Chapter Four: In the NegaVerse.
Lita shivered violently as Hades dragged her into another dark room. The NegaVerse is so cold! Her mind screamed. She pulled her green velvet shawl tightly around her thin shoulders. She blinked her eyes. It was hard to adjust to see exactly what kind of room she was being dragged into. The only source of light came from depressing looking candles.
"Ah, so here's the fabled Princess of Jupiter," A man's voice said.
Lita looked up to see a handsome man, dressed in the armor of a NegaVerse General. His lilac hair brushed against his broad shoulders. His silver eyes peered down to stare into Lita's large green orbs.
"Well, she is rather stunning, despite her young age, isn't she?" the man asked no one in particular. "So, young princess, when will your father surrender once he realizes we have you and that your Satellite Soldiers have failed to protect you?"
Lita balled her fists and shook her head. "He won't! Gabby, Trudy and the others will save me! You just watch!"
"Ah, ever the optimist," the man smiled. "I'm Cephus, the lead general of Queen Cassiopea's army. Enjoy your stay here, Princess. It'll be a long one." He and Hades left Lita in the lonely darkness.
The young princess of Jupiter sat on the floor and shook her head. "It won't! They'll come for me. They gotta!" Lita looked around the room. After her eyes totally adjusted, she could make out a small bed, a table and what looked to be a makeshift airing vent. Lita blinked and stood.
"Maybe.maybe I could fit in there." She could at least buy them some time. If these Nega.twerps didn't know where she was, they'd be too busy trying to find her, so they would have to hold off attacking Jupiter. She swallowed and began to push the table underneath the vent.
The Andromeda Galaxy
The Andromeda Galaxy reminded Gabrielle of Jupiter. There were mountains, rivers, and deserts. at least from where she could see out of the castle's large picture window. The castle she and the Andromeda Scouts warped to was quite impressive. Reds, golds and oranges decorated the spacious stone walls.
Gabrielle pursed her lips. I wonder what's taking everyone.especially when I was the last to jump into the vortex? A loud bang answered her question. She turned to see a pile of bodies moaning.
"Oww! Trudy! Will you please get off me?" Sophia moaned.
"How come yer polite even when someone's squishin' ya?" Trudy groaned.
"Will someone just PLEASE get up?" Callista cried. "I ended up at the bottom of the pile!"
After they finally de-tangled, they blinked when they saw the Andromeda scouts and Gabrielle looking at them. "Um, just how did you manage to do that?" Perseus asked.
"Uhm." Callista began. She blinked and looked down. "Why did I de- morph?"
The other scouts looked down. The four definitely had de-morphed, and were now wearing their training uniforms, comfortable khaki jumpers with the symbols of their satellites on their chests.
".Because you do not have the will to fight right now." a voice warbled.
"Phoenix!" Sailor Perseus said, bowing. The other three quickly followed suit.
Trudy gasped and pointed. "It's a talkin' bird!" she blurted. Sophia quickly slapped her hand over Trudy's mouth. It was indeed a .talking bird. The bird was at least five feet tall, and its plumes were gold, red and orange in color. She blinked her green eyes at them.
"Phoenix, these are the Satellite Soldiers from the other galaxy. They ran into the soldiers of Queen Cassiopea," Sailor Apollo said.
"Yes.I know." Phoenix warbled. "The four of you, Gabrielle, Sophia, Callista and Gertrude, have strong hearts as well as strong wills, however, your powers are not completely formed."
"Who's Gertrude?" Orion whispered.
"Trudy," Apollo answered. Orion snickered. "I 'eard that!" Trudy snapped.
Phoenix chuckled. She flapped her wings. "I will send the eight of you on a quest."
".Eight?" Sailor Orion asked. "You mean-"
"Yes Orion. You will help the four Sailor Scouts from another galaxy." "If I may interrupt," Gabrielle said after clearing her throat. "What sort of quest is this? How will it help us?"
"Ah, ever the fact-finder, Gabrielle," Phoenix smiled. "That is why your friends admire you so much and look to you for leadership."
Gabrielle blinked as she looked to the other three Scouts. "Y-you do?"
Sophia nodded and smiled. "Well, yes! You always come up with great plans."
"An' ya know so much! You know more 'bout the NegaVerse than the King's advisas!" Trudy grinned.
"And you're just.mature!" Callista nodded. "In every situation, training or otherwise, you've kept your cool and guided us. We've never voiced it, but we've always looked to you for leadership. I guess we just need to make it official."
Tears sprung to Gabrielle's dark eyes. "Oh, you guys."
"Hey, I can't think of anybody who would fit the bill betta, ya know?" Trudy nudged Gabrielle and winked. ".Well, otha than me, but I just can't do whut ya do!"
Gabrielle cleared her throat and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "Well, thanks, but my question wasn't answered."
Phoenix chuckled. "That it wasn't. You will go on a quest to find the four virtue stones. With them, you will find the power to defeat your enemy. It will not be an easy task. Andromeda Scouts, it is up to you to assist the Satellite Soldiers and to guide them to the stones."
"Beg yer pardon, Phoenix, but, we Satellite Soldiers get by on our own," Trudy said, crossing her arms.
"I think you'll learn that team work is the best weapon against anything, Gertrude." Phoenix nodded.
"Well, when do we start?" Callista asked.
"As soon as you are ready."
The girls nodded at each other. "I believe we are ready," Gabrielle said.
"Good." Phoenix spread her wings and made a high pitched call. A blinding light encompassed them. A split second later, the eight Scouts found themselves in front of a massive mountain range that included an inactive volcano, surrounded by a forest and bordered by the icy cold ocean.
"Where is this?" Sophia gasped.
"The Lost Region." Sailor Apollo said. "A forbidden land that holds the four virtue stones. The stones of Truth, Hope, Honor and Courage."
"Well, let's go find 'em!" Trudy said, starting to walk away.
"Hold it, Trudy," Gabrielle said. "We need to devise a plan."
"Aww." Trudy groaned. "Why can't we just."
"Is she always this annoying?" Orion sighed.
"I'll annoying you!" Trudy said, rolling up her sleeves.
"Whoa! Chill out you two!" Sophia said, running to split the two up.
"It sounds like you already have a plan, Gabby.I mean, Gabrielle," Callista said.
"Yes, I do. Phoenix said that there are four virtue stones, and there are eight of us. She also said that the Andromeda Scouts would be our guides. So, the logical thing to do would be to split up and search for the stones. One Andromeda Scout to each Satellite Soldier."
"Great. Just how are you going to split us up?" Ares asked.
"Hm." Gabrielle rustled around her pockets. "Here! I have a pack of cards. I'll take out the kings and queens. The Andromeda Scouts will draw from the king pile, and we'll draw from the queen pile. The corresponding pairs will join up. Fair enough?"
Perseus shrugged. "It can't hurt. I'll draw first, if you don't mind."
After everyone had drawn, Gabrielle nodded. "Okay, everyone hold out your card."
"The Queen of Spades!" Trudy said triumphantly.
"Why does she sound like she's won the lottery?" Sophia whispered to Callista.
Callista shrugged. "That's Trudy. Maybe that's the card she wanted?"
".King of Spades." Orion mumbled.
"Oh no way!" Trudy wailed. "I wanna redraw!"
"Grow up you two." Ares growled. "If it helps, I'll tell you what I drew. I drew the King of Hearts."
Callista blushed. "I guess we're together then."
"Well, I have the King of Diamonds." Perseus smiled. "How appropriate!"
Sophia rolled her eyes. "I have the compliment to your.King."
"Then that must mean that we're together," Apollo said, looking at Gabrielle. His cheeks pinked.
Gabrielle's cheeks became warm. "U-um, yes, by.um, simple elimination." she said as she cleared her throat.
"So. anywho!" Trudy said, missing the entire moment between Gabrielle and Apollo, "Whut now?"
"Well, each of us knows where a certain stone is," Apollo said. "We'll lead you to the one that we are connected to. When we obtain it, we'll head to the base of the mountain range to the west and wait. Be advised that there are traps here designed to keep the virtue stones safe." Apollo looked to his fellow Andromeda Scouts. "I suggest that we de-morph to save energy. We'll need it here."
"Go ahead," Ares grumbled. "You know I don't do that."
Perseus rolled his eyes. "We know, we know." The other three Andromeda Scouts changed back into their normal selves, wearing a much lighter form of armor.
"Well, now that you're back to normal, what are your names?" Callista asked.
"I'm Edgar Sullivan, the Sailor Scout of Wind, Courage and the trio of stars called Orion, at your service," the former Sailor Orion said puffing out his chest. Trudy rolled her eyes.
"I am Kiran Mieczyslaw, the Sailor Scout of Light and Truth." The former Sailor Apollo said.
"And I'm Finnian Leron, the Sailor Scout of Stone and Honor, Sailor Perseus."
"What about you, Grumpy?" Callista chuckled. "Any gallant hero introduction from you?"
Ares sighed and turned his back. "If you must pry, my real name is Sigurd Von Abel, the Sailor Scout of War and Hope."
"Well, isn't that a conundrum! Hope AND War?" Gabrielle nodded.
Trudy frowned and tilted her head. "Conundrum? Is that some sort o' laxative?" she asked.
Everyone sighed and shook their heads. "We ought to get going. We can't waste any more time." Sophia piped up.
"Agreed!" The Satellite Soldiers nodded.
"Everyone be careful.there are a lot of beasts out here. And remember to meet at the base of the mountain range." Kiran shouted as he and Gabrielle headed towards the inactive volcano.
Lita shivered violently as Hades dragged her into another dark room. The NegaVerse is so cold! Her mind screamed. She pulled her green velvet shawl tightly around her thin shoulders. She blinked her eyes. It was hard to adjust to see exactly what kind of room she was being dragged into. The only source of light came from depressing looking candles.
"Ah, so here's the fabled Princess of Jupiter," A man's voice said.
Lita looked up to see a handsome man, dressed in the armor of a NegaVerse General. His lilac hair brushed against his broad shoulders. His silver eyes peered down to stare into Lita's large green orbs.
"Well, she is rather stunning, despite her young age, isn't she?" the man asked no one in particular. "So, young princess, when will your father surrender once he realizes we have you and that your Satellite Soldiers have failed to protect you?"
Lita balled her fists and shook her head. "He won't! Gabby, Trudy and the others will save me! You just watch!"
"Ah, ever the optimist," the man smiled. "I'm Cephus, the lead general of Queen Cassiopea's army. Enjoy your stay here, Princess. It'll be a long one." He and Hades left Lita in the lonely darkness.
The young princess of Jupiter sat on the floor and shook her head. "It won't! They'll come for me. They gotta!" Lita looked around the room. After her eyes totally adjusted, she could make out a small bed, a table and what looked to be a makeshift airing vent. Lita blinked and stood.
"Maybe.maybe I could fit in there." She could at least buy them some time. If these Nega.twerps didn't know where she was, they'd be too busy trying to find her, so they would have to hold off attacking Jupiter. She swallowed and began to push the table underneath the vent.
The Andromeda Galaxy
The Andromeda Galaxy reminded Gabrielle of Jupiter. There were mountains, rivers, and deserts. at least from where she could see out of the castle's large picture window. The castle she and the Andromeda Scouts warped to was quite impressive. Reds, golds and oranges decorated the spacious stone walls.
Gabrielle pursed her lips. I wonder what's taking everyone.especially when I was the last to jump into the vortex? A loud bang answered her question. She turned to see a pile of bodies moaning.
"Oww! Trudy! Will you please get off me?" Sophia moaned.
"How come yer polite even when someone's squishin' ya?" Trudy groaned.
"Will someone just PLEASE get up?" Callista cried. "I ended up at the bottom of the pile!"
After they finally de-tangled, they blinked when they saw the Andromeda scouts and Gabrielle looking at them. "Um, just how did you manage to do that?" Perseus asked.
"Uhm." Callista began. She blinked and looked down. "Why did I de- morph?"
The other scouts looked down. The four definitely had de-morphed, and were now wearing their training uniforms, comfortable khaki jumpers with the symbols of their satellites on their chests.
".Because you do not have the will to fight right now." a voice warbled.
"Phoenix!" Sailor Perseus said, bowing. The other three quickly followed suit.
Trudy gasped and pointed. "It's a talkin' bird!" she blurted. Sophia quickly slapped her hand over Trudy's mouth. It was indeed a .talking bird. The bird was at least five feet tall, and its plumes were gold, red and orange in color. She blinked her green eyes at them.
"Phoenix, these are the Satellite Soldiers from the other galaxy. They ran into the soldiers of Queen Cassiopea," Sailor Apollo said.
"Yes.I know." Phoenix warbled. "The four of you, Gabrielle, Sophia, Callista and Gertrude, have strong hearts as well as strong wills, however, your powers are not completely formed."
"Who's Gertrude?" Orion whispered.
"Trudy," Apollo answered. Orion snickered. "I 'eard that!" Trudy snapped.
Phoenix chuckled. She flapped her wings. "I will send the eight of you on a quest."
".Eight?" Sailor Orion asked. "You mean-"
"Yes Orion. You will help the four Sailor Scouts from another galaxy." "If I may interrupt," Gabrielle said after clearing her throat. "What sort of quest is this? How will it help us?"
"Ah, ever the fact-finder, Gabrielle," Phoenix smiled. "That is why your friends admire you so much and look to you for leadership."
Gabrielle blinked as she looked to the other three Scouts. "Y-you do?"
Sophia nodded and smiled. "Well, yes! You always come up with great plans."
"An' ya know so much! You know more 'bout the NegaVerse than the King's advisas!" Trudy grinned.
"And you're just.mature!" Callista nodded. "In every situation, training or otherwise, you've kept your cool and guided us. We've never voiced it, but we've always looked to you for leadership. I guess we just need to make it official."
Tears sprung to Gabrielle's dark eyes. "Oh, you guys."
"Hey, I can't think of anybody who would fit the bill betta, ya know?" Trudy nudged Gabrielle and winked. ".Well, otha than me, but I just can't do whut ya do!"
Gabrielle cleared her throat and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "Well, thanks, but my question wasn't answered."
Phoenix chuckled. "That it wasn't. You will go on a quest to find the four virtue stones. With them, you will find the power to defeat your enemy. It will not be an easy task. Andromeda Scouts, it is up to you to assist the Satellite Soldiers and to guide them to the stones."
"Beg yer pardon, Phoenix, but, we Satellite Soldiers get by on our own," Trudy said, crossing her arms.
"I think you'll learn that team work is the best weapon against anything, Gertrude." Phoenix nodded.
"Well, when do we start?" Callista asked.
"As soon as you are ready."
The girls nodded at each other. "I believe we are ready," Gabrielle said.
"Good." Phoenix spread her wings and made a high pitched call. A blinding light encompassed them. A split second later, the eight Scouts found themselves in front of a massive mountain range that included an inactive volcano, surrounded by a forest and bordered by the icy cold ocean.
"Where is this?" Sophia gasped.
"The Lost Region." Sailor Apollo said. "A forbidden land that holds the four virtue stones. The stones of Truth, Hope, Honor and Courage."
"Well, let's go find 'em!" Trudy said, starting to walk away.
"Hold it, Trudy," Gabrielle said. "We need to devise a plan."
"Aww." Trudy groaned. "Why can't we just."
"Is she always this annoying?" Orion sighed.
"I'll annoying you!" Trudy said, rolling up her sleeves.
"Whoa! Chill out you two!" Sophia said, running to split the two up.
"It sounds like you already have a plan, Gabby.I mean, Gabrielle," Callista said.
"Yes, I do. Phoenix said that there are four virtue stones, and there are eight of us. She also said that the Andromeda Scouts would be our guides. So, the logical thing to do would be to split up and search for the stones. One Andromeda Scout to each Satellite Soldier."
"Great. Just how are you going to split us up?" Ares asked.
"Hm." Gabrielle rustled around her pockets. "Here! I have a pack of cards. I'll take out the kings and queens. The Andromeda Scouts will draw from the king pile, and we'll draw from the queen pile. The corresponding pairs will join up. Fair enough?"
Perseus shrugged. "It can't hurt. I'll draw first, if you don't mind."
After everyone had drawn, Gabrielle nodded. "Okay, everyone hold out your card."
"The Queen of Spades!" Trudy said triumphantly.
"Why does she sound like she's won the lottery?" Sophia whispered to Callista.
Callista shrugged. "That's Trudy. Maybe that's the card she wanted?"
".King of Spades." Orion mumbled.
"Oh no way!" Trudy wailed. "I wanna redraw!"
"Grow up you two." Ares growled. "If it helps, I'll tell you what I drew. I drew the King of Hearts."
Callista blushed. "I guess we're together then."
"Well, I have the King of Diamonds." Perseus smiled. "How appropriate!"
Sophia rolled her eyes. "I have the compliment to your.King."
"Then that must mean that we're together," Apollo said, looking at Gabrielle. His cheeks pinked.
Gabrielle's cheeks became warm. "U-um, yes, by.um, simple elimination." she said as she cleared her throat.
"So. anywho!" Trudy said, missing the entire moment between Gabrielle and Apollo, "Whut now?"
"Well, each of us knows where a certain stone is," Apollo said. "We'll lead you to the one that we are connected to. When we obtain it, we'll head to the base of the mountain range to the west and wait. Be advised that there are traps here designed to keep the virtue stones safe." Apollo looked to his fellow Andromeda Scouts. "I suggest that we de-morph to save energy. We'll need it here."
"Go ahead," Ares grumbled. "You know I don't do that."
Perseus rolled his eyes. "We know, we know." The other three Andromeda Scouts changed back into their normal selves, wearing a much lighter form of armor.
"Well, now that you're back to normal, what are your names?" Callista asked.
"I'm Edgar Sullivan, the Sailor Scout of Wind, Courage and the trio of stars called Orion, at your service," the former Sailor Orion said puffing out his chest. Trudy rolled her eyes.
"I am Kiran Mieczyslaw, the Sailor Scout of Light and Truth." The former Sailor Apollo said.
"And I'm Finnian Leron, the Sailor Scout of Stone and Honor, Sailor Perseus."
"What about you, Grumpy?" Callista chuckled. "Any gallant hero introduction from you?"
Ares sighed and turned his back. "If you must pry, my real name is Sigurd Von Abel, the Sailor Scout of War and Hope."
"Well, isn't that a conundrum! Hope AND War?" Gabrielle nodded.
Trudy frowned and tilted her head. "Conundrum? Is that some sort o' laxative?" she asked.
Everyone sighed and shook their heads. "We ought to get going. We can't waste any more time." Sophia piped up.
"Agreed!" The Satellite Soldiers nodded.
"Everyone be careful.there are a lot of beasts out here. And remember to meet at the base of the mountain range." Kiran shouted as he and Gabrielle headed towards the inactive volcano.