Stars in a New Sky

Chapter 32: Sacrifices

"How the mighty have fallen."

Thyst raised his head and peered through bleary eyes at Balthus. He wasn't able to suppress the groan that escaped his lips. So Metalia didn't intend for him to die alone in peace. She had sent her current favorite to gloat over him. Wasn't being chained to a wall and slowly drained of energy punishment enough? He flicked a stray piece of hair out of his eyes and glared at Balthus' smug expression.

"Laugh it up, while you can. Sooner or later she'll find a new favorite and cast you aside." Thyst croaked, his voice rusty with lack of use. 

A bitter smile tugged at Balthus' lips. "Too late. It seems General Endymion has already taken my place."

Thyst scowled. Endymion? It took him a moment to remember. "The boy?" He scoffed. "He abandoned his Moon Princess for her?" 

Balthus shrugged. "After brainwashing he did. She's put her little toy soldier in charge of commanding her army."

A bark of laughter clawed its way out of Thyst's dry throat. "Metalia is a fool if she thinks a little brainwashing will be enough to sway that human's heart." In his own twisted fashion, Thyst could understand Usagi's appeal. The sweet, unspoiled innocence tempted his black soul. Particularly her raw well of untapped power. What a queen she would make. The reincarnated Princess Serenity was a prize fit for a king. 

"Agreed. I no longer wish to serve such a pitiful ruler. The Sailor Guardians have already broken through and are making their way to the throne room. Personally, I'd rather not be anywhere near here when they find it." Balthus leaned against the bars of Thyst's prison cell. 

Thyst cocked head in question. "Are you suggesting what I think you are?"

Balthus bared his sharp teeth in a wicked smile. "I am. Who says we have to stay in the Dark Kingdom and share Metalia's fate?"

"Indeed. So why come here? You can come and go at any time."

Balthus sighed, grimacing. The words tasted foul in his mouth. "I need your help. I've never been to Earth, so I've little experience with how to blend in."

Thyst grinned, his dry lips splitting. "Well, what are you waiting for?" He raised his chained arms a fraction from their extended position on the wall. "Get me the hell out of here."

***

Sailor Jupiter hit the wall with enough force to knock the breath from her lungs. She could feel the crackle of her lightning arcing along her body. The pain was excruciating. The muscles in her arms and legs twitched uncontrollably. Fear and desperation filled her as she struggled to stand. They had barely made it 100 yards into the corridor before a formidable demon had attacked them. This demon had been reflecting their powers back on them ten fold. If they couldn't defeat him, he would delay them long enough for the horde behind them to catch up.

"I don't see what all the fuss is. You're pathetic and weak." The demon, clad in a dark cloak and elaborate face mask, stalked towards her. Before it could attack a second time, a wall of fire blazed between the two of them. 

"I'll show you pathetic!" Sailor Mars snapped. She stood a few feet away. Her knees were bent, ready to launch herself away from the demon's attack. 

Sailor Jupiter dragged herself to her feet, refusing to give into the pain screaming in her limbs. Together, she and Sailor Mars attacked, giving it all they had. The corridor filled with blinding white light, heat, and smoke. The power of the impact knocked the five of them off their feet. Silence filled the corridor. Coughing and wiping dirt from her face, Sailor Jupiter stared into the settling cloud of smoke and dust.