A New Hope

Chapter fifteen: Battle preperations

Word got around pretty fast that Prince Diamond has found the last heir of the Serenity blood line and was holding her prisoner. Once word reached Ikuko, she was ready to go face Diamond herself. Galaxia had arrived and calmed her down.

"We need a plan" She said. "It is time that we went to war" Ikuko agreed and they rallied up all of the help they could find. Once everyone was gathered in the secret training room, Luna took charge, as she always did during such times.

"Okay everyone, the hour has come to fight Diamond and regain Crystal Tokyo. We must rescue the princess from harm. I want Sailors Iron Mouse and Lead Crow to lead a diversion and cause some mayhem in the city drawing out the guards away from the palace. Take the Sailor Animamates with you as well as the Ayakashi sisters" Luna instructed. Irene and Cayanne nodded and left with the others, to create the disturbance. "Ok, Sailor Mars, Venus, Mercury and Jupiter need to sneak into the castle and try to rescue Rika. we'll need her to finish Diamond off. The rest of us will storm the castle. Ie everyone ready?" Cheers arose and Luna smiled. It was time for war.

Rika sat alone in her dungeon, wondering what to do. Was Diamond going to kill her to get the crystal back and end the royal line forever? She leaned her head against the cold wall and closed her eyes.

Rika

Rika looked up startled, but saw no one.

"Who's there?" She whispered.

Rika, listen to me.

Rika stood up as a glow surrounded the dungeon cell. Standing before her was a woman clothed in white. She had long flowing pink hair and brilliant red eyes. A crecent moon shone upon her forhead.

"Mother" Rika whispered, tears filling her eyes. The woman looked at her sadly.

Rika, I am so sorry that I couldn't be there to protect you

"It's not your fault" Rika insisted. "Diamond killed you" Serenity smiled slightly.

Yes, I know. Diamond is a ruthless monster that must be stopped. Rika, I have come to warn you, do not allow yourself to be decieved.

"What do you mean?" Rika asked. "Decieved by who?"

Listen to me, when I was younger I was brainwashed to believe that my family and the scouts hated me. I turned against and tried to kill my own mother, before she even had me. Do not turn against your friends. Do not allow Diamond to use you like that. Right now he is preparing to plunge you into the pit of the palace, where darkness will overcome you, devour you and spit you out. If you allow the darkness to consume you, you will become tainted with hate. Promise me that you won't allow this to happen.

"But how can I stop him" Rika asked. Serenity reached out and touched Rika's cheek.

Believe, Rika. remember all the good times you've had, with Rei and the Sailor Scouts. As long as you keep love in your heart, the darkness can't touch you, at all. A shimmering light appeared and Rika's grandmother appeared.

Your mother is right, Rikana. Rei has done a fine job of raising you, and though your mother and I wish we could have been there, the past cannot be undone. All you can do is secure a good future for your children. She leaned forward and whispered in Rika's ear. You're father is alive. He is trapped in the dreamworld, Diamond trapped him there. Save him, if you can.

Before Rika could say anything else, the two ghosts vanished. Rika stood up as her cell door opened. Sapphire entered and grabbed her arm. Rika struggled, but Sapphire led her to the deepest depths of the palace to a large black door. He pulled the door open and shoved her inside. Rika heard a low rumble of laughter as darkness swirled around her.

"Hello!" She called. "Is anyone there"

Diamond was in his throne room when Emerald rushed in.

"There are some people causing a major disturbance downtown" She said breathlessly. "They look like Sailor scouts, but none of the originals" Diamond sighed.

"They might be rioters, giving thier alliance to the princess. Go arrest them and make an example of them to show the people what happens to those who oppose my leadership" He ordered. Emerald nodded and took several of the guards with her. Niether one of them saw the four sailor scouts creeping stealthily above the castle.