Hi Guys, first off I'm so sorry for the wait of this chapter as I've had various things going on. But I'm afraid the next update won't be for a while as I've got a big move ahead of me. To all of you reading I thank you so much for your support and patience, rest assured this story will be completed one day!
How they got past the night hurdle Serena never knew but when she finally awoke from her slumber she found herself staring into a pair of unamused brown eyes.
"Serena wake up!" Luna finally spoke.
The only sign of life Serena made was a non-coherent noise that sounded like a quiet growl as she tried to shift herself, although the attempt was unsuccessful.
"Sorry Luna I think I've been paralyzed." She whispered. Luna merely raised an eyebrow. "Try looking up!"
"Oh," Serena blearily acknowledged a snoring Mina spread out like a starfish right on top of her. "Dammit Mina I'm in a relationship!" She shoved her off. "Owie!" The blonde yelled as she woke up.
"What time is it anyway Luna?" Serena gave a huge yawn.
Luna narrowed her eyes. "It's 1 in the afternoon. Just what time did you two get in last night?"
"Ask her, I was too busy puking to know!" Serena pointed at Mina.
"Hey don't look at me! I was blasting the green bubble thingy to get us in!"
Artemis sighed. "Anyway, I don't know how, but even after your little stunt yesterday Mina, the winx are still keen to make sure Serena doesn't set foot outside Alfea without them!"
"What?! You mean it didn't work?!" Mina exclaimed in disbelief. "The plan was foolproof! Maybe if the Headmistress talks to them it'll kick in…"
"That's not the point! I know it's a great thing that two of the Sailor Scouts are united even if its temporary, but its more important than ever that you don't talk about your powers out in the open!" The white Mau finished.
"What makes you think we will?" Serena said, slightly insulted.
The two cats and Mina looked at Serena's grey pajama t-shirt that read, "I'm the fucking Moon Princess" in bright pink letters.
"I better go change." She sweatdropped.
000
Fortunately Serena had found some plain clothing just in time as the winx hurried into the bedroom.
"Serena where have you been? You didn't come back last night!" Bloom exclaimed going over to her.
"Yeah, about that," Serena rubbed the back of her neck as she giggled. "It got preeetty crazy! Best day and night in a long time though!"
"S'Rina havuseen my…" At that point Mina stumbled out of the bathroom, her mouthful of toothpaste and water and Serena's pink toothbrush clamped between her jaws.
"- Mina you look like your frothing at the mouth." Serena deadpanned, levitating a pink plastic beaker towards her friend.
"Oh, right." Mina bent down and spat the mixture into the cup. Serena finally noticed the Winx staring at her, waiting for an explanation.
"Oh yeah, everyone this is Mina. Mina these are the fairies, get along children." Serena swung her arms as she gestured to the respective sides. Mina was still busy gargling the minty water to reply.
"Cool, I'm Musa!"
"My name's Flora!"
"My name is Layla."
"And I'm Stella!"
"And I'm Bloom!"
Everyone was taken aback as Mina glowered at Bloom. "You," She growled.
"Mina w…" Serena began but was hastily cut off as she tried to restrain Mina from launching herself at the unfortunate fairy.
"Be right back?" She squeaked with a sweatdrop as she hauled Mina into the bathroom.
"Mina chan we talked about this!" She wailed once they were inside the confined space.
"That was yesterday!" Mina shrieked. "And the promise was no Mina&Marik style revenge and Marik's not here!"
Suddenly Serena had just the thing to snap her out of it. "What would he say if he found out you took your revenge already?"
"Yeah, you're right. The big scale plan will have to wait," Serena gave a sigh of relief as Mina's shoulders drooped. "But," She looked up with a wink. "Whose to say I can't pull some little pranks in the meantime?"
"Fine." Serena had long learned to compromise with her. "Ohh," She had to grab the sink to stop herself keeling over as she felt a sickening sensation in her stomach. "Feel icky." She said in a small voice.
"Here!" Mina guided her to the toilet and gently held back her hair as Serena brought out more of yesterday's food.
"Thanks V," Serena smiled gratefully once she was done.
"Don't mention it! After all you helped me out when I…"
"-No Mina." Serena quickly interrupted before they could remember the incident. "That is something we both promised never to mention!"
000
To Mina's disappointment the winx were still there waiting for her in the bedroom.
"S'ok, she doesn't bite anymore," Serena said emotionlessly as she leant against the Venusian for support.
"Serena, are you alright?" Flora had noticed the girl's green pallet.
"Serena has a bit of a hangover." Mina cut in. "She'll walk it off!"
"I still don't get how that works if I didn't drink…" Serena began but Mina shushed her.
Suddenly the doors swung open to reveal a very angry Griselda.
"I hope you're pleased with yourselves girls because your little stunt will cost you dearly! You broke your curfew when you know you're in danger!" She pointed at Serena. "And you!" She rounded in on Mina. "You don't even go to this school! Care to explain yourself?!"
"Gladly! I am one of the most-"
"You two are going to the Headmistress's office right now! I expect to see you there in two minutes!" The teacher turned her back and left the room.
"I was in mid sentence!" Mina shrieked indignantly. "Oh well, best get this over with," She shrugged and started to tow Serena by the sleeve towards the door humming a catchy tune.
"Is she for real?" Musa couldn't help but say as the six fairies stared at her retreating form.
"She's even crazier than Serena!"
"Nice shoes though…" Stella said, twirling a strand of her hair. "I wonder if she'd let me borrow them…"
000
Upon entering the office both Senshi found Faragonda reading some scrolls.
"Oh well if she's busy, she's busy." Mina shrugged and turned to go.
"Not so fast!" Griselda immediately leapt in front of the door, blocking the exit. "As punishment for breaking curfew and vandalizing school property Ms Faragonda will be grounding you and diluting your powers!" She smirked.
"That will not be necessary Griselda! I am sure that they have learned their lesson and I can trust they will not do it again." Faragonda replied, Serena noticed she didn't miss a beat nor did she look up from what she was doing. "You may go girls."
"Well we heard the woman! Better do as she says!" Mina cheerfully lead Serena towards the exit, her grin widening as they passed Griselda.
"But aren't you going to punish then a tiny bit?" They heard Griselda plead as they shut the door behind them.
"Yikes!" Mina almost leapt a foot in the air to find out that the winx had followed them and had been standing outside the office.
"So what was the damage?" Musa asked.
"That there was no damage." Serena replied, still confused by what had just happened.
"Yup! We're free as birds! No criminal records for me in this dimension!" Mina grinned, showing her sharp shiny teeth.
"Wait Ms Faragonda didn't ground you again?" Bloom stared at her in amazement.
"Yeah, that's what I'd like to know." Serena turned to Mina, who merely turned her head to the side with a shifty smile.
Flashback
Mina and Marik are in Faragonda's office waiting for Serena to meet them. They are celebrating their latest prank.
Mina: That was classic! But what if the old lady wants to put the restrictions back on Serena after our visit?
Marik: I already took care of that! If it so happens that Serena does something outrageous, I've put the idea of erasing the house arrest permanently in Faragonda's mind so she won't think of doing it again. You can thank me later.
End flashback
"I'll tell ya later!" Mina whispered to Serena, still grinning at the foolproof plan as she draped an arm around her friend. "Soo you don't have school today, might as well stick around for a bit! Well, I'd stick around even if you did have school…"
"Did you wanna go shopping again?" Serena asked.
"Nah, I feel as if I ticked all those boxes yesterday…" Mina turned to the winx. "What'd you do for fun round here?"
"Well we were going to go to Magix to meet the guys, would you like to come?" Flora offered.
"You know, get new outfits, go to a funky club, the usual!" Stella added.
"Wait," Mina looked suspicious. "You mean you and me in a place full of drinks and noisy music?"
"Uh, yeah." Bloom said.
Mina's sky blue orbs sparkled with excitement. "Then hell yeah we're doing this! It'll be fun won't it Serena?"
Serena looked suspicious. "What's going on Mina? You said you satisfied yourself shopping and partying-wise yesterday!"
"Oh yeah I know nothing could top last night believe you me!" Mina waved it off with a wink. "But today will satisfy my mind-messing skills!"
"Oh boy," Serena rolled her eyes as she followed her friend. Those fairies really didn't know what was coming.
000
Icy was pissed. She had one of her worst headaches and no amount of magical medicine would make it go away. Sighing heavily as she placed a huge block of ice against her forehead her memory wandered back to the events that had passed in the previous week, no matter how many times she tried to stop it. Darcy was gone, and come to think of it she hadn't seen Stormy since the failed attempt to jump the winx at the Red Tower. Hissing angrily she picked up a small ice cube in her free hand and crushed it in her fist. Sure she was the oldest sister, but that didn't mean they were her responsibility! They were independent young women now and they had stressed time and time again that they made their own decisions. So why did she feel this nasty sensation in the pit of her stomach every time she thought about them?
Once the daily nauseous wave had finally passed she decided to stretch her legs. Maybe Baltor did have something good in his spell library that would help them catch that pesky Sailor Moon and intercept the Silver Crystal.
However when she came to the main cave room she stopped in her tracks. Baltor was sitting on what he had designated his "throne" clutching the Agador box. But today his posture was bent, strands of his strawberry blonde hair hung limply over his face and his eyes were squeezed shut, as if he was finding it difficult to breathe. He looked defeated, almost broken; Icy had certainly never seen him like this before. Her curiosity got the best of her and she silently walked into the large space to get a closer look.
"Baltor, why are you sitting there like that?" She asked cautiously.
"Hmmph!" Baltor sat up with a start, for a brief moment he seemed back to his cruel, control-freak self; but on closer inspection his face was sickly pale and Icy could see that he was sporting a black eye.
"Sailor Moon is what's upsetting me Icy!" He snapped impatiently, wheezing slightly as he did so. "It turns out she has allies of her own!"
"Judging by how you look right now, I'd say you ran into some of them!" Icy couldn't help thinking. She hoped he hadn't learnt how to read minds.
"Look at how easily she beat you on Solaria, Mermaid and the Golden Kingdom!" Baltor ranted on, oblivious. He looked to the cave wall with a dull depressed realization in his eyes. "And now they have the water stars. It's happening just like what Faragonda and the others did seventeen years ago!"
"What's happening?" Icy raised an eyebrow.
"It's like she has her own company of light! And my spells won't be powerful enough to finish her off!" He shrank back into his chair as he gripped the golden box tighter in a possessive manner.
"You're whining!" Icy exclaimed in disgust. Seeing him cower in his seat at that moment, she thought he looked truly pathetic. She started to wonder, just what did she ever see in him? Wasn't the whole reason she unfroze him in Omega to make a distraction for the Ice Snakes? Just how did she and her sisters end up serving this guy? If she'd known he was going to have his tail between his legs after one fight- and with a teenage girl, she'd have rethought the whole escape plan from the beginning- she had lost at least one sister because of him!
"You're right, I should spell myself into oblivion for this," Baltor sighed pitifully.
Suddenly Icy's eyes narrowed as a realization hit her like a sharp icicle. He was showing signs of weakness; a time that she had been taught was the perfect opportunity to strike!
"No," She said coldly, assuming a battle stance as a large pointy ice dagger appeared in each hand. "I will."
As quick as she could she fired one in his direction, but to her horror he caught it, just before it could make contact with his face and disintegrated it into powder.
She stood there in shock at what had just happened for a second, her mouth open. Then she tried her best to launch her second ice spear.
Unfortunately she wasn't fast enough. Baltor silently fired a purple blast that hit her squarely in the chest and sent her hurling straight into the wall. She hit the hard surface immediately and fell to the ground unconscious, a drop of blood dripping down the side of her head.
Baltor strode over to her lifeless form, limping as he did so and holding his ribcage with one hand.
"Silly witch," He shook his head with a chuckle as he bent down with a wince. "Imagine me, Baltor, afraid? That's not only preposterous but even the thought of it is disrespectful! And something you will have to be severely punished for!"
000
As they strolled out the school to await their transport Serena could see that Mina somehow wasn't being her usual friendly self. Not to her, on the contrary, her deputy Senshi was making an extra special fuss of her every chance she took, something Serena welcomed. But even so she could still sense that Mina's aura seemed to be directing a kind of hostility towards the fairies in their company.
"So what you're saying is that there's a school full of magical people yet only six of you could take on this great decaying army?" Mina was still trying to process what Bloom had just told her. There wasn't anything wrong with a team fighting evil, as she and the Sailor Scouts had protected their universe many times. However on earth no one had the power they held and were unable to defend themselves, here there was a whole world of people using magic, and they left students to do the dirty work? She was seriously starting to question the system around here!
"Pretty much!" Stella shrugged. "And then in our sophomore year we beat Lord Darkar who also wanted to take over the world."
"Of course!" Mina shouted in a loud commanding voice, making them look oddly at her. Serena merely sighed, she was used to this kind of behaviour.
"… Anyway, the witches who summoned the army of decay teamed up with him!" Tecna decided to continue.
"And now they've teamed up with Baltor!" Musa added. "Trust me those three are the worst of the worst!"
"Icy Darcy and Stormy right?" Mina almost yawned.
"Hold on," Flora paused. "I wonder why we didn't see Darcy when we went to the Red tower."
"Oh she was probably gearing up to jump us from behind!" Stella said dismissively.
"Well I can't wait for the day we finish them off for good! Along with Baltor!" Bloom's eyes narrowed in a way that Serena couldn't help thinking was a little too vindictive for someone who preached good morals.
"Hmm." Mina briefly flashed her a look. Serena was extremely grateful that no one knew about the incident with Darcy and the witch's current whereabouts. But at least she didn't have to worry about it with Raye controlling the situation. But she was bothered by what had gone down with Stormy the previous day, was she still out there searching for Sailor Moon? Or had she finally been able to let go of her negativity? Serena remembered Marik isolating the piece of chaos from its host for her to vanquish, she knew she couldn't have managed such a feat on her own. In fact, come to think of it, if Glim hadn't given her a power boost, how would she have been able to save Darcy?
"It's here!"
"Huh?" The whooshing sound of the Hover bus snapped her out of her thoughts and she looked up to see the Winx and Mina standing by the entrance.
"Gotta keep the peace." She muttered before going over to join them.
"I think me and Mina will take those seats over there." Serena pointed to two secluded spaces in the corner of the coach. "You know we got some best buds catching up to do!"
"Sounds like a plan to me!" Mina grinned and hastily followed her before anyone could say otherwise.
"Now you see what I have to put up with?" Serena pointed at the group in front of them once the two blondes were safely in their seat.
"I don't like her Serena." Mina glared in Bloom's direction. "I know I've only met her for a few minutes but I already can't stand her! She's always putting you down, and she sounds like my old angel guardian!"
"Your what now?" Serena was officially confused.
"My angel guardian! Even though orange one has stolen her voice I liked her, I shipped her with my devil guardian!"
Flashback
An angel with long blonde hair and blue feathery wings is floating in the air on the right in front of Mina. A devil boy in a red and black outfit is smirking from Mina's other side. Mina watches them as they argue with each other over who will win in persuading her that their way is the best. She can't help noticing the angel's blush and the Devil's over confident disposition.
Mina: Hey you two should kiss!
They quickly cease their argument and stare at her in amazement.
Raf: Wait you can see us?!
Mina: Uh yeah, divine Venusian powers and all!
Raf: But there's a veto…
Mina: No buts! You two are made for each other! Besides you can touch each other when you have your human forms!
The angel and devil both blush and look at each other.
Sulfus: Well if our Earthly one says…
Raf: (blushes) Fine! (turns to Mina) But only if you eat your vegetables for the rest of the week so I can get a good grade!
Sulfus: Hey! How am I supposed to get a good mark?
Mina: Ok ok, how 'bout I eat my veggies and skip school for the whole week?
Raf and Sulfus: Deal!
As Sailor V Mina uses some of her divine Venusian powers and a lot of legal blackmail to get the angel and devil leaders to get rid of the veto. Raf and Sulfus dated for a long time and decided to spend their lives together on Earth. Mina is still in contact with them.
End flashback
"Even back then I was still quite the love expert!" Mina sighed happily. "No veto against touching each other stands a chance as long as I'm around!"
"Wow, that totally didn't sound wrong at all." Serena said sarcastically as she stared at her in a bewildered manner.
"But back to business." Mina waved her hands. "I've just got to get my payback! The first fairy to put one toe out of line is gonna be a goner!" She gave an evil smile in realization. "If its Bloom I've still got that water star you gave me…"
"Mina no!" Serena was horrified. "How could you think of doing such a thing? I know you'd never cross the line like that!"
Mina sighed sadly. "You're right, you're right. It's just…" She looked at the chattering group ahead of her. "Look around Serena. You've given so many people better lives and I bet you don't even think twice about it! Even though I was the accomplished crime fighter Sailor V, I still didn't have many friends- not ones who knew the real me. And you know what my mom's like," She gave a small laugh. "I was often pretty lonely. And then when you accepted me into the group it felt like what I'd been doing had meant something. It's funny, whenever you talk about Sailor V, it makes me feel special." She smiled, turning back to Serena.
"And I know I'm not the only one. Ami Raye and Lita- they had to spend a lot of their time alone until they met you. And now we're the happiest we've ever been, because we've found someone to support our dreams and to hold us together. And I haven't even gotten started on the numbers of enemies you've lead us to defeat to ensure the cosmos stays at peace!" She clenched her fists as a tear ran down her cheek. "That's why, when I hear them talking like that about you, like you're nothing, it makes me so angry."
"Oh Mina chan," Serena put her arm around her. "Just you being my friend is enough! I'm really not bothered by what they think, 'cause I know I've already got the most important people I need! And hopefully when this stupid battle is over I can go home and we can hang out and watch your movie and all the others you make in the future!"
"I'd like that." Mina said softly, resting her head on Serena's shoulder. "And then you'll be married and I'll be maid of honour!"
"Uh huh! And then we'll all rule the universe together!"
"Of course."
A few minutes later when the bus came to a halt in the high street Stella was the first to zoom out.
"Shopping!" She exclaimed, raising her hands in the air.
"Is shopping all you think about Stella?" Layla couldn't help rolling her eyes.
"Well excuse me if we're not all tomboys like you!" Stella shot back.
"Can't people be both?" Mina raised her eyebrows.
"Huh?" The two fairy princesses looked at her.
"She does have a point." Serena said, after all Mina herself was living proof of that.
000
A good couple of hours later the two blonde Senshi were tailing the winx, who were now wearing completely different outfits, down the sidewalk. Since Mina had produced her phone, her and Serena each were each holding an earphone to one of their ears and were listening to music as they walked.
"You know, I'm impressed Mina chan!" Serena looked to her friend approvingly. "We went through all those shops and you didn't try any funny business!"
"Wake me up in San Francisco," Mina was singing softly before looking up at the mention of her name. "Huh? Oh that's what you think!" She rubbed her palms together with a devilish grin. Serena sweatdropped.
Flashback
Bloom and Stella are using the virtual dressers. Serena and Mina stand on the side to guard their handbags. While Serena is busy calling Darien, Mina gets out Stella's phone. As quick as a flash she copies down all the winx's numbers and some of their contacts before stashing the device back where she found it. Serena ends her call and turns to see Mina inspecting a nearby clothes rack with a cheesy grin. Bloom and Stella rejoin them.
Stella: (looking at the garishly fake furry jacket Mina is holding) Hmm were you planning on getting that? I was thinking of getting one in pink! Then we'd look like twins!
Mina: …Nah, I don't think so! How would I go running in it?
She walks out the shop with Serena in tow.
End flashback
"I'm not gonna lie, I think that Stella girl's after my style!" Mina remarked. "I can't have that, if I'm going to be an idol, the V-look has to be one of a kind!" She went back to singing one of her new favourite songs she had danced to in the Infinity club the previous night. Since she knew her so well Serena wasn't amazed that her friend could still be full of beans after a night of partying.
"Don't worry Layla," Flora was saying to the princess of Tides. "We won't leave you alone tonight, I promise!"
"That's ok Flora," Layla said. "I invited Ophir! We kinda grew close when we were fighting together in the Golden Kingdom!"
"Did someone say they were growing close with someone?" Serena gave a small chuckle as Mina immediately pricked her ears.
"Layla and Ophir, Ophir and Layla!" Stella was linking the names.
"Yeah, but I'm still not sure if he really like likes me!" Layla looked embarrassed.
"Oh he like liked you from the moment he met you!" Bloom smirked knowingly. She turned to the Moon Princess. "Right Serena?"
"Uh huh!" Serena nodded as they neared the club. "I told you he was a good guy!" She was glad that Layla had possibly found someone.
"Ooh if only I knew who he was I could offer my expert advice!" Mina clenched her fists crossly.
As the specialists walked out from the club to greet their girlfriends Serena watched with a small smile. The distance between her and Darien didn't hurt so much anymore, especially after she'd had the chance to see him once more. Then again, it would be fun to see the specialists realize they couldn't hold a candle to her guy's amount of cool.
"Ok, just sending," Mina looked up from her phone, having been engrossed in writing a text. "What's happening now?"
"Mina these are the fairies boyfriends." Serena told her.
"I gotcha! Ooh I'm guessing the dude with long flowing hair is with Flora, they'd be cute! Oh and the nerd guy goes with pinky, nerds united right? But wait, I think there's only five of them," Mina was matching them up. "I thought for sure Orange one would have a guy to show off in front of others!"
"She's with the blonde guy." Serena pointed to Sky who had gone to meet Bloom.
"HOLY SHIT THAT ONE'S A GUY?!" Mina exclaimed loudly. Serena hurriedly clamped her hands over her mouth as the winx started looking around at the outburst. Serena gave a small jump as Bloom approached her with Sky in tow.
"I didn't see anything!" She said quickly.
"Serena who's your friend?" Sky asked.
"AAAAGGGHH!" Mina shrieked, pointing at the blonde prince with a deranged look in her eyes. Bloom and Sky exchanged bewildered looks at this action, and even more so as Serena appeared to have not noticed it.
"Oh this is my friend Mina, she does that sometimes." The Moon Princess deadpanned. After a moment of awkward silence now that the frightening girl had stopped screaming Sky eventually decided it was safe to speak again.
"Oh… well I would introduce myself but she seems to have disappeared." He pointed to the spot next to her where Mina had been standing.
"Huh?" Serena turned around to see that Mina had run off behind a tree and was talking excitedly into her phone.
"I know right? Just how many million to one chances in the universe does something like that happen?! … But there are so many jokes!" She was saying. "How do I know which to use first?... oh right that works …Yeah of course I'll record!"
"What's your friend talking about?" Sky was looking at Serena in a bewildered manner.
"It's an in joke she has." Serena said wearily.
"Anyway, we were planning to head in now, are you coming?" Bloom said.
Serena sighed. "Ok We'll be right-,"
"Heey Skye!" Mina suddenly called with a tone oozing sugary sweetness, making the prince of Eraklyon turn around to face her.
Serena was inwardly facepalming at Mina's expression of anticipation as the Venusian Princess took a deep breath, preparing to speak with the straightest face.
"Do you believe in the Heart of the Cards?"
Sky stared at her confused. "Wh-what are the heart of the cards?"
"(GASP!) Blasphemy," Mina said in a shuddery whisper, edging away in horrified disgust.
000
"You're really going through with this huh?" Was all Serena could say. She and Mina had found a secluded booth near the bar and the latter had finally finished explaining her latest scheme.
"Come on! Don't tell me you didn't hear the connection at first!"
"Yeah I did but I didn't think too much of it!" Serena said. "Oh well, at least show the gang before you upload it anywhere!"
"Oh I plan to! Me and Marik are gonna go through all the footage once I'm done and edit it just right!" Mina winked, twirling the blue plastic umbrella that was perched on top of her glass. "Maybe it can be a special feature for the movie we can flaunt at the premiere!"
"Hold on," Serena held up a hand. "Are you sure that's a good idea? No one else is gonna know who Sky is, they won't get the joke!"
"It's just something fun!" Mina shrugged. "I know some people won't, but there might be some people who will! Like with all things artistic! For me, I'm gonna have a blast doing this and sharing it with my friends afterward!"
"Like that time we entered that voiceover contest?" Serena said with an amused smile.
Flashback
Serena and Mina are standing on a stage at an anime convention with three other pairs of people in cosplay. Coincidentally Mina is in a cosplay as Sailor V and Serena is in a cosplay of her first Sailor Moon fuku. Ami, Raye and Lita are sitting in the audience.
Presenter: Now onto round two of dub that anime! For this next round, one of you has to sound like Arnold Schwarzenegger and the other one has to sound like crocodile hunter!
The audience laughs. Mina lights up. The other Sailor Scouts facepalm.
Presenter: Come forward team girl power!
Serena: (as they walk towards the screen to watch their designated clip) Why did you pick that name for us?
Mina: Sailor team was too obvious!
They watch the clip of inuyasha play out for 30 seconds. Then the clip is played without sound.
Mina: (bad Schwarzenegger impression) PUT THAT COOKIE DOWN!
Serena doubles up laughing, she just about manages to choke out her line.
Serena: (really bad Australian accent) Er s'up mate? I was just abouta go hunt crocodi-
Mina: HUSH UP WE MUST GET TO THA CHOPPAA!
Serena: (still choked up) But Iwanna-
Mina: (as her second character) STICK AROUND.
Serena is rolling on the floor laughing and is unable to say anymore lines while Mina quotes any Schwarzenegger line she can think of, including a list of Mr Freeze ice puns from batman and robin. Even though Serena hasn't said much the audience gives them the loudest applause, getting them through to the next round. However they are kicked out in the semi final, as they are too shocked from the clip where a woman is turned into a cow.
End flashback
"Hey Serena! Mina!" They finished wiping their eyes from laughing to see Bloom and Stella coming over to their table.
"Why don't you come and join us?" Bloom asked, gesturing to the large group behind them.
"Yeah, I'm just dying to know where you got your fashion advice from!" Mina didn't like the way Stella was eyeing up her outfit, it looked like she was going to try and rip it off in the near future.
"I have friends in the industry," Mina said coldly, taking a sip of her raspberry and Mango cider. "And it's Miss Minako to you!"
"I would say ignore her," Serena began, twirling the straw in her chocolate milkshake. "But I'm too hungover."
"Wait you're drinking alcohol in the day?" Bloom exclaimed at the sight of Mina's drink.
"Wait, you're not?" Mina deadpanned, as if her way was normal.
"But this place only serves milkshakes and fruit juice! How did you get that?"
"Ordered it." Was the simple response.
"Just do your universe a favour and don't question anything she does 'kay?" Serena deadpanned, determined to prevent a war from breaking out. "But sure we'll sit with you, if it keeps ya happy." As they got up from their seats Mina was grinning wildly to show she approved of this motion. Serena sweatdropped, knowing the Venusian's plan.
They found some seats by the edge of the winx's booth where Mina was officially introduced to the rest of the specialists. However Serena couldn't help but fall to the floor when her best friend met a certain pink haired one.
"OMA Musica you never told me you dated Dark Magician!" She squealed. She looked side to side from Sky to Riven as if her mind had just been blown.
"What do you mean dark magician?" Riven looked at her oddly. "None of us are wizards, especially not dark wizards!"
Serena gave a huge sigh, was she really gonna have to go there? "Ok ok," She waved her hands. "There's this awesome card game, really big on Earth right now, I could never get my head round the rules but thanks to one of her friends Mina's becoming a nut, anyway one of the cards is called Dark Magician- even though he's actually good- someday you people are gonna have to learn dark isn't always evil- but the point is you kinda sound like him." She faced Sky. "And you kinda sound like one of our other friends who's really good at this game." She took a deep breath as she finished explaining. "Did that clear anything up at all?"
"…Not really." Riven remarked.
"I. Give. Up" Was all Serena could say, massaging her forehead.
"Huh?" Hey eyes widened as she saw a familiar figure walk past the door.
"I'm… gonna go get some fresh air." She said quickly, waving her hand like a fan.
"You do that." Mina nodded. Somehow she knew the Moon Princess had an ulterior motive.
However as Serena got up and walked through the exit she suddenly realized the error of her ways.
"WAIT! DON'T LEAVE ME WITH…!"
It was too late. The winx had already descended upon her and had now started to ask her questions, ones that were about sane things.
"Me and my big mouth." Mina muttered crossly, massaging her temples.
000
"Stormy?" Serena wondered, peeking around the corner as she took a step outside. The back area was dimly lit and looked rather run down as graffiti covered the grey walls of the alleyway.
"Huh?" She jumped back, startled as she glimpsed a shadow dart out of sight, making a nearby dustbin rattle as it was passed. Just then a small gust of wind blew a piece of paper in her direction and almost hit her in the face if she hadn't caught it.
"Huh?" Looking closer her eyes widened as she saw the words "Sailor Moon" scrawled on one side. She quickly turned it over to see a short note written there.
Sailor Moon
Come to the edge of the forest in an hour. Don't bring anyone else.
"Hmm." She frowned, turning back to head into the building. She needed a breather to think this through.
000
"Geez, real specific huh?" Mina remarked, as they looked it over again while the Winx and the specialists were busy on the dancefloor.
"This has just gotta be from Stormy." Serena said seriously, scrumpling up the paper and sticking it in her jacket pocket. "Who else would do this?"
Mina's eyes narrowed. "What if its the fairies trying to set a trap for you? Think about it, their desperate to get the scoop on who you really are, not to mention you have- had these magic stars that can totally take out their enemy! I mean they can totally take out their leader too but that's not the point!"
"Hmm, you may have a point," Serena rested her chin on her hands. "But I still have to go, and I have to go alone, if I'm ever going to get Stormy to trust me. But while I'm gone," She turned to the other blonde. "Keep the fairies from going after me?"
"You got it!" Mina winked.
000
The designated hour came and Serena was standing at the designated clearing, checking the watch on her communicator.
"Ok," She took a deep breath as she pulled out her brooch and Crystal. "Here goes, MOON ETERNAL POWER!"
Once she was transformed Sailor Moon, having been unable to shake the nerves, paced from side to side to calm herself before going to sit on a rock. She had absolutely no idea what was going to happen. Was Stormy going to try and blast her again, or did she really want to listen to what the Senshi had to say? And what if it wasn't Stormy at all but one of the winx trying to find out her secrets? Oh well, she was going to find out sooner rather than later.
"I can't believe you actually showed up."
As Stormy stepped out of the shadows, Sailor Moon couldn't help but be slightly startled at the witch's appearance. It wasn't that she was wearing a maroon civilian outfit instead of her witch mini dress but all of the aggressive and confident energy she always had, seemed to be drained from her completely. Moon had never seen her like this before, and she was fairly certain no one else had either.
"Well, of course I showed up!" Was all Sailor Moon could say to that. "I received a message asking me to come, I had to keep my side of the bargain."
Stormy looked at her with a tired depression in her green eyes. "Why?" She asked. "Why did you still come, after I tried to kill you?"
Moon tapped into her positive energy to soften the blow when it came. "Because I knew why you did it. And I wanted to show that you don't have to be trapped in the darkness anymore…"
"Shut up!" Stormy held up a hand to silence her. "Just stop talking! I don't wanna hear it!"
"Then why did you call me?" Moon pressed, radiating her calming aura in Stormy's direction.
The frizzy haired witch rubbed her arm. "I've had time to think these past two days, about what happened. But I thought- I thought that there was a chance…" Stormy unwillingly found herself caving in to the positive energy.
"Yes?" Moon pressed gently, sensing the breakthrough.
"…That my sister was still alive."
The wall was finally broken. Her shoulders began to shake and tears began to flow from her eyes. Moon instantly placed her gloved hand on the girl's shoulder.
"It's all my fault she's gone!" Stormy's voice shook.
"No it isn't." Moon said firmly.
"It is! I was always making fun of her; I said some horrible things to her the day she disappeared! If I hadn't done that she wouldn't have…"
Moon watched her silently, waiting for her to finish.
"You know I can take you to see her." She said eventually.
Stormy looked up at her, her green eyes tinted pink and rather puffy. "You can do that?"
Moon nodded with a smile. "Of course! I know she'd be very happy to see you!"
Stormy stood up slowly. "It's funny, after what happened I haven't been back to Baltor's hideout since! It's like I can't use a power source I never knew I had!" She attempted to smile as she wiped away a tear.
"You still have your powers but the Ancestress controlling you is gone." Moon explained. "Not forever but I will take care of that. The point is you don't need to worry about it anymore."
"About that," Stormy was suddenly haunted by a fleeting image of Icy. "…It's nothing." She looked down again.
"Hmm." Moon wasn't convinced but the girl had been through enough already. It was time for her and her friends to do what they could to heal the holes in her heart. And she knew just what would make a good starting point.
000
Meanwhile back at the Magix club Mina was cheerfully recalling one of her favourite anecdotes.
"Aand that's how I saved the world while heavily sedated." She finished, taking another sip of her cider with a satisfied smirk.
The winx had temporarily been stunned into silence. Well they did ask her about herself, it was their call.
Eventually Bloom attempted to break the silence. "Hey remember that time where we rescued the pixies from Shadowhaunt?" She then proceeded to tell Mina the not-so-epic adventure of her Stella, Layla and Sky fought various monsters in the magic-draining cavern and how, despite Sky supposedly being trained to fight without magic, had gotten captured by the Queen of Downland's army.
"Wait, why didn't you summon the Magical Hats?" Mina looked dumbfounded. "They would've protected you!"
"Erm, what do you mean magical hats?" Sky was confused.
Mina sighed. "Sky, you're useless."
"Wha…"
"USELESS!"
000
It had been business as usual in Hikawa shrine. Raye and her new assistant were in the spare bedroom (which was now unofficially Darcy's room) packing up the good luck charms for the next day.
"Did you finish with the love charms?" The raven haired girl asked.
"Yeah, the new box is in the back," Darcy answered. "Do you want me to go get it?" She tried to get up from her futon.
"Thanks, but I got it covered!" Raye winked before turning to the door. "CHAD!"
"Yes Raye?" The former rockstar appeared next to her.
"Could you bring the box of good luck charms out from the store cupboard?" Raye said sweetly.
"Of course, right away Raye!" He hastily scrambled into action.
"Still got it!" Raye winked to herself.
"I know you like him." Darcy smirked from behind her. "I can sense it."
"Oh, I see some of your powers are coming back are they?" Raye tried to get rid of the huge sweatdrop that had formed on her forehead.
"Uh huh. I feel kinda dizzy though…" The brunette lay back on her pillow.
"Hmm," Raye felt her forehead. "Your fever seems to have gone down, but we still need to keep an eye on it."
"Did I hear something about powers coming back?" Serena had appeared in the doorway.
"Serena!" Raye exclaimed in surprise. "What are you doing here?" Then she raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to bunk off school again?"
"Close but no cigar! I came to see Darcy! Well actually me and someone else came to see Darcy."
"Serena!" Darcy sat upright with a start.
"Hey Darcy, how're you doing?" Serena said gently.
"A lot better thanks," The witch smiled gratefully. "But what did you mean you and someone else?"
"I've brought someone to see you," The blonde told her. She looked over her shoulder at the empty doorway.
Slowly an uncertain Stormy stepped quietly into the room, her posture was bent and she was nervously clutching her left arm.
"Stormy?" Darcy's eyes widened.
All of the tension in the witch's body seemed to sag out of her as she bolted towards her older sister. Darcy smiled, maybe her first real smile in a long time as she returned the embrace.
"Darcy," Stormy's voice was shaking again. "I thought you were…"
"I'm not dead if that's what you're going to say." Darcy said, even though a tear had slipped down her face she was still smiling and her golden eyes held a warmth that definitely hadn't been there in any other parts of her life. "But I probably would be if it wasn't for Serena and her friends." She looked up at the two Senshi who had been enjoying the fact that their handiwork had resulted in the sisterly reunion.
"You saved her?" Stormy asked in amazement.
"Well, technically speaking…" Serena blushed. She didn't want to seem vain.
"Don't be modest of course you did!" Raye cut her off sharply. "But yes I was the one who looked after her while Meatball brain here-"
"-Spends 50% of her magical school career trying to evade fairies with revealing outfits that keep trying to show me up? Yeah I'm not exactly strapped for things to do!" Serena said.
"Speaking of that, won't they realize you're gone by now?" Raye frowned.
"Oh no, that shouldn't be a problem, Mina's covering for me!" Serena said cheerfully.
"What?!" Raye gaped. "You know you just nailed your own coffin right?"
"Oh c'mon!" Serena waved it off. "She wouldn't cross the line!"
000
"Soo," Stella said eventually. "Serena said you were a model!"
"Oh yeah I've always jumped at the chance with school fashion shows! My dream is to be an idol, I've got to take every chance I have to get talent spotted!" Mina replied.
"Wait, does that mean you sing?" Musa asked. "Music's my specialty too, I've been thinking about forming a winx band!"
"That's right!" Bloom cheered. She turned to Musa with a wink. "But only if you give me some singing lessons!"
Mina frowned. "But if Musa's the musician shouldn't she be the lead singer? If someone has a talent they shouldn't take a back seat!"
"I'm cool with it!" Musa interrupted hurriedly. "I can always play guitar! And besides Bloom is the most powerful of us after all!"
"Is that so?" Mina's sky blue eyes sparked. "Well I was wondering if I would get to showcase some of my stuff in this dimension- seeing as I'm starting to get pretty big in my home planet already. It's actually why I haven't been doing any dancing yet!" "Well that and I did all the dancing last night!" She added silently, her mind fondly drifting back to said moment.
Standing up dramatically she pointed a finger at the fire fairy. "I challenge you to a sing-off!" She announced loudly. "The girl the audience likes best will be known as the greatest singer of all time!"
"…And the loser?" Bloom asked.
"…Won't!" Mina finished.
"You got a deal!" Bloom smirked, her competitive side coming out. It would be great to see this strange blonde girl knocked off her pedestal.
"No offence Mina darling but don't get too upset when Bloom wins!" Stella remarked knowingly.
"Oh I won't." Mina said coldly. She turned to her rival. "And I believe you were supposed to say 'Challenge accepted!'"
000
"…Well don't be too surprised when you get back." Raye sighed, turning back to Darcy and Stormy. "You'll have to share a room." She told them, predicting that Serena would ask if Stormy could stay too. The Martian Princess turned to the younger witch. "Can you still use your powers?"
"I-I think so," Stormy said uncertainly. She held out her hands and a small orb of wind swirled above them.
"Hmm." Raye searched her aura. "They still seem to have taken a small dive but it's nowhere near as bad as Darcy's was. You're probably just feeling a bit shaky right now, is all."
"You got that right." Stormy sat down at the end of Darcy's bed. Serena put a hand on her arm.
"It's nothing some R&R won't fix! And if you don't believe me, just ask Darcy!"
"She's right." Stormy looked up to see Darcy's golden eyes shine with a sincerity she didn't use to have. "Breaking away from Baltor and Magix was the best thing that ever happened to me! I finally feel like I'm worth something again!"
"Darcy." Stormy said quietly.
"We'll leave you two alone." Serena said knowingly, sliding the door shut and leaving herself and Raye outside.
Raye smiled with a raised eyebrow. "Normally I'd get annoyed that you were dumping people on me, but I know this situation is important! Stormy shouldn't be too much trouble, right?"
"Of course," Serena nodded. "I already cleared that up with her. That reminds me, how is guarding the star going?"
"So far, so good. Although," Raye looked away for a moment in thought.
"What?" Serena was concerned.
"Yesterday afternoon I went to check on it and it seemed to be glowing! But it stopped after a few minutes. The others did the same. Ami thinks they're all connected somehow."
"That must've been when Mina used hers against Valtor!" Serena realized. "His power is the one they were made to get rid of!"
Raye looked serious. "Then their ability must only kick in when they come into contact with this dragon fire! If they're the only things that can stop it…"
"I'll figure it out somehow," Serena sighed. "In the meantime tell Ami so she can run some more tests, we've still got them separated so hopefully no one can track them down…"
"That's the thing." Raye said. "If we divided them up, surely their connection shouldn't have been that strong! Maybe something else helped it, it could be linked to those bracelets Galaxia gave you!"
"Ooh all this strategy stuff's starting to make my head spin!" Serena groaned. "And I gotta get back and see what Mina's done to the fairies, hopefully they're not piles of Venus dust!" She whipped out her communicator teleport. "Just keep me up to date on everything, 'kay?"
"Of course." Raye nodded.
000
Just as Serena appeared in the doorway she saw Mina onstage, holding a microphone and singing along to the catchy beat. The crowd was waving glowsticks and swaying enthusiastically to her powerful voice.
"Wake me up in San Francisco, Wake me up in San Francisco!
Take me back to the city of love, to the place that I've been dreaming of! Take me back to San Francisco!"
As soon as she sang her last note the crowd went wild. Some people threw roses onto the platform as Mina bowed happily. However Serena couldn't help but notice Bloom sitting rather sulkily in her seat while her friends consoled her, despite the fact that they couldn't help tapping their toes to Mina's version of Cascada's melody.
"Thank you thank you!" Her eyes shone with excitement as she collected her flowers as she took many bows. "But I'd like to thank my best friend Serena for believing in my dream, if it wasn't for her I'd be nowhere! This is for you Sere!" She called to the back of the room.
Serena walked up to the stage and gently took hold of her arm with a smile.
"I'd also like to thank my other BFFFS Raye, Lita and Ami, and Serena's boyfriend Darien and their future daughter, and my cat Artemis, and Serena's cat Luna, and my Duel Monsters buddy Marik, and Andrew from the arcade and his sister…" Mina kept gushing as she was lead off the stage.
000
"So I guess you're going back to Earth now, huh?" Serena said somewhat sadly. She was standing in the courtyard opposite Mina, who had her back to a glowing sunset, their respective feline guardians curled at their feet. "I mean if we want to meet up again we can just call each other, right?"
"Of course!" Mina replied with a bright smile. "Don't be sad Serena, I had a great time!" She winked, making her V for victory sign. "It's not every day that I can beat a supposedly powerful fairy in a sing-off! And besides," She smirked deviously. "I'm certain this Alpha school definitely haven't seen the last of me!"
"Well I'm so glad you decided to visit!" Serena said. "I know I couldn't have won that battle yesterday without your help!"
"Speaking of which, yay a pun! How was that girl?" Mina wanted to know.
Serena closed her eyes with a smile. "I know Raye and Lita will look after them, and Ami's researching our new gadgets."
"Ooh I almost forgot…" Mina produced her water star. "I'll keep it with me at all times, Scout's honour!" She did a mock salute, which Serena returned. Mina stashed it away and opened her teleport.
"But for now I believe there is business waiting for me, those jokes aren't going to make themselves! Artemis, you ready?"
"Of course." The white cat nodded. He and Luna exchanged looks that said, "Keeping Senshi leaders out of trouble, it's a full time job!"
"Bye V chan." Serena said softly as Mina and Artemis shimmered from sight in sparks of golden light.
"Well that was fun!" She turned to Luna with a smile. "I really needed that!"
"Yes," Luna nodded wisely. Then she looked gravely towards the setting sun. "But I can't help but think about the battles yet to come!"
"Neither can I," Serena said. "And I still haven't gotten any closer to this Enchantix! Will I really need it to beat Valtor?"
"I wish I knew the answer." Luna sighed. "But I do believe you have become a lot stronger from this experience, and I know you will be able to secure the future of Crystal Tokyo when the time comes!"
"I'll have to." Serena said simply. Feeling the Silver Crystal rest in the brooch hanging above her heart she knew she would face the moments when they arrived. But if the members of the Sailor Alliance were stronger than regular fairies, then what would be her equivalent of the Enchantix? And just how was she supposed to gain it?