to," Guardian Mercury/Maverick muttered running by him.
"Guess so," Tuxedo Mask said and followed.
"Come on Guardian Saturn...let's see what you really got," Argosante said.
Saturn's teeth clenched. Argosante charged again. Maverick swept in between them stabbed Argosante and then kicked him for good measure before leaping at Coardite. Coardite barely avoided the attack and the two soon sparred.
Prince Metalite advanced on Sailor Uranus and Sailor Moon.
Uranus launched a blade of light. Metalite knocked it aside with an energy blast and unleashed his own attack. The two jumped out of the way. Tuxedo Mask threw a barrage of roses. Metalite flew over them and dropped towards Tuxedo Mask firing energy as he did so. Tuxedo Mask leapt upward and launched his staff. The two collided and crashed to the ground and began to brawl.
"What a mess," Gala muttered and jumped down the
hill.
"Revenge will be mine!" Coardite shouted.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Maverick muttered swinging two swords at once. Coardite stepped out of the way.
Maverick quickly stepped backwards as he sensed another presence. Gala jumped in front of Coardite.
"I will handle this," Gala said.
"He's mine," Coardite said.
"Not anymore," Gala said.
Maverick charged both of them. They both quickly dodged his attacks. A golden blade of energy flew at Coardite as Sailor Uranus moved into battle. The two were soon fighting in another part of the battlefield. Gala held an energy sword out in front of her.
"I will not need my powers to beat you, just skill," she said.
Maverick grimaced and readied his two swords. Gala attacked. Maverick blocked them and soon the two were parrying at a high rate of speed.
"This is getting out of hand," Sailor Moon observed and wondered what to do amidst the chaos. Tuxedo Mask and Metalite were exchanging punches nearby.
"Guess I'll do what I can there," she said and drew her moon sword before hurrying into the action.
"Hah! Argosante cannot be wounded so easily!" Argosante said.
"You are bleeding," Guardian Saturn muttered.
"Flesh wounds are not real wounds!" Argosante said
and charged. Saturn sighed and met him in battle.
"New plan," Sailor Jupiter said holding Maverick's swords. "You just draw her towards me."
"All right.." Sailor Mercury said. "Mercury Ice Storm blast!"
Lead Crow leapt out of the way of the attack and charged
Mercury. Jupiter moved to intercept, but Lead Crow knocked her
aside. Mercury ducked out of the way as Lead Crow fired at her,
and continued to pursue. Fog began to fall. Lead Crow dispersed
it with a blast of energy. Jupiter leapt out of the dissipating
mist sword drawn. Lead Crow tried to duck. A wound slid across
her arm. Lead Crow let out a random scream and unleashed an
energy attack blasting Jupiter back across the battlefield.
This is not accomplishing anything. Gala thought as she and Maverick continued to spar.
Gala formed a ball of energy in her free hand. Maverick flipped backwards and fired. Gala blasted away the attack and then jumped back.
"We're getting out of here!" she shouted and fired a blinding blast of energy into the air. The enemy retreated.
"We could follow them," Sailor Uranus said.
"In our condition, I wouldn't suggest it," Sailor Moon said. The scouts had been relatively beaten up.
"Ehh..that group just keeps getting bigger," Sailor Jupiter said.
"Good thing you showed up," Sailor Uranus said to Tuxedo Mask. "We needed to the extra fire power."
"I try my best," Tuxedo Mask said.
"You're not hurt are you?" Sailor Moon asked with concern.
"It'll heal," Tuxedo Mask said.
"You were fighting Gala Maverick," Sailor Mercury said. "What happened?"
"She's trying to conserve her energy and believe me she can," Maverick said. "Her swordmanship is amazing."
"You're actually in awe?" Sailor Neptune asked.
"She's almost as good as I am," Maverick said.
"Almost?" everyone asked.
"Maybe as good," Maverick said.
"That's what we thought," The group replied.
"Great, now you have two girls who can match you skill for skill," Jupiter said.
Maverick just sighed.
"Well Darrien's how you're research coming?" Serena asked.
"Ehh..it's not.." Darrien muttered. "It's just so hard to catch up and everyone's opinion has been lowered of me after you know.."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Serena said. "Anything I can do. I brought you lunch...." she said and handed him a bag.
"Thanks," Darrien said.
"I thought I should being that it's Saturday and all. You really shouldn't be working now. I don't work on the weekends..or the weekdays..either..but still.." Serena said.
"I've just got a lot to make up for," Darrien said. "I can't help it. But tomorrow we'll do something okay?" Darrien asked.
"Darrien, I don't want me putting you ahead of your work. Remember that. When you're out of the dog house, we can spend some time together. Right now you should devote your effort to this."
"That's okay Serena, I'll make some time."
"No please Darrien. Don't.."
"That's very mature of you to say," Darrien said.
"Yes well," Serena said. "I don't know what's come over me. But I want you to do well and to get a job and all that..so..just keep at it. I'll wait."
Darrien smiled.
"But hurry up," Serena said with a smiler herself and headed out the door.
Darrien sighed.
"I'm trying," he said.
"So..where are we going?" Greg asked. Michiru grinned.
"It's a surprise," the green haired girl replied.
"Uh..why does it all have to be a surprise," Greg said.
"Well that's all life is, one big surprise," Michiru said.
"Not usually," Greg said.
"Well if it was usually it wouldn't be a surprise."
"That's true," Greg said. "But I know you want to help, but I don't want to go to the extremes."
"You won't," Michiru said. "Just trust me on this one."
"All right," Greg said.
Michiru grinned.
"Scared?" she asked.
"Always," Greg said.
"Don't blame you," she said.
Greg sighed.
"Get used to it," Michiru said. "I must say I'm interested in just what you're like. I know a little, but I think I'd like to see the real you come out too."
"I hope I won't disappoint you," Greg said.
"Me too," Michiru said. "But I don't think that'll be a problem. Can I ask you something?"
Greg nodded.
"When you had those powers, how did you feel about them?" Michiru asked.
"Good question," Greg said. "That was an interesting time. It didn't always work. I mean I didn't always know the future, or was able to be telepathic. It just sort of came and went."
"But you used it?" Michiru asked.
"I guess I did. Wouldn't you?"
"Of course I would," Michiru said. "Or at least I would have then. It's nothing to be ashamed of. How fortunate of you to be in the same class as Amy."
"Amy changed my life. In more ways then one," Greg said.
"She is an extraordinary girl. They all are," Michiru said.
"But you don't consider yourself part of that group?" Greg asked.
"Do you think I am."
"Objectively speaking, yeah," Greg said.
"Objectively speaking? What about subjectively."
"You're even more amazing," Greg said. "But I mean that in objective terms.."
Michiru grinned.
"Well just as long as you do. So what's so extraordinary about me?"
"You know this is a hard thing to talk about."
"I'm just curious. Come on Greg, I like to hear people be honest."
"Well..you're smart for one."
"I guess I am," Michiru said.
"You can play the violin better then anyone."
"I guess."
"You've managed to keep a healthy personality despite all this," Greg said.
"I guess there's something to be said for that," Michiru said.
"You're also kind hearted."
"That much is obvious," Michiru said.
"Can I ask you something?" Greg asked.
"Sure."
"If the whole pure heart thing was happening now, but the rest of the circumstances were the same. How would you handle it," Greg said.
"No idea," Michiru said.
"Really?"
"Uh huh," Michiru said. "It was a lot easier when I didn't know any of you personally, but now..my strategy would probably change..whether it was the tactically smart thing to do or not."
"Hmm..that's what I thought," Greg said.
"And how do you know I'm not lying."
"I don't," Greg said. "But I can't see why you would...and if you are..well..that's unfortunate, but there is little I can do about it."
Michiru nodded.
"That's one way to see it. We're almost there," She
said.
"Father I wish to ask a favor of you..." Hotaru said.
"What is it?" Doctor Tomoe asked dropping some strawberries into his bowl of rice.
"Uh..father why are you doing that?" Hotaru asked.
"The rice and the strawberries are an excellent combination," Tomoe said and began to mix them together.
Hotaru sighed.
"Anyway...I wished to speak with General Patterson, could you get me to see him?" Hotaru asked.
"Why would you want to talk to him?" Tomoe asked. "I mean..you don't want to join the army do you?"
"Far from it.." Hotaru said. "I just wish to speak with him. It's a personal matter."
"Personal?" Tomoe asked. "So why aren't you talking to me about it?"
"Because it's not your concern. It concerns Sailor Saturn."
"Oh..well then I guess...I can..get you to see him," Tomoe said. "If it's important, but you know if it's sailor scout business, he'll see you anyway."
"He will..well..regardless, I should meet with him," Hotaru said.
"Do what you want," Tomoe said. Wonder what she's up
to.
At Amy's house, Lita stood outside Amy's shut bedroom door.
"So this is your first day of this program thing?" Lita asked.
"Uh huh," Amy said.
"Any particular reason why you don't want me to see you changing."
"I'm just modest I guess," Amy said.
Serena bolted up to the door.
"Amy, you're out of food," She said.
"Serena, I have plenty of food, just nothing you'd want I guess," Amy said.
"If I don't want it, it's not food," Serena said.
Lita sighed.
The door opened and Amy emerged dressed in a white outfit somewhat resembling a nurse's uniform.
"So what do you think?" she asked.
Lita and Serena glanced at each other.
"They're making you where that huh?" Serena asked.
"Is this some kind of character building exercise?" Lita asked.
Amy sighed.
"I didn't like it either," Amy said. "But I have no choice. It's what we're supposed to wear."
"Well I guess you'll get used to it," Lita said.
"By necessity if not by choice," Serena said.
The front door swung open and Patterson entered followed by Urawa and Melvin.
"So the three lights are coming back in two weeks, do we have a plan?" Melvin asked.
"I was thinking we use some sort of special gas," Urawa said.
"No," Patterson muttered. "No gases."
"Say..Patterson, I thought you might be interested in some information I've obtained about a certain girl in our class," Melvin said.
"It can be yours for a slight fee.." Urawa said.
"No," Patterson said. "Wait here," he added before heading into the war room.
"We're listening," Amy, Serena, and Lita said
sliding up next to the two guys.
"This place is amazing," Greg said. He and Michiru were standing on a hillside looking down at a shimmering lake. Trees surrounded the area and birds flew through the sky.
"I thought you might like it," Michiru said. "I've always liked it here. This place has historical significance too."
"Oh?" Greg said.
"This place is called the "lake of destiny." Back during the Tokugawa era, two samurai met here in combat."
"Oh.." Greg said.
"No one seems to know why they met. But what was known is that the duel lasted for hours. Both were excellent warriors, capable of handling anything the other warrior could use. Their skills were perfectly matched."
"So what happened?" Greg asked.
"One of the samurai became exhausted, and fed up. He used a hidden dagger and threw it at their opponent. It hit forming a mortal wound, but the second samurai still used his remaining strength to win the battle. Both of the samurai's died here."
"I've never heard this story before," Greg said.
"It is not well known, and that's good, because it means we have this place to ourselves," Michiru said. "Sometimes the meaning of this place comes back to haunt me, and I can't enjoy it. But I come back anyway, because it is too beautiful."
"Kinda like living huh?" Greg asked.
Michiru nodded.
"Greg...what do you live for?" she asked.
"I don't know."
"Yes that's the problem. Let's start simple. Do you live to see sights such as this."
"Uh huh."
"You live for pleasure."
"Sure, when I can get it."
"So what do you think you're here to do?"
"I don't know. I guess right now it's to fight as a Guardian Scout."
"Interesting, considering you never were one before."
"But I'm here now."
"Yes, but there must be more to it," Michiru said. "You are a complex person. You have so much energy, so much intelligence, yet it isn't focused."
"Guess so," Greg said.
"What do you see here?" Michiru asked.
"You want me to describe it?" Greg asked.
"Stream of consciousness, whatever you think," Michiru said.
"Well..the water's fine, calm, I don't know if I like calm water or not...rippling water can be dangerous when it gets powerful, but calm water, it only means something if it has something to reflect."
Michiru nodded.
"Sometimes you look at these trees, and wonder why there are so many," Greg said. "I mean a tree is a tree, how many do you need? Interesting though, they're living creatures, even if they aren't sentient, and yet we use them for what we need. They're inferior after all right. Guess these evil forces have a right to say what they do. I mean if you were all powerful and you came to earth wouldn't you expect to win. What if one day the tree's started fighting back...."
"Highly unlikely," Michiru said. "But I see what you mean. Yes Greg, you are a higher order thinker. Have you ever thought of writing this down?"
"No, I never really have thought about it."
"Maybe you should. You're a keen observer, and your mind is creative and full of life. Maybe you should spread that around."
"I don't know," Greg said. "It seems silly. I mean I can talk about it with you, but...who know's if I'm any good."
"Greg, art is not a perfect science, in fact it isn't a science at all, so let me help you realize this. At least maybe this will let you find out what you want to do."
"All right," Greg said. "I'll give it a
try."
"Why did we retreat?" Prince Metalite asked. "We had them."
"We did not," Gala muttered. "They would have taken us to the limit. We might have killed them all, but I would have lost the majority of you in the process. There are nine other scouts out there we have not heard from."
"Then let us take care of them first," Metalite said.
"I agree," Coardite said. "Where are they?"
"It is too risky. Sailor Moon is the most dangerous of the scouts," Gala said. "As long as she lives we are never safe."
"Then let's attack her personally," Coardite said.
"Yeah we know who she is," Iron Mouse said.
"And don't you think the scouts are aware of that?" Gala said. "I am not going to make the mistakes my predecessors have. That's why you are all here. Now..I used what energy I had left to transport someone here to join us. I can provide no more resources at this point. All our energy should be devoted to stopping these scouts. He does not need energy though, he relies on skill himself. Let me introduce you to Materic."
"I am yours to command Gala, as long as you let me have Maverick," Materic said.
"In due time," Gala said. "But now that we are
all here. There are eight of us, and eight scouts. The odds are
even numerically, but next time we attack, we'll have the
advantage."