Hey everyone! I'm back with the final chapter.  I apologize for the long wait; school was more stressful than I originally thought.  I'd like to thank everyone who stuck by me…. you know who you are (smiles).  I don't think I can go through another one of these things, so there will be no sequel.  Besides I have to finish my other stories (winks). 

Chapter 7 -----Revenge is Sweet

"I can't believe she's been lying to us………"

"What can we do………."

"She's just lost someone very special……….."

This is what she had been listening to for the last three hours. 

Serena's lost count the number of times she frowned, smiled or rolled her bleary eyes toward heaven.  She wondered how much more shouting she would have to endure before they realized she could hear everything they were saying. 

She sighed as their voices continued to float from the space beneath the closed door to her position by the window.  Serena nudged the window open slightly and closed her eyes as the small breeze blew across her tear-streaked face.  She couldn't remember when the tears stopped falling, probably when she realized they wouldn't bring him back from the dead. 

Why?  This was the question that has been circling her mind since she held his lifeless body.  Why did this have to happen to her? Why now? Just when her smiles were starting to reach her eyes, someone splashes cold water in her face reminding her of the real world. A world where Serena's not allowed to love, the only thing she has permission to do is fight, rule and die.  

"We shouldn't be arguing…….."

"How much information has she gathered?……"

"I can't believe she's been lying to us………"

"Is that all you can think about, Raye?…….."

Of course, that's all Raye can think about, Serena thinks quietly.  It wouldn't be Raye Hino if she were, for once, thinking about someone other than herself.  Serena's face darkens as Raye continues to try persuading the others into thinking the same thing that Serena betrayed and lied to them and it should not be over looked because a nega-verse general lost his life.

The nerve.  Never mind that Malachite lost his life for them.  He was a nega-verse general and that's all that matters, right?  Serena could do nothing but snort and roll her eyes.         

"We need to be devising a plan……"

"If Beryl killed off one of her best generals……….."

"It means she's strong enough without him………."

Finally. Someone actually says something important.  Serena smirks and moves from her position on the window seat and makes her way across the room to stand facing the long dressing mirror in the corner of the room.  She stared at her reflection noticing the long tears streaks on her cheeks and her flushed skin. 

She felt like a trapped animal locked in her cage.  When Darien was finally able to pull her away from Malachite, Serena could do nothing but watch as Sailor Mar's flames engulfed his lifeless body.  The smell of burning flesh was her wake up call.  Serena finally accepted her fate.  She was beaten. 

And here she stood pushed into one of the bedrooms in the back of Raye's temple to (what did they call it?) mourn. Forced to listen to the scouts' guilt-ridden endless chatter because that's what it was.  They were all at fault, she thought.  Soon they will realize it and it will eat them up inside like acid on skin just as the same thing was happening to her now.  The grief was too strong and even if the scouts did feel remorseful, it will never be on the same level as Serena's.  No, she was alone.  She's always been alone.

"We should be consoling her, not attacking……….."

"Oh, how appropriate, Darien!….."

"What's that supposed to mean?…."

"You're always running to her rescue!………"

Serena's reflection smiled.  Darien was the best friend she ever had, he was always there for her and he was the only one she trusted wholeheartedly…next to Malachite, that is.  As Malachite's body was left in ashes, Tuxedo Mask held her to his chest.  She could still feel his fingers as they ran through her hair and smoothed over her face wiping away the tears that seemed to never cease.

He whispered in her ear: You still have me, Serena. Words that were selfish and yet, so soothing.  She would never have Darien completely, not when he was so attached to Raye and not when she wanted be everywhere else except next to him.  But even knowing this, Serena was still grateful because his words were true. 

"She's my friend!………."

"Are you sure about that?…….."

"Raye, your jealousy is tiresome……"

"I'm not jealous……….."

"…….you're only pushing me away…….."

"………"             

Well, would you look at that, Serena smirked.  Raye was actually too speechless to reply.  What a Kodak moment. Serena cared about the fiery scout, she had to for her to endure Raye's accusations and suspicious glares, besides she really couldn't blame Raye for being jealous.  If Malachite was extremely close with a female she would feel a bit insecure also and it doesn't help in anyway that Serenity and Endymion had a small fling before moving toward different partners. 

If only Raye could remember that last bit of information.

Ah, but what about Zoicite?  Serena frowned.  She forgot all about the female general and Serena had to admit she had been jealous.  Not of Zoicite, no.  Jealous because Malachite was with her, touching her, moaning her name.  Serena couldn't take that and so she told Malachite to get rid of her.  Bad? yes.  But, then Serena could finally sleep at night knowing that he was with no other when he wasn't with her.  Besides, Zoicite died a long time ago.

Serena shrugged.  It seemed Darien was right, Serenity was shining through.

"I'm sorry........."

"I know..........."

This part reminded Serena of the dramatic scenes in the old black and white movies.  Raye apologizes and they go running to each other in slow motion until they're hugging and kissing and whispering words of love in between and blah blah blah.  Serena never did get into those films.  Now she remembered the reason.  The sappiness, the phoniness and (oh yea) the annoyance.

Although, she might've been exaggerating about the running through fields bit, she knew they were hugging.  Darien was probably caressing Raye's back the same way he caressed her hair, he was probably whispering words of encouragement in Raye's ear as he did the same for her earlier that day.  She knew Darien too well to know that he was doing all of this.  She didn't need to be in that room to know. 

And now Darien gets to live happily ever after.  Bastard.

She was happy for him, really.  Only he was experiencing this happiness when she was in the back room drowning in sorrow.  Darien can be happy, she wanted him to be, but he could at least have the common decency to do it where she couldn't actually hear him.  So, she says it again. Bastard.

More hugging, more kissing, more whispers of love.  She could see the scouts looking away from embarrassment.  Well, Amy and Lita anyway.  Mina was probably staring at them while eating popcorn trying not to miss one ounce of action.  Mina loves the black and white movies. 

But most of this is in Serena's imagination.  This is what resentment does to a person.

But, didn't she have the right to be bitter?  It was her life that just took an abrupt turn down a path she was desperately trying to escape.  It was her heart that shattered into thousands of pieces upon seeing his lifeless body.  It was her soul that was bent on revenge and it was her mind that promised to do so.  Queen Beryl thought she could intimidate Serena into submission, but her audacity only fueled Serena's rage of being cheated out of love once again.

The bitch would pay, Serena thought.

Serena stared at her reflection in the mirror.  The usual light blue sparkling in her eyes was now a blazing cerulean ocean as she clenched her jaw and tightened her fingers into a fist.  With that look of pure hatred she closed her eyes in thought silently promising that Malachite's death would not be in vain.  With a scream Serena's fist collided with the mirror's surface sending the sharp bits and pieces into the air and onto the floor at Serena's feet.  She gave one last glare before turning away.

When the scouts came rushing into the room at the sound, all they found was a shattered mirror and a bloody handprint on the windowsill.

*************************** 

   

Serena held the blue hand held computer in her hand as she scanned the area around her.  She bit her lip with anticipation while her eyes gleamed a bright icy blue reflecting the screen of the pocket-sized machine with the mercury symbol gleaming on the cover. 

She wasn't exactly proud that she stole Mercury's computer.  First she was a traitor and now she's a thief, but she had a good reason to do what she was doing now.  Although she was feeling slightly guilty about the whole stealing situation and I repeat: slightly guilty, Serena thought; she couldn't help but applaud herself of actually nabbing it without Amy noticing. 

Now that took talent.      

Serena needed the computer to get into the nega-verse.  She had already figured out where she could find a portal, the park being the most obvious place since all of their past battles were with youmas raiding the park.  So, she had nothing to lose by checking there first.

She smiled widely.

It was brilliant actually.  She was able to do something without the scouts' help.  She had thought up the whole thing by herself and she couldn't wait to throw that in Raye's face.  Serena could hear the evil laughter in the back of her mind and smirked. 

The smirk disappeared when the loud beeping reached her ears.  She could see the blinking dot on the screen and stopped in mid-stride keeping the computer pointing in the same direction.  She punched a few keys and before she could blink Serena could hear the soft crackle of the portal opening.

It was a weird feeling, Serena thought.  The portal's outline rotated sucking in the air around her as the wind stirred the leaves in the trees and disheveled her hair which was in danger of coming out its braid.  For a split second Serena contemplated transforming, but running into unknown territory looking like the enemy would make it extremely hard so that option was immediately discarded.

With a deep breath and vengeful attitude, Serena walked forward into a world that would decide her future in life or death.

******************

Serena blinks several times to adjust her eyes from the bright light of the portal closing behind her.  When the tiny dots disappeared from her vision she noted the dull-lit, dank, wide hallway.  The ground and wall were made of cobblestones and she could hear a faint sound of dripping water, but the sound echoed around the space so it was hard to tell where it was coming from. 

If she knew any better Serena would think they were underground, but then it would've been way too easy for the nega-verse to escape into her world, which they hadn't done yet. 

Serena eyed the winding hallways.  There were three ways she could go, she could take the hallway behind her, the hallway she was facing when she exited the portal or the one to her left.  After a few minutes of chewing her lip she decided to take the hallway she originally faced.  She figured it could've been a sign, and who was she to ignore signs?

She wandered the unusually quiet passage in complete confusion as she wondered where the hell she was and if she was going the right way.  Before she could start cursing the so-called "sign" from earlier, she turned a sharp corner and ran smack into someone or something as she looked up and met it's eyes. 

It only took her a moment to realize who it was.  With his yellow eyes glowering down at her in confusion and his half human/half youma body standing but inches from her own; there was no mistaking who he was and Serena's hands clenched into fists.

"Well what do we have here . . . a human wandering our territory without a escort no doubt?  Now, the proper question would be: where is her escort?  For she could not possibly be here by herself."

He raised his hand and caressed her face trailing his scaly fingers across her collarbone to rest behind her neck.  Serena raised a brow, first wondering why he was talking in third person as if he was merely thinking out loud and second, wanting to break his disgusting hand for touching her. 

Serena wanted to scowl when he licked his lips in hunger (for what kind of hunger she didn't even want to think about).  She pasted a greeting smile on her face and before he could blink, her hand was tightly clutching his throat and he was staring at her in surprise. 

"Hi there," she said, her smile still in place.

He clawed at the hand cutting off his air supply, unsuccessfully getting free.  He couldn't understand how someone so small could be so strong; she had to be one of them.  But if she was, why was this the first time he laid his eyes on her?  He grunted as his back roughly hit the stonewall behind him.  He could feel the jagged surface through his clothes, but even his shirt couldn't protect him from the pain.

"Who are you," he croaked, his earlier confidence dissipating.

Serena gave a short laugh then leaned forward so her face was close to his.

"What, can't recognize me without the uniform?  I guess it's true then, there really is magic protecting our identities.  Would it be easier if I were wearing red knee-high boots, a blue skirt and pigtails?"

His eyes widened.  That would explain her unusual strength, he thought. 

"What do you want?"

"What do you think?  I certainly didn't come here to play red light, green light, one, two, three."

She released her grip around his neck, but didn't move away.

"Are you going to kill me?"  He asked in a squeaky voice rubbing his aching neck, the action seeming so weak for a youma.  If he had been human, he would be one of those geeks at school who got picked on by the bullies every day.

Pathetic.

"There would be no point in killing you when I need you to take me to Beryl . . ." she smirked. 

". . .And you will take me to her."

Before he could nod in agreement she was already dragging him down the hall.

This is where Serena found herself, following the twists and turns while her hostage barked out directions.  She wondered if he was leading her to nowhere, but he was too scared to do anything less than what she demanded. 

Zydec was yanked off balance as Serena jerked to a halt.  He stared at her from the cold ground in confusion.  Her head was tilted to the side and her eyes were glazed over.

Serena could feel him.  Malachite's signature was all around her, she could recognize it anywhere and it was more powerful than ever at this moment.  When the daze was over she grabbed Zydec by his collar and hauled him from the ground.

He watched as she placed her palm to the wall, narrowing her eyes in concentration she began moving again.  When Serena turned down the wrong corridor, Zydec frowned.

"Y-You're going the wrong way."

"I need to stop somewhere first," she said still pulling him along by his collar. 

A few minutes later Zydec eyed the familiar door with apprehension.  It figured she'd want to stop here, he thought.  He only wondered how she knew where his chambers were.  Oh, how he loathed Malachite and with him out of the way, he could now be the queen's top general and that was all that mattered.  Sometimes you had to step on people to get what you wanted, was his philosophy.  It was only now he was beginning to question it.

Serena ignored the youma's trembling frame and pushed open the door.  As she stepped in the lights flickered on and Malachite's bedchamber came into full view.  She remembered first seeing it the night she ran looking for him in the middle of the night.  That night was her first time.

Serena closed the door with her foot and threw the hostage into one of the chairs circling the small round table.

"Don't move."

He sank down in the chair and watched her pull apart the long, thick curtains.  Serena peered out the window and met black skies, barren fields and run down buildings.  The sight nearly took her breath away out of sheer surprise.  Where was she?

When Serena was able to pull herself from the depressing sight she turned and walked over to the bed.  Serena ran her hand along the familiar silk sheets and smelled the drapes hanging from the canopy.  She smiled as his scent circled her body making her forget for a split second that he was dead.  But, the moment her eyes landed on the youma across the room she knew Malachite was gone.  The realization that he helped his demise only pissed her off further. 

Serena glared before turning toward the small opening along the wall she assumed was the closet.  She was too preoccupied that night to notice them. There were shelves filled with various gray uniforms and black boots and it gave her an idea.  Without spying the youma a glance she stripped herself of the jeans and t-shirt, ignoring the short intake of breath across the room, and picked a uniform that would fit.  After all, the best way to defeat your enemy would be to walk among them, and what better to way to do that then to blend right in.

She turned to leave when she spied the sword in the corner.  She picked it up and sheathed the blade.  The handle was covered in red rubies.  She remembered this sword, how could she not? It was the same sword that killed her centuries ago.  A beautiful sword she figured as she stared at her reflection in the silver blade.

Serena's eyes lifted to the closet wall before turning around to face Zydec who eyed her warily from the chair.  He swallowed when she walked toward him with a gleam in her eye as if she was a predator stalking her prey.

She fingered the point and scowled.  She needed him at first, but she could find Beryl without him now.  The dark energy was almost hypnotic.  He was useless and Serena was anxious to try out her new toy on someone who most definitely deserved it.  After all, she had a promise to live up to. 

She smirked as Zydec stared at the sword in fear.  Apparently he already knew what was coming.

"You said you wouldn't kill me."

Serena blinked.

"I lied."      

There wasn't even time for him to scream.

*************************

   

"Should it be taking this long?"

Darien turned to Mina who was leaning toward him with her hand in front of her mouth trying to whisper, but doing a horrible job.

He raised a brow, hoping that she would elaborate.

"You know. . .the whole fire thing.  She's been sitting like that for ten minutes now," Mina said gesturing to Raye who was sitting with her legs crossed and her hands clasped together in front of her chest in meditation.

Darien frowned then sighed.

"It's a difficult process, Mina." He whispered softly back.

Mina waved it off, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. It takes time, patience. . ."

". . .It takes silence!"

Everyone turned to see Raye glaring at them. 

"How am I supposed to find Serena when all I can hear is your big mouth, Mina?"

Mina purses her lips in embarrassment and looks down at her lap.

"I mean, honestly, learn how to whisper."

"So did the fire goddess tell you anything, Raye?"  Amy asked clearing her throat.

Raye glared at the blonde one last time before turning to Amy and nodding.

"Serena found a way to get into the nega-verse, but I can't get her exact location, she's beyond my reach."

"Wait, how did she get into the nega-verse in the first place?" Artemis asks.

"By Mercury's computer."

Amy immediately reaches into her pocket to find it empty. 

"She must've taken it when we transformed back into our street clothes." Amy figured.

"Apparently, Serena's a lot more computer literate than she claimed."  Luna sniffed.

Darien's mind wandered while the scouts carried on with their reflections. The fact that Serena could be so sneaky and clever only confirmed Darien's theory of the princess' return.  Serenity was feisty and always managed to get what she wanted.  Darien missed her and the fact that she was appearing made him smile.  He hated that Serena was never able to stand up for herself, as much as he loved Raye he just wished Serena would just once put Raye in her place.  He wished his best friend would come back.

"Darien?"

"W-What? . . ." He stammered blinking.

Luna frowned.

"I've called your name five times, is something wrong? Have you not heard a word we've said?'

"Uh, sorry.  I was thinking about something.  What were you discussing?"

"About Serena.  Should we follow her or not.  What's your decision?"

"We follow her, of course.  She might need our help."

"Exactly! That's what I've been saying.  There's no telling what she will get herself into. . ."

"Raye, I thought we talked about this."  Darien said crossing his arms over his chest.  He really wasn't in the mood to hear Raye talk shit about Serena in pure jealousy.

"No, you misunderstood me, Darien.  I mean, it's dangerous and what if she gets out-numbered, she might need our help."

All eyebrows rose in surprise.  Not once have they ever heard Raye talk about Serena with such sincerity.  Maybe Raye was finally letting go the resentment of Darien and Serena's close relationship.  Maybe she was finally accepting that even though the two had a history, they all had history.  The important thing was Darien and Serena would always remain friends.

Then what are we waiting for, lets go kick some youma ass!" Lita said cracking her knuckles. 

She might've been fighting with Serena before all of this happened, but she was still her friend and she was still her princess.

Darien smiled.  "Yeah, lets."

**********************

Serena winced.  The negative energy was getting stronger at every turn she made.  This was how she knew she was going the right way, even a normal human would be able to feel the energy cackling around them.

She crossed her eyes as another wave hit her.  She was beginning to feel nauseous, but before she could even stop and take a breather, a youma came running by disappearing in the direction she was already heading.

When she heard the loud cheering Serena narrowed her eyes.  By the time she reached the double doors her nausea was completely forgotten as she could hear the numerous clapping and loud screaming on the other side of the doors.  Whatever was going on, she needed to know.

The sight that she met reminded her of the Hitler stories that she read in history class.  The room was large and circular as hundreds of youmas stood facing the center.  Their fists were raised over their heads as they repeatedly punched the air screaming a language that Serena couldn't understand.  They were obviously in the middle of a meeting, which was perfect.  Everyone would be to busy chanting to even notice her.

All of a sudden a female voice came above the voice asking for silence.  Serena recognized that voice, the voice that haunted her dreams at night, the voice that could be over heard through the falling pillars of her dead kingdom, that same voice that ordered Malachite's death. 

"Queen Beryl. . ."

Transfixed, Serena made her way through the packed bodies.  Because she was so small she could easily maneuver in between the youmas without difficulty and when she could finally make out Beryl's position, she stopped and listened with the others.

Beryl looked the way she did when she attacked the moon kingdom centuries before.  Her red hair fell down her back as she walked along the platform of her throne, her purple dress clinging to her body as if second skin.  Serena clenched the sword tied to her waist and listened.

"Welcome to the last night of our cursed plight . . ."

The cheers erupted again as Beryl paused to turn and sit in the large chair behind her.  Once she was comfortable she continued.

"For too long we've had to endure this black abyss void of sunlight, a world where we have to feed off rotten meat and drink contaminated water, this world between the living and the dead . . . But, I stand before you to say that it all changes tonight!

"Tonight is the proof that our hard work has paid off.  The energy that we have so painstakingly collected over the past two years has finally reached the limit.  With this life force we can break the barrier that has kept us prisoners for centuries.  This is the night we establish our new kingdom! This is the night we make the humans beg for mercy. . ." 

Beryl stood from her chair and slammed the point of her staff to the ground making the sound echo around the room.

 ". . .This is the night we get our revenge and rid ourselves of those pesky scouts once and for all!"

 As all the beings clapped, whistled and cheered Serena rolled her eyes.  She found the whole situation to be ridiculous and she wondered how many times Beryl gave this speech and how many times the fools believed it.  But, even if Beryl were telling the truth, the only person who would be giving a surprised attack would be Serena. 

The youma on her right decided to turn at look at her.  By the evil gleam in her eyes and wicked grin on her lips, the youma figured she was as happy as everyone else.  A pretty little thing, he thought as he continued to stare.

Serena paused and looked at him raising her brow.  He was as tall as her with a boar's nose and eyes so dark they looked black.  When he snorted she made a disgusted face and tried not to take in the sour smell that grew stronger with every inch he moved to lean toward her. 

"You look how I feel," he said, his harsh voice coming through all the noise.

"And how do I look?" she asked just to amuse him.

Serena almost died when his hot, tart breath brushed along her cheek.

"Like victory is at hand.  Our revenge is near." 

Serena nodded then gave a secretive smile.

"Yes, that's exactly how I look.  Exactly."

That's when the whispering began.  "She looks like Zoicite. . .she's prettier. . .she must be the new general. . .you'd think beryl would learn. . .to never trust humans. . .after Malachite's betrayal. . .but she's so small. . .what could she possibly do?"

Serena just stared ahead hoping they would lose their interest in her.  Panic rose within her when a youma along the front row started babbling out loud.  She relaxed when the attention never preached her position.  She just hoped the whispering before would stay in her little section. Serena didn't hear the youma's comment, but it must've been offensive because Beryl turning with such speed and glowering down at him.

"What did you say?!!!"

The youma squeaked and cowered back, but like the idiot he was, he answered.

"I-I was just wondering your majesty was exaggerating. . .l-like before."

The queen's eyes narrowed.

"You dare call me a liar?"

Yes

"No, my queen! I would never. . ."

"Good, I wouldn't want you to feel disappointed."

"I was just wondering. . ."

"No, you were just questioning my authority and I don't appreciate it one bit!" she screamed already making her way down the stone steps to stand in front of the offensive being.

Before he could correct his words, he was screaming in pain as his body convulsed while the flames made their way through his body until there was nothing but ash on the ground where he once stood.

It didn't take long for the smell to circulate, but by then Beryl was again perched on her throne while every youma shouted their approval of their companion's demise. 

Beryl smirked and picked invisible dirt from underneath her fingernail. 

"You're dismissed!"

Serena spied the side door to Beryl's left and made her way through the bodies in that direction.  When she saw the thick, black drapes hanging behind the throne she smiled to herself and managed to sneak behind them without being noticed.

As the hundreds of youmas marched to the exits, probably off to celebrate their future victory with spoiled ale, Serena stood covered by the drapes leaning with the wall against her back.

 She gripped her sword and waited.

********************  

Sailor Venus sighed heavily and dragged her feet along the gravel path.  The steady beeping coming from the communicator was putting her to sleep and it was only so many times she could pray for the portal to be found. 

Jupiter had stopped cracking her knuckles ten minutes ago and Tuxedo Mask's hat hung limply from his right hand as his left ran through his black hair, so Venus knew she wasn't the only one feeling lethargic.  The only people still waiting anxiously for the rapid beeping were Mars and Mercury whose eyes repeatedly scanned the screen waiting for some kind of sign that they were close.

When the beeping became faster and Mercury gave her nod of approval Venus gave a loud hoot before leaping in the air.  Tuxedo Mask flinched with surprise then turned and glared.

"Uh, sorry. . ."  she said sheepishly.

Mars rolled her eyes and turned back to Mercury who was pushing the keys trying to get the portal to open.  After five minutes it became obvious that it wasn't an easy task.

"What the hell is taking you so long?"  Mars asked crossing her arms over her chest.

"I'm sorry, with my computer temporarily out of service. . ."  she said indicating Serena's successful attempt at thievery.  ". . .Luna and I had to rewire my communicator to use it to find the portal, so excuse me if it's taking a bit longer than usual!"

Jupiter's brows rose.  That was the first time she's ever heard Amy snap at anyone. As a matter of fact, she's never seen her get angry, annoyed maybe, but not angry.  Jupiter smiled at this. 

"About fucking time. . ." she muttered.

As the portal popped open they all paused and looked at one another.  When Tuxedo Mask couldn't take the silence and looks of uncertainty he cleared his throat and gestured to the twirling entrance.

"Shall we, ladies?"

Jupiter entered first then the others.  They entered all ready for the fight to come.

**************

With the room rid of all youmas and being such a huge enclosed space, Serena could easily make out every move that Beryl made from the platform as the echoes followed to her position against the back wall.

Serena counted to three before moving quietly from behind the drapes.  She walked agilely, but silently, to the back of Beryl's chair.  She could hear the dark queen sipping from her goblet of fine wine.  Where she got the wine was a question that ran through Serena's mind.  She probably had a whole case full of well-preserved liquor hidden within her chambers Serena smirked to herself. 

Oh, I would definitely want a queen who starved me, but had her own feast on the side

Okay, so this wasn't the best time to get sarcastic with oneself, but it was the only thing keeping Serena from jumping out in a complete rage.  She needed to stay calm.  As the Tortoise said to the Hare, slow and steady wins the race, though the story couldn't possibly be true considering if the Hare had only followed the path without stopping, he would've won.  So, the whole slow and steady thing was irrelevant to the Tortoise and the Hare.

But it did relate to her situation.

Serena blinked and shook her head.  This was not the time to analyze fairytale stories she heard as a child.  She really needed to stop doing that.  This is why she had such a hard time fighting, her mind would wander right in the middle and then Raye would scream until Serena's ears bled. Not a pleasant memory.

Serena paused as Beryl's head came into view.  She was standing along the edge of the stone platform sipping from the goblet and idly gripped her staff, the globe planted on the tip glowing a cloudy gray.

As Serena approached from behind, the sword held at ready with just her right hand, Beryl stopped as her lips touched the goblet's rim.  Her red eyes looked in the direction behind her, Serena's presence no longer hidden.  Beryl twirled around and stared at the blonde with wide eyes before they narrowed into thin slits.

"You. . ." she whispered harshly.

Serena didn't waste anymore time.  Before Beryl could react the sword was already gliding through the air. 

As the goblet fell to the ground, the wine spilling over the dark queen's shoes, Serena watched as the fabric across Beryl's chest darkened.  A strangled choking sound left Beryl's throat before her eyes shifted closed and her body fell backwards rolling down the stairs to lie limply on the floor, the staff falling alongside her body.

Serena walked slowly down the stairs to stand above Beryl's body.  As she lifted her foot to turn the body over Beryl grabbed the staff and swung hitting Serena across the face sending her staggering backwards. 

Serena wiped the blood from her nose and glowered at the woman who was supposed to be dead.  It wasn't until Beryl turned around, did Serena realize it wasn't Beryl at all.  This woman standing before her had eyes so gold they could be described as cat-like and her hair was no longer red but black with white streaks.  No, this was not the same woman.

"I applaud your devious attempt at murder, but then again, you were never one for playing fair, Serenity."

Serena frowned.

"Who are you?"

"Isn't it obvious? I'm the one who gives the orders around here.  Surely you didn't think Beryl…" she spat the name. ". . . was capable of succeeding anything without help.  You see how weak she is, can't even stand up to the moon princess and her sword!"

So, Beryl is dead Serena thought

Then the woman must be. . .

"Metallica. . ."  

The woman laughed, her amusement clearly shown in her golden eyes.

"In the flesh. . ."

"But, the Earth King burned you at the stake."

"The flames might've destroyed my body, but not my soul.  I guess all the witchcraft paid off.  It gave me the opportunity to put my plan into action. . .through another person, of course."

"Beryl." Serena answered.

"Yes.  I gave her power and she gave me an undeniable, loyal soul…"  

"…and with the right healing charm, an agile body." She continued grinning.         

Serena shook her head in astonishment.  Why do the evildoers always reveal little snippets about themselves? And they always do it right before a major battle as if they're so confident of their victory.  Serena knew it was like this on television, but this was ridiculous.  Could her situation get anymore cliché?

"Okay, enough with the history lesson.  Can I kill you now?"

Metallica smirked.

"You can try."

*********************     

It had been a grand total of twenty minutes of wandering the stone corridors when the scouts were ambushed by groups of drunken, but angry youma.

As they first entered the portal, the hallways were completely empty, which caused some suspicion, but it wasn't until Sailor Mercury tripped over an extended leg sending her crashing to the hard, cold ground when the situation began to make sense. 

The intoxicated troll-like youma made it extremely obvious.

The further they walked, the more empty bottles appeared with the stench getting stronger and stronger.  They couldn't tell if it was the spoiled liquor or the germ-infested bodies leaning against the walls as they slept the alcohol off.

"Looks like we've missed the party."  Jupiter said kicking one of the comatose beings.

It seemed to be an easy task of sneaking in up until Venus had a momentary lapse of clumsiness as she slipped on one of the rounded bottles while descending the stairway.  She tumbled and screamed all the way down.

As Tuxedo Mask leaned over to help her up the sounds of running feet was already echoing around them.  And before they could even flee down one of the opposite passages they were surrounded.

Venus took one look at the scowling, ugly faces and grimaced.

"Oops."

"Yeah, oops."  Mars said throwing her fist punching a youma in the face.

It wasn't long before they were all fighting with crescent beams, fireballs and lightning shooting down the long corridors catching anyone in the crossfire. 

Tuxedo Mask threw a rose penetrating the creature in the middle of his forehead killing him instantly.  Once the body hit the ground he took a look around to see how the others were doing.  Considering the number of youmas they had to fight, they were doing exceptionally well as Jupiter flipped one of the beings onto it's back.  It was then he decided was the time to find Serena.

"Mercury, cover me."

"Where are you going?"  Mars asked kicking someone in the stomach.

"To look for, Serena."

"What?! . . ."

She screamed this.  He almost thought she was going to rant and rave about his so-called secret love for his princess like she did so many times before, but her next words surprised him.

". . .you can't go alone! I'm coming with you."

"No, you need to stay and help the others . . ."

"Don't worry about us, we're fine."  Jupiter interrupted.  When Venus nodded in agreement he sighed and gave Mars his consent.

"Mercury. . ."

Mercury threw the youma off balance and turned to the passage that Mars and Tuxedo Mask would be taking.

"Mercury Bubbles Blast!"

Dodging claws and teeth, the pair ran down the passage disappearing through the fog.

**********************

Metallica laughed as Serena hit the floor.

"Give it up, Serenity!"

Serena spat the blood from her mouth.  Getting up from the ground she glared at her enemy.

"Not a chance."

Before Metallica could respond Serena lashed out and did a flip in the air landing a kick in her face.  Once her feet touched the ground, she didn't waste anytime attacking the other woman again as she harshly grabbed a portion of her black hair and pulled her roughly to her feet.

Metallica cried out in pain and swung her arm around.  Serena saw it coming and is able to duck under away from it.  Serena grabbed the extended arm and with one hand holding the wrist and the other at the elbow, she flips Metallica onto her back twisting her arm almost to breakage. 

The sorceress couldn't even block as Serena's foot planted in her abdomen causing Metallica to roll away in pain. 

At this point Metallica's lack of hand-to-hand combat became obvious.  Serena wondered what she would do next so she took a fighting stance and waited.

Metallica rose to her knees.  Her breath was sporadic and she was rubbing her left hand over the section that was just kicked as she held the twisted arm to her chest.  Her body was beginning to ache terribly and she didn't think she could fight this way any longer. 

"Come on, come on. . .make a move."  Serena whispered to herself as she stood still waiting.

It figured, Metallica thought, she was never good at fighting with her fists.

Before either one of them could make the next move loud shouting came floating through the doorway closest to their positions. 

"Serena!"

Because the shouting was being carried by echoes Serena couldn't tell who it was screaming her name.  The sounds weren't close, but it was clear that whoever it was making the noise would be there soon and then they'd be in danger.

Right when those thoughts left her mind Metallica launched a ball of energy as big as her fist in Serena's direction.  Serena managed to dodge it, but it skimmed her left shoulder as the blood dripped down her arm and onto the floor.  As more balls flew her way Serena was beginning to feel trapped until she was hit in the leg sending her crashing to the floor next to Malachite's sword.

When the next glowing orb came soaring toward her, she did the first thing that came to her mind.  She grabbed the sword and swung it like a baseball bat deflecting the energy in Metallica's direction.  Metallica didn't expect this and wasn't able to move away fast enough as her own creation burned itself in her chest.

"Serena, where are you?!"

The screaming of her name with the screams of pain coming from her enemy blended until Serena couldn't tell the difference between them.  By this time it was already obvious who the screamer in the hallway was.  She figured he'd be the one coming to look for her.  He never let her have all the fun by herself.   

"Spoil-sport . . ." she muttered.

Serena quickly took her eyes away from the doorway as the negative energy in the room grew considerably which startled her mind back into focus.  Metallica's feet were hovering three feet off the ground and it felt as if gravity was being sucked from the room as Metallica gathered the energy she needed for her attack. 

"It's such a sad thing . . .you and Malachite.  You couldn't be together during the Silver Millennium and you can't be together now."

"Like you even care."  Serena spat

"Which I don't.  I'm just saying . . .He really was the best general here; it's a shame I had to kill him.  But now you get to see him again."

Metallica smirked and closed her eyes tilting her head toward the ceiling.  Serena clenched her teeth and tightened her grip on the sword.  This was it; she could feel it.  The bitch would pay, she thought.  The rage inside Serena was growing so great that she didn't even realize Sailor Mars and Tuxedo Mask entering the room.

They ran through so many hallways before the sounds of fighting could be heard echoing along the stonewalls.  It wasn't long before they reached the vast circular room watching Metallica and Serena hover in the air.

"Serena!"  Mars shouted.

"Leave us." Serena said with her head down and her eyes closed. 

They ignored the malice in Serena's voice and continued to call her.

"Are you crazy?!!"

"We're not leaving you here alone, Serena."

Serena's head snapped in their direction and they could see the crescent beam glowing vibrantly on her forehead. 

"I said leave us!"

Serena's eyes were glowing too as she lifted her hand in their direction sending them flying out of the room into the hall, their backs hitting the hard walls sending them crashing to the ground.  They could only watch as the door closed and locked.

Serena ignored the banging on the door and turned her attention to the woman who ruined her life. 

Metallica's body was surrounded by black energy.  It pulsed like a heartbeat, but Serena wasn't afraid.  She made a promise. She was going to make sure Metallica didn't survive, even if it took her own life to succeed. 

Serena could feel the crystal leaving her body as the sword vibrated in her hand.  She gasped as it grew warm then hot, but not to the point where she couldn't hold it anymore.  Serena could feel it, Metallica was ready and the next few moments would decide their fate.

When the cloud of energy came flying at her like a waterfall of black power Serena held the blade in front of her face.  As the energy hit the sword Serena could feel herself being pushed back.  She could hear Metallica's laughter and for a split second she thought she was going to lose.  But as Metallica floated closer and closer until she was arms length and stood in the opposite side of the dark cloud and the energy surrounded Serena's body, she knew she couldn't let that happen. 

"Say goodbye, Serenity."

She promised Malachite's death wouldn't be in vain and she planned to honor that promise.

With all her hatred Serena grit her teeth and swung the sword through the dark barrier and as it broke away, Metallica blinked in shock not understanding how she could've done that.  No one had the power to do that but her. 

Before she could analyze the situation more the forces became unstable and she found she couldn't control it anymore as their energies exploded on contact sending them soaring to opposite sides of the room.

Serena recovered first and she limped slowly over to Metallica's immobile body.  At first she thought the sorceress might be dead, but when she got closer Serena realized Metallica wasn't dead, just unable to move.  Her body twitched, but nothing happened and Serena nearly smiled.

With the blade pointing downward over Metallica's chest, Serena lifted the sword. 

"Goodbye."

Without another moment's hesitation she plunged the blade into Metallica's chest.  When Metallica's wide eyes met her own Serena twisted the sword and watched as the crystal's light erupted from the woman's body.  With Metallica's last scream light exploded from her mouth eating her flesh away until there was nothing but a skeleton left.

Serena gasped as the crystal re-entered her body and smiled as her body numbed.  She stumbled and finally fell to the ground in exhaustion.  As her eyes trailed the ceiling she could hear Darien and Raye banging on the doors and it wouldn't be long until they burned the doors down. 

Serena winced in pain.  She only wished she could see them one more time, but she couldn't keep her eyes open anymore, besides, at this point she really only wanted one thing.  As the white haired general evaded her thoughts, Serena closed her eyes never expecting them to open again.

********************   

"Alright! I'm up already!"

Serena sighed smacking the alarm clock onto the floor.  She sighed harshly and rolled over to continue the sleep from which she was so rudely interrupted.  After a few seconds her eyes popped open and she sat up abruptly.

She blinked a couple of times not sure she was conscious.  Maybe she was dreaming? How was it possible to be on the brink of death only to wake up in your bedroom completely unharmed? 

"Talk about Déjà vu."

It shouldn't really surprise her considering the same thing happened to her the first night she met Malachite.  She woke up the same way not sure if what she thought had happened actually did, but this time she knew the truth.

When she pulled back the curtains covering her window and stared into the sunshine, a huge smile crossed her lips.  And as her family ate their food they weren't expecting to see Serena tripping down the stairs in a hurry and running through the front door.  What a surprise for them to see her do all of this and never once stop in the kitchen for her breakfast.

Serena ran until she was out of breath.  She slowed down once she came to a set of stores she was familiar with. 

As she walked up to the arcade and peered through the windows, she could see Andrew with his apron scurrying around taking orders.  It had been a long time since she sat down and whined to him about whatever crisis she was experiencing at the moment.  She really missed that, not the whining, just his presence.

A flash of movement caught her eye and she turned to see Darien and the scouts sitting at their usual booth.  Mina noticed Serena at the window first and pointed her out to the others.  They all turned in her direction and stared.  Mina, Lita and Amy waved. 

Serena swallowed the lump in her throat as her eyes connected with Raye's.  She wasn't sure if they even had a friendship anymore.  She knew Raye and Darien had reconciled, but could the same happen for her and Raye?  

Raye smiled and Serena relaxed against the glass.  When her eyes met Darien's a whirlwind of memories passed between them.  Dancing in ballrooms, arguing about petty things, hesitant kisses behind the gazebo and a whole other lifetime too complicated to discuss.

It was obvious Serena and Darien had something that Raye couldn't compete with, but the truth was she didn't have to.  Serena and Darien might've been soul mates, but who's to say they were meant to be together?  Their hearts belonged to others and that is what Raye failed to realize, that is, until now.

Serena smiled before turning away from the window.  She only got a few steps down the sidewalk before she heard her name being called.

She wasn't expecting to see Molly running across the street screaming her name.

"Hey, Serena."

"Molly."

Molly licked her lips nervously.  They hadn't spoken since the incident that happened in class.  That day, Serena wasn't quite feeling herself and even though everyone who got insulted deserved it at the time, it didn't mean Serena wasn't feeling a little guilty.  Not by what she said, but by how she said the things she said.

"We haven't talked in awhile.  So, how is everything?"

"Fine, everything's been fine."

A few moments of silence passed between them.

"Serena . . . how long are you planning to not speak to me?" she said with an apologetic grin.

"Oh, you know, just until we graduate."  She joked.

They both shared a laugh and the tension dissipated.

"So, what did I miss?"

Molly didn't waste any time as her mouth started moving telling Serena all that what happened when they weren't speaking. 

Serena nodded and laughed at the right times, but after awhile her mind began to wander.  There was that feeling, the feeling that she had been waiting for since she left the house.  It was faint before, but now it was giving her goose bumps all over. 

Her eyes skimmed the area anxiously.  And just when she started hopping from one foot to the other, she saw him.  His white hair made it impossible not to.  It was pulled back into a ponytail and he was wearing jeans and a red t-shirt.  He looked younger, about Darien's age.  The evil lines that had permanently marked themselves into his face were gone.  He looked . . .

"Cute. . ."

Molly stopped her ranting and looked at Serena with confusion.

"What?"

"What? Oh . . . nothing, Molly.  Can I call you later?"  She said already walking away heading in his direction.

Molly, still looking confused, shrugged.  "Sure."

When Molly saw Serena being enveloped into the biggest hug she had ever seen, she smiled knowingly and walked away.

"I don't understand . . . how?"

Serena looked into his beautiful silver eyes and smiled.

"I made a wish."

She said it as if it was simple.  He raised his brow hoping she would explain.

"With the crystal, it grants the owner's wishes. You were gone and the scouts were barely holding their own.  I just couldn't let it end that way."

He raised his hand and caressed her cheek.  She leaned into the touch and closed her eyes.

"So, you cheated."  Malachite said smirking.

Serena laughed softly and shrugged.

"What can I say? . . . I always get what I want."

She looked at him and winked.

~Finis~

Yay! I'm done.  22 pages, that's crazy.  Thanks again to everyone who stuck by me.  I appreciate it greatly.

Notes:  The last battle scene where Metallica says "Say goodbye, Serenity" and Serena goes: "Goodbye."  I got those two phrases from Pirates of the Caribbean.

China Love

The energy I see
The silence that you speak
The lust within my dreams
And what I t says to me
This full heart of mine
You just can't empty

So come and lay with me
China love
How pleasant life will be
China love
As the sun retires
Our love will transpire
Make love to me
China love

I see the sunshine

When I look into your eyes
They speak of worlds gone by
We loved another time
My heart was empty
Till you came to be

So come lay with me
China love
How pleasant life will be
China love
As the sun retires
Our love will transpire
Make love to me
China love