Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction / Sailor Moon Fan Fiction / Ronin Warriors Fan Fiction ❯ SeeDs, Ronins, and Scouts ❯ Life or Death? ( Chapter 6 )

Ronin Warriors, Sailor Moon, and Final Fantasy VIII do not belong to me. They belong to Sunrise Inc., Toei Animation, and Squaresoft respectively. PLEASE DON'T SUE ME!!!!!!!! Only the plot of the story and any new characters that may appear belongs to me.

"Life or Death?"

Chapter Six

Tuesday Afternoon:

The girls and guys sailed back to Balamb. They were truly tired from the mission. Once they reached the harbor, Seifer took the last Balamb car and left the others behind.

"Jerk," Serena mumbled to herself.

Instructor Trepe stood in front of the group. "At ease cadets. Great job on the mission!! This mission determined if you were able to handle similar situations that happen all over the world. Therefore, our mission was successful. Your SeeD Rank reports are at the Garden right now on the 2nd floor. I know you are all tired and you want to relax. You can report to the Garden once you finished relaxing. You're dismissed," Instructor Trepe ordered.

Everyone sighed in relief. They all saluted her and went their separate ways. Zell and Selphie went to Zell's house and visited his mother. Squall went to Balamb shop to pick up extra potions, antidotes, remedies, and hi-potions. The others stood on the harbor.

"Are you okay from the fall?" Mina asked Raye.

"I'm okay, just suffered a minor cut on my knee."

Amy started swaying. "I never felt so tired. I feel like I'm going to pass out if I don't sit down," Amy replied, turning a little pale. Lita and Serena rushed to Amy's side and held her up.

"Rowen's house isn't too far from here. We can rest there," Ryo offered.

Lita helped Amy onto Rowen's back. They walked down Ramuh Street and turned down Mako Avenue.

"Here we are," Rowen replied. He handed Cai the key and he opened the door. They walked inside and sat on the couch, chairs and beanbags. Raye helped Amy onto the couch while Rowen brought back bottled water.

"How did you think the mission went?" Kento asked.

"I say it was a success. Everyone followed and executed the orders," Mina responded.

"Also, we were able to defeat that monster and Talpa's henchmen," Raye added.

Lita took a sip of her water. She sat next to Sage on the couch and held the icy bottle onto her forehead. "What I want to know is why do they want Squall?"

Everyone looked at her.

"The same question crossed my mind also," Rowen added. "We need to make sure nothing happens to him. We can't let Talpa or Beryl get him."

"I think they're after him because of his unique fighting technique and deadly attacks," Amy answered after gaining some of her color back. Everyone looked at her. "Remember when he fought Cale and nearly killed him? If he was to fight us, we would barely be able to survive. Talpa and Beryl would want him on their side so they can achieve their ultimate goal: destroy the Ronins and Sailor Scouts and gain the Jewel of Life and the Silver Imperium Crystal."

"Amy may be right. Squall is the kind of person that the Nether Realm and the Negaverse are looking for. We need to keep an eye on him and stay one step ahead of Talpa and Beryl," Sage suggested, stretching his legs.

"What about Zell, Selphie, and Seifer? Shouldn't we protect them too?" Cai wondered.

`Who gives a damn about Seifer…but I guess we have to protect them' Serena thought to herself.

"I say protect them in case if they're also after them," Mina responded.

"Shouldn't we be getting back to the Garden?" Rowen asked. He looked at his watch. "It's almost 6:30."

"Yeah, but we'll have to walk almost two miles to get there," Serena whined.

"Serena, there's no need to complain. Anyway, I'm dying to know my SeeD Rank and scores," Raye replied, heading out the door.

They left Rowen's house and headed towards the exit of the city. They ran the trail back to the Garden. When they reached the Garden, Quistis and the Headmaster stopped them.

"Well how was the mission?" Headmaster Cid asked.

"It was a great experience. We made sure that we followed and executed the orders given to us. Also, the assistance of the GFs were pretty helpful," Sage replied.

"You can get your grades on the 2nd floor. Hopefully, I'll see you at the graduation later on." He headed to the elevator.

"I'm proud of you guys with your job of making the mission a success. Good luck and see you later," Quistis replied. She headed towards the West Block.

"You want to go to check on the grades now?" Raye asked.

"Sure," the others replied.

They ran to the elevator and rode it to the 2nd floor. Other members were waiting patiently for the grades. They spotted Zell, Selphie, and Squall. The Disciplinary Committee stood in the hallway.

"When did you get here?" Selphie asked them.

"Not too long ago. What about you?" Cai answered.

"About forty-five minutes ago. A Garden Faculty member is supposed to call the ones that graduated," Zell replied.

They waited patiently until a faculty member appeared before them.

"Congratulations to the following students who have become SeeD members: Selphie Tilmitt, Zell Dincht, Squall Leonhart, Sage Date, Lita Kino, Mina Aino, Amy Mizuno, Rowen Hashiba, Serena Tsukino, Raye Hino, Ryo Sanada, Kento Rei Fuan, and Cai Moori. The headmaster wants to see you in his office."

The girls screamed and gathered together for a group hug. The guys except for Squall smiled. They all headed to the elevator and rode it to the 3rd floor. They all arrived at the headmaster's office and entered.

"At ease. This has been the biggest graduation of SeeD members in the history of Balamb Garden," the headmaster stated.

First he handed them their reports. Next, he handed each one a certificate, shook their hand, and gave them words of wisdom. Finally, he called them to attention, saluted them, and dismissed the new SeeD members.

"This is great!" Serena shrieked. "I can't believe everyone has a SeeD rank of 9 and a salary of 7,000 gil."

"We're supposed to go back to the dorm, change into our SeeD uniforms, and attend the ball in the quad in about thirty minutes." Selphie told them.

"See ya!" Lita exclaimed.

The guys and the girls went to the dormitory when Seifer and the Disciplinary Committee stopped them.

"You and Squall prevented Seifer from becoming a SeeD," Fujin screamed at Lita. Raijin held Fujin's wrist.

"Fujin just let it go. Maybe Seifer would make SeeD another time ya know," Raijin told her.

She looked at him, then kicked him in the shin. "SHUT THE HELL UP RAIJIN!!" she spat out.

"What are you talking about? Lita didn't have anything to do with Seifer not becoming a SeeD," Mina told Fujin.

She turned and gave her an icy stare. "Stay out of this blondie!"

"Like Mina said, Lita didn't have anything to do with Seifer not making SeeD," Raye hissed.

Fujin turned to her. "I didn't ask for your two cents either!"

Raye was about to throw a charm but Mina stopped her.

"I don't have time for this shit!! Now if you'll excuse me, I have somewhere important that I have to be," Lita replied, forcing her way through.

Fujin grabbed her arm. "You're not going anywhere!"

Lita looked at Fujin's hand on her arm and stared at her. A suggestion of knocking her lights out came to mind, but she kept her cool. "Get your hand off me," she gritted through her teeth and gave her an icy look.

She let her go and the others passed by them. When Mina entered the dorm, her roommate slammed the door behind her.

Mina cringed after the door was slammed. "Lita, don't worry about her. Just have a good time at the ball. Don't let her get to you," Mina told her.

"How dare she say something like that? That really pisses me off!" She fell onto her bed.

Mina walked over to her. "Listen, I know people can get to you but just ignore them. You have to be the bigger person in those situations. You did the right thing." Lita looked at her. "Put on your uniform and let's go. Besides, everyone expects you to be there."

Lita buried her head under the pillow. "I'm not going!"

"Fine. I'll go and change and meet everyone else in the quad." She walked to the bathroom with her uniform. She turned on the water in the shower.

Fifteen minutes later, someone knocked on the door and Lita went to answer it.

"Hey Lita," Kento said. He looked at her clothes. "Why aren't you in your uniform?"

"I'm not going," she muttered.

A few minutes later, Mina walked out the bathroom with her SeeD uniform on and waved to Kento. Lita went to her bed and buried her head under the pillow.

"Mina, you look nice," Kento commented. Mina blushed. He then pointed to the person whose head was buried under the pillow. "Why isn't she going to the celebration?"

Mina looked at Lita over her shoulder. "She's just upset about Fujin accusing her."

Sage passed by the Mina and Lita's room and saw that the door was cracked. "Hey guys. What's going on?" He looked over Mina's shoulder and saw a person with a pillow over her head. "Who's that?"

"That's Lita," Kento responded.

"Why isn't she ready to go to the celebration?"

"One word…Fujin," Mina replied. Sage sighed and shook his head.

"Whomever you're talking to Mina, tell them that I'm not going," Lita stated, her voice muffled under the pillow.

"You've got to come," Sage replied. Lita removed the pillow off her head and stared at the doorway.

"Whatever," Lita mumbled.

Sage walked into the room. She buried her head back under the pillow.

"Don't let Fujin get to you. It seems like she's the type that likes to start trouble." He stood next to the bed. He pulled the pillow off her head. "Listen, just come to the ball. You'll feel better. Trust me."

"Where are the others?" Mina asked Sage.

"They're at the quad entrance waiting for us."

"We'll meet you guys there," Kento said. He offered his hand to Mina and they walked out the door.

Lita stood up and looked at Sage. "There's nothing you can do to make me change my mind."

Sage crossed his arms over his chest. "Are you sure about that?" She nodded. Before she could react, he pinned her to the bed and tickled her sides.

"SAGE!! No!! No!! Okay, okay!!! Uncle!!! You win!! I'll go!! I'll go!! UNCLE!!!" Lita screamed between laughs. He stopped and she slugged him with the pillow.

"Go and put your uniform on," Sage told her.

"You just had to tickle me. You knew that was one of my weaknesses. Why didn't I suspect that?"

He flashed her one of his charming smiles. "You never do. Just please go and change into your uniform."

She went to the bathroom and took a shower. Twenty minutes later, she quickly put on her uniform and came back out.

"I'm all ready!" Lita said, fastening on her watch.

They went to the elevator and rode it to the first floor. They headed down the stairs and into the West Block. They spotted their friends at the quad entrance.

"Hey Lita. I thought you would still be in the room. What made you change your mind?" Mina asked.

She and Sage exchanged looks. "I don't even want to mention it," Lita replied.

They walked down the hall and heard ballroom music. They spotted Zell talking to Squall.

"Hey Zell. Hey Squall. What's been going on?" Raye asked.

"Nothing really. I'll see you guys later," Zell replied, heading towards the refreshments.

They saw Selphie stopped him and asked him a question. He quickly stammered out a reply and left her standing there. She looked at him with a confused expression on her face, then headed towards the girls.

"Hey guys. Does anyone want to help me plan out the Garden Festival?"

"Sure Selphie, I'll help," Amy offered.

"Same here," the other girls volunteered.

"Thanks a lot," Selphie squealed, expressing true gratitude. She walked away and was lost in the crowd.

A waltz piece played while everyone engaged in a conversation. Out the corner of her eye, Lita saw a girl approached Squall. The female's black hair waved as she talked to him. He shook his head to a question and she pulled him onto the floor. Her sleeveless, cream-colored dress swayed until she found a place onto the floor.

"Well look at this," Mina replied, eyeing the couple on the floor. "A girl asked Squall to dance."

"Well come on, we'll join them," Serena replied, grabbing Cai's hand.

The others went on the floor and danced. Everyone was comfortable in their partner's arms. As usual, Rowen and Amy talked about Physics and Calculus. Mina and Kento talked about the mission. Serena and Cai, Raye and Ryo, Sage and Lita listened to the music. Fireworks exploded above them as they looked at the clear, night sky through the glass ceiling. The music stopped and they headed to the dormitory.

"Did you guys have fun?" Ryo asked.

"Of course!" Mina replied.

"We may have a mission to do tomorrow, so I'll retire early," Raye replied. She hugged Ryo and went into her room. Mina gave Kento a peck on the cheek and went to hers.

"What time is it anyway?" Lita asked.

Rowen looked at his watch. "A quarter `til midnight."

"Where are Serena and Cai?" Amy asked.

"They're probably help cleaning up the quad," Sage replied.

Rowen and Amy walked further down the hall. Lita stood at her door. She looked at Sage. He was also looking at her.

"Well, did you have a good time?" he asked her.

"I can't stand when you're right." She lightly punched him in his arm. She shrieked when he pinned her to the wall.

"I can't help that I'm right about things." He tickled her.

She couldn't escape from him. "Okay, okay!! Uncle!!" He stopped and she caught her breath. "Thanks for cheering me up. I really needed it."

He stroked her cheek. "No problem." He kissed her on the forehead. "See you in the morning." He headed down the hall and she walked into her room.

November 18, Friday afternoon:

"Good afternoon guys," Serena said to her comrades. She sat between Mina and Amy on the bench. "What brings you here at the front of the Garden?"

"We just wanted to get some fresh air and see the clear sky," Mina sighed, twirling an orange-brown leaf in her hand.

"Where are Lita and Raye?"

"They're fighting monsters in the training center."

"Do you really think they'll be okay in there?" Amy replied, looking at the birds in the sky and holding another 300-page mystery book.

"They'll be just fine. Stop worrying so much!" Mina replied.

"I wonder what Beryl and Talpa are up to," Sage asked Rowen as they headed towards the front of the Garden.

"I don't know Sage but we need to be one step ahead of them."

Sage spotted a natural blue-haired female with two other friends with her. He knew only of two people on the entire campus that had blue hair.

"Hey Rowen, isn't that your girlfriend over there?"

Rowen looked at his friend, then looked at the group of girls. "Amy and I don't have that kind of relationship, but that's her all right. She looks like she's with Serena and Mina." They approached the girls.

"Hey guys," Mina greeted them.

"What's going on here?" Rowen asked, looking over Amy's shoulder at her book.

"We're just getting some fresh air. Where are the others?" Serena asked.

"As usual, Kento's in the cafeteria. Cai is in the library looking for new recipes and Ryo is in the training center," Sage replied.

"Does anyone know if Lita had the reoccurring dream again?" Amy questioned everyone.

Rowen looked at the cirrus clouds in the sky, then looked at her. "I don't think she did. We're still analyzing her dream now. We'll figure it out."

She smiled. "Glad to hear that. I'll see you guys later." She stood up and headed back to the Garden. Sage and the others were not far behind.

Training Center:

"Raye, do you see anything?" Lita asked.

Raye continued looking from side to side. "No, not yet. How about you Ryo?"

Ryo looked at the two girls. A huge T-Rexaur snuck up behind Lita. "Lita, behind you!"

Lita looked over her shoulder. "Oh...my…Hyne!!!" She quickly jumped onto its back. "Raye, throw your charm!"

Raye threw the charm and it landed on the T-Rexaur's face, paralyzing it.

"GF Ifrit, I summon you!" Ryo shouted.

Lita jumped off the monster and landed next to Raye. "GF Shiva, I summon you!"

Ifrit performed the Hell Fire attack and burned the monster while Shiva's Diamond Dust attack froze the monster and it disappeared.

"Phew! That was too close!" Raye sighed, wiping her forehead.

"I'm truly tired. Let's get out of here," Ryo replied.

They all headed out the training center when they spotted Rowen, Sage, Amy, Serena, and Mina in the Main Hall.

"Rowen, Mina!" Lita shouted.

Mina looked in the direction of the person calling her name. "Lita, Ryo, Raye! How did it go in the training center?"

"It was quite challenging!" Raye replied. "We destroyed a good bit of Grats but the T-Rexaurs were a little difficult to defeat."

"Well, I'm going to look for Selphie. She might need some help for the festival. I'll be back," Amy replied.

She headed towards the West Block when she stopped Squall. She asked him a question and he responded back. She turned and headed back in our direction.

"So what happened?" Mina asked.

"Selphie's going with Squall and Zell to Timber. He told me that they're helping a group called the `Forest Owls' with an important mission," Amy responded. "It'll be a while before they come back."

Raye saw Kento and Cai coming down the West Block.

Mina followed Raye's line of vision and also saw her friends. "There are the others!" Mina exclaimed.

"Hey guys! Man the hot dogs were pretty good. I know I ate at least five of them!" Kento replied, patting his stomach.

Everyone laughed and Mina hugged him. Sage looked over his shoulder and saw a redhead male and a pregnant female with the same hair color approached them. Along with them was an eight-year old boy.

Rowen was the first to recognize them. "Anubis, Yuli, Mia! How's everything going?" he asked.

"Fine," Mia responded. She turned to the group of females. "You must be their new friends." She shook each girl's hand then stood next to Anubis.

"These are the ones that are helping the Ronins in their quest," Anubis whispered to Mia. "The one called Sailor Pluto told me about them."

"When did the transcontinental train from Deling City arrive at Balamb?" Sage asked them.

"Not too long ago," Mia replied.

"Hey guys!" Yuli said. He looked at the five girls behind them. "Are they your girlfriends?"

The girls blushed and the guys smiled. Raye was the first to stop blushing and knelt in front of the small boy. "No sweetie. We're just good friends."

"Sure, so you say," Mia teased.

"Could we find somewhere private to talk?" Anubis asked them.

"Sure. Follow us," Mina replied.

They headed towards the dormitory and everyone sat in Raye and Amy's room. Cai and Rowen informed Anubis of the latest events.

"What is it that you wanted to tell us?" Ryo questioned Anubis.

"I have a feeling that Talpa is up to something. Sailor Pluto visited me and warned me that great danger has come here to try and take over the mortal world."

"Do you still have the Jewel of Life?" Sage asked. Anubis nodded and pointed to the talisman around Yuli's neck. "Talpa may be after that since Beryl has already made attempts to get the Imperium Crystal from Serena."

Suddenly, the large group heard thunder above them and the lights went out. Anubis's staff glowed in the dark room and everyone checked on each other.

"We need to check if the other areas have any lights," Lita suggested.

"Serena, Mina, Lita, Ryo, and Rowen, check around in the other areas. The rest of us will stay here," Raye ordered.

"Who died and made you queen?" Serena hissed, biting out each word through clenched teeth.

"We don't have time for that. Let's go," Lita groaned, pulling Serena out the door and grabbing the flashlight off the dresser.

"I'm starting to feel very strong vibes from somewhere. Evil is very close by," Raye sensed, holding an anti-evil charm.

"This place seems to get darker by the minute," Amy stated, observing the surroundings.

"You're right," Cai responded.

"I'm scared," Yuli whined, clenching to Mia's arm.

"Don't worry Yuli. They'll take care of this. You have the Ronin Warriors and their friends to help them," Mia assured the young boy.

"I have a bad feeling that Cale is behind all this," Sage told them. He and the other warriors transformed into their sub armors while the girls transformed into their sailor fukus.

"I just hope that the others will be okay," Mars sighed.

Main Hall:

"Lights are out everywhere," Venus replied, surveying the Main Hall.

They followed Jupiter since she carried the flashlight. They continued back towards the dormitory when a chilling fog appeared before them.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Strata stated.

"W-w-when did it get c-c-cold all of a s-s-sudden?" Sailor Moon asked through trembling teeth. She rubbed her arms to keep herself warm.

"Serena, what are you…. What's going on here?!" Wildfire exclaimed as he saw his breath appear before him.

"I d-don't know but we n-need to get back to warn the others," Venus advised, turning around in the Main Hall and headed towards the East Block.

They followed her when an invisible force field electrocuted everyone. A light fog appeared all around them. They heard laughter behind them. They turned around and watched as the fog revealed an armored figure.

"Where do you think you're going?" the voice asked.

"That's none of your business Cale," Wildfire replied.

"You're not going anywhere. Black Lightning Slash!"

"Venus Love Chain Encircle!" Venus countered.

The darkness overpowered Venus's illuminated chain and caught her in its grasp. She screamed while the darkness delivered pain and absorbed her energy.

"Jupiter Thunder Crash Zap!!" Jupiter shouted. Her attack flew towards Cale, but he swiped the projectile off to his left. He countered with his Black Lightning Slash and the attack grazed her shoulder. "Man!! We don't have the advantage fighting in the Main Hall."

`We've got to warn the others somehow and save Venus,' Sailor Moon thought to herself. "You guys distract him while I go and get the others."

"Don't you remember that invisible force field is blocking the entrance to the dorms?!!" Wildfire reminded her.

"I'll go the other way and if there's a force field on the other side, I'll try to break through it and warn the others. We really need their help."

"Sailor Moon, I hope you find a way to warn the others," Strata replied. He aimed an arrow at the Warlord of Darkness. "Arrow Shock Wave!"

"Jupiter Thunder Crash!!" Jupiter yelled.

Serena and Amy's Dorm:

"The guys have been gone quite a while. I think something's wrong. I'm going to find them," Mercury said as she stood up.

Halo grabbed her wrist as soon as she passed by him. "Not without us." He looked over his shoulder. "Anubis, protect Mia and Yuli for us."

They headed out the door when a vision, followed by acute pain, struck Mars. She fell in the doorway and held her head to stop the excruciating pain.

"Mars, what's wrong?" Hard Rock asked, helping her up.

"The others are in trouble. They need our help."

Halo also experienced excruciating pain. A vision of the Ronins and the Scouts were fighting off Cale. He cried out as he saw a vision of Venus trapped in darkness. He slowly stood up and headed out the doorway when another vision flashed in his mind's eye. Jupiter and Strata attacked the Warlord of Darkness when Cale threw his attack and ensnared Jupiter. "Jupiter!! Venus!! We have to save them before it's too late!!"

They heard faint screaming from down the hallway.

"That sounded like Venus. We've got to hurry!" Mercury exclaimed, running in the direction of Venus's screams.

Main Hall of Balamb Garden:

"Is that the best you can do Strata? Too bad you can't save neither one of your friends here," Cale remarked, gesturing towards Venus and Jupiter. "Such a pity that these two will have to be wasted." Strata's jaw tightened.

"Flare Up Now!" Wildfire shouted.

"Sailor Moon, go now!" Strata ordered as he fired a barrage of arrows.

She ran as fast as she could towards the West Block but she slammed into another invisible force field and received an electrical shock. She screamed and fell backwards in pain.

The golden managed to slash Cale's cape while Wildfire's attack tried to free Jupiter and Venus. However, Wildfire's attack was reflected back towards him. The remaining warriors were all hit by the reflected attack.

"How can we get them out?" Wildfire asked as he slowly stood up.

Venus turned pale right before their eyes. Now that Cale has drained all of her energy, her life force was slowly being drained. Jupiter continued to fight the darkness but she could feel that the darkness was absorbing her life force as well.

"Hang in there, you guys! We're going to get you out of there," Strata assured the Scout of Lightning and the Scout of Love and Beauty.

"H-hurry," Venus panted, extending out her hand. Suddenly it dropped to her side and she slipped into a state of unconsciousness.

"VENUS!!!!" everyone shouted.

"If I ever get free, I'll make sure that you pay for what you've done!" Jupiter hissed, icily.

"I told you before. There's nothing you can do." Cale looked over his shoulder and snapped his fingers. Jupiter cried out in pain as the dark lightning began singeing her skin. He then turned back to the group of warriors. "Hand over the Jewel of Life!"

"You'll never get your hands on it!" Sailor Moon shouted.

"Hand over the jewel or your friends die!"

"There they are!" Torrent replied as he ran towards the Main Hall.

"Are you guys okay?" Hard Rock asked Sailor Moon.

"No! Venus is unconscious and very close to death. Jupiter is still fighting to stay conscious and we can't get them free. Venus' energy was drained completely and now Cale's draining her life force. He's doing the same to Jupiter and we've got to save them."

The startling news hit the others hard, especially Hard Rock and Halo. Mars slowly walked closer to Sailor Moon.

"We've got to get you guys out of there," Mars told her leader.

"Don't come any closer. An invisible force field is here. You'll be fried if you take another step," Sailor Moon warned.

"Mercury, can you see a way of breaking through the force field?" Halo asked.

"Let's see." Her visors appeared and she performed calculations on her pocket computer. "It seems that the force field is generated by him. The people inside the force field need to attack him simultaneously. That should shatter the protection."

Sailor Moon nodded and faced the other warriors. `We need to attack Cale all at once by my mark!' Sailor Moon thought telepathically to the others. "You hurt my friends and now you shall pay for what you've done. Moon Tiara Magic!"

"Arrow Shock Wave!" Strata yelled.

"Flare Up Now!" Wildfire shouted.

All the attacks hit the warlord and the force field shattered. The other Scouts and Ronins ran to aide their friends.

"Thunderbolt Cut!" Halo shouted. The lightness overpowered the darkness and set the unconscious scouts free. He caught Venus and Jupiter in his arms.

"Surrender Cale!" Hard Rock shouted.

A holographic form of Talpa's head appeared. "Return to the NetherWorld now!" he commanded.

"But Master Talpa, I…" Cale began explaining before he was shot down with sharp lightning and disappeared.

The Scouts except Serena transformed back into their clothes while the Ronins transformed into their sub armors. They rushed to check on Venus and Jupiter. Venus' color still was pale. Jupiter was slowly turning pale.

Amy checked both of the girls' pulses. She first checked Jupiter's. "Lita's pulse is very weak but we need to get her to the infirmary." The Scouts and Ronins, especially Kento sighed in relief.

"I'll take her to Dr. Kadowaki for treatment," Ryo offered. Halo handed her to him.

"What about Mina?" Kento asked Mercury.

She felt for Mina's pulse on her wrist. She couldn't feel one. "That's strange. Hold on a second." She checked for a pulse on the side of her neck and didn't feel one. She gasped and closed her eyes. She held back her tears that were beginning to stream down her face. She looked at the group of warriors. "I'm sorry you guys but she's…she's g-gone."

They all couldn't believe it. Everyone stared at their lifeless friend and memories began to appear in their minds. The girls began to cry while the guys tried to comfort them.

"We need to take her back to the room," Rowen whispered.

Sage picked up Venus and everyone headed back to the room. Mia and Anubis stood up when Sage entered the room, carrying Venus's body. He laid the lifeless figure on the bed. Kento came beside Sage and held Mina's pale hand and stared at her.

"What happened to Mina?" Mia asked.

"It was that bastard Cale. He drained both of their energy and life force and the others tried to free them but couldn't," Sage hissed revengefully, choking back the tears.

Mia looked at the warriors. "Where's Lita?"

"Ryo took Lita to the infirmary. Mina, however….she's…she's gone," Raye told Mia while holding back tears.

"Mina was like a sister to me. Even though she might say some weird things or come up with weird suggestions, I'm still going to miss her," Sage commented.

Kento took his eyes off Mina and looked at Sage. "I felt the same way when I thought that Lita was dead. She was also like a sister to me as well."

"Couldn't you use your locket Serena?" Amy asked her.

"I haven't used the locket to revive someone before."
"Serena, the power of the Imperium Crystal and the Moon Healing Activation should revive Mina. There's still a chance."

"I'll go to the infirmary and see how Lita is doing," Sage whispered to himself. He stood up and walked out the room.

"Sage, where are you going?" Yuli asked.

"He needs to be by himself," Rowen told Yuli as he rubbed Amy's back. He faced Serena. "Are you ready?" She nodded. "You know that this is a risky situation."

"I'll try. Moon Healing Activation!!"

Infirmary:

Dr. Kadowaki was reading some papers when her office door opened. Sage walked in and approached her desk. She placed her papers at the corner of her desk.

"Hi, can I help you with anything?" Dr. Kadowaki asked, pushing her glasses further on her nose.

"Yes. A friend of mine brought in an unconscious and injured female. The female is Lita Kino, a SeeD member."

"Yes. The SeeD member, Ryo Sanada brought her in here." She pointed to a room directly to the left of her. " She's in that room."

"Is it all right if I can see her?"

The doctor nodded in response. Sage walked over to the door and slowly cracked it open. He saw Lita rubbing her bandaged shoulder. Ryo sat in a chair located in the corner of the room.

"Hey Sage," Ryo greeted, stretching in the chair. He stood up and walked to Sage. "How are the others dealing with Mina's death?"

"They're still in shock about it," he sighed as he raked his hair back from his face. "I know that it sounds weird, but I don't think that Mina is dead. I didn't sense her spirit leave the Realm of the Living to travel to the Realm of the Dead."

"So what you're saying is that my best friend is stuck in some unknown dimension?" Lita croaked.

Sage walked towards the bed and sat down. He held Lita's hands and looked at her tear-streaked face. "I'm afraid so. There is also the possibility that she will be lost in that dimension forever."

"I'll leave you two alone," Ryo whispered. The two individuals nodded and watched as their friend left the room.

Stasis Realm:

"Where am I? Why is it so dark in here?" Mina asked herself.

`Because you are dead,' her conscious answered.

"Dead?!! No it can't be. The last thing I recall was the fight against Cale. I experienced sharp pains and energy drain. Lita tried to help me but she almost suffered the same fate that I did. Everything else went dark after that."

`You're dead and there's nothing you can do about it. You tried to stop Cale but wasn't successful.'

Mina gasped. "I've got to go back. I have friends that love me."

`Sorry Mina but that's not about to happen….'

A bright light shined further down a path broke her out of her reverie. She ran towards it and stopped. She saw through her mind's eye that her friends crying over her. She also saw Serena using her locket to revive her.

"Serena, my friends, I'm coming!" Mina told herself.

Suddenly, she felt her body being pulled further into the dark abyss by several undead monsters. She screamed at the top of her lungs as she wrestled against the strong grasps of the three Forbiddens. She didn't have enough energy to transform into the Scout of Love. The Forbiddens moaned and groaned as they drained more of her lifeforce as they pulled her deeper in darkness.

"Guys, I'm sorry," she whispered solemnly, tears streaming down her face. "I couldn't fight it. I couldn't save myself." She weakly looked up at the bright light slowly fade. "I really wish you all my love and my happiness. Farewell…"

As soon as the blonde closed her eyes to welcome eternal darkness, a figure waved her hand and annihilated the creatures that held its captor hostage. The heroine walked over to the Mina and placed her hand on the blonde's clammy forehead. The sign of Venus glowed faintly on the young woman's forehead.

"Good thing I arrived here just in time before those monsters could take her any further," her savior commented quietly. "However, she's still too weak." Her savior transferred some of her energy to the dying female and watched as she glowed a soft orange. She had to shield her eyes from the bright light. She smiled once the orange light dimmed to reveal Princess Minako floating a few feet in the air.

The Venusian princess opened her clear cerulean eyes and glanced at her savior. She gasped at the sight before her, tears slowly streaming down her cheeks. She spotted the orange tresses resting lightly around her shoulders. The off the shoulder, floor-length gown waved gently in an unknown breeze. "Queen Minerva. Mother!" she cried as she hugged the older woman.

"My dear Minako," the queen whispered, soothing her daughter's cries. "Listen child." Her daughter looked up at her, giving her undivided attention. "This is not your time to go. You have so many people that love you and care for you. You still have a mission to carry out. Please watch over and protect the Moon Princess."

"Yes mother," Minako answered quietly. "I'm aware of that, but I want…"

"I know child, but you cannot stay," Queen Minerva interrupted sadly. "We will be together again." She looked to the left at the dim white light before glancing at her daughter. "My child you must hurry. The Moon Princess is using the crystal to bring you out of darkness. You must go..."

The Venusian Princess gave her mother a solemn look before Queen Minerva disappeared. Princess Minako sighed lightly before she transformed back into her resurrected form. Mina quickly ran from the growing darkness and continued towards the shining light. "Guys, I'm coming!!" Mina yelled as she shielded her eyes from the blinding rays.

Serena and Amy's Room:

"You guys, it's not working!" Raye shrieked, tears streaming down her face. "Mina, Mina!"

Ryo walked in the room. He took Raye outside the room to calm her down. He held her in his arms and ran his fingers through her hair. "What's happening in there?"

Raye wiped the tears off her face. "Serena is using her crystal on M-Mina. A-Amy and Rowen thought the c-crystal would revive her."

Everyone except Serena was pacing in the room and outside in the hallway. Suddenly, the sign of Venus glowed upon Mina's forehead and her color slowly changed back.

"Look!" Serena shouted over her shoulder.

Everyone stopped pacing the floor and looked at Venus. Raye and Ryo walked back into the room. Mina slowly opened her eyes, sat up, and an acute headache came over her.

"Whoa… What happened? Did you get Cale?" she croaked. She winced when more pressure was added to her acute headache. "Did anyone get the license plate of that truck?"

"Cale drained your nearly all of your life force and energy," Amy replied hugging her. "We thought we lost you for good."

"We made sure we got him for you," Rowen added.

The girls smiled and gathered around for a group hug. The guys smiled.

She cleared her throat. "Where are Lita and Sage?" Mina asked after transforming back into her khaki pants and white shirt.

"He left to see Lita. She's in the infirmary," Cai replied.

Serena transformed back into her pink capris and white, sleeveless wrap shirt. "I'll go there and tell them the good news," Serena said.

"We'll go with you," the other girls answered. The guys nodded also.

"We're just grateful that you're okay Mina," Anubis told her. Mina managed to plaster on her brightest smile, despite her acute headache.

"Sorry that our visit is short, but we've got to go to the hotel in Balamb. Here's the number and we'll see you guys later," Mia added, handing the paper to Cai.

"Mina, I'll take you to the infirmary so you can get treated for your bruises and cuts," Kento commented. Mina nodded weakly and reached for him. He picked her up and everyone walked out the room.

Infirmary:

After Ryo left the room, Sage continued holding Lita as she cried her heart out for her best friend. He managed to get her to stop crying a few moments later.

"You need to rest," he whispered sternly as he lay next to her on the bed.

She scooted closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder. He then placed his arm around her and stroked her arm. "How can I when Mina's murderer is still out terrorizing the world?" she retorted.

He rested his head upon hers and continued stroking her arm. "I know, I know. I want to see Cale suffer the consequences myself, but we can't do anything just yet. We need to come up with some kind of plan. Now go to sleep."

"Fine," she muttered as she closed her eyes.

Sage looked straight ahead as he absently stroked Lita's hair. Suddenly a weird feeling washed over him. `What was that?' he thought to himself. `Whatever it was, it wasn't evil. The guys will look into that.'

Lita raised her head and looked at Sage. "Are you okay? Is something wrong?"

He shook his head and she laid her head back down. "Everything's fine." He closed his eyes and resumed his position when he heard the infirmary door slide open.

"Good afternoon. Can I help you?" he heard Dr. Kadowaki asked.

"Yes, a female SeeD member needs some treatment," a male voice responded.

"That sounds like one of the guys," Sage whispered to himself.

"What is the patient's name?" Dr. Kadowaki questioned.

"Her name is Mina Aino," a female voice answered.

"Where can I sit her at?" another male voice asked the doctor.

"Sir, you can take her to the room that Ms. Kino is in."

"Thank you," another female voice replied.

Lita and Sage sat up and waited for their friends to enter the room. Serena walked in first, followed by Kento carrying Mina. The others filed in after Kento.

"How is she?" Lita asked, concerned about her friend's condition.

Serena and the others smiled. "She's going to be okay," Serena commented. Lita and Sage sighed in relief.

Kento looked at the sleepy figure in his arms. "She just needs some rest. We're all glad that she's alive." He walked over to the empty bed. Raye pulled back the sheets and Kento placed Mina on the bed.

Lita laid her head on the pillow. "I'm glad to hear that," she yawned before she closed her eyes.

Sage looked at the two sleepy figures for a few minutes. "I felt a weird sensation washed over me," he confessed. The other individuals in the room looked at him. "It didn't feel evil to me." He looked at everyone. "Now I know that it was you guys reviving Mina." Everyone smiled.

Ryo looked from Lita to Mina. "The event that happened today needs to be taken seriously. We now know that Talpa and Beryl will do anything and stop anyone in their path to get what they want," Ryo acknowledged. The others looked at each other and nodded.

Author's Note:

What will our heroes do about their adversaries? Will they stop them before it's too late? What about Lita's reoccurring nightmare? Will that come true? Find out in the next chapter.

(In case if you're wondering where the revision took place, it was when Mina was being dragged to the Realm of the Dead by the Forbidden monsters. The first time I wrote it, there really wasn't a struggle at that part.)