A/N: WOW! That's my first fanfiction chapter I've ever done. I hope it's okay! This is a continuation of the Sailor Stars, (I felt like doing something different! Tee hee! -) My dear friend, Sophie (gohangirl7711) who has her own fanfiction, edits it. It's Without You. I don't know if you know it. Try and find it and check it out! Anyway! Logging off!
Seiya backed her up against the wall with a painful thud; sending searing waves agony up her back. Knowing the only reason she was still standing was because Seiya was holding her there; she went limp allowing herself to sink in the pain coursing its way through her body.
Dropping the body, she turned to face Makoto, "We are getting nowhere with this investigation. I suggest a different plan of action."
Makoto crossed her arms, scowling at the Sailor Starlight, "If you didn't mutilate everyone we came across, then there wouldn't be this problem," they both glowered, knowing any other argument would further to the final battle destroying this and the other worlds. It wasn't worth their time.
Over the eons, the Sailor Scouts had become a powerful band of warriors both feared and respected. After the battle of Galaxia, the scouts no longer sought to fight. Agreeing to return to their respected planets and moons, the universe had become a somewhat peaceful place, giving over to the thought of harmony and tranquillity. Unfortunately, this led the planets to their overthrow.
It was quick. The new threat, the one they thought would never come. Through the time of Serenity, the planets' army had become complacent, throwing away the thought of war and the ancient battle customs of old, their protection. Of all the Planets, only the strongest survived.
It was with the combined effort of Mars, Jupiter, the Moon and its sister planet, The Earth that managed to withstand the full frontal assault, given by the enemy. The devastation was immense, destroying all life that moved. Mercury was overturned, and had yet to recover and master the art of war yet again.
Realizing this to be a problem, Jupiter and Mars gave half their forces to protect their friends from further annihilation. The queen herself, whereas, chose to fight along side her companions, aiding others in the reconstruction of their world.
Of all the Inner System, Venus suffered the worst. It was plagued by an evil toxin, derived form the very center of the Sun itself. As the sun completed each day, more of her people died, consuming the princess' health.
Only the queen could restore her health. The Queen.
She could only be found on the Planet Earth with her husband and tiny daughter, enjoying life, the way she knew. It was at the age of 14 that she developed into the great warrior she that was a slave to the people, writhing inside to lead a life free of hurt and fighting. She lived for the day her daughter, Rini, would acquire her title, crown and crystal. It was those thoughts, which lead to the decision to allow her daughter to right this enigma. It was then she gave her crown over to the petite maiden, and bestowed upon her the honor of Queen.
Empress Serenity of the Moon.
Rushing to the side of her beloved friend, Empress Serenity set about healing this wounded solider.
It was during this time that the Enemy struck.
Tiaki stared out the window, bemused by the state of circumstances. He missed the ever-smiling face of their queen, and her happy-go-lucky, klutzy attitude. The atmosphere had deteriorated into a dismal environment. The Empress was only just holding out.
He sighed again, dejectedly putting his head in his hands. Upstairs, in his mind, it sorted out all the clues they had gathered so far. There was one problem with the link and motive. This was due to the fact that there wasn't any link, because there weren't any clues.
The investigation was taking longer than expected, as Makoto and Seiya refused to co-operate. Yaten had offered to do the inspection himself earlier that morning. He was efficient, and, admittedly, short-tempered. Seeing no other option that wouldn't harm their situation, he agreed to the request.
A small knock on the door, interrupted Tiaki's thoughts. It was Mizuno. She stood shyly in the doorway, holding papers in her beautifully, rounded arms, "Am I interrupting anything Tiaki-sama?"
Tiaki smiled lovingly at her; "There is no pressure to be polite. We are all in the same boat," Stretching, he got out of his chair, "please, call me Tiaki-ko,"
Blushing slightly, she slid the documents into his offering arms, "Thank you. It's quite heavy."
Tiaki invited Mizuno to sit down, while he poured the drinks.
Mizuno uttered in a small voice, "those documents are the statistics you wanted. It appears that the situation of the Planets is worsening. They are struggling under the pressure of the enemies attack."
They sat in silence for a long while, not daring to speak their thoughts. Finally, Mizuno asked quietly, "have you found any links to the disappearance of Usagi at all?"
Looking at her, Tiaki shameful declined. Mizuno turned her head away, hiding the tears of anxiety that streamed down her face.
He hated to see anyone cry. Gathering her up in his arms he rocked her, muttering words of comfort to his distressed friend. She clung to him, absorbing his warmth. He was the only one who could hold her with such love. Even during these dark times, she wished that she could muster the courage to tell him how she felt.
"Seiya and Makoto are working on the investigation, I would not worry." He said, lifting her head so he could look into her eyes, "How many nights have you not slept?"
He traced his finger beneath her eyes; "I see the dark rings of distress etched into your face,"
She dropped her gaze, "I can't help it! I," she faltered, "I can't help but feel something bad will happen to Usagi, and by the time we find out who's behind this…" she paused, looking up at Tiaki, "it would be already too late!"
Tiaki gave her a sympathetic smile; "All those late nights will give you wrinkles"
At that she could not help but smile. She felt a warm hand close on hers. She knew it was no accident. She stared into his eyes again; her heart beat fluttering in her breast. She was intelligent, and so was Tiaki. Many a night, they would talk into the early hours of the morning. Many a night Mizuno would go away, cursing her lack of courage. Many a night, she longed for his warmth.
"I think it's time you went to bed," he said, interrupting her thoughts, "You need your sleep," and with that he withdrew his grasp, indicating that she should take his advice.
She hesitated, not wanting to leave. Never before had she ever felt his glow so close to hers. She did not want to leave the precious moment.
She resigned. Nodding, she complied, leaving the room without a second glance.