Sailor Journeys: Secrets of an Unknown Past

by Commander Galos

This story is based on the first 23 chapters of Yohann DeSabrais' 'Cycles of Life'.

10. Chapter 10

SAILOR JOURNEYS: SECRETS OF AN UNKNOWN PAST

Chapter 10: The Rainbow Mission

Part 2: If these walls could talk...



The Leviathan was circling the area near the volcanoes, trying to find a
suitable landing site for it. Haruka was trying her best to keep the ship
stable, due to the crosswinds that were hitting them. "Darn", she said when
the Leviathan lurched again for the 12th time in the last ten minutes. "Ami,
can't you find a good place to land this behemoth? It's getting harder to
keep it steady!"

"Working on it, Haruka. Hold on another minute." Said the blue haired girl,
ignoring the acidic commentary said by Haruka. Five minutes later, she
finally said. "Got it. There's a small zone near the base of the second
volcano. Here are the coordinates."

"Finally!" but when she saw the landing area, Haruka facevaulted. "Ami... you
have to be joking! Do you really expect me to land in the middle of a wooded
area??"

"Hey, amazon! Don't blame it on her!" intervened Alex to Ami's defense.
"Besides, whose fault it is? It wasn't her the one that decided not to
practice on the simulator last week!" And just for the sake of argument, she
added. "And I thought that my sweetbuns had ample reasons to appoint you
copilot! It's a wonder you can drive a bicycle!"

"Oh, yeah!?!? Then watch this!" Haruka then maneuvered the Leviathan through
the treetops expertly, making the softest landing anyone ever felt. "Well,
what do you think?"

"I tell you what I think, Haruka..." said Ami, half a smile on her face.
"That now I have to pay Alex the bet she made, and thanks to you!"

"Bet? What bet? What are you talking about?" asked Haruka, puzzled.

"What we're talking about, was that I bet that you would react to my liking
without hesitation if I wished to! And now, I won access to some of the files
on Ami's computer!" said Alex, proud on her voice. "Thank you, amazon! I owe
you one!"

But before Haruka had the chance to find an adequate response, Usagi
interrupted the discussion. "That's enough, guys. What we need to do now, is
to find a way to enter that place. Ami, do you think you can find an
entrance?"

Ami nodded, and proceeded to take out her compact. But before she could punch
a key, Alex interrupted her. "Wait! Ami, why don't you hook your computer to
the console? That way, you can use the ship's sensor array to increase your
scanning capabilities." And addressing Usagi, she added. "Good thinking,
meatball head! You surprise me!"

"Well, thank you, Alex!" beamed Usagi. "It's just that... HEY! I don't wear
my meatballs! Stop calling me that!"

"I got an entrance!" interrupted Ami. "It's a little over a mile west of our
position. I even have a layout of the underground cavern network."

"Hey, that's neat!" said Minako. "But... what did you said?"

Ami, shook her head and sighed. "I have a map of the place, Minako."

"oh".

"Ok, people, time to rock!" said Shingo. "Everybody grab their backpacks and
get this show on the road. There's a long walk for us ahead, and personally,
I want to reach the place before dark. It gets pretty chilly on these places,
if I recall my geography lessons well..."

Everybody nodded, and went to the cargo bay to get their equipment. Five
minutes later, everybody was hiking towards the volcano known by the locals
as the Popocatepetl: the Guarding Warrior.


One hour and a half later...

"Are we there?" asked a panting Usagi. No one anticipated that the base of
the place was covered with so much ashes and sand. That made the ascension
very difficult.

"Just a little longer..."said Ami. She wasn't used to this kind of physical
exertion, and trying to keep her compact stable during the climbing was
becoming too difficult for her. "We're almost there."

"Gosh, I hope you're right." Said Laurella. "Is it my imagination, or this
backpacks are getting heavier by the minute?"

"Come on, I thought you were tougher than that! I have to say, your general
condition is a shame, guys and girls." Said Haruka. She, Makoto, Michiru and
Setsuna were the only ones that didn't look fazed at all. "I race you to the
entrance, ok?" Obviously, everybody groaned at her. The idea wasn't the least
funny for them, or appealing.

"Please, have mercy on us poor girls! I'm pooped!" said Rei.

"Are we there?" asked Usagi again.

"As a matter of fact... we are there!" panted Ami, pointing to a rock crop a
few meters ahead of them. Everybody hooray... or would have done, if they
weren't too tired.

"Ok, gang... coffee break!" said Makoto, and everybody began to unpack their
lunch, happy to oblige.

They were almost ready to begin their assault at Rainbow, when Minako
suddenly froze on her place.

"What's the matter, Minako? Saw something?" asked Ami.

"I don't know... perhaps I'm still tired, but I could have swore that I saw a
car flying!" said the stunned blonde. Shaking her head, she dismissed the
image and added. "Makoto, what did you put on those sandwiches?"

"Nothing!" said Makoto. "Oh, I know. What we all need is a little action
here, especially you, Minako. You were out of commission too long."

"Perhaps you're right. Ok, gang... let's do it!" answered Minako. And with
that, everybody triggered their transformations.

"MOON SOUL POWER, TRANSFORM!"

"MOON CRYSTAL POWER, MAKE UP!"

"VENUS SOUL POWER, TRANSFORM!"

"MERCURY CRYSTAL POWER, MAKE UP!"

"MARS CRYSTAL POWER, MAKE UP!"

"JENDRA CRYSTAL POWER, MAKE UP!"

"JUPITER CRYSTAL POWER, MAKE UP!"

"URANUS SOUL POWER, TRANSFORM!"

"NEPTUNE SOUL POWER, TRANSFORM!"

"PLUTO CRYSTAL POWER, MAKE UP!"

Shingo and Mamoru triggered their transformations silently, becoming the
Emerald Knight and Prince Endymion respectively. Once everyone was ready,
they activated their Techno-armors.

"Well, how are we going to enter this place without causing a mayor
rockslide?" asked EK, eyeing suspiciously at the area above the rock cropping.

"I could use my Demodulator to open the rock." Said Sailor Moon.

"I don't recommend it, Sailor Moon." Said Sailor Mercury. "That could cause
an avalanche. And the same goes for your Pounder, Uranus."

"Wait!" said Sailor Venus. "What about my new weapon? It's supposed to
dissolve things, not shake them."

"That should do. Good thinking, Venus." Said Alex, who was on Mercury's
computer. "but... would you mind for us to get out of the way before you
shoot?" 'Waaaaaay out of the way!' added for herself.

Once everybody was behind her, Sailor Venus took aim and proceeded to try her
weapon for the first time. "Ok... here goes nothing! VENUS MOLECULAR
DISSOLVER!" immediately, the jewels on her gauntlets began to shine, and a
series of heart-shaped red shots began to hit the rock, turning it into dust.
In matter of seconds, a corridor carved on the rock was open, allowing access
to the interior of the volcano. "This is a great gadget!" said Sailor Venus.

"Well, everybody... let's move. And stay alert!" said Endymion.


"Does anybody knows where are we going? I think we've crossed this place
three times already." Said Sailor Jendra. The Sailor Team had been walking on
the underground network of caverns for almost 40 minutes, climbing and going
down crevices. Fortunately, their armors were equipped with integrated
lanterns on their helmets, so they weren't walking in the dark.

"Of course we know, lightbulb!" said Alex. "We have a map of this place,
remember? The entrance to the base is just ahead."

"I hope you're right. I'm getting bored here. I wish there could be some
action soon!" said Sailor Uranus.

"Careful with what you wish, Uranus." Said the Emerald Knight. "You could get
it."

In that same moment, they arrived at the entrance. It was a massive wall
decorated with strange drawings. Right on, Ami began to analyze the
inscriptions with her compact, and in a matter of seconds she had the answer.
"Girls, this is it. But I don't like the drawings. It's a warning."

"A warning?" asked Sailor Jupiter. "What kind of warning? What does it say?"

"If I translated correctly, it says: Whoever enters this place, will face
certain doom at hands of the Guardian. Get back if you appreciate your
eternal soul. Let the Bringer of Darkness sleep." Answered Sailor Mercury.

"Whoa! This is quite a warning! I think we better listen to it and get back
home! What do you say, gang?" said Sailor Moon. "After all... if someone took
the gentleness to leave a message, it would be so rude not to listen to it,
don't you think?" She giggled nervously, looking at everyone with her most
innocent look... one that no one bought, of course.

"Come on, Sailor Moon. This is no time to fold back. We have a job to do."
Said Sailor Pluto. And addressing Ami, she asked. "Now, how are we going to
get in? Any ideas?"

"I could blast the door open, just like I did with the rock at the entrance."
Said Sailor Venus.

"No, Venus." Said Sailor Neptune. "We could warn whoever... or whatever... is
in there. There has to be another way in."

"Hold it, girls." Said Alex. "While you were discussing, I made a cross
reference using the drawings here. It seems that, besides being a warning,
it's also the schematics of how to open the door. And..." she promptly added,
"before you ask, there are a couple of requisites to meet in order to gain
access in there."

"Good work, Alex." Said Endymion. "And what are those requisites?"

"Well... you see... first, the mechanism is located on top of the door."
Everybody looked up. The door was at least 20 yards up by 13 yards across.
"And... I'm sorry to tell you this, but all of you are too big to cross the
entrance hatch."

"What do you mean big?" asked Sailor Mars. "You are not saying that we all
are too fat!"

"It's not that, firebug!" promptly replied Alex. "I mean BIG, like... your
bodies can't fit!" she paused for a second... "Except.... Oooooooh,
Chibi-Mooooon, Deeeaaaaar...!" As soon as she said that, all eyes focused on
the small girl, who began to look around nervously.

"Who?... M...M... ME!?!" Chibi-Moon looked anxiously at Mercury's compact.
"Oh, no! No way! I'm not going to crawl inside that thing! Not now, not ever!
And that's final!"

"Please, Chibi-Moon." Said Endymion. "I know you are a strong girl, and one
old dark tunnel is not going to stop you, right?" he placed a hand on her
shoulder, and when she looked at him, he smiled at her encouragingly. She
felt a little more confident, but still...

"I have faith in you, Chibi-Moon." Said Sailor Moon. She too placed her hand
on her other shoulder, and smiling at her, she added. "You have the strength
and courage in you. And even more important... you are a Sailor Scout. Not to
mention the heir of Crystal Tokyo's throne. Certainly one little tunnel isn't
going to scare you, right?"

"Yeah, right! Thank you, mommy... daddy." And drawing a deep breath, she
approached the gargantuan doors. "Well, where do I have to go?"

"Right on the top of the door, there's a small tunnel. You have to go inside
and pull a lever. That's all." Said Sailor Mercury after checking the
diagrams on her computer.

"And how am I going to get up there? Jumping?" asked Chibi-Moon. But as soon
as she said that, her boots began to function by themselves. From the small
exhausts at the heels, small volutes of steam began to emerge, and without
warning, a powerful thrust sent the screaming girl to the top of the door.
Chibi-Moon, out of instinct, grabbed a rock to stabilize herself on the
border. Once she was secured, the boots turned off.

Everybody looked at her in awe, still trying to assimilate what happened.

"Chibi-Moon! Are you alright?" screamed Sailor Moon.

"Yes! I'm ok!" answered Chibi-Moon. "Well, now that I'm up here, where to?"

"The entrance is only a couple of yards to your left, Girlie!" said Alex.
"Can you see it?"

Sailor Chibi-Moon moved carefully towards the place Alex said, and
immediately saw the entrance. "Yes, I see it! Do I enter?"

"Yes!" answered the AI "At the end of it, there's a lever. Pull it and come
down."

"Ok." Chibi-Moon entered the small tunnel. "Yuck! It's slimy in here! And
dark!" She crawled a few feet, and using her hands, she found the lever and
pulled it down. Once done that, she backtracked, but she miscalculated the
distance... and began to fall when she ran out of ledge! "AAAAAHHH!!!
HEEEELP!!!!" Midway, she felt a couple of strong arms breaking her fall, and
when she looked up, she saw Endymion holding her. "Thank you, daddy!"

"At your service, princess." Answered his would-be father.

At the moment Endymion touched the ground, the massive doors of the entrance
began to move slowly. Everyone stood immobile, watching. When the doors were
open just enough for them to enter, they suddenly stopped.

"What happened?" asked Sailor Jendra. "I thought they would open completely."

"Who cares?" said Sailor Venus. "At least, we can get inside now. Come on,
let's go!"

Everybody entered cautiously the place, which was pitch black. Not even the
lights of their helmets could fully penetrate the darkness. They were about 8
yards away from the door, when suddenly it began to close. Sailor Uranus
immediately ran to the place, but there was no use. Everybody looked in
dismay when the doors closed with a loud sound.

"Beautiful. Just beautiful... Déjà vu all over again..." said Sailor Jupiter,
referring their entrance to Cryssalid back on Egypt. "Well, now what?"

Unexpectedly, powerful lights turned on, blinding everyone for a brief
moment. When they could see again, they saw that they were inside an enormous
chamber, whose ceiling was at least 120 yards above their heads. Stalactites
and stalagmites pointed the place, giving the illusion of a maze made of rock
and shadows.

"Err... Mercury?" asked Sailor Mars, her voice a quiet hush. "Do you have any
idea where are we?"

"According to my map, we are inside an old hangar. The exit is about... 70
yards in front of us." Answered Sailor Mercury. But before anyone could take
one step towards the exit, a voice boomed on the cavernous chamber.

"WHO DARES TO AWAKEN THE GUARDIAN? PREPARE TO MEET YOUR DOOM!"

Immediately, everybody took their fighting stances, looking all around them,
trying to pinpoint the origin of the voice.

"Alex, can you pinpoint whoever said that?" asked Mercury.

"Afraid not, Mercury. The echo doesn't allow me to pinpoint the exact
location. However... there's a disturbance... above us! EVERYBODY, SCATTER!!"

As soon as everybody cleared the area, a shadow dropped on the center of the
circle the Sailors made when they jumped. It was then that they looked at
their "host"...

For all intents, it was humanoid; the body was extremely muscular and well
proportioned. He was wearing a green jumpsuit, snuggly fit. It towered almost
8 feet tall, and for its physical appearance, it was male, and bald. His most
striking trait was his skin... it was paper-white! But the most shocking
feature were his eyes... they were shinning brightly a yellowish-greenish
light! As soon as he regained his composure, spoke again.

"I am the Guardian. Whoever enters this place, will face certain doom. The
Bringer of Darkness must not awaken. I'll give you two choices... leave in
peace, or face me and die."

"Oooooooh, boy... he goes straight to the point." Said the Emerald Knight.
"Well, what do you say, gang?"

Mercury was busy typing on her computer, analyzing the Guardian. When she got
her results, she looked at him, shocked. "Guys... he's not human! It's an
android! A machine!"

"Well, that decides it." Said Sailor Uranus, who addressed the Guardian
directly. "Sorry, pal. But we have a job to do here, and we won't go until
it's done. So, our decision is... that we'll fight you!"

"If that is your decision... so be it." Said the Guardian. He began to look
around him very slowly, and his eyes stopped on Sailor Mars. "But I refuse to
fight against her."

"Hey, what do you have against me??" asked Sailor Mars, a hint of indignation
in her voice.

"Whoever sends into battle a pregnant woman, only deserves my utmost despise.
And even more, because that person sends a small child to fight!" added the
Guardian, pointing at Sailor Chibi-Moon.

"Well, what do you know? A machine with moral principles!" said Sailor
Jupiter.

"I understand your point of view, Guardian." Said Sailor Moon. And addressing
Mars and Chibi-Moon, she said. "You two, stand back. And don't interfere."

"BUT!..." began to say the two girls at the same time, but when they looked
at Sailor Moon's eyes, they only nodded and stepped back.

"Very well, Guardian. They won't fight." Said Sailor Moon.

"You have a great sense of honor. I like that in an opponent." Said the
Guardian. "And to pay you that gesture, I'll let you choose how are you going
to fight against me. All at the same time, or in a specific order. The
decision is yours."

Everybody blinked, slightly confused. "Err... very kind of your part. Would
you mind to wait while we decide that one?" asked Sailor Moon. When the
Guardian denied with his head, everybody joined in a tight pack, and began to
conference.

"I don't know about you, gang, but I'm pretty nervous." Said Sailor Venus. "I
mean, this guy is too confident. He doesn't mind if we all attack him at the
same time."

"And with good reason, Venus." Said Sailor Mercury. "I've been scanning him
all this time, and so far, I haven't find any weak points on him. I have to
admit it, whoever built the Guardian, made a very good job."

"That's the last thing I wanted to hear, but thank you anyway, Mercury." Said
Sailor Neptune. "Now, any ideas of how are we going to tackle him down?"

"I say that we attack him all at the same time. That way, our chances to
defeat him easily will be greater." Added Sailor Uranus. "Everybody agree
with that?"

"No." Said Sailor Jupiter. Everybody turned to see her, facevaulted. Without
flinching under their collective gaze, she explained. "I mean, look at him!
He offers us an honorable way to fight, and personally, I don't find very
honorable to mob him with our attacks. If you don't mind, I prefer to attack
individually."

"I understand your reasons, Jupiter." Said Sailor Moon, "and if that's your
decision, I respect it." And addressing the rest, she added. "Very well,
anyone else?" When nobody else said anything, she turned around and addressed
the Guardian. "We have decided. We all fight you at the same time, except
Sailor Jupiter. She'll attack you on her own."

"So be it." Answered the Guardian, and assuming a fighting stance, he added.
"The one you call Sailor Jupiter must wait near the other two. The rest,
attack when ready."

Sailor Jupiter nodded, and walked near Sailors Mars and Chibi-Moon to wait
for the outcome of the fight. "Good luck, guys."

And with those words, the battle began.

Sailor Uranus was the first one to attack. Drawing her katana, she began a
series of movements to throw the Guardian off balance. What she didn't
expect, however, was that the Guardian simply sidestepped her all the time,
making her miss all her attacks. And without notice, he fired his fist with
all his strength, hitting Uranus on her right chin, sending her stumbling on
her back, unconscious.

"Uranus!!" screamed Sailor Neptune. "NEPTUNE OCEANIC BLASTER!!" From her left
hand a concentrated stream of Technum-charged water charged toward the
Guardian. But before it hit him, he jumped over it and, in an incredible
display of agility, he began to run OVER the stream, reaching Neptune's
position in a matter of seconds and, without losing a movement, he grabbed
Neptune by her throat, did a flip jump over her and using the momentum,
launched her towards a nearby stalagmite, rendering her unconscious.

Without hesitation, Sailor Venus attacked in turn. "VENUS LOVE ME CHAIN,
ENCIRCLE!" Her chain launched itself towards the Guardian, who raised an arm.
The chain grabbed his arm and Venus began to tug it. "Got him! Everybody, go
for it!" screamed Sailor Venus.

Immediately, everybody launched their attacks towards the Guardian, seizing
the opportunity.

"LUNAR SOUL POWER!"

"SHINING AQUA ILLUSION!"

"JENDRA CHROMATIC BLAST!"

"DEATH SCREAM!"

Emerald Knight launched his own attack as well, combining it with the others.
The end result was an immense, blinding ball of energy directed straight at
the Guardian. But when it reached his position, what happened next really
surprised the team.

Instead of blowing the Guardian to kingdom come, the energy began to swirl
around him, surrounding him completely. Unfortunately, part of the energy was
relayed towards Sailor Venus through her chain, zapping her and rendering her
unconscious.

Meanwhile, the Guardian raised his right arm and, touching the maelstrom of
energy surrounding him with his index finger, he began to absorb the Sailor's
attacks. Seconds later, his body had completely absorbed their attack. He
looked at them, his eyes glowing fiercely. "My turn." Was all he said. What
happened next was only registered by him and Mercury's computer.

At a speed that would have been deemed impossible by human standards, the
Guardian jumped up and, using the stalactites and stalagmites as support, he
initiated a series of acrobatic moves all around the girls and boys, while at
the same time he began to use their own attacks against them.

The first round of attacks immobilized Sailors Jendra, Moon and Pluto. The
Guardian had maneuvered close to their positions, firing at point blank,
assuring a sure hit each time. Next, he moved close to Endymion. The Prince
of Earth tried to use his sword while trying to jump away from the Guardian,
but before he could stab him, the Guardian grabbed the sword and relayed a
powerful electric shock through it. Endymion felt to the ground like a rag
doll.

The next one was the Emerald Knight. When the Guardian launched his own
attack back to him, he raised his left arm by instinct. Immediately, his
armor morphed and a shield formed itself on his forearm, effectively blocking
the attack. Too bad that the energy kept him pinned down for one second... it
was all the Guardian needed to moved to his side and connect a vicious punch
to his right temple. The Emerald Knight never knew what hit him.

The last one standing was Sailor Mercury, who was punching feverishly on her
compact. Before she could notice it, the Guardian stood behind her, and
without a word, he placed a hand on her head, and used the other one to grab
her compact. Mercury stood motionless, not knowing what to do for the first
time in her entire life!

The Guardian began to look at Mercury's compact, a hint of curiosity on his
features. Suddenly, Alex began to speak. "Don't you dare to hurt her, you
oversized trash compactor! I'll make you pay for it!"

Without moving his eyes from the compact, the Guardian fired the last
remaining energy he had in store, namely Mercury's. In one second, she was
encased in ice, except a small hole in front of her nose. The Guardian cast a
last glance around him, making sure that no one was on his or her feet.
Satisfied, he began to walk towards Sailors Mars, Chibi-Moon and Jupiter. The
three girls were shocked, unable to believe what just had happened in front
of them. The whole battle had lasted no more than 20 seconds!

The Guardian stopped in front of them and, without a word, he handed
Mercury's compact to Mars. Trembling with fury, Sailor Mars looked at him
square in the eyes and grabbed the compact, yanking it off his enormous hand.
He then looked at Sailor Jupiter, waiting for her answer.

Jupiter stood unmoving, her face expressionless. She looked at him, not
flinching under his penetrating gaze. "My turn, I see. Very well. But I want
to make two points clear before that." When the Guardian didn't answer, she
continued. "First, that if I'm defeated, you'll let these two," and she
pointed at Mars and Chibi-Moon "let go unharmed."

The Guardian nodded, and said. "That is acceptable. And what is your second
point?"

"That, if by some twist of Fate, I'm the winner, you'll let us proceed with
our mission: to retrieve the Nova Bomb and get out of here with it."

"Unacceptable. The Bringer of Darkness can't leave this place." Answered the
Guardian. "Besides, you saw what I did with your friends. What makes you
think you have a chance to win against me?"

Without a word, Jupiter de-activated her armor, and taking off her ring, she
gave it to Mars. "Because, I'm going to face you with only my physical
ability. No powers, no special armor, no nothing." The Guardian raised an
eyebrow, surprised by her reaction. She continued. "And I give you my word of
honor that I'll abide to this conditions."

"Very well, Jupiter." Said the Guardian. "And to honor your petition, I won't
use any special ability of mine, just like you. Even more..." a soft whine
was heard emanating from him, "I'm lowering my power levels to match those of
yours. I won't take any unfair advantage against you. I'll be waiting." With
that, he moved to the center of the room, and stood still, waiting for
Jupiter.

"Jupiter, have you gone crazy!?!?!" said Sailor Chibi-Moon, disheveled. "You
don't stand a chance against that monster! He's going to crush you! At least,
use your armor!"

"I agree with her, Jupiter!" said Sailor Mars. "And who says that he's going
to let us go out of here alive?? For all that we know, he could try and kill
us the moment he beats you! Let us help you, please! I'm sure that the three
of us can fry him!"

"I hate to admit it, but the firebug is right, Jupiter!" added Alex. "The
Guardian is extremely fast. You don't stand a chance against him! Granted, he
lowered his power levels, but still..."

"That's enough, girls." Interrupted Sailor Jupiter. "And thank you all for
your concern, but somehow, I think that he's going to abide to this
conditions. Thanks, Alex. Your information confirmed my suspicions. And
now... there's a fight to finish. Wish me luck." And with that, she turned
around and began to walk towards the Guardian. When she was in front of him,
she only said. "I'm ready." And assumed a fighting stance.

He only nodded at her, and assuming a fighting stance himself, the second
battle began. The first minute was used by both contenders to assess their
defenses and basic attacks. Once both were satisfied, the rhythm of the fight
increased tenfold.

Sailor Jupiter was hard pressed to keep up her rhythm, but her courage and
determination kept her on her feet. She used all her best techniques and
movements, and was lucky enough to connect a couple of hits on the Guardian.
So far, the battle was equal on both sides, with no winner defined.

The battle raged for another 10 minutes; Sailor Jupiter was panting, but
nevertheless she kept struggling. In that moment, a thought crossed her mind.
'I can't lose. My friends... and the fate of the world... count on me! I
can't falter now!' Unfortunately, Fate had other plans in mind.

At that same instant, after evading a kick directed towards her head, she
tripped over a small stone, losing her balance and hitting on a rock column.
Dizzied, she felt. The Guardian seized the opportunity and in a second, he
had her pinned on the ground, using his legs and left arm to immobilize her.
Sailor Jupiter looked at him, her face not showing the emotional turmoil that
raged inside her. "Good fight." She said. "Now, please... make it quick."

The Guardian nodded at her, and raised his right arm, preparing his last
blow. And still looking straight at her eyes, his hand began the fatal
movement, aiming to her throat...

"BURNING MANDALA!!"

"FLAMING HEART!"

Two fire-based attacks hit the Guardian, sending him tumbling against a
stalagmite. When he stopped, a small shower of sparks erupted from his open
hide, and his limbs began to move out of control.

Sailor Jupiter stood up immediately, and facing Mars and Chibi-Moon, she
said. "WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE YOU DOING?? YOU WERE TOLD NOT TO INTERFERE!!"
and without waiting for an answer, she ran towards the Guardian. Kneeling at
his side, she looked at the damage he had suffered, and tried to stiff a
scream. Instead, she asked. "Speak to me, come on! Are you all right??"

The right side of his body was wide open, exposing his innards. A network of
metal bands was melted, interrupting the proper function of certain devices.
Part of his hydraulic system was gone, and the liquids were spurting out of
him, staining Jupiter's fuku. A small shower of sparks erupted from his
electric system, shaking his body. With a lot of effort, the Guardian turned
his head and focused on Sailor Jupiter.

"M... mmmm... mai... main... main power... wer... wer... down. Ba... ba...
backup... sys... sys... system fai... failing. Sel... sel... self-repair...
air... air... unit, in... in... insufficient pow... pow... power. Shut...
shut... shutdown imminent... nent... nent... nent.

"Come on, don't die on me like that!" said Sailor Jupiter. "You haven't
survived this long just to fall like this! Can't you repair yourself?"

"N... n... n... no. In... in... insufficient... pow... power."

"Insufficient power? What do you mean?" asked Jupiter.

"What he means, sparkplug," said Alex, "Is that all his power systems are
down. He doesn't have the energy to start his self-repair mechanisms. I'm
afraid he's a goner."

Without hesitation, Sailor Jupiter ran towards Mars, and after taking her
ring from Mars' hands, activated her Techno-armor. Once again, she kneeled
down next to the Guardian. "Listen carefully, I don't know if what I have in
mind can help, but you have to trust me. Do you want to take the risk?"

The Guardian looked at her, pondering her offer. Two seconds later, he
answered. "Y... y... yes. I... I... trust... ust... ust... you. Pro... pro...
proceed."

"Thank you. Now, try to activate your repair mechanisms. I'll give you the
power you need." She then stood up and began to charge her powers. 'God,
please! Let this work!' Taking care of aiming at his left side, she released
the energy. "JUPITER THUNDER CRASH!!"

When the ball of electricity hit him, the energy surrounded him instead of
blowing him to bits. The results were quite dramatic. Immediately, his metal
parts began to flow, regaining their original form. His hydraulic system
began to connect itself. Once the internal parts were done, his synthetic
flesh began to flow too, sealing the opening. A minute later, the Guardian
stood up, and looking at Jupiter, he bowed. Immediately, he began to walk
towards Mercury. Once in front of her, he placed his right hand on top of the
ice shell and released the remaining electric charge he stored. Immediately,
the ice began to crack and with a thunder, Mercury was free.

Sailor Mercury felt to her knees, shaking. The Guardian then pointed his left
hand towards her, and a crimson ray enveloped her. Immediately, Mercury
stopped shaking and her breath regained her normal rhythm. When she began to
stand up, the Guardian stopped the ray.

Mars and Chibi-Moon ran towards Mercury once she was on her feet and gave her
a big hug, which she accepted gladly. "Mercury!" exclaimed Alex. "Boy, am I
glad to see you're fine! Hold still, I'm going to run a scan on you."

While the reunion was taking place, the Guardian turned around and began to
walk away from them. When she noticed it, Jupiter ran to his side and
addressed him. "Hey, wait a minute! Where do you think are you going?"

"I failed in my mission. You and your friends can proceed." Was his answer.

"But you didn't fail! You won!" When he stopped and looked at her, she
continued. "Granted, the attack of my friends almost killed you, and for
that, I apologize. They thought that... well... that you were going to kill
me."

"And what makes you think I wasn't going to do it? After all, my main
function is to prevent that someone gets hold of the Bringer of Darkness."

Jupiter looked at her feet, not knowing how to put her thoughts into coherent
words. Almost whispering, she said. "Because... well... I think that you
don't want to kill. You are too good for that. You had the opportunity to
finish us all during the fight with the rest of my friends, and you didn't.
Also, when you refused to fight against Mars because of her pregnancy, and
against Chibi-Moon because of her age, well... that's when I figured out that
your main function was not to kill."

The Guardian looked down, and without looking at Jupiter, he added. "You are
very perceptive. No, I wasn't going to kill any of you. I was going to erase
the location of this place from your memories, and leave you out at the base
of the mountain. But now that you have won... my final function has to be
activated. I will go to my chamber, and there... I'll activate my
self-destruct mechanism."

"No!" said Jupiter, and without thinking about it, she grabbed his hand.
"That's not fair! How can you speak of honor when you are going to do
something so horrible? Killing yourself is the most cowardly thing anyone can
do! And... if I have to fight with you again to stop your foolishness, then
I'll do it! I promise you that!"

The Guardian stood immobile, thinking about Sailor Jupiter's words. He then
turned around to face her, and asked. "Why? Why are you going to stop me from
fulfilling my mission? Why do you want me to continue to exist? I've proven
to be nothing more than a failure. Please, answer me... why?"

Sailor Jupiter looked at him, at loss of appropriate words. The only thing
she could say was "Come on, help me to wake up my friends." And releasing
his hand, she began to walk towards her unconscious friends. Still confused,
the Guardian followed her.

A few minutes later, with the help of the Guardian's crimson ray, everybody
was back on their feet. Once Mars, Jupiter, Chibi-Moon, Alex and Mercury
explained to them what happened, they all agreed that the Guardian was the
one that had won their encounter, but that left a serious doubt hanging in
the air.

"Well, what now?" asked Sailor Jendra. "If it was only for us, I'd agree to
leave this place and forget that it exists, but we can't leave the Nova Bomb
here for Cauldron to come and grab it!"

"Yes, that's right." Said Sailor Pluto. "Besides, we still have to find a way
of rescuing Robin. And the Bomb is perhaps the best chip on this bet that we
can have."

"Excuse me," interrupted the Guardian. "But what are you talking about? Who's
this "Cauldron" you are referring? And who's Robin?"

But before anyone could answer him, the entrance door blew to bits, forcing
everyone to cover behind the rocks. When the dust settled, they saw the cause
of the commotion.

Entering through the gap, Cauldron stepped into the area, followed by what
appeared to be a giant cockroach. Flanking them, were 12 creatures about 9
feet tall. Their appearance was that of a cross between a giant fungus and a
spider, the bodies were partially covered with metal plaques. Their color was
a sickening shade of purple.

"Well, isn't this nice? What an unexpected pleasure! We meet again, people.
Although, I shouldn't be surprised, since it was only logical that you should
be here looking for the same thing as myself." Cauldron was wearing a
military-cut black uniform, complete with medals and a purple cape. "Oh, and
I see you met the Guardian." And addressing him, he added. "Somehow, I
expected you should have finished them all by now. You disappoint me,
Guardian."

"Identify yourself. What are your intentions?" asked the android.

Looking at the girls, Cauldron raised his only eyebrow. "What? You haven't
told him who am I? Oh, well... I'll present myself. My name is Cauldron, and
until recently, I was an Artificial Intelligence military program. As you can
see... I've advanced in the world." And addressing the Guardian directly, he
continued. "And as for my intentions... I'm here to take with me the Nova
Bomb, either you like it or not!"

"You forgot to mention one thing, Cauldron." Said Sailor Moon. "That you are
a coward! You relay on taking hostages to protect your miserable and pathetic
hide! Where's Robin?"

Grinding his teeth, Cauldron looked intensely at Moon, his cybernetic eye
glowing fiercely. "You'll regret those words, Sailor Moon!" regaining his
composure, he continued. "As for your lovely friend... she's here with me!
Want to see her?" When no one answered him, he shrugged, and deploying the
nails of his artificial arm, he slashed the front of one of the creatures
that accompanied him, revealing its interior. Everybody gasped, shocked. The
Guardian's eyes glowed intensely.

Inside the 'trunk' of the creature, hold by numerous fibers, was Robin! Her
eyes were closed, and her skin was sickly pale. Smiling, Cauldron said. "As
you can see, she's quite safe. True to my word, I haven't done anything to
harm her. Unfortunately, that can't be said for the rest of you!" And moving
to each creature, he repeated the procedure. Inside of each creature, was an
exact duplicate of Robin! "Because only one wasn't enough, I took the liberty
to create a few copies of your friend." Said Cauldron. "But I warn you: only
one is the genuine article! And you realize that only I know who's who."

"Cauldron..." growled Sailor Uranus. "We've faced a lot of slime in our
lives, but you are the lowest of them all! You are going down for this!"

"I'm afraid not, Uranus! As long as I'd love to chat with you, more pressing
matters require my attention. But don't worry, I'll leave you in good
company." And addressing the creatures, he ordered. "Destroy them, except
Sailor Mercury. I have some "very" special plans for her." And jumping on the
'cockroach', he began to move away from the Sailor Team.

The Guardian moved immediately in his direction, but was promptly intercepted
by one of the creatures. He was about to destroy it, when Sailor Jupiter
stopped him. "Wait! If the Robin inside it is our friend, you could kill her!"

Meanwhile, Mercury was scanning the creatures in an attempt to identify the
real Robin. When the results appeared, she felt weak. "Guys? This is bad.
According to this, each one of the girls inside those things is Robin! I
mean, they all have the same DNA. I can't differentiate them."

"What now?" asked Sailor Chibi-Moon. The creatures answered for her. From
their lower bodies, they launched what appeared to be spider webs, and from
the upper part, some sort of green mucus. Everybody scattered, and with an
increasing sense of nausea, they watched that, where the mucus fall, the rock
began to dissolve!

'MERCURY BUBBLES BLAST!" Mercury's attack covered the area with a thick bank
of fog. That only stopped the creatures' attack for an instant. Somehow, they
ignored the fog, and continued their relentless attack.

Because no one could differentiate the real Robin, they were forced to evade
the attacks, not being able to counterattack. After a few minutes, it became
obvious that the creatures were winning. Even with the help of their
increased stamina and enhanced mobility by their armors, the Team was
beginning to get tired. Even the Guardian was hard pressed to keep the fight.
With the premise of not hurting the person inside each creature, he wasn't
able to use his full power, being reduced too to relay on evasive maneuvers.
Because of the situation, it was only a matter of time before the creatures
began to capture each one with their webs.

It was during the middle of the battle, that Yohann and Technuma appeared at
the entrance. When they saw the situation, they decided to stay back.
Technuma felt his blood boil when he noticed that his daughter was being used
in such way! Yohann closed his fists, unnerved.

'Robin, where are you?' he thought desperately. He never expected what
happened next.

'Yohann? Is that you?' Both men froze on their places and gulped. They
received the same thing! Yohann closed his eyes and concentrated harder,
trying to reestablish the contact.

'Yes! Yes, it's me! Robin, can you hear me?'

'Yohann! You've come! Please, help!'

Yohann felt like his heart was about to explode, and a couple of tears ran
down his face. He felt a hand on his right shoulder, and noticed that
Technuma was looking at him, a strange expression on his face. When the
father of his beloved nodded, he resumed his attempt.

'I will, my love. Hold on! Where are you?'

'I don't know. Yohann, I'm scared! I can't feel a thing! I don't want to die!'

'You won't, Robin. I promise you! Can you give me a sign, something that can
help me locate you?'

'I... I don't know. I'll try.'

Yohann opened his eyes, and tried to notice... anything. Something that could
help him differentiate his beloved Robin from the rest of the duplicates. He
concentrated with all his might, and saw...

Nothing. All the creatures still looked the same to him. Yohann groaned and
lifted his gaze. That's when he noticed it. Could it be?... yes! At the end
of the room, he 'saw' a faint golden glow. Deep in his heart, he knew that
the glow was Robin's!

'Robin, I love you! I can see you! Hold on, dear, we're coming!' He then
addressed Technuma. "Sir, I can see her! And she's not on this room! They all
are fakes!"

"Are you sure?" When Yohann nodded, Technuma said. "Well, what are we waiting
for? Let's go!" And with that, both men entered the fray.

While the mental conversation was taking place, the creatures were starting
to gain. Sailor Mercury was immobilized covered with spider webs. The
Guardian had been covered by the webs as well, but his superior strength
allowed him to break free and continued fighting. When two creatures were
about to attack Sailor Chibi-Moon, a golden globe of Technum surrounded one
of them, disintegrating it completely. That action stopped the fight dead on
its tracks. When the girls saw who did it, everybody facevaulted. It was the
Emerald Knight who voiced their surprise.

"TECHNUMA!! Where did you come from??" asked the stunned warrior. "And
Yohann!! What are you two doing here??"

"Never mind that." Answered the Guardian of Saturn. "What's important now, is
that none of this copies is the real Robin!"

"That's right." Added Yohann. "So what are you waiting for? There's a battle
to win here, and a friend to save!" and activating his attack units, he
screamed. "EVERYBODY, LET'S BLOW THIS JOINT!! BETA, ATTACK! GAMMA, METEOR!"
While the Beta Sphere morphed into a spinning blade and slashed one creature
to bits, the Gamma Sphere glowed red, and a meteor made of pure energy blew
another one, incinerating it completely. Seizing the opportunity, the
Guardian moved quickly and released Mercury.

From that moment on, the tide of the battle changed in favor of the Sailor
Team. While the girls used their powers to destroy the creatures, the
Guardian used his immense strength to splat them in the floor and walls. In a
couple of minutes, the last creature was surrounded and blown to oblivion by
a combined attack.

"Well done, gang." Said Yohann once the battle was over. "Now, we have to
stop Cauldron and save Robin. Let's move"

"Stop." Said the Guardian. "Although I appreciate your assistance, I can't
let you proceed. Identify yourselves."

Yohann and Technuma looked at each other, while the rest just groaned.
Shrugging, the new arrivals presented themselves.

"I'm Technuma Saturn. I'm the last of the Technum Guardians."

"Hey, don't forget about me!" mumbled the Emerald Knight under his breath.

"And I'm Lt. Yohann Starr, on official mission of the MRMA."

When Yohann said that, the Guardian stiffened, and making a salute, he said.
"Sir! I apologize for my past behavior against you and your associates. I'm
at your service, and await further instructions."

Everybody looked at the Guardian, stunned. Nobody said a word for a few
seconds, when Alex interrupted the silence. "But why I didn't think of that?
I should've identified myself at the very beginning!!"

But before anyone could say an appropriate answer, Yohann interrupted. "We
can continue this later. Right now, there's something more important." And
addressing the Guardian, he said. "Take us to the Nova Bomb. If we find it,
we'll find Cauldron and Robin."

"Follow me, sir." Everybody followed him through the entrance in the back...
the same place where Yohann saw the glow. After crossing a few corridors and
empty rooms, they reached what looked like a small train station. On the
track, were two monorail vehicles with 8 seats each. Along the way, the
Guardian explained the history of the place.

"When the Rainbow base crashed, the commanding staff decided to use the
geothermal energy of the volcanoes to create a temporary base. Using the
salvageable material the survivors could muster, a new base (named Rainbow
II) was built inside the cavern network, and the Nova Bomb was transferred
here. When a citadel was built nearby, the survivors decided to move there,
not without leaving a fail-safe just in case someone could try to obtain the
Bomb. The engineers had just the necessary material to create a superior
body, but there were no programmers available to create the software that was
needed to operate it."

"But it's obvious that they did." Said Sailor Moon. "Otherwise, how come
you're here? Aren't you an artificial intelligence program, like Alex?"

"No. That's where you're wrong." Said the Guardian. "You see, there was no
one with the necessary knowledge to program the body, so a decision was
taken. In order to activate the Guardian, a volunteer had to sacrifice
his/her humanity and become the Guardian."

That statement stopped everyone cold on their tracks. Looking intently at
him, Sailor Jupiter asked. "Oh, God... that only mean that you...?"

"Yes. I was human once. Because I lost everything and... everyone important
to me during the crash, I decided to offer as volunteer for the Guardian
project. If the mind transfer failed, then nothing would be lost, and if it
worked, then I'd have a new purpose to exist. Well, we're here." He then
signaled the vehicles on the track. "These transports will take us to the
geothermal generators. That's where the Nova Bomb is stored. Take a seat and
then we can proceed."

Once everybody took a seat, the Guardian punched a button in front of the
transports' board, and immediately both cars began to move. During the trip,
Yohann concentrated again, establishing contact with Robin and relaying one
phrase over and over again. 'Hold on, my love. We'll save you.'

* * * *

Cauldron had arrived to the geothermal generators room. He looked
dispassionately at the generators, but when he saw what was in a special
platform in the middle of the room, he smiled.

Carefully balanced on a metallic girder, was the Nova Bomb. A polished
torpedo about 15 feet long, with the power to destroy an entire solar system
just by itself.

True to character, Cauldron scanned the room with his cybernetic eye, and
after assessing the situation, he walked to a nearby computer console. He
activated it and began to type on the keyboard. A couple of minutes later, a
series of signs appeared on the screen, indicating that all the booby traps
had been deactivated.

"Hmph! Humans are so predictable... Their 'security' is such a joke!"
Cauldron then emitted an ultrasonic signal, and the 'cockroach' walked under
the Nova Bomb. Once it was in position, Cauldron deployed his fingernails and
walked to the girder. But before he could cut the supports, a well-known
voice was heard.

"Hold it right there! How dare you use the image of our friend for your
nefarious purposes? I won't allow you to continue! I'm Sailor Moon! And in
the name of the Moon..."

"...the Moon of the future..."

"... Mars..."

"...Mercury..."

"...Venus..."

"...Jupiter..."

"...Jendra..."

"... Uranus..."

"...Neptune..."

"...Pluto..."

"...Saturn..." added Technuma.

"...And the MRMA..." said Yohann and the Guardian at the same time.

"WE'LL PUNISH YOU!" finished all at the same time.

"Ooh, boy... how corny can you get with your speeches??" said Cauldron.
"Aside that, I guess you feel comfortable, now that you killed your friend!"

"Nice try, Cauldron." Said Yohann. "but you forgot one detail: We were able
to see that the real Robin wasn't in your monsters. Now speak! Where is she?"

Cauldron was taken aback because of Yohann's asseveration. 'How could they?
My plan was perfect! There was no way they could notice the difference!'
immediately, he regained his bearings. "You think you're so clever, eh
MeRMAid? Very well, I'll show you..." He then emitted another ultrasonic
command, and the cockroach moved near one of the generators, standing up.
Once it was on an upright position, it opened its 'wings', revealing its
abdomen.

Yohann and Technuma growled, because inside the creature was the real Robin!
Yohann confirmed it when he concentrated. The golden glow characteristic of
Robin was emanating from the creature.

"I don't know how you figured it out, but it doesn't matter. As you can see,
she's still in my power! Now, stand back, and she'll continue living." Said
Cauldron. "And if someone moves a muscle, the girl will die! Now, stay put!"

Suddenly, a shadow moved behind him, and a deep voice boomed. "That... is not
possible." When Cauldron turned around, he was face-to-face with the
Guardian. And without much ado, he punched Cauldron with all his might!

Seizing the opportunity, everybody charged their attacks and fired
simultaneously at Cauldron, in a clear example of overkill!!

"LUNAR SOUL BLAST!!"

"SHINE AQUA ILLUSION!!"

"DEEP SUBMERGE!!"

"VENUS LOVE ME CHAIN!!"

"FLAMING HEART ATTACK!!"

"BURNING MANDALA!!"

"JENDRA CHROMATIC BLAST!!"

"SPARKLING WIDE PRESSURE!!"

"WORLD SHAKING!!"

"DEATH SCREAM!!"

Technuma, Emerald Knight, Yohann and the Guardian added their own attacks to
the girls', all of them reaching incredible amounts of power once they
combined with each other. When the attacks reached Cauldron, the ensuing
explosion was tremendous! Even the girls were thrown back because of the
shock wave.

Once the dust cleared, they all saw the extent of the attack. One of the
generators was blown to dust, and the girder containing the Bomb was a jagged
mess. The Bomb itself, although a little charred on the outside, seemed
intact. The 'cockroach' containing Robin was sprawled on the floor, near the
open duct that marked the place of the destroyed generator.

There was no sign of Cauldron nowhere.

"We... we won?" asked Sailor Jendra, a little stunned by the explosion.

"Yes, we won." Answered the Guardian. "I can't perceive the presence of the
one you call Cauldron anywhere. It seems that he was completely vaporized by
the attack. Personally, I think he deserved such an ignominious fate."

Technuma and Yohann regained their footing, and looking at the giant insect,
they moved in its direction with haste. They were only a few steps away, when
the creature began to move, and a voice no one expected to hear again echoed
in the room.

"Well, it seems that you won again a battle. But the war is far from over!"

"CAULDRON??" exclaimed all the presents.

Mercury opened her compact, intent in locating their enemy. But Alex beat
her. "He's not here, people! The voice is coming from the bug!"

Everybody looked at the insect, puzzled. The voice continued. "If you're
listening to this, it means that I'm destroyed. But remember my words: We'll
meet again! And to prove it to you, let me add something else... I programmed
a fail-safe in this insect. Kiss your friend goodbye! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"

The cockroach then began to move towards the open gap that marked the place
of a generator. Technuma and Yohann moved to intercept it, but the insect
threw them away with its wings and continued. The rest of the team then moved
towards the bug, but before they reached it, it dived inside the tube!

"NOOOO!! ROBIIIIN!!!" Yohann moved to the border of the gap, and would have
dived inside if it weren't for the intervention of Sailors Neptune and
Uranus, whom grabbed him by the arms. Yohann struggled against their grasp.
"No! Let me go! I have to save her! Let me go!"

"Stop it, Yohann!" grunted Uranus. "You won't help her if you kill yourself!"

Yohann stopped fighting, but his breathing was still ragged. "Very well.
You're right." And after taking a deep breath to calm himself, he said.
"Alex, link with me. Scan this tube and tell me where it goes."

"Right here, sweetie!" said Alex once she was on his armor. Immediately, she
deployed the sensors of the armor and began a scan. "Yohann! This tube goes
down for only 400 yards, and then it opens directly above a lava pool!"

"NO!" screamed Yohann, and without hesitation, he did the only thing he could
think at the moment. "Alpha, shield! Deploy and search!" Immediately, the
Alpha Sphere detached from its socket on Yohann's helmet, and dived into the
gap. "Alex, make sure the Sphere attaches to the bug! And you two, please
release me!" Uranus and Neptune released him, but didn't move from his side,
keeping a wary eye on him.

"Contact, pork chops!" Said Alex a few seconds later. "Telemetry confirms
that the Alpha Sphere attached successfully with the bug, and the Shield is
maintaining... but it won't last long. I give it no more than two minutes...
tops. After that..." she left the rest of the sentence hanging in the air,
but everybody understood nevertheless.

"What are we going to do now? How are we going to take her out of there?"
asked Sailor Moon, her voice heavy with anxiety.

Yohann closed his eyes, and without opening them, he said. "Alex, send a
signal to the Leviathan. Order it to come here. I don't care if it has to
blow this mountain open, but make it come here!"

"Very well, sweetbuns. Transmitting now..." A series of beeps were heard.
"Confirmed. The ship is on its way. ETA: 40 seconds."

"Thank you, Alex." And addressing the rest, Yohann said. "Ok, people, let's
move quickly. First, let's take the bomb out of the room. I don't want to
risk it going off on us. Guardian, you do it."

The Guardian nodded, and moved towards the Nova Bomb. Once he was under it,
he exerted all his strength to remove it from the remains of the girder, but
it was so tangled that it resisted his efforts.

Suddenly, a voice was heard near him. "Allow me. JUPITER THUNDER CRASH!!"
Sailor Jupiter's attack blew apart a big section of the girder. The Guardian
nodded to her and this time, he could take the Bomb and walked out of the
room with it.

While this took place, Yohann continued. "Listen carefully, people. I only
need volunteers to come with me. This is going to be dangerous, so I won't
force you to follow me. The ones that want to come with me, raise your
hands." Not surprisingly, everybody did. Yohann smiled. "Thank you,
everybody."

Suddenly, the place began to shake. Sailor Moon screamed. "EARTHQUAKE!!!"

"Not at all, blondie!" said Alex. "It's just the Leviathan. I suggest that we
all get out of this room... fast!"

Everybody made haste towards the exit, and not a moment too soon. As soon as
the last person exited, the roof blew off, and the Leviathan entered the
Generators room. Because the area wasn't large enough for it to land, it
remained hovering in place.

"Alex, open the cargo bay doors and deploy the ramp. Very well, once it's
down, everybody enter." Ordered Yohann.

Instantly, the cargo doors opened, but before the ramp touched the ground,
everybody jumped on it, entering the ship. Even the Guardian went with them,
carrying the Nova Bomb with him.

"Guardian," said Yohann, still on the move. "Secure the Bomb, and remain
here. Don't let it get loose, no matter what!"

"Understood, Sir." Said the Guardian, who placed the Bomb on a set of special
braces on the wall, and secured it.

Once everybody was on their seats (With the exception of Technuma, who stood
on his feet behind the pilot seat), Yohann ordered. "Uranus, activate the
weapons array. Put the plasma cannons online, and transfer the control to
Engineering." He then addressed Mercury. "Mercury, I want you to fire at the
floor, and make an opening big enough for the ship to enter. Alex, coordinate
with her."

"Understood." Said Alex and Mercury at the same time. A few seconds later,
Mercury reported. "All set."

"Fire at will." Said Yohann. Immediately, three cannons deployed at the
front of the ship, and began to fire, blowing the floor to bits. A few
seconds later, a hole big enough for the ship to go through it was ready.
"Very well... here we go!" He then maneuvered the ship, and dived right into
the entrails of the volcano.


"Alex, give me the telemetry of the Alpha Sphere." Said Yohann. The Leviathan
was cruising inside a seemingly endless pool of magma. Fortunately, the ship
was designed to stand the tremendous heat and pressure of the place.

"Right on, baby!" Immediately, a screen was projected in front of him. A
small dot appeared, along with a clock, indicating a countdown. Currently it
was at 30, and decreasing. "That's the amount of time, in terms of energy
remaining on the Alpha Sphere. But don't worry. We'll reach its position in
10 seconds. That's enough time."

"There it is!" screamed Uranus. Everybody crowed the front of the ship, and
saw the bug, floating in a sea of molten magma. A faint yellow aura
surrounded it, protecting it from the tremendous heat and pressure.

"Perfect position." Said Yohann. "Mercury, activate the tractor beam and
let's get out of here."

"Very well, Yohann." answered Mercury. But when she pushed the button on her
console, it burst in flames! "AAH!" She immediately jumped away from it.
Before the fire could spread, a series of nozzles sprayed foam over it,
extinguishing the fire.

Nobody moved, petrified on their places. Yohann looked at the clock on the
screen... 14 seconds remaining on the clock. "Alex..." his voice was
shacking, and he didn't try to conceal it. "transfer weapons control to my
station."

"No can do, Yohann." answered Alex. "This short blew the connections.
Estimated time for repair: 50 minutes."

Yohann stood transfixed, watching in impotence the clock... only 7 seconds
remained. He closed his fists, and slammed them on the console. And with
trembling voice, he said, out of desperation. "Please, please! Somebody... do
something!"

Nobody moved. No one had an idea of what to do in such a short period of
time. The only thing they could do was to watch helplessly at the insect, and
hoping that everything ended quickly...

Sailor Mercury stood transfixed, her body trembling, not a drop of blood on
her face. She considered for a brief second using her ice bubbles... but she
knew that her attack wasn't strong enough to counteract the tremendous heat
that prevailed in there. The only thing she could do was stare at the insect,
desperately raking her mind in search for an answer... desperation took a
grip on her soul, asking... wanting... needing the necessary power to help
her friend. Internally, she was wishing for a miracle to occur.

That's when it happened.

All the presents in the control room barely had time to register what
happened. In a bright, blinding flash of golden light, Sailor Mercury
obtained her Soul Power, becoming a Sailor Senshi. She was now wearing her
new Senshi fuku, its color ice blue. She was now wearing the metal guards on
her calves and forearms like the other Senshi. And like them, even her
Techno-armor had changed, becoming the same like the rest of the Senshi, but
its color was now steel blue. On her right tigh, in golden letters, were the
Japanese characters of KOORI NO SENSHI: Soldier of Ice. And in her hands, was
her new weapon. A bow made of Sapphire: The powerful Deadshot.

Without losing another second, Mercury outstretched her arms, and
immediately, everybody felt a sudden increase of temperature, product of her
ultimate attack. Floating between her hands was a small, shining particle of
water, contained inside a spherical magnetic field. What caused the
temperature differential, was the fact that such particle was achieving what
earth's scientists considered a practical impossibility: absolute zero, the
temperature where all atomic movement paralyzed.

Once the attack was charged, Mercury said the words that released her
ultimate. "ABSOLUTE ZERO DEEP FREEZE!" The magnetic bubble, containing the
molecule, went right to the front of the ship and, without stopping, went
THROUGH the hull, darting straight at a point in front of the cockroach. (The
fact that the molecule went through without damaging the hull was something
that, when the whole odyssey was over, kept the scientists of the MRMA
speculating for decades.)

Once the molecule was a good 200 yards in front of the insect, the bubble
broke. Immediately, the magma solidified because of the extreme cold. The
area the blast covered created a rock roughly two cubic miles wide, encasing
both the cockroach and the Leviathan in it.

When the ship got trapped on the rock, the automatic security systems kicked
in, shutting down the engines and activating the inertial dampeners, so the
crew hardly noticed the sudden stop. Not that anyone was in any condition to
notice it.

Everybody stood transfixed, still trying to assimilate the chain of events
that had transpired. Yohann blinked twice, and slowly turned around. When he
saw the clock on the screen, he noticed that it had stopped, a sound number
one blinking.

"Alex..." he murmured. "Status report."

"Sweetbuns... I still don't know what truly happened, but... we are encased
in solid rock. Mercury's attack froze the magma, and now we all are trapped
in here." Said the Artificial Intelligence. "However... that also allowed to
encase the bug and stabilize the Alpha Sphere... For now, Robin is safe... at
least, until the rock melts, but that will take at least 4 hours. We have
more than enough time."

"Then we can go and save her?" asked Sailor Moon.

"Now I get it!" said Sailor Mars. "That means that we can get out and bring
Robin here!"

"Then, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" said Sailor Neptune, standing up.

"Hold it." Said Yohann. "We can't all go outside." When all began to talk at
the same time, he raised his hand, asking for their attention. "I understand,
people! But take this in account: The only air supply we'll get, is the one
that the ship already carries, and we'll need to dig on solid rock to reach
Robin. The dust will choke a big group, but it won't take down a small one."

"You're right, baby!" interrupted Alex. "Besides, someone has to stay here to
guide the ones that go outside. Speaking of that... whom are going out?"

"I'll go." Said Technuma. "She's my daughter, and if she's injured, I'm the
most qualified among you to diagnose her."

"And I'll go with you." Said Sailor Uranus. "My powers will break that rock
in no time flat."

"Oh, yeah! Good thinking amazon!" said Alex, not bothering to hide the irony
that dripped from each word. "You break it, and in no time flat we'll have a
nice, cozy and warm stream of boiling magma raining on us! Glad to see that
you plan ahead of everything!"

"Alex, you and I are going to have a long talk once we return to the base."
Said Yohann. "But I'm afraid she has a point there, Uranus. Your power is too
much for this situation. No, we need something that can be controlled.
Something that doesn't break the rock. Something..."

"Something like my weapon." Said Sailor Venus.

"That's right!" said Sailor Chibi-Moon. "That's what you used to enter the
base in the first place!"

"Very well, you're in," said Yohann. "And obviously, I'm going. The rest,
stay inside. If something happens, you are our backup. Alex, you stay here
and guide us."

"Understood, pork chops!"

Technuma, Yohann and Sailor Venus left their friends and went to the access
hub. When they entered the air chamber and opened the external hatch, Yohann
and Technuma raised an eyebrow. In front of them was a solid rock wall...
covered with a thin ice layer.

"Interesting phenomena." Commented Technuma. "An ice-cold wall inside a magma
river... I never imagined I'd see something like this in my life."

Yohann nodded, but said nothing; he then addressed Sailor Venus. "Very well,
first thing to do: open a corridor. We're counting on you, Venus."

Sailor Venus looked at him, a confident look in her eyes. "All right, you two
stand back... VENUS MOLECULAR DISSOLVER!" Again, the attack began to turn the
rock into dust, and in a matter of seconds, a corridor about 5 yards long was
open.

Suddenly, a faint crackling was heard on Yohann's and Venus' headsets, and
they heard Alex' voice. "Can you read me? Sweetie? Venus? This is the
Leviathan Mark I calling the away team. Please respond. Can you hear me?
Over."

"Loud and clear, Alex." Answered Yohann. "Can you see us?"

"Perfectly, honey!" answered Alex. "Now, pay attention. It seems that my
original estimations for the rock to melt were a liiiiiitle amiss."

"Oh, boy..." said Venus. "How 'little' are we talking here, Alex?"

"It seems that you don't have 4 hours, blondie. You have 1 hour, 52 minutes
left. So, I suggest that you move fast!" was the AI's answer. Yohann and
Venus sighed, but said nothing. Alex continued. "Very well, now follow my
instruction exactly, and you'll make it on time. Venus, turn to the north
about 94 degrees, and then aim -7 degrees on the Z axis."

Sailor Venus blinked, and said. "Uh... what?"

"Turn left and aim a little low, bubblehead!" said Alex.

"Oh! I knew that!" said Venus, and following Alex' instructions, she began to
work.

It took them about 40 minutes to reach Robin's position, mainly because of
the dust generated, Sailor Venus' coughing made her lost the path, and a few
route corrections had to be made. Once they reached the cockroach's position,
it took Venus another 30 minutes of careful aiming to clear the rock covering
the insect. Once free, the Alpha Sphere immediately deactivated the Shield
and took its place on Yohann's helmet

"Excellent job, Venus." Said Yohann. "Now, it's my turn. BETA, BLADE!"
Immediately, the Beta Sphere attached itself on Yohann's right arm, and
morphed into a rotating Sawblade. He began to work on the insect, and cut the
wings clean, revealing the sleeping form of Robin. Yohann gulped, and with
infinite care, he began to cut the transparent abdomen. Five minutes later,
the cocoon was open, and Technuma moved and extracted gently Robin's body.
But when he took her out, a loud beeping was heard... emanating from the
insect!

"What's that?" asked Sailor Venus.

Yohann didn't answer to her. Opening a comm channel to the ship, he ordered.
"Alex, link with me. We have a situation here." A moment later, Alex was on
the armor.

"Reporting for duty, sweetbuns! What can I do for you?"

"Alex, scan the bug and find the origin of this noise." Ordered Yohann.

"Working on that, baby!" Alex deployed the armor's sensors, and made a quick
scan of the insect. "Yohann, this thing is booby-trapped! It seems to have
some sort of... of... nuclear bomb inside! It was triggered when you removed
your 'love' from it!"

Yohann frowned because of the strange way Alex said the word 'love', but
filed the incident on the back of his mind. Instead, he asked. "Alex, what's
the position of the bomb?"

"Just a little towards the head of the bug, sweetie. You'll have to dig a
little, though." Answered Alex.

"Yuck... Well, here goes nothing." Yohann then began to open the bug's
interior, spraying fluids all over himself. Finally, he had the device in
front of him. In that same instant, Technuma gasped. When Yohann turned
around, he saw with alarm that the Guardian of Saturn was pale, his arms
clutching fiercely Robin's body. "Technuma! What happened?"

"That... that device!" stuttered Technuma. "That's... the Firebolt's
transfusion power core!"

"Firebolt?" asked Sailor Venus, puzzled.

"Noratech's ship. The Guardian... that almost killed me." Finished Technuma,
a tear rolling down his left cheek. He composed himself quickly, and added.
"If that thing blows, the pressure inside this volcano will increase a
thousand fold!"

"Yohann! We have to stop it!" Exclaimed Alex. "It that happens, the pressure
will distribute itself all over the Pacific Fire Ring, activating volcanoes
all over the world, not only this one!"

Yohann closed his eyes briefly, cursing silently the cunning of Cauldron.
When he opened his eyes again, he ordered. "Technuma, take Venus and Robin
back to the ship. I'll remain here and will try to deactivate this thing."

"But Yohann...!" started Sailor Venus, but Yohann interrupted her.

"No 'buts', Venus! Now, you two, MOVE!" And without looking if his companions
had left him, he began to work on the power core in front of him. "Alex, give
me the schematics of this thing. There has to be a way to defuse it." But
when the diagrams from Alex' scans appeared in his helmet, he facevaulted.
"Oh, God... what the hell is this? I can hardly recognize a few systems!"

"I can decipher its functions... but it will take some time to do it." Said
Alex.

"How much time before the rock melts, Alex?"

"We have another 30 minutes, sweetie... and before you ask, it will take me
at least 40 minutes to understand this thing."

"We don't have any choice, then..." muttered Yohann. "Very well... start
scanning. You'll tell me what you find on the fly." He moved his hands
towards the device, and when he put them on it, he added." And Alex?"

"Yes, pork chops?"

"Just in case we don't make it... I want you to know... it's been great to
work with you."

"I... I... well... Thank you, baby! Ditto!" said Alex. Yohann received the
mental image of that woman again... the one with black hair and green eyes, a
sad smile on her face, her hands clasped together and placed tightly on her
chest. And as soon as the image appeared on his mind, it vanished.

Yohann shook his head, clearing it. "Very well... let's begin. Where do I
start?"

Suddenly, a voice behind him said. "How about removing the plaque to the
right? That will grant you access to the main connectors."

Yohann turned around, and was shocked to see Technuma standing behind him!
Recovering immediately, Yohann asked. "Sir, what are you doing here? You
should be back on the ship!"

"Do you really thought I'd stand seeing my daughter heart-broken because of
your heroic death? That I could stand seeing her being miserable because you
died foolishly? Well, forget it, because that's not going to happen." Said
Technuma, and moving to Yohann's side, he began to remove the plaque. And
looking at Yohann straight in the eyes, he added. "Besides, I've been working
on this engines more time than you can imagine, Lieutenant. In short... you
need my help."

Yohann smiled at him, and without saying anything else, both men began to
work. Using a combination of tools created using the Beta Sphere and a
selection of spells, courtesy of the Gamma Sphere, they defused the
protection mechanisms of the power core. When, 23 minutes later, they reached
the last two connections, they were sweating profusely. The heat of the magma
was beginning to reach them, making the atmosphere heavy.

When they saw the last two fiber optics, Technuma said. "Almost done. Now...
all we have to do is to unplug the one to the right, and the core will become
inert." But before he could do it, Yohann moved his hand and, without
hesitation, he unplugged the one... on the left.

Technuma gasped and closed his eyes, half expecting to feel the explosion.
But when he felt nothing, he opened his eyes, in time to see the power core's
fiber optics flash briefly... and became black. He turned to look at Yohann,
and asked, puzzled. "Why did you do that? You could have killed us!"

"As a matter of fact... I expected that one." Answered Yohann. "You see... I
figured out that Cauldron could have tried this stunt. It's so typical of
him... always trying to outsmart humans. So, it was only logical to assume
that he inverted the controls."

"Baby, you're so smart! I'm proud of you!" exclaimed Alex. "Now, what do you
say if we get out of here? It's getting hot, and having my circuits take a
dip on molten rock is not my idea of a hot bath!"

"Good idea, Alex." And addressing Technuma, he said. "Sir, would you mind
giving me a hand? We can't leave this thing here. I don't want to risk an
explosion... just in case, you know..."

"Very wise, Lieutenant. No wonder my daughter set eyes on you." Said
Technuma, a faint smile on his lips.

It took a lot for both men to carry the power core back to the ship. The
temperature had reached intolerable levels by the time they reached the
Leviathan's hatch. When Technuma and Yohann entered, a strange sight greeted
them. Standing in front of the internal hatch was the Guardian, trying to
contain an anxious group of girls who wanted to get out! When they saw Yohann
and Technuma enter, they surrounded them, bombing them with questions.

"Girls, girls, please!" said Yohann. "I'm glad to see you too, but if you
don't mind... we'd like to leave this thing in the cargo hold. It's not
getting any lighter, you know?"

"Allow me, sir." Said the Guardian, and taking the transfusion core, he
transported it effortlessly to the cargo hold.

Yohann sighed, enjoying the coolness in the air. He then asked to no one in
particular. "Where's Robin?"

"She's resting in the control room." Said Sailor Mercury. "She seems to have
been under the prolonged influence of a narcotic gas. I began to ran a scan
on her, but I can't be sure until I confirm the data back at the base."

"Thank you, Mercury." Said Technuma. "It's good to know that she has such
good friends."

"Well, gang. It seems that this case is closed." Said Yohann. "Let's just
wait for the magma to free us, and then we can go back home. Alex, what's the
status report on the ship?"

"All systems are back to operational status, sweetbuns!" answered Alex. "Even
more, we can get out of the rest of this rock if we start the engines."

"Excellent. Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go home!" said Yohann amid
the cheers of the Team.

"Excuse me, sir... if I may interrupt." Everybody turned, and saw the
Guardian. He looked almost... timid? "But before you go, can you leave me at
the base?"

"Why?" asked Sailor Jupiter.

"I have to fulfill the last of my orders." Answered the Guardian. "If the
Nova Bomb is ever retrieved, I have to make sure that Rainbow II is
destroyed. No evidence of its existence has to remain. And obviously, that
includes myself."

"That's ridiculous!" retorted Jupiter. And standing in front of the Guardian,
she continued. "I thought we had already discussed that point! Agreed, the
base has to be destroyed, but if you think that I'm... err... I mean... we're
going to leave you here to be destroyed, then think again mister, because
it's not going to happen, and that's final!"

"She has a point there, Guardian." Said Technuma. "You have behaved bravely
during your long stay here, if I understand correctly. Personally, I would
like to try something... perhaps, if the technology back home is sufficiently
advanced, I could help you regain your lost humanity."

"And if that wasn't enough reason," added Alex, "It would be great to have
another great mind to talk with. Sometimes, it gets soooo boring when Ami is
in school and there's no one to talk with!"

"And," began Sailor Moon, "having a new ally wouldn't hurt anyone. What do
you say? Will you join us?"

"They got you there, Guardian." Said Yohann. "Also, you have to remember: you
are still a member of the MRMA, and as the only ranking officer present, I'm
ordering you to come with us. Besides..." he looked briefly at Jupiter,
winking at her. "There's a job opening back at our base. We need a security
officer. Are you interested in taking the position?" He then extended his
right hand, waiting for an answer.

The Guardian looked at Yohann's hand for a brief moment, and after casting a
glance at the people reunited around them, he took the offered hand and shook
it. "Sir... it will be a great honor to join you. I accept the job."

Everybody cheered, and chatting amiably with the Guardian, they returned to
the control room. Once there, everybody took their seats... except Yohann,
Technuma and the Guardian. The first two were standing near the seat where
Robin was resting, the Guardian stood behind Mercury, studying the console.

Yohann took gently Robin's hand, and whispered. "Rest now, my dear. You are
safe now."

"I know." Whispered Robin, surprising all the presents. Yohann kneeled, and
fighting the urge to cry, he approached her face, and said. "Don't strain
yourself. We'll be home in no time, you'll see. I'll make sure that you
receive the best treatment I can obtain, so that you..."

Half opening her eyes, Robin looked at Yohann, and placing a finger on his
lips to silence him, she said. "Shut up, you fool... and kiss me." And
without waiting for him to respond, she placed her hand on his neck, and
pulled him closer to her. Yohann didn't resist, and forgetting that they
weren't alone, he kissed her gently, not paying attention to the multitude of
'ooh's, 'aaah's and giggles the rest offered gratuitously... and especially
the stern look on Technuma's face.

"Ahem..." said Technuma. "Excuse me, Lieutenant... but Robin needs to rest.
You can continue later."

Cringing, Yohann stood up, and without looking at Technuma, he moved swiftly
back to the pilot's seat, preparing the ship for departure.

"Dad... you came..." whispered Robin when she looked at Technuma, and smiled
at him.

"Yes, Robin. And this time, I won't allow anyone to hurt you... and we won't
be apart... never again." Answered Technuma, a broad smile lighting his face.
He then kneeled next to her, and whispering, he asked. "But don't you think
you should know that man a little better? I mean... was that... that...
kiss... really necessary?"

"Dad... you are so sweet!" said Robin, and without saying anything else, she
closed her eyes and went back to sleep. Technuma blinked twice, surprised by
her reaction, and shaking his head, he thought. 'Yes... definitely I'll have
to have a long talk with these two.'



It took the Team a short amount of time to gather the last things that had to
be removed from the base inside the Leviathan. With the help of the Guardian,
the heavier stuff was rapidly transported inside the cargo hold; among the
cargo, were two crates suspiciously similar to the ones they rescued back on
Cryssalid. Once secured, the Guardian looked around the generators room one
last time, and after introducing a set of instructions on the computer
console that Cauldron used previously, he boarded the Leviathan.

When the ship darted through the opening on the mountainside, the base shook,
and a steady stream of lava began to pour from the special openings in the
generators and other places all over the base, destroying all evidence that
Rainbow II ever existed.

Once outside, the ship stabilized and turned around, facing the opening. From
its front, the plasma cannons appeared and opened fire, sealing the entrance.

"Well, that's all, gang." Said Yohann. "Time to go home. Uranus, plot the
course. Jendra, contact Gaia and inform them that we were successful, and
that we're carrying with us a guest. We don't want to alarm anyone, after
all."

But before anyone could do anything, three things happened simultaneously: an
alarm went off on the main console, Alex shouted "INCOMING!", and the
Leviathan lurched violently to one side, sending Technuma and the Guardian
tumbling to the floor.

Yohann's training kicked in, and began to maneuver the Leviathan in an
evasive pattern. "All stations! Report!"

"Engineering here." Said Mercury. "Damage on starboard side. Engines
efficiency down to 70%. Weapons system compromised. We don't have full
firepower. Hull integrity at 73 %. Self repair mechanisms working as we
speak."

"Communications here." Said Jendra. "No damage here. Although, all channels
are being jammed. Someone or something doesn't want us to ask for help."

"Damage confirmed." Said Uranus. "Control down to 60%. Cloaking systems down.
Weapons targeting system down. We can only aim and fire on manual. Radar
indicates an object approaching us, bearing 3-3-4. It seems to be another
ship, the size of this one. Readings indicate that all its weapons ports are
open, and aiming at us."

"Who could it be?" asked Endymion. "We destroyed Cauldron! He can't be alive!"

"Not at all..." murmured Robin. "He has Noratech's ship. He modified it,
turning it into a warship. Perhaps he made a copy of himself, and left it on
that ship, just in case his plan didn't turn out as he wanted to."

"Brilliant deduction, bimbo!" said Alex. "And obviously, he won't stop until
we're down, so he can recover the Bomb!"

"Incoming message!" said Jendra. She activated the speakers, allowing
everyone to listen to it.

"Don't you think you'll escape from me that easily!" All presents tensed. The
voice was that of Cauldron's! "Give me the Nova Bomb and Mercury, and perhaps
I'll let you live! This is my only warning!"

"Fat chance, Cauldron!" said Sailor Moon. "We'll never surrender!"

"Very well, Moon..." answered Cauldron. "In that case, it will be a great
pleasure to send you down in flames, and after I recover your carcasses from
the smoldering remains of your pitiful ship, I'll turn them into my slaves!"

Suddenly, a message flashed on the main screen:

WARNING: MISSILE ALERT. MULTIPLE MISSILES INCOMING.
TIME FOR IMPACT: 20 SECONDS.

"Damn!!" exclaimed Yohann, desperately maneuvering the Leviathan in an
attempt to lose the missiles. "Uranus, activate countermeasures!"

"Countermeasures down! We're defenseless... unless...!" said Sailor Uranus.
She brought up the tactical display, and activating the energy weapons that
were still functioning, she tried to destroy the approaching missiles.
Unfortunately, Yohann's maneuvers made it impossible, making her miss almost
all the targets. "I can't have a fix on them!"

"Let me have 'em!" said Sailor Venus, and without waiting for an answer, she
grabbed the control joystick and began firing at the missiles. Surprising
everybody, she expertly began to destroy them, destroying the last one mere 3
meters from the ship. Grinning widely, she turned around, and making the
Victory sign, she said. "I knew all that time on the arcade would come in
handy someday!"

"Not bad..." said Cauldron. "Unfortunately, that won't save you! PREPARE TO
DIE!" Immediately, a literal raystorm rained over the ship. Yohann maneuvered
desperately, but some shots still impacted on the hull.

"Alex! Do we have shields?!" asked Yohann.

"No! The initial attack blew the system!" answered Alex. "At this rate, he'll
tear us apart any minute!"

"Uranus! Venus! Try to lock on that ship the weapons we still have, and open
fire!" ordered Yohann. Without losing a second, the two girls went to work.
Uranus activated what they still had left, and Venus locked on Cauldron's
ship, opening fire. All her shots hit, but...

"It's no use!" said Uranus. "He has protective shields! All our shots are
bouncing off! Our heavy artillery is still down! We don't have anything to
pierce his protection!"

"Hull integrity dropping!" reported Mercury. "We're down to 50%!" Another
shot impacted. "We lost the plating over the reactor! Another hit there, and
it will be the end!"

Endymion was holding Sailors Moon and Chibi-Moon's hands. Emerald Knight was
standing near Jendra, and was doing the same. Technuma was trying to keep his
footing near Robin's seat, his face grim. Neptune was looking intensely at
Uranus. Pluto was expressionless, unconsciously caressing her annular finger.
The Guardian was standing near Jupiter, his hands placed on the top of her
seat.

Yohann was maneuvering like a madman, but still some shots impacted on the
ship. 'Well, it seems that this is it.' He thought. 'Girls... I'm so sorry
for bringing you here. Technuma... you survived, only to die with us... I'm
sorry. Robin...' he felt a lump on his throat. 'my dear Robin... please
forgive me. I hope we can be together in the afterlife.' He was about to
release the controls, when Alex spoke.

"Sweetie! I'm registering a sub-spatial distortion! It seems to be a... a
Portal!"

"On screen!" ordered Yohann. Everybody looked at the images, and saw a
shimmering silver disk growing behind Cauldron's ship. From it, emerged
another ship, its guns immediately opening fire... on the Darkstarr!

The Leviathan's crew watched awed at the new arrival. It was about one third
the size of the Leviathan, its wings shaped in a semicircle, forming an arc
in front of it. Its color was dark purple, almost black. But what drew their
attention was the symbol on its hull: A golden symbol of infinity graced it,
shimmering brightly under the sunrays. The general design of that ship
reminded Yohann of an eagle.

The Darkstarr ceased firing at the Leviathan, and attempted to outmaneuver
the new arrival. But the smaller ship easily kept its position, still firing
at the enemy ship.

"Cauldron's ship is losing its shields!" reported Uranus. "It that attack
continues, we'll have a chance!"

Everybody's spirits raised at the news, and Yohann immediately turned around
the Leviathan, taking a flanking position with the mysterious ship. "Uranus,
Venus... as soon as you see an opportunity... open fire. Let's show Cauldron
that we can fight too!"

"Yes, sir!" said the girls in unison, watching intently the readings on the
tactical screen. As soon as they saw that Cauldron's shields dropped, they
threw everything they had at him! The combined attack of the two ships was
too much for the Darkstarr.

"DAMN YOU ALL!!" transmitted Cauldron. "But we'll meet again, and when we do,
you won't be so lucky!" And with a burst from its engines, the Darkstarr
darted up, leaving the Leviathan and the other ship behind.

Inside the Leviathan, everybody cheered, and began to hug between themselves.
They were still doing it when the communications console came to life, and a
voice that no one recognized was heard through the speakers.

"*Infinity to Leviathan. Come in please. Can you receive me?*"

Yohann picked up a microphone, and answered. "Leviathan here. Yes, we can
receive you."

"*Roger. Is anyone hurt? Do you need assistance? Is your ship in conditions
to return to your home base on its own power?*"

Yohann looked around, taking mental note. When Mercury nodded to him, he took
the microphone again and responded. "Aah... Negative on first query,
Infinity. Everybody on board is fine. No medical assistance required. We took
a heavy beat back there, but we can make it on our own. Thank you for the
support."

"*Message received. Infinity out*"

"Wait, Infinity! Who..." began Yohann, turning to the main screen. All
presents watched when the Infinity accelerated. A new silvery portal opened
in front of that ship, and with another burst of power, the Infinity crossed
it.

"... are you?" finished Yohann. Sighing, he placed the microphone back on its
place, and turned around to face the Team. "Well... we have an ally here...
or at least, that's what it seems."

"How come it knew the name of this ship?" asked Sailor Jendra.

"Yeah! And why did it appear now?" added Sailor Neptune.

"Your guess is as good as mine, girls." Answered Yohann. "Alex, correlate the
design of that ship with the ones you have stored. Try to match it. Let's see
if we can guess who's our mysterious friend."

"Right on, sweetie!" said Alex. It took her five minutes of high-speed
calculations. "Sorry, pork chops. The design doesn't correspond with anything
I have stored."

"Well, it was worth the try." Said Yohann. And after returning to the pilot's
seat, he said. "Jendra... call home and send the message I told you."

"Yes, Yohann." answered Sailor Jendra.

"Well, Team... At last, we can go home. I don't know you, but I'm going to
take a week's vacation." Said Yohann. Everybody agreed with him.

Smiling to himself, Yohann maneuvered the Leviathan, and plotted a course
back to Gaia.



TO BE CONTINUED...