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 ALTERNITY
By Daryll Pung
Part 2: Swords And Sorcery
Chapter 1: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful
The transfer seemed both to last forever and last but a microsecond. After the white light faded, the team found themselves lying in a grass field that seemed to stretch away forever. Off in the distance, dark mountains rose from the plains. The Scouts all glanced at each other as they sat up. The only one not accounted for was Sailor Earth-Love.
"Where could she have gone?" asked Sailor Jupiter.
"Where are we?" questioned Sailor Mini-Moon in a frightened voice.
Tuxedo Mask grasped Sailor Mini-Moon and comforted her while the others began talking.
"She could be anywhere!" said Sailor Mars.
"How many different planes did Stryfe say there were?" asked Sailor Venus.
"Quiet, everyone!" snapped Sailor Moon.
As everyone settled down, Sailor Mercury spoke up. "She's on this plane, remember? She was sent here separately from us, but the node was set to bring us all here. She's just somewhere else on this plane."
"Mercury's right," said Sailor Neptune. "We'll just have to locate her. She can't be too far away." She looked at Sailor Earth-Anger.
"She's here, but not too close. I can barely feel her," murmured Sailor Earth-Anger worriedly.
A whooshing sound drew their attention behind them. A figure in dark robes looked thoughtfully at them.
"Hello, strangers," said a deep voice.
* * * *
As Sailor Earth-Love got to her feet, aided by a man in gray robes and red cloak, she glanced at his face. It was the face from the monitor, and looked exactly like Stryfe! He held a long, wooden staff with a red crystal in one end, and he was alone with her in a clearing in some woods.
"Just one?" he asked in exactly the same voice. "I thought there was a whole group of you?"
She blinked in surprise.
"Well, er...." she shook her head. "I got sent separately from them, I guess.....Who are you? And why do you sound exactly like Stryfe?"
"Hmmm....I thought Stryfe explained everything to you. I am him....or that life form's form in this plane. We are essentially the same person. I am known as Derrelli," he said.
"Might they follow me?" asked Sailor Earth-Love.
"No. If they are still fighting and get sent, or if they have all been sent already, they will go to the next node on this plane," answered Derrelli. "We must find where that is. Follow me," he said, indicating a tower rising out of the forest.
"I can barely feel my twin......they're here, but they aren't close," she said.
He looked at her. "Can you tell which direction?"
"No," she sighed, shaking her head. "Way too faint."
"Worry not, young Hopper. We'll get you home," he smiled reassuringly. "And find your friends."
"Thanks," she said, a faint grin on her face. Then the smile disappeared and she looked confused. "'Hopper'?" she asked.
"That's what we of the Order call those lost in other Primes," he explained.
"Oh, okay," she said. "And what's with your ears?" she asked, gazing at his slightly pointed ears.
"I'm a half-elf," he answered as the two of them moved off into the woods.
* * * *
"So, why are you dressed so strangely?" demanded the one in dark robes. His voice was harsh with anger.
"We can't tell you!" snapped Sailor Moon. This person obviously is not from the Order, or he would know this, she thought, seeing the nods of the other Scouts at her refusal to talk.
"Then I hope pain is something you enjoy!" snapped the dark figure.
Sailor Moon recoiled in fear. The Scouts' eyes widened.
"I think we'll let you think about it first.....maybe you'll reconsider....Mwa ha ha..." the figure laughed evilly.
The green-skinned, pig-snouted figures that had been standing in the shadows ever since they had entered this tower leapt forward and bound the Sailor Scouts, before prodding them with their short swords, leading them out of the grandly decorated main hall, leading them down some stairs into the dungeons. They found themselves all shoved into one cell, then chained hand and foot to the damp, slimy walls. The creatures moved out of the chamber and the door slammed shut with a loud clang. The lock clicked, and they heard words they didn't understand. The door glowed briefly, then returned to normal. A single torch burned outside the door, and that was the sole source of light for the team to see. The cell was musty and damp, with rotten straw strewn all over the floor.
"What now?" asked Sailor Venus in a soft, frightened voice.
There was no answer.
* * * *
"Any news?" asked Sailor Earth-Love anxiously as Derrelli walked down the stairs. The little creature Derrelli had identified as a kobold, his friend Mirk, was sharing some slices of apple and apple juice with her.
"Nothing good. I've traced them to the node they appeared in. It's a good week's march from here by horse. The bad news is Cyric Deathhands, a necromancer who has a tower near there, probably greeted them. Your friends are probably in his hands, and those are very bad hands to be in," said Derrelli.
"Oh, no," gasped Sailor Earth-Love.
"I 'member him," put in Mirk darkly. Once again she noticed the little goat-like horns, the scaly tail, both seeming out of place on the dog-like body. "Very curious about life, unusual creatures he can turn undead, and just plain death. We barely escaped his grasp."
"That was when I was just an apprentice," smiled Derrelli. "I'm much stronger now, and can probably take him. Unfortunately, he undoubtedly has powerful guardians. Equally unfortunately, he probably has your friends and is torturing them....or worse."
"W-worse?" trembled Sailor Earth-Love.
"So what're we gonna do?" asked Mirk.
"'We'?" grinned Derrelli.
"Yup. Bet your lucky apples I'm helping!" said Mirk hotly.
"Good. Your help will be appreciated. I've sent for some other friends, and we'll meet them on the way there," said Derrelli. "Be brave, young Hopper. We'll rescue your friends!"
Sailor Earth-Love managed a small smile.
Chapter 2: Meetings and Encounters of the Painful Kind
The door opened, and Sailor Jupiter was thrown back in the cell, the creatures right behind her to put her back in the chains. She leaned limply against the wall as the door slammed shut, gathering her breath as the other Scouts watched.
"Anything different happening?" asked Sailor Pluto.
"No," Jupiter answered weakly. She tried to find a comfortable spot in the straw. All the Scouts, even poor little Sailor Mini-Moon, had been beaten repeatedly. Their outfits were filthy and becoming tattered. All of them had bruises and cuts.
"Thank God," murmured Mercury. "I don't want it to go any further."
"He's playing with us," said Sailor Uranus in despair.
"Like he's got all the time in the world," continued Neptune.
"In essence, he does," sighed Sailor Saturn.
Sailor Moon looked around at the other Scouts, all dejected and quiet.
"Maybe we should give him what he wants," said Tuxedo Mask.
"NO!" yelled Moon, drawing everyone's attention. "This is nothing yet! Think about what would happen if we did. Do we really want someone else besides Darkstrike messing with our reality? Do we really want all those poor, innocent people to suffer? I don't! I will resist to my last breath!"
The Scouts all looked at each other.
"She's right," said Sailor Mars.
"We'll make it," said Sailor Venus. "We always do!"
Sailor Earth-Anger looked up suddenly, a grin breaking over her face.
"What?" asked Luna and Artemis, noticing.
"She's coming closer!" smiled Sailor Earth-Anger. "My twin is coming to save us!"
* * * *
Samantha followed quietly behind Derrelli. Mirk was scouting ahead for trouble. Derrelli had given her clothes to blend in, so she had returned to her normal form. Derrelli held up his hand. They heard a rustle and Mirk reappeared, practically out of breath. His short sword was bloody.
"Orcs! A hunting party," gasped out Mirk. "I got one of 'em in the back."
"Hmm..." said Derrelli. "How many?"
"About forty-five," panted Mirk.
"A little too many for just the few of us," frowned Derrelli.
"Well, they're coming this way," said Mirk, ducking behind a tree. Mirk melted into the shadows as the first orc spotted Samantha and Derrelli.
Samantha examined the orcs. Green-skinned, with pig-like snouts and all carrying short swords and shields, the feral beasts snorted as they moved towards them.
"Watch it.....M'gic User," one said.
"An' yummy hooman woman," said another.
Derrelli looked grimly at the orcs. The sheer numbers would overwhelm him without cover for spellcasting.
Beside him, Samantha pulled out her wand.
"Let's rumble, creeps! EARTH LOVE CRYSTAL POWER!" shouted Samantha.
The light from her transformation reached through the trees. The group of travelers on a nearby road, the very road Derrelli, Mirk, and Samantha were trying to reach, noticed.
"What's that?" asked one.
"I think we should check it out," said another.
Meanwhile, back at the scene of the fight, Sailor Earth-Love rolled up and shouted "EARTH LOVE DARK!"
A beam of purple crackling energy lanced out and nailed the lead orc, dropping him to his knees, and then his face as his life force was drained. The orcs glanced at their dead leader, and then glared at the pair of them.
"Signif Dreaken Foguren! 35 feet...Fireball!" chanted Derrelli, hands together, pointing at the largest concentration of orcs. A small dart of fire leapt from his pointing index fingers and shot to the distance stated before detonating into a huge explosion of fire. Seventeen orc bodies were still lying there, smoking.
That left twenty-seven. One charged at Sailor Earth-Love. Before she could act, a blur hit the orc in the back, and there was a sound of metal against flesh. Mirk jumped to the ground as the orc body hit the ground.
Twenty-six.
Derrelli was worried. The orcs had now closed the distance so that he could no longer use magic without injuring his two companions. The orcs, sensing victory as the three of them backed away slowly, were extremely surprised when a dagger suddenly impacted right between the eyes of one of their number. His body crumpled as a tree flew into four more orcs, smashing them into a pulp against another tree.
The orcs regrouped as a human and a not-so-dark elf dropped out of the trees behind them. Swords flashed, and two orcs were caught by the half-dark elf's sword. Nunchukas whirled, and another orc dropped, his skull smashed.
Eighteen. The remaining orcs turned to the only escape route left to them, only to see a dwarf, two humans, and a half-giant blocking their path. The human female threw her arm forward, and another orc fell to the dagger she threw as it impacted in his right eye. The other human spoke.
"Praise to Zoysalyn! May her rage consume those that would defy her wishes, and bring them back under my command!" he shouted as he raised his hands. Four of the dead orcs regained their feet and began attacking the still-living orcs, felling six before they were cut down again.
The dwarf roared and hurled both of the twin battleaxes that were etched with magical runes. Two orcs' heads tumbled to the ground, their bodies falling afterwards as the dwarf casually caught the axes.
The half giant gripped a tree stump and pulled it out of the ground, holding it in one hand as he hefted a huge sledgehammer-like maul in the other. He hurled the stump with all his might, smashing two orcs, while he swung the maul, smashing another two orc skulls.
Five left. They turned towards Derrelli, Sailor Earth-Love, and Mirk.
Sailor Earth-Love glanced at Derrelli to see if he was concerned, then did a double take at the sight of a similarly attired human talking to him. Derrelli nodded, then gave a signal.
The half-dark elf held up a hand.
The human next to the half giant held up his pendant.
The magic-user human on Derrelli's right nodded.
Derrelli shouted, "Now!"
"Woslak Draneth...Magic Missile!" shouted the half-dark elf, hand towards the orcs.
"Zoysalyn's anger ignite upon her enemies!" prayed the human near the half-giant.
"Mirenth Glockheas Smirkton.....Death Spell!" cast the mage next to Derrelli.
"Gosklah Ulasti Fiskhath....Meteor Strike!" chanted Derrelli.
The remaining five orcs were nailed by five small, glowing spheres as a column of fire poured down upon them, as darkness grasped their souls, as a huge fiery rock impacted upon them. When the smoke cleared, five nuclear shadows were all that remained of the orcs.
Victory.
Chapter 3: Rescues, Kidnappings, and Dragons
"The half-dark elf is Siko Mazri, The human in the gi is known as Wu Sheng, the human war priest is Magnus Yenkn. The female is Chrystyn Shadowstorm, and standing next to her is Consis Barghest, fellow magic-user. The dwarf is Biggh-Daghe Hamicyd, and our half-giant friend is Atuk," introduced Derrelli as they all sat around a blazing campfire several miles from the incident with the orcs.
"And who is this?" asked Siko.
"More importantly, what was so important? Why did you need all of our help?" Consis questioned softly.
"She is a Hopper," said Derrelli. "Her name is Samantha."
"Whoa...slow down...a Hopper?" asked Siko.
"You all have heard about other planes, right?" asked Derrelli.
"Yes," said Consis. "So she is a plane hopper?"
"Yes, and she is not alone. She and her companions were not intentionally trying to travel the planes. They were forced here, and I'm helping to return them home," explained Derrelli.
"So where are her companions?" asked Consis.
"In the hands of Cyric Deathhands," replied Derrelli neutrally.
"Aaaaahhh," said Wu Sheng. "Now I understand why you wanted us. You and Consis could probably take him, but he is legendary for having numerous monsters under his control. You want our help fighting them?"
Derrelli nodded.
Atuk looked confused.
"Relax, Atuk. Sparkles wants help to have fun with lots of bads. Playtime!" placated Consis.
Samantha blinked in surprise. Mirk tapped her shoulder.
"Atuk isn't the smartest guy in the world," he whispered, "but he has a lot of spirit and is a good friend."
Samantha nodded.
"So, what's the plan?" queried Chrystyn in her silky voice.
"Here's what I had in mind," grinned Derrelli. They all leaned closer to hear.
* * * *
"YOU WILL TELL ME!" he roared, slapping Sailor Moon across the face. She felt wetness on her face and knew she was bleeding again from the cut on her cheek.
Cyric Deathhands glared at her.
"Very well. If you will not tell me, I do believe it is time to move to the next stage. Your little friend here will be my first victim," he said, indicating a sobbing Sailor Mini-Moon. He clapped his hands, and a section of wall parted to reveal a torture chamber. Sailor Moon's eyes went wide.
"Leave her alone! Do it to me instead!" she said in anguish as he grabbed Sailor Mini-Moon.
"Aww, you really care about this little brat, don't you? It's a shame-" he began, then broke off as the wall behind the torture chamber collapsed, a huge form stepping through.
"Atuk want fun!!! Where bads at?" bellowed Atuk as Magnus, Chrystyn and Consis followed him through the hole.
"Guards!" shouted Cyric.
A loud explosion resounded down the stairs. Someone's footsteps were heard coming down. Sailor Earth-Love stepped into the room, took in the scene, and focused her attention on Cyric. Derrelli, Wu Sheng, Biggh-Daghe, Mirk, and Siko, all of their weapons dripping with orc blood, soon backed her up.
" You're surrounded, Cyric," said Derrelli.
"Aaah, the upstart fire mage and his friends," sneered Cyric.
"Where are the rest of my friends?" demanded Sailor Earth-Love as Mirk slipped away.
"Hmm..I forgot. Now where did I put them?" Cyric said, feigning forgetfulness. "Oh, I remember." He moved towards a lever on the wall. "Right here!" and he reached for it.
"Don't-" cried Derrelli as Cyric yanked it. The wall slid open, revealing a huge clay form that stepped forward.
"A golem!" said Consis.
Cyric was laughing maniacally, still holding Sailor Mini-Moon.
"Atuk got playtoy!" yelled Atuk. In one swift movement, he grabbed the golem and smashed it into the stone floor, burying it completely upside-down in the stone until only its feet were showing.
Cyric stopped laughing as Wu Sheng nonchalantly moved a small table over where the golem's feet were and sat down on it, putting his feet on the table. Sailor Earth-Love's mouth hung open in surprise at the half-giant's strength.
"You may have defeated my guardian, but I'm taking this brat with me to the inferno! Mwa ha ha ha!" With that, Cyric disappeared with Sailor Mini-Moon as Mirk led the rest of the team into the chamber.
"NO!" screamed Sailor Moon.
"Well, at least we can destroy this place!" said Derrelli.
"What!?" exclaimed Sailor Venus. "What about Sailor Mini-Moon?"
"That was a challenge to me and Consis. Cyric knows all of our encounters. He knows how we once outsmarted Sorkanth the Red, a red dragon. I know exactly where your little Hopper friend is," stated Derrelli.
"Where?" asked Sailor Moon.
"Sorkanth translated from chromatic draconic into common is Inferno," said Consis. "They're at Inferno's Lair, and Sorkanth'll be happy for revenge."
The Sailor Scouts exchanged nervous, weak looks.
Chapter 4: The Flames of Retribution
The group stood on a nearby ridge, the highlight of the burning tower lighting the sky for miles. The Sailor Scouts were slumped on the ground in exhaustion, and the rest were in a solemn mood, thinking of the dragon.
"Oooh," groaned Sailor Moon, rubbing her cheek. "I hurt all over and I'm tired."
Derrelli motioned to Magnus, but Sailor Earth-Love held up her hand.
"I got this," she said. "EARTH LOVE REFRESH!"
A white mist flowed over the entire group, healing injuries, refreshing energy, and freshening the Scouts. They looked a lot better after the mist cleared.
"As always, we are so glad to have you," Sailor Moon smiled to Sailor Earth-Love.
"I do my best," she smiled back, moving to her twin and sitting next to her.
Sailor Moon surveyed the group, now refreshed, as Derrelli took a bundle from Atuk.
"What's that?" asked Sailor Uranus.
"Clothes for you to blend in. I suggest you wait at my tower until we recover your little Hopper. Dragons have a tendency to be painful and smart," Derrelli said.
"No!" Sailor Moon rounded on him. "We will not stand by while Sailor Mini-Moon is in trouble! We're coming with you!"
The rest of the Sailor Scouts exchanged determined looks. Derrelli saw this and glanced at Consis, who shrugged.
"Very well. We best get started. The conjunction is approaching for the next planar transfer, and we'll be cutting it close going to the dragon's lair. Hurry and change, and we'll get started," directed Derrelli. He turned to the adventurers as the Scouts willed themselves to normal and put on the clothes he supplied.
"Do we have an idea how we want to do this?" he asked.
"Hey, how does this go on?" asked Lita, indicating her tunic. Chrystyn smiled and moved to help.
"I suggest we split to three groups," said Siko thoughtfully. "Your hopper friends should concentrate on recovering their friend and distracting the two main adversaries. I'll lay gold that Cyric and Sorkanth will have other friends for us."
"Sounds good," said Consis. "I suggest me, Chrystyn, Mirk, and Wu Sheng concentrate on Cyric Deathhands. I'll send him to the Abyss, that wanna-be necromancer," finished Consis with hatred in his voice.
"Agreed. The rest of us will concentrate our attention on the dragon. I'm not sure I'll be much help, since most of my spells are fire-based and reds are immune to fire," said Derrelli.
"In this case, Derrelli, I think your fire protection and immunity spells will be more important," smiled Siko.
The Scouts had all finished, and were now watching and listening.
"Okay. We're ready. Let's go."
They moved off into the forest.
* * * *
The mountain pass was foreboding and dark. The group looked up upon the peak known as Inferno's Lair, at the gaping cavern entrance.
"Is that it?" asked Serena quietly.
Derrelli nodded solemnly.
"One final word. We are going against some very dangerous enemies. Both are potent magic-users, and the dragon is dangerous physically and watch for its breath weapon! If you are caught in it, you will be dead! We must use caution all the way in. There will undoubtedly be traps, and reds usually have a lot of monsters for guardians. If someone spots something, raise your fist. Try not to make noise until it doesn't matter. Mirk and Chrystyn will scout ahead and watch for traps. All the fighters will go behind them, followed by Consis, Magnus, and myself. The Hoppers will watch the rear. Are we ready?" finished Derrelli.
Everyone glanced at the determined expressions on everyone else's face, and they all nodded.
"Good. Let's do this," said Siko, drawing his magical long sword.
"Oh yeah," said Wu Sheng drew his nunchukas. Biggh-Daghe drew his axes, Atuk his maul. Magnus readied his magical mace. Consis glanced at Derrelli, and the black crystal on his bone staff glowed with dark energy. Derrelli's staff glowed fiercely red. Chrystyn drew her daggers, Mirk his short sword.
As one the Scouts drew their wands and transformed.
"Okay," said Consis. "Here we go."
They moved towards the yawning entrance. Occasionally, steam issued from it. They paused at the entrance. Mirk held up his hand to halt the group.
"Give us a thirty count," he whispered. He and Chrystyn moved in.
Consis counted off, and then the fighters moved forwards. The spell casters followed, and the Scouts exchanged one more look before stepping into the darkness. The glows from the staves of Derrelli and Consis dimly lit the way. The air smelled strongly of sulfur, and the walls dripped with hot water. Steam hissed almost constantly. The dread deep in their bellies began to rise, threatening to overwhelm them. As one, the Sailor Scouts swallowed nervously and continued on. Suddenly, Siko raised a fist, and they all halted. Ahead, there was a light thunk as a trap was disarmed, and then Siko waved them on. They entered a chamber that glowed brightly of its own light, which came from the immense quantity of lava. They stood on the edge of a tall cliff, looking down at the lake of lava. A small rock bridge was the only way across, and had to be walked single file.
Mirk had Chrystyn halt, and he walked alone onto the bridge, keeping a sharp eye for flying enemies and traps. He got about halfway across, and paused. He waved, and the group moved in a line until they reached him. He saw the puzzled looks and pointed ahead. They could see the bridge meld into another cave entrance. Around the cave were several ledges, each with a winged statue on it.
"Gargoyles," whispered Consis. Mirk nodded.
"I think so," murmured Mirk. "Of course, being a dragon's lair...."
"It could be something else," finished Chrystyn. "Let's find out." Her right hand became a blur as a dagger clattered off the forehead of one of the statue-shapes. All but the two top ones suddenly came to life, rearing and spreading their wings. The gargoyles leapt into the air and swooped as a group towards the party.
"Signif Dreaken Foguren! 50 feet! Fireball!" cast Derrelli, pointing at a point where the gargoyles would be in seconds. The small fiery streak shot out, whizzing just past the gargoyles to detonate in a fiery explosion. Three of the gargoyles' wings shattered and they plummeted straight into the lava. The fourth was slammed into the bridge. Siko jumped and struck, slicing off the gargoyle's head, kicking the body over into the lava.
"Why aren't those two coming at us?" asked Sailor Jupiter.
"I have an idea why," said Mirk. "Don't follow me." He suddenly began running towards the cave entrance. Suddenly, the jaws dropped on the two remaining, and small bursts of flame shot out. Mirk nimbly rolled and dodged the barrage of fire, panting as he reached relative safety in the cave entrance. The statues remained activated.
"Hmmph. Thyuihj Kerist Molsuk Jwinak! Disintegrate!" cast Consis. A small bluish beam shot from his hand and nailed the ledge beneath the statues. The ledge vanished and the statues plummeted into the lava. Mirk quickly surveyed the area immediately around him and waved the party forward.
When they were all safely in the entrance of the second cavern, Mirk and Chrystyn once again moved forward to continue scouting. Once again, everyone followed. They moved slowly forward until Chrystyn raised her fist. Standing in the middle of the passage was a group of zombies.
"Why aren't they coming forward?" murmured Wu Sheng, noticing that Mirk was carefully examining the ground.
"What are they?" asked Sailor Venus.
"Undead humans," answered Consis. "Mostly," he added.
Sailor Mars made a disgusted face.
Mirk slowly prodded something with his short sword, and something went click. Suddenly, the ground shifted, and a net whipped upwards to impact on the spikes that popped out of the ceiling.
"Aaah," said Magnus quietly. He stepped forward to deal with the zombies, but Mirk still held up his fist. Suddenly spears shot out of the walls and floor.
"Now it's done," said Mirk. As if agreeing, the zombies began moving forward. Magnus raised his glowing holy symbol.
"By the power of Zoysalyn, I command you! Minions of Death, answer my call to arms!" he chanted. The zombies halted.
"Okay. Might as well use their own monsters against them," said Biggh-Daghe. Magnus nodded, and the party followed the zombies as Magnus commanded them forward. They rounded a turn, and suddenly twenty orcs jumped off a ledge above. Magnus quickly commanded the zombies to attack to orcs, and the party stepped back as the two groups of monsters began fighting. The orcs whooped and hollered as they attacked the zombies. Derrelli noticed a funny rumbling. The tunnel began to light up, as if....
"Quick! Get close to me!" he said suddenly. As the party did so, he cast. "Weityunh Saghyet Ofwut Gityuq! Elemental Fire Shield!"
The dome of fire that rose above them did so just in time. The tunnel was suddenly blasted with dragonfire. The orcs and zombies were disintegrated instantly, and sweat rolled off Derrelli's face as he concentrated to hold his shield up. After what seemed like an eternity, the dragonfire passed and he let the shield drop. He exhaled shakily, gasping to regain his composure. The walls and floor outside of the diameter of where the shield had been glowed with heat.
"My god," whispered Sailor Venus. The Sailor Scouts' eyes were wide. Derrelli recovered, and the floor cooled enough to move again.
"Was that.....the dragon's breath?" asked Sailor Earth-Anger quietly. Derrelli nodded.
"Wow," said Sailor Mars.
"Come out, vermin! Sorkanth wants to play!" a loud voice echoed through the passage.
"Uh oh," said Siko.
"Just remember, reds are convinced of their own superiority. That overconfidence could be useful. Split into our groups. Let's move slowly along the walls. Use anything you can for cover. Go now!" whispered Derrelli. Consis, Mirk, Chrystyn and Wu Sheng moved across the passage to the opposite wall. Derrelli turned to the Scouts.
"Count to ten before following us. Stay on this side, and stay under cover until we locate your friend," he said. The team nodded.
Everyone moved forward. The chamber opened in front of them. It was huge, with stalactites and stalagmites, boulders and small ledges everywhere. The most striking thing was the giant, glistening pile of treasure that Sorkanth the Red, a gargantuan, two hundred foot long dragon, lay upon. The black shape of Cyric Deathhands accented his fiery red hide. Poor little Sailor Mini-Moon was roped to a boulder near them. Fighting the dragonfear, Consis' group crept towards Cyric, Derrelli's group moved towards the dragon, and the Scouts moved towards Sailor Mini-Moon.
"Ah, good. The rats show their faces," rumbled Sorkanth.
"Well, well. They have arrived to meet their doom," cackled Cyric.
"Hah!" called Wu Sheng.
"Remember us, gullible lizard?" taunted Derrelli.
"WHAT!" roared Sorkanth. "You'll pay for that!" Sorkanth raised his huge, scaly hand and pointed it at Derrelli.
Wu Sheng charged, nunchukas whirling. Cyric suddenly realized how precarious his position was and jumped aside. Mirk leapt at him, but Cyric nailed Mirk with a Magic Missile spell, knocking him on his back. Chrystyn whipped a dagger, which ripped his robe and drew blood on his arm. Hissing, he retaliated with Chill Touch spell on Chrystyn, draining her energy. Wu Sheng moved again, distracting Cyric as Consis picked up one of the dragon's gems.
"So you want to use necromancy, huh?" he whispered as he cast. "Tyeiuh Bolseq Fyutir Zixret! Magic Jar!"
Cyric grinned as he got Wu Sheng with a Vampiric Touch. As Wu Sheng recovered, Cyric raised his hands to finish him, but felt a funny tickle in the back of his mind.
NO! he cried futilely in his mind as his spirit was banished to the gem. Consis, now in command of Cyric's body, had Cyric's body put his arms down. There was no resistance as Mirk's short sword sliced into Cyric's body. As Mirk pulled the sword out, Cyric's soul was destroyed as Consis' lifeforce returned to the gem. Cyric's body toppled in death. Consis canceled the spell, and his lifeforce returned to his body. Crouching to catch his breath, Consis' only thought was And that's what you get for your evil deeds.
In the meantime, Sorkanth's Magic Missiles nailed Derrelli. The distraction was enough to allow the others to get close to the dragon.
"Big lizard bads will be fun!" roared Atuk as he swung his maul. Magnus leapt forwards and cast a Cause Critical Wounds spell upon the dragon with his mace. It passed the dragon's magic resistance and he roared in pain. Siko swung hard, slicing the dragon's claw. Biggh-Daghe hurled his axes. One bounced off the dragon's armored hide, and the other nailed him squarely in one eye. Sorkanth's head jerked back as he roared in fury and pain. Blood ran down his neck from his now useless eye.
Tuxedo Mask leapt forward and whipped several roses. The ropes that bound Sailor Mini-Moon were sliced cleanly through, allowing her to run to Tuxedo Mask as the Sailor Scouts focused their attentions on the enraged dragon.
Sorkanth reared back, reaching to the pit of fiery hatred that raged in his belly. He inhaled.
"Take cover!" shouted Derrelli. He stood up. "Weityunh Saghyet Ofwut Gityuq! Elemental Fire Shield!"
Sorkanth let it go, blasting his anger at the annoying fire mage and his friends. He opened his one good eye to see the fire mage standing, resisting the dragonfire. That infuriated Sorkanth further. He reached up with his claw, and started to bring it crashing down.
"MERCURY SHINE AQUA ILLUSION!"
"VENUS LOVE CHAIN ENCIRCLE!"
"JUPITER THUNDER DRAGON!"
"EARTH ANGER SWARM!"
The claw struck Derrelli's Fire Shield as the Scout's attacks knocked Sorkanth flat on his back, making him temporarily vulnerable. Biggh-Daghe moved to Atuk, whispering as the rest of the team moved closer. Sorkanth got back up, thrashing about angrily. He reared up.
"MOON SPIRAL HEART ATTACK!" called Sailor Moon, the energy of the scepter blinding and hurting Sorkanth.
"Now!" said Biggh-Daghe. Atuk hurled him towards the dragon's head. He reached and grabbed, yanking his axe out of Sorkanth's eye, and bringing both axes down upon the dragon's forehead, crunching into the dragon's skull. Sorkanth roared in pain and anger, and focused on the axes. Biggh-Daghe suddenly let go of his axes and was flung down on the ground, hands burnt from the heat focused through his axes.
"Wha-?" he gasped in pain. Derrelli helped him up.
"Heat Metal, probably. Adult reds have that ability," explained Derrelli.
Sorkanth was in severe pain. He concentrated and healed himself.
"My god," gasped Sailor Earth-Love. "How are we going to beat him?"
Derrelli surveyed the ceiling, noticing a huge stalactite on the ceiling, right above Sorkanth's head. It had cracks in it, presumably from the dragonfire blasting it. As the group continued trying to beat on the dragon, which was now in a rage, Derrelli pointed his finger at the stalactite. He cast his last Fireball spell. The loud explosion distracted the fighting, causing Sorkanth to look up as the stalactite penetrated his forehead, straight through the weak spot caused by Biggh-Daghe's axes. The dragon collapsed. Atuk stepped forward and swung his maul repeatedly, smashing the dragon's skull, making sure he was dead.
It was over.
"Wow," trailed off Luna and Artemis.
* * * *
"Well, I must say, it was definitely an interesting visit," said Sailor Moon. They were all back in the basement of Derrelli's tower. The Planar control equipment was humming as Derrelli configured the device to set their next destination.
"I don't know if interesting is the word I'd use," smiled Sailor Pluto.
"So where are we going now?" asked Sailor Mercury.
"Your destination plane is C-23. I'm working right now to generate a temporary Node to send you to the preset place there," said Derrelli. "It's just about time."
"So is the time frame in the C stack even slower then this one?" asked Sailor Neptune.
"No. It's actually a lot faster than the A stack. As a matter of fact, C stack are the fastest time frames," muttered Derrelli as he concentrated on his work. "All of our planar control technology was developed in C stack."
"Oh," responded Sailor Neptune.
"Well, here we go. Good luck, young Hoppers. We of the Order are depending on you. Take care," said Derrelli.
The planar control equipment included an O-shaped frame. It suddenly began rotating at super-high speeds. A white flash of energy consumed it, and the node was activated.
"Go now! Good Luck!" called Derrelli.
The Sailor Scouts exchanged looks, then jumped in.
Everything became white.