Chapter 26

The Final Ball

Nephrite sighed deeply and ran a hand over his hair as he paced back and forth, his heavy black boots thudding hard against the marble floor with each step. The general from Earth seemed incredibly impatient this evening and his expression suggested he was a ball of nerves. His dark hair was neatly combed and tied back behind his neck which was unlike his usual look. His traditional gray uniform had been replaced by the formal hunter green officer's uniform of Earth. The starched collar rubbed uncomfortably against his neck as he paced. His dark eyes flickered back and forth from his watch to the double doors of the ballroom.

"This woman will be the death of me." Nephrite muttered to himself as he thrust his hands into his pockets as hundreds of people surrounded him in the ballroom, each engaged in their own conversations with each other. He hardly seemed to notice them as he continued to pace back and forth before the appetizer tables on the far right of the room.

"Neph, calm down." Jadeite stated as he approached his comrade. He too seemed out of his comfort zone as he wore the same green uniform as Nephrite only his shorter golden blond hair was wilder. He nodded uncomfortably at a passing couple, attempting in vain, to shield his lack of ballroom etiquette. "She'll be here."

Nephrite nodded and continued to pace as his eyes continued to check the double doors. "I don't know if I can do this. I mean, I'm a nobody. I don't have a rich and powerful family or piles of money… I'm just a solider. Am I crazy to think a princess would want to marry me?" He withdrew his hands from his pockets and lifted a small silver ring to his eye level. The band of the ring was shaped to resemble two vines circling a brilliant yellow diamond. Two small silver leaves sprouted from the edge of the diamond, branching in opposite directions. It was beautifully crafted and had cost more than Nephrite wanted to admit, but once his eyes had laid on it at the jewelers, he knew it was meant for her.

Jadeite whistled as he laid a hand on his friend's shoulder, his eyes set on the ring. "She'll love it." He commented and turned to face Nephrite. "Don't doubt yourself. It doesn't matter where you came from or how much money you have… love is love. You two have it. You know it, you're perfect for each other. If she loves you as much as you love her, then you've got nothing to worry about." Jadeite's tone was hopeful though there was a somber glint in his eye. He spoke as if he harbored a deep pain of his own.

Nephrite grinned gratefully at Jadeite but he didn't miss his tone. "Hey… she'll come around." He said casually, unsure of how to broach the subject of Jadeite's own relationship woes.

"I don't see how, we're out of time." Jadeite responded as he shook his head. His gaze fell to the ground as he attempted to fight the sinking feeling that had settled into his stomach. "She won't even admit she likes me, how will I get her to admit she loves me now that we've been recalled back to Earth?"

"You can't think of it that way." Nephrite stated. "This war won't last forever. When everything is over you two will have a proper chance. This break may even be a good thing, she'll realize how much you mean to her now that you won't be there every day."

"Are you sure this a celebratory ball?" Zoisite stated as he approached his two friends. His long blond hair was loose but combed. He wore the same uniform as Nephrite and Jadeite but didn't share their forlorn expressions. "Because you two look awful."

"Thanks." Jadeite replied sarcastically as he rolled his eyes. "I don't understand why you're in such a good mood. Amy isn't going with us to Earth, odds are you won't see her for a long time—"

"Yeah… about that…" Zoisite appeared to be struggling to formulate his next words as Jadeite and Nephrite turned to face him. "Umm… so this wasn't my idea but well, seeing as we are going off to war I don't want to hide it anymore…"

"Just say what you need to say." Jadeite urged as his blue eyes turned hard. "We've suffered enough with unspoken words here."

"Amy and I well, we're actually married." Zoisite stated as he exhaled deeply. His features curved into a grin and he laughed as if a tremendous weight had been lifted off his shoulders. "I'm sorry I couldn't tell any of you, I promised that I wouldn't when we married two years ago. The only people on Earth who knew were Endymion and Kunzite—"

"What the hell Zoisite? We've been in the service together for over a decade and you couldn't tell us that you've had a WIFE for two YEARS?" Jadeite cut in as his expression turned from sadness to rage. His jaw clenched as he spoke. "I thought we were brothers."

Zoisite held up his hands defensively as he shook his head. "We are Jed, I didn't tell you because the king of Mercury wanted our union to be secret. We married when her father had fallen ill. Everyone thought he was going to die. His last wish was that Amy take over the kingdom. If he died and Amy was unmarried then the kingdom would be taken over by her stepmother who didn't want the job. If Amy married, then the kingdom would fall to her and her new husband which… she wanted to be me." Zoisite trailed off as he remembered the day Amy showed up at his barracks. She was pale and her eyes were bloodshot red, full of tears that once she saw him, gushed down her cheeks. He didn't hesitate taking her into his arms, holding her close to his chest as he did when they were children. She had never forgotten the boy she had grown up with on Earth even though it had been years since she had last seen him. When her father had told her to marry, he was the first man she thought of. Zoisite didn't argue. He had never forgotten her either. Though he had been surprised by her request that he was the first man she considered and could see herself married to, he agreed to the union. Kunzite and Endymion had witnessed the entire reunion and accompanied them back to Mercury where they married before her father, her stepmother, and a priest.

Nephrite and Jadeite's jaws dropped as Zoisite spoke. Neither of them could believe that Zoisite, as reserved as he was, was married to the princess of Mercury and with that marriage, was now in the line of succession for the kingdom.

"But, as you know, the king miraculously recovered. He ordered us to keep our union secret, wanting to wait for a few more years until Amy was older before allowing us to have a proper ceremony and celebration. I haven't seen her much since, just a visit here and there, but then Endymion told me he was pledging himself to protect the Moon princess. He said he needed help training her new guardians and asked if being with Amy as a trainer and not a husband, would be okay. I agreed on the condition we continue to keep our union secret however, I know that this secret has been eating me up inside each day since we've been reunited here on the Moon." Zoisite's voice, which had quivered when he first began to speak, calmed slowly as he got the truth out, word by word, to his friends. Relief was evident across his features as he met the eyes of Nephrite and Jadeite whose tempers were receding. "The two of you, Kunzite and Endymion are like my brothers. We've been through so much together since we were young kids. It felt wrong to not tell you both."

"Wow…" Nephrite muttered as he exhaled loudly and shoved his hands back into his pockets. "Here I am over here, not even sure if a princess would settle for a soldier and this whole time, you've already been through this. Your princess chose you without you even asking."

"I know Nephrite… I'm sorry I couldn't tell you. Don't doubt yourself. I never dreamed that I ever had a chance with Amy. Now she's my wife..." Zoisite stated as he trailed off, smiling as he saw Amy enter the ballroom. The people standing around the double doors stopped their conversation to turn and stare at her. She was dressed in a stunning sapphire silk ball gown. A simple diamond and silver tiara sat on top of her head. She wore diamond drop earrings that grazed the top of her shoulders as she walked, headed straight for Zoisite.

Jadeite's gaze fell to her ring finger which lacked the wedding band most married women wore. It wasn't empty though. A strand of golden blond hair was wrapped around her finger, so fine and light that if he wasn't looking for it, Jadeite would've missed it entirely. So it was true. He felt another pang within him as Amy went to Zoisite's arms with the biggest smile he had ever seen from her. Zoisite kissed her cheek tenderly as her cheeks flushed a bright red. Their connection was obvious from the way Zoisite spoke to her ,to her giddy laugh, and the way her hand brushed gently against his shoulder. Just as Amy and Zoisite drifted off to the dance floor Lita appeared, dressed in a rich golden silk gown over a deep emerald ruffled skirt. Her hair was up beneath her golden tiara and a heavy emerald and diamond necklace rested around her neck.

"Excuse me." Nephrite stated to Jadeite as he straightened his coat and crossed the ballroom to meet her. Lita's giggle drifted to Jadeite's ears as he watched Nephrite kiss Lita's hand and also guide her to the dance floor.

"It seems cruel doesn't it?" Kunzite stated as he approached Jadeite with his arms crossed. His long white-blond hair was down loose behind his ears, hanging between his cut shoulder blades. His lavender eyes watched Nephrite and Zoisite with annoyance as their smiles only grew as they guided the women they loved across the floor. "Those two idiots have their women, and they're shoving their happiness in our faces while we suffer."

Jadeite snorted as he shuffled his feet uncomfortably. "I take it Mina isn't entertaining your advances."

"She won't allow herself to." Kunzite replied as his expression turned hard. "Maybe it's because I'm only a soldier, or because my family isn't royalty—"

"Well, that's not true." Jadeite stated with a shrug of his shoulders. "You've got family members that are royalty, just not on Venus."

"Extended family members." Kunzite corrected as his voice grew even more strained. "Though Charon hardly counts as royalty. It's so small that it is insignificant to the galaxy."

"Maybe it's a good thing Mina won't allow you to pursue her. Aren't you already engaged to that other blond girl?" Jadeite asked as he grabbed a shrimp off the appetizer table and popped it into his mouth.

Kunzite shrugged as grabbed a glass of wine off a passing server. He downed it quickly with a look of disgust. "Femi? That is a betrothal I hope will never be finalized. How could my father ever expect me to marry a woman who is downright evil? She's conniving and vile. I can't spend the rest of my life with her."

"Maybe that's why Mina is ignoring you, that or she's got her eye on someone else." Jadeite suggested as Mina and Raye entered the ballroom. He watched as Mina spun in a wide circle, her bright ruby red gown swirled around her ankles. She didn't wear a crown but instead opted for a diamond head piece that held back her curled blonde locks from her face. Raye followed her, her hair was loose and parted to one side that was clipped with a golden and ruby pin. Her gown was made of violet satin and covered with shimmering beads that caught the light in the ballroom just perfectly.

"Go ask her for a dance." Kunzite encouraged as he bumped Jadeite's shoulder, pushing him forward. "This is your last chance."

Jadeite paled as he watched Raye's dark eyes catch his. She gave him a coy smile as she turned to Mina and whispered something to her. The two girls erupted into a fit of giggles that only further stimulated his nerves. "Why is it that I can jump into a fight without thinking but the thought of crossing this ballroom and asking Raye for a dance is more nerve-wrecking?"

Kunzite chuckled but pushed Jadeite in the back again. "Go lover boy. Make sure you get a last kiss."

Jadeite grumbled as he felt his feet carry him across the floor. He narrowly dodged three spinning couples on the dance floor as he came to a stop before Mina and Raye, both of which were sipping a glass of wine.

"Princess Raye and Princess Mina." Jadeite said as he bowed low to both girls, attempting to shield the quivering of his voice. "You both look even more beautiful than usual tonight."

"You're so sweet." Mina smiled as she took another sip of her wine. She grinned at Raye and winked at her. "Raye and I were just admiring all of the couples on the floor dancing. Zoisite and Nephrite look like they're having a good time with Amy and Lita."

"Yes… they're enjoying themselves." Jadeite stated as he visibly swallowed and wiped his clammy and sweaty hands on the sides of his pants. "Princess Raye, may I have the honor of a dance?"

Raye gave Mina her glass as she gathered one side of her skirts in her hand. She laid her hand on Jadeite's extended one and grinned. "Yes, you may."

Jadeite felt his resolve strengthen as he guided Raye onto the dance floor. She fell into his arms gracefully as they joined the groups of dancing couples that were circling the floor, each moving expertly to the soft music that was playing from the orchestra.

"You're very quiet." Raye stated as they circled the floor for the second time. Her dark eyes settled onto Jadeite's deep blue eyes as she spoke.

Jadeite felt the heat rise in his cheeks. "I'm at a loss for words tonight. You're just so beautiful."

Raye rolled her eyes as she resisted the urge to punch his shoulder. "That's the best line you have?"

Jadeite stumbled, her words caught him off guard. Luckily, Raye was an expert dancer and took the time to spin out before returning to his arms, just in time for him to find his footing. "I've only been waiting weeks for you to make your move." Raye stated bluntly.

"I didn't think you… well… you see…" Jadeite stammered as he attempted to collect his thoughts that were overrun by his nerves. His heart rate climbed as his ears seemed to close in, blocking out all sound.

Raye sighed as she flicked her long hair back with a quick turn of her head. "You're an overthinker Jadeite. You don't allow yourself just to feel and go with the flow. Look at Amy and Zoisite and Lita and Nephrite. Those two men didn't hide their feelings. They embraced them and when they felt something. They said it and they showed their feelings. I know you've been training me and we have a very professional relationship but there's more beneath. I feel it, I know you've felt it. I've only been waiting months for you to move and you haven't."

"I'm not like Nephrite, bold and nurturing. I'm not like Zoisite either who is cunning and affectionate. I haven't made a move Raye because you haven't encouraged me to. This entire time I've been looking for any hint that you might share my feelings. You've given me nothing. This entire time I felt like it was you who wasn't allowing yourself to show your feelings… maybe it was me too." Jadeite admitted as the music slowed even more.

Raye's eyes softened as they caught his. He could see her considering his words as they continued to spin around the ballroom floor. "You're right…" She stated simply. "I haven't been inviting or even kind at times. I'm not like Lita and Amy either, just as you aren't like Nephrite and Zoisite. We have a different relationship, the two of us."

Jadeite felt relief wash over him as Raye spoke. She finally understood. He mentally kicked himself for not having this conversation earlier with her. It felt as if everything was happening too late. He was leaving that night after the ball. What if he never saw her again? What if this was their first and last dance? What if… Jadeite stopped in the middle of the floor as he felt his strength return. He took Raye into his arms and pressed his lips against hers, more forcefully than he anticipated.

Raye's eyebrows lifted in surprise as she felt his hands on her hips, pulling her closer. His kiss was passionate, so passionate that she felt herself stop breathing for a moment as her lips responded to his. Her hands gripped his strong biceps as she deepened the kiss, pouring forth the pent-up passion she had kept within her for so long.

"Finally." Mina whispered to herself as she watched Raye and Jadeite in the middle of the ballroom floor. She rubbed her arms as a cool breeze filtered into the ballroom.

"Princess Mina." Kunzite stated as he bowed low to her, seemingly appearing out of thin air. "I hope you are enjoying the ball."

Inwardly Mina groaned as Kunzite took her hand and brought it to his lips. It wasn't that she didn't like him. She did. She thought he was a great warrior and an excellent teacher, but he reminded her so much of Fabian. They didn't favor each other in appearance but rather their mannerisms. Both were withdrawn, strong, highly intelligent and fiercely loyal. Fabian's loyalty to Nikko was just as strong as Kunzite's to Endymion. She knew that Kunzite liked her. He would leave her flowers outside her door every morning, though she pretended that she didn't know it was him. Kunzite would bring her sweets from the kitchen almost every Thursday and even accompany her on her long walks in the gardens. She enjoyed his company but couldn't forget her connection to Fabian.

Fabian. She couldn't stop thinking about the prince from Charon. His decision to join the Negaverse to be with his brother haunted her still even though it had been months since he had left. She couldn't help but feel there was more she could've done to keep him from turning to the darkness. If she had been more welcoming to him when his brother was banished would he have stayed? What if she had encouraged Serena to let him help the generals train the scouts? What if she had taken the initiative to sit with him during meals when he distanced himself from the nobility in the palace? The few hours she had spent with Fabian had clearly demonstrated his need for a connection to someone, anyone that could be a friend. She had seen a glimmer of the man that he used to be: fun, adventurous and kind. Those traits wouldn't transfer to the darkness that swallowed him. And his kiss… why had he kissed her?

"Mina?" Kunzite asked again as her silence grew uncomfortably long.

"I'm sorry Kunzite, I guess I'm distracted tonight." She smiled sheepishly as her cheeks grew warm.

"There's nothing to apologize for." Kunzite stated as he nodded to the dancing guests at the ball. "This entire event is a distraction from the darkness that is seeping into our galaxy."

"I suppose that's true." Mina stated as she watched the other generals and princesses, laughing and relishing their last moments together. "I'll miss you when you leave." She admitted as her gaze met his.

Kunzite's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Mina, I didn't think—"

"You know it's silly." Mina said as she glanced again at Raye and Jadeite who were now cuddling in a corner. Lita and Nephrite had gravitated to the tables with Lita practically in his lap. Amy and Zoisite were still twirling around the floor, their eyes never leaving each other's for a second. "We've all pretty much paired up." Mina continued as her gaze went back to Kunzite. "And maybe, if we had more time you and I could be as happy as they are right now…" She sighed and took his hands in her own. "But we have tonight, that's something at least." She commented and gave him a sad smile. "Tonight Kunzite, if this is the last time we see each other, I want it to be a good memory, one that we can cherish in the dark days to come. Let's go for a walk."

Serena watched as Mina and Kunzite exited the ballroom, holding hands. Mina gave her a cheerful smile as she and Kunzite passed her and descended the steps to the gardens. Serena exhaled sharply as she felt her hands shaking. Though she had dressed in her best, a beautiful white silk ball gown, she had never entered the ballroom. Instead she had remained outside on the terrace, walking the length of the ballroom from the outside, watching her guests through the windows. Maybe if she didn't go inside then the generals and Endymion leaving in the morning wouldn't happen. Entering that ballroom would make their departure too real.

Serena cast another look at the windows of the ballroom as she heard the soft tap of boots on the floor of the terrace. She felt a presence behind her, towering over her small figure. Instead of turning to face the stranger she felt a smile grace her lips. She breathed deeply, closing her eyes as she inhaled the familiar scent of a freshly cut rose. Her eyelids fluttered opened just as Endymion's lips grazed the side of her cheek.

"You look so beautiful tonight." He whispered in her ear as his hands went to her hips. His cheek pressed against hers as his lips trailed along the side of her neck to her bare shoulder.

Serena shivered as she felt his lips sending off fireworks underneath her skin. "Endymion." She breathed as their lips finally met in a deep, passionate kiss. She shut her eyes tightly, trying to concentrate on the feel of his chest against hers, the press of his strong hands against her hips and the taste of his sweet lips. Despite her best attempt, her eyes swelled with tears that trickled down her cheeks and splashed onto her shoulders.

"No tears tonight." Endymion spoke as their lips broke. He cupped her face and tenderly brushed away her tears with his thumbs.

"I can't help it." Serena's voice shook as she spoke, trembling as Endymion's hands slid down her arms back to her hips. His grip this time was more forceful and tighter she could feel the longing in his grasp as his sapphire blue eyes took her in.

"Dance with me." He stated as his other hand took hers and placed it on his shoulder. He guided her into a graceful waltz, matching the beat of the music that was seeping from the open windows of the ballroom.

Serena attempted to smile as her skirts swirled around her as they moved. Endymion's movements were light and graceful. He held her closely, his dark blue eyes never leaving hers as they danced. "Endymion… what if—" She began.

"Shh… we can't think about 'what ifs' right now." He replied with a shake of his head. "All we can do is enjoy our time together."

"I can't enjoy our time together when I know that come tomorrow, I may never see you again." Serena stated as she stopped moving and took a step back from him, breaking their frame. She felt more tears stinging her eyes as she turned from him to gaze at Earth that was rising just above the horizon. How she used to relish the sight of the Earth. She would sit and imagine the rolling green hills, lush forests, and endless crystal clear oceans. Now it was only a painful reminder of the prince that she loved, a prince that in the morning would be returning to its surface and engaging in a fight that had already claimed several other kingdoms. "I love you Endymion." She whispered as her body trembled with sobs. "I can't say goodbye."

She felt Endymion's presence behind her again as her shoulders shook. This time his arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her back against his chest as his chin went to her shoulder. His lips grazed her cheek as he spoke. "This isn't the end Serena." He pulled her around to face him as his grip on her tightened, pulling her against his broad chest. "The love that I have for you is endless…nothing can keep me from finding my way back to you, not a thousand warriors, not an evil mother or even the vastness of space. Our love… will always bring me back to you. I promise."

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Serena climbed the steps to the Cherry Hill Temple in a daze. Could this really be happening? It was a miracle that Fabian had been able to get them out of Queen Raven's palace only to find the city eerily deserted. They had crossed street after street, each devoid of any signs of life. Cars were scattered alongside the road. Papers and boxes littered the streets. Full cups of tea remained on café tables, lights were still on, movies in the cinema were playing for empty chairs. Now as she and Fabian crossed the muddy entrance to the temple Serena wondered if her team had also abandoned the city.

"Serena?!" Lita shrieked as Serena pulled the sliding door open. Lita jumped up and ran to her friend whose eyes had bulged at the sight of all the scouts and generals sitting in the main room of the temple.

"FABIAN!" Kunzite growled as he stood. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Choosing a side." Fabian replied as he slid the door shut behind them. "I'm here to help, in any way that I can."

"Calm down!" Mina hissed at Kunzite as she reached up, grabbed his shoulder, and pulled him back down to sit beside her. She caught Fabian's wandering gaze as she spoke but quickly looked away.

"It's okay." Serena said as she hugged Lita. "Fabian is our ally. He got me out of Queen Raven's palace safely." She left Lita to stand in the middle of the room where all eyes could see her. "She killed Nikko…"

"What?" Queen Serenity stated as she pushed past Raye and Jadeite to reach her daughter. "Weren't they allies?"

"Nikko was only her ally so long as she didn't harm Serena." Fabian remarked as he followed Serena to the middle of the room. "She broke that promise when she ordered us to take her. She never intended on leaving Serena unscathed. She wants her life, she wants the Silver Crystal. Nikko discovered her plan. She tried to kill him once, he lived just long enough to keep Raven from killing her in her palace."

"He sacrificed himself to save me." Serena whispered as she caught Darien's gaze. She pushed past everyone to his waiting arms. He pulled her tightly against his chest as she felt tears trickling down her cheeks. She had never been so relieved to see him in that moment, safe and unharmed.

"You're okay." Darien whispered to her as his left hand cupped her cheek, bringing her to his lips.

Serena met his lips as her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him down closer to her. "I'm okay." She whispered back as their lips broke. "Wait." She said out loud as she turned to face Fabian whose expression was grim. "You said she wants the Silver Crystal."

"Yes, it's key to her plan to take over the planet." Fabian stated as his dark green eyes focused on hers.

"I can't transform, I can't access it. You filled me with dark energy… can you take it out? Maybe if we can use the Silver Crystal against her, it may be enough to stop her." Serena stated as she glanced around the room, looking at everyone's faces. Mina nodded grimly while the generals appeared doubtful.

"I can try." Fabian stated as he approached Serena only to see Darien step in front of her.

"I don't think that's wise." Darien stated as his eyes narrowed at Fabian. "It's almost impossible to take out dark energy without taking life energy as well. You could kill her. I'm not even so sure I trust you. Anyone who allied themselves with the Negaverse can't be trusted."

"I know you don't trust me Endymion." Fabian stated as his jaw tightened. "But I'm here to help. I've never attacked any of you. I've never harmed anyone. That witch just killed my brother, the only family member I have left. I'll be damned before I let her live through another fight."

"About Raven…" Amara interrupted as she ran a hand through her short blond hair. "We challenged her to a fight. Publicly. It's almost sunsise. I hope you're all ready."

"Do you have a plan?" Serena asked Amara as she went to Darien's side. His arm wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her to his side.

"Something like that." Kunzite muttered, never taking his eyes off Fabian. "But you can't be seen princess. If Raven sees you, then she'll come right for you. We need her focused on us."

The room fell silent as Serena bit her lip. She could feel everyone's eyes on her. Up to this point she hadn't been very good at following orders from others to stay out of the way. She couldn't help but feel guilty about where her choices led her and what it did to those around her. "Okay." She said softly.

"Wait? Do you hear that?" Michelle stated as she jumped up from the floor. She rushed to the window. Her jaw fell as she lifted a horrified hand to her mouth. Just outside of the temple was Trista. She was covered with cuts and bruises. Her hands and feet were bound behind her. She was shouting something, which was almost inaudible inside the temple.

"Michelle wait!" Amy screamed as Michelle slid open the door and ran to the field. Amy ran after her, screaming for her to stop as a cruel laugh cut through the air.

Raven appeared above the tree line, her dark red eyes flashed as she laughed, stretching her hands upward. "Silly sailor scouts. You were fools to think you could challenge me. You forgot your one weakness: each other."

Michelle and Amy screamed as they came to a screeching halt. The ground below them began to shake violently, sending them flying to the muddy earth. Behind them the temple also began to shake as the earth continued to rumble, increasing in intensity. Michelle watched, horrified, as the grounds around the temple rose higher and higher, lifting up towards the sky.

Amy looked back at the temple. Zoisite was fighting Kunzite and Jadeite, both of which had grabbed an arm each to keep him from rushing onto the field. He was shouting at her, his face red and his eyes wide in fear as he battled to free himself from the other two generals.

Femi appeared next to Michelle, seemingly appearing out of thin air. She gave her a cold smile as she grabbed her arms. "Thanks for joining me ladies."

Amy screamed as Femi reopened the portal next to her and pushed Michelle in. She then grabbed a struggling Amy who kicked and thrashed, trying to break Femi's grip. "NO!" Amy screamed as she fell back and kicked Femi in the face.

Femi fell back onto the mud, screeching as blood rushed from her nose, drenching the front of her shirt.

Amy didn't waste a moment, she got to her feet and took off for the front of the temple, wiling her legs to move as quickly as they could.

Zoisite finally freed himself from Kunzite and Jadeite and raced down the steps to the field, running straight for Amy. His eyes widened as he rushed to her. "Run Amy! Hurry!"

"My nose!" Femi screamed as she pulled herself, cringing as she felt mud trickling down the back of her bare arms. She lifted herself up as her hands glowed a brilliant blue. She thrust one hand forward, sending a single string of crackling energy towards Amy. The energy wrapped around her waist, halting her movement and dragging her back to Femi.

"NO!" Zoisite yelled as he saw Amy fall to the ground, her arms caught in the dark energy that electrified her. Her eyes rolled back as Femi squealed with delight.

She dragged Amy's body all the way back to the portal and they disappeared leaving Zoisite alone in the field. He fell to his knees, just inches from Trista who directed her attention to the temple.

"RUN!" Trista screamed at her friends who were watching her from the temple. "GO!"

"Yes little sailor scouts… run…" Queen Raven laughed as she came to hover above the ground. "But you're trapped. Now it's just us, exactly how you wanted it right?" Her deep ruby eyes turned dark as she lifted her hands again. They turned a deep green, crackling with energy that stretched upwards, creating an impenetrable dome around the temple and its grounds. "Give me everything you've got." She said with a cruel sneer.