Stars in a New Sky

Chapter 31: The Final Battle Begins

Tonight was the night.

Minako stared up at the night sky from the back entrance of the laundry  mat above HQ. There was a stillness on the air as if the very universe was holding its breath. She recognized this feeling. It was the calm before the storm. Their fates were to be decided once more on the battlefield. She gazed at the stars wondering if they were ready this time. It was hard to ignore the memories of their last engagement with Metalia's armies. Especially when you could still feel the sharp edge of a blade cut into your skin. Unconsciously, she rubbed her hands over her arms.

Usagi's call this morning surprised her. Their princess had never been eager to get into a fight in their previous lives nor in this one, but her voice on the phone sounded determined. Minako wasn't sure what had changed within her, but if the princess was ready, they would have to trust her. She sighed and leaned her head against the cool brick doorway. Ready or not, they would need a good strategy to face their enemy. Without one, they wouldn't all make it back. Lucky for them, Ami was as proficient with strategy as before. They had a reasonable plan for protecting Usagi and keeping their enemy on the defense. 

Reasonable, but not full proof. 

"Are you ready?" Nyx's voice interrupted her thoughts. 

"Do I have a choice?" Minako shot back over her shoulder.

"We always have a choice, Sailor Venus." The goddess replied quietly. Though her expression was as unreadable as ever, Minako thought she saw a flicker of concern in the depths of her eyes.

Minako laughed bitterly. "Not this time. Is Usagi here yet?"

"She's just arrived. She's waiting with the rest of the guardians." Nyx retreated into the shadows of the laundry  mat.

Minako followed her inside. "Do you think we have a shot at surviving this?" She observed the goddess of night carefully. Nyx seemed to take her time thinking about her answer. She had been keeping secrets from the beginning. Secrets about how they were able to find each other so easily and about her absolute certainty that there was only one way to end this conflict.

"It all rests on your princess. If she falls, this world is doomed." Nyx's words held a heavy note of finality.

Minako sighed as she walked down the stairs to the basement level. That's what she got for asking. Just before she walked through the door to the training room floor, Nyx wrapped a hand round her arm. "I mean it. Usagi must survive to face Metalia. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Her midnight black eyes bore into Minako's with an intensity that chilled her. 

She did.

Swallowing her fear, she nodded. "Yes."

"Good. Now, get ready to teleport."

Nyx left Minako at the base of the stairs. Her unspoken words ran through her mind. No matter the cost, Usagi had to live to face Metalia. Even if they all died in the process, their princess must not fall. A shiver ran down her spine. She'd had a conversation just like this one back in Silver Millennium. Just before the invasion, Queen Serenity had summoned her to her personal chamber. The queen had been filled with fear. It was as if deep down, she had known something terrible was going to happen to their kingdom. Even now, Minako could still feel the warm grip of Queen Serenity's hands in hers. Princess Serenity must not fall. The fate of Silver Millennium depends upon her survival. If I die, she is the only one who can wield the Silver Crystal.

Tears threatened to fill her eyes. Only Usagi could use the Silver Crystal to its full extent against Metalia. They never did find another solution to Usagi using the Silver Crystal. Minako's stomach tied in knots. There was a very real possibility that she could die...again. Pressing her hand against her mouth, Minako muffled a quiet sob. It was as if everything they fought for until now would be for nothing.