Chapter 10 - The Showdown
Early the next morning, the Crusade was ready to set sail. They took on a dozen more soldiers and more provisions for the trip. Since Adellus's cave was higher up in the mountain range and surrounded by a dense forest, Allen decided to take the ship as far in to the forest area as he could. They would have to make the final trek by foot. He estimated they would be there late in the afternoon.
There was definitely a tense, nervous atmosphere on the ship all morning. The soldiers, who weren't on the bridge or on duty, were gathered around in little groups swapping stories. Hitomi was in her room resting, Merle was in the on-board stables, Van was back in the cargo bay practicing with his sword, and Allen was on the bridge.
Mina was in her room lying on her bed.
Well, this is it, she thought. The showdown. I hope we can beat Adellus. Everyone is counting on me to take care of her, but will I be strong enough? She WAS stronger last time and who knows how much energy she's gained since then. At least I was with the others when we had to fight Beryl.
Mina got up and restlessly paced the room. She had been resting all morning and was now bored out of her mind. Earlier, she tried to go hang out with Hitomi and Merle, but they were both too nervous and wanted to be alone. She went to her window and opened it all the way. They were flying along and had lost sight of Palas long ago. In the distance she could see a thunderstorm. She was relieved they weren't flying towards it, although she hoped it wasn't a bad omen.
Mina stuck her head out the window to catch the breeze in her hair. Ahhhh! She thought, this is nice. She closed her eyes and relaxed in the wind. When she got tired of that, she looked around and studied the ship right above her window. From what she could tell, there was nothing but the top of the ship above her, no extra levels or windows. She got an idea and started pulling off her shoes and socks. She climbed out the window and pulled herself up on to the roof. It was windier up there. Mina carefully crawled out a little until she reached a pole (or pipe, she couldn't tell) that she could grab on to if she needed. She laid down and watched the clouds pass over her. The window was nice, but this was better. She almost felt like she was flying upside down. This is a great way to relax before a battle, she thought. She let her mind wander. She thought back to arrival on Gaea and how she met her new friends; she thought about her family and friends on Earth; she went over all the training Luna and Artemis had taught her; and of course, she thought about Allen.
She sighed.
It's not fair, she thought. Why do I have to leave? Why do I have to leave Allen? There must be a way that we can stay together. Maybe I can quit the Sailor Scouts...? She dismissed that right away. She had a destiny and a duty to protect the Moon Princess, and after everything they had been through so far, she knew she couldn't leave. There could be more enemies out there. Okay, what if Allen came back with me...? They can always find another soldier, another commander. But he's a knight of Caeli, which is very special and important to him. I can't ask him to give up his dream...his life. Mina thought on it longer but always ended up with the same conclusion: they were going to be separated. She sighed and continued to watch the clouds drift by....
************ *******
Allen had left the bridge and was making his way towards Mina's room. He had a wonderful time with her yesterday. He smiled thinking of the volleyball game and dinner and the tour. He sighed and a frown appeared on his face. Mina would be leaving soon and he couldn't think of anything to make her stay. There had to be a way....
He arrived at her door and knocked on it. No response. He knocked again. Nothing. He slowly opened it.
"Mina...?" He said as he stuck his head in. He didn't see her. He came in and shut the door behind him.
"MINA?" He said a little louder. He noticed her socks and shoes by the window. He walked over and picked them up.
Where could she be? He thought, looking around.
Suddenly, a mass of blond hair filled the window. Allen looked up to see Mina's head, upside down, looking in to the room.
"Oh Allen, it's you! I'll be right down."
The head disappeared and a pair of bare feet appeared. Mina lowered herself down on to the sill. Allen came over and helped her down.
"Thanks. What are you doing here?"
"I came by to see you. What were you doing?" He asked looking rather puzzled.
"Oh, just sitting on the roof, watching the clouds. I like to relax and clear my mind before a big battle."
"That must be nice. Usually I'm too busy organizing the men. I tend to relax after a battle."
Mina looked into his face. She could see a lingering sadness in his eyes. She closed the distance between them and hugged him. Allen hugged her back. They stood there in silence, taking comfort in the others presence.
"Allen, what's on your mind?" Mina asked eventually. They pulled away and sat down at the table.
"I guess I'm a little worried about the upcoming battle." He lied. Well, the issue was on his mind, but it wasn't why he was sad.
"What exactly are you worried about?" Mina asked.
"Well, I wasn't exactly trained to fight magical beasts that can take your energy. I wanted to ask you how you think we should fight them. You can't do all the fighting, we have to cover you so you can fight Adellus."
"Hmm... let me think. I think your soldiers should use long swords, or throwing daggers, anything to keep the Gockipas at bay. They must avoid being touched by them or they risk having their life sucked out, or even worse, turning into one of Adellus's slaves and turning against us. Perhaps if we also have torches; use fire to keep them away. What do you think?"
"These are good ideas. I'm going to talk it over with Gaddess and the guys and see if we can organize this. We should be within range to land in a few hours. We're all going to meet on the bridge in an hour though."
Mina nodded.
Allen stood up to leave. Mina followed him to the door. Before he reached it though he turned around to face Mina.
"Listen Mina, things might get crazy down there and I just wanted to say...."
"No Allen, you don't have to say anything." Mina said, looking at the ground.
"Yes, I do." Allen replied softly as he lifted Mina's head back up. "I want you to know that I love you and that there has to be a way that we can be together. I want you to be careful down there. I know you are powerful and skilled, but I couldn't stand to lose you."
"I promise, if you promise too." Mina said.
"Agreed." Allen bent down and kissed Mina. She wrapped her arms around his neck and let go of all her worries.
********** ****
An hour later they all met on the bridge. Allen briefed everyone on the plan. They were going to land as close to the cave as possible and then continue on foot. Allen was going to bring Sherazade along incase there were anymore guymellefs. Hitomi and Merle pleaded to go with them but they had to promise to stay far away from any fighting. Everyone left to get ready.
Once again, Mina was Sailor Venus and she and the others were making their way to Adellus's cave. Hitomi was with them, guiding them with her pendant. Mina could sense Adellus near by. The sun was quickly sinking into the horizon. The light would be gone soon, but they had brought lots of torches.
Mina steadied herself with a deep breath. This is it, she though. It has to end tonight.
They climbed for about twenty minutes until they came to a dip in the mountain. Down below them was a huge cave entrance.
"This is it." Sailor Venus said. "She's in there."
Van looked over at Hitomi. She nodded.
"Alright, you and Merle stay up here and do not come in, no matter what happens." Van told them.
They nodded. Hitomi and Van's eyes met. Van could see the worry in Hitomi's eyes. He smiled.
"Don't worry. We'll be back."
Allen came up behind them.
"I've left Sherazade a little ways back. I've used my scanners and there are no other guymellefs in the area. It's close enough though, in case we need it."
"Okay," Allen began. "We're going to come up to the cave from all sides. You men, come from over there, you guys, over there, and the rest with me. And remember, don't let those beasts touch you." Allen ordered.
They slowly and quietly made their way down.
As they neared the massive entrance, they could hear a rumbling noise coming from the cave.
"HERE THEY COME!" Sailor Venus yelled.
A handful of Gockipas and Zaibach soldiers came running out of the cave. The soldiers were brandishing their swords and running towards them.
Everyone ran out of hiding and war cries erupted from both sides. Men jumped and slashed at the beasts while others engaged in a sword fight with the soldiers. Sounds of yelling and swords slashing filled the air. Venus was fighting her way towards the entrance. She used her powers on the Gockipas and her judo skills on the soldiers. Allen and Van were skillfully finishing off the soldiers with their swords. Gaddess took out a few Gockipas with a few throwing daggers.
Soon, all those who ran out of the cave were on the ground, dead or knocked out. The Crusade guys had escaped with no casualties, but a few minor injuries. They regrouped and Allen ordered the torches to be lit. With Venus and Allen in the lead, they slowly made their way in to the cave. Venus took once last look behind them. It was dark now and the full moon shone in the sky. Mina gathered her courage and continued in.
Inside, the cave turned into a small tunnel, which lead them further in. They could hear noises in the distance, but nothing came at them. Soon, they came to a vast chamber and they all stopped in their tracks.
The chamber was huge, wide and tall enough for a guymellef to do jumping jacks. Red, erie light filled the chamber from some unknown source. There was an opening far at the top that aloud a little moonlight to filter in.
Adellus was at the far end of the cave, seated in a thrown carved right out the stone. Beside her, were four HUGE Gockipas, twice the size of the originals. Their glowing red eyes were fixed on the visitors. In front of Adellus's thrown was a small legion of Zaibach soldiers, all on their knees, bowing before her. It was an impressive, if not frightening, sight.
"Welcome to my humble lair." Adellus said as she stood. "I've take it you've noticed my prize beauties." She said, motioning to the huge Gockipas. "They are under my complete control, as well as these pathetic fools." She waved her arm over the soldiers. At that moment, normal-sized Gockipas entered the chamber from Adellus's end and made their way over to wait by her slaves.
"Give it up Adellus!" Venus yelled. "You have no place here and I won't let you take advantage of this planet anymore!"
"Oh really?! You are your little freak show are going stop me?" Adellus laughed. "I am almost back to my full strength and destroying you will be no problem. I suppose I should thank you before I kill you though, for getting rid of Beryl for me. Now I can fulfill my dream of becoming queen and ruling this universe!" Adellus laughed.
Sailor Venus growled and balled her fists.
"But I see you want your little fight, even though it would be easier if you all just surrendered now, but have it your way."
Adellus sat back down and snapped her fingers.
The Zaibach soldiers stood up and faced them.
"Everyone, spread out!" Allen yelled.
The Zaibach slaves and the Gockipas sprang at them.
Adellus's laughing could be heard in the background as the final battle began.
NOTE: Ah, it's finally done! Sorry it took a while, y'all, but I took the weekend off. This is it! There are probably two chapters left! What will happen?? Do you want a clue?...really?...well sorry, you'll just have to wait like everyone else! (hehehe) Sorry, I didn't mean to tease, but I promise not to disappoint you. Please, let me know what you think!
Early the next morning, the Crusade was ready to set sail. They took on a dozen more soldiers and more provisions for the trip. Since Adellus's cave was higher up in the mountain range and surrounded by a dense forest, Allen decided to take the ship as far in to the forest area as he could. They would have to make the final trek by foot. He estimated they would be there late in the afternoon.
There was definitely a tense, nervous atmosphere on the ship all morning. The soldiers, who weren't on the bridge or on duty, were gathered around in little groups swapping stories. Hitomi was in her room resting, Merle was in the on-board stables, Van was back in the cargo bay practicing with his sword, and Allen was on the bridge.
Mina was in her room lying on her bed.
Well, this is it, she thought. The showdown. I hope we can beat Adellus. Everyone is counting on me to take care of her, but will I be strong enough? She WAS stronger last time and who knows how much energy she's gained since then. At least I was with the others when we had to fight Beryl.
Mina got up and restlessly paced the room. She had been resting all morning and was now bored out of her mind. Earlier, she tried to go hang out with Hitomi and Merle, but they were both too nervous and wanted to be alone. She went to her window and opened it all the way. They were flying along and had lost sight of Palas long ago. In the distance she could see a thunderstorm. She was relieved they weren't flying towards it, although she hoped it wasn't a bad omen.
Mina stuck her head out the window to catch the breeze in her hair. Ahhhh! She thought, this is nice. She closed her eyes and relaxed in the wind. When she got tired of that, she looked around and studied the ship right above her window. From what she could tell, there was nothing but the top of the ship above her, no extra levels or windows. She got an idea and started pulling off her shoes and socks. She climbed out the window and pulled herself up on to the roof. It was windier up there. Mina carefully crawled out a little until she reached a pole (or pipe, she couldn't tell) that she could grab on to if she needed. She laid down and watched the clouds pass over her. The window was nice, but this was better. She almost felt like she was flying upside down. This is a great way to relax before a battle, she thought. She let her mind wander. She thought back to arrival on Gaea and how she met her new friends; she thought about her family and friends on Earth; she went over all the training Luna and Artemis had taught her; and of course, she thought about Allen.
She sighed.
It's not fair, she thought. Why do I have to leave? Why do I have to leave Allen? There must be a way that we can stay together. Maybe I can quit the Sailor Scouts...? She dismissed that right away. She had a destiny and a duty to protect the Moon Princess, and after everything they had been through so far, she knew she couldn't leave. There could be more enemies out there. Okay, what if Allen came back with me...? They can always find another soldier, another commander. But he's a knight of Caeli, which is very special and important to him. I can't ask him to give up his dream...his life. Mina thought on it longer but always ended up with the same conclusion: they were going to be separated. She sighed and continued to watch the clouds drift by....
************ *******
Allen had left the bridge and was making his way towards Mina's room. He had a wonderful time with her yesterday. He smiled thinking of the volleyball game and dinner and the tour. He sighed and a frown appeared on his face. Mina would be leaving soon and he couldn't think of anything to make her stay. There had to be a way....
He arrived at her door and knocked on it. No response. He knocked again. Nothing. He slowly opened it.
"Mina...?" He said as he stuck his head in. He didn't see her. He came in and shut the door behind him.
"MINA?" He said a little louder. He noticed her socks and shoes by the window. He walked over and picked them up.
Where could she be? He thought, looking around.
Suddenly, a mass of blond hair filled the window. Allen looked up to see Mina's head, upside down, looking in to the room.
"Oh Allen, it's you! I'll be right down."
The head disappeared and a pair of bare feet appeared. Mina lowered herself down on to the sill. Allen came over and helped her down.
"Thanks. What are you doing here?"
"I came by to see you. What were you doing?" He asked looking rather puzzled.
"Oh, just sitting on the roof, watching the clouds. I like to relax and clear my mind before a big battle."
"That must be nice. Usually I'm too busy organizing the men. I tend to relax after a battle."
Mina looked into his face. She could see a lingering sadness in his eyes. She closed the distance between them and hugged him. Allen hugged her back. They stood there in silence, taking comfort in the others presence.
"Allen, what's on your mind?" Mina asked eventually. They pulled away and sat down at the table.
"I guess I'm a little worried about the upcoming battle." He lied. Well, the issue was on his mind, but it wasn't why he was sad.
"What exactly are you worried about?" Mina asked.
"Well, I wasn't exactly trained to fight magical beasts that can take your energy. I wanted to ask you how you think we should fight them. You can't do all the fighting, we have to cover you so you can fight Adellus."
"Hmm... let me think. I think your soldiers should use long swords, or throwing daggers, anything to keep the Gockipas at bay. They must avoid being touched by them or they risk having their life sucked out, or even worse, turning into one of Adellus's slaves and turning against us. Perhaps if we also have torches; use fire to keep them away. What do you think?"
"These are good ideas. I'm going to talk it over with Gaddess and the guys and see if we can organize this. We should be within range to land in a few hours. We're all going to meet on the bridge in an hour though."
Mina nodded.
Allen stood up to leave. Mina followed him to the door. Before he reached it though he turned around to face Mina.
"Listen Mina, things might get crazy down there and I just wanted to say...."
"No Allen, you don't have to say anything." Mina said, looking at the ground.
"Yes, I do." Allen replied softly as he lifted Mina's head back up. "I want you to know that I love you and that there has to be a way that we can be together. I want you to be careful down there. I know you are powerful and skilled, but I couldn't stand to lose you."
"I promise, if you promise too." Mina said.
"Agreed." Allen bent down and kissed Mina. She wrapped her arms around his neck and let go of all her worries.
********** ****
An hour later they all met on the bridge. Allen briefed everyone on the plan. They were going to land as close to the cave as possible and then continue on foot. Allen was going to bring Sherazade along incase there were anymore guymellefs. Hitomi and Merle pleaded to go with them but they had to promise to stay far away from any fighting. Everyone left to get ready.
Once again, Mina was Sailor Venus and she and the others were making their way to Adellus's cave. Hitomi was with them, guiding them with her pendant. Mina could sense Adellus near by. The sun was quickly sinking into the horizon. The light would be gone soon, but they had brought lots of torches.
Mina steadied herself with a deep breath. This is it, she though. It has to end tonight.
They climbed for about twenty minutes until they came to a dip in the mountain. Down below them was a huge cave entrance.
"This is it." Sailor Venus said. "She's in there."
Van looked over at Hitomi. She nodded.
"Alright, you and Merle stay up here and do not come in, no matter what happens." Van told them.
They nodded. Hitomi and Van's eyes met. Van could see the worry in Hitomi's eyes. He smiled.
"Don't worry. We'll be back."
Allen came up behind them.
"I've left Sherazade a little ways back. I've used my scanners and there are no other guymellefs in the area. It's close enough though, in case we need it."
"Okay," Allen began. "We're going to come up to the cave from all sides. You men, come from over there, you guys, over there, and the rest with me. And remember, don't let those beasts touch you." Allen ordered.
They slowly and quietly made their way down.
As they neared the massive entrance, they could hear a rumbling noise coming from the cave.
"HERE THEY COME!" Sailor Venus yelled.
A handful of Gockipas and Zaibach soldiers came running out of the cave. The soldiers were brandishing their swords and running towards them.
Everyone ran out of hiding and war cries erupted from both sides. Men jumped and slashed at the beasts while others engaged in a sword fight with the soldiers. Sounds of yelling and swords slashing filled the air. Venus was fighting her way towards the entrance. She used her powers on the Gockipas and her judo skills on the soldiers. Allen and Van were skillfully finishing off the soldiers with their swords. Gaddess took out a few Gockipas with a few throwing daggers.
Soon, all those who ran out of the cave were on the ground, dead or knocked out. The Crusade guys had escaped with no casualties, but a few minor injuries. They regrouped and Allen ordered the torches to be lit. With Venus and Allen in the lead, they slowly made their way in to the cave. Venus took once last look behind them. It was dark now and the full moon shone in the sky. Mina gathered her courage and continued in.
Inside, the cave turned into a small tunnel, which lead them further in. They could hear noises in the distance, but nothing came at them. Soon, they came to a vast chamber and they all stopped in their tracks.
The chamber was huge, wide and tall enough for a guymellef to do jumping jacks. Red, erie light filled the chamber from some unknown source. There was an opening far at the top that aloud a little moonlight to filter in.
Adellus was at the far end of the cave, seated in a thrown carved right out the stone. Beside her, were four HUGE Gockipas, twice the size of the originals. Their glowing red eyes were fixed on the visitors. In front of Adellus's thrown was a small legion of Zaibach soldiers, all on their knees, bowing before her. It was an impressive, if not frightening, sight.
"Welcome to my humble lair." Adellus said as she stood. "I've take it you've noticed my prize beauties." She said, motioning to the huge Gockipas. "They are under my complete control, as well as these pathetic fools." She waved her arm over the soldiers. At that moment, normal-sized Gockipas entered the chamber from Adellus's end and made their way over to wait by her slaves.
"Give it up Adellus!" Venus yelled. "You have no place here and I won't let you take advantage of this planet anymore!"
"Oh really?! You are your little freak show are going stop me?" Adellus laughed. "I am almost back to my full strength and destroying you will be no problem. I suppose I should thank you before I kill you though, for getting rid of Beryl for me. Now I can fulfill my dream of becoming queen and ruling this universe!" Adellus laughed.
Sailor Venus growled and balled her fists.
"But I see you want your little fight, even though it would be easier if you all just surrendered now, but have it your way."
Adellus sat back down and snapped her fingers.
The Zaibach soldiers stood up and faced them.
"Everyone, spread out!" Allen yelled.
The Zaibach slaves and the Gockipas sprang at them.
Adellus's laughing could be heard in the background as the final battle began.
NOTE: Ah, it's finally done! Sorry it took a while, y'all, but I took the weekend off. This is it! There are probably two chapters left! What will happen?? Do you want a clue?...really?...well sorry, you'll just have to wait like everyone else! (hehehe) Sorry, I didn't mean to tease, but I promise not to disappoint you. Please, let me know what you think!