Chapter 14
Author Disclaimer: From this point on in the story there will be some sexual and violent content.
Fire and Honor
Kiyoko just stood there, staring. She couldn't concentrate on any one thing. She was worried for the others. She didn't like that the mission already had experienced a setback. And then there was that bed and that kiss she'd shared with Seiya, waking things in her she hadn't known even existed. She'd never been in love, never felt passion. Her life had been one of study and duty. After a few minutes, Seiya broke into Kiyoko's internal dialogue, "They'll be alright, if that's what you're worried about." She turned, wondering if their bond was giving her away. Seiya saw that look of bewilderment on her face, "You were chewing your lip again, and I could feel worry in you." Kiyoko just nodded, unable to speak. She felt so young again, or something. She couldn't find the right word. Seiya had stepped very near to her, "We should rest while we can. We're lucky to have ended up on this side of the slide."
Kiyoko turned and looked at Seiya in the dim light of the small fire. She could see the way Seiya was looking at her. Trying to maintain her self-control, Kiyoko spoke in a low voice, "We have to remain focused on the mission." However, Seiya acted as if she hadn't spoken at all. She wrapped her arms around Kiyoko's waist and pulled her close, unfastening both of their cloaks and letting them fall to the ground. The way she kissed Kiyoko made her head spin. It started gently and then intensified with a need, a need she could feel consuming every part of Seiya, body and soul. She couldn't maintain that self-control she'd been battling with, letting her staff drop and wrapping her fingers in Seiya's hair, pulling closer. The flame that had crackled between them became a roaring fire, one neither could extinguish.
Kiyoko clung to Seiya as that kiss continued. Seiya ran her fingers in trails up and down Kiyoko's back with such a mixture of force and tenderness that Kiyoko's body became ablaze. Feeling that in her Seiya scooped her up and laid her gently on the bed, laying her on her back. Seyia's hands wrapped around her waist once more, and then one of them slid down the back of her thigh and pulled it up so that it neatly wrapped around her.
At the same time, they both pulled back briefly, but still oh so close. There was a moment of pause, but then Seiya's mouth was on hers again, and there was no turning back. Their bodies wrapped together as they quickly undressed each other. It was filled with passion and heat, and Kiyoko felt like she was in combat training again, allowing her instincts to take over. This would NOT be something she would let herself overthink.
It was filled with animal instinct. Nevertheless, it was sweet and wonderful at the same time. Looking into Seiya's eyes, feeling that magic between them, Kiyoko knew that Seiya loved her more than anything. With each touch and caress Kiyoko could feel that bond between them growing. This was the person she'd been meant for, the person she had fallen in love with from the very first touch. She couldn't tell where her body ended and where Seiya's began. So many emotions flowed through her, her own and Seiya's. It felt like they were one being. Momentarily she wondered if this was what it was like for everyone, but then her mind was lost to the passion. It was lost to the passion what felt like an eternity. Finally the two of them just laid there, their bodies tangled together. Seiya pulled the quilt over them and they drifted off, Kiyoko feeling the greatest peace and happiness in her life.
So comfortable and at peace were Seiya and Kiyoko that they didn't hear anyone approach the cabin. They didn't hear the door open. But what jolted them both from their sleep was Haruka's booming, anger filled voice, "You bitch! I am going to fucking kill you!"
There they were, everyone else, standing in the doorway to the one room cabin, the refuge where Kiyoko and Seiya were still naked, sitting up in the bed. Michiru stepped in front of Haruka, "Let them put on their clothes at least." She turned, gathering up the pile of clothing next to the bed and threw them onto the quilt. Kiyoko thought this must be what most young people feel like when their parents walked in on them, but Haruka's face was much scarier than any she'd ever seen on her own father. Kiyoko and Seiya dressed quickly and stood up. Kiyoko felt small, but Seiya stood proudly next to her.
This seemed to infuriate Haruka more. She scrutinized Seiya and growled, "Outside right now!" Seiya nodded and strode out the door. Michiru and Kiyoko followed her. Kiyoko wanted to intervene as she saw both women take up combat poses. Michiru noticed the expression on Kiyoko's face and grabbed her hand, whispering in her ear, "Don't stop this. It needs to happen. Trust me." Michiru, who had kept the peace and protected her and Seiya from the worst of Haruka's wrath was okay with this? She chewed on her lip once again, but tried to trust Michiru's judgment.
And so Haruka and Seiya prepared to face off. Circling each other, Haruka spat at Seiya, "You are nothing more than a slithering snake. You are NOT worthy of Princess Kiyoko and I will put you in your place." Seiya just grinned, "Pretty bold to presume that YOU should judge who's worthy." "It's my job to protect her, plain and simple," Haruka replied, "Now enough talk!"
Haruka lunged forward and knocked Seiya onto the ground. Her fist connected with Seiya's face, making Kiyoko cringe. Seiya was able to gain some leverage and shoved Haruka off of her. They both were up in a flash. Seiya making the next move, running and landing an uppercut that sent Haruka staggering for a split second. She regained her footing quickly and the two faced off again. Haruka landed a kick firm in Seiya's gut, sending her reeling. She tackled Seiya, landing a knee into that same gut. She snarled, "You aren't worthy. You have no right to lay a hand on her!" Seiya, still struggling to get free shouted, "Shouldn't SHE get to decide whose worthy of her!" Kiyoko couldn't take much more of this. She began to step forward, this time it was Yaten who stopped her, "Wait." Had everyone lost their minds? But Yaten gave her a look, it was cold and pleading at the same time. That look froze Kiyoko in place, watching in horror.
Seiya and Haruka had managed to get to their feet and were exchanging blows. It reminded Kiyoko of her training sessions, but they weren't holding anything back. Again, Haruka took the upper hand, focusing all of her punches on Seiya's abdomen. As she landed another Seiya doubled over. Haruka summoned her space sword, her talisman. She knocked Seiya backwards and pointed it at her, "Relinquish your claim on her heart or face death." They both looked so battered, but Seiya stared up at Haruka, "Then kill me, because I could never deny my feelings for her." Haruka stared back and Kiyoko could feel herself reaching out, but locked in place at the same time. Then, without a word Haruka turned and walked away.
Michiru went after her, Taiki and Yaten stood there, and Kiyoko was suddenly unfrozen and running to Seiya's side. She dropped to her knees and took Seiya in her arms, "Are you alright?" As always, Seiya tried to wear that overconfident smile, "I'm fine Kiyo-chan." But Kiyoko could feel her pain. Haruka had done some serious damage. Without thinking about it her magic flowed into Seiya, healing her wounds. As the relief showed in Seiya's features she smirked, "Such a rule breaker, I thought you said no magic." Tears started streaming down Kiyoko's face, "Idiot! Taking Haruka on like that!" Seiya carefully craned her head upward and kissed Kiyoko's tears, "You're worth the pain, even if I'm not worthy." Kiyoko smiled, "I think you're very worthy." "Good, because I love you Kiyo-chan," she breathed as the last of the wounds mended themselves. Seiya sat up gingerly, "Now, go make up with Papa there. I'll never like her, but we have a world to save." Kiyoko nodded. She stood and saw the other Starlights approaching as she walked in the direction Haruka and Michiru had went.
A few minutes later she found them, Haruka sitting under a tree, Michiru leaning over her with no sign of the space sword. Kiyoko stepped lightly as she got closer. Haruka looked around Michiru, "Why…. Why her?" She winced a little and Kiyoko got down next to her, taking her hand. This time the magic was intentional. She let it mend Haruka the same way she had with Seiya. Michiru smiled and answered Haruka's question, "Because love is love." Haruka looked between Michiru and Kiyoko, feeling her pain relieved, "Damn, now I've really lost." Kiyoko leaned against her and replied, "I love her Papa. Now we have a world to save." Haruka chuckled as they got to their feet, "What else is new?"