Sailor Moon Chronicles II

Chapter XVI

As Minako hung from the cruel embrace of the cross, her thoughts turned to Serene, the princess she had come to admire and respect.

"Princess," she whispered softly, her voice barely audible over the roar of the engulfing flames that danced hungrily around her.

Her mind drifted to the Moon Kingdom, to her beloved queen and the loyal guardian Artemis. "My Queen," she thought, a pang of regret washing over her as she imagined the pain her absence would inflict upon them.

But even in the throes of agony, Minako managed a faint smile. "I trust the remaining girls have honed their skills," she mused, her unwavering faith in her fellow guardians shining through.

Her reverie was shattered by the mocking voice of Queen Beryl, her tormentor and captor. "What are you murmuring about?" the queen taunted, her words dripping with malice. "Is it that you've lost your mind, little Sailor Guardian?"

Minako's grin remained defiant, her spirit unbroken despite the torment. "You will be dealt with," she vowed, her words carrying the weight of determination.

But Queen Beryl laughed derisively, her laughter echoing through the chamber. "No one on this planet can challenge me," she declared arrogantly, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Not even the highest queen, who likely sits idle while her creations suffer."

As the celestial energies surged from the depths of every entity inhabiting each planet, their collective resonance eclipsing even the luminance of beryl, Queen Beryl spoke with authority to Queen Metalia, declaring, "Behold the energies I have amassed from every living being. With this infusion, you are now bestowed with life."

Queen Metalia, her form shrouded in shadows, felt the pulsating energies enveloping her essence, igniting a newfound vitality within. With a resonant voice echoing through the cosmic expanse, she accepted the gift bestowed upon her, acknowledging the interconnectedness of all living beings across the vast tapestry of the universe. Thus, infused with the collective essence of countless souls, she rose as a beacon of power and darkness, ready to shape the destiny of worlds.

Queen Metalia, her gaze fixed upon her hands, felt the tangible sensation of life coursing through her being. With a sense of wonderment, she delicately touched her own face, as if to confirm the reality of her newfound existence.

"I finally am alive," she whispered, her voice carrying a mixture of astonishment and quiet resolve, as she embraced the profound significance of this transformative moment.

Queen Beryl humbly bowed before Queen Metalia, her posture a testament to reverence and submission.

"Welcome back, Queen Metalia," Beryl intoned, her words laden with deference.

Metalia regarded her faithful servant with a measured gaze before acknowledging her efforts. "Beryl, your dedication has not gone unnoticed. You have indeed fulfilled your duties admirably."

A flicker of uncertainty crossed Beryl's features as Metalia's tone shifted. "But let us not overlook our arrangement, Beryl," Metalia reminded her, her voice carrying a subtle weight of expectation.

With a glimmer of hope in her eyes, Beryl sought assurance. "You have not forgotten our pact, have you?"

Metalia's response was both assured and enigmatic. "Worry not, Beryl. With the power now vested in me, I foresee the fulfillment of your deepest desires."

"Observe, that man will soon make his way to you," Metalia announced, her attention drawn to Minako's prone form upon the cross.

Metalia's disdain was palpable as she demanded, "Who dares intrude upon us?!"