39: Battle
Do you despise headlines?
The press in civilization make such news out of such small things sometimes. It's quite amusing to read headlines where small events are turned into world-shattering headlines. They are always fun to read.
GIANT MAGRADABOSIAN RAMPAGE! Magradabosians are toothless gnats. TWO PEOPLE LOSE TOENAIL! GALACTIC PUBLIC IN PANICKED CRISIS!
This is because there is very rarely a real story for our press. The Great Matter was a story, but it is the only good story the press has really had in a very long time. War is nothing, for some reason, since, perhaps, its expected to have an obvious resolution - someone wins.
Yet at the end of the Great Matter came a headline that showed the unpredictability of the Great Matter. I think it really fits the mood - for I was there and many were not. Of course, to most people who were actually not on Asgerd that particular fateful day (as there are many in the Great Matter), such a headline was quite terrible, and in fact that outlet which had the headline suffered its worse day of sales in its history - due to its uninteresting, ambiguous, and uninspiring headline.
ASGERD THE SCENE OF TERRIBLE STORY TWIST! CAN IT BE STOPPED?
-
After I threw the carcass of Sailor Kepe down, I didn't really stop running until I had gotten to the doors to the outside. I didn't bother to see how Sailor Dyka was doing; there was no time to do so, and at that point, I disliked her enough to not really care. I didn't bother to look at everyone else, who was also running around me on the order of the Three.
-STOP THE TRAITOR! STOP THE DARK ONE BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!!
I kept having to push people out of my way. They weren't going fast enough for me. I had to save Sailor Moon; what would these other sailors do to her? Surely, many must have figured she had a degree of innocence, but they could not have instantly gained any respect for her. Indeed, I feared some of the soldiers would kill her anyway for starting it all.
And what did the Three mean? Why did they say that their eyes were open? I didn't know if they meant that they saw Galaxia or if there was some other meaning to it. But I digress.
-THEMIS!
I stopped and turned as I went through the great doors to the outside. I gave a cry, for - of all people - Sailor Koogairu was running to me.
-K-koogairu?!
-Floritiuse!! She grabbed my arm. -There you are! Didn't you see me calling you!
-No, I...I didn't.... I tried to free myself. -Look, Koogairu...
-I called you twice! Koogairu pouted. -You didn't even bother to look the second time. I came just to see you, because I hadn't seen you for so long. Did you even hear me? Oooh, Floritiuse-
-Koogairu! SHUT UP!
She was immediately silent. She stared at me with large, shocked eyes, her mouth open, as if she had never expected anyone to say such a thing to her.
-I have to save.... I started to walk, thought I ended up dragging Koogairu on the ground with me. -I have to save...Usagi.
-.....Ooooh....sakee?
-Sailor Moon. From Galaxia.
-....Oh! Koogairu's dumb look ceased. -Well, can I help you?
-I....don't know....
I grunted as I tried to shake her off. But she clung fast to me.
-Come on, Themis! Like old times! She kept clinging. -I want to fight with you!
-Koogairu....
I looked down. I realized that she would not leave me, even if I told her to. On the other hand, I realized that she was probably the first person I could turn to for help in any situation. And I knew, that to stop Galaxia at all, I would certainly need help.
Better then, to die with the help of a friend if I had to.
-....Ok. I finally relented. -You can come with me. But....don't ask what this is all about. I dare not explain it.
-That's fine with me. Koogairu was instantly her cheerful self -All I need to know is, that faker, Sailor Bora, was really an enemy. And enemies must always be defeated!
-Eheh. Yeah, that sounds right.
I smiled. If only it were that simple anymore. If only I had seen the column of smoke in the distance.
-Now we just have to find her.
-That shouldn't be too hard, I replied uneasily. -I can assume - well, judging from what I know - they should be battling right n-
*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-
OOOOOOOOOOOOOM*
The wind blew into our faces as a great pillar of file appeared in the sky. Glowing blue rock scattered across the sky line as a second pillar appeared. Then, a third and a fourth column sprang forth, as well as several smaller explosions that started to dot the landscape as well. The glowing blue light of Asgerd began to darken from the smoke that came from the flames.
-There! Koogairu pointed out with a gasp. -That must be it! Surely!
In response, a great white dome suddenly appeared within the one of the fire pillars - the light of Sailor Moon's power, I realized. There was another great explosion, but this time, the pillar was white, and it completely engulfed the flame. Within seconds, the fire pillar was gone as if it had never been there.
-What....what power..... Koogairu stared in shock. -Oh, Floritiuse, what kind of enemy is this?!
-Come on. Without bothering to explain anything - since I had told her I wouldn't - I grabbed her and began to run. -We must go at once!
-
At first, as we ran, there was no sign of damage to the buildings or to the people of Asgerd. Though they panicked and ran as we rushed past them, and other sailors rushed past us, the places that surrounded the Court of Justice were not even touched by the battle that was going on. But they could see smoke, and they could see the flames, and so they ran. I suppose I cannot blame them, but then again, that would be a digression. So I digress.
As we pressed on, however, signs of battle began to show. An injured civilian here, a few pieces off a building there, and once in a while, a tiny fire.
-It's a war! I heard a woman cry out.-Oh, dear, don't go any further! They're killing everyone!
-What!
-The sailors are injuring and killing everyone in their path!
-No!! I heard screams. -Those traitors!
-How can they do this to us!
-No good sailor soldiers!
-Always knew they had airs, now they want us all dead!
-Oooh! I then saw one man with a large spot of blood on his neck wailing. -Oooh, by the stars! I've been hurt! My wife is in there! The sailors are all are curses on our souls!
Then he saw us, and threw a large piece of blue rock at us. We were missed, but we knew better than to try and help him - or for that matter,. to stay in a place where everyone was beginning to hate us.
We ran on. Soon, the tiny fires became larger, and more frequent. Buildings had no tops, and some buildings had walls missing. The air became hazy, and ashen, to the point where we were starting to breath it in.
-Huh huh kuh! Koogairu gasped. -It's getting hard to see! The smoke is dimming the blue light!
-We have to keep going! I gasped. -We have to stop Galaxia!
I stopped after a moment of continued walking. I turned and saw Koogairu's wide eyes. She opened her mouth to speak.
-g.....did you say.....Galaxia?
-HEEEEELP!!
Our heads snapped around to the cry. A loud crack then echoed through the air. Through the mist I looked into the direction of the sounds. There was falling debris; under the closing space, several figures.
-HANG ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I forced my body into action. -Lanzastro Streak!!!
*BOOOM!!*
The rocks disintegrated neatly into a harmless ashen downpour. Koogairu and I ran towards the figures whom I had saved just then. Both were male.
-Are you all right?! Koogairu reached out for one of them. -Are you hu-
-BITCH!!! Her hand was smacked away. -YOU BITCHES! You're the cause of this!!
-Wh-what...?! Koogairu cried out. -B-but my friend just-
-GO TO HELL!
-STOP it!! The other man pushed him away. -I'm sorry. I saw what you did. You're not like the other sailors, right?
-O... I stared at him dumbfoundedly. -Other sailors?
-Yeah! The civilian coughed. -They came here not too long ago. Huge group, after the fires started around here. They've been hacking up everyone they've touched!
-What?!
Koogairu and I stared at the man, unbelieving.
-But.... I stammered. -Wh-why would sailors do that.
-AT ALL COSTS!
-Huh?!
-I heard 'em. The other man spat. -They said at all costs! Get her at all costs! So when did your kind decide to be baby-killers, huh?
-Thrite!! The other man turned, obviously embarrassed. -I'm...really sorry. I know you all aren't like that. My second cousin's one. Nice girl, she is, but lively as a shovel. Also, a couple others came by to clean up that huge group's mess.
-No..... My voice went low. -That's ok. It's no problem. You've actually been a lot of help to us. You guys should get checked out.
With that, I turned to Koogairu. I'm sure my face was very angry, for Koogairu's face became quite frightened.
-We've got to go.
-
-You knew?!
I turned to Koogairu, my eyes wide. Some time had collapsed, and were were in a very smoky atmosphere. We had been silent to conserve our breath, so that we would limit how much ash we got into our bodies. It was now almost completely dark, and there was hardly a building left without serious damage to it where we were.
-Of course I knew!! Koogairu gasped as we stopped. -Almost every sailor in the Seemarin knows of Galaxia! She was a traitor in times of the Seemarin's beginnings!
-I didn't.
-She goes under another name, though she's called Number 4. She was also Sailor Melkweg.
-Ha.
-But...... Koogairu looked at me. -Galaxia was killed thousands of years ago! Her star seed was sent to Apollyon!
-If that's so, then why is she back?
-Maybe....Maybe she's an impostor?
-I doubt it, I grunted. -Given the incompetence the Seemarin showed in finding discs, I doubt now that they could finish the job of ridding the universe of a terrible threat effectively. Sailor Bora is Galaxia. And Sailor Galaxia wants Sailor Moon dead.
Koogairu fiddled with herself nervously at my words. I gave a sigh as the sweat began to roll down. In the distance was another explosion.
-The entire trial is a sham, Koogairu. I turned to her. -The Great Matter was just....someone's idea of punishing another person for doing the right thing. I mean, Koogairu, aren't we trained to do the right thing? Isn't that supposed to be a part of what a sailor soldier is?
-Yeah....
-But...I guess....sometimes we have to do the things we're not supposed to do to do the right thing. Because it can't always be for glory, or being a part of the Seemarin. Can it?
-But......isn't it against the rules to go to the Cauldron?
-Forget the rules, Koogairu. I turned to her. -I'm being serious. Think about it. That maniac, Galaxia. Look at all the people she killed - Sailor Moon lost everyone, and watched other die right in front of her. And look at what Galaxia's doing now. Do you really want her to control the Galaxy Cauldron? Just because you're going there would break the rules?
-Well, I........ Koogairu stopped. -No, I guess I really wouldn't. I'd stop her, too.
-...Then.....I think.....that's the real Great Matter, Koogairu. I paused. -I'm sure of it.
Yet another explosion filled our heads. This time, it was closer.
-Floritiuse...
-Come on. I took her hand again. -We have to stop this.
-Floritiuse! She pulled me back. -Do you think....
-What?
-Do you think the other sailors are going to kill Galaxia?
-.....I don't know if she's the one they're after, I replied truthfully. -Even if she is, she's very powerful. She almost killed me once.
-Huh?
-I don't know....I don't! I ran again. -If it's Sailor Moon, if it's Galaxia. They're after one of them. It makes sense now.
-Why?! Koogairu followed. -Why would it matter? They're both wanted, right?
-It would matter which one they killed, Koogairu! I threw aside a rock. -Galaxia, they'll just throw back into the pond. The Three'll do that. I don't know why, but she's not a threat to them.
-And Sailor Moon is? Because she went to the Cauldron? Koogairu was confused. -But....but....Galaxia was there too, right?
I stopped and turned to Koogairu again. Partially, it was because I was exhausted, but the other part was that it was really all clear to me by then. I swear, when I was with Koogairu, I think things seemed to fall into place. But I digress.
-It's power.
-Power?
-Power. I hated to think of it that way, that that was the only way. -Koogairu, that white light we saw extinguish the flames. The True Threat is power. That was Sailor Moon.
-Her power?
-Sailor Moon saved the Galaxy Cauldron. She had to have. I pointed in whatever direction was opposite of us, since I had no sense in the smoke. -Can the Three claim that? If people outside of the Seemarin knew the truth, that the Three Judges combined didn't lift a finger save the Galaxy Cauldron, but some backwoods sailor nobody - who did beat Galaxia - did it without a second thought? If they knew that the Three allowed some psychotic to flourish for who knows how long and murder people while they turned the other way?
-By the......Koogairu trembled. -I think...I think I see what you're getting at. And I'm not good with figuring out hints like that, you know, but I think I got it. You need to tell me the story someday.
-If we live through this. But right now, we are going to save Sailor Moon. I took Koogairu. -Are you with me? If you help me, you may risk being banished, and so do I, if its Sailor Moon they want. If it's Galaxia, its no matter, since we'll probably both die anyways. What do you say?
-......Yes! Of course! She clasped my tentacles. -I can't turn my back on you! You're....you're the only real friend I've got!
I was stunned by this late revelation. Looking back on it, though, it was not a surprise; she really was probably the only person I could really have counted on that I knew before the Great Matter. Meanwhile, everyone thought Koogairu was a fool. The Seemarin being the place it was - I was betrayed, and I wasn't even officially in the Seemarin - I guess now, I can really only imagine what Koogairu went through day in and day out with her reputation as a seeming idiot. Yet looking back now, I wish I hadn't simply neglected her when I was with Dyka. But I digress again.
-Ok then. I smiled. -Let's go.
-FLORITIUSE!!!!!!!
We both turned and gasped. I saw the figure of Sailor Varuna come forth from the smoke, smiling. Several other sailors, no doubt from the Seemarin, were with her.
-What are you two doing here?
The more calculating monster that Varuna had always been before she was appointed had returned as she came towards us, as if it had never left. Without Dyka or anyone else's presence to school her, she really was little more than a bully.
-You know, you should get out of our way. We have a sailor to defeat. She's coming right here, and she's one of the strongest known.
-What are you saying? I looked at the group behind her. -We know who she is.
-You do? Varuna mocked surprise. -I guess your friend told you about her, then? How she destroyed worlds in the beginning? How she can destroy the weaker soldiers without even calling on her power?
-....Are you trying to frighten us? I looked at Koogairu out of the side of my eye, and saw her slightly trembling. -You seem to be rushing quite quickly to fight her for so horrible a foe.
-Well.....we don't want you to be scared, Floritiuse. Varuna smirked. -Besides, you're not fighting her anyways.
-Because you can't, came another soldier in the group. - Because we won't let you.
-Hey! Koogairu shouted. -W-we're sailors too!
-Maybe so. Varuna stepped forward. -But unlike you, we're the heroes.
With that, Varuna smacked Koogairu hard in the face; then, she kicked me in my loins. We both doubled over and fell to the ground with groans.
-HA! Some of the sailors laughed along with Varuna. -See, sisters? Themis isn't as tough as she looks. She just pretends.
-Hmph. I coughed as I glared at her. -And I guess killing babies makes you tough? Wonder how many of those babies would have been sailor soldiers.
-They're just civilians, Themis. And this is war. Varuna shrugged, for she was among those who was responsible for that crime. -We can't bother with specifics and separate between who's who in times like these, dear Floritiuse.
-And you're just a bleeding idiot.
I'd always wanted to say that. To be honest, I got a couple of kicks in the head for it, and I was nearly rendered unconscious. To be sure, someone did attack me with their sailor attack, which almost turned one of my appendages completely black. And yes, blood started coming from my eyes - fortunately, my eyes can regenerate if they get knocked out, though it still hurts when they bleed. But it still felt so good that that was the last thing she heard from me. Besides, it was better than trying to kill her and her friends, since I was injured and outnumbered.
-Worthless. She led her soldiers away. -Worthless!
-Varuna!
I struggled towards the wall, and dragged Koogairu with me, as the soldiers quickly filed out. We both sat against it, tending to ourselves.
-I'm sorry...
-Nah. I shook my head. -Varuna is horrid. She kills babies.
-Well, at least....
-You truly expected her to be pleasant?
-...That one didn't have to use their sailor powers!
-It doesn't matter. My voice was toneless. -They'll get theirs.
I sometimes wonder now if I was that kind of prophet to know, deep down, that their end would come. Of course, if I knew it somewhere within me, I did not ever expect it to have come so soon.
-Let's g-VARUNA!
-Frigai?! What is it?!
-It's here!!!!!!! She's he-
*BOOOOOOOOOOOOO-OOOOOOOOOM!!!!*
Both of us were shoved forward to the ground by a great force, though not so badly as the posse of soldiers behind us, who were doubtless thrown everywhere. There were screams around us, and the few people who were left ran by us.
-Ow.
-Are you all right?
-I....
I looked down at the ground next to us and froze. Bright flames fanned over the ashes and the rubble. I heard the shouts of the sailors ahead of us, and the laughter. That evil laughter.
-Sailors! I heard Varuna cry. -Battle! TO BATTLE!
-Oh!! Koogairu -That's-
-koogairu! I regained movement and grabbed her towards me. -no.
-But everyone else is fighting her....
-we can't. I looked at Koogairu. -we're bound to easily die when she spots us. let them get their throats ripped out.
-...O....ok, floritiuse.
With that, I slowly turned myself around so I could see what was happening. Though my view was partially obsteeructed* by the wall, I could still see what was going on. And I saw much.
It was indeed her. She glowed like a spark ready to ignite, small fires lighting around her. The soldiers in Varuna's group quickly went into an attack formation, forming a circle around her, readying themselves for the fight.
-Well...... I could hear Galaxia's insolent voice. -I thought I would find Sailor Moon with such a concentration of power such as this. But it seems I found a poor waste of my time instead.
-A waste! And angry cry came from the posse. -How dare you!.
-Demon enemy of the Three! Varuna pointed towards Galaxia. -Your name is known to us, as are your evil acts against the Three during the beginning. But your curse will end tonight.
-Shall it, now? Galaxia's fiery aura grew. -I would be interested to know how you all will do it.
-We will do it together. Varuna pointed. -And soon, you will be no more.
-We will destroy you!
-You will die tonight!
-Glory shall be ours!
-Aahahahahaaa! Her laughter echoed through the air. -Aaah, such bravery! How admirable is the glory of the Seemarin, as always! But come, children. She laughed again, and flames came out of her nostrils with a huff. -There is no need to rush. You shall all have your glorious chance to face me.
If I had to say something good about Sailor Galaxia, it was that she was an incredible fighter. I doubt any sailor in the universe could match her in that she could take on many, many soldiers at once.
-HUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!
She was barely even using her powers, yet her flame became as bright as ever. She kicked Sailor Gritat, who had come at her with her staff, into the sky, never to return. Then, she threw the next sailor behind Gritat - at first I thought it was Nefitoy, but looking back I don't actually know who she was - at those who were behind her, sending them all to the ground. Another sailor soldier, Pokuucpoop, threw herself onto Galaxia's neck, but this she was easily dispatched into the side of a building.
-This cretin! I then saw Sailor Varuna. -We must use our powers better! Varuna Aurure Strike!
-Gritat Color Beam!!
-themis! Koogairu's fearful whisper came into my ears. -shouldn't we help them? what's going on?
-they're attacking. it won't affect her, though.
-then we-
-they don't want our help. and we must live. I looked down. -koogairu.
-but then they.....i thought we were supposed to....
Koogairu stopped when she saw my face, and she turned away with a sigh. I honestly didn't want to let them die that terribly; I'm not cold like that, and I did not like the idea of such a mass killing as what Galaxia would do. It would have been nice to prove to Varuna and all of those soldiers that I was truly worthy.
However, no matter what I could do, how would showing myself to Galaxia help them? I would die needlessly. I knew I was no match for Galaxia. But if Koogairu and I could live, even just long enough to find Sailor Moon through the smoke and flames, then maybe, perhaps, we had a chance.
-......you are very cruel.
-i'm....sorry, koogairu. there's no other way.
-....i forgive you. Koogairu's voice was very small as she pat me. -i really do.....
-UUUUUGH!!!!!
There came the sound of crushed bodies, the cries of pain, the rumble of falling stones. Several cracking sounds echoed from the wall that shielded us. Koogairu gave a gasp as stronger flames whipped around and began to singe her sailor suit.
-no! I quickly covered her mouth. -she'll be gone soon.
-.........mmmph........
I used my good appendages - as one was burnt - to put out the fires on Koogairu. It stung, but it was really nothing in terms of pain, for I had certainly felt worse before. Still, I hoped that the battle would soon end, so we could find Sailor Moon, and also so that Galaxia would leave us to escape.
-Re....repeat!!!!
-Re.....peat!!!!!*
Then I heard Galaxia's laugh over the pained moans of the soldiers, and I turned fearfully to see what was happening. All the soldiers were repeating their attacks against Galaxia, and they were all coming towards her.
-On other days, I would not be so merciful and give you your deaths so quickly... Sailor Galaxia's red eyes seemed to glitter. -But I have a foe that is far worthier of my attention than you maggots. I must hurry before she escapes me. FIRE!!!
A suddenly burst of flames surrounded Galaxia, and almost all of the attacks were deflected back at the sailors. Those that did not reflect merely disappeared before they touched Galaxia.
-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!
At they hit, the flames suddenly charged at them as well. Because they had been hit, there was no way they could possibly avoid the attack that would be the end of the battle for them.
*WA-THOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOOM*
I quickly turned, ducked and put Koogairu under my appendages as I saw the explosions coming. Unfortunately, the warning of the flame was of little help to anyone else who was there. The shock wave from the blast decimated the entire neighborhood around us. Somehow, however, the wall we were behind managed to hold. Flames and the bodies of soldiers flew past us.
-OOOOOOOOOOH!!!
Koogairu cried as she buried her head in me. The carcasses of some of the foolish soldiers fell before us, covered in ash and blood. Many of them - I believe there were five that landed in front of us - were almost completely unrecognizable.
-Oh, Floritiuse!
I admit that I wanted to mourn for the soldiers, in some small way, for having their deaths at the hands of Galaxia. But I couldn't. I knew I could not, for there was another thing that had to be done. It was something far more important than the lives of those soldiers at that moment.
I saw the light in the distance, even through the smoke and flames. It was the light of the sailor soldier. Up in the sky above us was the flames of Galaxia.
-Koogairu. I slowly lifted her off me. -I have to go.
-Go? Koogairu's eyes widened. -Go? To fight that....thing?
-....If I have to.
I managed to get myself up, despite the burnt appendage. I looked at the light in the distance. I remembered it from all the times I had seen it. I remembered my first time, how I was filled with terror and I attacked Usagi. I remembered when she had saved me from Galaxia with that same power. And then, how then, she was extinguishing the fires that now raged across Asgerd.
I looked upon the light, and I suddenly had the feeling that I had when I had been in the Court of Justice. That feeling of power flowed within me once more, only it was even stronger than before.
And so I, too, was that great light, as if it was a life in itself, and it had come to me to give me that wondrous power.
-
I can't recall how much time had passed with that; perhaps it was only a mere thought later. But Koogairu watched me (for she told me later) become as bright as a star, illuminating the area as if it were a clear day, even lifting off the ground towards the atmosphere. I certainly do not remember feeling like I was floating in the sky; I only remember feeling like I did when I was sleeping in my bed after having coocor, and strange but beautiful dreams would come to me and I'd never want to wake up.
Indeed, I saw so many things within my dream. I saw the school that I had attended as a child, but it was not as I remembered it. It was a cheerful-looking castle that stood in the middle of a field full of all flowers of all kinds - some from my native world, but others from worlds I have never known or seen, even to this day. There was a wind upon me, a cool breeze that relaxed me.
-Teacher! Teacher!
Then I saw the children in my class, running towards me, laughing and rolling as they came towards me. I gave a cry of delight, for it felt like I had not seen them in such a while.
-Teacher! Teacher!! They threw themselves at me, and we tumbled in the field together. -Where have you been?
-Oh.... I felt so happy to see them, I think I began to cry. -Oh! You guys! My children!
-Did you get a lot of bad guys?! The students were so happy to see me. -Did you get any medals?!
-No....no medals this time.
-Aww! The students' happiness did not seem to abate. -But you're still such a cool teacher!
-You're the best teacher ever!
-Floritiuse.
The students and I stopped our frolicking at the sound of the deep voice. I remembered full well who it belonged to. Yet, for some time, I could only stare at the person who said it.
-Ms. Themis? The students looked questioningly at him. -Who is that, teacher?
-....you.....
Staring at my father, and my mother, I felt like a child again. I stood up, my students surrounding me, confused. They did not know of my father, or of my mother, or what had happened to me as a child.
-Floritiuse.
-....f... I managed to get it out, though I felt detested saying it. -....father.
He seemed fuzzy, static, as if he were not completely there. And yet, he was there at the same time and I could see him as if he were really there, and he did not look like the man I knew when I was a child. He seemed very old, and very thin, and very sad.
And there was my mother, whom I barely remembered, and yet she stood there and her image was as clear as if I had only seen her the day before. I had dreamed of my parents many, many times over the years, but it never felt so real as it did at that moment.
-It has been many years. My mother, a small, timid woman for a Themisian, stood silently next to him as he spoke. -Floritiuse. No word from you since you were six.
-What.... I held the hands of one of my students. -What are you doing here now?
-I know, you said....to get out of your life. He didn't quite look me in the eyes. -I honestly don't know why I am here. I was....I was where I have been since you were taken.
-Who is he? One of my students spoke again, for they had not heard my calling him my father. He looks old.
-Where you belong I turned away. -I'm sorry, children. You shouldn't be seeing this. You shouldn’t be seeing him…
-I see your name often in the holopapers they bring to my place. Sailor Dad, that's what they call me now.
-That’s your dad? What a weird name he has! Another student looked at him and waved. -Hello, Sailor Dad.
-I… I noticed him smile a brief moment. -Hello.
-It's better than what I would call you. I still did not look at him. -At least you could have a child to maim as you pleased.
-No, Florituse. I…had a dream.
-A dream.
I looked up at him and gave a start. My brothers now stood with my parents, looking as solemn as they did. I had not seen them in years as well, had never even written to them, for they too had been scattered. I had almost forgotten their names completely. They were much older as well.
-...Ni.... I stammered. -Ninuse. Dosteiuse......Hanajiuse......Zoiruse. This isn't real.
-Your mother came to me in the dream, just like now. My father continued. -She said I should see you. I told her she was crazy, that she was a ghost. She died in another facility some time ago. But then, your brothers came in the dream, whom I knew were alive. And then....
I looked down, hoping to squeeze the hand of one of my students once more. But I felt nothing. I looked and saw they were gone.
-No.....
-.....they came.
I blinked. And everything changed.
Thousands - no, millions - now stood behind my family. They were all shapes and sizes, from all different walks of life - so many I knew what species they were of, yet so many more I did not. They teemed all over the field, and they stood in a cold silence, looking at me intently.
For a moment, I could not understand whom all of these people were. Then I saw a hint of glittering light in the front row, the glitter of a sailor soldier. And that glitter belonged to Sailor Kastalle.
-Sailor Themis. They were the dead. -Hello.
-You...... I looked at the seemingly endless field of people in front of me. -The dead souls....
-They all say that they were killed by a common enemy. I knew my father's gaze was still on me. -One you are fighting, though the name escapes me.
-....Galaxia.
-That sounds like the name they gave.
-What do they want?
-We want you to stop her. Another voice came up. It was a civilian. -We want the deaths of our peoples avenged today.
-.....Do you want me to.... I gulped. -Kill her?
-If it can be done.
-But it can’t be done! I am powerless against her! I protested. -Surely you do not ask me to do it alone! Not even ten Sailor Themises could defeat her. Only Sailor Moon can do it alone.
A murmur came from the crowd. I did not know why this caused such a reaction.
-We dead know of her. My mother finally spoke. -We do not expect you to match her power and fight Galaxia alone. Her power is matchless.
-But you asked me...
-You have more power than you think, Floritiuse. My father's head went down. -Certainly more than us, or me.
-....Is she in danger?
I looked worriedly at the crowd, expecting an answer. But they had become silent once more.
-I think....she may be.
-Then I must help her! My head went down. -Even if I'm alone.
-You make me proud.
My heart stood still as, suddenly, my father and all of my family were in front of me, and only they were in the field with me. His sad eyes were on me, and for the first time, I looked at him.
-I can never forgive you for what you did. I stated this as frankly as I could, for it was the truth. -No matter who you are or how long it has been.
-I don't expect it. I thought I saw a tear come from his eye. -I just....wanted to tell you that you make me happy, and your mother, even as I made you miserable. That is all.....I wanted to say....no matter what happens in this battle. You are always a sailor, but you're never alone.
I do not know how to describe my feelings about what my father said. I could not forgive him for hurting me as he did, and yet his words were truly sincere. I think my feelings were mixed, since I could not love him as a daughter loved a father, and yet I somehow knew it would be the last time I would ever see him or my mother - for any reason, not necessarily death.
-Good luck, sister. Suddenly, my brothers were in front of me. -When I wake up, I hope to hear good news of you.
-Get a blow in for me.
-Come find me on Themis if you come out of this all right.
-We hope to see you again.
And then they were all gone, and the light consumed me once more. Yet, before I returned to life, I saw one more vision of people.
I could not see them clearly; they were merely shadows that seemed to be looking down on me. The shadows did not seem so foreboding, for they were in the light with me, and the light itself was a pure light. Yet there were nine of them, like the number of the Astramort. Why I thought of the Astramort at that last moment, I did not know why.
-
-Themis!
The first thing I heard was the cry of Koogairu. Suddenly, the light receded, and I was back on Asgerd. I did not know what had happened; I felt dazed from all I had seen.
-I..... I looked at Koogairu. -.....Astramort....I saw......my family....
-Themis. Koogairu's voice cracked. -You're changed.
I looked down at myself slowly at her shocked words. Never did I expect sich a change, for indeed, I had changed. I was bright like a star should be, and it was as if the heat of the crystal within me had turned my skin a glowing pale green, almost white. My sailor suit, at least what I could see of it, had turned into a light yellow. My injuries from the my fight with Varuna, even my burnt appendage, were all healed, as if they had never been.
Nor was it that I merely looked different; I also felt very different as well. The feeling I had experienced when I was in the Court of Justice that day was back, yet it was far stronger now than it had been. And I felt lighter, as if I could fly into the sky. I gave a cry of happiness at this.
That was when I realized that I really could fly into the sky, for I hit myself in the face with one of my wings as cried out.
-OW!
I covered my face and cursed myself for such foolishness. Surely, a hero could not be such an idiot as I was.
-Themis....Floritiuse... Koogairu again got my attention. -Look!!!
I looked over to where Koogairu pointed, and gasped. The great light of Sailor Moon, and the fire of Galaxia, had collided. It must have happened whenn I had been engulfed, for I had not felt any explosion from it. Yet it had happened, and two lights - one white, and one red - were falling from the sky.
-I have to go! I began to beat my newfound wings. -I have to save Sailor Moon!
-Floritiuse!
I felt Koogairu grab my appendage. I stopped and looked at her.
-Koogairu.....I can't take you. I became saddened. -I know you'd be of help, but....
-I know.......Just be careful. Koogairu hugged my appendage tightly. -Please don't get killed.
-....I won't.
I felt strange as I said it. How I said it made it like I seemed so certain that I would live. Yet I had little time to ponder why I sounded so confident. I raised myself up with my great wings, and as fast as the crystal within me had awakened, I was in the sky.
Yes, there was smoke and ash all around me, for the fires raged all around me and should have hurt me. Yet like a firebird, I had been awoken from the remains of my old self and felt no pain.
The battle I was to fight was coming.
