(Rei, City of the Gods, City Square)
After passing by a few of the landmarks and never encountering nor sensing a single soul, the group’s suspicions were confirmed: The City of the Gods, no matter how elegant it had been in the past it was only a shadow of its former glory now. It was dead like the Moon Kingdom.
The irony struck the group funny in a bitter sense; both civilizations, ruled by the strongest of rulers were reduced to nothing while those who were only their loyal subjects had persevered.
“I don’t understand.”
Rei’s footsteps slowed. She nearly had a heart attack when the earlier apparition strode past her and paused by the fountain.
“I-I can’t believe I actually told her how I felt! What was I thinking?! Why did I do that?!” He grasped at his head and shook it in disbelief. “Her eyes… she said she understood, but, she doesn’t at all--! How can she, when she looks upon me as a child who has yet to grow up?”
Could it be? Rei’s eyes widened.
The man fell to his knees.
“B-Because of everyone… I can’t be weak. I can’t cry. I have to be strong… I have to be… pure, because…. I am the Sun God. They tell me how strong I am, but if they could only see me like this! On my knees, and screaming inside! It’s not fair,” His voice dipped to a whisper. “Why do I have to feel like this? Born with such cursed feelings? When I’m trying so hard! Trying to keep it all together so we all can live happily… But my hands,” his gaze shifted, “everything is slipping through them. L-Look at me… I’m shaking! Haha…ha…ha-ah… Ah-haaaaaa----!!”
The sorrowful wail prompted Rei to step back as she watched the man’s image fade away.
“Rei?” Haruka shook her hard by the shoulders. “Hey, didn’t you hear a word I said?! We have to keep our guard up here! There’s no telling what we might run into!”
The Martian slowly turned her gaze to meet her friend’s. “Did you… just see that?”
“…Make it go away…”
“See what?” Haruka frowned.
“…Nothing.” I guess they can’t see it. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the apparition disappear down a narrow street to their right. Why was her heart telling her to follow?
“C’mon, we’ll head towards the palace like planned. It’s our best bet on catching Hotaru.”
“But which way shall we go now?” Ami questioned.
The square offered many different paths, but the streets signs were of no help. Many of the lettering on the signs were illegible due to rust and the buildings were too high to spot their target beforehand. In the face of this, how could one possible tell the quickest way to their destination? It was a predicament that threw the success of their plan into jeopardy.
“Okay, let’s not panic. Maybe we can scan a few of the streets and pick up a hint… but then again, that might take too much time…” Haruka mumbled to herself.
Tup! Tup! Tup! Tup!
A figure rushed past her.
“Rei?! Where do you think you’re going?! Come back!”
But the raven-haired woman ignored the concerned cries and continued to run after the specter. The rational side of her mind pleaded with her to stop this foolishness and to listen to reason; ‘You don’t even know what you’re chasing!’ Was it a ghost? Or was it a lingering memory shed by its former self in a desperate attempt to be rid of it? Whatever it was she pushed on with the knowledge that there was no guarantee that she was heading down the right path; not every spirit wished goodwill towards those who could still enjoy life’s gifts. Especially one who has viciously hunted them all with such contempt!
Despite that, somehow her body wouldn’t listen. There was someone was calling to her.
…That’s the right path… They whispered.
(City—house)
Rei gasped for breath when the specter finally slowed in its pace. In her mind’s eye she could see more of them now. There was a group of children playing outside of a house along the street. They stopped the King as he passed by.
“Hey! Hey, have you come to play with us again Uncle Apollo?!” A little boy toothily grinned. “You and Aunty Artemis promised to come play with us again, remember?”
“Yes… we did, didn’t we?” He wearily smiled back. “Unfortunately, my sister is resting within the palace as we speak. She’s had a long day...”
“Awww… she isn’t feeling well?” A girl pouted. Apollo knew this child idolized his sibling. He couldn’t blame her. Artemis was a wonderful person.
“She’ll be all right. She’s just tired.”
“Oh, I see… But, but! You never get sick, do you Uncle Apollo?! Cause you’re super strong and cool, and, and…” The boy fumbled for words as the others were furiously nodding their heads in agreement.
A chill ran down the King’s spine.
“I want to be just like you when I grow up!”
Apollo weakly smiled and placed a gentle hand on the child’s head. “You don’t need to be like me. Just live your lives, and… appreciate who you are. All of you are unique and special in your own way. It is easier to wish to be like another... Desiring their power, talent or wealth… However, learning to appreciate oneself and those around you, for what you all are… is more difficult than becoming someone you are not. But I have faith in all of you...”
The statement had somewhat confused the boy. “Then I’m special the way I am?”
“Yes.”
“…” The boy shyly met the God’s orange eyes. “…Uncle Apollo?”
“Hm?”
“When I’m old… will you still come to see me?”
“…”
“Grandpa says that he can’t go outside anymore because he’s old. He has trouble doing a lot of stuff these days. Sometimes he says he wishes he were a God because Gods don’t age. One day, I’m going to get old too, right? So… umm… if I can’t come outside to see you anymore… will you come to see me?”
When Apollo finally recovered from the shock, he smiled once again.
“...Of course.”
Rei watched as the God played with the children for a bit. He didn’t stay long though. Before everyone knew it he was hurrying off with a goodbye.
“I’m sorry, but I must be going now!”
“Okay! But, but… come again soon! And bring Aunty Artemis too!”
The Martian sensed his frazzled aura as he made his quick escape. It was unstable now, but she didn’t have time to ponder on it for long before she was forced to give chase to keep up with him.
(City main street)
When she finally stopped again, Rei noticed three new specters this time. They were young men who appeared to be in their early twenties. They stopped the God as he passed by.
“Your Highness, is everything all right? You look almost ill!” One of them worriedly inquired.
“…” Apollo’s mouth set itself into a thin line.
“Shall we escort you back to the palace? We would be happy to! Just say the word!”
“No! Just stay away from me!” The King flung his arm out and forced the startled boys back. Hurt expressions appeared on their faces in reaction to the distrust that their Lord bared towards them and dangerously intrigue due to the flash of silver eyes where brilliant orange shone only seconds before.
Apollo blinked at their horrified expressions, and shook his head to bat way the sick sensation. When he re-opened his eyes, they were orange again.
“I-I apologize. Perhaps I am not feeling well after all…” He mumbled. “Please, carry on with your duties. I shall return to the palace on my own accord.”
“…”
As he passed her, Rei analyzed him with a contemplative look in her eyes. His eyes changed color for a second there. I remember in Setsuna’s vision that they were always gray. Could this be the first time that it happened?
She followed after him.
(City road)
Patiently Rei continued to trail after him down the lonely streets. He was almost limping now, and his shoulders were slumped in resignation.
To Rei’s astonishment, transparent rain soaked the dry trails; as she ventured through the otherworldly medium her skin tingled against the chills that enveloped her.
“…Must… be pure… I-I must… forget…” His voice cracked. The man’s eyes flashed between silver and orange.
“Why can’t they feel my pain? Why must I be the one who is in agony?! Allowing people to be always happy, what sort of paradise is this? People cannot grow if they cannot feel pain. They cannot become stronger! That’s right… they’ll just become weak, and… since the subjects reflect the rule of the ruler, it would be inappropriate for the subjects of the King of the Gods to be weak. It’d be a disgrace! But… the strongest are already part of my court. They are rather cheerful aren’t they? Always smiling and laughing… They’re supposed to be the closest to me, and yet they are oblivious. Haha… ignorant to a fool who is losing his mind. Oh, I’ll have to punish them for that I suppose. I’ll make them strong!”
Apollo’s head suddenly throbbed and he gasped when the nauseous feeling returned. This time he threw up, inwardly shivering with horror at the twisted words leaving his lips.
“Ah---ah-ah… I can’t take this anymore! Please… Help me!” Desperate orange eyes turned upwards toward the palace ahead.
“… Artemis…”
With the utterance of the name, the illusion shattered and Rei was faced with the looming palace structure. Her heart had yet to calm down, and her mouth felt so dry.
Is this really… what the former King was like?
Ping!
Rei’s head shot up when the sound of distant footsteps caught in her ears. They were not coming from behind her—no! They were in front of her. A dark-haired individual was feverishly scaling the palace steps towards the entranceway.
Hotaru?!
“Hotaru---wait!” She called after her. “You can’t just rush in there! What if it’s a trap?!”
A vision of a dark-swirling mass with crimson eyes flashed through her mind.
Ping!
“Nng---!” Rei gripped at her head in response to the evil aura. She outstretched her hand towards the disappearing body as if to catch her and hold her there in place with her will.
I can feel it now! D-Don’t go there! Don’t go in there, Hotaru! He’s waiting--
Rei’s concerned gesture remained ignored by the other youth. Hotaru’s clouded eyes were too focused on the darkness that awaited her. As if a moth drawn to a flame, she allowed her hatred consumed heart to throw its anguish into her powerful movements as she silently raged against the unseen enemy hidden within the ominous tomb. Her patient ears had become deaf to the cries of warning. Only unrivalled fury bellowed loudly in her soul like a God of Death who has only been released from its chains of slumber. Instinct was the only thing controlling her body now.
“Hotaru!” Rei shouted at her friend’s retreating back. She hesitated to follow, and was astonished by the uncertainty that hindered her actions now.
I… Rei’s hands curled into determined fists. Why am I hesitating...? I have to stop her!
“Hotaru!”
The Martian ducked down and pushed ahead in a swift dash, gaining in both momentum and stride as she chased after the shadow of a friend who was, in turn, consumed by the shadows of the palace.
As she climbed the steps, the amethyst-eyed woman became vaguely aware of the surprised cries of her other friends behind her. Even Minako’s pleas for her patience echoed somewhat distantly to her. There just wasn’t any time to explain; due to her lack of courage in the critical seconds previous, Hotaru had already entered the palace. Thus it came as a frustrating shock to the Martian when she met with resistance near the entranceway; the menacing aura leaking out of the palace pressed heavily against her body as if it were trying to choke her. It demanded an exorbitant amount of effort for every step she took.
“Rrrrg---!!!!”
W-Why… is this so hard?! I can barely move forward now!
She raised her arms and gritted her teeth. Now nearly at the top, she threw in her entire weight and silently prayed for the breakthrough…
Come…ON!
…Her prayer was granted.
TUP!
In the second she crossed the invisible line marking the entranceway a peculiar sensation washed over her. It was damp and cold, as if she were caught in a foggy mist. With the slightest of movements the breeze pricked at her arms and caused the hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end—a low, whispery voice rumbled through the dark, beckoning to her once more. Was it only the wind that stirred such frightening imagination from the warrior? It somehow felt similar to the time that she followed Apollo’s spectre through the streets; there were hollowed whispers in her ears. However, this time, they were closer now and more real.
I can’t hear you…
…I can’t hear her voice anymore…
Rei’s eyes dimmed, unknowingly surrendering to the force that desired her presence. All thought of the others vanished in a hazy cloud: The danger of the situation, the urgency of their mission, the risks and sacrifices that led her existence here, and even the fiery determination to find Hotaru became extinguished like a candle in the breeze. Instead, she was assaulted by loneliness in this warped world.
Where am I?
…Who am I…?
… Where should I go...?
As if to answer her, an invisible hand lightly gripped one of her own and gently tugged her towards the corridor.
“This way...?” Rei stepped towards the direction after the mysterious guide. “Are you sure?”
The fears and problems of the outside world fell away, leaving the woman’s soul feeling light and unburdened; inwardly, wrapped within the warm, mesmerizing sensation, she was entranced and dangerously dancing.
The muddled shape of her guide momentarily flickered before her eyes before hiding itself within the invisible unknown. The resemblance of a long, flowing dress at the specter’s feet tickled something within her memory. But similar to that of the specter, as soon as it was sighted it was gone.
(Sun Palace, Corridor)
Rei ventured deeper into the maze at the insistence of her patient guide. The corridor that she walked down now was solely lit by two rows of candles. Her shadow spun behind her, continually being battered around by the orange light. It was almost like a game. A child, who has lost their way, takes the advice of a wandering stranger. The stranger’s true face is unknown and their true purpose is fleeting like the playful wind. However, the child takes irrational comfort in this presence and allows only the thought of curiosity to fuel his/her urge to explore the unknown.
‘This entire place is strange…’ Rei’s senses flickered alive long enough to recognize the floating lights that have now appeared within the corridor.
“Who are you?” The question escaped her lips.
The guide in front of her became momentarily visible once more. Not only did the Martian note the dress from the person’s backside, but this time she also caught the sight of long-braided hair.
…What…?
Her host disappeared from sight once more.
(Palace Ballroom)
Rei finally reached an enormous room. It was almost entirely dark with exception of the lights that floated aimlessly about the surroundings. Somehow, she found herself suddenly feeling sad; the emotion was particularly strong within this area.
As her guide’s presence disappeared entirely from detection, Rei’s heart began to speed up again. The drowsy, mind-numbing peace was lifted, and delivered the woman to the waiting jaws of inner turmoil. Instantly consciousness clenched down hard for control and she snapped out of her stupor.
“W-What?” Rei blinked and stumbled backwards in sudden awareness. She stared, wide-eyed at the unfamiliar surroundings.
How did I get here? Where is this place?
Her head hurt as though someone ripped her out of a pleasant dream and abandoned her in a hellish nightmare. She was alone. She understood that much. Yet she took no comfort in the presence of her new companions. The floating entities, though they lit the surroundings for her, it was because of them that a sense of uneasiness formed in the pit of her stomach.
Those things--! I remember seeing them on the Moon! But… what are they doing here? What are they?!
The whispers started again. This time, however, they were not muffed. They were so clear that Rei could not mistake them for anything else, no matter how hard she wished.
“…Run…”
“…way… away… Run!”
“…ey… com… ing…”
“… Run!”
“R-Run…? Run from what?” The Martian nervously stepped back when the lights began to furiously buzz and emit high-pitched screams.
Tup, tup--Thud.
What?
Rei automatically looked down at her feet to see what she stumbled into. A small, circular plate caught her gaze. With dangerous curiosity she allowed her eyes to trail along the lines that spread out from the tiny plate, stepping back only to gain a better view, and she nearly choked on the very air she breathed.
It can’t be! Her heart was pounding loudly in her ears.
Lubb Dubb! Lubb Dubb! Lubb Dubb!
A dragon.
The seal of a two-headed dragon stared menacingly up at her. Her earlier dream instantly came to mind as the beast’s eyes began to shine crimson. A loud roar caught in her ears. Rei gasped and leapt back when a stream of black fire shot out of the crest and curled up to confront the intruder.
“…A-ah…” She had taken a defensive position but the magnitude of its spiritual pressure was overwhelming. It felt like she couldn’t move.
Tup! Tup! Tup! Tup!
Footsteps echoed in the hallway behind her.
It’s the others! No! Don’t come any closer! She wanted to cry out, but the words refused to form on her lips.
From the corner of her eyes she sighted the group appear at the doorway entrance. They all just stopped short of entering the room, only noticing the fiery creature when Rei’s peculiar paralysis drew their attention to the evil aura permeating the chamber.
“Rei?! Rei, get away from there!” Minako screamed.
I’m trying! But my body won’t move--! The Martian struggled against the invisible bonds but they held fast. They wrapped about her arms and legs, and head to toe, restricting every possible movement. If her mouth were open she wouldn’t be able to tell if she were screaming because even breathing was even a mystery to her at this point; every nerve in her body felt shot and her limbs were rapidly going numb. The helplessness she was subjected to made her tremble.
Damn it!
With the last bit of her will, she glared defiantly at her captor as the dragon lunged down and swallowed her with its being.
SHROOOOM!
“REI!!!!!”
“Minako, don’t--!” Haruka made a grab for the Venusian, only to narrowly miss her arm. “I said stop!”
The second the two rulers stepped closer into the room two black hands shot forward from the gooey mess on the floor where their friend had been and wrapped around their waists. Their arms were trapped at their sides.
“Dammit! L-Let go!” Haruka snarled.
“Haruka!” Michiru raced forward. She raised her arms. “Deep… SUBMERGE!”
Whiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrr---KABLAM!!!!
“Sparking…Wide Pressure!”
“Shine…Aqua Illusion!”
Sssssss----KABLAM!
KABLAM!
The substance between the hands and their gooey base were blown away in the blast, while the remainder, the hands, dropped lifelessly to the floor and shrivelled up like a plant due to a lack of moisture.
“Did… did we get it?” Makoto dared to ask.
“Who cares?!” Minako emotionally snapped back. “Rei… What happened to her?!”
I could only watch as that monster came down on her! Why didn’t I move? It’s my fault! It’s my fault! If only I had stopped her! If only I had come sooner! If only…I had done something! This wouldn’t have happened…
“She can’t be dead! REEEEEEEEEI!!!!!!”
“…Minako…” Haruka’s averted her gaze. Rei--!! It was too painful to look at the Venusian. It was too painful to think that her friend could possibly...
A squirming movement suddenly caught Haruka’s eye. The gigantic black mass began to move again.
“Minako, look out!”
“Wha---- AHHHHHH!” She was thrown up into the air and held there.
“Shit! TAKE IT DOWN!” Uranus barely raised her hand to initiate a world shaking when something grabbed her arm and pulled her backwards. She let out a stream of curses as the shadows leapt upon her.
“DAMN IT!”
“Haruka!”
“...Haruka!”
However, in the end, their struggles amounted to nothing. Minako watched helplessly as, one by one, her friends were swallowed up and met the identical fate that Rei had. They just disappeared. Their muffled cries and struggles became stilled under the blanket of darkness that stole them away.
Why is this so useless?! Minako wanted to scream. Her torn heart was ripped into pieces, and those pieces into pieces. The sludge had gotten a hold of her as well; any second now, it would be over.
Why?! Why?! WHY?!
Sheeeeeeeeeen…
She was distracted when crimson light lit the area. The blonde turned her head in time to see the thin outline of someone familiar at the doorway, just before she met her fate as well.
Who is that---? Setsuna?!
“You will not have them!”
FLAAAAAAAASSSH!
(Haruka)
…
In the darkness, Haruka’s consciousness began to awaken.
…It’s… so quiet…
…Am I dead…?
She sighed and inhaled deeply. The cold air filled her shaky lungs like a newborn taking breath for the first time. The events that led up to her existence as it was now reflected themselves poorly within her dull green eyes; they were a jumbled swirl of images, barely capable of influencing her weak thoughts. Her recollection began with fear. She remembered the pain and horror of seeing those close to her fall one by one. Looking at it all now, like this, she had to wonder if it was all a dream, or a trick of the imagination to fill a void with heroic deeds to satisfy the need to be something to someone.
… When I was a child, I never believed in Apollo…
… I could never believe that there was a God who ruled other Gods…
I thought that he was a myth, a story to scare little children who were gullible enough to believe it. Even Ares, when he murdered Neptune, I deluded myself to believe that the God of War was only a fool who had allowed his bloodlust to take over him…
But then…I met Hotaru on Saturn. I remember her eyes, they were full of innocence. She looked up at me shyly, and took my hand with only one question.
“Who are you?”
I was amazed that a child could possibly live on such a poisonous planet. No ordinary human could last in a place like that. Even I had trouble. It nearly killed me just stepping onto that forsaken ground. But there she was. She was real.
I saw many things as I met with Rei and the others again. I also lost many things as well. Important things…
But now… it’s so peaceful! I don’t have to think, I don’t need to fight… I can keep my eyes closed and dream, and sleep…
WhoooOOOOooosssh…
Hm?
What’s that sound? Is that...the ocean? It’s strange, but… I can hear the ocean and the wind. Now that I think about it, I think, Michiru took me to see it once. It was the largest body of water that I’ve ever seen in my entire life. It was really beautiful, and calming. The light would reflect off of the water’s surface, and Michiru’s eyes would light up at the sight of it. She loves it very much…
She was always there for me…
“Haruka.”
…Michiru…
Where is she? Michiru, where are you? Are you all right where you are right now? Is… everyone all right with you? Rei, what happened to her? She was… The same thing happened to me, so are we both…?
We all worked so hard, and came this far together! So, even if I’m… if I am… I can’t give up now. There must be something I can do! I’ll find a way to fight somehow!
I won’t let you guys do this alone!
“...ruka… Haruka, wake UP!”
At the sound of an insistent voice, the sounds of the ocean died away only to leave behind the roar of the wind-- a powerful wind that re-ignited the flame within Haruka’s body and made the senses known once more. The rush of blood throughout her body confirmed one thing, if not the most important; she was still alive. However, if this was a temporarily granted life she didn’t know.
The wind ruler peeked through heavy lids and allowed her vision to adjust. She saw long green hair, crimson eyes and a staff with a red jewel on its end.
“…Set…suna…?”
“Wake up already.” The other woman was huffing for breath. Beads of sweat littered her brow as she heavily leaned onto her staff for support. “You have no time to lie around.”
In an instant Haruka pushed herself up to her feet, testing the weight on her legs for a moment, and eyed her surroundings. It did nothing to help the confusion welling up inside of her.
“Huh? Where are we?” It’s so dark. I can’t see anything! She turned her attention to her comrade. “And what happened to you? You look terrible! Tell it to me straight, Setsuna. Is this another one of your visions or did we both die?”
Setsuna remained silent a few seconds longer, gathering breath to calm down her shaky body.
“No, we are both alive. However, that could change very quickly if we aren’t careful. We have been dragged into the spiritual realm. This place is a graveyard, a spiritual graveyard to be precise.”
“What?! N-No way! So just what are you saying? We’re alive but we’re stuck in another dimension?”
She nodded. “I first noticed this while I was in the Venusian shuttle. The machinery was detecting abnormal spiritual readings aggregating around the City, and they were far greater than the normal standard. Do you understand what this means?”
“…No, I’m afraid not.”
“Spiritual energy originates from the soul. The more souls gathered within an area, the greater the spiritual levels of that area. Such is the case where spirits rest or sites where people have passed away before their time. This is important, Haruka. Normally it is impossible for a specter to affect the living under normal conditions… however, as the spiritual levels of a place rise, so does the potential for a specter to influence the living world. The place you and I are trapped in now is extremely dangerous! Here, it is very possible for a spirit to take your life!”
“So, you mean--?! This place is crawling with ghosts?!” Again?! Oh no...I hate ghosts...
“Yes. It appears that it was Apollo’s intention all along. While he is a spirit himself, he cannot touch us unless he influences someone of the living to do his bidding for him or unless he encounters us in an area such as this. His creation expands as far as the battlefield, where his minions are granted the ability to multiply at abnormal rates. That was just the first level though. The second spiritual level was staged at the palace entrance… while we are currently standing at the third, the deepest, and where his powers are the strongest.”
I never expected him to go this far. To imagine that he was capable of amassing enough souls to perform such a feat!
“Based on the strengths of the signatures that I currently detect, many of these souls are likely from the Great War long ago. The majority are common foot-soldiers. However, there are also large masses that are significantly weaker… Therefore it is plausible to conclude that Apollo has gathered many of his deceased former subjects, such as civilians, and has trapped them here as well for the sake of achieving his goal.”
“Former subjects? Seriously?” Haruka shivered when a chill ran through her body. Her eyes instantly darted behind her, but to her dismay there was no one there.
That’s strange… For a second I thought I sensed someone was… Could it be one of the ghosts that Setsuna was just talking about?
“I apologize.” Setsuna continued. “I managed to spare you and the others, but I could not teleport us out of this dimension. His power is too great now.”
It is also likely… that THEY will appear soon as well.
“Wait! So you mean the others are still alive?!”
“There is a strong possibility. By the time I had reached all of you, Apollo had already begun to drag you further into this dimension. The best I could do within my power was to rip you from his grasp. That is all. As for the others well being, I cannot truly say... However, they are alive. They are all scattered somewhere within this realm. Listen Haruka, it is imperative that you find each other before he finds you first. Otherwise, it will be impossible to defeat him.”
Setsuna inwardly winced, and her legs suddenly felt weak. My powers… I’ve exhausted them past my limit. My body wishes to sleep…
“All right then. We’ll find them together!” Haruka nodded to herself.
“We?” Setsuna blink back at the taller woman.
“Yeah. You just said it yourself--it’s dangerous, isn’t it? And in the condition you’re in, I just can’t leave you here.” She took a step forward. “Like it or not, I’m taking you with me!”
Lubb Dubb
Haruka…
“Haruka, I must also warn you. Under any circumstance, do not allow a spirit to--”
PING!
“…World…”
Sheeeeeeen..
Setsuna’s eyes widened. “Haruka, stay back!”
“What?!” The blonde barely caught the glimpse of golden light.
“…SHAKING!”
WHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRRR—
The attack charged towards the wind ruler with terrifying speed!
Haruka, who was caught off guard, barely turned her head to see the oncoming blast before a figure threw themselves in front of her.
“Setsuna!”
BLAM!
“Augh!”
The advisor’s bloody body dropped to the floor, where she continued to writhe in pain.
“Setsuna! …Setsuna!” Haruka dropped to one knee and stared at her comrade in horror and disbelief. She wasn’t sure what to do; what just happened?!
“Come on, say something! Anything!” Where did that attack come from? It was my attack, but… I wasn’t the one who initiated it!
“Setsuna!”
“…Haruka. Do not look at me. Always keep focus on your opponent--!”
“My opponent...?”
Tup. Tup. Tup. Tup.
The wind ruler turned her head as the footsteps drew nearer; her green eyes trained on the direction, flashing with nervous anticipation for what awaited her.
There’s someone there.
A golden suit of armor stepped into the light…
There is only one other person…
...Followed by blonde hair…
….who could use that attack.
Haruka swallowed hard as she found empty green eyes staring back at her. She wanted to laugh and cry at the same time; she would have never believed such a story if it weren’t staring her in the face!
However, the shred of fleeting joy she harboured was torn apart at the sound of Setsuna’s fitful coughs. Bitterness of the deed gave way to anger; her entire body tensed and she glared at her former mentor with deep contempt.
“You!” She growled. “How could you do such a thing?!”
“…”
To her bewilderment, the man merely withdrew his sword and brandished it towards her in a threateningly manner.
“You bastard...!”
“It’s no use… you cannot get through to him.” Setsuna whispered. She felt the urge to uncharacteristically chuckle at this turn of events. “It appears... that Apollo could not touch them while he was a spirit. Nor could he control them, especially as his powers were already focused on another… Therefore, instead, he brought them to him.”
Haruka slowly absorbed this information.
“So… because spirits can’t affect the living, he killed them all just so he could use them?! Are you saying that no matter what I do, I can’t do anything about it because he’s a ghost?”
Setsuna stared the other woman in the eye. Her advice was simple.
“You must defeat him.”
“But how?! He’s already dead!” She turned her head quickly when Uranus began to slowly approach them.
“He has materialized in order to gain the ability to hurt you. Therefore, he also becomes vulnerable to your attacks as well. Defeat him, and then house his spirit in your body. If you can temporarily house his spirit then Apollo cannot work his magic over him any longer. Also, a last word of caution... Do not allow yourself to be hit by his spiritual attacks.”
Avoid being hit by his world shaking at all costs!
“You aren’t making any sense!” Haruka rose to her knees and took on a defensive position. “What’s the big deal about spiritual attacks? I can just heal myself if that happens!”
“…”
“Setsuna…?”
“…”
Oh no! Please don’t tell me----
“Stay with me Setsuna! Try to stay awake!”
The sound of stomping footsteps drew Haruka’s attention to her charging opponent.
“Just like old times huh?” I thought I hated you back then, but now I REALLY hate you...
Tup! Tup! Tup! Tup!
“HaaaaaaaAAAAAAH!”
“HAH!”
CLASH!!!!!
Their swords met with a spark against metal.
“Is that all you got?!” She shouted in his face.
Haruka struggled and shoved her sword into his in deadlock. From their close proximity she found Setsuna’s words beginning to sink in. No matter which words she threw against him, Uranus would not acknowledge them; the former God’s green eyes were hollow and tinged with crimson specs as the madness and lack of conscience sank in.
His eyes…! I remember, back on that day… She was getting tired of seeing them. Ares had the exact same eyes!
“HAH!” Haruka forced him back onto his heels. Immediately, Uranus set himself into another world shaking.
“World… SHAKING!”
Wham! Whiiiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrr---Blam!
“Heh.”
Haruka stared at him with a confident smirk. His attack collided with her raised blade straight on, the metal taking the majority of the force. She had gotten away from the attack with only a few minor scratches.
I guess being dead restored his ability to use his powers again… but even then, they’re still weak compared to mine! Now, all I have to do is heal myself and---
Bzz…bzz-!
“…What?” Haruka blinked at the blockage. While upholding her defensive position she glanced down at the scrapes on her forearms. The cut caused by the world shaking was still there!
“It’s not healing?!” A chill ran down her spine.
“Do not allow yourself to be hit by his spiritual attacks.”
‘Is--Is this what she meant when she told me to be careful?” I see now. I can’t heal myself if I get hit by spiritual attacks! But then that means Setsuna--!!
She won’t be able to heal herself either?!
Haruka lunged forward and sent the former God back in a brief exchange of blows. Once she knocked him off balance she threw one hand up into the air.
“Two can play at this game! World…”
Sheeeeeen…
“…SHAKING!!!”
WHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIR-----TING!
Uranus swatted the golden planet away. But in the moment that he had lost sight of his former charge…
“…”
A shadow appeared behind him.
“Right here!”
SLASH!
“…!”
The back plate of the former God’s armor fell off, with only a thin red line along his back for proof of injury.
I won’t forgive you!
Quickly, Haruka found herself once again exchanging a series of lightning fast blows.
Ting! Ting!
TinZ!
Tinz—clash! Tinz—clash!
Whup---CLASH!
That’s strange… Haruka thought as she analyzed her opponent’s awkward movements. He’s not nearly as strong as he used to be. He’s slower, and his attacks are sluggish! I know I didn’t hurt him that much with that last attack!
It’s like he’s not even trying!
Haruka leapt up, and did a mid-air somersault. With the momentum of the spin, combined with the force of gravity she hurtled a destructive downwards swing towards the man, so fast, leaving Uranus barely enough time to raise his sword up.
swiish--
“YAH!”
SLASH---CRACKLE!!!
With a single swing of her sword, Haruka broke the tip off of Uranus’s weapon. The gleaming piece of metal clattered against the ground and signalled her waiting triumph. It was over. All she had to do now was to claim it.
“Pathetic.”
WHUP!
She drilled her fist into his mid section, through his armor, and knocked him to the ground. No words could accurately describe the outrage she felt now.
She felt hatred towards him. Yet at the same time, she knew it was misplaced. It was Apollo who was at fault for orchestrating this misery that they all were forced to endure. Uranus was merely one of his disposable puppets… a puppet, in Haruka’s opinion, who should have known better.
“Just look at you!” She yelled as she pointed her blade at him. Her words were difficult to voice due to the urge to clench her teeth. “Look at what you’ve become! You mean to tell me that you disappeared from everything, from life, only to become this?! That the former God of Uranus, the same man who adopted me, has fallen this low and became a puppet for a dead master like a dog?! Where is your pride?! I’ve never knew you were such a weak-willed individual!”
An emotion began to flicker within the man’s green eyes.
I came all this way to fight Apollo, to get revenge for what he’s done to everyone, including you. But when I came here, I found you. For a moment, I almost hoped you were still alive. I wanted to ask you many things that I couldn’t before… But instead, I had to fight you… and… even then, it still wasn’t even you!
I hate him. Apollo… I hate him, I hate him, I hate him!
“The soldiers of Uranus are strong willed individuals who fight with honour and respect! We fight to protect our home and our comrades! What we do not do, however, is bow down and whimper like dogs for an undeserving master! That-- is not Uranus’s way!” She roared.
…!
Haruka threw her arms up into the air and began to concentrate a world shaking.
“World…”
I can’t believe it’s come to this.
Instead of throwing the glowing planet into the ground, she merged the ball of light into her blade!
Sheeeeeeeen…
But if I must destroy with my own hands to rescue you from that demon’s grasp, then I will! I won’t let him have you!
She swung down!
I… remember you…
“Haruka.”
“…SHAKING!”
KABLAAAAAAAM!
Uranus’s temporary body dispersed into a flurry of white lights. Although there was no blood or a dying scream, the grateful smile that reached his lips as her sword came down was framed perfectly in her memory. He had recognized her. He acknowledged her, even if only for a split second. That flicker of joy was all she truly wanted when she was still an heir. However, as the lights flitted past her darkened face she recalled another possible end for another comrade. Rei was alive, a fact which brought her great relief. But the cut on her forearm, though relatively harmless to her, meant life or death to another.
Her thoughts were interrupted when a single, glowing sphere of light remained. It floated an arms-reach away in front of her, almost expectantly.
“Is that really you?” Haruka questioned it.
“Defeat him, and then house his spirit in your body. If you can temporarily house his spirit then Apollo cannot work his magic over him any longer.”
“Setsuna…”
Haruka briefly glanced at the advisor’s body. This time there was no hesitation or doubt. She then outstretched her hand towards the entity, inviting it to her. There was a brief flash of light as Uranus’s sphere merged with her, and then disappeared. Warmth immediately spread throughout Haruka’s limbs, removing the pain from her tense muscles.
With a heavy heart, the wind ruler then walked over to her injured partner.
“Hey. Hey!” She called her, half-hoping, half-believing that she’d still get a response. “Wake up!”
Haruka almost couldn’t resist smiling when those crimson eyes wearily fluttered open.
“You can’t fall asleep.” She lectured as she took a seat beside her. “If you do, you might not wake up.”
“Haruka…” Setsuna analyzed the blonde’s face with a stern expression. Did she not understand yet?
Haruka heavily sighed. “Yeah, I found out,” she pointed to the cut on her arm. “So… no matter what I do, it’s really no good huh?”
“…”
“Are you sure? Are you absolutely sure that nothing can be done?! It doesn’t matter what it is, if it’ll help you, I’ll do it!”
The emotionless expression that resumed on Setsuna’s face brought sparked anger in Haruka.
Doesn’t she care at all?! Against her nagging pride she held up her hands, palms facing down, over the advisor and concentrated on releasing her aura.
“…?!” Setsuna’s eyes flew open. “Haruka, I’ve already told you! Spiritual wounds inflicted by spirits cannot be healed by the living.”
“Shut up. I don’t want to hear any crap from you right now!” She snapped. Her frustration was beginning to shine through her mask of irritation.
“But why…”
“Look, I know this probably won’t work, but I’m going to try anyway, dammit! So don’t you even think about giving up! No matter what, you have to try everything you can or it’s already over!”
Setsuna’s body shivered. Her body felt so cold. “… I’ve… under-estimated my opponent. I was foolish…and this is the price… that I must pay. That is the reality of war.”
“Stop talking like that!” The blonde growled. “You don’t deserve to die just because you made a mistake! There are a lot of people who care about you! What about Artemis and Luna? What about the rest of us?! Have you forgotten about that? Or, are you always in your own little world being too depressed to see what’s around you?!”
“…”
“That’s what I’ve always hated about you. You always go off and pity yourself for every little thing that goes wrong!” Everything that I’ve said… You try to do everything by yourself. “Everything can’t be decided by logic alone!”
Haruka’s hands shook as the energy continued to leave her. She knew the wounds weren’t healing, she was painfully aware of it.
“Stop, that’s enough.” Setsuna gripped onto her hands with tremendous effort. “You are… exhausting yourself for nothing.”
“It’s not for nothing! I’m doing this for you!”
“!”
The strain on Haruka’s body was beginning to take its toll on her, but she refused to let up. Setsuna was still alive as far as she was concerned, even if it was just barely. It hurt to watch those bright crimson eyes become dim, to see the life going out with it, and because of what? Why was she even in this position in the first place?
She lost her energy saving us. If only we’d been more careful! If I’d only been more careful, she wouldn’t be…
Haruka clenched her teeth and tried not to cry. She disliked the other woman, but not this much. Not enough to want her to die. In her mind, she knew it would be any time now.
“…Setsuna…thank you.”
“…?”
“I know this is kind of late. But hear me out, all right? You were always there looking out for us. And although we hardly talked… we all still considered you as part of our family, even if only for a short while. We trusted you. You were reliable and always seemed to know what to do when we didn’t. And I…I’m sorry that I said all those mean things to you…” Haruka flinched at the tug on her powers. She was tiring out.
“You did good, all right? So don’t let a little mistake make you think that everything is messed up now, because it’s not! You got us this far! So, we’ll keep going! We’ll defeat Apollo no matter what!”
Setsuna’s eyes were only open a crack now. Her world was already darkening.
I never thought that this day would come, that I would finally die. How long as it been now? I cannot even remember my own birth. The days are almost all the same to me. I merely kept on living and watching as those important to me faded away. I had no power to save any of them…
Maybe, all of this time… I wished for death. I’ve longed to be with her…
Yet, it is strange… to be dying, like this. Knowing, that you were loved... It almost makes me wish… I could…
Live.
“…Thank…you…”
“!” Haruka watched as Setsuna’s eyes closed and her body went limp. In that instant, from the peaceful smile on her face, she knew the struggle was over.
Shakily, she ceased her efforts and allowed her hands to fall to the ground in front of her with the knowledge that she tried until the very end. It still hurt though; to know that your best wasn’t good enough. Despite her earlier promise not to cry, she found her eyes tearing up. Two smiles, two precious smiles of gratitude that she didn’t deserve: One for bringing the end to her mentor, and the other… the happiness and the faith in Setsuna’s eyes that said ‘I believe you’ when her efforts still allowed her to die.
Plip, plip…
I’ll beat him for you… I swear it! I won’t rest until I do! We’ll take that bastard down!
I promise!
“AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!”
Next up in HFD, Ch.
36: Against the Sun: Price of Heaven part 1
In another part of the spiritual realm, Ami and Makoto are about to face against an enemy that doesn’t just know about their pasts, but also some of their most cherished memories. As they go head to head against their adversaries on an individual basis, what are they to make of the seemingly random images being displayed before them? Is there any significance to it or are they destined to be stuck within the enemy’s trap forever? They better find the answer fast because little do they know... the moment they ‘existed’ the countdown for the end has begun.
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