Arranged Marriage

~0~

Ch. 7 Summons and Senshi

"Onee-chan!"

Rei turned her head, as a small smile graced her features seeing her little sister running up the hill catching her hand in her own smaller ones, tugging gently.

"What is it Chikane?" Rei asked, smiling for real now at her sister's excitement.

"Lady wants you for meditation now."

"Lady Hesperia, Chikane." Rei corrected gently. "You must not forget to address her by her name in front of the people of the temple."

Chikane giggled as she pulled again at her sister. "Onee-chan! Come on. I want to see mommy!" She gave one last tug before running back down the hill towards the temple.

Rei stood from where she sat, her eyes following her sister. She was so much like Mina it hurt. It would be a tragedy when the childishness was beaten out of her.

"I see that you have settled down some." Azusa commented as he strolled up the hill.

Flames sparked in Rei's hands before they winked out just as quickly. Crossing her arms Rei turned to face him with a scathing look across her face.

"I would think you would have been among those avoiding me."

Azusa had not spoken before he stood in front of his apprentice. She had truly become the Goddess of War. Men who once only were wary of her now feared her. It was sad but thankfully she was unharmed.

'Except her heart. I doubt it will ever heal,' he thought bitterly. Placing his hand on her shoulder he gave her a gentle squeeze and a small smile. "I will never abandon you Rei."

"Then let me return!" Rei shouted as she shoved away from him.

Azusa stood where he was. "I can't let you and you know it. The wedding is off but you cannot return to the Moon."

"Why?"

She crossed her arms over her chest tilting her chin up in defiance. Azusa's grin split his face which only infuriated the girl more. She looked so much like her mother right now it made him proud. The more she followed her mother's footsteps the better off she'd be. "Because in a few years you will have a task that only you can do."

"Task. Don't you dare tell me that the one thing that has ever made me happy since Dabih killed my mother is denied me because of some task!"

"It is and you would do well to remember your temper Princess of Mars."

Rei shrank away from the voice that spoke coolly behind her. Turning slowly she saw the Priestess of Mars, Lady Hesperia, standing in her robes looking displeased with her. The High Priestess most likely was upset with her for not coming when she had been summoned. Chikane stood behind her mother holding tight to her left sleeve. The sapphire eyes that were once full of laughter were now staring at her in terror. Rei struggled not to be hurt by the look. There wasn't one Martian on the entire planet that wasn't aware of what she had done. Not one child was spared the story of the Goddess of War.

"It is time for meditation Rei. Let us go. Oh, Azusa?"

The Warlord looked up in question.

"Will you be joining us today?"

Rei watched the three descend to the temple. The grounds below covered in red and white as the mikos made their way to the sacred fire. A bell sounded in the distance greeting the morning.

'Mina.'

~0~

"Let Me Out!"

She banged her fist against the door again in the vain attempt to break the door down. Never before had she hated her room as much as she had the past two weeks.

"LET! ME! OUT! MOTHER!"

Minako took a step back then kicked the door hissing in pain as the door won versus her foot.

A click of the lock had Minako scrambling back. The door opened a crack revealing a blue haired girl about Mina's own age. Minako stared hard trying to place her when it clicked.

"You're that girl from the festival on the Moon!"

The bluenette's mouth formed a small O of surprise before her face split into a grin. "I remember you. My little sister wouldn't stop talking about you and how silly you were for days. It's wonderful to see you again."

Minako wasn't sure what to make of that statement. If it had been Akima she knew that the Martian was teasing her but now that someone else was saying things like that she wasn't so sure if it was only a joke.

"You too… Um?"

"Oh! Pardon me, where are my manners. Mercury Ami."

"Ami." Minako tasted the word deciding that it suited her well. Now was the question of why she was in her room. "Sorry but why are you here?"

The Mercurian had been inspecting the room looking for something when the Venusian's voice brought her back to Venus. Embarrassed Ami blushed while clasping her hands staring at the ground.

"I'm sorry, what was that?"

"I asked, what are you doing here in my room?"

Ami's attention which had gone back to inspecting the room snapped back to the girl in front of her. Shock had her eyes widening. This was the Princess of Venus; the runaway that had been missing for the past nine months.

"I still think that this should come in other colors besides grey." She commented as she shook her wrist in displeasure.

Mria nudged Minako from behind as they came back from the fields to keep her master walking.

"I'm just glad you stopped trying to pry it off."

Minako stopped shaking her wrist to look at Ami then back at the large bracelet attached to her wrist. "It not my fault I want to go back to Akima. You and my mother are crazy if you think I'm not going to try and see her again."

Of all the things Ami had been expecting with she met the princess of Venus, single minded determination wasn't one of them. It was a side of the Venusian she would have to learn from if she wanted the one she loved. Just thinking of the golden hair angel brought a soft smile to her face.

"So who is it?" Minako turned towards the Mercurian with a smirk on her face only to see confusion.

"Who is what?"

"Who is the person you're in love with?"

Ami's face went red. Minako just continued to walk as if nothing out of the ordinary happened.

"H-How d-did y-y-y you know?!"

Minako stopped. How had she known that Ami was thinking of someone she loved? It was a good question one she hadn't even bothered to ask herself. She had known how attracted Alshaim and Saiph had been to each other. She had seen so many peoples' feelings. She vividly remembered the waves of emotion that had rolled off Akima when she had fainted. Except that had been the only time she had ever felt the other girl's emotions. Even right now she could feel strong emotions from somewhere and not just Ami.

Ami watched as Minako paled then swiftly mounted her unicorn and rode straight for the palace.

~0~

"Breathe in then let it out."

Rei furrowed her brows at the instructions. She tried harder to concentrate but the screams of so many still made a shrill echo in her ears.

"You're not letting go Rei."

Again Rei repeated the mantra: "Rin, Pyou, Tou, Sha, Kai, Jin, Retsu, Zai, Zen!"

Flames consumed everything around her. Men lay before her feet, blood seeped from their wounds. One solider stood from where he lay drawing his sword. His mouth moved forming words that she couldn't and did not care to understand. The man swiped the air then aimed his sword straight at her heart. Blood flowed out of the gash on his brow. She could hear her blood ringing in her ears.

Betrayers

Liars

Murderers

This fool was next to die.

Slowly.

"Rei!"

Flames roared higher licking at the young acolyte face, hands and hair as Hesperia yanked her away from the flames. Both women collapsed to the wooden floor on their hands and knees breathing heavily.

"You can't let these things overwhelm you!" Hesperia shouted at her acolyte. "You can't let yourself surrender to your grief."

Rei stood up swiping at the tears streaming unchecked down her cheeks. "How can you tell me that?! Their blood is on my hands but I have no memory of it! How can you tell me to not let it bother me when I see those images in my dreams but I don't remember them happening?!"

Docile flames leaped to the ceiling of the temple scaring the other mikos. What was once pitch black hair flamed crimson. Hesperia hands went to the clasp of her cloak, unhooking it she then threw it over the younger girl covering her face.

"I am not saying to forget. I'm saying don't let your anger control you. You are not a killer."

~0~

Serenity sat at the desk next to her snoring as Minako's tutor continued with her lesson about some laws and agreements involving the moon and the protection of the Lunar Family. Ami sat at her left, who appeared to be writing notes and occasionally bobbing her head in agreement when her tutor said something.

Minako looked to her right at the person beside Serenity. Seeing her newest friend: Jupiter Makoto also sleeping through this gave her a lot of enjoyment. Decisions for the Jovian Princess to visit had been made a week ago. Minako could honestly tell herself that she hadn't an idea in the world what she was expecting but the friendly looking Amazon girl that she had seen from the Festival of Stars sitting in the boat with Ami wasn't it.

Overall she was nice. Minako barely kept a snicker back as she thought about Makoto first night there. With permission from the queen, her mother, the Jovian had temporary taken over and replaced the entire kitchen staff with just herself and prepared a feast for everyone. Her mother by the middle of the second course wanted to hire the Jovian permanently but Makoto laughed it off saying that her father and mother wouldn't appreciate it.

"… the Martians are ruled by who is the strongest, there for …."

Minako mood turned sour at the word Martian. She couldn't find anything on Akima. The Martian database was empty of any person holding that name and there were over two thousand files locked and protected. Learning that Ami was a wiz at computers she enlisted her help but that didn't work either. The files on the Princess were even harder to get to. After Ami tried twice her computer blew up.

A crack on her desk shook her out of any more deliberation and woke Makoto and Serenity up as well. Ami had a disapproving stare at the three while the tutor stood fuming above them.

"Hime-sama have you heard a single word I said?" He asked in clear annoyance.

Minako stared right back at her tutor with a sheepish but guilty grin.

~0~

The bonfire blazed high into the sky as they stood there waiting. Hesperia couldn't decide if she wanted to spank Chikane and Rei or simply toss them into the mountain. She was frustrated with Rei. The girl had tried to go back to the moon again. Five soldiers were injured in capturing her and two were now considered critical.

'I'm sorry Risa. I've tried but the one she needs can't be here.'

Watching her niece and daughter Hesperia smiled. Rei was different then other Martians now. Whatever happened between her and the princess of Venus had changed her for the better. When the girl wasn't trying to escape she spent her time caring for Chikane.

'This is good. Chikane is in good hands. Wait for a couple more years my sister. I will see you then.'

The beat of wings and Chikane's scream of excitement ended what comfort she could find in the year to come.

~0~

"How is Minako's progress with the Vargus coming along?" Akiko inquired Tegmire when he came for the next meeting.

Tegmire stood rocking a bit on his heels. Her training was great. She was swiftly becoming better than many of the Venusians already in the military however he was worried for her mental health if anything. The man, in his opinion, was dangerous. His strength in battle was astonishing however his tactic of first blood went against everything a Venusian stood for.

"Tegmire, I'm waiting for an answer."

He ran a hand through his hair sighing out loud. At the noise his queen at last gave his presence serious consideration.

"I don't like the pressure he puts on the girl. Seginus has taken Vargus's lessons to heart and is endeavoring to court her more seriously. I fear he may push the matter."

Akiko gritted her teeth. She had a feeling that the boy was after her daughter but for him to consider force was not something she would tolerate by any means. The plans for the marriage were ruined for now but in the future one could never know what could happen.

~0~

A sharp cry at the twang of the bow had Rei peek up from her own target a few meters away from her to witness Chikane waving her hand wildly in the air hissing in pain. Placing her own bow down, she strolled over to her sister then caught Chikane's hand in her own before she did anymore damage to herself.

"What happened?"

Chikane sniffed and begin to cry.

"I let it go and the string, it stung me."

Rei clicked her tongue in annoyance. The girl's forearm was quickly turning red and Rei knew she needed to be cared for.

Taking her hand Rei led her to her room inside her mother's house.

Rei led to straight into her room sitting her down on the bed. Without a word she left leaving Chikane own her own. A couple minutes later she returned with bandages and herbs. She sat down in front of the bed taking a bowl and placing it and the herbs before her. Chikane watched in fascination as Rei ground them together with water to make a paste. Gently she took Chikane's wrist and began smoothing the concoction over her forearm.

"Ouch! Onee-chan that hurts!"

Quickly yanking her hand back Chikane only had a moments freedom before Rei snatched it back and continued to apply the salve.

"It wouldn't hurt if you kept still and had been using the bow correctly."

Chikane stuck out her tongue blow a raspberry.

When she didn't receive a reaction Chikane scouted out the room. It was the first time she had ever been in her aunt's cottage. The older mikos said that she had died in this home. Rei only allowed her mother, Phobos, and Deimos to enter here.

"Whose Mina one-chan?" Chikane barely noticed when Rei had bandaging her arm.

"How did you hear about her?"

Chikane whined at the extra pressure Rei applied. Rei flushed a bit easing up.

"Sorry."

"It's fine one-chan. You talk about her in your sleep sometimes at the temple."

Rei nodded still keeping her head down. "She was a friend."

"Where is she?"

Rei swallowed hard. She hadn't spoken of Mina since that time with Azusa up on the hill. That silly yet sweet Venusian was never far from her thoughts. Meeting her sister's gaze Rei realized she was waiting for an answer.

"I don't know."

"Is she the one you protect?"

Rei let out a short but bitter laugh. How her sister could in five minutes figure out what took her two years to realize was amazing.

~0~

She sat astride Mira waiting for whoever was going be her escort that day. Mria pawed the ground with a side step. Minako smiled at her friend who was as impatience as her to head out. A soft thud came from behind and the small smile she had been wearing dropped. Seginus rode up behind her looking very pleased with himself.

"What are you doing here Seginus-san?" Minako asked curtly.

"I'm your escort."

Since she had been back Minako had managed to only be alone in his company four times. She could vividly remember the first and how hard he had grasped her arm almost yanking her away from Tegmire. The captain had stopped him from taking her anywhere but at being thwarted her friend had whispered something softly and she had been left cold.

Now they would be alone together and this was her only chance to get out of the palace for a while. Minako cursed her luck.

"Shall we go then?"

Minako turned Mria south towards Altas. More people took that road to town in hopes of peddling their goods. Seginus held a satisfied grin, openly ranking his eyes over her frame. She shivered in disgust as she felt the possessives and twisted love he felt submerge her.

"I suggest you stop lusting after me Seginus-san. Mother will never let you marry me."

Seginus smirk slid off and he quickly moved to her side pulling on the reins.

"You will be mine Minako. You have and always will be."

"I belong to only one person," She hissed. Mria whined at her master's tension.

Before he could say or do anything Minako reach back balling her hand into a fist decking him across the face before riding away.

~0~

Bells rang through the hallowed halls of the temple. Warriors set aside their weapons while children cried and mourners swung their lanterns back and forth in respect.

Chikane grasped her mother's hand which hung limply in her own. Rei stood by the window not really seeing anything. She failed. She couldn't save her aunt. She couldn't comfort her little sister.

"Rei."

Looking towards the pallet she saw her aunt beckoning her forward. Shoving off from the wall Rei felt as if each step was leaden. Dropping beside her sister Rei let her eyes fall to her lap. A small chuckle was heard and Chikane let out a heartbreaking sob.

"Mommy, don't die!"

She was going to be sick. She hated this room. She hated death. 'Mina. I need you with me. Sweet Ares please! Please don't let this happen! Mina!'

"Everything will be fine Chikane. Rei will be there for you. Azusa will guard you."

"But I want you with me! I still need you. Please, you have to live."

Hesperia cupped her daughter's cheek giving her a sad smile. "I'm sorry. I have to go. Ares has called."

"Mommy?"

Hesperia smiled and nodded to the door. Azusa stood from where he had been kneeling to come stand behind Chikane. Their eyes caught and Azusa wiped hastily at the tears threatening to fall from his own eyes. Gently he put a hand on Chikane's shoulder but she shook him off. Rei swallowed as she was reminded of when her own mother passed.

Azusa reached again, this time picking her up and carrying her out the door with her screaming for her mother.

"Why did you do that?"

"Rei." Hesperia voice was soft, "I need to speak with you alone."

Rei pulled away from her touch. She didn't want to deal with this again. She felt like she was losing her mom all over again. Chikane had a right to be in here. She had the right to be by her mother's side. Chikane was everything for the future of Mars and she was…

"You're everything as well." Hesperia gave a tired smile at her heir. "You are to be the next High Priestess Rei."

"I can't!"

"You will. I set before you this task to be fulfilled till your destiny calls as the Avatar of Mars."

"No!" Rei stood making her way to the door.

"Stop right there." Rei froze. "Rei, my daughter you are the next in line for this. You have your mother's and my blood in you. I ask only that you continue to protect Chikane till you find your Ancile."

"I-"

"Promise," Hesperia cut her off pleading.

A chill swept down making her shiver. She thought she was going to throw up. "I promise."

Hesperia closed her eyes relaxing once more. "It's good. Thank you. My daughter."

Rei whipped around but it was too late. Hesperia's eyes closed for the final time.


"Rei?" Chikane continued to look at the stars. Her tears fell as she lay next to her sister. "You- you won't leave me either will you?"

Rei sat up opening her arms for Chikane to crawl into. Rei looked down the hill where the other mikos were providing fuel for the fire burning in the middle of the temple grounds.

"I won't leave you. I promise."

"But you could. Y-you could go find Mina now."

Rei's eyes widen in surprise. She could find her Venusian. She could be happy with her friend once more when she found her. Chikane gripped her tunic tighter making her realize the she couldn't leave at all. Their brother and sisters wouldn't care for Chikane. Azul was still after her but once Chikane was older Rei had no doubt that his eyes would wander to her as well.

Finally there was her promise to Hesperia herself. How could she do that to the woman who raised her and didn't fear her like the others on their planet did? She was also the High Priestess now as well. Her duty was here.

"I can't. I will stay here with you."

Her little sister buried her head into her shoulder weeping. Rei at a loss of what to do stroked her hair wishing to calm her down. She felt numb. It was like losing her mother all over again only it was her aunt. A sniff was heard then she felt Chikane burying her face farther into her shoulder. It hurt. Everything hurt.

"Onee-chan? Make the fire dance. Please?"

Complying with her sister's wish Rei held her hands out in front of her then a quick flicker of light and Chikane watched in awe as the flames leaped from her sister's hands. Bending the flames to her will they began to take shapes; a rose then a bird. Each one was different and new. Some were things that Chikane didn't even recognize. One image appeared to be a person with long hair tied in a bow.

As Rei's body heated up Chikane snuggled closer till something wet splattered against her cheek. Looking up for rain clouds she realized her older sister was crying.

Rei was crying and didn't even realize it.

'Friends, family, they all disappear one day.' Rei thought as she continued to make the flames dance in the cold night air.

Below them Martians looked upon the hill where they knew the two royals were as the fire danced in the air and the flame beside them blazed hotter over the pyre.


She finally had a evening off, one of the first in over six months. She continued to her quarters every now and then glancing towards the Red planet hanging off in the distance.

'I miss you.' She thought then out loud she said, "I'll get back to the moon and to our home. It's a promise."

Suddenly Minako dropped to the ground clutching her chest in pain as tears dripped down for some unfathomable reason.

'Akima. I won't let you be alone forever.'

~0~

She tucked her hair behind her ear as the shuttle adjusted its flight path. She took one more step forward before hissing in pain at the shock shooting through her arm. Hastily taking the step back where she wouldn't be shocked a second time Minako glowered at her wristband she still wore.

She'd never get used to it. Being a prisoner in her own home wasn't the life she dreamed of.

'I'll give anything to find you Akima.' She thought as she heard the thrusters give a bit before landing. 'At least I can spend this birthday with my friends this year.'

She could still remember the birthday she spent with Akima. She almost didn't know till she heard a conversation in the barracks and the men taking bets on whose birthday was the closest to the Martian Princess's one. Imagine all their surprise when Akima had had the same birthday as the princess. Akima had even been reluctant to answer while she sat there blushing at all the attention and jokes.

She heard the hatch opening and Serenity came running full blast at her. Minako barely had time to anchor herself in place before the moon princess slammed into her hugging the air out of her. Minako almost lost it as she felt Serenity's affections for her followed by Ami's for the moon princess then Makoto's for Ami.

"Minako-chan! I missed you!"

"Hey Serenity let the girl breathe a bit." Makoto chuckled.

Serenity glanced up then jumped away when Minako turned purple. She quickly bowed her apology leaving Minako to giggle behind her hand.

"It's fine. I'm alright. Hello Ami, Makoto."

Ami gave a tired smile and Makoto just smirked at the sight of Serenity trying to flirt with Minako.


"So you couldn't find anything about Akima?"

Ami placed her cup of tea down then placed her hands in her lap biting her lower lip. "Nothing. Have you considered that maybe she used a different name?"

"Impossible."

Ami frowned at her friend. The Venusian was getting more stubborn about finding Akima every year. If it wasn't for the bracelet she, herself, had placed on Minako years ago Ami had no doubt in her heart that the girl would be at the moon waiting for Akima or tearing Mars apart to find her.

"What about the shuttle records from back then?"

"Again Minako, I've found nothing. She doesn't exist on paper. I'm sorry."

Minako clenched her fist tightly. The princess of Mars would pay once she got a hold of her. Everything in her heart scream that it was because of her that Akima had been ripped from her. Ami and Makoto were great friends and Serenity was close to a sister but the warmth that Akima had given her could be matched by no one.

Even if Serenity was making it obvious that she wouldn't mind filling that role.

"Have you considered contacting the Martian court?" Ami asked next.

Minako pull the ring Akima gave her out from her tunic. After Vargus had almost choked her with it she had stopped wearing it out in the open. Ami knew what it was but she hadn't told the other two about it. As far as Minako knew her mother didn't even know of the rings existence. If she choose to be honest there wasn't a day that when by when she didn't wish that she had brought the Ring of Aites with her to the moon and given that to Akima instead.

"I would have to speak to mother first. She won't let me find her. You know that."

"Minako, do you really think that the Martian Princess had anything to do with Akima missing."

"I do. And when I find her I will kill her right after she tells me where my Aites is."

~0~

"Your majesty? You truly think it's wise to bring them now. I understand Venus going to Uranus but for Mars to come here-"

"She will come. And you will fetch her Luna."

The cat stood behind her queen with mixed feelings. Mars had already made a name for herself in the rounds of soldiers. Her skills at fire reading became legendary. With the exception of Lady Venus the other princesses had began asking question about the missing Martian. One of Mars's generals a couple years back had informed them that the Princess of Mercury had hacked the system but couldn't find anything.

"My Queen you know that Lady Rei is a taboo subject on Mars. If they couldn't handle the girl what makes you think we can?"

Queen Serenity turned from her view of the earth. All the princesses were of age for marriage now. With the planet alliances and bring the heirs to the moon to protect her daughter then the leaders would lack the reasons to fight. For a time, she could bring peace to this warring galaxy.

"Luna, Artemis is here plus yourself. The letter High Priestess Hesperia sent us before her passing claimed Rei was more controlled of her emotions. In the future she will also use her gifts to save others."

"She murdered thousands at thirteen! How can you justify bringing her back?"

"Minako will be here. Rei has sworn never to kill again. And while I do not believe that vow will hold, it will keep her safe from her father. Dabin wants to make his son the heir and Rei is in the way. She is the rightful and only heir to the Martian throne. And without Ares consent his son will never be the heir. The people may accept him but Ares doesn't not nor does the Lunar court. Makoto's planet is warring again while I'm sure her family can protect her at least here she can stay in a permanent spot."

Luna opened her mouth only to close it. Finally she went for one final chance. "What about Ami? You know the princess of Mercury is infatuated with Serenity."

"I'm sure it will all work its self out."


If there was one thing that the Martian court lacked right now it was manners. As soon as she had been announced Dabin called a meeting of the Warlords, which effectively barred her from the throne room. Now she had been sitting around for an hour waiting for them to finish. How was she supposed to get the princess if she couldn't find her?

A bit put out Luna closed her eyes letting warm white light envelop her. She felt herself growing taller and her hair getting longer. When she opened her eyes once more she had converted to her human form. Checking to make sure no one was around Luna tentively started to explore the palace.

She made it down the hall before footsteps echoed from the opposite end of the corridor drawing her attention. A small girl around eight years old walked with her arms crossed in front of her chest. Behind her was another girl. This one appeared more solemn and dangerous. Luna could feel the raw power emitting off her.

"Chikane hang on a second. Dabin can wait a moment. Someone is here."

The older girl continued to scan the area sure that she felt something there that hadn't been before. Luna watch as the older girl continued to check the area. When the girl eyes passed over where she was hiding Luna thought she had escaped notice.

Rei cocked her head to the side. "Chikane go on without me. I forgot something at the temple."

Chikane bowed and hurried off to the meeting that most likely was their father trying to marry Rei off to someone without Azusa knowledge. Rei turned around and then quietly slipped behind the columns lining the corridor. Luna peeked around the corner taking one step then another but the third step never happened. Her head lifted slightly at the pressure from the tip of a blade.

"Strangers are not welcome in the palace of Ares. Who are you, Mau?"

"Diplomat from the Moon Kingdom. Luna Mau, royal adviser to Queen Serenity and keeper of Princess Serenity."

Rei returned her dirk to its proper place inside her robes. Luna's blue eyes widen coming to the conclusion that this was no ordinary girl.

"Forgive me for asking but shouldn't the Princess of Venus be here as well?" Rei asked as Mercury continued down the corridor towards Mars's new quarters.

Luna, upon running into Ami had requested she show the Martian where her room was. Ami had been surprise to meet the Princess of Mars so soon after her arrival. Luna left them after Ami agreed mumbling something about; he better not be teaching her how to sleep.

Ami smiled a bit to hide her discomfort. She well remembered Minako's hostility towards the Princess of Mars. It would be a miracle for them not to be at each other's throats when the Venusian came.

"She is coming next year. Her mother sent her to Uranus for special training. Jupiter Makoto is currently guarding Serenity and she is with Lord Artemis for studies right now."

A year.

In one year she would finally meet Venus.

Her once intended.

~0~

"You won't protect anything like that Minako!" Haruka barked out as she brought her sword down to rest at her hip.

Taking one look at the cocky stance the Venusian stood up casted her sword aside and stomped away.

The Princess of Uranus let out a huff muttering curses under her breath.

"Have you ever thought that maybe she has a reason for being so definite?"

Haruka shot a glare at Princess Michiru standing idly by the column. "Have you seen how stubborn that girl is?"

Michiru strolled casually over to her lover. Haruka watched her hips sway lightly almost biting the inside of her cheek. That look wasn't a good one.

"You're stubborn yourself, don't you agree." Haruka sputtered at the suggestion. She was too cool and collected to be acting anything like the little Venusian. Michiru shook her head knowing that her lover wasn't hearing what she was really saying. "Minako is hurting Haruka. I don't know why but if you had been listening to that letter it said Minako been locked up for five years."

"Why?"

Michiru looked up at the islands floating above them. One should be passing over them soon. She didn't really feel like getting soaked but her hot head might benefit from the coolness. The wind picked up again and she could see the Venusian's hair blowing not too far off from them.

"Why don't you try finding out."

With that she walked off leaving Haruka to her thoughts.


"Any reason why you're so bitchy?"

"Shove it Haruka," Minako shot back drawing her knees closer to her chest.

Haruka doubled over laughing. The Venusian had sprit that was for sure. Sitting herself down Haruka looked to the sky trying to decide what to say.

"Look I just want to help. I know your mother asked us to make you the best but that doesn't mean we can't learn about each other."

Minako gave her a hard look. With nothing else for it she told Haruka everything; running away, Akima, being torn away in the market from each other like they had been, Serenity, her mother and finally not being able to find Akima in any of the record.

Haruka was surprised. The girl had been through a lot. But what she said about the Martian heir troubled her. News of the War Goddess had died down a lot in the past few months.

"You know Minako, the computer on the Moon has the best data system there is. Also if Akima was taken to the Temple of Flames that could be why you can't find anything. I've heard that anyone in the service of the temple had their flies sealed. It could be she was a runaway from the temple."

"Do you really think so?"

"No way to know for sure until you get back there I suppose. But first you have to get stronger to save her if she needs it. Later girl."

Haruka left Minako to think over what she had said. The blonde raised her head to look at the sky wishing she could see Mars or the Moon. Something that would give her hope that after five and a half years she would find her heart once again.