Chapter 304
"Be careful Sailor Moon," Jupiter said.
"I'm not going to attack," Gala said. "Most of your friends will arrive here within minutes. There's no point."
"Why did you come?" Jupiter asked.
"Jupiter..please.." Sailor Moon said.
"A legitimate question," Gala said. "I've been watching you Sailor Moon. And after what I saw I was curious. Just why do you want to see me?"
"I want to speak with you Gala, I want to learn why you are here?"
"Haven't I made that clear?"
"No," Sailor Moon said.
Gala paused.
"Gala, why are we wasting our time like this?" Metalite asked.
"Shut up Metalite," Gala said and advanced slowly. Sailor Moon stood there staring at her.
"You aren't afraid are you?" Gala asked.
"It doesn't matter how I feel," Sailor Moon said. "I wanted to speak with you."
"You keep saying that," Gala said. "Look at me. What is so important about looking at me?"
Sailor Moon looked over her. From top to bottom. She stared into Gala's face.
Gala flinched slightly as their eyes met.
"What..do you want?" she snapped.
"Gala..why are you attacking our planet?" Sailor Moon asked.
"Revenge Sailor Moon," Gala said. "You killed my mother."
"Yes I did," Sailor Moon said. "But she attacked this planet. I had to defend it."
"Yes you did didn't you?" Gala said. "This isn't personal you know. I don't get involved like that. But you killed my mother. I have to destroy you."
"So why not fight me? Why all this?" Sailor Moon asked. "Why destroy this planet too?"
"Because I'm not only interested in revenge," Gala said.
"This is highly irregular," Lead Crow said. "Why is Gala admitting this?"
"Yeah..what's the deal," Coardite said.
"I don't understand you Sailor Moon, why are you here? I killed your lover. I killed him, coldly with no regard for you at all," Gala said. Sailor Moon paused for a few seconds.
"You are fighting a war Gala," Sailor Moon said. "You are in the same position as I am. Only you are on the wrong side. If such a thing exists. You did what you had to win."
"That's how you see it. How can you?"
"Gala, I cried for days following what happened. I hated you. But..then I realized that there is more to it then that. It's not your fault."
"What? Of course it is. I killed him. I stole his star seed."
"Yes, but Gala why do you want to take over this planet?"
"Because I do. I want power! Control! I want the empire back that my mother had."
"So that's all it is," Sailor Moon said. "Pure greed. But your mother died for that greed. And what do you hope to achieve..even if you win here?"
Cars skidded up behind her. The majority of the scouts, the dark moon family, and the negaverse generals emerged.
"What's going on?" Sailor Uranus asked.
"They're talking, the heck if I know why,"Sailor Jupiter said.
The scouts all took up defensive positions.
"Ah I see your allies have arrived," Gala said.
"Gala..what would you do if no one resisted you?" Sailor Moon asked.
"What?"
"Well if we weren't here."
"I would take the star seeds and assume control."
"I see. So you fight us because we're in your way."
"Naturally. I fight you for revenge though. I fight all of you for revenge. But I don't necessarily need to. I'm not evil for evil's sake. I am evil because it brings me power."
"But why do you want power so much?"
"Why should I speak of it with you?"
"Because Gala, we are more similar than you think."
"I can't believe this!" Coardite snapped.
"This is troubling," Jaedite said.
"Gala," Sailor Moon said. "We're both daughters of Queens. We both are the legacies of lost kingdoms. I fight because I was told to. I was given the power too. If I don't no one else can take my place."
"I don't fight because I'm forced to. I like it. I want it!" Gala said. "I'm not like you at all. You're weak. You're pathetic!"
"But yet you're here talking to me. You have a reason," Sailor Moon said. "You must want to talk to me about something."
"I was curious. That's all. I wanted to know what would cause you to be willing to talk with me."
"Now you know," Sailor Moon said. "I will have to fight you Gala, but I wanted to know who you were before I did. I've killed so many..without knowing just what they were, what they could do, only because they attacked me. Maybe in the past, your mother or your family was hurt, such that they lashed out and struck back..I don't know. I just wish I could believe that you aren't evil by nature, just be circumstance."
"And what difference does it make? I attack you. We fight. I will kill all of you if I have to."
"I know, and I'll do everything I can to stop you, despite how I feel. All of us will. But I was trying to find out if there's anything of you left to save."
"Save? You'd actually try to..." Gala said in surprise.
"Yes.."
"Gala! Can we just fight here!" Materic shouted.
"Hmm...it's about time for a fight," Gala said backing up.
Sailor Moon frowned innocently.
"Wait Gala," Sailor Moon said. "We don't have to fight this way."
"Of course," Gala said.
"No I mean..we have to fight, but not like this," Sailor Moon said.
"Now what do you mean? You are such a strange idealistic girl."
"I mean..look at where we are now.." Sailor Moon said. "You have to somehow to develop a plan to catch us off guard, and we have to protect against it right. That's no fun for either side," Sailor Moon said.
"What is she doing?" Sailor Uranus muttered.
"I think she's shell shocked," Guardian Uranus said.
"I don't know," Sailor Mercury said. "Still this is erratic."
"Gala," Sailor Moon said. "We should organize this."
"Organize?" Gala asked. "You mean trust you?"
"Uh..Gala...you can trust us...we can't trust you remember?" Sailor Moon asked.
"I suppose so...so why would you trust us?"
"We won't," The rest of the group said.
"Uh..still under this environment of mistrust.." Sailor Moon began gaining a cheerful nervousness as she did so. "We can set up fights that aren't as annoying. You know like one on one."
"This is all very strange," Gala said.
"But it's easier right. Look. We fight each other in a tournament or something.." Sailor Moon said.
"MOOOORTTAAALLL KOOMMMMBAATT!" Guardian Neptune shouted.
"That was unnecessary," most of the group replied.
"A tournament?" Gala asked.
"Sure," Sailor Moon said. "Whoever wins the tournament wins the war."
"But..that's not how we're supposed to fight," Gala said.
"But if we don't do it that way, it's just going to be the usual mess...and besides, evil never wins those kind of fights. The scouts are too good for that," Sailor Moon said.
"I think we've got the old Sailor Moon back," Jupiter said.
"But what about the doleful sorrowful type that existed only twenty minutes ago?" Guardian Neptune asked.
"Her mind is a strange twisted place," Sailor Uranus observed.
"Gala, this can work," Sailor Moon said.
"You're saying that if we win, we get the planet. The star seeds everything?" Gala asked.
"Uh huh.." Sailor Moon said. "Not that you will win of course. But if we win. You leave the planet."
"They'll never follow through!" Sailor Uranus shouted. The negaverse and dark moon people all cried in agreement.
"We'll see," Sailor Moon said. "What do you say? No fighting other then the tournament."
"Well..." Gala said.
"I'm game if I get a shot at Maverick!" Materic shouted.
"Me too!" Coardite shouted.
"As long as we fight!" Argosante said.
"Metalite?" Gala asked.
"No one listens to me anyway," Metalite said.
"Very well," Gala said. "We'll have a tournament. Now how exactly will it work?"
"Uh..I have no idea," Sailor Moon said.
Everyone sighed.
"Allow me to propose an idea," Metalite said.
"That'll be the day," Sailor Uranus said.
"Let Maverick, Mercury, or Guardian Saturn do it, they're the smart ones," Guardian Neptune said.
"I'm not going to let you plan it all," Metalite said.
"Agreed," Gala said. "Here's what I suggest. We'll have a group of battles. The first side that wins fifteen of them wins the tournament. To start it off, each of my warriors will be allowed to fight three times. You can use any of your fighters twice. That will of course change if things are extended."
"Hmm.." Sailor Moon said.
"I don't know...we're pretty even as it is," Sailor Uranus said.
"But there are seventeen of you," Gala said. "Besides, Materic, Argosante, and my sword fighting half only will need to fight one of you anyway."
The scouts all looked at each other.
"Fine!" they all shouted.
"Then it's agreed," Gala said.
"Fine!" the group all shouted.
"Then it's agreed. We will finalize this later," Gala said. " Enjoy your concert!"
The eight turned and leapt off into the night. The scouts all watched them go with varying degrees of shock on their faces.
"Sailor Moon.." Jupiter said.
Sailor Moon turned.
"I know..it may seem very weird all I've said and done," she said. "But guys trust me..this is for the best...."
The group all looked at her with concern.
"Well..uh..come on I have to go see the three lights. Raye and Mina wouldn't understand if I wasn't in the front row," Sailor Moon said.
"But..are you all right?" Jupiter asked.
"I don't know yet," Sailor Moon said. "But right now I want to see what happens. And I want to see my friends perform. I'll sort everything else out later."
"Allow me to drive you," Nephlite said.
"Thank you," Sailor Moon said. "Jupiter, Mercury.."
Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Mercury followed her. They got into the car and it drove off.
"So do we follow her?" Sailor Neptune asked.
"Of course we do," Sailor Uranus said. "I don't trust those evil forces."
"Still...it was interesting how Sailor Moon had the power to get Gala to listen," Avery said.
"I wonder if it will do us any good," Prisma said.
"Maverick..what do you think of all this?" Guardian Uranus asked.
"No idea," Maverick said. "We should guard the concert."
The group either leapt over drove off.
"But Maverick..do you think they'll follow the rules?" Sailor Uranus asked.
"What rules?" Maverick asked.
"Good point, but will they stick to the twenty five fights?"
"As long as Gala's in control I suspect they will."
"Why?"
"Just a hunch. But..if Metalite starts throwing his weight around..we still have to be be cautious."
"I was thinking the same thing," Uranus said.
Just a few hours later the concert began. The three lights performed for their thousands of fans who were shouting very loudly throughout the event. Serena sat in the front row watching intently. Amy and Lita were caught up in the songs, but would occasionally look to see to how their friend was doing.
She looks all right. Lita thought. Maybe talking to Gala really did help.
Maybe she's relaxing now. Amy thought. That would be good news. Of course maybe she's just trying to look happy so the others don't know.
"There they are," Mina said peeking through a curtain.
"Of course they're there, what would stop them?" Raye asked.
"I don't know, it's just good to see them there, we've never performed in front of them like this before and Serena looks happy," Mina said.
"Yeah I guess," Raye said. "That's good. Considering what's happened. Maybe she's recovered."
"Let's really do our best tonight," Mina said.
"We try to do that every night."
"I know, but let's really do our best anyway."
"Whatever Mina," Raye said.
"Remember Raye, you don't have to be confrontational until we start singing."
"I don't have to..but.." Raye said.
"Point taken," Mina said. "Let's just get
ready."
Outside the arena. The guardians and the outers were sitting around on guard duty.
"The negaverse and dark moon guys are covering the other side of the building tonight, just as a favor," Guardian Saturn said.
"That's nice of them," Sailor Neptune said.
"Where's Setsuna," Sailor Uranus said.
"We really should find her. Maybe something's happened?" Sailor Neptune said.
"You should go," Maverick said.
"But we're needed here," Sailor Uranus said.
"Setsuna could be in trouble. We can risk it," Maverick said. "If just a few of you go."
"Hotaru, you coming?" Sailor Neptune asked.
"I feel it would be better if I stayed. If Gala was to try something I could sense it," Saturn said.
"All right," Neptune said.
She and Uranus leapt off.
"I will get a different angle on things," Sailor Saturn said.
"I had better go with you...just in case," Guardian Saturn said.
"Just in case what?" Sailor Saturn asked.
"Anything I guess," Guardian Saturn said.
Sailor Saturn nodded.
"I appreciate it," she said and they leapt to another side of the building.
"So..here we are," Guardian Neptune said.
"How ya doing Maverick," Guardian Pluto said.
"Well..I'm glad to see you I know that," Maverick muttered.
The three Guardians laughed.
"You the man," Neptune said.
"Hardly," Maverick said. "I'm going to check somewhere else."
"Don't blame you," Guardian Uranus said.
Maverick leapt off.
"Hah! Good to see him huh?" Neptune asked.
"Well now that it's just us," Uranus said. "Why don't you tell Pluto about your plan to make the band better ey Neptune?"
"Well..uh.." Neptune said.
"What?" Pluto said.
"Uh..well..let me explain it completely first...then you can punch me.."
"This is not a good sign," Pluto said.
"It's a nice night at least," Guardian Saturn said.
"Something is to be said for that," Sailor Saturn replied. "What do you think of the state of affairs?"
"I don't know. I guess I'll just react to it," Guardian Saturn said. "See what happens. You?"
"If Gala lives up to her word, and I believe she will...then it may be beneficial to avoid the unpredictability of these battles. However, there are still some other unpredictable consequences that may come up," Sailor Saturn said.
"Why do you think Gala will follow the rules?"
"I have several reasons which I cannot explain. It's best that I don't."
"Okay..I trust you."
"You do?" Saturn asked.
"Sure, why shouldn't I?"
"Hmm..yes I suppose that makes sense," Sailor Saturn said. "It is good to hear anyway."
"Uh..good," Guardian Saturn said.
"That's what I said.
"Yes it is."
Sailor Saturn stared at him and began laughing.
There she goes. Guardian Saturn thought. It scares me when she does that.
Sailor Saturn stopped abruptly.
"The feeling has passed," she said.
Guardian Saturn looked at her for a minute and then started laughing himself.
"What is so funny?" Sailor Saturn asked.
"Just the way you said that...sorry."
"So I amused you."
"Uh..well..not in a bad way."
"I see..well.then..I'm happy to serve."
Guardian Saturn started laughing again. Sailor Saturn joined
in.
And on stage at the concert.
"Well here we go," Raye said.
Mina nodded. The two walked out onto stage from opposite ends. The three lights had since moved to their instruments. The crowd roared.
"They really are glad to see them," Amy said.
"Yeah, it's amazing," Lita said.
"Why? They're the best!" Serena shouted happily.
Amy and Lita glanced at each other a bit confused.
"Thank you," Raye said. "I'm Raye, and that is Mina over there."
"There's no need to introduce me Raye, everyone knows who I am," Mina said.
"I can't see why..I mean...we know who the best idol star is...Seiya told me so himself."
"Well..Yaten likes me better," Mina said.
The crowd laughed.
"So Taiki likes me too."
"Yaten's the only one that counts!" Mina said and blew a kiss. The crowd began shouting.
"Oh really.." Raye said.
The music began. The crowd continued to tell. Raye began to sing a verse of a song explaining why she was so great. Mina cut in and sang her own verse. They reached an interlude.
"See..what did I tell you, I am the best Mina," Raye said with her eyes narrowed.
"Hardly," Mina said. "In fact I prefer to let other people say I'm the best, It's means much more than your personal opinion of yourself you ego maniac!"
"Hey! At least I kept a steady boyfriend two timer!"
"Is this part of the script?" Lita, Amy, and Serena asked themselves aloud.
"Two timer! Lies all of it!" Mina shouted. "You're just jealous!"
"Jealous! I'm better at singing then you are!"
"Maybe so.." Mina said.
Everyone went quiet.
"But I'm prettier then you are Raye!" Mina shouted.
Raye growled.
The two started back up into their verses.
"Are they acting?" Amy wondered.
"I don't think so," Lita said.
"It's great anyway!" Serena shouted. "Besides their script was corny. This is good stuff!"
Amy and Lita looked at her with concern.
"So...what do you think of my idea?" Guardian Neptune asked.
Guardian Pluto drew his energy sword.
"I see." Guardian Neptune said. "I'm going to go find Maverick..he'll protect me."
"Or kill you, just as good," Pluto said.
"Told ya," Uranus said.
"Ehh..most good ideas start out as idiotic suggestions," Neptune said and jumped off.
"That's not true is it?" Pluto asked.
"It goes against all forms of common sense if it
is," Uranus said.
Elsewhere.
"Hmm..Setsuna's car is right here.." Haruka said.
"Yeah..but where's Setsuna?" Michiru said.
"Probably in one of these stores," Haruka said.
"Hmm..odd," Michiru said. "Let's split up to search them."
"Yeah, be careful," Haruka said.
When Guardian Neptune finally found Maverick he was surprised at what he saw. The spiritual leader of the Guardian scouts was keeping watch while the male members of the dark moon and negaverse contingents as well as Zoicite were involved in a game of poker on the roof of a building. The dark moon sisters were elsewhere.
"I raise you twenty," Jaedite said.
"Tricky," Nephlite said.
"This game is mine," Prince Diamond said. "At what point do we duel?"
"There is no dueling," Zoicite said.
"But the game this most resembles from my home world had dueling," Diamond said.
"I agree, it added to the stakes," Rubeus said.
"Stupid game," Sapphire snapping.
"If we added dueling would it make you happy?" Jaedite asked.
"Yes," Diamond said.
"Fine, next hand we add dueling," Jaedite said.
"This is getting ugly" Sapphire said.
"So what am I missing?" Guardian Neptune said wandering up to Maverick.
"What is about to be the most violent game of poker every played," Maverick muttered.
"I'm just in time then," Neptune said.
"Hey guys can I get on the next hand?" he asked.
The group all nodded.
"All right," he said.
"You know you're the only one I can talk to," Setsuna slurred as she slumped against a bar.
"Yeah..well..you really need to be more careful with your drinking miss," the bartender said.
"Ehh..trust me, I control time, I don't need to worry," Setsuna said.
The door opened.
"Oh my..." Michiru said in shock. "Setsuna!"
"Michiru.." Setsuna said. "I should be surprised to see you, but.how ya doing green hair!"
"This is bad," Michiru said.