Sweet Revenge: Cold Spray
I stared into the mirror, barely recognizing myself. My eyes were blotchy and red from crying. He... was dead. Even having the Fire Crystal wasn't anyway to have compensation for that.
How could you do this? I thought bitterly, running my fingers through my hair. One of the buns came out and fell across my shoulder. Ryo, you were the only one who could lead the Ronins... I don't know if they'll listen to me. I pulled out the other one and watched it settle into a wavy length. This is insane. I should've have never let you go. I grabbed the brush and angrily started brushing out my hair. Then I used one of the hair ties and pulled it into a tight ponytail. It's all my fault. The scouts barely knew you, but the guys... Sage hasn't stopped meditating and even Kento's lost his appetite. Cye spends a lot of his time down at the river and Rowen won't sleep, he won't eat, nothing. Mia's practically comatose without you. She never talks to anyone and just sits at her computer, going through half a dozen files over and over again, I thought separating the ponytail into three parts. Even White Blaze is acting funny. I guess pets feel loss as much as humans. Maybe what I said about Mia was wrong: she talks to White Blaze, I know it, but whenever anyone human tries to talk to her, she either breaks down and sort of slips away from herself. The braid went almost down to my knees, so I wrapped it around itself a few times, then looped it up and secured it with the other tie. Ryo, its been a month. Nimae hasn't attacked, but I know she will. We're at our weakest without you. Cye walked past the bathroom door, in a trance.
"I'll be at the river," he muttered. I cast another glance in the mirror and saw my face wasn't so red. He was still out there, somewhere and I was just doing everything Nimae wanted my giving in. Well, no more.
"Cye, wait," I said, grabbing his arm. "This has to stop."
"What, Serena?" he asked blankly. I dug my fingers into his wrist and he jerked in surprise.
"Listen to me, Torrent," I said coolly. "Frankly, I don't care anymore. He's dead. It's been a month and I'm still not completely over it, but I have a job to do. Nimae isn't going to wait and let us mourn. She's evil and so is the rest of the Dynasty. Ryo gave his life to give me a chance to keep fighting and I'm not letting it go to waste."
"Serena..."
"No, just shut up and hear me. You. Are. A. Ronin. Warrior. From now until forever, that's who you are. A fighter of the Dynasty and the evil it spreads in the world. I don't give a rat's ass if you're still not done getting over Ryo's death. He wouldn't have wanted us to spend the rest of our days crying over him. I'm sorry he's gone, and I'm sorry I'm sounding like a total bitch right now, but it's the honest truth. We still have a job to do, damn it and whether you follow me or not is up to you, but I'm not going to stand around and watch all of you waste away. You're my friends, just like you have been since the day I started this bull shit mission." He opened his mouth to say something, but it came out-
"I'm going to the river." I growled.
"You do and I'll tie your ass to a rock and drop you in," I threatened. He bit his bottom lip, then shook his head.
"You're right," he said. "I let it get to me that he was dead and that we had lost a friend as well as a leader. But I'm done with that now. Maybe you should go see the other guys. They could use your, uh, pep talk." I smiled.
"I'm gonna chew them out so bad, they won't know what hit 'em," I said. "But what about Mia? She's all but gone and-"
"Let her be. Give her the time you won't let us have. She was really close with Ryo and cared for him a lot, but now that he's gone... she lost her grandfather to the Dynasty too and this comes at a really bad time." I nodded.
"Okay. Will you go see what scouts are up to? I'm in a mood and I'll lose it if I don't get to the guys quick." He grinned and shook his head.
"Maybe Ryo had the right idea leaving you in charge. You're a ditz, but a great leader too." He walked off down the hallway and I turned back towards the mirror. Somehow... something was missing... but what? Then I realized it and grinned. Cye had said I was in charge. They didn't know what they were doing, but I'd lead, if they'd follow. After all, who knew what my destiny was here?
I quickly pulled out the second tie and let the braid fall down my back. It definitely felt better this way.
Chapter 2
I tugged at my braid irritably. Where was he? He said he'd come... where the hell was that guy?
"Serena?" I turned and saw Rowen. He looked at me surprised. "What did you do to your hair?"
"I'm trying something different, okay?" I said. "Rowen, listen-"
"I already heard. The guys warned me you were dishing it out, so I thought I'd stop you before I get my ass beaten down. I know that we need to stop, but the pain won't go away." I shook my head.
"It never will. That's why you have to learn with it."
"Is that even possible?" I tossed my braid back over my shoulder and sat down on a rock.
"When I found out about the Moon Kingdom," I said. "I learned of an entire world I had lost to the Negaverse, including my mother. But after awhile, I realized she had given up her life to keep fighting through me. That's kind of what Ryo did. He gave me his kanji orb because he knew the chances of us surviving." I shifted my gaze to the sand beneath my feet. "I didn't want him to leave. He was the only one who I really felt could lead us to a victory."
"That's your role now, huh?" he said coyly. "Ryo left it up to you."
"I know," I groaned. "I know. But the thing is, I'm not sure how much you guys will follow. There's a slight difference between the Ronin Warriors and the Sailor Scouts."
"I'm in," he said. "Ryo thought of you for the leader and he had a reason. I always trusted him and this is one of the better decisions he's made."
"You mean it?"
"Sure, why not? You found all of the scouts and you've survived living in the same house as Kento, so I think that qualifies." I laughed.
"He's not that bad," I said. My communicator beeped. "Yeah, Serena here."
"Hey, your blondness, are you coming back anytime soon? If I have to listen to Kento complain about his stomach anymore, I'm going to go insane," said Kris. I heard Kento protest in the background and she just snorted. "Right, what ever Kento. I'll believe that when it happens."
"We're on our way back, Kris," I said. "Let's go. She'll injure him, you know she will."
"Kris, hurt Kento? No way," said Rowen. "Not possible."
"You want to put your money where your mouth is, Strata?" He raised an eyebrow and just smiled.
"Uh-uh. Not today."
Chapter 3(Veran)
I heard the door shut downstairs and Rowen and Serena half way through an argument. Cye tossed a carrot at me.
"If you're going to be in here, help," he said, starting to peel another. I growled, but grabbed a knife and started peeling. I didn't understand why he was such a jerk, but he was a guy.
"Something smells good," said Kento, coming into the kitchen. I turned the blade on him. Okay, so Kento was cute too. That meant squat in my book. So why couldn't I ay it to his face? Or to anyone else, for that matter? Even Lara didn't know and she was my best friend.
"You're gonna help too, or you're gonna get out," I said, tapping the tip of the knife on his nose. He raised his hand and narrowed his eyebrows.
"What the heck was that for?"
"Because I was forewarned of your ability to eat like an army and not help, so I'm laying down a rule: you help, or you're out," I replied, facing the sink again. Cye chuckled and dropped the carrot into a pot.
"Alright, alright," sighed Kento after a moment. "What do you want me to do?"
"Try setting the table, for starters," suggested Cye. Kento nodded and walked over to the cupboard. Cye leaned in over the counter. "You should also be warned Kento can't cook," he whispered.
"I figured," I said back. "Hey, Keera, what are you doing?!"
"Nothing!" she called. "Just drawing."
"Go see what Sage is doing, will ya'?"
"And if he's meditating?"
"You're the only one capable of un-meditating him."
"Oh yeah. Forgot." I heard her start up the stairs as Kris came in. She smirked at Kento, then gave a mock gasp.
"Kento, are you feeling alright?" she said. "You're usually eating when you're in the kitchen."
"Shut up," he replied. "It wouldn't kill you to help."
"He has a point," said Cye. "I'm assuming your rule applies to all, Veran." I set the knife in the sink and switched my attention to the half cut potatoes.
"Of course," I said, slicing through the first one with a different knife. "You're in here, you help, Kris."
"No prob. Wouldn't want Kento breaking the dishes, no would I?" She took the stack of plates from Kento's hands and went out to the table. He frowned and grabbed the glasses.
"She's gonna get it," I heard him mutter on his way out.
"You break any of those dishes, I'll toast you both!" I said after them. Cye just laughed more.
Chapter 4(Keera)
As expected, Sage's room was dark. He had pushed both beds against the wall and was sitting in the middle of his floor. I tiptoed in and stretched out across the mattresses. He shifted in confusion. Good, at least he new I was here this time.
"Sage," I whispered. "Sage..." He didn't answer, only closed his eyes tighter to keep his concentration. "Not this time, Halo," I said, leaning over the edge of the bed and kissing him firmly on the lips. He jerked in surprise and we both fell over.
"Keera!" he said in surprise. "Ow! You're on my legs!"
"Yeah, well, you're on my arm," I shot back, pushing myself off his leg with my free hand. "At least you're awake now."
"What do you want this time?" he said, standing up. I sat on the bed and leaned against the wall.
"It's almost time for dinner. Did Serena have a talk with you?"
"Yeah, but I couldn't really pay attention to her. Listen, Keera, what ever possessed you to do... what you just did?"
"Because it's been my experience that that's the best way to get a person to come back to their senses," I said, smiling. "Works, doesn't it?"
"Depends on the senses your talking about," he muttered. I grabbed his arm and pulled him down next to me. "Has anyone ever asked you if you're insane?"
"No, not really," I answered. "Most people know I am."
"I thought as much. Keera..." I looked at him and half smiled at the bewilderment in his eyes. The most fun thing in the world is playing with a person's head, but it's more fun if it's a guy and you like him.
"Shut up, Sage," I said, putting my arm around his shoulders. "Just shut up. If you haven't gotten the subliminal message, I like you. That's pretty obvious. Now let's hurry up. I'm hungry." I stood up and left the room without giving him a chance to speak. Let him think it over before he said anything.
On my way back downstairs, I passed Mia's study. The glow of the computer cut through the darkness and White Blaze growled as I walked over to her.
"Hush, White Blaze," I said. "It's just me. Hey Mia, it's dinnertime. Are you coming down?" She shook her head and lowered her attention to the keyboard. I sighed. "Mia, you can't stay like this. We all need you just as much as you need us." She muttered something, then coughed and raised her voice.
"What are you talking about, Keera?" she asked softly.
"I'm talking about how the Ronins trust you and they need every bit of support from you as you can give to them, and how Serena really needs a sane person to help her with this too." I headed for the door and White Blaze got up. "Oh, so you're coming now. Fine, let's go." He followed me down to the kitchen. Serena looked between me and Sage, wrinkled her forehead, then resolved to eating the stew Veran and Cye had thrown together. I was in the middle of a piece of carrot when Mia pushed open the door and walked in silently. She smiled weakly at me as she picked up a bowl.
"You're right," she said, sounding like the Mia I had met before. "I can't keep this up." She sat down and stared into her soup, eyes glittering with tears. There was silence, then Kris coughed and kicked Kento in the leg.
"Ow!" he said. "What was that for?!"
"No reason," she answered calmly. She lifted the spoon up just as Veran accidentally hit her glass of water. It spilled into Cye's lap and he jumped up. Veran bit back a laugh and lowered her head.
"Sorry," she muttered around a piece of beef. "I can be such a klutz."
"Yeah," he said, walking out of the room. Her smile faded.
"Hey Serena, pass the rolls," I said quickly. She did, but shared a worried glance with me over the basket. Lara suddenly stood up and walked out of the room after him. "Uh-oh," I breathed quietly. "That can't be good."
"How?" whispered Serena.
"Veran and Cye," I mouthed after the dishes started getting cleared. Kris giggled as Kento dropped a knife on the floor. I could feel the tension doubling in the room. Then Serena gave a small gasp and caught herself on the edge of the table. "Serena!"
"No, no, I'm okay," she said. "I'm just... a little tired. I'm going up to bed, okay guys? See you all in the morning." She walked off in a half trance. She may have been tired, but that look of fear in her eyes was sharp. Something was wrong.
Chapter 5(Serena)
I staggered into my room and collapsed against the bed. Images flashed by through my head: deaths, war, then nothing. The Fire Crystal gave a low shine that I only noticed in the darkness. What was going on? Where was all this coming from?
Serena...
"Ryo?" I whispered into the shadows. "Are you here?"
It's time, Serena...
"Time for what? Answer me, damn it!" Nothing. Rrgghh... I was so confused and lost and now he was doing this to me. "What are you talking about?"
Your destiny awaits you. Hurry up, will ya'?
"My destiny? You mean I can go home?" My own voice sounded really eager. But I wasn't done with Nimae. "I can't... we haven't finished with the Dynasty."
You think you're the only one who knows about a vulnerable world? The Dynasty's already here, Serena.
"Alright. I'm coming." I focused my energy into the Fire Crystal. It glowed brightly and the glow spread. Not just around me, but out the door. I heard a crash beneath me and Kris shouting. My thoughts formed around the idea of going home. My friends, my family, Darien... but what about my friends here? Would I ever see them again?
"Serena!" shouted Rowen. Through the light, I saw him standing in the doorway. "What is this?!"
"I'm going back," I said. "They need me back home."
"Please, at least take us with you," he said. "We're still friends. You don't know what's waiting for you."
"I don't know if I can," I admitted. The crystal started drawing more power from me. Could it sense my wish to bring them with me? Everything swirled together and collapsed upon itself. I saw Rowen run towards me, but I fell to the ground, exhausted.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Serena, wake up, please. Where are we?" I heard Keera's voice through a haze. "Serena."
"What?" I groaned, sitting up. She sighed gratefully. "Why is it so cold?"
"I think it's because everything's frozen," replied Cye. The grass cracked and broke underneath my hand and I pushed myself off of the ground. "Is this your world?"
"I think," I answered. "I wonder if anyone's alive other then us." Something moved in the shadows. Rowen and Keera stepped in front of me defensively, but I heard a familar voice.
"Princess..." Darien collapsed on the ground in front of us. I gasped and ran to him. "Serena... is that really you?"
"Shhh," I said. "It's okay. I'm here. Darien, what happened?" His shirt was ripped and he was freezing.
"Soldiers... Nimae... attacked. The entire planet took the brunt of the attack. Ryo... he..." His body fell limb and I fought the urge to scream.
"Don't leave me too," I said wrapping my arms around him and crying. "Please, Darien, I need you. Don't leave me."
"Oh, stop whining Serena. He'll be okay." My next sob caught in my throat and I lifted my head. Leta stared down at me with a smile on her face. "About time you showed up, kid."
"Leta!" I cried, hugging her. "I can't believe you're here! And the others?"
"We're here, Serena," said Ami. I hugged her too, and Rei and Mina. "It's good to have you back."
"Serena?" I turned and face a confused Keera. "What the hell is going on? Why am I over there and here at the same time?"
"Welcome to the fun world of dimensional travel," murmured Cye. "They're doubles of each other, like Serena and Nimae."
"Who the... what the..." stammered Mina. "Serena, dare I ask?"
"If I knew, I'd tell you, Mina, but I think we just need to let it go and introduce people. Ami, Leta, Rei, Mina, meet Keera, Kris, Lara, Veran, and the Ronin Warriors, Cye, Kento, Rowen, and Sage," I said.
"Ronin... Warriors," said Leta thoughtfully. "Didn't Darien say something about someone who was a Ronin Warrior?"
"What?!" I asked in disbelief. "Oh, holy... he couldn't... that... oh my god." My hand flew to my mouth. I wouldn't get their hopes up too early. If he was alive in this world... no, now I was getting my own hopes up. "What happened?"
"Some creeps called the Dynasty attacked and froze the entire planet. Darien took the force of most of the attack." I touched his cheek lightly. So that's why he was so cold. And I hated to say it, but he looked incredibly gorgeous unconscious. Isn't that awful? Darien looked cute hurt.
"Where did they attack?" I asked. Rei pointed back the way they had come.
"Near where our school was," she said. I stood up slowly.
"Guys..."
"We're on it," said Veran cheerfully. "Finally, some fighting. I was sick of waiting for certain people to stop moping so we could actually do something."
"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Cye.
"You know damn well what it mean, Torrent. Now do your thing and let us do ours. Venus Star Power!"
"Mercury Star Power!"
"Jupiter Star Power!"
"Mars star Power!"
"Torrent! Dao Shin!"
"Halo! Dao Chi!"
"Hardrock! Dao Gi!"
"Strata! Dao Inochi!"
"Fire... Crystal... Power! Dao Jin!" The crystal glowed again, sending strength into me instead of taking it out. Red blossoms formed around my body and hardened into my armor (which I had officially worn twice). The katanas came out of their sheaths easily and glittered in the weak sunlight. There was a lot of dust in the air, now that I thought about it. Maybe that's why everything was so cold, even wearing a fire armor. "Brrr. Let's hurry. It's way too cold."
"Stop whining, Serena."
"I'm not whining!" I shot back at Keera and Rei. "It is cold, even you have to admit that."
"Can we?" said Rowen, getting in between us. I realized the other scouts were looking very surprised.
"Serena..." started Ami. I waved my hand.
"Later. A lot has to wait for later. can you watch Darien? I've got a double who needs her ass kicked."
"Is that a threat, moon princess?" A growl escaped my throat.
"Nimae," I snarled. "You aren't happy with attacking one world. Instead you have to completely freeze one."
"And that's a problem?" she said mockingly.
"Just a little. Moon Sword Flame!"
"Death Shine Activation!" I saw Rowen grab Darien out of the corner of my eye and jump back from the power of our sure-kills. Everyone else dodged and I was forced back by the explosion. "You have grown stronger."
"No shit, Sherlock," I muttered, climbing to my feet. "Nimae, you have to stop. You'll destroy everything."
"That's the point, blondie. I'm evil, remember? I'm supposed to destroy everything. Duh."
"I won't let you. Fire Crystal-"
"Dark Crystal-"
"POWER!" we finished in unison My armor glowed and the light condensed into the crystal.
"Serenity!" shouted Ami. I felt... calm and ready to fight. Unfortanetly, my hair was back up, but it didn't matter. What mattered was saving my world. "Be careful!"
"Serena..." I smiled at Rowen who was supporting Darien.
"I told you I was more then one person," I said.
"I thought you were joking," he confessed. "Be careful. We can't lose another leader."
"I'll be fine, trust me." The energies surged together and mixed. Nimae kept her focus, but I wasn't giving in. So much rode on the crystal and myself. My heart skipped a beat as a small crack appeared in it. I had to stop, or I was going to lose anyway.
"Stop, Nimae! This is over!" My concentration was severed, but so was hers. I fell to my knees, breathing hard. No, please, let it not be my imagination, please. "It's not time yet. Go back to the Dynasty and tell Talpa it's over." Ryo bent down next to me. "Are you alright, princess?"
"You're..." I started. Everything shifted and I blacked out, dropping the crystal onto the ground.
Chapter 6
"I can't believe it. I just can't."
"We honestly didn't know he came from your world. Darien never said anything."
"I couldn't. Not until it was time."
"And when would that have been?"
"Be quiet Rei." A hundred and one voices floated through my head. Was I going insane? I was seeing people who were dead, people who I had seen die. It was all wrong...
I put Wildfire in your world to save his life, whispered a voice.
How? By making him a target for the dynasty again when they came here? Or freezing him?
I did not know the Dynasty was responsible for this, or I would have let him die.
No, this works just fine. I opened my eyes and bright light flooded my vision. I groaned and tried to sit up, but strong arms pushed me gently back onto the bed.
"You need to rest, Serena." I blinked and shook my head. No, it wasn't a hallucination. It was him. I bolted up and hugged him.
"I can't believe you're here," I said. He laughed and I pulled back, angry. "How dare you do this to me? Do you know the shit that I went through thinking you were dead?!" Rowen hid a snicker behind his hand and Keera giggled full out.
"I'm sorry, but there wasn't a lot of choice," he said hesitantly. "Are you okay? You took that pretty hard."
"I'm fine," I said coolly. Then a fresh panic rushed in. "Where's Darien? Is he okay?"
"I'm alright, Serena." Ryo stepped back and I saw Darien sitting in a chair. Relief and joy ran through me at once and I sighed.
"Oh thank god," I said softly. "All of my friends are safe. And my family?"
"We don't know," said Ami. "We think they were trapped with the rest of the world." I threw up my hands in frustration.
"Son of a bitch. And just when everything was going in the right direction. Nimae's gonna get it from me if they die." Rowen grinned and shook his head. "What's that supposed to mean, Row?"
"Nothing, Serena, absolutely nothing. But we need to figure out what we do now. Nimae's pissed and the rest of the Dynasty knows we're here."
"We need to see if anyone else survived the freeze," said Keera. "There's could be people trapped or hurt and need our help. We are, after all, super heroes."
"You guys go to the city," said Ryo. "Serena needs to rest."
"Like hell I do," I said. "What if they're attacked? Then what?"
"You're too weak," said Darien. "You're staying here Serena." I stood up and stalked out of the room. "Serena!" Darien grabbed my arm.
"Let me go," I said coldly, pulling free. "I don't need you to look out for me, Darien. I'm fifteen now. I can handle myself."
"I know," he said finally. "That's what worries me." I stared at him, confused. "I don't want to lose you, Serena, but I don't want you to feel like I'm protecting you too much either."
"Seriously?" I asked suspiciously.
"Of course. You're everything to me." I sighed and wrapped my arms around his neck. "I missed you."
"And I missed you, my love. But you can't assume I've gone off the deep end. Having to fight the Dynasty and the Negaverse showed me how much of a difference a world can make. The guys and the other scouts were the only friends I had... I didn't know what to do and then when Ryo... rrgghh, I could strangle him." I kissed Darien softly, happy to finally be back in his arms and in my world, even if it was frozen. "I should strangle you too. You could at least have told the scouts."
"I didn't know how," he said. "It's been really weird since you left."
"Weird doesn't begin to describe it," I murmured. "Nimae's been at my throat ever since we met. I need to find her and defeat her. There's no other way to save the world. Worlds, I guess."
"Don't do anything yet. Ryo's right, you need rest."
"You let me handle Ryo. Go with the others into town and see what you can find. There might be others alive and we can't leave them alone at the mercy of the Dynasty slash Negaverse." He nodded and turned to go. "And Darien... be careful. I don't want to lose you either." He smiled and disappeared out the door. Ryo coughed to signal he was still there. "Don't you start. I'm still angry with you."
"What'd I do?"
Chapter 7(Rowen)
Serena seemed happy enough to be back in her world, but everything was so... dead. And Ryo was alive. That was the biggest thing so far. Strange, but big.
"Be on your guard," said Lara. Don't ask me how I knew her from Rei, I just did. I knew Lara better too. "It's way too quiet."
"That's because everything's frozen," I said. She glared at me a little, then turned away. Something moved and instantly, I had an arrow nocked and ready. Lara put her hand on my writs.
"Hold it, Strata. We're here to help people, not scare them, got it?" she said quietly. Whatever it was moved again, only this time with a metallic clatter. "Oh, shit."
"I don't think that's human," I said as line of soldiers ran out of the darkness and surrounded us. "Shall we?"
"Oh yeah. Mars Celestial Fire Surround!" she called. Rings of fire shot from her hands as I let the arrow fly. It combined with her attack and went through three armors at once. "Huh. That was new. Whatever works, I guess." A soldier lunged at her, but she kicked it in the chest and knocked another one into the ground.
"There's something I always wanted to ask you," I said as the last one went down. "How do you manage to fight in heels?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Why do you care?" she said with a small laugh. "No, never mind. I don't know how I manage, I just do, okay, Strata?"
"Okay, okay," I said, lifting my hands in mock defeat. "Let's go. They're probably after the others too." Just then, I heard a shout from the other end of the street, the sound of Kento calling his sure-kill and Kris hers.
"Iron Rock Crusher!"
"Jupiter Thunder Clap Zap!" There was a large explosion and I the ground started to tear apart. I pushed Lara into a side alley and followed before the cavernous hole caught up to us.
"Holy-"
"Shit," she finished. "That was definitely Kris and Kento. Or Leta and Kento. Or both. Who knows?"
Chapter 8(Serena)
I pushed open the door and it did so without a sound. I could still feel the power resonating through the Fire Crystal. Some of the scouts and some of the Ronins had used their powers, not to mention Nimae was near. I'd show that bitch...
Ryo was coming down the hall, but didn't see me as I ducked back into the shadows. If he did, he made no mention of it. The crystal's glow brightened and I had to cover it up with my hand. I'm sorry, I thought. But they need me. I have to do this. I broke into a run down the hall and into the pale sunlight. The light doubled and spread around me, forming a sort of sub armor, red and white like Ryo's... had been. Okay, mental note: I was going to give him his armor back if I had to give him the entire damn crystal too.
"Fire Crystal Power! Dao Jin!" I called as I ran towards the city. I unsheathed my katanas and sliced through a sudden soldier who had come from out of nowhere. Five more took his place and five more fell. "Where are you, Nimae?"
"I'm just having some fun with your friends," she answered, appearing just above me. "You really think I'd let anyone survive this, other then the fluke with your friends?"
"Everyone makes mistakes."
"I want you to know exactly what it feels like to lose your family, Sailor girl. That's why I've had them made guests of my lord Talpa."
"What? No!" I yelled. "No, bring them back, Nimae!"
"You want them back, then you will turn over the Fire Crystal," she said firmly. "Or you will follow me into a final battle. Either way, I will get what I want."
"We fight," I said coldly. "If I win, I get my family back and the Dynasty/ Negaverse leave. For good."
"And if I win, I get the Fire Crystal and you... die."
Chapter 9
We faced off. I wasn't sure why, but some part of me didn't want to destroy her. Maybe because she looked so much like me. No, that was a stupid reason. She had to be stopped, before she destroyed the world. Worlds.
"Dark Crystal-"
"Fire Crystal-"
"Power!" The crescent moon appeared on my forehead and my armor disappeared. Queen Serenity was giving me strength, but how much did I have? Already, I was weakening.
"You have made a stupid mistake, Serena," she laughed. "You will die. I am stronger. I always have been."
"I... won't... can't let you!" I yelled. My family, my friends, everything depends on me. There was the sound of shouting.
"Serena! Stop!" hollered Rowen. "You're too weak!"
"Don't do it!" shouted Mina. "Please, Serena!"
I have to... this is my destiny... whispered a hollow voice. I felt Ryo lay his hand on my shoulder.
"You can do it, Serena. I know you can," he said.
"Mercury Star Power!"
"Venus Star Power!"
"Mars Star Power!"
"Jupiter Star Power!"
"Mercury Star Power!"
"Venus Star Power!"
"Mars Star Power!"
"Jupiter Star Power!"
Life
Justice
Trust
Wisdom
Virtue I believe in you, Serena. The strength in the crystal doubled and threatened to over power me. Instead, I forced what energy I had left into it.
"Moon... Fire... Crystal... Power!" There was a blast of power and everything twisted together. I heard a definitive shattering sound and my legs gave way beneath me. Nimae screamed and all became dark.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
You freed me, Serena, I thank you.
Nimae?
Yes... and no. She is gone, thanks to the powers of the eight scouts, the Ronins, and the Fire Crystal. I am here to give you all one last gift.
Wait! Where are you going?!
To be with my family... A white glow reached into the void and sent a cold shock through me. I sat up quickly and my friends sighed with the relief. But it wasn't done yet. The Fire Crystal glowed and lifted away from my locket. It separated into the Wildfire kanji orb and the Silver Crystal. Then I heard Nimae's voice again. I use the last of my power to free your world, heroes. It is the only thing worthy of your hearts and once again, thank you... There was another glow, this time from the sky above us. It pushed apart the clouds and the sun glared down through a deep blue sky. Warmth took hold of everything and the ground started to thaw out. Someone gasped, but I smiled. She hadn't been bad, just misguided. At least now, she could be with her family, where she would be happy.
Chapter 11
The sun still shone brighty. It reflected of off the white roof top. Below, people were celebrating freedom, but up there, we were saying good byes.
"Hold it!" said Kris suddenly. "Okay, now this will scare everyone, but-" She cut off long enough to kiss Kento firmly on the lips. I wasn't the only one completely caught off guard. Then Cye laughed and grabbed Veran firmly by the shoulders. Once again, I don't know how he knew it was Veran and not Mina, but thankfully, he did. He kissed her just as Kris pulled back from Kento. "Yeah, okay, I've been meaning to do that for awhile now," she said breathlessly. "Thanks, Hardrock." He blinked and nodded, but kept his eye on her the rest of the five minutes that I saw them.
"I'm going to miss you all so much," I said, hugging Keera. "That was definitely the weirdest part of my life so far, but it was fun."
"We'll miss you too," said Rowen. "We owe you a lot, Serena."
"I couldn't have beaten the Dark Crystal without you."
"Yeah, but the Dynasty pretty much done too," he shot back.
"Shut up, Strata," muttered Lara. "She's trying to thank you."
"Then why doesn't she just say it out loud?" he asked.
"Rowen, hush. Thank you all," I said. "It's good to be back and I'll never forget you."
"It won't be easy forgetting you either," said Ryo. "Thanks for being in charge of the guys."
"Yeah, for about a month."
"Not even," agreed Sage. Keera elbowed him in the ribs, but he just grinned. "If it wasn't for you, though, we wouldn't have found the scouts in our world." She frowned over a blush. I shook my head and realized Ryo was too.
"Some things you get used to-"
"And some you don't."
THE END
A/N: ~kiss~ It's done!!