The Return of the Negaverse

by The Lady Silver

It has been several years since the last of Earth's enemies were defeated by the Sailor Scouts. A new threat has pulled them together again and challenged what they thought they knew about their past lives with the re-emergence of the Shitennou. Can they remain a team and defeat their new enemies? Part 2 focuses on the Silver Millennium. Reviews appreciated.

42. Chapter 42

Part II: Chapter 12

Jupiter

Amy's fingers slipped over the porcelain keys expertly, light as a feather. Her eyes were shut tightly, blocking out the rays of the afternoon sun as her body swayed. She moved with the gentle strokes of her fingers as they moved up and down the row of keys. She didn't need to see her hands, she had played this song a million times. Her fingers knew the way without her even having to think. The music lifted to her ears, filling the music room around her. She hummed along as she played, her mouth never forming the words that rang through her head. As the song finished her fingers slowed, lightly skipping along the keys as the last notes rang.

She sighed as the room fell quiet. Her eyes fluttered open, taking in the light that suddenly flooded her vision. It had been a week since Endymion and the generals left, and not a single word from Zoisite. His silence was unusual. He had at least written to her when they were apart after their secret wedding, now… nothing.

"It was a nice song." Lita's voice said from behind her.

Amy jumped up, knocking over the piano stool in the process. She whipped around to see Lita leaning against the doorframe. She wore a simple cream-colored gown edged with forest green ribbon. Her hair was loose and hung just below her shoulders in loose waves. Her arms were crossed as her emerald, green eyes met Amy's.

"Thanks." Amy said softly as she found her balance and righted the fallen stool. "I didn't know you were listening there."

"Sorry if I spooked you." Lita said sheepishly.

"No, it's okay, you just startled me." Amy commented as she brushed the creases out of the front of her skirt. "Where is Serena and Raye?"

"Getting fitted for their coronation dresses." Lita said as she uncrossed her arms. "There's a lot of buzz around Endymion's crowning. He'll be the youngest king in the galaxy. At least that's the chatter in the court hall. I imagine there will be many unmarried princesses there."

"I'm sure Serena will be thrilled." Amy commented as she sat back on the piano stool, this time facing Lita instead of the keys. "Endymion won't announce their engagement until after he's crowned."

"Well, either way, it'll be something to see. I've never seen a coronation before." Lita said as she strolled into the room, running her fingers over the various instruments within the room. ""Or Earth for that matter."

"It is different but lovely." Amy said as she thought of Tokyo. She missed the busy streets, the flock of cyclists, the honking of passing car horns and even the chirping birds. Mercury was so hot and quiet and the moon, though busy, was nowhere near as green and lush as Earth. "I do miss it."

"What did we do there?" Lita asked as she sat opposite of Amy. Her green eyes were wide with wonder.

"Whatever we wanted." Amy said with a shrug. "I was a doctor. I treated people, cured their ailments and helped them heal. Mina was on television—"

Lita's expression changed from curiosity to confusion as Amy spoke.

"Uh, television is this thing people watch. Like a moving picture that can talk." Amy explained. "Mina's job was to tell people the news, you know, things that are going on in the city. The good and the bad."

"Fascinating." Lita remarked as her elbows went to her knees and her knuckles beneath her chin. "And women do these things?"

"Yes." Amy laughed. "We could do anything we desired."

"What did I do?" Lita asked as she sat up a little straighter.

"You were a chef." Amy said with a smile. "And a darn good one. You had a restaurant and a bakery. People would come from all over the city to eat there and enjoy the food you made. You loved it. I don't think I ever saw you happier than when you were cooking, well, unless you were with Nephrite."

An uncomfortable silence fell over them as Amy watched Lita's expression change. She had watched Amy speak with a look of curiosity but at the mention of Nephrite's name her forehead creased. She rose from her seat and walked across the room to a nearby window. Her fingers tenderly touched the window frame as she looked out across the front of the palace, watching the long stone walkway, full of people coming and going from the palace. Several moments passed before she spoke again.

"Raye told me I married him on Earth." Lita said, keeping her eyes before her. "Zoisite, Kunzite and Jadeite all spoke to me about him. They told me about his loyalty, his strength and his intelligence. Raye told me that he is wonderful and kind. Serena shared that out of all of the generals, Nephrite was perhaps one of the kindest…" She trailed off as she turned back to face Amy. Her fingers clutched at the bottom of the window frame that was level with her hips. She leaned back against it as she sighed. "He sounds so wonderful… he's done so many things good and bad, mostly good it appears. Apparently… he loves me but Amy, what have I done? I'm not a warrior despite what you all think. I'm not super smart or quick or strong. I'd like to think I'm kind but I'm not overly generous. What if I disappoint him? What if after everything, I'm not the same girl?"

"Lita." Amy said softly as her expression softened. "Your memories will come back eventually. Believe me, you aren't a disappointment. Why would you think that?"

Lita sighed as she shut her eyes. "I've been here for a while, listening and watching everything unfold around me. I've heard for days that I'm part of something bigger than my kingdom and it just… it just doesn't seem true. All I've ever done in my life is prepare to lead my people. I've been taught to settle disputes and govern, never have I been taught to fight or to follow someone else. How can I be a sailor scout? How can I use powers I don't even have? And to top it off, all of you keep telling me about a man I've never seen or met. It's too much."

"You're scared." Amy said as she cautiously approached Lita. She could see tears filling her eyes though not a single one spilled over. "I was too. I didn't have the memories that I do now when we were sent back. The only way they returned was being around our team and… when I was with Zoisite."

"I remember nothing." Lita said simply as she shrugged her shoulders. She put her hands on her forehead and ran them back, pushing her hair out of her face as she looked up at the ceiling. "I don't remember any of you, at least not in that way… and I don't… I don't remember him. I want to. I want to remember everything and it feels like those memories are there but just beyond my grasp. Why is it I am stuck? All of you have regained your memories, at least those of you that lost them. Am I to remain devoid of my past?"

"You will, one day." Amy reassured her as she laid a hand on her forearm. "Be patient. Nephrite will come back, perhaps he is the missing link you need."

Lita's lips pursed into a thin line as Amy spoke. Her gaze was fixated on the far wall, not Amy's gentle gaze. It was as if she were already distancing herself. "Jupiter will be in attendance for Endymion's crowning in four days. Until then, I am going home. It's where I belong. No matter what else happens, I am still the princess of Jupiter and will be queen when I become of age. I must be with my people." She finally turned to meet Amy's eyes as she took a step away from her. "I'm sorry. I wish you well, all of you actually. I hope that whatever you are all planning to do, works out and peace is restored. I just can't…. I can't help you."

"Lita, don't leave. We need you." Amy insisted as she caught Lita's arm as she turned to leave.

"No, you need Sailor Jupiter." Lita whispered as she shook her head. "And I'm not her."

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It was past midnight on the Moon. Almost all of the palace occupants were asleep leaving hardly anyone to see their queen leave the comforts of her bed. Serenity had made her way to the throne room which was shrouded in darkness, the only light came from the glow of the Earth that filtered through the windows. She was dressed in her sleeping dress beneath a long, flowing white silk robe that was tied shut around her waist. Her long white blond hair was loose, touching the floor as she walked.

A shadow waited for her in the far corner, unmoving as she approached.

"Pluto. What have you seen?" Serenity asked as she came to a stop before one of the large windows.

Sailor Pluto stepped out of the shadows followed by Neptune and Uranus. They did not smile. Their expressions were grave, etched with concern. They bowed to the queen but did not say a word.

"What is it? What happened?" Serenity asked as a hand went to her mouth. "Is it time yet?"

"Lita must not return to Jupiter." Pluto warned as her dark green eyes settled on the queen's. "Her uncle, the Steward of Jupiter, is under the control of Barrick. He has a spell over him, a strong one that we cannot break. She will be in grave danger if she returns home."

"Oh my goodness." Serenity replied as she shook her head. "What can we do?"

"We don't know his plan yet." Uranus replied as she crossed her arms. "We think he may have Mina and Nephrite in the dungeons of the palace. We couldn't infiltrate it. He has the dungeons protected with dark magic."

"There's more." Pluto added. "The Grand Council of the Galaxy will convene within two weeks. Barrick has something planned. This meeting will be held on Neptune. Whatever you do, keep the princess from attending."

"How do you suggest I do that?" Serenity asked as she wrung her hands nervously. "She intends to go with Endymion. Their engagement will be announced there."

"You must do what you can." Neptune urged. "These are very dangerous times."

"Have you located Raven?" Serenity asked as she turned back to Pluto. "No one has seen her since before the king died. Endymion himself is clueless."

"There are rumors she is on Saturn. A ship from Earth was spotted landing on the surface just before the king passed but due to the closure, we haven't been able to confirm or get any more information." Uranus replied as she shifted from one foot to another. "Jupiter will also close their borders soon. It won't be long before the rest of the outer planets follow."

"Saturn? What could she want there?" Serenity asked as she frowned. "She is a snake, even King Albert must know that."

"Albert isn't exactly known for his generosity." Uranus scoffed. "If there's anyone in this galaxy that has teetered on the brink of darkness, it's him."

"Albert is a friend. He was good friends with my husband once. He will listen to me." Serenity drew her robe closer around her as she looked up at the rising Earth. "I will go to him, convince him that Raven is nothing but bad news and while I am at it, have the Crescent Staff forged. We will need it sooner than we anticipated."

"Are you sure that's wise?" Uranus questioned as her eyes met Serenity's.

"I trust him." She assured her as she turned from them. "Serena will represent the Moon at the coronation tomorrow. I will leave for Saturn in the morning."

"Be careful." Pluto warned as she took a step towards Serenity. "Don't trust anyone. You should take the Shadow Warriors with you."

"They've left." Serenity replied as she turned from her. "And no, I don't know where they've gone."

"To rejoin Raven perhaps?" Neptune suggested. "Have they decided working for the light isn't for them?"

"I suspect they're searching for Mina." Serenity said as she turned back to face the three scouts. "I trust them, despite what's happened. They won't rejoin Raven, not now. Fabian wants Mina back and he will stop at nothing to save her."

"I hope you're right." Pluto commented as she looked out the window at Earth. "We will need their help soon."

"If Mina is on Jupiter, then the Shadow Warriors will be there soon. You said there was strong dark magic around the dungeon, could they break through it?" Serenity asked Pluto.

"Maybe." Pluto admitted. "They use dark magic themselves. Femi and Fabian are particularly gifted, at least they were. I am unsure if their dark gifts are still with them in this new form."

"We will be present at the coronation tomorrow for security." Uranus said with a nod to Serenity. "Then we will go to Neptune for the Grand Council. We will be needed."

"I will see you there." Serenity assured them as they stepped back into the shadows.

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"We're getting a lot of dirty looks." Rhea commented as she and the other Shadow Warriors entered the doors of Jupiter's royal palace. There must've been about fifty people inside the milling about, but none of them were smiling. In fact, many were giving them looks of disgust. Though the Shadow Warriors were well known across the galaxy, their fame wasn't attributed to their acts of kindness but rather their skills as mercenaries.

"Don't worry about them." Nikko commented as he stood a little straighter. He was dressed in his official Shadow Warrior uniform. The rich royal blue cape sprouted from his armored shoulders, just barely kissing the top of the floor.

Next to him Fabian was dressed similarly. His armor was a dark gray compared to the bright silver his brother preferred. Both of them had swords along their hips, clanking against the armor as they walked. The two women, Rhea and Femi, were dressed in their blue uniforms as well: Rhea preferred pants like the men but her armor was lighter. Her usual staff was in her hands, always ready to strike. Femi's uniform consisted of a corseted dress, the skirt had a slit that went almost to her hips, allowing her to freely move if needed. She had on light armor as well. Her long blond hair was tied in one braid that rested along one shoulder and went to the middle of her chest. She had no visible weapons on her unlike the other three. Her greatest skills were in dark magic.

The four of them were dressed in their official uniforms this day as they were on an official visit to Jupiter to see the Steward of Jupiter, Nicholas, Lita's famed uncle. He would be in charge of the planet's welfare until the princess reached the age of twenty, old enough to rule, at least by the law of the land.

"The Shadow Warriors." The captain of the palace guard said as they approached. He wore a green uniform like much of the palace guard only a large golden star wa pinned to his chest, signifying his rank. He gave Nikko and Fabian a respectful nod of his head. "The Steward is waiting for you in his private study. Follow me."

Fabian and Nikko shared a look as the captain guided them upstairs to the second floor and down a long hallway. They passed door after door, each chamber filled with green uniformed guards. Their last visit had been when Nicholas had asked them to assassinate the children from Titan. Hardly any guards were visible then as their visit was of top secrecy. Now, it appeared as if the Steward were readying himself for battle. At the very end of the hall two guards stood outside of a large, polished oak door. The nodded to the captain as he approached and blocked them from entering the room.

"Your weapons please." One of the guards said, holding out his hand while looking directly at Nikko.

"The Steward has never disarmed us before." Fabian commented as his brow furrowed. "We are no threat to him."

"Jupiter is closing it's borders due to many security breaches. You are probably aware Saturn has done the same. The Steward is cautious. Worry not, your weapons will be returned before you leave." The captain of the guard stated as he gestured to their weapons.

Rhea shot a long look at Nikko whose jaw was clenched. He unsheathed his sword, holding it before the guard who nervously took it. Fabian did the same followed by a very reluctant Rhea. Once their weapons were gone the remaining guard opened the door to the study and stood back, allowing them to enter.

The Shadow Warriors walked into the large, dusty study. A bird cage was visible to the left of a sleek, polished desk that contained one bright yellow bird that was chirping annoyingly fast. Behind the desk were several large balcony doors, all open to let in the fresh air. White curtains, made of a guazy like material, flapped into the room with each gust of wind. A serious of couches littered the floor, broken only by small round tables, all of which contained food or drinks of some sort. The walls of the study were covered with bookshelves, all brimming with aged books of various colors.

The door closed behind them, leaving them in the seemingly empty chamber.

"Steward Nicholas?" Nikko called as he approached the balcony doors, thinking that the Steward was outside, enjoying the cool morning breeze.

"Wrong." A man's voice said causing all of the Shadow Warriors to freeze in their tracks.

A tall, slender man, emerged from the flapping curtains. He was dressed from head to toe in black. His rich brown hair was combed back, away from his twinkling blue eyes that were anything but kind. His hands were behind his back as he walked but a snide smile, cruel and taunting, graced his lips.

"Barrick." Fabian said as his jaw clenched.

"Correct." Barrick said as his grin only grew. "What a pleasure to see the Shadow Warriors at last."

"What have you done with the Steward?" Nikko asked as his lavender eyes narrowed.

"He's fine." Barrick reassured them as he gestured to the chirping yellow bird in the cage. "Nicholas lives, at least for now. He's better within this cage though the racket he makes is quite annoying."

"Where's Mina?" Fabian asked as he reached for a sword that wasn't there. His fingers grasped his empty belt. He could feel his heart pounding against his chest as rage boiled within him. He had been waiting for this moment since Barrick had taken Mina on Venus. His fingers longed for the feel of blood again and Barrick was the perfect target.

"Alive, if that's what you want to know. I'm afraid I can't return her to you. I need her." Barrick said as he turned towards Fabian. He stopped just before the polished desk and casually leaned back against it as his arms crossed.

"What do you want with her?" Nikko asked as he watched his brother, hoping he wasn't going to fly at Barrick too soon. "Mina belongs on Venus with her father. She is of no use to you."

"You're wrong there." Barrick replied as he shook his head. "I won't bore you with my long and detailed plans. That wouldn't benefit anyone. In fact, the only reason you're alive right now is so that I could speak to you myself."

"You want revenge don't you?" Femi interrupted as she stepped forward, glancing nervously at Nikko as she spoke. "We're assassins, not revolutionaries. What we did was on the orders of someone else. Someone you already have."

"Oh I know that." Barrick replied with a grin. "But you forget that long before the four of you killed what remaining family members I had, your boar of a father held me captive for a year."

"That's not our fault. Your quarrel is with him." Nikko said with a scoff. "Let Mina go, she is innocent of the crimes against you."

"I've already taken care of daddy." Barrick grinned as he stood up straight, leaving the desk. "And actually, most of Charon while I was at it."

The color left Nikko and Fabian's face as he spoke. Fabian felt a vein snake across his forehead, pulsing as his rage built. Beside him Nikko's hands balled into two tight fists, ready to strike.

"I think you'll want to listen to this next part, especially if you want to see Mina alive again." Barrick continued, holding up his hands to stop the two men from charging at him. "My issues with this galaxy go beyond the two of you idiots and our father." He said as the smile left his face and his eyes, so brilliantly blue, turned dark. "I, however, don't need you two get in my way." His hands turned a dark green as he spoke as his eyes became two black specks. "Not now, not ever."

Fabian and Nikko jumped just in time as a beam of dark energy shot out from his hands, straight for them. Femi and Rhea ducked but the blast singed the edge of Femi's skirt. She screamed as she rolled to put out the flames.

"You son of a b—" Nikko yelled as he rolled behind a chair, cut off as he crashed into floor. He glanced over at Fabian who was crouching behind a table. He nodded at him, saying without words that he was okay. "You're a coward for taking our weapons. Are you scared of having a fair fight?" He yelled as he turned around.

"Was it fair when you killed my cousins? Was it fair when my entire family was exterminated because of my damn greedy grandfather?!" Barrick replied as he sent another shot of dark energy at the chair shielding Nikko.

Nikko jumped away just as the chair was obliterated, showering them in pieces of charred wood. "Rhea, Femi, get out of here! Find Mina!" He ordered.

Femi and Rhea didn't hesitate, they jumped up and ran straight for the door to the study. Femi's fingers fumbled on the doorknob, pulling hard. It was locked. Rhea kicked the door repeatedly but it didn't budge. "He's trapped us!" Rhea shouted.

Fabian took the chance to jump at Barrick, whose attention had turned to Femi and Rhea. He flew out from behind the table as the force of his body pushed Barrick down onto the ground. Fabian emitted a growl, sending a flurry of punches at his jaw. "You coward! Where is Mina?!"

Barrick's hands, still a bright green, glowed even more as he put his hands on either side of Fabian's shoulders. "You'll never see her again little prince." He grinned.

Fabian yelled as Barrick's hands burned through the steel armor on his shoulders, right down to his flesh. He kicked Barrick off him as he rolled away, groaning as the smell of burning skin filled the air.

Barrick got to his feet, his face red and bloody from Fabian's blows. He glanced over at Femi and Rhea who were both trying to get through the door still. He walked towards them, holding his glowing green hands outwards from his body. "Killing people doesn't bother you just as it doesn't bother me but like I said earlier, you're not going to get in my way."

"Get the hell away from them!" Nikko yelled as he ran and tackled Barrick. The two rolled around on the floor, sending punches at each other's faces while Fabian struggled to get to his feet. Two holes, the size of two fists, were smoking in his armor. His shoulders were red and blistered, throbbing with pain, but he stumbled to the door that Rhea and Femi were still trying to shove open.

"Femi, use your dark magic. Melt it." Fabian urged as he touched the hinges of the door. They were iron, easily impacted with dark magic.

"Step back." Femi said as her hands turned a deep purple. She touched the door that began to hum and vibrate violently before shooting backwards, clearing a path down the hall. The hall, that had previously been empty, was full of guards, swords drawn and ready.

"Damn." Rhea muttered as she looked at them. "Any ideas Fabian?"

"Working on it." Fabian muttered as he looked behind them. Barrick and Nikko were still rolling around on the floor, a trail of blood marking every spot they touched. They wouldn't have long.

"We'll take care of the soldiers." Femi said to Fabian as she glanced at Rhea. "I've still got my magic. Rhea can stop the stragglers. We won't be able to hold them off forever. You need to hurry." She urged as the first wave of guards charged forward. "This girl had better be worth it!"

Fabian nodded grimly as the girls ran to meet with guards. Femi expertly unleashed a wave of energy that rippled forward, knocking down the first ten guards. Rhea jumped onto the nearest one, clobbering his forehead with the heel of her boot and ripping his sword from his limp hands. She tossed it to Fabian who ran by, pushing a stunned guard out of the way as Rhea moved to the next one.

"Go!" Rhea urged him as she locked swords with another guard. They struggled for a moment before she threw him off and plunged her sword into his shoulder.

Fabian didn't wait around. He ran down an adjacent hall, quickly working through the guards that crossed his path. It was as if he was moving with super human speed and strength. His mind hardly registered the men that fell before him or the blood that splattered his face and clothes. His scorched shoulders, bright red and throbbing were forgotten for the moment. He knew Jupiter's palace well. The Shadow Warriors had completed many jobs for Lita's ruthless uncle. They had completed his every request, well, all but one. Within minutes Fabian had reached the dungeons. His feet fled over the worn stone steps as he descended further and further down to the lowest level. He could feel the dark magic as he approached. It pulsed through the air, keeping even the rats away. He could feel it against his flesh, tingling and burning his shoulder even more. He could see a lone torch at the end of the level, giving a bright light to a single cell.

"Mina?!" Fabian called as he pushed against the dark magic, feeling the burning intensifying. The spell Barrick had left to protect his prisoners was strong. He wouldn't last too long in the dungeons in his current state but he knew he had to try.

"Fabian?" Mina called as she jumped off her cot and rushed to the bars of the cell window. She curled her fingers around the cool metal and pressed her face against them. She could see Fabian descending the stairs, glowing a bright green with each step he took. "I'm here! I'm here!"

Fabian cursed under his breath as he pressed forward. The pain was quickly becoming unbearable. Had the Negaverse given him his dark powers, the energy would've only given him strength not pain. Fabian only had his strength and a useless sword to fight against Barrick's dark energy. He hoped it would be enough. "Mina, I'm here... I'm coming." Fabian said as he stumbled forward, gritting his teeth.

"Fabian..." Mina whispered as she saw him struggling. She felt her stomach drop as she saw his charred armor and his burned and bleeding shoulders. She could see his jaw clenched tightly as he stumbled forward, pressing against a the dark force field that until it was hit couldn't be seen, only felt.

"I'm getting you out." Fabian said as he finally reached the cell. Beads of sweat were visible across his forehead as he stumbled with the lock of the cell. He took the sword he stole from the guard earlier and used the hilt to bash the lock several times before it popped open. The cell door swung open as he fell to his knees, overcome with pain.

"Nephrite! Help me!" Mina urged as she rushed out of the cell and fell to her knees beside him.

Fabian was panting now, his chest heaving painfully with each breath he took. "Mina, get out of here." Fabian said as Nephrite rushed out and pushed Mina out of the way. He took Fabian under the arms, pulling him to his feet that were too weak to support him. "The others can't hold Barrick back forever, you need... you need to leave."

"The armor must weight forty pounds." Nephrite grumbled as he dragged Fabian down the length of the dungeon hall, pulling him back to the stairs he had just left. He moved slowly, dragging him up each step with a grunt. "He's too heavy."

"No." Mina said firmly as she rushed beside him, taking Fabian's clammy hand into her own. "I'm not leaving you."

"You don't have a choice." A voice said from behind Nephrite.

Nephrite spun around just in time to receive a swift hit to his jaw that sent him tumbling down the stairs he had just ascended.

Mina's head snapped up to see Idra, clad in a gown of black silk with a dangerously high slit that revealed one slender leg. Her long white blond hair was loose, hanging in ringlets just above her thin waist. Her silver staff, illuminated with dark energy, spun dangerously in her hands as her gaze fell on Mina. She gave her a cruel smile as she slowly descended the stairs to the landing where Mina sat with Fabian.

"Idra!" Mina yelled as she grabbed a barely conscious Fabian to keep him from rolling down after Nephrite. "Get out of our way!"

"The boss wants you to stay down here. I can't let you leave." Idra said simply as she twirled her silver staff in her hands. She pointed the tip at the open cell door as her eyes narrowed. "Go back inside and your prince lives."

Mina instinctively reached into the top of her dress for her transformation pen only to feel nothing. She didn't have it. Though Serenity had returned her pen to her, it was somewhere on Venus. She was powerless against Idra's dark magic with none of her own. "I'm not going back there." Mina said firmly as she rose to her feet. "You'll have to kill me first."

"Not the answer I was looking for." Idra replied as she swung her staff towards Mina's head.

Mina ducked just in time, falling to the rough stone steps harder than anticipated. The fall caused her to gasp as she rolled onto her back just in time to feel the staff come crashing down to her stomach. She grunted as the air was forced out of her lungs. She curled into a ball, coughing as pain wrapped around her torso. She braced herself for another blow as she heard the staff whip through the air again, but this time the sound stopped as a loud clang ripped through the air. Mina lifted her head to see Fabian on his knees, pale as death and covered in blood, holding his sword up against Idra's staff, blocking her from attacking again.

"You have some fight in you." Idra smiled as she pressed her weight against the staff. "You should've come with me the first time I asked, we could've been allies. We could've watched this galaxy crumble together. Now you get to watch your friends die from behind a locked cage while you remain powerless to do anything to save them."

Fabian's teeth clenched as his weakening arms struggled to keep his sword up. "You're not going to hurt her." He said through gritted teeth. "I'll die first."

Idra's smile grew as she lifted her staff and kicked Fabian's sword from his weakening grasp. It fell from his fingers, sliding down the steps behind him. She emitted a laugh as she swung her staff, bringing it down to his chest but was stopped as her staff clanged against another.

"Back off Idra." Rhea said as her staff caught her sister's. "That's my prince you're threatening."

"Rhea." Idra muttered, annoyed as she withdrew her staff. "I was wondering when you'd show up."

"Funny, I was under the impression you were dead." Rhea commented as she stood before Fabian, shielding him from the reach of her sister's staff. "And you went to Fabian without even coming to see me?" Her voice was pained as her dark eyes searched her sister's. "So much for family first."

Mina slowly got to her feet, keeping her eyes on Idra as she went to Fabian's side. She helped him to his feet as his breathing, already labored, only grew more ragged. He leaned on her as Nephrite joined them silently. A gash was just below his hairline, dripping blood onto his shirt though he didn't seem to notice. He held Fabian's stolen sword in his shaking hands.

"You don't need to be involved in this." Idra whispered as her hard gaze slowly softened. "We parted ways long ago. You made your choices just as I made mine."

"Barrick will kill you." Rhea warned as she brought her staff down to her side. "He is only using you, don't you see? He's dangerous."

"I know who he is." Idra replied dismissively. "Don't you think Nikko has flaws? What about Fabian? You're here fighting someone else's battle same as me."

"That's different." Rhea replied as her voice fell to an almost whisper. "I've been with Nikko and Fabian since I was a girl. They're like family. They have protected me as I have protected them. Don't think Barrick will ever sacrifice himself for you. I know the type of man he is. He's a coward. If it comes down to it, he'll abandon you to die."

"Then I suppose we will just have to disagree." Idra replied icily as she drew her staff back before her. "I can't let you pass, not with them. They're staying."

"Don't make me do this Idra." Rhea pleaded as she felt her eyes begin to sting. She held her staff up, just inches from her sister's. The two staffs were nearly identical, having been forged together when the two were just girls. That was the only similarity between the two sisters. Idra's soft eyes and white blond hair was a stark difference to Rhea's dark eyes and auburn hair. They locked eyes for a moment, neither of them speaking until almost at the same moment, their staffs collided, sending both of them flying into a furious struggle that sent them rolling down the stairs.

"MOVE!" Nephrite urged Mina and Fabian as the two girls got to their feet and charged again. He reached down and grabbed Fabian under the arms again, lifting him up as Mina gathered her long skirts in her hands and raced up the stairs. Together they got Fabian to the top, leaving the sound of metal hitting metal fading behind them.

"What about Rhea?" Mina asked as they reached the top and kicked the door open. The hallway was deserted though dozens of bodies littered the floor, all dressed in the rich green uniform of Jupiter's royal guard. It appeared Rhea had fought her way downstairs, killing everyone in her path.

"She can handle herself." Fabian muttered as his feet stumbled along, struggling to support his weight. His knees wobbled dangerously as his vision grew cloudier. "Idra is her fight."

"We need to get out of here." Nephrite insisted as he wrapped one of Fabian's arms around his shoulders and partially supported him as they walked. Mina took his other arm, wrapping it around her slender shoulders and supported his other side, hopefully alleviating much of the weight on his already exhausted legs.

"This way!" Femi shouted as she appeared at the end of the hallway. Her dress was caked with blood and covered with tears. Her blond hair was falling from the braid, sticking out on all ends and sticking to the sides of her sweaty face. Her hands turned purple again, this time significantly lighter than before as she touched the empty wall by the stairs. A portal opened, using what little magic she had left. Her energy dipped dangerously low as the portal sputtered several times before forming. It danced just along the wall, showing lush green forests and the rich red roses of Earth. "Hurry! Barrick is coming!" Femi urged.

Mina and Nephrite put all their energy into their tiring legs as they pulled Fabian down the hall. Nephrite pushed him through the portal and jumped through himself leaving Mina with Femi. Mina could hear shouts coming down the hall as a fresh group of guards rushed towards them.

"Come on!" She urged Femi who merely looked at her sadly, shaking her head.

"I can't leave Nikko." Femi whispered as she glanced back up the stairs she had just left. "He's up there still. Rhea too, we stick together as we always have."

"You have to save yourself." Mina protested as she shook her head, feeling her adrenaline starting to wear off. "Come with me."

"Go, be with Fabian. Don't worry about me or Nikko or Rhea. We saved our prince. We saved you and Nephrite. Our mission is complete." Femi whispered as tears filled her eyes. "Fabian must live, he's the best of us. He's got a good heart, better then Nikko's, better than Rheas and better than mine. Take care of him." She then pushed Mina forward, sending her flying backwards through the portal.

Mina screamed as she saw an arrow rip through Femi's shoulder followed by another and another. The portal shrank and shrank as Femi fell to her knees giving Mina one last sad smile as the portal closed.