*-----[ Supernova ]-----*

Chapter XIII

The sound that Seiya and Usagi could hear was their tense breathing aside from their pounding hearts. It was absolute silence since they moved away from the opening of the crack. No more sounds of scattering rain.

They both noticed, as they went deeper, the tight crack they were slowly proceeding through got considerably bigger. It was relieving since being cramped in one position for so long. The crevice finally widened and Seiya and Usagi found themselves in a small cavern.

The cavern was filled with all sorts of jagged rocks, but all were giving off a sparkle of minerals.

Both of them had to feel their way through for the most part but fortunately they were not completely without light. There seemed to be slivers of red light from above in the ceiling of this small rock cavern. The small strips of red ran along the rocky floor and Usagi guessed it must have been night.

" When does this thing end ?" She asked out loud. Her voice bounced lifelessly off the walls." I wish we had a flashlight. I'm seeing nothing but black and red."

She squeezed Seiya's hand while the other hand felt around for support.

" Hey, so far we've survived the trip here, managed to get through an earthquake, lived through a rocky fall and escaped the ' burning rain of death '." Seiya said nonchalantly." Whatever else comes, bring it on."

At the moment he said that, Usagi uttered a startled scream as she put a foot forward and realized that nothing was there. The lighting was so dim, she couldn't even see as she felt herself falling forward. In reaction, Usagi grasped Seiya's hand tighter in order to stop herself. Instead, Seiya let out a sound in shock and teetered off balance. The pair fell and plunged ahead with a large splash.

Usagi came up and gasped for air. Muddy water trickled down between her eyes from her sopping hair. The water was cold and held her and Seiya waist deep. The mud below the surface of the water squished unpleasantly between Usagi's boots and the once clean fabric of her sailor fuku was not only torn, but dirty as well.

Seiya came up two short seconds after her, wheezing from the sudden fall into the drink.

" Didn't see that coming." Usagi sputtered. She grimaced at the mud around her, making her think of all sorts of other gross things." Ugh……"

Wiping a mound of mud off his forehead, Seiya regarded his disgusted companion. It looked like she was getting ready to jump to the ceiling and never come down." At least it's not a giant puddle of that rain." He replied, thankful that they didn't instantly disintegrate.

Usagi squinted through the darkness after giving a quick agreeing nod. She could make out faintly what was ahead of them. Seiya heard an exasperated sigh out of her as she turned to him in dismay.

" I don't see any ending." She said, shuddering at her own words." It seems there's nothing but water in front of us."

Annoyance briefly touched Seiya." That's just….peachy." He scoffed as he stared off down the direction that Usagi had. They'd have to wade their way through water tunnel to see if they could get out. Meanwhile his eyes lingered about eagerly in search of a pathway through the water.

Goosebumps began to prickle across Usagi's skin as a cold breeze of air wafted past them. She felt so filthy and the heady scent of mud and water were filling her nostrils as they went deeper. A couple of times Usagi would feel her foot sink ankle deep into the soft mud below and it would take some extra effort from Seiya to help her out. Nonetheless, she kept squeezing his arm tight.

Seiya hand felt the wall of rock, using it as guidance to go forward. The walls became slick as his fingers moved over an unpleasant slimy substance. He couldn't keep from grimacing from the feel when it seemingly got thicker.

At one point through their venture, the pair found the water swallowing them up to their chests. The strange smell was getting stronger by the moment. Usagi desperately kicked ahead, hoping her head wouldn't go under.

" You still alive back there ?" Seiya attempted to joke, even though he felt the tense pressure of her hand gripping his arm.

" Barely." Was the reply he received. It sounded like Usagi was holding her nose." What if I faint ?" She absent-mindedly asked him.

" I dunno, I guess I'd just have to leave you here."

The blonde smacked him lightly on the shoulder as a minimal amount of water splash near his face." Seiya !" She said slightly annoyed. This was not the time for his malicious sense of humor but it did spark a chuckle from him.

Behind her companion, Usagi stifled a smile. The situation was tense and heavy but he managed to tease her still.

" Jokes," He said mock-defensively." I'd probably just have to carry you……..not that THAT would give me much joy either." Seiya felt Usagi roll her eyes at his back as she shifted to hold both his shoulders now.

" I could strangle you right now if I wanted." She said, knowing the threat she made was absolutely empty.

" Whatever you say." He replied lightly amused. The water had lessened a bit and was now back up to their waists instead of their chests." But since you're ready to faint, I don't think strangling me would do you much good." Seiya's tone was mildly mocking for the fun of it.

All of a sudden, a smile touched his features. Seiya's eyes brightened as he squinted a bit more to see ahead. There were faint rays of red light coloring the murky water in front of them. It only meant one thing: there was probably a way out.

Excitement was starting to pump through his veins as his fun-poking with Usagi was tossed aside." Hey Odango, look !" Seiya exclaimed." I think there's some sort of hole at the end of this ! You can see the light from the outside !"

A few seconds ticked by since Seiya's outburst of speech and unfortunately it was quickly forgotten when he found that Usagi's hands weren't on his shoulders anymore.

He turned around to face her when he saw that she wasn't making any excited chatter.

" Odango ?" he called. Seiya's blue irises searched.

Usagi stood about a meter and a half behind him, her face contorted in alarm. As Seiya's curious gaze met hers, the alarm turned into dread.

" What's wrong ?" He asked her.

For a moment she didn't answer because she was holding her breath. Usagi exhaled soundly but carefully." Seiya…." She whispered faintly." I…..I think I just felt something……it…..it brushed my leg."

With a cocked up eyebrow, Seiya made his way back to her side. He wanted to laugh some more at her paranoia. Ever since they landed in the mucky water, all Usagi could think about was slime, tentacles and other gross things. Her imagination was starting to get the best of her. Seiya decided to break that with the his startling revelation.

" Oh come on, even if something DID brush your leg, it doesn't matter." He said reassuringly." Look, we're almost out !"

A gaping smile full of teeth, a slippery pointed tongue and scales danced through Usagi's head. The visage kept her rooted to the ground but only stared in horror as the vision came to life right before her frightened blue eyes.

The murky water around them began to sway as a demonic smile rose steadily from its depths. It surfaced with a low and menacing growl that was lodged in its throat. The smile opened wider, revealing teeth that were rows upon rows of jagged knives.

Seiya's curiosity was pushed to the back of his mind when he saw the transition of dread to fear on Usagi's face. Then he heard that growl, realized painfully and turned around.

The serpent's head swept the top of the rock cavern, its long tongue hung low and black against the water. It grinned widely, giving them a late welcome into its domain. However, the introduction was wearing off and it was time to start the meal.

Usagi couldn't scream but instead looked at Seiya. She watched his face change as well. There was no more trace of enthusiasm as he raised his head to see the creature's towering height.

" Oh my…….God." He stammered.

Without warning the creature struck. It gave an ear-piercing shriek that echoed through the walls and gave a mighty lunge forward. Indefinitely the water was split from the middle and like too large waves, crashed harshly into the walls.

The last second before the beast shot out, instinct kicked in sharply and allowed Seiya and Usagi to dive to the side. Usagi cringed under the water as its teeth barely latched onto her head, almost tearing away one of her blonde ponytails. Seiya's back slammed against the rock wall from the impact of the creature's body on the waves.

Usagi surfaced immediately and screamed Seiya's name, frantically looking for him on the other side. A few tense seconds strolled by until the ebony of Seiya's hair emerged from the swirling cascade.

" Seiya !" she screamed again. Mud trickled down the side of her face as she gasped in terror. The beast had turned around and realized instantly that it missed them. It moved smoothly through the water with frightful grace and precision.

Seiya swept back quickly to avoid the dangerous thrashing of its finned tail. Worry was pumping through and how much he cursed the Diviners for taking away Sailor Starfighter from him. He had no defenses and no power. All he really had was the ability to evade the creature's offensive.

It caught Seiya's sudden movement and rode up to him quickly, rising to its full height once again. The creature seemed to enjoy the way its size towered over Seiya's meek and frightened form. As it moved closer, Seiya's back hit the rock wall once again and he had realized that it had him cornered.

The serpent's long body was preventing anymore movement and Seiya was trapped. A long black tongue dipped out of its gaping mouth, tasting the air around Seiya. It grew excited as the tongue's tip brushed along the front of its victim's shirt.

Seiya reeled back, unable to breathe. Suddenly a flash of light winked sharply at the creature's back. The next thing Seiya knew, it had its head thrown back in pain, screaming dreadfully at the top of its lungs. The thrashing became wild and Seiya was hit underneath the water by its long body.

Bubbles coursed in his ears, drowning out Usagi's distressed shrieks. His arms frantically waved about under water to get his bearings. Another hit from the creature's fins sent Seiya's head pulsing again into a dizzying sensation.

The white light from the head of Usagi's scepter illuminated the part of the cavern they were in. Moments before, Usagi had struck the beast with the scepter's power and thought she could buy time for Seiya to escape its clutches. Unfortunately her quick plan backfired when she witnessed the creature's thrashing body pull Seiya under the water once again.

Sharp fins and scaly body created sweeping waves and Usagi was looking frantically for Seiya. In the heat of the moment she worried less about her scepter and more about him, in which one of the creature's power body thrusts knocked her scepter out of her hands and down the watery path.

Seiya surfaced again with a gash that ran across his forehead. Crimson flowed down the side of his face as he grabbed hold of Usagi. At first, she was going to let loose with another scream until she saw who it was that gripped her.

" Seiya, my scepter !"

" No time ! We have to get out !" He said, totally ignoring her statement.

" This thing ISN'T going to leave us alone !" Usagi shouted back." Without my scepter it can't be done !"

[ Shit….] Seiya thought abruptly as his eyes automatically started searching the wild current of water. Precious seconds ticked by until the creature would once again regain its composure.

He knew Usagi was right. It was still a long way from the exit of the water tunnel and the creature would surely follow them after it collected itself from Usagi's scepter blow.

But it was hopeless; the scepter was as good as lost in this dilemma.

Suddenly the creature shook its head, seeming to wince from the burn on the side of its body. Slowly it reared its ugly façade and glared menacingly at the pair.

Usagi stared up in sheer terror. Foreplay was over; the message glinted frightfully clear in its savage yellow and red orb-like eyes. It was done toying with them.

Almost panicked, Usagi's male companion struggled to look for her scepter. Seiya's quick eye suddenly caught a small glint ahead of them. A faint glow from the bottom of the murky water blinked up at him from down the path. The scepter was out of arm's reach but it was there.

" There it is." Seiya said automatically.

It broke Usagi temporarily out of the demon's fearful trance." What ? Where ?"

" Over there but it's quite far….Don't you have anything else on you ?!" He looked at her almost bewildered, making it clear that they had no weapons.

Then it struck her. Usagi nodded once at Seiya and reached towards her forehead. She pulled off her tiara, willing it to glow and surge with light. To feel now the disc between her fingers brought back old memories of her early Senshi days……the days when she didn't know she was the Princess of the moon. To use her tiara in this way was something she hadn't done in the longest time but it was the last resort.

Seiya blinked in surprise, not knowing how to contemplate the tiara-turned-disc. He watched as the light of the disc made contact with the creature's deathly stare. The beast seemed to cringe back just a bit. Usagi drew her arm back, then let the small disc fly with familiar precision.

It cut smoothly through the thick air. The glow of the disc seared brightly and embedded itself cleanly at the base of the creature's neck. In an instant flashing rays burst forth from its neck. A high-pitched and sickening shriek filled the rock cavern. The walls shook violently with every note hit.

Usagi's tiara had made a round trip and was once again in her grasp. Abruptly Seiya made a grab for her hand.

" We have to get out of here !" He hollered, knowing the results if they dared to stay longer." You go ahead, I'll get your scepter !"

She didn't make any disagreements and followed him directly by hurriedly paddling towards the opening of the tunnel.

Once Usagi went ahead, Seiya took a deep breath dove under. His hands felt around blindly, fingers pressing into the muddy bottom. From the soft mounds, his thumb hit something long and it was then that he pulled it up to retrieve it.

The water was broken again by Seiya, who began paddling as fast as he could towards Usagi. She was already near the top.

The air that flooded her nostrils was welcomed entirely when she hoisted herself up from the hole. A red sky towered overhead, showering Usagi with crimson light as she bent down. Quickly she grabbed Seiya's arm and pulled him up towards her.

Once his whole body was out, both of them collapsed, utterly exhausted, onto the stone. For a while the only thing they could only hear was the sound of their breathing and huffing.

Cold stone lay flat next to Seiya's cheek as he took in precious gulps of the outside air. His hand was still firmly locked onto Usagi's scepter. He thought relief had never felt so good to him as his eyes wandered to his companion's fallen form as well. Usagi lay on her back with her eyes closed and hand latched onto his wrist.

" Are….you going…..to….faint ?" He wheezed, trying faintly to be humorous.

A tired smile swept Usagi's features." I'd…..better not…..or you'll have….to carry…..me."

Light chuckles filled the silent air as the red sky above began to make its transition from night to morning. The night of red and morning of blue momentarily created a fusion of purple as the first blue circle of sun recovered itself. The red moon disappeared above them as the sun took its place.

* * * * *

" Hey look….. it's morning." Minako mused as she raised her eyes to the sky. It was a very unusual sight indeed as both colors vibrantly contrasted with each other. The blue sun was like the essence of water, a stern flood pursuing the bright crimson of flame, putting it out.

For the moment the Senshi stood to watch the view. It reminded them of how far away they were from home and the task at hand. As for Taiki and Yaten, they chose not the look, being reminded endlessly of the world they lost.

The long trek across the landscape didn't change many surroundings. Before they reached the point where they stood, they passed a short forest of gnarled-looking trees. It was like the trees were meant to be that way, seeing that no leaves littered the ground below them. The planet was permanently dead.

White-blue light once again filled the area and the Senshi were forced to move on.

" I have a feeling we're almost there." Taiki acknowledged Yaten silently. The two of them walked behind the girls, bringing up the rear of their group.

Yaten nodded in response." Something's going to happen. Taiki……back on Earth when we were all talking about this….. You just made it sound so easy. Just like switching off the kitchen light or something….."

" Yeah…..I know. Funny, how ironic that seems now." Taiki said, brushing a stray hair from his forehead. He regarded Yaten for a moment and noticed how he kept his eyes cast down to the cracked ground." Worried are you ?" He queried, not having to say Seiya's name.

Pause." I guess." Yaten responded with an unreadable tone. For a moment Taiki was taken aback. Yaten didn't retort like usual when he was asked to admit something. By the way he answered hinted at the growing worry behind the strong mask Yaten had for a face.

Taiki continued," I've been thinking too…….that's all." But when the second the last part of his sentence was uttered, his vision blurred slightly before him. Yaten replied to his comment but for some reason Taiki had not paid much attention because of the sudden pulsing in his head. At first it was small and he tried to ignore it…… but it grew.

He attempted to blink it off, shake his head and whatnot.

[ Run……] A little voice in his head echoed distantly. [ Run……now…..]

Taiki looked around. He could see the Senshi walking ahead, unaware of much. He could also see Yaten, who was starting to notice his fidgeting.

The voice kept repeating. It kept telling him the same thing over and over again. The pulsing grew with it until the beat and the words were in sync with one another. But another sound touched his ears aside from the noise…….the sound of metal. Like tearing metal.

" Run." Taiki's eyes grew wide with fear as he subconsciously voiced the message that the little voice of instinct was shouting.

Yaten looked at him peculiarly." What ?"

" We'd better run……we have to run."

This time, each of the girls at the front stopped and turned around.

" Taiki ?" Ami asked as she eyed him curiously. She took a few steps back to where he was." Did you say something ?" All she received was the same blank look from Taiki, except that his eyes betrayed the fearful emotion in them. It was by then they knew that something was wrong.

Yaten faced the Senshi, who were all walking back to them. Mars had a strange look on her face, knowing that something wasn't right but trying to feel it out.

Out of nowhere, something sharp and fast buzzed by Minako's ear. It gave her the ultimate scare as it generated a cold feeling on her cheek. The sharp object struck the ground close to her feet and when her blue hues that seen what might have pierced her head, she jumped back gasping.

" That…..that…." she stammered. The object was silver, long and very sharp. The blue light of the sun showed off its malevolence all too clearly as it cast its long shadow on the cracked ground. The light glinted viciously off the smooth silver texture.

Taiki's eyes widened but before he had a chance to comprehend what level of danger they were in, the stretching noise of silver metal rang through his ears.

A heavy sword struck out, almost taking off Jupiter's arm. The Senshi of thunder barely had time but narrowly escaped by leaping to the side. Taking a huge gulp of air, she examined her white glove. The fabric around her arm was cut cleanly, telling her how scarcely she avoided the swipe.

" Run….." Ami choked out when she finally saw the harsh reality of the Starlights' enemies." Now."

It was like none of them had ever imagined. The size of these black-plated warriors was more than they could bear. It was like they had the ability to use death as a tool, making their weapons all the more sharp.

By then the troop had realized that they were almost surrounded. They looked around, every warrior coming towards them. Closing in, making the air in the circle seemed thinner. Too paralyzed in the moment to even utter a sound, the Senshi backed up slowly.

The Diviners.

" Yaten." Taiki spoke cautiously out of the corner of his mouth. He was eyeing each of the four Diviners." We can still get out."

" And how EXACTLY do you propose that ?" Yaten's voice came out bitter.

The brown-haired male motioned silently to the large gap in between two of their enemies." The open space….over there."

Mars had heard the small talk going between the boys. She craned her head towards them but didn't take her eyes off their oppressors." What's the plan Captain ? Are we going to take them out ?"

" No. Where going to do the opposite." Replied Yaten, rather half-heartedly at the thought of running. As far as he knew, he was getting mighty sick of it. Running was something that was done too often, it completely lost its sense of meaning.

Taiki knew that what he was going to propose wasn't the most original suggestion nor the most creative, but it was necessary if they all wanted to be alive to see Seiya and Usagi again. The former Starmaker, his palms beginning to sweat at the Diviner's closing in, glanced sharply over to Jupiter.

Makoto caught it immediately.

" We need someone to play decoy." Taiki mentioned, his voice drifting to a more quiet hush. He only had limited seconds of speaking before they all were to knock on Death's door." If it so much as works, we're in luck."

" Metal, thunder." Yaten supplied, his gaze intensely lingering at Makoto. He watched her nod for a brief moment.

The rest of the Senshi heard but looked back in puzzlement at the quick plan forming between Jupiter, Yaten and Taiki. Mars found a new reassurance when Taiki's hand had quickly brushed her arm to silently tell her it was all right.

As if on cue, Jupiter lifted her hands, bringing them together to give her best. The sky seemed to darken at most, summoning strength from the source of her element. Makoto breathed, the very air around her was becoming aid to the plan of distraction. Her lips moved, her eyes flashing as if inhuman declaring," Jupiter Oak Evolution !!!"

The flash of power was bigger then the rest of them had expected. A column of green tinted light was added to the original effect of the oak evolution. As soon as Jupiter's attack erupted, the Diviners had lunged forward immediately. By then the Senshi had broke into a direct sprint, heading for the gap in the circle of enemies.

The green light flared dangerously, the added thunder catching to the black metal wear of their attackers. The Diviners were stunned, but only for a few short seconds. The Senshi had evacuated the rim of the oppressive circle, with Jupiter in tow.

Taiki had managed to get them to flee as they headed in a new direction. He saw Venus point towards a gnarled and thorn-filled forest in front of them. Stopping, he left Venus to call out the directions while he waited for Jupiter.

As for his comrade and companion, Yaten gave no second thought in following Minako towards the haven of forest. When they had reached the line of trees, his eyes widened when the effect of Jupiter's attack was fading rapidly. The Diviner's were regaining fast consciousness of their surroundings. They also noticed that the Senshi were escaping.

" Hurry up !" Yaten practically screamed. His emotions were falling off the high wire as his arms waved almost frantically to the trees.

Taiki grabbed hold of Makoto's arm and was already running. The speed of their enemies behind them was picking up and the sounds of metal scraping across the dry ground were becoming unbearable once again.

The rest of the Senshi were already starting to go deeper into the haven of thorns but the sharp and cramped surroundings were cutting down on their speed. If they weren't careful, the forest would kill them and not the Diviners.

In front, Minako dodged through a narrow opening of sharp thorns. She grimaced lightly as she came out with blood marring her fuku. She did her best in leading the rest through, still bothering to follow the light of the blue sun in the sky.

They went as fast as they could when they began to hear the rapid slicing of trees. It was true that it would take the Diviners some time to cut away the barrier of forest, but TIME was the real blockade between them. And time was thin.

The knots of trees that surrounded them were tightly packed together and the Senshi had to squeeze through in order to get away. Even Taiki swore he heard the swipe of metal weapons growing faint, signaling that the Diviners were steadily being left behind.

Makoto's hand was latched onto her forearm. Apparently her quick escape from the circle wasn't as quick as she would have liked. It was a risky jump to get out of the circle and she had gotten herself a new gash on her arm. Instinctively, Makoto ripped a small portion of her glove and tied it firmly around her wound. But crimson was seeping through, leaving blotches on her hands.

The rest of the trip through the forest was made in silence, as neither of them had anything more to say. The fear they felt was ebbing slowly when the realization settled that they were safe for now.

Minako led the group through twists and turns, confident that they were still on track. Then she noticed a clearing ahead of them and motioned the group forward.

It didn't take long until they were filing out of the trees one by one. The sight on this side of the forest made their breath run short. A sudden awareness filled their atmosphere when the situation dawned on them.

Each of them stood side by side on the small cliff where the forest of thorns ended. The ground ahead of them was no longer cracked and brown, but it harbored black soil. It looked like black ash, strewn over and trampled on by many feet. The bright blue of the sun had long since faded in this part of Eidoran.

Taiki, Yaten and the Senshi stared, not feeling a single breeze pass through the air. For a moment, all thoughts of the Diviners faded as they looked upon the battlefield. They were at their destination.