Crown Lily jumps and lands in front of me.
"And…and what do I got that you need?" I say, assuming the Andromeda Key.
"Your power," Crown says, "and Omega-Xis. I need both to take the throne of the FM-ians."
"I never knew you to be treacherous, Crown," Omega-Xis says, "or is it the girl talking?"
Crown Lily laughs, and I realize with a start that the girl's voice isn't mixed with another, like Petra's as Taurus Inferno.
"Fool," Crown says, "the FM-ian can't take me over. He merely gave me the power to destroy Aquarius…but not enough. I will rule both Earth and Planet FM as their queen."
"So he is king," I say, "and I'm betting with Geo Stelar's body."
"Of course," Crown says, the ghost-creatures floating around her head like a wreath, "He's not one to waste precious resources."
Crown offers her hand as though expecting a handshake and says, "I want power, you want revenge for Geo's death. We can work together, you and I. I can also help you find Ophiuca, for all she's worth."
"Tell me one thing, Crown," Omega-Xis says.
"Anything," Crown says.
"No, I mean, Crown," Omega-Xis says, "Why'd he murder Lay…I mean, MegaGirl's sibling?"
Crown smirks and says, "No can do, Mega. To tell you why would be to be to tell you our plans for destroying Earth. At least, Aquarius' plan for destroying Earth…if at all."
"You mean you don't know if Aquarius will destroy Earth or not?" I ask.
Crown shrugs and says, "He wants to fight you, Layla, himself. That's all I know."
"Wow, I feel honored," Omega-Xis says sarcastically, "I haven't sparred with Aquarius in a long time. And now he wants to spar with me again?"
"That's why I'm here," Crown says, "He told me not to kill you, but to knock you out and bring you to him. But I won't knock you out if you help me take him down."
"You want to rule over two worlds," I say, "but what if Crown takes you over completely and makes you try to destroy Earth? We'd have to…break our deal."
Crown Lily pouts and says, "My, my, you two are stubborn. I'll just knock you out for what it's worth and simply take you to Aquarius by force."
"So be it," Omega-Xis says, "we need to practice anyway."