Sol IV (Mars): The Phoebes Deimos Castle
1010 years ago
Princess Mars sobbed into her pillow, her tiny body shaking. "Why?" she choked out, her voice muffled by her pillow. "Why did Mommy and Daddy have to go?"
She sobbed into her pillow again, soaking it with tears. The door of her room creaked as someone opened it. "Go away!" she screamed. She sat up and hurled her pillow at the intruder. She started to scream again, but she froze.
The intruder was one of the red-armored Ice Warriors usually found near her parents. She was afraid of the lumbering titans. They were so big and loud and had a tendency to get into fights that sounded like thunderstorms.
The Ice Warrior hesitantly sat on the edge of her bed. "I am sorry, Shsurr Mars. The safety of your parents was my responsibility but I have failed them. If you are to be angry, direct your rage at me."
Mars regarded the Ice Warrior warily. She could never tell the difference between them and she never felt any need to know their names until now. "What's your name?" she asked softly, her voice hoarse from screaming.
It rumbled softly. "I am Bre'zen."
Mars was enveloped a roaring wave of pain that rippled out from the hole she was convinced was in her chest. She started crying again and curled up into a ball, trying to escape the pain. She felt abandoned and alone.
"Hush little one," Bre'zen said gently. He patted her back, almost knocking her off the bed. He began to sing quietly in words she didn't understand. The tune was happy and conjured up images of vast plains of Mars' red grass, rippling in the cool breeze and she felt a little better.
She sniffed and wiped her tears away as she tucked herself under Bre'zen's arm. His armor was hard and uncomfortable, but it was warm and she felt safe. The rhythmic hiss of his breathing was oddly comforting.
The gaping hole was still there, but the pain wasn't so overwhelming anymore. Mars' eyes fluttered and she snuggled against Bre'zen's side as she slowly fell asleep.
Bre'zen gently tucked Mars under her blankets. "It is because of my failure you are alone, Shsurr. I swear upon the two moons I will do whatever it takes to protect and care for you."
Sol IV
6 Months after Galaxia's defeat
"Are you positive this is the course you wish to take, Shsurr?"
Mars looked at Bre'zen. "Unless you have another idea."
Bre'zen growled in frustration and looked away in answer.
Mars reached up to put her hand on Bre'zen's forearm. "I know you don't like it, but it's our only chance."
Bre'zen gently patted her hand. "I know Shsurr. But it is my duty and honor to protect your life and I cannot do that in a Blood Duel."
"I've handled worse."
"I know, Shsurr. But it is hard for me to remember. You are still a fresh hatchling to me."
"I can do this," Mars replied confidently. She patted Bre'zen's arm, trying to assuage his unease. "But I need you to trust me."
"With my life."
Mars nodded before activating her communicator. "Char, do you know where Aarsasho is?"
"She's in the throne room. If you plan on charging in here, you'll get slaughtered. Most of her force is blocking the way in."
"I need you to get in and give her a message."
Charlotte grumbled. "If I get shot to scrap, you better have a way to put me back together."
"I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."
Charlotte sighed. "I know. What's your message?"
"Tell Aarsasho that we're coming down so I can challenge her to a Blood Duel."
"Are you insane?" Charlotte moaned. "Do you have any idea what that entails?"
Mars scowled. "It's a fight to the death. I know it's insane, but it's our only chance to get out of here."
"I'll let you know her reply." Charlotte ended the call.
Mars looked as she lowered her arm. "Is there anything specific I need to say?"
"Yes," Bre'zen rumbled. "And to get it wrong is considered an insult. Aarsasho would then be justified in attacking you."
Mars sighed. "Is there ever an easy way? Alright, what is it?"
Bre'zen cleared his throat before speaking. "Marshal Aarsasho, by the two moons, I, Princess Mars, rightful heir to the royal throne, ruler of Mars and its moons, protector of the people, keeper of the legacy of the Osirins and defender of the laws of Mars, challenge thee to an honorable Blood Duel. I name the stakes as complete loyalty of all Ice Warriors under our rule. I further request that, should I be defeated, my kin be safely returned to Earth under the code of honorable single combat."
He made her repeat it until she could recite it flawlessly three times in a row.
Bre'zen nodded in approval. "You will do well, Shsurr."
Mars' communicator beeped. She activated it and Charlotte's voice came through. "Aarsasho has agreed to the Blood Duel. You will be allowed to enter the throne room to make your challenge," she paused for a second before speaking in a hushed tone. "Be careful. I don't think Aarsasho can be trusted."
"I know, but we don't have a choice."
"Be careful," Charlotte ended the call.
Mars looked to the other scouts. "Ready?"
The others nodded and Jupiter gave her a thumbs up. "Let's get her."
The Ice Warriors formed a square around the scouts and lead them down into the mostly empty city.
The enemy Ice Warriors lined both sides of the street, funneling them towards the Throne room. As they passed, the Ice Warriors started following them, remaining oddly quiet.
Bre'zen growled. "I do not like this."
"I think it's alright," Tuxedo Mask commented. "None of them have weapons."
"If they can hit half as hard as Bre'zen, they don't need weapons," Sailor Moon replied dryly.
Venus looked over the Ice Warriors. "I get the feeling they're curious about us. Or at least you, Rei."
Mars looked closer at the Ice Warriors. Most of them were craning their necks to see over Bre'zen and Ta'Xaddir's Ice Warriors. She couldn't see their eyes because of the visors, but she felt like they were all watching her, but none of it seemed malevolent.
They reached the throne room without any Ice Warriors attacking them. Mars started to feel optimistic about the plan. You still have to fight one of them, alone. The small bubble of optimism that had been welling up in her chest popped at the thought. You can do this. Focus!
The Ice Warriors that had followed them packed themselves along the walls. Even with almost two hundred of them, the center of the room remained open.
Across from the entrance, Aarsasho lounged on the golden throne. Charlotte stood next to her looking uncomfortable. Her expression became one of relief when she saw the scouts and drifted over as Aarsasho addressed them.
"By the two moons, I welcome thee who would foolishly challenge me. I will give you your last time to bid farewell to those whom you hold dearest. Then I will stain the floor of the throne room with your blood so it may always stand as a testament to my supremacy."
Mars clenched her fists. "You're never going to beat me and you're never going to hurt anyone on Earth!"
"Such confidence for one who willingly walks to her execution. I look forward to our duel. It should be most entertaining. Now, say your goodbyes."
Bre'zen pulled Mars back before she could say anything else. "Calm yourself, Shsurr. She wishes for you to be angry so you will make mistakes."
Mars took a deep breath to calm herself.
"You will do well, Shsurr. I am confident in your success."
Jupiter put a hand on her shoulder. "Show her what you've got."
Venus nodded. "You've got this."
"Trust yourself and you can't lose," Tuxedo Mask added.
"You can do it Rei!" Mercury said.
Charlotte shook her head. "I calculate your chances of success are-"
"Char!" Jupiter barked.
Charlotte stopped talking for a moment. "Um. Aim for the jaw. Good luck, Rei."
"Remember your training," Luna said.
Artemis nodded. "We believe in you."
Sailor Moon hugged her. "Don't lose."
Mars hugged her back. "I never do, meatball head."
They let go of each other. Sailor Moon nodded. "Kick her butt."
Mars pulled her shoulders back and her head up as she turned to Aarsasho. "Marshal Aarsasho, by the two moons, I, Princess Mars, rightful heir to the royal throne, ruler of Mars and its moons, protector of the people, keeper of the legacy of the Osirins and defender of the laws of Mars, challenge thee to an honorable Blood Duel. I name the stakes as complete loyalty of all Ice Warriors under our rule. I further request that, should I be defeated, my kin be safely returned to Earth under the code of honorable single combat."
Aarsasho stood. "By the two moons, I, Marshal Aarsasho, descendent of Skaldak, ruler of the Nix-Thassis clan, vanquisher of the Threlran rebellion and Empress of the Great and Endless Martian Empire do accept thy challenge and conditions. As challenged, I declare the location and time of our duel to be here and now!"
Aarshasho roared as she threw herself at Mars.
Mars backflipped away and launched Snake Fire. Aarsasho sidestepped the attack and charged. Mars leapt up, but Aarsasho grabbed her leg and hurled her into a pillar.
Mars cried out as she slammed into it. Her vision flickered, but she refused to give up. She struggled to her feet and turned to face Aarsasho who had already closed the gap between them.
Aarsasho punched Mars as hard as she could. Mars felt like a small planet collided with her stomach and she crumpled over the fist, her vision flickering violently. From the pain shooting from her ribs, she guessed several of them had been cracked, if not broken. No. It can't end like this. It can't!
Another thought crept in as the pain in her ribs intensified. It's hopeless. You've failed them. You can't hope to win this. You can't take another hit like that and survive.
Everything was going fuzzy, but she could feel something holding her neck. It doesn't matter…at least the pain will be over… I've been dead before and it really isn't that bad...
Rei. You NEVER give up.
Images of her friends flashed through her mind and she felt intense sorrow and guilt. The others believed in me. And I failed them.
It doesn't matter what they believe. Do you believe in yourself or are you going to let yourself die here? Are you going to let your friends be attacked by an army they can't hope to defeat? Or are you going to believe in yourself and fight back?
She looked deep inside herself. The fire that kept her going was weak. But it was still there. She embraced it fully. The longer she held on, the more brightly it burned until it was an unstoppable inferno, raging to be let out.
Her surroundings became clearer. She barely opened her eyes to look around. Aarsasho was holding her neck. Behind Aarsasho, Mars' friends looked horrified and shocked. Jupiter was shouting obscenities and trying to get to her, but Bre'zen was holding her back.
"Now I shall rip her head from her shoulders!" Aarsasho bellowed. "I shall prove my superiority and end the failed line forever!"
Mars glanced down at Aarsasho who seemed unaware that she wasn't dead or unconscious. Mars raised her hands and blasted Aarsasho in the face with Burning Mandala.
Aarsasho shrieked and dropped Mars while staggering backwards. She roared as she clutched her face.
Mars fell to her knees, clutching her chest. She gritted her teeth against the pain and stood, trembling violently. Aarsasho bellowed again before turning and charging at her.
Mars readied a Flame Sniper. She focused on Aarsasho who was readying for another punch. Mars' hearing faded until she could only hear thudding of her heart and the roar of air passing in and out of her lungs. She let herself relax and released the attack.
The bolt of fire exploded against Aarsasho's exposed throat. She howled as she threw herself at Mars. She was too weak to dodge, so Aarsasho hit her like a falling wall.
Mars cried out in pain as her ribs flared in agony. Her head slammed into the marble floor and her vision went dark.
