THE NIGHTMARE REALM,
CHAPTER 3: "Sense Of Anarchy"
By Bill K.
"It's Queen Neherenia," gasped Sailor Saturn as everyone looked up at the apparition blotting out the sky above them. "But isn't she dead?"
"Can something like her be killed?" asked Fisheye fretfully.
"Well something like her can be beaten," Sailor Moon declared resolutely, "because we all did it!" She brandished her Crescent Moon Wand. "Moon Healing Escalation!"
Sparkling pink particles fanned out from the wand and were caught by a wind from nowhere. They were carried aloft to the looming figure of Neherenia above them. The specter leered down at them with malicious intent, oblivious to the onrushing particles. As each one landed on her, it began to coat the vision and radiate a soft pink light. More and more of Neherenia was covered by the pink particles until the radiant light overwhelmed her and she dissipated like a puff of smoke. The skies, turned an odd lavender by the radiated light, slowly regained their soft blue coloring.
"You did it, Sailor Moon!" Saturn exclaimed proudly.
"Not totally," Vesta interrupted gruffly. "Pallas is still in a bad way!" The young senshi in Vesta's arms still cringed from an assault only she sensed.
"Then Neherenia's still here," Sailor Juno said.
"Queen Neherenia is gone," pronounced Helios. "She is long dead, killed by her own vanity and the lack of charity in her heart." He noticed Sailor Moon's quizzical look. "What you fought was an illusion, Maiden."
"Cast by our real foe?" Endymion asked. "And you know who it is, right?"
"I had hoped I was wrong," Helios responded. "This latest incident only confirms my suspicions." Helios paused a moment while all eyes fell upon him. "I fear it is Echidna, my counterpart in the dream worlds."
"Counterpart?" Sailor Moon asked. "I thought you ruled Elysian alone."
Helios smiled. "I rule nothing, Maiden, save myself. I am guardian of beautiful dreams and this part of Elysian is where those beautiful dreams reside. However . . ."
"However, logically, there must be an opposite," Saturn deduced. "We have both beautiful dreams and nightmares, so those nightmares must have a guardian as well, right?"
"That is Echidna," nodded Helios. "She guards nightmares and the realm they exist in - - the border place to Elysian. However, she seeks to spread her control, expand it into Elysian and the part of the human mind that Elysian serves. I knew it was her after this incident. She used the buried fears of so many of you based on your memories of Queen Neherenia to sow chaos and discord among us."
"And it worked, too," muttered Ceres.
"Fine," growled Vesta. "Point me to where she is and I'll take care of her!"
"Down, Vesta," scowled Juno. "Why is she doing this?"
Helios looked down, pained by what he was about to say. "She is mad. Nightmares are a simmering cauldron of fear, suspicion and pain. No one, not even mystical beings such as myself, could experience so much chaos and horror without succumbing to it. She attempts this because she cannot see the balance she will be destroying should she succeed. We must find her and we must restore the balance."
"Come," Candide said, kneeling down where Vesta cradled Pallas. "Please bring your friend. We will provide a place where she can find some comfort during her ordeal."
Vesta lifted Pallas up and carried her, following Candide to a building near the temple. The others followed behind.
"What exactly happened to her?" Juno inquired.
"Those who are blessed with gifts of sight seem particularly vulnerable to Echidna's intrusions," Candide explained.
They entered the building, a tall structure built to classic Greek architecture. Inside, they found beds. Several of the beds held citizens of Elysian. They rested somewhat peacefully, though it was easy to spot the fevered condition of their minds.
"Ravonna!" Sailor Moon gasped, moving to the beautiful blonde woman in the far bed. The woman's eyes were closed. Her brow was knit and a grimace adorned her mouth. "What's wrong with her?"
"She is lost in a nightmare which she has yet to awaken from," Helios said, his hand comforting on her shoulder. "She was the first to fall. Ravonna has been like this for two days. In that time, more have fallen to the spell." He looked down at her with despair. "I have tried to enter her dream, but Echidna's hold on her is too strong and I cannot get through to her."
"And that could happen to Pallas?" Vesta demanded.
"It may."
"So what are we standing around for? Let's go!"
"Go where?" Ceres posed. "Do you know where this nightmare lady is?"
"No, but I bet he does!" Vesta snarled, glaring at Helios.
"I do," Helios replied gently. "When we have arrived at a plan of attack, we will move. But we must proceed with caution."
"And meanwhile Pallas might become a zombie?" Vesta began to advance threateningly on Helios, but Sailor Moon interceded.
"Calm down, Vesta," Sailor Moon advised her. "Helios knows what he's doing."
"DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!" Vesta spat out, shoving Sailor Moon. "JUST BECAUSE HE'S YOUR SQUEEZE . . .!"
"Vesta!" Juno barked, grabbing the girl by the arm. "Remember what Sensei Aino-sama said about keeping your head!"
Vesta stopped, clearly struggling between obeying the words she knew were right and fulfilling her desire to help Pallas.
"They are wise words," Helios told her. "More so now, as anger and violent emotions only feed Echidna's power."
That statement hit Vesta with the impact of a hammer. The strength seemed to leave her frame. She stumbled backwards and landed by the bed that held Pallas. A weak hand reached out and brushed her red hair.
"Don't worry, Vesta," Pallas said weakly. "Pallas promises not to listen to the bad voices. Honest."
"You better not, Stupid," Vesta squeaked out.
"You know the lay of the land, Helios," Endymion said, trying to pull everyone's attention away from the blow-up. "How do you think we should proceed?"
"I suggest a divided approach, Your Majesty," Helios replied. "I will confront her directly and try to rein in her madness. It would be best if you circle from behind. If my efforts should fail, you will be able to - - contain her with the power of the Golden Crystal."
"You don't want to destroy her?" Saturn asked.
"No," Helios replied. "Echidna and her nightmare realm are as essential to human life as Elysian. To destroy her would be to destroy the balance and throw everything into an artifice of numb, mindless bliss. Humanity would be little more than contented sheep; their line would stop, stagnate and wither away. The destruction of Echidna would be as calamitous as her victory."
"We'll try it your way, Helios," Endymion said.
"I'm going with you," Sailor Moon declared to Helios.
"Maiden," he began.
"Don't argue with me!"
"I learned long ago that such actions are folly," Helios smirked. "I merely wished to warn you that Echidna's power is strongest within her realm. You will need a cool head and all of your courage if you intend to tread the path I will tread."
"Hey," Sailor Moon flashed him a grin, "this Sailor Moon doesn't scare."
"Maybe I better stay behind," Vesta said uneasily. "You say anger feeds her power. The way I've been going lately, I wouldn't want to sabotage any of you. I'll just guard Pallas."
Sailor Moon walked up to Vesta and offered her hand.
"Who says you'll sabotage anybody?" she said. Vesta looked up at her. "I'm going to need somebody to guard our backs. You're probably the best candidate for the job." She nodded to a bruise on her arm. "I know that from personal experience."
Vesta continued to stare at the offered hand. Finally, wordlessly, she took it and gained her feet.
"Juno, why don't you, Ceres and Saturn go with Dad," Sailor Moon suggested.
"Whatever you say, Princess," Juno nodded.
"Fisheye and I will stay with your friend," Candide told them. "No harm will come to her."
"Don't worry, Vesta," Vesta heard Pallas say. "Pallas will wait for you."
She turned and looked at Pallas. The girl gave her a weak smile in return. Only then did Vesta realize that Pallas had spoken to her telepathically. Tears welled up in Vesta's eyes, but she nodded at Pallas, acknowledging the message.
Sailor Moon watched the silent exchange, wondering again about the complex relationship between Sailor Vesta and Sailor Pallas. Then she felt her father behind her.
"Honey," he said, his hands on her upper arms. Endymion looked at her strangely, concerned and wary.
"Dad, if you're worried about me and Helios," Sailor Moon began.
"No," he smiled, genuinely amused. "It may not always seem like it, but I think the world of Helios. My beautiful baby girl couldn't have picked a better beau for herself. I think you'll both make a wonderful couple - - when you're both older."
Sailor Moon rolled her eyes and blew at her bangs.
"I just want you to be careful, Usa," Endymion continued.
"Daddy," sighed Sailor Moon.
"I mean it. This is a dangerous situation. Please be cautious. At times like this, over-confidence can be fatal."
"I will, Dad."
"I love you, Honey," he said, gently brushing the bangs from her face. "I want you to know that."
"Tell me when you see me again," Sailor Moon grinned. However, Endymion didn't release his grip.
"Take it from an old man who's had more than his share of regrets over the years: It's better to get something like that out in the open and not need it than not and wish you had."
Sailor Moon stared up into the face of her father.
"OK," she whispered. "I-I love you too, Daddy."
Endymion kissed her on her cheek. "And that was a nice thing you did for Sailor Vesta."
As he moved off, Sailor Moon watched him. Why, she wondered, couldn't he be like this all the time? Saturn approached.
"You take care," Saturn said.
"You, too," grinned Sailor Moon. "I want to hear everything about how your side of the mission goes. Don't cheat me now."
"I wouldn't dream of it," Saturn smiled. "And keep your mind on your mission."
"Gonna be hard," Sailor Moon smirked back.
After the Asteroid Senshi said their good-byes, Vesta joined Sailor Moon and Helios.
"So, how do we get there," Vesta asked quietly. "Do we walk?"
"It is not necessary," Helios replied. Before their eyes, his body transformed into his Pegasus form. Reflexively Sailor Moon's hand sought out his nose and gently caressed it.
"Are you going to be able to carry us both?" Sailor Moon asked.
"I have a broad back," Pegasus answered, projecting his thoughts into their minds, "and neither of you are so heavy that I cannot carry you aloft."
"It's a good thing you said that," Sailor Moon smirked, giving him a playfully evil eye.
"Among my many talents is diplomacy," Pegasus thought back. Sailor Moon accepted the jab with an amused glare. Then she noticed Vesta's glum expression and sobered.
"We'd better go," she said. "Climb on, Vesta."
Vesta obeyed, straddling the back of Pegasus just behind Sailor Moon. The two felt his powerful frame brace against the ground, then push off into the air with a powerful beat of his wings and equally powerful thrust of his legs. The feel of Pegasus beneath her again sent Sailor Moon's heart racing. The rush of air around her as they ascended into the sky made her giddy. Her hands pressed against his neck to steady herself and she felt his blood pulsing. A thrill passed through her.
Then she felt Vesta's hands around her waist. Vesta was steadying herself, too. Sailor Moon glanced back and again spotted the glum expression on her face.
"Vesta, what's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing," Vesta replied, embarrassed at being caught.
"Do not feel guilty," Pegasus advised Vesta, though Sailor Moon 'heard' him, too. "Sailor Pallas does not suffer because of you. She suffers because she is more susceptible to the influence of Echidna."
"But you said anger makes her stronger," Vesta mumbled. "What if my little tantrum let her get to Pallas?"
"And are you the only one in the universe capable of anger?" Pegasus asked. "Your outburst strengthened her, but no more so than the billions of violent outbursts on Earth every hour of every day. You are one voice of a chorus raised in anger. Her strength would have been little dimmed regardless of what you did. Let the punishment fit the crime, Sailor Vesta."
"Yeah, no one blames you for what happened to Pallas," Sailor Moon added. "Ease up on yourself."
They flew on for a few minutes in silence.
"Why'd you pick me?" Vesta asked. "I mean, you and Saturn are best buds. You probably would have preferred her along."
"It's like I told you," Sailor Moon said. "I need someone to cover my back. And you're good at that."
"Saturn's good at it, too."
"I suppose. I also kind of wanted to let you know that there weren't any hard feelings," Sailor Moon reluctantly admitted, "for what happened in practice." She hesitated, looked down. "I know you don't like me. It's not hard to understand, too. I was pretty rotten to you four when Mom first threw us together. I'm sorry about that. But I realize that you're good to have around. You don't scare easily and you work really well with the other senshi." She paused again. "I want to be friends, but if that isn't possible, I want us to at least be good teammates."
"Fauna Assimilation," Vesta croaked out, "falcon!" Vesta's body changed into a small black falcon. She launched herself into the air from the hip of Pegasus.
"Vesta?" Sailor Moon asked.
"W-We'll all get there faster if Pegasus isn't lugging both of us around," the falcon said. "Don't worry, Princess. I've got your back."
Sailor Moon leaned in to Pegasus.
"What did I do now?" she whispered.
"Do not be distressed, Maiden," Pegasus thought back. "You made a fine attempt. I am quite proud of you. But there are some in life that must live his or her life on his or her own terms. Those people will not be forced, even by kindness, into decisions that are not their own making."
"So what do I do?"
"Let her make the decision. She will come around." The horse glanced back at his rider. "After all, rare is the person who has come to know you and not hopelessly fallen in love with you."
Sailor Moon grinned. "My Dad warned me about horses like you." She noticed the lips on Pegasus's snout curl.
* * * *
"You're certain we're not too heavy, your . . .er, I mean King Endymion?" Saturn asked.
Endymion flew across meadows and green pasture, the tranquil trappings of Elysian, holding himself and the three senshi with him aloft via the power of the Golden Crystal. Below them a heard of horses looked up from grazing. Beside them, blue birds flew without fear.
"You're not, Saturn," Endymion smiled. "The Golden Crystal seems to react favorably with being in Elysian. If anything, I'm stronger here than on Earth."
They flew on in silence.
"Um, Saturn," Endymion began. "How do I put this without making you uncomfortable?"
The young teen with the sad violet eyes looked over at him.
"I wanted to thank you for being my daughter's friend. Whether you know it or not, you've had a tremendous positive effect on her. Usa was having some problems ever since she became a teenager, and it's partly my fault. I realize I haven't always been able to be there for her. And it's good that she has someone to relate to, particularly someone her own age. Her mother and I try, but the last few years . . ." and Endymion trailed off. "But she's shown remarkable improvement since you came to stay with us."
"I didn't realize," Saturn said, then turned away to hide her blushing. "She was probably just lonely. I know what it's like to be lonely. I've had such a wonderful time here, thanks to her. If anything, I should be thanking you for letting me stay. I just . . ." and then Saturn trailed off.
"You miss Haruka and Michiru, though," Endymion observed. Saturn nodded. "Don't feel self-conscious. I understand you miss them. I don't think a day went by when I didn't miss my parents when I was your age."
"I wish they could be here, too," Saturn lamented.
"Perhaps, when they learn you're in Crystal Tokyo, they'll come back," Endymion offered.
"Um, Your Highness," Juno spoke up urgently. "I don't like the looks of the terrain ahead of us."
Endymion and Saturn looked at what Juno and Ceres already saw. Before them the pleasant green wilderness of Elysian began to take on an ominous look. What light shone through was colored violet and indigo. The limbs of the trees twisted in insane ways and hung oppressively over the land like the claws of gigantic monsters. Clouds cast in gray with patches of black loomed over the trees and swirled around. Here and there, in the air or on the ground, was a fleeting snatch of movement. Was it a predator ducking for concealment or a deadly trap snapping shut on unsuspecting prey? Ceres felt her heart began to hammer in her chest. She looked to Juno, but found her sister Amazon was already looking to the king.
"What is it?" Saturn whispered.
"A nightmare realm," Endymion replied calmly, but warily. "I've seen them before in the company of Helios and Candide. It's where the stuff of bad dreams reside." He glanced back at the senshi. "Don't be afraid. Just be careful."
With his head turned, Endymion didn't see the cloud suddenly swirl up to him. It lashed out with blinding speed, striking the king and sending him barreling out of control. Bereft of his support, Saturn, Juno and Ceres all tumbled toward the shadow shrouded ground below.
Events kicked back into place for Ceres with a jolt. She found herself on the ground, surrounded by a grove of trees, in a bed of wild grasses and flowers. Seen up close without the shroud of darkness to give it mystery, the grove seemed normal enough, even pleasant. Ceres pushed to a sitting position.
"Oh, if I've got a bruise on my hip, I'll be so mortified," Ceres moaned, rubbing the hip she fell on. "Juno?" There was no response. "Saturn? Your Majesty?"
The area was silent - - eerily silent.
"Oh, great! They may be lost - - or hurt! What if they can't answer?" Ceres gripped her forehead. "Calm down. Keep your head, just like they tell you in class. Do what you do best."
Shifting onto her knees, Ceres knelt by a patch of daffodils just off of a small pond. In the low light, the flowers seemed cast in grays instead of their normal colors. Ceres reached out and caressed them.
"Poor things," she whispered. "You probably don't get a lot of light around here, huh?" Her hand softly caressed the stem of the flower and it seemed to respond ever so slightly. "Can you help me? Do you sense anyone else like me around here?" The flower seemed to quiver at her touch, bursting with an answer.
And in an eye-blink, tendrils shot out from the flowers. The surprised Ceres pulled back, but the shoots were too fast for her. The vines wrapped around her torso, pinning her arms doubled against her sides. She managed to get off one shriek of surprise before the vines snaked around her throat. Held fast in their grip, Ceres tried to pull free, fright giving her new wellsprings of strength.
But the vines only held more tightly. The pressure of their constriction drove the wind from the senshi's lungs. She tried to gasp in more, but their grip wouldn't let her chest expand. Barred from shouting her power phrase, barred even from breathing, Ceres could only stare at the now vicious plant and wonder why.
Continued in Chapter 4
CHAPTER 3: "Sense Of Anarchy"
By Bill K.
"It's Queen Neherenia," gasped Sailor Saturn as everyone looked up at the apparition blotting out the sky above them. "But isn't she dead?"
"Can something like her be killed?" asked Fisheye fretfully.
"Well something like her can be beaten," Sailor Moon declared resolutely, "because we all did it!" She brandished her Crescent Moon Wand. "Moon Healing Escalation!"
Sparkling pink particles fanned out from the wand and were caught by a wind from nowhere. They were carried aloft to the looming figure of Neherenia above them. The specter leered down at them with malicious intent, oblivious to the onrushing particles. As each one landed on her, it began to coat the vision and radiate a soft pink light. More and more of Neherenia was covered by the pink particles until the radiant light overwhelmed her and she dissipated like a puff of smoke. The skies, turned an odd lavender by the radiated light, slowly regained their soft blue coloring.
"You did it, Sailor Moon!" Saturn exclaimed proudly.
"Not totally," Vesta interrupted gruffly. "Pallas is still in a bad way!" The young senshi in Vesta's arms still cringed from an assault only she sensed.
"Then Neherenia's still here," Sailor Juno said.
"Queen Neherenia is gone," pronounced Helios. "She is long dead, killed by her own vanity and the lack of charity in her heart." He noticed Sailor Moon's quizzical look. "What you fought was an illusion, Maiden."
"Cast by our real foe?" Endymion asked. "And you know who it is, right?"
"I had hoped I was wrong," Helios responded. "This latest incident only confirms my suspicions." Helios paused a moment while all eyes fell upon him. "I fear it is Echidna, my counterpart in the dream worlds."
"Counterpart?" Sailor Moon asked. "I thought you ruled Elysian alone."
Helios smiled. "I rule nothing, Maiden, save myself. I am guardian of beautiful dreams and this part of Elysian is where those beautiful dreams reside. However . . ."
"However, logically, there must be an opposite," Saturn deduced. "We have both beautiful dreams and nightmares, so those nightmares must have a guardian as well, right?"
"That is Echidna," nodded Helios. "She guards nightmares and the realm they exist in - - the border place to Elysian. However, she seeks to spread her control, expand it into Elysian and the part of the human mind that Elysian serves. I knew it was her after this incident. She used the buried fears of so many of you based on your memories of Queen Neherenia to sow chaos and discord among us."
"And it worked, too," muttered Ceres.
"Fine," growled Vesta. "Point me to where she is and I'll take care of her!"
"Down, Vesta," scowled Juno. "Why is she doing this?"
Helios looked down, pained by what he was about to say. "She is mad. Nightmares are a simmering cauldron of fear, suspicion and pain. No one, not even mystical beings such as myself, could experience so much chaos and horror without succumbing to it. She attempts this because she cannot see the balance she will be destroying should she succeed. We must find her and we must restore the balance."
"Come," Candide said, kneeling down where Vesta cradled Pallas. "Please bring your friend. We will provide a place where she can find some comfort during her ordeal."
Vesta lifted Pallas up and carried her, following Candide to a building near the temple. The others followed behind.
"What exactly happened to her?" Juno inquired.
"Those who are blessed with gifts of sight seem particularly vulnerable to Echidna's intrusions," Candide explained.
They entered the building, a tall structure built to classic Greek architecture. Inside, they found beds. Several of the beds held citizens of Elysian. They rested somewhat peacefully, though it was easy to spot the fevered condition of their minds.
"Ravonna!" Sailor Moon gasped, moving to the beautiful blonde woman in the far bed. The woman's eyes were closed. Her brow was knit and a grimace adorned her mouth. "What's wrong with her?"
"She is lost in a nightmare which she has yet to awaken from," Helios said, his hand comforting on her shoulder. "She was the first to fall. Ravonna has been like this for two days. In that time, more have fallen to the spell." He looked down at her with despair. "I have tried to enter her dream, but Echidna's hold on her is too strong and I cannot get through to her."
"And that could happen to Pallas?" Vesta demanded.
"It may."
"So what are we standing around for? Let's go!"
"Go where?" Ceres posed. "Do you know where this nightmare lady is?"
"No, but I bet he does!" Vesta snarled, glaring at Helios.
"I do," Helios replied gently. "When we have arrived at a plan of attack, we will move. But we must proceed with caution."
"And meanwhile Pallas might become a zombie?" Vesta began to advance threateningly on Helios, but Sailor Moon interceded.
"Calm down, Vesta," Sailor Moon advised her. "Helios knows what he's doing."
"DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!" Vesta spat out, shoving Sailor Moon. "JUST BECAUSE HE'S YOUR SQUEEZE . . .!"
"Vesta!" Juno barked, grabbing the girl by the arm. "Remember what Sensei Aino-sama said about keeping your head!"
Vesta stopped, clearly struggling between obeying the words she knew were right and fulfilling her desire to help Pallas.
"They are wise words," Helios told her. "More so now, as anger and violent emotions only feed Echidna's power."
That statement hit Vesta with the impact of a hammer. The strength seemed to leave her frame. She stumbled backwards and landed by the bed that held Pallas. A weak hand reached out and brushed her red hair.
"Don't worry, Vesta," Pallas said weakly. "Pallas promises not to listen to the bad voices. Honest."
"You better not, Stupid," Vesta squeaked out.
"You know the lay of the land, Helios," Endymion said, trying to pull everyone's attention away from the blow-up. "How do you think we should proceed?"
"I suggest a divided approach, Your Majesty," Helios replied. "I will confront her directly and try to rein in her madness. It would be best if you circle from behind. If my efforts should fail, you will be able to - - contain her with the power of the Golden Crystal."
"You don't want to destroy her?" Saturn asked.
"No," Helios replied. "Echidna and her nightmare realm are as essential to human life as Elysian. To destroy her would be to destroy the balance and throw everything into an artifice of numb, mindless bliss. Humanity would be little more than contented sheep; their line would stop, stagnate and wither away. The destruction of Echidna would be as calamitous as her victory."
"We'll try it your way, Helios," Endymion said.
"I'm going with you," Sailor Moon declared to Helios.
"Maiden," he began.
"Don't argue with me!"
"I learned long ago that such actions are folly," Helios smirked. "I merely wished to warn you that Echidna's power is strongest within her realm. You will need a cool head and all of your courage if you intend to tread the path I will tread."
"Hey," Sailor Moon flashed him a grin, "this Sailor Moon doesn't scare."
"Maybe I better stay behind," Vesta said uneasily. "You say anger feeds her power. The way I've been going lately, I wouldn't want to sabotage any of you. I'll just guard Pallas."
Sailor Moon walked up to Vesta and offered her hand.
"Who says you'll sabotage anybody?" she said. Vesta looked up at her. "I'm going to need somebody to guard our backs. You're probably the best candidate for the job." She nodded to a bruise on her arm. "I know that from personal experience."
Vesta continued to stare at the offered hand. Finally, wordlessly, she took it and gained her feet.
"Juno, why don't you, Ceres and Saturn go with Dad," Sailor Moon suggested.
"Whatever you say, Princess," Juno nodded.
"Fisheye and I will stay with your friend," Candide told them. "No harm will come to her."
"Don't worry, Vesta," Vesta heard Pallas say. "Pallas will wait for you."
She turned and looked at Pallas. The girl gave her a weak smile in return. Only then did Vesta realize that Pallas had spoken to her telepathically. Tears welled up in Vesta's eyes, but she nodded at Pallas, acknowledging the message.
Sailor Moon watched the silent exchange, wondering again about the complex relationship between Sailor Vesta and Sailor Pallas. Then she felt her father behind her.
"Honey," he said, his hands on her upper arms. Endymion looked at her strangely, concerned and wary.
"Dad, if you're worried about me and Helios," Sailor Moon began.
"No," he smiled, genuinely amused. "It may not always seem like it, but I think the world of Helios. My beautiful baby girl couldn't have picked a better beau for herself. I think you'll both make a wonderful couple - - when you're both older."
Sailor Moon rolled her eyes and blew at her bangs.
"I just want you to be careful, Usa," Endymion continued.
"Daddy," sighed Sailor Moon.
"I mean it. This is a dangerous situation. Please be cautious. At times like this, over-confidence can be fatal."
"I will, Dad."
"I love you, Honey," he said, gently brushing the bangs from her face. "I want you to know that."
"Tell me when you see me again," Sailor Moon grinned. However, Endymion didn't release his grip.
"Take it from an old man who's had more than his share of regrets over the years: It's better to get something like that out in the open and not need it than not and wish you had."
Sailor Moon stared up into the face of her father.
"OK," she whispered. "I-I love you too, Daddy."
Endymion kissed her on her cheek. "And that was a nice thing you did for Sailor Vesta."
As he moved off, Sailor Moon watched him. Why, she wondered, couldn't he be like this all the time? Saturn approached.
"You take care," Saturn said.
"You, too," grinned Sailor Moon. "I want to hear everything about how your side of the mission goes. Don't cheat me now."
"I wouldn't dream of it," Saturn smiled. "And keep your mind on your mission."
"Gonna be hard," Sailor Moon smirked back.
After the Asteroid Senshi said their good-byes, Vesta joined Sailor Moon and Helios.
"So, how do we get there," Vesta asked quietly. "Do we walk?"
"It is not necessary," Helios replied. Before their eyes, his body transformed into his Pegasus form. Reflexively Sailor Moon's hand sought out his nose and gently caressed it.
"Are you going to be able to carry us both?" Sailor Moon asked.
"I have a broad back," Pegasus answered, projecting his thoughts into their minds, "and neither of you are so heavy that I cannot carry you aloft."
"It's a good thing you said that," Sailor Moon smirked, giving him a playfully evil eye.
"Among my many talents is diplomacy," Pegasus thought back. Sailor Moon accepted the jab with an amused glare. Then she noticed Vesta's glum expression and sobered.
"We'd better go," she said. "Climb on, Vesta."
Vesta obeyed, straddling the back of Pegasus just behind Sailor Moon. The two felt his powerful frame brace against the ground, then push off into the air with a powerful beat of his wings and equally powerful thrust of his legs. The feel of Pegasus beneath her again sent Sailor Moon's heart racing. The rush of air around her as they ascended into the sky made her giddy. Her hands pressed against his neck to steady herself and she felt his blood pulsing. A thrill passed through her.
Then she felt Vesta's hands around her waist. Vesta was steadying herself, too. Sailor Moon glanced back and again spotted the glum expression on her face.
"Vesta, what's wrong?" she asked.
"Nothing," Vesta replied, embarrassed at being caught.
"Do not feel guilty," Pegasus advised Vesta, though Sailor Moon 'heard' him, too. "Sailor Pallas does not suffer because of you. She suffers because she is more susceptible to the influence of Echidna."
"But you said anger makes her stronger," Vesta mumbled. "What if my little tantrum let her get to Pallas?"
"And are you the only one in the universe capable of anger?" Pegasus asked. "Your outburst strengthened her, but no more so than the billions of violent outbursts on Earth every hour of every day. You are one voice of a chorus raised in anger. Her strength would have been little dimmed regardless of what you did. Let the punishment fit the crime, Sailor Vesta."
"Yeah, no one blames you for what happened to Pallas," Sailor Moon added. "Ease up on yourself."
They flew on for a few minutes in silence.
"Why'd you pick me?" Vesta asked. "I mean, you and Saturn are best buds. You probably would have preferred her along."
"It's like I told you," Sailor Moon said. "I need someone to cover my back. And you're good at that."
"Saturn's good at it, too."
"I suppose. I also kind of wanted to let you know that there weren't any hard feelings," Sailor Moon reluctantly admitted, "for what happened in practice." She hesitated, looked down. "I know you don't like me. It's not hard to understand, too. I was pretty rotten to you four when Mom first threw us together. I'm sorry about that. But I realize that you're good to have around. You don't scare easily and you work really well with the other senshi." She paused again. "I want to be friends, but if that isn't possible, I want us to at least be good teammates."
"Fauna Assimilation," Vesta croaked out, "falcon!" Vesta's body changed into a small black falcon. She launched herself into the air from the hip of Pegasus.
"Vesta?" Sailor Moon asked.
"W-We'll all get there faster if Pegasus isn't lugging both of us around," the falcon said. "Don't worry, Princess. I've got your back."
Sailor Moon leaned in to Pegasus.
"What did I do now?" she whispered.
"Do not be distressed, Maiden," Pegasus thought back. "You made a fine attempt. I am quite proud of you. But there are some in life that must live his or her life on his or her own terms. Those people will not be forced, even by kindness, into decisions that are not their own making."
"So what do I do?"
"Let her make the decision. She will come around." The horse glanced back at his rider. "After all, rare is the person who has come to know you and not hopelessly fallen in love with you."
Sailor Moon grinned. "My Dad warned me about horses like you." She noticed the lips on Pegasus's snout curl.
* * * *
"You're certain we're not too heavy, your . . .er, I mean King Endymion?" Saturn asked.
Endymion flew across meadows and green pasture, the tranquil trappings of Elysian, holding himself and the three senshi with him aloft via the power of the Golden Crystal. Below them a heard of horses looked up from grazing. Beside them, blue birds flew without fear.
"You're not, Saturn," Endymion smiled. "The Golden Crystal seems to react favorably with being in Elysian. If anything, I'm stronger here than on Earth."
They flew on in silence.
"Um, Saturn," Endymion began. "How do I put this without making you uncomfortable?"
The young teen with the sad violet eyes looked over at him.
"I wanted to thank you for being my daughter's friend. Whether you know it or not, you've had a tremendous positive effect on her. Usa was having some problems ever since she became a teenager, and it's partly my fault. I realize I haven't always been able to be there for her. And it's good that she has someone to relate to, particularly someone her own age. Her mother and I try, but the last few years . . ." and Endymion trailed off. "But she's shown remarkable improvement since you came to stay with us."
"I didn't realize," Saturn said, then turned away to hide her blushing. "She was probably just lonely. I know what it's like to be lonely. I've had such a wonderful time here, thanks to her. If anything, I should be thanking you for letting me stay. I just . . ." and then Saturn trailed off.
"You miss Haruka and Michiru, though," Endymion observed. Saturn nodded. "Don't feel self-conscious. I understand you miss them. I don't think a day went by when I didn't miss my parents when I was your age."
"I wish they could be here, too," Saturn lamented.
"Perhaps, when they learn you're in Crystal Tokyo, they'll come back," Endymion offered.
"Um, Your Highness," Juno spoke up urgently. "I don't like the looks of the terrain ahead of us."
Endymion and Saturn looked at what Juno and Ceres already saw. Before them the pleasant green wilderness of Elysian began to take on an ominous look. What light shone through was colored violet and indigo. The limbs of the trees twisted in insane ways and hung oppressively over the land like the claws of gigantic monsters. Clouds cast in gray with patches of black loomed over the trees and swirled around. Here and there, in the air or on the ground, was a fleeting snatch of movement. Was it a predator ducking for concealment or a deadly trap snapping shut on unsuspecting prey? Ceres felt her heart began to hammer in her chest. She looked to Juno, but found her sister Amazon was already looking to the king.
"What is it?" Saturn whispered.
"A nightmare realm," Endymion replied calmly, but warily. "I've seen them before in the company of Helios and Candide. It's where the stuff of bad dreams reside." He glanced back at the senshi. "Don't be afraid. Just be careful."
With his head turned, Endymion didn't see the cloud suddenly swirl up to him. It lashed out with blinding speed, striking the king and sending him barreling out of control. Bereft of his support, Saturn, Juno and Ceres all tumbled toward the shadow shrouded ground below.
Events kicked back into place for Ceres with a jolt. She found herself on the ground, surrounded by a grove of trees, in a bed of wild grasses and flowers. Seen up close without the shroud of darkness to give it mystery, the grove seemed normal enough, even pleasant. Ceres pushed to a sitting position.
"Oh, if I've got a bruise on my hip, I'll be so mortified," Ceres moaned, rubbing the hip she fell on. "Juno?" There was no response. "Saturn? Your Majesty?"
The area was silent - - eerily silent.
"Oh, great! They may be lost - - or hurt! What if they can't answer?" Ceres gripped her forehead. "Calm down. Keep your head, just like they tell you in class. Do what you do best."
Shifting onto her knees, Ceres knelt by a patch of daffodils just off of a small pond. In the low light, the flowers seemed cast in grays instead of their normal colors. Ceres reached out and caressed them.
"Poor things," she whispered. "You probably don't get a lot of light around here, huh?" Her hand softly caressed the stem of the flower and it seemed to respond ever so slightly. "Can you help me? Do you sense anyone else like me around here?" The flower seemed to quiver at her touch, bursting with an answer.
And in an eye-blink, tendrils shot out from the flowers. The surprised Ceres pulled back, but the shoots were too fast for her. The vines wrapped around her torso, pinning her arms doubled against her sides. She managed to get off one shriek of surprise before the vines snaked around her throat. Held fast in their grip, Ceres tried to pull free, fright giving her new wellsprings of strength.
But the vines only held more tightly. The pressure of their constriction drove the wind from the senshi's lungs. She tried to gasp in more, but their grip wouldn't let her chest expand. Barred from shouting her power phrase, barred even from breathing, Ceres could only stare at the now vicious plant and wonder why.
Continued in Chapter 4