The Finale
Part 1: What Have You Done
Would you mind if I killed you?
Would you mind if I tried to?
'Cause you have
Turned into my worst enemy
You carry hate that I don't feel
It's over now, what have you done?
will not fall, won't let it go
We will be free when it ends
I've been waiting for someone like you
But now you are slipping away
What have you done now?
Why, why does fate make us suffer?
There's a curse between us, between me and you
~What Have You Done~ Within Temptation
"Let me out!" BANG!
"Let me out!" Another round of fists collided with the bars. "Please!"
"Why did you allow yourself to be captured?" The prisoner glared at her current guard.
"I didn't allow it, October. It just happened." October shook her head.
"No, you willingly let them arrest you. You weren't as willing when your powers were bound." The dhampir paused a moment to cough. "You know, Spencer has been looking for Serenity for a few days."
"Well I guess she's gonna have to wait because Serenity's busy right now," Sam spoke coldly. October faced the queen.
"What has made you so harsh?"
"What do you think?" Sam turned away. "Bring me food."
"You are served meals when the rest of the prisoners are served meals."
"YOU WILL SERVE ME!"
"I will not. I have my orders. I will obey those."
"And what does that do for you?"
"It keeps me alive." And with that, October left. Sam screamed in anger and pounded her fists against the cells' bars.
"LET ME OUT!"
"Sir, the demons are closing in more each day. We have to do something," Alicia said. Snively gave a weary sigh. His eyes roamed over the council's, seats filled with Senshi. Three were empty. One seat belonged to Serenity, who was missing. He knew she was in the Underworld with Parker; he didn't want anyone to know she had betrayed them all. Snively tried to pretend Sam was only on tour, not in the dungeon screaming away her sanity. Well, what was probably left of it.
Sydney was still in recovery, suffering from some form of a cold or pneumonia. She could have been at the meeting, but Snively insisted that she stay in bed and rest. Her daughter, Spencer, sat at full attention.
"I think the city should evacuate to under the palace. We can call Sally and Sonic to see if they'd be able to help," Snively said. As his idea was being discussed, he saw Spencer roll her eyes. Caleb had to be trying to flirt across the room again. The king elbowed his son. "Enough. We're in a meeting."
"Sorry Dad. It just bugs me that she won't give me a chance," Caleb mumbled.
"Then perhaps you should be more respectful towards women."
"I'm trying. Have you seen my bank account lately?" Caleb replied. Snively frowned.
"We'll discuss this later." The king looked up to see the Senshi watching him. "What?"
"We think it would be best if we attack the demons head on," October said. "Their greatest weapon is locked up."
Snively sat back. Weapon. He didn't see Sam as a weapon, just a person. Yes, she was powerful but she shouldn't be used as something to destroy. "She's not a weapon."
"What are you talking about?" Bane asked.
"Sam shouldn't be referred to as a weapon. It takes away whatever humanity she has left."
"Who said she had any humanity?" Vanessa scoffed. Snively had grown to strongly dislike the Senshi of time. It was like having a watered down version of Sophia around.
"She hasn't killed you yet, has she?" Snively countered. Vanessa huffed but remained silent.
"Speaking of the queen, what are we going to do with her?" Adria said. At least that's what Snively thought her name was. He just knew she was Danielle's daughter and would be taking over in being the Senshi of Saturn.
"As of right now, I don't know. I need to make a few long distance phone calls before I decide on anything."
"Long distance?" Alicia repeated.
"Yes. You could say who I want to speak with are out of reach."
"Serenity, please settle down." Parker watched as the princess paced around the room.
"I can't. It's been two weeks. She should have been back by now. A long time ago, actually," Serenity said.
"She could just be in the other part of the Underworld or giving us space," Parker tried to reason.
"Space? Why would Mom need to give us space?"
"I don't know. She gave us her blessing." The door opened, revealing Jillian and Hope. Jillian sauntered in while Hope remained towards the door.
"Where's Sam?" Jillian demanded.
"Do you think I'd be freaking out if I knew?" Serenity snapped.
"You don't know where she is?" Hope asked, surprised.
"There's been no word," Parker explained.
"The Underworld is planning on seizing the kingdom," Jillian said, looking generally pleased.
"When?"
"I'm not sure but soon."
"Who's going to lead them?" Serenity asked weakly. She hated the thought of the demons attacking the palace. Her home.
"Parker will have to lead. He's the next in line to rule the Underworld," Jillian explained.
"Parker?" Serenity repeated. 'He can't even lead me in dance! How is he gonna lead the Underworld?'
"Yes. His coronation will have to be tomorrow night. There's no time today. Parker, you need to come with me. Your robes need to be made immediately," Jillian said as she grabbed the Underworld's heir and dragged him away with her.
"Does 'Daddy' know you're here?" Hope sneered.
"Why do you care? Afraid of getting scolded?"
"I hope Snively is on the battleground. I can't wait to get rid of him." Serenity shoved Hope into a wall.
"You try it and see what happens," the princess threatened. Hope shoved her back.
"I'd like to see that," Hope grinned. She left the room, leaving Serenity fuming. Serenity paced in anger, feeling a little more soothed each time her heels clicked against the floor. Hearing the sound reminded her of her mother.
"Momma, where –are- you?"
Sam looked up when she heard footsteps coming down the hall. She smirked when she saw her husband. "Slumming it in the dungeons, I see."
"Enough, Samantha." Snively pulled up a wooden chair and sat down. Sam noticed he was carrying a notepad and pen.
"Not that I've been to prison but isn't there a specific visiting room to see prisoners?" Sam asked.
"Not here." Sam noticed Snively keeping his eyes averted from her.
"So whatcha want?" She pressed herself against the bars. He glanced up, his eyes widened, and he looked away. She knew it drove him nuts. He swallowed nervously, knowing she was teasing him. He knew she used her body as a tool to get what she wanted, which, in this case, was freedom.
"I need to know how you brought James back."
"You're kidding, right?"
"No. I'm not. I'd rather not make this unpleasant, but I will if I must."
"What are ya gonna do? Torture me?" Sam said sarcastically.
"I might." She snorted as Snively opened his notepad. "Just tell me."
Sam folded her arms over her chest as she glared. "Why should I?"
"Because it would help me release you sooner." Snively watched his wife pace back and forth in her cell.
"Who're you bringing back?"
"You don't need to know."
"Do you have a body?" Snively paused to think. 'Would James' body still be in tact? It's been so many years since he's been dead.'
"No. No, I don't believe so."
"Then you're bringing back no one."
"So what do I do?" Sam snorted at the question.
"Conjure a spirit of course," Sam said.
"Of course!" Snively replied sarcastically. 'Like I'm supposed to know that.'
"The stuff you need to do so is in the library. I'm not sure where exactly but Danielle or her daughter may know," Sam explained. Snively wrote what she said and closed the notebook. "Is that all?"
"Yes." He stood and began to leave.
"You know," Sam spoke. Snively stopped. "You could bring Trista to visit. She's my daughter too."
"We'll see."
"Please?"
"Sam, I don't know. I really don't want to bring Trista down here."
"Then don't."
"So you're suggesting me to let you out?" Snively said.
"I didn't say that."
"But you implied it."
"Yes."
"I'd rather bring her here than let you out." Snively began walking away.
"I plan on seeing her soon!"
"Doubtful," Snively muttered as he left the dungeon.
"Parker, I really don't agree with you going through with this," Serenity said as Parker slipped the robes over his clothes.
"What choice do I have, 'Ren? If I don't, Jillian gets the Underworld."
"So what if she does? Let her have it!" Serenity urged.
"You don't understand. That's what Jillian wants. She wants to rule the Underworld. Why do you think Sam was here?" Parker explained.
"She was keeping you from the throne so you'd be safe from Jillian," Serenity slowly realized. "But…I thought she didn't like you."
"I'm the son of one of her former boyfriends. Actually, if Dad was still living, I'm sure she'd still be with him. That's why your dad hates me. I guess I remind him so much of Dad."
"Oh." She paused, trying to get a better understanding of what was going on. "But can't you stall this? Just for a day or two?"
"I don't know. If I can, I will."
"It would be easier if Mom was here, wouldn't it?"
"Yes. I wouldn't have to put your life on the line."
"But you're not."
"Serenity, we're bonded. If something happens to me, it'll affect you as well."
"He's right." They looked at the doorway where Snively stood. Immediately, Parker pushed Serenity behind him, taking a defensive stance. Snively snorted. "I didn't come here for that. I actually need your…help."
"Our help?" Serenity asked.
"Well, Parker's help more specifically."
"Why?" Parker questioned. He had a bad feeling about what was asked.
"I need to talk with your father. You're the only way I can contact him," Snively explained.
"Will I get to see him, my father?"
"Yes."
"Dad…" Serenity began. Her mate turned to her.
"Serenity, it's my father. I never really knew him. Why shouldn't I do this?" Parker said.
"How do we know you'll be safe?" Serenity replied.
"You have my word." Snively didn't like that he had to make that known to his daughter.
"I'm in," Parker agreed. Serenity sighed.
"I guess that means I am as well."
Snively had gathered everything that was needed to conjure James. Parker and Serenity sat at the table, fidgeting. There was a knock at the door, causing all three to jump. Sydney stepped in and closed the door.
"Danielle can't do this. She's too busy training her daughter. I'm your psychic today," Sydney explained as she began lighting candles.
/I have a bad feeling about this,/ Serenity said.
/It'll be fine. I promise,/ Parker replied.
"Begin when you're ready," Snively spoke, sounding unsure. Serenity hated that he sounded so nervous. Snively knew he shouldn't be messing around with spirits. He knew Sam should be the one doing this. Snively watched as Sydney lit a bundle of white sage and lavender and waved it around the four of them.
"Oh spirits of the other realm, please hear us. We wish to speak with loved ones from the past. Please grant us this wish so that we may have peace at mind." There was silence in the room. Snively thought it was relatively silly the way Sydney called for James; it was like what a child would say. Sydney glanced down. She opened her mouth to apologize but stopped when she felt a cold chill. "H-hello?"
"I am here." A transparent figure slowly appeared like mist, revealing James.
"As am I." A mist like form appeared in the silhouette of a woman.
"Sophia?" Snively and Sydney blurted.
"How'd you get conjured?" the king asked once he found his voice.
"I-I wanted her here," Serenity spoke.
"Yes, well, now that that's settled, what do you want?" Sophia demanded.
"It's about Sam, isn't it? Why else would I be conjured," James said. "Is she alright? Safe?"
Snively refrained from glaring at the ghost. He still didn't particularly care for the affection James had for Sam. "She's fine. Sort of. She's locked up in the prison-"
"WHAT?"
"-but is fine otherwise." Sophia began laughing.
"Because of treason, right? I told you all she was a traitor, didn't I? Didn't I?"
"SHE'S NOT-" Snively sighed. "She's not a traitor, nor is she a weapon."
"Then what is she?" Sophia asked calmly.
"I…I don't know. And it scares me. The power she has scares me," Snively answered. The fact that she could easily destroy whatever she pleased on a whim frightened him. That she could kill without regret or that she could kidnap him and hold him for as long as she liked.
"All she really understands is rage. Sam's been trained to destroy and protect, but she's only been told to destroy. That, combined with her insatiable thirst for revenge, is why she's perceived as a weapon," James explained.
"How do I-?"
"Let her go. The more restricted she is, the madder she'll become," Sophia said. "And once she completely loses her humanity, SHE'll come and take her."
"She who?" Snively asked.
"No one knows HER name. SHE only comes when a Senshi's at their lowest. SHE comes when a Senshi does wrong or is corrupted. SHE takes them away for awhile and returns them," Sophia replied. "We're all afraid of HER, Sam included."
"SHE's found me before. Took me away after Armageddon. I was barely alive when SHE came," Sydney whispered. She shivered. "I never want to feel HER presence again."
"SHE'll come at Sam's weakest, won't SHE?" Snively asked.
"Yes," Sophia answered. She looked at Serenity. "You've grown so much since I last saw you. Tell me, why did you summon me?"
"Hope said Mom killed you. Is it true?" the princess asked.
"Yes. However, it was by accident. I could see in Sam's eyes she hadn't meant to do it. She was doing what she had been trained to do. I wish she'd stop torturing herself over it," Sophia answered. Parker looked up at James.
"Parker, why are you so upset?" James queried.
"You're dead. I was told Serenity's parents killed you."
"Whoever told you that is a liar. I was killed in a traffic accident. How is your mother?" James said. Snively glanced down.
"She was killed in the civil war. I killed Arable in order to save Sam," he quietly spoke.
"I see. Well, as long as Sam was safe."
"Dad! How could you say that? Mom's dead!"
"Parker, I cared for your mother; we were friends. But I didn't love her like I love Sam. Arable was a wicked woman. She cared only for herself." Sophia glanced over at James.
"We must go before we get trapped in this realm."
"Is there anything else I should be aware of?" Snively asked.
"Get rid of my stuff. There is no need to make a shrine out of my bedroom. And keep Sam out of trouble. I don't want HER to go after my sister," Sophia said before disappearing.
"Snively, keep Sam safe and love her as I would. And Parker?"
"Y-yes, Dad?"
"Love Serenity as I love her mother."
"Yes Dad. I-I love you."
"Love you too, son." Sydney blew out the candles the second James disappeared.
"So what do we do?" Sydney asked. Snively sighed.
"I have no idea."
Sam paced around her cell in frustration. She needed out fast. She needed to stop Jillian from attacking the city. But how? Sam glanced up when she heard footsteps resonating throughout the prison. Snively and several Senshi were walking down the hall towards her. Again, she began showing off her figure, taunting the guards.
"Huh. The king and his entourage have come to play. How nice!"
"I can't believe you're doing this," Bane muttered. Snively sighed. He couldn't either.
"Just do it," the king whispered. Bane walked up to the cell door.
"So I guess you've decided what to do with me," Sam said.
"Yes. I have," Snively replied. Bane unlocked the cell and quickly handcuffed Sam. Bane led Sam out of the prison as Snively led the way out. Senshi surrounded Sam as she walked.
"Where are we going?" she finally asked.
"You'll see." Sam stopped walking when she realized where they were heading.
"You are not taking me to Sophia's bedroom." Bane shoved her forward. Sam resisted the urge to shove back. "Snively. Answer me."
Her mate only sighed shakily. "Snively! You are not taking me to Sophia's bedroom. Do you understand? Well? Do you?"
"Samantha. Please cooperate." Snively's voice barely wavered. Sam tried to obey, now curious about his quietness. 'Surely he wouldn't take me to Sophia's bedroom. He knows how I feel about there. Then again, perhaps that's what he wants,' Sam decided. Her hopefulness soon dissipated. She could see her sister's bedroom doors. Sam's knees buckled as she tried to back up.
"Go!" Sydney ordered. She and several guards shoved the queen forward.
"Stop!" Sam snapped. Snively turned around to see Sam struggling with the Senshi, who were slowly losing control. He made a noise of disproval before striding over to the group. He pulled his wife to him, watching the shocked expressions of the Senshi.
"S-sir?" Alicia questioned carefully.
"If you cannot handle your orders well, then I will do it myself," Snively replied sharply. Sam gave her husband a curious look. She didn't remember him ever being so harsh with the Senshi.
"Yes sir," Sydney responded. She subtly motioned for the rest of the Senshi to back off. Snively pulled Sam with him as he continued on down the hall. Sam complied willingly, deciding it was best.
"Please don't make me go there," Sam whispered quietly. She dropped her head when the king didn't acknowledge her. "Snively, please."
"You asked for your consequences," he mumbled. Sam stopped walking. Snively pulled at her wrist several times before pulling her closer to him. Snively picked Sam up and carried her the rest of the way to Sophia's bedroom.
"Put me down! Now!" Sam protested as she flailed about in her husband's arms. "Colin James! If you don't unhand me this instant, I'll-"
"You'll what? 'Vanquish' me like all the demons?" Snively countered. He approached the former queen's bedroom doors. Guards promptly opened the doors. As soon as Snively was inside the room, the guards shut the doors. Snively dropped Sam and she fell to the floor. Snively gave her a look of disproval as she remained on the floor.
"Get up, Samantha. You have work to do," Snively spoke. She looked up at him with sad eyes.
"What do you want?" Sam asked.
"I want you to get up so I can give you your task."
"Why should I?"
"I'll release you when you complete your task." She looked at him with a suspicious look in her eyes.
"Magic and all?" she questioned.
"Magic and all," he confirmed. Sam slowly got up.
"I'm holding you to it."
"I know," Snively chuckled. His wife raised a brow. She folded her arms over her chest and gave him an expectant look.
"So what do you want? Me to eliminate someone for you? Me to rob a bank? Sex? What? Nothing really surprises me anymore," Sam spoke, a harsh tone ruling her voice. The casualness of her offers almost offended him, especially the last. He wondered how many others she offered it to. Hopefully just him, though he knew it probably wasn't the case.
"No, no, no. I have something very different in mind," Snively replied. He gestured towards the room. "See all of this? Get rid of it."
"What?" Sam's expression was deadpan.
"You heard me." Snively snapped his fingers and guards came in, carrying cleaning supplies. They disappeared just as quick. "Clean this room out. Once you do so, you will have your freedom. Not before."
"No. No, I won't do it." She gave him a fierce look. "I would rather screw Xavier's rotting corpse."
Snively glanced down; that stung coming from her. At the same time, however, he was actually amused. "Very well, but know that you will remain in here until your task is completed."
"WHAT? You dare-"
"Yes, I dare. Welcome to your personal hell," Snively spoke sarcastically. He orbed out just before Sam charged at him with an enraged shriek.
"SNIVELY!"
Snively had been watching Sam from a monitor in his office. She spent the first fifteen minutes throwing a fit and the next ten minutes wallowing in pity.
"Ahh Samantha. Why must you fight everything?" Snively worked on battle plans while keeping a close eye on his wife. He noticed Sam had begun pacing the room and had removed pictures from walls and tables.
"At least she's doing something," he muttered. By the time eleven o'clock rolled around, Snively was just finishing up his work. He glanced up at the monitor and smiled. Sam was just finishing up her work as well. "Time to free her."
Sam heaved an uneasy sigh. Her body was shaking uncontrollably. Her nerves were on fire. The doors opened and she glanced up. Snively entered the room quietly. Sam glared at him a moment before looking away. She didn't want to see him. Not really. Not after what he'd made her do.
"This room looks great. Completely different," Snively said. His wife remained silent. He knew she would be difficult. "Ready to be let go?"
"What difference does it make? You'll want me captured again anyway," Sam snapped.
"It's war, Samantha. There's not much I can do."
"You can back me up!"
"On what? You're with the Underworld! You're fighting us!"
"Then why are you letting me go?"
"Because..!" Snively sighed. "I don't know."
"Let me go," Sam said. "It was the agreement."
"Yes. It was." Snively knelt down beside his wife. He took her arm and took the binding bracelet off her wrist. Sam orbed to the other side of the room. Her wings unfurled and flapped. Snively couldn't believe how different they looked. They were black and reminded him of Dulcy's wings, only Sam's were more sinister. Was she that far gone? She sighed contentedly.
"It feels good to stretch my wings," she spoke.
"Good. You should probably go. C-can't be conversing with the enemy," Snively said. His wife smirked.
"I know you don't feel that way. Not really."
"You don't know how I feel," Snively snapped. Sam laughed. Snively blinked and jumped back in surprise. Sam was on the other side of the room and now she was in front of his face. She could have orbed, but it would have been too fast. She rested her hand on his cheek.
"I always have as I do now," she spoke. "Ciao!"
"Wha-" Sam disappeared before his eyes. 'Why do I feel like this is going to change everything?'
"We need to do something about the Underworld," Snively said as he glanced around the council room. Senshi were nodding in agreement.
"And what about Sam?" Ikshu questioned.
"She's part of the Underworld." An unnerving silence filled the room. There was a knock on the door followed by a guard entering. Snively stood in alarm. "Is something wrong?"
"The Underworld has breached the perimeter. They're coming towards the city."
"What?" The Senshi began rising from their seats.
"The queen is not present. Her second-in-command is leading the demons."
"Thank you. Get the shield up to protect the city," Snively ordered. He turned to the Senshi, who'd already transformed. "Gather your weapons and armor. We're going to battle."
"Sir, you need the armor more than we do," Sydney replied. "You and our mates aren't as protected by magic as we are."
"Very well. Just hurry."
"Yes sir!"
Sam paced her bedroom, transforming and then undoing her transformation. She didn't really need to transform; she was powerful enough without transforming now.
"What are you gonna do now?" Sam turned to glare at the ghost in front of her. She sighed heavily.
"I don't know, Sof. I really don't know. I just want him safe and I don't know if I can do it," Sam said. Sophia floated closer to her.
"Leave yourself open to any of his attacks and his only," Sophia said.
"Why?"
"The only way he'll be safe now is if you two break your bond. And we both know Snively won't do it; he's blinded by love," the ghost explained.
"Yes. I…I know," Sam spoke.
"You don't want to be bonded to him if SHE comes for you." Sam stared at her sister in horror.
"Do you sense HER presence is near?"
"Don't you?"
"No. Not yet at least. What does HER presence feel like?"
"You'll know. You must go to the city. Jillian took the remains of the Underworld and is planning to attack," Sophia explained.
"What?" Sam began gathering her favorite weapons and securing them on herself. She was furious. How dare Jillian betray her trust?
"One more thing."
"Yes?"
"Thanks for cleaning out my quarters. I didn't think Snively would have you clean my quarters as punishment. Very creative."
"That was you?" Sam demanded.
"Yes, for the most part. I do not like my room being made into some sort of shrine," Sophia huffed.
"I-I suppose I understand."
"Good. Go save our people." The queen nodded.
"See you around, Sof." Sam disappeared and the ghost of Sophia slowly faded into thin air.
Snively's eyes scanned the future battlefield. He turned to see the Senshi behind him and the army behind them. The twins and Parker stood with the Senshi. There was no readable expression on anyone's face. He sighed shakily. It was them against Sam and the Underworld. And he knew how Sam was during battle. He'd been hearing quiet rumors of Senshi feeling HER presence. Snively knew that SHE would be coming some time soon, perhaps even in the middle of battle. He just wished he would have gotten a little more time with Sam the previous night. He let his mind wander as he gazed over the battlefield…
Snively had just settled into bed, sipping at a glass of wine. He figured he'd earned it after watching Sam all day. He flipped his television on, changing the channel to the news. He sighed; the news usually bored him even though he was interested in the world. He wondered if he should have let Sam go. He lifted his wine glass up as if he were toasting to something.
"Ah Samantha. Why do we try so hard to keep our relationship alive?" he mumbled. He jumped at the sound of something knocking at the balcony doors. He tried to ignore it, turning up the television. Over the next half hour the knocking gradually grew louder.
"Oh, enough of this!" Snively reached behind his pillows and drew out a pistol. He got up and crept cautiously to the balcony. He used magic to push the doors open. He aimed his gun, waiting for something- anything to jump out at him.
"Hello Snively."
"S-Sam?" Sam slowly came into the bedroom, folding her darkened wings against her back. "You are not permitted to be here."
"I know." The doors shut as she invited herself in further. Snively kept the pistol raised. He knew better than to lower his guard, especially when he was dealing with her. "I'm hurt, Lubov. Why do you raise a weapon at your wife? Your mate?"
"Because I know how you are. You'll strike me down the moment I let my guard down." Sam smirked.
"You do know me best," she smiled. She snapped her fingers and trapping crystals appeared around the room. The crystals lit up and began a low hum. Snively glanced around nervously; she'd trapped him with her.
"Sam…" He swallowed the lump growing in his throat. "What do you want? Why are you here?"
"To talk." Snively couldn't understand how calm she was. She'd answered him so simply, like she did this sort of thing all the time. 'Maybe she does.'
"About?"
"War." Snively nodded towards the couch.
"Sit." Sam paused a moment before stepping towards the couch. She sat down and stared at him.
"Your turn." Snively backed up to his bed and sat down.
"Speak."
"Is that any way to speak to your mate?"
"Quit pulling that card, Samantha! It's ridiculous. It's not going to work. So tell what you need to and leave," Snively snarled.
"You wanna win this war?" Sam questioned calmly.
"Of course." Snively eyed her in suspicion.
"Most of the Underworld is in shambles. The demon population is less than half of what it was, even after Armageddon. I'm sure you sense a battle coming soon."
"Y…Yes, I do." Snively looked over to his wine glass. He'd much rather be enjoying that instead of speaking to his wife. He got up long enough to retrieve his glass.
"You need to strike against the Underworld first. The demons are eager to see you fall. If you strike first, their focus will be lost."
"How so?"
"They will be too enraged that you got the first hit that they won't think any attacks through."
"Interesting."
Sam shrugged. "Not really. That's why I was able to wipe out their population so quickly."
"Hm." Snively could see her eyeing his glass as he took a sip. "Would you like a glass of your own?"
"Nah. I've had plenty tonight."
"You're not drunk, are you?"
"I'm making sense, aren't I?"
"That means nothing." Sam disappeared from Snively's sight and reappeared beside him. "I hate it when you do that."
"You hate a lot of things," Sam spoke. She grew silent as her husband watched her.
"Is that all?" Snively asked. He watched her expression change several times.
"This battle…Something's gonna happen that will change things between us." He wondered if she was speaking of the mysterious 'HER.'
"I just…I just wanted to spend one last night with you, but…" She got up and started towards the balcony.
"But?" Snively pressed.
"But I see we want to spend our evening in different ways." She opened the balcony doors. "Goodni—"
"Sam, wait. I…" 'I what? I miss her? I want her?'
"Yes?" Snively sighed.
"Stay. I…I don't know what's going on to make you think this will be our last night together, but if you are certain it is…" He wasn't sure what he was trying to say. He watched her as she stood at the balcony. She slowly shut the door and turned. She strode over to him and threw her arms around his neck. He was happy with some show of normalcy. "Sam, if someone's trying to hurt you, you know you can tell me, don't you?"
"Of course." He set his glass down and put his arms around her. He could feel her shaking. Was she crying? "A-and you know I'll always love you?"
"Samantha, what's going on?" Snively inquired, concerned.
"Please. Tell me you know I'll always love you."
"Of course I know this." She caressed his cheek. She touched his lips and smiled faintly.
"Tseluyu." Before Snively could ask what she'd said, he found himself being kissed. He pulled away slowly.
"Sam, I don-"
"Puzhalsta?" Her blue eyes forced him to look at her. She looked desperate. "Puzhalsta? Oo min-Ya?"
He nodded. "Everything I do is for you, darling."
"Kiss me." He gently pressed his lips against hers. He had always loved her aggressive affection and this time was no different. They took turns coaxing each other into his—their—bed. "Didn't think you still had it in you, baby."
"You know, I kind of hate it when you call me that." Sam ruffled his hair.
"Then why do you let me call you that?" He grinned as he laid a hand on her side. He could see a few dark grey hairs among the rest of her brunette mane.
"Because you make it sound dirty."
She smacked him playfully. "Dork."
"Dork?" he chuckled. "Isn't that a bit childish?"
"Nah." Her lips crashed down on his again. He felt her trying to lift his shirt up. He pulled her hand away.
"Not tonight, Samantha. I am content with how we are now," Snively said as he caressed her hair. He felt her tremble slightly.
"Of…of course, my love," Sam replied softly.
"Sir?" Snively snapped himself back to reality. Sydney was staring at him with a look of disproval. He raised a curious brow.
"What?"
"You were with her last night, weren't you?"
"What are you talking about?" Snively asked.
"You very well know what. You slept with Sam last night," Sydney scoffed.
"I most certainly did not!" he scowled.
"You reek of her perfume!" Snively's cheeks reddened in embarrassment.
"We really didn't –do- anything. Yes, she was at the palace last night but we just spent some time together," he explained quietly.
"Snively…"
"She was upset so I asked her to stay with me."
"You shouldn't have let her in. She-she could have killed you!" Sydney shouted. The army looked over at them in interest.
"Well she didn't so drop it," Snively snapped. He glanced out over the battleground. He remembered the amount of demons at Armageddon. The numbers he could see now was seriously lacking compared to what he had witnessed at Armageddon. Had Sam really ruined the Underworld? He could see three figures standing away from the demons on a plateau. "Does anyone have a pair of binoculars?"
"I do, sir," Erika replied. She brought them out of her waist pouch and tossed them to the king.
"Thanks." Snively focused the lenses and peered through the binoculars. He saw Sam, Hope, and Jillian. Sam looked furious but he considered that normal anymore. Sam drew a sai and pointed it at Jillian.
/Sam?/
/What?/ He winced at her tone.
/Why are you pointing a sai at your second-in-command?/
/She went behind my back./ Sam disappeared from his vision. /I'm behind you./
Snively turned. He immediately noticed the lack of weapons she carried. That was unusual since she liked to have a large selection of weapons to use in battle. "What are you doing? Why did you order this today?"
"I didn't. Jillian did. Make sure your army leaves her to me. Now, I'm-"
"Leave her to you? Isn't she a comrade of sorts?"
"Not really. She got me into this mess. Take this," Sam said. She drew a sai, ignoring the Senshi fidget. She gave the sai to Snively, who gave her a questioning look.
"What do you want me to do with this?"
"Use it. My sais haven't failed me yet. Maybe you'll have the same success. Remember, aim right below the chest," she explained.
"I will," Snively said. He held still when his wife kissed him. "You be careful today."
"Trust me darling, I'll be as careful as I need to be. It's you who needs to be careful." The sound of a gunshot made them look up in alarm. Demons began running across the field screeching. "What the-"
"Sam!" Sam pressed her mouth to Snively's.
"Good luck!"
"Wa-" Sam disappeared. Snively sighed. He turned to the Senshi. "Leave Sam to me. You go after the demons and Hope. Sam said something about taking care of Jillian. Circle around the Underworld and eliminate them that way if possible. Now go!"
"Yes sir!" He nodded in satisfaction. The Senshi and army charged down to the battlefield. He started down the hill but stopped when he heard an unfamiliar cry. "Prolix ago rex! Prolix ago rex!"
"Looks like they respect you as a leader." Snively turned to see Sam at his side once again. He shrugged.
"I suppose." He paused a moment to recollect his thoughts. "Sam, why did you give me your sai?"
"I don't really need it. Love, I need you to do something important for me."
"Of course. Anything."
"I need you to break our bond."
"No. Absolutely not."
"Please. I'm begging. What if SHE comes and kills me or something? You'll die too."
"If that's what it takes for us to be together then so be it."
"No. you must do this."
"I don't have to do anything." She got up in his face.
"I'll get you to do it by the end of the day."
"Is that so?" Snively questioned.
"Yes." She gave him a sloppy kiss before taking off towards the battle. Snively shrugged before following her down the hill.
A slash down killed one. An energy ball killed six. Sam was enjoying killing demons. She made sure she only injured her husband's army if they came too close. She saw glances of Snively every once and a while, pleased he was doing so well. Sam turned just in time to duck. She glared at the demon before her just before she slashed her down as the others.
"Sam, what are you doing?" Jillian came running towards her.
"Doing what I do best."
"What? Destroying our army?"
"No. Killing demons."
"Are you out of your mind? We're going to lose because of you!"
"You should have thought about it before you tried this. I'm actually glad you found me. I need to have a word with you."
"Do you?" Jillian replied sarcastically. She noticed the cold glare in Sam's eyes and stepped back in fear.
"Yes. I need to discuss you loyalty with you."
Snively noticed his Senshi trying to circle around the Underworld. He was pleased with their effort, but wished they could finish the job.
"Not so powerful without the queen, are you?" Snively turned to see Jillian, who held the match to the sai Sam had given him.
"Where did you get that?" Snively demanded.
"I won it fair and square from Sam," Jillian said while twirling the sai in her hand. "She's bleeding out as we speak."
"What?" He couldn't feel her in pain.
"Don't worry. She doesn't feel a thing. She's knocked out cold."
"No!" Snively charged towards Jillian with his sai flailing. He didn't care if he was doing everything wrong. He had to get rid of Jillian because she'd hurt Sam. Jillian delivered several slashes, cutting up his arms. He didn't think he'd have much difficulty defeating her.
"What's the matter? Are you weak from grief?" Jillian taunted. Snively gave an enraged shriek and charged forward. Jillian laughed as she blocked him. Snively stabbed forward, pleased with his success. Jillian stood before him, clenching her chest. She began giggling, sending him on edge.
"No!" Sydney and the Senshi were running towards them. "That's not Jillian!"
"What?" Snively turned to look at his nearly fallen opponent. She stood up despite her injury, looking like she was ready to fight again. She raised her sai and staggered forward. Snively stared at her in disgust. "You're stupid if you think I'll let this continue."
"Then end it," Jillian replied. Snively didn't want to fight anymore but he obliged. He gave weak attempts to match her. She was sloppy in everything she did. She tripped and nearly fell; Snively caught her against his shoulder. "I'm sorry."
"What?" Jillian pulled out a knife from her boot and stabbed him in the side. Snively reacted similarly and stabbed her with the sai he had. Snively suddenly felt nauseous and his head ached. Then all he could feel was unbearable pain. It was like his heart was being ripped out of his chest. He kneeled in the dirt, muffling screams. He could barely hear someone else screaming.
"Sir? Sir? Are you alright?" Snively glanced up but couldn't tell who was speaking to him.
/Sam?/ No answer. /Samantha? Sam, answer me. Please! SAMANTHA!/
"Sir?"
"Sam. Where's Sam?" Snively breathed. He began to notice the pain fading. He just couldn't understand why he couldn't feel Sam's presence. Why wasn't she responding to him? He glanced around, seeing Senshi still in battle and a body not far from him.
"Sir, Sam…s-she…" Sydney turned away. Snively sat up and began healing himself.
"She what?" he demanded.
"She's fatally wounded, sir. I'm so sorry."
"N-no. This is Sam we're discussing. She doesn't get fatally wounded," Snively stammered. Not his Sam. She was a warrior and a very powerful one at that. She was always the one to inflict pain.
"Sir, she deceived you into injuring her," Sydney said. 'I'll get you to do it by the end of the day.'
"No," he moaned. Snively got up and collapsed when he recognized the body that had fallen beside him. Sam gazed at him with cloudy eyes.
"I-I told you s-so," she laughed softly.
"Why did you do this to us?" Snively moaned. He pulled her into his arms.
"SHE's coming," Sam replied. She reached for his face. He leaned over and kissed her forehead.
"No. No, you're safe now." Snively looked up to a strong icy wind. He frowned; it was mid-summer. There shouldn't be that sort of wind. He felt his wife tremble. He felt as if someone was behind him—someone powerful.
"I l-love you, Colin."
"What did you call me?"
"By your name." A bright light appeared in front of them. "Love, do you love me?"
"Of course I love you. I'll always love you." She strained to reach him. Sam kissed him.
"I'll miss you."
"Time to go, Samantha." Snively could see the silhouette of a woman in the light and knew it was HER. He held his wife closer to him and hated how labored her breathing was.
"You can't have her!" Snively yelled.
"Samantha must atone for her crimes," SHE said coldly. Snively shivered. He understood why the Senshi was so afraid of HER now.
"No! She…she knew what she was doing."
"Oh? Is that why you doubted her? Locked her up to scream away her sanity?"
"Let her go. You may be causing more harm than good for Sam," Sydney murmured beside him.
"I-it's okay, love. Sydney has done this. I'll be f-fine." Sam closed her eyes and disappeared in HER arms, unconscious.
"Take care of Sam or else," Snively spoke.
"I don't believe you're in any position to threaten me," SHE replied calmly. SHE turned and walked away, eventually disappearing within the light. The light faded, revealing a battle torn field. Snively knelt on the ground, weeping bitter tears.
"How could I not trust her? My own soul mate! How could I let HER take Sam?" he wept. Serenity knelt beside her father.
"Dad, don't worry. Mom always comes back no matter what," Serenity spoke.
"She's too injured to live through whatever SHE has in store for her."
"Have faith." Serenity stared at her father wide-eyed.
"I didn't even heal her," she heard her father mutter.
"I'm sorry Dad." Serenity revealed a syringe she'd been carrying and thrust the needle into Snively's shoulder. He barely felt it. He was too overcome with grief to realize he was falling asleep. His daughter stood. "Get him to Leo. He'll wake up in a panic I imagine."
"Yes princess," Sydney found herself saying. 'She'd make a great queen.'
Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into four months. Serenity and Caleb handled kingdom affairs when they decided their father was unable to. Serenity invited Parker to stay with her. Caleb was still at work trying to win over Spencer.
"Do you think Dad will be any better today?" Serenity asked her brother. They walked down the quiet halls of the palace. It seemed like a typical day.
"I hope so. Seeing him like this…it's just…It's scary," Caleb replied.
"Yeah, but if it was the other way around, Mom would be the same way."
"No. She would acknowledge this as something that would need to be done." The twins stopped at the medical wing's door. They went inside and walked through the wing. They acknowledged the personnel with nods. Caleb opened a door and let his sister inside before going in himself. Snively sat on a hospital bed, his expression sullen.
"Hi Dad." Serenity mustered up as much cheerfulness as she could. "It's really nice out today. Would you like to-"
"No." Snively's tone was harsh.
"Dad, you can't stay in here forever. You can't rely on the fact that SHE might bring Mom back. She could be dead and you're here waiting around for something that may or may not happen," Caleb said angrily.
"Caleb," Serenity began.
"No. He's right. I should be focusing on putting the kingdom back together. Sam will be fine. She always is," Snively said as he got up.
"So you're okay?"
"Of course. I've got everything figured out." Serenity gave her father a hug.
"I'm glad to hear that, Dad," she replied. Caleb watched as his sister walked away with their father.
"He's planning something."
The Senshi and royal family gathered around the dining room for Sunday dinner. Caleb glanced around the room, trying to see if his father was in the room. The prince swore when he realized his father wasn't present. Serenity turned.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Dad's not here."
"So?"
"So I think he's looking for Mom. Why else would he have left that room?" Caleb replied.
"He's committing suicide!" Serenity yelped. "We gotta get help."
"No, we have to go after hi." The prince turned to leave. His sister grabbed his arm.
"We can't do this by ourselves, C. we need backup for this."
"Like who? Ren, No one will want to. They know it's suicide to look for HER," Caleb answered.
"Caleb, please." He sighed when Serenity gave him a pleading look.
"Okay fine. We gotta hurry."
Snively sat in the grotto's cavern, concentrating. He hoped he could trace HER with even the smallest possibility of an orb trail. He sighed in frustration.
"Why can't I do this?" he moaned. He could almost hear Sam chastising him for not focusing enough. He was exhausted.
"'Clear your head,' she says. It's easy for her to say. She's good at everything she does," Snively said sarcastically. He paused. If she was trying to find an orb trail while in so much turmoil, was it easy for her too? No. It couldn't be. There was so much going on for her to successfully focus. Snively sighed before refocusing his attention.
"Please. Please let me find her," he silently prayed. He felt himself being lifted into an orb but kept his focus. A microsecond passed. He felt silent ground beneath him. He glanced around but only saw white. 'What is this?'
A.N.
Here is part one. I swear I am almost finished with part two; I'm just terrible at procrastinating. This is the perfect place to cut off for this part. It's been a bumpy ride, yes?
Later!
M.P.
'What Have You Done' is by Within Temptation
