Note: I've been doing my best to keep everyone in character, but in an AU fiction darker than the actual anime, it is difficult. If anyone has any comments about my characterizations, it's appreciated.
Sapphire was not the best company. Serena thought that someone to talk to might make things a bit more interesting, but whenever she tried to initiate any sort of conversation with the man, he ignored her. The man had been nothing but courteous to her, but Serena had the feeling that it was through necessity rather than because he wanted to be. Serena wasn't one to give up so easily. She continued her bright ramblings even though she received no reply. It was good to finally have a companion, no matter who it was. Being alone had made her respect whatever company she had. While she may forget this small lesson in a few days, for now Serena would take comfort in the presence of another. Even one such as Sapphire, Emerald, or Diamond.
"We're here, Serenity." Serena didn't know where "here" was, but she was about to find out. Sapphire continued. "While I am hesitant. . .this is the only place where we can get some new clothes for you." Was that a faint blush Serena saw creep up on the man's cheeks? When she looked again, it was gone. "Emerald won't be too pleased, but it's all that I can offer."
Serena blinked. Emerald wouldn't be too pleased? That didn't sound pleasant. The man said nothing more to elaborate on the subject, and just motioned for Serena to enter to the room. This room was just as dark as her own, if not darker. Sapphire went over to the dresser and opened up each drawer, picking out a random selection of items from each. Serena watched cautiously. Seeing what she actually had to wear, a change of clothes didn't seem as appealing. The man put the clothes on the bed, and stared at Serena, as if telling her to come get them. Serena stared blankly, unmoving. Sapphire folded his arms across his chest patiently. The intangible silence between them hovered so thickly that you could cut it with a knife. Serena squirmed a bit, until finally she snapped at the older man.
"You can't expect me to change while you're staring at me!"
Sapphire raised an eyebrow, and a small smile passed across his lips. It was gone in an instant and he went back to staring at her with those impassive eyes. He was always silent, leaving Serena to ponder his thoughts. For a moment nothing happened, but Sapphire soon exited the room with surprising grace, given the situation. Turning her attention back to the clothes on the bed, Serena suddenly realized what he had meant by "Emerald wouldn't be too pleased." She was after all, the only woman in this place other than Serena herself. Serena unwillingly turned towards the closed door behind her. Somehow she had the feeling that Sapphire wouldn't allow her to leave until she had changed.
Serena winced as she picked up the clothes on the bed. She couldn't believe that she was doing this. It was going to be a long day. Night. Whatever it was.
---
Diamond was growing impatient. He had called for his Queen and she was not yet here. He had given her time alone to understand her position and to accept him her as Prince. Was it really that much to ask that she come when Diamond ordered? Diamond took a long sip of his wine. Emerald had gone for her a second time and had, once again, come back empty handed. The fool woman. Was it that difficult to follow a simple order of "Bring her to me?" Diamond didn't think so. The incompetent woman couldn't even do that. When Diamond had sent Emerald back the second time, he was shocked to learn that his beauty was gone from her room.
Along with the issues of Emerald, the Earth Prince, Darien was his name, frustrated Diamond to no end. In the back of his calm and collected mind, Diamond knew that he needed him alive. But Diamond was a jealous man. He wanted to bring his Lady in the room, sit her on his throne, and let her watch as Diamond slaughtered his rival. Yes, that seemed pleasant enough. After Darien's death, his Queen would forget that he existed, and would give into every wish and desire of Diamond himself. Such pleasant thoughts. In his fantasies, Diamond had temporarily forgotten about the pathetic woman on the floor begging before him. Jumping back to reality he smiled softly down at Emerald, causing her to relax visibly. Silly woman. She was loyal and beautiful, but she would end up ruining everything if her jealousy continued to impair her judgement. Diamond was not as blind as he pretended to be. He knew what she wanted, but she would never get it.
Emerald, regaining her confidence from the smile her Prince had graced her with, picked herself up. It was now or never, this was the only chance she would have. She knew of her Prince's obsession with the Moon Princess, and Emerald needed to end it now. The bitch was going to take away everything that Emerald had worked to obtain for so long. Just thinking about the girl upset Emerald to no end. "Sucking it up" so to speak, Emerald walked over to her Prince. Her Prince. How delightful that sounded. Emerald noticed Diamond eyeing her, but excited as she was, rationality left her. She decided it was because of her form, not the caution it truly was. Diamond's glass balanced precariously between a few fingers, and he swished it about in an almost bored manner. Emerald leaned and took it from him, taking a sip. She had to hold back her cringe at the taste. How could he drink something like this?
"Prince Diamond. . .We're all alone. Who knows where the Wiseman is, Sapphire is busy, and the Sailor brat got lost on her way here. Why don't we take advantage of the situation?"
Emerald gently pushed the man back on his throne. Though he always appeared relaxed, Diamond's posture was actually very stiff and rigid. Pushing him back was a feat in its own. Emerald praised herself for her victory by placing a knee between Diamond's legs and brought her face to his. She tossed aside the wine glass and it shattered on the ground. Diamond was completely at her mercy now. Emerald would have laughed had the situation not been going so well in her favor, why ruin such a good thing? She ran a long fingernail down Diamond's face. Yes, everything was going perfectly. She had left the Moon Princess in her room for this alone. Bringing her lips to his, Emerald could literally taste her sweet victory.
"Brother? Emerald!?"
---
Sapphire had never been lucky.
He was not one to complain or reminisce about his problems. But walking into the room and seeing Emerald on top of his brother was more than enough to bring back unwanted memories. Memories from just moments after Serenity had arrived.
"Women are frightening unpredictable creatures when they become mad with jealousy. You're upset that she's here."
"I am a loyal woman, one who has pledged her loyalty only to Prince Diamond. Never will I go against his wishes. Sapphire, go back to your books and your creations, you wouldn't understand this!"
"You need to forget about him, Emerald. He doesn't desire you. Look to the ones who have true feelings for you."
"Poor, misguided Sapphire."
Sapphire pushed the unwanted memories away. Prizma had left him years ago. They still loved each other, or was it lust? He did not know, even now. Sapphire had lost hope in the relationship with her, and had turned his affections to the stunning green haired woman. Diamond had stolen her from him, without even meaning to. Sapphire, the obedient younger brother than he was, would do nothing about it. Diamond deserved to get what he wanted, as he had both the power and the determination to do so. So Sapphire had become an advisor, remaining in the shadows. His brother's brash actions sometimes led him and others to harm, no matter their intentions. Diamond was all he had left. His dear Big Brother.
When Sapphire had entered the throne room, his first reaction had been to shout out the name of the offender. He was shocked that Emerald actually acted.. Sapphire had thought that her desire was more of an infatuation that she would get over when Diamond rejected her. He had been wrong, it seemed. Serenity slowly entered the room a few moments after, her face turning a very deep red seeing what was going on in front of her. Sapphire watched her from the corner of his eye, amused, as she tried to hide behind him. Sapphire had ignored the woman the entire escort back. She was far too loud and asked too many questions. Not only was she annoying, but Sapphire had other reasons to dislike her. So blinded had Diamond become with his fair haired Queen that Sapphire wondered if he even remembered their goals.
Pushing away his thoughts, Sapphire watched as his brother quite literally tossed Emerald to the ground. Absently noting the broken glass shards and wet floor below them, Sapphire wondered why Diamond had discarded his wine. Emerald cursed and turned immediately over to Sapphire and Serenity hiding behind him. Sapphire looked back at Emerald, keeping himself calm. It was difficult, as every time he looked at her his feelings began to resurface. Sapphire knew that he would never have the beautiful woman called Emerald, and truthfully he didn't want her, but something else told him otherwise.
Diamond's cool voice broke
the uncomfortable silence.
"Learn your place
Emerald. Get out. Now. I will deal with this insubordination later."
Serenity winced visibly at the tone his older brother was using.
"Sapphire? What impeccable timing. I'm surprised and thankful
that you're here." Diamond chuckled. "Do you have any
news?"
Sapphire bowed to his brother and watched Emerald flee the room. As she was about to leave, she finally noticed Serenity. She paused, doing a double and then triple take on the situation. Sapphire had to stop himself from smiling as Emerald's hands clutched into fists, nails digging into flesh. He could almost see the cogs working inside the woman's head. Her eyes had a look of utter hatred as she stormed out of the room. Diamond watched the scene impassively from a distance, as he had not yet seen the young woman. Sapphire hesitated in answering his brother for a moment after Emerald had left. He could tell him the truth in what Serenity had said. Well, what she had been going to say, but had corrected herself, or he could tell him a different story. While Diamond had gotten his way in the end, Sapphire had the feeling that Diamond didn't care about the means that Serenity had gotten here. It was tempting though, to tell his brother about her failed plan. He did not like the woman. Powerful and beautiful as she was, she had changed his brother. Something about Diamond was off. But Sapphire always went the logical route. He wasn't one to be swayed by dislike for the woman, and so told his brother what Serenity had told him, lie though it may be.
"From what I've been told, our lovely Queen was left alone in her room by Emerald. She had no idea where to go after the summonings were given to her and went off on her own. I encountered her, offered her some new clothes." Diamond nodded at this, understanding. "Then I escorted her here."
Turning to the girl, Sapphire was surprised to see that she actually looked relieved, almost thankful, to him. That confused him to no end. He had done nothing to help her, why would she be thankful to him? Ignoring the strange look, Sapphire nodded for Serenity to come out from her hiding place but she didn't move. Her expression darkened, but she remained silent. Sapphire didn't understand her. She had been friendly and outgoing earlier. In fact the Moon Princess had been far too willing to talk, but now she was very quiet and was definitely worried. Urging her forward, Sapphire noticed his brother looking at her with lust. It was not purely sexual desire. No, it was more than that. Sapphire had seen Diamond with that look when speaking of revenge and of the world they would have. Shaking his head sadly, Sapphire turned away. Diamond had changed and it this girl's fault. Before he could take a step towards the door, Serenity ran to him and took his hand. She didn't say anything, but the pleading in her eyes said everything he needed to know. She wanted him to take her away from Diamond. Sapphire looked down at the young woman impassively, removed her hand from his, and walked off. She was getting what she deserved.
---
Emerald wanted to hurt something. Her green eyes were dark with fury as she stormed down the hallways. She had no destination, but she did have a definite goal. How dare that Sapphire! Because of his feelings for her, Emerald had lost her chance with Prince Diamond. And Sapphire had lectured her about jealousy! Emerald's hands were bloody from where her sharp nails had ripped her skin. She didn't even feel it. That brat had taken her Diamond. Because of her, Emerald's Prince wasn't with her. Emerald still remembered the feel of his soft lips against hers, and she wanted to know more
It came to her then. That bitch had a lover. One who happened to be a captive of Emerald herself. She laughed. Emerald laughed until her shrill laugher bounced all the way down the halls and that her throat burned from the effort, and then she laughed more. What an idea! But how could she execute it? No matter how long it would take, Emerald knew what she needed to do.
Emerald whispered softly
to herself, her voice ragged from laughter.
"Well little Moon
Princess, if you're going to take what's mine, I'll take what's
yours."
