Chapter Nineteen: Nightmare Reality
AN: It's Thanksgiving, so I'm going to give all of you another chapter.
Eventually, it got late, and everyone had to go home. The Starlights planned to stick around for a few weeks, and it was decided that they would meet again after school the next day. Serena got home with a smile on her face. She was still sore, and she was still on her period, but her heart was filled by love and joy at Seiya's return.
Unfortunately, she still had to go out and patrol tonight. The blonde groaned and hoped that tonight wouldn't be too rough. Sighing, she pulled on her fight clothes—jeans, t-shirt, and leather jacket-, styled her hair in a way that it wouldn't block her vision, and climbed out her window. She was ready to face another night of the Knights' war.
It started out unremarkably. Mercifully, she didn't have to patrol alone again, and therefore, she took less of a beating. It was a fairly easy night, and the city was quiet. However, just as the team leader was about to report all clear, a figure stepped from the shadows.
As soon as the light fell upon the figure, Serena felt her heart freeze in her chest, and felt all strength flee from her. It was the creature that had haunted her dreams for so long.
"Greetings, young sorceress. Did I not tell you we would meet face to face soon?" It crooned.
Serena somehow managed to keep her voice steady and calm as she answered, "You mentioned it. Did you run out of small children to scare?"
"Scaring small children is beneath me. I find killing you meddling Knights far more entertaining."
"You'll die trying."
"Afraid not, sorceress. My power is beyond your comprehension, and I've decided that it's been a good while since I had the pleasure of torturing one of your kind."
"I have powers you know nothing of."
"Not even your Mystical Silver Crystal can preserve you."
Serena felt mind-numbing shock race through her system. How did this creature know about the Crystal?
"Please. You honestly thought I didn't know about your Sailor Scouts and your power as the Moon Princess?"
"I have heard of no such people. You speak of myths, nothing more."
"You'd like for me to think so, wouldn't you? But no, you will not fool me so easily, sorceress. I see your heart. I know your darkest fears, your dearest wishes. Funny. I know you far better than that simpering, dark-haired fool you're so fond of. I wonder how he would react if he knew who you really are?"
"Go fuck yourself," Serena snarled. She was no longer in any mood to mince words. The threat to Seiya sent pure fire and burning hate rushing through her veins.
"My, my, aren't we vulgar?"
The others were staring at Serena openmouthed. She'd seemed too innocent to know such obscenities.
"You touch him, no force will guard you from my wrath," Serena hissed. "Mark my words. If you so much as tap him, I will hunt you down, and I will make you wish you never saw your first sunrise."
"Very well. I take my leave of you tonight, foolish girl. But know this; I will be watching you from the shadows. When you let your guard down, that is when I will strike." With those final words, the creature turned and disappeared into the darkness.
Serena clenched her fists and scowled at the ground. 'You will touch no one I love,' she thought defiantly. 'I will never lose my vigilance.'