Chrono X Angel, Book 3: Terror Firma

Chapter 9 (Final Chapter)

Sarah number three could tell something terrible was going on in Hyoka's dreamscape. The moment she had entered, it was like all the energy had gotten sucked right out of her and she was moving through sludge. She soon realized that it was due to the intense, near absolute zero cold that was permeating the area she now found herself in. It looked very much like the Yuki Onna's mountainside residence, but made of icy glass and buried under at least five feet snow, and increasing every moment. Sarah found herself near a large mound in said snow and went to dig into it, quickly finding a sight most disturbing: the half-rotted corpse of a yeti, triangular sunglasses sticking out of what remained of its partially melted skull.

"Oh now that's gonna haunt me fer a while," commented Sarah grimly as she reburied the remains.
"So if that's meant to be Gohan, I wonder what happened to Junji... and more importantly, where's Hyoka?"

It took the Banshee a while to navigate herself around the once-familiar landscape and make her way to the house. Inside, she found the source of the cold and snow: Hyoka, laying on the ground in the fetal position, her eyes wide and unblinking as she slowly rocked back and forth. From her body poured an endless flow of soul-chilling cold that was even starting to form ice on Sarah's faux body. If she could not wake her friend up soon, they might both be stuck in here forever!

"Hyoka listen t'me, it's Sarah O'Malley!!" She whispered in the girl's ear, "I know this whole thing seems real t'ya, but you're not at home, lass. You're still on the island with me, Rei an' Nonami! Take me hand and I'll bring ya back."

By now, Sarah could just make out the sound of faint whispering coming from the girl. Leaning in closer, she could make out the words: "lost control" "I'm- -murderer- killed- love-"

"Hyoka whatever happened, it wasn't yer fault!" Declared Sarah, trying her best to get through to the girl, "This temple, it shows us our worst fears in the most realistic way possible! If yers is losin' control of yer powers, I get it! I do too! Maybe wind doesn't seem as scary as ice and water, but I could still lose control and wipe out a city with a tornado!"

Hyoka's rocking appeared to have ceased at some point, which Sarah took as a good sign and kept going.

"You an' me lass, we make a damn good team I gotta say. Wind and Water, Wind and Ice, we're the perfect mix fer stormy weather. Lets learn how to control our powers together, and we'll be unstoppable!!"

All around them, much like with Rei's dreamscape, the area started to waver and fade, disintegrating into many thousands of snowflakes that vanished into the black void. Hyoka stirred, rubbing her eyes and groaning, while Sarah extended a hand to help her get up. Immediately she hugged the Banshee like a vice, refusing to let go.

"Thank you Sarah, thank you thank you!!" She cried, frosty tears flowing down her powder-blue face, "You're my best friend in the whole world!! You're like the big sister I never had, thank you..."

Sarah returned the hug as best she could, as one of her arms was trapped in the ghost's surprisingly powerful grip.

"Yer a great friend too, Hyoka," she sighed calmly as another green portal opened up, "Lets get ya woken up huh?"

With a jolt and a shout, Hyoka woke up back in the temple, startling Rei who had been investigating the markings on the walls.

"Welcome back Hyoyo," she said once she'd calmed down from the fright, "Since you're up now, guess that means all that's left is Nonami..."

Both girls glanced over at their friend who was writhing in terror at the dreams she could still not escape. Hyoka said a silent prayer that Sarah could save her in time.