. Chapter 330

A few days later.

Guardian Moon stared out at the city of Tokyo letting his cape blow back and forth in the breeze.

Perhaps my strategy was not the right one to take. He thought to himself. But then again, the Sailor Scouts and all those with them are nowhere near their full potential. They rely too much on their powers, and not on their inner selves. There may be real threats out there, not just one high powered being with an agenda, and they take things so casually, they who have most of the power. I would not have been entrusted with this mission if it was not important to carry out, and I must succeed.

He turned and walked away.

"Now..tell me what you see?" Motoki said. Rick stood across from him. They both held wooden training swords.

"You mean what I observe about you?"

"No," Motoki said. "I mean what you observe about everything."

"Everything?"

"Of course, battles are not waged only between two people," Motoki said. "They are also waged with the environment. If you can use the environment itself to your advantage, then you are in better control."

"I see," Rick said.

"It is especially true when facing a superior enemy, that allies can be found all around you, though your enemy can also find these allies, so you must use them wisely and decisively," Motoki said.

Rick nodded.

He's got some good advice. Raye thought watching the two. Guess he wasn't just a crackpot living in the past. Then again maybe he is a crackpot living in the past with good advice. It's always a possibility.

"Now..tell me what you see?" Motoki asked.

"No," Rick said.

"Why?"

"Because then you'd know too.." Rick said with a grin.

Motoki grinned back.

"Yes, you are learning," he said.

"Been a while hasn't it..." Greg said.

"Yes," Michiru said.

"So..how was it in wherever you were?"

"Absolutely dreadful," Michiru said.

"Really?"

"I had thought that maybe hip hopping through dimensions and swimming through new realities would be a wonderful experience," Michiru said. "It's not. You can drown in it."

"Too overwhelming then?"

"Yes," Michiru said. "Never thought I'd appreciate one dimension so much in my life."

"So what did you do there anyway?"

"I'm not sure," Michiru said with a grin.

Greg smiled.

"So how have you been?" Michiru asked.

"Things were going well until the new scouts showed up," Greg said.

"You doing your writing?"

"Yes," Greg said. "I sent my novel off to be read."

"That's great," Michiru said. "I'm sure it will be accepted."

"I hope so," Greg said.

"So, did you miss me?"

"Sure," Greg said.

"That's good," Michiru said. "I missed everyone. For so many reasons. Though I guess this whole war is going to take some of the fun out of things."

"But we're used to it," Greg said.

"Sadly yes," Michiru said. "Still I guess duty calls."

Greg nodded.

"So how's your brother?"

"No idea."

"Doesn't surprise me."

Haruka and Setsuna were standing around Amy's desk as the blue haired girl typed into her computer.

"It's been hard to accumulate information about the scouts," Amy said. "Given that by the time we see them we're already in a battle."

"Do you have anything?" Setsuna asked.

"Well, these are certainly of a different level," Amy said. "There powers are more versatile then our own it seems, and their other combat skills are also quite impressive."

"True," Setsuna said.

"And now they've got three of the four negaverse generals with them too?" Haruka asked.

"I'm afraid so," Amy said.

"Nephlite's obviously a target," Haruka said.

"He knows," Amy said.

"Do you have pictures?" Setsuna asked.

Amy nodded and punched up some commands on her screen.

Guardian Moon appeared.

"So that's Guardian Moon.." Setsuna said. "The clothes do match a higher level scout."

"But Setsuna, I've never heard of a Guardian Moon," Amy said.

"For that matter neither have I," Haruka said.

"I've been waiting to explain it to all of you once the scouts have recovered. I guess we should do that soon then," Setsuna said.

"Amy you have too many vegetables in the house," Serena said walking in. "Oh hey Setsuna, Haruka."

"Serena, how's the house coming?" Haruka asked.

"Not good," Serena said. "The entire SDF's pretty busy with something else I guess, my parents are being put up in a posh hotel, they're happy. Me I'm just glad to get away from them for a while."

"I am also glad you and your family are separated," Amy said.

"Curious," Setsuna said.

"Long story," Amy and Serena quickly said.

"We were just reviewing the information that Amy has obtained," Setsuna said.

"I'll tell you one thing," Serena said. "Those scouts fight harder then I've ever seen, and it hurts too," she said. "It almost seems...well..no it sounds stupid."

"What is it?" Setsuna asked.

"Well, you know how when we fight a really tough enemy, but that we know we need to win, our strength increases, and we fight harder?" Serena asked.

The three nodded.

"It almost seems like that's what's happening with them when they fight us," Serena said.

"But you're the good guys," Haruka said.

"Not to them," Amy said.

"Regardless, they must be stopped," Haruka said.

In one of Tokyo's many parks.

"So when are you going to break up with Alina?" Mina asked.

"Mina, please," Mike said. "You speak of breaking up as if it's an easy thing."

"Is for me."

"That's because someone's always dumping you, it's easier when you're on the other end."

"Mike...would you like to take that back before I kill you."

"Nah..I'll take that one to my grave," Mike said.

Mina started laughing.

"There are times when you're funny," she said.

"Well duh.." Mike said.

"Oh come on Mike, do you want me to help you break up with her?"

"Why do you care?"

"I'm your.."

"Friend, yes I know, but you rarely get this enthusiastic about something this unimportant."

"Life's been slow lately," Mina said.

"Glad I provide some excitement with my romantic difficulties."

"Oh come on, you were making out with me just last week, what are you complaining about?"

"Just say that a little louder Mina, make sure everyone hears it."

"I just might," Mina said with a grin.

"Enjoy yourself," Mike muttered.

"You stopped being fun," Mina said.

"That tends to happen if you spend enough time with me," Mike said.

"It's too bad," Mina said. "You don't have to be this annoying."

Mike stopped. Mina stopped too.

"What does that mean?" he asked.

"Oh..uh..well.." Mina said. "I..uh..gotta go!"

She vaulted over a short wall.

"Oh no you don't!" Mike said and vaulted after her.

"Mike don't chase me!" Mina shouted.

"Then don't run!" Mike said.

"Now that's just flawed logic!" Mina said and jumped over a hedge, before flipping over another wall. Mike sidestepped the hedge and flipped over the wall as well chasing after his ex.

"This looks bad you know!" Mina said extending a lead.

"Well whoopdie diddly doo doo!" Mike shouted.

Elsewhere, in Lita's darkened room.

"All right, we are really going to try this again.." Lita said.

"Yeah," Steve said.

"You're okay with it?"

"I am if you are."

"Sure I am."

"Good cause I am too."

"That's what I thought."

"Let's get started before this degrades further."

"Good idea," Lita said.

The two sat still and concentrated.

Lita felt the world around her melt away replaced by visions.

A field surrounded her.

This is strange. It's never been this vivid before.

She heard some strange noises below her. She looked down, a miniature version of Steve was chasing a miniature version of herself around her legs.

She looked at the scene in surprise. The two miniatures stopped starred at each other and then ran off into the field.

"Hey wait!" Lita shouted chasing after them.

They turned and stared at her.

"Now that's odd isn't it?" Steve asked.

"What?" Lita asked. "You're here too?"

"Sure."

"Are you actually you, or a product of my own imagination?"

"How would I know?"

"Typical Steve response, but that proves nothing," Lita said.

The two mini-thems started making noises and then they began dancing.

"This is weird," Lita said.

"Bordering on stupid," Steve said.

"Or at the least, a bit crazy."

"Stupid," Steve said.

Lita glanced at him.

"Yea!" mini-Lita and Steve shouted and then began multiplying.

"What does this mean?" Lita asked.

"You're the expert," Steve said.

"Yeah but," Lita said.

Soon the field was filled with mini people staring at the two.

"Is this good or bad?" Steve asked.

"I don't know," Lita said.

Suddenly the mini-Lita's pointed at Lita.

"What?" Lita asked.

They then pointed at Steve.

"Odd," Steve said.

Then to the two's shock every mini-Lita kissed every min-Steve.

Lita's eyes widened. The field fell away replaced by blackness, a face appeared.

"Seiya..." Lita said before dropping out of her trance.

"Woah.." Steve said. "You okay?"

"Yes, did you have a vision?" Lita asked.

"Strange one, I can't even explain it."

"Were you in a field?" Lita asked.

"No, airplane."

"Was I there?" Lita asked.

"Not this time," Steve said.

"Then it was all me then," Lita said.

"What was?"

"Nothing, it was just strange," Lita said. "Some of these visions make me doubt my sanity."

"Yeah, well I can see why. They're so odd," Steve said.

"Many of them are more meaningful," Lita said wiping sweat from her brow.

"You okay?" Steve asked.

"It was just very weird," Lita said.

Steve nodded.

A field? Her? Don't tell me we had the same vision. Steve thought.

"All right, I'm sure you're all looking for some answers," Setsuna said.

The group all nodded for effect.

"Very well, allow me to explain," Setsuna said. "And this is the simple version, it's much more complex if I tell the whole story. But needless to say it all begins in the silver millennium."

The scouts all listened intently.

"There was of course the outer scouts, who protected the solar system from outside invaders. Then of course the inner scouts came later. Sailor Moon did not exist in the past. However, Guardian Moon did. His life was not long though," Setsuna said.

"What do you mean?" Serena asked.

"You see, when Guardian Moon was six, you hadn't even been born yet Princess," Setsuna said. "A crisis arose, we were unavailable, and the only one capable of wielding the power was Guardian Moon and Queen Serenity. The Queen was willing to use the power, only Guardian Moon understood the power involved, and took his transformation wand secretly. The enemy attacked the castle, and Guardian Moon leapt into action before the Queen could stop him. The enemy was destroyed, but Guardian Moon was killed because of the power overload. A six year old can only have so much power. Queen Serenity of course used her powers to send him to the Earth to be reborn, and no other male heir was born that could use the power of Guardian Moon. He was to have been the leader of the Guardian Scouts, just as Sailor Moon was destined to lead the Sailor Scouts."

"Oh, yeah he's really being a leader now," Mike said.

"What about the Earth scouts," Darrien said. "I didn't think they could exist."

"That story is also complex," Setsuna said. "You see Darrien at one time all the planets and moons of the solar system were at peace. This included the dark moon Nemesis as well. But then there were the purges. Your planet expelled many of it's people to Nemesis. I can't go into the details of all that, but needless to say that's where the dark moon family came from. However during this time, the powers of Sailor Earth and Guardian Earth were created to protect the Earth. However, things changed. The powers were granted to two young humans, but then Earth's relationship with the moon soured, largely because of evil influences. Finally Earth became autonomous, growing on it's own and holding a largely cold relationship with all of the other planets. Guardian Earth and Sailor Earth served their planet without fail though. They defended it, and at some point lost their lives doing so. Queen Serenity, recognized their sacrifice and also had them reborn."

"How nice of her," Steve muttered.

"They deserved the chance I guess," Raye said. "But Setsuna why are these scouts against us?"

"I'm not sure, I've been out of contact with Queen Serenity for a long time now, her power has been fading," Setsuna said. "She could have given them this power, or it's possible they discovered it.. Regardless of how they got it, they don't seem interested in cooperating with us. Then again, Guardian Earth was never supposed to be subservient to you Serena anyway. The true leader of scouts everywhere was the queen, we didn't think of what would happen if ..you know."

"Maybe Guardian Moon is just trying to exert his authority," Michiru said.

"He's got a heck of a way of doing it," Lita said.

"This is about revenge though," Raye said. "That's what the fires tell me, over and over, or at least that's a big part of what they're doing. Those scouts want revenge."

"I don't remember ever meeting the Earth scouts," Darrien said. "Would I have?"

"Perhaps not," Setsuna said. "They might have died before you could have."

"Maybe they just have a natural animosity towards all of us being from Earth," Amy said.

"But why work with Guardian Moon then?" Greg asked.

"Common interests maybe," Haruka said.

"So..does this mean they can be reasoned with?" Serena asked.

"Setsuna, what about the negaverse generals? How are they converting them like that?" Rick asked. "I know we can't."

"Ah..that," Setsuna said. "It's because the four generals were originally Earth warriors."

"Hope I'm not missing anything," Nephlite said wandering in.

"Perfect timing," the rest of the scouts replied.

"Ah..I see."

"Before even Guardian Earth and Sailor Earth existed, the four would-be generals guarded Earth, they were also the first group taken over by the mysterious evil force that slowly absorbed the Earth."

"It's coming back to me," Nephlite said. "I understand it now."

"The powers they've been given are stronger then the negaverse powers it seems," Greg observed.

"Well it's more a matter that the negaverse generals need to hold their powers in check to make sure they don't get taken over by the energy itself. Right Nephlite?" Setsuna said.

"Uh huh," Nephlite said. "I was forced to go all out against Jaedite though, he is as strong as I am."

"But now they have Earth's power," Amy said.

"This is complicated," Serena said.

"I said it would be," Setsuna said.

"So how do we fight them?" Lita asked.

"I guess the same way you have been," Setsuna said.

"No, we need strategy," Serena said.

Everyone else looked at her.

"Well don't we? These scouts are dangerous, in a straight out fight we get beaten up and they get beaten up, but nothing gets solved. Now let's do this the right way," Serena said.

"You're right," Haruka said.

"Besides, something's messing with their minds, and we should find out what," Serena said. "I don't like fighting other scouts. Besides they're supposed to defend Earth not destroy it."

"I don't think they see it that way," Mina said.

"So where'd they come from anyway?" Rick asked.

"Ah..interesting you should ask," General Patterson said sticking his head in the door.

"General were you spying on us?" Amy said in surprise.

"Kind of," Patterson said. "I just wanted to know what's going on and I didn't want to disturb you."

"Your family's just full of spies isn't it?" Raye asked.

"Actually, since D.V. and I aren't related..." General Patterson said.

"Skip it," Raye said.

"Anyway, we have some friends in the United States. Apparently, those three have spent some time over there," Patterson said.

"But there's no evil forces in the U.S," Serena said.

"Hah, that's what you think," Patterson said. "And I'm not referring to American politician either. There's been enemy attacks there too, but these three have fought them off."

"They would need strong powers to do that," Haruka observed.

"Apparently. Now I don't have a lot of info, but apparently, these three have been around for years," Patterson said. "But the U.S. has done a much better job keeping it secret. Anyway..the point is that these scouts seemed to have been fighting the good fight over there."

"Yet they come over here and trash the place," Mike said.

"In so many words," Patterson said.

"We really have to figure this all out," Serena said.

"Then let's come up with a plan of action," Michiru said.

"I've gotta go," Patterson said. "Good luck."

"Thank you General," Amy said.

"Sure," Patterson said and headed off.

"What we need is another preemptive strike, but one that works this time," Raye said.

"We don't know where they are this time," Mina said.

"So we'll find out, we've got the outers back," Serena said.

"We're not bloodhounds," Haruka muttered.

As this was all happening, Ambassador Churchill was getting out of a limousine. He walked several feet into the wilderness and stopped.

"So..you came Ambassador," a voice said.

"I did," Churchill said. "I must say this is an excellent job you're doing."

"I don't care about compliments," the voice replied. "Now are you putting pressure on the government."

"Of course I am. That's what I've been doing all along."

"Of course you are, but is it working?"

"As far as I can tell. Coral's a lightweight in a game like this."

"It's hardly a game," the voice said. A light flew out and grazed Churchill's head.

"Hey! There's no need to do that!" the ambassador shouted.

"I just needed to remind you of the reality of the situation," Guardian Moon said emerging from the shadows sword drawn.

"You just remember that lives are at stake, I use you because you have the ability to help me. But I don't particularly like you either. Remember that."

"Whatever," Churchill said. "You'll get what you want."

"I should hope so," Guardian Moon said. "We'll speak again Ambassador!"

The scout then disappeared into the forest.

"Creepy," Churchill muttered.

"Darrien," Serena said.

"What Serena?"

"Are you afraid."

"Afraid?"

"Of what's going to happen."

"Should I be?"

"I just feel weird about it. I've never felt this way. I know somehow that this war is wrong."

"All wars are wrong."

"Yes, but this is just..I don't know..I worry."

"Well don't worry. We'll win it and then they'll be peace again."

"But what if the whole reason those scouts are here is to bring peace too, I don't know how they think they'll do it, but it just seems maybe they have their own way."

"Serena we can't worry about that. They're tough enough to fight. We'll figure out their motivations after we've won."

"Yeah I guess," Serena said. "I just hate fighting."

"Me too."

"But you're a guy, fighting is a natural."

"Not this kind of fighting."

"Oh..."

"Yeah, sure. It doesn't make me feel any better than it does you."

"I guess there's good reasons for that."

"You bet there are," Darrien said

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