PRT 396- “The Last Straw”

Rocky had been at my apartment for days. I was starting to feel like he was moving in. For the most part I didn’t mind. He was a great distraction from all the crap happening around me. He also brought a sense of domestic-ness that I hadn’t had in awhile. He helped me clean my apartment and we went grocery shopping together and watched TV and it was kinda nice. After a few days though I needed some space. Jesse had been bugging me to come over for a couple of days and I really wanted to see him too. I also needed some alone time. I finally couldn’t take it anymore and I waited until Rocky was in the shower then I grabbed my keys and took off.

I didn’t have a destination in mind exactly. I just started driving. I needed to clear my head…and as long as I didn’t get spotted by vultures that’s what I planned on doing.

I was enjoying a very nice California day, driving along and listening to music. That changed the second the radio station played one of my songs…namely ‘Nothin’ Bout Love Makes Sense’. The second I heard that song I felt a tightness in my heart. I wrote that for Hunter. We were so in love. My god we were in love. I did miss him but it was better this way. I wrote that song at a time when we belonged together…that was no longer the case.

The song ended and I noticed there were tears falling from my eyes. I was crying. OK, so maybe I still missed Hunter more than I wanted to admit. It didn’t matter. What’s done was done and there was no going back.

I wiped my eyes and kept driving. No use wishing for what could have been.

The next thing I heard on the radio was the DJ talking about the upcoming release of Jon’s album, documentary, and book. This was going to pull me into the press too as I know he spoke about our relationship in depth in both the documentary and book. This was going to be fun. Just what I needed.

I was pulled from my thoughts by my cell phone. The caller ID said the number was blocked. I figured I’d see who it was. I answered it.

“Hello?” I asked.

“Michelle, so good to hear your voice.” The voice on the other end said. I knew that voice.

“Mia…what do you want?”

“Just called to chat…”

“Riiight. Seriously Mia, I’m not in the mood for your games. What do you want?”

“Oh I’m done playing games. I’m dead serious now. I want Kaya back.”

“How many times do we have to discuss this? No.”

“I think you’ll reconsider once you find out what I have to trade.”

“Nothing you have could interest me Mia.”

“You sure about that? I think your little sister might disagree.”

I paused, “What?”

“Mindy is such a sweet girl…I’d hate to have to kill her.”

“Mindy has nothing to do with this Mia…leave her alone.”

“Too late. I have Mindy and the only way you’ll ever see her alive again is to hand over Kaya to me, unharmed.”

“I’m begging you Mia, please let Mindy go.”

“Of course. All you have to do is let Kaya go.”

“You know the others won’t let me do that.”

“It’s your job to convince them Michelle.”

“Mia, please…”

“You know what you have to do to save your sister. Now go do it…oh…and my offer does expire. You have 48 hours or Mindy’s time is up.”

“Mia!” I cried, but she already hung up.

I slammed my hand on the steering wheel. How had this happened? Why had this happened? I wasn’t even that close to Mindy. Why did Mia choose her? Because it hurt me. That’s why. Mindy and I weren’t close but she was still my sister and she was innocent. I couldn’t let anything happen to her. I needed to get the others and inform them ASAP.

I called everyone up and told them to get to Mina’s right away. When I got there everyone was already there except for Amy and Lita. They were on their way.

“We’ll fill them in later. This can’t wait.” I said.

“What’s going on?” Mina asked.

“Mia called me.”

“What did she want?” Raye asked.

“Kaya.”

“Of course. What’s new? She’s not getting her.”

“You don’t understand Raye…she’s kidnapped Mindy and she’s going to kill her unless we give her Kaya.”

“Mindy as in your sister Mindy?” Michele asked.

I nodded.

“Of all the low moves…” Amara sighed.

“We have to trade Kaya for Mindy.” I said.

“You know we can’t do that.” Mina said.

“Mindy is innocent. She’s not one of us and she didn’t ask for this.”

“I understand what you’re saying, but Kaya gives us an advantage we can’t ignore.”

“And Mindy can’t be sacrificed for that advantage.”

“But Hotaru and Rini can?”

“They’re Sailors too…Mindy isn’t.”

“I’m sorry Michelle, no. We can’t give in. We can try to rescue Mindy, but that’s all.”

“I don’t believe you guys!” I cried, “You’re really willing to sacrifice Mindy?!”

“The life of one for the life of many…I agree with Mina. I’m sorry Princess.” Amara said.

“Fine, I’ll do it without you! I’ll take Kaya myself!” I cried.

“Like hell you will.” Raye said.

I formed a lightning ball in my hand, “You really want to test me?”

“You’re powerful but do you think you can really take us all out?”

“Wanna find out?”

“Michelle, don’t do this. You know that we’d win. We don’t want to fight you.” Serena finally said.

“You aren’t giving me a choice.” I said as I started to back towards the stairs, still facing the group with a lightning ball in my hand.

“Stop!” Trista cried as she jumped at me. I released the lightning ball I was holding and it landed in the middle of Mina’s living room, causing an explosion. I started to run up the stairs.

“Michelle, no!” Raye cried as she pulled herself up and ran after me, “Mars Fireballs Charge!” she cried as she used one of her scrolls on me. It hurt but I forced myself to keep moving. I needed to release Kaya.

I turned and fired off some lightning, knocking Raye back down the stairs. I couldn’t let an innocent person die…especially not my sister.

“Michelle, that’s enough!” Serena called after me as she summoned her Crystal.

I froze in my tracks and turned around, summoning my Amethyst, “You really wanna go Crystal VS Amethyst?”

“If I have to.”

“It’s the only way you’re stopping me from releasing Kaya.”

“We can work together and try to save Mindy. We don’t want her to die either.”

“You sure coulda fooled me.”

“Michelle, just stop. We’re your friends. Let us help.”

“I’m sorry Serena, I’m not risking Mindy’s life. You’re asking me to hope we can get her out before Mia kills her. I can’t take that risk. I just can’t.” I said.

“You’re not taking Kaya and you’re not hurting this team anymore.” Serena said powering up her Crystal.

“I’m sorry it’s come to this.” I said as I powered up the Amethyst.

“SERENA NO!” Darien cried as he ran in, Rocky right behind him.

“MICH, NO!” Rocky cried.

It was too late. Serena and I were powered up and as a pink beam emitted from her Crystal, a purple one came from the Amethyst. I could feel the resistance. She was strong…but so was I. We both were giving it all we had and neither were going to give up. The only way to try to describe how it felt was to say it was kinda like arm wrestling with someone just as strong as you so that it was stalemate as long as you gave it your all. Let up for a second and your opponent gets the advantage. That’s kinda how it felt. It was very taxing. I’m not quite sure how long we were at it but at some point we both blacked out, I’m guessing it was about at the same time.

When I woke up I was tied down. My hands were specifically bound. Clearly to keep me from using lightning.

“Ugh, what happened?” I groaned. I felt like I’d been through a blender.

“Sorry, but we have to keep you from releasing Kaya.” Michele said.

“And from totally destroying what’s left of my apartment.” Mina added.

“Let me go!” I cried as I pulled against the binds, to no avail.

“No, we’re going to try to save Mindy and you’re staying right here.” Raye said.

“No! Let me go!” I screamed as the others all left. I noticed Rocky standing to the side. He came over to me the second they were gone. “Rocky, thank god. Untie me.”

Rocky nodded and did as I said.

“We have to get Kaya and get her back to Mia.” I said.

“Mich, are you really sure that’s the best thing to do right now?”

“Rock, that’s the only thing to do right now.” I replied as I ran upstairs. I went to get Kaya but she was gone. Clearly the others had taken her elsewhere to hide her from me. “Ugh!” I cried.

“Mich, just calm down.” Rocky said as he tried to put his hand on my shoulder.

“Just…don’t. I have to save Mindy before it’s too late. Are you with me or not?”

“Don’t you know by now? I’m always with you.”

“OK then, get your Morpher and let’s move.”

Mina

~~~~

I didn’t like tying Michelle up. I also didn’t like taking Kaya to Lita’s for safe keeping. I didn’t really like any of this but it needed to be done.

We kinda figured that Mia had Mindy at her apartment. We also figured it was a trap. She had to know getting Kaya back wouldn’t be that easy.

We got to Mia’s and looked around. It was a little too quiet for comfort.

“Is there a back way in?” Raye asked.

“I think so. Outers, you guys take the back, we’ll take the front. Don’t transform unless you have to. Mia is famous, we don’t know who is staking the place out.” I said.

“Got it.” Amara said as she took her team around the back.

“Ok, you guys ready?” I asked.

“Ready.” Serena replied

We headed to the front door. We tried the door and it was unlocked. Definitely a trap.

“Careful.” I said as we slowly went inside.

We looked around.

“Where’s Kaya?” a voice finally asked.

“Mia? Where are you?” I demanded.

“I’m asking the questions here. Where’s Kaya?”

“You’re not getting her back. End of story.”

“Then it’s the end for Mindy.”

“You don’t want to do that Mia. Mindy is innocent here. Do you really want to murder someone?” Serena asked.

“I didn’t…you did. You could have prevented her death by giving me Kaya.”

We heard a blast from the bedroom.

“Transform now!” I commanded.

“Venus Spirit Power!”

“Mars Spirit Power!”

“Jupiter Spirit Power!”

“Mercury Spirit Power!”

“Moon Spirit Power!”

We ran to the bedroom and found Nemesis standing over Mindy. She was alive, but had clearly been attacked.

“Let her go!” I demanded.

“Not happening.” Nemesis replied.

“We’ll see about that! Jupiter Thunder, Crash!” Jupiter called.

Nemesis reflected the attack. We jumped out of the way to avoid being hit.

“Ok, plan b?” Mars asked.

“I don’t think we have one.” Moon said.

“Where are the Outers?” Jupiter asked.

“Being entertained by Mistress 9.” Nemesis said with a smirk.

“Perfect.” I sighed.

“Saturn Lighting Rings, Electrify!” a voice called, only the attack wasn’t aimed for Nemesis, it was aimed at us…and clearly we weren’t expecting it. It hit us and we flew every which way.

“What the…” I started as I looked up and saw Sailor Saturn and the Blue Zeo Ranger.

“What do you think you’re doing Saturn?!” Mars cried as we pulled ourselves up.

“Nemesis, please release Mindy. I’ll help you get Kaya back…somehow. I promise.” Saturn said.

“You traitor!” Jupiter cried.

“Me? No, you all are the traitors. You betrayed me when you refused to trade Kaya for Mindy.”

“You’re seriously not on their side?” Nemesis asked.

“Does it look like I’m on their side? No. I’m not willing to risk Mindy’s life to keep a cat hostage.” Saturn replied.

“Rock, how can you help her?” I asked.

“I’m always on her side. You know that Venus.” He replied.

“You’re both demented. And you’ll never give Kaya back to Nemesis because you’ll never find her.”

“Then things don’t look good for Mindy.” Nemesis said.

“Nemesis, please, don’t. I’m begging you.” Saturn pleaded.

“Sorry Saturn, looks like your friends have sealed Mindy’s fate.”

“No! I can get Kaya. I’ll figure out where they took her. I will.”

“I get the feeling your friends don’t take me seriously. Do you really think I’ll stop with Mindy? Not a chance. I’ll continue killing the people most important to each of you until Kaya is returned to me.”

“Guys, we have to give her Kaya! Please!” Saturn begged.

“I’m sorry Saturn, no.” I said.

“I’d say that seals it. Verdict is in and Mindy is gone.” Nemesis said as she blasted her really, really hard. Mindy flew across the room. We shielded our eyes, the blast was so big. When it cleared Nemesis had vanished.

“NO!!!!!” Saturn screamed. It was the most blood curdling scream I’d ever heard.

“Mich, no!” Rocky cried as he tried to grab her so she couldn’t run to Mindy.

“Let me go!” Saturn cried as she pulled away and ran to Mindy’s side. She pulled Mindy into her arms. “Mindy, can you hear me? Please…it’s me…Michelle.”

“Michelle? You’re Sailor Saturn?” Mindy asked weakly.

“Yes…it’ll be ok. We’ll get you out of here.”

“Tell Nathan and my mom I love them. Zack and Tommy too.”

“No…don’t talk that way. We’re getting you out of here.”

“It’s…too…late.”

“No…no…Mindy…god…I am so sorry. I never meant for this to happen. I am so sorry. I’m sorry you got dragged into this. I’m sorry I wasn’t a better big sister. I wish I would have spent more time with you. I do love you Mindy.”

“You…too.” Mindy said as she gasped, then she was gone.

“NO!!! Mindy! No!” Saturn cried.

Rocky ran to her side and pulled her into his arms, “I’m so sorry. I am so sorry.”

Saturn held Mindy’s body while Rocky held her. She cried and cried.

“We need to figure out how we’re going to explain this.” Mars finally said.

Saturn looked up, furious, “You’re going to tell the truth…you killed her because you couldn’t give a cat back!”

We heard sirens. Clearly the police were called when the explosion happened.

“We need to get out of here.” I said.

“Venus is right. We’re technically vigilantes. We can’t get caught here.” Rocky said.

“I can’t leave her.” Saturn said.

“You have to. We’ll go to the hospital as civilians if you want, but we can’t stay here.” Rocky said as he pulled Saturn back.

“Everyone, move!” I called as we all rushed out.

We got a safe distance from Mia’s and gathered, except Saturn and Rocky.

“I can’t believe that just happened.” Moon said, “We killed her.”

“No, Nemesis did. We did what we had to do.” Uranus said.

“There had to be another way.” I said.

“It’s too late now to go back.” Jupiter said.

“Pluto, can’t you fix this?” Moon asked.

“No Sailor Moon, you know I can’t alter time.” Pluto replied.

“We have bigger issues now. Saturn will never forgive us. We have to worry about both Nemesis and Saturn now.” Mars said.

I nodded, “I’m well aware.”

Michelle

~~~~~~~

Rocky pulled me out of Mia’s and took me home. I was completely in a daze and it felt like everything was going in slow motion. My sister had just died in my arms.

We powered down by the time we got to my apartment and Rocky sat me down on the sofa.

“Sweetie, I am so sorry.” He said as he pulled me into his arms and held me.

“I can’t believe it.” I said. My tears had turned to shock.

“Do you want me to call Tommy and let him know?”

I nodded.

“Ok, I’ll be right back.”

I sat there in complete shock for several minutes before it finally sunk in. When it did I started sobbing again. Rocky came back in from the other room and hugged me again.

“I called Tommy. He’s taking the next flight out of Florida and he’s going to call Zack and let him know.”

“Thank you.” I said through my tears.

“It’ll be ok.”

“No, it won’t be. The others did this and they’ll pay.”

“Mich, don’t do anything drastic…”

“I think I’m fighting on the wrong side Rock.”

“Nemesis did this, not the others.”

“And they will all pay.”

“You can’t go rogue.”

“Watch me. Just watch me.”