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No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form by all means. Sailor Moon

Is a product of Bandai, Toei, and Naoko Takeuchi.

...

"The most terrible poverty is loneliness and the feeling of being unloved." -Mother Teresa

Fire

Fire, torture ,burning…

Makoto was surrounded. Something was chasing her, a beast. She could hear its labored breathing on her neck. She ran to end of a path, glancing down she was covered in blood. She stared up into the beast's red eyes. It's giant clawed paw reaching out swiping her across her chest. Makoto fell to her knees, mortally wounded. She stared up again into its crimson orbs.

Into the flames.

Engulfed.

Makoto let out a cry as the flames and pain consumed her.

"Makoto…."

"Makoto…."

She heard a voice and shot up, soaked with sweat, falling out of her hammock. She landed with a loud thud. Makoto screamed out grabbing her leg.

"Damnit!" Makoto wailed

Hotaru rushed to her side. The young Senshi started to panic as she saw the crimson stains on Makoto's leg. Mako managed a smiled to soothe the younger girl.

"I'm….fine…" She muttered

Hotaru turned and bolted out the door. Makoto lie in agony.

"I will live in torture forever…." She thought

"This is Selene's way of punishing me for my treachery against a daughter of the moon…"

Hotaru came running back through the door with Haruka in tow.

"What in the hell?!" Haruka asked

Makoto pulled up her pants leg, the dagger she had strapped to her hip was now embedded in her thigh.

"Just pull it out!" Makoto wailed

Haruka hesitated. Makoto shot her a deathly glare. The Senshi of Wind clutched the blade, steadying herself on Makoto's good leg and yanked with all her might. Makoto cried out and rolled over.

"Mako, Mako…hold still I will help" Hotaru said with a meek voice

"Waikyoku Itsumademo….En Gozen Iya Sumimasen Selene.." Makoto panted, her fists and teeth clenched. Haruka placing a firm hand over Makoto's blabbering mouth. Hotaru placed her hand on Makoto's wound, a small purple glow emitted from her hand. Makoto finally relaxed.

"Arigato gozaimasu kinshou Hotaru" Mako smiled sitting up.

The smaller girl smiled at Makoto using the more humble "thank you".

"Why should I ask did you have that? And why did you fall out of bed" Haruka asked shaking her head

"Ha. I always carry it with me. And Hotaru just gave me a bit of a start is all…" Makoto smiled ruffling the younger girls' hair in a Haruka fashion.

"I am very sorry Makoto-san….I should have knocked…." Hotaru looked down towards the ground

"Mako. Hotaru. Mako. And it is no trouble. Did you need something?"

Haruka stared at her brunette companion, wondering how a person living in such agony could keep such a happy demeanor towards people. She watched as Makoto acted as if nothing was wrong, when a few moments ago she was in anguish.

"Oh it was nothing. Um, I do wish to speak to you later if you have time Makoto-s….Mako." Hotaru smiled

"Any time Hotaru..Ja-ne…" Mako smiled.

"Ja-ne." Hotaru bowed slightly and meandered out the door

Haruka outstretched her hand. "My friend….you have some serious…."

"Problems." Makoto finished for younger brunette managed a chuckle and leaned back against the wall. "I am not doing very well at my job Haruka.." She sighed.

"What do you mean?" Haruka flopped down beside Makoto.

"I am the Senshi of Strength and Protection…I am failing Haruka. I am a traitor. The Senshi are falling apart. Serenity is miserable. It is all my fault." The Senshi of Thunder hung her head.

"It is their own faults Makoto. Not your own. And as for your supposed treachery….I believe one day it will be over looked. Serenity is making herself miserable."

"Do not blame them Haruka. I am the cause of Serenity's unhappiness. She wishes to bear the child that she held and played with all of those years ago. She wants Chibi-Usa, Haruka. The others, they just follow her lead. They don't want to make her angry, so they just play along. Don't blame them."

"But Mako…it isn't your…"

"It is…It is Haruka. Now if you don't mind I have a shower to take.." Makoto managed a smile. Haruka could see straight thru the other girls façade, but for her sake played along.

"We'll come back in a few and get you before we go. Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything…"Haruka added

"Arigato gozaimasu Haruka-san…" Mako said and headed into her bathroom

Haruka turned and shut the door quietly. She spun around meeting those familiar sea green eyes.

"Hello love, I've been looking for you" Michiru smiled giving her lover a small peck on the cheek

Haruka beamed

"And what did you need exactly?" The Senshi of Wind inquired.

"Serenity demands we where our Planet's traditional garb. I was just wondering what you had in mind?"

"Well I will by no means be wearing a dress…" Haruka put on her best pouty face.

"Lucky for you, Serenity has our outfits already made. I think yours will be to your liking….it was to mine." Michiru flashed a flirty smile.

"Well hello ladies." Haruka spun around the voice dragging her out of her temporary stupor.

"Ha…Hi Mamoru…" Haruka said a small tint of red splashing across her cheeks

"Is Mako in?" He inquired.

"Hai. In the shower I believe." Haruka stated.

"Well if you don't mind. I have some attending to do." He managed a smile letting himself inside.

Mamoru turned shutting the door, the wonderful aroma of flowers and mint filled his nostrils. There was just something about Makoto in the shower….He started to dream. He shook his head slowly making his way to the door.

He peeped his head inside, trying to see through the dense condensation.

"Mamo?" He heard a voice

"How did you know it was me?" Mamoru chuckled shutting the door

"Ha. Very few people barge in on me unannounced while I'm in the showe.r" She beamed poking her head out from behind the curtain. Mamoru tried to quickly glance at the glistening goddess, but she playfully pulled the curtain shut; shooting him that oh-so mischievous "Zeus-like" smile.

"Mmm…pomegranate, mango, passion fruit and….a flower….hmm…"

Makoto poked her head out again.

"Hehe. Tulips and ginger flowers. You're getting too good, that's why…" She trailed off catching herself. "Did you need something other than a sniff test of my shampoo love?" Makoto asked continuing her shampooing

"Just to check on you. …and to complain about the garb that Usa is going to make you wear tonight." Mamoru grumbled like a small child.

The Jovian Senshi popped her head out of the shower yet again, quickly; staring puzzled at the man before her.

"Traditional Royal Garb…"Mamo huffed wrinkling his nose

"Ohhhhh…"Mako sighed rolling her eyes

"Only I am supposed to see you in that….Only I'm supposed to touch you in that." He continued his toddler pout.

"He won't touch. See, yes. Touch, no. "Mako snorted pulling herself back into the shower.

"The other General's say that Taizhou is rowdy when he has too much Sake, and considering I saw him with a small jug walking down the hall a few minutes ago…"

"Don't worry. I'm a big girl." She managed a semi-reassuring smile

"I won't make it, especially if he tries…" Makoto leaned over placing a soft finger on his lips dragging him by the chin towards her. They were forehead to forehead.

"It will be fine, love." She whispered. He stared down getting an amazing view.

"If you say so…" He sighed starting to turn away, now completely torn between a sure fire magnificent shower and finding Serenity. He turned back around giving her a deep kiss.

"Be ready to take another shower later." He shot her a playful wink. Makoto put on a phony grin. Little did he know how worried she actually was.

He shut the door behind him. Mamoru hesitated leaving, he wanted to go back. By the gods how he wanted to go back in there and smother her with his kisses and undying affection. Most importantly he wanted to blurt out those three words that so many couples throw around so nonchalantly and so very often; how he envied them; the three words in life that people wait to hear their entire lives. How he wanted to say that phrase over and over again until he couldn't possibly anymore. He had realized a few nights ago, that never once had either one of them uttered those words of adornment. Mamoru wasn't sure if it was the fact that they both knew, or the fact that if they said those things there was a complete and total attachment, no turning back. Past the point of no return. Makoto would be completely giving herself to him. By the gods how Chiba Mamoru, King Endymion of Crystal Tokyo, King of Terra wanted to smother his lover in kisses and shower her with words of affection. But he, Mamoru would wait. Wait until his lover was ready….And with that he slowly peeked his out of the door checking for passersby, and exited his lovers' room.

And one more time he almost turned back.

...

Makoto grumbled looking the mirror. She was truly adorning the traditional garb of her planet, the same one her father had once fussed over being to revealing. She wore a long green silk piece, cinched under her breasts and just above her waist. It had completely open sides and a long slit up her right thigh. It had golden buckles at the top embellished with the royal Jovian symbol. She adorned the traditional arm cuffs of the Jovian women, on her right arm was a gold one of lighting and the other was a gold cuff of leaves, she sported a golden coin arm band higher up on her left arm as well as a matching one around her ankle, she also wore her mother's golden earrings with the symbol of Jupiter. She also sported gold sandals that laced up to right below her knees. She at least this once, could agree with her father that is was indeed too revealing. Well, at least for Taizhou to see.

Mako spun around hearing a knock at the door.

"Come in…" She muttered fussing with her hair

"Oh my…"

Makoto turned. Haruka stared a small red tint coming to her cheeks.

"Are you going to make it this evening love?" Michiru asked shooting Makoto a wink. Makoto chuckled turning towards the couple.

"Michiru you look stunning. And Haruka, dressing up? May I take a photo to remember it by?" Mako jested.

Michiru wore a traditional white knee-length toga, with a stunning flowing sea green robe with panels of darker green chiffon and lace up gold sandals. Around her neck she noticed a silver chain and on the end a symbol that at first was unrecognizable and Makoto finally made it out to be the symbol of Neptune intertwined with the symbol of Uranus.

Haruka was sporting a traditional Aegean short gold tunic with a navy belt; the Uranian "warrior kilt" which was a mixture of a gold and navy plaid and navy Uranian military boots with a curled up toe. Makoto also noticed she had the same necklace.

"Come here Hotaru." Mako giggled

Hotaru peeped around Michiru.

"Awe, why are you hiding? You look so pretty." Makoto beamed at the younger gir.l

Hotaru blushed wildly. She wore a long purple jeogori with a black flowing skirt and a silken dark purple jokki emblazoned with the symbol of Saturn. She wore traditional tatami sandals.

Hotaru bowed slightly.

"Um..arigato Mako." The younger girl smiled.

"We will talk later? Yes?" Mako whispered in Hotaru's ear. Hotaru nodded.

"With no one else" Hotaru whispered back leaving the room

Makoto heard the sound of heavy boots. Mamoru fully armed in the traditional Terran armor quickly entered the room and shut the door.

"Bah" He growled.

"What?" Haruka chuckled.

"No one should get to sit next to you in that, except for me." Mamo whined walking over and wrapping his arms around Makoto's slender waist. He pulled her in for a deep kiss. Michiru and Haruka blushed and spun around.

"Shall we?" Mamoru asked Haruka pointing towards the door. Haruka nodded. The foursome exited the room, slowly as to not draw attention. Haruka and Mamoru were talking about whatever they usually talked about, while Mako and Michiru lagged behind a little bit.

"You two, are quite cute." Michiru smiled at the younger girl. Makoto cracked a small embarrassed grin."You are genuinely in love" This comment made Mako almost trip over herself

"How do yo…" Michiru cut her off

"Haha. I can just tell Makoto. The way you two look at each other, and your gestures; the way he wraps his arm around your waist. It's easy to spot a fake and you two are not." She playfully winked at Mako.

"Arigato Michiru-san…" Mako bowed her head slightly, a small red tint splashing her face.

They walked up the small flight of stairs, arriving at their destination.

Mamoru huffed heavily, placing his hand on the door handle. He leaned over towards Makoto.

"He is already completely intoxicated….we could make up an excuse." Mako placed her finger on his lips.

"She'll hunt me down. I'll be fine. "Makoto cracked an obviously nervous smile. Mamoru sighed and opened the door.

The room was lavishly decorated, and it appeared that most everyone was already drunk or on their way. Makoto quickly glanced around trying to avoid Taizhou's glaring eyes.

Ami was wearing a blue silver and gray full length silk gown with ¾ length sleeves. There was a wide gray belt separating the top and bottom halves. Mako almost chuckled to see Ami stumbling around with her silver sandals and two half empty glasses in tow, wandering towards Isoko. She made her way around the room saying her hellos. Minako bumped into her letting out a drunken screech.

The Goddess of Love, wore a yellow sari wrapped around her waist and one arm and tucked over her shoulder; of course leaving her stomach and back completely exposed. On the other shoulder was a darker yellow and orange sari, she also had on gold sandals which looked like they were about the come off. Mako scowled watching Baccius ogle over the intoxicated blonde.

She glanced around trying to find the other Generals; she then spotted Rei feeding Caldera grapes. Makoto turned to Haruka making a gagging face. Rei wore a traditional black nagajuban with a red obiage. The obi she wore had red and orange flames entangled with the symbol of Mars with a black and white obijime and flat zori sandals.

"It is nice to see you dressed up for a change Jupiter." Makoto spun around.

"You look very nice Serenity-san." Mako bowed.

"Taizhou is looking for you." Makoto winced not only at the thought of the drunken General but the fact that Usagi had already had too much to drink, and was clawing at Mamoru to sit down on her pillow with her. Makoto strode across the room towards Michiru and Haruka before a strong hand pulled her down by her wrist.

"Well there you are…."Taizhou gleamed

"Hello General." Makoto huffed shooting Haruka a glance.

Taizhou snapped his fingers together, apparently a sign for the server to bring him another drink. "And one for my lady" He laughed wrapping his arm sloppily around her waist.

"A shot of something strong….please…." Mako stated.

"A real woman…" Tai winked at her. Makoto huffed pulling Taizhou's arm from around her. "Now listen. You….are mine. Remember?" The General almost growled

"I am no man's property." Mako shot back.

Taizhou grabbed Makoto by chin, and planted a very forceful kiss on her mouth. Mako trying not to make a scene as she pushed the General off of her. Tai let out a discontented grunt and leaned over trying to kiss her again. Makoto shoved him one more time, and got up and started to walk towards the door.

Haruka and Michiru were saying silent prayers that Mamoru was unaware of the situation at hand. Haruka glanced over to see Mamoru red in the face, his eyes glued on Makoto. Haruka spun Hotaru's head in the opposite direction.

Makoto was next the door when Taizhou pulled her forcefully into the corner next to the exit. Mamoru shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Tai pinned Makoto's arms down and placed kisses on her neck. Mako craned her next around and locked eyes with Mamoru. She watched helplessly as Usagi placed kiss after kiss on his face. Him pulling and winding away every time.

She was dead. This was hell….no worse. This was indeed Tartarus.

He gritted his teeth, as she pleaded him with her eyes to come and help her. Taizhou tried to slip hand up the slit on her side, giving up on her knight in shining armor Makoto placed a strategically placed knee to Tai's groin. Haruka and Michiru winced. Makoto bolted out the door. She strolled down the hallway, completely consumed by emotion. She couldn't tell if she was more upset over what had just tried to happen or the fact that Mamoru was completely unable to help. She heard loud heavy boots, and prayed for a moment it was him. Mako turned and cursed at herself for not being more aware. Taizhou spun her around and held a knife to her throat.

"Don't fight me…"He growled. Almost sounding like a different person.

He drug her into the nearby storage room; flicking on the light switch with his elbow. Makoto had one arm on Taizhou's right hand which held the knife and he had her other pinned with his left. She shifted uncomfortably and tried to wiggle free.

"STOP!" He barked. He dug the knife in slightly against her skin. She felt a warm trickle run down her neck. "You are mine…"Taizhou huffed; obviously completely blinded by fury. Apparently he meant some serious business. She could feel his hot breath on her neck as he placed a series of kisses from her jaw to her collarbone. He lunged in trying to plant a kiss on her mouth as she turned her head quickly. Taizhou clamped down hard on her left arm and violently twisted her into a kiss. He spun her back around so her back was against him. He slipped his free hand up the slit of her dress on her thigh. Mako gritted her teeth and tried to shift away from him. He angrily pulled her by the hair and clamped down on her neck with his teeth. Mako winced knowing that was going to leave a mark.

"You….are going…to be good. I love that long hair…those big.."

"Pig."She cut him off

He gouged the knife in again. He pushed her up against the wall; Taizhou ran his hand up her leg clamping his hand against her thigh. He continued to run his hand up her dress, ripping some of the fabric that was eluding him from his goal. The smell of sake was overwhelming, she thought perhaps that was the reason she was feeling faint. Or perhaps the fact she was about the be ravished…violently, only meters from her comrades.

"God you will be good…"He growled kissing her again. She fidgeted. "You're made of sterner stuff than most women. I can have my way with you…" He laughed menacingly. Pressing himself harder against her.

"You are pathetic. Get it over with already."Mako forced the tears back, trying not to seem phased.

"This will not be over quickly. You will not enjoy this. But I will." He kissed her again. He let her left arm go as he drunkenly fumbled with his belt smashing her face against the wall. Makoto knew it was now or never. Makoto spun around delivering a crushing elbow to his face.

Serenity had ended the party due to Taizhou's outburst and her unable to walk any longer. The group trudged down the hallway. Haruka heard a noise down the hallway, and saw a blur of brown hair and green fabric.

Makoto slammed Taizhou against the opposing wall, and small impression being left by his wide shoulders. She held a knife to his throat and a dagger to his groin. A smirk of defiance spread across his lips.

"What the devil?" Haruka murmured. Michiru's eyes lowered as she noticed the very apparent bruises on Makoto's arms, the bite mark on her neck, and the ripped fabric of her dress.

She leaned in towards her lover.

"Do not let Mamoru see, it would cause a most definite scene." Michiru muttered. Both of them shifting in front Mamoru's line of vision.

Makoto fought back tears and she dug the dagger into his groin slightly. She glanced down at his right arm that laid on top of hers. With his sleeve slightly pulled up, she noticed a strange looking black tattoo on his wrist traveling up his arm; a black wolf that wrapped its head around his thumb and wrist.

"Mako!" She heard Serenity shout "I am sure General Taizhou just had a little too much sake. Let him go now!" The other General's started to draw their weapons.

Makoto raised the knife, slamming it into the wall barely scraping Taizhou's face.

"Next time even Selene herself will not be able to stop me." She growled tearing away from him.

"I am eager for our next meeting" He laughed.

Makoto tore through the palace making her way to her sanctuary. She could faintly hear footsteps behind her, she ignored them. She flung herself in her room, slamming the door behind her.

She unsure now whether she was upset over Taizhou trying to rape her, or Serenity not caring at all.

Makoto made her way to her bathroom, ripping off her clothes and tossing them to the side. Mako turned the handle for the shower, and got in. The hot water threatened to scald her skin, but she didn't care. Perhaps the hot water would wash away this feeling of filth.

Michiru and Haruka sat outside Makoto's room. Mamoru stormed down the hallway. He couldn't even catch his breath. Mamoru started to walk in. Haruka grabbed him by the arm.

"Listen. She needs her lover. NOT someone to barge in there threatening to kick some ass. Calm down and breathe Mamo. "Haruka said sternly.

He sighed and nodded, did his usual check for people in the hall and walked in. He watched as the steam billowed under the bathroom door. He tore his armor off sending it clashing to the floor. He turned the handle and was met with a blast of heat. He removed the rest of his clothes and pulled back the shower curtain slightly. He clenched his fists and his teeth as his eyes grazed over his lover's body. Mako had a definitive bruised hand print on her thigh, her arms were covered in bruises and he couldn't help but notice the large teeth impression on her neck. He pushed all thoughts aside for a moment. Mamoru stepped in the shower and wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close to him. He propped his chin on her shoulder, leaning in towards her ear.

"I love you." He whispered. She relaxed in his arms and turned around burying her head in his chest and letting the tears she had back for so long freely flow.

By the gods how Chiba Mamoru, King Endymion of Crystal Tokyo, King of Terra wanted to smother his lover in kisses and shower her with words of affection. But he, Mamoru would wait. Wait until his lover was ready. And now was simply the time to just wait….

...

TADA! Sorry for the delay. I've been ridiculously busy! I hope everyone enjoyed! I enjoy comments, suggestions and of course flames! Thank you for reading!

-Lady-D