Collides With Beauty
By: Rini
Phase 2: Revenge
Was it all over?
Did it have to end like this?
There's so much I have left to do. There's so much I have yet to say to everyone. Can it really be over just like that? Do I want it to end like this? I like it here. It's warm. It's safe. It's familiar.
I know this feeling. I like this feeling. Maybe it isn't so bad after all.
" Serena!"
No. I don't want to wake up. I don't want to leave this place.
" Serena!"
Just a little longer.
" I need you. What will I do without you? Serena."
Slowly, ocean blue orbs opened and soaked in everything all around. The first, and most striking, was a pair of concerned bright red eyes staring down so intensely. Soon, the haze started to melt to reveal luscious strawberry colored pigtails and the insistent voice of a child.
" Rini?"
Rini tackled Serena in a hug," I was so afraid. I thought I was alone again."
Serena wrapped arms around her tightly," I told you. I made a promise and I intend to keep it."
Serena let go of the small girl and started to push herself up. She looked around herself and noted that she was in a field. There was vibrant green grass everywhere and beautiful flowers. Just off to the side was a stone pathway that led to the front gates of the palace. Palace?
" How did we get here? We were in Diamond's castle before," Serena said as she stood to her feet.
Stood? She looked at her body and it wasn't weary and worn from her impromptu transformation. The wound to her hand was gone and completely healed; there wasn't even a scar. Her dress wasn't slashed anymore and no longer black. She was back to being completely normal again. Not to mention Rini was awake.
" Rini. When did you wake up? Do you remember being awake at Diamond's castle?"
The child frowned," I don't remember ever seeing it. I was asleep when he brought me there and I didn't even know you were there. I heard a voice though and I just remembered dreaming so badly that I wanted to be home. I wanted to be home with Mommy and Daddy."
Serena gazed at Rini. She was dreaming and she wished for something. Her wounds were gone and they were back home. She looked down at her hands and could remember seeing all the blood.
" That place I went to. It was so familiar. Could it really have been?"
" Serena! Look! We're back home! I bet now you can get Mommy to wake up with your Silver Crystal!"
Rini ran over and grabbed Serena's hand," Sweetie. I can't do that."
Rini stopped pulling her and looked up with confusion clearly written all over her adorable face," I don't understand. Don't you want to help me anymore?"
Serena knelt down and smiled at her," Of course I want to help you."
" But she can't Little Rabbit."
Serena grabbed Rini and swiftly pulled her behind her," Come on out Diamond. You can't hide from me forever."
Long, slow footsteps could be heard echoing off the crystal walls. Serena turned around and watched with dread. His long cape swirled out around his feet with each motion forward he took. His suit was as white and pristine as ever and his jewelry captured the little moonlight left shining out behind the clouds. His eyes were darker than she remembered, but they never left her face and his scowl was ever apparent. His aura just oozed authority and the black darkness to his eyes scared Serena to death.
" I always dreamed of walking down this pathway to my palace with my queen, but I now see that we can't always have what we want. Some things are always going to be just beyond our reach," Diamond spoke aloud.
Serena gripped Rini's hand tightly," I sincerely hope you didn't think you could just walk in here and take everything over without a fight from me."
Diamond glared at Serena and lashed out at her with his energy whip. She wasn't expecting an attack from him and was only able to push Rini away before she was struck in her arm and thrown down to the ground. Serena pushed herself up painfully and held her injured arm close to her.
" Why are you doing this?"
" Let's stop pretending now shall we Princess," Diamond spat.
" You are honestly the most bi polar person I have ever met I swear," Serena yelled.
Diamond attacked her with his whip again, but Serena was prepared this time as she rolled quickly out of the way. She got up and ran over to Rini and picked her up in her arms and started to make a run for the palace.
" What's going on?" Rini screamed.
" I lost my Silver Crystal when Diamond took me. I know that Darien or one of the others have to have it. If we can get inside, we just might be able to find them so I can get it back and transform."
" You lost it? What if we don't make it?"
" Then we make as much noise as we can and stall for time and hope they come out here to help us."
Just as she was finished saying that, she was struck hard in the back and sent crashing down to the ground. Rini fell out of her arms and came with a crashing halt to the ground as well. Rini got up and saw Serena still lying on the ground. She crawled over to her and tried to pull her up.
" You can't give up on me now! You just can't!"
Diamond grabbed the small child," Enough Rabbit. The traitor here must pay for all her crimes."
Diamond dropped the girl and picked up a limp arm. He expected her to be passed out from his attack, but he was met with a grim look of determination. Serena pulled her empty locket out from her dress and held it out. A burst of light and ribbons caused a furious looking Imperial Moon to be released from Diamond's grip.
" Don't you ever lay a hand on her! Seal of the White Moon!"
Diamond was thrown back from the close range of such a powerful attack. He was thrown down the long stone pathway and he quickly realized he couldn't stop her attack that close so easily. He took out his dragon sword and plunged it into the ground. Soon enough, his body stopped moving and the attack dissipated altogether.
Diamond pulled his sword out," You truly are a magnificent creature. Sadly, perfection like you doesn't deserve to live."
Imperial Moon felt the slip of her power leave her and, as Serena, she slumped down to her knees," I'm sorry you feel that way Diamond, but I can't allow a tyrant like you to destroy this peaceful future either."
" Tell me. Why him?"
" That's none of your concern."
" I would have worshipped you. Why him?"
" Stop this Diamond."
" Why Sapphire!"
Diamond raised his sword high above his head and brought it down. A giant wave of black power shot forth from the blade. Serena held her locket up, but there was nothing left of the power once reserved there. Behind her, she could hear Rini scream and Serena picked the poor child up and gave her the strongest smile she could muster, but a lone tear still made its way down her cheek.
Serena hugged Rini close and closed her eyes. Yet, the impact never came. She opened her eyes to see someone standing in front of her. He had one arm raised out and a shield was surrounding them. His dark black hair was thrown back and blood was seeping down his other arm. His white dress pants were white no more; streaked with blood and dirt.
The power soon began to die away and Diamond was sure the two princesses would be no more, but his shock was the only thing he was met with.
" Sapphire?"
Sapphire let his hand go and it quickly traveled to his severely injured shoulder. His legs were shaking as he tried to stand up straight, but they soon gave out and he fell with a crash to the ground. Serena let Rini down and together they helped prop Sapphire up. Blood was visible at the corner of his mouth and his eyes were dull.
" Sapphire," Serena cried," How could you do that? How did you get here? What happened to you?"
" Moon Queen, I had to help you. My brother's insanity can no longer be tolerated. All this pain and war needs to stop. There has to be a better way."
" Serena!"
Serena's head shot up as tears swam in her eyes. She watched as Tuxedo Mask led Mercury, Mars, Venus, and Jupiter to the makeshift battlefield. They all looked relieved as they saw both girls safe.
Diamond flung out his whip," I can't allow you all to interfere in this."
Tuxedo Mask and the others were brought to an abrupt halt. Tuxedo Mask looked over at Serena and saw her cradling the form of a man who had seen better days. He noticed the tears in her eyes and the blood on her dress. He also saw what he hadn't seen in her eyes for a long time. Terror.
" Diamond. How could you do this? How could you do this to your own brother?" Serena yelled," Sapphire never did anything wrong. He loves you! Has Wiseman warped your mind so much you can't see that!"
" I have no brother!"
" Serena!"
Tuxedo Mask took out the Silver Crystal he held and threw it straight for Serena. She closed her eyes and called out for the strength of the ancient crystal and held out her locket. The crystal glowed bright, like a small star soaring through the air, and disappeared.
" Not this time!" Diamond roared as he sent out a wave from his sword.
The power impacted the small group just as the power of the crystal faded away. A large blast rocked the earth and the Scouts teetered from the sheer force behind the angry fury of Diamond's latest attack. When the dust and debris started to fade away and everything became clear once more, a white luminescent dome could clearly be seen.
" I can't stand here and watch this anymore."
Diamond raised his sword, absolutely seething in rage.
Imperial Moon dropped her Diamond Shield," I can't watch friends fight other friends, lovers fight lovers, and brothers fight brothers. This all needs to end."
Imperial Moon stood to her feet and brought out her scepter," I can no longer act the way I am. It's time I step up to my responsibility and defend my kingdom and my people. Diamond, your sins can't be forgiven. I'm sorry we couldn't have met another way."
Imperial Moon charged Diamond and the two fought furiously. One would not let the other budge over the other. The sheer power of their hate for each other knew no bounds and nothing could stop their destined battle. The others could only look on as spectators to the tragedy that constantly surrounded both royals.
Mercury rushed over to Sapphire and helped him up along with Jupiter. She didn't need her scanner to know he wouldn't last much longer with the injuries he sustained. He needed immediate medical attention, but the castle infirmary was too far away and only Imperial Moon held the healing powers needed to save him.
Jupiter held his good arm over her shoulder to keep him standing and Venus was working on ripping her skirt to bandage his wounds.
" We have to help her," Mars simply said, eyes glued to the fighting duo.
Tuxedo Mask put a hand on her shoulder," We can't stop this. When she needs us, she'll call on us. She needs to know she can do this on her own, that she's strong enough on her own."
" Diamond isn't who you need to worry about," Sapphire grunted out," He'll come soon enough."
" Whom are you talking about?" Venus asked.
" You'll see soon enough."
Sapphire started to cough and go limp in Jupiter's arms," He's fading fast over here."
Mercury quickly rushed to Jupiter's side," I can't do anything from here. He needs medical help, but right now only Imperial Moon can help him."
" Then call her over here!"
" Put me down Sailor Scout."
Jupiter looked down," What did you just say?"
Sapphire freed his arm from hers and lifted himself up," I need to help him. My brother."
Jupiter tried to stop Sapphire as he walked away, but Mercury stopped her.
" Looks like this isn't our fight either."
Sword clashed with metal.
A scepter swiped away the sword.
The two weapons locked together.
" You never did tell me why you chose him over me."
" Do you really need an answer that badly?"
Diamond pushed Imperial back," I should think you'd like to get it off your chest before I kill you."
Imperial kicked Diamond," Maybe you want to tell me why you think you're so much better than he is."
Diamond sent out a white beam of light," Because I have power he'll never have."
Imperial blocked the shot," Power is what's corrupted you this far. What makes you think I want power anyway?"
Diamond charged Imperial and their weapons locked again," You do have the most powerful weapon in the universe. But I have something you don't have. I have something Sapphire doesn't have."
Imperial froze," Sapphire?"
Diamond used her moment of unawareness to knock her scepter out of her hands and brought up the point of his sword to her throat," I have the will to succeed and I will do whatever it takes to get what I want."
" Sapphire? What does any of this have to do with Sapphire?"
" Stop lying! The charade is over!"
" What charade? What are you talking about?" Imperial shouted.
Imperial's loud outburst brought on the attention of the other scouts. Tuxedo Mask led the way as the group got closer.
" Go ahead Serenity. Tell them. Tell them how you and Sapphire are in love. Tell them how the two of you planned your little escape. Tell them!"
Imperial shook her head," Is this what Wiseman told you? Can't you see what he's doing? He's just using you Diamond. Open your eyes!"
" Stop it! I saw it myself. Wiseman showed you and him together. I saw you two kissing as though he was always your lover. Just stop."
" Brother."
Sapphire walked in front of Imperial and held his arms out," Brother. Please listen to me. I would never betray you. You are my brother. We're family."
" Stop protecting her! Just admit you love her and you put her above your family!"
" Wiseman is using you Diamond. He doesn't care about returning to Earth. He doesn't want us to come home. He doesn't even want you to become king. Do you really think after all this he'd allow that to happen?"
" I will be King."
" He wants this world for himself. He wants to destroy everything. Is this really what you want?"
" I will be King..."
" Brother. We always dreamed of a life full of color and happiness. We always said that one day we'd be free to live in the light instead of the darkness of Nemesis. Remember our promise? We promised we'd be there for each other no matter what. I don't love her. She means nothing to me. You are my family. They all are our family. Does your hatred mean that much to you?"
" I will be King!" Diamond shouted.
In his blind hate and rage, Diamond pushed his sword forward.
" Sapphire!" Imperial screamed.
Sapphire stood with the point of the sword thrust through his chest. He never lost the smile of hope on his face as he slowly fell backwards, the sword coming out painstakingly slow. Imperial quickly rushed to his aid and held him in her lap. Diamond dropped the bloodied sword from his grasp as he backed away in pure horror and fell to his knees in utter defeat.
Sapphire lifted a bloody hand to hold Imperial's," I'm sorry for everything that's happened because of our jealousy. We were banished long ago to Nemesis where nothing but darkness prevails. We always dreamed that one day we could come back home and live a peaceful life. Please forgive my brother. He truly didn't mean any harm. Please. Forgive us."
Imperial started to cry," Sapphire? Sapphire. Don't go. Diamond needs you. He can't go on without you."
The scouts quickly rushed over to Imperial and said a prayer for the lost life in her arms. Tuxedo Mask put his hand on Imperial's shoulder as she leaned into his touch.
A loud cackling laughter could be heard echoing throughout the eerie silence. The sound chilled the air and sent shivers down the spines of the hardened warriors.
" It is so easy to manipulate the fragile hearts of humans."
The disjointed voice was even more unnerving then the disembodied laughter. Above the prone body of Diamond, a black cloud started to form. A glowing orb seemed to dance in the air and long, colored fingers grasped the orb until another two glowing balls of light appeared. A blast of wind produced a long robe and the familiar apprehension permeated the air once more.
" To turn such loyal brothers against one another was not as hard a task as I first had thought, but Diamond was such an easy target to manipulate."
Mars froze," Who the hell is that?"
" Wiseman," Imperial whispered," How could you?"
Wiseman laughed," It was rather simple. Diamond had such delusions about living in the light. He and the others were hopeless. They were so easy to sway, but Sapphire was harder. All they needed was a little persuasion and they were my pawns.
Tempt them with a chance at freedom and they'll do whatever you ask. Diamond wanted to speak with the Queen and ask her for a chance to live in Crystal Tokyo. All I needed to do was change his mind. If the Queen was against him, then he'd do what I told him to do."
" You talked to the Queen?" Mercury asked," She'd never let you anywhere near the Earth!"
" Exactly. I told Diamond the Queen refused any of them access to the earth and that she would attack them if they came anywhere near it. That was the catalyst needed to push Diamond. But I must say, his lust for the queen was an even bigger asset to me than I could have ever asked for. It was easy to use that against him and allowed me to warp his mind."
" Why go through all the trouble of using the Black Moon Family?" Tuxedo Mask asked.
" I could not travel to the earth. The powers of the Silver Crystal are extremely powerful and the state it was in prevented me entrance to Crystal Tokyo. I needed Diamond and his group to bring it to me. Rubeus and those pesky Sisters were too weak to do anything useful to help me so I had to take drastic measures."
" What do you mean drastic?"
" I created the black crystals they wore. They allowed me to infuse them with my powers to make them at least useful. They fell deeper under my control and they were able to finally fight the Scouts protecting the Queen. I gave one to Diamond and Sapphire as well, but Sapphire was too smart for his own good and didn't wear his. Sapphire knew from the beginning that I was using them, but his brother wanted power so desperately and he was so willing to sign his life away to me.
It was unfortunate that Rubeus, Emerald, and the Sisters couldn't be of more help. They destroyed the city and gathered energy that I needed, but it was by a lucky turn of fate that the Silver Crystal disappeared. That was the break I needed in order to orchestrate my plans. It was the chance I had been hoping for.
Crystal Tokyo is the center of this future world. It is here that all the power of the universe is collected and that the greatest power dwells. This is the heart of this utopia. It is here that I shall open the gateway and shroud this world in shadows. It is here that my plans come to fruition. I have all the energy I need now."
Wiseman's eyes glowed brightly and his orb started to pulsate. The black crystals worn by Diamond and Sapphire started to glow and streams of energy shot up into the air and was absorbed into the orb. Wiseman raised the orb high above his head and it glowed even brighter.
" Energy created from hate and avarice. The source of power born from jealousy and lust. Power I collected in order to call forth the ultimate darkness. Gates of Shadows open for me! Come forth the ultimate evil of the universe! I summon you, Death Phantom!"
A huge blast of wind pushed the scouts back. Imperial kissed Sapphire's forehead and whispered something into his ear.
" Wiseman," Imperial growled as she stood to her feet," I can't let you go unpunished. You toyed with these lives and others like they were nothing. On behalf of being the Moon Princess, on behalf of being a human, I can't let this continue any longer."
Imperial eyed each of the scouts and nodded," We, the Sailor Scouts, are going to punish you on behalf of the Moon."
" Aim for the orb!" Mercury shouted.
Mars drew up her hands," It might release all the energy he has stored in it."
" Let's do this!"
" Mercury Shine Aqua Illusion!"
" Mars Celestial Fire Surround!"
" Jupiter Thunderclap Zap!"
" Venus Love Chain Encircle!"
" This is for Sapphire and the entire Black Moon Family! Angelic Desperado Requiem!"
Their powers combined and hit the orb full on. They fought on for minutes holding and pouring as much power into their attacks as possible, but sooner than thought they had to stop, exhausted and taxed.
Tuxedo Mask watched in horror," It didn't make a dent. Not a crack or anything."
Jupiter panted," How could that have done nothing? That was everything we had!"
" We need more power," Imperial frowned.
" Let me help you."