Sasayaki
Author's note:
Okay, I couldn't resist writing another chapter, I must say no one has complained about my spelling yet, so I think I'm doing a decent job , especially because I don't have spell check, at least until I get my laptop. Sailor Moon doesn't belong to me, even though I wish it did and so on...
OH YES and thank you to those who reviewed, I love support! Oh, and Sapphire is spelled Sapphire!
If someone could please point out anything I may have missed, please tell me!
Chapter 2
When The Blue Eyes Open
It felt dark, cold, unpleasant and lonely.
Where am I? Usagi thought, as she opened her ocean-blue eyes to darkness and the realisation that she was in a dark room, on a large bed with black and navy-blue sheets. It was colder than when she had fought Queen Beryl, only a year ago. The walls were made of black crystal and the floor looked like a smooth, black lake.
"What is this?" Usagi's question came out as a frightened meow, the door opened, each step echoed through the room, falling in rhythm with her fast heartbeat. Usagi held still, like a deer caught in the headlights of a car, she waited until the man turned around to close the door and crawled under one of the large pillows she had been sleeping on.
The man was wearing a white, silky shirt, the first few buttons where undone, his pants were white too, to match the rest of him.
Diamond… Usagi thought, relieved that it was him, but he wasn't like he had been on the battle field, nor was he the same when they first met, his eyes shone richly with emotions; love, kindness, pain, loneliness and worry.
"Sasayaki!" Diamond called, he didn't see the little cat anywhere and he was beginning to panic. Diamond threw sheet after sheet on the floor ,searching for his new companion. He touched the bottom blanket, hoping to find a lump somewhere. He looked at the pillow. There he saw a pair of two blue orbs staring up at him, as though in amusement.
"Meow!" Usagi crawled out from under the pillow to snuggle up against Diamond's warm body, it was soothing to her, it was nice to be away from the frigid cold, it felt lonely and painful, like many tears had been shed here.
"Don't worry me like that, Sasayaki!" Diamond scolded, but Usagi was too busy playing with the ball that was on the tray he had brought in for her to listen to him.
"Tell me, how do you expect me to be angry with you when you're being so adorable?" Diamond shook his head, as he watched the cat chase the ball around the room, her white fur glinting in the moon's light, like snow on a winter's night.
"Aren't you hungry?" Diamond questioned, a bowl of food in his hand. Usagi's head jerked up. Did she hear the word Food? She sniffed the air and zapped to his side, getting up on her heightened legs, she tried to see if she could take a peek at what kind of food was waiting for her empty belly.
Diamond was on his knees, Usagi, still on her heightened legs, now pawing at his arm that held the bowl, encouraging him to set it down immediately.
"It seems you enjoy fish," Diamond laughed as he looked at the little face that was looking up at him, her whiskers where covered with pieces of fish, but she continued to study him and his every move.
He doesn't seem evil, like before, Usagi thought to herself, as she gazed upon Diamond's muscular body and chewed at the same time. He laughed. Diamond looked down at Usagi in response to her meow of protest, either that, or she tried to ask him what exactly was so damn funny.
"I apologize, Sasayaki… it's just that I'm still getting used to your company. I enjoy it greatly, this room doesn't feel so cold or alone anymore."
Diamond looked up as he slipped into his own mind. He stared at the moon in longing, there was something he wanted desperately, but it was just beyond his reach. What did he want so desperately that he'd live in misery for it all his life?
He is alone? But he's the leader, shouldn't he have people or servants that would do everything for him? Usagi jumped on the bed and nestled herself in the sheets.
"You may think a man of my status isn't alone, people serving me night and day, wanting to meet me, ladies of the court attempting to get me into their beds… but I don't have anyone to talk to, my brother is constantly working, and he's always the one to be sent out on duty, I have treaties to sign and plans to concern myself with, I can't even look at an image of the one I love, because it causes me pain," Diamond whispered. Usagi's ears perked up, she got closer to him, rubbing her head on his hand to comfort him and maybe get an ear scratching.
"Having you here gives me the hope that someday, I'll find the courage to admit to her that I love her," Diamond said, subconsciously scratching Usagi's ears, she purred in response.
"Come, Sasayaki, it's time for sleep, we have to stand up early tomorrow…" Diamond picked up the kitten, that objected like a child, but eventually succumbed to him. He wasn't cruel, but stern, it was more like he was acting like a responsible parent, he cared for Usagi, comforted her during the roars of thunder that she feared so much.
Other women want him, but he wants a woman that means a lot to him. Is that why he kidnapped me before? Because I look like someone he cares for? Usagi pondered, as she lay awake, waiting for the thunder to stop its frightening threats on the walls outside.
The high windows of Diamond's bedchambers allowed lightning to flash every now and then, followed by a clap of thunder, frightening Usagi every few seconds. I wonder...Usagi looked at the photograph that stood on the bedside table, she couldn't see it clearly. Soon, her curiosity got the better of her. The lightning flashed outside, for a short moment, before Usagi was once again shut into complete darkness and unable to see the photo that Diamond had kissed before calling to his dreams to comfort him. Another clap of thunder, then lightning. Usagi saw the photo. It was herself! Not Serenity, not Sailor Moon, just plain old Usagi… she remembered this photograph! It was the day she had gone to the beach with her family. Usagi was dressed in a flower-covered swimsuit that consisted of two pieces, with a sleeveless, white vest over it. She wore the straw hat her mother had given her for her birthday, she sat on one of her favourite blue beach owls, sitting with her arms under her legs and smiling at the photographer.
Diamond's gentle snoring could be heard behind her, she edged closer toward the photo, before the door opened and Usagi lowly crouched on the bedspread, her ears against her head, in an attempt to make her invisible to the intruder's eyes, she didn't want to be caught by someone like Rubeus or Emerald.
"Brother? Are you awake?" Diamond stirred, before awakening completely to find that someone had disturbed him, while Usagi pretended to be asleep. "Sasayaki," Diamond pulled the tiny kitten closer to himself, for comfort, he knew what his brother came in for and it was sure to be unpleasant news. Usagi looked up at Diamond's face, it looked as though he was overworked and hadn't received a good night's sleep in days, perhaps even months.
"What is it, Sapphire?" Diamond mumbled, as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
"The outer Kingdoms have declared war and we're not ready…" Sapphire said mournfully, waiting for his brother to respond. Diamond held Sasayaki close and inhaled deeply, before breathing again. It was hard on him, not only to be rejected, but to deal with his own family rebelling against him. What had he done so wrong, to deserve such a punishment?
"When are we supposed to be ready?" Diamond whispered the question.
"In a month's time," Sapphire replied with regret, his voice was breaking, never had he seen his brother so torn, not only was he separated from the woman he loved, and not able to admit to her his deepest feelings, but his own family betrayed him. It would be overwhelming for anyone, even a man of his strength and overflowing confidence. Usagi looked at Diamond's brother. He wasn't much younger than Diamond himself, it was interesting how he looked so much like Darien, and yet was completely different from the man she thought she loved and the person she believed to love her in return.
"Meow!" Usagi jumped from Diamond's arms and padded over to Sapphire, the floor was cold to the touch and Usagi was eager to leave it's coldness.
"WHAT IS THAT THING?!" Sapphire jumped back, away from the white fur ball.
"It's a cat, Sapphire. What's the matter?" Diamond pulled the sheets off and picked up Usagi to hold her out to Sapphire.
"Brother, you know that I...don't like cats." Sapphire edged closer to the door. He reminds me of Sammy, Usagi thought, remembering the day she brought Luna home and her younger brother refused to touch the black feline. Usagi's head was looking at him curiously, her large, blue eyes looking into his own in wonder. It had taken some time for Sam to get used to Luna, hopefully, Diamond would give her a chance to get to know Sapphire, if he would let her get close that is. "Sapphire, she wouldn't harm anyone," Diamond said comfortingly. Sapphire stuck his hand out shakily, taking baby steps closer to the adorable kitten. He was about to touch her, before Sasayaki liked his finger affectionately and he shot his hand back protectively.
"She didn't bite you," Diamond soothed.
"I know...but…" Sapphire hesitated, before he stretched out his hand again. Usagi held still and allowed him to pet her.
"Perhaps she wouldn't...may I hold her?" Sapphire asked, continuing to pet Usagi fondly. Diamond hesitated, he didn't want to let go of his companion, but this was his brother after all… he shrugged and let Sapphire take the small, white creature.
"She's adorable," Sapphire cooed.
"I agree," Diamond stated fondly.
"You know...she gives me a warm feeling inside...one that I've never felt before... or more like when we were in the presence of the queen…" Sapphire held up the cat for better examination. Usagi liked being held up in the air like this, it reminded her of her childhood, back when her father used to hold her up above his head and play with her.
"She makes me feel better about my duty… and... I don't feel so alone. I know that you are constantly busy, but I feel like I can talk to her," Diamond commented.
"You know that talking to a cat is rather odd, brother?" Sapphire pointed out, handing Usagi back to Diamond. "I know this brother, but I feel like she can understand me, I mean truly understand me. It's like I'm speaking to Serenity herself," Diamond explained, Sapphire had a puzzled look on his face but didn't want to hurt his brother's pride and confidence in the cat.
Serenity? is she the one that...Diamond is in love with? WAIT, I'M SERENITY! Either that or it's Queen Serenity...does he know she's dead? What will he do when he finds out? Usagi thought deeply about the current situation.
"Sasayaki, what are you doing?" Diamond asked, as the tiny kitten struggled from his grasp to take a closer look at the photo on his bedside table.
"That's Neo-Queen Serenity, Diamond's secret love," Sapphire commented, leaning over to the kitten in amusement.
"Brother, why must you say such things?!" Diamond asked, his cheeks becoming redder with every second passing by.
"They say that before she was queen, she used to be one of the legendary sailor warriors, the leader in fact, her name was Sailor Moon, champion of love and justice, defender of all that is good and pure," Sapphire continued on in an overly dramatic and heroic voice that made Usagi laugh. Diamond leaned over the kitten, thinking she was coughing.
"Your jokes are terrible, Sapphire," Diamond scolded, as he tended to the playful kitten.
"She seems fine to me, what are you so worried about?" Sapphire sputtered, he couldn't help but look at the scene in front of him.
"Well, now that you've had your amusement, I think it's time to go. I need to deal with this situation, deal with the outer kingdoms…" Diamond stood up, Sasayaki following sleepily behind him.
"Tell me brother, how is the progress against the sailor warriors going?" Diamond questioned, as Sasayaki sagged behind him, she was tired and ,being so small, couldn't keep up with his long strides.
"It's hard to say, Sailor Moon hasn't been seen in any of the battles and...Sasayaki has fallen asleep," Sapphire picked up the tiny, sleeping kitten before hurrying after his elder brother.
"I see. Does anyone know her whereabouts?" Diamond looked at his brother for an answer, before taking Sasayaki from his brother's hands and carrying her into his office.
Diamond's office was large and tall. Roman columns supported the decorated ceiling, thorns and black roses were engraved into the double door, tall book cases and black pillars lightened the walls in a rhythmic pattern, leading to the other side of the room, where a large oak desk was set in front of a huge fireplace, and above the mantelpiece hung a painting of Serenity, or a slightly older Usagi. She was wearing a white, silken dress, thin sleeves covered her arm from elbow to shoulder, where three strings of white beads supported the dress on her slender body. Gold beads fanned out from the hem of the dress, going in a twisted vine to the waist. The chandelier, made of gold and crystal, lit the room dimly, making the painting seem depressing and lonely, even though Usagi was smiling. Diamond stepped across the red carpeted floor to a warm armchair beside the fire. He set the sleeping cat on it, then looked at the painting, running his fingers over it, as if to touch the person in it.
"No, brother, it seems that the Lunarian has disappeared from the face of the Earth," Sapphire bowed to his brother in respect before he disappeared.
"I will find her! I'm sure those scouts are hiding her from me…" Diamond told himself, his voice was deep and angry, but Usagi could hear it.
Is he planning to attack the scouts? Usagi thought, pretending to be asleep, but her eyes snapped open the moment she heard drops of liquid fall on the desk. It continued and Usagi heard sobbing. It was Diamond… what was she supposed to do? Is he worried? Usagi jumped off her comfortable spot on the seat behind Diamond's large office chair and jumped on his lap, hoping to offer comfort.
"Sasayaki...what if the scouts aren't hiding her? What if...what if one of my own people killed her. Or...or…" Diamond buried his face in the cat's warm fur. Usagi felt a tinge of guilt, before meowing comfortingly.
"If you weren't here...I'd most likely continue to draw blood from my own body." Diamond took in a deep breath before beginning to sort papers and to write out strategies.
HE'S BEEN CUTTING HIMSELF? Why? I know it's stressful, but…but why? Usagi couldn't understand why he would torment himself more than his life had done so already. Usagi pulled back the sleeve of his shirt to see. HOW LONG WAS HE DOING THIS TO HIMSELF? Usagi was scared of Diamond, she had to think on her own, and besides, Diamond seemed to want time to himself. She nuzzled his hand before leaving the room for some time to think. Usagi realized Diamond closed and locked the doors after she stepped out.
Diamond leaned against the doors before turning off the lights and walking to his desk, pulling out a sharp knife. He sat down in front of the fire and began to cut himself, drops of blood began staining his white sleeve, tears melted with drops of blood, as Diamond worried and wondered, hoped, prayed, and mourned over the possible loss of the woman he loved so dearly. He could fight wars and face his enemy with not the slightest sign of fear, but when it came to Serenity, he always worried and couldn't tell her he loved her… and now, it was possible he would never get the chance to do so.
Usagi returned to Diamond's bedchambers and lay down on the pillow she had been lying when he had brought her to his home planet. Why? Why does he feel so much pain? Who caused it? And what'll make it stop? Or maybe make him a little happier? This were questions that Usagi couldn't help but think about, but when five hours had passed, another question exploded painfully through Usagi's head. Where is Diamond??? Usagi ran to the doors of Diamond's office. She put her ear on he door and could hear suppressed screams of pain. She scratched the door, meowing loudly, but he ignored her. Usagi tired desperately to find another way into the secluded room.
She finally found a door in Sapphire's room, it was cracked open, but stacks of books blocked it. Usagi tried with all her strength to push the door open, whether she knocked the books over or not, she didn't care. I don't know what he is to me, but I have to at least repay him for taking care of me! Books came crashing over Usagi, nearly burying her. She climbed over the mountain of books and slipped through the partly opened door, then ran to Diamond, who was kneeling in front of the fire. His restrained cries of pain could be heard and Usagi ran to him in an attempt to stop him from doing what he had been doing. This is what he's been doing the last five hours? Usagi looked at Diamond's sliced arms, drenched with blood. She looked up at his panting form, now leaning against the desk. Usagi looked at his dishevelled face and her eyes fell on his neck, it was red and he reached to tighten the bet, that had been placed around it. NO! Usagi jumped on him, putting her own head in the loop, he wouldn't kill her with him, would he? She hoped not, it was the only way of saving his life.
"Sasayaki, get off me!" Diamond panted, but Usagi refused to do what she had been told to.
"Get off me, I said!" Diamond repeated, while Usagi growled, showing her teeth in refusal.
"Fine!" Diamond looked into the cat's blue eyes. Finally! Usagi thought, relieved he was giving up. Though what she thought and what happened where two completely different things. Diamond pulled the belt off the cat's head, then set her down at his side and slowly pulled the belt around his neck, constricting his breathing. Diamond's vision was blurring, tears leaked from his violet eyes and he fell unconscious.
Usagi took her chance and pulled the belt off. BASTARD! I'm not letting you die! Usagi looked at his bloody arms, they weren't healing quick enough. If I don't do something...he'll be paralysed, or, if this wounds are as bad as they look, worse… Usagi scampered to the door she had slipped in through and pulled it shut, taking her second of privacy to became her human self. Usagi was dressed in a simple, white skirt and sleeveless, turtleneck top. She quickly locked the door and searched for something to use as bandage or medicine for Diamond's bleeding cuts.
"Jerk! What exactly was he trying to do?!" Usagi mumbled angrily, as she looked behind books and the inside of drawers. She finally found the thing she was looking for. She took the first aid kit, that lay in the bottom drawer.
"I hope that I won't get in trouble for this," Usagi whispered, before she did what she hoped was the right thing. Of course it was, Diamond was wounded, what else could she do? Leave him to his pain and misery?
"I'm sorry, this might sting a little…" Usagi apologized, as she sprayed alcohol onto his bleeding wrists. Usagi then found some way to sneak into the kitchen and steal a bowl of water and a cloth. "I have to clean the wounds, otherwise they might become infected. I'm just grateful Mama taught me a thing or two about this kind of thing!" Usagi told herself, as she closed the door with her shoulder and locked it. "Okay, you can do this Bunny, you can do it!" Usagi was nervous. What if she couldn't? What if the wounds were worse than they looked? What if she couldn't stop the bleeding? So many What ifs. It frightened her, no one deserved to die or suffer physically, or emotionally. Usagi drenched the cloth in the warm water. She drained it, before applying it to his bloody wrists.
Diamond cringed in pain, he mumbled something in his sleep.
"I'll follow you...Serenity…" Usagi looked at Diamond, he didn't mean what she thought he meant, did he? "He doesn't really think I'm dead, does he?" Usagi pondered about this question while she cared for him, his wounds where now cleaned and bandaged. There wasn't much she could do for Diamond's neck, accept put disinfectant on the raw skin and hope it healed, it would leave a scar but he would have to live with, if he didn't try the same trick again.
"He was really trying to kill himself, wasn't he?" Usagi whispered, she wiped tears away from the corner of her eyes. He was breathing normally again.
Diamond opened his violet eyes, his vision was blurred severely, it would clear soon enough, but what he saw startled him. He saw Usagi, draining a damp cloth and applying it to his neck, it caused him pain, but he still, he looked at the woman that was illuminated in the fire's light. "Serenity?" Diamond's rough and weak voice startled Usagi. Was he awake? She looked into his eyes. He was unsure and his eyes where watery, so he closed his eyes. When he reopened them, he was alone, accept for Sasayaki who was sitting beside him in worry. Diamond found that his arms where bandaged and his neck stung, the first aid kit lay open beside him.
"I suppose Sapphire was in here, and what I saw...was just a fragment of my imagination," Diamond told Sasayaki, as he picked up the bowl of blood and water, the blood-stained cloth hung over the rim, as he returned it to the kitchen.
Usagi looked up at him curiously, he had been leaning over the counter for several minutes.
"Should I search for her?" Diamond asked, his voice just above a whisper. Usagi jumped onto the marble counter and looked into his glassy violet eyes comfortingly, before meowing her answer. "I promise you this, Sasayaki, I will bring Serenity to you! She's the kindest, most loving, most beautiful person in the world," Diamond told the cat, who was surprised to hear in what way he was actually describing her. He really thinks that of me? Usagi jumped from the counter-top and tugged on his pant's leg, she was sleepy, and no doubt he was, as well.
"Very well. We shall return to sleep," Diamond laughed.
Author's Note:
Okay, I'm done with this one and I hope you people won't get the wrong idea, I do have plans and hey are positive...at least I think they are, but here comes my favourite part! QUESTIONS for my very small population of readers!
1. How is Diamond planning to find Usagi?
2. What will happen?
3. Will Diamond continue to attempt suicide?
4. What's the true reason for his pain?
I personally love leaving this one! I'll do the best I can to correct this on my own, without using spell check, not that I have a choice in the matter. U-U sighs deeply
Oh, and by the way: READ THE AUTHOR'S NOTES! PLEASE, it might come in handy, or it'll make it easier for you! I'll put all the important stuff in bold. Kay? Will that work? I hope so. Now, if you people would be so kind as to review and either:
Give me your opinion.
Give me a tip.
Flame me.
Point out something that I wrote wrong that you really fell is...I don't know what to put there.
Thanks for the few reviews I got! Don't you hope things go well for Prince Hunk… I MEAN DIAMOND! U.U you didn't read that...
