Note: Sailor Moon and all related characters are the property of Takeuchi Naoko, Toei Animation, and DIC. Ogre Battle and all related characters are the property of Atlus, Nintendo, and Sony.
Sailor Moon: Quest for Marius
By D.Pung
Part 4: The March Of The Black Queens
PG-13
The white light faded. Wind whipped through their hair. In the distance, trees could be seen, as well as a huge, walled town. They were standing in the middle of some plains. Behind them, trees gave away to mountains. It was thrilling scenery.
A shadow whooshed overhead, then another. The two shadows began to circle. The Scouts looked up and gulped.
"What are those?" gasped Mars. The two shapes were deep olive green, with strong limbs, huge wings, long tails, and reptilian heads. One of them appeared to have a rider. The two shapes dove, and pulled out to flap their wings before settling on the ground. A young man who looked very familiar jumped off, and approached.
He was dressed in green, and carried a large sword at his waist. The most striking feature was the cocky grin and one raised eyebrow.
Moon smiled. "You're from the Order."
"Correct. I am a member of the Order, here to get you to the Locust. I am known here as Fordham, sage and Dragon Master," he smiled. "These are my friends, a pair of Wyverns known as Sakar and Jervyal. Welcome to Zenobia. I'm sure your reinforcement will be most happily received by Destin."
"Who?" asked Jupiter blankly.
"Let me explain. Destin is the rebel leader. We just linked up with Prince Tristam, here in Milano, and we're fighting to overthrow the evil Zeteginean Empire from the Highlands, led by Empress Endora. We've recently discovered that Rashidi, an evil sage and powerful mage, is behind all of this evil. Now, the Locust is here. So, there are now three parties looking for the Zodiac Stones, prime instruments of power. We are looking for them to prevent Rashidi and Endora from getting them, and to return them to Heaven. They want them to reopen the gates to the Underworld, to release Diablo and restart the Ogre Battle. And apparently your Locust wishes to use their energy for her own nefarious purposes. The whole situation is rather complicated, and can be discussed later." He turned. "For now, we have to destroy Baron Apros and liberate this region."
"Okay," began Venus.
"Well, more later. Right now, you should come with me. I can keep you safe, and you'll be where we need you should the Locust show up," Fordham said.
Jupiter gazed steadily at the Wyverns. "No."
Fordham blinked, and realized this didn't surprise the Scouts. "I hate riding in airplanes, I loathed all the space travel, and I AM NOT GETTING ON THOSE THINGS! I AM NOT LEAVING THE GROUND!"
"Jupiter," began Moon. Jupiter glared at her. Her arms were crossed belligerently. "We really need to-"
"I said no."
Mercury blinked, and gritted her teeth. "Dammit, you're holding us up! The more you sit around here, the farther away the bitch gets! Stop whining and let's go!" Her uncharacteristic outburst caused the whole team, even Jupiter, to blink in surprise.
Moon stepped in front of the two. "Where do we need to go? We'll walk."
Fordham nodded in resignation. He pointed. "Head past those mountains. You'll see a walled town. There will be a collection of tents outside. Go, introduce yourselves as the Scouts, and mention I sent you. They'll be expecting you."
"Good Luck," said Venus.
* * * *
"Is that it?" asked Jupiter.
Mercury frowned. "It matches Fordham's description. I'd say we've reached it."
"I agree," said Luna.
"Well, let's go," said Mask. Moon led off, moving towards the camp. Two women intercepted them, each holding a spear.
"Who are you?" asked one.
"State your business," said the other. Mars stepped forward.
"Let us in. We need to see Destin," she said.
"For what purpose?" asked one of them.
"What's it to you?" asked Venus.
"Simple," said the other. "How do we know you're on our side?"
Moon held up her hand, forestalling any more comments from the hot, tired Scouts. "We're not gonna argue, guys. They have the right. We're just visitors. They are at war, and a rebellion means the other side has the advantage." She turned to the women. Both wore tunics and gold belts, with a winged crown on their heads. Their spears had three prongs. The first had a white tunic, with a blue cape. The second had a golden tunic. "We've been sent by Fordham to assist in capturing what he calls a Locust, and what we call our nemesis. He told us we would be expected."
"You're the Scouts?" asked the first.
"Very well," said the second. "I shall escort you. This way." She moved towards the largest tent, while her compatriot remained behind, eyes outward towards the mountain pass the Scouts had emerged from not too long ago. There was tension evident in both. Several people were moving around, cleaning, repairing. All were definitely on edge. They moved around several large tents, obviously stalls for large, fantastic creatures. As they passed the last one, Jupiter gasped.
"What?" asked a startled Mars. The Scouts spun to see a Red Dragon gazing at them. Their escort raised an eyebrow. The Red Dragon gazed with steady disinterest, before returning to its feed box, munching contentedly away.
"A red dragon?" asked Mask. He turned to their escort. "You have domesticated dragons?"
"Domesticated?" she laughed. "I wouldn't let Lyon hear you say that about his friends. Dragons are as smart as anyone else, and these agreed to help. People like Lyon, Fordham, Gilbert, and Deneb all bring unusual, but welcome, friends to the army. Come. We're wasting time." She resumed walking towards another large tent. Two Knights in bright, polished armor, holding broad swords, stood on either side of the doorway.
"I have the Scouts with me, and I'm going in to see Destin," said their escort. Both Knights nodded, and held the tent flaps open. She smiled, and motioned for the Scouts to follow. They entered into a busy scene. All along three walls of the tent, mirrors hung. The center was a huge table, covered with maps. Several more females that resembled the first guard, and one who didn't, stood next to an imposing figure that was bent over the table. The woman who wasn't like the rest was dressed in a strapless pink dress and purple pointy hat. She carried a wand at her waist, and was in deep conversation with the large figure. His hair was long, bound in a thick band. He was dressed in elaborate armor, and carried a humongous sword in a scabbard on his back. Their escort moved towards the table. He noticed her move, and looked up.
"Rauny, why are you here? I thought you were going to keep an eye out for enemy movement at the pass?" he asked.
Rauny smiled. "I brought the Scouts Fordham mentioned."
Destin and the other girl looked over the Scouts appraisingly. The girl snickered, until her gaze rested on Tuxedo Mask. She practically drooled.
"Enough, Deneb," said Destin. He gazed back at the Scouts. "So, you are the team capable of bringing down what Fordham calls a Locust. I must say, appearances must be deceiving, as you certainly don't look ready for a fight."
"Or capable of having any power," added Deneb. The Scouts bristled. Moon stepped forward.
"Very well. We shall just inform Fordham that we will be going back where we belong, then. You can deal with Marius on your own, while we train and await her return. You may find her a bit tough," said Moon icily.
"Enough!" ordered Destin. "Rauny, Deneb, prepare your units. The recon units have already reported back. And Rauny, I believe there's someone you know in Milano. I will leave the actual assault on the castle to you." They both nodded, and departed. He turned to another aide. "Inform Tristam, Lans, Warren, Gilbert, and Lyon that their units will be heading out. Everyone should activate his or her mirrors. Fordham reports no activity as of yet, but we can expect that to change. Tell Fordham to sweep the area just outside the outermost walls. Inform Norn, Slust, Fenril, and Fogel to be ready to depart with me. Remember, our goal is to initially contain, then close in for the kill. With a battlefield this large, expect some flying units." The aide nodded, and walked around, pressing mirrors, activating them with a soft white glow. She spoke softly into them. Destin turned to the Scouts. "I apologize. Deneb has a slight attitude, and I forgot my manners. It will not happen again. I want you to help, and I appreciate your sacrifice to be here. For this fight, stay here and watch. Let us know the second the Locust appears...."
"What are you doing?" asked Mercury, for the moment herself again. She indicated the mirrors.
"In battle, we communicate with those mirrors. They increase mobility and provide an edge the Empire doesn't utilize. You will be watching them with my staff. When this battle is over, and we have every reason to believe it will be a success, we will discuss your Locust. Until then, we have a bit of work to do. I'm afraid I must take my leave of you, as the fighting is about to start. We must begin," Destin said, turning. "MOVE OUT!" With that simple command, the Liberation Army began marching on the fortress trade city of Milano.
* * * *
"His tactics are excellent," commented Mercury. For the first time since being assimilated, she was actually calm, composed, and enjoying herself. "Where are the enemies? And aren't you worried something will happen to him?"
The Valkyrie watching the mirrors frowned, relaying images to Destin's unit, which was steadily forging southward. His unit was slightly behind the rest, but they were assured that he was quite well protected. "He's with the Princess Norn, and the three Sky Knights of Legend. Those three were the noble ones that gave up their normal lives to engage and defeat the ogres during the Ogre Battle. Two were once human, and one is a fallen goddess, seeking reascension by assisting us. They were corrupted by Rashidi's magic, and Destin was able to release Rashidi's hold on them. Between them and the fact Destin is quite the swordsman, well, we believe in our Lord," she finished, trailing off. She gazed at one of the mirrors. "Destin, Fordham has engaged the enemy. It is a flying unit."
Destin's voice issued from his mirror. "I see it." Intrigued, the Scouts leaned in to watch. A Wyrm carrying three Berserkers moved towards the now liberated village six hours north of Milano. It began to descend with evil intent. Two Wyverns swooped in. The first, carrying Fordham, spewed deadly, concentrated flame, blasting the most important looking Berserker. The other smacked the Wyrm upside the head, knocking it and its passengers to the ground. The first Wyvern landed to engage in melee combat while the second continued making passes with fire. The whole time, Fordham was throwing orbs of freezing energy at the enemies. It was not long before the enemy unit was destroyed.
"Fordham to Destin, enemy unit destroyed," the report came through the mirrors. This report turned out to be the beginning of a long fight. The scouts watched, and understood what Valkyries used their spears for. Jupiter felt kindred with them, as a whole unit of them, commanded by Rauny, rained lightning on any and all they came across. Gilbert was teamed with a man with wings. They watched, curious.
"That's the Eagleman Canopus, also known as the Wind Rider," said the Valkyrie in camp with them. "Gilbert is a Beast Master, and that is a Cerberus with the Ninja in front of them." The other units fought on. Mages dispensed magic, Knights clashed with axe-wielding Black Knights, Samurai clashed with Ninja. Dragons and Griffons clashed with Octopus and Cockatrices. Clerics and Prests healed, and Faeries clashed with Mermaids. Tristam's unit, wielding holy weapons, destroyed Demons commanding Skeletons and Ghosts repeatedly. Doll Mages with Golems engaged Vampyres with Giants and Werewolves. Before the second day of fighting was out, the Liberation Army was besieging Milano itself. The Scouts walked in as a single unit dispatched to the main castle. They had retired eight hours prior, and were just now waking up.
"Just one?" asked Venus, yawning.
The Valkyrie grinned. Over the past 36 hours, she had gotten used to the Scouts and actually liked them. "All that's needed. Baron Apros won't be able to stand against Rauny, as she didn't like being forced to him in marriage, against her will. And some swapping was done. Tristam, Destin, Norn, and Debonair are all with her. They'll demolish him easily."
"Well, Destin certainly plays for keeps," commented Mercury. "He seems good at physical and psychological warfare." A short time later, Baron Apros crouched, ozone crackling as an angry and merciless Rauny brought down one last lightning bolt. The camp broke into cheers as Milano was liberated, and fireworks began going off over the trade city.
"All that in two days," smiled Mask.
"Impressive," said Luna and Artemis.
"Someone else around here should learn to lead like that," smirked Mars.
Moon glared at Mars. Perhaps it was a sign of her growing maturity that she did not whine, or stick her tongue out. Rather, she turned away. "Well, he does have competent help. That counts for a lot."
Mars' jaw dropped. Her face went beet-red. "Why, why, you!" she sputtered. The other Scouts were mildly surprised by Moon's retaliation.
"Wait a minute," began Venus. "That hits all of us!"
'Hmm, does it?" smiled Moon, feigning an innocent look. "I'm sorry!"
Artemis couldn't help it. For all the teasing the Scouts had thrown at Moon over the years, her reply got her even in one fell swoop. He cracked up, rolling on his side laughing. Luna buried her face with her paw, struggling not to laugh. Mask grinned, and there was a devilish twinkle in Moon's eye. She was struggling to keep a straight face.
"Well," said Mercury, blinking. "I do believe we had that coming."
* * * *
The congratulations were loud that night, as the victory celebration continued. The only sour note, for the Scouts at least, was that no one was taking them seriously.
"It's getting on my nerves," sighed Venus. "For some reason, our outfits don't inspire these people to think we're capable of anything."
"And why not?" asked Moon. "They each have different powers. We are in a magical world. We'll have to prove to them that we are dangerous in a fight. They also would think our outfits make little sense, provide no protection. They don't understand that while in Scout form, our strength is enhanced, our speed is increased, our durability and punishment-absorbing potential is through the roof, and we have all kinds of tricks up our sleeves."
"Well, how do we prove it?" asked Jupiter.
"Do you really feel you have to prove something to them?" asked Moon. "Jupe, just how powerful would you rate the lightning they were using?"
"Easy money, for me," she said. "I see your point."
Moon smiled. "Guys, we know our power. We are guests here, and until the time comes to use our power, we should just take it easy. We have nothing to prove."
"And when that time comes," began Venus.
"We will get medieval on Marius," smiled Mars. Just then, they were approached by an inebriated Deneb, who promptly began hitting on Mask. Moon frowned.
Mask brushed Deneb off.
"But, cutie-pie, I wanna take you somewhere nice and quiet," Deneb giggled.
"My heart is with Sailor Moon," said Mask calmly.
"Forget about her," snickered Deneb. She turned and cast a Stun Cloud on the Scouts. To her complete surprise, it had no effect. Actually, it did have one effect.
It pissed off Sailor Moon. Without thinking, she whirled and reached up. By this time everyone in camp was watching. They knew and tolerated Deneb. They didn't know what this girl was going to do. Sailor Moon hesitated, and slowly brought her hand down.
"You know," began Mercury. "Despite what Sailor Moon said, we do have something to prove. Not to us," Jupiter interrupted her.
"But to them," she said as the rod on her tiara went up. Storm clouds gathered. "And she just tried to attack us, but more importantly," and she was interrupted by Mars and Venus.
"She just disrespected our princess!"
"Guys!" shouted Moon. "DON'T!" But Jupiter was already moving.
"I'll show you true lightning! JUPITER THUNDER DRAGON!" her hands dropped and lightning crackled as the thunder dragon blasted Deneb backwards, through a tent and rolling into a storage wagon, which promptly lit up into flames. Deneb was barely alive. Metal rang as weapons were drawn and pointed at the Scouts.
"Oh, please," said Venus. The Scouts were now in automatic defense mode, and Luna, Artemis, and Mask were just behind them. Moon was trying to calm down her friends, and not having much success. Venus continued. "You really think that's gonna stop us? We don't tolerate attacks on our leader. She attacked her and us. She has been taught a lesson. If you wanna continue, then let's go!"
"She may be lewd," snapped the Beast Master Lyon, "but she's one of us! That was uncalled for!"
"Was it?" snapped Mars.
"ENOUGH!" shouted Moon. Destin and Fordham had just arrived on scene, and were mildly surprised to see a smoking Deneb. "That is enough! I could have taught her a lesson if I wanted to! I didn't! Tuxedo Mask was handling it, and she went a little overboard. She did not hurt any of us, so I elected not to hurt her." Moon was now glaring at her friends. Her hands were on her hips, and she was white with rage. "But what really gets me is you guys totally ignoring me! That's the bigger issue here! I know how motherly Jupiter gets, so I'm not surprised at her response. Instead, I'm hurt that you guys didn't trust me to take care of my own business, and decided to totally disregard something I said not five minutes ago!" The Scouts wilted. For the first time in their memory, Moon was pissed at them!
Destin cleared his throat. "Break it up. Aisha, heal Deneb. Everyone, great job this past battle. Debrief tomorrow noon, main tent. Be there. Now, I will leave this in your hands, Miss Moon. Hopefully, you will resolve this soon. I apologize for Deneb's actions, and we'll see you tomorrow at noon."
Moon looked at him. "I apologize for Jupiter's actions. She's like a mama bear, protective and vicious when she feels I'm wronged. I won't hold her responsible, though."
Destin nodded, and waved his people away. Only Fordham was in range. He cleared his throat.
"Well, Stryfe was right. You guys do put on a hell of a show. Relax, everything'll work out. See you tomorrow," he said cryptically, walking away. Moon turned back.
"Look. I realize there have been plenty of times when I wasn't much of a leader. I know that I've not wanted any of this since day one. But lately, I've been thinking. It's not so horrible, being a Scout. We have an absolute purpose in life, and while we were drawn by destiny, the future is ours to write. We have power to make our lives interesting, and plenty of challenges to meet. My point is, I've finally accepted what you guys accepted so long ago. Now, I'm trying my hardest to be a good leader, and while I can see that it's taking some getting used to, I do not want this to ever happen again. Ok?" finished Moon, calmer now. "Or should I go back to being who I used to be?"
"Don't be silly, Sailor Moon," said Luna with a smile. "You go, girl!" The Scouts all nodded.
"It won't happen that way again," promised Mars, while the other Scouts agreed vehemently.
"Let's get some rest," suggested Artemis. Moon was pleasantly surprising them all, and Artemis and Luna couldn't be happier.
* * * *
"In short, everyone fought well," Destin trailed off. All the big names of the rebellion were here. Norn, Slust, Fenril, Fogel, the Knight Lans, Doll Mage Ashe, Canopus, Gilbert, Lyon, Rauny, Mage Saradin, Mage Warren, Deneb, and the Priest Aisha. This was Tristam's first debriefing as a member of the Liberation Army. Fordham smiled, as the Scouts were also present and Deneb was quiet for once, perhaps having learned a lesson yesterday.
Who am I kidding? he thought. She'll never learn. He turned his attention back to the matters at hand.
"Now, onward. Our next battle will be in Antalia, against the ex-bishop Omicron. Omicron was sacked for attempting to study forbidden magics. Warren?" called Destin.
Warren stood. "He is beyond evil. We will be fighting a lot of undead and creatures of the night. Best time of attack will be daylight. Omicron has ties with Rashidi, how strong is unknown. We will most likely need Brunhild, as a Chaos Gate is supposed to exist there. Caution is the order of the day, and it shouldn't be too tough, probably just a little easier than the Kastolation Sea was. We may also find additional help. There is a little-known Roshian Temple hidden in a vale in the eastern mountains, between the forked rivers. An angel is rumored to be trapped there. If we can make contact, chances are good we can gain an additional ally."
"An angel, huh?" said Lans. "That would be helpful against Omicron."
"Well, then. When we begin the fight, Fordham will locate this temple and we will see if his rumor holds any truth. The rest will sweep. Focus your attention on the mirror," said Destin, turning. He drew his sword, and pointed as the mirror lit up with a map. "As you can see, we will have to move around the bay, with the exception of Canopus. He will cut straight across and intercept any sky units. The rest will form a line, and advance gradually. We will surround his castle, and storm it. Any questions?" Destin surveyed the tent. Everyone was quiet. "Okay. Now, we haven't seen that Locust of Fordham's in some time. Last time she engaged us, we barely beat her off. We need to plan on her appearance. Fordham, would you care to clarify the situation for us all?"
Fordham nodded and stood. "I'm not sure of all of the background.." he trailed off as Mercury raised her hand. "Yes?"
"May I? If I explain what we know about her, it may assist if she shows up again." Fordham and Destin nodded. She ignored a few suspicious looks as she continued. "Marius, the Locust, is the current leader of the Negaverse, a dark place that repeatedly attempts to gain control of our world. Due to the way the Negaverse works, agents of the Negaverse must gather energy from their intended victims, using it against them. We Scouts have always prevented this from happening. Now, she apparently decided that by seeking power from elsewhere, she could overpower us and finally claim what she wants." Mercury paused as Saradin raised his hand.
"You said the Negaverse is a powerful, ancient enemy, right? What's the guarantee they aren't invading your world as we speak?" he asked.
Mercury smiled. "You are seeing only half of our team. We are the Inner Court, loyal protectors of Sailor Moon, alter ego of Princess Serenity. Tuxedo Mask will be her husband, and Luna and Artemis are advisors. We left the Outer Court behind, as well as her daughter and her bodyguards, the other two members of the Inner Court. The Outer Court is just as loyal, but they specialize in vanquishing foes, not protecting princesses."
There was a collective gasp as Mercury's words sunk in. Saradin was the first to recover. "Did you say princess?" Glances were exchanged.
"Yes, but that's not important right now. Okay. Marius apparently intends to get her hands on what you call the 'Zodiac Stones'. I can only guess what type of power they contain."
"The Zodiac Stones contain the power to open the gates of heaven or hell, whichever the user desires. But they only work when all twelve are together," said Warren.
"I understand why she would desire them, then," mused Mercury. "She could open a direct link to the Negaverse, allowing hordes of creatures to come through. Well. We are working on a way to trap her within her own power, utilizing it to send her back where she belongs while draining it from her."
"You mean you are," smiled Jupiter. She faced the others. "She's always been the brains, and doesn't take credit for her own work."
Mercury blushed a little. "Whatever. At any rate, since we're here, if she appears in a fight, we will intercept her and engage her. Hopefully, she won't show for several more battles, until we are ready to send her back."
"Okay, thank you," said Destin. "Everyone, keep your eyes open. As soon as she is spotted, we deploy the Scouts. We begin moving out in two days. Start packing today. Understood?" Everyone nodded. "Then, dismissed!" As everyone stood to leave, Rauny approached Jupiter.
"Hey, do you think you could teach me that trick of yours?"
* * * *
Mel quietly gazed at the setting sun. Things had gotten progressively worse. The Scouts were wanted by the police, and they were avoiding outside contact. The temple was fast becoming their home away from home. General Trouble had been scarce since the incident where Uranus had lost it, and naturally she blamed her temper on GT. It was quiet, for now.
She sighed, and picked herself up, preparing to go back inside and get some rest when the birds around her stopped chirping. Uh oh, she thought. Sam, something's not right out here! Transform and get the others!
On our way, Sam shot back. "Trouble! Mel thinks GT is about to attack!"
"Let's go!" shouted Amara, raising her hand.
Outside, Mel did the same. "EARTH COSMIC POWER!" Her transformation finished as GT stepped out of the trees, barreling at her. She dodged, and his momentum carried him to the street. She followed, to be joined by the other Scouts. GT turned tail, running downhill towards a busier part of town.
"Let's get him!" yelled Neptune. The Scouts tore after him, and he soon stopped to face them. They were in the middle of a busy intersection. People were running in all directions.
Why didn't he turn invisible? wondered Earth-Anger. She and Earth-Love moved apart from the others as they spread out, staying together while surrounding him. The attacks started flying. GT began taking some serious damage.
"NEPTUNE STUNNING TSUNAMI!"
Water burst from Neptune's mirror. Saturn lowered her glaive to attack as Pluto readied hers. The impact of the water almost leveled him. Uranus saw her chance.
"URANUS GALACTIC COLLISION!"
GT stood up, realizing what was about to happen. He dodged straight towards the Earth twins. Uranus' meteor crashed down from above.
"NO!" screamed Uranus in horror as the meteor struck. The explosion blinded them, and when the smoke cleared, GT was gone and sirens were wailing, drawing near. They glanced about, spotting Earth-Love's form in a nearby wall, which was partly collapsed over her. Earth-Anger wasn't in sight.
The first police car drew around the corner just them. Uranus picked up Earth-Love. "We've got to find Earth-Anger!" Neptune grabbed her arm as the cars screeched to a stop.
"There's no time! We'll find her later with Earth-Love's connection to her! We've got to get out of here! We can't do anything if we get arrested, and we can't exactly fight the police, it'll just make things worse!"
Uranus bowed her head. She knew Neptune was right, but she didn't like it. She gritted her teeth. Now she knew why being the leader was a hard job. Am I making the right choice? Let's hope so. "Scouts, retreat!"
By the time the police were out of their cars, and before anyone could say "Freeze!" the Scouts were gone. Fuji shook his head and ordered the area secured. Soon, the place was a beehive of activity.
"Lieutenant! Over here!" called one of the officers. Fuji moved towards him. He gasped. The tree he was near hadn't collapsed from any attack. It was split in half, covering a collapsed section of wall. There was a form lying there. Still breathing, some minor bleeding from cuts, singe marks evident on her outfit, mostly buried by bricks, but otherwise okay.
"My God.. what could have done this, and how did she survive?" he wondered.
"What should we do, Lieutenant?" asked the officer. Fuji sighed, examining the unconscious Sailor Earth-Anger. He then gave the hardest order he had ever given.
"Book her."
TO BE CONTINUED...