Note: Sailor Moon and all related characters are the property of Takeuchi Naoko, Toei Animation, and DIC. This particular story is set in a fantasy realm based on Advanced Dungeons And Dragons 2nd Edition, which is owned by TSR and Wizards Of The Coast. All characters are based on actual role-playing characters from a group I used to DM for!
Sailor Moon: Quest for Marius
By D. Pung
Part 9: Gettin' Medieval On Dat Arse
PG-13
Serena smiled as she sipped her apple juice. Mirk finished his tale, regaling them with some of the past adventures he had experienced. He had already told them Derrelli was busy, and would be with them soon.
"Anybody need more?" he asked.
Darien glanced thoughtfully at the kobold. "Any idea exactly how long he's going to be?"
"Such impatience," came a voice from behind them, in the main entryway of the tower. "Not that I blame you."
The Scouts turned to see Derrelli and his friends, minus Chrystyn Shadowstorm and Magnus Yenkn, with a new female elven cleric they introduced as Emilisana Brightheart. The rest were all accounted for.
"For that impatience will definitely be of assistance in this troubling situation," finished Derrelli. He motioned the others forward. Consis raised an eyebrow.
"So, they are not Hoppers this time?" he asked quietly.
"That's correct. This time, they are here by choice to hunt down an enemy of theirs, the Locust I told you about," said Derrelli.
"So, where is Marius?" asked Serena.
"Cuttin' right to the chase, eh?" smiled Siko. "I like that."
"In due time," said Derrelli. "We'll talk about it in the morn. For now, I would suggest we all get some rest. Odds are, we're going to need it."
* * * *
Serena stood in the open entryway of the tower. The large, thick, oaken doors had been too heavy to open, at least until she had transformed. She stood there, basking in the warm sunlight, enjoying the breeze. It carried on it the various foreign, exotic scents of this world. She felt something move behind her, and an arm draped across her shoulder. She snuggled into Darien.
"Something bothering you, meatball-head?" he asked quietly. The use of that name had become her pet name with him.
Serena sighed. "Yeah, muffin, something is. Marius. I want to go home. I want all of this to be over with. But as long as she keeps this up... What if we're out here, jumping around, for years? And it's not Amy's fault. God knows she tried, and is going to keep on trying. We all will. But for how long? I kind of enjoyed the trip at first. Then Amy was assimilated, and things keep getting worse. At least Amara and the others report all's quiet, and no one there feels like anything's going to happen soon. It seems like we're down to a one-dimension threat."
Darien nodded. "Sounds reasonable to me. And if the hops continue?"
Serena sighed. "Then I'm going to ask Trista to send Reeni home and have them jump to meet us. Maybe our entire team will have a better chance against her." She glanced at Darien. "Do you think I was too confident in our abilities to catch her?"
"No, 'Rena, you weren't," said Raye softly behind the two. They turned to see the rest of the Scouts, Luna, and Artemis watching.
"Yeah, we've just had a spree of missed opportunities and bad timing," said Amy.
"Bad luck," offered Lita.
"Don't lose confidence in your abilities now, Serena," said Luna.
"It's not your fault," nodded Artemis. "Besides, we've all been working on strategies for our next encounter with Marius."
"As they say, 'All's well in end and war'!" said Mina cheerfully. The groans and eye-rolls were predictable.
"That's 'All's well that ends well' and 'All's fair in love and war'," smiled Amy, shaking her head.
Serena grinned, shrugging it off. She could always depend on her friends. "Yeah, you're all absolutely right. Musta been something about this place that prompts a little soul-searching in the morning. Thanks, guys."
"Come on, let's see if Mirk has anything but apples to eat," said Darien with a smile.
"That's something, too," blinked Serena. "I like them as much as the next girl, but what is it with him and apples?"
* * * *
A short while later, after a nice breakfast that consisted of hotcakes, sausage, and apple juice, the Scouts and the Omega Adventuring Company (which is what the Scouts finally learned is what they called themselves) sat down in the central chamber to discuss the situation. Derrelli cleared his throat.
"All right. We're all here because one of the Scouts' enemies, called Marius, has as of late been causing havoc on several different Prime Material planes. Now, the object of this skull session is to decide what to do about the threat she poses and what she could be after," he said. "A little bit of history would help us a little bit."
"Well, her theme so far hinges on the most powerful thing she could acquire from each realm," said Luna.
"And she has had little to no success," said Artemis. "We keep getting in her way."
"Well, that explains a lot," mused Derrelli.
"A lot about what?" asked Amy, eyes narrowing. "You already know what she's after, don't you?"
"Possibly. You see, in realms like ours, power is widespread and has many sources. Not all of them can influence other Primes, though. Matter of fact, that list is very short, but the biggest thing on that list is a bit fearsome," began Derrelli.
"Dragons," hissed Consis.
Siko blinked in surprise. "Okay, dragons scare anyone in their right mind, but how do you know?"
"Ever wonder why dragons practically never travel to other realms?" asked Derrelli wryly.
"Their power is greatest on Prime Material Planes," said Consis. "And when you're used to being a superpower, you won't willingly travel to places where you are not a superpower."
"So, dragons are what she's after?" asked Biggh-Daghe, scratching his beard. "So, they're going to up and just join her?"
"You really think she's powerful enough to control a dragon?" asked Wu Sheng.
"Big lizard bads mean," put in Atuk, trying his best to keep up with the conversation.
Derrelli shook his head. "Dragons would be her best bet. The problem there is dragons are very smart, and supremely powerful. How could she manage to coerce them? She could try and strike a deal, but they'd be leery of anything making them leave their home."
Lita frowned. "Unless..."
Raye nodded. "She promised them they could rule our realm?"
"Hmph. They already believe they rule this one," said Mirk, pausing from munching his apple.
Derrelli nodded. "Exactly. Which is why I believe she's behind the attempts to break into the Wizard's Repository in Miras."
"Why there?" asked Darien.
"What is the 'Wizards Reposomethingorother'?" asked Mina.
"It's a place where powerful artifacts are kept sealed by powerful magicks for study, analysis, and protection," explained Consis.
"So, there's something there that would allow her to control or coerce dragons," said Serena quietly. "Or something that could be used that way when corrupted by the Negaforce."
"The Negaforce?" asked Emilie in her musical, elven voice. She frowned. "Sounds evil."
"It is. It is the essence of our enemies," said Amy. She looked at Derrelli. "So, what is there?"
"It is my belief she is going after Dragonsbane," Derrelli said quietly. The Scouts noted the astonished looks on the faces of the Omega Adventuring Company.
"I didn't think that sword was real," murmured Wu Sheng.
"He is," began Derrelli.
"'He'?" asked Lita.
Derrelli nodded. "Dragonsbane is an intelligent sword. His capacity includes telepathy, healing, defense against dragons, and extra powers when facing dragons... of an evil nature. Dragonsbane is good-aligned. It has precisely zero effect against good dragons. We believe that is because Dragonsbane is the ages-old spirit of a good dragon, but we don't know for sure."
"Good dragons?" blinked Raye.
"Dragons have three basic varieties," began Derrelli. "Chromatic dragons, most common of which are red, blue, green, black, and white, are evil. Gem dragons, most notably amethyst, topaz, crystal, emerald, and sapphire, trend towards neutrality. Metallic dragons, such as brass, bronze, copper, silver, and gold, are good. There are a few rarer types of dragons that don't fit in the above categories, but that is the basic genetic structuring. However, some dragons aren't as intense in an alignment as others. For example, the most notorious pranksters in the world are copper dragons."
"Wow," said Darien. "Sounds like there are a lot of dragons."
"Not as many as you think," said Consis. "They're a little too powerful for that. Your average type of dragon has maybe a few hundred specimens throughout the world. Their size and power makes it impossible for a large population to exist. Not to mention, they don't come out much. There are a lot of beings who would love nothing better than to get glory by slaying a powerful dragon."
"Like what happened last time we were here?" asked Amy.
"Sorkanth?" asked Derrelli. He shook his head. "Sorkanth was only a few hundred years old. He was the dragon equivalent of a young adult, equal to about, say, early twenties for a human." This statement caused the Scouts to blink in surprise. If a young dragon was that powerful...
"So what kind would she be after?" asked Biggh-Daghe.
"Red?" asked Siko.
"You're thinking small, and probably don't understand the power she wields," said Serena, glancing at Amy.
Amy nodded. "If she succeeds in acquiring and corrupting Dragonsbane, she's going to go after them all."
For once, Mina couldn't think of a saying to mangle. She settled for one word.
"Ouch."
* * * *
Siko shrugged into his pack. He glanced around. All of Omega were now getting their packs on. He glanced at the Scouts in time to see them pick up their packs, and the packs disappear.
"Huh?" he asked aloud. Mars glanced at him.
"What?" she asked.
"Your packs," he said. "Where did you put them?"
"Our pocketspaces," said Mars, as if that answered everything.
"Pocketspace?" asked Emilie.
"Each of us has an individual pocketspace in our powered-up versions. It's where, for example, Sailor Moon keeps her staff, where I keep my visor and computer, where Tuxedo Mask keeps his roses and cane, where Sailor Mars keeps her ofudas. We have all learned to keep other things there, too. Like a bottle of water, or a candy bar," explained Mercury.
"Or in Sailor Moon's case, a thousand candy bars," observed Mars.
"Hey!" said Moon. Then she grinned. "If you only knew..."
Derrelli walked in, holding his ornately carved staff. Mirk was right behind him, ready to go, dressed in all black, carrying his specially enchanted short sword.
"Are we ready?" asked Derrelli, glancing around.
"Yeah," said Siko. "Omega Adventuring Company is ready for anything."
"You bet," said Moon. "Sailor Scouts, at your service."
"Then let's do it," said Consis. "Let's head for Miras, and try and catch our Locust."
"Yeah," said Venus. "Or, as they say, Saddle up!"
"Wow," said Luna, eyes wide.
"She got one right," said Artemis. "Of course, that one is only two words, so it's practically impossible for her to mess it up."
Venus simply glared at him. He grinned sheepishly, and was mostly successful at dodging the apple she threw at him.
* * * *
Mishar the White was the wizard on guard, and he was well aware of the recent attempts on the Repository. Someone kept trying to sneak in, and Derrelli had informed him that someone was probably after Dragonsbane. He stopped by the warded zone where Dragonsbane was kept.
Greetings, Mishar, he heard the sword say in his head. How are you tonight?
"Nervous," he admitted. Mishar was one of the younger mages, recently assigned, and not nearly as powerful as some of the other mages. Still, this was the opportunity of a lifetime, and he was very glad to be here. "I'm not sure I'll be able to stop whoever it is who is trying to get in here."
Shouldn't matter, what with all the wards your fellows have placed on this facility, Dragonsbane said. Unless the thief resorts to a direct assault and doesn't care if they're caught.
"Maybe," said Mishar. He cocked his head curiously at the sword. "Dragonsbane, does it bother you, being kept here?"
Sometimes, came the reply. However, the deal I have with the mages insures my purpose will always be met. Should any sort of dragon trouble arise, I have already been promised that I will be placed in the hands of a suitable warrior, accompanied by the mages, to fulfill my desire of slaughtering the evil wyrms. In the meantime, I am extremely patient. After all, I have all the time in the world.
"I see," said Mishar. "Interesting. I have always wondered-"
Mishar! interrupted Dragonsbane. I sense great evil!
An explosion echoed throughout the Wizard's Repository.
* * * *
Marius casually threw the white-robed body aside. Apparently, her energy draining abilities were enhanced slightly here, as the mage had dropped rapidly, with his flesh melting away, as she had attacked. Still, he had gotten off a few spells, and they had stung somewhat. She could still feel the acid burning into her torso. She ignored it and continued on her way.She walked up the spiral staircase, entering the grand hall, where the magic fields protected the goods. She noted some of them put up powerful auras, and she could feel the danger for herself from them. Fortunately for her, the protective wards went both ways. She shrugged it off and moved to the ornately carved long sword, kept in its jeweled scabbard. She raised her hands and rested them on the wall of force protecting the sword, sensing the other wards in place. She began channeling her power, weakening the fields. She knew by the time the night was over, she would be extremely weak from all the effort required to bypass the powerful protections and take control of the sword. She didn't care. By that time, her goals for the night would be met.
"Hello, Dragonsbane," she hissed evilly.
* * * *
Bright and early the next day, the combined teams rode into Miras. Siko, in the lead, slowed his horse to a slow trot, heading for the stables. Then he glanced around, and noticed the damage to the triple towers of the Wizard's repository.
"No," he said through gritted teeth. He spurred his horse on, and the others followed with merely a glance. They rode through the parting crowds to just in front of the Repository, where they dismounted. Several of the town guards, and wizards, glanced in their direction, hostile until they spotted Derrelli and Consis.
"Oh no," said Jupiter, noting the shrouded body. The Repository was massively damaged.
"Let me guess," said Derrelli. "Dragonsbane is missing?"
An extremely aged wizard with a long, gray beard nodded. He looked about to speak when Moon spoke up.
"And also, let me guess. This poor individual had his energy and lifeforce drained," she sighed, indicating the body, seeing the surprise on the faces of the guards, mages, and Omega Adventuring Company.
"It's not a pretty sight," muttered one of the guards.
"Let me guess," said Luna dejectedly, glancing around again before continuing.
"We're too late."
* * * *
Zifisath yawned, and shoved the remainder of the body into a nearby snow bank. He preferred his food frozen all the way through, not that the primitive from a nearby Eskimo tribe had cooperated. A simple bite had removed the head, and now he was going to let his meal freeze. He decided to go count his treasure pile again, and admire his diamond collection. The great wyrm white dragon was extremely proud of his diamond collection. He stalked into the central chamber of his lair, and drew up short as an bubble of black energy opened near his treasure pile. Out dropped a human woman, holding a sword. Actually, she wasn't quite human... and the sword! Zifisath growled, recognizing the cursed blade. It was different, though. It glowed with a blackish aura. Then she spoke, and pointed the sword at him.
"Hello," she crooned evilly. Then Zifisath was consumed by an agony he had never felt before, and roared in anger and pain...
* * * *
Moon sighed as they moved through the badlands. Derrelli had reasoned that Marius would go after a great wyrm of each evil color, then explained that a great wyrm was the most powerful type of each dragon, having been alive for at least 1200 years. He also reasoned that a red would be the hardest challenge, so they were heading for the lair of the only great wyrm red dragon known to any humanoid race. The wizards at the Repository had thought that they were insane. He had further reasoned that Marius' information had been gathered from humanoids, which meant it was almost a dead certainty she would eventually show there.
But the reason she was sighing was boredom. For an hour now, they had been walking along the rock-strewn bottom of a canyon, and the scenery wasn't changing. It wasn't physically much of a challenge on horseback, and she could only look at the rocky terrain around so much. They began arcing around a nearby outcropping, and she smiled as they began heading up hill. Now the scenery would change!
She barely saw the shapes charging them from the outcropping, only heard a warning shout from Mirk, as her horse bucked and she flew through the air.
* * * *
Fisallieriallis was angry. The great wyrm black dragon flew away from the remains of the caravan. She had had it all under control when her younger rival and a companion had shown up to spoil her fun. Fisallieriallis didn't even see the black blast of energy that hit her, and filled her with agony. She barely registered the being and the sword that was pointed at her in a nearby tree before her vision went dark...
* * * *
Moon saw the canyon wall rapidly approaching. She brought her legs up, moving into a ball, and then extended them, making contact with and pushing off of the wall, flipping in midair, and twisting to land on her feet. She stood up and stared right at their attackers, blinking in surprise at the ungainly shapes. For a split second, she thought they were the same creatures that had attacked them at school. But there were quite a few differences. These things didn't have the proper number of claws or the inverted black moon.
And these things were much uglier.
* * * *
Hisatharyn, a great wyrm green dragon, was fast asleep in his lair. That's not to say he was unaware, for his senses let him know the second the intruder entered his lair. He pretended to still be asleep as he reached out with his senses and studied the intruder. When it appeared the intruder's back was turned, he gathered himself and struck. The shape dodged aside and pointed its weapon... the cursed sword! Hisatharyn barely had time to register what the sword was before the black blast hit him. He roared in agony...
* * * *
"What are they?" asked Venus, having leapt off her horse. The bad part was Moon was on the other side of the group of things, of which there were five. She had dropped into a fighting stance, and was moving slowly around them to rejoin the group.
"Trolls!" called Siko, drawing his twin long swords, twirling them expertly. "They're very dangerous! They can regenerate anything except fire, acid, and certain magics!" Steel rang as the rest of Omega Adventuring Company drew their weapons. The Scouts merely looked at Mars. They were conscious of Derrelli chanting.
"Except fire, huh?" grinned Mars. "MARS CELESTIAL FIRE SURROUND!" The stattaco rapid-fire rings of blazing flame swept the trolls, blasting all but the one clever individual who ducked. The clever troll straightened up and glanced at the four piles of ash that had been his companions moments before. It gulped. Suddenly, the attack on this group didn't seem like such a great idea. It looked up to see the mage in red and gray, surrounded by a swirl of fire, point his finger at him. The troll turned and ran.
Not fast enough. The dart impacted on his side, and for a split second the troll was thankful that the spell was a dud. Then it exploded.
The horses were spooked, but fortunately they had nowhere to go, making it easy to recover them. After everyone got up from the shockwave of the exploding Fireball spell, that is. As everyone dusted themselves off, Wu Sheng glanced at Derrelli.
"You just love that damn spell, don't you, Sparkles," he said. He just grinned as Derrelli glared at him. Wu smacked himself in the forehead. "'Doh! I forgot! I'm not supposed to call you that! What are you gonna do about it?"
Derrelli pointed his staff at Wu, and the swirl of flame rose around him as he once again began to chant. Wu blinked.
"Just kidding, bro!" said Wu with a smile, backing away. "Ain't nothin' wrong with that spell! I personally love it. 'Sides, you wouldn't be Derrelli without your fireballs! No need to get all hot and bothered!"
Derrelli grinned as Wu busied himself with calming his horse. He felt the spell energy fade away as he let it go. He glanced at Mirk. "Well?"
"Kinda pointless to search the trolls for anything," yawned Mirk, fishing through his pack. He pulled out his trail rations. "After all, what treasure is a nuclear shadow gonna have?"
Derrelli could only grin as Mirk popped a piece of dehydrated apple into his mouth.
* * * *
Aferiulliean, the great wyrm blue, leader of her pack, backwinged as she landed at the oasis. Her wings put up a billowing cloud of sand, one that frightened off the birds. She moved towards the water hole, and noticed a few nomadic humans turn, glance, and run for their lives. She relaxed slightly, allowing her dragonfear aura to fade to its normal levels. She stretched luxuriously, enjoying the desert heat. She began to drink, when she felt another humanoid approaching. She turned with a glare, fully preparing to unleash her devastating breath. She stopped as she realized the weapon the being was carrying, knowing that her breath would have little to no effect on that damned sword and its wielder. She backed a step, spreading her wings, unleashing the full force of her fear aura, hoping it would work.
It didn't. Aferiulliean spread her great wings and prepared herself for flight as the being pointed the blade at her, and a black beam lashed out, and then more pain than Aferiulliean had ever known coursed through her....
* * * *
The expanse of the town grew nearer. Their little caravan had suffered a few more attacks by things that didn't know any better, with similar results each time. Their journey on horseback would soon be at an end. Derrelli moved alongside the Scouts.
"That's our destination, a seaport town by name of Placid. The red dragon I think she'll be after actually lives in a volcano out at sea. Our next task will be to get a good night's sleep, and then hire us a ship to take us to the volcano. More than likely, the dragon will find us. He's something of a pirate," he said.
"A pirate, huh?" asked Venus, squinting at the town. The smell of the salt water was being blown in their face by the brisk coastal breezes.
"How so?" asked Luna, stretching from her position behind Moon.
"He's unusual for a red dragon. You might say he's eccentric in his old age. Most reds prefer mountainous areas with lots of prey for their lairs. His domain is a few square miles of volcano, and a vast expanse of ocean. He extorts every ship that passes in his territory, and he doesn't have to worry about food because a tribe of orcs lives on his volcano, and raises food for him. He's something of a god to them," elaborated Derrelli.
"Sounds dangerous for us to go there," said Moon.
"It's better than the alternative," replied Derrelli.
Moon couldn't argue with that.
* * * *
Zexyr moved towards the open lava pool in his lair. It was an nice place to soak up the warmth. The great wyrm red dragon yawned. His senses told him one of the foolish orcs was bringing him an offering, and a visitor. A visitor? he wondered. Hopefully the visitor will taste good. He preened himself, and moved over to the steam vent. It always served to heighten his god-like presence when it moved around his huge frame. He waited patiently. Presently, the orc appeared, and began groveling. He stepped through the steam, and drew up short, baring his teeth and preparing to launch a spell. The visitor held the sword! The sword whose name was known to all dragons. He roared and let his spell fly, only to see the being and sword disappear in a black flash. The orc was incinerated instantly by the fireball, but Zexyr didn't care about that. He turned as the being reappeared.
"My, you're a feisty one, aren't you?" she called evilly, pointing the sword at him. The black beam lanced out...
* * * *
Raye leaned back, relaxing. The first thing they had done in Placid was hire a ship, then they had come to this inn. It had been a challenge getting a ship, but they found an adventurous captain and were all set for tomorrow. Well, except for no one knew where Derrelli had gone. Well, she was sure things would be okay tomorrow. As for right now...
She patted her full stomach.
The food in this inn was good, and everyone had eaten a great deal of it. She glanced over at Serena. Some things still didn't change. Serena was naturally still eating. She blinked as someone strummed a sequence on a harp, then turned to look at the stage, where a woman in a colorful, yet revealing, outfit, had set up for a show. Soon, her beautiful music had Raye tapping her feet.
"She's a bard," someone said. Raye glanced at Siko. "Bards are great entertainers, but never underestimate them. They pick up all sorts of tricks, including magic."
"It's a pretty song," murmured Raye. Siko nodded in agreement.
Amy listened to the song, and relaxed. She was by the window, by herself, with her computer out, screened by a book of Consis'. She glanced out the window, at the sleepy, peaceful town, lulled by the gorgeous melody. She blinked. What is that? she wondered. She looked around, and moved her computer to a scanning position at the window. She blinked in shock. She faintly heard the flapping of immense, leathery wings, then a sound like someone taking a deep breath. Suddenly, the inn was doused in blackness.
"Get down!" she shouted of her own accord, feeling a terror unlike any she had ever known rage through her. Fortunately, she was able to resist, thanks to her Scout nature.
The inn shook as though hit by a physical force, and then she heard the awful sound she remembered from her last trip here. A dragon exhaling its awful breath.
The inn exploded.
Choking fumes and falling debris trapped Amy in the corner. Through the screams, and echoing explosions, she faintly heard transformation phrases being shouted. She stood, dodging a falling, fiery ceiling rafter, and raised her hand.
"MERCURY COSMIC POWER!"
Sailor Mercury moved with a quickness, toggling her visor. She was the last living thing in here, and the roof was about to collapse. She turned and leapt out of the window as the final supports gave away. She hit the ground and rolled, and felt someone help her to her feet.
It was Mars. Tears streaked her face. The inn had been on the edge of town, on the top of the hill leading into the city of Placid. This afforded the Scouts and Omega a view of the entire town. As they watched, the sky lit surreally by burning buildings, a huge blue shape dived on the seafront. A humongous lightning bolt slammed full force from the dragon's mouth into the seafront, and explosions blossomed behind it as it climbed again. A white shape dove towards the defenses that were even now coming online, and a blast of pure frost slammed into them, instantly freezing the defenders and smashing their equipment. A black shape swooped, and a stream of acid ripped across the town, destroying innocent citizen's homes. The ones who ran weren't much better off, as a green shape swooped and breathed, and a cloud of toxic green gas rose from the area where the running crowds were. The screams of the dying innocents came faintly to their ears.
"Chlorine gas?" she gasped weakly, reading her visor's scan. The carnage was widespread, innocents dying by the thousands, and as the red shape swooped nearer, the Scouts had never felt more helpless in their lives. Then the red shape flew into clear range, and Mercury's visor showed who was riding it.
"Marius!" she shouted. "Marius is on the red!"
"Damn her!" cried Moon through her tears. She wiped them away, and her eyes widened as she realized the red was inhaling, and coming right at them. In a few seconds time, a blast of deadly fire would be raging their way. And then she realized something else.
There was nowhere to run, dodge, or hide..
TO BE CONTINUED...