At the moment Undertows ship was out of the sky, my legs gave out. I sat on the ground trying to process what had happened. I had lost just about everything. My friends fought my battle, and were now captured by the enemy. I was the only one left. The only thing that kept me going was Derek and Melody. I wiped the tears out of my face.
No, I'm not going to cry about this. I need to think of a plan to get my friends back home safely. I stood up from the ground and looked into the starry night. Don't worry girls I'll get you back. I promise.
"Come on Ariana, its not safe here. We need to get out of here." Derek scanned the scene to make sure no one saw him transform back. He then led Mel and I back to his apartment. None of us said anything, since we were still processing what had just happened. On the elevator ride up Melody slipped something heavy in my hand, but didn't look at me. I knew she had handed back the locket. I grabbed her hand and gave her a little squeeze.
Ever since Derek opened the door to his apartment, Melody hadn't spoken a word. Not a single peep. She walked into the living room a bit disoriented as well. She sat on the carpet with Max. She looked like she was in deep thought. I plopped down on the couch and began to brainstorm ideas with Sebastian and Flounder who had shown up at his apartment before we arrived. Derek was unsure of what to do, so he went into the kitchen to make us some tea.
"What if we disguise ourselves as Melody?" Flounder suggested.
I shook my head. "Undertow wouldn't fall for it." I quickly rejected his plan. I sat back on the couch and tried to drown out his and Sebastians chatter.
"I'm going to get some air." Melody finally spoke up when Derek arrived with the mugs. She stood up from the ground and walked over to the balcony, with Max following behind . She opened the sliding door and stepped out into the breeze.
Derek placed the mugs on the table. "I'll talk to her, make sure she doesn't run off again." He said noticing my worried expression. I didn't want her out by herself, especially with Undertow still out there. He followed her outside, leaving the door open.
As Sebastian and Flounder continued to scheme up a plan, I approached the door and listened to their conversation.
"So you're really Tuxedo Mask?" I heard her ask him. I peeked out a bit.
"Yeah I am. Is that ok with you Mel?" He smiled warmly.
She nodded. "I like you being Tuxedo Mask. But I really don't know what I think about Ariana being Sailor Sea. She never really acts like her at home."
My heart sank when I heard the words leave her mouth. She might have found out the true identity of the Scouts, Tuxedo mask and I, but she was still unimpressed with who I really am. I guess I must have been a disappointment to her too. She must of thought someone more clever, more agile, more... heroic to be Sailor Sea, and clearly I didn't fit that description.
"Melody, Ariana is Sailor Sea, and she really cares about you. So much. The reason she doesn't act like her at home is because she doesn't want to give away any clues of her secret identity." Derek tried defending me. She didn't say anything. She mulled his words in her head. He saw that she wasn't going to respond so he continued. "Have you given Ariana her locket back? It's very important."
She gave him another nod. Her little hand reached under her shirt and pulled out a key. It was the key she used at the cafe. She looked at it intensely, as if she was trying to find a flaw. "I wonder why my Time Key didn't work?" She held her necklace up to show it to Derek.
He ran his thumb over it. "If it worked, would you be home right now with the Sparkling Sea Diamond?" Melody gave him an astonished look. "Mel you mean a lot to both Ariana and I, and I think there shouldn't be any more secrets between us." He kneeled down so that they could be eye to eye. "What were you going to do with the Sparkling Sea Diamond once you were back in the future?" He asked her kindly.
"My- my" She stuttered. " My mommy's in danger, and I need the Sea Diamond to save her."
Derek looked like he was thinking of the right words to say next. "What happened to you and your mother back in the future?"
She balled her hands into small fists, and began to tear up. "I don't remember that well. I just remember a scary man snuck up behind me, and the Sailor Scouts saved me. My daddy ordered them to take me somewhere safe. I don't know what happened after that."
Derek didn't need to say any consolation. He put his arms around Melody's small body, and tried to comfort her. He rubbed her back, as she continued to cry on his shoulder.
I turned away from the window. This was something private, and it didn't feel right eavesdropping. I walked back to the couch. I took the locket out and stared at it for a few minutes. Why did I leave this hanging around the house? If I had it on me at all times, like I'm suppose to, none of this would have happened. Bella, Jade, Briar Rose, and Mags would be at their house asleep, like normal girls.
"I don't know what to do" I said outloud.
"Ariana?" Flounder looked at me with his blue eyes.
"I'm being faced with a decision of saving my four best friends, or saving that little thief who got us into this mess." I was over the whole crying thing now, I was angry. Not only at Melody but at myself for not being responsible enough to keep this bloody locket safe.
"Ariana!" Sebastian snapped. "You know you can't abandon Melody. You can't mean it!"
I brought my hand to my forehead to try to stop my aching head. " I just don't know what to do." I whispered. " Melody will never see me as Sailor Sea. She runs away from me, she eats my snacks, she hogs my bed." I began to list. "But a part of me wants to protect her. I just want to shield her from all the dangers of this world."
Both Sebastian and Flounder gave me consoling faces. "You're choice is hard." Sebastian spoke. "But I know you'll do the right thing."
I grabbed the cup of tea that Derek set on the table. I took a sip, and realized that he hadn't put any sugar in it. I decided that I was not going to be able to think straight without some sugar in my body, and these two mumbling out some ridiculous plan was not helping my headache.
I grabbed my tea and stood up from the couch. "I'm going to go sweeten this, and drink it in the kitchen. I don't want to disturb you." I told them
"Ok" They said in unison, and went back to formulating a plan.
I walked into the kitchen, and looked for some sugar. I poured two spoonfuls, and stirred the tea. I took a sip. Mmmm better. I walked towards the window, and looked out into the city. I watched the cars driving down the narrow streets. The lights twinkling off of the buildings. I could even the sea the ocean from here.
What am I going to do? I thought to myself. I didn't want to turn in Melody, but I didn't want to lose my friends. We've gone through so much together. What would they do if it was me? I wondered. I pushed my hair back, thinking of a way to get out of this mess. I stood there thinking, wondering what could be done.
There's just no other way. I must go alone. That was the only plan that I could see working for everyone's favor. Melody would be out of the hands of Undertow, and I knew the scouts and Derek would protect her if I didn't make it. I'll just bring the Sparkling Sea Diamond with me, maybe that will be enough for Undertow. There is no way I'm going to put Melody in any more danger.
I looked at my clock and realized I had 20 minutes left. I peeked my head out of the kitchen and saw Derek and Melody still on the balcony. He pointed a few constellations out for her. Sebastian and Flounder were still talking amongst themselves. It was the perfect escape. The door was right next to the kitchen.
I left my mug in the sink, and tiptoed over to the door. I looked over to the people I love inside. I'm sorry, but I need to do this alone. Its better this way. I opened the door really quietly. Thank god it didn't squeak. I left it open just so no one could hear it when I shut it. I walked quickly out of the apartment and made my way to the elevator. I have 5 minutes top before they realize I snuck out.
I dashed out of the building and into an alley to transform. I held my locket into the air. "Sea Diamond Power!" Wings appeared on my body and enclosed around me, leaving pink ribbons behind. They ribbons formed my sailor uniform. My gloves and red boots followed right after. I felt the warmth on my forehead as the tiara appeared. My white barrett's held my hair back, and in that moment I knew I was ready to go.
I ran as fast as I could into the street and made my way to the fountain. I had 10 minutes left, and there was no chance of me changing my mind. This plan was set in stone and I was going to go through with it. I would always risk my life for those I love. Hold on you guys, I won't let you down this time. I promise you.
I had a block left, until I was at the same location from where Undertow gave me his instructions. The lights from the light post dimmed, and then went out. Each light bulb popped, making me jump. I scanned my surrounding, expecting Undertow to pop out unexpectedly. Undertows ship descended from the dark sky. I halted where I stood.
His laugh snaked through the night. "Right on time Sailor Sea." He paused. " Melody."
I looked up confused, and then I realized I was not alone. I turned around, Melody stood a few feet behind me. Her eyes were focused on the ship. "Melody!" I exclaimed in anger. "What are you doing here? You shouldn't be here it's too dangerous." She must have snuck out as well, but how did she reach me so fast?
She narrowed her eyes at me. "I'm coming with you." she took a step closer. "It's my fault the scouts are in the mess that they're in. I'm going to help get them back."
"Help?" I said astonished. "The only way you're going to help is by giving Undertow just what he wants." Her face was determined, she wasn't going to stand down. She's quite stubborn, kinda like me.
Before Mel could say anything, the anti-gravity beam grabbed the both of us and started pulling us both into the ship. I began to panic. Melody was not apart of my plan. She's going to be on the ship with me. The ship that Undertow now controls. I might not be able to protect her.
"Ariana!" Melody yelled out in fear. She was floating below me trying to grab my hand. I pushed myself to interlock fingers with her, but I was hit in the head by a chunk sidewalk that was swept up by the beam. The last thing I saw was Derek on the ground yelling in agony, before I closed my eyes and blacked out.
I felt a sharp kick on my left side that jolted me awake. As I gasped for air, my eyes immediately opened, and what I saw were dark gray boots in front of my face. Undertow. I sprung to my legs, ready for a fight. The side of my head was pounding from the hit I received. My ribs felt bruised from where he kicked me. I looked around the room for Melody, who was right beside me clutching onto her ball. I pushed her behind me, shielding her from him. I wasn't sure how long I was knocked out for, but I'm grateful that he hadn't done any harm to little Melody.
Undertow circled around me like a shark. "I must say Sailor Sea. I didn't think you would play nice, much less cooperate."
"Who say's I'm cooperating?" I never lost contact with those dull lifeless eyes of his.
"Well let's see, you brought both the kid" he moved his head to get a look at Melody. " And the diamond." He moved his gaze to my locket.
"I could be setting a trap, and luring you in." I gave him a suggestion.
He gave me a wicked grin. "You don't look like a very strategic kind of person Sailor Sea. That's more of Sailor Blossoms area of expertise. You strike me more as a... failure."
I knew he was trying to push my buttons. He wanted me to engage in a fight that he thought I was not ready for. Oh did he have it coming. I turned around to face Mel. I crunched down beside her. "I need you to get somewhere safe. Please listen to me. Even if it is just this once." I pleaded with her.
She must have felt the serious tone I tried to convey. "Ok." and she ran off to hide behind a platform in the center of the room, that held an orb similar to the one Zenon used. Could that be his power source? Is that what's controlling his ship?
Undertow never saw where she hid, for he kept his eyes on me. "Don't worry Melody, I'll come fetch you once I'm done with this damsel in distress." he shouted so she could hear him.
I blew the bangs out of my face. "I don't know how things are in the future, but here, the girl is no longer a damsel. She fights for herself." I walked closer to Undertow until we were face to face. I felt the triton in my hand, and took my chance. "SEA TRIDENT ELIMINATION!" I yelled.
The beam of energy surprised Undertow that it blew him a few meters away. He stood up against my beam, and with a flick of his hand, my tridents glow died out.
What? This can't be!
Undertow brushed off some dust from his clothes, and wiped the blood from the corner of his lip. "Don't you get it Sailor Sea, you're in my turf now." He snapped his fingers and I felt my body grow heavy. A heavy force was pushing me down. I fell to the floor hard.
"What's going on?" I wheezed, as it got a bit harder to breathe.
"Oh you mean my new toy?" He asked pointing to the orb in the center. "Its my super gravity device. Allow me to demonstrate how it works in reverse." He raised his arm, and I felt my body being lifted into the air. My back hit a column, and pushed me towards the window. I saw stars and the night sky, but I also saw...
"That's Earth!" I exclaimed, figuring out that we were in outer space.
"Oh yes, it looks much better in the future I can reassure you."
"Not if I can stop it." I yelled.
"What? Are you going to stop me?" He taunted. "And how will you do that? Seeing as you are currently by yourself. No one can save you here."
"I will never be alone! My friends will always be with me!" My gaze was caught by Melody who was running up the stairs that headed towards the orb. As she approached the top, she was pushed back by some force. In the wake of the moment her beam of light went off.
Undertow turned around to see the commotion behind him. "Oh princess Melody." He shook his head in disappointment. "There is no point in trying to escape or getting the orb. It's surrounded by an invisible force field. Try to get out, and you'll feel the consequences."
Melody didn't seem to believe him. She grabbed her ball and threw it towards the orb. A strike of negative energy flew towards it, and gave it a shock. She moved back, trying to get away from it.
"Melody don't move!" I screamed seeing what would happen if she touched the force field.
Undertow faced me. He snapped his fingers once more. My body slammed against the marble floor beneath me. I felt the weight of the world on top of me again. I tried to stand up, but I couldn't. The gravity in the room was pushing down hard on me. I closed my eyes and began to focus. You can do this Ariana. I moaned out in pain as I tried to move. I shaped my arms into 90 degree angles and began to push up. My legs slowly began to fight the feeling of the heaviness. I began to stand up against Undertows gravity beam.
"You're a coward." I said, balancing my weight. "And a monster." I tried straightening my posture. "You'll never get away with this."
He looked at me in bewilderment. He furrowed his eyebrows, not believing what he was seeing. "How can this be? You're standing up, even with the maximum capacity."
"When there are people I love in danger...I will always fight. I stand for Love and Justice." I wheezed out a bit.
Undertow crossed his arms. "Guess I highly underestimated you huh Sailor Sea. But I don't think you want to defy me." He laughed.
"Try me." I challenged him, finally finding my footing, and relaxing.
"Fine, I'll hit you with everything I've got."
I took out my trident, ready for the fight. "SEA TRIDENT ACTIVATION!"
He summoned a wave of negative electricity and pointed it towards myself. The pink light hit his attack halfway. It felt like a game of tug of war. I kept trying to push my positive energy toward the trident. There were instances where my power would make its way closer to Undertow, but he kept fighting back. I was momentarily distracted by Melody approaching the orb. The force field didn't electrocute her since Undertow was a bit busy at the moment.
Melody wrapped her fingers around the orb and picked it up from the pedestal. She threw it on the ground, and began to stomp on it.
Undertows face contorted when he realized that Melody had taken out his power source. I gave one last push onto my glowing trident, and the pink light pushed him away. I heard something crash behind us, it sounded like a glass. The sound of heels clicking on the floor, grabbed my attention. In front of my stood the Sailor Scouts. The must have been trapped.
"Sailor Sea!" They yelled in unison as they saw me. I let out a sigh of relief, knowing that they were safe.
We heard Undertow chuckle. "You better enjoy this last reunion. This ship is programmed to self destruct, taking all of you pesky Sailor Scouts with it."
Melody ran towards us, startled by the news. Jade held her hand. "What about you?" she asked him, her face full of anger.
"Undertow you're a coward, you wouldn't go down with this ship." Bella retorted.
"Knowing that all of you are with me will be the greatest honor that can be bestowed upon me." He lifted his arm, and fire shot up from the ground. The room grew hotter and hotter by the second.
"We don't have much time, we need to get out of here before the ship blows up." Jade inspected the ship.
"But where are we suppose to go?" Briar looked around and saw no exits.
"Teleportation!" we all said as the idea popped into our heads.
"Will you think it'll work? Sailor Sea has used up so much energy, and now we have an extra person." Jade remarked.
I placed a hand on Jade's shoulder reassuring her, and gave her a quick nod. "I can do this. Don't worry about me."
"If we use all the energy we have I know we can make it home again. It's our only choice." Mags spoke.
"Alright then lets do it." I encouraged. I looked at Melody. "Are you in Mel?"
She smiled. "You bet I am."
The girls and I formed a circle around Melody, and held hands. We began to focus on Marina. A warm feeling surrounded us as we gathered up all our energy for our journey back home.
When I felt the hot sensation growing stronger I yelled out "Sea Diamond Power!"
"Blossom Star Power!"
"Mystique Star Power!"
"Beauty Star Power!"
"Rose Star Power!"
"SAILOR TELEPORT!" we shouted out in unison
An immense force pushed us away from the ship and towards Earth. We held on to each other tighter, not wanting to let go in mid movement, especially since we were in space. After a few seconds I felt my shoes touch the ground. I opened my eyes. We were in Marina again. The fountain was a few feet away from us. We let go of each others hands.
"We made it!" Sailor Beauty shouted in glee.
A flash of white light appeared in the sky, and vanished.
"Was that..." Melody began.
"Undertows ship. Yeah." Sailor Rose finished her sentence. "You don't need to worry about him anymore." She reassure her.
Melody smiled brightly. "Thank you, all of you. I am sorry for getting you captured."
We all crouched down to level with her.
"We're Sailor Scouts, we risk our lives to save people." Mags reassured her.
"That's what we're trained for." Briar continued.
"ARIANA! MELODY!" I heard a familiar voice yell. Derek came running towards us with Sebastian and Flounder in his arm. He placed them on the ground and grabbed Mel and I and pulled us into a hug. He let out a sigh of relief. "Don't you ever do that again!" He placed his hands behind our heads. "I was so scared that I had lost you both."
"You can't get rid of us so easily." I placed a kiss on his cheek.
Derek let go of us, and looked over at the Sailor Scouts. "I'm so glad you girls are alright."
"All because of Ariana, she was the one who saved us from Undertow. If she hadn't, well we would have been space particles." Jade placed her arm around me.
I placed my head on Jade's shoulder. "I like you being nice to me." Everyone laughed.
I walked over to Melody and grabbed her hand. "Come on, lets go home."
Hey guys, thank so much for continuing to read this story, it really means a lot.
That being said, I must go on hiatus since school has started up again. I will definitely try to keep updating as often as I can, but do not be upset when I can't.
I am not near finished with this story, so you can expect more. I also apologize for that crappy ending, but I promise I'll get my mojo back. Be good you hooligans!