DISCLAIMER:
Sailor Moon is the property of Naoko Takeuchi and other
companies. I don't own her (Grrr), and this story is written with the sole
purpose of entertainment without any intention of commercial gain. No
copyrights infringement is intended. ((Translation: I don't have any money, so
please don't sue me, I'm poor!))
What has happened before:
Serena has confronted a part of her past in the form of her
family. As expected, it wasn't easy, but in the end she was able to convey her
story. It was in the middle of the recount when a call from the orbiting ship
told her and her companions that something was going on downtown. Heeding the
call of duty, they went there, only to find that Rubeus was launching an
all-out attack against the Senshi. It was a successful maneuver, since he
captured them all. When Serena and Co. returned to the Lucky Star, she declared
that she wasn't going to join the Agency, instead becoming an ambassador. She
then asked Captain Vardeen for help to rescue the Senshi, but her petition was
rejected.
* = Change of Scene
( ) = Thoughts
+ + = Computer Responses or Electronic Communications
COMMANDER
GALOS
CHAPTER 8: … ASHES OF THE FUTURE.
There was an eerie silence in the captain's ready room when he made that declaration. The tension in the room was so thick that literally it could have been cut with a knife. Nobody could understand why Captain Vardeen had denied such a clear petition for help, so it wasn't so much a surprise when Luna-F finally talked.
"But… but sir!! Why?? I mean, in her new condition as
ambassador, she has the right to call for help!"
"That may be so," said the captain, leaning on his seat,
"but she hasn't made the official petition through the appropriate channels. As
soon as she contacts the embassy on Reality Base 1 and I receive the official
request, I'll be more than glad to offer her all my support. Not before, and
especially not now."
"Sir…" began Syl, walking next to Serena until he was in
front of the captain's desk. "With all due respect, this is a big load of +)%/")!!! I was there, and I can say with
all security that time is of the essence in this situation! We can't wait for
an official answer to act! We have to do something NOW!!"
"Ensign, that is enough!" retorted the captain, glaring at
Syl. "This attitude can be considered insubordination, but in light of your
recent experience I'll let it pass. Make sure it doesn't happen again." Syl just saluted and said nothing more, but
his expression indicated that he had lots to say in that respect. The captain
then stood up, and after giving a look to all presents, he continued.
"Look, I know that you want to help whoever is in trouble
down there, but you also have to remember that you are Agency officials, and as
such, are subjected to regulations. Those regulations exist for a purpose, and
as captain it's my obligation to see that those rules are obeyed. If it were
just I, I'd set course down planet and use whatever means at my disposition to
assist, but just like you three, I'm bound by those regulations.
"I'm sorry, but that's how things are."
Once more, silence reigned in the small room. It was hard to
accept, but the three explorers knew that the captain was right. It didn't set
well to them, but they understood. This time, the silence was broken by Luna-C,
who jumped from Serena/Usagi's arms and landed on the desk.
"Sir… I know and understand what you're saying, but I beg
you, please! A vicious enemy has captured the only defenders of this planet!
You have to help them!"
Captain Vardeen looked at Luna-C, eyebrows raised. After a
moment, he sighed and said. "You already have my answer. I'm afraid I can't do
a thing in this situation."
The discussion could have continued from then, but a chiming
coming from the desk called their attention. The captain pressed a button and
opened the communication channel. "Yes, what is it?"
+ Sir, this is Communications. We have received a message
from TacCom, priority Alpha. It's addressed to you directly sir. +
"Patch it here." He then addressed Luna-C. "Excuse me, but
would you please move over? You are blocking my screen." The moon cat snorted,
but jumped off the desk.
As soon as the viewer was clear, the captain then activated
the small screen embedded on the surface of the desk. The screen popped up to a
comfortable angle and immediately displayed the message. When captain Vardeen
began to read the contents, he couldn't help but feel manipulated, as well as
have the sensation that something serious was going on and that he and his crew
were going to pay a vital part in the development of those events. The content
of the message was:
FROM: TACCOM, REALITY BASE ONE
TO: CAPTAIN JASON VARDEEN, A.S.S. LUCKY STAR
PRIORITY ALPHA ALERT.
RECENT COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE ETHEREAL CITADEL, AND SUBSEQUENT
EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION, HAS LED US TO SUSPECT ALIEN ACTIVITY THAT IS
CONSIDERED EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR THE AGENCY IN THE MEDIUM-RANGE TERM IS
OPERATING IN THE SECTOR YOU ARE CURRENTLY EXPLORING.
TACTICAL DATA LEADS US TO BELIEVE THAT DIRECT ACTION HAS TO
BE TAKEN. IF THE OPPORTUNITY PRESENTS ITSELF, YOU ARE ORDERED TO ACT AT YOUR
DISCRETION AND STOP WHATEVER OR WHOEVER IS BEHIND THESE ACTIVITIES. YOU HAVE
FULL AUTHORIZATION TO ENGAGE AGAINST HOSTILE FORCES IF NECESSARY.
BATTLE GROUP EPSILON-THETA IS BEING DIVERTED TO YOUR
POSITION.
ACKNOWLEDGE AND ENGAGE. THAT IS ALL.
TACCOM, REALITY BASE ONE.
BRIGADIER MATSUHIRO OTOMO.
MESSAGE ENDS.
Captain Vardeen read the message one more time before
replying it. That done, he deactivated the screen and addressed the people
there. "Well, looks like your wish as been granted. Right now, I have been
literally railroaded into helping you." Internally, he smirked upon seeing the
expressions on all presents. They couldn't believe their luck, but they weren't
going to look at a gift horse in the mouth! After a few moments, the captain
added. "Bring your sensors along and let's gather with the other officers at
the war room. We need to make plans." With that, he stood up and walked out in
that direction, closely followed by Serena and Co.
Five minutes later, the rest of the main officers, along
with Syl, Luna-F, Luna-C, Serena and Artemis were gathered in the war room. The
contents of their sensors had been downloaded into the ship's mainframe, and
currently everybody was looking at the results in the screens on the long
table.
"All right," began the captain, "you have seen the
information. I want suggestions. Science, what can you tell us about this…
attackers?"
The science officer gave another look at his screen before
answering. "Well sir, according to the sensor data, they are employing some
kind of negative-charged energy for both their attacks and defense. My people
have identified the presence of anti-protons and positrons in both the ship and
their attacks. Also, it seems that their bodies are charged with some kind of
negative bio-energy charge. The girls that were fighting them and captured use
the exact opposite energy signature. My team is working in modifying our
weapons systems to employ this… positive energy, for lack of a better term."
"Very good." The captain then addressed his chief engineer.
"What can you tell us about their technical capabilities?"
"Not much, I'm afraid." Said the engineer. "However, their
ship seems to be based in crystal technology, pretty similar to the one
employed by the cryssolites in the Alderman sector. Remember that the
cryssolites have perfected that technology to the point that their shard
cannons can compete with our plasma technology. I recommend caution if we
engage."
"Thank you. What is the tactical situation down there?"
asked the captain, this time addressing his second in command.
"The alien ship stopped firing at the local buildings and
remains stationary. However, I suspect that they won't stay down there for
long. All other exploration groups have been recalled and we are on yellow
alert. Also, I have all our sensors focused on that ship; it won't move an inch
without us knowing it."
"Well done." Captain Vardeen then addressed Serena. "It
looks like you know what we're dealing with, ambassador. What can you tell us
about this aliens?"
"Not much, I'm afraid." Said Serena, sighing. "They seem to
rely on artificial beings they call droids. They have female appearance, but
they attack in very… unorthodox ways. When I faced against them in the past,
those beings seemed to bend the physics rules as we understand them, employing
whatever is at their disposition to attack. It can be anything, from water to
food to fire. You name it; they can use it as a weapon."
"You are forgetting something, Usagi." Said Luna-C,
interrupting her. "They are bent into capturing Chibi-Usa!"
"Chibi-Usa? Who is that?" the captain asked.
"Chibi-Usa is a little girl that arrived not long ago," said
Artemis, who was sitting in front of Luna-F. The felinoid seemed fascinated
with the white moon cat, and had been petting him all the time. Artemis, for
his part, seemed equally fascinated by the felinoid when she dropped her
holo-cover, much to Luna-C's chagrin. "This girl seems to have an enormous
power inside her. Every time she has been distressed, a huge beam of light
comes out of her. More than once, that beam has showed the enemy her position,
and obviously the girls have been there to protect her. We don't know who is
she or where she comes from."
In that instant a message came for the captain.
+ Sir, sensors here. The alien ship is moving. It is gaining
altitude at a fast clip. Readings indicate an increasing power signature
similar to our jump drive systems; apparently, they are preparing to leave the
planet. +
"We have to stop them!" cried Luna-C.
"And we will." Said the captain. He then addressed his
second. "Take us to a position above that ship. Arm all weapons and fire a
salvo; we don't want to destroy it. Remember we also have to rescue the
hostages."
"Sir, if I can make a suggestion?" said Serena, standing up
as well as the rest of the officers.
"Yes, what is it?"
"Sir, I know the leader of that group, and he has two weak
points that we can employ to our advantage. One, is his ego; he doesn't like to
be thwarted, and takes in a very personal way any mishap to his plans.
"The other point… is his hate for me. He thinks I'm dead,
and I have an idea of how to make him come to us."
* * * *
Rubeus admired his work, gloating. His plan had worked to
perfection, and now victory was in his hands! One part of his plan hadn't go as
he planned, but the overall result had been satisfactory… after all, the Four
Sisters had return in one piece. It would have been better for him to have at
least one of them out of the picture, but he wasn't going to complain. They did
their job, and now it was time to return victorious to their own time!
He looked around his handiwork, enjoying the view. Venus,
Mars, Jupiter, Mercury and that annoying Tuxedo Kamen were his prisoners now,
fixed in dark crystal cruxes. And the crown jewel of his victory, the Rabbit,
encased in a crystal coffin. Yes, all of them made a gorgeous view for him!
For the first minutes of their capture, he had the amusing
idea of fixing their bonds to the outer hull of his ship, and entertained
himself launching his dark energy attacks at his helpless prisoners. The energy
then coursed through the cruxes, ending up being fired from the spikes of his
ship to the surrounding area. It gave him great pleasure hearing them scream in
agony, at the same time he presented them the images of the devastation brought
down on the pathetic little city they so foolishly tried to protect! When they
finally collapsed from the shock to their systems he stopped his assault, and
now was waiting for them to regain consciousness.
(Perhaps I should connect them to the power crystal, so they
suffer all the way back to our time.) Mused Rubeus to himself. It was then that
he heard one of the Senshi moan, indicating that she had regained
consciousness. Looking closely, he noticed it was Venus. He then got an idea
that would make the journey back a little less… boring. Allowing himself to
float to her level, he waited for her to open her eyes.
Venus groaned, trying to open her eyes. For the last few
minutes, she and the others had been subjected to Rubeus' vicious attacks,
unable to defend themselves. During the whole torture, she was somewhat
alleviated at noticing that he wasn't hurting Chibi-Usa, but it was small
consolation. For that short amount of time, her whole universe consisted in
continued, overwhelming pain; at some point, a stray thought entered her
tortured mind: that if they hadn't let Usagi die, things would be different.
That had been her last conscious thought before succumbing to the darkness of
unconsciousness.
Now, she had woken up, and unfortunately, the first thing
that greeted her eyes was the smirking visage of Rubeus in front of her. With a
raspy voice she asked. "What… do you… want… from us… you monster? "
"You should speak with respect to your betters." Said
Rubeus, his voice soft and his tone alluring. "By now, you realize that you are
in my power to do as I please." His smirk got more pronounced when the Senshi
of Venus' eyes grew wider at his statement. "Yes, I see you understand your
place. Now, we can make things easy or difficult for you all. The difficult…
well, I can leave you all to the… tender… mercies of the Four Sisters. They
won't kill you, but I can assure you that your stay won't be… pleasant."
He then traced her cheekbones with his finger gently, making
her shiver in revulsion at his touch. He continued talking, his voice dripping
honey. "However, if you just… cooperate with me, then I can make this journey a
lot more… pleasurable for all. Your friends won't be molested, and your stay
will be more amenable."
Venus shivered once more, closing her eyes. His touched
repulsed her, and the implications of what he said made her feel physically
ill. She gritted her teeth when his finger began to trace her neck, slowly
moving lower. Her mouth was dry as the dessert sand, robbing her of the
moisture needed to spit at the despicable creature in front of her. Gathering
all the strength she could, she opened her eyes, and with total determination
she gave him her answer.
"I prefer to die than being with someone like you. And I'm
sure the rest think the same."
"You'll change your mind, I can assure you that." Growled
Rubeus, infuriated at her response. He was about to slap her when a voice came
from behind him.
"My Lord Rubeus, I'm sorry to interrupt you but…"
"What is it Petz, can't you see I'm busy here?" said Rubeus,
turning around and floating down to stand in front of the inopportune woman. He
used all his willpower to not lash at her, barely succeeding. Once he was sure
he was not going to kill her, Rubeus then asked. "What do you want?"
"I apologize my Lord, but… well, we are being called."
Rubeus stared hard at Petz, confused at what she had just
said. "Called? Called by who?" he had good reason for asking. He had not made
contact with Prince Demando to communicate his success, and if Petz didn't know
this caller, then it couldn't be any from the Dark Moon Family.
"I don't know… he calls himself Captain Vardeen, and demands
to talk with you." She then smirked. "HE even dares to say he'll blow us apart
if we don't acknowledge."
"He does?" mused Rubeus, finding that preposterous statement
somewhat funny. "Well then, let's talk with him, shall be? Then… we'll blow HIM
apart."
"As you wish." Petz then waved a hand, and a mirror appeared
in front of them. The glass surfaced turned milky for a moment, and then it
resolved itself into a clear image. The face of a man appeared, his visage
stern.
+ I am Captain Vardeen, are you Rubeus? +
"I am Rubeus. What do you want?"
+ I am acting in representation of a person you already
know. You are therefore ordered to surrender and release your prisoners,
unharmed. Refusal to acknowledge will result in your immediate destruction. +
Rubeus looked amused at the insignificant gnat that dared
threaten him in such manner. He, Rubeus, the one who conquered the Sailor
Senshi! That was ridiculous! "Oh yes? And who is this… person you represent?
I'd like to see the face of the one I am about to kill."
His expression, however, changed from amused to shocked,
then to enraged when a familiar image appeared on the mirror. For who was now
addressing him, was no other than the one he thought had died so long ago…
Sailor Moon!!
There was no mistake identifying the caller. The same white
bodice, the ridiculous hairstyle, and most of all, that expression! As if she
was daring him to refuse her!
+ Yes Rubeus, it's me. And as you can see, I'm very much
alive. +
"How… how… how can it be??" sputtered Rubeus, shocked beyond
belief. "What does it take to kill you?!?!?" unnoticed to him, the rest of the
Senshi had woken up, and were staring at the image in his mirror with equal expressions
of shock and surprise.
+ Apparently, more than you have. + The answer was. It had
the effect of enraging Rubeus even more. Smiling faintly, she continued. + So,
you've been busy since I left. Obviously, you can only pick on the weak, since
you don't have the GUTS to face a worthy opponent. +
"You… you… you…" at this point, Rubeus was beyond angry. He
was furious! So much that he couldn't talk coherently.
+ Oh, spare me your rants. Now, let's make a little deal,
shall we? +
Those words caught his attention. With a supreme effort, he
calmed down. "What kind of a deal?"
+ As soon as you reach a stationary orbit, I'll go over
there. If you can defeat me, then you can do with me whatever you want. + When
they heard those words, the Senshi gasped. + However, if I defeat you, me, and
the rest of the Senshi will leave your ship in peace. + At this point, her
expression had hardened, her eyes looking like cold ice.
+ So, what's your answer Rubeus? Do you have the power to
face me, or are you afraid of little me? It wouldn't surprise me if you try to
turn around and run. After all, you are nothing more than a pathetic coward. +
Those last words made the trick. Rubeus' face was red with
fury, his body trembling with barely contained rage. "You got yourself a deal
Moon! And this time, you will die for sure!!"
+ Promises, promises. I'll see you then. Five minutes. +
With that, the mirror turned black.
With a wordless cry, Rubeus punched the mirror, shattering
it. Petz took a couple of steps away from him, scared. She had never seen him
so furious in all the time she had known him! She fought hard to not shriek
when he turned around. Gritting his teeth, he said.
"Call the others. Tell them to get ready. As soon as that
Sailor Brat gets here, bring her here… and don't hurt her. That's a pleasure I
want for myself, understood?"
Petz only nodded, immediately vanishing to call her sisters.
As soon as she was gone, Rubeus turned around and addressed the Senshi.
"Your leader is still alive… but not for long. As soon as
she gets here, you will be witnesses of my final victory.
"Sailor Moon will die again at my hands. And this time, she
won't come back!"
* * * *
Serena was fidgeting in her place as soon as the
communications were closed. It had been Luna-C's idea for her to transform to
her past alter ego; however, for the first time she had wore the sailor suit,
she noticed that it was a little… revealing. The fact was compounded by the
looks she was receiving from all the male crewmembers present. She was sure
that the rumors aboard were going to run rampart with a vengeance! Serena
wasn't sure she was going to live them down!
She was absently trying to pull down her shirt to cover her
legs a little more [without success of course], when the captain addressed her.
"Interesting speech, ambassador Moon. And I have to say that your choice of
wardrobe is something… [Ahem] extravagant."
"And who's idea was for you to wear those things?" inquired
Luna-F, her eyes fixed on her friend. "And where can I get one of those?"
"I'll tell you later, Luna." Said Serena, turning around
from the screen. She then addressed the captain. "Sir, I'm going to need a
shuttle for my rendezvous."
"Consider it done." Said Captain Vardeen. "I'll have a
security detachment ready for you to use as well. The shuttle will be waiting
for you on hangar 2."
"Sir…" said Serena, sighing. "I'm afraid I can't have that
detachment." Before the captain could say a thing, she added. "Rubeus is
expecting me to come alone, and bringing more people with me would be risky,
not only for them but for the hostages. He's unstable, and he might kill the
prisoners. No, I have to do this alone."
"Not by a long shot girl!" said Luna-F, walking until she
stood in front of Serena. "We're friends, and I don't let my friends face
danger alone! And don't try to change my mind, because it won't happen!" she
then turned around and addressed the captain. "Sir, permission to accompany ambassador
Moon on this mission."
"Permission granted. Also, you have to take someone else
with you as support."
Upon hearing that, Syl took a step forward. "Sir, permission
to join the rescue mission."
"Granted. You and ensign Luna report with ambassador Moon on
hanger 2. On your way, stop with the arms master and gather whatever equipment
you consider necessary for this mission." Syl saluted his superior, and nodding
at the girls he said.
"Well, looks like we're in for a wild ride. Let's dress for
the occasion, shall we?"
He and Luna-F were already walking to the bridge's exit when
Serena's voice stopped them. She was talking with the captain. "Sir… one more
thing."
"Yes ambassador, what is it?"
"Sir… I want to ask you a favor. If we haven't made contact
with you in ten minutes after we board Rubeus' ship… you have to destroy it,
along with everything on board." When she noticed the expression on all
presents, she explained. "This is necessary. If we can't succeed, then it's
imperative that Rubeus doesn't escape and alert his superiors of our presence.
He must be stopped at all costs!"
The captain sighed, pondering her words. After a few
moments, he said. "Very well. Ten minutes. Good luck, ambassador."
"Thank you captain. I'm going to need it." She then addressed
her companions. "Let's go."
Serena and co. was standing in the armory, waiting for the
arms master to give them their equipment. While they waited, they had to heard
Luna-C's rants.
"Usagi, this is crazy! How could you say that?? What if the
rescue takes more than ten minutes? And what if you can't call back? Or what if
you end up too injured to get back in time? What if…?"
"Lunakins, please!" said Serena/Usagi, exasperated.
"Everything's going to work out fine! Come on, have a little faith on me!"
Those words finally had the effect on shutting Luna-C down. They reminded her
of her own internal debates after she and the others considered Usagi dead.
Her ruminations were interrupted by Syl's voice. "Well
ladies, choose your venom!" They all looked at him, and more than a couple of
eyebrows went up. He was now wearing some sort of suit of armor, its color
black. On a belt he sported six small objects they supposed were grenades, and
on his hands… was the biggest gun they had seen! At least four feet long, it
sported a big muzzle, beige in color. The ammo clip was curved, painted in
blue. All on it screamed 'don't mess with me' very clearly.
"Well, what do you think?"
"Syl, you really know how to dress for the occasion." Said
Luna-F, smirking. "Personally, I don't like using big guns like you. However…"
she then picked up another weapon. It was long, slender and dark blue in color.
On the front was a golden disk. She also grabbed a belt with six grenades, but
unlike Syl's, those were black with three concentric rings running along the
middle. "I prefer using sonic weaponry. Plasma makes my skin itch."
"Wow… a real battle cat." Murmured Artemis from his position
on the desk. He stared at Luna-F intently, mouth agape. He looked positively
rapture at the sight. He didn't notice the glares Luna-C was giving him,
though.
Syl then handed her another holo-projector. "Use it, it will
come in handy. My power suit has one incorporated." He then addressed
Serena/Usagi. "And what about you? Aren't you going to get armed?"
"No, Syl. I have to go as I am, otherwise Rubeus will
suspect something's wrong." Seeing that everybody was ready, she said. "All
right, let's go, time's running out. Lunakins, you and Artemis stay here. Go
and wait for me in the hangar, I'll be right back with the others, ok?" the
moon cat nodded in agreement, but her expression indicated that she wanted to
go with her.
All settled, the rescue party hurried to the hangar.
The preparations had been done by the time they arrived.
Hurrying up, they immediately took off. Fortunately, the Lucky Star was in
stealth mode, so hopefully Rubeus wouldn't detect the ship until it was time. A
few moments before the shuttle docked with the black crystal ship, Serena
addressed her companions.
"Guys… remember the plan. While I keep Rubeus distracted,
you will release the Senshi and the others. Now, no matter how bad things look,
you have to get the others to safety, understood?"
"Roger." Syl and Luna said simultaneously.
A few moments later, the shuttle docked on the lower portion
of Rubeus' ship. As soon as the docking procedure was complete, Syl and Luna
activated their holo-covers, immediately being surrounded by a false image of
their surroundings. The only evidence of their presence was a faint distortion,
as if one was looking at a hot air current on a hot day. Without making a
noise, the disguised couple took positions at the sides of the airlock, while
Serena, still using her Sailor Moon suit, waited patiently for the lock to
open.
The moment the hatch moved aside, the Four Sisters, waiting
for her, greeted her.
"Well, looks like Rubeus has been waiting for me." Commented
Serena. "So, where are he and the others?"
"You shall refer to him as LORD Rubeus, you brat!" growled
Catsy. Without another word, she grabbed Serena's arm roughly and almost
dragged her down the corridor; Serena didn't oppose the treatment, nor said a
thing. The other three sisters followed, glaring daggers at Serena.
As soon as they turned a corner, Syl and Luna left the
shuttle, following as closely as they could without alerting anybody. On every
room they crossed that seemed important, they left a grenade active, adjusting
the timer for a ten-minute's delay.
It wasn't long until everybody arrived to the room where
Rubeus was waiting. It was all Syl and Luna could do to not jump and rip the
bastard apart when they saw how he had the hostages, crucified like that. Luna
almost bolted when she noticed the small form of Chibi-Usa, immobile inside
that crystal coffin.
As soon as they arrived at the room's center, Catsy shoved
Serena, almost making her trip. Then she and the rest of her sisters walked to
Rubeus' side, two on each side. Rubeus looked intently at the new arrival, a
neutral expression on his face. Internally, he was gauging her, and was pleased
to notice that her power levels were the same as the last time he had faced
her. However, on the back of his mind, he had a nagging suspicion. She looked
different somehow, but he couldn't pinpoint in what way. Shoving that idea to
the back of his mind, he addressed Serena.
"So… you are here. Are you ready to die one more time?"
"I'm not going to be the one that will be defeated Rubeus!"
said Serena, assuming her position. "You have gone too far this time! Children
are for protecting, not abusing! For that, in the name of the Moon, I'll punish
you!" she then made a movement with her hands; however, when she finished, she
looked in surprise at her empty hands.
"My… my scepter! What happened? Why can't I summon it??"
"Missing something, brat?" asked Rubeus, smirking evilly.
"Don't worry, you won't have the chance to figure it out. Now DIE!!" as soon as
he said the last word, he launched a furious volley of black energy spheres at
her.
Serena began to dodge frantically the attack, her face a
mask of worry. As soon as she got a small window of opportunity, she grabbed
her tiara. "MOON TIARA MAGIC!"
The magic tiara turned into an energy disc, which flew with
unerring accuracy towards Rubeus… who simply slapped it away. "Is that the best
you can do?" said Rubeus, enjoying Serena's expression of shock at seeing her
attack fail. "Just as I suspected, without your scepter, you are nothing!" he
then renewed his attack, forcing Serena on the defensive.
Due to the noise level, none noticed what was going on
behind them.
Syl and Luna watched the happenings from behind a couple of
cruxes. Both grimaced when they heard Serena's little speech. "Man, how can she
come up with such corny speeches?" muttered Luna.
"We'll ask her later." Said Syl, keeping his voice low. He
then looked up at the prisoners. "Luna, can you climb up those things?"
Luna tried to get a hold of the base on the crux in front of
her, but she gave up after her paws slipped without purchasing a hold. "Nope.
Too slippery for me."
"Damn… ok, you stay here and keep guard. I'll free them."
Syl then pressed a button on his suit's belt, activating the repulsor system on
his suit. He then floated in front of the first prisoner, who happened to be
Mars. Taking a small pen-shaped object from his belt, he then proceeded to cut
the crystal bonds on the raven-haired girl. (Hang in there Serena… we'll join
you soon.)
Mars had watched the whole proceedings with a heavy heart.
Her hopes had soared for a moment when she saw the friend she thought dead so
many days ago. But her hopes got crushed when she heard Moon's surprise at not
being able to summon her scepter. She couldn't help but cry anew, guilt
overwhelming her spirit. She could only watch helplessly as her friend got
attacked viciously, and she was unable to help her. Due to her tears, she
didn't notice the faint shimmering suddenly appearing in front of her. However,
when a humming came from the bond on her right wrist her attention was immediately
drawn to it. "What…?"
"Sshhh… don't say a word." A disembodied male voice said.
"I'm here to help, I'm a friend of Moon's. Don't worry, you and your friends
will be free soon." She kept silent after that, watching as the crystal bond
suddenly shattered. As soon as her arm was free, she felt someone holding it
and placing it around… something cold and unyielding. Instinctively, she
grabbed a hold. As soon as she was secured, the same happened to her other arm.
Soon enough, she was free. Her surprise didn't allow her to say a word when her
unseen savior lowered her gently to the floor. Due to her weakness, she
couldn't stand up, opting to sit down leaning against the crux.
"Stay put for a moment. I'll get the others." Said the
voice. Mars tried to focus her blurry vision in the direction of the voice, but
all she could see was a faint, blurry outline of… something vaguely humanoid.
She then focused her attention to the battle going on in front of her and tried
to stand up, but due to the previous torture session, she was still extremely
weak. That, and the sensation of a hand pushing her not so gently back to the
ground.
"Hey, can't you follow orders? He said stay down! If you
draw attention to yourself, her efforts will be for naught!" said a female
voice, obviously upset. "Now, stay put, and shut up!"
"What… who are you?" asked Mars. Fortunately, her voice was
hoarse; otherwise she would have screamed the question.
"A friend of Moon's here to save your sorry asses. Now keep
quiet!" Mars fumed for a moment, but she was too weak to put up a fight, so
stayed put. She kept her attention divided between the uneven fight and the
strange picture of a floating Jupiter being freed. She was starting to crawl in
the direction of her friend when she heard Rubeus shout "GET HER!!"
When she turned her head around in that direction, her blood
froze in her veins. Rubeus was bounded by the tiara, but the four sisters were
attacking Sailor Moon from different directions! She tried to stand up, but the
same female voice she heard beat her to the punch. "Damn it! Syl, I'm going
in!"
The next thing Mars noticed was a faint blur bowling over
the nearest sister, who happened to be Prisma. The besieged Sister hardly had
time to scream before a series of snarls and roars were heard, in time with the
apparition of slashes all over her body. Prisma tried to defend herself, but
she couldn't pinpoint the origin of the attacks; as soon as she turned in one
direction, a slash from another side or behind her sent her back to the floor.
It wasn't long before Prisma was unconscious.
Mars couldn't help but stare at the sight, dumbfounded. Only
one thought was running through her fogged mind.
(What the hell is going on here???)
Rubeus was furious. He had been enjoying his game of cat and
mouse with Sailor Moon, that is until the moment he got distracted and her
tiara trapped him. It was then that he ordered the four sisters to attack the
blonde while he struggled to free himself. What he didn't count on was the
sudden attack that Prisma received. He redoubled his efforts to free himself,
being successful when Avery was being attacked as well. With a mighty roar,
Rubeus broke the tiara, which shattered in small glowing pieces. He immediately
launched an attack towards Avery.
The besieged girl hardly hard time to scream "Rubeus! NO!!!"
before she was hit. The explosion rumbled in the chamber, almost deafening all
presents. When the smoke of the attack cleared, all could see that Avery was
unconscious, her clothes ripped and bloody. And close to her, was a strange
being, equally blooded but still conscious.
"What is the meaning of this?" inquired Rubeus, his face a
mask of rage. "Why do you attack your masters, droid!?"
When the stranger finally stood up, he noticed that it had
feline qualities, and was obviously female. What he couldn't foresee was that
it answered him.
"I am not one of your puppets, you idiot! And what's the big
idea of blowing your own people apart? Don't you have any respect?"
"Respect? HAH!! Respect is for the weak!" answered Rubeus,
charging his attack. "I couldn't care less for those imbeciles!" he was about
to attack when a voice interrupted him.
"Lord Rubeus! No, it can't be true!" Petz had heard his
words, and couldn't believe them. She couldn't believe that the man she loved
could say that! "I… I thought you… you loved one of us!" she barely noticed
Catsy walking next to her, equally stunned. But her whole attention was focused
on Rubeus.
"Love? You?" Rubeus laughed cruelly at her. "Love is for the
weak and idiots! And it's clear you all are! I only allowed you to stay with me
because you were useful, but your usefulness is now over. Receive your reward!"
he then launched his collected dark energy in the direction of the remaining
Sisters.
Petz and Catsy didn't move, too shocked for that. Their
world had come crashing down around them, the realization that they weren't
loved too much for them to stand. They could only wait for the attack to hit
them, therefore ending their empty existence. What they didn't count on was a
body tackling them down, just in the nick of time to avoid the blast. Petz
opened here eyes… only to stare at two blue orbs looking down at her.
"Why… why did you save us?" inquired the distressed sister.
Catsy had curled up and was sobbing.
"Everybody deserves a second chance." Was Sailor Moon's
answer. "You four were deceived by Rubeus, so I'll help you. Now stay out of
the way, I'll take care of him." She then stood up, only to watch Rubeus being
assaulted by the Senshi.
Syl was busy trying to cut Chibi-Usa's prison when he heard
the explosion behind him. Turning around, he noticed that Luna was de-cloaked,
and a cloud of crystal dust obscured one corner of the room. Two of the enemy
women were down, and by the looks of their clothes Luna had taken care of them.
Noticing the discarded sonic rifle, he grabbed it, de-cloaked and hurried next
to the felinoid.
"Luna, are you ok?"
"Of course not, you fool!" said Luna-F, holding one arm with
the other. "But don't worry about me. What's the situation?"
"Only the girl in the coffin remains to be freed, but my
cutter can't make a dent on that thing. Can you use your rifle?"
"Yeah. But you'll have to help me keep my arms steady." She
then walked in the direction of the crystal coffin. Taking aim, and being hold
by Syl, she fired at one corner, not wanting to hurt the girl inside. A
high-pitched humming erupted from the disc of her weapon, and a faint
shimmering appeared in the air, which flew and impacted the object. Upon
impact, they noticed that a small crack appeared on the surface. Emboldened by
the results, Luna fired a couple more times. When the last shot hit, the
surface of the coffin finally broke.
"YES!!!" Luna exclaimed, satisfied at the results. They were
about to make their way when some shouted attacks reached their ears.
"MARS FIRE IGNITE!"
"JUPITER THUNDER DRAGON!"
"VENUS CRESCENT BEAM!"
"MERCURY BUBBLES FREEZE!"
In unison, they turned around and followed the Senshi's
attacks, only to boggle when they impacted on an energy field surrounding their
target: Rubeus. The evil member of the Dark Moon Family laughed evilly at them.
"You fools. Do you really expect to hurt me with your
pathetic powers? HA!!" he then launched a barrage of black lightning at the
stunned Senshi, bowling them over. "You pathetic worms… right now I'm connected
to the power source of my ship, and my power is beyond anything you can handle!
Prepare to die Sailor Senshi!"
"Looks like it's our cue Luna. Ready to rock?" said Syl,
activating his plasma cannon and setting it on auto-fire.
"Music to my ears!" said the felinoid, readying her sonic
rifle as well. "Let's go!"
"Hey you punk! Not so fast!" screamed Syl in Rubeus'
direction. "It's not nice to hit ladies, so it seems I'll have to teach you a
lesson."
Rubeus turned around and faced the source of the voice. A
voice he recognized despite having heard it only once before… the night that
Sailor Moon disappeared in a shower of sparks. "You…" growled Rubeus, pure
venom dripping from that single word.
"Me. Now, stay put." Without another word, both he and Luna
opened fire. A continued stream of superheated plasma and condensed sonic
weaves reached Rubeus… only to be deflected by his field.
"Miserable insects, you'll pay for this affront!" Rubeus
then launched a stream of pure darkness at the Agency members, forcing them to
jump out of the line of fire. Luna was able to get barely away, but Syl got caught
in the backlash. When the attack stopped, his power suit was cracked, sparks
flying from the joints and his backpack.
Satisfied with the results, Rubeus then began to laugh, the
sound indicating clearly that he was waltzing the thin line between egomania
and sheer madness. "I am invincible! I am Rubeus, the best warrior of the Dark
Moon! Compared with me, you are nothing but worms! I-AM-A-GOD!!!"
Some movement to his right diverted his attention. Turning
his head in that direction, Rubeus saw Sailor Moon, walking wobbly to a point
still untouched by the previous fight. "So… are you ready to surrender to me?"
Sailor Moon gave him a stern look. She had looked better in
the past; her sailor suit was torn in some places, even her boots showed
gashes. Her legs and arms were covered with scratches and bruises, and some
blood trickled down one side of her mouth. Despite her appearance, she still
stood straight, looking the entire bit the warrior she was.
Very slowly, she raised her hand and wiped away the blood on
her chin. Turning her head to one side and then the other, she assessed the
situation. By sheer luck, Prisma and Avery hadn't been hurt more by Rubeus'
last attack, while Petz was trying to get Catsy to react where she left them.
Luna looked a little shaken, while Syl was removing the remains of his power
suit off him. The Senshi looked dazed, but otherwise fine. Tuxedo Kamen had
removed Chibi-Usa from the remains of her confinement and was now standing
guard in front of the Senshi. Satisfied with what she saw, she stared at Rubeus
and said only three words, little emotion behind them. Three simple words that
contained on them Rubeus' defeat.
"My turn now."
To everybody's amazement (except Syl and Luna, whom had
witnessed such feat before during their voyage), Sailor Moon's Senshi outfit
disappeared in a flash of white light. In an instant, it was replaced by a
silver bodysuit that hugged her body quite snuggly. Her hair floated as if
agitated by a breeze, while the brooch that contained the Ginzuishou opened
completely, showing the now brilliant artifact. But what most surprised all who
saw it was the furiously shining moon sigil on her forehead.
Without saying a word, Serena raised her right arm; from it,
a brilliant shaft of white light emerged, impacting with great force Rubeus'
shield. Her face showed no emotion, nor reflected any effort from her part.
However, the shield withstood the onslaught.
Rubeus, for his part, had to concentrate fully on
maintaining his shield. He didn't even dare to blink! (How… how can she do
this?? Where is all this power coming from??) He gritted his teeth, grunting by
the effort.
Removing the last piece of his burnt suit, Syl stood up and
watched amazed at the power display in front of him. Slowly, he made his way
towards Luna, helping her to stand up.
"How do you feel?"
Luna grunted a little, squinting her eyes. "I'll make it
back. As soon as we return, I'll get in bed for at least a week! Damn, I'm sore
all over!"
"Good idea." Said Syl, helping Luna to walk in the Senshi's
direction. "How are you on ammo? This creep blew my weapon and the rest of my
ordnance."
Luna raised her sonic rifle and looked at the gauge. "Down
to one shot. Ran out of sonic grenades on our way here." She then remembered
something. Looking at her wristwatch, she almost swore. "Damn, we must hurry! Our
ten minutes are almost up!"
Taking out his spare communicator, Syl activated it. After a
few moments he closed it. "No luck here. Too much interference." He then looked
around, trying to find a clear spot where to try to call the Lucky Star again.
Instead, what he saw made him think.
On one corner, a large shard of dark crystal was pulsing.
After a closer examination, he noticed that the pulse was in synchronicity with
the pulsing of the energy field Rubeus was using. "Luna, that's it! That's this
guy's power source! Hit it!"
Luna didn't hesitate another moment. Taking aim, she fired
her last shot in the crystal's direction. She was rewarded by the satisfying
sound of glass breaking.
The results were instantaneous.
Rubeus watched in horror as his field lost its integrity,
and barely had time to scream before Serena's beam hit him full force. His body
was enveloped by the white light, his form blurring in an eye blink. When the
attack was over, nothing remained of his body, not even ashes.
"It is finally done." Said Serena, sighing. Immediately
after, her form blurred for a moment; in an eye blink we was dressed back on
the business suit she was wearing during her stay with her parents. She hardly
had time to regain her bearings before the Senshi, who also began to ask
questions at a fast clip, surrounded her.
"Usagi, you're alive!"
"Where have you been?"
"How could you become so powerful? You never did that
before!"
"Usagi, I'm glad you're alive! I was so worried!"
Those and more questions were asked, but Serena quieted the
girls by giving them a neutral look. She showed no emotions, something that the
Senshi hadn't seen her doing in the past. If they didn't know better, they
would have sworn she was glaring at them… but this was Usagi, their friend!
Serena didn't say a word, instead looked at them
dispassionately. Her eyes then fixed themselves on Tuxedo Kamen, who was
looking at her with pleading eyes. Once more, she didn't acknowledge those
feelings. However, when her eyes focused on the little girl he was holding on
his arms, a faint smile graced her lips. Abruptly, she turned around and looked
at Syl. "What's our timetable?"
"Not good." Said her friend, holding a limping Luna by one
arm. "We have a minute and a half before the Star stars blowing this joint up.
That's not counting the 'surprises' we left on our way here."
"Then let's hurry out of here." Serena then looked at Petz
and Catsy, who by now were standing up. "You better come with us if you want.
Help your sisters and follow us." The remaining Sisters stared at her for a
moment. Finally, they nodded and went to pick up their fallen sisters. Petz got
Prisma, while Catsy got Avery.
Once everybody was set, Serena said. "Well, let's get back
to the shuttle everybody! Move!!" nobody questioned her order, and made their
best speed towards the waiting ship.
They were halfway to the shuttle when the crystal ship
suddenly shuddered. It was Luna who made the obvious question. "What's going
on?"
"When you destroyed the power crystal, the ship became
unstable." Said Petz between breaths. "It will blow apart!"
"MOVE IT!" screamed Syl, speeding up. He had checked his
wristwatch and noticed that they have only seconds before the grenades blew up.
The group hardly had turned around a corner entering the
corridor leading to the shuttle when an explosion at their backs almost sent
them to the floor. The first one to recover, to the Senshi's amazement, was
Serena. Hurrying up ahead of them, she input the code to open the airlock. When
it opened, she hurried the others. "Come on, move, move, move!!!"
It was a frantic minute inside the shuttle. They left the
available seats for the injured, while the rest stood up, grabbing whatever was
on hand to keep them from falling. Syl and Luna took their positions on the
shuttle's controls and blasted off.
They had barely crossed the longest crystal spike of the
doomed ship when the shuttle was rocked by a heavy impact. Relying on his
training, Syl got the shuttle back in control and activated a rearview camera.
What he saw made him mutter some choice words.
From some of the spikes, dark energy was gathering on their
tips. Acting on instinct, Syl began a series of evasive maneuvers, just in the
nick of time as well. A literal shower of black lightning erupted all around
them, forcing the ones standing up to hang on for dear life or end up
splattered on the walls or roof of the shuttle.
"Does that ship has automated weapons??" screamed Syl,
sending the shuttle in a loop that made more than one feel sick.
"No, it's Rubeus!" said Serena, holding on the back of
Luna's seat.
"WHAT??" the exclamation was general.
"Right before my attack could kill him, I sensed him
teleporting to another part of the ship." Serena explained.
"Oh, wonderful." Muttered Syl. "This guy doesn't know when
to quit! Luna, call the Star! We need help!"
"Roger!" Luna then activated the communicator on her
console. "Lucky Star, this is shuttle! We're under heavy enemy fire! Request
support, NOW!"
+ Shuttle, this is the Lucky Star. Support is on the way,
hang in there. +
"Easy for them to say…" muttered Syl, once more maneuvering
the shuttle in a desperate attempt to keep it and its passengers in one piece.
* * * *
Rubeus was watching the fleeing shuttle from on one of his
mirrors. He had been extremely lucky teleporting when he did, otherwise he
would have died on the spot. At the moment he was holding two crystal shards on
his hands, feeding the external spikes with his own energy. He was severely
burned, and was missing an eye. Blood was pouring from some cracks on his
blackened skin, but he paid no attention to those minor details. His whole
attention was focused on the tiny ship shown on his mirror.
"I'll kill you… I'll kill you all… nobody does this to me
and lives… you'll die… you all will die!"
He was so focused on trying to destroy his quarry that he
didn't notice when another mirror came to life. It was when Esmeraude talked to
him that he acknowledged her, however he didn't stop in his attempts.
+ Rubeus, what are you doing? Where is the Rabbit? +
"In there." Said Rubeus, looking at the shuttle. "The
Senshi, the Sisters, the Rabbit, all are in there. I'll kill them all… I
swear!"
+ Rubeus, stop it! You have to capture the Rabbit, not kill
her! If you do, Prince Demando will destroy you! +
"I don't care!" screamed Rubeus, his eyes feverish. "They'll
die now!!!" it was obvious that Rubeus had finally lost his mind; his only
objective was now to kill those who had humiliated him. He smiled ferally when
one of his shots hit the shuttle, destroying its engines. He then took aim
carefully, getting ready to send a massive strike at the defenseless ship.
"Goodbye, insects." Muttered Rubeus, opening fire. He watched
expectantly as his black lightning raced towards the doomed shuttle… only to be
stopped. "WHAT???"
Rubeus and Esmeraude
then watched stupefied as a shimmering appeared between the crippled shuttle
and them. In an instant, the shimmering resolved in a ship so big that it
easily dwarfed his own.
Captain Vardeen watched intently at the bridge's screen,
assessing the situation. "What's the status of the shuttle?"
"Engines inoperative, but no hull breaches sir." Reported
his security officer. "They're being hauled onboard at this very instant."
"Excellent. Our status and the one of the hostile vessel?"
"Our shields are at 95% and holding. Energy fluctuations
detected all over the hostile's structure. It's firing again." On the screen, a series of black lightning appeared,
striking the shields of the Lucky Star. "Shields at 91% and holding sir."
"Arm frontal ion cannons and aim at hostile." The captain
ordered. A moment later his helm officer reported their weapons were ready.
"Fire at will."
On the screen, a couple of white-blue shafts of burning
energy impacted Rubeus' ship, blowing some of the spikes apart.
"Direct hit sir." Reported the helm.
"Blow that bastard out of my space." Said the captain.
Rubeus stood up from his position on the floor. The attack
he made on the intruding ship didn't affect it, however the return fire from it
almost destroyed him. Fires were burning out of control all around him, and the
only working thing in the place was the mirror where Esmeraude watched the battle
dispassionately.
"Esmeraude, help me!" cried Rubeus, limping in the mirror's
direction.
+ You sealed your fate when you tried to kill the Rabbit. +
Said Esmeraude, opening her fan. + Don't worry, we'll remember you after you
die. It has been a disgust working with you. Die with dignity, ok? We don't
want those worms to think that the Dark Moon doesn't face death with a smile. +
She then laughed hard at Rubeus' situation. Then, without another warning, the
mirror shattered.
Rubeus watched stunned at the place where the mirror stood.
Another explosion rocked his ship, sending him back to the floor. It was then
that the walls of the chamber began to glow white, at the same time cracks
began to appear.
The second last sound Rubeus ever heard in his life was the
walls shattering, allowing the blasts to destroy him once and for all.
The very last sound Rubeus heard was his own hysterical,
insane laugh.
* * * *
"Target destroyed sir." Reported the helm.
"Get us back on stealth mode and scan the area in case there
are more surprises." Said captain Vardeen. He then addressed his second in
command. "Take care of everything here, I'm going to the hangar and greet our
new visitors."
"Aye aye sir."
The captain left the bridge and took the nearest elevator,
all the while thinking.
(Those blasts… they packed quite a punch, and that ship was
already crippled. I'm not sure if we'll be able to stop a fully operational one.
And what's going on here?)
When the elevator door's opened, he changed his mind. Instead
of heading to the hangar, he went to the infirmary, where he was sure all were
going to be transferred.
For the sake of his ship and crew, he wanted answers. And he
wasn't going to leave the infirmary until he got them.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Author's notes:
Well, another chapter done. Boy, I really enjoyed blowing
Rubeus that way! He's the character I most despise in all Sailor Moon history.
The guy reminds me of a person I met in the past… I won't go into details;
suffice it to say that it cost the lives of two people close to me.
Ok, enough about me.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and to keep your minds at
easy, I'll start working on the next chapter now. Ain't you happy of it? I'm
sure you are!
Thank you all who have reviewed this story. It's thanks to
you all that I can find the inspiration to continue it. And remember, the more
you review, the faster I'll write! So, what are you waiting for? REVIEW
PEOPLE!! Otherwise, I'm canceling this project and start working on the ones
I've abandoned to finish this one.
As always, my deepest thanks goes to my pre-reader and good
friend Yohann DeSabrais. Without your words of wisdom and support, not to
mention your wild ideas, this story would have never seen the light of day.
THANKS MAN!!! ::HUG::
Ok, that's all for now… later!