Chapter 20

Light and Dark

Striking out at the one she loved was beyond unacceptable! Kiyoko felt the magic welling within her, her own and the Golden Crystal. It spread out like an explosion of its own, bathing her companions, no family, in protective magic that was blinding to Hina. She shrieked and Kiyoko was on her in a flash, landing several shots with her staff to Hina's abdomen and head leaving her disoriented and causing her to drop her glave among the rubble.

Kiyoko could feel the others beginning to regain consciousness with the help of the magic they were blanketed in. Seiya and Haruka were the first two to their feet and they both stuck out at the same time, sending World Shaking and Star Serious Laser at Hina. She called up a wall of darkness to stop their attacks and sent them back at the two Senshi. Narrowly, they both dodged their own blasts. This couldn't continue. As she channeled more and more of the Golden Crystal's energy she could feel the pain of the entire planet. So much suffering. People had been lost and even the planet itself had been damaged. This darkness had to be stopped. There was no choice.

For a split second Kiyoko pondered how the two women must look facing off. Hina with her red hair and bronze skin against Kiyoko's dark locks and fair complexion. Hina an image of gold and light, covering the darkest of evils. Kiyoko looking as if she held darkness, containing nothing but one of the brightest lights in the galaxy. The brightest light would always belong to her mother, at least according to Kiyoko.

Kiyoko revealed the Golden Crystal she'd been hiding within her own body. She knew Hina wouldn't be able to resist such a prize, such power. From below her she heard voices calling to her. The first was Haruka, "No! Don't Kiyo-chan!" Michiru echoed her.

The next voice struck her heart, "My love, please don't do it!" that voice belonged to Seiya. She could feel her fear and anxiety, but there was no other choice. Yaten and Taiki both called out to her, "Princess!" All of their concern and care for Kiyoko made her stronger and crystal responded.

Hina took the bait and tried to come for the crystal. Kiyoko could feel the way she hungered for it. It was almost tangible. But the Golden Crystal wouldn't be touched by her malicious hands. It sent her reeling backwards. With the realization that she couldn't touch it Hina decided she would destroy it instead.

Hina unleashed all of the dark power within her creating crackles of lightning throughout the air and swirls of dark energy that twisted like a tornado, Kiyoko caught in the eye, as it threatened to close in on her. She knew Hina's goal was to crush both the Crystal and her. How sadly she'd underestimated them both. The crystal took the place her father had always intended it at the tip of her staff. She planted it firmly, calling forth every last ounce of magic and power she had and pushed back. Her voice rang out through the storm, "SMOKING BOMBER!"

Hina attempted to shield herself with another wall of black energy, but it was no match for the power Kiyoko unleashed. The blast impacted and for an instant Kiyoko thought she'd beaten her. That is until Hina appeared above her, sending her own blast of dark energy down at Kiyoko. Kiyoko was able to dodge and sent a wave of fire at Hina, hoping to end this. But Hina's shield held this time. It was as if the darkness was growing stronger. And Kiyoko could sense tiny bits of Hina's self being chipped away by it.

Kiyoko knew that at this rate Hina was going to lose control of the darkness. She tried more of the attacks the Senshi had taught her, sending ice at her. The hit landed, but the ice melted immediately. However, Kiyoko had figured on this and unleashed the vines she'd really wanted. Shooting through the air, they were only able to catch Hina's ankles. However, she hoped this would be enough and shot lightning up and into Hina's body. Hina just laughed, "Lightning, really?" She sent it right back at Kiyoko, breaking free of the vines.

The darkness chipped away a little more. There really was no choice. And so she focused on channeling the Golden Crystal. It was the only way. She had to use its power to end this here and now! In a way it reminded her of the untethering spell and she started feeling that strain, but nothing would stop her from destroying this darkness and saving these people.

Michiru was the first to realize what was happening. Sure everyone else could see the energy crackling and swirling everywhere. They could see the streaks of golden light breaking through. But Michiru just knew, knew that Kiyoko was pushing herself and the crystal to the edge, threatening to fall over it into an abyss. What could they do? How could they be of benefit to their princess, their Kiyo-chan in this moment? She'd made her way to Haruka and Seiya, Taiki and Yaten running to join them. The energy crackles made it hard to hear so Michiru had to shout, "She's going to kill herself! She'll win, but she'll die!"

Haruka looked at her lover and then at the storm surrounding her surrogate daughter, knowing Michiru was right. An idea occurred to her and she looked at Michiru, "We can lend her our power, the way we did with Sailor Moon!"

Yaten was the first of the Starlights to respond, "How? Tell us what to do!" Taiki nodded in agreement. And there was no question in Seiya's face that she wanted to do anything she could to save Kiyoko. Kiyoko could hear them and was so thankful for the beloved Senshi she had to support her. The strain was growing and Michiru was right. She could release the Golden Crystal's energy in a blast that would certainly kill Hina and the darkness consuming her, but Kiyoko along with it. She'd do it, but in all honesty she felt like she'd just begun living. She didn't want to die if she didn't have to.

Haruka took Michiru's hand and looked at Taiki and Yaten, "Take our hands and focus all of your energy on Kiyoko and the Golden Crystal, release everything you have to them." Then she turned to Seiya, sighing, but resigned, "You have to go to her. Make your way to Kiyoko and help her hold it steady. Give Kiyo-chan every particle of strength you have if necessary. But stand by her and DO NOT LET HER FALL!"

Kiyoko felt like Seiya's shock mirrored her own. But Haruka's words gave her a sense of calm that helped ground her. Seiya didn't say anything. She nodded and started making her way through the rubble that riddled the battlefield, determined to make it to her love's side, Haruka's words echoing in her head. She'd never let Kiyoko fall.