Chapter 375
"I have an announcement," Viko said. Standing in front of him were the pilots of the fighter wing.
"You have a use to us, so we will let you survive. If you defend this ship well, we shall reward you. Is that understood?" Viko asked.
The pilots all looked at each other worriedly.
"And why should we serve you! How are you going to invade this planet?"
"With sheer power!" Viko shouted and vaporized the pilot.
"Now any more questions?" he asked.
The pilots said nothing else.
Viko strode out of the room and joined with his other warriors.
"That went well. Now have we drained the energy out of the other soldiers," one of the warriors said.
"Excellent," Viko said. "Then we'll just have to take care of the scouts now then."
"Yes.but these fighter pilots...are you actually letting them live?"
"Of course, because that will keep the humans busy while we deal with their beloved defenders. Besides, this ship is still very powerful, if we can get it repaired.."
"Yes of course, you're right."
"It would take so many Earth ships to match our power anyway, but I don't
believe in taking such wild chances, especially with a population of 6 billion."
SDF HQ.
"We attack in one hour," General Jackson said on the view screen.
"Is this an all out attack?" Nagumo asked.
"Every ship and plane we have is moving to intercept."
"We'll be there," Nagumo said.
"No, you've done your part. Now let us do ours."
"Uh..thank you.." Nagumo said.
"UN HQ out."
Nagumo nodded.
"They could actually do it you know," he said.
"Yes," General Patterson said. "I hope they do. The way is paved clear for them now."
"Hmm..yes..somehow I don't know if it'll be that easy though," General Nagumo said.
"I always feel that way. Most of the time I'm wrong," Patterson said.
"It's the times you're right I worry about," Nagumo said.
"Well obviously," Patterson said.
Nagumo glanced at him.
"Ready our forces," Nagumo said, his eyes narrowing.
"Enemy forces are approaching." one his minions said.
"I'm not surprised," Viko said. "Send the fighters."
"Of course."
Soon enemy fighters were emerging from the ship again and heading up into the skies.
"Guess we've got no choice huh.." one of the pilots said.
"Hey, it's either them or the humans and the humans aren't going to like us after invading their planet and all."
"Good point."
The UN strike force was meanwhile moving towards the ship.
"Targets acquired...there's so many of them," one of the pilots said.
"There's so many of us bub!" one of the American pilots replied.
"UN battle fleet moving to attack range. Fighter forces engaging enemy," an officer reported.
"Here it comes," Nagumo said.
Missiles flew out from naval vessels across the pacific. Fighters dived in on the alien craft as the battle began yet again.
"Missile impact in twenty seconds.."
Nagumo watched. The missiles streaked in and were blasted away by some unknown energy source.
"They've still got a defense grid," Patterson said.
"But it's not perfect sir, some of them got through," an officer said.
The camera shot they had showed Viko and the other creatures emerging from the ship.
"What are those!" an officer shouted.
"Probably the source of that energy," Nagumo said.
More missiles exploded into the energy some made it through. Alien and human fighters exploded left and right spiraling into the ocean as they did.
More energy flew out. A wave of fighters on both sides disappeared.
"What is that attacking us!" General Jackson said appearing on the view screen.
"It's a new enemy, you should break off," Nagumo said.
"Oh no..we're going to take this sucker out!"
"General, we don't know what we're dealing with."
The UN general starred at him.
"Perhaps you're right," he said.
"I know I am."
"All right..but where are those scouts?"
"Alive and well we hear sir, they're just recovering."
"All right, I guess we've done all we can for now."
More energy flew out.
"We're withdrawing," Jackson said.
"Wise choice," Nagumo said.
The UN pulled back.
"Guess it's another setback," an officer said.
"Not really son,"Patterson said. "We've got the scouts, they'll take care of those monsters."
"They always do somehow," Nagumo said. "But be ready to launch our forces if
we need to."
The scouts had since retreated to Sailor Scout High School and were recovering from their wounds and such.
"We weakened them pretty badly," Guardian Jupiter said.
"Doesn't matter they've still got some kind of enemies hanging around," Guardian Moon said staring at a camera shot.
"Your handiwork I suppose," Sailor Earth said to Guardian Jupiter.
"I had to make a quick decision, I did," Guardian Jupiter snapped.
"I understand," Guardian Moon said. "The fortunes of war sometimes to not smile on even the best soldiers. You did what you could."
"Thank you," Guardian Jupiter said.
"The question is, just what do we do now?" Sailor Uranus said.
"Well we've got help," Sailor Pluto said gesturing out the window. Sailor Moon was talking to the monsters she had found.
"What a wild bunch they are," Sailor Neptune said. "But they're willing to help out."
"We can use the all the help we can get," Sailor Uranus said. "What we know though is they still have their power, and they have a wing of fighters."
"Not much of one though," Guardian Moon said walking up. "They lost nearly everyone in that battle of theirs, I mean they were facing thousands and thousands of our aircraft."
"Well, they're still a threat aren't they?" Uranus asked.
"A minor one."
"Then we'll take it into account. The main problem is that they have the advantage on their own ship, crippled or not," Sailor Uranus said.
"I'm sure they'll come after us," Guardian Earth said. "I mean if they want us, they'll have to."
"The question is who wants the other worse," Sailor Pluto said.
"I think they do," Guardian Earth said.
"Anything to back it up," Sailor Uranus said.
"That's how I read them. I mean the evil guys are usually more desperate."
"I'd prefer to move on some more concrete information," Sailor Uranus said.
"So would I, we should watch and wait," Guardian Moon said.
"And if they do the same?" Sailor Earth asked.
"Then at least we have time to recover."
"You okay Jupiter, you still look a little out of it?" Sailor Mars asked.
"Sure, just hurt a little bit, that's all, don't worry," Sailor Jupiter said. "There ain't no way I'm staying out of this fight any longer."
"We just don't want you getting hurt," Sailor Mercury said.
"I'll be all right," Sailor Jupiter said. "I'm more worried about you guys and the fighting."
"We managed," Sailor Mars said.
"Right now..I don't have time to be hurt..that will come later," Sailor Mercury said.
"Oh..well we're there for you Mercury," Sailor Mars said.
"Yes," Jupiter said. "Anytime."
"I know.." Sailor Mercury said. "But let's not worry about that now."
The two nodded.
In another part of the school.
"Yaten, I do like you a lot," Sailor Venus said. "But you and I both know that's it not love."
"I know," Guardian Venus said. "But I'll tell you what..after this is over, I'll let you see what I'm really like okay?"
"I'd appreciate it," Sailor Venus said. "You know Yaten, you are a very cute guy, you just have to work the bugs out of your system. I respect that you were willing to go get me too."
"Yes...well..that's what friends do for each other," Guardian Venus replied.
"You're right," Venus said.
"But..Mina..really? Isn't there anyone better you can find then Mike?"
"Mike's a sweetie, and he speaks my language, he's perfect," Sailor Venus said. "It's just a matter of the two of us becoming compatible."
"But if he's all the things you say he is, wouldn't that make you automatically compatible?"
"Ah..how little you understand," Venus said with a smile. Guardian Venus stared at her.
"I guess so," he said.
"What are you so depressed about?" Guardian Neptune asked.
"When it's going to be my time," Guardian Pluto said.
"Your time?"
"Sure, Gmerc, Saturn, Earth, Uranus, they all went. We're weaker then the girls you know that."
"Yeah, well but we've survived this long."
"But Mike, you don't understand, I don't have anyone that loves me, that will come and bring me back," Pluto said.
"Well..I'm sure Lita would."
"But Mike..I don't know that. Not now I don't."
"Then why exactly have you been all over Seiya about how you and Lita are going to be together again."
"I never said that. I said I wanted another shot." Steve said. "I don't know if Lita loves me, instead of just really likes me. I just know I love her, that's all. I mean they can't find you unless you love them someway or another right?"
"She'd find a way for you."
"Not unless she loved me."
"Not necessarily."
"But.."
"Look you're getting ahead of yourself here. You're not gonna die tomorrow, most likely at least. And if you do, she will come after you."
"I don't know.."
"Do I have to beat some sense into you!"
Steve turned and stared at Mike.
"That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard," Steve said.
"Ain't it though," Mike said.
Steve started laughing.
Neptune grinned.
"Yep, you're okay," Neptune said and headed off.
Pluto grinned.
"No..wait..I want you to try now," Pluto said.
"To do what?"
"Beat some sense into me."
"Uh no.." Neptune said.
"Then we'll just reverse the roles!"
"Not this time flyboy!" Neptune said and hurried off, Pluto chased after him.
Back aboard the warship.
"Ah..engineer.." Viko said.
"Uh...yes...."
"Do not fear we only kill worthless soldiers, you are skilled, will our main cannons fire."
"Well sir you see yes, but we can only fire them once, the whole system is heavily damaged, it would take major repairs to get it back on line. I'm sure we wouldn't have the time."
"Very well," Viko said. "We will only need to fire it once. The commander of this ship was a fool, he did not want to destroy the city, but the scouts are there now and we will destroy them with it."
"Yes sir..."
"Now prepare for operation."
"Sir, it will take time for the system to warm up and build its power, and we may have to make just a minor tweak."
"Understood. Then we will wait. You have done well," Viko then turned away and headed down the hall.
The scouts might even survive this attack. However, they will not survive
ours.
"You all right D.V?" Ayeka asked.
"Fine."
"I mean dying and all..must have.."
"No...I was prepared."
"You were?"
"I have nothing here remaining to do really. I protect others, I will do that as long as I can."
"Isn't there anything you want to do with your life?"
"I have never even thought of it."
"That's gotta change. D.V. you'll die again and this time for sure if you don't have something to hold onto. Doesn't your family and friends count?"
"Of course, and I will sacrifice myself to protect them, I would prefer not to of course from a tactical standpoint."
Ayeka slapped him.
"And don't you care how we'll feel if you're gone.." she said.
"I...guess..I.."
"Yeah I know, you've never been used to the idea of anyone really caring whether you live or die, well that's changed now. You've got a lot of people who care whether you're still alive you know, not just me or Amy, but many of your friends you know!"
D.V. said nothing.
"You're days of sacrificing your own interests for everyone else's are over...it's time to do what you can for yourself."
"Right now it isn't," D.V. said. "This whole planet is relying on us. I must remain as I am for now."
Ayeka stared at him.
"I guess you're right. Just be careful."
"I intend to be," D.V. said. "I always am."
"Yes, I suppose you're always one step ahead."
"No..but I try to be."
"Sometimes it doesn't work, and that's when you get hurt."
"Well..I..usually see it coming.."
"Oh just be quiet," Ayeka said and hugged him.
"Do you wish to talk about your experience?" Hotaru asked.
"No..no that's all right," Greg said. "It was okay, at least I know things aren't that bad in the great beyond."
"For most yes," Hotaru said. "But you need not worry. I am sorry."
"Why?"
"You pushed me out of the way to save me, in the process losing your life. It was my fault."
"No it wasn't. It was a mess, it was so hard for any of us to really act while thinking in all directions."
"No..I should have been more careful," Hotaru said. "I am sorry...eternally so."
"You came back for me though."
"I believe that is because I love you."
Greg sighed.
"Don't worry Hotaru."
"Maybe I shouldn't be fighting, if I am unable to protect myself."
"Now don't say that."
"It is something to think about," Hotaru said.
"No it isn't. Look, it happens. This is a really tough enemy, the margin for error is lower, but I don't regret it."
"You may not, but I do," Hotaru said and headed off.
I hope she's okay. Greg thought. I don't know what to say to her.
"The sunlight feels good," Sailor Moon said.
"Sure does," Tuxedo Mask said. "But it looks like we're going to get some rain."
"That's no good, the city doesn't have a sewer system anymore."
"I think we'll cope."
"Yeah, guess we're going to have to face them again."
"In time."
"They killed four of us..."
"Yes..they did, but we can stop them."
"I know..I have to..but this is the worst it's ever been," Sailor Moon said. "And I know there is more to do."
"More?" Tuxedo Mask asked.
"I don't know what..yet..but I know I must."
"Oh.."
"I have to talk to the monsters," she said and headed off.
"The main cannon is approaching firing levels," The engineer said.
"Excellent thank you," Viko said.
"Sir."
"Target the city."
"Yes sir."
Sailor Moon smiled as she approached the group of monsters.
"Hi everyone," she said. "I want to thank you for your help, but I also wanted to ask you to do something else for me."
"Anything?" the leader of the group said.
"Well...I want you to go back down to your homes for the rest of this war. My friends and I have to fight this war, you don't, and you really helped us before, but now..we need to do this, and I don't want to risk your lives to do it. Even if we lose, maybe you can help rebuild civilization. I promise to come down and get you once the war is over. Then we can get along as friends."
"What you ask Sailor Moon, we are willing to fight."
"Oh I know," Sailor Moon said. "But..please...for me...I really want you all safe."
"Perhaps you are right. Very well."
Sailor Moon nodded.
"What is this?" Guardian Moon asked himself as he stared at his watch.
"What?" Guardian Earth asked.
"We have an energy buildup from the ship, I'm honing in on it."
"What is that?"
"Uh oh..those are weapons of some kind I'm sure of it."
"But what are they aimed at?"
"The city.." Guardian Moon said hurriedly. "Scouts everyone! We have a problem!"
The scouts and the monsters were soon racing towards the water.
"The energy is continuing to build," Sailor Mercury said. "It could destroy the entire city if it discharged."
"We have to get everyone out of here," Sailor Moon said.
"There's no time it's reaching it's final firing phase," Sailor Mercury said. "I know. I was on the ship."
"And there's no time to get out there," Sailor Uranus said.
"We have to blow up that ship," Guardian Moon said.
"From here?" Guardian Neptune asked.
Sailor Moon hurried to some of the monsters from the underground. Ones with wings.
"Hey..guys...take me up quickly!" She shouted. The monsters agreed quickly.
"Sailor Moon where are you going!" Sailor Mars shouted.
"Trust me!" Sailor Moon said.
"This is no time for you fooling around!" Guardian Moon shouted.
"I know what I'm doing!" Sailor Moon said.
"Attack that base now!" Guardian Moon said.
Earth unleashed his attack.
Moon unleashed his attack.
Earth unleashed her attack.
"Uranus Flame of Desire!"
"Neptune Tide of Destruction!"
"Pluto Hurricane Punch!"
"Saturn Blade of Galaxies!"
"Venus Star Burst!"
"Mars Star Laser!"
"Jupiter Star Inferno!
"Mercury Devout Revenge!"
"Pluto Dead Scream!"
"Saturn Dimensional Revolution!"
"Uranus Quaking Tremor!"
"Neptune Sparkling Reflection!"
"Jupiter Sparkling Wide Pressure!"
"Mercury Frigid Tsunami!"
"Mars Warrior's Inferno!"
"Venus Love and Beauty Shock!"
The attacks flew out, most of them managed to reach the ship, but exploded with minimal effect.
"It didn't do anything!" Guardian Moon shouted.
Sailor Moon meanwhile was hovering above the city.
"Down there quickly!" she said pointing at a tall rooftop. The monsters nodded.
"We're out of options here!" Guardian Jupiter shouted hurriedly.
Sailor Moon stood on the roof of a building. She held in her hand the silver emperyeum crystal.
"You gave me this power, now give me your strength..protect this city!"
Her princess robes formed around her. Energy began to swirl around her breaking through the forming clouds.
"What's happening?" Guardian Pluto said noticing the glowing.
The scouts all whirled.
"It's Sailor Moon," Tuxedo Mask said.
"But what is she doing?" Sailor Mars asked.
"Calling on another power," Sailor Earth said. "One from above."
"Yes..." Sailor Pluto said. "She is somehow."
"Ready to fire," the engineer said.
"Destroy that city and it's wretched defenders!" Viko shouted.
"Protect this city!" Sailor Moon shouted. The energy shot across the sky and
surrounded the city. Sailor Moon concentrated. Practically instantaneously the
energy began to solidify.
"What's happening?" Viko asked.
"I don't know.." the engineer said.
"Fire quickly!"
The energy built up and flew out from the ship. It slammed right into a crystal wall and dissipated.
"How did that happen!" Viko shouted.
"I don't know..I'll..
Viko blasted him.
"You are worthless!" he shouted and stared out a view screen.
Tokyo stood in front of him surrounded by crystal towers, and walls. Five points jutted out from the city and a large tower rose in the center. He starred at in shock.
Sailor Moon stood in the midst of it all staring out.
I did it. She thought and then fell from exhaustion.
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