I had just finished putting some bandages on Sebastian. I quietly giggled at him, but regained my composure. "There. You're as good as new." I said patting his shell.
"Good as new? I can barely move my claws. Luckily you defeated Caspian before I got my pincers on him." He angrily said. He plopped back on the pillow and tried to fall asleep.
We went back to Jade's temple after we left the cave. The girls had ordered some pizza. I grabbed a plate full and took a seat next to Mags. She was nibbling on her slice. "Hey if you're not going to eat that, I will." I said reaching out for her plate.
"HEY! ARIANA!" yelled Jade pushing my hand away from Mags' food.
"Ouch." I remarked, rubbing my hand.
"Guys I think we need to formulate a plan" Briar spoke up. "If we want to defeat Ursula, we're going to have to face her eventually. Why not now? I mean Sebastian and Flounder have been training us. I think we're ready."
The room grew silent. After seeing what happened to Atlantica, I promised myself that I wouldn't let that happen to Earth as well, especially our town, Marina. The Scouts agreed with me too. We've all been pensive since our arrival to the temple.
"Hey Flounder..." began Bella "During the.. flashback, we saw that the Scouts and I had our own guardians. Do you know who they were?"
Flounder was resting in his fishbowl. He wasn't hurt badly. The fishbowl protected him from most of the blows. When he heard the question directed at him, he looked at the girls.
"Well... It's a long story but I think I can cut it down." He laughed at his own joke. "Alright tough crowd." He continued. "Before you girls were apart of Ariel's court, you were princess' of your own respective kingdoms."
"All of us were princess'?" Asked Mags.
Flounder nodded. " Before and after being chosen to be apart of Ariel's court. Mags, you use to go by Mulan. You were a great warrior. You fought for what you believed in. That is why you were made princess of the Cherry Blossom Empire." He then moved onto Jade. "You use to go by Jasmine. You were the Princess of Agrabah. Let me tell you, you were feisty, but strong and independent. Not much has changed." That made everyone giggle.
"Bella, you were known as Belle." Flounder began again. "Not only were you a princess but a guardian as well. You were the guardian of the Enchanted Rose. That is why your kingdom was named the Rose Kingdom. You always had your nose stuck in a book. You filled your kingdom with knowledge and adventure." His eyes then fell on Briar Rose. "My dear, you were known as Aurora. You were the princess of the kingdom called Grace. Everyone who knew you described you to be charming and sweet." Flounder winked at her.
"If they could only see her now." I teased.
"Hey!" she grabbed a pillow and threw it at my face. We all began to laugh.
"But going back to answering your question Bella. When Queen Ursula was incarcerated into the depth of the Sea and King Triton raised Atlantica above shore, you girls were assigned protectors, an idea proposed by Ariel. We didn't know what kind of powers Ursula had, but Ariel wanted you to be safe." Flounder went on.
"I proposed that idea?" I asked skeptically.
"Uh huh." Flounder nodded excitedly. "You found the girls protectors. You wanted everyone to be safe. Your court had become your best friends, and their safety was your main priority."
"But who were our protectors?" asked Bella.
"Each one of yours were different." said Flounder.
"I remember your protectors." started Sebastian. His head popped up, indicating he was awake. "I worked with them. Each one of them was valiant. They did not hesitate to put their life in danger for you girls."
"Were they attractive?" Briar asked. We all looked at her. "What?" she said shrugging her shoulders.
"Well of course, since I picked them out." I stated.
"Nevermind that, did you girls want to know about your protectors or not?" retorted Sebastian.
All four girls yelled yes.
"Alright let's start with Bella. Your protector was known as Adam. He was a bit self centered in the beginning, but once he warmed up to you, he was very noble, and cared about you deeply. Mags, your protector was known as Shang. He had a background of protecting people. He was very logical. Believe it or not he was the only person who could calm your adventurous personality." He quickly smiled at her. "Jade, your protector was an interesting choice. His name was Aladdin. He was the youngest protector I have ever worked with. He was agile and a fast runner. You two were very alike, both of you always spoke your mind." He chuckled. "Last but not least, Briar Rose. Your protector was known as Philip. He was loyal and heroic. He always had to know where you were at any given time."
"I bet he was dreamy..." Briar Rose said.
"All you girls found your protectors to be dreamy, since all of you fell in love with them." responded Sebastian.
"What?!" they said in unison.
"That's right. I remember now." Flounder began to recall. "The scouts had fallen in love with their protectors."
"Am I good or what?!" I said standing up. "Match maker Ariana!" I threw a fist in the air. I sat back down. "You can thank me later." I whispered in Jade's ear.
"Oh shut up." she playfully pushed me away.
"Were they trapped inside the Sparkling Sea Diamond as well?" asked Mags
"I honestly do not know. They should have been since they were there the day Ursula took over Atlantica. What do you think Sebastian." Flounder wondered.
"There is a chance they made it here. But..." he pondered a thought.
"But what?" I urged him to continue.
"Well considering that we haven't found them, or felt their presence, there is a possibility that they did not make the trip entirely."
"Entirely?" Mags looked confused.
"Meaning that they were unable to make the trip either mentally or physically." Sebastian began pacing.
"You mean to tell me that either their body's made it here without any recollection of their past life, or that their spirit made it here with no body?" I questioned.
"You got it." said Flounder.
"That's odd" Jade mumbled.
"I had forgotten about the Sailor Scout's protectors." said Sebastian. "I guess I've been preoccupied with finding out who the princess was and finding the Sparkling Sea Diamond. I know that's no excuse. I apologize. I should have mentioned it earlier. You girls are important to me too. You deserve to know about your past life just as much as Ariana does."
"Don't be so hard on yourself Sebastian. You've done so much for us, and we've never really thanked you or Flounder." Bella spoke up.
"Bella's right. We've grown as Sailor Scouts because of you. Thank you." Briar cupped Sebastian in her hand and smiled at him. She placed him on the pillow, and we all crowded around him. Briar then grabbed Flounder's bowl and did the same.
Being together in unity made me feel confident. I felt that the scouts and I could do anything, even defeat Ursula. These are the moments that we fight for. Being embraced by people that I love is what fuels me to fight as Sailor Sea. I couldn't help but smile.
Once our hug was over Briar spoke up "Back to scout business, you mentioned that you guys managed to find the entrance to Ursula's castle?" She looked at Sebastian and Flounder.
"We believe so." Flounder began. "While in the cave we found a tunnel that seemed to lead to a secluded beach. We got the coordinates."
"We were going to do some research on the coordinates tonight." interjected Sebastian. "Anyways it seems that Ursula might be planning to launch her attack soon. The negative energy that place contains is a bit overwhelming."
"We should go tomorrow" I said. I stood up as a leader. "We'll tell our parents that we are sleeping over at Jade's, so they don't worry. Plus this gives Flounder and Sebastian time to research the coordinates. Then at night we'll defeat Ursula once and for all"
Jade walked towards me. "Wow Ariana, nice plan." she started. "I'm impressed, but um I think you're missing one key point."
I looked at her confused. What could I have possibly miss?
"If the beach is far from here how do you plan on getting there?" she asked.
My face fell. I was so close. "Ummmm..."
"Leave that to us." Flounder winked at me.
Phew. Thank goodness Flounder had my back. Although I do wonder what he had in mind. I smiled at him to let him know what a life saver he was.
"I like Ariana's plan." Mags stood up. "We should meet here around 7."
"Sounds good to me-" "Me too-" Bella and Briar said.
"You girls go home and rest. You will need all your energy for tomorrow." Sebastian said. He looked at me. "I'll meet you here. Flounder and I will be looking up the coordinates and doing a bit of research to help you girls."
I nodded. "If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate in calling me or the girls. Ok?" I looked at Sebastian, knowing how he likes working on his own. "We're a team."
"You got it." He said. "But same goes for you. If you need anything let us know." He looked at each of us. His eyes then fell on me. "If you have any nightmare's or 'visions' call me immediately."
"Alright, alright I get it." I retorted.
"I'm going to do a fire reading, and if I figure something out I'll let you guys know." Jade informed us.
We then began saying our goodbyes "Well we'll see you guys tomorrow." the girls and I said to each other. We hugged one last time, and then went our own way.
As I lay on my bed, I continued to stare at the ceiling. The time had come to defeat Ursula. I never believed I would be ready for this. After staring at nothing for a solid hour I decided it was time for me to sleep. I need all my energy for tomorrow. I grabbed my cellphone and checked if I had my sound on, just in case I get a call in the middle of the night. I also checked the communicator to see if anyone has sent any information, which by the way they hadn't.
I closed my eyes.
"Blast those Sailor Scouts." Ursula said with anger. "Without Caspian, how am I going to distract them?" She began to pace. "I need to awaken the negative energy. It's the only way I can defeat them."
Ursula turned around and faced the wall where her throne stood. As she turned the wall transformed into a mirror. But Ursula did not see her reflection, but a ball of black energy. "It will be waking up shortly." she murmured.
She faced the room, and the mirror disappeared. "The Scouts and Sailor Sea will be here soon. Who should I have greet our guest." She then snapped her fingers as an idea hit her. "Flotsam! Jetsam!" she yelled with happiness.
Two electric eels slithered down the corridor. "Yes your majesty?" They asked in unison. Their voices were raspy. Their scales were a murky turquoise color. They looked identical. They only way you could tell them apart was by their eyes. Flotsam has a normal eye on his right and a yellow eye on his left. Where as Jetsam has a normal left eye and a yellow right eye.
"When the Sailor Scouts come to us, make sure you give them a proper greeting." She laughed.
"Of course" they replied together. They then exited the throne room.
"After those Sailor brats are taken out, the Sterling Millenium will be mine to rule." She continued to laugh.
I woke up with a jolt. I sat up and caught my breath. I instantly grabbed my communicator and called Sebastian. He answered in the first ring. His face was full of concern. "Ariana are you alright?"
I shook my head. "Not really, I just had a nightmare again." I began to explain to him what I saw. With every word I said, he grew more attentive.
When I finished, he instructed me to either drink warm milk or tea, and then go back to bed. He reassured me that everything would be alright. "I'll continue my research on Ursula, and what type of tricks her eels will mess around with." he said.
I felt a bit better. "Hey Sebastian do you mind staying on the line until I fall asleep?" I asked, giving him my blue puppy eyes.
He chuckled. "Of course my child. "
In that instant Flounder jumped into the picture and began to shake his fin. "Hi Ariana!" he said excitedly. "I'll stay on the line too!"
I smiled at them. "Thanks you two. I really appreciate it." I propped my communicator against my lamp so they would get a view of me. "Keep working, don't let me distract you. Oh and can you promise me one thing?"
"Anything." replied Flounder.
"Promise me you two will atleast get some sleep."
"We'll try" Sebastian said. "Now go to bed, you and the girls have a big day tomorrow."
I pulled my sheet closer to me. "Goodnight" I yawned, and soon went to bed.
My eyes fluttered open when I heard my cell phone ring. I grabbed it and looked at the text message I received.
Don't be late ;) I read from Briar Rose. I replied saying that I won't be. I looked at my communicator and realized the black screen, Sebastian and Flounder must have hung up when they decided to fell asleep.
I walked into the kitchen to grab some breakfast. "Good morning" I saluted my parents and my brother.
"Why are you up? It's not even 11 yet?" he asked annoyed.
"I smelled mom's waffles and knew you were going to eat them all." I stuck my tongue at him. I grabbed my plate from the cabinet and took my seat .
"Here you go Ariana, nice and warm." my mom placed my waffle on my plate. I thanked her.
"So what are you up to today kiddo?" asked my dad. He continued to drink his coffee.
"Actually I was wondering if it was ok if I could spend the night at Jade's?"
"Jade?" he looked confused for a second. "Oh the girl who works at the Garnet Temple right?"
I nodded. "Yeah thats her. She's having a slumber party."
"Aren't you a little old for slumber parties?" my brother commented.
My mom began to giggle. I looked at her. "I'm not old for slumber parties. Just because I'm 16 doesn't make me old."
"Didn't you say last week that you aren't a child either." my dad winked.
"Oh leave her alone you two." My mother defended me.
"Alright, alright. I'm done." my dad said.
"So I can go?" I asked.
"Yes." my parents said in unison.
"YAY!" I jumped from the table to hug them. " Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" I danced around the kitchen table.
My mother couldn't help but laugh at the sight of my ridiculousness. "Finish your breakfast before you trip and hurt yourself." I took my seat and wolfed down whatever was left on my plate. Once I finished I excused myself and packed for the night.
After stuffing my duffel bag with clothes and necessities, I decided it was time for me to get ready. I jumped in the shower, and sang a few songs while in there. I changed into some skinny jeans and a floral tank top.
I looked at the clock to see how much time I had left. The clock read 3:57. I had a lot of time left until 7. What can I do to pass some time. I got it!
I creeped over to my brother's room. He was sitting at his desk , it looked like he was sculpting something out of clay. I sneaked up behind him and placed my hands on his shoulders. "Hey Noah!"
He yelled, and tried to cover what he was working on. "Don't do that." he said aggravated.
"What is that?" I asked him. He continued to cover up his project, after nudging his side he finally revealed what it was.
I gasped. He was sculpting. . . Me. Well actually Sailor Sea. "Is that.."I began to say.
Noah let out a sigh of defeat. "Yeah, it's Sailor Sea."
"I didn't know you liked her."
"Are you kidding? She's awesome" he said. Once he registered what had come out of his mouth he blushed. "I mean she's cool."
I smiled. "You think so?"
He nodded frantically.
"Well I'm going to start heading out. I'll see you later kiddo." I messed with his hair. " Nice work on sculpting that by the way." I said walking out the door.
"Thanks! Have fun at your slumber party." he shouted.
I shook my head and smiled. I walked to my parent's room next. They were laying in bed watching tv. I walked in and sat between them.
"Are you leaving sweetheart?" my mom asked.
I nodded. "Yeah, I'm just about to."
"Well have fun, and behave." she kissed my head.
"Be good, don't have too much fun. Tell the girls we say hello" my dad said.
"Will do." I got up and made my way to the door. "Bye guys, I love you!"
"We love you too!" They called out.
After saying my goodbyes I grabbed my stuff and made my way to my last stop before I left for Jade's.
When I smelled the salty air, and heard the seagulls, a smiled emerged on my face. I looked at my watch, I had an hour left. I plopped my stuff in the sand, and folded my jeans. I took off my sandals and ran to put my feet in the water. It was a bit chilly at first, but I got use to it after running in and out.
"Hey you! Having fun?" I heard a voice say. I turned around and saw it was Andy.
"Oh hey Andy. Care to join me?" I said splashing him.
"Count me in." He splashed along with me.
Once my jeans were completely soaked, I called a truce. "You win!" I told him.
He raised his arms in triumph. "Wooo!"
I took a seat by my stuff. Andy joined me. "Aren't you suppose to be saving people's live's right now?" I asked him.
"I'm on break." He said simply. He looked a bit upset. "Have you seen Derek, by any chance." He blurted out.
"What?" he caught me off guard.
"We'll I haven't seen him in a while. I tried calling his cell and his apartment, but no reply. I'm a bit worried. I thought you might know something."
My heart sank. But I put on my pretend smile. "I haven't spoken to him either. But I'm sure he's alright, maybe he went out of town for a few days or something. Did he mention anything to you?"
He shook his head. "Nothing. The last time we spoke, we were talking about you."
"Me?!" I said in shock.
He chuckled. "Don't tell him I told you, but he was telling me that he had a crush on you."
I could feel my cheeks grow pink. My heart began to race, and butterflies flew in my stomach. "Really?" I asked.
"Oh yeah, he always asked me about you."
"Can I tell you something?"
Andy nodded. "Yeah."
"I kinda have a crush on him too." There I said it. I looked at Andy, and he had a big goofy grin on his face.
"I knew you two would hit it off." He said smiling. He looked at his watch. "Oh hey, I have to get back, my shift starts in a few minutes."
We both stood up, and said our goodbye's. Don't worry Andy, I'll bring him back, I promise. As he walked away, I sat back down to watch the ocean once more. I felt relaxed, and at peace. After a few minutes, I decided it was time for me to make my way over to the Garnet Temple.
When I arrived, all the girls were there. "Hey guys!" I said, when they came into view.
"Woah someone's early." laughed Bella.
I took a seat on the steps of the temple. Since it was late, no one was there but us. I put my cardigan on, the breeze made the night a bit cold.
"So when do we leave?" I asked.
"Soon." Sebastian said crawling up on my shoulder.
"I can't believe we're finally going to meet Ursula." Jade said.
"You guy's ready?" asked Briar Rose.
"I think we are." Bella responded.
"This is going to be our toughest fight yet." mentioned Mags.
"You said it Mags" Flounder jumped in. "But I believe in you."
"I know you five are ready." said Sebastian. "Based on our research last night the coordinates lead to a place called Salton Beach." Sebastian then made eye contact with me. "You girls will be tested tonight, you must stick together and be logical. Question everything, Ursula might set traps for you."
"Alright girls transform" Flounder instructed.
"Sea Trident Power!" "Blossom Power!" "Mystique Power!" "Rose Power!" "Beauty Power!"
When we finished transforming Flounder instructed us to get in a circle and hold hands. We did as he instructed. "Now I want you to think of a secluded beach, and then yell Scout Teleportation."
"Wait we can do that?" I asked excitedly.
"Only for scout purposes Ariana." Sebastian said.
"Believe in yourselves, you can do it!" Flounder yelled at us as we focused on teleporting.
"Scout Teleportation!" we yelled together. We closed our eyes to focus. There was a breeze pulling us upward. We were then flying through the air. I peeked, and saw the ocean below us. I knew we were getting closer to our destination since the breeze was dying off.
When we landed on Salton Beach, Mags double checked if it was the same coordinates Sebastian gave us. "This is it." she confirmed. "And by the looks of my computer, the source of all this negative energy is coming from that volcano over there" She pointed out. "We should head that way."
As we began to walk toward the volcano, which happened to be in the center of the island. A heavy downpour fell upon us. To make it even worse, there was gust of wind that would come every once in a while. We ran deeper into the jungle hoping that the tree's would keep us dry. In case you're wondering, they didn't. "Can't we get an umbrella?" I asked
Mags extended her arm to stop us from walking. "Hold it. My computer says there's a life form straight ahead."
We all looked. The rain stopped. There was a figure. It seemed like its arms were held by ropes that were tied to the tree's. I squinted to get a better look. I gasped when I identified who it was. No it can't be. "It's Tuxedo Mask." I said outloud. "He's hurt. We have to go help him" I began to walk towards him.
"No Sailor Sea! It's probably a trap." Sailor Blossom grabbed my arm to hold me back.
"Don't be so blind Sailor Sea." Sailor Rose said.
"I'll check it out." Blossom began to analyze Tuxedo Mask. I could hear her typing.
"Princess, help me be free again." I heard Tuxedo Mask say.
It's him. I ran from Blossom's grasp, and towards him.
"No!" Sailor Rose, Sailor Beauty, and Sailor Mystique yelled, as they chased after me. "Come back!"
They managed to grab me before I reached him. The girls piled on top of me so I was unable to move. "Get off of me! I need to help him!" I yelled.
"Watch it you guys. It's not him. It's a trap!" Blossom informed us. As the words escaped her mouth, electricity came from Tuxedo Mask's chest towards us.
We were able to get out of the way in time. I heard a familiar laugh, and turned towards it. What I saw sent chills down my spine. It was Flotsam. His yellow eye stared me and the girls down. Jetsam later slithered in beside him.
"So you think that's funny! Well go ahead, laugh it up. I'm tired of putting up with Ursula's henchmen." I said to him.
They laughed together. "Sailor Rose, we have someone here who want's to chat with you." Flotsam targeted her. They moved out of the way, and in their place stood an old man. He was tied just like Tuxedo Mask.
"Papa." Rose whispered. She ran towards him. While she ran to him, green vines came up from the ground, and got a hold of her. They lifted her up in the air. The figure of her father vanished.
"Rose!" the scouts and I yelled together. Flotsam and Jetsam had her trapped. "Well get you down from there!" I yelled to her.
"Leave me, go get Ursula. I'll take care of these creeps." she said. "Supreme Daring Crash!" her antenna began to extend and electricity was summoned to her.
There was a bright light that hid Rose and the eels. When the light died out, no one was there. "She's with us now girls, in Queen Ursula's castle." we heard Flotsam and Jetsam say.
"Hang in there you guys. I'm with you." we could hear Sailor Rose in our mind.
"Who's next?" asked Flotsam.
"You're not getting away with this." I screamed at him. Sailor Mystique and Sailor Blossom had to hold me down. We were then interrupted by a loud noise. The eels were nowhere in sight.
"What was that?" asked Sailor Beauty.
"Probably another one of their tricks." responded Blossom. "You guys continue heading towards the volcano. I'll check it out, and catch up with you." She must have seen my worried face, because she added. "Don't worry I'll be careful ok?"
"But Blossom it's not safe." I begged.
She looked directly into my eyes. "No one said it was going to be safe." She looked back at her computer. "There's something over there."
I went to hug her. "Please be careful Blossom."
She nodded, and ran towards where we heard the strange noise. Sailor Beauty, Sailor Mystique and I began to make our way towards the volcano.
"Do you think she'll be alright?" I asked with concern, as I lead the team.
"She'll be fine." said Beauty. "Come on we're almost there."
We continued walking, when suddenly we all stopped in unison. "I'll be with Bella. Good luck you three." It was Mags' voice. I dropped to my knees. The scouts stood behind me.
"NO! Blossoms gone too." I began to sob. "We shouldn't have come. We're not ready." I pounded the ground in frustration.
"That's not true Sailor Sea!" interjected Mystique. "We can't quit now. We'll keep going, for them."
"No, let's get out of here while we can." I cried. I then felt strong arms push me from where I lay.
"Sailor Sea watch it!" screamed Sailor Beauty. She was the one who pushed me out of the way. Green vines shot up from where I sat and grabbed Sailor Beauty.
"Hold on!" I yelled to her. "We're not letting them get any more of us. I'll use my tiara." I took it off and was about to throw it.
"NO SAILOR SEA!" she shrieked. "Save your energy, you're going to need it." Just then her body was dragged back to the ground. She was gone. We suddenly heard her voice say "Beauty Tide Beam!" and a orange light shone from the ground.
I believe in you. I heard Briar Rose's voice in my mind. I felt Mystique grip my hand hard and began to run towards the volcano. I couldn't run any more. "Mystique stop!" I cried out. She let go of her firm grip. Tears formed in my eyes.
"Sailor Sea, I think you're suppose to fight Ursula on your own." she said. Right at that moment Flotsam and Jetsam appear. "Guess it's my turn." Mystique said bravely. She walked away from me.
I caught up to her. "No! Wait! I don't want you to do this!" I grabbed her arm trying to stop her. "You don't have to protect me." I sobbed into her shoulder.
"Yes I do. Protecting you and the Diamond was my destiny. Just like being the princess has always been yours" she brushed my hand away. "Now wipe that sad face away. It doesn't look good on you." she winked, and approached the electric eels. "Evil Spirits-" she began to say as she targeted Flotsam and Jetsam. But as quickly as they have come, they left. "Where did they go?" she questioned.
Then, just like Sailor Beauty, she was grabbed by the waist by the green vines from the ground. "Look out!" I yelled, but I was too late. Mystique was swallowed by the ground. "Sailor Mystique!" I kept wailing.
See you around! I heard her calm voice. She's gone. They're all gone. Because of me.
I looked ahead towards the volcano. I clenched my hands. I'll set you all free again.
I was a few feet away from the volcano, when I felt something coming towards me. I turned around. But I was engulfed by a red bubble as it transported me somewhere. It was similar to the one I was trapped in with Derek.
"Hey!" I cried out, as I pounded on the bubble. "Let me out of here!"
I landed on hard marble flooring.
"Poor child. Poor, sweet child." I heard a chilling voice say.
I looked up. It was Flotsam and Jetsam, who were being petted by Queen Ursula.