Commander Galos Rating: PG-13 SAILOR JOURNEYS: SECRET OF AN UNKNOWN PAST Chapter 14: The New Avalon Mission: Surprise, Surprise... The Team entered the chamber, steeling themselves for what they might find inside. The first thing they noticed as soon as they entered, were the smoking remains of the doomed hover-tanks. They didn't pay attention to the burned debris. Instead, they focussed their gazes on the figure that was standing in front of the T/S distortion device. "About time, kids." Said Cauldron, smiling wickedly at them. "I was starting to think that you didn't want to rescue your relatives." "Cut the chit-chat, Cauldron." Hissed Sailor Jendra. "Where are they?" "What?" asked Cauldron, feigning being surprised. "What is this? No mumbo-jumbo? No 'in the name of the moon,' yadda, yadda, yadda? No funny dances while talking?" "Who has time for that?" Growled Sailor Moon. "Now... TALK!!" "I never imagined you had such a short fuse, Moon. I'm impressed." Began Cauldron. "Ok... You all came here because you wanted to recover your poor, defenseless parents, right?" The only response he got was their furious looks. Unperturbed, he continued. "And obviously, to stop me from getting this lovely piece of equipment." He then pointed towards the device. "Get to the point, Cauldron... or else..." said Endymion. And to prove his point, he unsheathed his sword, pointing it towards Cauldron. "You two are such a perfect couple... that you make me sick!" said Cauldron. "Very well... to the point. The deal is as follows: Defeat my new minions, and you'll have your families back. Defeat me, and you'll have the device. What do you say? I can't be fairer." Again, only silence greeted his tirade. "You are no fun... therefore... you all have to die!" He then snapped his fingers, and from behind the device, eight shadows emerged and walked next to him. When the team saw them, their reactions were just what Cauldron expected. "No... no..." said Sailor Moon, leaning against Endymion, who observed shocked at Cauldron's new minions. Sailor Chibi-Moon embraced Sailor Moon, staring horrified at them as well. Sailors Mercury and Venus embraced each other, tears flowing down their faces. Not a word came out of their mouths. Emerald Knight felt down on his knees, sobbing. Sailor Jendra kneeled next to him, her empathic senses overwhelmed by his grief. Sailor Saturn was sobbing uncontrollably. Yohann embraced her in a protective manner, his face a study of hate... Sailor Mars' face contorted, like it didn't know how to manifest the incredible fury she felt at Cauldron in that instant. "I see you approve these new models." Mocked Cauldron. "You... you... MONSTER!" screamed Sailor Moon, her sigil shining like a miniature sun. "I'll destroy you with my bare hands, you... abomination!" added Endymion. "I'll see to that... this time, you're dying for good, Cauldron!" said Yohann. "I'll personally see that your damned functions are erased forever, you sadistic piece of software!" finished Alex. "Tsk, tsk, tsk... don't make promises you can't fulfill, kids." Taunted Cauldron. "And remember... if you defeat them, you can have your families. Fair is fair, don't you think? Have fun!" and with that, he left them with his eight new soldiers, laughing all the way out. The Team then faced their worst nightmare. In order to win, they had to defeat... the very people they had come to rescue!! Cauldron had operated all of them, in such ways that they hardly believed that these eight warriors were once their loved parents. The deranged cyborg had removed their left arms, replacing them with three-fingered claws. All of them had cybernetic right eyes, and their bodies were covered with some sort of black organic-looking suits. Their skin was ghostly white, and their faces were expressionless. "Grandpa... Yuuichiro..." said Sailor Mars, at the same time she began to approach them. "Mars... stop!" screamed Alex all of a sudden. "They'll attack you! Don't move an inch!" Her warning came too late. Moving faster than anyone anticipated, the cyborg warriors attacked them. Yuuichiro and Grandpa moved towards Mars, Yuuichiro's mechanical arm protruding a needle-looking spear and aiming it right towards Mars' heart! She barely dodged the attack by jumping to the left, but Yuuichiro continued his attack. Ikuko began to attack Sailors Moon and Chibi-Moon, while Kenji began to attack Endymion and Emerald Knight. The Elder Hino produced what looked like modified ofudas, and launched them towards the girls, nailing Sailor Jendra with one, paralyzing her. Meanwhile, the Ainos focussed their attacks on Sailor Venus and Yohann. Akane aimed her left arm towards Sailor Mercury, and shoot a series of scalpels at her! And Ulysses... he began to attack his own daughter! "Hand to hand, everyone!" Screamed Yohann all the while he avoided another swipe at his throat. "Don't hurt them! Don't use your powers!" he avoided another swipe. "Alex, try to jam their cybernetic implants! We have to stop them somehow!" "I've been trying since we saw them, sweetie!" answered Alex. "But they have some sort of ECM (Electronic Counter Measure) device on them! I can't make contact!" "Somebody do something!" screamed Sailor Chibi-Moon. Ikuko had her cornered, at the same time she had Sailor Moon secured with her cybernetic arm. She was trying to grab Sailor Chibi-Moon by the throat, in a clear intent of choking her. Endymion heard her, but he couldn't do a thing for the moment, since Kenji was focussed on trying to kill him. Emerald Knight was trying to free Sailor Jendra, but he found that almost impossible, since Grandpa Hino was tossing a literal shower of ofudas at him, attempting to paralyze him as well. Sailor Mercury wasn't faring better. Her legs and arms were covered with cuts, and still avoiding her own mother's attack. Sailor Saturn was trying to reach her father, all the same she avoided his attacks. "Dad, please! Don't do it! You have to come back to me! Please, remember who you are!" Ulysses' attack seemed to falter for a brief second. "Yes, dad! You can hear me! Fight it!" said Sailor Saturn, lowering her guard for a moment... that proved to be fatal. Ulysses smacked her in the face with his flesh arm, dizzying her. She shook her head in an attempt to clear her mind, and looked at her father... just in time to see him charging in his hand a golden ball of Technum! Yohann saw that too, and his blood froze in his veins. "ROBIN!!" he screamed, and jumping with all his strength over Mr. Aino's head, he sprinted towards Sailor Saturn, shouting a command to one of his spheres. "Alpha, AURA!" As soon as the green energy field surrounded his body, he jumped in front of Ulysses, at the same time he released his Technum attack against Sailor Saturn. The clash of both energies was spectacular, to say the least. Everybody stopped the fight and covered their eyes,. Yohann screamed, his armor catching fire at certain points, while the Technum reacted with his Aura and consumed it. Fortunately, the protection was strong enough to defuse a big part of the attack, otherwise he would have died there. When Yohann felt to the ground, part of his armor's chest, back, legs and arms cracked and turned to dust, revealing the second and third degree burns that laid under his armor. "YOHANN!!" screamed Sailor Saturn as soon as her eyes caught the scene. She ran to his side, and kneeling next to him, cradled his head tenderly on her lap. "You fool! Why did you do it?" She didn't mind the tears that began to drop on his face. "Never... mind... me... Saturn." Muttered Yohann. "Just... save... the rest... and... take... care..." He closed his eyes, and went limp on Sailor Saturn's arms. The cyborgs seized the opportunity and caught everybody, holding them against the wall, at the same time they hold their arm-swords against their throats. Emerald Knight and Sailor Jendra were paralyzed because of the ofudas, and could only watch helplessly. Mr. Aino was holding Sailor Chibi-Moon, Akane with Sailor Mercury, Ikuko with Sailor Moon, Kenji with Endymion, Mrs. Aino with Sailor Venus, Yuuichiro with Sailor Mars, Ulysses with Sailor Saturn. Grandpa Hino was standing behind Sailor Jendra and Emerald Knight, more ofudas at the ready. "Bravo! Magnificent fight!" said Cauldron, emerging from behind the T/S device, clapping all the time. "What a touching sacrifice, I must add." He said, and approached Yohann's prone body, kicking him. He didn't pay attention to Sailor Saturn's gasps. "Too bad. I wanted to finish him myself. Oh, well! You may wonder why you're not dead, right? That's because I still need you... let me rephrase that. My new ally need you." "New... ally?" asked Sailor Moon, he throat crushed mercilessly by Ikuko. She couldn't help but let some tears escape her eyes. "Oh, yes! Allow me to introduce you... would you come forward, my new friend?" Cauldron then bowed, and the bearded man that he encountered earlier walked next to him. "Ladies, gentlemen... this is my new friend... MerLynn!" "Merlin??" Asked Endymion, ignoring the searing pain he felt in his throat. "But... he's a myth. A legend!" "Oh, no, no, no Endymion!" said Cauldron. "Not Merlin... it's M-E-R-L-Y-N-N. You see, he's the lone survivor of the original crash of this place. Unfortunately..." he whispered the next statement. "... all this time in stasis made his mind a little... unstable, if you catch my drift." While Cauldron was talking, MerLynn approached the Team, and began to touch them with his withered hands. All the while me murmured "yes, yes... excellent... they're magnificent!... they'll do nicely... prime material..." "Well, MerLynn?" asked Cauldron, "are they what you need?" "Oh, yes, yes!" said MerLynn, nodding enthusiastically. "Their energies are more than enough!" "E... nergies?" muttered Sailor Mercury. "Didn't I tell you? Oh, how could I forgot about that?" said Cauldron in a mocking tone. "You see, because of all the time that has already elapsed, the device has lost its power. So... in order to make it operational again, it needs to be... recharged." "Their life-forces will do nicely!" cackled MerLynn. He then took a black sword from his robe, and began to point it towards the Team. Sailor Moon's eyes grew impossibly wide, shocked. She recognized the sword! "Impossible!" she said. "It was destroyed when the Prime died! I left it on his station! It should have been destroyed!" "You know of this sword, child?" asked MerLynn, puzzled. "It just appeared in my laboratory, before that treacherous witch imprisoned me in that wretched capsule! Tell me, what do you know of it?" He then pressed the sword against Sailor Moon's abdomen, making her groan. "Leave her alone, you old ghoul... urk!" Endymion's tirade was interrupted when Kenji's grip increased. The rest were treated the same when they attempted to defend their friend and leader. "He... re... sy..." said Sailor Moon, fighting to stay conscious. "Heresy? I like the name. It's so... appropriate." Commented Cauldron. "Enough chit-chat, already. We're wasting time. MerLynn, who's our first... donor?" "Tough choice..." muttered MerLynn. "Three of them will do perfect for the first stage. She..." he then pointed at Sailor Mars, "she..." he then pointed at Sailor Moon, "and she." He finished, pointing at Sailor Chibi-Moon. "Their life-force is incredibly high. Anyone will do." "Perfect!" gloated Cauldron. "In that case... why not start with the freshest product?" And addressing Mr. Aino, he ordered. "Place that one in the device." The cyborg then took Sailor Chibi-Moon, and ignoring the Team's pleas of not doing it, Mr. Aino tied up the struggling girl in the T/S distortion device. MerLynn aimed his sword towards the helpless child, and began to mutter something. Heresy began to glow a dark light, and suddenly, a dark energy beam engulfed Sailor Chibi-Moon, making her scream. The T/S device began to hum, liquids began to course through the tubes, and the crystals on it began to glow. MerLynn continued his onslaught, and soon Sailor Chibi-Moon was encased in a dark energy cocoon, her screams suddenly ceasing to be heard. "What a lovely sight, don't you think?" Gloated Cauldron. He then looked at everybody, and watching then staring at him with hate in their eyes, he added. "Oh, don't be impatient. Your turn will soon arrive." "Don't... count... on it... Cauldron." Cauldron turned around, and saw that Yohann was trying to stand up. "You'll... never... beat us." "Want to bet, MeRMAid?" said Cauldron, and walking next to Yohann, he placed a foot on his back, nailing him against the floor. "Look at yourself! You're nothing but a pathetic corpse right now, and your friends will soon be nothing more than withered cadavers, their life-force powering my prize! And you DARE to defy me?" He then began to grind his foot on Yohann's back, making him grunt in pain. "Accept it, all of you lost! Lost against the greatest AI ever created!" "Guess again." said a voice coming from the entrance. "WORLD SHAKING!" The sudden attack of Sailor Uranus sent the cyborgs tumbling to one side of the wall, releasing the captives. All of them dropped on their knees, trying to regain their breaths. "DEEP SUBMERGE!" Sailor Neptune's surprise attack hit Cauldron in the chest, sending him against a far wall. At the same time, Sailor Jupiter and the Guardian ran towards Sailor Jendra and Emerald Knight, and ripped the ofudas from their foreheads, releasing them. The Guardian then aimed his Blaster at MerLynn. "Cease your activities... NOW!" "No, not now!" murmured MerLynn. "Not when I'm so close to extract my revenge!" "You still want to destroy the world, don't you MerLynn?" MerLynn gasped when he heard that voice, and stopped his attack, He then turned around towards the origin of the voice, and growled when he saw who said that. Standing next to Sailor Pluto, was the same woman that the other group had reawakened. She was holding her sword, pointing it towards MerLynn with her right hand. "Why don't you forget that?" continued the woman. "Things doesn't have to end like this. Let me help you, please." "Help me?" growled MerLynn. "Just like you helped me before, imprisoning me inside that wretched stasis pod? No, thanks! I prefer to destroy this world! It doesn't deserve to exist! Surrender now, Nimue! You don't stand a chance against me now, not while I have this sword with me!" He then aimed Heresy towards the woman. "You should have stayed death all this years! Now, I'll make sure that you die!" "So be it." Murmured Nimue. "Sailor Pluto, you go and rescue your friend. I'll handle MerLynn." Pluto nodded, and hurried to free Sailor Chibi-Moon. "Not so fast, everyone." Said Cauldron, standing up and addressing the newcomers. "You can't win. I made sure of it! Attack, my loyal slaves! Don't let them get away!" The cyborg warriors began to move again, beginning the battle all anew. "Oh, no... not again!" said Sailor Mars. "There has to be a way to stop them without hurting them!" "There... is." Muttered Yohann, still in the floor. "One weak... point." "What is it, sir?" asked the Guardian, standing next to him in an attempt to protect him. "Where do we have to strike?" "Cauldron..." muttered Yohann. "He... controls them. Get him." "Stop, my little pets!" said Cauldron. His warriors stopped at once, and returned to his side. "Really clever, MeRMAid. You finally guessed the only weak point in my plan. Too bad it won't work!" "We'll see about that, Cauldron." Muttered Endymion, his sword at the ready. "Prepare yourself to be defeated once more!" "Is that so?" said Cauldron, raising an eyebrow. And waiving his hands towards everybody, he added. "Come on, hit me with your best shots!" "You asked for it... " Said Sailor Moon. "LUNAR SOUL BLAST!" Her attack raced towards Cauldron, who was just... waiting. As soon as her attack reached him, she gasped. "No way!" Her attack just reached Cauldron, and in a perfect imitation of their first encounter with the Guardian, the energy surrounded him, and was absorbed by his cybernetic arm. "I think you dropped something, Moon. Here, let me give it back!" He then waved his hand, and Sailor Moon's attack was returned in her direction. Sailor Moon stood transfixed, not believing what she just witnessed! Because of the opportune intervention of Endymion, she was saved from being destroyed by her own attack. The Guardian noticed it, and cringed. "Incredible! He duplicated my defense system!" And addressing the rest, he shouted. "Don't shoot your powers at him! He'll just toss them back at you!" "Shut up, you pathetic machine!" retorted Cauldron. "I guess it's my turn now." Muttered Endymion. "Very well, Cauldron... I'm your opponent now. Fight with me! Or... are you afraid of losing before a simple human?" "I'm not afraid of any protoplasmic piece of shit like you." Growled Cauldron, taking the bait. Endymion nodded, and unsheathing his sword, approached Cauldron, ready to destroy him. Without a warning, both warriors collided, soon becoming just a blur, their attacks vicious and merciless. Endymion attacked with all his might, Cauldron doing the same. Endymion, however, was surprised. Supposedly, his new sword had the ability to cut through all known materials, but so far, Cauldron was successful stopping every attack he launched at the cyborg without any significant damage. Yohann was barely awake, catching glimpses of the fight. He muttered something, and closed his eyes again. Because of him being closer to Yohann, the Guardian was the only one that heard him. Nodding, he yelled at Endymion. "Focus, Endymion! Be one with your sword!" Part of Endymion's mind registered the advice, and filed it in his subconscious. And without stopping his attacks, concentrated on his sword, thinking of it like if it was one of his magic roses. That's when it happened. Suddenly, his sword began to glow golden, and with another strike, he sent Cauldron's cybernetic arm flying away. The stump began to spurt blood and other fluids, at the same time that sparks went flying away. "YEEAAARRGGHH!!! You'll pay with your life for this insolence, human!" screamed Cauldron. Jumping away from Endymion, he focussed his cybernetic eye at the prince, and shot a ruby laser at him. Endymion moved his sword in front of him by reflex, and the shot bounced on his sword. Cauldron shot another 3 times, always with the same results. Endymion saw the chance he was waiting for, and with a leap, he aimed his sword at Cauldron's chest. His aim was true. Cauldron gasped when he felt his heart pierced mercilessly by Endymion's sword, his mind feeling with a report of the extensive damage received. Eyeing Endymion, he said, spurting blood. "You... how... could you do... that? My body... reinforced..." "You'll get your answers in Hell, Cauldron." Hissed Endymion. He then extracted his sword from Cauldron's chest, and waiving it again... he decapitated the cyborg. Before his head was cut off, Cauldron had just enough time to scream: "MERLYYYYYYNN!!" before everything ended for him. Without him controlling them, the altered hostages went unconscious, at last free from Cauldron's control. Everybody cheered at that, until they heard an almost animalistic scream. "CAULDRON! You killed him! You killed my new friend!" Everybody turned in the direction of the voice, and saw MerLynn looking at them, his eyes filled with hate and anger. "He was the only one that understood me... and now he's dead! I'll avenge him! You all will die here!" MerLynn then began to aim Heresy at the Team, and began to shoot burst after burst of black flames at them. Everybody jumped away from his attacks. "STOP!" screamed Nimue. "Your fight is with me, not with them. Face me!" MerLynn stopped his attacks, and faced Nimue. "As you wish... bitch! YAAAAHH!!" With that, the battle among two ancient enemies began anew. Meanwhile, Sailor Pluto was trying to figure out a way from saving Sailor Chibi-Moon from the machine, not finding any. She began to grew desperate, not knowing what else to do. She figured out that, if she tried to destroy the machine, the little girl might be killed, but if she didn't do anything soon, Chibi-Moon would die in a matter of minutes, her life-force drained from her young body. The battle continued for another 3 minutes, becoming fiercer by each passing second. Sparks of white and dark flew away from the swords each time they collided. MerLynn attacked with almost inhuman fury, while Nimue deflected his attempts with grace and elegance. All presents watched awed at that, but no one dared to interrupt the fight. Suddenly, the fight stopped, both fighters jumping away from each other. MerLynn looked exhausted, while Nimue looked as if she had just arrived. "You've gone too far this time, MerLynn. Taking advantage of an innocent girl, and using her for your insane quest." "Innocent?" began MerLynn. "No one is innocent! You should know that better than anyone, Nimue! Everybody is guilty! There's nobody pure and innocent in this wretched planet! You and I, the worst of them all!" He punctuated that with a snarl. "I know..." muttered Nimue, lowering her gaze at the sword she was holding. "That's why making the right thing now is so difficult for me." She then raised her sword above her head, and said. "I'm sorry... old friend. JUSTICE BEAM!" Her sword began to glow, a silvery light that became stronger by the second. Suddenly, all the light concentrated at the tip, and a beam raced towards MerLynn. He raised Heresy in an attempt to block the attack, but it was useless. The beam broke in two, surrounding Heresy, and stroke MerLynn. He screamed when the light hit him. A moment later, the light subdued, and MerLynn collapsed, breathing shallowly. "As you see..." coughed MerLynn. "I've grown stronger... Very well, you win this battle... but the war is far from finished!" Feebly, he stood up, and walked towards the T/S device, and yelling incoherently, he stroke it, cutting most of the components. The machine began to hum violently, and a wave of semi-transparent energy was seen emerging from the damaged device. "In the end... I win, Nimue." Said MerLynn. "In a matter of seconds, the T/S distortion device will overload, sending you, me, and all presents into oblivion! Victory is mine!" he then began to laugh maniacally, still holding Heresy in his hands. "NO! CHIBI-MOON!" Screamed Sailor Moon, and ran to the girl's side, followed by Sailors Uranus, Neptune, Jendra and Jupiter. The rest were tending to their unconscious relatives. Nimue approached them as well, the Guardian following her and keeping an eye on her. She looked at the device, then at the black energy cocoon surrounding the little girl. "This isn't good. All the security features of the device are destroyed, and there's no way to stop it. And this cocoon is too strong for me to break it. I need help." "We'll do anything we can!" said Sailor Neptune. "What do you want us to do?" "None of you will be able to do a thing." Said Nimue, everybody looking at her, anguish reflecting in all. "however... there's someone among you that can help me with it... her." She then looked at Sailor Pluto, who nodded at her. Sailor Pluto then closed her eyes, and began to glow golden. In a moment, she had transformed into the Senshi of Pluto! Her uniform transformed, the colors being indigo and purple. Her Techno-armor became violet, and what looked like the design of twin sand hourglasses appeared on her shoulders. And on her right tigh appeared the golden Kanji JIKAN NO SENSHI, soldier of time. The Time Key morphed as well, transforming into her new weapon. It became a garnet battle staff, with the Garnet Orb mounted on top of it... the powerful Eternity. "But... but... how?" muttered Sailor Moon, her eyes almost the size of saucers! "Because of all the time I stayed in the Time Gate, I had more than enough time for myself, and to ponder the real essence of my soul." Answered Sailor Pluto, smiling at Sailor Moon. She then addressed Nimue. "I'm ready." Nimue nodded as well, and aiming her sword at the black cocoon, she concentrated. Sailor Pluto aimed Eternity as well, and closed her eyes. From both weapons, a steady stream of light collided with the black cocoon, making it weaver. The dark cover was almost gone when a sudden burst of energy emerged from the damaged machine, sending everyone tumbling back. The cocoon began to regenerate. "It's no use..." said Nimue. "The machine is absorbing our energy as well, and with that damage, it will release it back at us. We can't do anything..." and sobbing in her hands, she added. "I'm sorry! I failed again!" "Wait! Look!" said Sailor Jendra, pointing at the machine. Everybody looked, horrified, when Sailor Chibi-Moon opened her eyes, and feebly, reached her Moon locket, opening it. The future version of the Ginzuishou appeared in front of her, and closing her eyes, the crystal began to glow. "NO! CHIBI-MOON! DON'T DO IT!" Screamed Sailor Moon, and tried to approach her future daughter. Another wave of energy prevented her to touch the doomed machine. Everybody looked at the little girl's brave attempt, incapable to do a thing. Sailor Chibi-Moon opened her eyes, and her lips moved silently, forming the words "I love you all." In that instant, the cocoon exploded, everybody screaming. The first one to regain his vision was the Guardian. The first thing he noticed was that MerLynn was nowhere to be seen. The second thing... "What's that?" he asked, puzzled. In front of the T/S device, was a silver cocoon. All the girls, along with Endymion and Emerald Knight, approached it cautiously. Sailor Mercury activated her computer and began to scan it. "It's... it's her! She's inside of it!" she said, her voice cracking a little. "She's alive!" "She's alive?" said Sailor Moon, tears escaping from her blue eyes. "My little girl is still alive??" "Yes... somehow, the energy from her Ginzuishou protected her, and encased her inside that new cocoon." Continued Sailor Mercury. She then focussed her Visor towards the machine, and gasped. "We have to get out of here! The machine is about to explode!" "We'll never make it on time!" said Sailor Venus. "And there's too many people here to attempt the Sailor Teleport!" "We'll make it." Said Nimue. She then began to issue orders. "Everybody, get together and form a circle! Put the rest of the injured in the center, and prepare your powers for teleport!" Once everybody was ready, she raised her sword, and began to mutter something. Her sword began to glow again, and the power began to interact with the girls' own Sailor Teleport. A column of white light formed, and in a flash, the cavern was empty. In that precise second, the T/S distortion device finally overloaded, and a wave of energy began to fill the whole underground cavern network... * * * * In the middle of Stonehenge, a white pillar of light appeared, and when it disappeared, a weary group of girls, boys, and cyborgs were found sprawled in the dirt. "Oooh, my head." Muttered Sailor Venus. "I hope we never have to do that again!" "Dibs on that one." Said Sailor Jupiter, standing up. She then opened her eyes. "Hey, we're out! We made it!" "But what happened with the machine? And MerLynn?" asked Sailor Jendra. "And Chibi-Moon? Where is she?" asked Sailor Moon. She began to turn around franticly, and sighed alleviated when she saw the silver cocoon. Sailor Mercury activated once more her Visor, and scanned the floor. Her eyes widened when she saw the results. "It's gone!" "The machine is gone? But we already knew that it was about to explode." Said Emerald Knight. "No, not the machine. The whole cavern network! It's gone! There's nothing but rock in there!" said Sailor Mercury. "You mean, it caved in?" asked Sailor Uranus. "No! I mean that... oooh!" finished Sailor Mercury, not finding the correct words to express her findings. "What she means," helped Sailor Pluto, "is that the Time flow in there was altered. It is as if the whole place never existed." "Well, that's one problem solved. Now, we have to figure out how to take the rest with us back home." Said Sailor Uranus. "We lost the stretchers back there. And all that people is heavy." "How's everybody, Mercury?" asked Sailor Moon, worry showing on her face. Sailor Mercury scanned the victims with her Visor, sighing alleviated after finishing. "They're stable for now. The implants can be removed by the base's medical facilities, but..." Her face darkened. "For the organs he removed from them... There's nothing we can do about it." "Then... they'll have to remain as half-machines for the rest of their lives??" asked a disheveled Sailor Mars. "NO! I can't accept it! There has to be a way! They can't end up like that! They're innocent victims! They don't deserve that fate!" Unable to cope more with her emotions, she did something anyone rarely saw her do: She embraced the prone form of Yuuichiro, and cried over him. Sailor Saturn was kneeling next to Yohann, cradling his head on her lap. "Why did you do it? You didn't have to do it, you know? I could have dodge that shot. Now look at you..." She then kissed him tenderly on the lips, and added. "I love you, you fool. Don't you dare to leave me alone!" "He won't." Saturn turned around slightly, half surprised by the voice. She saw the Guardian standing next to her. "Now, please stand aside. I'll handle him." When Sailor Saturn moved over, he then aimed his crimson ray at Yohann and bathed him with it. "I wish I could do the same for the others," he said, sadness filling his voice. "There's nothing you can do?" asked Sailor Venus, anxious. "I thought that your ray could regenerate tissue! Can't you use it to...?" she couldn't finish her phrase, her voice cracking in that moment. "I'm afraid not." Said the Guardian, not daring to look at the rest. "My unit can only regenerate damaged tissue and recharge low bio-energy levels, not re-grow removed organs. I'm sorry." "I... see." Murmured Sailor Moon. She couldn't stand the sight of her parents in that state, and the thought of them having to live as cyborgs for the rest of their lives was becoming too much for her. Endymion was trying his best to offer support for his love, but he too was becoming agitated by the same thought. "I... I'll call the ship." Said Sailor Mercury, opening her computer. "We have to evacuate the area before someone comes over here." "Good idea, my dear Mercury! Allow me to help you with that!" roared a voice above them. Everybody turned around, not really surprised of hearing that voice... again. The Darkstarr decloaked, its gun ports open. "You are tougher than I imagined. I'm glad to see that my favorite enemies survived the destruction." Said Cauldron over the speakers. "What I can't believe is that, when you were inside my ship, you didn't do a thing to track me in the memory banks! That's really sloppy, even for you." "What do you mean by that, Cauldron?" asked Sailor Jendra. "Come on, kid! Remember that my REAL form is as an Artificial Intelligence Program!" answered Cauldron. "Do you truly believe that those bodies that you destroy are my true form? As long as I'm safe in this magnificent ship, you'll never be able to defeat me!" "He's right." Said Sailor Mercury, scanning the ship with her Visor and computer. "We're accustomed to fight PHYSICAL enemies, and that's what he has been taking advantage of. We've only been defeating images of him, not his true self!" "Brilliant as always, Mercury. That's why I want you by my side." Said Cauldron. "A mind like yours is so hard to find!" "Why doesn't he finish us already?" muttered Emerald Knight. "He has us right where he wants us." "Because, my dear greenie! I have a proposition for you all." Answered Cauldron. "Whatever it is, we're not interested, Cauldron. And that's final!" retorted Sailor Moon, her sentiment echoed by the rest. "Are you sure, Moon?" continued Cauldron. "And what if this proposition was... restoring your parent to full health?" Everybody gasped unconsciously at the offer. "Aaaah... so you're slightly interested, eh? Just keep in mind this: I did that, and I can undo it." "You want something else, Cauldron. Say it!" demanded Endymion. "You know me too well, Endy! That's right... there's something else. There's one condition to meet before I heal those unfortunate souls." Continued Cauldron, sarcasm dripping from the last sentence. "All of you have to surrender to me." "Not in your rotten existence, Cauldron! We'll never do it!" said Sailor Jupiter, taking a fighting position. "Are you sure of it, Jupiter? Do you really want to see your friends' parents being shunned from society? To see your friends suffer because of that? Come on! I can't believe you really want that!" gloated Cauldron. "Wait, Cauldron." Said Sailor Mercury. Everybody turned to see her, slightly confused. "Do you really want all of us?" "Mercury..." murmured Sailor Venus, shocked. "Aaaah... what do you have in mind, dear?" asked Cauldron. "You..." Sailor Mercury gulped, lowering her gaze. "You can have me... if you heal our parents, and leave my friends alone." "Mercury, don't! You don't know what you're saying!" said Sailor Pluto, surprised. "Do you realize what this will do to the Timeline? You're condemning the very existence of Crystal Tokyo with that decision!" "Mercury... don't do it." Said Yohann, sitting up in that instant. His wounds were already healed, and his armor was regenerating thanks to the Guardian's ray. "He's not going to keep his word." "Quiet, MeRMAid!" said Cauldron. "She made her choice... and there's nothing you can do about it!" He then addressed Sailor Mercury. "Very well, my dear. I accept your generous offer. I'll heal all of your parents, and leave your friends alone. I give you my word of honor." "Mercury, don't do it, please!" said Sailor Venus, grabbing Mercury's arm. Tears were on the verge of escaping her eyes. "You can't leave us! You... can't leave me!" "I have to." Said Sailor Mercury, her voice almost cracking. "That's the only way for all of you to get out of here... and to heal our families." She then embraced Venus. "I'm sorry, but it's something I have to do." Reluctantly, she let Sailor Venus go, and addressing the Darkstarr, she said. "I'm ready, Cauldron." "Wait, Mercury!" Sailor Mercury almost jumped when she heard Alex's voice coming from her computer. "Sorry I couldn't talk with you earlier. But I heard all your conversations. If you're going there... I'm going with you!" "Alex..." murmured Sailor Mercury. "Don't say a thing." Interrupted Alex. "Do you really think I was going to let my favorite friend face alone that maniac? Not in your life!" She then addressed the rest. "Don't worry, everyone. I'll take good care of her." "How touching... and convenient, too!" said Cauldron. "Two for the price of one. I like that kind of offers! Very well... I'm letting you two in. And for the rest of you... don't try a thing! I won't hesitate to destroy you all if you interfere." The rest of the Team clenched their fists, feeling impotent and helpless against Cauldron and his armed ship. They could only see the Darkstarr beginning to land, its weapons still aiming at them. When the Darkstarr's landing struts were about to touch the ground, three things happened simultaneously: 1) A silver portal opened behind the Darkstarr, and the Infinity emerged from it, its guns blazing. 2) The Guardian moved with his customary speed, and grabbed Sailor Mercury, taking her away from the Darkstarr. 3) The Leviathan appeared from one side, its own guns aiming at Cauldron's ship and firing. "YOU TRAITORS!" roared Cauldron. "NOW YOU ALL WILL DIE!" The Darkstarr activated its shields again, and began to fire at everybody at random. The Team grabbed the unconscious forms of their relatives, and scattered just in time. Meanwhile, the Infinity gave the Leviathan some cover fire while Yohann's ship landed next to Stonehenge, its cargo doors opening. "Everybody, get inside, quick!" yelled Yohann. Everyone made haste, and entered the ship. A moment later, the eight unconscious forms of the rescued hostages were secured on the control room's seats. Sailors Jendra, Saturn and Mercury took their posts, while Yohann took the main controls. "Hang on, everyone! We're moving!" The Leviathan lifted off, barely avoiding another barrage from the Darkstarr. "Yohann, I scanned Cauldron's ship." Reported Sailor Mercury. "Its shields are stronger this time. I don't think anything we can throw at it will seriously damage the structure." "Thank you, Mercury. That's something I didn't want to learn, but it's useful anyway." Said Yohann. "Jendra, open a comm channel and hail the Infinity." "Roger." Said Sailor Jendra. She then punched a couple of buttons on her console. "Channel open." "Thanks, Jendra." Said Yohann. He then raised his voice. "Leviathan to Infinity. Come in, Infinity. Over." "*Infinity here. Is everybody safe?*" was the answer. "Affirmative, Infinity. Thanks for the cover. But we still need your assistance here." Continued Yohann. "It seems that this time, our enemy reinforced its shields. We'll have to hit it with everything." "*Roger, Leviathan. Let's use attack formation Delta. That will give us enough room to get some good hits on that thing.*" "Roger, Infinity. Let's take this fight to the British Channel. We have to minimize the interference from the local militia." "*Understood, Leviathan. See you there. Over and out.*" On the main screen, all saw the Infinity accelerating, heading towards the British Channel. "Saturn, follow the Infinity, but make sure that we don't lose Cauldron!" said Yohann. "I don't think he plans to let us go that easily, Yohann." answered Sailor Saturn. And that was right. On the tactical screen, they all could see the Darkstarr pursuing them, its guns trying to lock on the Leviathan. "Perfect." Murmured Yohann. "Keep it that way, dear." "Your wish is my command, love." Answered Sailor Saturn, smiling at him. The pursuit continued for a minute, all the while the Leviathan outmaneuvered the Darkstarr. When they reached the British Channel, Yohann took control and steered the Leviathan towards the sea, almost touching the surface. The Darkstarr followed suit. "Any minute now..." muttered Yohann. As soon as he said that, the Infinity appeared from behind a cliff, and zeroed on the Darkstarr, its guns firing at the rear of the enemy ship. "NOW!" yelled Yohann, at the same time he pulled the control stick hard and hit a button on the console. The Leviathan lurched suddenly up, decelerating at the same time. The Darkstarr zoomed next to the Leviathan, with the Infinity in hot pursuit. As soon as both ships were ahead, Yohann accelerated, following them. "Mercury, Saturn! Arm all weapons, and fire!" ordered Yohann. Without answering, the girls did what he said. All weapons on the Leviathan locked on the Darkstarr, and began pounding at it. The sky was lit with the release of the weaponry of the three ships. However... "Cauldron's shields are debilitating, but not fast enough." Reported Mercury. "At this rate, we'll lose all our power before we can defeat him." "Damn." Said Yohann to himself. "We need an extra punch here... but what?" "I have an idea, Yohann." Said Sailor Moon in that moment." "Anything is welcome now, Sailor Moon. Go ahead, I'm listening." Said Yohann. "Put us in front of Cauldron's ship, and open the cargo doors. We'll handle the rest." Said Sailor Moon. Yohann looked at her, puzzled. "Trust us! We know what we're doing!" "All right. I'll do it, Sailor Moon. And I hope you're right." Said Yohann. "Guardian, go with them. And make sure they don't do anything foolish, ok?" "Yes, Sir." Said the Guardian. "Good luck, everyone." Added Yohann. "And take care." "Don't worry for us. Remember... we already have experience handling the impossible!" said Sailor Neptune, nodding at him before going with the rest to the back of the ship. Everybody gathered a few feet away from the open cargo doors, the wind howling almost deafening. They could see the near misses of the Darkstarr zooming by, mortal reminders of the danger they were facing. "All right, Sailor Moon!" yelled Sailor Mars above the wind howling. "What's your plan?" "The plan is to launch our attacks at that ship!" yelled back Sailor Moon. "Are you crazy!?!?" Yelled Sailor Uranus "We won't even make a dent on that thing!" "As Yohann said, anything is welcome now, I'm listening!" yelled Sailor Moon. "No, she's right!" yelled Sailor Mercury. "With our attacks, we'll weaken its shields enough for the weapons to finish it off! But we'll have to be very precise, otherwise he could gun us down! Besides, we still have our ultimate attacks! They're powerful enough to make the difference!" "Understood! I'll go first!" Yelled Sailor Neptune. She began to concentrate and aimed straight at the Darkstarr. When she felt the moment was right, she yelled "DEEP WATER TSUNAMI CRUSHER!!" But... "What the...??" said Sailor Neptune, puzzled. "It's not working!!" ""No way! Let me try!" yelled Sailor Saturn. "SERAPHIM WINGS OF WRATH!" she yelled. Again, the same results... nothing. "That's impossible!" "In that case, it seems that..." muttered Sailor Uranus, at the same time she unsheathed Heaven's Wrath. She then began to wave the Katana over her head in circles, at the same time she began to gather energy on the tip. Sailor Uranus then began to close the circles, and suddenly, she aimed her Katana towards the Darkstarr, and yelled "HEAVENS BLADE ERRADICATOR!!" A white sphere of concentrated power raced from the tip of Heaven's Wrath towards Cauldron's ship, growing at the same time. By the time it impacted on the shields of the dark ship, it was 12 feet wide, and the ensuing explosion was tremendous. The Darkstarr shuddered under the impact, but it still continued firing at the Leviathan. "Good shot, Uranus!" Yelled Sailor Mercury. "His shields are down 24.7 %!! But we still need something else!" "My turn now!" said Sailor Venus. She then began to concentrate too, and when she felt ready, she yelled. "DEADLY WINDS OF BANE!!" A sudden gush of wind formed behind her, at the same time a pinkish cloud began to drift towards the Darkstarr, guided by the wind. When it impacted the shields, the cloud just crossed them like they weren't there! Upon contact with the hull, the cloud began to sizzle and dissolve the structure, exposing the inner hull, and dissolving it at some points. "ALL RIGHT!!" screamed Sailor Venus. "I bet he felt that one!" "Not yet!" said Sailor Mercury. "Your attack didn't damage the shields! One more hit will be all we need!" "Pluto! It's your turn now!" Yelled Sailor Moon. "You still have your ultimate attack!" "It won't work now, Sailor Moon!" answered the Senshi of Time. "It won't do any good against those shields!" Sailor Moon looked at Pluto, disheveled, however she knew that Pluto was right somehow. Suddenly, a new set of words began to form in her mind, indicating a new attack for her. Not her ultimate one, but powerful nevertheless. She then turned around, closed her eyes, and placed her hands in front of her chest, as if she was praying. A few seconds later, she opened her eyes, and yelled "MOON SOUL ECLIPSE!!" As soon as she finished her summoning, it seemed that the whole world stopped right where it was. Not a sound was heard... and the light around them began to dim. All presents looked at her awed, not daring to say a word. When the darkness was almost complete, a small speck of the purest white light began to form right in front of Sailor Moon, and began to drift slowly towards Cauldron's ship. After what seemed like an eternity, the spark of light gently touched the shields... ...and a blinding, spectacular explosion rocked all ships present, illuminating the sky with its pure light. Another eternity elapsed, and the world resumed its normal course. When the Team began to regain their bearings, they noticed that Sailor Moon was still standing, her eyes focussed on the Darkstarr. Her expression was solemn, serene... except for one tear running down her cheek. "Sailor Moon, are you all right?" asked Endymion, standing next to her. Gently, he wiped away the tear off Sailor Moon's face. Sailor Moon blinked once... twice. And her face regained her normal expression. "Yes... yes, I'm ok. Just a little... confused, that's all. What happened?" "That's what I want to know!" said Sailor Mars. "That was quite an attack! How did you do it?" "I have no idea, Mars. But it felt good!" answered Sailor Moon, smiling. "And it did the trick!" began to say Sailor Mercury. "Cauldron's shields are down to 47 %! Now we have a chance!" "Way to go, sis!" yelled Emerald Knight. "Let's go back to the bridge, and blast that sucker off the sky!" Everybody nodded in agreement, and hurried to return to the control room. "Good shooting, everyone!" said Yohann as soon as the rest returned. "I was monitoring your battle and boy, what a battle!" "Yeah! You outdid yourselves this time, girls!" said Alex. "I never thought that Sailor Moon's plan could work, and I'm glad that I stand corrected!" "Thanks, Alex!... I think." Said Sailor Moon. "Enough chat, gang! Let's send Cauldron back to the pits of Hell where he belong!" said Sailor Mars. "Good idea, Mars! Mercury, are you with me?" asked Sailor Saturn. When Sailor Mercury nodded in agreement, she took her seat in front of the weapons controls, and aimed them towards the Darkstarr. "All right Mercury, give me all you have!" "All systems ready." Began Sailor Mercury. "All weapons charged and locked on target. Reactor at full capacity. Hit it, Saturn!" Sailor Saturn opened fire against the Darkstarr, all her shots impacting. The Infinity joined the fray again, firing at the same time. A moment later, the Darkstarr's shields collapsed, and all the shots began to impact on the damaged hull. "Don't think you have seen the last of us!" transmitted Cauldron. "We'll be back!" "'we'? What does he mean with 'we'?" wondered Sailor Jendra. She and the rest got their answer when another voiced was heard... a voice they thought never would be heard by them. "Yes, we'll be back! And next time, you won't be so lucky!" said MerLynn. On the screen, they saw the Darkstarr accelerate, and head towards the upper atmosphere, soon disappearing from the radar. "he's still alive...." Muttered Nimue. "But how did he survive? I thought he was destroyed." Wondered Emerald Knight. "That doesn't matter anymore. The point is... that he's alive, and allied with Cauldron. Our next battles won't be as easy." Said Alex. "And you call this easy??" said Sailor Mars. "Look at them! How can you say that!?!?!" she then pointed to the prone forms of the unconscious cyborgs. "And if I recall right, you said you can't do a thing for them!" Her rage was interrupted by an incoming message. "*Infinity to Leviathan. Come in Leviathan. What's your status?*" "Leviathan here." Answered Yohann. "Ship operational, and crew in good health." He paused for a moment, and added. "However, we have a situation." ""*Indicate the nature of your current situation, Leviathan.*" "Alex, transmit the data we have concerning the hostages." Said Yohann. "Right away, sweetbuns!" said Alex, and began her task. "What do you have in mind, Yohann?" wondered Sailor Saturn, a hint of hope noticeable in her voice. "Just a hunch, dear. And if I'm right... we may be able to help them." Was Yohann's answer. A moment later, the Infinity responded. "*Data received, Leviathan. I'll see what I can do. And you're right, with your current medical equipment, you won't be able to help these people. Don't worry everyone, they'll be ok.*" Yohann sighed, comforted by the thought that they weren't completely alone. "Thank you, Infinity. We'll be waiting for your help." "*Roger, Leviathan. Help is on its way. Infinity out.*" With that, the Infinity entered a silver portal, and vanished from their universe. "How did you know that that person was going to help us, Yohann?" asked Sailor Venus, puzzled. "Remember when he covered us back in Stonehenge? He mentioned something about 'attack formation Delta.'" "Yeah, so?" asked Sailor Venus again. "That kind of attack formation is used by my own organization." Answered Yohann. "That's right! And that only means..." began Alex." "... that our mysterious bodyguard comes from our homeworld, Alex." Finished Yohann. "Ergo, that also means that he... or she, for what we know, has access to our medical facilities. And can get help for your parents, girls!" "Are you sure about that?" asked Sailor Saturn, looking at Yohann with a glint of hope in her eyes. "Not completely, love. But think about this: The ship that person uses has to be an experimental type, just like this one. That explains why Alex couldn't identify it in the first place. And has to be high up in the ranks, otherwise he/she wouldn't be able to obtain it. And if that person has a high rank..." "... then that person can obtain highly qualified medical assistance!" finished Sailor Mercury. "That also solves part of the mystery surrounding the identity of the Infinity's pilot. But that also opens a whole new set of questions." Wondered Sailor Pluto. "The most important ones are: Why is that person helping us? And... How does he or she knows when to help?" "Good questions, Pluto. Unfortunately, we won't get our answers soon. We have more pressing matters at hand right now." Said Yohann. "Namely, wait for medical help. Also..." He then stood up, and walked towards Nimue. "There's the matter of our new friend's identity. Excuse me, it seems that we haven't been properly introduced. My name is Yohann Starr, Lieutenant of..." "... the MRMA, I'm aware of that. Pleased to meet you, Lieutenant." Interrupted Nimue. "Sorry for the interruption, but I couldn't help it." "Don't worry. It's only logical to assume that you're also part of the Agency." Said Yohann. "And, your name is...?" "My name is Sonya Nimue. Battle division of New Avalon. I attained my rank of Lieutenant before... that phenomena stroke and sent us here." "Pleased to meet you, Lieutenant Nimue. Glad to see that you're on our side as well." Said Yohann. He then looked at her sword. "That's quite a weapon." "yes, it is." Said Sonya. "I'm pretty proud of Excalibur." "Say that again!?!?!" said Endymion, standing up. "Did you say... Excalibur?? Like King Arthur's legendary sword?" "That's right. This is that sword." Said Sonya, smiling faintly. Everybody felt silent after that revelation. Finally, Yohann spoke. "It seems that we have a lot to learn from each other, Lieutenant Nimue. And it will be better if we finish this conversation back at our base." "I'll say..." muttered Sailor Mercury. "Saturn, let's head back home." Said Yohann. "We have a lot to talk... and some help to wait for." And with that, the Leviathan began its journey back to Gaia, with another ally... and a whole lot of questions in everybody's minds. TO BE CONTINUED...