Sailor Moon and all related characters are the property of Takeuchi Naoko, Toei Animation and DIC. Marui Mercia is a character made up by myself also the characters Jesse Devaries and Joseph Cairns. The content of this writing is strictly for entertainment purposes only and I do not intend to inflict the breaking of any copyright infringements by writing this.
The Zodiac Wars
by Ryan Bodle
Chapter Eleven- Eye of the Beholder
Rating: PG
The Galaxy creature was intent on not letting a single person go. Proving this by continuously chasing after Jamie. The boy had only seconds to cough his lungs up once hitting the wall with explosive impact, from then on he was running for his life, constantly checking behind to see if he made any gap between himself and the monster. The level road below him changed unpredictably as the weight of Galaxy turned it upside down with every step it took.
'Get away from me you poxy abomination!' Jamie thought to himself making a dive from the creature's sight. He was knocked back into main view by an arm as big as Jamie himself. Laying on his back the silhouette of the creature came into view, he used his arm and legs to crawl back as fast as he could, a whiplash gesture from Galaxy caused Jamie to roll backwards getting to his feet he saw a scorpion tail dug firmly into the road where he was only micro seconds before. He stared up the mass build in front of him as it wretched it's tail free. Finally turning to run Jamie thought to himself, 'I should have been doing this seconds ago!' with enough time ahead of him he moved from harm's way, tilted against he gasped for air and looked down the lining to see three Sailors arrive on scene.
"You'll get murdered," he reasoned to himself. He didn't know if it was guilt of not helping or something but he reached for his bag still attached to him by some miracle. Ripping off his shirt revealed another black t-shirt, plain black. Inside his bag he pulled out a coat, as long as himself and tailored a shimmering black leather, still it was as thin as silk. After applying it to himself he reached inside were he produced a mask, metallic in appearance and only showed openings for eyesight. Confident this would prove as a good enough disguise he walked out with an almost proud strut.
"VENUS Crescent Beam Smash!"
"JUPITER Thunder Crash!" Taking the creature's attention, the two Sailors took defensive stances. Galaxy reared its legs in the air and crashed back down, small black smears polished its tough hide.
"That barely scorched it!" Jupiter quavered.
"Don't let it put you down Jupiter, at least its doing something," Venus replied. "Meanwhile we have to get it away from these people."
"I can help there," Jamie in his black dressing walked slowly up to them.
"You can help by getting the hell out of here!" Jupiter growled.
"Look, as far as I've known you, you've been a complete bitch to me and I can't find a good reason why, I'm offering help here!"
"Knives? Guns?"
"Gun was a fake, I told you that, and did I threaten anyone else besides, what ever the hell his name is? Not to mention saving your friend from the bullet, all this considered I've been a pretty good sport about this so back off!" A scorpion tail wheeled at head height around the three.
"I hate to break this up, but huge wrecking ball with it's own brain to deal with!" Venus announced.
"Looks like you're attracting a crowd," Jamie noticed. "I'll get rid of them alright?" Venus nodded and Jupiter also although wearing a frown. Jamie turned and ran.
"How can you hate the guy? Sure he's uptight but he's nice going, kinda like you."
"You've got to be kidding me!" The two split as Galaxy lunged forward again. Jupiter landed and bounced towards it, cracking back a knee. She released it with spring loaded motion and made contact with the monster, it flinched but nothing more, she avoided its counter and jumped back again. "The others better get here quick."
"This creature must be at least twenty feet in height and as you can see capable of over powering our beloved heroes Sailor scouts. However as valiant as ever they battle courageously," reporters were already on scene each giving an account. "They also seem to have an accomplice, we're not sure if it is male or female but best guess would male. They're coming over here, maybe we can get a word, excuse me, sir madam?"
"Sir."
"Can we ask you something?"
"You just did."
"Well how do you suppose the Sailor Scouts plan to overcome this Titanic monster."
"No idea."
"How do you plan to help them?"
"By getting you away from here," with that Jamie had pulled out a gun and lifted it high into the air letting a few rounds, on lookers had immediately fled at the sound.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, a complete stranger has just fired a gun amongst a hug crowd of on lookers he has now levelled the gun and I think is holding us off from the scene. Lets see if we can get past him to bring you better coverage of the events as they transcribe." A reporter and camera crew edged forward. Jamie had immediately turned his gun and shot out the camera. "Hey buddy! Free country!" The camera man shouted dropping it to the floor. He was answered with a middle finger
"Unorthodox," Jupiter retorted seeing Jamie clear the on lookers. She ducked avoiding another flailing limb.
"Hey it worked," Venus replied, she jumped onto a wall and bounced off it landing on Galaxy's back. "VENUS Crescent Beam smash!" Galaxy screamed and flicked its rear legs at feeling the attack. She left her place as an elbow came round to knock her off. "Close range seems to work better."
"You want to get up close again?" Jupiter asked.
"Not really."
"Hey Guys, sorry to keep you waiting," Sailor Mars spoke as she and Mercury arrived.
"Not a problem," Venus managed between dodging motions. "This thing is however."
"MARS Celestial Fire Surround!" Arching her fingertips forward she released five inferno rings that spiralled as they travelled, nearing Galaxy they became flame and dissipated upon contact. "That thing's got armour?"
"Yeah, never gave a chance to mention that," Jupiter replied.
"No secret to its power either, that's just six inches of exoskeleton its got," Mercury added removing her visor from sight.
"How do get rid of it?"
"The only way is to pound right through it Sailor Moon."
"Somehow I don't see that happening."
"Things look grim," Jamie intervened walking up beside them.
"What happened to protecting the innocent bystanders?" Moon shot at him.
"Police arrived. Well, I've done my good deed for the day, I ain't sticking around."
"Don't mind us then."
"What do you suppose I do except get in your way?" Sailor Moon couldn't think about that. "Heads up!" Galaxy shot down its tail separating the standing targets into groups. Jamie leaned up side a car out of sight, Moon dived behind and leaned beside. Jamie gave her a glance.
"Of course I could always stay, have mortal injuries caused to me, then again I wouldn't have to show up for the math test tomorrow."
"We have a test!?"
"That should be the least of your worries right now!" They fell back, the car was no longer supporting their weight, Galaxy had lifted it from them. Much like a kid looking for insects under rocks. They shot up and scuttled for other cover.
"Mercury! Come up with something!" Sailor Moon pressured looking for survival solutions.
"I can only come up with a joint attack, we just have to break through that thing, where's Jamie?"
"Long gone most likely, and if things couldn't get worse, should we get through this we have a test tomorrow."
"Lets get our priorities in order Sailor Moon!" Mars moaned in a paining tone. "So you're saying we should just all hit at one point right?"
"I don't know any other way," Mercury replied.
"Lets do it." Sailor Moon raised two fingers to her mouth and let out a piercing whistle emerge. Sailor Venus and Jupiter responded with a look and a nod, seconds later they had pounced over Galaxy to the other three. "We're going all for one guys."
"Right," Venus confirmed turning on her heel.
"Shine Aqua Illusion!"
"Venus Crescent Beam Smash!"
"Jupiter Thunder Cloud Zap!"
"Mars Celestial Fire Surround!" The attack seemed rehearsed and with a plan behind it. The impact of ice froze on the surface, a laser like beam smashing it. Seeing ice expand and crack a gravestone in a matter of microseconds. Next a thunderous impact broke the hole further whilst fire left a scarring from its presence.
"It worked!" Moon rejoiced.
"Sort of, the gap is still pretty small," Sailor Venus added judging the damage, "but hey its definitely something!"
"Hang on! I'm picking up something else!" Sailor Mercury shouted, visor covering her eyes. "An energy trail of some kind, giving that thing power."
"Looks like we hit that thing pretty hard, look at it," Jupiter added. Galaxy was writhing in pain, legs flying back and forth. The five just watched as it tried to control its senses. Then without warning, its head span, an ice beam erupting from its mouth.
"Move!" They sprawled in any direction they could as the impact shattered the ground. It moved as they did, tail flailing as they landed. Sailor Mars, unfortunate to be caught from its radius, slamming into a very solid wall.
"Sailor Mars No!" Moon held her hand as if by somehow she could just stop what just happened with a single motion, but she couldn't. She had not time to see the ice beam aimed at her, knocking her over a car. Lying limp n the sidewalk she could only think about her friend Mars and her pain.
"Sailor Moon," Mars croaked watching her pain.
Galaxy continued to buck wildly and unpredictably. Lashing out with ice beams and stinging tail. Jupiter was caught by an ice blast which startled her and a rounding swing from a colossal arm knocked her out of commission. Sailor Venus rushed to her aid and was caught by the other arm. As this happened, Galaxy swayed its tail simultaneously and caught Sailor Mercury at the back of the head, knocking her out instantly.
The FortitudeÉ
"Lord Curien, the increased power seems to have worked, I'm reading weak life signs from the Sailor Scouts." Curien's lips curled into a smile.
"Good," he raised a glass to his face, sipping a red wine. "Superlative."
TokyoÉ
The crowd on lookers neared watching all five saviours fall in just a few seconds. They hoped they would get up, but it was only a hope. Their thoughts distracted by Galaxy screaming from victory, they all paralysed themselves with fright. One brought up the confidence to scream and soon many followed by example and fled. All dodging the movements of a old, silver Hyundi car. From it stepped Cairns and Marui.
"This doesn't look good," Marui murmured. Galaxy was blasting ice beams right into the ground, they charged into combat. "Sailor Moon," Marui knelt by her side as she had struggled herself to sit up.
"Help the others, its encasing them in ice," she spluttered.
"What about you?"
"I'll be fine," she coughed and choked.
"Really?"
"Just go." Marui nodded.
"Cairns break 'em out, I'll distract that thing. Mind Up!" Marui forced his staff into mid air and sent it spiralling towards Galaxy. It raced back and forth its face, keeping it actively distracted. Hands waved trying to swat a fly.
"Strength Up!" Cairns raised Heavy Judgment. With his super natural strength it bore down on a crystal length, smashing to pieces instantly. A choking Sailor Mars was brought back to life struggling to gain her breath. Cairns wished to stay but it was on of three or four, he couldn't tell. Another cracked open, Sailor Venus, Sailor Mercury next each in the same predicament, seeming to be rescued just in time.
"Hey get this off me!" Sailor Jupiter shouted sat up, half encased in ice. Cairns came to her aid, this time digging the spearhead inside then leaning on the other end. With the immense leverage a crack formed and it split apart. "Thanks."
"Can you walk?" Cairns saved his energy powering down.
"Yeah, just feels weird, are the others ok?"
"I don't know, I had to get everyone free of the ice." Jupiter nodded. They raced to other fallen Sailors. "Mercury's out." She picked up her friend looking to Marui who helped Venus to her feet. Mars was bent leaning on her knees breathing deeply.
"Serena!" She forgot about herself and rushed to her. "Serena are you ok?"
"I'm fine Mars, just sleepy," Sailor Moon yawned back.
"No!", Sailor Mars gave the girl a short slap. "If you go to sleep you might not wake up, stay with me you hear?" Sailor Moon tilted her head up, her eyes trembled somewhat and pierced Sailor Mars with guilt, then a faint smile creased.
"Ok, are the others alright?"
"Cairns and Marui got here just in time, lets get ready, we can beat that thing." Sailor Moon leaned on her almost entirely.
"Sure."
"Oh no you don't, use your own legs, you're staying awake, come on," she balanced the girl and they staggered slightly with the other group. "Marui!" Galaxy had finally worn Marui down and into a corner.
"Save your strength!" Cairns roared. "Strength Up!" The giant of a man leapt forward and into they fray. He brought his weapon up to meet sting of Galaxy and parried it with great force, sending the limb as far back as it could go. He followed quickly with an under strike shaking the shell protecting the beast. He levelled his shoulder and finished with a tackle, knocking Galaxy off balance.
"Move!" Marui ordered as Galaxy clumsily countered, taking mortar from an apartment block. His immediate reaction was to go to the five ladies. "Is she hurt bad?" He meant Mercury seeing everyone else on their feet.
"Took a hit to the head, she'll probably be fine, but there's always things we don't know about medicine that she does, and she had all the ideas on beating this thing," Jupiter reported holding the unconscious girl in her arms.
"Mind if I borrow this?" Marui asked pulling a clip from her ear and her microcomputer.
"Know how to handle it?" Mars asked. Marui looked through a visor and looking to the keyboard.
"I do now," he turned his gaze to Galaxy. "There's an energy feed running to the creature. It's probably boosting the creature's strength."
"Where's it coming from?"
"Can't localise, I guess Lady Mercury does have an advantage with this thing," he removed the visor. "I'll bet anything it's coming from that ship however."
"The Fortitude," Sailor Mars filled in.
"I have an idea, but first I expect we need to destroy that thing," Marui began. "Spread!" Galaxy countered to an attacking phase once again, from Marui's warning the group dispatched with instinct. Marui dived and rolled then aimed a series of hand motions at Cairns. Cairns watched and nodded, accepting instructions.
"Strength Up!" He held Heavy Judgement like a spear, drawing back his arms he released it into the air, it spun and eventually the blade hung towards Earth and it crooked slightly as it cut towards the torso of Galaxy, it stopped. Galaxy had caught the halberd in midair. Cairns powered down and looked at Marui for a split second, Galaxy swung and turned his own weapon against him. At that point, someone had jumped from shadows behind him and with a high twisting jump revealed his wear. Caped, and masked, those nearby knew immediately, before he had released a rose from his delicate grasp. Even from the gentle cradle his hand formed, the rose travelled beyond eyesight and had cut into Galaxy straight away. Galaxy looked up at Tuxedo Mask and down again, before collapsing to its knees. The shell cracked further. Cracks themselves formed cracks.
"Sailor Moon! Prepare your Sceptre and follow me!" Marui shouted running at Galaxy. Sailor Moon raised an eyebrow.
"You've got to be kidding me," she replied.
"Sailor Moon, go! We've got your back!" Sailor Mars insisted. She gave a re-assuring nod and darted after Marui with sceptre in hand.
"What do you want me to do?" she asked running.
"Attack straight up now!" Marui ordered.
"What?"
"Trust me, just do it," by now they were underneath the bulk of Galaxy and all around them went blinding white from Galaxy's energy. Just then Sailor Moon collected her energy.
"Moon SceptreÉ..Activation!" It seemed the body above them had disappeared and a sparkling laser of energy erupted into the sky.
The FortitudeÉ
"Lord Curien! There's something wrong with the energy feed, there's some kind of unexpected feedback showing." Curien's eyes widened, he sprang from his and left the bridge in a hurry. The crew watched him confused and sharing looks with each other. The ensign who was monitoring the feedback looked to his console. "Brace for imp-!" He was cut off. Form an outside view, the Fortitude was turned into a smouldering globe from the impact of Sailor Moon's attack.
TokyoÉ
The light died and four Sailors stood looking up. They returned their looks down, Galaxy was gone.
"Where'd it go?" Jupiter asked.
"Sailor Moon totalled it right?" Venus asked further. Mars could only tap her arm and point. Galaxy had split into four beings. "We've gotta keep going?"
"No, look." The four creatures didn't appear so full of malice anymore, they appeared more noble and grand. "Their back to normal."
One with a horse's legs and man's body bowed low and they all turned. The started to become transparent and soon were gone.
"What just happened?" Venus asked.
"The Zodiacs were being controlled and forced to fight. We freed them," Mars explained. Her attention became withdrawn as she looked to her feet, picking up a folded piece of paper. She opened it. "I can't read this."
"What is it?" Venus asked. She took it from her. "Its in English."
"Jamie," Jupiter noted.
"It says, 'a man wears a mask for a reason, respect that and so will I.' What does that mean?"
"If we don't tell, he won't," Jupiter responded. "Lets get out of here, we've got quite a crowd," she turned looking to a crowd of voices chanting names at the apparent victory. "I'm too wasted to deal with those guys."
The agreed and joined Marui and Sailor Moon. "Marui? What did I hit?"
"The Fortitude. You blasted whoever is responsible into a million pieces," Marui replied.
"Oh," Moon replied with an exhausted and sarcastic tone. "That's all. I want to go home and sleep that really took some draining today."
"You ok to get out of here?" Sailor Venus asked Marui. He nodded in return.
"Cairns and myself have to get a head start to disappear, so if you'll excuse us."
"Sure, go," Moon waved off. Marui left and signalled Cairns to follow after retrieving his weapon. The heroines and Tuxedo Mask stalked off from sight to rejoin their private lives.
Location UnknownÉ
"Tokyo? Long way if I do say, well seems we'll have to cause some trouble then," the owner of this slimy and croaked voice flicked a zippo lighter several times. He stared at some grunt in front of him. "Well, don't just stand there, book the tickets and start sneaking the hot stuff through customs, do I have t'think for ya?"
Well that the end of the Zodiac Wars, I'd like some comments about my first attempt at a fanfic. (bodrj@yahoo.co.uk). Be ready for my next piece,
"JC's Saga."