A/N: Yea... I know. It's been a while since the last update. I would have posted sooner, but I didn't like how that chapter came out so I had to start over from scratch. I just hope you guys like it
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Red and Amber lights flashed vibrantly within the Hanger deck, just as the Pelican touched down on its metal surface..
No sooner had the rear ramp lowered, Logan/Malcome disembarked from the drop ship. He was alone but his return was not without purpose. This... Death Phantom person had struck once again and this time, he had taken Serenity's daughter as a hostage. Worse still, both Hannah and Serenity's people had detected a large object moving through the solar system and towards Earth
An object that was soon identified as the Planet Nemesis itself and their was no doubt in anyone's mind where Chibiusa had been taken too... or where that planet was headed.
Of course, this was a obvious trap. Chibiusa had been taken to lure Serenity and her Senshi back to Nemesis where Death Phantom hoped to finish them once and for all. Not to mention that Death Phantom was basically throwing his own planet towards Earth in a attempt to destroy it.
Needless to say, Serenity nor the Sailor Senshi were going to allow this demon from their past succeed in his plan and once again, they were going to have the assistance of a heavily augmented super soldier.
Eventually Logan made his way to the "Spartan Deck" and without missing a beat, he stood at the assembly station with his arms and legs stretched out. Soon dozens of robotic arms came out and began to assemble Logan's power suit around him. A suit which now had been modified to accommodate his new, artificial limbs. Something Hannah had told him about prior to his arrival on board. Yet as the suit formed around him, Logan could not help but to notice that it feels some what different this time around. lt was if it was brand new and not something he had worn for over a decade.
Eventually Logan stepped of the station and made his way towards the bulkhead...
"Logan-111, Authorization Code, FOXTROT ALPHA FOXTROT OSCAR"
He he said firmly. suddenly a locker sized compartment revealed itself and upon opening, Numerous weapons of both exotic and advanced design could be seen. One of which seemingly assembled itself in Logan's hand once he picked it up.
The Spartan also picked up a Plasma Sword, numerous grenades and placed him his utility back pack before making his way back towards the hanger deck. He would be going back to Nemesis, but he wasn't going to let the powers that be think he was going to bring back his old tricks..
"Gunny, the Engineers and I made some improvements to your power suit as well." Hannah stated, as he made his way to the Drop ship. "We have replaced several motors to improve mobility and increased the Armor's shield generator output by 27%. You should be able to take more hits now but I would not advise you test it."
"Understood. How long before we arrive on Nemesis?"
"At sub-light, it would take us 3 hours to intercept." The A.I. replied.
"We don't have that much time. Hannah, initiate Slip Space jump towards the target."
"Understood."
"Where are Serenity and her group?" Hannah asked curiously. Noticing that the Royal and her senshi were not present when Logan arrived.
"They are already on Nemesis." The Spartan explained, "We are going to meet them their."
"They... are...?" the A.I. asked curiously. "Just how did they get there?"
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An otherworldly groan filled the ears of both Serenity and the Senshi, as the group soon found themselves back on Nemesis.
A cold shiver running up the royal's spine, as she realized that they were back within the very same tunnels she had rescued her friends from. Once again both Pluto and Saturn had been left behind to protect the Endymion, but this time Sailor Uranus and Neptune bolstered their ranks.
"The surface is uninhabitable." Mercury stated, as she activated her computer and digested the data she was receiving. "The planet's movement had ripped away most of the atmosphere, everything on the surface is dead."
In that moment, Serenity's mind went back to that strange creature they had encountered when they fled with Logan. The creature that was once human and had been mutated by Nemesis itself. The fact that it, as well others like it, were more than likely dead now did fill the Royal with sadness, but her mind soon switched back to the mission at hand.
Death Phantom had captured her daughter and was once again threatening to destroy the Earth. He had already destroyed countless lives, he needed to be stopped once and for all. That beast would never hurt anyone again.
After a few moments to compose themselves, Serenity and her Senshi began to make their way through the tunnel. A task made easier as Mercury was now using her visor to help them navigate through the somewhat dark passage way. Even though their surroundings were alien to then, Serenity could sense they were indeed headed in the right direction. All the while, trying not to think about the fate of the planet's former population on the surface. If anything, their suffering had finally come to an end.
It took some doing, but eventually the group were able to find their way into the Castle Ruins. Despite it's apparent destruction, the Senshi could tell that it was intended to mimic the design of the Crystal Palace's interior. But years of neglect had certainly taken it's told and the fact that said palace was partially destroyed didn't help either.
Taking out her mirror, Neptune tried to see if she could locate pink hair princess, but for some reason she could not see anything in it reflective surface.
"Something's blocking me" the Senshi of the Sea stated, a hint of frustration in her voice as she spoke. "I can't see anything."
"Death Phantom..." Uranus growled, cracking her knuckles. "I have a bone to pick with him."
"We all do." Jupiter replied. "This time we're gonna make sure he doesn't get off easy."
"But first, we must find Chibiusa." Serenity stated, he voice heavy with concern for her daughter. "If he did anything to hurt her--"
"Oh.. I assure you that I have not done anything to you daughter... at least... not yet." A new yet familiar voice replied, just as a wave of energy shot out from the darkness and towards the Senshi. Fortunately the women were able to dodge the would be attack with ease and regroup. But before another bolt of black energy shot out again and narrowly striking Sailor Mars.
On instinct, the Senshi launched their attacks in an attempt to counter Death Phantom's assault. But no sooner had they done so, the demonic entity would attack from another direction. Throwing off the Senshi and causing them to scatter to avoid his attacks.
At one point, both Sailor Neptune and Sailor Mercury attempted to combined their attacks. Sending a pillar of water at where they believed Death Phantom to be, an attack which was followed up by Sailor Jupiter using "Sparkling Wide Pressure" . Sending bolts of electricity that seemingly wrapped them selves around the other two Senshis' water assault.
But it was for naught, as another beam of dark energy lashed out and narrowly took out the three women. Similar attacks from the others Senshi did little to halt Death Phantom's attacks and eventually, The Senshi began to wane.
Jupiter took a direct hit and was sent flying and was soon follower by Venus, the both of them crashing hard into the wall. Mercury as also struck by a beam of energy that sent her flying hard into Mars, who herself tried to catch her blue haired friend but was also sent flying. Uranus and Neptune attempted to combined their attacks once again, but suddenly found themselves being trapped pillar of black rock that shot up and encased them.
"Pathetic" Death Phantom sneered, as he finally revealed himself to Serenity. Who was the only one left standing after the fight.
"I expected more of a fight from your court, Your Majesty. But I can't complain about this out come."
'Where is my daughter?" Serenity growled, a sense of anger slowly starting to build within her after seeing her friends get hurt.
Death Phantom just snapped his and suddenly, a small portal opened to reveal Chibiusa trapped in a what looked like a chard. the pink haired princess was conscious as she floated helplessly within it's confines. But what really caught Serenity's attention, as that her daughter shared her apparent prison with a skeleton who's remains laid under her feet. remains that also contained remnants of green hair. A sense of dread overwhelmed the Royal when she saw that.
"I must say, she has grown quite a bit since I last saw her." Death Phantom said ominously, as he brought the crystal shard closer to him. "She might even be a much better replacement for that blasted fool, Esmarude."
"What do you plan to do with her?" Serenity demanded, her normally calm and warm eyes now showing signs of rage. The kind of rage only a mother would have when they see their child in danger.
"Well since Esmarude failed me... I am in need of a new... host..." the demonic being sail ominously, glancing at the still unconscious Chibiusa. "Once I am done consuming her life force, her body will become my new vessel. But not before I destroy Earth and everyone on it... and you and your senshi will have front row seats. In the end, Serenity... I win."
The Royal was horrified by Death Phantom's words, Death Phantom was truly beyond help at this point and needed to be stopper. But the Demon before her still had Chibiusa in his claws and he could end Chibiusa's life in a instant if he wanted. But just as Serenity was about to say something, a blinding light soon began to shine through the near by window. A light so bright, that even Death Phantom had to cover his face to protect his eyes.
But that brightness soon gave way to broken glass and a numerous small explosions thatshattered the surrounding walls. Followed by the mighty roar of engines and gusts of wind tainted with aviation fuel . Death Phantom was not spared by this assault, as hot tungsten rounds ripped through his robes and even shattered his bones. Causing him to lose his concentration and release Chibiusa from the crystal with contained her. Only Serenity's quick thinking and her above savage reflexes prevented the young woman from hitting the floor hard.
Meanwhile, the Pelican which was being controlled remotely by Hannah continued to unleash hellfire and damnation onto Death Phantom. The Dropship's auto-cannon blazing away as spent shells fell from its opening like rain. But this "sneak attack" had it's desired effect, as Serenity was not only able to rescue her daughter, but allowed the Senshi to recover.
Death Phantom shrieked as he tried to defend himself. He only had enough time to raise a energy shield to protect himself but he was not quick enough. As his left arm had been shattered and it's remnants now laying shattered on the floor. But eventually the assault came to an end and the Pelican flew off, leaving a gaping hole where a window had once been.
"Whoa..." Mars groaned, as Jupiter helped her up. "I've forgotten how hard he can hit."
"Yeah!" Venus agreed, dusting off her fuku. "What about Chibiusa!"
"She's safe... for now." Serenity replied, holding her daughter in her arms."
"M...mom..." the pink haired woman whispered, her crimson eyes fluttering open. "W..what happed, where am I?"
"You're safe now, Usa." Serenity told her daughter.
"NO!" A familiar sinister voice called out.
Despite the previous assault, Death Phantom was still very much alive and was not about to give up. Not when he was so close to defeating Serenity and her blasted Senshi. His robes were ripped and dark energy oozed from his shattered arm, but she showed no signs of backing down. "You... you will not defeat me, Serenity! Even if you kill me, Nemesis will still crash into the Earth and destroy everything and everyone you care about! I... still--"
But before he could finish, a Plasma Sword burst throw his chest and in one swift move, Death Phantom had been severed in two. Much to the shock of everyone who saw the graphic action take place. Moments later, Logan revealed himself...
Logan had arrived on Nemesis just after the Senshi via drop ship and while Serenity and her group went to rescue Chibiusa, Logan had another objective to complete.
(A few hours earlier...)
"Are you sure about this?" a now very perplexed and confused Logan asked, as he sat with Serenity and the rest of the Senshi.
"You did say that the purpose of the Nova Bomb was to destroy a planet." The Royal asked the Spartan, attempting to confirm what she already known.
"Yes, but... to reactivate one after it's been decommissioned? It's not impossible but... Gunny here neutralized the core, destroying the mechanism. The bomb, might still explode but it will not be enough destroy a planet. Even one as small as Nemesis." Hannah stated, as a holographic image showing what she had just said, hovered before them.
"I know it's might be to much to ask, but we don't have much of a choice now." Ami stated, understanding what the A.I. had just told her. "But we do not destroy Nemesis, with will destroy the planet and we don't have anything that could stop it in time."
"Not even my Crystal might be able to help." Serenity added. "It would put considerably strain on my health, potentially killing me in the end and even then, I am not confident it would stop Nemesis."
"Hannah, do we have any Shiva Nukes on Board?"
The A.I. took a moment to process Logan request, before she eventually replied... "Wait.. there are onlyThirty warheads still on board. Most of them were removed prior to our final operation. What do you have in mind, Gunny? "
(A Couple Hours Later)
Even though she would be staying behind with Saturn, Pluto was still willing to help in anyway she could. In this case, transporting Logan and his equipment to Nemesis. specifically, the caverns where the Nova Bomb was disarmed and left behind.
Though this time, he carried several nuclear cores that once belonged to the Siege Merciless' compliment of Shiva Nuclear Missiles. Cores that would now be used to reactivate the planet Cracking Nova bomb. With said cores in tow and armed with a "Z-250 Directed Energy Weapon", made his way down the tunnels once again. Though thankfully it did not seem as if there were any threats in him immediate area.
Eventually Logan came upon the Nova Bomb, resting just where he had left it. Using the instructions given to him by Hannah, Logan took out the cores and began the process of reactivating the device. It took some doing and maybe much longer than he would have liked, but Logan was able to complete his task by Jerry Rigging a new set up for the Shiva Cores to chain react. It my not have looked pretty and the yield of these particular variants of the Shivas were not as powerful as the ones used on the Nova, but it should still be enough to take care of Nemesis. Well... in theory, it should be.
With his objective complete, Logan was now tasked with locating and rejoining Serenity and her Senshi. They might need help with Death Phantom and besides, the Super Soldier had a bone to pick with the demon after what happened to him when he was here last.
Drawing his Energy Rifle, Logan began to navigate his way back through the tunnel. Though this time the super soldier could detect multiple targets heading in his direction. Just as he feared, dozens of Droids, both humanoid and other in shape, attempted to attack Logan head on in some kind of swarming tactic.
But the Hard Light rounds of his DEW (Directed Energy Weapon) made short work of the artificial constructs. The gold colored rounds lashing out as they were intended to, ripping apart the would be attackers as if they were tissue paper. Apparently despite being designed to deal with the Sailor Senshi, the Droids were no match for Forerunner technology/weaponry.
On his helmet mounted display, Logan could see the hostile machines rushing towards him. Yet despite this advantage, the Droids were moving much faster than what he would have liked. Only giving him second to react.
But the Spartan was able to push through and eventually, he was able to find his way into the Palace ruins. This time, his display showing the exact location of Serenity and her Senshi. But as he got closer to their location, his Armor's sensor system detected sudden spikes of energy. As well as a new target, a target who was more than likely Death Phantom.
"Hannah, are you seeing this?"
"I am..." The A.I. replied, "And it looks like he was able to recover after what I did to him."
There was a moment of silence, as Logan processed the situation. "Hannah, is the Pelican in place?"
"It is, Gunny" Hannah replied, "It's just entered the atmosphere and is on its way to the LZ."
"Change of plans." The Spartan replied, as he holstered his primary weapon and took out plasma Sword. "Bring it here, light up that son of a bitch!"
"Understood Gunny.". Hannah replied, as she sent the new commands to the drop ship and guided it towards the Palace ruins.
Despite the rather chaotic conditions on the planet surface, a Pelican had been deployed just in case some "Extra Support" was needed. As it a full layout of missile pods and even extra heavy Machine Gun mounts under it's primary wing. Effectively turning the drop ship into a heavily armed gunship. One that was now gonna be used on a certain skeletal entity.
Within minutes, the Pelican had arrived just as Death Phantom was taunting Serenity. Once she was confident that the Royal and her senshi were not in the was, Hannah opened up on her new Target...
Meanwhile, Logan could see the carnage take place before him. Apparently, this demonic and all powerful entity was no match. for hypersonic cannon rounds and good ole fashioned brute force. As he could see Death Phantom being pushed back into the wall.
But when Phantom got back up and began to threaten Serenity and her court, Logan finally decided to make himself known. Rushing out from his position, Logan ignited his Plasma Sword and in one swift move, impaled the evil creature with it...
"Doesn't feel good does it, you bastard..." Logan muttered to himself, before cleanly slicing Death Phantom in two.
Needless to say, the Senshi were quite taken aback by the Spartan's sudden appearance and actions. But considering everything, his arrival was still a welcomed one. "Is everyone alright?" The Super Soldier asked, rather calmly.
"Yea... we're fine." Mars replied, she then grinned and asked "What took you so long?"
"Why did you start without me?" Logan replied, much to the surprise of everyone. Was that... humor?
"I have to admit, that was one hell of an entrance you made!" Uranus admitted, as she hobbled up with Neptune.
"Were you... successful?" Serenity asked, a somber expression forming on her face.
"It's all set, we need to get out of here now." The Spartan replied, just as the Pelican maneuvered around and lowered it's ramp.
"Are you sure it will work?"
"It should, and if not, the Siege Merciless should take care of the rest."
Suddenly the palace began to shake and the ruins began to crumble. Something was happening, but none of the Senshi or Logan wanted to stay around to see what it was. "We REALLY should get going!" Venus stated, to which everyone agreed and began to run towards the Pelican.
Uranus was first on board while carrying a still weakened Chibiusa. she was soon followed by Neptune and the rest of the Senshi. Finally Serenity made it back on board with Logan right behind her.
The rear ramp wasn't even completely closed, as the Drop/Gunship gained altitude and accelerated away from the Dead Moon Clan's former palace.
By now the surface of Nemesis was completely unrecognizable. The Palace, once meant to be a symbol of the Black Moon Clan's power and defiance, crumbled into a heap of broken stone and shattered crystals. It now matched the destroyed city that was once meant to be their new capitol, a city that now became the tomb for what should have been a thriving civilization.
But of course, Serenity and her senshi were spared from seeing such a terrible sight, as the Pelican's design prevented them from seeing the destruction now taking place. But Death Phantom was still not willing to admit defeat, not when he was so close.
As a massive dragon's head, made of dark clouds, blood red eyes and crackling with energy shot out from the Destroyed Palace. It's massive jaws opened wide to reveal a red mass within it's depths, as it moved to devour the escaping craft and it's occupants. But just when it looked as if Death Phantom would claim his prize. A portal suddenly open and the Pelican flew into it, just as the Dragon snapped it's jaws shut.
Meanwhile, a soft beeping sound echoed throughout the caverns under the former palace. Even if there were anyone left alive at this point, it's highly unlikely they would have been able to hear it. Then again, if they knew just what the source of said beeping was, it highly unlikely they would want to be anywhere near it.
Though parts of it were now covered by rubble, the NOVA bomb which Logan had reactivated was functioning as planned. Even it it now using less nuclear cores that were not as powerful as the ones which had been disabled.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1...
On board the Siege Merciless, Serenity and her senshi could only look on in both awe and horror. As a bright flash illuminated the view screen for almost a minute. A flash that confirmed that the Nova Bomb had indeed worked as intended.
Sailor Pluto's last minute actions had ensured that the Pelican would return to the Super Heavy Cruiser safely. Once on board and Chibiusa was left in the Medical bay to rest, the group made the cruiser's CC to see if their plan to destroy the Rogue Planetoid had worked.
The sudden spike of radiation detected by the Siege Merciless' scanner, coupled with the brief appearance of a new dwarf Star within the Solar System, confined that it had.
"Kami-Sama..." Mars gasped out, as watched the bright flash slowly disappear. Her mind still trying to process the destruction which had just taken place.
Logan, for his part, remained silent as he stood behind the group and watched along. Even though he has been a Spartan for many years, this was the first time he had witnessed a Nova Bomb actually being used. Then again, he had never been deployed in a mission which ultimately required the use of such a device.
But no sooner had the flash died down, the Sensors began to detect another massive spike of energy. One more powerful than what was released during the initial blast. To everyone's absolute horror, A massive, yet familiar human skull began to fly towards their position. It's mouth opened wide as if it was ready to devour the large warship and considering it's size if very well could.
"Hannah, how far is that thing?" Logan asked the A.I.
"It's 150,000 kilometers in distance and closing." The A.I. replied.
"Hannah, target that thing! take it out!!"
"Already on it, Gunny" Hannah replied, as the holographic display suddenly changed to show Death Phantom's skull being highlighted in red.
"It won't be enough..." Serenity spoke up, before raising her scepter and vanishing in a flash of light.
Meanwhile, what was left of Death Phantom screamed towards the Siege Merciless and it's occupants. Everything was gone, his followers, his minions, his puppets, and his adoptive world, were all gone. Years of planning his resurgence, resurrecting and manipulating that green haired fool Esmarude... it had all been for nothing! With Nemesis and it's inhabitants gone, their was nothing truly keeping him alive. But if he was gonna die, he would at least get rid of that blasted armored creature and that ship of his once and for all.
Using what was left of his powers, Death Phantom shot towards the Siege Merciless with pure hate driving him forwards. But last, his story would end and not in the way he hoped.
A clap to thunder shook the Super Heavy Cruiser, as it's main weapon opened fire. Sending a 800 ton MAC round through space at 15% the speed of light and right into the mouth of the approaching Skull.
The Kinetic force of the impact shattering the back of it's skull and sending it tumbling out of control. Moments later, a second round impacted with similar results, this time impacting the lower jaw and ripping it clean off.
If it were not for the vacuum of space, once could have heard Death Phantom scream out it both pain and anger. Once again the Armored Giant and his war machine had managed to hurt him in a way he could never imagine.
But it was in that moment the wounded creature saw an angelic form hovering over the Super Heavy Cruiser. An angelic form he had not seen in centuries and as it got closer, he could see Serenity glaring at him. A glare he had never seen before, not even when she banished him to Nemesis long ago.
She didn't say anything, as the Royal pointed her Scepter at Death Phantom for what would be the final time. She wasn't going to banish him to another part of the Galaxy, she would not give him that mercy, not this time. Death Phantom was too dangerous to be left unchecked.
A massive beam of white light suddenly shot out from Serenity's Scepter and impacted the remaining Skull. The light consumed it's remains and left nothing behind, even as it closed in on the last remnants of Death Phantom himself.
By the time the Light disappeared, Death Phantom... one of the Sailor Senshi's most dangerous foes. An entity that killed millions in his misguided quest for revenge against Neo-Queen Serenity and her court, was now no more.
In the end, Serenity and her Senshi were victorious once again. But this victory may not have been possible without the assistance of the man in the armor suit and his massive war machine that was the Siege Merciless...