The next few days seemed to fly by for Serena so quickly that if someone told her they had not happened at all, she would have easily believed them, if it weren't for the huge mountain of homework that was consistently piling up on her desk, no matter how many times she tried to reduce its size.
On the plus side she found that lessons on magic spells were in fact every little girls' dream come true as a lot of the subjects were a great deal easier than those on Earth and a lot more interesting too. She was even scraping an average on some of her weaker points (botany and electromagic) since Flora and Tecna were more than happy to help her.
However at the end of each day, as well as not having any time to find out more about the ever elusive enchantix, she always found that her energy had been drained from constantly exercising her powers, something she had previously never been able to do unless she transformed.
Therefore every night when she could finally flop facedown onto her bed, she found herself floating through a dreamless sleep, where there was no Queen Serenity in sight to give her a helping hand.
One particular morning she didn't even hear her alarm clock, so Luna had taken it upon herself to substitute.
"Serena," She began warningly, deciding to use the calm approach at first.
"Sorry Miss H, I couldn't do my homework 'cause I was tryna find fairy wings," Said girl was mumbling sleepily. "And then I got kidnapped by Firebenders,"
"Serena wake up!" Luna prodded her shoulder impatiently.
"But don' worry Avatar Aang and the Gaang came in and kicked their butts," Serena continued, still stuck in the alternate universe. "And then we all went flyin on his sky bison and that wascool cause I still hadn't gotten my fairy wings and…"
"SERENA!" Luna shrieked, right in her ear.
"AAAAGH! LUNA! I'LL MOONBEND THE CRAP OUT OF YOU!" The young Senshi sprung out of bed and into action and proceeded to chase the offending animal around the room. This only lasted a few seconds because she then realized she had lost her energy already and dissolved into a pink shapeless mass on her mattress.
"Damn it Luna!" She growled, trudging into the ensuite bathroom. "Why do you feel the need to do that? You know how I feel about you disrespecting my sleep patterns!"
"I've just given you a warm up," The cat remarked. "Because from what I've heard, you've got a rhythmic dance workshop this morning!"
"Rhythmic dance?" Serena groaned, slumping over the sink. "Is this school just inventing ways to humiliate me in front of everyone?" Then her eyes narrowed. "Wait Luna, how do you know all this?"
"I've been up for a couple of hours," Luna replied matter-of-factly. "Your new friends have been getting ready outside!"
"Guess I gotta go looking good then!" Serena sighed as she laid out several possible candidates of clothing before eventually selecting a sleeveless white turtleneck t-shirt with a large printed picture of Avatar Aang flying on his orange glider, along with some fluffy white wrist bands with the symbol of the air nomads on them (she was hoping that the spirits of the airbenders would make her feel light as a feather). She also picked out a pair of sparkly silver leggings and some powder pink legwarmers that matched the ballet pumps on her feet. As for her hair she kept her usual "odangos" but decided to plait the long bunches instead of leaving them loose, fastening the ends with cloudlike scrunchies.
When she came out into the bedroom she found the group lounging comfortably around the room, except for Stella who was furiously brushing her hair by the desk. The other five were intently watching some breaking news on the plasma TV.
"The surprise invitation-only wedding between King Radius and Countess Cassandra will take place in the royal palace of Solaria tomorrow afternoon." A news reporter was stating. "King Radius made the surprise announcement that armed guards will be in place to prevent the unwanted attendance from any undesirable persons."
"I knew he'd fall under that shrew's spell again!" Stella exclaimed angrily, finally turning around.
"Stella maybe he didn't and this is all part of a plan?" Bloom suggested from her position on the Solarian princess's bed.
"No that crown-robbing, fashion-challenged, third-rate countess has spelled him again! Just look at that woman, just look at her! A purple ball gown in the fall? Yeuk!" She almost flung her hairbrush at the screen as the others suppressed a giggle.
"Ugh news flash Cassandra you don't look like a queen you look like a game-show hostess!"
I have so got to stop the ceremony! You girls will help me! You will, won't you?"
"What's going on?" They all turned to face Serena when she finally spoke.
"We think Stella's father could be in danger," Bloom told her. "Before we went back to school a countess called Cassandra spelled him into marrying her and making her daughter princess instead of Stella."
"Ohhh, wait does that mean they're in league with Valtor?" Serena suddenly found herself piecing things together.
"Of course, they would never be this powerful otherwise!" Bloom answered, although her tone seemed somewhat confused, as if she hadn't thought of that before and had only just figured it out.
"It also means that Baltor could have control over Solaria's magic," Layla added.
"Well we've got to have come up with a plan by today or it'll be too late!" Flora said anxiously.
"Fortunately I've been receiving inside scoops from a freshman since the beginning of term," Stella informed everyone. "We'll get the latest low-down after first class!"
"I don't know about you girls but I am totally ready to strut my stuff!" Musa leapt up from her seat, twirling around in her dance outfit.
"Totally!" Layla agreed as the group exited the bedroom, Flora and Tecna slightly behind the others. Serena however was right at the end of the queue, an expression of joyless dread and a matching sweatdrop plastered over her face.
"May the Avatar help me!" She thought with gritted teeth as the door closed behind her.
000
Darcy was bored. Even though she knew she should probably make the most of the rare moments of peace bestowed upon her, she just couldn't get over the strangeness of the previous events that had passed by in barely a week.
Ever since Baltor had obtained solid proof of the Silver Crystal's existence, he had locked himself in what he had named his "office", supposedly trying to find a spell that would pinpoint the exact location. Upon hearing this news Stormy had immediately rushed off to practice fighting with a pair of golden fans that she had claimed came from a place called "Kyoshi Island" and Icy had gone to inhale what must have been her fifth packet of aspirin.
Speaking of which, the latter seemed to be doing an awful lot of that these days. Darcy herself hadn't been feeling in top form for a while, in fact she was sure that all three of them had been under the weather but it seemed to be affecting Icy the most. Even the vast tones of ice cream she had been consuming to celebrate the mission hadn't lifted her mood in the slightest. Who knew, maybe it was just her time of the month.
Letting out a huge sigh the dark witch leant against the cold stone wall to stare up at the stalactites on the ceiling as she tried to make sense of the symptoms. Why the hell was she feeling this depressed now? It wasn't like she had any reason to feel any worse than she usually did, what with the fact that she was having to "work for" yet again a dark wizard who wanted to take over the world, and not only that, but also the fact that she and her sisters would have to sit on the sidelines when their original goal was to be rulers themselves. Just where did it go wrong?
Scratch that - when was the last time she had felt genuinely happy? For so long now they had been focused on trying to catch that damned dragon fire, even though there was all that crap about "never fully draining magic from its source". But nooo, they had to keep going back for more because according to Icy "If we have the dragon fire we will rule the universe!" Jeez, if Icy wanted it so badly, why couldn't she just take Baltor's? His was a dark version too, so it would be even easier for them to handle!
It was then that Darcy came to a conclusion that would probably influence the parts of her life yet to come.
"Who cares about the dragon fire anymore?"
Everything seemed to click into place; she'd somehow had an inkling that the quest for power from the almighty flame had becoming more meaningless with each planet on which they received a criminal record. And man, did they have a stack of criminal records. She was sure they'd become some of the hugest delinquents Magix had to offer. And all for just one measly flame that happened to come from a dragon.
Not only that, ever since the appearance of that mysterious girl who called herself "Sailor Moon," Baltor had become convinced that the dragon fire wasn't even the most powerful source of magic in the magix dimension anymore. After all they'd been through, all they'd done, would it really be worth it?
"Aaaak!" She suddenly convulsed over in agony as she was struck by a blinding headache that seemed to fill her entire skull with pure pain.
"How dare you forget your duty!" A raspy voice shrieked in her ears. "Is this what you were created for, to neglect the desires and lifelong wishes of your coven?"
"No," Her lips formed the word but she could hear no sound come out. "That's not-"
"Why should I listen to you? You and your sisters have continuously proven to be weak, stupid little girls, meant to fulfill one purpose but not one of you can manage even that! You don't even deserve your name if you can't live up to it! I can't even think of one good reason why I should keep you alive right now!"
"Please," She could feel herself visibly shaking as she buried her face in the palm of her gloved hands, desperately trying to block out the threats, wishing she could run away and hide from this vicious entity. "I'm sorr- I'll try,"
"Hmm," The voice took an awful long time to consider. "I suppose that'll have to do, for now. But let's answer this, shall we? Are you going to be a good little girl and carry out your life's mission?"
"Yes," She grit her teeth, hating the feel of that weak little word.
"Very well," As the voice faded, so did the owner's control of her being and Darcy fell, headfirst onto the cold, hard ground.
"Ugh," Wincing at the feel of the moist stone on her face, she tried to get up as quick as she could, groggily shaking her head. Looking all over she could see and feel that she had worked up a cold sweat and her bangs hung in slimy yellow strands over her cheeks.
"Darcy."
"Huh?" She whipped her head up hurriedly to see Baltor standing in front of her with the Agador box in his arms. His pale eyes showed obvious disgust through the blank mask of his face, as if he was being merciful by not voicing his opinion as it was one she clearly wouldn't want to hear.
"You and your sisters have a job to do for me in Solaria tomorrow." He informed her coldly. "You'll be infiltrating the palace so clean yourself up."
And just like that he strode away, back into the shadows, leaving Darcy to follow the orders, just like she usually did.
000
As they journeyed out into the grounds Serena couldn't help but still be confused. Just what were the winx planning to do? From what she had seen, they could change outfits at the drop of a hat, and there was a whole class devoted to shapeshifting that was taught by the eccentric professor Wizgiz. Surely they could just conjure up some disguises? As for herself she had her disguise pen so she definitely did not have a problem in that department. She was hoping she wouldn't have to do anything too strenuous, her ankles were still recovering after her "rhythmic dance moves".
"Nova!" Stella's yell penetrated her thoughts as she saw the Solarian wave at a girl with pale orange hair and dark green eyes, who had up till recently been peacefully reading a library book on the grass.
"Stella? Hi!" The girl looked up, slightly startled but then gave a friendly smile in Serena's direction. "Who's your new friend?"
"Oh this is Serena, she just joined here," Stella said hastily, gesturing at the blonde before getting back to her point. "So what have you heard about my Dad's wedding?"
At this Nova gave a small smirk as if she could tell what the princess was trying to plan. "I've heard that security's going to be ultra mega tight."
"Nova's parents have high ranking positions in Solaria's court." Bloom explained to Serena while Kiko dozed in her arms. "She's been giving Stella information on what's going on in there, since countess Cassandra spelled her father into banishing her." The blonde nodded quietly as Luna, who was draped around her shoulders like a fur scarf, opened one eye.
"I know that already, I need to know the details of what's being planned at the palace!" Stella was saying somewhat impatiently.
At this Nova stood up so that she could talk to the girls without craning her neck. "Okay, fine! It's going to be a huge private party. Word is, it's gonna be circus themed with exotic animals, clowns and that sort of thing!"
"Hold up, did you just say circus?" Serena held her hands up in disbelief. "You've gotta be kidding me! Clowns? Circus colors? That's the most un-wedding like combo I can think of! My da- cousin's best friends used to work in a circus, and believe me when I say they didn't do weddings!"
"Well there'll also be fire-jugglers, dancers and a famous flying biker act!" Nova continued.
"Flying bikers at a wedding? Now I know Cassandra re-spelled my dad!" Stella snorted.
"Wait, you mean they exist?" This was all too much for Serena to take. " As in flying motorcycles? As in motorcycles that fly? Ooh I gotta tell Amara about this!"
"Who's Amara?" Flora asked.
"Friend from Japan." The Moon princess answered.
"Back to the subject!" Stella told them sharply. "What's our plan gonna be?"
"I know!" Layla exclaimed. "We'll sneak in disguised as the dancers!"
"My dau- cousin's friends could get us some outfits!" Serena added.
"I don't think we could pull that off." Stella remarked. "No offense to Tecna, but her left foot doesn't even know where her right foot is half the time!"
"What about jugglers?" Bloom asked. "We can make Kiko part of the act!" At this she threw the surprised bunny into the air. However as soon as she caught him he promptly fell asleep again. Luna snuggled more into the crook of Serena's neck to make it clear she wasn't going anywhere.
"They're going to be juggling fire!"
"But you two wouldn't have a problem with that disguise, I mean your powers are fire," Serena told Bloom before turning to Stella. "And if your powers are from the sun then that's kinda the same thing!"
"But with all the hairspray that's going to be at that wedding that's a disaster waiting to happen!"
Nova snapped her fingers. "Then that leaves the flying bikers. Your boyfriends can give you lessons!"
"Or… seeing as no one from your realm knows or has met me before, I can get into the party and find a way to sneak you all in for you to do your thing." Serena suggested.
They all looked at her for a few moments with thoughtful expressions, as if they were actually considering her idea.
"But if we pretend to be the flying bikers, we'll get to see the boys!" Stella was first to break that silence.
The other winx girls quickly nodded in agreement and Tecna whipped out her hi-tech magix mobile to call the specialists.
"Oh well, I tried." Serena shrugged. She took off her pink leather satchel off her shoulder so she could pull out one of the colourful comic books she had stashed inside earlier.
"Serena, shouldn't we be making a start on researching enchantix?" Luna raised her eyebrows. "Cosmos knows, you need all the power you can take, now it turns out an evil wizard could be after you, maybe we need to regroup the sailor scouts!"
"Uh uh Luna! The girls are not gonna be involved with this!" Serena shook her head firmly. "I will not have them get hurt for me anymore, and as long as he doesn't know about them they'll be safe! And don't worry, I'll make sure Voltron's gonna get a good dose of moondust!"
Just as she finished speaking a huge gust of wind hurtled past her as a huge red ship hovered over the ground before parking right in front of the six fairies behind her.
"Hey what gives?" She exclaimed angrily, smoothing her skirt back down.
Turning around she could see her new fairy friends deep in conversation with their boyfriends. It seemed like they were doing ok on their own and frankly, seeing them all together made her miss Darien. If she was going to act like the mature responsible student she had become, it was best not to think about such things.
"Well good luck with that one girls! I'll see you when I see you!" Serena gave a little wave before going over to a nearby bench to finally read her comic book.
"Wait, aren't you gonna join us?" Musa asked, confused. "Don't you wanna learn how to ride a bike?"
"Oh I tried once!" Serena said indignantly.
Flashback
Serena is sitting on Darien's motorcycle wearing a bright pink helmet that matches her elbow and kneepads. Darien, Raye, Amara and Michelle are standing on the side looking uneasy.
Darien: For the last time, are you sure you want to do this?
Serena: Are you kidding me? I was born ready! Get set to hand over those comic books when I'm done Raye!
Michelle (looking towards the girl in question in disbelief): She's doing this, because of a BET?
Raye(sighs): I didn't think she was actually gonna do it!
Amara (shakes her head): This is not going to end well.
(Back to Serena, who flexes her fingers determinedly on the handlebars)
Serena: Alright! Let's do this! 3…2…1… Go-BWAAAAAHHH!
(The motorcycle has just fallen over on its side, trapping her underneath)
Everyone: SERENA!
(Amara and Michelle facepalm while Darien and Raye have to pull her out from under the bike)
Serena (groan): Next time I'll just stick to the backseat!
End flashback
"It didn't end well." She scowled.
"Come on Serena it's a great idea!" Bloom pleaded. "It'll totally work and it'll be fun!"
"Tecna downloaded a video of the real act," Sky announced before gesturing to the fairy in question. "Roll it Tec!"
Tecna promptly opened her device to show the projection of a group of motorcyclists performing various gymnastic stunts while their bikes hovered in mid-air.
"We're gonna have to do that?!" Stella exclaimed as she watched a demonstration of a particularly difficult somersault.
"It'll be awesome!" Layla remarked excitedly, then her expression turned serious. "But we only have one day to learn!"
"Still not too late to switch to plan Serena!" The other blonde in the group said in a singsong voice, briefly looking up from her comic book. Stella couldn't help throwing a hesitant glance in her direction, as if she had changed her mind. However the odds were still ten against one.
"You'll only have to learn to ride well enough to fool the guards, you won't actually have to do any tricks." Sky explained.
"Sky's right Stell, we just have to get through the palace gates in order to stop the wedding!" Bloom added.
"This'll be the best non-wedding ever!" Musa exclaimed eagerly.
"Fine I'm in!" Stella sighed in pouting defeat before cracking a cunning smile. "But only if you promise to find us some really fab uniforms!"
Rolling her eyes with a huge groan that no one seemed to notice, Serena decided to quit the scene. It was clear no one was going to listen to her suggestion and she had a feeling she wouldn't really be needed in the plan. Which was just as well because she had some investigating of her own to be getting on with, like trying to find a loophole for the enchantix transformation.
"Sooo, Luna you've had a chance to explore this place, do you have any leads for where we can get some serious info?" She whispered Luna as she opened to door to the main building.
"It would definitely be a good idea to try the library," Her guardian informed her. "There are millions of books on every subject in the magical dimension! Or so I've heard the librarian tell the professors!"
"Great job!" Serena beamed. "I'm sure we'll find something useful before the day's up!"
three hours later
"OH MY SERENITY THERE'S NOTHING USEFUL IN HERE!" Serena exclaimed in immense frustration, flapping her arms up and down to prove her point.
"Serena keep your voice down!" Luna hissed from inside the satchel, gesturing in the direction of a few fairies, who were trying to study and sending her dirty looks.
However she in turn was rewarded with the queen of glares from the Lunarian herself that clearly meant, "say one more thing and we're going to the mitten factory!" To be fair the girl had been pushed to a fair bit of extremes, she'd already been bitten by two of the most aggressive books, had accidentally knocked over a huge pile of organized scrolls and had discovered some quite disturbing facts from a book entitled "Supernatural substances."
"Found anything?" She grumpily decided to ask.
Luna shook her head. "I'm afraid I've had no luck either, but we've got to keep trying!" At another exhausted look from her princess her tone softened. "Ok how about we call it a day, hm? Odds are we have to find a lead sometime! But you do need your energy!"
"Uh huh." Serena nodded. "You'd think there'd be more information on something you have to achieve in this school!" She grumbled as they started to stroll down the corridor.
Whoosh!
Suddenly a flash of green and orange light whizzed past her and round the corner, leaving a glittery trail of magic behind it.
"Huh? What was that?" Serena turned around, startled. She decided to run after it, Luna hot on her heels.
Skidding past the corner she was surprised to see Glim playing with some sort of winged seahorse.
" 'Rena!" The little pixie squeaked happily, flittering over to her with the creature following.
"Is that a flying seahorse?" Luna blinked twice while turning slowly her head 90 degrees.
"I've learnt not to question these things anymore," Serena told her in a suspiciously up-beat manner as she twirled around with her bonded pixie.
"So who's your little friend?" Serena bent down to get a closer look at the creature.
"Fortune fly! Fortune fly!"
"A fortune fly?" Serena excitedly looked it in the eye. "Ooh does that mean you'll tell my fortune?"
The seahorse merely winked and proceeded to fly away at top speed, although the amber glitter remained.
"Follow! Follow!" Glim impatiently tugged on one of Serena's pigtails, gesturing her to pursue it.
"Ok." She shrugged, deciding to go along, what could she lose from doing so?
After a few minutes they reached what looked like a dead end.
"Okay where'd it go?" She looked to Glim for an answer. The pixie flew over to a mirror on the wall and pointed at it.
"Look!" Luna padded over. "There's a doorway in this mirror!"
"Yeah but there's no door here!" Serena was getting slightly irritated. "See? No doo-argh!"
She had tried to lean against the "wall" to prove her point but had actually opened the invisible door and had fallen into the room behind it. Luna and Glim entered behind her while she regained her balance.
Looking up Serena could see that she was in some kind of library, it was the only explanation for the tall book-filled shelves, which covered most of the walls.
"Whoa, I didn't see a tower in this part of the school outside!" She said quietly, craning her neck at the high ceiling. In the corner of her eye she could see that Glim had flown over to a small levitating service that contained a small armchair and table and a flower shaped lamp.
"Neither did I," Luna had got up and leapt into the girl's open arms. "This must be where they keep the secret archives!"
"Plus, no librarian in sight, no need to keep quiet! Result!" Serena exclaimed loudly, making Luna roll her eyes.
Suddenly a beam of blue light swirled down from the ceiling and hovered in front of them. When it arrived they saw it was another pixie in light blue robes and tiny round glasses. Her yellow hairstyle reminded Serena of Princess Leia.
"Sorry I'm not doing any psychic readings today, you'll have to come back later!" She remarked.
Luna blinked at her for a few seconds, before Serena had a sudden burst of realization.
"Are you Concordia?" She asked.
The pixie seemed slightly surprised. "Why indeed, I am, who told you about me? I've never met you before!"
"Ninfea of pixie village." Serena said, not missing a beat. "She said you could help me if I needed it, which coincidentally I do, by the way," She laughed nervously.
"Hmm, maybe I will do your reading, you have an extremely strong karmic energy coming from you," Her large eyes widened slightly as she looked at her. "Perhaps the strongest I've ever seen!"
"Huh?" Serena exchanged a glance with Luna as Concordia summoned her furniture, Glim following it to join the others. "Is that a good sign?" She enquired warily, watching the psychic pixie sit down.
"Oh yes, absolutely! It shows you are surrounded by loyal friends!"
"You got that right!" Serena smiled.
"This is most extraordinary! Not only do I see eight strong friendship lights around you, I also see six more trying to form!" Concordia continued, fascinated.
"Hmm, well I know that the eight can be one for each of the girls," Serena felt truly happy that not only her trusted inner Senshi, but also the outer Senshi would stick by her forever. "Hey, does that mean those winx girls really want to be my friends too?"
"That, I can easily believe," Concordia told her. "I've met those girls, they're some of the finest fairies Alfea has produced! But what I've said doesn't even begin to cover the others I've seen, it seems that you are interlinked with so many lives, and they all converge around you!"
Luna nodded her head in agreement, it was true, if there was one thing the Moon Princess was good at, it was making friends.
"Uh oh," Concordia's expression became that of concern.
"What uh oh?" Serena jumped closer, not liking the ominous tone this conversation was taking.
"Sorry dear, I see great peril! I see a dark wizard after you, and you must achieve a new power before it is too late, the universe depends on it!"
"What? Oh yeah yeah, I knew that already," Serena waved it off in a way that was too casual for Luna's liking. "But what would be really useful to me is how I get that power!" She looked hopefully at the psychic pixie.
"Ah yes, the enchantix, the transformation that can be earned by saving someone from your own realm… Oh my! I'm afraid it will be rather difficult for you!" Concordia exclaimed. Seeing the girl's pained look she tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Unless…"
"TELL ME!" Serena shouted in a loud commanding voice. Luna looked up at her with a very disturbed expression. The psychic pixie merely acted as if it had not just happened and continued dramatically.
"I see that you have already discovered your solution, something happened to you in your past that changed your life, something that should not be possible to anyone! You must re-connect with that, and not just for your gain, you are the key to saving the universe!"
With that, the small woman sunk back on her armchair, exhausted. "I'm afraid that's all I can say for now." She sighed.
Serena stared at her in a blank silence for a few moments. She was about to say, "Is that it?" But decided against doing so, as she wasn't sure how much more mystery she could take.
"Well, thanks a lot! Ooh would ya look at the time, is that an owl? Well I've really gotta get going now so… see you around!" She giggled nervously and backed out of the door, almost bumping into a neatly piled stack of books on her way out, making them wobble precariously. Luna followed swiftly through the opening, leaving the pixies alone with the pets.
"Well that was… interesting." Luna diplomatically remarked as soon as they were out of earshot.
"Are you kidding me?" Serena exclaimed. "It was more pointless than that fight with that mentally confused Youma at the new years party!"
flashback
Sailor Moon is in a battle stance, ready to fight a youma that looks like a Minnie mouse reject. The creature calmly walks up to her, carrying a large black bomb and places it into the surprised Senshi's hands. The fuse is slowly burning up.
Youma: "Could you hold this for me?"
It then walks away.
Sailor Moon stands frozen to the spot for a few seconds, watching the time count down to her imminent death.
Youma (suddenly comes back): "Thanks." It takes the bomb back and leaves.
End flashback.
"Events from our past, things that shouldn't be possible," Luna was recalling. "She could have meant one of our adventures with the Sailor Scouts, it sounds like there should be a connection but I can't think what!"
"How about me finding out I was Sailor Moon?" Serena said sarcastically. "You think I should go save myself?"
"Be serious about this," The cat chided. "For all we know it could even lead back to the Silver Millenium!"
"Yeah, well let's call it a day, we can brainstorm more tomorrow when I'm feeling more awake." Serena let out a huge yawn before turning to look at the pinky orange glow of the sunset through the corridor window.
"Isn't it beautiful?" She smiled, feeling the golden glow of the setting sun. Luna miaowed in agreement beside her.
"But I thought you two were gonna break up anyway!"
"Huh?" Serena looked to the side to see Layla walking alongside a visibly irritated Musa.
"We were!" The fairy of music retorted. "I was… I mean, I was gonna tell him and all, but, I like him! I just wish he would treat me differently," She looked down sadly.
"Hey girls!" Serena took this moment to join in the conversation. "How'd the flying bike riding go?
"It was great!" Layla answered enthusiastically. "It was so much fun, I don't even think we needed the guys there!"
"I certainly didn't!" Musa said bitterly.
"Is this about your boyfriend?" Serena asked knowingly.
"Her and Riven have been on/off for a few years now," Layla explained. "Personally I think she's making the right call dumping him!"
"Oh really?" Serena's eyes narrowed.
"Well I mean we were getting kinda close last year when he sacrificed his existence to save me from Lord Darkar, but this year-"
"Whoa whoa whoa," Serena interrupted, raising both her hands. "He sacrificed his LIFE, his ENTIRE EXISTENCE, just for you?"
"Well yeah," Musa looked uncomfortable. "But-"
"No buts!" Serena exclaimed angrily. "This sounds like a guy who really likes you and who'd do anything for you! And you just wanna THROW IT ALL AWAY LIKE THAT?" She snapped her fingers sharply.
"I wouldn't be so sure on that one," Musa muttered. "He never appreciates me for who I am and he never wants to talk about feelings!"
"I hate to break it to ya Musa but guys aren't always uncomfortable with expressing their feelings 24/7," Serena said frankly. "And the point is, nothing's stopping you from being together, you can see each other whenever you want! Others would kill to be in that position! You should be making the most of it, not pushing each other away! You don't know the real meaning of relationship problems…" A tear fell down her cheek as she paused for a minute to re-repress painful memories. Upon feeling it, she hurriedly wiped it away and smiled back.
"Now if you don't mind I'm off to find survivors to save!"
With that she strode off down the corridor, leaving the two girls in silence.
"Well that felt good!" She remarked happily to Luna. "I was finally able to implant some of my worldly wisdom on random civilians!"
000
The next day Serena awoke at the crack of 8:30 AM to see her roommate, already fully dressed, chatting animatedly to a hologram on her advanced magix mobile.
"So we'll all meet down by the forest in half an hour?" She was saying. "Great! We'll practice solo while you do your shopping list! Bye Snookums!" She blew a kiss at the screen. "Wait, you know my size, don't you?"
"Yeah I got it," The Brandon-image sighed, as if they had gone over this many times before. "Small?"
"EXTRA EXTRA SMALL DAMMIT!" Stella exploded before reverting back to sunshine and smiles.
"Well see ya there!" She trilled and terminated the connection.
"Stella?" Serena rubbed one of her eyes. "What are you doing?"
"Oh Serena you're already up!" Stella was bouncing up and down around the room. "Well after we go over our newfound skills as flying bikers, we're finally gonna save my dad!"
"That's great!" Serena smiled. "Good luck with that!"
"Thanks!" The Solarian beamed before going over to the dressing table to brush her hair. "Just think, after today I'll be the rightful princess of the Sun and Moon!"
"HAAA?" Firecrackers exploded in Serena's skull at what she had just heard. "How can this be?" She fumed inwardly. "Moon power's mine!"
"Wait, Stella, could I ask something?" Outwardly she put on her most wide-eyed innocent look.
"Yeah?" The other blonde didn't turn away from the mirror.
"You know how you just said you were the princess of the sun and Moon? Erm how does that work exactly?"
"Well I got my moon powers from my mother, Queen Luna," Stella told her airily.
"But how come she has lunar powers? Because all the lunarians were wiped out after the destruction of the moon kingdom!" Serena persisted.
"The moon kingdom?" At this Stella turned around, looking slightly suspicious. "We haven't started learning about that in class yet! I only heard about it from one of the palace advisors when I was 9!"
"I've-er- been reading up since I got here." This wasn't a complete lie, Serena had been reading up, but not on information she had already known before.
Fortunately Stella did not probe any further as she was too absorbed in her own agenda. "Well apparently my mother is only one with surviving lunarian DNA, supposedly it was passed down through her family, which is why she's so high up in Solaria. Even though my parents have separated now she still has some control in ruling the realm. Strange, I haven't heard from her in a while now…"
"Will she be at the wedding?" Serena enquired, looking thoughtful.
Stella snorted. "I doubt it, I didn't see her last time I was there, oh no! Maybe that no good Countess has captured her!" She clasped her hairbrush dramatically. "We've definitely gotta pull our plan off if that's the case! Well, I've gotta get going now! See you later!"
She rapidly dashed out of the dormitory, slamming the door behind her. Serena kicked Luna, who had been up to this point, curled up peacefully on the duvet.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking Luna?" She asked determinedly.
"I think so," The cat still somewhat looked indignant at being rudely awakened but nodded in agreement.
"I've gotta get into that party."
000
After spending the morning preparing, both undercover Sailor Scout and cat companion found themselves behind a wall outside the palace gates in a matter of seconds, courtesy of the teleport on her communicator.
"Whoa, talk about top level security," Serena was checking out the impressive amount of garishly dressed guards, surrounding the area. "At least you can see them coming, they don't exactly blend in to the shadows!"
"Are you ready for this?" Luna whispered.
"I was born ready," Serena answered, producing her disguise pen.
"DISGUISE POWER! Turn me into a glamorous leading lady of society!"
After the pink smoke subsided Serena could see that she was now wearing the same outfit she had worn in one of her earlier missions, the one where she had first danced with Tuexdo Mask.
"This sure brings back memories," She sighed wistfully, twirling around.
"Keep it together!" Luna hissed, snapping her out of it. "You're here to save Queen Luna and earn the Enchantix!"
"About that, don't you find it weird when people have the same name as you?" Serena couldn't help asking as they approached the entrance, even though Luna couldn't really answer because they were in full view of the soldiers.
"Excuse me sir, but I am Countess Lady Selenity, you will find me on the guest list." She remarked succinctly, striding past the gate, not caring to stick around while they checked the records to find she was bluffing.
"Wow, that was impressive," Luna noted.
"Yeah, well you might wanna get out of sight if I'm gonna keep this up," Serena whispered. "I'm not sure how great this place is with animals!"
"Alright, if you need me, contact me through the communicator," Luna told her before scampering out of sight behind one of the gazebos. Serena decided to take a few moments to look around, so that she could get her bearings.
"Hmm, if I were a queen," She thought, "I'd choose to hang out… in the palace!"
At that brainstorm she promptly hitched up her skirt and delicately climbed the steps in her soft satin shoes.
Just as she was about to enter the grand building she caught sight of six motorcycles pulling up in front of a poncy looking announcer who was wearing a monocle.
"Those must be Stella and the others!" She said to herself. "I don't think the party's started yet, so they should be able to make it, now back to my business!"
After closing the door behind her, she found herself alone in the huge empty hall.
"Helloo?" She asked cautiously, cringing at the rather loud echo her voice left behind. "Anybody home?"
As if on cue a young woman came hurrying into the hall, her blonde hair tied up in a long plait. She was wearing a maid's uniform that brought out her jade-coloured eyes.
"Excuse me, miss? If you're looking to attend the wedding, it's outside in the main tent, the post party will take place in the royal gardens afterwards," She said politely but rapidly as she took a deep bow.
"Oh, it's ok, that's not what I came for!" Serena sweatdropped, not used to being addressed like this. "I actually came to see the Queen!"
"The Queen-to-be Cassandra? Solaria's new queen is also outside, preparing for the ceremony."
"Oh no no no! I meant Queen Luna! Is she around?"
At her words the maid gave a visible gasp before giving an obviously rehearsed answer. "She is no longer the Queen of Solaria, after the ceremony she will be exiled to the island of Esteros."
"Huh?" "Maybe this is my test!" Serena thought. "Well challenge accepted!"
"Oh well then it's all the more important that I go see her, I guess!" She said resolutely. "Do you know where I could find her?"
"Are you a friend of Queen Luna?" The maid asked curiously.
"Weell, let's just say we might go way back!" Serena laughed nervously.
"Very well," The maid bowed again. "I will take you to her, miss…"
"Oh just call me Serena!" The moon princess was not one for formalities.
"So what's your name then?" She tried to start a conversation as the servant girl led her up the spacious staircase.
"My name? Oh, it's Fiona." Her company said shyly, as if she wasn't used to attention.
"And you work here?" Serena was staring at the various portraits and ornaments that decorated the area. "Man this must take forever to clean!"
"I've had this job ever since I left Alfea. I was one of Princess Stella's lady's maids, now Chimera is the princess." Fiona explained quietly.
"Chimera? That sounds like the name of a monster I fought once!" Serena thought. Instead of voicing this opinion aloud she chose to ask another question. "What's it like? Do they treat you ok?"
Fiona bit her lip. "It's not my place to say, Miss Serena."
"I told you, just Serena's fine! And it's just me here, no one else's gonna know, I promise!"
"Well." The servant girl took a deep breath. "This was a happy place while Luna was the Queen and Stella was the princess. But ever since Countess Cassandra came into power, she took total control of the realm. People have been living in misery ever since! Unless someone stops the wedding…"
"Now I know for a fact that you don't have to worry about that one Fiona!" Serena gave her a reassuring smile. "I believe the real princess is crashing the system as we speak! Just like the time me and my friends trolled one of our nastiest enemies!"
flashback
The Sailor Scouts are standing against a wall, staring with apparent fear at Kaorinite who is standing opposite them, one hand pointing a gun at them, the other held out like she wants something from them.
Kaorinite: Come on Sailor Moon, hand that file over and I might let you and your little friends live, this time!
Sailor Moon exchanges a glance of defeat with each of her friends, who all give small nods.
Sailor Moon: (sighs sadly) Then I guess we have no choice, here, take the file!
She hands it over without another word. Kaorinite looks triumphant.
Kaorinite: Now let's see if it works! (She inserts the disc into the large computer behind her)
However, instead of showing the top-secret information the trololo music video comes on.
Trollface: trolololololololo hohohohoho!
Kaorinite's left eyelid spasms as the Sailor Scouts sneak away, stifling their giggles.
End flashback
"You certainly are unique for a noblewoman miss Serena!" Fiona couldn't help smiling. "We're here." She announced gesturing to the blue door they had arrived at.
"Your majesty?" She tentatively opened the door and poked her head inside. "You have a visitor, she says she's been searching for you."
"Come in." A soft feminine voice said from the other side.
"I must go now," Fiona gave a small curtsey. "I have more duties to attend to."
"Thanks for the help, it was nice meeting you!" Serena called in the direction of her retreating form before entering one of the many drawing rooms in the palace. At the far end she could see a woman in a light blue gown looking out of the window, who upon hearing her, turned around.
"Huh?" For a moment Serena was slightly taken aback by the crescent moon mark on her forehead the same color as her gown, but then relaxed slightly, at least it confirmed who she was looking for.
"Erm, excuse me your Majesty, are you Queen Luna?" She asked gingerly.
"Why yes I am, or at least I was," The Queen said somewhat sadly. "But who are you? I haven't had any visitors for months, even the people I knew haven't come to see me, it's like they never knew I existed."
"Oh," Serena looked sad for a moment. "But you've got me now! Anyway pleased to meet you your majesty, my name is Serena!" She curtseyed without (fortunately) falling on her face. "And I'm here to bust you out of where you're being held captive!"
"What are you talking about?" Queen Luna looked confused. "It's true I've remained in the palace for most of this time, but I still have the same freedom I've always had, I could still come and go as I please, I only choose not to for the sake of not stirring up trouble!"
"You mean you're not in any danger?" Serena repeated, bewildered.
"Not any danger I know of."
"…Oh." "Dammit!" She yelled in her soul room. "Just how much danger is someone supposed to be in to save them anyway? Oh well, maybe I can find out more about survivors from the Moon Kingdom!"
"Well that's good to know!" She gave a big cheesy grin. "Because, erm, you might have valuable information that could be key to protecting the Universe!"
"What kind of information?" Queen Luna looked wary.
"Well you see, one of my huge passions is doing research about the Moon Kingdom, I love all the legends, about the princess and her court, and the Lunarian civilization, I also recently found out I might- just might- have ancestry from Lunarians!" For the first time in her life Serena really hoped she didn't sound too knowledgeable about something. "And I heard that you might be one of the last Lunarians, it'd just be so cool to meet someone else who knows about the Silver Millenium!"
However her cheerful expression faltered as Queen Luna turned grave. "Then I'm sorry, I'm afraid I cannot help you with that, as it would be impossible to find anyone in the Magical Dimension with Lunarian DNA. I myself only contain the slightest amount of Lunarian in my blood, because my family is one of the longest running families in Magix, until now I have not known anyone else to possess any connection to the Silver Millenium, especially seeing as how it hinges on being a real place or just a story. Although…"
She went over to the bookcase and after searching the shelves for a moment, pulled out a white leather book that was smaller than the rest, and came over to hand it to the confused girl in her company.
"When I was your age I too was fascinated in Lunarian magic, this book taught me all about using the moon's spiritual energy and channeling it to your will, apparently the author claims these methods were in fact used by the Lunarians themselves." She smiled at Serena. "I think you should have it, it seems learning about Moon power is very important to you, and this should be of great use to you."
"Huh? Erm thanks a lot your majesty, but why are you giving this to me?" Serena asked, bewildered. "You just met me today!"
"I can see that you came here today to try to help me when you thought I was being mistreated." The Queen told her. "And I can sense that you have a mission of utmost importance and are determined to carry it out and help those around you. One of the things I've learnt from this book is to be able to read people by sensing their energy."
"Well thank you so much! You have no idea how much this means to me!" Serena could hardly contain her joy.
Queen Luna smiled. "You are most welcome. Though I can see from the window that Radius' wedding has broken into an all-out war, so I suggest you leave now if you do not want to be caught in the crossfire." She gestured to the sparks of magic that were being rapidly shot into the sky like fireworks in daylight.
"Oh, ok! Well, I hope I'll see you again soon! I know I've said this before but once again you have no idea how much you just helped me, and the universe too!" Serena gushed as she exited the room. She gave one final wave before she shut the door behind her.
000
"Alright! Finally some kind of lead!" Serena cheered, looking at the book in her hands while moving down the corridor as quickly as her outfit would let her.
"Now all I have to do is get Luna and then we should be good to go! Although I hope Stella and the others have that wedding crashing handled, it sure looked like the guards weren't going down without a fight…"
"Where are you taking me?"
The noise at the end of the corridor made Serena flatten herself against the nearest wall so that she could see the King of Solaria being dragged up the staircase by the woman she could easily identify as Countess Cassandra.
"Oh no that's Stella's father!" She gasped. "Maybe I should go get help…"
However she was saved from making any further decisions as the hostage and captor were instantly followed by Stella in her full Enchantix battle gear.
"Somehow I don't think it'd be right for me to interfere," She murmured knowingly. "This looks like her fight. I shouldn't even be here myself, it was only…"
Whoosh!
Suddenly another flurry of movement from the other end of the corridor caught her ear and she turned around just in time to glimpse three familiar colours- blue, red and purple.
"Oh man," She moaned. "Why am I getting a strange sense of déjà whatsit?"
flashback
Serena is patrolling the Magix museum dressed in a sexy leather cat suit and her red ninja balaclava while the mission impossible theme music plays. She stops to apply some bright red lipstick.
Suddenly she sees three more reflections in her compact mirror and turns around to see the Trix who all look like wrinkly old hags.
Serena smiles and pulls out an AK-47.
Serena: Are you ready to dance witch?
end flashback
"It looks like no one else knows they're here, I'm gonna have to go stop them!" She said, starting to race down the hall in their direction.
000
"So why are we here again when Baltor's already drained this place?" Stormy uttered for what must have been the fifteenth time as she and her sisters landed right outside Solaria's library.
"Because apparently he missed a spot which just so happens to be the key to finding his precious crystal!" Darcy sniped back. "Even if we don't know what it looks like!" She tried to mutter to herself but Icy heard her.
"We know it's white, what else do you need, a logo?" She said sharply, opening the door and letting the other two in.
"Ooh let's have a lookie here!" Stormy had already made her way over to the nearest shelf. "Hmm, Sunny dayz- the magical way to brighten your day, Sun spots, Hot spots, haven't these people heard of decent weather?" She exclaimed in frustration, flinging each book she skimmed through onto a pile.
"Do you at least know what it's called?" Darcy tried to start a more specific search.
"It's bound to have the words 'moon' or 'crystal' or 'lunar power' on the front cover, how hard can that be to find?" Icy shrugged, pushing back another huge manuscript.
"What are you doing here?"
The startled exclamation made them look up to see Queen Luna standing in the doorway, a light blue ball of magic hovering in each hands.
"Looking for the Lunar magic book, could you tell us where it is?" Darcy said sarcastically.
However they were all put out by the Queen's strange smile of defiance. "Even if I did have it, I would never hand it over to you!"
"What do you mean you don't have it?!" The Ice witch was losing her temper, though Queen Luna remained undeterred.
"I mean the book is no longer in my hands, it belongs to someone else now, someone who I know will handle it better than you and Baltor ever could!"
"Well? Where is it?" Icy snapped.
"Yeah, where is it?" Stormy added.
For a brief moment it looked like they were going to attack. Queen Luna braced herself, the spheres in her palms growing slightly.
"Stop right there witches!"
"Huh? Who's there?" The three of them looked around, confused, Darcy doing so with slightly less enthusiasm.
"Your worst nightmare that's who! For I am Eternal Sailor Moon!" The mysterious masked warrior announced confidentially, appearing from behind a pillar and striking her trademark pose.
Queen Luna stood frozen to her place. "Sailor Moon," She whispered.
"That girl!" Icy seethed, she remembered the first time they had met.
"I fight for love and justice in the name of the Moon! Normally I'm the good cop but seeing as my dear friends aren't here…" Sailor Moon pointed at them. "On behalf of the moon you're going down!"
"I doubt that!" Stormy snorted, magenta lightning crackling between her fingers. "Electric sparks!" She tried to grab the girl to give her an electric shock but Sailor Moon skipped neatly out of the way.
"Damn it!" The witch of lightning was becoming increasingly more annoyed with every blast of magic she threw, and the Sailor Scout missed. After deflecting one of the attacks and sending the sender flying backwards, she made it over to the Solarian royal.
"Quick your majesty!" She hissed urgently. "You have to get somewhere safe!"
"But-"
"It's ok." Behind the mask the Queen saw a blue eye wink. "I'll take it from here."
"…Right," With that, Queen Luna picked up her skirts and left the room in a hurry.
"Over here loser!" Icy yelled, clearly wanting a rematch. "It's payback time! Icicle barrage!"
"Payback for what?" Sailor Moon enquired innocently after deflecting the ice crystals. "You mean when I threw a pizza at you?"
"Grrr!" If she wanted to antagonize the ice witch she was certainly doing a splendid job of it.
"C'MON SAILOR TRASH WE'RE TAKING THIS OUTSIDE!" With these words Icy blasted a hole in one of the glass windows and zoomed right through it with her sisters, most likely to start inflicting torment on the people outside to provoke her opponent.
"How am I supposed to get up there?" Sailor Moon panicked. "I can't even fly!"
It was only now she noticed the huge white pair of wings on the back on her fuku.
"Maybe now's the time to see if these work or not!" She thought determinedly, they had to, for the sake of this kingdom and the many lives at stake. She ran up towards the high window and, when close enough, jumped up with all her might, willing the wings to flap. She squeezed her eyes shut even when feeling herself pass through the hole and only opened them when she could feel the cool breeze across her face.
Trying to turn around she let out a cry of delight to see that her wings were indeed flapping back and forth like a bird's.
"Wow!" She squealed excitedly. " I wonder why I never used them before? Oh well, I've got a fight to finish!"
She zoomed up to meet the Trix who were all hovering over the garden where the wedding should have taken place.
"Alright witches you got one chance to leave on your own or I send you back to where you came from!" She shouted above the gusts of cold wind that were trying to close in around her, courtesy of Stormy.
"Not without that book!" Icy replied threateningly.
"Then I'm afraid I have no choice." Sailor Moon looked solemn for a moment. Then, summoning her scepter she conjured up various bolts of white light and started firing at the three witches, who in turn retaliated with their own magic.
"THIS. IS. SPARTAAAAA!" Sailor Moon yelled, each power bolt becoming stronger with each battle cry.
From down on the ground the spectators could only look on in fear or hide under the tables to protect themselves. The 5 remaining winx, now all in Enchantix form, had disintegrated their convergence force field now they were no longer being attacked, and they swore they could hear badass battle music playing in the background.
"It's that Sailor Moon girl!" Tecna exclaimed as she recognized the familiar fuku.
"She's fighting the Trix all by herself!" Musa gasped.
"Wow she's strong!" Layla was watching every epic fighting move the Senshi was making, both dodging and deflecting attacks but also sending back strong silver blasts on the end of her scepter.
"Should we go up and help her?" Flora looked worried.
Bloom was just watching silently. While she was always up for getting into a fight with witches, it looked like Sailor Moon was doing too good a job of it by herself, and anyone who tried getting in the way would be on the receiving ends of blast from both sides.
"THIS, HAS GONE," Sailor Moon grit her teeth, deflecting an ice crystal and a dark energy orb at the same time. "FAR. ENOUGH!"
"EVIL WITCHES! BEGONE!" She bellowed, finally pointing her scepter in their direction and firing a final burst of magic that caught the trio full on and sent them hurtling far off into the distance.
Now that Stormy had gone the weather seemed to calm down immediately and Sailor Moon flew down to get closer to her crowd and find her cat.
"Never fear citizens! Your kingdom is safe!" She announced, "For now anyways!"
One by one the dazed members of court burst into applause but the Sailor Scout scarcely noticed, instead scouring the scene around her for Luna, and finding her near the gates.
"Well I'll be off then!" She said quickly, preparing to take off.
"Wait, Sailor Moon!"
"Huh?" She turned around to see it was Bloom who had called out. "Thank you for helping us, but who are you?" The fire fairy asked, desperately wanting an answer.
"Well… that's my special secret! Peace peoples!" With that she zoomed off and jumped behind the palace wall.
"Quick girls! Let's follow her!" Bloom told the others and they fluttered over to the gates but when they flew over the walls they were surprised to see no one there.
"She's gone," Flora said quietly.
However they were soon distracted by the arrival of Stella and King Radius in the main tent along with a tied-up Countess and her daughter.
"You totally did it Stell!" Bloom exclaimed happily, flying over to hug her friend.
"And we're still having the party!" The princess of Solaria told her. Then she saw that some of her friends still held somewhat confused looks.
"What'd I miss?"
000
Meanwhile back at Alfea no one on campus seemed to notice a giant hedgehog appear behind the building.
"Dinsdale." It said suspiciously before disappearing into thin air.
"Man what a day!" Serena collapsed, exhausted onto a green armchair in the dormitory.
"It appears you found something useful though." Luna was eyeing the book in her lap.
"You're right, but we'll make a start on it tomorrow when I'm feeling more up to it." Serena was too tired to argue. "Besides I think I've found someone I could save to get the Enchantix, the Queen with your name who gave me this!"
"Hang on, didn't you save her from the witches earlier?" Luna asked.
"Yeah, why?"
"Surely if she did have strong enough Lunarian DNA you would have transformed then?"
There was a silence in which a piece of tumbleweed blew between them and across the rest of the room. Then…
"DAMMIT!"