SAILOR MOON HARMONY
EPISODE 9-RISING FLAME
*~Written by Whirlwynd, Jen, and Spin~*
Something had happened-
Stars littered her clearing vision. She seen them before, but she hadn't quite grasped the nature
of her surroundings then- they were stars all right, tinsel against a neverending darkness. It
was quite belittling. Each of those stars glimmering, each playing out their distant stories that
she would never know in this lifetime. But this was only a portion of her train of thought. She
was lost somewhere in this vast, sparkling yet barren plane, drifting along an unexpected breeze-
filling her with an unsettling feeling that coursed through her veins with every echoing beat of her
heart. It was too much, too silent. She struggled in this mysterious paralysis she was caught in
to find something, anything, familiar and secure, but with little result. Her thoughts screamed by
her ears as if someone could actually hear them. Cold sweat spiked under her skin. She had
never felt like this before, ever. She wouldn't have let it happen.
But something had happened here. Something she couldn't do anything about. That, she realized,
was the source of this heart-wrenching anxiety. But what was it? Who? Where had it begun?
Where was she? Questions passed by like light beams.
Finally, some clue. Flames, rich, cloud-like fire rolled through space nearby, blurring the stars
around it's path. She watched the shimmering inferno with fascination. Heated tendrils curled
into the night, blooming in crimson a gold tufts as if it were feeding on the nothingness. But
still, she couldn't shake that unknown terror. If it weren't for this light show appearing with
such glittering complexity, the chaos would have completely taken over her mind.
A sudden rush of debris blew past her, eeirily silent for the force that came with it. And as it
hurtled out into the eternal night, she felt her normally bright eyes darkening to match, all
warmth gone despite the flames.
Something had happened. Something so horrifying that the fear was replaced by overwhelming
rage. Her fists clenched, trembling as her nails dug deeply into the skin. But it was accompanied
by total helplessness, the same she had felt in that emotionless display of space- tears melted
from her eyes. She wanted to scream, she wanted to tear apart something- whoever put her in
here. Her lungs tensed, she couldn't breathe- she didn't care. She wanted out, now-
Everything calmed.
"It is time. The start of your mission is at hand."
The voice plucked her from the unbearable silence into a pocket of energy. The last of her tears
fell away, and her eyes once again glowed with determination. Something could be done, after
all. This fear was unfounded, it was not the end. There was a path in front of her, a beckoning
bridge over the silence-
Darkness swept her vision again, but this time it was comforting, warm, close.
She dragged herself from her bed, over to the open window. Her mind was torn by the twisting
emotion brought on by that dream- but it all led only to intrigue. The setting moon was an
enchanting bronze plate against the glassy sky, its rays skimming the top of thick, leathery
cornstalk leaves. The stars, still as clear as they were in her dream, lifted her spirit with their
tiny yet dazzling light. She was here, on Earth, her home.
Something had happened, and it was a beginning.
But to what?
"My mission-" she whispered. Her thick yet floating words rolled like piano music. A lazy
summer-like breeze, sifting a fresh, wheaty scent into her heavy hair.
"What could be?"
~*~*~*~*~
"He just runs off. And you only know his name?"
Another Scout meeting was taking place, this time at the high school football field. Sunday
practice was over by now, and though there was still a little game going on downfield, the
players were too into the game to notice Skyler and Jillian talking to an eagle perched on a
crossbar under the bleachers.
"Delphi Blade. That's what he said his name was. What does that mean?" Skyler wondered,
twirling a strand of hair restlessly. She had hoped she could at least play a game of softball
today. She stared wistfully out at the field down the hill, but was snapped back into the now
by Orion' irritated flapping.
"Isn't Delphi a Greek letter--?" Jillian thought out loud. "But he could control the water by
touching it. What does that have to do with that letter."
"You're thinking of Delta."
"Doesn't Ever Leave The Airport" Skyler added airily.
Orion shifted on the bar, bristling his feathers uncomfortably. This was not ideal weather for
someone with a heavy coat like this- but no one could do anything about it, so he didn't
complain and kept his focus on the important things. He hadn't heard anything about this new
guy either, which was what worried Skyler and Jillian the most. But at least Orion had some
theories. "Perhaps his name comes from Delphinus, the dolphin constellation."
"Maybe."
Skyler hopped from the bleachers, tying on her rollerblades. "I'm going to the airport" she
announced, grinning. "Maybe we can find something about that constellation there."
The other two exchanged knowing glances. Skyler wasn't going down there to research- but
Orion didn't protest. There could be valuable information up there, even if Skyler wasn't going
to look for it. They didn't have another lead right then-
Skyler was beginning to feel what Orion felt before- this weather, now in October, was way
above the average. October was the harvest month, so everyone would be working much
harder than normal. That meant no more flying, probably not until spring. Skyler wasn't
going to let this opportunity go by. It was hot, it was humid- but the sky was clear, still,
and perfect for flying.
Everyone was enjoying the weather, at least. The town square was especially cheerful, still
green, the oaks losing a few faded leaves, but not many. The fountain, a symmetrical fish
sculpture surrounded by a granite pool, was still running quietly like it had done all season.
Adrian always said it reminded him of Pisces. He would be there evey day in the summer,
reading some old textbook he had bought on one of his short trips to Aledo, eating a sandwich
off a brown paper bag. Her mind floated back to the beginning of the summer, the beginning of
the softball season and summer break, the beginning of this perfect weather- the beginning
of the end of a normal life. She remembered when she had no idea, not a clue about this
Sailor Scout stuff. It wasn't like it was a huge worry to her, but it sure wasn't the same.
Maybe it was because Oriole wasn't around-
She stared back at the memory-pulling square as she glided by the apartment complex.
Music reached her ears. She perked up at the sound. The singer's voice was low, but feminine,
with a quality of strength woven into it. She located the source.
A girl knelt on the ground nearby, her forest green eyes occupied by some long boards she was
stacking in front of her. The eyes were almost the same color as Jillian's, but they held a little
more youth and a lot more energy. Her ruby-colored hair spilled around her, down to her waist,
except a portion tied up in a braid. She wore red, fingerless gloves to protect her hands from
the boards which she was now wrapping with a thick plastic band. The rest of her clothes, a
yellow t-shirt, jeans, and hiking boots, were pretty worn from the work she had probably been
doing all afternoon.
Then, to Skyler's amazement, she lifted the boards onto one shoulder and carried them across
drive. The boards looked way too heavy for someone her size, but she handled them like they
were straws. She returned empty-handed, starting the song over as she went back to the next
jumble of boards. Skyler listened-
~I'll tell you a story~
~Of a day long ago~
~A day I don't recall I've been to~
~Don't need to be worried~
~It's all just for show~
~Just something I like to get into, yeah~
~Hey, sometimes days are hard~
~So it's nice to have an escape~
~It's a sunny day, and the birds are singin our story~
~I'll tell you a story~
~Of a girl that I knew~
~Who was searching for a different life~
~She packed all her bags up~
~Said hello to the crew, but~
~They said there was no way they could fly, so she says~
~Hey, sometimes days are hard~
~So it's nice to have an escape~
~It's a windy day, but that won't stop me now~
~I'll tell you a story~
~Of the journey she found~
~A world beyond imagination~
~She races by anyway~
~Always trying to gain ground~
~From the thunder tryin to break her concentration, she says~
~Hey, sometimes days are hard~
~But there's no time for a breal~
~It's a rainy day, and that's rest enough for me~
~So the end of this story~
~Of a day long ago~
~Is something no one knows~
~It's nothing to think about~
~Just something to show~
~And I guess it's time for me to go~
~Hey, sometimes days are hard~
~So it's nice to have an escape~
~It's sunset~
~I hope I'll see you again~
Her eyes raised to Skyler, startling her- it seemed she had known she was there for a while. "Are
you lost, kid?" she called. "You've been standin' there for the past five minutes."
She had noticed. Skyler's face glowed a light pink. "Um, no ^^() It's just- um, well- where did you
hear that song?"
The question was a valid excuse. The girl smiled. "Down in Somerset. The workers there were
always singin' it."
"You're a construction worker?" Skyler queried.
She chuckled heartily. Her words were tinged with a Somerset accent. "Technically, no. But I help
my folks a lot. They got this job out here, no one knows why anyone wants a apartment building
way out here, but whoever's asking for it's shelling out a lotta green. Mom said it'd be good to get
some country air. See, I'm only fourteen. In Somerset you have to be fifteen to get a real job. We're
just finishing up, there's already people in there. I guess you live somewhere around here."
"Yeah, our house just past the south side of town. I'm Skyler Avis."
"Hi. I'm Cassie Mitchell. Just call me Cass. I've got some work to do yet, so I'll see you at the school
tomorrow. Don't suppose you're in my grade-?" she guessed as she slung another stack of boards
over her head.
"Sixth grade."
Cassie blinked in surprise. "Sixth? You skipped ahead?"
Skyler's expression reflected the shock. "No, I'm twelve."
"Dang! I'd swear you were ten at the most. But I guess you're tall enough to be twelve."
She hauled the load away. As soon as she was out of sight, Jillian and Orion rushed up, Jillian
practically dragging Skyler away. They got out of the town before they finally stopped and let
Skyler go. "What's the big idea?!" she hollered, running a few yards away and turning back to look
at them.
Orion soared towards her, but that only made the skittish brunette back further away. Her wary eyes
watched every detail down to his ruffling feathers. He landed in the grass, peering over the long,
yellowed blades with matching eyes. "Skyler, hold on a sec!" Jillian yelled.
She stayed still, but her feet were poised and ready to take off. Orion stepped up as close as he
could without setting her off. "Sky, don't you think there was something odd about that girl?"
"Huh?"
Now Skyler ran closer, fierce suspicion melting into curiousity. "What do you mean?"
"She looks like Inpherno" Jillian whispered.
"What?! No way!" Skyler exclaimed. "She does not!"
Orion's eyes sparked in the sunlight. "There is no way a girl of that size can lift that much weight on
her own. And I could feel strange energy around her. Fire energy. Way too much for a normal
human."
Skyler bit her lower lip, her eyes showing upset quite clearly. She had seen Cassie a totally
different way, and she wasn't going to give up that view. She struggled for a counterpoint, shooting
out every one she captured in her mind. "Inpherno has red eyes. Cassie has green."
"People like that have abilities to change appearance" Orion informed.
"Contacts" Jillian added.
"Yeah, but why just the eyes? And really, what danger is it just talking to her while we're in regular
form? She doesn't know who the Scouts are. And if they're going to attack someone, it might as
well be someone who can fight back."
Jillian gazed back at the apartments. "She's got a point there."
Orion sighed. "Be careful then. I'll be watching."
~*~*~*~*~
"SOARA!"
She whirled. As hard as she tried, she couldn't do anything else. All the same questions tumbled
through her mind, but all were trapped. Who was this figure leaning over her? Why did they hide?
Why couldn't she move? It was her dream, after all. She should be able to grab some level of control.
"Someday you will understand-"
Immense sorrow flowed through her, so forcefully she curled into a ball. Tears trickled down her
strained face, the background blurring against the light she knew was coming. "What is this?!" her
mind cried out, but no physical words escaped. She felt something touch her shoulder, and though
it was gentle, soothing, she felt surprigingly angry at it. She might have slapped it away if she
knew what it was.
"Soara" the delicate voice pleaded. "Soara-"
"SKYLER!"
Skyler sprange from her bed, landing on the floor in a groggy sprawl. "What, Orion?" she groaned, her
voice cracking.
"What's wrong?" Orion questioned, apparenly alarmed.
She blinked at the worry in his voice and rubbed her sleepy eyes. They were damp. She slowly
turned her hand away and stared at it, then pulled herself to her dresser mirror. A pale, tear-
streaked face greeted her. Her eyes were most disturbing, two foggy, dark holes in the universe.
She sniffled, turning to her alarm clock. "I'm fine" she told him at last.
"No you're not" Orion insisted. "Your dream. Tell me NOW."
She almost gave in to his strict tone. She knew, though, that if she told him, she'd start crying again,
even if it was just a dream. She simply ignored him, reaching into her birds' cage and pressing one
finger by Sora's feet. Sora climbed onto it, and she lifted the bird out of the cage and up to her face.
"What do they want with you-?" Skyler whispered.
Sora chirped softly, almost sympathetically, and ran Skyler's hair through her beak. "Sora knows
something's wrong" Orion mumbled, but he didn't pursue it any longer. He could sense she was
a bit fragile at the moment.
She left for school quicker than she ever had that morning. She felt bad, leaving Orion in the dark
like that, but for some reason she just didn't want to tell anyone. She hoped she wouldn't have that
doleful expression as when she got to class.
It seemed that it had cleared when she showed up. Cassie didn't act a bit concerned as she waved
across the schoolground. "Hey, Sky!" she called cheerfully.
"Hi!"
"Um-" Cassie started as they headed for the stairs. "Maybe you can tell me where my classroom
is?"
Skyler giggled. "It shouldn't be that hard. Hey, Devin!"
Blue passed them going out. "I forgot my lunch-" he told her, then turned his attention to Cassie.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Cassie" she introduced, holding out her hand. "You are-?"
"Devin" he shook the hand. "Call me Blue."
Suddenly they both froze, their startled eyes gradually narrowing as they stared at each other. There was
tenseness, not anxiety, but something else, building between them. Skyler's gaze switched
rapidly between them. No one else seemed to notice this frozen state, they walked on up the steps
as if the two were just statues. "Hey guys-" Skyler started.
Suddenly Cassie's eyes flickered angrily. Her other hand flew to his wrist and yanked him clear
off the ground. He landed face down on the bottom of the stairs, just barely catching himself in
time to keep his face from the concrete. He got up quickly, backing away before throwing a long
roundhouse kick. It caught Cassie square in the face. A crowd gathered around them, and Skyler
squeezed through.
She wanted to stop them, but she couldn't even get a hand in without it getting it smacked off. She
did admit, though, this fight was interesting to watch. Both Cassie and Devin fought with skill far
beyond their years. Her movements rolled with unpredictable flare- like the fire energy Orion had
been talking about. And Devin wasn't about to let her steal the show. His eyes- and hands, met
every advance.
What had happened? It had been a peaceful meeting. There was something odd here--
~*~*~*~*~
"I don't like this" Orion mumbled through the communicator. "It's confusing. There's an enemy here,
I know it."
"I don't like it either" Skyler confessed, but she wished he'd stop talking about it. Did she believe
that Cassie was Inpherno? Or someone from the Eclipze's side?
She couldn't take that for an answer. But she couldn't push it away. It made too much sense.
Once again, she was passing through the town square, on her way to the airport. Another perfect
day, weather-wise. She knew Uncle Lance was down by the planes, he'd be working today. Maybe
a visit would take her mind off this morning.
It would have if she hadn't gone in that direction.
"Cassie?!"
She stopped short. "Hey, Sky" Cassie replied placidly from the park bench.
"What happened?"
"Three day suspension. Typical."
Skyler's eyes widened at her calm tone. "Didn't you parents get mad?"
"No, course not. Why would they?" Momentary puzzlement crossed Cassie's face. "Oh, that's right,
I forgot. My parents are different."
"Huh?"
"You've lived in this place all your life, haven't you?" she leaned back as Skyler sat down next to her.
"Yeah. See, you'd have no idea what it was like back in Somerset. If you wanted to make it
through the day, you had to stand strong. My parents have always told me that, but it took
a few broken bones and an awful lot of bruises and stuff for me to learn. I wasn't gonna take
nothin' from nobody, and Mom and Dad are proud of me for that. That's why they weren't mad
when I told them what that little punk started."
"But wait. What did he do?"
"You didn't see? He came after me!" Now Cassie had the wide eyes. "How could you not
see that?"
Skyler shook her head. "No. You guys just stood there for like a minute. Then all the
sudden you started fighting."
Cassie crossed her arms, staring at the grass. "Hmph. You know, I do feel kinda bad about
the kid. Even if he did start it" she added under her breath. "You know, I got the feeling he's
not a very lucky guy."
"Really? What makes you think that?"
"Just something. I wouldn't expect you to understand."
Without another word, she sauntered off across the square and down the street. Skyler watched
her, somewhat speechless. She got off without anything?
A scream jerked her from her semi-trance. She whirled around.
Inpherno was across the square, in a ring of fleeing pedestrians, one locked in her stiff grasp.
"Orion!" she hissed. "We got a problem-"
The scream had reached Cassie's ears. It didn't strike her as a normal one, like she had heard
from playing children all day- she immediately turned and ran back.
~*~*~*~*~
~Golden stars, silver moon~
~The past I will never forget~
~My true form will rise up soon~
~And that's something you'll regret~
~*~*~*~*~
Her heavy footfalls fell short. "What was that rhyme?" she thought out loud, placing one hand
on her forehead. "Am I going nuts?"
Through her loosely closed fingers she saw something struggle.
"Quit fighting, you're wasting your energy" Inpherno growled, her burning, raspy voice echoing
through the now empty square.
"HEY!" someone shouted nearby.
Her threatening eyes flickered to the fish fountain.
"Don't you think Mondays are tough enough on people without you chasing them around? In
the name of freedom, I am Sailor Aquila, here to bring harmony back to the world!"
Cassie stared at the source of the corny challenge. "Sailor-- Aquila?
She was dressed in a funny-looking blue and silver outfit, that vaguely reminded her of something
a sailor would wear on a ship out to sea. That would explain the name--
The strangest feeling swept over her. She felt a sudden rush of heat, but she kept her attention
on the girl calling herself Sailor Aquila. She looked very familiar-
"You again?! When will you learn?! Humph! Why don't you use those fancy wings on your stupid shoes to
fly away and leave me alone!" Inpherno cried, impatiently.
Sailor Aquila laughed. It was a youthful laugh. Almost childish, even. "Like I'd leave my town in
the hands of YOU? As if! I'm here to stay! Drop that Harmony right now!" she ordered.
Inpherno gave a short chuckle, but didn't let go. But before she could act, Aquila's eyes caught
something red, orange, and yellow. She glanced at it out of the corner of her eyes. Cassie?! Yes!
It WAS Cassie! Aquila turned her full attention to her, realizing that she was- burning?! What in the
world-
Cassie could feel the burning heat now, fueled by frantic but clear thoughts-- who was this woman,
attacking innocent people? She barely noticed the flames. It should've been unbearable, but it was
almost- natural? Memories started flooding into her mind. Her strange vision now made sense. Her
destiny. Her mission- she found the words.
"PHOENIX STAR POWER!" she cried suddenly.
She felt the flames cover her entire body, the heat melding inside her with that same energy she
had felt at the end of her dream. She closed her eyes, and she let herself swirl around
in the flames. This was her chance to do something.
Moments later, she opened her eyes. Looking down at herself, she saw a uniform very similar to
Sailor Aquila's. The sailor collar, skirt, and short, high-heeled boots were colored a magma red, the
front bow a brilliant yellow, the back with long, flaming tails.
Aquila stared in disbelief. She rubbed her eyes. Yes, she was still there. She blinked, stunned.
Cassie was- a scout?!
The pain came out of nowhere. It was like a billion scolding hot needles were being jabbed into her
side. It was so much more that she ever felt before, she thought right away she would die. With a agonized,
almost animal-like screech, she looked around for the source. There was Enygma, standing there almost 10
meters away from her, that futuristic laser gun clasped between her hands. She laughed hysterically as she
dropped it to her side. "I got you this time" she proclaimed.
The seething pain only seemed to grow deeper with each passing moment. Luckily, Enygma had terrible aim
this time, and had only skimmed the right side of her waist. Still, the pain was unbearable.
She choked back a breath.
She ran her clean white glove over her side, and forced herself to look at it. It was covered in
blood. Real blood. And this wasn't just a rollerblade cut-
'I've been hit...'
The realization struck her like a load of bricks. She had suspected from the beginning that this Scout
stuff could be trouble, but this was even more than that fire. She felt the world spinning beneath her,
along with the malicious laughter of Enygma. Inpherno glanced at her, annoyed, but at least she had gotten
something done.
Sailor Pheonix stared at the scene in shock. Or was it rage? Both feelings swept over her. What had she
gotten herself into? She had to do something- 'I gotta help, but there's two of 'em! I barely know what
I'm doin here! But I can't let her die! What am I supposed to do?!'
Sailor Pheonix glanced back and forth from Inpherno to Enygma. The square was silent, with exception
to Enygma's laughter.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"
Sailor Pheonix's head jerked to the side at the scream. It was Inpherno. She was holding her bleeding
shoulder, her eyes aflame and searching the grounds.
Before she could wonder how this happened, a voice rang out through the nearly empty square.
"This is gathering place for peace, not trash! Yeah, that's you two. Get out, or face the tide-- Delphi
Blade is on the scene!"
The sapphire-haired fighted dropped from a tree, landing neatly on the fish statues just above the fallen
Aquila. Inpherno growled, fumbling with the tri-blade and tossing it to the ground and Enygma chuckled.
'They seem to like laughing--' Pheonix thought.
Inpherno leapt up into the air, her trench coat flapping wildly, and landed in front of Delphi Blade,
careful not to fall into the water. Pheonix realized that this was her chance to attack Enygma, who was
still laughing like a hyena.
Sailor Pheonix ran out into the open, and decided to trust her instincts. Somehow, someway, her heart
knew what she had to do. Just like it had always been in Somerset. She could handle this.
"FLAMING BLADE STRIKE!" she shouted.
A beautiful silver sword appeared in front of her. She caught a glimpse of the curved, ruby handle
before the whole thing burst into flames.
Enygma looked up at the last minute, and managed to raise the laser in defense, but the flames reached
around it, taking hold with obviously much more effect than it had on Phoenix. She was still rather
sizzled when the flames died down. She narrowed her scorched eyebrows at Sailor Pheonix. "Another one?!
Inpherno!! Where'd this one come from?!" she shrieked.
Inpherno was too busy with Delphi Blade's tri-blade boomerang to notice. She didn't know, anyway.
"On behalf of the great flames of Pheonix, I am Sailor Pheonix, Soldier of Justice! I am here to bring
harmony back to the world! You're toasted!" Pheonix challenged.
All the while, Sailor Aquila lay on ground by the fish fountain; the pain was still visible in her
dull eyes. Her mind drifted, just like it had been the night of the tornado. She had to hold on, she had
to pay attention, but she didn't want to.
But she wasn't alone. Where was everyone?
'Cassie-- Sailor Pheonix-- Jillian-- Orion--'
As if on cue, a golden eagle swooped up from behind a building, followed by another sailor-suited girl.
The girl's outfit was the same as Pheonix and Aquila's, only pink and white.
"Stop right there! I am Sailor Monoceros, Soldier of Unity! Your evil deeds cannot go unpunished! I am here
to bring harmony back to the world!"
Orion noticed Sailor Aquila and flew to her side, pulling her hair out of her face through his beak. The
acute taste of blood startled him into a frenzy. After everything that had happened that day, Pheonix
wasn't surprised when the eagle spoke.
"Aquila! Hold on! It'll be alright!"
Sailor Pheonix forgot about Enygma and rushed to Aquila's side as well, where she was joined by Sailor
Monoceros.
"Who the heck are you?" Monoceros asked, somewhat hurriedly.
"^^() Ummm, Sailor Pheonix. You?" Pheonix replied, sweatdropping.
"Monoceros," she said simply, turning back to Aquila.
Orion turned to them, his eyes bleak. Aquila could see this distantly. She hadn't seen him this way
before- and she found it amazingly surprising to know that he did care about her. He would take care
of it, he would help. That calmed her down. Her eyelids sank-
"Monoceros, you're the only one here who can heal her" Orion told her frantically. "You've got the right
element. Say 'Flare Revolution', all right? And hurry!" the eagle insisted.
"Gotcha, Orion!"
She stood quietly, holding her arms to the sky.
"Flare Revolution-" she whispered.
A blinding light escaped from her hands and headed towards Aquila's side. It was only effecting her, but
even the two Eclipzes, far across the square with Delphi Blade, could feel the cleansing energy of the
light. The battle paused for the moment.
Enygma closed her eyes. She was losing the present in the energy-- what was this? Something powerful, yet
gentle-- something she hadn't felt in years. She wanted this energy, but could she just take it?
A single thought snapped her back into place. It had to be a Melody Crystal.
Aquila moaned, and sat up. The hole in her side was gone; her outfit repaired.
Sailor Pheonix's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't have a chance to question. The other two
Scouts were back on the job.
Sailor Aquila stood up, along with Sailor Monoceros. "Let's kick some Eclipze butt!" Aquila suggested
with a renewed smile. Monoceros nodded. The two started off towards Enygma, Inpherno and Delphi Blade,
along with Orion.
Aquila stopped suddenly and turned towards Phoenix. "You coming?" she grinned.
Pheonix nodded and returned the grin as she stood up. "Right!"
Enygma noticed Aquila and nearly fainted. That energy had softened her a bit, but her hunter instinct
kept her in the game. "What!? I thought I had gotten rid of you! ARGH! You just keep finding a way to
escape! And when did YOU get here!?" she protested, motioning to Monoceros and Orion. "INPHERNO!"
Inpherno barely blocked an attack from Delphi and teleported to Enygma's side. "What!?" she screamed,
exasperated from her fight.
"I can't take on three scouts and a big bird without some backup!" Enygma yelled.
Inpherno glanced at the girls and Orion, who were in battle-stance, Pheonix gripping her sword
tightly.
"Don't bother. It's five to two, counting their blue friend over there," Inpherno informed as she
disappeared, still clutching her shoulder.
Enygma snorted in disgust. She was not pleased, but she regained her composure. "Listen, Sailor
Senshi. I don't know what you want with the Melody Crystals, but anyone that gets in the way of the
Eclipzes doesn't see the light of the next morning."
"Then why are we still here?" Monoceros retorted.
"Senshi have luck on their side. But no one has such luck forever. I'll be back! And when I do, you
can kiss your lives goodbye!"
She reluctantly vanished.
The Scouts smiled in triumph, as Delphi Blade faded into the shadows. They made their exit just as
the passerby caught wind of his luck-
~*~*~*~*~
"Wow! Another Scout! I don't believe it! So there's three of us, Orion?" Skyler asked.
Skyler, Jillian, Cassie and Orion were detransformed and heading back to Cassie's house.
"I can't be sure. I think so. There should be a Scout for each element, according to my resources,
that matches those of the Melody Crystals. Skyler, you are the element of Air. Jillian, you are the
element of Life, and Cassie, I guess you are the element of Fire. There should be two more scouts of
Water and Earth. Then there's this Delphi Blade person. I"m not quite sure where HE fits into all of
this" Orion explained.
"Well, he seems to have powers over Water. Call me crazy, but do you think he might be the errrrrrr--
SCOUT of Water? I mean, where in the rulebook does it say scouts have to be girls?" Jillian queried.
"Who knows, Jillian-- but what was that weird word Enygma called us? Senshi? What does that mean?"
They looked at Cassie.
"()^^ Don't ask me! I'm the new kid, remember?"
EPISODE 9-RISING FLAME
*~Written by Whirlwynd, Jen, and Spin~*
Something had happened-
Stars littered her clearing vision. She seen them before, but she hadn't quite grasped the nature
of her surroundings then- they were stars all right, tinsel against a neverending darkness. It
was quite belittling. Each of those stars glimmering, each playing out their distant stories that
she would never know in this lifetime. But this was only a portion of her train of thought. She
was lost somewhere in this vast, sparkling yet barren plane, drifting along an unexpected breeze-
filling her with an unsettling feeling that coursed through her veins with every echoing beat of her
heart. It was too much, too silent. She struggled in this mysterious paralysis she was caught in
to find something, anything, familiar and secure, but with little result. Her thoughts screamed by
her ears as if someone could actually hear them. Cold sweat spiked under her skin. She had
never felt like this before, ever. She wouldn't have let it happen.
But something had happened here. Something she couldn't do anything about. That, she realized,
was the source of this heart-wrenching anxiety. But what was it? Who? Where had it begun?
Where was she? Questions passed by like light beams.
Finally, some clue. Flames, rich, cloud-like fire rolled through space nearby, blurring the stars
around it's path. She watched the shimmering inferno with fascination. Heated tendrils curled
into the night, blooming in crimson a gold tufts as if it were feeding on the nothingness. But
still, she couldn't shake that unknown terror. If it weren't for this light show appearing with
such glittering complexity, the chaos would have completely taken over her mind.
A sudden rush of debris blew past her, eeirily silent for the force that came with it. And as it
hurtled out into the eternal night, she felt her normally bright eyes darkening to match, all
warmth gone despite the flames.
Something had happened. Something so horrifying that the fear was replaced by overwhelming
rage. Her fists clenched, trembling as her nails dug deeply into the skin. But it was accompanied
by total helplessness, the same she had felt in that emotionless display of space- tears melted
from her eyes. She wanted to scream, she wanted to tear apart something- whoever put her in
here. Her lungs tensed, she couldn't breathe- she didn't care. She wanted out, now-
Everything calmed.
"It is time. The start of your mission is at hand."
The voice plucked her from the unbearable silence into a pocket of energy. The last of her tears
fell away, and her eyes once again glowed with determination. Something could be done, after
all. This fear was unfounded, it was not the end. There was a path in front of her, a beckoning
bridge over the silence-
Darkness swept her vision again, but this time it was comforting, warm, close.
She dragged herself from her bed, over to the open window. Her mind was torn by the twisting
emotion brought on by that dream- but it all led only to intrigue. The setting moon was an
enchanting bronze plate against the glassy sky, its rays skimming the top of thick, leathery
cornstalk leaves. The stars, still as clear as they were in her dream, lifted her spirit with their
tiny yet dazzling light. She was here, on Earth, her home.
Something had happened, and it was a beginning.
But to what?
"My mission-" she whispered. Her thick yet floating words rolled like piano music. A lazy
summer-like breeze, sifting a fresh, wheaty scent into her heavy hair.
"What could be?"
~*~*~*~*~
"He just runs off. And you only know his name?"
Another Scout meeting was taking place, this time at the high school football field. Sunday
practice was over by now, and though there was still a little game going on downfield, the
players were too into the game to notice Skyler and Jillian talking to an eagle perched on a
crossbar under the bleachers.
"Delphi Blade. That's what he said his name was. What does that mean?" Skyler wondered,
twirling a strand of hair restlessly. She had hoped she could at least play a game of softball
today. She stared wistfully out at the field down the hill, but was snapped back into the now
by Orion' irritated flapping.
"Isn't Delphi a Greek letter--?" Jillian thought out loud. "But he could control the water by
touching it. What does that have to do with that letter."
"You're thinking of Delta."
"Doesn't Ever Leave The Airport" Skyler added airily.
Orion shifted on the bar, bristling his feathers uncomfortably. This was not ideal weather for
someone with a heavy coat like this- but no one could do anything about it, so he didn't
complain and kept his focus on the important things. He hadn't heard anything about this new
guy either, which was what worried Skyler and Jillian the most. But at least Orion had some
theories. "Perhaps his name comes from Delphinus, the dolphin constellation."
"Maybe."
Skyler hopped from the bleachers, tying on her rollerblades. "I'm going to the airport" she
announced, grinning. "Maybe we can find something about that constellation there."
The other two exchanged knowing glances. Skyler wasn't going down there to research- but
Orion didn't protest. There could be valuable information up there, even if Skyler wasn't going
to look for it. They didn't have another lead right then-
Skyler was beginning to feel what Orion felt before- this weather, now in October, was way
above the average. October was the harvest month, so everyone would be working much
harder than normal. That meant no more flying, probably not until spring. Skyler wasn't
going to let this opportunity go by. It was hot, it was humid- but the sky was clear, still,
and perfect for flying.
Everyone was enjoying the weather, at least. The town square was especially cheerful, still
green, the oaks losing a few faded leaves, but not many. The fountain, a symmetrical fish
sculpture surrounded by a granite pool, was still running quietly like it had done all season.
Adrian always said it reminded him of Pisces. He would be there evey day in the summer,
reading some old textbook he had bought on one of his short trips to Aledo, eating a sandwich
off a brown paper bag. Her mind floated back to the beginning of the summer, the beginning of
the softball season and summer break, the beginning of this perfect weather- the beginning
of the end of a normal life. She remembered when she had no idea, not a clue about this
Sailor Scout stuff. It wasn't like it was a huge worry to her, but it sure wasn't the same.
Maybe it was because Oriole wasn't around-
She stared back at the memory-pulling square as she glided by the apartment complex.
Music reached her ears. She perked up at the sound. The singer's voice was low, but feminine,
with a quality of strength woven into it. She located the source.
A girl knelt on the ground nearby, her forest green eyes occupied by some long boards she was
stacking in front of her. The eyes were almost the same color as Jillian's, but they held a little
more youth and a lot more energy. Her ruby-colored hair spilled around her, down to her waist,
except a portion tied up in a braid. She wore red, fingerless gloves to protect her hands from
the boards which she was now wrapping with a thick plastic band. The rest of her clothes, a
yellow t-shirt, jeans, and hiking boots, were pretty worn from the work she had probably been
doing all afternoon.
Then, to Skyler's amazement, she lifted the boards onto one shoulder and carried them across
drive. The boards looked way too heavy for someone her size, but she handled them like they
were straws. She returned empty-handed, starting the song over as she went back to the next
jumble of boards. Skyler listened-
~I'll tell you a story~
~Of a day long ago~
~A day I don't recall I've been to~
~Don't need to be worried~
~It's all just for show~
~Just something I like to get into, yeah~
~Hey, sometimes days are hard~
~So it's nice to have an escape~
~It's a sunny day, and the birds are singin our story~
~I'll tell you a story~
~Of a girl that I knew~
~Who was searching for a different life~
~She packed all her bags up~
~Said hello to the crew, but~
~They said there was no way they could fly, so she says~
~Hey, sometimes days are hard~
~So it's nice to have an escape~
~It's a windy day, but that won't stop me now~
~I'll tell you a story~
~Of the journey she found~
~A world beyond imagination~
~She races by anyway~
~Always trying to gain ground~
~From the thunder tryin to break her concentration, she says~
~Hey, sometimes days are hard~
~But there's no time for a breal~
~It's a rainy day, and that's rest enough for me~
~So the end of this story~
~Of a day long ago~
~Is something no one knows~
~It's nothing to think about~
~Just something to show~
~And I guess it's time for me to go~
~Hey, sometimes days are hard~
~So it's nice to have an escape~
~It's sunset~
~I hope I'll see you again~
Her eyes raised to Skyler, startling her- it seemed she had known she was there for a while. "Are
you lost, kid?" she called. "You've been standin' there for the past five minutes."
She had noticed. Skyler's face glowed a light pink. "Um, no ^^() It's just- um, well- where did you
hear that song?"
The question was a valid excuse. The girl smiled. "Down in Somerset. The workers there were
always singin' it."
"You're a construction worker?" Skyler queried.
She chuckled heartily. Her words were tinged with a Somerset accent. "Technically, no. But I help
my folks a lot. They got this job out here, no one knows why anyone wants a apartment building
way out here, but whoever's asking for it's shelling out a lotta green. Mom said it'd be good to get
some country air. See, I'm only fourteen. In Somerset you have to be fifteen to get a real job. We're
just finishing up, there's already people in there. I guess you live somewhere around here."
"Yeah, our house just past the south side of town. I'm Skyler Avis."
"Hi. I'm Cassie Mitchell. Just call me Cass. I've got some work to do yet, so I'll see you at the school
tomorrow. Don't suppose you're in my grade-?" she guessed as she slung another stack of boards
over her head.
"Sixth grade."
Cassie blinked in surprise. "Sixth? You skipped ahead?"
Skyler's expression reflected the shock. "No, I'm twelve."
"Dang! I'd swear you were ten at the most. But I guess you're tall enough to be twelve."
She hauled the load away. As soon as she was out of sight, Jillian and Orion rushed up, Jillian
practically dragging Skyler away. They got out of the town before they finally stopped and let
Skyler go. "What's the big idea?!" she hollered, running a few yards away and turning back to look
at them.
Orion soared towards her, but that only made the skittish brunette back further away. Her wary eyes
watched every detail down to his ruffling feathers. He landed in the grass, peering over the long,
yellowed blades with matching eyes. "Skyler, hold on a sec!" Jillian yelled.
She stayed still, but her feet were poised and ready to take off. Orion stepped up as close as he
could without setting her off. "Sky, don't you think there was something odd about that girl?"
"Huh?"
Now Skyler ran closer, fierce suspicion melting into curiousity. "What do you mean?"
"She looks like Inpherno" Jillian whispered.
"What?! No way!" Skyler exclaimed. "She does not!"
Orion's eyes sparked in the sunlight. "There is no way a girl of that size can lift that much weight on
her own. And I could feel strange energy around her. Fire energy. Way too much for a normal
human."
Skyler bit her lower lip, her eyes showing upset quite clearly. She had seen Cassie a totally
different way, and she wasn't going to give up that view. She struggled for a counterpoint, shooting
out every one she captured in her mind. "Inpherno has red eyes. Cassie has green."
"People like that have abilities to change appearance" Orion informed.
"Contacts" Jillian added.
"Yeah, but why just the eyes? And really, what danger is it just talking to her while we're in regular
form? She doesn't know who the Scouts are. And if they're going to attack someone, it might as
well be someone who can fight back."
Jillian gazed back at the apartments. "She's got a point there."
Orion sighed. "Be careful then. I'll be watching."
~*~*~*~*~
"SOARA!"
She whirled. As hard as she tried, she couldn't do anything else. All the same questions tumbled
through her mind, but all were trapped. Who was this figure leaning over her? Why did they hide?
Why couldn't she move? It was her dream, after all. She should be able to grab some level of control.
"Someday you will understand-"
Immense sorrow flowed through her, so forcefully she curled into a ball. Tears trickled down her
strained face, the background blurring against the light she knew was coming. "What is this?!" her
mind cried out, but no physical words escaped. She felt something touch her shoulder, and though
it was gentle, soothing, she felt surprigingly angry at it. She might have slapped it away if she
knew what it was.
"Soara" the delicate voice pleaded. "Soara-"
"SKYLER!"
Skyler sprange from her bed, landing on the floor in a groggy sprawl. "What, Orion?" she groaned, her
voice cracking.
"What's wrong?" Orion questioned, apparenly alarmed.
She blinked at the worry in his voice and rubbed her sleepy eyes. They were damp. She slowly
turned her hand away and stared at it, then pulled herself to her dresser mirror. A pale, tear-
streaked face greeted her. Her eyes were most disturbing, two foggy, dark holes in the universe.
She sniffled, turning to her alarm clock. "I'm fine" she told him at last.
"No you're not" Orion insisted. "Your dream. Tell me NOW."
She almost gave in to his strict tone. She knew, though, that if she told him, she'd start crying again,
even if it was just a dream. She simply ignored him, reaching into her birds' cage and pressing one
finger by Sora's feet. Sora climbed onto it, and she lifted the bird out of the cage and up to her face.
"What do they want with you-?" Skyler whispered.
Sora chirped softly, almost sympathetically, and ran Skyler's hair through her beak. "Sora knows
something's wrong" Orion mumbled, but he didn't pursue it any longer. He could sense she was
a bit fragile at the moment.
She left for school quicker than she ever had that morning. She felt bad, leaving Orion in the dark
like that, but for some reason she just didn't want to tell anyone. She hoped she wouldn't have that
doleful expression as when she got to class.
It seemed that it had cleared when she showed up. Cassie didn't act a bit concerned as she waved
across the schoolground. "Hey, Sky!" she called cheerfully.
"Hi!"
"Um-" Cassie started as they headed for the stairs. "Maybe you can tell me where my classroom
is?"
Skyler giggled. "It shouldn't be that hard. Hey, Devin!"
Blue passed them going out. "I forgot my lunch-" he told her, then turned his attention to Cassie.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Cassie" she introduced, holding out her hand. "You are-?"
"Devin" he shook the hand. "Call me Blue."
Suddenly they both froze, their startled eyes gradually narrowing as they stared at each other. There was
tenseness, not anxiety, but something else, building between them. Skyler's gaze switched
rapidly between them. No one else seemed to notice this frozen state, they walked on up the steps
as if the two were just statues. "Hey guys-" Skyler started.
Suddenly Cassie's eyes flickered angrily. Her other hand flew to his wrist and yanked him clear
off the ground. He landed face down on the bottom of the stairs, just barely catching himself in
time to keep his face from the concrete. He got up quickly, backing away before throwing a long
roundhouse kick. It caught Cassie square in the face. A crowd gathered around them, and Skyler
squeezed through.
She wanted to stop them, but she couldn't even get a hand in without it getting it smacked off. She
did admit, though, this fight was interesting to watch. Both Cassie and Devin fought with skill far
beyond their years. Her movements rolled with unpredictable flare- like the fire energy Orion had
been talking about. And Devin wasn't about to let her steal the show. His eyes- and hands, met
every advance.
What had happened? It had been a peaceful meeting. There was something odd here--
~*~*~*~*~
"I don't like this" Orion mumbled through the communicator. "It's confusing. There's an enemy here,
I know it."
"I don't like it either" Skyler confessed, but she wished he'd stop talking about it. Did she believe
that Cassie was Inpherno? Or someone from the Eclipze's side?
She couldn't take that for an answer. But she couldn't push it away. It made too much sense.
Once again, she was passing through the town square, on her way to the airport. Another perfect
day, weather-wise. She knew Uncle Lance was down by the planes, he'd be working today. Maybe
a visit would take her mind off this morning.
It would have if she hadn't gone in that direction.
"Cassie?!"
She stopped short. "Hey, Sky" Cassie replied placidly from the park bench.
"What happened?"
"Three day suspension. Typical."
Skyler's eyes widened at her calm tone. "Didn't you parents get mad?"
"No, course not. Why would they?" Momentary puzzlement crossed Cassie's face. "Oh, that's right,
I forgot. My parents are different."
"Huh?"
"You've lived in this place all your life, haven't you?" she leaned back as Skyler sat down next to her.
"Yeah. See, you'd have no idea what it was like back in Somerset. If you wanted to make it
through the day, you had to stand strong. My parents have always told me that, but it took
a few broken bones and an awful lot of bruises and stuff for me to learn. I wasn't gonna take
nothin' from nobody, and Mom and Dad are proud of me for that. That's why they weren't mad
when I told them what that little punk started."
"But wait. What did he do?"
"You didn't see? He came after me!" Now Cassie had the wide eyes. "How could you not
see that?"
Skyler shook her head. "No. You guys just stood there for like a minute. Then all the
sudden you started fighting."
Cassie crossed her arms, staring at the grass. "Hmph. You know, I do feel kinda bad about
the kid. Even if he did start it" she added under her breath. "You know, I got the feeling he's
not a very lucky guy."
"Really? What makes you think that?"
"Just something. I wouldn't expect you to understand."
Without another word, she sauntered off across the square and down the street. Skyler watched
her, somewhat speechless. She got off without anything?
A scream jerked her from her semi-trance. She whirled around.
Inpherno was across the square, in a ring of fleeing pedestrians, one locked in her stiff grasp.
"Orion!" she hissed. "We got a problem-"
The scream had reached Cassie's ears. It didn't strike her as a normal one, like she had heard
from playing children all day- she immediately turned and ran back.
~*~*~*~*~
~Golden stars, silver moon~
~The past I will never forget~
~My true form will rise up soon~
~And that's something you'll regret~
~*~*~*~*~
Her heavy footfalls fell short. "What was that rhyme?" she thought out loud, placing one hand
on her forehead. "Am I going nuts?"
Through her loosely closed fingers she saw something struggle.
"Quit fighting, you're wasting your energy" Inpherno growled, her burning, raspy voice echoing
through the now empty square.
"HEY!" someone shouted nearby.
Her threatening eyes flickered to the fish fountain.
"Don't you think Mondays are tough enough on people without you chasing them around? In
the name of freedom, I am Sailor Aquila, here to bring harmony back to the world!"
Cassie stared at the source of the corny challenge. "Sailor-- Aquila?
She was dressed in a funny-looking blue and silver outfit, that vaguely reminded her of something
a sailor would wear on a ship out to sea. That would explain the name--
The strangest feeling swept over her. She felt a sudden rush of heat, but she kept her attention
on the girl calling herself Sailor Aquila. She looked very familiar-
"You again?! When will you learn?! Humph! Why don't you use those fancy wings on your stupid shoes to
fly away and leave me alone!" Inpherno cried, impatiently.
Sailor Aquila laughed. It was a youthful laugh. Almost childish, even. "Like I'd leave my town in
the hands of YOU? As if! I'm here to stay! Drop that Harmony right now!" she ordered.
Inpherno gave a short chuckle, but didn't let go. But before she could act, Aquila's eyes caught
something red, orange, and yellow. She glanced at it out of the corner of her eyes. Cassie?! Yes!
It WAS Cassie! Aquila turned her full attention to her, realizing that she was- burning?! What in the
world-
Cassie could feel the burning heat now, fueled by frantic but clear thoughts-- who was this woman,
attacking innocent people? She barely noticed the flames. It should've been unbearable, but it was
almost- natural? Memories started flooding into her mind. Her strange vision now made sense. Her
destiny. Her mission- she found the words.
"PHOENIX STAR POWER!" she cried suddenly.
She felt the flames cover her entire body, the heat melding inside her with that same energy she
had felt at the end of her dream. She closed her eyes, and she let herself swirl around
in the flames. This was her chance to do something.
Moments later, she opened her eyes. Looking down at herself, she saw a uniform very similar to
Sailor Aquila's. The sailor collar, skirt, and short, high-heeled boots were colored a magma red, the
front bow a brilliant yellow, the back with long, flaming tails.
Aquila stared in disbelief. She rubbed her eyes. Yes, she was still there. She blinked, stunned.
Cassie was- a scout?!
The pain came out of nowhere. It was like a billion scolding hot needles were being jabbed into her
side. It was so much more that she ever felt before, she thought right away she would die. With a agonized,
almost animal-like screech, she looked around for the source. There was Enygma, standing there almost 10
meters away from her, that futuristic laser gun clasped between her hands. She laughed hysterically as she
dropped it to her side. "I got you this time" she proclaimed.
The seething pain only seemed to grow deeper with each passing moment. Luckily, Enygma had terrible aim
this time, and had only skimmed the right side of her waist. Still, the pain was unbearable.
She choked back a breath.
She ran her clean white glove over her side, and forced herself to look at it. It was covered in
blood. Real blood. And this wasn't just a rollerblade cut-
'I've been hit...'
The realization struck her like a load of bricks. She had suspected from the beginning that this Scout
stuff could be trouble, but this was even more than that fire. She felt the world spinning beneath her,
along with the malicious laughter of Enygma. Inpherno glanced at her, annoyed, but at least she had gotten
something done.
Sailor Pheonix stared at the scene in shock. Or was it rage? Both feelings swept over her. What had she
gotten herself into? She had to do something- 'I gotta help, but there's two of 'em! I barely know what
I'm doin here! But I can't let her die! What am I supposed to do?!'
Sailor Pheonix glanced back and forth from Inpherno to Enygma. The square was silent, with exception
to Enygma's laughter.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"
Sailor Pheonix's head jerked to the side at the scream. It was Inpherno. She was holding her bleeding
shoulder, her eyes aflame and searching the grounds.
Before she could wonder how this happened, a voice rang out through the nearly empty square.
"This is gathering place for peace, not trash! Yeah, that's you two. Get out, or face the tide-- Delphi
Blade is on the scene!"
The sapphire-haired fighted dropped from a tree, landing neatly on the fish statues just above the fallen
Aquila. Inpherno growled, fumbling with the tri-blade and tossing it to the ground and Enygma chuckled.
'They seem to like laughing--' Pheonix thought.
Inpherno leapt up into the air, her trench coat flapping wildly, and landed in front of Delphi Blade,
careful not to fall into the water. Pheonix realized that this was her chance to attack Enygma, who was
still laughing like a hyena.
Sailor Pheonix ran out into the open, and decided to trust her instincts. Somehow, someway, her heart
knew what she had to do. Just like it had always been in Somerset. She could handle this.
"FLAMING BLADE STRIKE!" she shouted.
A beautiful silver sword appeared in front of her. She caught a glimpse of the curved, ruby handle
before the whole thing burst into flames.
Enygma looked up at the last minute, and managed to raise the laser in defense, but the flames reached
around it, taking hold with obviously much more effect than it had on Phoenix. She was still rather
sizzled when the flames died down. She narrowed her scorched eyebrows at Sailor Pheonix. "Another one?!
Inpherno!! Where'd this one come from?!" she shrieked.
Inpherno was too busy with Delphi Blade's tri-blade boomerang to notice. She didn't know, anyway.
"On behalf of the great flames of Pheonix, I am Sailor Pheonix, Soldier of Justice! I am here to bring
harmony back to the world! You're toasted!" Pheonix challenged.
All the while, Sailor Aquila lay on ground by the fish fountain; the pain was still visible in her
dull eyes. Her mind drifted, just like it had been the night of the tornado. She had to hold on, she had
to pay attention, but she didn't want to.
But she wasn't alone. Where was everyone?
'Cassie-- Sailor Pheonix-- Jillian-- Orion--'
As if on cue, a golden eagle swooped up from behind a building, followed by another sailor-suited girl.
The girl's outfit was the same as Pheonix and Aquila's, only pink and white.
"Stop right there! I am Sailor Monoceros, Soldier of Unity! Your evil deeds cannot go unpunished! I am here
to bring harmony back to the world!"
Orion noticed Sailor Aquila and flew to her side, pulling her hair out of her face through his beak. The
acute taste of blood startled him into a frenzy. After everything that had happened that day, Pheonix
wasn't surprised when the eagle spoke.
"Aquila! Hold on! It'll be alright!"
Sailor Pheonix forgot about Enygma and rushed to Aquila's side as well, where she was joined by Sailor
Monoceros.
"Who the heck are you?" Monoceros asked, somewhat hurriedly.
"^^() Ummm, Sailor Pheonix. You?" Pheonix replied, sweatdropping.
"Monoceros," she said simply, turning back to Aquila.
Orion turned to them, his eyes bleak. Aquila could see this distantly. She hadn't seen him this way
before- and she found it amazingly surprising to know that he did care about her. He would take care
of it, he would help. That calmed her down. Her eyelids sank-
"Monoceros, you're the only one here who can heal her" Orion told her frantically. "You've got the right
element. Say 'Flare Revolution', all right? And hurry!" the eagle insisted.
"Gotcha, Orion!"
She stood quietly, holding her arms to the sky.
"Flare Revolution-" she whispered.
A blinding light escaped from her hands and headed towards Aquila's side. It was only effecting her, but
even the two Eclipzes, far across the square with Delphi Blade, could feel the cleansing energy of the
light. The battle paused for the moment.
Enygma closed her eyes. She was losing the present in the energy-- what was this? Something powerful, yet
gentle-- something she hadn't felt in years. She wanted this energy, but could she just take it?
A single thought snapped her back into place. It had to be a Melody Crystal.
Aquila moaned, and sat up. The hole in her side was gone; her outfit repaired.
Sailor Pheonix's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't have a chance to question. The other two
Scouts were back on the job.
Sailor Aquila stood up, along with Sailor Monoceros. "Let's kick some Eclipze butt!" Aquila suggested
with a renewed smile. Monoceros nodded. The two started off towards Enygma, Inpherno and Delphi Blade,
along with Orion.
Aquila stopped suddenly and turned towards Phoenix. "You coming?" she grinned.
Pheonix nodded and returned the grin as she stood up. "Right!"
Enygma noticed Aquila and nearly fainted. That energy had softened her a bit, but her hunter instinct
kept her in the game. "What!? I thought I had gotten rid of you! ARGH! You just keep finding a way to
escape! And when did YOU get here!?" she protested, motioning to Monoceros and Orion. "INPHERNO!"
Inpherno barely blocked an attack from Delphi and teleported to Enygma's side. "What!?" she screamed,
exasperated from her fight.
"I can't take on three scouts and a big bird without some backup!" Enygma yelled.
Inpherno glanced at the girls and Orion, who were in battle-stance, Pheonix gripping her sword
tightly.
"Don't bother. It's five to two, counting their blue friend over there," Inpherno informed as she
disappeared, still clutching her shoulder.
Enygma snorted in disgust. She was not pleased, but she regained her composure. "Listen, Sailor
Senshi. I don't know what you want with the Melody Crystals, but anyone that gets in the way of the
Eclipzes doesn't see the light of the next morning."
"Then why are we still here?" Monoceros retorted.
"Senshi have luck on their side. But no one has such luck forever. I'll be back! And when I do, you
can kiss your lives goodbye!"
She reluctantly vanished.
The Scouts smiled in triumph, as Delphi Blade faded into the shadows. They made their exit just as
the passerby caught wind of his luck-
~*~*~*~*~
"Wow! Another Scout! I don't believe it! So there's three of us, Orion?" Skyler asked.
Skyler, Jillian, Cassie and Orion were detransformed and heading back to Cassie's house.
"I can't be sure. I think so. There should be a Scout for each element, according to my resources,
that matches those of the Melody Crystals. Skyler, you are the element of Air. Jillian, you are the
element of Life, and Cassie, I guess you are the element of Fire. There should be two more scouts of
Water and Earth. Then there's this Delphi Blade person. I"m not quite sure where HE fits into all of
this" Orion explained.
"Well, he seems to have powers over Water. Call me crazy, but do you think he might be the errrrrrr--
SCOUT of Water? I mean, where in the rulebook does it say scouts have to be girls?" Jillian queried.
"Who knows, Jillian-- but what was that weird word Enygma called us? Senshi? What does that mean?"
They looked at Cassie.
"()^^ Don't ask me! I'm the new kid, remember?"