Chapter 15:



Ami did not like the position she was in. Ky had all the control. She had no way to get back, no way to escape. There were people everywhere, mostly regular humans who walked the street, but there were senshi in the crowd, watching them from floating disks, their eyes clouded. Ami had no doubt that these senshi were being controlled by Hibroy.

"Come, sister," Ky whispered, "we must pay our homage to the King."

"I agree," Ami replied, not sure what else to say. She wanted to send a message to the others, but she did not think she could. Besides, there was no time.



The two of them moved through the crowds of people, until they passed under a curtain of light.

"We're in," Ky whispered. "This way, my sister. We're almost there!" Ami was not too pleased with the situation, but there was no other choice. She followed Ky until they reached the steps.

"Stay there. I'll be back for you."

"But-"

"Stay there," she repeated more forcefully. Ami shrugged, and stood, waiting. Ky charged up the stairs, into the darkness beyond the palace doors.



Something in the air changed.

"Reality Buster!" Ky's voice called. The people around Ami froze, and then fell over, in deep trances. Six senshi came charging in, but the all ended up in Kotanam Gates, spread across the demensions. "Okay Mercury, you can come out now. Time to go kick some butt." Ami smiled despite herself. She transformed, and ran into the darkness after Ky.



The two of them moved through the halls like shadows, staying out of the way of the senshi who ran outside to find out what was going on.

"I used illusions to make it look like there's a riot going on out there," Ky explained after the third senshi went by without even looking around. "Hibroy's sending out the troops to control the masses."

"Then why are we hiding?"

"Because if a senshi notices us, they will try to attack us, to bring a prize before their master."

"They won't kill us?"

"Not if they think that we can be controlled."



"Well, Renegades, you seem to get stupider as the time goes by," said a voice. Ami whirled around. A senshi stood behind them, a long Sabre in her hand. "Come peacefully, and we won't kill you. We could use more soldiers." Ami glanced at Ky. Ky simply smiled.

"You'll never defeat the Resistance," she called, raising her staff. "Take this! Starlight!" She waved her staff around. Three little stars jumped out of her staff and hit the senshi square in the chest. The senshi grunted, but then laughed.

"That's it? That's all you have?"

"Mercury Bubbles Blast!" Ami cried. The hall filled with bubbles. "This way!" she called, grabbing Ky's hand.

"Hide, Mercury," Ky whispered. "Follow us."

"But!"

"GO!" she whispered fiercely. Ami nodded, and she hid in the darkness of another hall.



"Nice trick your friend has," the unknown senshi said, as she dragged Ky down the hall. "But she's not ver loyal, is she?"

"She'll be back, with help!" Ky cried, as if frightened.

"Good. More soldiers."



Ami followed them from the shadows, and though she was not exactly stealthy, Ky made up for it by carrying on like a child. They entered the throne room, and Ami wasn't too sure how she would follow Ky in. The door slammed shut, and Ami gave a small sigh. She pressed her ear up against the door.

"What have you got there, my pretty?" asked a deep voice.

"A Lesser senshi, one of the Rebels that incited the riot."

"Lesser? Are you sure?"

"Yes, master. She used her attack on me. Not much good, but it did sting a bit." There was a rumbling laughter.

"Perfect. Bring the girl to me. Did any escape?"

"Another senshi, one who had a mist attack. No damage, but she did manage to run away."

"Fine. Well done, my pretty. You will be rewarded."



There was silence for a moment, and then Ami heard Ky's voice.

"Please don't hurt me," she whimpered.

"Oh, I won't hurt you, little one. Close your eyes. Soon it will all be over."

"It will be over for you, Hibroy," Ky called. Ami grinned, taking it as her cue. She burst in through the door.

"Aqua Rhapsody!" She unleashed her attack, freezing the unsuspecting senshi in her tracks.



The man on the throne stood. He wore a long, flowing robe, and a black crown sat on his head. He was a fat, lazy looking man.

"Well, you brought friends, little one. A water senshi. And are you a fire senshi?" He gave a booming laugh. "You are hopelessly surrounded. You will never escape this palace alive."

"You are going to die, Hibroy, for everything you have done." Ky raised her staff. "I will not suffer your evil schemes any longer. Relinquish your hold on all the worlds, and I will let ou live."



He gave another laugh, his belly shaking.

"Let me live?" He gave a whistle, and five senshi stormed into the room. "I should kill you for that, but I won't. I have a need for water-based senshi." He stood, and stepped before Ami, his chubby, sweaty hand hovering before her face. "Join us." Dark energy enveloped her. Ami felt as if she were drowning. It was so different from the last two times, stronger, more persistent. "Join us," he repeated, the energy intensifying until it was painful.

"Never!" she screamed. The blinding darkness suddenly changed, becoming a flash of blue. Her tiara was glowing brightly. "Never will I bow down to you!!!"



Then the pain won out, and Ami collapsed, unconscious. She heard Ky calling her, and then she knew no more.