A Story to Remember
Chapter 22: The Lady Emerges; Akki Returns
"Go forth Setsuna, my daughter. I grant you this favor...because I feel your pain."
"Thank you. I understand...Father."
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DARK VOID
"My Lord, we have almost finished bathing the Lady. Shall we place her in her room or bring her directly to you?"
The Dark Lord eyed the young maiden, her face hidden by a silk, black veil, "It is my guess that she still hasn't regained consciousness. Place her in her room so that she will be comfortable when she wakes."
"Yes my lord." She replied solemnly, her red and yellow eyes on the floor.
The young, shrouded woman reentered the bathhouse where sounds of pouring water could be heard. Listening for a moment, the Dark lord indulged in his own sinful fantasies of Serena, warm and pink from the bathhouse's hot water. Hair dark and gold as she floats carefully in the water, the suds covering her most delicious areas...
'Oh...but there will be time.' He thought to himself, 'because she is mine...All mine."
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SM DIMENSION
"Ugh! Why can't I get these configurations right." Ami said, practically ripping her glasses off and slamming them down next to her laptop.
Sighing, she ran her shaking hands through her ragged hair. For three days she had been working with Bulma, spending hours on calculations.
"Hey Ami, it's alright. Here, have some tea." Bulma said.
She entered the room that they had designated as the new lab, and placed a saucer of steaming liquid in front of Ami, then sat next to the blue-haired senshi.
"Thanks Bulma." Ami said feeling her frustration yielding.
"You have to relax." Bulma said, "We've got to be strong."
"I know that. It's just; I feel like we've considered every possibility, every method...I just feel so lost." Ami blinked as she felt the wetness on her hand.
"Hey, you better stop that or your tea will be too salty to drink." Bulma said softly.
"Yeah." Amy replied, laughing a little as she wiped her tears.
"I know it's hard. We all feel responsible" Bulma said, almost to herself, "I think Rini and Trunks are taking it the hardest though...Imagine what it must feel like for them, having to watch their future mother suffer..."
Ami blinked and suddenly stared at Bulma, her mouth opening slightly, "What did you just say?"
Bulma stared right back at the young woman, "I said that it must be hard seeing their future mother..."
"Why didn't I see it before?"
"What? Ami what are you-"
"Brilliant, you're absolutely brilliant Bulma!!"
"I am...I mean, yeah I knew that but..."
"THAT'S IT!!!"
"That's what?" Bulma asked, confused, watching her blue-haired counterpart start hooking up the wires between her laptop and the supercomputer.
"Where's the data you recorded on Catseye, Darkflake, Ivy, and Brimstone? You kept the information on their energy composition right?" Ami asked as she sat back down, barely able to form words with the pounding in her heart.
"Well..yes.." Bulma said, still rather unsure what was going on.
"I'm so stupid, a Senshi and I couldn't even see the answer right in front of me!" Ami sat down and began bringing up file after file after file.
As Bulma watched, the meaning began to dawn upon her at last, "Ami...you're a genius, no doubt about it......"
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Goku and the rest of the Z-Senshi grew quiet as Rini passed by the living room as though in a dream. Her eyes were glazed and her skin was as pale as death. Dark shadows highlighted her eyes and matched her dark, disheveled hair.
"I better go talk to her." Trunks said, pushing off from the floor and rushing after his little sister.
"I never thought that one person could mean so much." Yamucha said.
"I can't even imagine what Rini's going through...and Trunks trying to be strong for her." Krillin said sadly, shaking his head.
Chi-Chi sighed and pulled Gohan off the floor into her lap, holding him tightly, "That's what happens when you lose your mother...And...It works both ways."
Goku's eyes softened as he watched his wife cradle his young son, holding him as though if she let go he would disappear forever.
"We mustn't lose hope." Piccolo said sternly.
"No, we can't...But it's getting harder and harder to believe it's still there." Tien remarked curtly.
Chi-Chi's head whipped up, "Don't you say that again! We'll find her...Ami and Bulma are working so hard........."
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"Rini!" Trunks called out, watching as she walked, floating through the hallway like a wraith, stopping at Vegeta's door. She didn't acknowledge his voice but pressed her hand to the door, whispering softly. It opened and she went in silently.
"Wah?" Trunks took a deep breath and followed her in.
His eyes widened at what he saw and he was so surprised that he jumped when the door shut behind him. There was Vegeta, sitting on his bed with Rini, holding her. Both of their faces were vacant and devoid of emotion. He rocked her gently and obviously tenderly despite his large, toned muscles.
"Father..."
But he didn't say anything. Trunks contemplated this for a moment and then went over to them...His family. He sat on Rini's other side and took her free hand, hoping she could understand. And then, in an instant, he realized what they were doing......He felt Rini's pain, fresh and bleeding like a wound...Then he felt his father's, full and piercing. Raging like a disease that had been eating away at him for days......Three days. Slowly he poured his own sadness into them; his covered, yet deep like a badly bandaged laceration, pulsing. Suddenly Rini gasped, as though she hadn't breathing for days and color returned to her eyes,
"Oh Trunks." She whispered and squeezed his hand.
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DARK VOID
Serena gasped loudly and shot up in bed, cold sweat covering her body. She looked around, trying to remember where she was and what had happened and the thoughts came back all to clearly.
"Oh God..." She whimpered.
The room around her was dark and menacing and she clutched the soft blanket tightly in her hand almost unconsciously.
"Now now, it will serve you no purpose to get upset again." A voice called out from the darkness.
Immediately Serena felt a bit calmed, the voice was deep and sure. Like eating a piece of chocolate, she felt comforted.
"Who's there?" She called out suddenly feeling a sharp pang of fear.
In an instant, the lights when on and Serena gasped as she found herself in an elegant room, so expensive that it looked like a combination of both her room at the CCPC and Amara and Michelle's mansion. Paintings lined the walls, beautiful scenes of flowers and waterfalls. A cherry wood vanity was on one side while a mahogany table with a carved glass lamp stood in the opposite side. Three beautifully intricate chandeliers went from the just above her bed to the door where a man was standing.
"So, you are awake at last."
Serena simply stared, feeling a deep blush creep over her cheeks, "Who...who are you?"
"I am the Lord of this world. Welcome, to the Dark Palace, dear Lady."
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SM DIMENSION
"Mirai? I'm going to go eat. Would you like me to bring you something back?" Madison asked, staring at the unmoving figure standing at the window.
"No thank you."
"Mirai! Please, you have to eat some..."
"No thank you, Madison." Mirai said again without moving, her voice hard and fine like the edge of a blade.
"Fine!" The door slammed a few seconds later, shaking more than just the doorframe.
"It's for the best."
"You keep telling me that Setsuna. Saying it over and over. Why are you here?" Mirai said softly, keeping her eyes on the darkening sky.
"You must know why, Mirai. You must have felt it as soon as she......was taken." Setsuna said, appearing from the shadows.
"And you knew?"
"Didn't you?" Setsuna replied, her face a mask. "You should know by now, Mirai, that Fate and Future, though similar, are indeed different. The Future is not set in stone, but some things cannot be changed."
"It's all the words we couldn't say, isn't it Setsuna? We have to hold them inside ourselves, acting." Mirai whispered, turning towards the green-haired woman, her blue eyes shining with tears.
"So, it has indeed begun. And so...I need your help."
"Why." Mirai asked, her fists clenching, "You know where they are. You can help us get......her back."
"Mirai, you know very well that that is -not- the reason I have come to you."
Smiling wryly, Mirai nodded, pushing her shoulder-length brown hair back from her eyes.
"The bonds between them are starting to deteriorate. They are frightened and contemplate many things when each is in solitude. It will be their downfall." Setsuna said softly but sternly.
"What?! But...But, I have not seen such a thing!" Mirai said suddenly, eyes wide. "How can that be?"
"Each individual feels the strain of the group. How long, Mirai, did you expect them to go on like that? They will be defeated in their search for the princess."
"Don't say that...Don't you dare say that! They are strong; I have seen that, I can feel it too! They can succeed and destroy the dark forces!" Mirai proclaimed confidently.
"And you are sure?" Setsuna smiled faintly.
All of a sudden, Mirai looked straight at Setsuna, eye to eye, "What are you trying to accomplish."
Setsuna smiled, her eyes glittering with the setting sun, "You are so amazing Mirai and you are the key."
"The...key?" Mirai repeated, her head beginning to throb.
"Perhaps you know more than you realize?" Setsuna smiled mysteriously, "When the time comes, The Gates will be open."
Mirai gasped as a flicker of recognition instilled itself in her mind for a moment, her eyes shining, and then it was gone.
"Do not let them lose themselves...We are waiting for you Mirai..." Setsuna whispered from the darkness, her voice thin and wavering in the thick air.
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DARK VOID
"Please, this way my Lady." The young woman said, pulling her along gently.
But Serena wasn't in any mood to go any faster. Since that morning, she had not seen any sign of that man who had been in her room before.
'No! Not *my* room...' She thought fiercely. And yet, nothing bad had happened to her yet...but a warning was in the back of her mind and in the depths of her heart.
The palace walls, made out of pure, reflective, black obsidian towered all around her. Stopping for a moment, Serena looked at her self in the polished rock. Her long, blonde hair had been combed at least one thousand strokes and tied back loosely with a black velvet ribbon, leaving a few strands to fall at her temples. She was outfitted in a tight black leather dress, edged in silver at the hem. It's style was extremely revealing, with a slit that revealed her leg up to about three-quarters of her thigh and a top that indulged more than a few tantalizing morsels of the imagination. Finally, with a pair of no-nonsense shimmering silver heels and a mixture of black and pink lipstick applied to her lips, Serena could barely recognize herself. A seductive woman stared back at her, with eyes innocently appealing.
She quickly looked away and continued on with the shrouded woman, following her through dark corridors until they came to a stop.
"Lady, Milord wishes to have words with you. Just through these doors, Nokuta will accompany you to his throne room."
She bowed to her and then rushed off, disappearing down another dark hallway. Serena suddenly felt a large, pressure on her mind, bitter and cold. The walls around her seemed to come closer, suffocating her and she felt weak suddenly.
"You mustn't dawdle. He is waiting."
Serena gasped and spun around, coming face to face with orange eyes. As she looked up and down over the young girl's body she felt the blood rush from her face,
"What...are you?" She whispered.
"...Come along." Nokuta said, pushing open the heavy black doors.
Serena's eyes widened as she stared at her surroundings. Huge glass windows, draped in jade green velvet, revealed the sparkling silence of space. They were so tall that they seemed to go as high as the ceiling, which seemed at least the height of forty men. Large diamond chandeliers adorned the ceiling, sending beams of pale light throughout the room. Hundreds of people stood, (though some of them didn't quite look quite like typical people) seemingly awaiting her, watching her intently.
Nokuta smirked. "Go on!" She said almost forcefully pushing Serena through the crowd, even as they parted for her at each footstep.
Serena was breathing to hard to even hear or notice Nokuta, however. Her heart pounded as all around her she felt dark power...evil power. Like a waterfall, it gushed around and through her in dizzying waves. Alternately hot and cold, Serena gasped and coughed and the dark, blurring faces pressed towards her, trying to touch her or get a glimpse of her until a lone voice rang out over the noise in her head.
"All of you! Give the Lady room at once!"
And suddenly the feeling was gone. The great room became silent. She felt a warm hand on her head and looked up into deep, dark brown eyes.
"Forgive me, I didn't realize you were still so weak."
Serena stood slowly, pulling back.
"You look beautiful." The man said, letting go of Serena's hands and sitting back in the shadows of the throne.
Blushing furiously Serena glared at him, "Where am I! Why have you brought me here?!"
"Dear Lady," He said softly, "Long have I desired to look upon your beautiful face. I have seen you in my dreams and to have you here at last......"
Serena stared at him, feeling her anger mounting, "You make it sound as though I came of my own will! I want to go home, back to my friends!"
"You mean, back to him." He said quietly. Standing from the shadows, he stepped down once again to look at Serena eye to eye.
He was taller than Vegeta by a good many inches, and carried himself, indeed, like a prince. He had dark, almost blackish, brown hair that swept across his eyes, making the soft pools look even more innocent. But, Serena sensed in him hidden power, dark power.
"How do you know about......You're the Dark Lord, aren't you!?" She gasped out moving back, shaking her head incredulously until she bumped into Nokuta.
"You were expecting Prince Charming?" Nokuta laughed into her ear, giving her a shove back forward.
The room filled with laughter until the Dark Lord raised his hand for silence,
"You are in the Black Palace, the place of government within the Dark Void." He smiled.
Serena shook her head in disbelief, as her tears hit the polished floor, "And...And Naru-chan?"
"One of my best operatives, Akki. A shape shifter." He replied coolly.
"Kami-sama! Oh God, why?" Serena gasped out.
The Dark Lord watched her and smiled gently and then went to her, gripping her shoulders tightly, "If you only knew how long I have waited...You have nothing to fear here." he whispered, his eyes flickering red.
"Why..." Serena whispered, falling into the scarlet pits of his eyes, tears flowing freely as she felt his lips meet her own.
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SM DIMENSION
Vegeta shot up in bed, his eyes wide and hands clenched. Even though the sweat on his bare chest was cold, he felt hot and suffocated, as though he hadn't been breathing for hours and his heart had just started beating. His mouth was sore and dry and he ran his tongue over his cracked lips, thinking. From each side of his bed he could hear the low snoring of Trunks and Rini who had grabbed blankets and crashed on his floor. But he didn't want to look at them, not now...
Staring off into the darkness, he could feel the pain starting in his head again, a low throbbing sound that hurt immensely. Turning to the window he looked out at the starry sky, knowing that Serena was out there somewhere.
"What the hell are you doing in my room?" Vegeta growled, keeping his eyes on the sparkling moon.
Setsuna smiled, "You knew I was in here?"
"Of course, baka onna. I could hear you from a mile off."
"Well then, that surprise has been taken care of." Setsuna said, appearing from the shadows, staff in hand. In place of her sailor fuku, she wore a long, black, Renaissance dress; corset and all.
"The hell do you want." He said, turning to glare at her.
"I don't appreciate your tone young prince." Setsuna said, smiling subtly, allowing herself to relax on her stance and sit upon the scowling prince's bed. She laid the Garnet Rod across her lap, among the billowy folds.
"Humph."
Suddenly her eyes were hard, "Have you made your choice?"
"I chose a long time ago woman, so you can stop nagging me. You and that brat of yours." Vegeta growled.
"You must realize that there is no going back now Vegeta-sama." Setsuna smiled, "Still, it makes me very happy to hear that...She will love you for it...They will both love you for it."
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THE DARK PALACE;
THE LADY'S CHAMBER
"Plip."
Serena blinked as she felt another droplet of water hit her soft lips. Vaguely, she heard the swishing of clothes and felt cold hands on her cheeks. Muffled voices began to rouse her, bringing her back to a fearful reality.
"Wake her carefully, do not chafe her wounds." A strong, matronly voice said, but not quite a woman's voice. It was extremely feminine and masculine at the same time.
Slowly, Serena opened her eyes, feeling stretched and taut. Weakly, she lifted a hand, hearing the room grow still, and licked her lips as more drops of water were poured into her weak mouth.
"Right. Everyone out!" The manly/womanish voice called out and the sounds of shuffling could be heard as the others left the chamber rather reluctantly.
Suddenly a strong hand came down on Serena's thigh with a loud SMACK! "Up, up girlie! You've had a time of it I'm sure!"
Serena almost leapt out of bed, only the throbbing pain in her head kept her grounded. She felt the blood at her temples all too acutely and groaned as warm, sticky blood started dripping from her nose, crimson as a sunset.
"Eh, humans. I'll never understand 'em."
Serena's blurry eyes widened as she felt a fingertip on her nose and the blood stopped flowing and her head stopped throbbing. Slowly she felt her vision returning and looked more clearly at the person who had helped her.
"Oh..." Serena whispered.
Whoever it was, was the most neutral being Serena had ever seen. It had long, cornflower blue hair and sparkling, melted gold eyes. The mouth was a soft pink flower and the cheeks were femininely defined, yet there was something about the face that was just so masculine, it was almost unnerving. A gorgeous man? A handsome woman? Serena couldn't tell. Along with shiny, baggy black pants, and an emerald vest, it was impossible to determine a gender.
"You're beautiful." Serena whispered softly and then grimaced, as she tasted the slickness of a bruise on her lips.
"Our Lord certainly gave you quite a welcoming performance. Imagine, even while knowing you hadn't adjusted to the dark energies yet." The demonic cherub ignored the remark but there was a hint of a smile playing across the enigmatic face.
"What happened?" Serena asked softly, reaching for the gilded mirror that lay opposite her on the small table near the bed. She winced as she saw the bruises on her lips.
"They are on your arms as well, my Lady." The strange one said, twisting a lock of sky-like hair.
Serena looked up at him...her...it????
"There's no reason to bother your pretty head thinking -that- one through! I am Futeiki. You may address me as such when you are well, my Lady."
"Why does everyone call me that?!" Serena said, started to recall her past incidents again.
"It is your name and formal title, I would think that most would have the sense to address you as such." Futeiki smirked, eyes glittering seductively.
Serena felt her breath catch as a deep blush spread across her face and turned away shyly. The energy emanating from Futeiki was strange, not so much evil as it was wavering, mischievous. She set the mirror down gently on the nightstand next to the four-poster bed, sighing gently at the slow throbbing in her arms and legs. Heady, that was the word for what she felt and she hated the feeling.
Suddenly she thought of her friends, the Sailor Senshi, and of the Z-gang, and Vegeta......She felt her eyes fill with tears at the idea that she was, at last, all alone.
"Best not to think of that one." Futeiki said softly into her ear, "Milord will sooner have you bleed bloody tears than let anyone else have you."
Serena looked away fiercely, her long, blonde hair tumbling over her shaking shoulders as she convulsed silently.
"Now now dearie, don't cry like that. I don't mean to vex you, truly. It's just that...Well, Akki will surely finish your friends and this one who think so often of as well. There is no one who can take you away. It is futile to think of it." Futeiki said softly, reaching a hand out to the bruised and crying young woman.
"Don't touch me," Serena gasped, swatting Futeiki's hand away, "My friends aren't that easily crushed, they will find a way to save me. They are strong."
"Even without you, Milady?" Futeiki said, a slow smirk spreading revealing razor-sharp, pointed white teeth.
Suddenly it seemed to Futeiki that Serena became more solemn and her features set hard and true as one who has seen many things and is more powerful than her innocence reveals, "Even if I died my friends would carry on because they're power comes not just from me, as it does with your Dark Lord."
Futeiki blinked and then smiled, as pure a smile as Serena ever saw one, "Well, you've still got some passion left in you."
Serena stared deep into the mysterious being's golden eyes and felt her self start to smile; almost against her will it felt.
"Lets get you dressed, Milady, " Futeiki said, "I have advised His Lordship not to see you again until your strength is regained." Then, Futeiki leaned in close again, "It will give your friends time to come and prove me wrong, eh?"
Serena's eyes widened and she stared, unsure of what to say to this help unlooked for then, all of a sudden she blanched, "You're going to dress me?!"
"Well you can't very well dress yourself, not in the clothes you've been given." Futeiki grinned, sharp-toothed, and then sashayed to the walk-in closet on the opposite side of the room.
"But...but......You're not female...I mean......you might not be..." Serena felt the blush rising again, burning her cheeks."
Futeiki winked seductively, "If you have to ask, you'll *never* know."
SM DIMENSION
The darkness was everywhere, a layer-thick frosting of the area. Breathing was agonizing, as if one thousand sharp punctures had been made in her lungs. Everywhere, an oppressive silence rang, shuddering off the emaciated buildings, rippling through the dead brown grass, echoing in her mind. Every step was walking over crumbled antiques. Shops deserted, homes disintegrating under the weight of death, the darkness crept into the water, the air...
Then, as an intake of breath, a small stream of light shone. Shielding her eyes, she was almost afraid to look, to see what this amazing energy was. But she looked, eyes watering and burning; wider and wider she opened her eyes until she could take in every gorgeous detail. She felt arms around her; holding her tightly and the breath leave her as the long, golden hair surrounded her. Voices in the background called to her but they were nothing to her now.
Were those tears falling from this angel's eye? Or were they her own, unable to fall free? She felt cold all over as she fell backwards, allowing the beauty to hold her so tightly....Why did it hurt? Something fell out of her hand, she could hear it fall but could not feel what it was, and she was so cold. It was then she tasted the blood in her mouth, as beautiful as she always imagined. It was an absolution at last......
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Madison walked throughout the mansion until she found herself in the aquarium. She felt lost and excluded in the clouds of mourning that filled the house. It was everywhere she went and inescapable. Slowly Madison leaned her head against the cool glass, her black hair falling over her shoulders, one pale hand pressed against the tank. She sighed softly and took out her sketchbook from her back pocket and began drawing the exotic fish that Michelle enjoyed so much.
She found herself engrossed in her work, trying hard to forget the tumultuous feelings inside. But a soft voice reverberated around the aquarium and Madison became curious to hear who had come in so unknowingly. Dropping her sketchpad, she turned another corner only to find Hotaru, staring intently at one of the large, empty tanks. She wore a long black dress and cross-adorned earrings. She looked aloof but her eyes and voice were stone cold.
'She's talking to someone' Madison thought.
Rightly, there was a slightly distorted image rippling upon the surface of the glass, shimmering slowly. Taking a few soft steps, Madison leaned close to hear what was being said.
"I am displeased."
"I realize." Hotaru said softly, smiling.
"I did not foresee such a thing."
"It does not matter, things are already coming to an end." Hotaru replied solemnly.
"Yes, that is becoming more and more apparent."
"Have you talked to Mirai? Perhaps she can offer some answers." Hotaru asked.
"She still denies me, even if not as totally as before."
"She will come around eventually. I am worried that Akki will return before Bulma and Ami have completed their work." Hotaru added.
"There is no need to worry about such things, I am however, counting on you to be my eyes and ears."
Hotaru bowed slowly, "I am always happy to be in your service, Morpheus. However, there is something you have not yet mentioned."
"Your brother, perhaps?"
"I must have a guarantee. His soul his too closely linked to mine." Hotaru said, a flicker of worry in her eyes.
"I can make no promises, you should know this. As much as I despise it, the outcome will rest in their hands."
"I understand." Hotaru nodded slowly.
The glimmering light vanished quickly and all was silent. Madison stood unmoving, back pressed against the cool marble wall, trying hard not to make a sound.
"Come out here please, Madison. I am not going to hurt you. After all......I am only a child."
Madison swallowed and pushed her black hair out of her eyes and turned the corner only to come face to face with Hotaru, pallid as a corpse.
"I'm very sorry......I did not mean to spy..."
"Please, you look so frightened," Hotaru whispered, "You must get ready, we will be leaving tomorrow."
"What?"
"Mirai is already moving...She can interpret her visions much more quickly than I expected..." Hotaru said, almost seeming to talk to herself. She looked up suddenly, realizing Madison was still there, "The others are most likely already gathered."
"I...I don't understand..." Madison said sounding even more confused.
Hotaru took her hand and began leading her back upstairs, "Akki is moving again."
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THE DARK VOID
Serena ignored the whispers around her as she entered the Grand Library of the palace. Once again, floor-to-ceiling windows adorned the room, giving breathtaking views of space. The stars seemed numerous and identical as they flickered so far away. Everything seemed black and monotonous however, and the slight pulse of dark energy kept Serena from thinking to hard about her friends at home.
Though Futeiki had advised against her going out so quickly, Serena had felt stifled and embarrassed staying with her guardian. She held up a hand and pressed it to the cool, strong window glass and laid her cheek against it. Vulnerable was all Serena felt now, unable to transform because of the amounts of dark energy and constantly watched by the hordes and denizens of the Dark Lord's empire.
Futeiki had managed to dress her without too much trouble, though Serena had blushed furiously throughout the encounter, wondering fervently whether Futeiki was a male or female. Her clothes were, as she had asked, much more simple. Serena sported a black leather miniskirt and a wine red leather jacket, complete with black boots and large, silver crescent moon-shaped earrings. She had pulled her hair back into a high ponytail and gone without makeup.
Though she was beautiful, Serena knew she must have looked tired and sad. Her fears that the Dark Lord would soon finish her friends were fixed much more deeply in her heart than she had at first realized and doubt began to cloud her thoughts.
'Oh Vegeta...I want to be strong enough to protect myself but I'm so afraid..." Serena sobbed, feeling the warm tears on her cheeks, and tasted them.
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"You have dressed her beautifully. The Lady is indeed worthy of all her praise." The Dark Lord remarked softly, staring up at the floating picture of her, eyes fixated. He snapped and the picture dissipated and he leaned back once more into his throne.
"She cries, My Lord."
The room became silent. The slow millings and murmurs of the subjects present in the throne room became silent.
"You have something to report to me, Futeiki?" The Dark Lord said, glaring menacingly.
"My Lord, I meant no offense. But I do not believe that you realize the strength of the link that The Lady carries within her." Futeiki continued, gold eyes hard.
"Oh? Is that so?"
"Yes, My Lord. You must understand; The Lady is devoted to this one who holds her heart. She will not give him up. Her bond with that Saiya-jin will be the destruction of us all!!"
"SILENCE!" The Dark Lord shouted, the room vibrating with the power of his anger. "How dare you speak to me in such a way! You are a fool who knows nothing of my desires!"
"Metallia died for your desires! Will you disgrace your sister's death in such a way?" Futeiki demanded, shielding himself from the power the Dark lord emanated.
"Metallia failed me! Just as those pathetic sisters of yours failed me as well! You hanging by a thread in my favor Futeiki cross me again and you will join them!" The Dark Lord slammed his hand down hard on the arm of his throne and thick crack became visible.
"My lord...Calm yourself..." A soft voice hissed, "Soon you will have no need to fear. I will finish the little nuisances."
"Akki..." Futeiki glared, fists clenched.
Sure enough, from the shadows Akki emerged, dark and shapeless.
"You will leave immediately and deal with the Sailor Senshi as well as those other annoyances. Spare no one!"
"Yes Milord, I will not fail you." Akki whispered.
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"The winds are changing..." Amara said softly.
"What'd you say, Amara?" Lita asked.
Michelle smiled, "The winds are changing and the seas are preparing for the storm..."
Amara looked over at Michelle and took her hand gently, "It was so sudden I almost didn't realize it."
"Winds? Storms?" Krillin said, confused.
"We nearly missed our chance but the window of opportunity has been opened."
"Hotaru?"
Into the spacious living room, Hotaru walked in with Madison close behind, the shadows of the setting sun playing treacherously across her childishly cold face.
"Has Mirai come out of her room yet?" She asked softly.
"Actually yeah, I saw her in the hallway when I was getting something to eat-I mean, walking around." Goku said.
"Was she going to meet up with Ami and Bulma?" Hotaru asked, a new light in her eyes.
"I guess she was going in that direction." Goku said scratching his head, unsure of where the interrogation was headed.
"Good, then things are going as planned."
"As planned? Hotaru what are you talking about?" Mina asked.
"I don't have time to explain but you should all be prepared." Hotaru replied.
"I don't understand...Wait..." Rei stood slowly from her chair near the fireplace and closed her eyes, "I feel......Something, something cold and strong."
"I'm getting it now too..." Tien said slowly, coming out of his silence.
Suddenly footsteps could be heard, coming down the stairs. Rini burst through the doorway, all traces of fear or pain gone from her face, only anger.
"It's Akki, I'm sure of it! That filth is coming here!"
"Probably sent by the Dark Lord to get rid of us!" Gohan said angrily.
"Right! Well then we have no choice but to defend ourselves. If we don't fight Akki now we may never find out where they've taking Serena!" Lita said, hotly.
"Right then, Gohan, please go and get Ami, Bulma, and Mirai. We'll transform while the others head out to find Akki before he can attack us." Mina said, strategizing quickly.
"We must be careful." Trunks said stepping out of the darkness into the light of the room. His eyes flashed dangerously. His sword was in hand unsheathed, and seemed sharpened beyond belief. "Akki must already know that he won't have the element of surprise. He's probably planning something big."
Hotaru smiled as she saw the shadow of the Dark Prince in the hallway, seething inwardly.
********************
Akki had chosen a very open place, the park where he had taken the Lady no less. He was releasing enormous amounts of energy so he did not doubt that his adversaries would find him quickly. The sky was darkening and made his shadow-like body seem to melt into the background, but Akki had decided to choose a definite form for this battle. He looked human enough, long black hair and slightly pale, almost translucent skin. Dressed in casual jeans and a shirt made him blend in to any human who happened to pass by.
But his eyes were empty and filled with fathomless darkness.
Akki looked up sharply as he heard a strange whistle in the air and jumped high suddenly landing about 5 yards away from where a cluster of deadly ki spikes, glowing pink with power. In the air above him were Rini and Trunks, eyes cold and pitiless. This was a matter of pure revenge.
In both her hands Rini still held her signature spikes and smiled making her face, so much like the Lady's Akki noted, look beautiful and terrible.
"That was a warning Akki," Rini called out, "we aren't here to play games with you so don't play games with us!"
Akki grinned smoothly, distorting the handsome face unimaginably, "I don't fight children." He laughed.
"Then maybe you'd rather fight with us!"
Akki look down from the sky and growled at the figures that emerged into the lighted clearing.
"We don't have time for long sermons!" Jupiter cried out.
"But in the absence of our leader," Mars shouted.
"We're willing to make an exception!" Mercury called.
"We are the Sailor Senshi!" Venus yelled.
"United from around the solar system." Uranus exclaimed.
"To fight you here for our princess!" Neptune called out.
"We won't back down! Tremble before our heroic speech-making skills!" Saturn finished.
"WHAT?!"
"Oh sorry..."
Akki laughed harder, "You're fools to challenge me! All of you.." He motioned to the Z-senshi who approached from the other side with fewer words.
"Huh! I don't speak to filth like you!" Trunks called out and charged Akki, throwing ki blasts with both hands.
In this way the battle began.
"DEEP SUBMERGE!" Neptune shouted, releasing her beautiful power as Akki moved out of the way of Trunks ki blasts and in her direction.
Immediately Sailor Mercury reached for her super computer and hit her visor on. In minutes she had determined that though the Senshi were strong, Akki could easily dodge and dart faster than any of them, even the Saiya-Jin. As a shape shifter, Akki also had the benefit of getting as small as he liked which would allow attacks to fly through the air, missing their targets.
'This is crazy,' Piccolo thought, 'We're hitting each other more than this guy..'
Gasping Mercury jumped out of the way as Akki knocked one of Goku's ki blasts wide and burst a tree wide open.
"Sorry about that!"
"It's alright! Tell the others to try and keep Akki in as small a circle as possible so he can't dodge as much."
Mercury went back to her calculations trying to get a clear idea of the way Akki could be killed.
"SUPREME THUNDER!" Jupiter called out, as Akki tried to fly to the air, lighting bolts striking furiously.
Suddenly something caught Mercury's eye, 'There...'
"SHABON SPRAY!" Mercury shouted, feeling the familiar cool as fog filled the area. As she hoped all motion seemed to stop as no one could see anything. Mercury moved almost silently a few steps forward and found her-self nearly touching Vegeta.
"Vegeta-san, his neck." She whispered, "You've got to cut his head off."
Vegeta turned and saw the blue haired girl as she held up her computer frantically and he nodded with his character smirk.
"SHADOW SPELL." Akki murmured and held up one clawed hand as the misty air began to swirl away to nothing, fading quickly.
"Can you get close enough!"
Vegeta nodded and ran towards Akki shooting small ki blasts in his direction.
"SOLAR FLARE" Tien shouted and immediately the clearing was filled with unbearably bright light. Akki screamed as he turned his dark-filled eyes away and felt something grab him from behind.
Vegeta held Akki's arms back crushingly, his legs intertwined with the powerful foe's, holding him steady. Vegeta began to slowly rise higher into the air, trying to keep his grip on the slippery, shadowy shape shifter.
"Trunks!!" Rini motioned, pushing her black hair out of her eyes, staring boldly at her future father even as the glaring light of Tien's attack continued.
"Right!"
The two were in the air fast, Trunks brandishing his sword with Rini next to him, ki spikes blazing.
"Lets end this!"
*********************
DARK VOID
Serena looked up for a moment, reaching her hand behind her head for Futeiki to stop brushing.
"What is it my lady?"
Serena sat still for a moment, eyes closed and silent. Her long blonde hair tumbled over her shoulders as she leaned forward, hands gripping her silky, black nightgown gently. She slowly turned to Futeiki, lifting her head and smiling, "Nothing, it's nothing, you can keep brushing..."
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A long time in the making folks, sorry for the LOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG wait. Sadly school starts soon but I'll try not to be as slow as before! I REALLY hope you enjoyed. Please review!!
LoNe StAr in an OcEaN SkY
Chapter 22: The Lady Emerges; Akki Returns
"Go forth Setsuna, my daughter. I grant you this favor...because I feel your pain."
"Thank you. I understand...Father."
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DARK VOID
"My Lord, we have almost finished bathing the Lady. Shall we place her in her room or bring her directly to you?"
The Dark Lord eyed the young maiden, her face hidden by a silk, black veil, "It is my guess that she still hasn't regained consciousness. Place her in her room so that she will be comfortable when she wakes."
"Yes my lord." She replied solemnly, her red and yellow eyes on the floor.
The young, shrouded woman reentered the bathhouse where sounds of pouring water could be heard. Listening for a moment, the Dark lord indulged in his own sinful fantasies of Serena, warm and pink from the bathhouse's hot water. Hair dark and gold as she floats carefully in the water, the suds covering her most delicious areas...
'Oh...but there will be time.' He thought to himself, 'because she is mine...All mine."
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SM DIMENSION
"Ugh! Why can't I get these configurations right." Ami said, practically ripping her glasses off and slamming them down next to her laptop.
Sighing, she ran her shaking hands through her ragged hair. For three days she had been working with Bulma, spending hours on calculations.
"Hey Ami, it's alright. Here, have some tea." Bulma said.
She entered the room that they had designated as the new lab, and placed a saucer of steaming liquid in front of Ami, then sat next to the blue-haired senshi.
"Thanks Bulma." Ami said feeling her frustration yielding.
"You have to relax." Bulma said, "We've got to be strong."
"I know that. It's just; I feel like we've considered every possibility, every method...I just feel so lost." Ami blinked as she felt the wetness on her hand.
"Hey, you better stop that or your tea will be too salty to drink." Bulma said softly.
"Yeah." Amy replied, laughing a little as she wiped her tears.
"I know it's hard. We all feel responsible" Bulma said, almost to herself, "I think Rini and Trunks are taking it the hardest though...Imagine what it must feel like for them, having to watch their future mother suffer..."
Ami blinked and suddenly stared at Bulma, her mouth opening slightly, "What did you just say?"
Bulma stared right back at the young woman, "I said that it must be hard seeing their future mother..."
"Why didn't I see it before?"
"What? Ami what are you-"
"Brilliant, you're absolutely brilliant Bulma!!"
"I am...I mean, yeah I knew that but..."
"THAT'S IT!!!"
"That's what?" Bulma asked, confused, watching her blue-haired counterpart start hooking up the wires between her laptop and the supercomputer.
"Where's the data you recorded on Catseye, Darkflake, Ivy, and Brimstone? You kept the information on their energy composition right?" Ami asked as she sat back down, barely able to form words with the pounding in her heart.
"Well..yes.." Bulma said, still rather unsure what was going on.
"I'm so stupid, a Senshi and I couldn't even see the answer right in front of me!" Ami sat down and began bringing up file after file after file.
As Bulma watched, the meaning began to dawn upon her at last, "Ami...you're a genius, no doubt about it......"
***************************
Goku and the rest of the Z-Senshi grew quiet as Rini passed by the living room as though in a dream. Her eyes were glazed and her skin was as pale as death. Dark shadows highlighted her eyes and matched her dark, disheveled hair.
"I better go talk to her." Trunks said, pushing off from the floor and rushing after his little sister.
"I never thought that one person could mean so much." Yamucha said.
"I can't even imagine what Rini's going through...and Trunks trying to be strong for her." Krillin said sadly, shaking his head.
Chi-Chi sighed and pulled Gohan off the floor into her lap, holding him tightly, "That's what happens when you lose your mother...And...It works both ways."
Goku's eyes softened as he watched his wife cradle his young son, holding him as though if she let go he would disappear forever.
"We mustn't lose hope." Piccolo said sternly.
"No, we can't...But it's getting harder and harder to believe it's still there." Tien remarked curtly.
Chi-Chi's head whipped up, "Don't you say that again! We'll find her...Ami and Bulma are working so hard........."
**************************
"Rini!" Trunks called out, watching as she walked, floating through the hallway like a wraith, stopping at Vegeta's door. She didn't acknowledge his voice but pressed her hand to the door, whispering softly. It opened and she went in silently.
"Wah?" Trunks took a deep breath and followed her in.
His eyes widened at what he saw and he was so surprised that he jumped when the door shut behind him. There was Vegeta, sitting on his bed with Rini, holding her. Both of their faces were vacant and devoid of emotion. He rocked her gently and obviously tenderly despite his large, toned muscles.
"Father..."
But he didn't say anything. Trunks contemplated this for a moment and then went over to them...His family. He sat on Rini's other side and took her free hand, hoping she could understand. And then, in an instant, he realized what they were doing......He felt Rini's pain, fresh and bleeding like a wound...Then he felt his father's, full and piercing. Raging like a disease that had been eating away at him for days......Three days. Slowly he poured his own sadness into them; his covered, yet deep like a badly bandaged laceration, pulsing. Suddenly Rini gasped, as though she hadn't breathing for days and color returned to her eyes,
"Oh Trunks." She whispered and squeezed his hand.
*****************************************
DARK VOID
Serena gasped loudly and shot up in bed, cold sweat covering her body. She looked around, trying to remember where she was and what had happened and the thoughts came back all to clearly.
"Oh God..." She whimpered.
The room around her was dark and menacing and she clutched the soft blanket tightly in her hand almost unconsciously.
"Now now, it will serve you no purpose to get upset again." A voice called out from the darkness.
Immediately Serena felt a bit calmed, the voice was deep and sure. Like eating a piece of chocolate, she felt comforted.
"Who's there?" She called out suddenly feeling a sharp pang of fear.
In an instant, the lights when on and Serena gasped as she found herself in an elegant room, so expensive that it looked like a combination of both her room at the CCPC and Amara and Michelle's mansion. Paintings lined the walls, beautiful scenes of flowers and waterfalls. A cherry wood vanity was on one side while a mahogany table with a carved glass lamp stood in the opposite side. Three beautifully intricate chandeliers went from the just above her bed to the door where a man was standing.
"So, you are awake at last."
Serena simply stared, feeling a deep blush creep over her cheeks, "Who...who are you?"
"I am the Lord of this world. Welcome, to the Dark Palace, dear Lady."
***********************
SM DIMENSION
"Mirai? I'm going to go eat. Would you like me to bring you something back?" Madison asked, staring at the unmoving figure standing at the window.
"No thank you."
"Mirai! Please, you have to eat some..."
"No thank you, Madison." Mirai said again without moving, her voice hard and fine like the edge of a blade.
"Fine!" The door slammed a few seconds later, shaking more than just the doorframe.
"It's for the best."
"You keep telling me that Setsuna. Saying it over and over. Why are you here?" Mirai said softly, keeping her eyes on the darkening sky.
"You must know why, Mirai. You must have felt it as soon as she......was taken." Setsuna said, appearing from the shadows.
"And you knew?"
"Didn't you?" Setsuna replied, her face a mask. "You should know by now, Mirai, that Fate and Future, though similar, are indeed different. The Future is not set in stone, but some things cannot be changed."
"It's all the words we couldn't say, isn't it Setsuna? We have to hold them inside ourselves, acting." Mirai whispered, turning towards the green-haired woman, her blue eyes shining with tears.
"So, it has indeed begun. And so...I need your help."
"Why." Mirai asked, her fists clenching, "You know where they are. You can help us get......her back."
"Mirai, you know very well that that is -not- the reason I have come to you."
Smiling wryly, Mirai nodded, pushing her shoulder-length brown hair back from her eyes.
"The bonds between them are starting to deteriorate. They are frightened and contemplate many things when each is in solitude. It will be their downfall." Setsuna said softly but sternly.
"What?! But...But, I have not seen such a thing!" Mirai said suddenly, eyes wide. "How can that be?"
"Each individual feels the strain of the group. How long, Mirai, did you expect them to go on like that? They will be defeated in their search for the princess."
"Don't say that...Don't you dare say that! They are strong; I have seen that, I can feel it too! They can succeed and destroy the dark forces!" Mirai proclaimed confidently.
"And you are sure?" Setsuna smiled faintly.
All of a sudden, Mirai looked straight at Setsuna, eye to eye, "What are you trying to accomplish."
Setsuna smiled, her eyes glittering with the setting sun, "You are so amazing Mirai and you are the key."
"The...key?" Mirai repeated, her head beginning to throb.
"Perhaps you know more than you realize?" Setsuna smiled mysteriously, "When the time comes, The Gates will be open."
Mirai gasped as a flicker of recognition instilled itself in her mind for a moment, her eyes shining, and then it was gone.
"Do not let them lose themselves...We are waiting for you Mirai..." Setsuna whispered from the darkness, her voice thin and wavering in the thick air.
**************************
DARK VOID
"Please, this way my Lady." The young woman said, pulling her along gently.
But Serena wasn't in any mood to go any faster. Since that morning, she had not seen any sign of that man who had been in her room before.
'No! Not *my* room...' She thought fiercely. And yet, nothing bad had happened to her yet...but a warning was in the back of her mind and in the depths of her heart.
The palace walls, made out of pure, reflective, black obsidian towered all around her. Stopping for a moment, Serena looked at her self in the polished rock. Her long, blonde hair had been combed at least one thousand strokes and tied back loosely with a black velvet ribbon, leaving a few strands to fall at her temples. She was outfitted in a tight black leather dress, edged in silver at the hem. It's style was extremely revealing, with a slit that revealed her leg up to about three-quarters of her thigh and a top that indulged more than a few tantalizing morsels of the imagination. Finally, with a pair of no-nonsense shimmering silver heels and a mixture of black and pink lipstick applied to her lips, Serena could barely recognize herself. A seductive woman stared back at her, with eyes innocently appealing.
She quickly looked away and continued on with the shrouded woman, following her through dark corridors until they came to a stop.
"Lady, Milord wishes to have words with you. Just through these doors, Nokuta will accompany you to his throne room."
She bowed to her and then rushed off, disappearing down another dark hallway. Serena suddenly felt a large, pressure on her mind, bitter and cold. The walls around her seemed to come closer, suffocating her and she felt weak suddenly.
"You mustn't dawdle. He is waiting."
Serena gasped and spun around, coming face to face with orange eyes. As she looked up and down over the young girl's body she felt the blood rush from her face,
"What...are you?" She whispered.
"...Come along." Nokuta said, pushing open the heavy black doors.
Serena's eyes widened as she stared at her surroundings. Huge glass windows, draped in jade green velvet, revealed the sparkling silence of space. They were so tall that they seemed to go as high as the ceiling, which seemed at least the height of forty men. Large diamond chandeliers adorned the ceiling, sending beams of pale light throughout the room. Hundreds of people stood, (though some of them didn't quite look quite like typical people) seemingly awaiting her, watching her intently.
Nokuta smirked. "Go on!" She said almost forcefully pushing Serena through the crowd, even as they parted for her at each footstep.
Serena was breathing to hard to even hear or notice Nokuta, however. Her heart pounded as all around her she felt dark power...evil power. Like a waterfall, it gushed around and through her in dizzying waves. Alternately hot and cold, Serena gasped and coughed and the dark, blurring faces pressed towards her, trying to touch her or get a glimpse of her until a lone voice rang out over the noise in her head.
"All of you! Give the Lady room at once!"
And suddenly the feeling was gone. The great room became silent. She felt a warm hand on her head and looked up into deep, dark brown eyes.
"Forgive me, I didn't realize you were still so weak."
Serena stood slowly, pulling back.
"You look beautiful." The man said, letting go of Serena's hands and sitting back in the shadows of the throne.
Blushing furiously Serena glared at him, "Where am I! Why have you brought me here?!"
"Dear Lady," He said softly, "Long have I desired to look upon your beautiful face. I have seen you in my dreams and to have you here at last......"
Serena stared at him, feeling her anger mounting, "You make it sound as though I came of my own will! I want to go home, back to my friends!"
"You mean, back to him." He said quietly. Standing from the shadows, he stepped down once again to look at Serena eye to eye.
He was taller than Vegeta by a good many inches, and carried himself, indeed, like a prince. He had dark, almost blackish, brown hair that swept across his eyes, making the soft pools look even more innocent. But, Serena sensed in him hidden power, dark power.
"How do you know about......You're the Dark Lord, aren't you!?" She gasped out moving back, shaking her head incredulously until she bumped into Nokuta.
"You were expecting Prince Charming?" Nokuta laughed into her ear, giving her a shove back forward.
The room filled with laughter until the Dark Lord raised his hand for silence,
"You are in the Black Palace, the place of government within the Dark Void." He smiled.
Serena shook her head in disbelief, as her tears hit the polished floor, "And...And Naru-chan?"
"One of my best operatives, Akki. A shape shifter." He replied coolly.
"Kami-sama! Oh God, why?" Serena gasped out.
The Dark Lord watched her and smiled gently and then went to her, gripping her shoulders tightly, "If you only knew how long I have waited...You have nothing to fear here." he whispered, his eyes flickering red.
"Why..." Serena whispered, falling into the scarlet pits of his eyes, tears flowing freely as she felt his lips meet her own.
************************
SM DIMENSION
Vegeta shot up in bed, his eyes wide and hands clenched. Even though the sweat on his bare chest was cold, he felt hot and suffocated, as though he hadn't been breathing for hours and his heart had just started beating. His mouth was sore and dry and he ran his tongue over his cracked lips, thinking. From each side of his bed he could hear the low snoring of Trunks and Rini who had grabbed blankets and crashed on his floor. But he didn't want to look at them, not now...
Staring off into the darkness, he could feel the pain starting in his head again, a low throbbing sound that hurt immensely. Turning to the window he looked out at the starry sky, knowing that Serena was out there somewhere.
"What the hell are you doing in my room?" Vegeta growled, keeping his eyes on the sparkling moon.
Setsuna smiled, "You knew I was in here?"
"Of course, baka onna. I could hear you from a mile off."
"Well then, that surprise has been taken care of." Setsuna said, appearing from the shadows, staff in hand. In place of her sailor fuku, she wore a long, black, Renaissance dress; corset and all.
"The hell do you want." He said, turning to glare at her.
"I don't appreciate your tone young prince." Setsuna said, smiling subtly, allowing herself to relax on her stance and sit upon the scowling prince's bed. She laid the Garnet Rod across her lap, among the billowy folds.
"Humph."
Suddenly her eyes were hard, "Have you made your choice?"
"I chose a long time ago woman, so you can stop nagging me. You and that brat of yours." Vegeta growled.
"You must realize that there is no going back now Vegeta-sama." Setsuna smiled, "Still, it makes me very happy to hear that...She will love you for it...They will both love you for it."
********************************
THE DARK PALACE;
THE LADY'S CHAMBER
"Plip."
Serena blinked as she felt another droplet of water hit her soft lips. Vaguely, she heard the swishing of clothes and felt cold hands on her cheeks. Muffled voices began to rouse her, bringing her back to a fearful reality.
"Wake her carefully, do not chafe her wounds." A strong, matronly voice said, but not quite a woman's voice. It was extremely feminine and masculine at the same time.
Slowly, Serena opened her eyes, feeling stretched and taut. Weakly, she lifted a hand, hearing the room grow still, and licked her lips as more drops of water were poured into her weak mouth.
"Right. Everyone out!" The manly/womanish voice called out and the sounds of shuffling could be heard as the others left the chamber rather reluctantly.
Suddenly a strong hand came down on Serena's thigh with a loud SMACK! "Up, up girlie! You've had a time of it I'm sure!"
Serena almost leapt out of bed, only the throbbing pain in her head kept her grounded. She felt the blood at her temples all too acutely and groaned as warm, sticky blood started dripping from her nose, crimson as a sunset.
"Eh, humans. I'll never understand 'em."
Serena's blurry eyes widened as she felt a fingertip on her nose and the blood stopped flowing and her head stopped throbbing. Slowly she felt her vision returning and looked more clearly at the person who had helped her.
"Oh..." Serena whispered.
Whoever it was, was the most neutral being Serena had ever seen. It had long, cornflower blue hair and sparkling, melted gold eyes. The mouth was a soft pink flower and the cheeks were femininely defined, yet there was something about the face that was just so masculine, it was almost unnerving. A gorgeous man? A handsome woman? Serena couldn't tell. Along with shiny, baggy black pants, and an emerald vest, it was impossible to determine a gender.
"You're beautiful." Serena whispered softly and then grimaced, as she tasted the slickness of a bruise on her lips.
"Our Lord certainly gave you quite a welcoming performance. Imagine, even while knowing you hadn't adjusted to the dark energies yet." The demonic cherub ignored the remark but there was a hint of a smile playing across the enigmatic face.
"What happened?" Serena asked softly, reaching for the gilded mirror that lay opposite her on the small table near the bed. She winced as she saw the bruises on her lips.
"They are on your arms as well, my Lady." The strange one said, twisting a lock of sky-like hair.
Serena looked up at him...her...it????
"There's no reason to bother your pretty head thinking -that- one through! I am Futeiki. You may address me as such when you are well, my Lady."
"Why does everyone call me that?!" Serena said, started to recall her past incidents again.
"It is your name and formal title, I would think that most would have the sense to address you as such." Futeiki smirked, eyes glittering seductively.
Serena felt her breath catch as a deep blush spread across her face and turned away shyly. The energy emanating from Futeiki was strange, not so much evil as it was wavering, mischievous. She set the mirror down gently on the nightstand next to the four-poster bed, sighing gently at the slow throbbing in her arms and legs. Heady, that was the word for what she felt and she hated the feeling.
Suddenly she thought of her friends, the Sailor Senshi, and of the Z-gang, and Vegeta......She felt her eyes fill with tears at the idea that she was, at last, all alone.
"Best not to think of that one." Futeiki said softly into her ear, "Milord will sooner have you bleed bloody tears than let anyone else have you."
Serena looked away fiercely, her long, blonde hair tumbling over her shaking shoulders as she convulsed silently.
"Now now dearie, don't cry like that. I don't mean to vex you, truly. It's just that...Well, Akki will surely finish your friends and this one who think so often of as well. There is no one who can take you away. It is futile to think of it." Futeiki said softly, reaching a hand out to the bruised and crying young woman.
"Don't touch me," Serena gasped, swatting Futeiki's hand away, "My friends aren't that easily crushed, they will find a way to save me. They are strong."
"Even without you, Milady?" Futeiki said, a slow smirk spreading revealing razor-sharp, pointed white teeth.
Suddenly it seemed to Futeiki that Serena became more solemn and her features set hard and true as one who has seen many things and is more powerful than her innocence reveals, "Even if I died my friends would carry on because they're power comes not just from me, as it does with your Dark Lord."
Futeiki blinked and then smiled, as pure a smile as Serena ever saw one, "Well, you've still got some passion left in you."
Serena stared deep into the mysterious being's golden eyes and felt her self start to smile; almost against her will it felt.
"Lets get you dressed, Milady, " Futeiki said, "I have advised His Lordship not to see you again until your strength is regained." Then, Futeiki leaned in close again, "It will give your friends time to come and prove me wrong, eh?"
Serena's eyes widened and she stared, unsure of what to say to this help unlooked for then, all of a sudden she blanched, "You're going to dress me?!"
"Well you can't very well dress yourself, not in the clothes you've been given." Futeiki grinned, sharp-toothed, and then sashayed to the walk-in closet on the opposite side of the room.
"But...but......You're not female...I mean......you might not be..." Serena felt the blush rising again, burning her cheeks."
Futeiki winked seductively, "If you have to ask, you'll *never* know."
SM DIMENSION
The darkness was everywhere, a layer-thick frosting of the area. Breathing was agonizing, as if one thousand sharp punctures had been made in her lungs. Everywhere, an oppressive silence rang, shuddering off the emaciated buildings, rippling through the dead brown grass, echoing in her mind. Every step was walking over crumbled antiques. Shops deserted, homes disintegrating under the weight of death, the darkness crept into the water, the air...
Then, as an intake of breath, a small stream of light shone. Shielding her eyes, she was almost afraid to look, to see what this amazing energy was. But she looked, eyes watering and burning; wider and wider she opened her eyes until she could take in every gorgeous detail. She felt arms around her; holding her tightly and the breath leave her as the long, golden hair surrounded her. Voices in the background called to her but they were nothing to her now.
Were those tears falling from this angel's eye? Or were they her own, unable to fall free? She felt cold all over as she fell backwards, allowing the beauty to hold her so tightly....Why did it hurt? Something fell out of her hand, she could hear it fall but could not feel what it was, and she was so cold. It was then she tasted the blood in her mouth, as beautiful as she always imagined. It was an absolution at last......
************************
Madison walked throughout the mansion until she found herself in the aquarium. She felt lost and excluded in the clouds of mourning that filled the house. It was everywhere she went and inescapable. Slowly Madison leaned her head against the cool glass, her black hair falling over her shoulders, one pale hand pressed against the tank. She sighed softly and took out her sketchbook from her back pocket and began drawing the exotic fish that Michelle enjoyed so much.
She found herself engrossed in her work, trying hard to forget the tumultuous feelings inside. But a soft voice reverberated around the aquarium and Madison became curious to hear who had come in so unknowingly. Dropping her sketchpad, she turned another corner only to find Hotaru, staring intently at one of the large, empty tanks. She wore a long black dress and cross-adorned earrings. She looked aloof but her eyes and voice were stone cold.
'She's talking to someone' Madison thought.
Rightly, there was a slightly distorted image rippling upon the surface of the glass, shimmering slowly. Taking a few soft steps, Madison leaned close to hear what was being said.
"I am displeased."
"I realize." Hotaru said softly, smiling.
"I did not foresee such a thing."
"It does not matter, things are already coming to an end." Hotaru replied solemnly.
"Yes, that is becoming more and more apparent."
"Have you talked to Mirai? Perhaps she can offer some answers." Hotaru asked.
"She still denies me, even if not as totally as before."
"She will come around eventually. I am worried that Akki will return before Bulma and Ami have completed their work." Hotaru added.
"There is no need to worry about such things, I am however, counting on you to be my eyes and ears."
Hotaru bowed slowly, "I am always happy to be in your service, Morpheus. However, there is something you have not yet mentioned."
"Your brother, perhaps?"
"I must have a guarantee. His soul his too closely linked to mine." Hotaru said, a flicker of worry in her eyes.
"I can make no promises, you should know this. As much as I despise it, the outcome will rest in their hands."
"I understand." Hotaru nodded slowly.
The glimmering light vanished quickly and all was silent. Madison stood unmoving, back pressed against the cool marble wall, trying hard not to make a sound.
"Come out here please, Madison. I am not going to hurt you. After all......I am only a child."
Madison swallowed and pushed her black hair out of her eyes and turned the corner only to come face to face with Hotaru, pallid as a corpse.
"I'm very sorry......I did not mean to spy..."
"Please, you look so frightened," Hotaru whispered, "You must get ready, we will be leaving tomorrow."
"What?"
"Mirai is already moving...She can interpret her visions much more quickly than I expected..." Hotaru said, almost seeming to talk to herself. She looked up suddenly, realizing Madison was still there, "The others are most likely already gathered."
"I...I don't understand..." Madison said sounding even more confused.
Hotaru took her hand and began leading her back upstairs, "Akki is moving again."
***************************
THE DARK VOID
Serena ignored the whispers around her as she entered the Grand Library of the palace. Once again, floor-to-ceiling windows adorned the room, giving breathtaking views of space. The stars seemed numerous and identical as they flickered so far away. Everything seemed black and monotonous however, and the slight pulse of dark energy kept Serena from thinking to hard about her friends at home.
Though Futeiki had advised against her going out so quickly, Serena had felt stifled and embarrassed staying with her guardian. She held up a hand and pressed it to the cool, strong window glass and laid her cheek against it. Vulnerable was all Serena felt now, unable to transform because of the amounts of dark energy and constantly watched by the hordes and denizens of the Dark Lord's empire.
Futeiki had managed to dress her without too much trouble, though Serena had blushed furiously throughout the encounter, wondering fervently whether Futeiki was a male or female. Her clothes were, as she had asked, much more simple. Serena sported a black leather miniskirt and a wine red leather jacket, complete with black boots and large, silver crescent moon-shaped earrings. She had pulled her hair back into a high ponytail and gone without makeup.
Though she was beautiful, Serena knew she must have looked tired and sad. Her fears that the Dark Lord would soon finish her friends were fixed much more deeply in her heart than she had at first realized and doubt began to cloud her thoughts.
'Oh Vegeta...I want to be strong enough to protect myself but I'm so afraid..." Serena sobbed, feeling the warm tears on her cheeks, and tasted them.
********************************
"You have dressed her beautifully. The Lady is indeed worthy of all her praise." The Dark Lord remarked softly, staring up at the floating picture of her, eyes fixated. He snapped and the picture dissipated and he leaned back once more into his throne.
"She cries, My Lord."
The room became silent. The slow millings and murmurs of the subjects present in the throne room became silent.
"You have something to report to me, Futeiki?" The Dark Lord said, glaring menacingly.
"My Lord, I meant no offense. But I do not believe that you realize the strength of the link that The Lady carries within her." Futeiki continued, gold eyes hard.
"Oh? Is that so?"
"Yes, My Lord. You must understand; The Lady is devoted to this one who holds her heart. She will not give him up. Her bond with that Saiya-jin will be the destruction of us all!!"
"SILENCE!" The Dark Lord shouted, the room vibrating with the power of his anger. "How dare you speak to me in such a way! You are a fool who knows nothing of my desires!"
"Metallia died for your desires! Will you disgrace your sister's death in such a way?" Futeiki demanded, shielding himself from the power the Dark lord emanated.
"Metallia failed me! Just as those pathetic sisters of yours failed me as well! You hanging by a thread in my favor Futeiki cross me again and you will join them!" The Dark Lord slammed his hand down hard on the arm of his throne and thick crack became visible.
"My lord...Calm yourself..." A soft voice hissed, "Soon you will have no need to fear. I will finish the little nuisances."
"Akki..." Futeiki glared, fists clenched.
Sure enough, from the shadows Akki emerged, dark and shapeless.
"You will leave immediately and deal with the Sailor Senshi as well as those other annoyances. Spare no one!"
"Yes Milord, I will not fail you." Akki whispered.
*************************
SM DIMENSION
"The winds are changing..." Amara said softly.
"What'd you say, Amara?" Lita asked.
Michelle smiled, "The winds are changing and the seas are preparing for the storm..."
Amara looked over at Michelle and took her hand gently, "It was so sudden I almost didn't realize it."
"Winds? Storms?" Krillin said, confused.
"We nearly missed our chance but the window of opportunity has been opened."
"Hotaru?"
Into the spacious living room, Hotaru walked in with Madison close behind, the shadows of the setting sun playing treacherously across her childishly cold face.
"Has Mirai come out of her room yet?" She asked softly.
"Actually yeah, I saw her in the hallway when I was getting something to eat-I mean, walking around." Goku said.
"Was she going to meet up with Ami and Bulma?" Hotaru asked, a new light in her eyes.
"I guess she was going in that direction." Goku said scratching his head, unsure of where the interrogation was headed.
"Good, then things are going as planned."
"As planned? Hotaru what are you talking about?" Mina asked.
"I don't have time to explain but you should all be prepared." Hotaru replied.
"I don't understand...Wait..." Rei stood slowly from her chair near the fireplace and closed her eyes, "I feel......Something, something cold and strong."
"I'm getting it now too..." Tien said slowly, coming out of his silence.
Suddenly footsteps could be heard, coming down the stairs. Rini burst through the doorway, all traces of fear or pain gone from her face, only anger.
"It's Akki, I'm sure of it! That filth is coming here!"
"Probably sent by the Dark Lord to get rid of us!" Gohan said angrily.
"Right! Well then we have no choice but to defend ourselves. If we don't fight Akki now we may never find out where they've taking Serena!" Lita said, hotly.
"Right then, Gohan, please go and get Ami, Bulma, and Mirai. We'll transform while the others head out to find Akki before he can attack us." Mina said, strategizing quickly.
"We must be careful." Trunks said stepping out of the darkness into the light of the room. His eyes flashed dangerously. His sword was in hand unsheathed, and seemed sharpened beyond belief. "Akki must already know that he won't have the element of surprise. He's probably planning something big."
Hotaru smiled as she saw the shadow of the Dark Prince in the hallway, seething inwardly.
********************
Akki had chosen a very open place, the park where he had taken the Lady no less. He was releasing enormous amounts of energy so he did not doubt that his adversaries would find him quickly. The sky was darkening and made his shadow-like body seem to melt into the background, but Akki had decided to choose a definite form for this battle. He looked human enough, long black hair and slightly pale, almost translucent skin. Dressed in casual jeans and a shirt made him blend in to any human who happened to pass by.
But his eyes were empty and filled with fathomless darkness.
Akki looked up sharply as he heard a strange whistle in the air and jumped high suddenly landing about 5 yards away from where a cluster of deadly ki spikes, glowing pink with power. In the air above him were Rini and Trunks, eyes cold and pitiless. This was a matter of pure revenge.
In both her hands Rini still held her signature spikes and smiled making her face, so much like the Lady's Akki noted, look beautiful and terrible.
"That was a warning Akki," Rini called out, "we aren't here to play games with you so don't play games with us!"
Akki grinned smoothly, distorting the handsome face unimaginably, "I don't fight children." He laughed.
"Then maybe you'd rather fight with us!"
Akki look down from the sky and growled at the figures that emerged into the lighted clearing.
"We don't have time for long sermons!" Jupiter cried out.
"But in the absence of our leader," Mars shouted.
"We're willing to make an exception!" Mercury called.
"We are the Sailor Senshi!" Venus yelled.
"United from around the solar system." Uranus exclaimed.
"To fight you here for our princess!" Neptune called out.
"We won't back down! Tremble before our heroic speech-making skills!" Saturn finished.
"WHAT?!"
"Oh sorry..."
Akki laughed harder, "You're fools to challenge me! All of you.." He motioned to the Z-senshi who approached from the other side with fewer words.
"Huh! I don't speak to filth like you!" Trunks called out and charged Akki, throwing ki blasts with both hands.
In this way the battle began.
"DEEP SUBMERGE!" Neptune shouted, releasing her beautiful power as Akki moved out of the way of Trunks ki blasts and in her direction.
Immediately Sailor Mercury reached for her super computer and hit her visor on. In minutes she had determined that though the Senshi were strong, Akki could easily dodge and dart faster than any of them, even the Saiya-Jin. As a shape shifter, Akki also had the benefit of getting as small as he liked which would allow attacks to fly through the air, missing their targets.
'This is crazy,' Piccolo thought, 'We're hitting each other more than this guy..'
Gasping Mercury jumped out of the way as Akki knocked one of Goku's ki blasts wide and burst a tree wide open.
"Sorry about that!"
"It's alright! Tell the others to try and keep Akki in as small a circle as possible so he can't dodge as much."
Mercury went back to her calculations trying to get a clear idea of the way Akki could be killed.
"SUPREME THUNDER!" Jupiter called out, as Akki tried to fly to the air, lighting bolts striking furiously.
Suddenly something caught Mercury's eye, 'There...'
"SHABON SPRAY!" Mercury shouted, feeling the familiar cool as fog filled the area. As she hoped all motion seemed to stop as no one could see anything. Mercury moved almost silently a few steps forward and found her-self nearly touching Vegeta.
"Vegeta-san, his neck." She whispered, "You've got to cut his head off."
Vegeta turned and saw the blue haired girl as she held up her computer frantically and he nodded with his character smirk.
"SHADOW SPELL." Akki murmured and held up one clawed hand as the misty air began to swirl away to nothing, fading quickly.
"Can you get close enough!"
Vegeta nodded and ran towards Akki shooting small ki blasts in his direction.
"SOLAR FLARE" Tien shouted and immediately the clearing was filled with unbearably bright light. Akki screamed as he turned his dark-filled eyes away and felt something grab him from behind.
Vegeta held Akki's arms back crushingly, his legs intertwined with the powerful foe's, holding him steady. Vegeta began to slowly rise higher into the air, trying to keep his grip on the slippery, shadowy shape shifter.
"Trunks!!" Rini motioned, pushing her black hair out of her eyes, staring boldly at her future father even as the glaring light of Tien's attack continued.
"Right!"
The two were in the air fast, Trunks brandishing his sword with Rini next to him, ki spikes blazing.
"Lets end this!"
*********************
DARK VOID
Serena looked up for a moment, reaching her hand behind her head for Futeiki to stop brushing.
"What is it my lady?"
Serena sat still for a moment, eyes closed and silent. Her long blonde hair tumbled over her shoulders as she leaned forward, hands gripping her silky, black nightgown gently. She slowly turned to Futeiki, lifting her head and smiling, "Nothing, it's nothing, you can keep brushing..."
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A long time in the making folks, sorry for the LOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG wait. Sadly school starts soon but I'll try not to be as slow as before! I REALLY hope you enjoyed. Please review!!
LoNe StAr in an OcEaN SkY