"DESTINY STRIKES AGAIN"

by Onyxmoon

It was a surprisingly dark & gloomy day in Rainbow Land when Rainbow and the other Color Kids woke up. Rainbow's Belt couldn't even break through a single cloud on Rainbow Land. She sat with Starlite in his field where he normally sleeps,so no one would disturb them as they talked about this serious matter. "I don't know what's causing this. Murky & Lurky are gone from the Pitts and the Princess hasn't been heard of in years! Starlite,what do you think?" "Well," He sighed,"We've been doing this for a long while now, Rainbow. You're growing up. Maybe the Star Sprinkles only work with...." He shrugged. "Children." Rainbow thought about this new thought. Was it possible that only Children could activate the Color Belt? No! That was absurd. She was a child & will always be one! Just then, as Rainbow was about to reply, Red Butler and Patty O' Green came runnig up to them. "Rainbow!" Patty panted in between breaths. "Come quick! It's Krys! He's back with Onyx!" Rainbow told Patty & Red to go on Starlite while she ran. As she began to run faster & faster,her heart beat pounding & pounding, she though,'Krys! At last! It's been too long without him!' She felt an instant blush rise to her cheeks. Krys and Onyx stood before the Color Castle, awaiting Rainbow's return. Rainbow stopped in front of him & bowed. He smiled. "Rainbow,I'm glad to see you!" Then his face fell. "Rainbow, I'm sure you're curious as to why all of this darkness is here...." Rainbow gravely nodded. "Were you able to break through any of it?" "No. Not even my rainbow can break through the clouds. How is Earth?" "Not good at all. A bit lighter then this,though." He stepped foreward. "Rainbow, I know what's causing this." "Please,Krys! Let me help!" "The Color Wars,Rainbow,have you ever heard of them?" "Hm...yes,I remember Orin telling me about a great Universal War that is supposed to happen between all of the planets...something about Star Sprinkles and the colors....and the light...why?" "It wasn't a myth,Rainbow. It's true. The Darkness has arrived and is threatning to cover up not just Spectra,but the entire Universe with darkness. We need everyone's help. You. The Color Kids. Everyone." "Krys,I'm honored. You're a First Rank Cosmic General....it's...it's my duty, my quest, as Rainbow Brite,to protect the Color and Light forever!" Krys smiled broadly. "I knew you wouldn't be able to resist."

END PART ONE!

PART TWO: "ARMY OF US"

Into the great Hall of Colors everyone gathered. They all sat at the large round rainbow table,each in their designated space where their color was spaced out. Rainbow,Red Butler,Lala Orange, Canary Yellow, Patty O' Green, Buddy Blue, Indigo, Shy Violet, Tickled Pink, Moon Glow. Krys stood next to Rainbow's chair and explained what was happening to the Universe. "The Universe is in great danger. If you all thought Spectra being threaten was bad,wait until you hear this." Rainbow closed her eyes & took a deep breath as Krys continued on. "There is a great and powerful Darkness sweeping over the Universe. No one knows where it came from or who is behind it..per say. The Universal Army has ordered me to recrut the only beings on in this Galaxy that can help us. That's why I'm here today." "Wait," Red Butler cried. "You can't take Rainbow with you now! It's far too dangerous!" Murmuring in agreement started. Krys had amazing patients now; that's what the Army taught him. And Rainbow. "No. I didn't just come for Rainbow." He waited until all mouths were silent and all eyes were on him. "I came for you all too." Everyone was in shock. They couldn't believe what they were hearing. "The Ruler of each planet has asked me for each of you to represent them. You all have been invited to be the Supreme Generals of each planet." He drew out several slips of paper from his secret compartment in his suit. He handed them around to each Color Kid. "Mars." Red said. "Venus." Lala giggled. "Mercury?!" Tickled Pink questioned. "Jupiter!" Patty cried. "Moon." Moonglow read. "Uranus!" Buddy whispered. "Neptune." Indigo said dramatically. "Pluto." Shy Violet said. "Sun!" Canary cheerfully anounced. "What about me?" Rainbow asked. She had nothing in front of her. "Rainbow,you are *the* Supreme Color & Light Proector." *gasp*

END PART TWO!

PART THREE: "SAYONARA BYE BYE"

"Hmm.." Patty wondered aloud. "What about the colony on Saturn?" she wondered. Everyone looked up at Krys. "Oh. Stormy is already in full charge of that." He grew serious. "But that's another thing I must discuss with you all. Saturn,as you all are aware of I am sure,isn't exactly the....cheerfulest place. And with Stormy running the show,it was like adding insult to injury." He took a deep breath, not fully aware on how the next part would effect them. "What is it,Krys?" Rainbow asked,slightly raising up. "Stormy has been....I guess you could say, brainwashed, by the Darkness. She's leading her Army & the entire Saturn Colony against the other Planets. She's completely fading,Rainbow." He looked deep into Rainbow's violet-blue eyes. "I'm sorry." "No..." was all Rainbow could choke out as she slowly sat back down. Red Butler patted her on the arm. "But if she fades, she won't exsist anymore! We have to save her!" She jumped up, quick as lighnting. "That's why I came as quickly as I could. I know Stormy...how she is and all..and I know you all care for her like a sister,like she was one of you all...." "She *is* one of us." Buddy Blue,who had been silent all this torturous while,cried roughly. "Yes." Indigo nodded. More agreements were heard. "Then,do you all take the positions?" "When do we begin?" Tickled Pink demmanded. Krys gave a dry laugh. "Now. Every moment counts. You all must leave today. Within the hour; two at the most." Alll of the Color Kids looked around at each other with sad, aware expressions that all seemed to say the same thing: 'Good-bye. We might never see each other again. I will miss you.' "What about Starlite and Twink and the rest of our Sprites?" Canary suddenly chirpped. Everyone was stunned as they sharply looked at Krys. "Ask Twink to stay here along with the rest of the Sprites, so that they may gaurd Rainbow Land while you all are away." They all nodded. Rainbow thought sadly,'Twink...my oldest and first friend. I might never see you again.....no! I *will* see you again because we *will* win!' Rainbow cleared her throat. "Let's go." Everyone nodded in unision & went off in their own separate ways... for last good-byes & secret farewells..... RED BUTLER: Red Butler sighed as he entered his chambers. He had just said good-bye to Romeo..his best friend. Someone who had been bold enough to go on daring adventures & camp-outs. He had asked Romeo to please watch after OJ, knowing it would please Lala. Lala... That was another thing. Off to be the general of the planet of love & beauty...*sigh* where she deserves to be a queen..... LALA ORANGE: She sobbed & sobbed,OJ patting her back then left the room, shaking her head slightly. Lala had ran straight to her room & thrown herself onto her canopy bed....it wasn't fair! Red being shipped off to MArs & her stuck *well,not "stuck"* on Venus! She clutched her framed picture of Red then kissed it & gently laid it atop of her extra clothes in her smallest bag; which Krya had advised to take. 'Will Red still want to be with her after this war is over? Of course. Love is thicker then any kind of hatred.... CANARY YELLOW: "Now,don't go getting yourself into any trouble while I'm gone!" She softly lectured to her friends, Spark & the birds & other soft hearted small creature she so dearly loved. She had packed fast & ran to them; putting on her happiest smile so as not to worry them. But who was she fooling? "I want you all to know that even though I may be gone for a long while, I'll always love you all & think of you dearly!" She smiled brightly. Then,like unwanted memories, two single tears silently slipped out of the corner of her eyes. "Oh,my..." she whispered. She threw her arms around Spark & cried out her pent up emotions..... PATTY O'GREEN & BUDDY BLUE: "Hnmm......." Patty mused as her & Buddy idely swung lazily back & forth on a porch swing. "You really believe this stuff is happening?" "It's hard to,hun?" he replied. "Yup. Sure is." A moment of silence. "I'm really goning to miss this place. It's the only home I remember....." "Where did we come from?" "Probably the same planets we're commanding & representing for. I bet that's the big secret behind this. What do you think?" He sighed. "Not too sure. I don't want to beileve this is happening, but it is. I don't want to say good-bye,but I have to. Why?" "It's all a part of growing up, I guess." "But we're not *supposed* to grow up!" It was her turn to sigh. "I know." SHY VIOLET & TICKLED PINK: "Now,I.Q.,you know what to do in case of an emergency! And.... if in fact I never do come back...welll..you can have all of my book collection..." I.Q.protested but Violet was insistant upon this. I.Q. gave in & with a swift hug, left. "It's gonna be all right,darling." Tickled Pink cooed. "I'll be back before you know it! We'll teach them ol' Darkness not to mess with us!" Her sprite looked up at her & nodded,forcing a smile across her face. "Good. That's better. Now,go on." Tickled Pink watched her beloved friend scamper into the house....and despite her usual optimistic nature,she suddenly had the chills and was afriad she'd never see her beautiful homeland again...... MOONGLOW & INDIGO: "Just think,Night Sprite! I finally get to go back to the moon!" Night Sprite translate: "You remember?" "Of course I do! Vaugly,but I do....it's beatuiful shores...filled with cool silver water...very gorgeous,Night Sprite. Are you sure you don't want to stay here and help?" Translation: "No! I was sworn to protect you & I intend on doing just that!" "Oh,Night Sprite!" She hugged him tenderly. "What would I *ever* do without you?" "Hammy,for the last time,I'll be all right! Don't worry! Just you wait; as soon as I get back, we'll do a whole Play Fest! With you & I as the stars!" Indigo crept out of her room slowly & left Hammy to sob & wail dramatically. Though she'll only half admit it, Indigo was getting teary eyed as well..... RAINBOW BRITE: "Twink,I don't know what I coud ever say to you that'll replace the kindness you've shown to me....even from the start..." "Rainbow," Twink protested. "I was running away from something you faced that day! It was good luck on my shoulder that I met you." "Twink,no! I was on the quest,*I* was running away,*I* was.." "Look,we can sit here & argue or we can sa our proper good-byes!" Rainbow laughed as tears streamed out of her eyes. She threw herself *glomp* & wrapped her arms protectivly around him. He stood on tiptoes & hugged her back. "Now,I promose,I'll have Rainbow Land running just as well & as orderly as you do!" he sniffed,straightening up. "Don't worry." He saluted her. "Commander Rainbow Brite!"

END PART THREE

PART FOUR: "TRICK OF EYES"

"Rainbow,how old are you?" Krys asked casually. They were walking hand in hand in the garden outside the Color Castle. "What?" Rainbow replied. Though the question instantly hit a core deep in her heart,Rainbow quickly covered it with a smile. "I am ageless, Krys. I don't grow up." "Rainbow," He dragged. "Look at you." They stopped. "You're at least as old as I am...maybe a bit younger..." He gave her a good once over. "And how old am I?" She asked, not being able to help but smile. He thought about it for a moment. It was only moments before the Starfleet of the Universal Army would be here. "Fourteen." Rainbow sighed. Krys was fifteen; well, that's what humans would take him for, though he was *much* older then that. "General Krys!" A large man was suddenly towering over them, saluting Krys. He had startled Rainbow. Krys then told Rainbow it was time & ushered her towards the front of the Castle. "Why do I have the feeling I won't see my home for a very *very* long time,Starlite?" Rainbow sighed when she was on Starlite,waiting for Krys to tell her to bored. Since she couldn't break through the clouds with the rainbow,her & Starlite had to ride in the Star-Ship until they were safely away from the clouds. "Maybe we won't see it for a long time." Starlite said realisticly. Rainbow sighed once more,and being the last one, went abored. "Which Planet are we going to first?" Canary asked Krys. "The closeest." He simply answered. "Mars." Red whispered with a *very* heavy & *very* sad sigh. Lala scooted closer to him & they began to whisper silently. Just as they were about to reach the Mars Territory, a blast out of space rocked the Star-Ship & everyone abored went flying everywhere. Bags & other equipment went in all directions; Starlite crouched down so he wouldn't fall on anyone. "What was that?" Patty cried,more excited then scared. "We're being attacked,Sir!" The Pilot called back to Krys. Krys began to run towards the deck. "Cone on!" He cried over his shoulder. Rainbow and the Color Kids and Starlite all fallowed him to get their first glimps at their new nemesis. Krys ran higher & faster & they all,too eager for words, easily ran at his side. Krys threw open the door to the deck. Everyone was right behind him. Rainbow ran ahead of him & then stopped ead in her tracks. What she saw was unreal; too real for belief. She gasped as she staright into the eyes of her new enemy. "S-Stormy!" With the Army of Saturn behind her, Stormy on Skydancer, she was deffintally ready for a battle. Her new outfit was warning; regal in a sense. Rainbow didn't know wheither to cry or get upset. "Stormy,why? After all this time,our friendship! Does it mean a thing to you?" Rainbow couldn't stop herself from yelling. Stormy merely laughed. It sent chills down everyone's spine. "Ha! I have no need for friends. I am the Ruler of Saturn; the true Queen of Darkness and Despair! And soon to be the Empress of the Universe!" She glowed. Rainbow stepped closer. She noticed two things different about her once friend. Her eyes were now hard and cold. They had a certain darkness to them that shut out all of the light. As she looked harder, Rainbow suddenly realized it; 'There *is* no light in her eyes anymore!' The second was Stormy's entire form. She was older now! A bit older then Rainbow was. Now she had not only the means to battle, but the strength. It didn't look too good from Rainbow's view.....

END PART FOUR

PART FIVE: "THINK OF ME"

"Your Rainbow Belt is no longer match for me, Rainbow." Stormy continued. "I have been given a new life; a new power by the all powerful evil Kuraku Nanimo." "Is that who's behind all of this?" Rainbow asked her. "Behind it?" She laughed. "He's proud of it! He won't stand for the garish, seething light. It's annoyance has reached its peek. Now is the time to destroy the light! I am now in charge of banishing it!" "Stormy, you can't be serious!" Buddy Blue cried over the whirs of the Ship. "We need you!" Indigo added. "You need a reality check!" Stormy retorted. "I will stand no more talk." She raised her hand high into the air & opened her palm. Energy in a great sphere seemed to draw into her palm. She closed her eyes and bagan murmuring. As the murmur grew faster, the sphere grew brighter. "DEATH SILENCE!" She thrusted the sphere at them. It hit them like nothing they ever dreamed. It not only knocked the wind out of them, but drained their energy as well.All of them were of their feet, even Krys. The last thing they all heard before they fell was Stormy's familiar cackle..but when they opened their eyes, not the Army nor Stormy could be seen. 'How can I possibly save the Universe and Stormy as well?' Rainbow pondered as they all sat back down in the passanger room. 'Good thing the Color Kids are here. I can't be doing two things at once. It might even come down to eithier Stormy or the Universe....but I can't have one without the other. If it comes down to eithier Stormy or my own life, then so be it. As long as she is safe....as long as all of my friends are safe....' A sudden jolt distracted her. They had landed somewhere. Rainbow looked up. Red Butler was swinging his bag over his shoulder and looked down on everyone. "I guess this is good-bye." He said quitely. Lala sobbed silently. They all got up and one by one hugged him, wished him the best, told him to stay out of trouble. "I'll send a Messanger out as soon as I can." He whispered in Lala's ear. She nodded. He did the boldest thing he ever thought a boy could do. He kissed her. She was so surprised,she tensed up and didn't see him flee. And that was the begining of their good-byes. One by one, each Color Kid was shipped out to their home=planets; where they had been created to gaurd the Colors of the Universe. Canary Yellow tried to stay cheerful, but just couldn't take it any longer when it was her turn to say good-bye. Buddy Blue made Rainbow promise that she would try to get Stormy back...Patty was so mad, she was determinted to berid of Kuraku Nanimo...Indigo made her usual dramatic exsit. Though this time, it seemed more real then any act she ever performed....Lala sobbed and promised that lots of love and thought would be given everyday to each of them..Shy Violet was quite but remained composed & promised she would try and come up with different ways to stop the Darkness..Tickled Pink gave everyone extra hugs and kisses before her departure..Moonglow wished everyone happy endings & Night Sprite ditto-ed it. Soon, it was all but Rainbow and Krys. Alone. After seeing off the last Color Kid, Rainbow turned to face Krys. She sighed heavily and gave hima weak smile. "So this is all that is left."

END PART FIVE!

PART SIX: "REVALATION!!!"

"Rainbow,you'll see them again someday." Krys said reassuringly. Rainbow smiled through her sadness. She refused to cry. "I know. But from what I have heard about war,it changes people. Usually for the worse." Krys patted her upper arm. They were landing on Spectra, the Official Headquarters of the Light Side. Krys had explained that the Earth Army would be joining them soon,for dinner,he joked. Rainbow sighed happily & nervously. She would see Brian again. And she *knew* Krys and him weren't exactly the best of friends....... "Rainbow,I'll show you to your quarters." Krys offered as soon as they reached the Spectra Embassy; or the Hall of Universal Light. It was a spectacular site to see! The enitre building was,of course, made from Crystal,though it was not cold at all. Rather smooth and cool, like diamonds..which made up the interior of the large household. Rainbow's room was very large; larger then her own room back home.... Starlite insisted upon resting and Krys had no qualms over the simply request. He urged Rainbow to as well. But Rainbow insisted upon being at *all* meetings regaurding this new matter, despite Krys's urging that she should rest. He merely looked at her with a worried and "i can't help you, only you can" look as he led her to the Meeting Hall. Earth's General Commander had arrived early. Just to keep Spectra on her toes *wink*. He was alone. "Brian!" Rainbow cried and flung herself foreward into his arms. "Oh! I'm *so* glad Earth is allright!" her voice was muffeled by his coat. "But Earth isn't all right,Rainbow." He gently reminded her, pulling her away a little to look into her eyes. "But it is safe for the moment." He added softly. She smiled for him. "I'm happy to see you too. Did all of the Coor Kids make it safely to their home-planets?" Rainbow nodded. He smiled. Then, looking away from her, but still holding her arms, he cleared his throat. "Uhm,Rainbow....I know this maybe the wrong time to tell you....but, about Stormy..." "She knows." A stone-hard voice interupted. Brian and Rainbow looked up. Krys was leaning against the wall farthest from them. "I thought we agreed *I* would tell her!" Brian hissed. Krys just gave him...."a look". Brian drew back,unafriad,but threatened to say the least. Rainbow,being in the middle,did not notice the tension. "Guys,it's so great to have you both here & so near me. I feel so protected." She beamed at them. Krys looked the other direction & snffed with a "Hn." in reply. "Why do the planets want their Color Kids back?" Rainbow asked, sitting in one of the chairs. Krys sat oppisite her and Brian next to her. "I thought they were created to protect Rainbow Land as well." "They were." Brian replied. "But the Sprites are strong enough to take care of Rainbow Land." "But what if they're not!" Rainbow cried. "What if the Darkness attacks Rainbow Land? What will happen to....the...." The look in Brian's eyes told her the answer. Her voice died in her throat. She trembled. "No.." she choked out in a hoarse whisper. She drew back in disgust. "I won't let you just leave them! You *knew* the Darkness was going to attack Rainbow Land because the Color Kids & I were there!" She stood up. "You *knew* they were going to destroy us! You *let* them save us but not the Sprites!" "Rainbow,if you would just sit down," Brian started. "I can explain. It's not as....meaningful and loathing as you make it sound!" Rainbow sat down, but another seat away from Brian. He sighed, "Rainbow, you don't know the importantance of the Color Kids or yourself. The Color Kids were created by each planet to protect not only the designated color,but you as well. If you were to die,they alone would be able to bring you back by uniting their powers together....they have each a... uh..." he looked at Krys for the word. "Color Crystal." Krys helped. "..a Color Crystal inside them. Now, those Crystals a part of a larger cyrstal which keeps the planets aive. Each planet with its own. If the Color Crystals in the Color Kids are destroyed,not only will the Color Kids die, but the planets as well." Rainbow was in shock. Her mouth was hal opened. "And me? What about me?" SHe whispered,unable to bring her voice any higher. "You.." Brian scooted closer.."Have a *very* special heart, Rainbow. Very special indeed. It is not only the entire source of the Universes' light, but the eniter Universes' hope." The words replayed on Rainbow's heart. The *entier* Universes' hope.....

END PART SIX!

PART SEVEN: 

"Their is still *no* excuse for the Sprites!" She sharply replied, a cath in her throat. She was still recovering from what Brian had just told her. "Rainbow,it's too late." His head hung low. "We can't go back for them now. If they make it,that's great. But if they do not...." "You should have said something!" Rainbow shouted, fighting back hurt tears. "I could've stayed and----" But she stopped dead. Brian looked up at her with a sad smile. She understood just then. *If* they *had* told her there was a good chance Rainbowland would be destroyed, she would have stayed to help try and save it...... "Twink....." Rainbow clutched her stomach, suddenly feeling a wave of self-disgust sweep over her. "I doubt Rainbowland will be attacked again. Probably won't even be glanced at even." Brian and Rainbow turned to Krys, who sat very dull & casually with his boots kicked up on the table. He stole a glance their way. "Stormy works for Kuraku Nanimo & she saw everyone on the Star-Ship headed for here....she'll report that to her boss..why would they waste time & energy on something that has little meaning to them & isn't a threat anymore?" Rainbow instantly cheered up. She got up & ran over to Krys and gave him a hugh hug. Brian glared at Krys, knowing he kept that in until Brian had ruined trust in Rainbow...... 'Jerk.' Brian thought instantly and turned his head away from them. "I never thought of that, Krys!" Rainbow quickly said,then stood up. She gave a quick peck on Krys's cheek and smiled. "I think I should go rest now. We have a very busy day tomorrow,don't we?" Both young men nodded and she waved them good-bye & wished them good-night. RED BUTLER: Red sighed. Mars was a very happening place. Everyone here was so adventurous & they all somehow seemed to resemble him a bit. He didn't know why,of course. He sat up in his new bed and hugged his knees as he looked at the two moons shinning a bit dully. 'I sure wish I was home in my own bed....camping maybe. Romeo by now has probably secured all of the Red Sprites....I hope so..' he thought. As he gazed into the dull shinning but beautiful moons, he thought he saw Lala's face smiling down at him. He sighed with a smile. "One of these days I'm going to have to ask her out on a date!" He laughed a little at the human tradition,but thought taking Lala out on a romantic outing after the war was something he wouldn't mind doing at all.... LALA ORANGE: Lala placed the framed picture of her Red Butler on the bedside table and then crawled under the fresh crisp covers of her new canopy bed. Venus was a lovely place; warm; bright; beautiful everywhere. The people here were *so* similara that she thought it was just custume to be so nice to a new person. But as she walked around the capitol, Magellion, she noticed everyone seemed to have an air about them....it was very odd indeed. But she thought it would be a nice change. 'I hope OJ has gathered all of the Orange Sprites.' she thought to herself. She looked out the window near her bed. Venus had no moons so it wasn't so bright out. Earth was a distant dot in the sky that seemed to be getting darker each second. With a very haevy sigh, she turned away from the sight, laid down, kissd her picture of Red and fell asleep. CANARY YELLOW: Well! Never had Canary Yellow been to a happier place in her life! Rainbowland came very close, but even the rest of the Color Kids had their bad days too. Everyone tried to look on the bright side of this war; tried to think of a plan to reason with the enemy rather then fight it. Canary was pleased but also longing for the others.... It would be a long time before she got to sleep,she suddenly realized. PATTY O'GREEN: Finally! Some rash thinking here!' Patty thought as she stepped out onto the balcony that was attached to her new room. She gazed upon the many moons that shown down on her; illuminating her room with beautiful silver light. 'I sure hope Moonglow is OK too...' Patty thought. 'She can fade easily probably because the moon's light are dull...Canary will last the longest out of all of us...she has the sun protecting her!' Patty gave a mental chuckle. 'I'm happy,though. I'm happy for everyone. I'm happy we all have the oppertunity to defend our Universe and our precious light...' She looked away,suddenly fighting tears. She thrusted her head foreward again and looked plaedingly at the moons. 'If I'm so happy,why do I feel so sad?' BUDDY BLUE: Ahh...nothing like a good work-out to get all of your agression & emotions out....' Buddy Blue thought as he tossed his towel onto the chair nearest to his new bed. He had changed into his nightclothes and now leaned against the window sill. He gazed up at Miranda, the most beautiful moon he's ever seen.... 'I'm a part of the Outer Planets now....' He thought. 'I sure hope we don't start to fade....that look in Stormy's eyes...gods,it hurt! It was so cold...well,colder then usual....she was possesed,no doubt!' His stomached growled. He refused to eat anything since he arrived at Uranus because he was so angry at this...what was it? oh,yeah.. Kuraku Nanimo....The name felt & sounded evil. Even replaying the name in his mind was harsh.... 'Don;t worry,Stormy,' He silently promised. 'Rainbow & the rest of us will save you!' IDIGO: Indigo had never seen so many wonderous plays in all in her life! And it wasn't over! The Ambassador of Neptune had said that she may as well enjoy herself when not attending to business.... But so much business!' She thought breathlessly. 'So many attacks on Earth...so many Dark Soldiers......so many innocent people becoming innocent victums.....' It touched Indigo deeply. She folded her hands together like a silent prayer..'You have to save this Universe,Rainbow! We're always bhind you....alll the way! You have to save everyone! You just have to!' SHY VIOLET: With a sigh of pure content & blissfulness,Shy Violet shut the door to her quarters & leaned against the door,lost in her thoughts for a moment. Never had she been around *so* many intelligent people before! Never had she known anyone but herself to know certain things! They were all quite and reserved with eliquite manners & high wited. They have already drawn out thought plots on who & what the Darkness might be....her bit information had helped immensly! And yet.....while it was pleasant to be with these people, very kind to her & on her own wavelength of smarts, she yerned for the other Color Kids' laughter, loudness & playful attitude..... It wasn't baffling to her at all why she felt this way. She was homesick. TICKLED PINK: Mercury must be the most giggly,bubbly place ever!" Tickled Pink said to her new friend, Marina; whose duty it was to see Tickled Pink safe & contented. "It is." Marina said. "Although,I hear the sun comes close!" She laughed. Tickled Pink did not,however. "What's wrong?" "The sun.....that's where Canary Yellow is...." Tickled PInk was lost in her own thoughts.....Marina smiled understandingly and put her arm around Tickled Pink & led her to her new room.... MOONGLOW: "Moonglow? Moonglow! Are you listening?!" Night Sprite sharply cried. Moonglow was leaning out her window as well, gazing at the dull-colored Earth. "Hum?" She glanced over her shoulder for a moment."What? I wasn't listening...." She dully said. Night Sprite grinded his teeth. "MOONGLOW!" She tried to pay attention. "That's better. Now, did you understand what the Ambassador was telling you? You must concentrat on you inner self so that you may control the powers the moon has---HEY!" Moonglow had fallen asleep. RAINBOWBRITE: "Starlite,I miss them." "Of course you miss them! This is your first time without them in several years! You didn't think it would be simple,did you?" "No." She sighed,turning on her side. "Well,if it makes you feel any better,you still have me." He got up and trotted over to her bed where he nuzzled her gently. She patted his face & smiled graciously into his eyes. "It does make me feel better,Starlite." And it did. But it was'nt the same without her Color Kids... Not the same at all......

END PART SEVEN

PART 8! "THE MEETING"

Rainbow was so ectsatic! Buddy Blue had sent an early transmission message to her over the Viewer & when she woke up, he was already online & waiting to talk to her. "Buddy!" She cried,running into Communications room. She did not even bother to change out of her night clothes. "How are you,Rainbow?" He asked. "I'm fine! How's life there?" "Oh,it's really super. I mean,it's not home,but they try their best here. Everyone is very nice. How about you? I was talking with Brian when Krys went to go get you up....wow..the Commander of Earth!" "I know!" She laughed. "Just think! Not solong ago,he was a glumface running into rainbows without even knowing it!" They had a good laugh. Then Buddy grew serious. "Am I the first to contact you?" "Yes." She replied softly. "Well!" He brightened for her,hiding his true expression."I'm sure they're all just busy adjusting and all....." There was a knocking sound behind him. "Oh. I have to go, Rainbow. Please give everyone else a hello for me,OK?" "OK. Thanks,Buddy." She added. They signed off. **** Later that day, each Color Kid & Rainbow were learning the ropes around the Emmbassy's of their planets. It sounded so simple. But everyone was to attend the Meeting... The Meeting is where all of the Importantce comes together to discuss important matters concerning the Universe and/or their planet. Brian & the Earth people that had accompanied him would be travling back to Earth for their meeting. But they would also be on the Earth-Viewer. Their was a Viewer for each planet in the Communications & in the Bored Room. Rainbow fallowed Krys into the Bored Room. Starlite was with Onyx, talking about a back up plan & such. Krys and Rainbow sat together, Krys at the end on the long table & Rainbow to his right. The eniter table was filled with Generals, Spies, Communitcators, Diplomates, Scientists, Ploters, ect. And,of course,the mystic-side to everything, the Sorcorrers, the Wizards,the Witch Doctors,the Shamen,ect. Everyone that had an importance to Spectra {besides Spectra's people} was there. "Let's begin." Krys anounced in a ruthless voice with Commanding air. "Commander," one man stood up, "I wish to welcome you back and welcome our newest member to the Allience. Welcome, Rainbow Brite!" She shook his hand and smiled at everyone. "Thank you." She stood up as he sat down. "Now,I know I am very new to this,but I am not new to danger nor threats. First what I feel we should deal with immediantly is the matter of Stormy." All of the ladies & gentlemen present looked at her in confusion. "She is working for Lord Kuraku Nanimo." Gasps. "And what shall we do with her?" One lady Admiral cried. "We must save her!" Rainbow cired. "Save her?" One man laughed nerviously. "Why?" "Because she's my friend!" Rainbow pleaded. "She's a Color Kid!" Everyone was silent. Dead silent. They were all in shock, starring wide-eyed at Rainbow. "If she's a Color Kid,she's a Color Crystal carrier!" One young man cried. "Yes!" Rainbow nodded. "She is Saturn." "The Saturn Army has chosen their side." One woman sneered. "No! They are under the control of Stormy, whose under the control of Lord Kuraku! We *must* save her!" "How?" One Shamen asked quietly. "We cannot put the whole Universe on pause & rescue one person!" "But she is a Color Crystal Carrier!" A wise Wizard spoke up. He was small & his entier form was hidden under a blue cloak. "That voice!" Krys & Rainbow gasped at the same time. Thw Wizard smiled slyly. & reveled himself. "ORIN!"

PART NINE "OLD MAGIC & I ARE STILL FRIENDS...."

Rainbow was speechless,as was Krys & Brian. Krys hadn/t seen his old teacher in over five years! *remember,folks,they age differently* Orin looked at everyone and spoke again "Generals,Soldiers,Ambassadors,I am afriad this war cannot be resolved by guns,nor lasers nor anything of its kind. Only magic can stop what we are up against. Your aid is comforting but useless. It is better if you are out protecting the city & her people." Because Orin was so respected throughout the Universe, no one aruged. Everyone but Rainbow and Krys excused themselves. "Orin!" Raiinbow hugged the frail but surprisingly strong old Sprite. "I am glad to see you,too,my dear," He chuckled. "But I wish we could see each other when the Universe is *not* in peril!" Rainbow smiled good-nauredly,knowing exactly what he meant. Then he sat next to Krys and leaned in to explain. "I knew this time would come one day; when the Darkness would escape its seal in Oblivion and try to take over the light & the Universe...." "And Lord Kuraku Nanimo?" Krys added. "Ah,yes. He is the source behind it. He helps it grow as he feeds the Darkness light and color from all of the planets..his Army has powers by which you have never even dreamed about..your greatest color sucking fears are these things...monsters...." "What can we do to help restor the Color?" Rainbow asked. "Krys has told you about the Color Crystals,correct?" "*I* want to help,too!" They had forgotten BRian was still online with tehm & now turned to him. Orin glanced at him. "Ah,another warrior." He gave a soft underbreath laugh. "You and Krys are so much alike..." Both boys glared at each other violently. "You will be much help,young Brian. Do not worry. But listen to what I ahve to say first." All 3 turned their attention to him. "If Lord Kuraku draws enough color from each of the planets,your friends will start to fade away..and eventually take a place in Oblivion too. If all of the Color Kids are faded,you too,Rainbow Brite,will fade as well." Rainbow gulped but said nothing. "Now,there are ways of using your Color Crystals,but it is very dangerous & it wears you out after you have used it. If you use all of its powers,you will surely die." Another hard swallow. "Krys,do you still have the Crystal Laser I gave you years ago?" Krys smiled and held up his wrist to reveal he still wore it. "Good. It will be much advantage to you one day,too." "What about me?" Brian said meekly. Orin turned to him. "I have no magic." "My young man,you do not need magic to help. You must use your powers as a leader to help this battle. Make sure everyone is safe and keep up the communications between each planet so we know what's going on in the Color Kids' lives." Though it didn't make him feel more powerful,Brian nodded. He was a bit jealous of Krys's Crystal Laser.... Orin told Rainbow *not* to extract her Color Crystal until the *perfect* time. She was not to use it all until it was a complete emergency. Even then,it had better not take up too much of her inner strength or it could kill her. *****NEXT DAY Yippy! Rainbow was talking with Starlite,telling the good news to him. "The Color Kids will be here tomorrow after they have finished their training!" "Training?" Starlite replied. "For what?" "On how to generate their energy & use it as a weapon and a healing source." Rainboww took a bite out of the sandwich she had brought down. "Will you be learning that?" Starlite asked after he swallowed his carrot chips. Rainbow shook her head & swallowed. "Nope. Orin says that I shouldn't use my Color Crystal because it could kill me." She was a bit surprised at herself for blurting it out like that. "But,don't worry. I'd only use it in a serious emergency. And,Brian has a lot under control on Earth....I think Lord Kuraku is finally backing down." Suddenly, major jolt shook the whole Embassy. The lights went out. A siren was screeching to the high heavens.... "Rainbow...." Starlite whispered. "Yes?" "I think you spoke to soon....."

END PART NINE!

PART TEN "ATTACK!"

"Starlite..." "yes?" "I'm scared." Rainbow whispered. Suddenly,the dorr flew open, causing both parties to cry out. Rainbow clutched Starlite's neck. "Rainbow?" a familiar voice called. "Krys?" Rainbow and Starlite stepped over to him. "What's happening?" "Stormy has led her Army to Spectra and she sent Earth a Popbomb to distract them while she made her way over there." "What's a Popbomb?" "A false bomb; all that explodes is air." He grabbed her wrist. "Come on." "Wait.." Starlite said. He knelt down and both of them got on. "Ooff!" Starlite exclaimed. "One of you has gotten bigger!" Rainbow slid down and Krys lit a flare. It was true. Rainbow had gotten taller...about 4 inches. Now she looked like a 15 yr. old. Rainbow gasped. "How could this have happened?" "The Darkness is getting larger & more powerful..." Krys explained. "It must be Stormy's doing...I have no idea....." "Oh-no.." Rainbow whined as Starlite told her to climb back on. Krys would cover them. "I can't become an adult....that just doesn't happen!" She whined to herself as they ran down the hall towards the entrance. The Entrance was a very large simi-circled richly done room. Very lovely. "Krys,where are we going?" "Well,the Army didn't mind what Orin said earlier. They're trying to hold back the Saturn Army." "Where's the Dark Soldiers?" "All over the Universe." He quickly replied. Rainbow's eyes went wide. A loud crash was heard just as they approached the Entrance. The large dome-shaped skylight was darkening....the darkness was spreading quickly...A side of the Entrance had been blown away. Stormy stood in its place with two Soldiers on each side of her. Her hands on her hips,she marched herself right over to Rainbow Brite. "I've tried to be patient,Rainbow," She said...."But no...." **elsewhere "Rainbow!" Red Butler suddenly gasped,feeling a twitch in his eye, knowing something was wrong.... *** Lala suddenly cluthced her heart. It had stopped for a second. "Rainbow..." *** Canary Yellow cried out as she had just seen the almost-adult Stormy attack Rainbow...she stood up,her vision coming back to regular again..."Rainbow! Starlite!" She started to run.. ** "Hang on,Rainbow," Patty whispered,"I'm coming...." *** "Rainbow Brite and Commander Krys are in trouble,hurry,hurry!" BUddy Blue cried as the Uranus Army ran onto the Star-Ship that was waiting to take off *** "I don't care how rash it is,I have to help!" Shy Violet cried. ** "We're right behind you,Rainbow," Indigo thought over & over... *** "....ALL the way...!" Tickled Pink thought as well. *** "Night Sprite,look!" Moonglow pointed to Earth as the Dark Army flodded it...shroading it in utter darkness... *** Rainbow was behind Starlite. Stormy just smirked. She closed her eyes and raised her right hand,some fingers curled. Her eyebrows twitched and a sudden crash of thunder was heard. Through the huge dome skylight,though without braeking it,lighting came pouring down into Stormy; but not just her raised hand; her whole body. It took over her whole being & made her grow as the lightning turned from white to balck.... She opened her eyes....dark eyes with no light in them......on her wrists were now wrist-links made from Dark Metal; what the Dark Soldiers wore to shield them from any light. Any light that hit this metal was absorbed anf turned into darkness.... "You and your color belt..." Stormy sneered. "All my life I've dalt with the same thing, over and over, 'Rainbow is our hero' 'Rainbow saved the day!' ....well,I'm sick of it....now,it's your last day,Rainbow Brite!" She shot a bolt of lightning over at Starlight,but Krys shot Starlight first with his Crystal Laser. It froze Starlight,but it kept him alive. Stormy glared at Krys; murder in her eyes. Then she just smiled again and shot him with Dark Power..he went flying into the wall... "KRYS!" Rainbow cried,backing up as Stormy towered over her. "Well,today is *my* day; today is the day *I* will destroy Rainbow Brite!" Her lagh sent chills running down Rainbow's spine.. Stormy raised her hands,her fingers posed in drawing all the powers she could into her...Rainbow was trapped...she closed her eyes... ..and felt the dark power being serged into Stormy.... "I WON'T LET YOU DO THAT!" Stormy,her 2 Soldiers,Ranibow all looked up. A larger crash & millions of diamond specs flittered and floated down as the dome skyscraper was shattered into a billion pieces. A form was kneeling in between Rainbow and Stormy... "Patty!" Rainbow cried... Patty smiled,her bright green eyes starring into Stormy's cold steel ones.....

END PART TEN!

PART ELEVEN "NEO COLORS"

"P-Patty!" Rainbow stutterd. But Patty & Stormy were still staring into each others eyes; one full of hope & light, the other full of cold & darkness. "Stormy,I don't want to hurt you..." Patty,still crouched,said. Stormy frowned. "But if things get out of hand...." "Uhg.." Krys moaned,still recovering from that unplanned redevous with the wall. He closed his eyes & shook his head,then reopened his eyes & his vision was clear again. "Patty!" "Hey,Krys." Patty said,still smiling,never turning her head. "Fine!" Stormy cried and began to flee. "GREEN JUPITER LIGHTNING ROPE!!" A laso-like flash of green lightning appeared in Patty's hands & wound around Stormy's waist,ensnaring her. "DARK SATURN STORM!" A large black cloud appeared over Patty's head & was raining so badly her lightning short-circuted & shocked her. She let go of the laso & Stormy,along with her two henchmen, ran out. "Whoo!" Patty shook her head. "That wasn't fun!" Rainbow slowly got up and walked over to Patty. "Patty..." Rainbow said,circling her,examining her. "What's happened to you?" Patty looked at herself. She was older now,taller,and in a different outfit. "Oh? This? We all have it now,Rainbow. We're Neo now." She smiled proudly. "We can protect the Universe now!" "I wouldn't say that so quickly..." Rainbow and Patty turned to the voice. There stood Brian,all in black, his Commanding airs turned on high. "Brian!" Patty smiled warmly. He smiled back,but it was a forced smile. He walked over to them. He then spoted Krys lying down, trying to catch his breath. "What the heck happened to him?" Brian asked causally. "O!" Rainbow ran to Krys's aid,not noticing he was still lying down. He had been trying to get up last time she had stole a glance over to him. "Rainbow! Rainbow!" another male voice from outside shouted. "Buddy?" Rainbow whispered,kneeling next to Krys. Buddly Blue and Indigo and Shy Violet all ran into the Embassy *or, what was left of it. They,being all Outer Planets, had on similar outfits. Violet immediantly went to help Krys. Buddy asked for details and Indigo chated with Brian. "You know," Krys said,siting up with Rainbow & Violets aid,"YOU could have helped catch her." "I didn't get here until just now,Krys." Brian said. Krys gave him one hard stare and went back to groaning in pain. While Violet questioned him on where it hurts, Brian looked around the Entrance. He was careful where he steped considering there was bronken diamond crystals everywhere. {though he had boots on}. He looked all around him, trying to figure out how to lure Lord Kuraku here. "Have you all seen this Lord Kuraku?" Brian asked calmly. "No." Everyone said at the same time. Brian had his back to them all. "Hmmm..don't you all find that strange that we have not seen him yet?" "Maybe's he's scared of us!" Buddy cried,slamming his fist into his other palm. "I doubt that,Buddy." Brain smiled good-naturedly. "If he were scared of us,he would have backed off." He sighed. "I think I know who he is." Everyone was staring at Brian,quite. Even Krys. Brian slowly turned to look over his shoulder,glancing at everyone. "Lord Kuraku Nanimo *is* the Darkness..."

END PART ELEVEN

PART TWELVE "SACRIFICE"

"Rainbow? My goodness; look what's happened hre,Red! Rainbow, are you here?" Lala stepped through the blown away wall and into the Entrance. She spotted everyone instantly. "Oh! Hello!" She waved and Red Bulter fallowed her in,fallowed by Tickled Pink. "Hey!" Red said to Brian and Brian warmed up immediantly. "How did you all know?" Rainbow smiled. "We knew." Red breathed,remembering the instant feeling he got when Rainbow was in trouble. "We know you." Rainbow nodded solemly; she understood. "Canary Yellow and Moonglow couldn't make it..." Red said quitely, his head bowed. "The Earth is almost gone....and they need to concentrait right now because of the Sun and the Moon..you know.." No one finished for him. They all knew. "Lord Kuraku is this darkness?" Rainbow asked Brian,looking into his eyes. Brian nodded,completely sure of himself. "THAT theroy.." Krys snaled,glaring at Brain. Brain frowned as Krys got up and struggled over to him. "THAT idea is THE most..." He put out his hand.."Brillant theroy I've heard since this whole thing started." Brain couldn't believe his ears! He smiled back and shook Krys's hand. "Thank you,Krys." Brain said. Krys nodded. Krys straightened up and cracked his bones,groaning at every noise made. "You know,I actually have a feeling Stormy's gonna laugh at this once she's back to normal..." He muttered. "RAINBOW BRITE!" Everyone looked all around. It was Stormy's voice all right, but where was it coming from? Outside! They all dashed outside, Red first & Rainbow & Brian last. Sure enough,Stormy was in midair,with the ENTIRE Saturn Army. Hundreds of Soldiers in black & dark purple armor lined up in a pyramid shaped order behind Stormy. Stormy gave off her new cackle. *kakakaka!* {authors note TOMO!} Before anyone could say another thing,Red Butler charged foreward. "RED MARS FIRESPHERE!" Large spheres of fire shot out of Red's hands & charged straight for a *very* calm Stormy. Stormy just moved her head to the side and dodged them perfectly. Red Buler was in agast! "You'll have to do a little beter then that,my dear." Lala and Red looked at each other & nodded. Both of them leaped to a attack; Red lifting Lala up by her waist as they cried together "BURNING DOUBLE HEART FIRE!" Several beams of fire & orange lasers. Stormy was quick, but not quick enough. One orange laser hit her sleeve & tore a hole in it, barly missing her shoulder entirely. Stormy examined her shoulder and scowled. "You ruined my dres..." She hissed. She turned to them & drew in her power. Her eyes began to glow. "What's happening?" Tickled Pink aske din a worried voice. "She's taking in more power!' "It's too late." Brain said,shaking his head. Rainbow turned to him. "She's becoming possesed with dark power. Sooner or later, there will be no turning back once she draws enough. We'll kill her if we try." Rainbow gasped. Buddy looked down. He remembered Stormy starting to warm a little to him...she was nice and they got along. She was his best friend! He couldn't let her die! "NO!" He ran foreward in front of Red Butler. He threw his arms out to block everyone. "Stormy,wait!" Stormy,her eyes aglow,looked down at him silently. "Don't you reember me?" He smiled through his now flowing tears. "I'm Buddy Blue. We used to play sports! Remember?" She was silent. Her face softened a bit and her eyes-just for a split second- returned to normal. "Buddy!" Rainbow cried. "Keep at it! It's working!" "I can't let you become evil,Stormy," Buddy sucked in his breath. "Not unless,I,too,become evil." Stormy twitched. Everyone gasped & Buddy Blue stared straight into those once gleeful,happy eyes.

END PART TWELVE

PART THIRTEEN: "BUDDY BLUE"

"My friend...?" Stormy whispered,still staring at Buddy Blue. "Nonesense. I have no...friends.." She tilted her head. "Why are you saying this? Why are you looking at me like that? You hate me....." "NO one hates you,Stormy." Buddy Blue replied. "If I wasn't your friend, would I ask to be fused with Darkness?" Stormy thought for a moment. "Go away." She said at last. "You can't do it.." Buddy whispered. "You can't do it!" You *do* remember me!" "No." She flinched. "I just....do not wish to..waste my powers...." "No excuse. Your boss told you to destroy me. Do it." "Buddy,no!" everyone shrieked. But he paid no attention. "DO IT!" Stormy was losing her composer. She was breathing hard, and she was utterly confused. What was happening to her? She remembered Buddy Blue,of course.......he used to run with her...and play games.. 'Childish games! Something only a simple *child* would play! Adults do not *play*' A voice shouted in her head. She shook her head. "Stormy,I'm going to do this for your own good...." Buddy Blue closed his eyes. He relaxed and begin to concentriat. A blue glowing light started to appear right where his heart is. "Buddy,no!" Lala cried. "Don't use your Color Crystal!" "Sorry,everyone.." he said serenly. "I can't let her die." A blue crystal appeared,glowing & shinging. He opened his eyes & looked calmly & sernely into Stormy's eyes. "I hope you will always remember me,Stormy." He said. "BLUE URANUS HEAVEN HEALING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" The light buzzed. It shot out in one beam and hit Stormy in her heart. She doubled over as it filled her. No one couldn't've stopped it. Buddy Blue's crystal was blinking! It had used all of its power and... Stormy shot her last Dark Power into Budy Blue. He fell backwards & Stormy fell out of the sky. Krys caught her instantly. Buddy got up slowly. He lifted his head....his eyes! They were glowing with Darkness! No light!! "Buddy,what did you do?" Indigo whispered to herself. "...I am not.." Buddy twitched.."..ack!" something was fighting inside the newly posessed Color Kid. "I will now take over this bod-ACK!" Then wide blue eyes,full of light,appeared & the features of Buddy Blue did too. "NO! Quick!" he cried. "Kill me!" He shouted. "WHAT?!" "..no!" the evil Buddy cried, "Don't! I'm..uhm..your firned,you wouldn't want to kill-SHUT UP! Do it,Red! Violet,please! ACK!"..."NO! It wouldn't be right!!!"..."AHhhhhhhhhh...do it!!! PLEASE!" They couldn't stand it! Buddy Blue was possesed and he was begging them to kill him! They can't kill him! NO! That's not even crossing their minds...no!...but he was suffering....and they knew what would happen if htey let him live....he'd kill the rest of them.... "Buddy,forgive me!" Someone cried suddenly. "GREY SATURN SILENT RELEASE!!!!!" Buddy was shot with a purplish grey laser from behind. He lurched foreward,eyes wide. He fell onto his hand and knees. "Acc..kk....." he choked.. Stormy was standing behind him,Krys had let her go. She was restored! She had her lights full of beautiful light..! "Stormy..." Buddy whispered. Stormy knelt and held his dying body in her arms. "Take care,Buddy Blue." She whispered. "Buddy!" Rainbow cried,and knelt at his side. Buddy smiled and managed to turn his head to look at her. "You'll win,Rainbow Brite-" He twisted his body,wirthing in pain. "Ack!" He gasped. "I know you will...He smiled once more to everyone. "It's been so wonderful...." "Aw,heck," Red cried,trying not to cry,"Just *die* already!" He buried his face in his hands... "RED!" Lala shreeched. "No...he's right..." Buddy closed his eyes.."It's time....." He breathed deeply. It was his last breath. He went still & limp in Stormy's arms. She was crying. "Thank you." She whispered softly,then kissed his forehead gently. They were down one.

END PART THIRTEEN

PART FOURTEEN "ALWAYS"

Brian stood next to Rainbow. She had been quite since Buddy Blue was laid down to rest. They placed his body in the Great Room of Noblitiy where he was gently laid in a crystalized coffin. Rainbow was watching Krys as he carefully & slowly melted down the ice that he'd froze Starlite in. "I've never experianced that before,Brian.." she whispered without taking her eyes off of Starlite. "Death?" Brian asked. She nodded. "I have many times. It was hard when it was the first time....but now...I don't know...it hurts...but you can't think of the person in death..only as they were alive." "Will it stop hurting?" Rainbow choked,eyes filling with tears. BRian was quite for a moment. He examined her fragile composer & decided how to answer. "No. It won't." She deserved the truth. "But as long as you remember that they're always with you, you know they're not really dead.." She was puzzled by his words,but it helped a little. She knew Brian knew what he was talking about. He had experianced the death of his father recently & had gone to Rainbowland to try and make him feel better. Rainbow had been confused on why Brian was crying & why he was so sad....but she couldn't feel it because she had no father to feel for. But she had Brian to feel for; and whenever he's sad, she was there for him. "Brrrrr!!!" Starlite cried. "Why's it so cold?!" Krys explained what happened. "What are we going to do now?" Patty asked. "We should hurry." Indigo said. "The Universe is getting darker! I can't see Earth anymore!" Everyone rushed out to where she was and looked at the pitch black darknes that surrounded them. "It's a good thing Canary & Moonglow are at their planets keeping control." Rainbow pointed out. "Stormy," Violet turned to the now quite girl, "What is Lord Kurarku's plan?" "Just to get rid of the light & color....and to start a whole new Universe that's black & filled with evil and darkness.." She had sent the Saturn Army to spilt up & help defend the other planets, as well as Saturn. "How should we face him?" Red asked. "Doesn't he...have a form? Besides this darkness?" "I don't know." Stormy admitted. "He talked to me...that I reember. He had a very deep and frightning voice..." She shuddered. They all sat down in a row,outside of the Entrance to the Embassy. Rainbow's thoughts raced 'I can't let anything else happen to my friends....Buddy gave his life for Stormy's....I should have done it...but I couldn't have. No one would let me...I saw the look in Brian's face..it told me not to because of what I meant to this battle...we can't just sit here..I have to defend Spectra...iie...the UNIVERSE!' Rainbow jumped up. A new expression was on her face. Determined...powerful.... "I WON'T LET IT HAPPEN!" She cried. She faced the rest of them. "Everyone..." She spoke sloemly,like a true leader,"We cannot let this battle be tossed aside. We must face the enemy eye to eye. I cannot stand and watch the color being eaten alive out of our homes...you all belong to your planets as I to the Universe itself. We cannot let this go on any longer. I say we challenge this Lord Kuraku. We will use our powers because they were given to us to defend our people & our light & our color. Darkness cannot win! What would a Universe without color & light & happiness be like? Sad; dark; & not worth living in! And *worth* fighting to prevent! Are you all with me?!!!!" "Rainbow..." Lala whispered. "We're always with you!" They all cried. "Then let's go. I'm sure this Lord Kuraku won't be too hard to find. Sotrmy, he must have a type of..'power up' station..where is it?" Stormy thought for a moment. "I am sure it's on the Asteroid Hecate. But it's *very* trecherous to get into..he has his Shadow Warrios all over gaurding the plce..you'll definatly need my help!" "Wouldn't dream of a fight without you!" Rainbow smiled. *** The Color Kids recived a gift from there home planets. Just as Rainbow has Starlite,Krys has Onyx,the Color Kids were all given a flying horse as well to ride on their trail of color just like Starlite glides on the rainbow... Stormy stood on the top dias of the Entrance steps outside. She raised her right arm,poised her fingers so her middle finger was down & her others were posed. She narrowed her eyes & looked up. Her body begin to shake. A giat cloud was forming overhead. A sudden crash of thunder...lightning...& two hinde legs of a horse appearad fallowed by the front legs & body..then a high proud raised head. "Skydancer!" Stormy cried once the horse had safely landed in front of her. Rainbow couldn't help but notice the warm tender smile on Stormy's usual distant face...so happy to see her lifetime friend. "Let's go,everyone!" Rainbow cried. And.. They were off.....

END PART FOURTEEN!

PART FIFTEEN "SHY VIOLET"

Gliding through the darkness,no one could make out what lay ahead of them except for Stormy. She and Rainbow were riding next to each other. Stormy seemed a bit back to her distant self. She stared straight ahead & kept herself reared up on Skydancer. "How far is it?" Rainbow cried. "Not far." Stormy cried back. "I think maybe a few more miles." "How will we know it's it when we see it?" Suddenly there was a crash of thunder & all of the animals scattered about. It wasn't a bolt,though,just lightning. But someone had fallen off! A piercing scream rang through the entire universe! "VIOLET!" Patty screamed and dashed downward on her steed, doing the impossible going straight as an arrow downward, flying to catch Violet. The Green Streek her horse glided on raced with the hurling body.... It finally made it past Violet enough to where it could curve under her & catch her. When the others looked around,they couldn't find her Pluto Horse anywhere. "What happened?" Red cried,gliding down on his flaming red horse; whose mane was made of Mars' fire. "I don't know.." Patty said,climbing off her horse & kneeling beside Shy Violet. "One minute she was riding with us; the next her horse wasn't even there!" "Pluto......" Violet whispered. "Pluto...is ...the..dark..darkest..p-planet ...furthest f--f-rom the s-s-s-sun..." She managed. Her eyes were closing slowly. "No,Violet,don't close your eyes!" Patty screeched. "Don't close your eyes!" "Pluto's...." Violet's eyes were fading..."...gone..." She closed her eyes. Rainbow & the others rode down just in time to see her last breath be breathed. Her body started to fade...at first in light..then in color..then entirely...it was gone... "VIOLET_______!"

END PART FIFTEEN

PART SIXTEEN "ACCEPTING WHAT SHALL BE....."

"We have to keep going,Rainbow," Patty managed to say. Rainbow nodded. "I wonder which one of us will be next..." Lala whispered. Indigo suddenly gasped. "I am!" She twisted and turned, wide eyed. "Oh my! Oh my! I'm next; the darkness is covering the Outer Planets! I'm next!!!" "Indigo!" Red cried fiercely. "We don't know that!" She breathed deeply. They were wasting time just standing in the middle of space. "Let's go,everyone," Krys said,turning around on OnX {yes, that's how it is spelled. Look in the credits of the movie}. "We're waisting time & we need everyone to help." "Right." Brian agreed. Agreed??!! The others started off too. Stormy & Krys lead the way with Rainbow a little bit behind them. It was suddenly getting quite... Too quite..... A rush of shivers went down all of their backs....as they approached a large cloud-shaped planet. Or was it a planet? "This is it." Stormy breathed,never taking her eyes off the monstrosity. "This is the Entrace of No Return..." Rainbow sat up stiffly on Starlite. "Then let's go." "Rainbow," Krys looked over his shoulder. "Maybe we should leave you out here." "What?! Why?" But them Rainbow caught the concern in his eyes... & there was something else there..something she had never seen in his eyes.....it was more then concern..it was...deeper..she didn't know what to assume. And was afriad to think what it might be. Brian too caught the uncharacteristic look. But he reconized it. He lowered his head.... 'I'm just a human....' His mind echoed....'She must love him so much more because of his strength & courage...' "Krys,you're being impossible! I'm going!" "What about out here?" Red Butler suddenly asked. They all looked over at him. "What if someone tries to come up from behind you? Or what if some soldiers come back to report...what then?" "He's right." Stormy said. "dark Soldiers always report after a battle. They'll be coming in & out of here soon. We need someone to gaurd this exsist & fight them off as long as they can." "But..." Rainbow cried.."One person against a whole Army? Even if not the entire Army,more outnumbering one person! They'll die!" "Rainbow," Red Butler said quitely, "It's a risk I'm going to have to take." "Red!" Lala gasped. Red put his hand on Lala's hand. "Lala," He whispered, "I want you to go ahead with the rest of them...don't worry about me.." "NO!" She screamed. "I'll be right here at your side!" Red opened his mouth to protest,but Lala smiled & put a finger on his lips. "Don't worry. Two are better then one. We can hold more off that way." "But Lala,you'll..you might be killed...." "That's a risk I'm going to have to take..." She mocked him. He smiled. They turned towards the others. "We'll stay here." They nodded. Rainbow looked down at Starlite's mane. "Rainbow.." Rainbow looked up & into Red's eyes. "Don't worry. It's allright...everything will be fine. You'll make it all better. I know you can..will..." Rainbow nodded... "Remember,Rainbow," Lala beamed,"Only love can suprass evil." Rainbow never heard such seriousness pass Lala's lips. "I will." She breathed. Then her,Krys,Brian,Stormy,Indigo & Patty all tunred to gallop into the darkness.....

END PART SIXTEEN

PART SEVENTEEN "TIL DEATH DO US PART"

"Lala," Red fumbled with something in his pocket. "I want you to have something before we...." He glanced nerviously at her & she nodded understandingly. "Here." He drew out a small dark red velvet box. "It's not much,but since we were in a rush....I couldn't get it fully engraved..." He opened it for her & held it out to her. "Why,Red!" She gasped. "It's..." She lifted the cool gold ring from its steath. It was gold but it had little ruby embedded in it. She slipped it on her left hands ring finger & leaned over & kissed Red. "It's beautiful...." She whispered. ****** "Rainbow,I don't feel so well..." Indigo said weakly. Her horse had been fading when they first desceded into the Dark Gates. Brian put her on his horse. "Try harder Indigo,try!" Rainbow pleaded. Indigo nodded. **** "Red." Lala suddenly gasped as she heard something approaching them. They saw Dark Soldiers headed straight towards them. "How many do you think?" she asked. "I don't know..maybe thirty..." He breathed deeply. "I don't think we'll.." "We'll be fine." Red assured her, his hand slipping to hers. They held hands tightly until the Dark Soldiers spotted them and bagan to walk faster towards them. Red bowed his head. "Lala?" "Yes?" "...I love you.." "I love you,too,Red...." She whispered,trying not to cry. They looked at each other; deep into each others eyes in that meaningful love way. With that one meaningful look casted,they set off together to protect their friends.. ******************* "I wonder how Canary Yello and Moonglow are holding up..." Patty mused aloud. "I should think they're doing all right.." Brian replied. He held fast to Indigo's waist as she winced in pain once more. "I still don't see why we're going so slow!" Starlite complained. "We have to,Starlite," Rainbow explained. "If we go fast, then we'll be more noticable." "BUt as we go slow & untected,our planets our dying faster...." Starlite pointed out. Rainbow sighed. And agreed. But Stormy firmly insisted they go slow. Though Krys and Patty both wanted to be riding faster then the wind...... ************************* "ORANGE VENUS LOVE SNIPER!" Lala's horse,Belle,raced upward & dodged the Dark Energy shots being fired at Lala. Lala had been having more difficulty at this then Red. Red dodged the shots easily. He knew all of the next moves, it seemed. But they were outnumbered....and as Lala thought that {just for a moment} she & Red were winning,she galloped higher above the fight & looked down....She had thought that 20 had ran int he Dark Gates..but she was wrong..they were coming around! They were being encircled! Surrounded...soon they'd be trapped then killed. "RED!" Lala screamed at the top of her lungs. Red sharply looked up. A shot was fired and it nearly hit him. "It's a trap! Look behind you!" Red galloped up to where she was & saw the Soldiers coming in from behind. "We're already wounded,Red," She said,refering to her maimed shoulder & his leg. "We can't go on." " I know." He reluctantly agreed. "But I won't let us die without a hard core fight; even if it's our last one." He smiled. She smiled back. He held out his hand for her to take. She did,and hopped off her horse & onto his. He lifted her up so she was on his shoulder. HE still held her hands,tighter then ever. "Are you ready,my fair lady?" "Yes, my hero. I am." They closed their eyes & slowly drifted into the center of the circle that was wainting for them. Their aura's blazed and joined as one becoming a fiery orange-red. They opened their eyes in unsion. And dove straight ahead "DOUBLE COLOR-PLANET LOVE-FIRE COLLISION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" *************************** A huge loud noise was heard behind them. Rainbow & everyone turned around. A great light flashed for a moment, blazing & vibrating until every last spec of it flittered & faded away. "Red..Lala..." Rainbow whispered... "That means the rest of the Dark Soldiers will be here soon." Stormy said a bit harshly. "We should ride fast now." "About time!" Starlite cried and they all dashed off.

END PART SEVENTEEN!

PART 18 "LIGHT RIDES AGAIN!"

Tickled PInk looked over her shoulder. "Hey! They're coming!" "How did they get here so fast?" Patty asked. "They started out fast!" Starlite whispered to himself. "Ack!" Indigo twisted in Brian's grasp. "Guys, I'm not..I can't...." "She's fading!" Brian cried. They're steeds galloped faster. "Indigo,try harder!" Patty cried over her shoulder. "I...I I..." Indigo gasped. "Quick," She said, "Let me go. Turn me around. I..I.I'll use my last ounce to attack them!" Brian looked worriedl at her but she pressed until he helped her turn around. She took a deep breath. "INDIGO NEPTUNE LAST PERFORMANCE ATTACK!" She jumped off of Brian & dived towards the Drak Soldiers. Another large collision; but not as big as Lala's & Reds. "She's gone!" Brian cried. "There was nothing I could..nothing..." "It can't be helpped now,Brian!" Stormy exclaimed over her shoulder. Brian sped up next to them. 'Gooddness..' Rainbow thought to herself quitely. 'He has almost alll of them. He has Buddy,Red,Lala,Violet and now Indigo. There are only 4 Color Kids left. Two aren't even here....I hope we'll all survive.' They came to an aburpt hault. Gasps all around as they looked up.. and up..and up. A huge double door stood before them. It had to be about 1,000 feet tall...so carefully crafted-like it seemed. Dark and gloomy too. "Now what?" Patty groaned. They heard cries behind them "Uh-oh." Patty added. "Looks like Indigo didn't get all of them. Looks like there are about 10 to 20 left!" "Maybe they reproduced...doubled.." Krys said. "That's always possible since we're in their territory now." "Yeah. There was only 15 when Indigo smashed them!" Rainbow realized aloud. "We're trapped..." Brian whispered. "I can freeze the-" "No,Krys,you can't freeze Shadows...because that's all they are. That's how come they can double themselves." Stormy said matter of factly. "I don't like it." Starlite grumbled under his breath. "Here they come...what do we do?!" "I dunno..!" "Maybe if we just..." "YELLOW SUN BLAZING RAYS!" "WHITE MOON TWILIGHT SPHERES!" A great white & yellow light was seen. Everyone covered their eyes & looked away from it; it was that bright. We the light faded,they blinked, rediscovering their vision & saw no more Dark Soldiers. Instead,their stood a very tall almost grown up Canary Yellow & Moonglow.The had similar outfits on,but different colors. "Canary! Moonglow!" Rainbow then reconized the horse Canary sat upon. "Sun Riser!" The horse trotted over to Starlite & nuzzled him. "Ah!" He cried. "Nice to see you too,dear." He said nervously. "Sorry to keep you waiting,Rainbow Brite!" Both girls said cheerfully at the same time. "It's all right." She then frowned as she saw the confusion in their face as they looked at the remaining people. "Red and Lala and Indigo faded just before you got here. Buddy and Violet were earlier..." "Oh...." Canary whispered. "We knew about the Outer Planets. Saturn isn't being attacked, though. The Saturn Army is really strong." Stormy smiled proudly. "We can't get in." Rainbow said,motioning towards the doors. "Hmmm...." Moonglow looked up at it. It seemed another dead end had made its way to them....

END PART 18

PART NINETEEN "LET GO"

"This is only the second gate,too," Stormy said. "There's even another one after this one." Everyone groaned. "You know," Patty said after a long silence,"It won't be long before other Dark Slim come through." "She's right." Canary agreed. Everyone bowed their heads, seeming to be in thier own thought. 'I can't just give up now...' Rainbow said. "If I did, everything will have been in vain...I can't let that happen..I've come too far!' "Right...." Rainbow whispered. Everyone looked up at her. Her head was still bowed & her eyes seemed to take on a new glow...a determined glem came into their light. "I can't quit now!" She raised her head high. "We've come too far!!!!!!!!!!!" A loud creeking was heard. The gates were very slowly opening! "Right on,Rainbow!" Brian cried. But before a space was open big enough for them to enter, a great sppoky cackling was heard. It echoed everywhere & shook the very space they stood in. "Rainbow Brite....." it rumbled. The voice was deep and made shivers down everyone's spine. "Who's there?!" Rainbow demanded,no longer becoming afraid so easily. "..Do you know how many years I have awaited this day?" it continued. "The day when Rainbow Brite herself and I meet face to face...so to speak..." It faded. It was not near nor far away. It was just a low grumbling of a voice that could shake a planet to rubble if it wanted to. The door opened. "Let's go.." Rainbow said a bit nerviously. "Wait." Tickled pink said. Rainbow stopped and looked over her shoulder. "I'll stay here." Tickled Pink smiled cherfully. Rainbow nodded,knowing any more arguments would just further delay them. Rainbow let everyone pass her before she looked at Tickled Pink and said, "Good-bye,Tickled Pink. Good luck!" Rainbow gave a quick nod and rode off. Once she was in, she heard the familiar creeking. CREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKK! She quickly looked over her shoulder. The doors were shutting! Tickled Pink saw the alarm in Rainbow eyes but cheerfully said, "Don't worrry about me! Save the Universe,Rainbow! I'll be right behind you, you know!" She gave one last giggle before the doors slammed shut. Rainbow caught up with everyone else. She gave a deep sigh. "What's wrong?" Starlite asked. "There's only four of them left,Starlite. Four! Out of nine!" "Well..." Starlite tried to think of something. "You have Brian and Krys, too." "Yes." She smiled. Krys and Brian. At least they were by her side too. "BUt Rainbow...." Starlite began "Hn?" "What about you? Why hasn't their...fading..caused something in you?" This startled Rainbow. Why hasn't it?! **************************** Tickled Pink heard them coming before she actually saw it. She knew it would be a lot more then she could handle, but she would deal with it. Probably more then Lala & Red had to deal with. And then she saw them. Oh,yeah. A heck of a lot more..... Maybe 60..70... "Hoo boy." Tickled Pink breathed as she crouched down,ready to pounce. She saw them approaching her. Just a little more...more...now.. "PINK MERCURY SUNNY ASTROID SHOWER!" She thanked her lucky star her planet was next to the sun.... For she had a lot of energy to vent. And it would take a lot of energy. All of it,in fact,to delay these Soldiers...But it did not matter at all to her. As long as Rainbow and the others were safe.... She knew her life was worth something more now that she had given it up. She was a true Color Kid! *********************** "Tickled Pink!" Rainbow gasped to herself,under her breath. She looked over her shoulder. She had felt something then. Why? Rainbow sighed. She knew no more ties could stay. She would have to just let go.... The hardest thing todo sometimes was just turn away and keep walking. And despite the pain it cause her, Rainbow did just that.

END PART NINETEEN!

PART TWENTY "SUN & MOON"

"Why hasn't this effected me yet,guys?" Rainbow asked all of them. "I thought f all of the light & color were to go,so would I." "You are,in a way...." Krys said quitely. "Your HeartCrystal {tm} is probably strong enough,though,to withstand this until the very end." "Plus.." Canary added with a secretive smile. "Moonglow and I still exsist. That means all o fthe moons and the sun still shine." Rainbow hadn't thought of this! Of course! "But what happens when the sun goes?" Stormy asked. "I.." Canary was at a lost of words. She thought about it to herself at firs...'Then I fade..' she thought. BUt she just smiled. "Well,it's best not to think about it. Rainbow will come through!" "Right." Rainbow smiled. She knew Canary was faking it, but she also knew Canary believed in her. "I think we should get a move on it," Starlite piped up. "WE don't have much time." "Right!" They all agreed and sped off. On and on they went,towards the third gate that would led them to their most feared enemy. They knew the Dark Soldiers were not too far behind, eithier. Sooner or later they might catch up with them too. "What happnes when the Dark Soldiers come?" Patty shouted as they raced on. "Well.." Brian replied. "Someone's going to have to stay here!" "Don't worry about it!" Moonglow cried. Brian sharply looked over at her with a worried look. She just smiled & winked. He tried to smile back but turned his head foreward again. "In fact..." Moonglow stopped. Everyone else haulted as well. "I better sop right here,guys." She said. Everyone nodded. "IT's been fun...." She added. They all noddded and headed off again.. "How much longer?" "You know..." Stormy cried,"He only lets who pass pass..I never thought it was this long before...oh no!" They all stopped again. "What is it?" "I know why we haven't reached him yet." Stormy sadi sullenly. "We can't. But Rainbow alone can. He only wants Rainbow to meet him,not us...." "You mean..." Canary began. "He won't let us pass?" Patty finished. Stormy shook her head 'no'. "What will we do....?" Canary's weak voice floated. "We'll fight the Dark Soldiers!" Brian said. "We'll stay behind and fight them off while Rainbow and Stormy stay here." "Oh,no," Krys spoke up. "I'm staying until the end! At least, until I know Rainbow is safely on the other side...." Rainbow smiled gratefully. "What about you,Starlite?" "I want to make sure you're safe,too!" Starlite replied. "But look." He kneeled down "You can walk on this darkness now." Rainbow slid off of him and carefully but gradually stood on the dark space. "He's right!" She gasped. Patty slid off her horse and he vanished. Brian insisted on staying on his horse. Stormy did as well. Krys slid off On-X and faced him. "On-X,I don't want you to get hurt...." He patted On-X's mechanical nose. "But,Krys.." On-X said..."What about R-R-Rainbow Brite?" "I know..." Krys said. He thought for a moment. Then, "Say, why don't you and Starlite come with us but then once the third gate opens, you stay and go back to Spectra?" "Hmmm.." Starlite titled his head. "It's a good plan,Starlite!" Rainbow insisted. "All right." "And us?" Canary asked referring to herself Brian and Patty. "I'll go on with Brian,Canary." Patty said. "You have the power of the Sun behind you..." Canary nodded in agreement. "Let's go." Krys said,getting back on On-X. Him,Stormy,Patty,Rainbow,and Brian all dashed off leaving Canary there to take care of any Dark Soldiers Moonglow couldn't handle. 'Be safe,Rainbow Brite...' Canary's last prayer. ******************************************************

END PART TWENTY!

PART 21 "Inner Secrets"

"We'll stop here." Patty said. "Why?" Rainbow asked. "It's probably best." She replied,shrugging a little. She can still smile...Rainbow was amazed. "Brian and I are going to stay." "Brian!" Rainbow gasped. Brian looked away. "The Dark Soldiers will be here in a littlw while and...like Stormy said, Lord Kuraku won't let all of us in. So....." "I know." Rainbow whispered. She jumped off of Starlite and came over to them. "BUt I am sill going to miss you..." She reached up and hugged Brian. He'd grown!! O' well. It did not matter anymore. She leaned over and whispered in his ear,"You were the only one who could see me at first,Brian. I'll never forget that." She gave him a light kiss on the cheek and stepped back. He tried to smile and blush, but he couldn't. Rainbow hugged Patty tightly. "Aw,don't worry. Just be sure you kick some Dark butt!" Patty smiled. "I will!" Rainbow cried. She hoped back on Starlite. As soon as they faced foreward,however,the scene in front of them changed... A medium sized double-door gate appeared before them. It was *so* wide, though, that there was no way around it. It opened enough for a few people to squeeze through. A glow started emminate from it. "We'll cover you,Rainbow," Patty said. "Why would they want us?" Krys asked Stormy. "I don't know..." She replied. "Guess we're just going to have to find out. "Should we go?" On-X asked. "I want to. Because I don't like the looks of this." Starlite stubbornly said. "No." Rainbow said. "I can't let you risk that." She got down off of him and stared into his eyes. "Please,Starlite? Please understand?" Starlite sighed. "I understand." He breathed. She hugged him. "Thank you." She whispered. "Hey!" Brian sharply hssed. "You all better get going before the Soldiers come!" "Let's go." KRys sadi,sliding off of On-X. On-X nuzzled Krys and him, Skydancer and Starlite all stood together as Stormy transported them up up and away; back to Spectra. "Get going..." Brian said,remaining on his horse. "You guys are gaining nothing staying here...." "Good-Bye,Brian,Patty." Stormy said quietly,stepping through the gate & into the glow. "Brian.." Krys said,"Take care..." "Good-Bye.." Rainbow whispered as she stepped backwards into the gate. It glowed so brightly as she stepped through that Patty & Brian had to sheild their eyes. When it was safe, the gate was closed and eventually disappeared. "Well.." Patty said as she took a deep breath,smiling. "I guess it's just us now." *********** "Where are we?" Rainbow asked,catching up to Krys and Stormy. She felt Krys reach out for her in the bright light. She held his hand. He was in between her and Stormy. "I don't know." Krys replied. "Why is it *so* bright?!" He cried. The light didn't hurt at all but it was frightening...it was bluish with black specks in it. "We're being transported to Lord Kuraku's domain..." Stormy told them quietly. The light was rushing by them..in a ferenzic blur of fading color..i looked as if the tunnel was actually sucking out the color and light and the dark blackness was getting bigger and bigger {think of it as Light Speed in Star Wars with the color being drained} "Oh my...." Rainbow whispered. "It *is* sucking out the color!" *************** "Brian..." Patty started up. "Do you think the other Kids' are watching us right now?" She and Brian were sitting down back to back. "I hope they're watching over Rainbow..." He replied. "Are you in love with her,Brian?" Patty asked,looking over her shoulder. Brian gave a dry laugh. "Not by how you mean. I love her like a dear little sister..she's a great friend and I feel like I never get a chance to tell her..." "She knows." Patty assured him. Brian sighed. "I hope." They stirred. A marching was heard. "Uh-oh." Patty whispered, getting up. "They're here......" Brian added. ********** The colors were almost gone. Rainbow held Krys's hand tighter. The tunnel seemed to give a suction noise and spit them out. Their eyes widened to adjust to the new darkness. "Where are we?" "The third gate's entrance...." ************* "BRIAN!" Patty screamed. Brain rode his horse,Shadowknight,up and then dodged another Dark-Fire Laser. The Laser hit Shadowknight but not Brian. Brian tumbled down but recovered quickly,getting up,grabbing Patty and running with her beside him at match speed. "What're we going to do,Brain?" She asked. "I have something up my sleeve,Patty,but I need your permission to use it...It's an Earth Gauridan Attck.." "You mean..? YOU?" Patty's eyes went bugged-eyed. "Yes." Brain smiled. "I'm the Earths' Color Kid." "Ohmy...what do you have planned?" "Heh. It's an Attack..and it'll kill all of them..but us,too.." Brian grabbed Patty again and threw her into a small cove where a fabric tear in the darkness was. "How?" She breathed. "How did I find out?" He asked,digging into his pockets. He arched his back. "The night of my thirteenth birthday I found out. Only a few people know; Orin and special tutors on how to use my powers. I couldn't leave my human family,that's why I never told anyone. Otherwise I would've had to live in Rainbow Land. As much as I love you all,I couldn't leave my family...." "I understand." Patty said...she couldn't leave Rainbow Land for Jupiter. "Hey!" Patty gasped. "Where are we?" "It's their secret path. I noticed it when Shadowknight took upwards. I'll lead them in here and we'll run as fast as we can,deeper & deeper and as soon as we get them all in this narrow path,I'll blast them." Patty nodded. Brain ran out and got the attention he needed. They all headed for him,all 55 of them,in a line. Brian ran in and him & Patty ran & ran until Brian was sure there was room for 55 in. He hugged Patty tight and kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry to do this to you." He said. She smiled and sat behind him,hugging his neck. "Aw,just shut up and kill them already!" She braced herself as Brian put his wrists together,gave a kick off,sending him & Patty backwards as he shouted "BLACK EARTH VEGITATION BLAST!!!" ************* Rainbow heared the backfire...she knew her Earth friend and Patty were gone. 'Brain..' Rainbow thought silently. 'I knew. I've known all along. The only people who can see me are the people created to protect their planets. I never told you..now it's too late....I only hope you can forgive me....' *******************************************

END PART 21!

PART TWENTY TWO "..AND THEN THERE WERE THREE..."

*********** Rainbow let go of Krys's hand they were still in-step with each other,though. Walking boldly to their face their fate,it seemed. Their aura's ashine with a new, determined glow. Nothing can stop them. "Traitor!" They stopped dead. That thunder rumble was Lord Kuraku,no doubt. They went back to back. Stormy looked around,her feverish eyes almost taking on a frightened look. "I'll show you what happens to traitors!" Several black Dark Bolts came out of nowhere & grabbed Stormy by the arms & legs; 4 on each limb. Stormy screamed abd tried to fight them but they pulled her towards a deep void... "Stormy!" Rainbow ran to he aid but to no avail. The bolts wrapped all around Stormy,covering her entire body. She still struggled inside them and Krys held back Rainbow from jumping into the mass of Dark energy. But a strange light begen to glow.....and the Dark bolts were thrown off and there stood Stormy....defender of Saturn! "Stormy!" Rainbow ran loose of Krys's grip and hugged her. Stormy was in the same sort of outfit the other Color Kids had been in. "You...." A low loud growl rumbled. They all looked up into the pitch black Universe. A sort of form was shaping. It was a shadow...a large jagged shadow with two glowing hallow eyes.... "You!" It snapped. The mouth,when opened was hallow,too. It looked like a shadow/skellton. It changed every now and then,for it was jumpy & fuzzy. "You will *pay* for your traiting!" "You put me under a spell!" Stormy snapped. She turned to Krys and Rainbow and whispered,"That's not Lord Kuraku. That's his shadow." "Can it hurt us?" Rainbow asked. Stormy nodded. "I'll fight him. You two stay put,ok?" Rainbow shook her head no but Krys nodded and pulled Rainbow into his grasp and dragged her apart from them. Stormy closed her eyes. She put her hands in a cupping position in fron of her heart. She concentrated. "Shadow of Lord Kuraku!" She cried,eyes still closed. "I will destroy you NOW!" She opened her eyes and the space in between her hands began to glow. Something was forming in it Rainbow widened her eyes. "NOT YOUR HEARTCRYSTAL! YOU'LL DIE!" Stormy did not turn to lok at her. Very seriously and quietly she just retorted,"Sometimes,we all must die,Rainbow,in order to keep on living. You will prevail Rainbow Brite. And with your victory will come a new life." She looked over hre shoulder and smiled. "It was always meant to be this way." Stormy turned back to face the waiting Shadow. "Oh..Krys,I can't watch this!" Rainbow cried,then buried her face in his chest. Krys brought his arm around her. "Don't worry,Rainbow." He silently whispered. Krys could watch though. He watched as the Shadow and Stormy excersized their powers by sending out the most powerfuly blast first. It was battle of stronger light darkness or light. Krys saw Stormy's beams overpowering the Shadows. But the Shadow's dark beam was inside the lights. Krys knew what was to happen even before it did. He dragged Rainbow further away and ducked his head to protect himself from the powerful light that blasted fromStormy and envelpoed the Shadow. He raised his head slowly. Bits of light flittered and floated all over. It was almost sweet. Light filled the entrance they were in. And Krys and Rainbow strained to see any forms of life through the thick haze of light left by the loud & large blast. One figure was still standing! It was teetering and about to fall though. "Stormy! Hold on!" Rainbow got up and ran just before she fell to her knees. "You're alive!" Stormy gave a weak smile. "Yes...but not for long.." "What?" Rainbow frowned. Stormy,with as much ease as she could, sat down and supported herself with one arm. "I used it,Rainbow. It was pent up inside me.....never been used before..." She laid dow fully on her back. Rainbow and Krys leaned over her. "What's that,Stormy?" Stormy smiled. Even though there was bits and traces of Dark inside her and on her, she could still smile! "Heh...my heart's goodnesss.... .." Stormy closd her eyes as Rainbow's welled up with tears. Stormy let out one more breath. Not a strong one,mind you,but a pure hearted one. "Rainbow..." Krys touched her shoulder. She looked up. "It's time for us to through the last gate..." Rainbow nodded and stood up. She looked down at Stormy's still body and watched it fade. Somewhere in the Universe,Saturn faded too. Now only two planets stood in the way of Lord Kuraku;s plan. Spectra and Rainbowland.....

END PART TWENTY TWO!

PART TWENTY THREE "SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE" ***********

"Rainbow,it's only us now," Krys said,helping her stand up. "I just wanted to say that..." He looked down. "That I'm glad you're here. I mean, I *do* need a girl's help..." "Aw,Krys..." Rainbow gave him a light hug. "Are we ready?" "As ready as we'll ever be!" The two made their way down another hall. It was empty and narrow. Dark, of course,as well. "Well,well,well," THe low rumble came back. "What have we here? The only two that can save their Universe,eh? I think not..." "Lord Kuraku!" Rainbow cried. Then,the ground below them moved! It was carrying them towards the voice,through the third gate. They need not walk anymore, just stand. "Who are you?!" "Hmm..do you like riddles,Rainbow Brite?" "What do you mean?" She answered caustiously. "I mean,I will give you a riddle and you try to figure it out. If you do, you'll know who I am...If not,then you'll never know." "All right." "I am in all of your enemies...Through them,I have grown into what has taken over your Universe. I am inside everyone but the purest of creatures. ...Who am I?" Rainbow thought for a moment. "The darkness that sets in hate and plagues the mind with illusions and spreads its darkness all over..." "VERY good,my dear!! You are smater then I thought!" It cackled. "Now,another riddle..." "Why?" Rainbow demanded. "Because,I think you'll find this riddle most intriging...." THe path came to an abrupt stop. Rainbow and Krys jerked foreward but did not loose their balance. A dark landscape was before them. THey had reached past the third gate!! Rainbow and Krys looked down. It was the Universe! THey gazed down at the galaxy set under their feet. Like glass under them, the floor of this scene was. So much that they could kneel down and place their hands firmly on the ground and it felt like a mirror's face! "Look,Krys,it's Spectra!" Rainbow cried happily. "And she's still glowing!" "Yes." Krys smiled. "Ahem." The voice was so loud and so close now! Rainbow and Krys stood up. "Where are you?" Rainbow asked looking around. "Right here." It said matter-of-factly. "Right where?" Krys asked. "I am everywhere. I have spread my darkness all over. Your young friend, the Earth boy, had figured it out eariler. I am this darkness." "But the mass of dark energy that Stormy was fighting...?" "My Shadow? Ah,yes...well,you will first have to solve the ridle before you can learn..or see...anymore.." "I'll take this one,Rainbow.." Krys bravely stepped foreward. "No,no," Lord Kuraku said almost politely. "It is strictly for Rainbow Brite." "Go ahead." Rainbow said. "Here is your final riddle Rainbow Brite Who is the young man that stands next to you?" "Krys,of course!" Rainbow said. She looked at Krys who was actually in front of her. He stiffened. Very slowly,Krys began to turn around. His expression was so alarming Rainbow almost ran to him. His eyes were so wide with suprise and his mouth in a suprised O shape. "Is he really?" "What do you mean?" Rainbow asked,still staring at Krys. "No!" KRys shouted,his expression returning to normal. "What is it?" "Rainbow Brite,may I present to you,your best friend Krys..." Donzens of the balck bolts came rushing ou from everywhere & surrounded Krys's entire body. He had no chance to react or do anything. "OR should I say....." The bolts slowly came undone..."The Lost Prince of Spectra!" Rainbow gasped and stood back. The boy beside her was taller..his hair was the same color of Spectra, a whitish color with blue tints. His eyes were steel. His features were delicate but strong at the same time. His entire outfit was changed! He was in a Royale sheer tunic {with a white shirt under it} that the Royale people wore thousands of years ago.....It was white with blue tints and dark blue trimmings...and Rainbow *did* reconize him! His picture was alwys in her mind...a dream from somewhere long ago that she couldn't quite place. "Rainbow..." The boy reached out for her. She stared at him with awstruck eyes. "Krys?" "Yes...." "Are you *really* the lost Prince of Spectra? The one that was presummed dead after 2,000 years?!" "Yes." He nodded. "What---?" "No time to explain now...please,I am *so* sorry...Rainbow,please..." She stood up straight. Then sharply turned away from him, shouting "Why did you do this?" "I know everything,Rainbow Brite,and I reveal everything. This oung man has no choice but to fight for your sake. Isn't that right,Prince of Spectra?" "I don't understand..." Rainbow shook her head. "Rainbow," Krys approached her. "I never wanted to tell anyone because everyone,by the time I came back,presummed I was dead. SO I let that rumor grow..." "What happened to you?" Rainbow placed her hands on his chest. NOw was not a good time,but she was crying. "I..*I* thought you were dead!" "I know...And in a way,I was. I had been taken prisnor by a strange and forgein land. I was left for dead..until Orin found me...he raised me, Rainbow, and never once did I recall the time before I was taken prisnor...I had lost my memory...." "But your looks..." She whined. "The Prince was buried. Hidden in case any danger came to him. That's why I looked hw I looked. Orin changfed me,buried me until a serious crisis came. The rumor about me was that I was *the* Prince...Nothing could stop me...so I was hidden in case any crisis *did* come." THe Prince looked up. "And now it has." "Bravo,Prince Krys. I should have destroyed you then....along with her and this whole entire Universe...but no,I wanted to see what would happen if I played with all of your lives until *the* perfect moment. Which is now." Krys stood in front of Rainbow. "Let's see id Old MAgick really works." He held up his hand in a clutching position. A great wind came swirling down and a sword with a crystal hilt and a blade made out of light. "Krys,you can't possibly mean to fight him!!" "Yes." He looked over his shoulde. "Please stay here. I never did forget you, Rainbow..." Rainbow let the tears run down. "I never forgot you,eithier,Prince Krys.." Krys smiled and bravely stepped foreward,his sword out to strike. "Be careful,my Prince.." Rainbow whispered. "Lord Kuraku Nanimo,I challenge you!" Krys cried. A furious wind crept up and blew in his hair and clothes. "We shall fight for the color and light. We do not give into threats like yourself....and if I should die, Rainbow Brite shall prevail in everything she does defending this Universe....Do you accept this challenege?" "I do indeed." Krys leapt foreward as soon as the figure appeared. He striked it with his blade of light,which grew as it came down upon Lord Kuraku's head. The figure moved quikly behind Krys. It was just another runaround battle.... Rainbow sat down away from the battle..her head swam with thoughts. This was getting *too* much,her mind raced. Lord Kuraku Nanimo...she sought her mind for the translation...Lord Darken Nothing....nothing? nothing....OF COURSE! Rainbow stood up. The wind was blowing like a hurricane. Her long hair streaming all around.swirling around her body. "LORD KURAKU!" She screamed. Prince Krya and the Black figure still fought. "I KNOW YOUR REAL NAME!" "oh?" Lord Kuraku's voice said. The figure was still fighting Krys. "LORD DARKEN NOTHING! YOU ARE THE EMPTYNESS THAT FILLS THE VOID OF LONELINESS AND HATE! YOU ARE NOTHING! NOTHING!" The wind picked up to a tsunami-type fierceness. Everything went dark and soundless. And all Rainbow Brite could do was stand there and wait.

END PART TWENTY THREE!

PART TWENY FOUR "ARMEGEDDON"

"Where am I?" Rainbow wondered aloud. "You are with me." The familiar low rumble replied. Rainbow knew she wasn't dead. Not yet. A light eminated so Rainbow was finally face-to-face with her destroyer. She was in a different lair now. She was different,even! She looked down at her feet and noticed they were further away. She was taller! Older! She looked back up into the hallow black sockets of Lord Kuraku. "So.." He said. He was huge!! Maybe over 700 feet tall..."You know my name..well,it's just down to you and me, Rainbow Brite. What are you going to do about it?!" "Where's Krys?!" She demanded in a new powerful voice. "I do not know. Either still fighting with my last Shadow or dead. He has something I want...!" "What's that?" "The Prism." "The laser Prism?" She asked. Lod Kuraku chuckled. "No. Silly girl,you would not know of such an important item. It was buried deep in the soul of the Prince of Spectra. But then rumors said it was lost...thrown in space,rejected,if you will,by the Prince's soul; in order to keep it away from the likes of me. Well,I did not know whither to believe those rumors or not, so I waited for just this day....to see which rumor was actually fact. And now I know." "Do you?" Rainbow replied. "Yes. See,if the Prism was not inside your precious Krys, then he would not have been able to return to his previous form." "Then why am I here?" She demanded. "Well,you discovered my name...by rights,you now have step two complteted into banishing me...." "What is step three?" "Ha!" He rasped. "You cannot complete it; even if you *did* know it!" "What is it?!" She cried. The space they sttod in shook. "Careful,young miss! The Universe is very delicate right now. Any sudden actions could destroy some of it." "What is it?" She demanded in a low voice. "What else do you think? The Prism Crystal..." Rainbow was silent. She had s feeling it was that. But now...it's too late! She couldn't go to Krys and help him...and she doesn't have the crystal/prism either.... Rainbow crossed her arms as a sudden cold breeze passed by her. She thought she heard Krys's voice whisper in her ear "You have a very important heart,Rainbow." Then,another voice, "There is a larger crystal that keeps the other planets alive" Rainbow's eyes slowly widened as she came to self-realization. She slowly turned ehr view to Lord Kuraku. "I have it..inside me.." She whispered aloud. "What was that?" Lord Kuraku asked. "I HAVE THE HEARTCRYSTAL!" She yelled. He stiffened. "You!" HE began to laugh. It was low at first...then it got louder until it began to shake the very SPace Rainbow stood upon. The laughing grew into a meanacing cackle of hysteria as the immense figure doubled in sizr and shouted,"I KNEW IT!!!!!" But Rainbow wasn't afraid anymore...not much,at least... She stood with her arms stiff beside her & her fists firm as ever. "I have waited for this day for over a thousand years. To be face to face with Rainbow Brite! The childlike creature who has the power to restore all the light & color of the Universe!!" "Lord Kuraku,I am your greatest enemy. I stand for light,color and love. I will fight for this Universe! And I will *not* be beaten!" "Haha! Little girl; we'll just see about that!!" It went silent. Lord Kuraku seemed to gather his source of power. He put his wrist's together & cupped his hands. A form began to appear. It was a sphere shaped vortex. "See this? This is *your* destroyer. It will suck up your rainbow,your light and you Universe!" "Hn." Rainbow winced. Her belt began to glow. Lord Kuraku striked first,and *way* too fast. He shot straight for her belt. Her belt was being tugged and pulled, it's color drainging... Rainbow Brite summoned her Rainbow. It was weak; Lord Kuraku's attack had striked hard. Her belt was being tugged & it was pulling her towards the vortex!! All of her clothing was fading as was her hair and skin...! Rainbow didn't know what to do! She did the only thing she could think of..she unsnapped her belt and watched it fly into the vortex..... Rainbow was colorless. Almost powerless. She laid down right where she was & breathed deep. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the memory's of her friends.....praying that their soul's had not faded too far to not give her any last strength.... Red Butler's heroic dashing nature..he always made Rainbow feel braver.... Lala Orange's class act taught her how to be a proper lady.... Canary Yellow's sunny smile told her to always look for the brighter side of everything... Patty O'Green's playful nature remined her to always keep a child in heart... Buddy Blue's always orginized status taught her to stay on task Indigo's daydreams told her to never give up on your true dreams Shy Violet's intelligence told Rainbow never to fall back from achivment Tickled Pink's cheery attitude remined her never to be too serious when even on the gloomiest day Moonglow's mellow persona taught her never to get to wound up in things. Brain's always willingness to help taught her that every little life form sometimes needs an extra push in life Stormy's usual dark & gloomy self taught her that even the lonliest creatures have a soul And Krys's wit & charm taught her how to love. As she thought about them,a ray of light began to come into her heart, her sould. A red ray; a orange;a yellow; a green; a blue; indigo; violet; pink; silver;black;grey & finally white. It lifted her up & filled her body with warmth and light. A glow began to shimmmer all over her body. Her whole form glowed with light. Her heart area in particular shined as something began to form there. Lord Kuraku drew back suddenly as Rainbow sat up & then stood up, staring him dead in the eyes. Her heartcrystal appeared!! "THE PRISM/CRYSTAL!" He cried. She nodded. The Heartcyrstal was shimmering & glowing with light & color. So bright & so colorful that Lord Kuraku drew back from it. It grew brighter as it gave off an extremely bright light. When it dies down, Lord Kuraku saw Rainbow; completely anew with bright colors restored & even a new Neo Color Belt! Her whole body shined. "I *must* have that Prism-Crystal!" He hissed & striked again. The dark bolts shot down but where incinerated by the light shield protecting Rainbow Brite. "This is your last warning,Rainbow Brite! I will *not* be deafeted by you! I have been waiting over a thousand years to get rid of you & your damned color & light!" "Tough!" Rainbow shouted & blasted a powerful light at him. "Like I said!" She cried through the powerful light; she was pushing her heartcrystal forewrd,forcing all of its power,color & light out. "I AM RAINBOW BRITE! I STAND FOR LIGHT,COLOR AND LOVE! I WILL FIGHT FOR THIS UNIVERSE! I *WON'T* LET DARKNESS WIN!" Lord Kuraku gave his last shot. He pushed his vortex further,making it squeeze it's lat drop of darkness,hate,and evil out. BUt Rainbow Brite did the same; forcing her power,light,& color out. The colors began to take over the light as it wrapped around the darkness & absobed it. The Rainbow got bigger & bigger as it aborbed more & more darkness. "WHAT'S THIS? WHAT'S HAPPENING?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY POWER?!" "Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" Rainbow gave the last foceful push to her heartcrystal. The rainbow exploded; but instead of darkness spilling out everywhere,it had turned the dark evil into more colors,light,love,happiness & pretty music..... It flittered & floated everyhere,spreading all over the entire Universe, restoring it to its Neo self. Rainbow watched as Lord Kuraku's form went super deformed..it twisted & turned all out of shape before turning into a tiny itsy bitsy speck of astro-dust & was absobed by the reamining light. But Rainbow did'nt see it. Her eyes faded over & she calasped as her heartcrystal gave way & shattered into a million pieces.....

END PART TWENT FOUR

PART TWENTY FIVE "BRAND NEW DAY"

"Rainbow....Rainbow...!" Canary Yellow shook Rainbow harder. No smile could have brightened this gloomy hour. "Please; open your eyes!" Tickled Pink cried. "What happened?" Shy Violet asked. "She did it..she used her Heartcrystal & shattered it!" Buddy answered. They all had found themselves together,surrouding the limp figure of Rainbow Brite,who was on the ground. They don't know the how's or why's; it just is. Krys wasn't there..that's one thing they all noticed. Brian, Stormy and everyone else was...and the Universe was anew again; even better & brighter then before. "Rainbow Brite; wake up!" Patty cried,shaking Rainbow's shoulders. Buddy pried her away. "How can this be.....?" Brian asked; more to himself though. "She restored our heartcrystals by destroying hers!" Indigo replied. "I didn't mean you die,Rainbow!" Stormy cried. "I meant us! Everyone dies but you!" She whined. A light eminated form the corners of their eyes. All of them turned to it. It was...a strange looking young man..he looked liked Krys except for the hair & outfit. "Who're you?" Moonglow asked. "I'm Prince Krys of Spectra." "PRINCE?" They all shrieked. "Yes. It's a long story.." He smiled. Then he frowned as he saw Rainbow lying on the ground. "What is this?" "She won't wake up...she's not breathing,either.." Lala explained Krys pushed a few of them aside and knelt next to her. He lifted her up so he was holding her with her head reasting on his knees. "Rainbow!" Krys cried. "Don't leave us!" "It is useless,Prince Krys." A bright light shined. They blocked their eyes until the light died away. There stood in the middle of the glowing white light a young woman with long pale pink hair. "Who are you?!" They cried. "I mean none of you any harm." Her voice was strong but sweet. It echoed in the light and all around. "I am Lady Brite." "Ladyy Brite?!" The Color Kids questioned. "Please let me explain. I am the Westwind which brought you Wisp. I carried her from another Galaxy to yours because I was hiding her from Lord Kuraku..he knew I took the Prism out of Prince Krys and placed into Wisp. After leaving Wisp on the dark planet,I turned myself into Baby Brite & hoped she would complete her mission..which she did. I left her to her own devices,praying Lord Kuraku would *never* find her or the new Krys....unfortunatly he did. Which brings us all up to date..." "You made Rainbow who she is?" Canary asked. "No. I lead her to her destiny..but I did not create it. She did." "Can you help us?" Krys asked,nodding towards Rainbow. Westwind/Lady Brite smiled. "Of course I can. Your love keeps her alive...look.." She pointed to Rainbow. Everyone focused on Rainbow as she took a deep breath and slowly opened her eyes. She was a little confused... "..Did I win?" She smiled in her whisper. "RAINBOW!" THe Color Kids hugged her all at once. Kyrs helped her sit up. Rainbow spotted Lady Brite right away. "Westwind! You're...Baby Brite?!" She reconized her! "I am Lady Brite. I am the one who is inside you. I am the reason why you grew older...you had to be stronger..." "So it wasn't Lord Kuraku who made me grow?" "No." "What about us?" Red asked. "Why did we all grow?" "Because,whatever happens to Rainbow happens to you all. YOu're connected. Or rather,you were until now....Now you are all free to be the Celestial Planetary Rulers you were all meant to be." "Oh." Red replied. "I don't want to rule Jupiter; as much as I love it!" Patty cried after a long silence. It was fallowed by unanimus agreements. No one wanted to rule their planet {except Krys & Brian}. "Well..." Lady Brite mused. "You all can still live on Rainbow Land, I suppose...but you're all responsile for your home planets,still!" "Yes,ma'am!" They all giggled in reply. Lady Brite smiled. And slowly began to fade. "Well," Rainbow said as she got up and stretched. "I guess we better go..." "But Rainbow," Krys asked,"What are we going to do?" "Kyrs! Haven't you learned by now?!" She giggled. "We still have a *job* to do!!!" "We do?!" "Yes! To keep the Universe bright and beautiful-" "FOREVER!" They all laughed. And went home.....one to Earth one to Spectra and the rest went home. Home to Rainbow Land.

THE END