A New Hope

Chapter sixteen: Trapped

It was dark and cold where Rika was. She shivered violently as she searched for away out. A low rumbling laugh could be heard.

"They deserted you" A voice said. "Your friends deserted you"

"No" Rika said shakily. "They'll come for me"

"Really? How long have you been here?" The voice asked hauntingly. Rika blinked. She couldn't remember. The voice laughed harshly. "You've been here for years, haven't you" Rika shook her head.

"No! Stop lying to me!" She shouted.

Rika.

Rika heard a softer voice inside her head. A glow surrounded her and she felt the warmth of the light. She looked up and saw a girl, not much older than she. The girl wore her hair in the traditional odangos, but it was platinum, like hers. Standing next to her was a boy, about 10 years old. Red eyes and white hair.

"Who are you?" Rika asked.

I am your sister Serenity and this is your brother Tranquility.

"Are you dead too?" Rika asked, fearing the answer.

yes. Diamond took Tranquilty first, then he made me watch as he killed mother, than he tortured and killed me. I know grandmother told you about Father. Diamond wanted him to suffer the most by living a life alone. Even though he is in the dreamworld, he is trapped and cannot visit the dreams of people. He is in a nightmare. You musn't let Diamond win. You must free father.

"How?" Rika asked. "How do I save him? How do I defeat Diamond?"

You'll know what to do. Tranquility said. We believe in you. They vanished, and Rika was once more plunged into darkness. The voice once again kept trying to convince her that her friends had abondoned her, but she refused to listen and continued to search for a way out.

"Silver crystal, please help me find my way out of this wretched place" The crystal shone brightly in the darkness, leading Rika to a door. Rika opened the door and found herself in the Palace dungeons. "Diamond is going to pay. Moon Prism Power, Make-up" She transformed into Sailor Moon and made her way through the castle. She found Diamond in the throne room.

"Your time has expired Diamond" She declared. Diamond appeared shocked that she had escaped the darkness. "Release my father!"

Jupiter, Mercury, Venus and Mars were nearing the throne room when they heard Rika's voice.

"I said, Release my father" Sailor Moon demanded.

"He's dead" Diamond said flatly. Moon glared at him.

"Don't lie to me" She snapped. "I know you trapped him in the dream world. I am giving you one more chance, release him" Instead of answer Diamond shot her with a ball of energy. Moon was getting angry. "Release him now!!!" She screamed. As she shouted, the crystal's light shone around her. When the light was gone, her outfit was different. Her skirt was made of silk and was a lighter pink as was her bow. Her boots were white with crystal heels. A tiara sat upon her head and there was a gleam in her eye. The ancient sword of Queen Serenity the first appeared in her hands.

"Rika" Jupiter breathed, the scouts having entered the room. Rika pointed the sword at Diamond.

"I will not ask again" She said harshly. "Release him" Diamond drew his own sword.

"Never" He declared. The two fought feriously, while the scouts fought off Diamond's minions. Rika appeared to be an excellent swords woman, even though she had never picked up a sword before. Rika drove Diamond back, slashing at him left and right. Finally, when he was getting tired, she used one of her attacks. Diamond screamed in pain as he was destroyed before thier very eyes. The minions vanished.

"You did it Rika" Jupiter said, running over to her. Rika sighed.

"But where is my father?" She asked.