|Chapter Thirteen|
Michiru was surprised at the sudden contact after it being so long hearing from a Heero Yuy; the last meeting was rather painful for her friend Makoto but she kept an open mind. The Crystal Palace was well aware of the impending dangers lurking about, especially the day Serenity collapsed. Michiru had been accompanying Serenity during her normal walk through her private gardens, listening to the natural sounds of the garden, bright blue eyes laughing playfully and streams of golden locks flowing as they played a game of chase with Chibi-usa. Around them, the world seemed to freeze as a giggling Chibi-usa continued to run ahead. Michiru could feel the pain, wishing to weep as she witnessed a soft green mist roll into the garden in front of Serenity and take shape of Makoto. The mist moved its whimsical skirts and gave a soldier's bow on one knee with her left fist over her heart. A glowing golden light flickered in the mist beings throat.
"Serenity, I pledge my power to you," spoke Makoto's voice. A wind swirled around the mist as a soft echoing scream moved from it as it entered into Serenity, swishing her long hair and skirts before Serenity began to fall. Michiru had ran to her side, cradling Serenity's head in her lap as she gazed at the tearful blue eyes and crescent moon a shade of green before moving back into its normal golden color.
"Our beloved Jupiter is in pain," spoke Serenity softly. Michiru knew the others had felt it, but no one seemed to have the heart to speak of it even when meeting Makoto and her new husband. Haruka was even unsettled, something Michiru hadn't seen for a long time. The winds were changing, and she could feel the waters speaking to her of a possible danger. A war brewing, to beware the eye.
Pulling her aquamarine waves into a ponytail, Michiru hand changed into a comfortable black business suit with teal touches that brought out the greenish-blue haze of her eyes. Unsure for the reason behind Heero requesting a meeting, Michiru had agreed to pick him up from the airport where details would be explained. Taking the car, Haruka had pulled it around to the front awaiting her lady, looking relaxed in the driver's seat and giving a warm smile the moment Michiru slipped into the car. Her sandy hair had grown to the nape of her neck, signifying the need for a trim to keep the mysterious pixie hairstyle. The drive was quiet as Haruka pulled up to the curb in front of Heero standing next to a car seat where Indigo slept.
"The mystery of Indigo's whereabouts is solved," Michiru spoke softly, giving Haruka a reassuring smile. Haruka moved out of the car to give Heero a formal handshake and help situate the car seat and luggage before they started back to the Crystal Palace.
"What brings you here?" asked Haruka, moving straight to the point.
"I have some unfinished work and thought it would be best to return Indigo to the palace," Heero started, catching Haruka's hard blues staring him down before giving a grunt. "It may sound strange, but Makoto cannot know I or Indigo are here. Lucerine is not fond of me."
"What is going on with Makoto?" asked Michiru. Hearing a sigh, Michiru knew that was not good.
"I believe I should leave that for her to explain when the time comes; we are currently in a predicament that is in the process of being resolved," started Heero, watching Haruka's grip tighten on the steering wheel aggressively.
"Right now, Makoto's in pain. The last person she was seen with was from your group of friends, then she comes back with some husband. I want the particulars," Haruka ordered, her aggressive personality coming out as she pulled the car up the long drive to their personal lodgings. Pulling the car into park, they quietly unpacked. As Michiru took Indigo upstairs to lay her down, Haruka pounced. Grabbing Heero by the collar of his shirt roughly, they stared. "We care the world for Makoto and I'm not going to let some heart-wrenching, sorry-excuse for a father ruin her reputation and life. Now, I know you have something to do with the condition Makoto's in; it's not every day one of our senshi relinquishes their power-"
"Haruka," Michiru scolded. Releasing Heero, Haruka moved to the other side of the room in the manner of a pacing panther. Heero knew there must have been multiple misunderstandings with his and Makoto's relationship, or lack of explanation. Michiru offered Heero a seat with a gesture before sitting herself. "It is hard for us to understand unless we are let in; Makoto keeps her life private and we would appreciate any information you can pass."
This put Heero in a bind but it was better to be well-informed than not.
"I'll start from the beginning," Heero offered.
The air was heavy in the Emerald Palace as Lucerine kept Makoto under watchful eyes while he felt the heat and pressure. It had been three days since getting comfortable into the palace yet so much had happened. Meeting with the other rulers hadn't been quiet as he expected but instead a quiet moment at dinner as if everyone was shy. He had told their dialogue of stories when King Endymion asked the basic questions, but had left early that evening at Makoto's request. Since then, turmoil rushed at him while Jed was informed of mobile suits being moved and trying to be saved since one of their storages were shut down and under investigation. News reached him as the numbers begin to rise, cutting him off from his army of mobile suits when needed while Lionel tried to take his place to save what he could. Men died fighting to keep the units from being taken over by other countries and brought Lucerine into perspective that he may have to change his tactics. Watching Makoto sit idle in the corner of the office, Lucerine wondered if she had anything to do with this. The trouble began the moment she released herself from her magical powers.
Jed moved in from the balcony as a cool breeze fluttered around the stuffy room but didn't uplift the poor feelings of either party.
"Lionel has been taken in," announced Jed. Lucerine let the news move through his brain like moves on a chess game wondering where to move next in order to protect the king. His eyes flickered over to Makoto for a moment as he thought of a chess game, knowing to keep the queen close to bait out the other court pieces and sacrifice if necessary. Moving from his chair and circling around the desk, Lucerine stood before the unmoved Makoto with her hands folded gently across her lap and eyes vacant. Lifting her chin up had brought some life as she quietly gazed up.
"I need Mr. Winner's personal contact information," requested Lucerine. Her eyes faltered as if they were uninterested in his request until he tilted her chin more.
"It will be an unwise move. Mr. Winner may be expecting your call with a recording device to use as evidence. If you were to contact Mr. Winner, tread carefully since he has succeeded in drawing the rabbit from its hole," Makoto answered. Lucerine was surprised at her informative and witty reply.
"Are they after me?" asked Lucerine, watching an amused smile spread across Makoto's lips but her eyes were guarded.
"Who isn't after you Mr. Roux?" Makoto quizzed and then felt the amusement leave as he gazed over her body. What was he planning?
"Tell me what you know," ordered Lucerine, watching how firmly Makoto set her mouth closed and jerked her chin away. She was finished talking but he was sure with some persuasion he would be able to get the answers he was looking for. "Jed, find the child-"
"Fool!" Makoto's anger burst through as she pushed to her feet, her fingers gripping tightly onto Lucerine's jacket enraged. "Your threats hold no weight any longer. That army you once had is gone! A portion of your soldiers died defending the suits and even Lionel was captured again. By the time you're able to send word to have whatever amount of suits you managed to salvage taken to the air, they would have already been detected with a fleet ready to destroy. There is no escape, you have two days to turn back…"
Makoto couldn't believe her words, giving him advice on what his next moves should be as if she was part of his show. Her purpose was fulfilled with him gaining access to the Emerald Tower, and tonight they would introduce him to the city as the King with a festival set-up in the Market Square. If he lost his battle or upper hand in the World Organization meeting, there would be no one left to go without lowering his standards by threatening to keep her as a hostage. Lucerine let out a chuckle as an iron grip slithered around Makoto's waist and he pulled her against him.
"Did you hear that Jed? My wife is concerned for my well-being," Lucerine spoke, watching a small grin slither over Jed's complexion. Pushing away and almost stumbling in the process, Makoto felt her emeralds glare while she kept her back to the wall and sight on either of them.
"I have better things to do than listen to a suicide mission; whether you realize it or not, I'm the only lifeline you will have left," Makoto retorted and quickly pushed from the room. She was flustered, her mission and ideals were beginning to butt heads. As a senshi she was taught every life was worth saving, but could you save someone bent on self-destruction? There had always been a chance to see the good in a person before moving through their tasks of casting out the evil. If there was someone that could help her, it would be her friends with their insight for finding the good in others. Afraid of the situation she had placed them in, Makoto knew she couldn't get them involved.
Turning down the ominous halls, Makoto found herself some relief through taking a well needed walk through her private gardens. The scent filled her senses while easing her worry. Childishly she picked up her skirts and bolted in a dead run to her favorite place. Feeling her own strength fill her body, Makoto leapt over hedges as her fingers tore at the restrains holding her back. Her hair flowing wildly behind, jewelry off, and finally the dress. Taking a leap off the dock into the pond, her splash caused the relaxing swans to noisily fly off startled into the sky. Kicking up to the surface, Makoto pushed onto her back and lifelessly balanced in the water as her ears listened to the fish moving beneath. This was the release she was looking for, a way to get away from it all. It had been a while since she jumped in the pond in only her underwear but she couldn't have felt relaxed with a dress weighing her down. Peering up into the blue sky, Makoto felt a smile pull at her mouth. Soon, it would all be over. Heero had to be safe if Quatre was pulling strings behind the scenes to start shutting down Lucerine's resources. Soon, they would come for her and she was be safe. Indigo would be in her arms and she could pick-up where she left with Heero. A splash in the water brought Makoto's senses awake as she looked to where the sound came to see Michiru knee deep in the water with her skirts gathered in her arms waving her forward. Breast stroking forward, Makoto walked up to Michiru and was surprised to feel a warm hug from the older woman.
"I've come to bring you a message," Michiru said kindly, pushing some of Makoto's wet curls from her face. Makoto looked confused for a moment only for Michiru's soft laugh to ease her worry. Whatever it was, she was sure it was important if Michiru came all the way here just to deliver it personally. "Haruka and I know, a friend of yours gave us some insight so that we would trust him. No matter what, at the meeting, stay on the left."
"Any word on Indigo?" asked Makoto, relieved she had someone to lean on. Michiru just pulled a bright smile as she lead Makoto from the pond to sit on the grass and dry some before heading back.
"She's big. Haruka and I will keep her safe until the danger is gone. Are you find that we know?" asked Michiru, finding Makoto with an uplifted spirit.
"It's better this way, I didn't have the heart to speak of it. I admit I got into a bind in my research, but at least there is a start to keeping the peace. Roux is getting shut down, and he's on edge hoping to salvage all this work on destroying the colonies. I don't know what's going to happen next," Makoto said, admitting to herself she was afraid of the possible outcomes. Michiru placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and gave a slight squeeze.
"We're here for you, no matter what you decide. This is just the beginning to you forging your own path, and I believe you knew too the moment you held Indigo in your arms," consoled Michiru, feeling Makoto's fingers touch her own. "No matter where your journey takes you, all of your friends will be here waiting with welcoming arms."
"Thank you Michiru, I really needed the reassurance," Makoto conveyed, letting herself fall back as her head landed on Michiru's lap. Soaking up the sun as Michiru hummed was more than Makoto could ask for, feeling the strong bond. She looked up to Michiru and Haruka like parents she never was able to experience through her teenage years. Michiru knew how to sooth her in her time of need, and lift her up when she was down while Haruka gave her strength with her passionate way with words and anger-relieving activities. If it wasn't for either of them, Makoto was unsure where her path could have strayed. They took care of her during her pregnancy, helped raise Indigo, and let her escape talking about the father. Now, there was no need to hide anything. "I plan to make him a part of my life."
Michiru's humming stopped at the soft whisper while she gazed down at Makoto holding a bright, warm smile; the color of her aquamarine hair bouncing off the sunlight.
"Tell me about this young man," Michiru coaxed with lighted brows. Makoto couldn't help but let out a giggle at Michiru's motherly tone.
Jed was irritated; working long hours and watching as all their work was crumbling all because of two spies that managed to get into their systems undetected. He had the mind about him to wrap his fingers around her tiny, poised neck and take the life from her. Instead, he was ordered to be a dog, fetching her whenever Lucerine pleased to tease her. There were maids around the palace that could do his bidding, and he found it pleasing how a little flirting could go a long way with these women. His physical hunger had been fulfilled but his mental anguish was rapidly building. Following the instructions of one of the maids where Makoto was last seen, Jed traced through the private gardens. Unsure where the paths would lead him, Jed felt a bit relaxed as he stormed through the hedges and noticed two women sitting by a pond. Jumping the fence, Jed picked up the trail of clothing and accessories that lead to the docks with a frown.
This was one of the strangest women he had ever met; acting modest and submissive while being completely wild at heart. Finding he had gone uncovered, Jed watched how lively the underwear clad Makoto spoke with her friend. Closing in, the moment he was noticed the speaking ceased as Michiru gazed at him before holding her hand out in demand for the dress.
"Turn please," Michiru said softly, finding Jed obedient and helping Makoto into the strapless gown. Giving her a warm hug, Michiru smile before exiting toward the forested area near the rear of the palace grounds. Makoto watched her go until she disappeared into the tree line and began heading back slowly to the palace. Quietly, Jed followed alongside the bare footed woman as she frowned at some of the damage to the hedge he caused looking for her.
"It would be best if you held your tongue more," Jed broke, startling Makoto. Grabbing her elbow and stopping her, Jed gazed down at her strong posture and hard eyes. Touching her cheek, Makoto stayed unsure what he was leading to. "Lucerine is very powerful man. When he's in this mood, it would be best to tread softly. Who knows what a desperate man, wanting to survive, could do. After all, I'm sure it is tempting sharing a bed with a queen and never touching her."
Jerking back, Makoto felt a fright build up in her chest and quickly broke away from Jed. Makoto had been too preoccupied with her pitiful state that she didn't realize the potential danger she could be in. From the order of Lucerine, she thought it was purely for show that they share the chamber as she squished completely to the edge of the bed never knowing when he would come or go. Was Jed trying to push fear into her?
"You're very cruel," Makoto uttered, turning to continue back to the palace but stopped when she was pulled backwards.
"No, you're the cruel one. A bewitcher, spinning a web of lies hurting countless amounts of families and causing innocent men to die. Just because you are able to push yourself into the affair and lives of others doesn't mean you should do so freely. Without your power, or your status, you're just like everyone else. A self-centered, egotistical, prideful woman who doesn't know when to give up," Jed bellowed, watching Makoto stiffen at his words. "You don't even know who you are that you continue to hide behind fake identities, and masks. Call off your obedient hounds before you cause a war that is too much for you to handle."
"Look at the obedient hound speak," retorted Makoto, her voice dripping with anger. "Those that died fighting for mobile suits would have died if you all get your way; waging war on the colonies, forcing evacuation or destruction. The Earth was able to revive itself after the population was pushed into the colonies. Ruining lives of others and forcing them to see from your view will only cause more damage. Ten colonies filled with people, plus a lunar base, all flocking to Earth with be chaotic! Where would we place them all? How could we reimburse their uprooting?"
It was hard to see eye-to-eye with someone set in their ways with determination to destroy something that had been long ago made to save lives and end war. With the advancements, it was made possible to move people to space where more jobs opened up, new resources were made, and letting the Earth naturally rebuild before it died. The consequences of their actions would cause famine, starvation, rising death tolls, debris that could potentially crash anyone on Earth, and plaguing wars.
"It's a process that would occur over time, steadily starting the sifting of one colony at a time over a span of years. I believe you'll need to listen when Roux makes his speech and argument for passing this measure. Get ready, your celebration won't like a late announcement," Jed ended, seeing how frustrated Makoto became before she stormed off.
The only thing more irritating than Jed was the process of getting ready for the festival tonight. Not wanting to be a disappointment, Makoto had called in one of the fashion designers to request an outfit put together for this night. Approving on the fashion was something she needed to do, to acknowledge her peoples hard work and change in lifestyle. After bathing, Makoto left her hair damp and dressed in a robe. The first guest was a make-up artist that accented her natural features and gave her a vibrant color she would have never dared. Red lips against a paling foundation, lashes and eyes accentuated. Her hair was next, pulled half-up while long ringlets moving down her back and a miniature child-size looking top hat of dark green and black positioned diagonal letting a birdcage lace fall to her nose. Already Makoto was unsure about taking a leap into this intricate fashion. When she got to the dress, Makoto found the number of layers complicated; the rich dark green fabric heavy and flowing. A black corset pulled tightly around her waist and then the revelation in the mirror. She couldn't recognize herself with the different length dress; the front stopping at the knees as sheer laced fishnets stockings lead to pointed-toed mid-calf black heels and the back hugged closely to giving her an hourglass figure from behind with a small train. The top was another story: the black designed corset pushed her cleavage into a modest amount shaped tamed into the confined of the oval black laced top. The dark green fabric cupped over her shoulders before a pleading design of the fabric finished off her ensemble. Makoto imagined she only needed a whip to fit in at the burlesque show in the entertainment district.
"What a fitting ensemble for a queen," purred a voice, causing Makoto to shiver. Lucerine stepped into view of the mirror in a matching outfit trimmed into a gentleman military style. His black uniform was accented with a matching deep green waist coat, white shirt, and deep green tie. Gold buttons accented each cuff, the waist coat, and jacket. This clothing was complimenting to his strong jaw, coffee hair, and cobalt eye gazing. A matching top hat complimented his head, and black gloves held a dangerous looking black cane with a silver dragon's head. She wanted to reach out and examine it, in her black laced hands. "It is a sword, I never leave without a form of defense."
Opening his coat wider, on one side, Makoto caught the glint of his holster filled with the shiny silver gun on each side. Frowning, Makoto was unsure what to expect, but knew somehow it was his way of coping with the current incidents. She had been there before; being a new place and surrounded by people she didn't know. The only thing that kept her mind comfortable was to have something on her at all times that gave her that comfort. During her mission involving Lionel, her persona had embraced cooking meals for her and Heero.
"Come, it is about to begin," Jed said, interrupting their curious gazes at each other. Interlocking their arms, they moved together down the halls to the entrance of the palace and on the long walk down to the beginning of the Market Square. "Remember: plenty of affection, a limit on the alcoholic indulgence, keep smiling, and shift your bodies toward each other. The inclement you hold yourself could give it all away."
Makoto was glad when Jed finished with his rambling as they approached the royal gardens decorated and glowing with hanging white lanterns in what seemed like a lover's-paradise theme. Making it to the entrance of the Market Square, Makoto couldn't help but smile at the music already playing and people dancing, drinking, eating, and having a fun time. Lead toward a set-up stage for the announcement, the music stopped as a cheer pushed through the people watching them enter the stage. As Makoto moved up to the microphone, a silence hushed over the crowd.
"It is a pleasure to come home after spending a great deal recently traveling," Makoto spoke, her voice strong and proud as it echoed through the square. "I am sure a great deal of you never expected the 'elusive princess' to surprise you by bringing home a King but it was just in time to welcome a new and surprising transforming I behold! I never thought I would see the day when we would take steps into the past combining artistic beauty, designing freedom, and mix it together in a glorious pot to transform into this." Makoto paused as she stepped from behind the pagoda to emphasize on the clothing as loud cheering ensued the crowd. Quieting, Makoto leaned in to speak once more into the microphone. "I look forward to a long, healthy future within our mists of Emerald City and give you your King, Lucerine Roux."
Another cheer pushed wildly through the crowd as Lucerine took to the platform, wrapping an arm warmly around her waist to bring Makoto close to his side. Cameras flashed all around as he waited for the silence before pushing up a smile.
"Thank you for such a warm and embracing welcome. I am proud to join such a wonderful city, and thankful to have the chance of a lifetime with a beautiful and courageous woman by my side. The future is always changing, and I am proud to announce Emerald City will be the first to embrace what the World Organization decides in its upcoming meeting. As my first action as King, I will be joining her Highness in a lifetime opportunity to take part in shaping the future for not just Emerald City, but for Earth!" As the cheering moved through the waves of people crowded near the stage, Lucerine felt Jed push near his ear to whisper 'kiss' quickly before stepping back. "It is my understanding that Emerald City is owed the debt from our choice of having a small, private wedding. As a symbol from our ceremony, we will welcome the future and the start of festivities with our matrimonial kiss."
Makoto felt startled as the cheering erupted loudly, the pagoda moved out of their way and Lucerine smoothly tilted her back in his arms to swoop in for the kiss. The only image to push through her mind was Heero as her mouth met his in a heated passion, her arm snaking to caress his cheek and the crowd echoing in her ears. When they parted, Makoto controlled herself to gaze into his hazy glowing cobalt eye and noticed his top hat taken off to block the view. Erect and blushing, they started the festival off by entering the dancing circle for a traditional 'first dance' in a classic waltzing style as the violin sung in the background. The only person she could think of was Heero at a time like this to keep her composure, wondering how it would be if they were to get married or how Heero would fair being a King. She was risking to give it all up if Heero requested a normal civilian life, but now, that wouldn't be hard at all since she already gave up her powers. Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru, or Setsuna could take her place if needed.
The night of dancing, drinking, eating, and visiting without her people slipped by so quickly that Makoto didn't notice it was two in the morning. At that point, they took their leave back to the palace with a long, quiet walk as Jed fish tailed behind until after they entered onto the palace grounds where the guards closed the gate for privacy. Tired and feeling the weight of the gown, Makoto closed in on the bedroom with pleasure and started by slipping her boots off. Concern filled her eyes when she heard the door silently close and noticed Lucerine was the only one in the room.
"Where's the maid? I need help getting out of this life draining thing," Makoto announced, feeling the alcohol loosen her tongue. Crossing the room, Lucerine turned Makoto to the mirror as his fingers began working on the corset.
"The staff has the evening off with a late start for the celebration," Lucerine revealed. Makoto mentally cursed for forgetting and being stuck in this strange situation. Silently she stood still as the process of taking it off seemed longer than when she had got dressed. Feeling able to breathe once more, Makoto felt Lucerine pull the corset off and set it on the vanity seat. Close to her ear, he whispered, "Lift your hair."
Pulling the ringlets up, Makoto gazed in the mirror as she felt his fingers pull at the fasteners securely holding her dress tightly in place. His face looked stern yet relaxed as she could feel his eye gazing at her soft skin. Dropping some of her hair, her arm quickly pressed against her chest at the ever lowering bodice. His fingers paused for a moment as he watched Makoto quickly look away embarrassed. Lucerine was already to the middle of her back due to the large amounts of buttons tightly holding the fabric. Once he came to the last button, Lucerine was sure Makoto would bolt and prepared for her reaction. Caressing his fingers down her back, Lucerine looped an arm around her waist when she bolted and chuckled at her angry eyes. Pushing her hair away from her neck, Lucerine pressed his mouth warmly against her nape.
"I should reveal to you my future plans Mrs. Roux," Lucerine purred near her ear as the fear seared through her. She was tired, relaxed from the alcohol, and not up to playing games tonight. "Even if the World Organization doesn't approve my measures, I still plan to come back here and rule as King. If anyone tries to arrest me to stand trial, it will start a war between Tokyo and the rest of the accusing nation. Written in Tokyo law, I found an interesting clause that states all members, whether they agree or disappear with the measures, must support a King of their nation as innocent until proven guilty. No one within the confines of the nation may witness against the accused party."
Tightly in his grip, Makoto wished to escape but felt the fear keeping her planted. She was indecent and couldn't risk his eyes or hands to wonder if she were to wrestle for freedom.
"How long do you plan to act as king?" asked Makoto quietly, finding her voice a bit hoarse from all the chattering and laughing before.
"Until death, meaning I plan for the arrival of an heir in our future. Don't think lightly on your tasks, there will be a time in the near future when these tasks will be accomplished. I'd rather warn you now than catch you off guard. After the World Organization meeting, send word to whoever has your daughter to have her sent to the palace immediately," Lucerine revealed, feeling Makoto jump slightly when his free hand caressed her back. Turned to face him, Makoto found his eye capturing her gaze as a smooth grin spread. "Give me a parting kiss so I may indulge elsewhere tonight."
Pushing onto her toes, Makoto thought she would be able to get away with giving him a quick peck on the mouth but found his hand pull her in. The passion poured from him, devouring her sweet thoughts of Heero and ebbing her senses. This man kissed more lustful than his brother, making her feel the need for compensation. Breathless, violated, betrayed, and anger filled Makoto the moment he released her mouth yet left her weak in the knees. These emotions tore through her as she thought hopelessly if she would ever see Heero again or if she could be saved from this forced marriage.
"Sleep well my queen," Lucerine whispered, pulling her hand up to kiss the knuckles before exiting. Makoto wanted to throw something, but focused shakily of changing into her night gown, washing her face, and brushing out her hair. Having the bed to herself was the best thing she could ask for as she wondered if at the meeting would be her last chance to escape.
"Stay on the left side," she whispered to herself, curling into a ball with her pillow and letting rest finally succumb.
AN: Woooot! Two chapters down, I'm on a role toward the goal of finishing it this week. I know the steampunk style may have been a bit of a 'whoa, where'd that come from' but I have my reasons. While I was going shopping for the first time in a while, I noticed that the fashion clock has been moving backwards into the past. When it reaches a certain point, it then turns toward a new 'modern' or 'futuristic' look before making another backtrack into the past. I was going off that same idea of how fashion has started going backwards.