|Chapter Eleven|
Heero had to think on his toes while wondering how to follow Quatre's orders. Lionel had arrived sooner than he had anticipated but he found Makoto's acting skills improved from their last roles. Checking over the satellite feeds he found few barricades surrounding their neighborhood, preparing for the arrival of Lucerine. The ceremony wasn't until two, but Heero had to think of how to get Makoto and Indigo out of the area. How could he stage a get-away? It wasn't like he could march in there, pack them quickly in the SUV and drive off. They would be stopped, and IDs ran along with, he was sure, permission denied.
"Why not ask her to pick you up from the airport?" asked Trowa, taking a break from watching the cameras to set a cup of coffee before Heero. "She will need to bring Indigo, this will give us the chance to load into the jet."
"I took the other car, it will look suspicious," started Heero, watching Trowa spread a grin and flip open his cell phone.
"Not unless your car gets stolen," offered Trowa, sending out a text. "I'm glad to see you and Makoto are reconnecting."
Heero picked up his coffee and took a sip, watching Trowa's trained body language. It had been always hard to read each other unless they would let down their barriers, and Heero could sense Trowa was hinting at something. Brushing it off, Heero let out a true smile.
"I've never been happier until I met her," started Heero, watching Trowa nod in agreement. "Do you think it's all an act?"
"No," Trowa rushed to Makoto's defense. "No, Makoto seems genuine with her feelings. Heero, it's imperative to cancel the mission-"
"Quatre's worried we'll go rogue," started Heero, feeling his jaw clench. Although he wanted to do all he could to complete the mission, he knew not to oppose Quatre's decision. There had to be a reason to give up this mission, deeming it too dangerous or if someone had uncovered more than their identities of Jim and Jade. "I'll get us home safe."
"I'll travel with you," offered Trowa, receiving a nod in agreement. Going through the preparations, Heero felt uneasy thinking about this case. Lionel looked as if he was dealt with by Makoto, yet why did Quatre reject his offer to continue? Heero couldn't shake the grim expression Quatre had held when Heero questioned him on the matter, looking as if something was hidden. After placing a call to Makoto in hopes she would meet him within the hour of the jet arriving, Heero wondered what complications she could run into trying to leave. Would someone try to stop her? Would she get an escort to the airport? If she did, who could it be? Jed was left at their place that evening, could Heero take him? Having a morning drink with Trowa infringed his nerves for the flight, scotch over the rocks. "You talked to Quatre."
"Yeah," admitted Heero, leaning back into his chair and releasing a long sigh. Trowa would want to know the details, and Heero wanted to see what his friend knew. "I wanted to know why we should pull out, but I have a suspicion there's more to it than a danger with Lionel and Lucerine."
Trowa gave no reaction that Heero could measure but gave a classic slight head tilt as if contemplating his words.
"There could be a new development Quatre would rather speak once than continuously repeat," offered Trowa. Heero wasn't sure if he could believe it, but instead let the silence wrap through them. Finishing his drink in time for the jet to land, Heero prepared himself for how he was going to con Makoto inside to take care of an unexpected guest. Exiting the jet, Heero watched Makoto wave from the window as he moved down the steps. There was something strange about this greeting, putting Heero on edge as he glanced to Jed sliding out of the passenger side.
"Sorry to hear about your car, are there any leads?" asked Jed, watching Heero motion for Makoto to join them.
"It was a random theft. I left it parked closets to the exit to leave enough time for preparing for the event, too bad I didn't see happening," answered Heero, gladly picking up an excited Indigo into his arms. The only thing he cared about was Makoto and Indigo getting on that jet, even if it meant staying behind. Something triggered as Heero handed Indigo to Makoto. "I asked the pilot if Indigo could see the pit, why don't you go up?"
Heero could see the suspicion rise in Makoto's eyes and scooted her away with his hand.
"How was your trip?" asked Jed, seeming friendlier than before.
"It was fine; increase in sales, and a few home projects isn't too much to handle," Heero explained, hearing the start of the engine as his queue to leave. Jed's attention had been caught by the sudden start, giving Heero his opening to slug a punch at Jed. Catching him in the jaw, Heero didn't expect a fast recovery as Jed used his right arm against the momentum to jab it in Heero's diaphragm. The air pushed out of his lungs, eager to escape much to his displeasure. Another blow to his gut, making it harder for Heero to recover from the power house punches. Gaining some ground, Heero stepped it up a notch and pulled out some of his old disciplined boxing moves. Catching punches on his forearm, the dance began as they attacked and defended.
"You're more than a business man," commented Jed, somewhat throwing Heero a bit of a compliment with his tone. Heero couldn't help but let a boyish-grin pop up as he knew he needed to end this, the jet was already rolling away. Aggressively attacking without relent, Heero pushed Jed into a hard spot against the car and had to side step. Heero took this chance of footwork to use to his advantage, kicking out a foot as Jed lost his balance. Before he could tumble, Jed grabbed Heero for support and sent them both rolling on the ground in a wrestling match that Heero didn't have the upper body strength for. On the ground, Heero had met his match.
"Freeze!" Heero was caught by surprise as Jed was pulled off him and he was forcefully pulled up by his arms by two men dressed in black uniforms concealing their faces. He looked around to see four black SUVs and a long black limo in the area, a magnitude of armed men surrounding them with weapons aimed and ready. Among them he caught sight of Makoto pinned to the ground on her chest, a knee holding her down by the small of her back, palm planted in her right shoulder, left arm pulled up almost to the breaking point, and auburn curls spilled wildly from resisting. Heero hid his adorned smile, feeling his breath almost taken by how beautiful she looked after a fight. But then frowned, wondering why she hadn't escaped with Trowa. When the limo door opened the men suddenly stood at attention, except for a few within close range of Makoto and Heero with weapons still aimed. Heero felt his body stiffen watching the serious demeanor of the man moving from the limo. Dark, straight coffee hair tapered resting below chin length to frame a strong, serious face of a powerful leader, overshadowed by a black and gold military cap. One warm cobalt eye stared hard ahead, the left covered in a regal blue and gold decorated eye patch. Heero had no doubt this was Lucerine Roux, leader of the underground organization, and holding the tall, strong aura of a military man that had seen multiple battles.
Dressed formally in crisp, ironed, black slacks tucked neatly into the knee-high black boots, the regal blue and gold embroidered officer jacket, barely moving with each trained and perfected step, Lucerine made his way to stop next to Makoto. Jed moved into action, meeting Lucerine and standing in a formal bow.
"Report," ordered Lucerine's deep, smooth baritone voice. Makoto felt a chill push through her as the angry haze dissipated and she caught Heero's analytical gaze. She knew who must be near, a fluttering nervousness pushing through her stomach and cold chill. This was it, the start of their true mission.
"Jim and Jade Berlet were trying to escape, I underestimated the possibility for a routine airport pick-up," answered Jed, his voice emotionless. Lucerine glanced over at Heero for a slight flicker before gazing his eye on Makoto, the flicker of a smirk pulling grimly at the corners of his mouth. With a small motion of his hand, Makoto was hoisted up to her feet with her arm still securely pulled up against her back by the elbow. The pain was ebbing in her shoulders, making her want it to stop but knew she had to hold out. Through her messy hair in her face, Makoto found it hard to get a good look at Lucerine, wondering how he differed from Lionel. Feeling a large amount of hair suddenly grabbed, Makoto looked up at Lucerine's face as they studied each other for the longest moment.
"Where you trying to escape Miss Berlet?" asked his smooth voice.
"No, I was getting my daughter to safety," answered Makoto, knowing that she didn't want to leave Heero behind. Trowa had taken Indigo and had tried to get her to stay but Makoto managed to escape from the rolling jet that slowly started to go to the run way hoping Heero would be able to jump on before they pulled the door closed for takeoff.
"Why do you feel she was in danger?" asked Lucerine, perplexed. Makoto smoothly moved into transformation of Jade and let out a long weary sigh.
"It's a dangerous game to find out you're a mistress to a married man Mr. Roux. Lionel doesn't take rejection well, and I know he would use my daughter to get what he desires," replied Makoto, watching how Lucerine seemed to be amused.
"That's where Lionel and I differ. I would rather use your partner," countered Lucerine, catching Makoto off guard. With a flick of his hand, Heero was attacked with a series of punches to his abdomen repeatedly until he started gasping for air. Makoto tried to jerk away from her holds despite the pain and feeling as if her arm would be broken this time. Dropped to her knees roughly before pushed back on the ground, Makoto finally stopped struggling the moment the punching stopped on Heero. Makoto watched as Heero was taken out of her sight as the anger started to build thicker. Something ice cold wrapped around her left wrist of the arm being pressured to break. When she heard a click, a burning pain shot through her arm as she writhed in agony, pulsing through her body forcing her to curl into a mindless fetal position. Her energy felt drained, as the pain disappeared with her chest heaving for air. Lifting her left wrist to arm level, Makoto gazed through hazed eyes at a two-inch thick silver bracelet sucked tightly against her skin as blood slowly weaved down her arm. The strange thing about this bracelet was on top was a pulsing green light that stabilized into a soft, warm green glow.
"What…what is this?" uttered Makoto, weakly pulling herself to sit up. She hadn't felt this drained since she went against the Negaverse, the worse being when her heart crystal was stolen and then the last being when Duo put her in 'quarantine' when she first joined the team.
"A precaution," offered Lucerine, watching the scientist crouch next to Makoto and wipe the blood from her arm.
"Just as I suspected General," started the female scientist, moving to her feet and looking down at a flat pad. "There is a large abundance of energy coming from her blood flow as if part of her natural system. We will have no problem controlling her."
Makoto scrunched her brow, worried and confused as her right fist gripped angrily.
"Don't give that expression, your highness," Lucerine spoke coolly, making Makoto gasp in surprise. When did he figure it out? "Jed, inform Lionel and Flora that I regretfully am unable to attend. Once the ceremony is complete, you are to return."
Heero felt embarrassed; they had been captured, the mission was compromised, and it looked as if Lucerine knew who they were. There was no reason to play along and instead, Heero kept silent. No matter how many questions he was asked pertaining to Lionel or the investigation charges, no one would get him to speak. Tired, feeling weak, and beaten, Heero wondered how long this was going to continue and where Makoto was taken. Was she undergoing the same torture? The idea of it made his blood boil. Taken to the showers and given a change of clothing, Heero was forced along by his personal convoy. If he wished, Heero was sure he could escape but finding and taking Makoto with him was another problem. All he could do is wait, buy time, and learn more about where he was taken. It felt like an underground secured bunker; no windows, narrow corridors, large automatic sliding metal doors, and everything in black. Was Lucerine obsessed with darkness?
Moving through another pair of sliding doors, Heero felt the atmosphere suddenly change as they stood before a pair of tall, dark oak doors. One of the soldiers moved to an access pad to the right, typing in numbers, swiping a card, and then entering the password before a loud 'click' echoed. The dark oak doors swung open as Heero saw they were a special designed metal to give a glamour effect. This was Lucerine's personal lounge; royal red carpeting covering the floors, a warm golden wood accents around the boarders of the room, adding an impact on the white and red wallpapering. A comfortable plush white seating area, large golden wood desk, and a huge stain-glassed window. The angle of the light casting blues, greens, whites, and warm yellows showed Heero it was nearing evening. Had he already been here for two days?
Jed perched statuesque to the back right of Lucerine sitting behind his desk attending paper work. It was strange to see Jed's bulky mass in a form fitting uniform, making his muscles pop out as he coldly looked forward without wavering. Pushed and bound to a specially pulled out comfortable red and brown wooden chair that wouldn't clash with the room, Heero wondered what would happen next. Lucerine continued writing, and Jed didn't even show a sign he had entered. Hearing a normal door open, Heero looked to see Makoto coming across the opposite side of the long room dressed in a navy blue V-neck chiffon gown; the waist accented with a thick gold colored belt that helped the skirt flow and sway freely to the floor with every step. The diamond affects studded straps made it possible to Makoto to glow without any accessories. She looked like royalty, especially with her auburn curls pulled up so fashionably and in place. Once Makoto took a seat, Heero couldn't help but gaze while trying to focus on these new changes: chin tilted high, shoulders back, hands neatly folded, eyes lids half down looking at nothing in particular, and not one look in his direction. He wanted to look into those beautiful emerald eyes and see what was on her mind.
"Those colors are befitting," commented Lucerine, stopping his scrawling and placing his pen in a granite holder to the right. "It won't take long before you get used to them."
Makoto was silent, a thick mask concealing her emotions. Lucerine stared at Makoto for a moment longer before flicking his eyes over to Heero, a taunting hidden as a grin slithered up.
"I almost forgot Mr. Yuy, you have no idea how your mission became compromised. Miss Kino has been hiding something drastic from your team," Lucerine continued. Heero flicked his gaze to Makoto and found her unwilling to look at him. "Will you tell him, or should I?"
That question brought Makoto to life as she adjusted her gaze on Lucerine.
"It was your discovery, take the credit," Makoto spoke softly. Heero felt his brow wrinkle as he looked back to Lucerine. What other secrets were they hiding? Did Makoto have something else she was keeping? A bit of heartache from the past leap into his chest, thinking of the largest secret he first learned: Indigo. Was there anything that could top that?
"Miss Kino is the Ruler of Emerald Tower," Lucerine revealed, watching Heero's eyes dart immediately to Makoto but keep silent. "Mr. Winner was the first to recognize Miss Kino when she was brought in as a rouge peace keeper. It was a short visit over brunch when Relena Peacecraft met with those of Crystal Tokyo to speak of negotiating peace and attending the World Organization. Each year, the World Organization meets to discuss new events and go over different peace-keeping strategies. Since there is no way to accommodate all the Rulers of Crystal Tokyo, each member takes their turn attending the meeting. In the down time to prepare for her turn at the World Organization, Miss Kino has been touring the world finding prospective organizations that need taken down and researching them in order to bring them all before the members and collectively push for an action of dispersing peace threats. Using her former identity, since she is not highly recognized as the Emerald Tower Ruler, Miss Kino caught the attention of Mr. Winner's company for a reason. To try and take down the Roux foundation.
"The Roux foundation is the largest organization that would be crushed if Miss Kino succeeded in bringing all her information to the meeting. Instead, once I heard of Miss Kino's tactics and potential goals, I kept her close under the radars. Setting up my own brothers to go to prison was interesting. Lionel gave the best enjoyment, especially since there was no data chip to begin with. I was beginning to lose hope of ever finding 'Jade' or 'Jim' since they vanished into existence after Lionel was imprisoned. It was a large surprise when I tracked Miss Kino down to her hospital visits, especially since you were not by her side. Tapping into your files, I sent Mr. Winner into alert that 'Jade' and 'Jim' needed to be reunited for another mission. Yesterday, you almost escaped. Mr. Winner was able to uncover the true reason for your missions undoubtedly."
Heero took it in, feeling a weight on his chest; this had all been years of games to fall into a trap strategically planned by Roux to get his hands on Makoto. But how would he get into the World Organization meetings? Only Makoto would be able to enter. Hearing a grunt push through Makoto, Heero watched her pale as her right hand gripped tightly to the chair before she started panting. That was when Heero noticed the slowly flashing green light her left wrist. Lucerine clucked his tongue.
"Controlling your anger will make this less painful Miss Kino," taunted Lucerine.
"It's hard to control thinking about kicking your ass," Makoto muttered between pants, as she started to crumple painfully to her left side. Lucerine set a hand towel on his desk as Jed moved into motion, learning the new command. Taking the cloth, he moved over to crouch next to Makoto where he pulled out her left arm to assess the damage. Dabbing carefully around the pulsing bracelet, Jed stayed there until the color began a steady green. Doing a final wipe, he stood, disposed of the bloody towel, sanitized his hands, and then went to his post. Heero watched helplessly. No wonder she looked so weak. Whatever that thing was on her wrist sucked her energy, making her lose blood each time she became angry. He was sure Lucerine was angering her on purpose.
"Now, back to business. Mr. Yuy, I brought you to help persuade Miss Kino into making a life changing decision," began Lucerine, holding up a file that Jed brought to Makoto. Wrinkling her nose once she opened the folder, Makoto couldn't help but scoff and push to her feet angrily. Tossing the folder back on the desk angrily before her knees buckled gave Makoto some satisfaction. This time, Lucerine completed the task himself watching how the green flickered and her panting increased. Overtime, it began to sooth. "I will have Jed do his worse on Mr. Yuy."
"I will not marry you," Makoto managed, leaning against the front of the desk for support.
"I thought you would say that," Lucerine retorted, lightly lifting Makoto into the chair. Jed saw the signal as he stripped his officer jacket, set his cuff links on the desk, and rolled up his sleeves. Heero gazed at Makoto, knowing he would go through torture for her even if she could be the one to save him. Taking in deep breaths, Heero began to prepare. The first punch was to his jaw, popping his lip open where it had started to heal from the beatings before. Makoto felt dizzy, the sound of flesh against flesh buzzing through her ears.
"Stop!" Jed paused, as all eyes seemed to be on the bent over Makoto staring at her lap in defeat. The panting was slowly as the green became steady again. "If I sign, will you let him go?"
"Yes, any other requests?" asked Lucerine, wondering what it would be like to make a proper deal without blackmailing.
"I want a prenuptial, and after I sign, give me the rest of the evening alone with Heero in my quarters. I'll need medical supplies, and dinner delivered," requested Makoto, glancing up slowly to stare into Lucerine's eye.
"Jed, get the attorney," ordered Lucerine. Throwing away the cloth, and moving back to his seat. Opening the folder and placing his signature, Lucerine felt he already predicted the outcome. Makoto would want an easy exit from him if possible, and a last night with her lover to perhaps hand over the right to their daughter. If he wanted to make it more difficult, Lucerine could have a judge sign over custody to him and Makoto until he could cut Heero out of the picture. It would pointless since his mission was to get to the World Organization. Anything other than that would be useless to his purpose. Twisting the folder to Makoto and setting the pen down, Lucerine watched how she hesitated even when the lawyer was present. He was perplexed to what thoughts could be racing through her mind. Makoto glanced to Heero, noticing Jed standing menacingly close, fists clenched and ready. Signing over the multiple documents, Jed and the lawyer signed as witnesses before the lawyer left to process the paperwork. "Jed, escort them to her quarters."
Once Heero was released from his bonds, he moved to Makoto's side and hooked a supportive arm around her waist. Helping the stumbling woman across the room and out through the entrance she came, Heero paid no attention to their surroundings before they entered her quarters. Once the door shut, Heero felt her begin to crumple against him. Hugging him as lightly but warmly as she could, Makoto didn't want to hurt him as much as she already did.
"I'm glad you're safe, I've been wondering where they took you," Makoto sniveled, worry drowning her voice as she pressed soft butterfly kisses against his neck. Heero almost squished her against him painfully in a warm hug, feeling what she spoke. They didn't know how long they silently stayed holding each other tightly, but a soft knock at the door brought them slowly apart. One of the guards pushed a cart into the room and then left. Pushing Makoto to stay seated, Heero brought the cart over to find a small box of medical supplies.
"We could both use a hot bath to relax," Heero suggested, watching a sad smile creep up. Bringing the kit into the bathroom, Makoto started the large corner bath as Heero washed his bloody face from his lip and nose. Jed had done dirty just aiming for his face, and Heero felt revenge quivering through his muscles. The lavender bath salts tickled his nose, spreading the aroma through the bathroom as Makoto worked diligently cleansing his wounds. A noticeable frown creased her forehead as she looked him over; the redness and bruising pushing up against his skin. Most of the damage was to his back, chest, and stomach. Large dark purple bruises from fists, welts from a rod, and cuff marks around his wrists. Cleaning them was all she could do, except for his face, until they got out of the bath. Relaxing in the hot water did wonders, as Heero pulled her into his arms and felt her head rest in the crook of his neck. He wanted to stay like this forever and forget what happened.
"I…I wanted to tell you for a long time about Tokyo and the Emerald Tower. Quatre found out right before I was sent to meet you on our first mission and suggested we could use it as a wildcard later," explained Makoto, feeling Heero stroke her arm warmly.
"Quatre was trying to get us to terminate the mission before we got caught, I should have got you safe," Heero replied, feeling another warm kiss to his neck.
"Indigo's safe, that's all that matters to me," started Makoto, suddenly pausing. "I-"
"Don't say it," whispered Heero, beginning to feel agitated. He knew she would even if he begged her not to; Indigo was their daughter and both had to be there. Indigo needed her, he needed her. Silence pulsed through them as Heero softly rubbed his hand up-and-down her arms, feeling the goose bumps pucker against the cool air.
"Until this is over, please take care of our daughter," Makoto whispered. Heero felt his fists clench, hearing the words he wished she hadn't spoken. At least she had a hopeful spin on their strange situation. Feeling her hand rub over his fist, Heero let out a breath he was holding. "I love you Heero Yuy, even before I fried that black box."
His heart crunched, feeling the truth but wondering if it would be the last time he would hear those sweet words. A warm smile pushed through Heero, feeling the joy of knowing she had always cared. Forgetting about the pain, Heero hungrily took her mouth as the passion surged through him.
"I love you Mako," Heero breathed huskily in her ear before continuing the devouring process. She was caught, filled with joy and passion she almost couldn't contain herself. This was the man she wanted to marry, and would marry when this was all over. There would only be a small complication in the process of getting rid of Roux, but it wasn't something they couldn't get rid of through tactful bargaining or petty document theft. Heero was the only man she could see a happy future with, expanding their family, and having a peaceful life. Roux was the last bump in the road to finally achieving peace, but it would be done.
Unsure what time it was after well needed sleep, Heero held Makoto firmly in his arms while watching over her. The color was starting to return to her cheeks as he glanced down at the strange bracelet. Memorizing all that he could about it, the first task Heero wanted to complete was have Duo look into it. It needed to come off and then Makoto could go on an electrical rampage to escape. Suppressing a chuckle of envisioning Makoto shooting crackling lightning bolts from her hands in all directions, Heero just grinned as he watched her begin to wake: a slight change in breathing, small sigh, followed by a slight change in posture. Pressing a kiss on her shoulder, Heero watched a smile creep to the corners of her mouth.
"Good morning," whispered Heero, watching her eyes slowly open. Makoto snuggled her back against him and pulled the covers closely to her chest.
"Good morning," Makoto replied, letting her lids fall once more. She knew their time together was coming to a close and didn't want to wake-up for fear someone would come to take him. Heero waited patiently before turning Makoto in his arms to press warm kisses on her sweet mouth. Running her fingers through his messy chocolate locks, Makoto stared into his slowly healing face as a twinge of sadness hit. All his wounds were because of her. Letting out a small sigh, Makoto saw Heero narrow his eyes concerned.
"Don't think about it," he urged. Makoto cracked a small smile and decided to change the topic.
"What's the first thing you want to do when this is all over?" asked Makoto. Heero humored her with a grunt as he lifted her hand to softly kiss each finger tenderly.
"Take some time off to spend with my family," Heero revealed, watching the warm smile spread through Makoto. "And you?"
"Get divorced," blurted Makoto with giggle to follow. Heero couldn't help but smile at the joke as he raised his brow playfully.
"Why Miss Kino, divorced so soon?" asked Heero, seeing how brightly she glowed.
"I'm having a passionate love affair," revealed Makoto, blushing. Kissing the inside of her wrist, Heero softly bit as he watched her begin to squirm under his gaze. Heero began to press soft kisses down her arm toward the inner elbow, wanting to show her how passionate he could be until a sudden knock ended their movements. Frozen and gazing fearfully into each other's eyes, Heero watched the flicker of pain flash before Makoto quickly concealed it. A maid entered the room, hanging two outfits on the hanger next to the door and pushing a tray in.
"General Roux will be waiting, he requested to expedite the process," spoke the maid softly before quietly leaving. The process of getting ready seemed to go too fast even with the tender moments in the shower. Roux had sent Makoto a stunning black laced modest cocktail dress with silver high heels. Heero watched how irritated Makoto looked putting on the outfit and pulling her hair into a regal up-do.
"You look beautiful," Heero offered, giving Makoto a small grin. Compared to his jeans, sneakers, and t-shirt, Heero felt the most under dressed.
"Thank you Heero." Makoto gave a small smile and took his hand warmly as they walked down the long corridors lead by a guard. Entering Lucerine's study, Heero felt stiff as they stood before Lucerine's desk where he continued to go over documents.
"Quickly say your farewells, there is much to be done," Lucerine ordered as four guards stood nearby to escort Heero out. Giving a soft squeeze, Heero released Makoto's hand before silently moving to be escorted out. Lucerine gave a small click of his tongue in disappointment. "If that is it, take him away."
Makoto watched painfully as Heero silently left, praying they would meet again soon before Lucerine was able to infiltrate the World Organization. She had faith in them all, knowing Quatre, Trowa, Wufei, Duo, and Heero would fight alongside everyone in Crystal Tokyo to keep the peace and stop Roux from trying to destroy the colonies.
"Lionel and Flora will be joining us for the trip to Tokyo. Come, we have a press conference to announce our marriage," Lucerine said, swiftly moving to his feet and offering a gloved hand. Makoto felt her body compose, taking her tasks as Emerald Ruler seriously. Taking the offered hand, Makoto was ready to accept her new fate and destiny.
AN: I didn't expect it to take this long to produce a chapter, but when finals are done I'll hopefully be able to finish it. Please bear with me since I'm still getting used to slowing things down. Reading through all my old fiction on multiple accounts ( included), I tend to rush to the ending leaving a story feeling incomplete. It's been a bit difficult not wanting to 'rush' with all the ideas buzzing, but thank you again everyone for sticking it through. Thank you for the reviews and hopefully we can get more Makoto-authors to come out of the wood works. Rah-rah-Mako-fans! 3
