A/N: So...I actually lost a friend over this chapter. Ain't that sad? *sniff-sniff* O well! He'll come back! ...maybe :/

Chapter 21:Broken

Uranus and Neptune continued to run up the staircase that seemed to be never were no obstacles standing in their way, no enemies trying to stop their progress. At least not yet. It didn't take long to realize that it was just the two of them. Somewhere along the line, they got separated from the group; they prayed that they would meet up soon enough.

Finally the stairs leveled off into a platform. There was no one in sight; just an empty room. The two scanned for any intruders but could sense nothing. Were they in another dimension? Were the witches able to cloak their presence? Either way, they weren't letting their guard down for a second.

"I'm surprised you've made it this far." A sultry voice came from behind them. Uranus's heart quicken, recognizing it immediately.

"You!" Neptune's eyes widen when she saw the red-headed temptress come into view. Amora clapped her hands in a faux applause.

"It's a shame that you figured it out, all too late." She smoothed her hands over her bodice slowly, making eye contact with the blonde. "The end is near and you two will be on the losing side. Too bad."

Uranus was seething; She felt her skin crawl as the memories of that night replayed in her mind.

How could she have been so blind!?

"Aw! Don't give me that look." The seductress teased. "We had so much fun together; don't be like that."

"Shut up!" gritting her teeth, Uranus moved first. Charging at the witch, she summoned her powers, morphing it into the orange orb. It collided with its target as soon as it left her hand. The explosion shook the room as dark plumes of smoke engulfed them.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Did you think it would be that easy?" Her taunting voice surrounded the warrior. Because of the smoke, Uranus couldn't pinpoint where she was hiding.

"Lucky for you, I'm not much of a fighter." She said after a pause, the smoke began to clear. "But that doesn't mean I don't have any tricks up my sleeve." Uranus realized that Amora was behind her. Quickly, she turned on her heels. Pissed that she wasn't a step ahead of her enemy; that she didn't realize who the real target was.

Amora wrapped her arms lovingly around Neptune from behind, her head rested peacefully on her shoulder as she ran her fingers through her hair.

"Such a lovely creature, she is."

"Neptune, get away from her!" Uranus warned.

"Oh." Amora laughed. "Do you think I would let her get away? Besides, we have much to talk about." Uranus ran towards them. She was not going to allow that deceitful bitch to harm Neptune. She was halfway across the room before she slammed into an invisible wall. She pushed and slammed her shoulder into it, but couldn't get through.

"Hmmm…you weren't that eager to be at her side when you were with me." Uranus heard her say.

"So pathetic and treacherous love can be. It can be one sided and selfish." As Amora spoke, she stroked Neptune's arms as if comforting her. "Prime example: this twisted love triangle." Amora rubbed her cheek against her like a cat would its owner. "She loves you deeply; I can feel it, all of her love is for you and you alone. Not once has she betrayed you, not once has she lusted after another. She solely belongs to you. You know that...and yet...you decide to sleep with me. You decided to betray her."

"Shut up!" Uranus's fist slammed against the invisible force field in anger. "You tricked me! You seduced me!"

"Yes, I played a part in seducing you. But you, Amara, you followed. I can't create what's not in someone's heart. I exaggerate what's already there, however, if you didn't have lust for me, then you wouldn't have come to my bed."

As the two spoke, Amora taunting and revealing the secrets while Amara defended her actions, Neptune heard every word. She was taken aback when Amora had come from behind. She had immobilized her body so she couldn't move, or speak. She could only listen to the betrayal. She knew that Amara had been acting strange towards her, becoming distant, but she couldn't understand why. She had chalked it up to her paranoia; that everything was in her head. Even after she started to come home late at night, the smell of another woman on her body as she passed by the bed they shared lingered long after she rinsed it off. She was hiding what she had feared most.

"Your suspicious were correct all along." Amora whispered in her ear. "She betrayed you. After everything you've been through. Years together, always at each other's side; and yet, she falls for another."

Tears fell from her sea green eyes as the sounds of her own heart shattering rang in her ears. She had lost Amara to another. It may have been a brief affair, but it didn't matter. Amara had shared the most intimate parts of her. She had shared her heart, her soul, her spirit. She had given to a stranger what was only meant for her.

How could she forgive that?

How could she forgive her?

Amora's eyes glittered with amusement. Leaning forward, she tilted Neptune's chin up. The kiss was small but more than effective. When their lips parted, a small red glow fell from the witch's mouth and entered Neptune's.

"Neptune! Fight it! Don't let it consume you!"

But it was too late. Her vulnerable, broken heart was just what Amora needed. Her spell took effect almost immediately. The deep sea green eyes turned a soft pink, indicating that the warrior was now under her spell.

"Now, I think it's time for a little payback." Amora smiled as she turned her puppet towards Uranus. With a flick of her wrist, the wall that held Uranus away was gone. Now there was nothing holding the other back from taking her anger out on the other.

And there was nothing more dangerous than the wrath of a brokenhearted woman.

It was no coincidence that Koji and Wynter were the first to arrive to the top. The room was dank and dark; fog rolled at their feet as the cold wet atmosphere settled on their flesh. There seemed to be no one in sight, though they would be fools to think otherwise.

"Stay close." He whispered, taking a step. The sound of his boot hitting the damp floor echoed off the walls. His hand stayed firmly on the hilt of his sword as they proceeded forward. The snap of something giving way to his weight sprung fear into Wynter's heart. Without missing a beat, the two warriors spun around, placing their backs to one another.

Koji could hear Wynter's heartbeat quicken but her breathing was even, which eased his mind. She was tensed, maybe even scared, but she was prepared for anything that was subjected to come their way.

Steel javelins shot through the fog, in every direction. Their reactions were quick, but not quick enough. Several of the razor jagged edges cut into them before they were able to put up a barrier. Blood dripped from their open wounds as they used their energy to keep the shield up. The javelins seemed to be never ending, ramming into the force field like rain. The Celestial looked over at his partner. Her skin was pale, her eyes glassy against the barrier's light.

Shit. He thought as his wounds were healing, Wynter was struggling to stay on her feet. If he didn't do something soon, she was going to pass out.

"Wynter, put down your shield." It worried him that she didn't respond to his command. "Wynter!" he bellowed.

"Huh?" she snapped out of her daze. When would the spears stop attacking them? Would they ever? She didn't want Koji to bear the burden of protecting them but she could feel herself fading fast.

"Drink from me." His next command didn't seem to register in her brain.

"What?"

"You're losing too much blood. I can't have you passing out on me, or worse." He needed her. He hated to admit it, but he needed her. "Take my blade and cut me. My blood will heal you. I can hold the shield up, but you need to do it now!" He watched her as she processed the information. It was the only way. They both knew that he was right.

But the action itself… …

"Wynter! Now is not the time to engage your moral compass!"

He's right. She nodded, signaling him that she was ready. As she released her power, he increased his. The javelins hit hard, ricocheting off they grey orb. Wynter could feel her body dropping below normal temperatures; her vision blurred as she tried to balance herself. Like a newborn puppy, she tripped over her feet.

Koji managed to brace her weight as she fell on him.

"Damn it." He cursed, she could barely keep her head up, let along lift his sword. "You will NOT be a pain in my ass today!" Koji scowled, biting into his own wrist drawing blood. He sucked until his mouth was full. He dreaded his decision for a split second; not because he was trying to save her life, but he never wanted his first kiss with her to be like this.

Once his stained lips touched hers, he pried her mouth opened letting crimson liquid poured from his into hers. It dripped from the corners of her mouth, staining her clothes.

The warm bitterness ran down her throat. She couldn't explain the feeling, the taste. It wasn't what she had expected. It grew hot with each passing second as the blood merged into her system.

She felt Koji's lips melt into hers again, giving her more of the intoxicating elixir. This time she was aware and could identify the blood as bitter, yet sweet and tangy. It wasn't a wonder why it was forbidden to drink from a Celestial. It was powerful, addicting.

"My, my. What a surprise." In the mist of trying to save his partner's life, he was unaware that they javelin barrage had ceased.

"I was not expecting the cold, heartless Koji would actually risk his own life to save someone that wasn't his own kind."

That voice… that voice sent icy spikes down his spine. Koji couldn't begin to describe the anger and hatred that ran through his entire being. Slowly, he let Wynter settle her weight on her feet before releasing her. He pushed her behind him in defense.

"Now." The man standing several feet away proceeded to take off his white mask. Only one red eye was visible, the other was sealed shut with a wide jagged scar that crossed diagonally over his face. The disfigurement was a constant reminder of his defeat and banishment. .

"Why don't you come over and give your big brother a hug?" It was the face that would flash back in his dreams from time to time. That same cocky smirk that seemed to piss him off. That glint of challenge behind his eyes. The air of arrogance and entitlement that surrounded him. He hadn't changed, not in all these years. He was made half a foot taller than him now. His jet black hair was still slicked back away from his face. Aside from the scar, his features were almost identical to his own. That was all that he could say about him. The murderous bastard shared nothing more than genetic DNA, but he stopped referring to him as brother a long time ago

Koji glowered, baring his canines. "I should have killed you." He growled.

"Woulda, shoulda, coulda." Shiguire grinned. "Isn't that what the young kids say these days?" Koji gripped they the handle of his weapon, ready to use it at any given moment.

"Woah, woah." Shiguire raised his hands, palms facing outwards. "We have plenty of time for fighting. Why don't we chat for a bit?"

"There's nothing I want to say to you."

"How's the family?" Shiguire continued, ignoring Koji's previous statement. "How are Miyu and Cree? How is Father?" He bit on that last one.

"Wishing you were dead." He answered truthfully.

"Ah, come one. I'm sure I've been mentioned a few times?"

"Yes, as the disgrace of the family."

That had Shiguire grinding his teeth. "Well, if they aren't talking about you, than you're not important."

"Trust me, you're not important to us at all."

This banter was going on long enough. Was he stalling for time? Being trapped in that mirror labyrinth should have given him more than enough time than he would like to admit to hatch whatever he had been scheming.

"I'm sure mother…" before he could finish his taunting, a blue orb flew past his face; the heat alone could have melted the other half of his face if he had not been paying attention.

"Don't you dare." Shiguire was irritated that he allowed Koji to almost get the upper hand, but seeing the anger light up in his eyes was worth it.

That's right Koji, get angry with me. It will be even sweeter when I kill you.

"Koji." Wynter could feel the rage radiating off his body. "Don't let him get under your skin." She tried to reach out to comfort him only to have him seethe and recoil.

"Don't…touch…me." He hissed, which was warning enough.

"You should do as he says." The treacherous bastard taunted. "Don't worry, I'll have something occupy your time while we get reacquainted."

At the snap of his fingers, Wynter's twin appeared through the shadows. The demonic aura that surrounded her unnerved the other. Whatever happened in the last weeks since she put her foot up her ass, wasn't going to be good for her now.

Her suspicions were accurate when the doubleganger charged at them, turning her sword in hand, she sliced up.

Koji and Wynter dodged it, separating in opposite directions. As instructed, 'Wynter' leaped towards her counterpart, this time, Wynter blocked with her own weapon. The aftershock of the blow nearly knocked her off balance.

Ice chilled in her veins when she looked into her opponent's eyes. Black and dead as if the life had been ripped from her. There was nothing left but a shell.

Kicking low, Wynter was able to catch the other off guard. Skillfully, the blade sliced, cutting deep. The same black slime oozed from the wound just as the creature from her apartment. It came to no surprise to her when the copy rejuvenated as if the cut was never there.

It didn't bother the princess. Now that she was aware that the person in front of her was longer a person, if she even was one from the beginning, it would be no problem ending 'her' life.

Sailor Moon and Sailor Mercury ran through the tunnel. The light was just in front of them but it seemed that they were getting nowhere fast. The two had just escaped from the mirror labyrinth. Battered and wounded from the razor sharp glass that would shatter and propel at them at any given moment, it amazed them that they were able to get out without worse injuries.

Suddenly, shrills ran through them when the high pitch scream whaled through the tunnel.

"What was that?" Sailor Moon felt something move in her spirit. Coldness wrapped itself around her.

"Let's move." Mercury said nothing as she followed her leader. As they approached the end, weeping could be heard from just beyond it. The light blinded the scouts from a moment before the horrid sight filled their eyes.

"Sailor Uranus!" They found the blonde weeping in hysteria over the other who laid dead, a dagger plunged in her chest.

"Uranus." Sailor Moon came to the Scout's side as Mercury checked the body for any signs of life. Uranus was unresponsive other than crying uncontrollably. "Amara!" Sailor Moon wrapped her arms around her, rocking her.

"It's….this…" Uranus managed between sobs. "…is all my fault." She coughed out more tears. Her mind hadn't yet processed everything, but her heart knew. Seeing Sailor Neptune laying in a dark pool of her own blood, her flesh was slowly turning grey. She knew.

She knew.

"What happened?" Mercury wiped away angry tears. She noticed the wounds and bruises on both women, but she didn't sense the presence of any of the witches.

"Amora…she used a spell on her." The memories flooded back as she grabbed her hair, transferring blood to her tresses. "I did this! If I hadn't slept with that bitch!" She cried harder. "One moment of weakness! Michelle didn't deserve this. It was supposed to be me! Me!

"I drew my dagger for protection, but I wasn't going to use it on her. She…got it away from me and for a second, she broke through and…" Uranus couldn't finish; it was evident that Neptune was aware of their circumstances, but couldn't stop her body. Somehow, she broke free of the spell just for a moment and drove the weapon into her chest.

Sailor Moon didn't know what else to do but rock her comrade while she wept for the other. Both for Uranus's comfort as well as her own. Her heart cried as she let tears fall. This wasn't what she had planned. She didn't prepare herself for this tragedy. Yet, there was always a risk every time they stepped into battle, she still wasn't prepared to see her friend dead. She wasn't prepared to have the other breakdown in despair and hysteria.

"We have to move." Mercury rose to her feet. She turned away from the body. She had seen many people like during the summer, but now that it was one of her own, she fought back the urge to breakdown. It wasn't the time. Who knew what carnage was just beyond the walls outside. Who knew how much devastation was upon the world or even how long they were in this dimension.

"No!" Uranus looked between the two in distress. "I can't leave her! Not like this."

"I don't know if she can be saved, but we can't stay here." There would be time for grief later. After they defeated the witches and restored the world back to the way it was before they entered their lives.

"Mercury is right." Sailor Moon nodded, she felt Uranus stiffen. "Neptune wouldn't want us to fail. Her sacrifice can't go in vain." She got up as well, pulling the amazon to her feet.

"Failure isn't an option." She spoke her mantra, watching in silence as Uranus continued gaze at her fallen lover in sorrow. The last of her tears fell before her features harden. The sorrow was now mixing with anger as she straightened.

She allowed the shorter blonde to wipe away the smudges of dirt and blood from her face before moving on. Uranus said a silent prayer as they bounded up the staircase that Michelle's soul was making a save journey to the afterlife.

Review/Comment! Plz!

Almost done. Everything is written (the old fashion way w/ pen and paper) I just gota transfer it, edit, tweak here and there. But I'll definitely have the rest posted before the March is over.

So stay tuned!

SMOOCHES!