Title: Seals of Heart and Space Author: E. Cypher E-mail: LunarEB2@aol.com Rating: PG Welcome back! I'm really glad for all those still with me, and for you people wondering just when this story will end, well, I haven't a clue :). Oh, and one more thing, I'm REALLY sorry it's been so long since I've posted, gods know I have no excuse but lack of interest or ideas. Just thought I'd put that in since it's been soooooo long. Hmm, I hope last chapter helped a little, was actually kinda funny being called "evil", but I know the ending was just aggravating. Anyway, hope you enjoy the story, e-mail all comments, PLEASE! ::smile:: Take care and read on! Chapter 7: Living Again ::Lina:: Slowly, my eyes blink open to a dull white room. A small beep emanates in rhythm something behind me. Groaning, I push myself up from the pillow, and gasp as pain stings my side, causing me to fall back and nearly bringing tears to my eyes. I lift the covers and find the bandages wrapped neatly around my waist. Looking around the strange room in bewilderment, my mind goes blank. Where am I? Why am I here? And most of all, what in the WORLD happened?? Okay, deep breaths..in..out..think.. ?SAILOR MOON!!' the name screams in my mind and I nearly leap out of bed, but my body reminds me once again, bringing my mind back into check. Sighing in annoyance, I throw down the covers, leaving the wrapping open to see. Taking a deep breath, I hold my hands out over the wound. "Healing power flowing white.." "Take these wounds, restore my might.." "Return me to my original sight." A soft white glow encompasses my hands, sending waves down on my side. Inhaling sharply, I feel the pain ebb away, the internal flesh mold together, and finally the skin knit itself back in place. As the light dies away, I drop my hands and remove the bandages. Not a scar remains and the stitches that had been used on me lie stuck to the wrapping, having been purged from my body with the spell. Finally leaping up from the bed without a problem, I observe my situation. The room is empty of any other being, and all that does reside here is my bed and the strange equipment around it. Oddly enough, the machines seem to be attached to me with wires suctioning to my skin. Reaching over, I merely turn off the device and remove the suction cups. Hmm, well, that takes care of getting out of the room, but do I really want to leave like this? A skimpy white gown-type material is all that covers me. They took my clothes off to tend me no doubt, and probably threw away the shirt. The coat was already toast, but I do find the rest of the outfit; the pants, belt, and my boots; lying on a chair by the door. Much to my surprise, my headband and pendant are still on. The pendant especially surprises me, I would think it'd get in their way. Shrugging, I pull on what clothes I have here, and open the door. I've got to leave carefully, if anyone who knows me sees..there's going to be a lot of annoying questions, ones that I'd rather not try to answer. Looking around carefully, I step quietly into the hall, hoping to find the exit from this place. As I pass through the building, I come by few windows, still, those I do see tell me that it's late afternoon. I wonder how long I've been here.. I shake my head. It doesn't matter, now I just have to find the others. Gulping, I remember what happened last night. I have to find out what condition they're in... The place is quite large and rooms pass by one after another as I continue my walk. Every now and then someone, whom I assume to be a doctor or nurse, will walk by, but each time they continue on their course with no more then a slight acknowledgment. Yes, though it may seem strange, I have seen doctors before, there isn't always a cleric to be found. I hear a pair of voices coming towards me and glance around the corner. Some time of guard, judging from the fact that they're carrying weapons. Steadying myself, I walk casually down their corridor. One looks up from the conversation, eyeing me suspiciously. Suddenly the guard gasps, probably in recognition. Gritting my teeth, I swear in frustration. "Miss!" after bringing the other guards attention to me, he attempts to stop me. "Miss, you were the one brought in last night correct?" I nod slightly and they share a shocked look. "You were in a sore condition, are you sure you should be up?" Smiling, I nod to him. "Oh sure, it wasn't as bad as it looked." Hmm, he doesn't look convinced. "Anyway, they healed me all up and now I'm, just, looking around the place." He continues to look at me suspiciously. "Well...a friend of yours is waiting for you in the lobby down the hall. Tall guy with long blonde hair, but I really think.." At this I perk up and dash past him. That sounds like Gourry! They grab me as I try to run past however. "Whoa there girl, why don't you just go back to your room for a bit." I glance sideways at him. Reaching out, I put a hand on each man's chest. "Sleep." They look at me strangely for a minute, but then their eyes glaze over and they both fall against the wall, sliding to a rest on the floor. Shrugging, I head on down the hall. "Well, that's that." I force myself not to run as I pass down the corridor's, desperate to find out the ending to the battle and the conditions of my friends. Partway down, a door opens as I pass and a grungy looking man wrapped in bandages looks out, holding his head. He whistles as I walk past, grinning widely. I pointedly ignore him, striding on without missing a step. His reaction goes unnoticed as I turn the corner and enter the lobby. The desk nurse looks up momentarily, then back down at her work, seemingly passing me off as just another wounded getting exercise. Gourry sits in a chair, sleeping. "Gourry!" I yell, rushing over. I halt right beside him when he never opens his eyes. "..it's too early...I don't wanna get up.." he turns his head to the side as he mumbles. That idiot. "Gourry!" This time I knock him in the head, sending him from the chair. He awakes and sits up. "Huh, what?" He looks around, finally resting his gaze on me. "What are we doing here Lina?" He comes to his feet. "And why are you wearing that?" Heading over, he tugs on the white shirt. "It makes your chest look even smaller." Grrr.. Thwack!! He's once again sitting in the chair, though not of his own will. Glaring, I sigh. "Gourry, don't you remember what happened last night." A thoughtful look comes over his face for a minute. Finally, rememberance comes over his face. "Yeah!" I smile. Wow, finally a brain shows through. "We went shopping!" My head drops. I grab his shirt and proceed to drag him towards the doors with me. "Come here." He snatches two bags as I pull him away. Once outside the doors, I release and turn back to him. "Don't you remember Malachite? The attack?" He gasps. "Oh yeah. You and Serena were hurt and Malachite was killed." He shrugs. "So.." Finally, his eyes snap open and he turns to me. Sigh. Earth to Gourry, come in Gourry. "Lina! Are you okay?" He looks me over, going around behind and every other which direction. "I'm fine Gourry." I've put up with this before. Nice to know he cares at least, even if it takes awhile to reach his rock head. "Now where's Sailor Moon??" He looks at me. "Sailor Moon?" I sigh again. "Serena." "Ooh, she's.." he blinks, staring past me, "..come to think of it, I don't know where they took her." Darn, should've known it wouldn't be that easy. A plan begins to form, but I hesitate, looking down at the rather drafty white outfit. Snagging a bag from him, I rush off around the corner. "Be right back Gourry!" He stands with his normal dumbfounded look as I find an isolated spot, quickly change into my old outfit; minus the cape so I just have the cream white shirt, red pants, boots, and gloves; since the new one is in pieces. Quickly, I rush back to Gourry. I grab him by the hand and he glances down at me. "Hold on." Grinning at him, I bring a spell to mind. "Ray Wing!" Instantly, I take to the air, flying over the town. Gourry freaks and grabs my arm with both hands. "Relax Gourry, just hold onto my hand and enjoy the flight." Hesitantly, he lightens his death grip and flattens himself out. "Much better, you're not nearly as heavy with the wind catching you." Along the way, I scan the city below as thoroughly as I can, searching for some sign of any of our group. I smile to myself and relax for a second. It feels so good to be out in the sun again. ::Darian:: So the night passed and the day wears on, yet all of us remain at this little temple on cherry hill, hoping for some miracle to happen. At the moment I haven't an idea where the others are, nor do I care, as I wander around outside. Staring at everything and seeing nothing I am, mind full of turmoil. So, last night I found out, quite unexpectedly, that the one under my care, one Sailor Moon, is actually Serena, whom my feelings for are quite complicated, mainly to myself. Kicking rocks as I go, I think back through all the time I've known her. All along I have indeed felt something towards her, some feeling I can't explain. Teases and taunts are all she ever really got out of me, I just couldn't help myself whenever she was around. Still, she always seemed to bring the best out of people, her perky, carefree happiness seemed able to lighten anyone's day, and she always made sure of such whenever she could. So now she lies practically dead.. I sigh in frustration, picking up a rock and turning it over in my hand. It tears me apart seeing her in this condition, but why? We were never really good friends, still, it seems like the world just isn't the same without her around. It's missing something vital..and there's nothing I can do. Pure, confused torment rages through me as I fling the rock as hard as I can into the sky. After I throw it, I see a dark figure in the sky around the direction I threw the rock, but the sun's too bright to see anything more then a shadow. Brushing it from my mind, I turn and head back to the temple, sighing. At least she's alive and in good condition, even if she won't wake up. I look down as I walk back, wondering how Lina's condition is turning out... ::Lina:: "Incoming!" I swerve sharply, knocking Gourry off the small balance that he'd gained, to avoid the flying object. He clings to me, further sending us tumbling through the air. Struggling against gravity, I bring the spell, and Gourry, back under control. As Gourry stares fearfully at the ground, I scan around for our assailant. Amidst a grove of trees, I spot what looks to be a temple, and a man going into it is the only person in sight it seems. Glaring, I dive downwards. "Hold on Gourry!!" Fast as I can push myself, and with Gourry flailing and screaming out behind me, I rocket through the air, then the trees, and finally through the space behind him. Pulling up short, and pitching Gourry forward in the process, I land directly behind the guy. His head snaps to the side as Gourry flies by and a quick over-the-head SMACK sending him along the same path. "Who do you think you are throwing things at me???" I gasp as he turns around, rubbing his head and leaning on his elbow. "Oh, hi Darian." I glance up at the building. "Guess we found you huh? You really should watch where you're throwing things." He smiles slightly and picks himself up. "Yeah..." He seems so...dejected. Oh yeah! "So how is she?" my smile, in appearance and voice, is gone as he looks up at me sadly. He shakes his head. "There's no change. We've all been with her the entire night and not once has she so much as twitched." Sighing again, he looks me over. "You seem better." It's more of a statement then a question, and I merely nod in return. "I'm fine now, nothing can keep me down for long." I gesture up at the temple. "So, can we see her?" He nods again and turns away. "Come on, I'll take you to her." With Darian in the lead, we all approach the odd temple as I look around. "Hey Darian, why'd she get brought here? What is this place?" "This is the temple on Cherry Hill, Serena's friend Raye lives here." He lapses into silence for a moment. "I guess they thought it'd be safe and quiet here." "I suppose you've figured out who all the scouts are." With all that's happened, I almost wonder if he took notice of that fact. He nods slightly after a moment. "After all that I saw last night, it didn't take much to put everything together." Glancing back at me, he smiles slightly. "No wonder you thought it'd be interesting for us to know." ::Raye:: Gods, I'm so exhausted. If their appearances are anything to judge by, I assume the other girls feel the same. Even the sleep that we got didn't do us much good, not with our leader and friend lying helpless among us. We have to do something soon though, we can only waylay her parents for so long. Sighing, I turn to the fire in front of me. I've been trying all night to get some hint out of the flames, but I get only flittering images that I don't understand. I can't give up though, none of us will, not until an answer is found. Concentrating, I focus my will on the sacred fire once again, praying for its' guidance. For once, an image appears, and stays for long enough to allow me a view. A spinning pendant floats in a sea of fire, it's silver surface remaining untouched. Recognition stikes me as I remember the last time I saw this item, it was in the flames the day before we met Lina. The speed of its rotation increases until it becomes merely an orb of light. Suddenly, it grows in size, very much resembling the moon now, and rises out of the flames, coming to a rest in the sky above. The comfortable glow intensifies and eventually the flames below it turn the calm blue color it radiates. Then the whole scene shines with the sun's light and disappears. Snapping my eyes open, I shake my head and struggle to take in what I've just seen. Hearing my name, I realize that the others are gathered around me. "Hey, you alright Raye?" Lita kneels in front of me, waving a hand across my view. "Did you find anything out this time?" Amy ask, looking concerned from the side. I smile reassuringly and try to explain what I've seen. "Well, I'm not really sure what it all meant, but that pendant we saw the other day, that definitely has something to do with it." I look up at the girls around me. "We have to find it." They all nod, and Amy opens her mouth to say something when visitors arrive. "Well girls, the rest of our group is alive and well." We all turn to see Darian walk in and step aside to reveal Lina and Gourry in tow. Lina does her classic, apparently, two fingered wave as we all gasp. "Heya all, I'm back." She grins. "Hey girl! Good to see your okay!" Mina calls out as we walk over. Then the mood of the room dies again. "Yeah, at least we didn't lose you both..." Amy mutters out. Lina's smile dies as she looks past us to the motionless form on the makeshift bed we set up. "Has nothing been discovered as to her condition?" She looks among our faces. "Very little we must admit," I offer. "We've tried all we know to, but only my most recent vision in the fire has revealed anything at all to us." Darian's eyes light with hope at the new information. I still don't quite understand him. Why does he care so much? He never has before. Lina raises an eyebrow. "And just what did you find out?" "Well, I'm not sure what it all means, but here's exactly what I saw..." I go on to explain the vision in as much detail as I can put to it. Only once am I interrupted, that being when Mina cuts in to describe the pendant. Lina's face lights with surprise at this point, but she urges me to go on. Finally, I finish my story and we all stand mute while she ponders it. "All I can truly figure out is that we need that pendant, but we haven't a clue where it is." Lina shrugs. "Oh that's not a problem." Reaching in her shirt, she pulls up a chain where on the end a silver pendant dangles. A collective gasp of surprise comes from our group as we recognize the side of the moon and that of the elements. "That's it!" Lita exclaims. "Where did you get that??" Lina drops the chain so that the ornament hangs over her shirt. "Back in my world, a day or so before I ended up here. Though I hadn't a clue what it was, I...recovered it from another sorceror." The way she says this sounds a bit suspicious, but even the moral Amy completely ignores it in the face of such hope. "So, now we have the required talisman, but... what do we do with it?" Amy asks, glancing apprehensively from one face to the next. Lina sighs. "That I don't know. Even with all I know of legends and artifacts, I've never heard of this one." She takes the pendant, cradling it in her palm, and walks over to the still form of Serena. Kneeling down, she releases her item and looks over the young girl. "Well, she does indeed seem unhurt, but.." she runs her hand over the shattered brooch, "..this is completely gone." I nod. "Her power brooch. They were apparently connected in some way, some very powerful way..." "..for what destroyed one, destroyed the other." Amy finishes. We all watch in silence as Lina kneels motionless beside our fallen friend. Finally, she brings the pendant back into her hands, turns it over a few times, and places the elemental side down on Serena's brooch. Everything starts to happen at once. A blinding flash radiates from the connection, filling the room in an instant. Lina cries out in shock for a mere moment, before completing it with a scream of pain and fear. ::Lina:: Pure curiosity drove me to action in this case. Mold one to another to complete the whole, the logic seemed solid. Still, I didn't expect such a violent reaction as this! The outburst of light forces me to turn my head, or try to that is, but instead it holds my gaze to it, refusing to release me as my sight travels into the very core. My essence flies through that of Serena and her brooch, or rather, her history. Her past life, that of the moon princess, flows before my eyes, revealing to me the kingdom's prosperity, and it's destruction. Though horrid the battle may seem, the resolution seems almost as much so, for it's hard to say if one is reached. Suddenly the visions flash to those of the current time, Serena's days as Sailor Moon, her many fights for life, brushes with death, and moments of friendship. Rushing through them, the visions come to an abrupt end as our battle with Malachite is relived. Once again, I see Sailor Moon leap in front of my wounded form, only this time, I see her thoughts as well. She cares not what comes of her from this, the only thought on her mind is that of her friends well being, of those she cares about. Though only a spirit, tears run from my eyes. Never have I seen one with a heart more pure, more full of love. From what I see, she would willingly sell her soul merely to get a smile out of a friend. All the thoughts I had about her, the way she acts... Bittermint stings my eyes as I realize again what an important thing understanding is, and how dangerous ignorance. Still, my world is a harsh one, and such caring individuals as this have never existed before my eyes. It's no wonder she's a friend to so many, she cares even for her enemies welfare. Smiling, I push on. It may not be as easy to get such feeling from me, but I can be just as fiercely caring for friends and innocents. My enemies, however, receive no mercy. Rushing through the inner corridor, I find myself in a glowing hall and land on the floor of it as things become more solid, at least to my senses. Glancing around, I find myself in what looks to be a throne room made of granite, or some other type of grey stone. I gasp as my eyes settle on the far wall, for a black, malformed creature sits upon the throne, and what looks to be Serena in a flowing white gown sits in a large cage off to the side. The demon steps up from its seat as I approach. "A visitor, hmm? Quite a trick for a human to get all the way in here." It's hard to say from its misfigured features, but I'd have to say it's grinning, rather unpleasantly. It bows dramatically. "So, what can I do for you human?" I shrug, glancing off to the side. "Oh, I don't know." I wave my arm towards the cage. "Release her, leave this place, save us all a lot of trouble." Chuckling, it faces me once more. "Afraid not young one. I rather like this place, and in exchange for sparing her life, the girl has let me live here." I raise an eye at this. "Willingly?" Now it's the demon's turn to shrug as it turns and heads back to its throne. "Well...we all have our price. Helps when the buyer can enforce it too." "Yeah, whatever. Well, gave you your chance." I pull back my hand. "Fire..." "I wouldn't do that if I were you. We wouldn't want to ruin this lovely hall now would we?" Chuckling evilly, it sits down casually on the seat and stares at me. Growling low in my throat, I drop my hand, releasing the energy. I hate it when they're right. If we really are inside Serena, soul or body, the result of destroying this place could devastate her. Standing up straight, I flip my hair over my shoulder and smile at the thing smugly. "So what do you want anyhow?" "What do I want?" It throws it's hands up. "I have what I want. I do believe you're the one who came to me." It leans back in the chair. "Perhaps I should ask that of you." Its brow tightens. "Before I lose my patience..." I nod and begin walking back and forth in short paces, never losing my self-confident appearance. "Okay then, let's see. You need a place to live, we need our friend back. So, how can we find you another home, eh?" I stop and glance up at it. Staring down at me, the demon remains silent for a few moments. "My kinds victims must be willing for us to originally inhabit them, such as she was by stepping in front of the blast which brought me here." It glances up, squinting. "Still, it is rather bright in here, little goody goody that she is..." glancing at me from the corner of its eye, a small smile spreads on its' lips. "Perhaps you would offer yourself in her place then?" This catches me a little off guard and I almost lose my posture, but regain it quickly. "Fan of darker meat, huh?" No reaction comes from it. Thinking quickly, I take a few moments to ponder this through. Surely this would release Serena, but only end up putting me in her exact place. I mentally shake my head. This course is insane, calling a demon into my body... My eyes go wide and I thank the gods that I'm looking at the floor. Would that work? There's the possibility it could also make things worse, and of course the consequences if I mess things up... Glancing up from the carpet, I can just see Serena sitting sadly within her cage. She doesn't deserve this, she saved my life, now it's my turn. "You know what?" Looking up at it, I grin and set my hands on my hips. "You've got yourself a deal pal. My soul for hers." It grins broadly and stands up,clapping it's hands together. "Excellent, I think we'll get along...nicely." Striding down the steps, it heads towards me. "Perhaps I'll even let you share control with me." I nod. "Even more power then we have now. Combined, we'll be unstoppable." Smiling, I await it. "So, what do I have to do?" Shaking its' head, the form begins to waver and a fade. "Absolutely nothing, just stay still and open yourself to me." With that, it walks right into me, molding itself to my body as black power slams into me, sending my nerves reeling and my stomach turning. As it combines with me completely, darkness threatens to consume me and my mind wavers, struggling to maintain control. The room begins to fade to black as Serena screams out to me from her dissolving prison. ::Serena:: Stars flash in front of my eyes as the lids flicker open to the morning light. A collective gasp comes from around me as I lift myself up onto an elbow and glance around. Suddenly, the scouts all slam into me, enveloping me in one big bear hug. "Serena! You're awake!" Mina squeals as they release me. Rubbing my eyes, I look at them questioningly. "What are we all doing here? And just how long did I sleep?" Yawning, I stretch my arms. "Not too late I hope." Raye ?humphs' from the side. "Geez Meatball Head, you didn't fall asleep, you were hit by Malachite remember??" I gasp. "Oh yeah...my brooch!" Quickly looking down, I find it in perfect condition and exactly the same as I remember it. Although, I can almost swear it changes colors when the sun glints off it. Suddenly I see Lina inside me again, bargaining with that demon and my eyes go wide as I swing around to search for her. "Oh no! Lina!!" Her collapsed form lies not a foot from me, motionless as I once was. Gourry kneels by her side. Attempting to push myself up, sore muscles object and I groan as I nearly fall again. Strong hands grasp me from behind, lifting me to my feet in their gentle grasp. Looking up, I see Darian smiling down at me. "Careful there Serena. It's good to see you back to normal, but we'll save the falling down acts for later." Frowning, or rather trying to with his eyes on me, I push him away playfully. "Thanks a lot Darian." Then my face grows solemn again and I rush over to Lina. Gourry looks up at my approach. "She hasn't moved since you woke up." Amy kneels down beside her as we all look worriedly on. After a quick examination, she looks up to us. "She's in exactly the same condition as Serena just was. Nothing's wrong with her physically, but she's in some sort of coma." "The pendant's gone too." Mina points out, slightly pulling down the collar around Lina's neck to make sure no chain is to be found. "The pendant," I speak softly, almost more to myself then those around me, "she used it to save me, but gave herself in my place." "What??" Comes the collective gasp from those assembled. "What do you mean ?gave herself' Serena?" Amy ask, looking over at me curiously. Taking a deep breath, I relate the story as best I can. ::Lina:: Darkness swirls around me and my vision swims as I try to merely keep from getting sick with this nauseating evil power surrounding me. It's not so much the depth of the evil, for I've felt far worse, so much as the fact that I'm so close to it, coexisting, and that I chose to do so willingly. Opening my eyes merely causes my stomach to churn as gravity seems to have no hold in this place nor direction any meaning. Snapping my eyes shut, I struggle to remember the plan I had working in my mind. "Enjoying ourself Lina Inverse?" A deep, evil voice invades my thoughts. "The initial transference may be somewhat... uncomfortable, but I'm sure you'll become used to it in time." The being laughs insanely and I fight with my thoughts. What am I doing here? How could I possibly be merged with a monster? What's going on, and how do I stop it? Thinking and remembering become harder and harder as my very mind seems to slip beyond my control. I don't think coexistence was this things plan at all, it's merely trying to take over. Everything I've ever known continues to seep from my mind, even my own name is becoming hard to remember! Strangely enough, all of my knowledge of magic and the mystic arts in general stay fully intact, whether because of their magic, or because the demon must allow me to retain the know how in order for it to use them, I don't know. All I do know is that knowledge is one of my greatest strengths, and seemingly my only hope, as it's all I have. Surely I would've come up with some sort of plan before falling into all this, and it most likely involved my powers. But I can't remember!! Desperately, I stall for time. "Hey! Didn't you say this was a coexistance??? Are you going back on your word?" Like that would mean a lot to a monster. It sighs with a small ?ohh'. "Yes, I suppose I did say that didn't I..." it pauses. I sigh, expecting the ?well, I lied' line. "...therefore, I shall let you see and hear all that goes on as I take control of your body." It chuckles, the sound resounding around the area. Uh oh, he obviously intends to do more then live with me. I've got to do something! "Shall we let the fun begin, Lina?" The blackness in front of me fades away, changing to a mix of colors and forms. Suddenly, I realize, as it all comes into focus, that I'm looking through my own eyes. Gasps come from those I see assembled around me as I hear my name called. Strange looks form on some of their faces as the view lifts and I, or rather my body, stand up. A bad feeling overwhelms me all of the sudden, and I wonder if I really wanted the ?privelige' of sight and sound after all... Well look at that, I got another chapter out! So whaddya think? I know, another ending right in the middle of the action, I can't help it, just seems like a good place to stop. Check back for chapter 8 and find out just what Lina, or rather the demon, has in store for our team. Catch ya later, Take Care!