41: Sailor Soldiers
I was happy that I was alive at that moment; I realized that I had won one part of the terrible battle that I was fighting, a battle that was determining more in the universe than I really cared to know. I still don't care to know just how much was decided by the fight. But I digress.
The building I was in was one that had somehow managed to withstand the powers of both Sailor Galaxia and Sailor Moon. During their battle, they had destroyed all the others they had touched. I realized that if Sailor Moon came here. this one would be next. Not only that, but Galaxia seemed to have an endless amount of strength, even when she was hit as she had been when I found her.
How could she be beaten? I certainly could not beat her. Ten soldiers couldn't beat her. The only person who had the ability to match Galaxia was Sailor Moon, but she could not - or, because of the past, would not? - kill her. It was not the best situation at all.
We would need help, and we would need it desperately. I could not know if there was anyone else who could match the enemy - any soldier, or any group who could stir fear within that chamber that would have held Galaxia's heart if she had one.
Of course, even then, I should have known better. Even near the end, I should have reminded myself that if all the past events in The Great Matter had taught me anything, it was that nothing was impossible anymore.
But I kept forgetting that. Nothing but escape and finding Sailor Moon was on my mind.
-
I was gasping for air by the time I got up to the top of the building. I consider myself a strong soldier, but I am no means someone who could scale the heights I scaled without being winded. I took in as much air as I could, cursing myself for having forgot the I had new wings and could have easily flown without exhausting myself.
-Uuugh.... I threw myself onto the ground. -Floritiuse, you are a total fool. Total, total fool. Yes, you are....you..........are.............
I looked up and stopped panting. My exhaustion was forgotten, and I was up off the ground, staring at what was in front of me. I was unable to speak for a moment.
-....Sailor Moon.
She fell to her knees, gasping. I became worried as I looked upon her; her condition was very haggard at best. Her clothing was well torn, and she had many bruises. On her head was a large cut, which was still bleeding.
-Sailor Moon! I was horrified at her state. -What happened?! Are you all right?!
-I.......I.......
She looked up, seemingly at me. She had been crying, perhaps from all the pain she was in. It would be impossible not to be so in her condition. Yet to my complete disbelief, she was also smiling. Her face was happier than I'd ever seen it, even with her Mamo-chan.
-...What? I thought she was going crazy. -Why are you smiling, you idiot! You could have been killed! I almost was!
She didn't seem to hear me. In fact, she kept looking up, with a big smile on her face, and the tears still came to her. I was quite flabigested* by it. Why would she be so happy about nearly dying against such a foe? I quickly became frustrated with her smiling and crying, and so I looked up to see what was giving her such unwarranted amusement.
There was a shooting star in the sky, and it was piercing through the smoke. It was followed by a second star. Then another. Then another.
-....What.....?
And more. Slowly, the sky began to clear, gradually dispelling the smoke and brightening the sky of Asgerd.
-....they're here.....
As it no doubt had during the battle, light began to come once more from Sailor Moon. Her shape seemed to change, transforming into pure light.
-I can't believe it....they're HERE!
Stripes of light soon shot across the sky, with little sign of blackness left. The light from Sailor Moon brightened, and she opened her eyes and spread her arms out.
-SAILOR MOON! What..... I stopped. -Oh...no.....
I then remembered what Mamo-chan had said and realized.
*BOOMboombooMBooMOBOoombOoMbOOmBoOmBOOBOOBOOBOOOBOOOOM*
That is how it all was to me, for I then understood what was going on. Asgerd was under attack - by sailor soldiers! Thousands of them, as far as I could see, crashing onto the surface of the planet in a blaze of lights. Those who had survived the first part of the battle - myself a part of this group - had never seen or felt such a feenominun(!?)** before!
-They're here! Sailor Moon slowly stood once more, her chest glowing with her terrible power. -All this power....this familiarity.....they've finally come! They've come to save me! My friends!
I never realized how many friends a person could have until the new (to me) sailor soldiers came. There were so many. I really wished at that moment that I had as many good friends as she did, if only because I wouldn't want to be caught in the same situation that Usagi had been brought into without some considerable help. But I digress.
-They....... I looked up to the sky. -Sailor Moon, tell them to stop!
-....Floritiuse. Sailor Moon turned back towards me. She had a very strange smile on her face. -Don't you see? They're here to help me! They've finally come to give me their powers!
-But they're destroying Asgerd!
-Let them!
She suddenly stood before us, laughing in such a way that chilled my body. She was not paying much attention to me, however. Her attention was on Sailor Moon, and on the incoming soldiers. The moment Sailor Moon's eyes came on Galaxia, the power from her chest faded away, and she took several steps back..
-Galaxia...!
-They will come towards this place, princess. Galaxia wiped whatever blood was left on her face off. -They know your power. The Vika soldiers have been gathering on the edges of the Seemarin's claimed territory, awaiting the time they were powerful enough to strike.
-What?!
-They cannot sense my power. Again, Galaxia ignored me. -They only answer to you, Sailor Moon.
-....WHAT!?
-What a surprise it would be when they see me standing upon your body, striking you down as they all watch in despair! Galaxia cackled. -What a sight it shall be! What chaos it shall cause!
-...WAIT!!! I finally screamed. -You.....you knew!?!
-Fool! This did catch her attention. -How could the Vika soldiers not come to the rescue of their messiah? They have come here in full force! But naturally, the old ones that you placed your faith with ignored the threat. Because we all know, she walked towards me. -The Vika are backward hicks. All weaklings. No threat at all.
I took several steps back at these words. I remembered the way I thought of Vika soldiers, which was the way of soldiers in the civilized universe. That they were backwards, that they had no powers - everything Galaxia was saying.
-How could you think your simpler kind could be stronger than the Vika? Galaxia turned and gestured her arms in a circle. -Now that they are all here, what civilized sailor would dare fight a heathen? And what could stop them if they knew everything all that had happened? Behold them, Floritiuse! We are on the brink of chaos!
-.....Themis.....
I saw Sailor Moon looking at me. She had her weapon in her hand, and she pointed towards Galaxia. I didn't quite understand what she wanted of me, other than to attack. But when I went to do so, she violently shook her head.
What? I looked around desperately. What is it? What do you want me to do?
Soon, the shooting lights died down to nothing. The smoke was mostly gone, so we could see the city - the planet - around us much clearer. Asgerd was still filled with ruin and death; buildings were still destroyed and left for dust. Fires still raged, though not as terrible and bleak as before, and that was the only difference in the landscape - at least, in terms of what was native to the world.
But there were now countless sailor soldiers that were starting to fill the empty spaces. Soldiers of different colors, different shapes and sizes. Like insects, their numbers seemed to grow indefinitely on the horizon. They were all walking slowly, silently, all towards the building we stood upon.
-Eheheheheh! I saw Galaxia raise her hands and hold her head up. -SAILOR SOLDIERS OF THE VIKA! YOU HAVE FINALLY COME!!!
Galaxia's voice suddenly gained such a power that allowed her voice to sound as if it came from the sky, and indeed, it shook the building with its resonance. The endless group suddenly stopped at this outburst, as if a secret command within the words had ordered them to. I, too, was stopped by its power, as was Sailor Moon.
-I COMMEND YOU FOR YOUR UNWAVERING LOYALTY TO YOUR CHOSEN LEADER!! Galaxia's voice was filled with contempt. -SURELY, IF EVER THERE WAS A CULT OF PERSONALITY, SAILOR MOON HAS CERTAINLY ACHIEVED THE ZENITH WITH HERS! SHE HAS CERTAINLY CONVINCED YOUR KIND OF HER WORTH!!
A small sound came from the crowd at this. I am not one who is good with reading the reaction of a large group of people, but I began to quake with fear as I heard the noises coming from below.
-I WONDER WHAT YOU WILL SAY, WHEN I TELL YOU THE TRAVESTIES SHE HAS ENDURED UNDER THE RULERS OF THIS WORLDLY SYSTEM, HMM? The flames leaped up at this. -THAT SHE HAS BEEN BEATEN, TORTURED, AND TREATED AS LITTLE MORE THAN DUST! AND BY SAILOR SOLDIERS OF THESE WORLDS, WHOM YOU HAVE UNDOUBTEDLY HAD TO RESIST TO GET HERE!
Huh?
The crowd's murmurs began to become loud talk. The soldiers began to look at one another - at least, as far as I could see - and began to become vivid in their expressions and their gestures. I was surprised at Galaxia's words; what was she doing?
-THEY FEAR YOUR PRECIOUS SAILOR MOON! AND WHY? WHY?!? She calmed down. -For saving the universe. They became JEALOUS of your leader for DOING the RIGHT thing!!!
The crowd became louder, and people began to shout. Soldiers were pointing up towards Galaxia, shouting; others were crying.
Suddenly, I understood. She was doing what she had tried with me. She was turning the crowd against the Three!
-AND NOW! NOW THEY WILL KILL YOUR PRINCESS!! Galaxia went back to shouting. -WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW? WHAT IS THERE LEFT TO DO BUT TO FIGHT THOSE WHO HAVE CAUSED THIS? THOSE WHO HAVE TAKEN YOU ALL FROM YOUR HOMES, FOR THE LIFE OF ONE SOLDIER!! A SOLDIER WHO IS DEAD!!
The crowd was becoming furious; they would be let loose to strike fellow sisters at any minute! I tried desperately to speak, but Galaxia seemed to take the energy of the sailor soldiers and use it to strengthen herself, for she held me incapable. Either that, or she had always been capable of doing it the entire time, for she did have a great deal of power to begin with.
Regardless of her power, however, regardless of everything, Galaxia had still made a very terrible mistake. For the dead woman whom had been so wrongly hurt could match Galaxia in any way, and Sailor Moon did just that.
-SAILORS!! Her voice came out as a scream, a desperate scream. -PLEASE! DON'T BELIEVE WHAT SHE IS SAYING TO YOU! I'M ALIVE!! DON'T BE FOOLED BY SAILOR GALAXIA AGAIN!!!!!
Yet, after the silence this brought, there still came a great shout of war from the soldiers. I could see Sailor Moon's sorrowful face as she heard the cry. She looked wounded, almost as she had looked when I had killed her. She had failed to break the spell.
*BOOOMBOOOMBOOOOOM*
The building violently rocked without warning. Both Sailor Moon and I were thrown to the ground. Galaxia, meanwhile, had been thrown, but had caught herself and ascended into the air.
-Huh!? I gasped as I lay on the floor. Then, I cried with joy, for I knew what it meant. -Sailor Moon, they're attacking the building! THEY'RE ATTACKING THE BUILDING!!
*THOWWWWWWWWN*
Then there was a great blast of light. It slowly dimmed, but it enclosed the building in a great column that reached up to the sky. Thousands of sailor soldiers were suddenly thrown back, and the landscape became littered with them.
A barrier. I realized. She has created a barrier to keep the soldiers out!
Despite this, however, the army did not give up. As soon as they recovered, they began to converge around the building once more. The light of their attacks shined all around us, and they shot out towards the barrier.
*BOOOOM!! BOOOOOOOOM!!!!*
-Ahahahaha! Sailor Galaxia laughed. -Fools! You cannot get through! You are all fools!
-Themis…..
It was here that I decided to act. Galaxia did not see me as I charged towards her. I held up my appendages and formed my attack.
-Spiral Shock LASER!!!!
I thought it would hit for a moment; I was wrong. She turned towards me with a smile as she held her hand up. My attack disappeared in front of it.
-What?! I cried. -But it worked bef-
I didn't get to finish what I was saying. I didn't get to finish anything, for I was suddenly pinned to the ground by two great rings of fire.
-HEY!! I struggled. -You...!
-Heheh. Galaxia's eyes glittered. -Stay out of this.
-Let her go!
-No. Galaxia slowly turned towards Sailor Moon. -You'll have to kill me first.
-..............I............
*BOOOOOOOOM*
Another assault came upon the barrier, but it held still. There was a long, long silence between the two as they stood in front of one another, looking at each other. In Galaxia's eyes was a great hatred for an enemy, while in Usagi's eyes was a sadness for one she had considered an ally and a friend.
-......I......see.
With this, Sailor Moon took in a deep, deep breath. On her face was that look of calm, that look of knowing as the light surrounded her again. Soon, she was clothed as she had been the night I had killed her - all in white light, and even her staff had elongated and brightened to reflect this form’s power.
-Galaxia.
That was the last thing she did before she threw herself at the evil soldier. She went faster than I had ever seen anyone go before.
*BANG*
Much to my chagrin, Sailor Galaxia was just as fast. She crossed her arms and took the hit away from her body. When the staff hit her, light shot out in all directions. One beam almost got me in the head.
-ARGH!!!
Even in my bondage, I managed to move myself and avoid injury from it. This, of course, annoyed me to no end, and my annoyance at being shackled began to turn into anger. I wanted to break free from my restraints!
-That was nice. I heard Galaxia’s curt voice. -Now it’s my turn. Usagi-chan.
*BAAAAANG*
From there, the next fight followed. They were like two streaks of color smashing into each other, with each explosion a drum roll to music that I couldn't hear. They were both so fast, and they went up so high even though the barrier kept them constrained. It was something to see, especially from where I was. The battle between two contenders, to the death!
Had I paid far more attention to the fight itself, there would have been more for me to say. For my escape soon consumed me. I became angrier and angrier as I burnt myself, tried to no avail to take off the instruments that were keeping me chained to the ground. It was to the point where I started to yell at the chains as if they were real.
-YOU!!! I cursed. -LET ME GO! LET......ME........
*BAAAM!!!!*
A powerful rumble, followed by a shower of rubble. One piece landed on one of my confined appendages, shattering it completely. I gave a cry of savage happiness, and with all my strength I began to pull on the other one.
-......now you will die, and I will escape. Tell me. Was it worth it?
*FAAAAASH*
I looked up just as the last chain that held me to see a sight that brought me to the edge of my control. Sailor Moon lay in a pile of stones, her body not moving, and blood streaming on the ground as the light that surrounded her died out. Galaxia stood above her, victorious.
How had it happened? I don't know. I only knew that they had been fighting, and Galaxia had hurt Sailor Moon badly. What was worse, she had prevented me from helping.
And I was angry beyond imagining.
-YOU BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had never sworn in my life before that moment. But at the moment, I didn't care. I wanted her blood.
-HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!!!!!!
She didn’t expect me to attack her. I think she conveniently forgot I WAS there because, to her, I was nothing. Not at that moment, however, and she was about to regret forgetting me!
Before she had time to respond, I had buried four of my appendages into her hair. With my matchless strength, I wrapped two around her neck, and the rest around her arms.
-Wh…… I saw a great fear in her eyes. -No…..
That was the last she would say for several minutes. With all of my strength, I lifted her high up into the air and gave out a great scream of rage.
*WHAM!!!!*
Then, with much satisfaction, I slammed her body into the ground. I completely ignored her scream of pain, paid no attention to her great spasming as she landed. I could have cared less as to how I hurt her. She was no sailor soldier; she was far worse than the foulest barbarian to me. I delighted in what I was doing.
-HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I spat in her face. -HOW DO YOU LIKE THIS?! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
My physical attack upon the monster lasted for....I'm not sure how long it lasted. But it lasted for some time, and I had a wonderful time with it. I do not hide the fact that I wished I could have killed Galaxia at that moment, and I know I would have killed her without any guilt.
Unfortunately, my anger and my strength poured out too quickly, and I went to switch appendages to attack the monstrous sister. It was enough time for Galaxia.
-DAMN YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I took a hit right into my center. Flames surrounded me as I flew across the building, finally landing on the energy barrier. I screamed as the pain seared through me like never before. The power that charged the barrier was nothing of flames; it was the pure power of the stars, and the power of the stars was so great that it nearly ripped me to pieces.
-HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!
*BOOOOOOOOOOOOM*
The next assault by the soldiers below upon the building shook the barrier as well, and I was wrested off of the barrier. I could not move, and I could not see anything, for the smoke coming off of my body was thick.
-.......uh...............uhhhhhhh......
I looked up, and through the mist saw Galaxia over me. Slowly, she picked me up and brought me face to face with her. Her face was covered in rubble, and was filled with cuts; even though she tried to conceal her injuries with her fire power, I could still see what I had done to her, for what I had done was extensive.
But it made no difference. I still lost the battle. I knew then, as her eyes stared into mine, as the sneer spread across her face, that I would lose my life as well. I simply closed my eyes and waited.
-Goodbye, Floritiuse.
-STOP!!!
Suddenly, we were surrounded by voices and shadows. There was black all around us. Galaxia gave an angry cry and threw me to the ground, glaring at everything around us. I was on the ground, too scared to look and either way unable to look for several moments. I also had no reason to look, either way; I knew who it was.
-You.... I saw Galaxia look all around her. -What are......the cloaked ones again!
FLASH. Then I saw Sailor Moon's wand light up again, even as she wavered in her stance, even as she bled. I turned to see her looking at the cloaked figures of the Astramort, confused and apprehensive at the same time. I gave a groan, pulling painfully myself towards her.
-U-usagi.
-Themis-chan! She bent down, almost collapsing again from her injuries. I'd never heard her call me that before. -Oh, are you all right?
I felt happy that she called me that. After all, she had called Mamo-chan with chan, since it seemed to denote close familiarity. I took in deep breaths before my response.
-Winded, I gasped. -Buised. Beaten. My appendages are....cracked. But....other than that......good. Alive.
-But.....the cloaked figures.......they are......
We looked up. The cloaked figures encircled us. There were nine of them this time, instead of the four that had held me, and they stepped in closer and closer, lessening any chance of escape.
-Hmph. Galaxia scoffed. -The so-called Blood Thirsters of the fairy tales. My vengence was interfered with by you more than once. But this will be the last time!
They came closer. Their cloaks seemed darker than ever. Yet, suddenly, for no reason, I was relieved that they were there. At least, if I were to die, I had a chance to be avenged, if they - of all those who could have possibly been there - were in some way trying to stop Galaxia.
-Yes, Galaxia. Finally, one of the figures rasped. -This will be the last time. But you are mistaken as to who will be the victor. We show our full strength!
-Fools. Galaxia shook her head. -You think wearing a black robe will frighten me? If so, you do not know who I am, if you think you can best me. I have bested death and entire galaxies have kissed my feet. One thousand of these weak sailor soldiers could not stop me! For with a flick of my fingers, she held her hand up, -I will destroy this world, and all of you, if you do not let me finish this battle!
-Then destroy it!
*BOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOM*
Suddenly, as the barrier faltered from the outside soldiers who were attacking it one of the World Crushers stepped forward. It was the tallest of the cloaked figures, towering even over Galaxia. With a quick motion, the figure's hand went to its chest, and with in an almost excitable frenzy, as if it had been waiting for the moment, threw the cloth off of itself.
-Behold, Galaxia! My eyes widened as the exposed figure spoke. -For now you have reason to be frightened!
There was a moment of slience as we all looked, unable to comprehend what we were seeing. Then, Sailor Moon gave a cry as the figure flung its cover aside. Her wand dropped to the ground, and she staggered backwards.
-Y.....you...... she stammered.
I was quite flabbergasted myself. And certainly, Galaxia looked frightened. For it was not anything I had expected. I had expected a great monster, with fangs like swords, and tentacles with barbs, as it was how they were in legend..
But it was not. It was no legendary monster that was in front of me. It was another human sailor soldier.
She was taller than Usagi, but wearing a dark blue sailor suit similar to hers, and with hair of a darker gold hue. And she looked extremely angry.
-You have messed with us for far too long. It may have been tolerated by others before us. A sword appeared in her hand. -But now, doing this to our beloved princess is unforgivable! In the name of Uranus, a wind of change has come, and it is against you now, demon!
Pr…..princess?
I looked at Sailor Moon, for I remembered her story. I couldn't believe it. After all of this time, after all of the bad things and fear that the Astramort generated, to think that they were connected to Usagi in a good way was mind blowing to me!
The other figures then threw their hoods and cloaks off, and the Sailor Soldiers of the distant astrosystem which Usagi called her home appeared in their places. Usagi's friends had come to her rescue!
It was an incredible moment. If I wasn't so shocked, I would have cheered, for I really wanted to, for I knew we were saved. But I digress.
*BOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOM*
-You.... Galaxia almost cowered as the building shook again. -You.....you dare come here?! You are all hated!
-You would think that. The others took out their weapons -But you didn't expect us to thwart your escape from justice, did you? That was your undoing, to think that no one would suspect.
Galaxia glared at each face. They were of different sizes and faces, but each had an angry and determined expression on their face. All nine were ready to strike, and ready to defend, and ready to kill as the fires raged throughout Asgerd.
-Themis?
I felt Sailor Moon's hand slip into one of my appendages, and she helped me up. I looked over at Galaxia, and I waved my arms all around, readying myself. With one of them, I picked up Sailor Moon's wand, and handed it back to her.
-Thank you..... she smiled. -....My friend-
-GALACTIC NEUTRINO!
Our vision was suddenly lit up by energy and light. Both of us were knocked off our feet from the initial blast, and I was sent flying once again.
-Aaaaaaaaaah!
I almost went over the side of the building. Fortunately, even in gestation, Sailor Moon's recovery was faster than the gravity on Asgerd, and she pulled me back with all of her strength before I could hit the barrier again.
-Th-
-No.
By this time, the attack had been done. Actually, it had been halted, for not a shield surrounded Galaxia. One of the soldiers, who held a staff, had waved it at her; now, Galaxia could not attack.
-You will not. Her black hair was to her shoulders. -In the name of Saturn and with the power of the Glaive, never again! Sailor Saturn!
-Sailor Mars! Another black haired girl, taller. -You will perish in flames!
-Sailor Venus! Yet another golden-haired one, this time, with a red string in her hair. -You have offended this goddess of love through your crimes of hate!
-Sailor Neptune! A weed-haired girl, with a mirror. -The sea shall cleanse this world of you.
-Sailor Jupiter! A dark-haired girl, whose color I am unsure of. -With a thunderous power, and the strength to crush you!
-Sailor Mercury! - A blue-haired girl. -I'll douse your filth in the purest water!
-Sailor Pluto. A darker weed-haired girl, with a staff. -Your reign of terror has ended for all time!
-And me! A short sailor, with a strange hair color***, but a style similar to Sailor Moon’s that gave me a strange feeling. -Sailor Chibi-Moon! You’re dead now, in the name of the Crystal Palace!
I understood what was to happen.
-Em...there's no one else here, is there? I suddenly thought, and was nervous as I spoke. -No one in the building, I mean?
-I hope not.
I gave a gulp. That was never a good answer, but I had no choice but to watch.
-Jupiter Oak Evolution!
-Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!
They each fired off their attacks, one by one. Each attack hit Galaxia, then fell to the roof, causing explosions all around me. I shut my eyes, but could not get the booming sounds of each eruption of power out of my hearing, for they were too loud and I was too close.
-Chronos Typho-
*BOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOM
BOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOM
BOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOM*
Finally, the barrier gave, and with a flicker disappeared.. The building shook the roof so violently, that after all of the damage it had taken, it could no longer support us, and everyone of us - everyone - were suddenly falling through the floors. It was not a particularly high building, so there was little time to prepare for hitting the ground after falling through each floor. However, while everyone else braced themselves for the final impact, I did the next logical thing as I smashed through each floor.
I simply screamed.
-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!
I could feel the nothingness, and the floors, under me, and I was scared, scared that our moment of triumph against such a monster would instead turn into our moment of death. I could hear the screams, the angry screams, of the soldiers as they swarmed the collapsing building and began to gather below as one great horde, but I did not want to look. I kept my eyes shut as I screamed like a child, not wanting to know what I just fell through, or how many floors were left.
Then, with a -BAMF-, I was relieved to find that I truly did know no more.
FLORITIUSE FOOTNOTES
*Flabbergasted.
**Phenomenon.
***Pink hair.
