Stars in a New Sky

Chapter 12: Aftermath

Thyst tumbled through a dimensional rift and landed hard in the cold marbled hall. It was a sparsely populated area of Metalia's domain, making it unlikely for any to witness his return. He heaved a sigh of relief and let the dark power in Metalia's kingdom soothe his wounds. Slowly, he rose to his feet. He'd barely had time to open a rift and escape when the Goddess Selene herself showed up. Guardians new to their powers were one thing. A full-fledged goddess was something else. Definitely above his pay grade. 

Queen Metalia had neglected to mention the goddess had awakened. He scowled into the gloom of the deserted hall. That changed things. There was no way he was going to be able to attack the princess head-on. Not with the goddess protecting her. He would have to get creative if he wanted to get his hands on the moon princess. She wasn't going to be an easy target. No doubt they will start looking for the other guardians...and training the princess. Once the princess gained control of her powers, it would be impossible to lay a hand on her.

Thyst...have you returned with news?

He shuddered as Queen Metalia's cold voice reverberated through his mind. He had news, but she wasn't going to like it. Yes, my queen.  Wishing he had more time to come up with a plan, Thyst teleported to the throne room. His queen hated to be kept waiting as much as she hated excuses for failure.

The throne room was nearly pitch black. The only source of light came from the wall torches. The green fire bathed the room in an eerie light. Queen Metalia reclined on a dais made from the bones of her slain enemies. It was a gruesome architectural feature, but it was effective. No one in the court of the Dark Kingdom would dare defy her and risk joining the macabre throne. Thyst swallowed thickly and approached her.

Though she wielded much power in the Dark Kingdom without a body, her form was as ephemeral as smoke. Only her piercing red eyes held physical form. Perhaps, he should lead with the good news. Drawing closer, Thyst knelt, his hand pressed to his breast. "My queen."

"What news do you have for me?" Her voice echoed off the cold stone walls.

Thyst schooled his face and rose. "It seems the prince and princess aren't the only ones who were reincarnated."

"Oh?" She replied, seemingly disinterested in the news.

"Yes." He flicked his wrist and an image of Masako Mori appeared. "I believe you recognize this girl?"

Metalia gave a hard laugh. "Beryl? How very like Serenity to give the girl who opened the door to her destruction a second chance. Selene always indulged such weakness."

Thyst shrugged. "Her weakness becomes our advantage."

"How so?"

He grinned. "I've ensured that Beryl will become your perfect vessel. Soon, she'll be corrupted enough for you to easily possess. You'll be able to come and go as you please."

"Good work." Metalia replied, waving a smoky hand in his direction. "Do you have any other news for me?"

Thyst hesitated, debating how much he should tell her. "I was able to find the princess."

"But?" Metalia prompted, her voice deepening with displeasure.

"The guardian Sailor Venus appeared as well as...Goddess Selene."

The green flames flared bright momentarily with Metalia's fury. "Damn her! How soon will my vessel be ready?"

"I-it's not an exact science, but I can quicken the process." He replied hastily. In truth, he wasn't sure if he could speed up the process, but he was not about to tell her that. "In the meantime, I've devised a plan to lure the princess into a trap."