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"So you were attacked by monsters yesterday night?" Setsuna inquired of Hotaru. It was early in the morning and they were taking a cup of tea in the kitchen. Ranma and Mouse were out in the yard, practicing some meditation and chi manipulation exercises, or so they claimed. As for Haruka and Michiru, neither had regained consciousness from the time they fainted yesterday.
Hotaru nodded, to which Setsuna frowned. This new enemy didn't waste any time in making an appearance. Hotaru was still surprised at the pronounced change on her fellow Senshi. Setsuna was a lot more expressive since she found Ranma was alive, so different from the cold and emotionless Senshi of Time everyone knew even back at the Silver Millennium. She got herself out of that line of thought and described the fight from yesterday night.
Setsuna dismissed her worries for the time being. She would accompany Ranma to see Nodoka. There was much that needed to be discussed. For now she smiled and asked. "And what about the date? Did you have a good time?"
Hotaru thought about it for a moment and nodded. "It felt good to be around someone that isn't afraid of me because of my power."
Setsuna raised an eyebrow. "Is that all?"
The Senshi of Silence blushed a little and lowered her gaze. "I might still find myself attracted to him." She sighed. "I can just hope this time we have enough time to build something."
The green-haired woman nodded and took another sip of her tea. "I wouldn't worry too much about that, Hotaru-chan. Even if we do have a new enemy we currently hold a great advantage."
Hotaru sobered and nodded. She knew with her powers back there were few who could be considered a threat to her. If word got out that the Senshi of Silence was still alive and on Earth only a scant few would be bold enough to try anything. And she was sure word had already reached the neighboring galaxies, that soldier Ryoga let go had probably warned nearly everyone he knew by now. Even if someone strong enough to face Saturn without fear did come, the Senshi still had a decisive advantage on their side. "The Novas."
With that they both turned to see a dozen people fighting it out on the backyard, Mouse and Ranma in the middle. "How do they do that?" The younger Senshi asked.
Setsuna eyed Ranma and Mouse carefully. Both apparently young men were levitating two feet over the ground in lotus positions with their arms crossed, expressions of extreme concentration on their faces. All around them fighting took place. Fighters using different martial arts were facing against each other in a dance that was both beautiful and deadly. The Senshi didn't recognize any of the fighters but that was of little consequence. Finally Setsuna found her voice to answer with as much dignity as she could. "I don't know."
That precise moment was chosen by Haruka and Michiru to enter the room. "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!" The former demanded when she caught sight of the melee taking place in the backyard. It wasn't everyday she woke up to find a fight of such proportions.
Michiru didn't open her mouth but her eyes did the talking for her. She shared her lover's feelings on the fight taking place.
Hotaru turned to them and smiled. "That's Ranma and Mouse-san training."
"But what about the others?" Michiru asked as Haruka made her way to the door to have a better look at the fighters.
Setsuna answered her calmly. "They aren't real."
"They sure seem real." Haruka said as a big boxer managed to land a punch on another guy's jaw. The sound of flesh hitting flesh made it seem very painful to the experienced Senshi.
"Time to finish this, my friend." Ranma's voice was heard from the middle of the fighting area. To the eyes of the Senshi the fight, which had been pretty even so far, suddenly turned one sided as six of the fighters started pummeling their opponents mercilessly. They could see Mouse frown and start to sweat while Ranma let a small smile appear on his lips.
A couple of minutes later all was finished. Only six of the twelve fighters remained standing after a display of skill even Haruka had to recognize. All of the fighters started to vanish slowly as a Youma that has just been defeated.
Mouse and Ranma extended their legs and stood on the ground taking deep breaths. "What was that?" Haruka asked them both as she walked to stand in front of them.
Ranma ignored her and walked inside to sit next to Setsuna, who already had a cup of tea ready for him. Haruka took it in stride, already getting used to Ranma's behavior. She instead turned to Mouse so he would answer her question.
Mouse smiled at her. "Konichiwa." Then speaking louder so everyone could hear him. "That was just a chi exercise Ranma came up with about ten thousand years ago. Even if it's not very effective in a fight of high power levels, it's still very useful when dealing with normal people and training your chi control."
Hotaru eyed Ranma in wonder. "That means all those fighters you created could help you out in a fight?" She asked.
Ranma nodded. "Yeah. Though I wouldn't be able to participate because more than two fighters take too much concentration."
Setsuna raised an eyebrow. "Then you can fight someone while one of those covers your back. Quite an interesting technique you came up with." Ranma just smiles at her for the compliment
Mouse and Haruka have, by now, entered the house as well and joined the others at the table. Haruka is quick to notice Ranma's attention isn't on her like all the other times. *Maybe he's getting used to the idea I'm not who I used to be.* She thought, for she firmly believed she had changed in her reincarnation. Even the thought of doing something like what Ranma accused her of made her feel sick.
Setsuna suddenly turns to Haruka and Michiru. "There's a new enemy coming." They both nod, having made the connection because of yesterday's attack. "I'll accompany Ranma to his house to speak with the Novas. We have much to do."
"What do you mean?" Michiru asked. "We've always waited for the enemy to make the first move."
Hotaru extended a hand forward and clenched her fist tightly. "That was then. As soon as we know who the enemy is, we strike."
Mouse smiled. "We're doing things Nova style, then? Aggressive, but effective."
"What do you mean?" Asked Haruka, who didn't know what Mouse was talking about.
Ranma smirked. "It seems like that frigid bitch managed to get the resurrection spell half decently. Your memories are Swiss cheese, but you don't remember a thing about the Novas. I'm sure she planned that."
The Senshi didn't have any trouble understanding who the 'frigid bitch' was. Haruka and Michiru glared at the pigtailed boy while Setsuna turned to him. "Could you try not to show your affections for Queen Serenity in front of the Senshi, love. I'm sure none of us appreciate it." She frostily finished.
Ranma shrugged. "I'll take note of your suggestion for future reference." *Great.* He thought sarcastically. *I'm sure she'll remember about Soap now that she's angry.* Last night he had found a way to keep her mind off that, but he was certain she would bring the subject up as soon as they were alone. Even if he really didn't care much about other people's opinion of him aside from his family and closest friends, Setsuna just happened to be among the very few he loved the most.
Hotaru, who didn't have any love for her former 'Queen,' decided to save Ranma's hide. "Returning to the subject at hand, Michiru and Haruka don't know much about the history of the Novas. Maybe we should give them a summary so they understand better." She didn't say she wanted to know more about the Novas herself. All she knew was from the time they started relations with Serenity's empire.
Ranma smirked at her. "Sure. Maybe we should tell them about the first time Serenity requested Nova support." He managed to contain his laughter at Hotaru's pout. *Nice try, squirt.*
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The inner Senshi were having a meeting at the shrine. All of them save for Sailor Moon, who was out on a date with her boyfriend and didn't know about her fellows' plans. The moon cats weren't here either. They were both barely seen by the Senshi since the night Saturn assumed her true form.
"Why did you call us, Ami? And why didn't you want us to tell Usagi about the meeting?" Asked Makoto.
Ami sighed. "I discovered some classified records on the Novas in the Mercury computer. They were there all along but for some reason I never actually saw them."
"What do they say?" Rei asked, suddenly very interested.
Ami gulped and answered the question. "At least now I know why Artemis was so afraid of Ryoga." And with that she started to read directly from the computer.
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The Moon Palace received a threat from a different System far away. Serenity had been trying to expand her territory and was planning on invading that very same System and overthrow the government. The so called threat was simply the fact that the ruler of that Kingdom was interested in doing the exact same thing with the Solar System.
Knowing that both forces were about even, Serenity requested the support from one of the few territories not submitted to her in the vicinity, which was under Queen Nova. She didn't know much of the other Queen aside from the fact that she ruled over several planets with conditions not at all suitable for life. That fact alone had stopped her from conquering her territories and instead taking her sights elsewhere.
Why would she request the help from Nova if she didn't have that many subjects? It was rumored that Queen Nova's few subjects were incredible warriors since they managed to survive in extreme climatic conditions. Even a little help could mean a difference in this conflict.
Queen Serenity sent one of her personal advisors to Queen Nova with the request for support. Nova's answer shocked her.
"She refused me." She whispered as if the concept was impossible. "She refused me!" She bellowed as a human Artemis knelt before her. "Artemis. I want you to prepare my fleet. We're showing that so called 'Queen' what happens when someone goes against the righteousness that is the Silver Millennium." She had a satisfied expression on her face by the time she finished speaking. Maybe a little conquest before this war would serve to raise her troops' morale.
Artemis bowed even deeper when he spoke. "My Queen, I'm sorry to tell you this, but our fleet is already finishing preparations to depart towards Demagorth Govian. We can't distract our attention from them in the brink of this war, else they manage to launch an attack first."
Serenity frowned. "You might be right, Artemis. However..." She smiled mischievously. "... would it be possible for something to happen and change Nova's decision?"
Artemis bowed even lower and stood. "Your wish is my command, your highness." And with that he left the throne room, which was empty so that no curious ears listened in to the conversation.
Serenity leaned back on her throne and smiled. *My dear Nova, soon you will be offering your help to me freely. And once you do I'll crush your little territory in front of your very own eyes. No one refuses the defenders of justice and love.*
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A month later, Artemis was waiting for the Nova troops to enter the flagship of Serenity's fleet. After a Demagorth Govian assassin was discovered inside Nova Castle trying to take the Queen's life, and therefore stopping her support of Serenity, Nova had agreed to send her agents to the upcoming conflict.
She agreed stating. "We'll make this an example of what happens to those that dare attack us."
Even if Artemis cared little for Nova's support, his Queen seemed to think it was for the best. As he waited in front of the teleportation device his thoughts wandered back to his first meeting with Queen Nova. The woman didn't have Serenity's beauty in the slightest, and dressed like a peasant in the white-haired man's eyes. The ruler of the Solar System always dressed in the most immaculate glowing gowns, which did a perfect job of showing off her heavenly body, while Nova wore black that covered most of her skin.
Serenity's court was always filled with crowds of nobles waiting their chance to give their Queen nothing but compliments and shows of their gratitude. Artemis didn't see a single person in Nova Castle that wasn't either a guard or a servant.
The differences were so notorious and numerous Artemis had no doubt in his mind that they would be doing all of Nova's subjects a service when Queen Serenity claimed those lands as her own. But for now they were facing a more worthy foe, so the conquest would have to wait.
Finally, after nearly an hour of waiting, there was movement coming from Nova Castle. Artemis' eyes caught sight of hundreds of soldiers, all of them wearing the same black uniform. Leading the troops were a man and a woman, yet neither of them wore appropriate military uniforms. Artemis grimaced. *Nobles. Why do I have to deal with nobles?* He had expected Queen Nova to give her troops over to him, to follow his commands. Instead she had sent those spoiled brats. He shook his head and started walking forward. He stopped a few feet from them. "I am Artemis, Royal Advisor of Queen Serenity of the Silver Millennium."
The woman, who was definitely beautiful in every possible way Artemis could think of, spoke in a sensual voice. "I am Hira, second born of the House of Nova."
The man spoke next with a deep baritone voice. "I'm Razt, third born of the House of Nova." Artemis had to look up to meet the huge man's eyes. He was a little surprised Nova would send her children, but discarded the thought.
"Order your troops to board the ship. We're leaving as soon as possible." Artemis commanded in a tone of voice that brook no argument. He was a little surprised when Hira smirked evilly and Razt crossed his powerful arms over his chest. "What are you waiting for?" He asked.
Hira took the word, for Razt seemed to be seriously considering whether to kill Artemis for his insolence or not. "My mother's troops are not to leave the territory unprotected. My brother and myself should be enough to deal with whatever it is we'll be facing." And with that she walked past Artemis, Razt on her heels.
*I'll really enjoy tearing her heart out.* Artemis thought as he turned around and boarded the ship himself. Even if he wanted to go to Queen Serenity to protest about this, there were reports of Govian movement. There was no time to waste.
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The trip took a few days even if the distance was huge. The technology of Serenity's ships being ahead of anything known.
During that time Artemis rarely heard of the Novas. They spent most of their time in their assigned chambers, which was fine by him. By the time they arrived to the border to Demagorth Govian they could see a large battle fleet that outnumbered Serenity's four to one. The fifth planet from the System's star was where the King had his stronghold.
Artemis was currently in the bridge of the flagship. "Request direct contact with King Govian." He ordered one of his crew.
"Yes, sir."
Soon the main screen displayed a built man with red hair. He was wearing nothing but gold and diamonds over his powerful frame, which he obviously got from the field of battle. "What is the meaning of your presence here? You should know you're entering our borders and that is an act of war." The man was showing clear signs of anger.
Artemis remained impassive. "I bring a message from Queen Serenity of the Silver Millennium. 'Surrender the throne to the Silver Millennium or you'll be executed for crimes against love and justice.'"
Govian was shocked by the boldness of the message and laughed hard. "Your pathetic excuse of a fleet will be no match against half our forces. I suggest you return home before we decide you're not amusing anymore."
Artemis clenched his fists but other than that gave no outward sign of losing his composure. "You've been warned, Govian. You have three hours to order your troops to surrender."
"Don't waste your time, lad. Even if you had brought your Sailor Senshi with you, which you didn't, you would be no threat against our warriors." The King boasted with obvious pride in his men. He reached off screen with his right hand and took a glass of some blue colored liquid to his lips.
The white-haired man was surprised Govian could tell the Senshi weren't aboard the ships. There was a magic field of protection around each ship preventing teleportation and scrying spells. Serenity had been adamant on making the Senshi remain in the Solar System, and Artemis understood perfectly. The girls were the finest soldiers of the Silver Millennium, given to the task of protecting the Royal Family.
Before Artemis could retort he heard Hira's voice from behind him. "Hello, Govian." He shivered at the cold tone used.
Govian's features revealed surprised. "Hira? What are you doing in that ship, girl? Don't tell me your mother actually sent you with Serenity's lap dogs."
Artemis stepped to the side to see Hira and Razt standing in the bridge. The woman answered Govian with a cold smile. "You know very well my mother doesn't take lightly to assassins in her chambers."
Govian laughed. "Can't blame me for trying."
Razt glared at the King. "You fucked off, asshole. I'll make sure nothing's left of your little empire but a black hole."
Govian's eyes widened and he smiled even more widely. "Razt! I haven't seen you since you were a baby. Your resemblance to my brother is uncanny." He searched the ship's bridge for another person. When he was sure she wasn't there he sounded a little disappointed. "I was hoping Beryl was with you. Now I'll have to kill her after I'm done with you both."
Hira was amused by the statement. "Beryl likes doing things in a 'peaceful' way, Govian. My mother wanted us to make an example of you to make future idiots think twice before crossing the House of Nova."
Artemis had heard enough and stood forward. "Hira, Razt. Keep quiet while I negotiate with King Govian or I'll inform Queen Serenity of your behavior. She won't take lightly to her orders being disregarded."
Razt frowned and reached forward with his right hand. He took Artemis by the throat and lifted him off the ground with ease. "We don't care what that bitch's orders are. We came to destroy Demagorth Govian under direct orders from Queen Nova." With that he let go of the purple looking Artemis and nodded to Hira, who nodded back and waved her left hand in front of her. A dark vortex was created, through which they both stepped through before it vanished.
Artemis glared at the crew in the bridge. "Why didn't you shoot him down?" He demanded. Before he could get an answer one of the women called his attention towards the main screen. He was shocked to see Hira and Razt in front of Govian in the throne room. The mere magical power needed to teleport from Serenity's flagship to a magically protected castle was something he didn't believe possible for someone other than the Senshi and Queen Serenity.
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Govian spitted his drink all over one of his guards at seeing a black vortex appear in the middle of his throne room, out of which Hira and Razt came out calmly. He composed himself quickly as he leaned back and relaxed. "I have to admit that was one impressive spell, Hira. You've been practicing, I see." He was back to being conversational and with a gesture commanded all his guards to lower their weapons.
Hira smiled at the man. "We're not here to discuss my progress in the magical arts, Govian."
The King smiled back with the same intensity. "I know, girl. It's a real shame I'll have to kill you. I haven't seen beauty like yours in all my life." He then turned to Razt and gave the boy a once-over. "I could almost swear my brother had come back from the land of the dead. I do regret having to kill you too, nephew, but your mother took away this System's true ruler."
Razt crossed his arms over his chest and asked. "Then why threaten Serenity's empire?"
Govian stood up and flexed his muscles. The jewelry he was wearing was instantly vaporized by the man's sudden energy release in a faint red aura. "I couldn't care less about that overconfident fool, but the fact remains that she's trying to overthrow my kingdom." His muscles grew to double their size and the red aura turned to purple. "Hira, would you be so kind as to let me test your brother? I've always been curious about whether he'd become as strong as his father."
Hira turned to Razt, who shrugged in response. "I don't have a problem with that."
"My King!" One of the guards protested.
Govian smiled at his subject. "Evacuate Demagorth Govian."
The very same guard that protested was shocked by the command, as were the others. Not another second passed before the entire room was left alone save for Govian, Razt and Hira. "You've trained them well." Razt commented.
Govian sobered as he assumed a fighting stance. "Your father did. Now, show me your power!"
While Govian's aura was a bright purple Razt was slowly surrounded by a black one as he fell back on an offensive stance. No more words were needed between them.
Hira watched with interest as they rushed forward and both landed a solid punch to the other's jaw. The hit created a sonic boom that made all the windows of the castle shatter. They both retrieved their fists, not a sign of ever being hit on their faces, and started to deliver blow after demolishing blow. The fight wasn't about skill, but about power. The one to tire first, to not stand the damage dealt by the other, would die.
Govian was surprised by the power packed behind this boy's punches. He had thought that because of his young age he would still be weaker than his father, not stronger as it seemed. He was already starting to feel his power reserves get dangerously low and the boy continued to increase the power behind everyone of his attacks.
Razt fought with a smile on his face. He knew he had the old man outmatched, but it was the first time he had an opponent that could match him blow for blow for so long. *Too bad I have to kill him. I could use a punching bag once in a while.* He thought as he received a kick to the groin and punched his opponent on the throat.
The fight was nothing spectacular, no feats of skill or mass destruction. The fighters simply landed blow after blow on each other until it was obvious Govian was tiring. His body was a big mass of bruised flesh and his aura was starting to fade.
After two full hours of constant pummeling Govian fell to the floor on his knees, defeated. Hira applauded from the side. "Quite a fight, if I might say so myself." She commented.
Govian's swollen jaw managed to form a grotesque smile. "Quite a fight indeed, your highness." He finished looking at the victorious Razt. He coughed violently, blood flowing freely from his punctured heart and lungs.
The third son of Nova frowned at that. "What are you talking about?"
Govian looked at his nephew with a broad smile, as if he wasn't dying right there, every sense failing him. "From the time you were born and my brother died you became the heir to the throne of Demagorth Govian."
Razt shook his head. "As I told you before, I came to turn this whole empire into one big black hole."
Govian chuckled, which turned into a coughing fit with even more blood flowing now from his ears as well. His vision was obscuring, yet he didn't feel any fear. "It doesn't matter. Even if you destroy this place you are the ruler to all those people. They knew this day would come and accepted it."
Hira nodded. "I see. My mother killed your brother and you tried to kill her. My mother killed your people's ruler, and you want her to give them another ruler."
Govian smiled at her. "Always so perceptive, child. I know your mother, and even though I hate her with all my being I know she'll be fair to my people. Just remember, even if they become Nova's subjects their loyalty remains with Razt."
Hira nodded. "A pity you have to die, Govian. I really like you." She said truthfully.
"I don't regret dying like a warrior, child. Do me a favor and beat the crap out of your brother once in a while. I don't want the new King to become soft." He said smirking.
Razt took a step forward. "It's time. I promise I'll take care of your people." He said as he started gathering energy in his hands. His aura winked out of existence and a small sphere started taking shape.
Govian closed his eyes for the last time. "Our people, my king. Our people."
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Artemis had seen everything happen on the main screen since the communication was never cut. He seethed in rage at seeing how the fight came to an end. "Traitors." He ordered his troops to get ready to advance, giving specific instructions to bring both Novas alive. They would face a trial in the Moon for treason. He would request as a personal favor from the Queen to be the executioner in this particular case.
"Sir, we're detecting an increasing gravitational force coming from the fifth planet of the System."
Artemis turned to look at the screens on that, and his eyes widened in shock. "GET US OUT OF HERE!!!" He yelled.
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Demagorth Govian. A kingdom older than anyone could remember and so powerful it had withstood thousands of attacks from all over the universe.
A kingdom that was known for the strength of its warriors, who weren't fully human.
A kingdom that died that day.
Before the fear filled eyes of Serenity's army the entire Galaxy turned into a gigantic black hole in a matter of hours. How could such a thing be done was beyond their comprehension.
In their way back to the Solar System Artemis received a visit from the one responsible for such a thing happening. Serenity's advisor was never quite the same after that, being controlled by fear every time Razt was even remotely close. He never did talk about what happened during that visit, and no one dared ask. A rumor traveled the Silver Millennium, relating how Razt left the room covered in blood and Artemis was in the middle of dozens of unrecognizable corpses.
Razt and Hira returned to Queen Nova after leaving with nothing but their clothes on. They returned with an army powerful enough to make Serenity request diplomatic negotiations. In between one of Nova's requests was the life of a criminal in Uranus. A young man that would later be known as Ranma of the House of Nova. Why she took him as her own son? The answer was unknown to anyone but the Novas themselves.
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Haruka and Michiru had their jaws on the floor by the time Ranma and Setsuna stopped talking. Hotaru was silent, comparing what she had just heard with Ryoga's version of the events. Mouse calmly sat on his chair, already being familiar with the story.
"An entire Galaxy?" Michiru asked in a disbelieving tone of voice.
Ranma nodded. "He did get a little overboard that time." He admitted, to which Haruka and Michiru facefaulted.
"If she you were so powerful, why didn't you destroy the Silver Millennium?" Haruka asked after recovering. She knew the Senshi were nowhere near their maximum power level, but even if they were she doubted they could, with the exception of Saturn and the princess, destroy an entire Galaxy.
Setsuna answered that. "Queen Nova doesn't like forcing her will over someone else. She didn't have anything against Queen Serenity, so she didn't attack her."
Ranma took the word, his tone of voice filled with hate. "But the Silver Millennium cost us Beryl's life. We'll make sure that anything remotely similar to it is destroyed." He stood up and closed his eyes, trying to calm himself. Every time he remembered what had happened to his sister he felt an incredible anger well up inside him. He turned around and left the room.
Setsuna wordlessly stood up as well and followed the youngest Nova.
The others continued talking about what happened in the past. Minor events that Mouse or Hotaru remembered, which described the Novas' behavior. Michiru and Haruka came to a conclusion that morning. They would stand by Hotaru and Setsuna in this. Even if the Novas sounded like monsters, they had gained their friends' trust.
END PART 9 |
