Hi everyone! I'm so sorry this is sooooo late! I'm going to keep this short. Hope you all like this chapter and the continuation of the ball :D
/
"Is everything ready?" Their voice was dark with irritation as they stared into the black flames that suspended above the filigreed candelabras that encircled the chamber.
"Yes, everything is set," their advisor said, eyes shrouded behind their hood. The other ministers, silent wraiths, floated behind them in three uniform rows. Nameless shadows of the men they used to be.
They nodded their head and raised their hand, dismissing the others. The specters vanished, the room no more empty with their absence. A thin smile crossed their lips as they paced across the black stone floor; each step struck like the drone of a clock in their ears — the hour of retribution was here.
After all of their sacrifice, the pain, and torment, they would get their revenge. Enraptured in thoughts of her agony, how she would suffer the same fate she'd tried to inflict on them, coursed through them. Anticipation, a joyous buzz of untamed energy sprang out through their chest and darted to their fingertips. Everything would have been worth it.
Once they had her, once she saw the fate she'd left so many too, she would beg them for mercy. But they would show none and she would be theirs — forever. And this eternal nightmare would end.
They reached their throne. The insipid crystal illuminated under their fingers, a deep magenta and black born from their touch. They sat and the dark energy drummed awake below them, waiting for their call. The electricity in the air-filled their lungs, tiny black sparks escaped from their body, unable to be restrained.
"Has your power recovered?" Their advisor asked, inclining their head.
"Until we have it, I shall not be fully restored. However, I have more than enough for tonight. Nothing will keep me from what I'm owed."
The first rush, a burst that would have laid waste to any other besieged their body. The distant call splintered their own life force, a star shattering within, shards burst and pricked under their skin as the dark power overwhelmed them. Their muscles tensed at the energy, their body a conduit for the dark power. "It's starting."
/
Chibi-Usa's eyelids dropped again; her gaze fell to the crystal floor, a blurred reflection of pink hair and sleepy eyes stared up at her from the mirror-polished stone before she caught herself and snapped back awake. It was everything she could do to keep her eyes open during her first official council meeting. How her parents managed to not only stay awake but actively participate in such mundane topics, eluded her.
Her mother poised on her throne, solid and real again, as her ministers explained the intricacies of a land dispute which affected supplies to some of the local businesses. The whirlwind of anxiety that had raged in her earlier that day dissipated to a quiet rumble, humming below the surface of calm she fought to project as she studied the Queen. Everything back to how it should be.
While her mother calmed her once she'd regained her physical form, she refused to discuss what happened any further, saying that she would speak with Pluto later and that everything would be fine. While her words were meant to reassure Chibi-Usa, her eyes couldn't hide the sudden sorrow that filled her.
She'd seen that look on her mother's face only once before, when she was ensnared by the Malefic Black Crystal - reborn as Black Lady - and her mother's spirit had come to the past, begging for her to return. A look that ripped open the shame of her failure, how she abandoned those she loved, how she lost herself to darkness and vengeance, a part of her that she'd destroyed, trapped away from ever returning. She hated that look.
"How much longer till the supplies arrive?" Her mother leaned forward on her throne, the crescent moon carved glowed above her bleached white hair.
"About three days, your majesty."
"We will need to make sure those get out right away."
"Of course, your majesty," he bowed his head.
"My love, I, unfortunately, am going to have to leave the rest of this in your capable hands." Her father rose from his crystalline throne, next to his wife's, his black hair stark against the white and silver stones. "I have a meeting with my generals that I must attend."
"Of course, Dear, I will join you later for supper," she said as he bent to kiss the Queen's cheek before turning to go.
He strode from the dais and down through the hall where he paused at Chibi-Usa's side and leaned down, "You're doing wonderfully for your first meeting - I nearly fell asleep when it was my first time." He winked at her.
Chibi-Usa fought to muffle her laughter as he left. One Minster, with a beard as long as her hair, the ends swept the floor every time he spoke, glanced over, his grey eyes narrowed. Her back immediately straightened, hands clasped together on her lap as the meeting resumed.
By the time the meeting concluded, she'd resorted to digging her nails into her palm to keep her eyes open, crescent moons dug into the edge of her thumb. How will I ever be able to manage this on my own?
"Is there anything else?" Her mother asked Seiji, the head of the council. Seiji — who by all accounts was only in his early thirties but had the aura of someone far older — stood. His dark brown eyes which had flashed at her from behind his silver hair, always watching, silently observing everyone, cast downward as he addressed her mother. "If it pleases your grace, there is one other topic which the council would like to discuss with you… regarding your daughter, Small Lady."
"Of course," she gestured to her father's thorn, vacant beside her. "Small Lady, would you join us here please?"
She jumped to her feet and hurried over, keenly aware of the eyes that clung to her back, their expectations trying to ensnare her with every step. The hairs on her neck stiffened as she crossed the room. Her mother offered her hand as she reached the top of the dais, which she took and gently squeezed, safe. Chibi-Usa stood in front of her father's throne, unsure if she should sit. The chair loomed behind her, her small frame overwhelmed by its towering height.
"Small Lady, you may sit if you wish." Her mother nodded. Her voice calmed her anxiety which had grown since Seiji'd called her name.
Slowly she settled into the seat, unable to reach the back, the seat dwarfed her. She wished, not for the first time, that she'd inherited her father's height.
"Now Seiji, what would you like to discuss that concerns my daughter?"
"Well, as I'm sure your majesty is aware, the Princess is approaching her twentieth birthday this year, and as she will begin to take a more active role assisting yourself and the King with the day-to-day management of our kingdom, the council would like to propose another way in which she could aid in maintaining the peace you have created for us." His dark eyes locked on her.
She didn't know whether to be impressed or concerned, unable to understand how he could get enough air into his lungs to effortlessly weave such long-winded sentences. Would she have to develop such a talent in the years to come? Her chest already burned at the thought.
"And what would that be, Seiji?" The slight edge to her ethereal voice caught Chibi-Usa off guard.
"If it pleases your grace, we would like to propose that we begin to search for a suitable partner for your daughter, our beloved Princess, so that she may form an alliance with another kingdom and our people might look forward to another thousand years of peace. That is, if the Princess is willing to consider such an idea, for the good of her people." He bowed his head in her direction.
Chibi-Usa sat, too shocked to respond. All eyes fixed on her, black holes ready to swallow her, as they waited for an answer. She stared at her hands and traced the fading ridges of the half-moon imprints, unable to withstand their needling gazes. "I… um… I…—"
Her mother's hand reached over and closed around hers. The Queen's fingers tightened their grip.
"Seiji, I thought we had discussed this earlier. The Princess is far too young to be bringing up such matters. And regardless, we will not be considering a marriage alliance for her." The Queen's eyes narrowed as she leaned forwards. Seiji shrank back towards his seat - his eyes never dropped from Chibi-Usa's.
"Of course your grace, I wanted to make sure that the Princess was aware of how this might benefit her people, as she will be leading them one day. The peace that we have is fragile. If the Black Moon Clan's attack taught us anything, it's that we can never be too careful in protecting the peace we have. The power of your crystal may always attract the attention and desire of those who would do us harm. We should learn from the mistakes of the past and take action now to ensure our future. And I'm sure, given the Princess's personal experiences, she would agree that this world is more fragile than we would like to admit. We want to do what is right for our people as I'm sure she does as well."
"Well, she is now aware. I thank you for your efforts on behalf of our kingdom. The council shall adjourn for today." The Queen's voice rang through the hall, echoing in the glass rafters above before fading into the light.
"Yes, your majesty." Her ministers responded in unison as they shuffled up from their chairs, a flurry of papers and books closed and gathered together, inkwells sealed carefully packed away as they ambled out of the room. No challenges, no further questions, no descent; her mother's will as powerful as a mandate from heaven - their personal goddess.
Still squeezing her daughter's hand, Neo Queen Serenity turned to Chibi-Usa, now alone in the abandoned hall, "Small Lady, please forget everything Seiji said. It is not a sacrifice your father or I would ask of you."
"But what if what he said is true? That it would help protect our people?" Seiji's words rang in her head. Her weakness caused their people, her people, to suffer. Lured in by the Dark Moon Clan's lies.
"Small Lady, you cannot ask that of yourself. Though this does seem to be a theme with our family." A tired smile crossed her face. That look, the same one her mother had after everything shifted, appeared again in her eyes, but her thoughts were always a secret. A world she held for herself alone in her mind.
"What do you mean?"
Her mother's eyes focused back on her. Neo Queen Serenity brushed a hair from Chibi-Usa's face and stood. "Don't worry about it. Now, you've been through more than enough with this meeting and I have to go see Pluto."
At the mention of her friend's name, Chibi-Usa's spirits instantly rose, the council meeting all but forgotten.
"Can I come with you? It's been ages since I've seen Puu."
"No, I need to speak with her in private this time."
"You're going to ask her about the shift earlier today. Please let me come. I seemed to be the least affected by it, maybe I can help somehow."
"No, this is something I need to handle alone. But, Chibi-Usa," — for the second time today her Mother called her by her nickname, the blue in her eyes filled with a gleaming light — "know that you don't have to worry. I will make sure you are safe." Her Mother pressed her lips to her the crescent moon that anointed her forehead. She turned and left the room.
Chibi-Usa, still on her father's throne, sat alone in the silent hall, her feet swayed below her, not quite touching the floor as the ridges of the crystal dug into her forearms. Regardless of her mother's instructions, her thoughts were unable to shake Seiji's words "...this world is more fragile than we would like to admit. We want to do what is right for our people as I'm sure she does as well."
What did she owe this world? What was she willing to do to protect it, to make up for the mistakes of her past? One word resounded inside her, beating over and over with the sound of her heart — anything.
/
Seiya glided into the ballroom, only three paces behind Princess Kakyuu, completely at ease as the room directed its gaze on them. It was in moments like these as she safeguarded her Princess, that Seiya felt most at home, her place in the universe clearly laid out for her.
Usually, Seiya would have been content to spend the entire evening at Kakyuu's side, to save her from a dignitary who bent her ear for too long or to hide her away when she needed to rest. But tonight, she struggled to focus on the mundane discussion that fluttered about her, unable to find the ease she was accustomed to, scanning the crowd for Usagi.
A glint of gold caught her eye from the back of the room - the shadowed corner illuminated by Usagi's unmistakable glow. Seiya's pulse quickened. The rest of the room fell away as their eyes met, Usagi's gaze steady on her for the first time in days. Her dress clung tightly to her skin, leaving little to the imagination. Usagi tilted her head, her mouth curved into a cheeky smile. Both of them mesmerized in this endless moment, a spell held together by tenuous threads of fate.
"Seiya!" Yaten hissed, the threads snapped, and the world snapped back into place. "Come on." She tilted her head in Kakyuu's direction, no longer just a foot in front of her but halfway across the room. She mentally shook herself. I cannot get distracted tonight. Not with everything that's been going on. But a fire burgeoned in her, threatening to burn through her paper-thin restraint, this wouldn't be an easy task.
She sighed, resigned to the torment she'd inflicted upon herself — she was the one who insisted Usagi come tonight. She made her way through the throngs of people to Kakyuu's side. The same banalities were exchanged, Kakyuu managed it all with an effortless smile, eager to speak with everyone who came to her. But the moment Seiya looked away, Usagi's bewitching eyes caught her again, still gleaming behind her golden mask — summoning her.
The next group of people shifted forward and she felt a light hand on her shoulder, Taiki stood next to her, a mischievous glint in her eyes. A look that never boded well for Seiya.
"Why don't we trade places for a while," Taiki smirked and leaned in closer. "There's someone who has been waiting to talk to you all night," she whispered.
"Taiki, how can I repay you?" Seiya could feel the grin stretching across her face as her heart leapt.
Yaten and Kakyuu regarded the two quizzically, the two men who had been talking with Kakyuu about obtaining further funding for their half-backed gold mine glared at the brown-haired Guardian for interrupting their conversation. Though they didn't dare say anything to her as they backed off, already plotting when to find Kakyuu later that evening as they sank into the sea of faceless guests.
Taiki bowed her head towards Kakyuu, hand over her heart. "Princess, would you mind if I were to take Seiya's place at your side this evening for a while? There is a guest who has requested her company for a bit."
Kakyuu's face hardened her brow furrowed, but the reaction faded as quickly as it came, her features set into a practiced smile. "Of course, I wouldn't want to keep you. Seiya, you may go."
"But, Princess, I don't want to leave you with one guard for the evening, and Seiya needs to be watched over too." Yaten lowered her voice so only the four of them could hear. "This room is crawling with Elorians and I don't trust them."
Kakyuu closed her eyes and considered Yaten's words. Seiya's breath caught in her chest as she waited. When she opened them again, her mindset, she turned back to her green-eyed Guardian, "I agree with your concern Yaten but I think Seiya will be as safe at Usagi's side for the moment. She is a Guardian as well and should be more than capable of protecting Seiya if needed."
Yaten clenched her teeth but didn't contradict Kakyuu. "Yes, Princess."
Seiya bowed her head to Kakyuu and searched the room, instantly finding Usagi she walked towards her — each step an agonizing exercise in self-restraint as she crossed the floor.
Everything else faded away around Usagi's brilliant halo. Neither spoke. Seiya reached down, tentatively took Usagi's hand. She raised it to her lips and placed a soft kiss against her fingers, pleased to see Usagi flush at her attention. She wanted to trace her hand against the blooming pink, to feel the heat of Usagi's skin and see if it matched the heat that had awakened inside her chest.
"I'm glad you came," Seiya lowered her hand and ran her thumb across the ridges of Usagi's knuckles — unwilling to let go. Usagi's chest rose and fell through the skin-tight fabric, her breaths growing shorter. The shimmering metallic gold and silver of her dress shifted in the light at the slightest movement, galaxies that blossomed to life with each movement.
Usagi would have looked beautiful in anything Etsuko created, but this time she had outdone herself. She'd have to find a way to thank the master tailor later — though Seiya didn't remember her sketch being quite so form-fitting, nor requesting such a translucent fabric.
"Had I known it was just a friend, I wouldn't have taken so many liberties with the design." She'd known what she was doing and the torment it would inflict on Seiya. Etsuko's devilish laughter as she delighted in her victory circled through her head. Seiya's blood ran thick in her veins, unable to take her eyes away from the woman in front of her.
She always finds a way to get the last word in, Seiya laughed to herself. She would deal with Etsuko later.
"Odango, you look…" Seiya searched for the right words to capture the effect Usagi had on her but came up short. "You are breathtaking."
"You don't clean up so terribly yourself sometimes," Usagi smiled.
"What do you mean just sometimes? The number of love letters I got as an idol would beg to differ," her voice light and playful.
"I can't help it if your fans were a bit delusional… and possessive… and terrifying. I still can't believe that girl called me a monkey. You two forced me into competing for you in a softball match of all things."
"But you won, doesn't that still make me your boyfriend? At least for the evening?"
"I never agreed to those terms. You and that crazy girl making deals on my behalf." The pink on her cheeks nearly crimson.
"What? Do you have someone else who can fill that place better than I can?" Seiya laughed, "I'm glad you decided to come, I was worried that I might have scared you off."
Seiya stepped closer, their eyes glued on one another. The pull from earlier returned, a thought, a faded memory at the edge of her mind struggled to come into view but was pushed away, the last dargs of a dream that didn't feel like her own.
"After everything I've faced before, I don't think you would be enough to terrify me, Seiya."
"When you put it that way, then I don't think there would be much that could." Seiya glanced down at Usagi's hand in hers. Her ring was gone again. But instead of feeling relief, her chest tightened. She had to know.
"Odango, I want to talk to you about something but..." she glanced around the room, a small cluster of onlookers formed around them. While the crowd stayed far enough away to be tactful, their eyes darted over to the two of them often enough to be obvious.
Seiya gently tugged on Usagi's hand to steer them towards the privacy of the gardens, just beyond the walls of the ballroom. But as she stepped forward, Usagi released her hand, her feet fixed in place.
"Seiya, there's actually something I have to tell you first. Something that I've been putting off and it can't wait any longer." Usagi's eyes fell away from her; her face darkened. The alluring pink was gone from her cheeks, her skin pale.
Unable to stop herself, the fear of what Usagi might say next wrenched the words from within her before she could stop them. "Are you and Mamoru engaged? That ring you were wearing when you got here... and the way you've been avoiding me for the past few days… is that what you need to tell me?"
Usagi stared at her with a puzzled expression, Seiya's heart raced in her chest, mortified at what she had done. The crowd around them no longer pretended to not listen and drew closer, dazzlingly-masked eyes fixed on them.
Usagi raised her hand and slightly covered her mouth, a small wave of laughter filled the air around her, Seiya's heart racing like a comet across the night sky, untethered to anything.
"No Seiya, Mamoru and I are not engaged now." Her body shook with laughter as she struggled to stifle it. The waves of fabric rippled and gleaned with each movement.
Seiya exhaled with what felt like the first full breath she'd managed in days, relief flooding over her. "Then that's not what you wanted to tell me?"
"No, it's… it's well... I..." Usagi's bangles started to clatter against one another as her hand, as well as her voice, trembled. The light in Usagi's eyes faded as though the moon was eclipsed by a dying sun, its glow gone.
She took her hand again, Usagi's fingers vibrated against her own. Seiya squeezed it and leaned closer. "Why don't we go outside? It looks like you could use some fresh air. And I think I've given everyone enough to talk about." She tilted her head to the group that had grown around them.
Usagi nodded and let Seiya lead her out towards the gardens.
/
"Princess, I do believe that the Elorian delegation requires your presence." Taiki stepped between Kakyuu and the minister. "Forgive us, Minister Maris," she said as she led the Princess to a secluded corner.
"Thank you," Kakyuu mouthed as they walked. Minister Maris had a way of dominating any conversation and never knew when to let it end. Taking a glass of champagne from one of the servers, Taiki passed it to the Princess as Yaten pressed on the brown wooden panel in front of her, a gold border scrolled around it. The wood plank swung open and gave way to a small sitting room reserved for Kakyuu's private use, not ten feet from the stage for the ceremony later. "If you two wouldn't mind, I'll take a quick break. I do love these parties, but getting through all the required formalities can take it out of me sometimes. I could use a few minutes where there's no one demanding my attention."
"Of course," the two said, closing the panel behind them, positioning themselves outside.
Yaten shot Taiki a disapproving glance.
"What?"
"Don't "what?" me! How could you do that? Letting Seiya and Usagi off alone. You really think anything good is going to come from those two spending more time together?"
"What happened to letting the two of them sort things out themselves?"
"That was your idea and that was before I knew Seiya was keeping information from us, even if she just forgot. And we both know why."
"Nowhere on Kinmoku is better protected than the palace right now, and if something does happen Seiya's not far away. Try to relax a bit."
"What is this with your casual attitude? How am I the only one who thinks something terrible is about to happen?"
"I'm all for caution but you're looking for problems where there aren't any. If they're not back in half an hour, we can send the guards after them."
Yaten flared her nose and huffed as she turned her head from her sister. Once Taiki had made up her mind, there was no arguing with her.
She scanned the room in a vain attempt to distract herself from the storm of anxiety in her stomach. Shadows danced across the walls, cast from the candles' dim light. Everyone darted in and out of the darkness as they moved from one conversation to the next, their outfits glittering in the pale moonlight. Though one group in the back was not sharing in the frivolity of the evening.
Princess Miyo and her two Guardians, Keeper and Defender, stood silently on the opposite corner of the hall. Miyo was dressed in a black tunic and matching pants, her attire not befitting of the opulence of the evening, slumped against the wall. Had it not been for her Guardians, still transformed, that lurked by her side, Yaten may not have noticed the Elorian Princess, who seemed determined to meld into the darkness.
The din of the orchestra slowed and stopped. The chatter of the room, a loud cacophony without the music to temper it, slowly quieted as the trumpets stood again proclaimed the arrival of Prince Korin who strode down the stairs, smiling and waving to the guests. He drank in the room's admiration as if it were ambrosia.
A burst of anger flared inside of her, the hair on her arms shooting to attention as he entered. His expression from their last encounter was fresh in her mind, how he looked at them as though he would have killed both of them without a second thought — and enjoyed it.
Once the treaty is signed this will all be over. They'll be gone. The thought repeated over and over in her head as she tried to calm herself.
But as he strode down the last stair a question grabbed her, Why isn't the Princess with him? Why was he the only one? Why weren't the others with him?
She snapped her head back towards Princess Miyo. She was gone.
A flash of red hair caught her eye as it vanished behind the door to the supply room, now slightly ajar. Had that door been open before? She couldn't recall.
"Taiki." Her sister, who had been watching Prince Korin with the same look of disgust, turned her head. "Can you guard the Princess by yourself for a few minutes? There's something I need to check on." She summoned her broach as she spoke and held her hand low, tucked in amongst the lace of her skirt.
"What's going on?" Taiki asked, levity gone from her face.
"I don't know, it might be nothing but I just want to check it out."
Taiki's forehead creased, Yaten's explanation not soothing her concern. "If it was nothing, you wouldn't have mentioned it. What's going on?"
"Don't you think it's strange that Princess Miyo is never with her brother? That she seems to avoid him at all costs? Shouldn't she be the one negotiating on behalf of her people? I'm going to go check on them."
"Sure, you go. Princess Kakyuu will be out to sign the treaty soon so everything will be fine. Nothing should happen while everyone is watching."
Yaten nodded and started towards the room, pressing her way through the crowd. A sea of silks and organza parted as she moved.
She reached the door and pressed her fingers against the cool metal knob and peered into the room. Unable to see anything through the darkness, Yaten opened the door and slid inside.
Nothing.
Closing the door behind her she floundered for the light switch and flicked it on. Shelves of white linen tablecloths, flaming red silk napkins, and various glassware lined the shelves but one else was there.
Maybe I am making things up. Maybe Taiki's right and I'm looking for problems where there aren't any.
Annoyed with herself for indulging this wild goose chase, she turned to leave when a familiar stench seeped into the room.
Darkness pricked at the back of her neck and sent a shiver down her spine. The brewing force was barely discernible but steadily growing, the distant trumbing of its power crept over her. She darted back into the center of the room and closed her eyes, concentrating as she scanned for the source of the power.
Her eyes darted open, a chill bleed through the back wall of the room called to her. She raced over and stretched her hand out over the cream stone, the dark hum of the same energy she'd felt yesterday pushed against her, trying to repel her.
Something was behind this wall. But how would they have gotten in? Only Kakyuu and her sisters were able to access these tunnels. She traced the symbol Taiki taught her over three stones, an aqua emblem blazed before her as the stones fell away into the darkness, vanishing before her. The cavern dimly lit as she left the storage room.
She crept silently as the darkness grew heavier around her. Muffled voices caught her ear, the unintelligible chatter grew louder as she moved closer. She cursed herself for not transforming before she entered. Her brooch hummed against her fingers, the power ready for her call.
Her head peered around another corner, a swirl of panic rose from her feet, momentarily flooding her senses.
A sea of black crystals of every size exploded before her as the hallway opened into a cavernous room, barely an inch left untouched by the jagged stones. A small pathway was the only surface free of their tant. At the center of the dark mangled forest, Miyo and her Guardians stood before a towering crystal, its point only inches below the ceiling. The pressure coming from the room crushed against Yaten's chest, her lungs strained to fill themselves. The same darkness that had chased her since she'd been thrust into that lifeless dream world had found her again.
"Princess, are you sure about this?" Keeper asked.
"You don't need to give into them — we can find another way to save everyone. There has to be another option," Defender pleaded with Miyo and reached out her hand to the Princess who shrugged it off.
"Don't you think I've tried?" Miyo's voice rang out through the cavernous hall, distorted by the crystals as it echoed through the room. The conviction in her voice did not match the girl who had shuttered at her grasp days ago. "This is the only way. I am their Princess; I will bargain with whatever devil I must to ensure their safety."
"Please, Princess, don't do this." They both knelt before her, their heads bowed.
Miyo bent to the ground and placed her hands on her Guardians' shoulders.
"I shouldn't have released you, I'm sorry. I need you both to know that this was my choice, my decision. Neither of you has anything to feel ashamed of — there's nothing you could have done to prevent it. This, all of this, is all my fault." Her voice cracked as she spoke.
"Not again. Please, Princess Miyo, don't—"
"Follow the plan, let go." The words left Miyo's lips before Defender could finish.
Both Guardians' eyes glossed over, staring forward but registering nothing. Around each of their necks, Miyo laid a gold chain with a black jewel, in the shape of a teardrop, that hung around the center.
"Keeper, Defender, lend me your power," she commanded. Her two Guardians started to glow, a black light surged out from each of them. Their necklaces crackled to life as obsidian lightning surrounded the two Guardians.
Yaten looked down at her hand, her knuckles white as she clutched the ridges of her brooch. She was running out of time.
Miyo called forth her crystal, a soft green light burst from her chest as it appeared before her, its quiet power a welcome haven from the darkness permeating the room. She removed her onyx ring, and pressed it between her palms. The ring vanished, replaced by a dark icicle-shaped spike, no longer than the length of her palm. Grasping it, Miyo paused, the last moment of hesitation she could allow herself before she thrust it down into the green crystal, crying out in pain as a squall of black lightning surrounded her. The spring green of her crystal faded as it absorbed the black shard, darkness consuming it.
Taking the tainted crystal, Miyo held it out before her, the crystals in the hall vibrating, sparking to life at her power she held. No longer just her own but infused with the siren call of another, an evil which demanded submission. A swirl of deep red — the color of wine — and black permeated the room.
Yaten couldn't delay any longer. Thrusting her brooch into the air, she transformed. She would only have seconds before they would realize.
The three of them glared at her. Standing before them as Star Healer, she could hear Miyo yelling to her Guardians to go after her as she called forth her power. Keeper and Defender rose, sprinting towards her.
"Star Sensitive Inferno," she aimed her attack at the ceiling. Stones crashed down, rubble flew everywhere around them as she spun and sprinted back down the tunnels, hoping the debris would buy her enough time to get to the others.
Reaching the exit, she quickly traced the symbol Taiki taught her. The stones fell away as she cursed them to hurry, unsure if the sound that beat in her ears was the Elorian Guardians gaining on her or her own heart. The last stone fell and she sprang through the opening. The darkness grew, chasing at her heels as she burst back into the ballroom. The moonlight momentarily blinded her as searched the crowd for Taiki and Princess Kakyuu. She had to warn them, warn everyone. None of them were safe.
/
"Seiya, are you sure we should be so far away from the others?" Usagi asked, as Seiya led her from the terrace down a myriad of paths, lined with waxy shrubs, further into the garden. The warm air of the day mingled with the cooler chill of evening, a light fog swirled up around them, her feet nearly hidden amongst the wips. Their path illuminated by dimly glowing lanterns placed along the path. Small iron and glasshouses that lit their way.
"It'll be fine, we are still within a two-minute sprint of the ballroom. There's something I want to show you down this way."
Usagi followed, still mystified by her reaction to Seiya's question earlier. Maybe it was the champagne or the anxiety refused to leave her, the knots in her stomach-wrenching tighter with each step. But when Seiya'd looked at her, her face sullen with worry over such a small thing, it all seemed comical. Ending an engagement was trivial in comparison to the fate of her world. She couldn't retain herself.
"Seiya, really, I don't think we should go much further." She glanced back behind them, the doors to the ballroom fell out of view as they rounded another corner.
"I promise it'll be worth it. Actually…" Seiya glanced around the entrance to a part of the garden tucked away behind a stone wall, layers of ivy draped around the stones cascading to the ground where it vanished amongst the underbrush. The wall was tall enough to mask what lay beyond it from Usagi's vision, a haze of lavender gleamed into the night sky above it. "Close your eyes." A mischievous smile spread over Seiya's face.
"Please, I promise it'll be worth it." She walked over and took Usagi's arm. A soft scent, vaguely familiar, delicate, and floral with a hint of cloves, filled the air around her. "I won't let you fall. It's only a few feet."
"And after you show me this, we can talk?"
"Yes, Odango, then we can talk."
Sighing, Usagi closed her eyes, her body relying on Seiya to guide her.
The metal gate creaked open as they walked through, a soft light diffused against her eyelids as they moved.
She felt Seiya stop. "Okay, open your eyes," she whispered.
A deep indigo light radiated around Usagi, covering the low-hanging fog with a mystical glow. Before them stood a willowing tree, its vibrant blossom burst forth from its vine-like branches that swayed in the breeze. Each flower twinkled, glowing like candles behind stained glass in the dark evening sky. A sea of stars brought down for the two of them.
"How is it we have nothing like this on Earth?" Usagi glided towards the tree. She caught one of the blossoms in her hand, the delicate petals tickling her skin, its soft light shimmered in her palm. "Even the trees are fantastical — it makes everything back home seem so dull."
"This is the Night Plumblossom tree. It only flowers for a short time just as we hit summer — and only at night. And I wouldn't say that — your world is filled with many beautiful things." Seiya appeared next to her.
Seiya plucked one of the flowers from the drooping branches and reached over, nestling it behind Usagi's ear. Her deep blue eyes heavy as she looked at her, her hand brushed softly down her jawline, her skin tingled at Seiya's touch. Seiya leaned her head down, both of them lost in the moment. Her eyes lingered on Seiya's lips, so tantalizingly full, barely parted, not two inches her own. Seiya no longer moved but waited for Usagi to close the final distance between them. To take the step she desperately wanted.
But she couldn't.
"Seiya, we… I... can't keep doing this." She took a step back, Seiya's hand fell from Usagi's cheek.
She struggled to find the words she knew she needed to say; her mouth opened and closed over and over. Unsure of how to start.
She deserves the truth from you. Yaten's words replayed in her head. She was right, Seiya did deserve the truth. "We have to talk… I have to tell you something—"
"Odango." Seiya's voice was heavy and tired, as though she knew what was coming. "Before you start, I have one more question and I promise after this I won't interrupt you again… Is whatever you're about to tell me, it's not something that you want to say, is it?" Seiya's blue eyes fixed on her.
Usagi lowered her eyes and shook her head, her chest closing in on herself. "No."
Seiya walked forward, her golden necklace swinging like a pendulum with every step, hypnotizing her. Summoning her. She placed her hands on Usagi's shoulders and coaxed her gaze upwards. The corners of Seiya's eyes softened.
"And I'm not going to want to hear what you have to say either?"
"No." Usagi's voice stronger, though the knot in her chest only grew as they stood.
"But even though you don't want to say it and I will not want to hear it, you have to tell me?"
"Yes," she fought desperately to not lose herself in Seiya's gaze.
"Well then, there's only one thing we can do…" she leaned down, their faces level with one another. "Don't say it." Seiya's smile, her words, tore down Usagi's willpower.
Usagi opened her mouth to protest as Seiya laid her finger against her lips, silencing her.
"At least for tonight." She stepped away, walking further under the Night Plumblossom tree, the tiny flowers shone like jewels around her, her back turned. "Whatever it is, let's wait till tomorrow, and then we can find a way to wait another day and then the day after that. But if you can't, if you have to do this, then let's wait one more night before I have to see the light in you, that I love so much, fade."
She turned back to Usagi, her hand extended towards her. "Or at least until this song is over."
Usagi's ears pricked up at her words. She'd been so focused on what she had to do that she hadn't noticed the liquid melody that swelled on the breeze around them.
Half-heartedly smiling to herself, Usagi took a step forward. With each click of her heels, her heart grew louder in her ears. I can wait for just one more dance, she reassured herself. The champagne nudged her forwards towards Seiya and silenced the guilt that bubbled up. One step can't hurt.
She laid her hand in Seiya's, her fingers closed around Usagi's. The knot in her chest instantly released at her touch. Seiya drew her closer, wrapping her other arm around Usagi's waist. Her hand rested against the small of her back; her thumb brushed against her skin. A shiver trickled down her spine at the intimate touch.
Usagi lifted her other hand to Seiya's shoulder; their bodies pressed together. Usagi sighed. "You are impossible. You do know that, right?"
Seiya winked at her as she began to lead Usagi into the dance. Her body gently guided her through the unknown movements as they glided under the celestial tree. "I told you before, Odango, I hate to give up. You've already lost if you do. And I don't want to lose again."
"Seiya…" her name slipped from her mouth as they moved, all other words failing her. If only this were the softball match, a game where she could win. Where she could choose for herself. "We have to choose our own destiny… We still have the freedom to choose what we want." Haruka's words refused to leave her to let her wallow in the darkness of her thoughts. A voice from within called back, her own voice, faint but urgent, What if she's right? Her heart seized the thought and held it close… What if she was right?
Their bodies moved perfectly in time with the music, her steps light. Seiya somehow managed to lead her clumsy feet through the motions of the dance. The last of the champagne buzzed through her and toyed with her inhibitions. Seiya spun Usagi and a burst of laughter swelled out of her as she fought to keep her footing.
"That's much better. You were fading too far away again. Stay with me, until this dance is over."
"Alright, I'll stay here." Usagi could feel a true smile spread across her face as she released her worries and surrendered the weight of the future and allowed herself — for a moment — to be swept up in the dance.
A pleasant heat rose up through her core, the flame that had been building in her no longer needing much encouragement to grow; her face flushed as they moved together. Usagi's body was so willing to surrender to Seiya's presence and the intoxicating grasp she held over her.
Still holding Usagi's hand, Seiya brought her palm over and rested it against her face. She inhaled deeply. Her head relaxed against her hand.
"What are you doing?" Usagi giggled but did not pull away.
"I wanted to see if it was a dream."
Usagi tilted her head. "If what was a dream?"
"The other day, when I was in the recovery pool, I vaguely remembered you coming to visit me but everything about that time is still hazy. I wasn't sure if I'd dreamt it or not."
"No, none of it was." None of this has been, she wanted to say, but held back the words. The tiny buds gleamed like stars around them as they swayed.
The orchestra slowly started to fade, and Usagi stepped in closer and rested her head against Seiya's chest, her heart beating wildly in Usagi's ear. The truth of Seiya's affection laid bare before her — not that she had ever doubted them. The warm night air brushed against her back and mingled with the warmth of Seiya's body pressed against her. Her breaths slow and deep, Seiya's chest rising and falling against her own.
"Odango." Her nickname vibrated against her. Seiya's voice low and heady.
Usagi lifted her head, unwilling to accept that this last dance had ended. Knowing she would move forward, back to the path that bound her to her duty, her destiny. But then she found Seiya's eyes. One more step.
"I don't want to have to let you go again."
She released Usagi's hand from her cheek and her fingertips traced the outline of Usagi's jaw. A need deep within her pushed up, unwilling to be ignored any longer.
Stopping at her chin, Seiya's fingers eased Usagi's head higher. Her arm around her waist drew her closer as Seiya leaned in — Usagi didn't resist. The voices inside her, no longer drowned out by the champagne, screamed for her to stop, but she shoved the consequences away. Another step.
Her body moved of its own volition, puppeted by the strings of her desire. An ache that she fought to stifle since she'd seen Seiya step out of the fog in the cave — and even before lured her forward. Away from all of the promises she'd made — from the path she'd chosen, from the family she may never see again — into an unseen world.
She shifted onto her toes and closed her eyes. A tangle of shining gold and blazing red mingled together. Her lips met Seiya's, the pressure delicate and tentative. Their breath intermingled in an intoxicating dance that washed over her. The need to erase every inch of space between them swelled through her and she leaned her chest into Seiya. Their hearts beat against one another. One final step away, her destiny faded behind her. Usagi didn't look back.
She pressed forward, waiting for Seiay to respond, to wrap her arms around her and draw her in. But her lips were frozen against her own. Seiya's hand dropped to her shoulder, clutching her tightly, verging on pain. Usagi's eyes shot open and she dropped back down to her feet, staring at Seiya's face. Her eyes no longer saw the world around them as a twisted look of misery spread over her features.
"Seiya… Seiya, what's wrong?"
But Seiya couldn't hear her.
/
Again I am so sorry that this is so late. The world seems to have conspired against me with getting this done. I actually finished this chapter a month ago… or so I thought. But As I've been working on the next few chapters I decided I really didn't like the direction the story was heading and have now scrapped the next 1.5 chapters I'd finished and rewrote the end of this and the next chapter.
On the bright side I'm very happy with the changes and excited to write again. I could tell things weren't working when writing became a slog and I wasn't looking forward to it anymore. But now things are back on the right track!
I might not post the next chapter for 3 weeks instead of two. I know I just did that but this change of pace really threw me. Or I could post the next one in smaller chunks instead. Let me know what you all would prefer.
Anyway that's enough from me. I hope you are all staying healthy and safe!