Beginning's 4 SSL 4
Ami stared at the fire silently, it had dwindled down slightly but had the same twinkling light.
'It was just a dream...but am I really useless, no it can't be..."
She had been awake for an hour or so...
Shaking her head, Ami slipped through the entrance.
Usagi woke up when she felt the slight breeze from Ami passing, "Ami?"
Ami must not have heard as she didn't look back or return.
Usagi glanced at Seiya and felt herself blushing he was leaning against her as he slept. Turning again to the quickly fading shadow of Ami's form in the bright moonlight she quickly slipped through the entrance and followed.
Ami glanced down at her reflection and dashed it with her fingers.
"Ami?"
Ami turned startled, "Usagi, I'm sorry did I wake you? I just needed some fresh air."
Usagi frowned slightly, "Ami what's wrong?"
"Oh," Ami hid her surprise as best as she could, "Are you sure you want to listen to me."
Usagi smiled and put her hand on Ami's shoulder, "Ami, you're my best friend, of course I want to listen to you." Usagi giggled.
"But what about the others?" Ami asked hesitantly.
"What about them? They're all my best friends Ami, no matter how much it seems the other way...You know Ami, you were the first sailor scout to join me, that was such a long time ago...Do you think we've changed?"
"Deep down I think we haven't...I think we've just grown wiser and stronger." Ami glanced at Usagi and blushed at her intense gaze, "Is something wrong?"
"No...I'm just worried that I'll be more of a burden then a help without my brooch I'm only able to transform with the power of my Dream Crystal."
"How?" Ami said in a confused tone.
"Well, back there when we were attacked by the dragons...Pegasus came to me, though not physically but
Usagi laughed, and looked out across the small lakes glimmering surface.
"No, it's just you have such a strong heart Ami...I want you to know that, I love you like I love all the other scouts, for protecting me and being here for me all the time. Because sometimes I think I'm beyond bearing for some people."
Ami, who had been gazing at Usagi's face intently, laughed and couldn't stop. Usagi smiled and pushed her into the lake. Ami burst from the surface, giggling, wading through the sandy bottom she hugged Usagi even though she was sopping wet.
"Thanks Usagi I needed that...this land is evil, it works against you while you sleep...I had a dream, that you all hated me, it was so vivid and real I almost felt like it was the truth."
Usagi gazed up at the moon and then back at Ami, "We'll always be friends no matter what Ami, always believe that."
Ami nodded her head, "I will, and gladly." She giggled.
Usagi turned her head, "Did you hear that?"
Ami closed her eyes and a shimmery line of light blue moved down her body, now transformed in her fuku she turned on her mercury computer.
"Something's coming from the sea" Mercury yelled as she raced towards the beach line.
Usagi silently transformed into her super sailor moon fuku as she ran alongside Sailor Mercury, stopping at the beginning of the beach they waited silently.
"Sailor Moon! It's us."
Usagi's heart skipped a beat, 'it couldn't be!'
Slowly descending from the sky Rini appeared with Chibi-Chibi riding Pegasus.
"Rini!!! Chibi-Chibi!!! What are you doing here!"
Usagi laughed joyfully as she caught the two in her arms.
Pegasus watched the scene happily glancing up as Peraro flew downwards and landed softly on his bare feet.
Peraro laughed happily and glanced at Pegasus who smiled back at him as he changed into Helios.
"So where were you guys all this time?"
"We were in the real world searching for you when Pegasus and Peraro came into my dream and told me where you were and that you needed us."
"Oh it's so good to see you two!" Usagi shrieked
"Okay okay! Usagi get off of me!" Rini complained
Chibi-Chibi giggled and hugged Usagi's leg, Usagi smiled and picked Chibi- Chibi up into a massive hug. Setting the two down she gave out directions for the two to find their campout.
"So Helios how was your journey here?"
"Good, but I saw the Ocean just a few miles out glowing with a strange light. Then it shot out this." Helios withdrew a perfect white pearl globe. On top of it was a massive diamond that glimmered in the moonlight, small wings were at its side just at the bottom of the globes base. Immediately as Usagi reached out her hand to touch its smooth surface, a white light from inside it shot out of it forming a small foggy glass like aura around it which suspended it in mid air as Usagi held it in the palms of both her hands looking at it fascinated.
Ami, Peraro, and Helios looked on in silent amazement at the pearly globe.
"Hastate Lumina Cocomphy" As soon as Usagi had whispered the words small beads of light filled the center of the pearl before shooting into the diamond. Light poured out of the diamond on top of the pearl, onto the sand. There lying on the sand slowly rising it's menacing coils rose a hologram of the dragon that they had fought earlier.
"Peace-Bringer," a deep rumbling voice said, "you have our utmost gratitude for healing us and returning us to our ocean home land. We have given you this gift for use in the dark lands to help shield you from the evil but to also help you fight in this war as much as it's ability can allow it. But this is just a small corner of our thanks. What do you wish of us Queen?"
Usagi looked back at the sketchy outline of their encampment and turned back to the hologram slowly, "I wish for you to protect the shorelines of the land across the ocean from which we have traveled and let you and your kind perish before you allow any evil to cross over and taint it's fair lands...I know this is much to ask, but what use are you for the evil one when he has the entire world in his hands and need not worry about ocean creatures clawing their way upon his shores. It is a worthier end for your kind."
The hologram of the dragon seemed happy with the whim from his Queen, "Queen you ask, once again, too little. We will be glad to do your bidding and do so now. Farewell."
Even as he said those last words the Hologram had flickered into empty air.
Usagi turned to Pegasus and Peraro, "Hurry, you must go."
"But we can't, we have to stay here, the battle will be great and you need all the help you need."
Usagi shook her head, "No, I order you to go back to that land and protect it. Go now and Diana be with you."
Pegasus turned and stopped for a moment, Peraro halted also waiting expectantly. His rainbow-iridescent wings shimmering beautifully.
"I'll summon two Pegasus colts to be mounts for Rini and Chibi-Chibi."
"Thank you old friends and I pray that everything stays fair in your side of the park."
Peraro laughed before he and Pegasus sped away.
(AN: Diana is an ancient Greek moon god...or one of them anyhow)
The two took a last glance and reluctantly flew away...
Amarra looked with surprise at the two pink-headed youths who were leaning against Usagi as they slept.
Michelle came up behind Amarra and slung her arm around her shoulder laughing quietly, "Looks like they're having a sleepover."
Amarra nodded her head smiling, "Did you feel that power last night?"
"Yes...it was powerful, but it was Good, that's why I didn't bother myself with it."
"But it wasn't the princess's power it was something else."
"Maybe it's that orb in her lap."
Amarra nodded her head grimly not trusting the alien gift in their midst, reaching her hand out slowly.
"Amarra don't!" Michelle hissed in alarm as Amarra's fingers were at the point of touching the orb.
As soon as her fingers touched the orb, light blasted out of it, throwing Amarra against the wall. The beam of light still smashed into her as it held her against the wall while pummeling her with its intense magic power.
Usagi awoke when she heard the scream, "Goddess, Amarra!"
Michelle ran towards Amarra as she did so the Orb amazingly seemed to turn itself so the diamond at it's top could see her through it's clear front surface.
A beam of white light shot out and pinned Michelle to the wall in the same way it did with Amarra. By now everyone was awake, Rei and Lita screamed as they were blasted against the walls of the cave also. As Usagi had ran towards Amarra's now limp form the diamond and orb once again turned and shot out a beam of light.
Usagi gasped holding up her hands to block the attack, when she didn't feel the beam hit her she looked and saw the beam of light quickly vanishing back into the orb.
'I'm so stupid!'
Usagi stumbled and grabbed the orb in her hands crying at the same time, "Stop, please stop! They're friends!"
There was a sucking sound as the beams of light were vanishing quickly back into the Orb.
Usagi dropped the Orb which rolled towards a niche in the cave, Usagi's breaths were ragged and she trembled all over as she grabbed Amarra in her arms.
"Amarra! Are you okay? I'm sorry please forgive me!" Usagi cried out tears spilling down her cheeks.
Amarra managed a weak smile before she groaned and went unconscious. Usagi felt her heart bursting into pieces, she felt a small hand on her shoulder, "Usagi, I'm here." Chibi-Chibi's small (cute & slightly high) voice whispered.
"Chibi-Chibi can you please help me! I don't know what to do!"
"Shhhh, you had the power to heal him," she said pointing at a wide eyed Seiya, "so do the same here. Here, I will help you."
Taking Usagi's hand in hers she pressed against Amarra's stomach where the beam had hit hardest, putting her hand down gently on the spot they closed their eyes.
White light slowly began to seep out of their hands and into Amarra's body.
Chib-Chibi opened her eyes after a few moments and nodded her head, "It's done, she's healed at the best of our healing ability, she'll be a little stiff but she just needs heaps of rests and loves." Chibi-Chibi giggled and went down to the other end of the cave to tend to Rei and Lita who weren't as heavily injured since they had been hit by the beam for a small time compared to Amarra.
Usagi gently applied the same magic to Michelle and leaned the two against the cave wall kissing Amarra on the forehead.
"Usagi."
Seiya's soft voice awoke Usagi from her vacant expression.
Usagi buried her face in Seiya's shirt and cried, Seiya was slightly surprised at the act but gently embraced Usagi in a tender hug.
Rei and Lita were breathing lightly now that there injuries were cared for they looked at the pair with pained looks.
Rei turned to the stunned Mina and Ami, "Do any of you know what that thing is?!?"
"I do," Ami said quietly still staring at the two injured scouts.
"Can you tell us then Ami?" Setsuna asked sadly.
"Yes, that thing is like nothing I've ever seen." Hotaru whispered, remorse thick in her voice.
Ami nodded her head and began to unfold the events of last night.
It was midday, Amarra and Michelle were already walking around and looked fine.
"Usagi why don't we go and get some clean air." Seiya suggested hesitantly a little time after the incident.
Usagi nodded her head and followed him numbly out of the cave, he led her in a weaving path, and soon they arrived at a grassy clearing. An enormous Oak tree was in the very center of the small clearing, spreading its branches regally on the small rise of a hill..
Usagi soon found herself leaning against the tree tiredly.
"Usagi, it wasn't your fault you know." Seiya whispered comfortingly
"I don't know, I mean if I had," Usagi began
"No, it wasn't your fault! It was a mistake, besides they're fine now and you've learned from this so it won't happen again."
Usagi looked at Seiya and nodded her head surprised at the response, "I guess your right."
Seiya smirked, "I'm always right."
********************************
Amarra turned to Michelle with wide eyes, "I didn't know she was in love with Seiya."
Michelle laughed, "Well ever since Darien wasn't resurrected back with us they've been vying for each others attention."
Amarra smirked, "Well it's no surprise to me, I think the silver imperium crystal withdrew its power completely from him after it sensed Usagi's change of heart."
Michelle laughed, "But what about Rini? She hasn't changed at all, do you think that?"
Amarra smirked, "Her future was changed? Yes, the enemy came from the future remember so Serenity never really fought it until now, unfortunately Darien wasn't lucky to be resurrected with us."
The two quickly disappeared back into the foliage and back towards the encampment.
Hotaru, Rini, and Chibi-Chibi were flying around on the Pegasus as the four arrived back at the camp.
Setsuna had a mischievous smile as she saw Usagi and Seiya coming back, she was on top of the cave, from there she could see many things as the trees no longer blocked her view. The inner senshi were swimming in the somewhat warm waters.
As night settled in the fourteen senshi's withdrew into the cave for a relaxing sleep.
In the morning the group immediately met about which way to travel.
"If we walk we'd be less noticeable and it would be safer." Mina pointed out
"Yes, but we need speed to get to the dragons of the Limary island and it'll take at least a week to reach them by walking." Hotaru said firmly dismissing the idea inwardly
"But someone could see us." Michelle repeated Mina worriedly
"But doesn't the dark one already know we're here." Chibi-Chibi added lightly
Rei turned to look at Chibi-Chibi with a faint scowl on her face, "She's right. Anything that walks on this land even the bugs, are under his eye. Even though we are in the far reaches of his land and he can only see us in a deep mist he knows we are here. What do you think Setsuna, Michelle."
Slowly the two nodded their heads, "Then that leaves us with one choice." Taiki said heavily, "We should go by air if he already knows we're here it would be best to then just get to the dragons with as much speed as we can."
The group nodded their heads, putting on their cloaks the group hopped onto the backs of the Pegasus.
Leaping into the air they headed west following the road and hoping that by the end of the day the green smudge at the bottom of the skyline would be a lot closer.
The Pegasus sensed the immense urge of speed in their rider's thoughts so they flew faster then the wind.
Taiki, Ami, and Rini were scouting somewhat ahead as their Pegasus seemed to be much faster then the rest of the lot.
Yaten and Mina were rearguards to the group and kept a sharp eye out to the bottom of them. Everyone else seemed to be either looking sideways or upwards or of course, front wards.
"Ami, did your scanners pick up anything?"
"No, not at this point all I can pick up is the forest."
"How much longer do you suppose it'll take?"
"Well, lets see, eighty miles per hour, about seven hours traveled, that's 560 so then if the entire distance is 1120...oh gosh we're only about a third of the way there."
Taiki sighed heavily, "So we've been riding since 7:00 in the morning making it 2 in the evening, another seven hours would make it nine o'clock if we stopped by then and then we'd be two thirds of the way there."
"We might as well, I'll draw back and tell Usagi and the others of our plans."
Taiki nodded as she flew back Rini came closer to Taiki and glanced up at him, "You look really tired."
Taiki yawned, "Well I am, traveling all this way hasn't been easy."
"Boy you're telling me! Pegasus was able to get us through the dream door and to you guys in a afternoon's time I think."
Taiki turned to Rini, "What's Pegasus like?" He quickly went back to his scanning the horizon but he still kept an open ear to Rini's eager explanations.
Taiki shouted out the time, it was 9:00, swiftly like shadows the Pegasus went down and landed.
Lita worriedly looked around at the surrounding area, "I don't like it I think we should keep going."
"But look at the Pegasus they look beat."
One of the Pegasus lifted up its head indignantly, "If you give us a half hour to rest we could probably make it to the very edge of the Limary forest and dragons domain! Our wings are the only things that are 'beat'" the Pegasus mimicked angrily.
Usagi came up and stroked the Pegasus's forehead, "We didn't mean to hurt your pride."
His looked softened slightly, "I suppose I'm overreacting but our race is proud."
Amarra muttered something like, "We haven't lost our sense of logic"
Before she turned and settled down a few feet away from the rest of the group in her cloak.
"Phobos, Deimos!" Rei called out into the sky
A few seconds later, like two black rags being thrown down from the heavens the crows descended.
"Phobos and Deimos can you do me a favor and keep watch for us while the rest of us sleep?"
The two birds nodded their heads as they settled themselves on the sweaty backs of the Pegasus.
(an: I got the phobos and deimos thing from the Mixx comic books and I liked them so I put them in it, even though their part is a little small)
Instead of a half hour rest it ended up being two hours, the crows let the time pass knowing the more rest the better. Finally they nudged the person they would protect at any costs, Rei.
Wearily she stumbled around waking everyone, the horses kindly bore their riders as easily as possible, two of the Pegasus rode with no rider and chose the best paths.
Chibi-Chibi and Rini were in the warmth and ensuring arms of Hotaru and Usagi as they continued their journey across the great plain.
At last, at five in the morning the group came to the fringe of the Limary forest. It brought hope to the group.
"Guys there is movement ahead!"
The Pegasus slowed to a plodding pace, as they knew that since their fast wings were too tired to lift them into the sky they were at the mercy at whatever lay before them.
Usagi lifted the orb that sparkled with light before exploding into a fiery ball of white-hot light, throwing it forwards it floated in the air a few feet in front of the group sending forth a fiery light to light the eerily dark forest.
Then charging out of the forest a large iridescent red could be seen at the fringes of the orb of light, the ground quaked and thundered beneath the massive weight of the unknown creature.
As it leapt into the air to attack the Orb sent forth a beam of white light that shot it down against the ground and continued to hold it there.
Three other pairs of gleaming eyes could be seen as the things charged towards them.
"URANUS WORLD,"
"Amarra! Stop," Amarra halted her attack at the last moment as her Princess summoned her to do. The awful quaking could be felt now traveling up the Pegasus's legs to their riders.
"Orb!" Usagi shouted
Immediately the orb stopped blasting the creature with it's magic and the beam traveled back inside, before it came out in a wave around the orb as a wave of light.
Then as the ring of light traveled out from the orb it stopped a few feet around the entire group it exploded upwards into a fiery wall of white light.
Usagi gasped in surprise, Dragons surround the group, there were around ten but only three had been seen. As soon as the light had exploded into the air the dragons had stopped their attack.
"Run it is The Evil One's powerful sorcerer's are coming to finally destroy us!"
"Hush fool!" An old gnarly voice spat at the dragon, "If you truly are an evil sorcerer, you are destroying a great heritage of dragons who know the secrets of the world."
"Then would you tell us where the locket would be held?" Seiya asked
The dragon raised its clubbed tail threateningly, "No...that is only for the white one to hear!"
Seiya laughed, "This is the white one," his hand swept to the side and pointed towards Usagi.
Usagi looked startled, "Seiya, there's no proof. Dragon elder, forgive our intrusion but we have been searching for the locket and it's holder."
The dragon tromped up to Usagi and her Pegasus who could feel a strange unearthly fiery courage that flowed through out it's body, later it would recall that it seemed to come more from his rider then himself.
They seemed like ants compared to the dragon's great size, taking deep breaths with it's nostrils the dragon seemed to be tasting the very air around Usagi with it.
It stared at Seiya before nodding it's head solemnly, "Come, we will lead you through our lands and give you a safe spot to rest for the night."
"Thank you generous one." Seiya responded quickly as they dragons set off into the air rather clumsily.
Chibi-Chibi suddenly grabbed the tail of a dragon that was setting off. She and Rini were oblivious to the strained and tiredness of the group as they had been asleep most of the journey.
The dragon in question snorted and smoke curled from his nostrils as he turned to see who had offendingly pulled his tail. The immediate attention was focused on Chibi-Chibi, even the dragons turned to see what the dragon would do.
It hovered in the air and neared the tiny girl, sniffing her deeply it suddenly picked her up and slung her on its back. Flapping its great bat- like wings it finally rose from the ground and rose slowly into the night sky. The Pegasus colt was trembling and flinching all over from the nearness of the dragon.
A sigh of relief was visible on everybody's face as they continued into the forest. The dragons had to rise higher into the air to keep from whacking into the clustered trees but you could still see their great forms moving silently above the tree tops.
The Pegasus took courage from their riders who stroked their necks and whispered soothing words into their ears.
Finally the dragons landed just outside of the forest, the forests tree line could be seen stretching for miles along the great volcanoes expanse.
Lita and Rei had sensed the upwards motion almost immediately, as they stopped at the edge of the forest they waited for the last of the group before returning their attention to the old dragon who seemed to be leader of the group.
"We will rest until the sun rises then Pegasus you must rise into the air and bear your riders one last ride for a few days."
Gratefully the Pegasus accepted the oats and feed from the senshi. The senshi didn't rest for the entire rest of the morning (it's early, early morning remember) they stayed alert and wary in a tired sense.
Chibi-Chibi and Rini seemed to be favored among the dragons as the dragons played with them and seemed more attentive and kind to the two. Chibi-Chibi was obviously oblivious to the danger around them but Rini wasn't all too oblivious. Once she turned and stopped completely in her play with a dragon and looked to the west from where they had traveled. Then she turned back to the group around her and played again but with a grimmer face and heart.
Rising, like a king from his sleep with cloak as the sky, the sun gently let it's fingers caress the night worn creatures of the Limary Island. The cloak of the sun was dyed with a fiery red and melded into softer colors of pink and orange as the sun dragged it's cloak behind it regally to go to its throne.
The fourteen riders and Pegasus slowly rose into the air and wearily rose over the lip of the volcano.
Ami gasped, putting away her Mercury Computer gasped at the sight.
Below, vegetation and food was plenty, as the dragons only ate fish, small mammals, and birds for meat. Fruit seemed to be the main food, at the edges of the great volcano there were small neatly planted rows of fruit bearing trees. Three main rivers wound their courses around the volcano to feed the vegetation around. In the very walls of the volcano there were small holes or dug-outs so to speak, where dragon and dragon nests could be seen, they pot-holed the ground at the very edges of the volcano's edge where the ground met the arching walls. The entire crater was around the size of the half the U.S. (which the senshi didn't know if u didn't have the logic to know (jk))
Flying downwards, the dragons then offered the riders to get on their backs. The Pegasus were allowed to roam freely around the valley to eat and recuperate. The starlights were led to a heat vented pool where they could bathe, as the other senshi were also. Then finally like a blissful wish they were led to a dug out where they could rest and sleep...
Please review, I think I might give up on this piece I've gotten so few reviews.
Ami stared at the fire silently, it had dwindled down slightly but had the same twinkling light.
'It was just a dream...but am I really useless, no it can't be..."
She had been awake for an hour or so...
Shaking her head, Ami slipped through the entrance.
Usagi woke up when she felt the slight breeze from Ami passing, "Ami?"
Ami must not have heard as she didn't look back or return.
Usagi glanced at Seiya and felt herself blushing he was leaning against her as he slept. Turning again to the quickly fading shadow of Ami's form in the bright moonlight she quickly slipped through the entrance and followed.
Ami glanced down at her reflection and dashed it with her fingers.
"Ami?"
Ami turned startled, "Usagi, I'm sorry did I wake you? I just needed some fresh air."
Usagi frowned slightly, "Ami what's wrong?"
"Oh," Ami hid her surprise as best as she could, "Are you sure you want to listen to me."
Usagi smiled and put her hand on Ami's shoulder, "Ami, you're my best friend, of course I want to listen to you." Usagi giggled.
"But what about the others?" Ami asked hesitantly.
"What about them? They're all my best friends Ami, no matter how much it seems the other way...You know Ami, you were the first sailor scout to join me, that was such a long time ago...Do you think we've changed?"
"Deep down I think we haven't...I think we've just grown wiser and stronger." Ami glanced at Usagi and blushed at her intense gaze, "Is something wrong?"
"No...I'm just worried that I'll be more of a burden then a help without my brooch I'm only able to transform with the power of my Dream Crystal."
"How?" Ami said in a confused tone.
"Well, back there when we were attacked by the dragons...Pegasus came to me, though not physically but
Usagi laughed, and looked out across the small lakes glimmering surface.
"No, it's just you have such a strong heart Ami...I want you to know that, I love you like I love all the other scouts, for protecting me and being here for me all the time. Because sometimes I think I'm beyond bearing for some people."
Ami, who had been gazing at Usagi's face intently, laughed and couldn't stop. Usagi smiled and pushed her into the lake. Ami burst from the surface, giggling, wading through the sandy bottom she hugged Usagi even though she was sopping wet.
"Thanks Usagi I needed that...this land is evil, it works against you while you sleep...I had a dream, that you all hated me, it was so vivid and real I almost felt like it was the truth."
Usagi gazed up at the moon and then back at Ami, "We'll always be friends no matter what Ami, always believe that."
Ami nodded her head, "I will, and gladly." She giggled.
Usagi turned her head, "Did you hear that?"
Ami closed her eyes and a shimmery line of light blue moved down her body, now transformed in her fuku she turned on her mercury computer.
"Something's coming from the sea" Mercury yelled as she raced towards the beach line.
Usagi silently transformed into her super sailor moon fuku as she ran alongside Sailor Mercury, stopping at the beginning of the beach they waited silently.
"Sailor Moon! It's us."
Usagi's heart skipped a beat, 'it couldn't be!'
Slowly descending from the sky Rini appeared with Chibi-Chibi riding Pegasus.
"Rini!!! Chibi-Chibi!!! What are you doing here!"
Usagi laughed joyfully as she caught the two in her arms.
Pegasus watched the scene happily glancing up as Peraro flew downwards and landed softly on his bare feet.
Peraro laughed happily and glanced at Pegasus who smiled back at him as he changed into Helios.
"So where were you guys all this time?"
"We were in the real world searching for you when Pegasus and Peraro came into my dream and told me where you were and that you needed us."
"Oh it's so good to see you two!" Usagi shrieked
"Okay okay! Usagi get off of me!" Rini complained
Chibi-Chibi giggled and hugged Usagi's leg, Usagi smiled and picked Chibi- Chibi up into a massive hug. Setting the two down she gave out directions for the two to find their campout.
"So Helios how was your journey here?"
"Good, but I saw the Ocean just a few miles out glowing with a strange light. Then it shot out this." Helios withdrew a perfect white pearl globe. On top of it was a massive diamond that glimmered in the moonlight, small wings were at its side just at the bottom of the globes base. Immediately as Usagi reached out her hand to touch its smooth surface, a white light from inside it shot out of it forming a small foggy glass like aura around it which suspended it in mid air as Usagi held it in the palms of both her hands looking at it fascinated.
Ami, Peraro, and Helios looked on in silent amazement at the pearly globe.
"Hastate Lumina Cocomphy" As soon as Usagi had whispered the words small beads of light filled the center of the pearl before shooting into the diamond. Light poured out of the diamond on top of the pearl, onto the sand. There lying on the sand slowly rising it's menacing coils rose a hologram of the dragon that they had fought earlier.
"Peace-Bringer," a deep rumbling voice said, "you have our utmost gratitude for healing us and returning us to our ocean home land. We have given you this gift for use in the dark lands to help shield you from the evil but to also help you fight in this war as much as it's ability can allow it. But this is just a small corner of our thanks. What do you wish of us Queen?"
Usagi looked back at the sketchy outline of their encampment and turned back to the hologram slowly, "I wish for you to protect the shorelines of the land across the ocean from which we have traveled and let you and your kind perish before you allow any evil to cross over and taint it's fair lands...I know this is much to ask, but what use are you for the evil one when he has the entire world in his hands and need not worry about ocean creatures clawing their way upon his shores. It is a worthier end for your kind."
The hologram of the dragon seemed happy with the whim from his Queen, "Queen you ask, once again, too little. We will be glad to do your bidding and do so now. Farewell."
Even as he said those last words the Hologram had flickered into empty air.
Usagi turned to Pegasus and Peraro, "Hurry, you must go."
"But we can't, we have to stay here, the battle will be great and you need all the help you need."
Usagi shook her head, "No, I order you to go back to that land and protect it. Go now and Diana be with you."
Pegasus turned and stopped for a moment, Peraro halted also waiting expectantly. His rainbow-iridescent wings shimmering beautifully.
"I'll summon two Pegasus colts to be mounts for Rini and Chibi-Chibi."
"Thank you old friends and I pray that everything stays fair in your side of the park."
Peraro laughed before he and Pegasus sped away.
(AN: Diana is an ancient Greek moon god...or one of them anyhow)
The two took a last glance and reluctantly flew away...
Amarra looked with surprise at the two pink-headed youths who were leaning against Usagi as they slept.
Michelle came up behind Amarra and slung her arm around her shoulder laughing quietly, "Looks like they're having a sleepover."
Amarra nodded her head smiling, "Did you feel that power last night?"
"Yes...it was powerful, but it was Good, that's why I didn't bother myself with it."
"But it wasn't the princess's power it was something else."
"Maybe it's that orb in her lap."
Amarra nodded her head grimly not trusting the alien gift in their midst, reaching her hand out slowly.
"Amarra don't!" Michelle hissed in alarm as Amarra's fingers were at the point of touching the orb.
As soon as her fingers touched the orb, light blasted out of it, throwing Amarra against the wall. The beam of light still smashed into her as it held her against the wall while pummeling her with its intense magic power.
Usagi awoke when she heard the scream, "Goddess, Amarra!"
Michelle ran towards Amarra as she did so the Orb amazingly seemed to turn itself so the diamond at it's top could see her through it's clear front surface.
A beam of white light shot out and pinned Michelle to the wall in the same way it did with Amarra. By now everyone was awake, Rei and Lita screamed as they were blasted against the walls of the cave also. As Usagi had ran towards Amarra's now limp form the diamond and orb once again turned and shot out a beam of light.
Usagi gasped holding up her hands to block the attack, when she didn't feel the beam hit her she looked and saw the beam of light quickly vanishing back into the orb.
'I'm so stupid!'
Usagi stumbled and grabbed the orb in her hands crying at the same time, "Stop, please stop! They're friends!"
There was a sucking sound as the beams of light were vanishing quickly back into the Orb.
Usagi dropped the Orb which rolled towards a niche in the cave, Usagi's breaths were ragged and she trembled all over as she grabbed Amarra in her arms.
"Amarra! Are you okay? I'm sorry please forgive me!" Usagi cried out tears spilling down her cheeks.
Amarra managed a weak smile before she groaned and went unconscious. Usagi felt her heart bursting into pieces, she felt a small hand on her shoulder, "Usagi, I'm here." Chibi-Chibi's small (cute & slightly high) voice whispered.
"Chibi-Chibi can you please help me! I don't know what to do!"
"Shhhh, you had the power to heal him," she said pointing at a wide eyed Seiya, "so do the same here. Here, I will help you."
Taking Usagi's hand in hers she pressed against Amarra's stomach where the beam had hit hardest, putting her hand down gently on the spot they closed their eyes.
White light slowly began to seep out of their hands and into Amarra's body.
Chib-Chibi opened her eyes after a few moments and nodded her head, "It's done, she's healed at the best of our healing ability, she'll be a little stiff but she just needs heaps of rests and loves." Chibi-Chibi giggled and went down to the other end of the cave to tend to Rei and Lita who weren't as heavily injured since they had been hit by the beam for a small time compared to Amarra.
Usagi gently applied the same magic to Michelle and leaned the two against the cave wall kissing Amarra on the forehead.
"Usagi."
Seiya's soft voice awoke Usagi from her vacant expression.
Usagi buried her face in Seiya's shirt and cried, Seiya was slightly surprised at the act but gently embraced Usagi in a tender hug.
Rei and Lita were breathing lightly now that there injuries were cared for they looked at the pair with pained looks.
Rei turned to the stunned Mina and Ami, "Do any of you know what that thing is?!?"
"I do," Ami said quietly still staring at the two injured scouts.
"Can you tell us then Ami?" Setsuna asked sadly.
"Yes, that thing is like nothing I've ever seen." Hotaru whispered, remorse thick in her voice.
Ami nodded her head and began to unfold the events of last night.
It was midday, Amarra and Michelle were already walking around and looked fine.
"Usagi why don't we go and get some clean air." Seiya suggested hesitantly a little time after the incident.
Usagi nodded her head and followed him numbly out of the cave, he led her in a weaving path, and soon they arrived at a grassy clearing. An enormous Oak tree was in the very center of the small clearing, spreading its branches regally on the small rise of a hill..
Usagi soon found herself leaning against the tree tiredly.
"Usagi, it wasn't your fault you know." Seiya whispered comfortingly
"I don't know, I mean if I had," Usagi began
"No, it wasn't your fault! It was a mistake, besides they're fine now and you've learned from this so it won't happen again."
Usagi looked at Seiya and nodded her head surprised at the response, "I guess your right."
Seiya smirked, "I'm always right."
********************************
Amarra turned to Michelle with wide eyes, "I didn't know she was in love with Seiya."
Michelle laughed, "Well ever since Darien wasn't resurrected back with us they've been vying for each others attention."
Amarra smirked, "Well it's no surprise to me, I think the silver imperium crystal withdrew its power completely from him after it sensed Usagi's change of heart."
Michelle laughed, "But what about Rini? She hasn't changed at all, do you think that?"
Amarra smirked, "Her future was changed? Yes, the enemy came from the future remember so Serenity never really fought it until now, unfortunately Darien wasn't lucky to be resurrected with us."
The two quickly disappeared back into the foliage and back towards the encampment.
Hotaru, Rini, and Chibi-Chibi were flying around on the Pegasus as the four arrived back at the camp.
Setsuna had a mischievous smile as she saw Usagi and Seiya coming back, she was on top of the cave, from there she could see many things as the trees no longer blocked her view. The inner senshi were swimming in the somewhat warm waters.
As night settled in the fourteen senshi's withdrew into the cave for a relaxing sleep.
In the morning the group immediately met about which way to travel.
"If we walk we'd be less noticeable and it would be safer." Mina pointed out
"Yes, but we need speed to get to the dragons of the Limary island and it'll take at least a week to reach them by walking." Hotaru said firmly dismissing the idea inwardly
"But someone could see us." Michelle repeated Mina worriedly
"But doesn't the dark one already know we're here." Chibi-Chibi added lightly
Rei turned to look at Chibi-Chibi with a faint scowl on her face, "She's right. Anything that walks on this land even the bugs, are under his eye. Even though we are in the far reaches of his land and he can only see us in a deep mist he knows we are here. What do you think Setsuna, Michelle."
Slowly the two nodded their heads, "Then that leaves us with one choice." Taiki said heavily, "We should go by air if he already knows we're here it would be best to then just get to the dragons with as much speed as we can."
The group nodded their heads, putting on their cloaks the group hopped onto the backs of the Pegasus.
Leaping into the air they headed west following the road and hoping that by the end of the day the green smudge at the bottom of the skyline would be a lot closer.
The Pegasus sensed the immense urge of speed in their rider's thoughts so they flew faster then the wind.
Taiki, Ami, and Rini were scouting somewhat ahead as their Pegasus seemed to be much faster then the rest of the lot.
Yaten and Mina were rearguards to the group and kept a sharp eye out to the bottom of them. Everyone else seemed to be either looking sideways or upwards or of course, front wards.
"Ami, did your scanners pick up anything?"
"No, not at this point all I can pick up is the forest."
"How much longer do you suppose it'll take?"
"Well, lets see, eighty miles per hour, about seven hours traveled, that's 560 so then if the entire distance is 1120...oh gosh we're only about a third of the way there."
Taiki sighed heavily, "So we've been riding since 7:00 in the morning making it 2 in the evening, another seven hours would make it nine o'clock if we stopped by then and then we'd be two thirds of the way there."
"We might as well, I'll draw back and tell Usagi and the others of our plans."
Taiki nodded as she flew back Rini came closer to Taiki and glanced up at him, "You look really tired."
Taiki yawned, "Well I am, traveling all this way hasn't been easy."
"Boy you're telling me! Pegasus was able to get us through the dream door and to you guys in a afternoon's time I think."
Taiki turned to Rini, "What's Pegasus like?" He quickly went back to his scanning the horizon but he still kept an open ear to Rini's eager explanations.
Taiki shouted out the time, it was 9:00, swiftly like shadows the Pegasus went down and landed.
Lita worriedly looked around at the surrounding area, "I don't like it I think we should keep going."
"But look at the Pegasus they look beat."
One of the Pegasus lifted up its head indignantly, "If you give us a half hour to rest we could probably make it to the very edge of the Limary forest and dragons domain! Our wings are the only things that are 'beat'" the Pegasus mimicked angrily.
Usagi came up and stroked the Pegasus's forehead, "We didn't mean to hurt your pride."
His looked softened slightly, "I suppose I'm overreacting but our race is proud."
Amarra muttered something like, "We haven't lost our sense of logic"
Before she turned and settled down a few feet away from the rest of the group in her cloak.
"Phobos, Deimos!" Rei called out into the sky
A few seconds later, like two black rags being thrown down from the heavens the crows descended.
"Phobos and Deimos can you do me a favor and keep watch for us while the rest of us sleep?"
The two birds nodded their heads as they settled themselves on the sweaty backs of the Pegasus.
(an: I got the phobos and deimos thing from the Mixx comic books and I liked them so I put them in it, even though their part is a little small)
Instead of a half hour rest it ended up being two hours, the crows let the time pass knowing the more rest the better. Finally they nudged the person they would protect at any costs, Rei.
Wearily she stumbled around waking everyone, the horses kindly bore their riders as easily as possible, two of the Pegasus rode with no rider and chose the best paths.
Chibi-Chibi and Rini were in the warmth and ensuring arms of Hotaru and Usagi as they continued their journey across the great plain.
At last, at five in the morning the group came to the fringe of the Limary forest. It brought hope to the group.
"Guys there is movement ahead!"
The Pegasus slowed to a plodding pace, as they knew that since their fast wings were too tired to lift them into the sky they were at the mercy at whatever lay before them.
Usagi lifted the orb that sparkled with light before exploding into a fiery ball of white-hot light, throwing it forwards it floated in the air a few feet in front of the group sending forth a fiery light to light the eerily dark forest.
Then charging out of the forest a large iridescent red could be seen at the fringes of the orb of light, the ground quaked and thundered beneath the massive weight of the unknown creature.
As it leapt into the air to attack the Orb sent forth a beam of white light that shot it down against the ground and continued to hold it there.
Three other pairs of gleaming eyes could be seen as the things charged towards them.
"URANUS WORLD,"
"Amarra! Stop," Amarra halted her attack at the last moment as her Princess summoned her to do. The awful quaking could be felt now traveling up the Pegasus's legs to their riders.
"Orb!" Usagi shouted
Immediately the orb stopped blasting the creature with it's magic and the beam traveled back inside, before it came out in a wave around the orb as a wave of light.
Then as the ring of light traveled out from the orb it stopped a few feet around the entire group it exploded upwards into a fiery wall of white light.
Usagi gasped in surprise, Dragons surround the group, there were around ten but only three had been seen. As soon as the light had exploded into the air the dragons had stopped their attack.
"Run it is The Evil One's powerful sorcerer's are coming to finally destroy us!"
"Hush fool!" An old gnarly voice spat at the dragon, "If you truly are an evil sorcerer, you are destroying a great heritage of dragons who know the secrets of the world."
"Then would you tell us where the locket would be held?" Seiya asked
The dragon raised its clubbed tail threateningly, "No...that is only for the white one to hear!"
Seiya laughed, "This is the white one," his hand swept to the side and pointed towards Usagi.
Usagi looked startled, "Seiya, there's no proof. Dragon elder, forgive our intrusion but we have been searching for the locket and it's holder."
The dragon tromped up to Usagi and her Pegasus who could feel a strange unearthly fiery courage that flowed through out it's body, later it would recall that it seemed to come more from his rider then himself.
They seemed like ants compared to the dragon's great size, taking deep breaths with it's nostrils the dragon seemed to be tasting the very air around Usagi with it.
It stared at Seiya before nodding it's head solemnly, "Come, we will lead you through our lands and give you a safe spot to rest for the night."
"Thank you generous one." Seiya responded quickly as they dragons set off into the air rather clumsily.
Chibi-Chibi suddenly grabbed the tail of a dragon that was setting off. She and Rini were oblivious to the strained and tiredness of the group as they had been asleep most of the journey.
The dragon in question snorted and smoke curled from his nostrils as he turned to see who had offendingly pulled his tail. The immediate attention was focused on Chibi-Chibi, even the dragons turned to see what the dragon would do.
It hovered in the air and neared the tiny girl, sniffing her deeply it suddenly picked her up and slung her on its back. Flapping its great bat- like wings it finally rose from the ground and rose slowly into the night sky. The Pegasus colt was trembling and flinching all over from the nearness of the dragon.
A sigh of relief was visible on everybody's face as they continued into the forest. The dragons had to rise higher into the air to keep from whacking into the clustered trees but you could still see their great forms moving silently above the tree tops.
The Pegasus took courage from their riders who stroked their necks and whispered soothing words into their ears.
Finally the dragons landed just outside of the forest, the forests tree line could be seen stretching for miles along the great volcanoes expanse.
Lita and Rei had sensed the upwards motion almost immediately, as they stopped at the edge of the forest they waited for the last of the group before returning their attention to the old dragon who seemed to be leader of the group.
"We will rest until the sun rises then Pegasus you must rise into the air and bear your riders one last ride for a few days."
Gratefully the Pegasus accepted the oats and feed from the senshi. The senshi didn't rest for the entire rest of the morning (it's early, early morning remember) they stayed alert and wary in a tired sense.
Chibi-Chibi and Rini seemed to be favored among the dragons as the dragons played with them and seemed more attentive and kind to the two. Chibi-Chibi was obviously oblivious to the danger around them but Rini wasn't all too oblivious. Once she turned and stopped completely in her play with a dragon and looked to the west from where they had traveled. Then she turned back to the group around her and played again but with a grimmer face and heart.
Rising, like a king from his sleep with cloak as the sky, the sun gently let it's fingers caress the night worn creatures of the Limary Island. The cloak of the sun was dyed with a fiery red and melded into softer colors of pink and orange as the sun dragged it's cloak behind it regally to go to its throne.
The fourteen riders and Pegasus slowly rose into the air and wearily rose over the lip of the volcano.
Ami gasped, putting away her Mercury Computer gasped at the sight.
Below, vegetation and food was plenty, as the dragons only ate fish, small mammals, and birds for meat. Fruit seemed to be the main food, at the edges of the great volcano there were small neatly planted rows of fruit bearing trees. Three main rivers wound their courses around the volcano to feed the vegetation around. In the very walls of the volcano there were small holes or dug-outs so to speak, where dragon and dragon nests could be seen, they pot-holed the ground at the very edges of the volcano's edge where the ground met the arching walls. The entire crater was around the size of the half the U.S. (which the senshi didn't know if u didn't have the logic to know (jk))
Flying downwards, the dragons then offered the riders to get on their backs. The Pegasus were allowed to roam freely around the valley to eat and recuperate. The starlights were led to a heat vented pool where they could bathe, as the other senshi were also. Then finally like a blissful wish they were led to a dug out where they could rest and sleep...
Please review, I think I might give up on this piece I've gotten so few reviews.