A Second Chance
By: Ryu Niiyama
Chapter 11
Disclaimer: Ok I've given up on the lottery thing...and have decided to transmute gold in order to buy Sailor Moon from Naoko Takeuchi and her partners...
Soundtrack of the moment: When she loved me by Sarah McLachlan ,Chris Issak's Wicked Game, and Garden of Everything from the RahXephon OST….it shaped a lot of my revisions to this chapter.
Also a bit of a note: Yes I know that Dr. Mizuno's given name was revealed to be Saeko in PGSM. But due to the fact that this fic predates that series, and draws very little from PGSM I will keep the name Akane...perhaps I'll make her one of the few modern Japanese that have more than one given name. Language gets a little strong in this chapter.
The Guardian of the Gates of Time turned at the soft clack of footsteps. The figure had not come close enough to clear the mist that shrouded the Gates, the mists that were themselves all the possibilities between the ticks of a second, though she knew of only one who would visit her now. "My Lord" Pluto intoned solemnly, bowing low she only stood once the figure came to a stop before her. Immediately her crimson eyes widened in shock and fury and then hardened in anger. "You! Where is the King? You are forbidden to come here!" The Emperor smiled lazily, ignoring Pluto's exclamation.
The Emperor began to circle Pluto slowly, however the temporal senshi refused to follow his movements, keeping her crimson eyes straight ahead. "The King and I are as one…surely you would not bar me if you would not bar him." The dark one purred from his circuit, somewhere behind Pluto.
"You may have fooled the King, or perhaps he merely ignores it in exchange for your help but I know from whence you sprang… I know what you are..." Pluto hissed out when the dark one passed in front of her once more.
The dark lord looked wounded for a moment before he stepped closer placing his hands over Pluto's, his vibrant sapphire eyes narrowed in bitter anger. "I would have thought you would have appreciated my current appearance…. Isn't he what you want? Doesn't he make you quiver in anticipation? Hmm? Does he make you burn in desire?" The dark lord's words were silkily purred from his lips but there was a palatable undercurrent of fierce anger and jealousy. "Tell me in all the centuries that you've haunted this cage, have you dreamt of him? Longed for him? Wishing that he would push you to the earth, and take you and ravish you until you could only whimper his name? Tell me, how could you be so disgusted with my appearance when all you wanted was for him to mount you like a dog…when all you've ever wanted was for him to fuck you till you screamed?" The dark lord's words were stifled by the sound of a loud crack as Pluto struck him, angry embarrassed tears leaking from her face.
"Get out…you…abomination! I've done what you've asked…now uphold the king's word and give me what I was promised!"
The dark king brushed his cheek where Pluto had stuck him and he turned back to her. "I can't leave…because you'll never be free of me… did you really think I'd let him replace me? Did you think I'd let him have you?" Eyes that were once cold and angry softened as the dark one moved closer. Pluto squeezed her eyes shut against the gentle longing in the dark one's voice. The temporal senshi shook her head as if that would banish her tormentor.
"That's not what he gave me…you don't understand… I had to!" Pluto refused to look at the Dark Emperor, but she could feel the sarcastic sneer that graced his face at her words.
"Ah yes, I remember now, you wanted to forget….to forget me ….so you could be with him." The barely restrained rage made his words a guttural growl. Pluto found herself shaking her head to offer reassurance to the pain filled words, even as her pride rallied against the attempt.
"No…" The temporal senshi began, but the dark one refused to be placated. He stepped closer to Pluto and she struggled against the urge to lean into him. "Then why! Why did you ask him to do this…to forget? Why shatter yourself?! Answer me!" He roared out the words but Pluto could hear the pain… the tears that strangled his voice. Calm, crimson met blazing silver blue and for a moment Pluto felt her features soften.
"Because I have my duty, and because you were driving me insane! How can you claim to understand? You haven't had to live for centuries like this!" What began as an adamant explanation ended in a heartsick tirade. The emperor smiled bittersweetly and shook his head, his straight raven locks seeming to have changed into silken curls that fell into his eyes with the motion.
"But I have…my love… I have…"
Pluto gasped as the dark lord's form shifted to his true form, as he became the one she had given everything to forget. Pluto sagged backwards, holding the Time Key Staff to her chest as if it would protect her from the being in front of her. The dark one surged forward, catching Pluto in an embrace; not caring that Pluto's weapon was sandwiched between them. With a broken sob, the temporal senshi rested her forehead on a powerful yet slightly delicate shoulder.
"Please just leave me in peace." The dark one stiffened at Pluto's weary plea, pulling back and staring down into her face.
"Do you truly think this cage is peace? No, only you and I together can find peace… you can no sooner be free of me than I can be free of you… we are drawn together, you and I…and I promise you this…never again will you run from me….from what we share….and I will destroy the universe if need be to make it so… until there is only you and I...Earth and Pluto…" Tears pricked Pluto's eyes at the dark one's solemn vow and she shuddered with a sob when she felt a taloned hand wipe away her tears.
"…No…" Pluto whimpered in an attempt to reconcile duty with her heart.
"Do you deny it? Do you deny me?" Pluto gasped as the interloper moved closer, gentle hands easing her white knuckled grip on the Time-Key Staff. A warm inviting body that she had spent centuries purging from her memory pressed in close, pushing her hands to her sides- the Time-Key Staff clattering to the misty earth below. "…Don't…please…" Pluto cursed herself for sounding so weak, for being unable to push away the unwanted touch. A rich velvety voice purred softly as strong white teeth nibbled and nipped at Pluto's dusky throat. "Am I truly unwanted, my love?" Pluto mewled helplessly as hands that knew her body better than she herself ran lengthwise up and down her sides, stroking here, caressing there. The senshi of time squeezed her eyes shut as she felt soft lips suckle her throat and strong hands settle upon her hips pulling their bodies tighter together. "How I have missed you, Papillion." For once the dark one's voice was warm and devoid of cruelty. Pluto squeezed her ruby eyes shut trying to ignore the thrum of pleasure that surged through her body like a raging flood. Pluto's mind and body warred with each other, shouting out a cacophony of contradiction, demanding that she cast off the one that touched her, only to immediately fill her with the need to draw the deadly siren closer. Pluto knew that trusting this creature would lead to doom, yet the echoes of a love not entirely forgotten bade her welcome. She let out a languid moan as they sunk to the barren soil of Pluto and she felt her mind shudder in defeat and longing as she lay with the devil.
Luna ran as fast as her feline body would carry her, trying if only for a moment to escape...everything. Her role as Advisor, the impending crisis, and her certain future as embodied by Diana. Rationally she knew what she was doing, what she was feeling was foolish... it was something that Usagi would do, but the Mau would not allow her mind to focus on so trivial a fact at the moment. Instinctively, her paws carried her to the old park that had once been in danger of eradication to pave the way for an office building. The old gardener there had been targeted by Nephrite as a source of energy years ago and after Sailor Moon saved his life he redid a section of the landscaping in her honor. That little grove had become a sanctuary of sorts for Luna and now she sought the clarity and comfort it offered.
The dark furred Mau slowed to a stop as she noticed the grove was already occupied. Seated on a circular backless bench that framed the massive oak in the center of the grove, a young man sat looking at the moon, his face contemplative and forlorn. Luna padded forward cautiously, her keen amber eyes taking in what she could of the young man's profile. Long hair the color of freshly fallen snow fell to his waist and about his shoulders in wind tousled waves as thick bangs fell into melancholy Prussian blue eyes. His face while quite handsome, was a rictus of sadness and pain as if some unbearable grief had consumed his soul. His hands lay listlessly at his sides, his knees drawn tight against his chest as if he were trying to make himself small and unnoticeable.
Softly, carefully Luna padded forward, leaping gracefully onto the bench. Despite her feline appearance Luna was more independent in thought and actions than an animal and yet this man's pain drew her in and she found herself nuzzling his leg and mewling softly. The man did not move for a moment, and Luna pressed her face against his side; the scent of his despair nearly masking a scent that was wonderfully heady, yet oddly familiar and comforting. It wasn't until the man finally moved that the black Mau realized why his scent, though distorted by his emotions seemed vaguely familiar.
"Luna?"
"Artemis?!"
The ashen haired Mau flinched slightly and moved away from his partner, not wanting to admit how Luna's soothing presence drew him back from his despair. Luna, still somewhat under a spell, moved with the younger Mau, eliciting a comforting purr from her chest. Artemis squeezed his eyes shut against the sound, knowing that Luna had not realized who he was, that surely she could never truly care for him…at least not the way he needed her to.
Luna's face scrunched in confusion as her keen ears picked up Artemis' wildly hammering heartbeat, the younger Mau seemingly agitated by her presence. With a sigh, Luna's form shimmered and she reached out a delicate human hand to smooth ashen locks from Artemis' brow. "Artemis? What's wrong?" Artemis whimpered softly, cursing himself even as he leaned into the heavenly touch.
"Has something happened to the girls? Another attack of some sort?"
At those words, the white haired Mau's blood ran cold. 'Of course, duty calls…' He knew it was foolish to feel angry or bitter yet for once he didn't want to pretend it didn't hurt. He didn't want to ignore what he felt. Even worse the unspoken implication Luna made twisted white hot in his gut. "Luna. The girls are fine. Do you really think that if there was a problem I'd be out here?" Luna flinched at Artemis' tone. Her fellow Mau was a shrewd and capable diplomat and advisor and she had basically called him inept to his face. Luna stifled a groan; this was why she hated dealing with others outside of her capacity as Advisor. She really wasn't built to do anything else after living and breathing her position for most of her life. Yet Artemis was her friend…and though she was terrified to admit it, he had the potential to become something more. But her conflicted emotions didn't matter, what mattered was her friend and partner was hurting, and he needed her. The dark haired Mau moved to kneel at Artemis' feet placing her hands one of his knees. "Talk to me Artemis, tell me what's wrong."
Artemis forced himself not to twitch at the warmth that radiated from his knee and he swallowed the provocative growl that struggled to rumble from his chest as she inflamed him. She truly was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, while her demeanor could be lacking at times, Artemis knew Luna's heart was pure and kind. Even still, would she shun him if he told her the truth? How can you tell the woman you love "I'm hurting because I love you with all my heart and soul and yet I know that you don't see me in the same way… I'm hurting because I know you are only with me to fulfill our duty and it's killing me."? Before he could speak, Luna's shocked gasp cut through Artemis' thoughts. Confused he looked to her bowed head, wondering what drew her attention.
Luna blinked back tears as her hands ghosted over Artemis' feet. The soft flesh was slashed and mangled, and the Mau could detect bits of debris within the cuts. It was obvious the white Mau had phased without shoes and had not been aware enough to notice feet that were soft from rarely being used in human form being cut and damaged by the terrain. "Oh Artemis, how can you be so foolish..." Though the dark haired Mau intended her words to be both concerned and lightly teasing, their mildly condescending slant pricked Artemis' already bruised heart. With a growl, the male surged to his wounded feet and moved away from Luna, neatly dodging her attempt to snag his wrist. "Of course Luna, that's all I ever am to you aren't I? Foolish? Your fool, your jester." Luna's mind reeled as she attempted to verbally backpedal, her years of diplomatic training seemingly evaporating instantly. "No Artemis, I just-" In that brief instant of hesitation the severity of her situation hit her and Luna's contrite expression met an early demise. A new enemy was attacking, Diana, a nearly adult Diana had returned, and Artemis picked now to have a mid-life crisis. "Huntress' Claws Artemis, what the hell to you want me to say? I find you sitting out here like some despondent zombie and you don't even notice you're bleeding. If that makes you a fool then yes, you are a bloody well fool!"
Artemis's face hardened and then flashed blank. In that instant, even within the fog of her annoyance, Luna knew the white haired Mau was finally angry. In contrast to Luna herself and in keeping with his more jovial yet calculating nature, Artemis' demeanor became as ice when he was truly angered. His passion did not blaze, it simmered and tempered, becoming a blade of purest cold fury. "You're right of course. Do not worry, my... zombie like status has been cured. If you'll excuse me, we both have work to do tomorrow and I need some sleep." Without another word, the white haired Mau turned on his heels and walked resolutely towards his home, his ashen hair shining silver in the moonlight. Luna let out a distressed growl as she watched him walk away in determined strides. Idly, the dark haired Mau realized three things: She had not helped her friend at all, she fell like an absolute heel, and Artemis had never looked more beautiful to her than in that moment.
"Oh...my word."
"Hello Ken…"
Kenneth Anderson turned towards his ex wife and felt the world drop away. Akane was… breathtaking. She had always been beautiful, but time had been kind to her, she now wore her experience and intellect proudly. He could tell she was still driven but life had taken out some of the innocent mania from her eyes. He thinned out his lips as he tried to figure out what to say, or how to react, painfully reminded of why he never returned to Tokyo after they'd divorced, reminded of why he never saw her…or their daughter. The woman still bewitched him, and he knew without a doubt that he still loved her as strongly now as he did then, and it hurt him to know that she could so easily forget him…that he had never been enough. He had been able to ignore it when they were dating, she had fawned over him, and for a brief time he could forget that he wasn't her intellectual equal, he could pretend that she saw his merit. He could fool himself into believing that she didn't find him a waste of time.
After they'd wed things had been perfect…she had been his inspiration, he had never painted more in his life than when he was with her, and he showered her with his affection, never letting her forget that he worshiped her. It had almost been enough to erase his fears. Yet as she became increasingly popular in her residency and then her career he began to feel lacking, and soon she finally saw what he had been trying to hide all along, finally she realized what he had prayed she wouldn't. He tried not to think about the nights she spent at work (he could at least console himself to her faithfulness….Akane valued loyalty and honor) or the things they'd both said. Even worse was the effect it had on their daughter…Ami became withdrawn, and in her Kenneth could see Akane's same spirit…and her intellect. He knew that he would be no good for either of them, so he did what he had to and took himself out of their lives. Yet as he looked at Akane he felt the wounds of his heart open anew, the old regrets that tormented him like demons returned to sink their claws into his soul. How he had wished things had been different… how he had longed for her warmth, her kindness, her passion. And Ami, how he wished he could have seen her grow up, perhaps with siblings, how he wished he could be a dad to her rather than the distant image of a father….forever out of reach. Yet when he spoke he said none of these things, keeping his longings locked away where they could torment only him.
"Akane, you look well…"
Akane forced herself not to falter as she looked at her ex-husband. He was…beautiful. There had never been a word that Akane had found more apt for her former husband. His pale white-gold hair still fell about his face and neck in an unruly shag that playfully hid his cornflower blue eyes. How she had loved those eyes; they were always alight with wonder and passion and fantasy; he was truly an artist to his very blood. Yet now those eyes she loved so much looked changed and weary, hesitant and guarded as if life had broken him and cast him aside, and he was only now recovering. Forever changed never to be the same again. He wore a casual suit under his open trenchcoat and Akane admired how it had complemented his tall, athletic form. Those calm open features that bore his Japanese heritage proudly yet were accented and softened by the western lineage bequeathed to him by his mother. She wondered if his proud nose still crinkled when he smiled or laughed…and if someone else now attempted to make him do so as often as possible.
As she once had.
The blue haired woman fought the impulse to turn away as she wished she could hold him again, to wrap her arms around him and never let go. To prove to him that he was worth more to her than the career that she had once pursued like a woman possessed. To prove to him that she could love him, as no one else could…if only he let her in… but she had squandered his love and even the knowledge that she had done it to save him; to keep his heart alive with hopes and dreams could not banish the wailing echoes of her pain. And her regret. And yet she had done the right thing, she was sure of it. Her marriage to Kenneth had been slowly killing him, she was certain of it. Being trapped with a woman who could not see the world the way he could was bleeding the life from him. She couldn't bare the thought of destroying his innocent joy, his passion for life. She forced her eyes not to close in remembered agony as she thought of the daughter she had abandoned in all but name, the beloved child that had inherited so much of Kenneth's gentleness and passion, so much so that Akane had pushed her away as well, fearing that she were just as unworthy of Ami as she had been of Ken.
Yet Dr. Akane Mizuno did not show this as she stepped towards the man she loved and had once married, and shook his hand. The blue haired woman forced herself not to flinch as she felt his large, slightly calloused hand come in contact with her own and she forced down a shudder as she remembered what those hands felt like spearing through her hair. "Ken I would not have called you if this were not important, you know that. It's…Ami-chan, she… something's happened…."
Instantly Ken's sculpted eyebrows narrowed at the thought of his beloved daughter in any kind of trouble and his grip on Akane's hand tightened comfortingly. "Please, have a seat." Kenneth gestured to the nearby couch in his suite and he moved to sit near his ex-wife as she seemed to collapse in exhaustion on the furniture. Ken didn't care that she didn't love him anymore or that it was no longer his place to protect her. His family needed him and he would be there for them; consequences be damned.
"Talk to me Sae-chan, what happened?"
Slowly Akane Mizuno began to speak of the woman whose life Ami had begged her to save. She spoke of the desperate pain in her daughter's eyes, pain she had not seen since Taiki Kou left Japan. Pain that if the doctor were honest with herself was so much more haunting than the heartbreak Ami had endured the day she lost the musician. Throughout her story, Kenneth kept silent, his hands covering hers, stroking softly.
"Sae-chan…we may not be able to help her…" Kenneth began to intone softly, but his words died in his throat as Akane pulled away abruptly. The blue haired doctor began to pace the room, her movements erratic and agitated.
"Ken please, I communicate with our daughter using a...fucking whiteboard or a pen and paper! And you! The odd post card and a painting for her birthday and Christmas! We...we have failed her, and despite that she has turned into a kind, brilliant caring young woman! Don't we owe it to her to be her parents for once in her life? Don't we owe it to her to keep her from making our mistakes?"
Ken stood and went to the agitated woman, blocking her path so she could no longer pace. Akane watched his gentle eyes harden and for the first time since she'd known him he looked like a stranger. "No. We don't. We can't shield her from the world Sae-chan. To try to do so would only make things so much worse… it would shatter her in the end. All we can do is be there for her should she need us… but Ami and Ami alone must make this choice. For herself and for her own heart. If she doesn't… if doubt and fear cloud her judgment, if our opinions sway her she could make a choice that could destroy her. I'd rather see my daughter struggle now than lose her forever." 'like I lost you…' The thought skittered across the painter's mind unbidden, but he forced his face to remain neutral. Akane's face crumpled and she shook her head trying to fight her tears. In the end the blue haired doctor let out a broken sob and fell into her ex-husband's waiting arms. Ken pulled her close, and dipped his chin to rest atop her head as his own tears fell unchecked. He did not know how long she would allow his embrace, but he would hold her until the wounds of her heart healed.
She couldn't breathe.
She kicked and struggled against the cloying, viscous sensation that clutched at her body, pulling her further into the deep. She frantically urged her eyes to open, yet all she could see was murky darkness. She wanted to scream, wanted to fight, but instead of precious air, only more of the murky darkness filled her lungs. She continued to struggle even as her thoughts waxed despondent. 'I'm...I'm going to die here. But there is so much that I wish do to...I no longer want to be a mere blade, fighting until I've dulled and shattered...I...Ami...I want...'
Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud roaring in the darkness. She halted her movements as her heart hammered in fear and anticipation. Gradually, the source of the terrifying roar undulated into view and Taiki's frantic, thrashing movements halted as serpent, larger than anything she had ever seen emerged from the darkness. It seemed the instant Taiki ceased in her struggles, she could breathe again. As she floated there tranquilly, the darkness surrounding her became comforting instead of suffocating. The large serpent was a dragon, the creature more majestic and terrifyingly beautiful than anything she'd ever seen.
"How did you enter this place?"
Taiki barely masked her surprise as she realized the beast could speak, but what struck her as odd was the serpent's voice. It was rough and booming as befitting its wielder, yet it was so familiar, almost bittersweetly so. Still, the dragon was looking at her expectantly so Taiki struggled to answer. "Actually, I'm not sure...where are we?" The dragon laughed softly and shook its great head, shaggy blue bangs falling into equally azure eyes.
"It doesn't matter. You are in no danger here, Taiki Kou, reincarnation of Brahma Agegis-Ti."
The large serpent moved closer and reached out a four fingered, taloned hand towards the idol singer. The beast's hand was easily the length of Taiki's body, yet she felt no fear as the deadly appendage drew closer. Just as the talon on the dragon's forefinger was about to reach just above Taiki's breasts, a bright light flashed as she felt delicate fingers bridge the gap. Blinking rapidly Taiki gasped as Ami Mizuno stood before her, the dragon mimicking her movements.
"Ami?...no, you're the one from my vision. When Zoisite was choking me...the words you whispered. I couldn't understand them but they brought out my power stronger than I'd ever channeled before. ...You saved my life...Aerin Askari." Aerin shook a mane that fell in between her shoulder blades, and Taiki briefly wondered if she had an affect on Ami growing out her own locks.
"I did no such thing Taiki. You saved yourself, I merely helped you find the part of yourself that wished to live. You should not doubt your strength or capability." Taiki's brows knitted at Aerin's tone; there was something there, some old wounded memory that haunted the dragonblood. "Nonetheless, since you are here it would be rude not to give you a gift." Aerin's fingers, still pressed against Taiki's flesh grew cold, biting, frozen, yet the chill only brought the idol singer comfort. Taiki gasped as she felt the light weight of a platinum chain around her neck and she looked down to see the small replica of a dragon, with a blue orb nestled within the coils of its tail. Taiki was struck at how much the image resembled the dragon before her.
"What is this?" Taiki questioned as she held the jewelry reverently in her hands. Aerin smiled, amused by Taiki's curiosity. "It is my pledge to you, it is my vow and my claim of you. Let it be your anchor in these dark times. Even if I am the one to cast you adrift, know that you have tangible proof of my love. Keep it safe and let it be a beacon about these dark waters... be ready for the tempest." Taiki looked up from the necklace as she felt the dreamscape fading and she reached out to the dragon before her.
"Wait, please!"
"Be ready...be watchful...my... Sanirem..."
Taiki surged forward with a sobbing hiss only to bite back a scream as she tumbled off the bed and impacted the nearby nightstand on the way down. "Stars, between myself and Seiya we are going to have to attach bed rails." Taiki mumbled as she sat on the floor rubbing her bruised forehead.
"Taiki! I can hear you in there! Get your ass up, we have a meeting in an hour and a half!"
Taiki groaned and rose gingerly from the floor to stagger into the adjoining bathroom. She pulled up the shirt she'd slept in and gingerly touched the bandages. From the feel of it the swelling had completely gone down and her cuts were little more than angry red lines, though she would probably maintain the bruising for a few days. Breathing deeply to test her abdomen, Taiki began to remove the bandages once she was satisfied with the results. Groaning at the canvas of black and blue that mottled her skin, the tallest starlight squinted at the mirror as she noticed a flash of silver about her neck. Trembling hands moved to an elegant throat and Taiki swallowed a gasp as her fingers came in contact with a chain. Carefully, she traced the chain to its apex, not particularly surprised by the small dragon charm that hung from the chain.
"What in the name of all the Stars in heaven...?"
Yaten checked his watch and moved up the stairs towards Taiki's room. "Taiki! Seriously, hurry the hell up! Are you alright in there?" The shortest starlight's hand paused in mid motion as Taiki's door swung open before he could pound on it. Instead, Yaten gentled his motion and knocked lightly against Taiki's forehead, earning a glare for his efforts. "Do that one more time and I will stuff you in a box and ship you back to Kinmoku." Yaten grinned at the rare threat and turned to head back down the steps, his silver pony thumping Taiki in the abdomen lightly.
"You shouldn't be so slow then. Come on, the sooner we let Sugao yell at us the sooner we can bring Seiya back home."
"Shouldn't we just reschedule anyway? Without Seiya there, Sugimiya-san is going to try to sign us up for anything and everything... Dog shows, parades...the man is a glutton for publicity." Taiki frowned as he followed his shorter sibling to the garage below.
"Nah. We're not kids anymore, and we understand Earth a little better this time around...It'll be fine. Besides, Seiya's just going to override everything anyway..." Rolling his eyes at the comment, Taiki snagged Yaten's arm before the silver haired idol could get into the driver's seat. "You have shotgun." Forestalling Yaten's protests with a shake of his head, the brunette plucked the keys from his sibling's fingers and lightly pushed him forwards so he would move to the passenger's side. "I'd like to keep from elevating my blood pressure if you don't mind." Eye ticking, Yaten settled into the passenger's seat and pouted slightly, turning to look out the window.
"Sure...you drive like an old lady anyway...It'll only take us sixty years to get there…"
Yaten was sure his comment went unheard, but when Taiki maneuvered the SUV over a speed bump so that it jarred only Yaten's side of the car he decided to keep his complaints to himself.
Ami awoke slowly to the smell of blueberry waffles, her favorite breakfast meal. For a moment she couldn't understand who or what could be possibly creating the heavenly smell until the last 48 hours struck her like a hammer to the chest. Taiki's arrival, her betrayal and Zoisite's retaliation. As soon as they'd entered Ami's apartment, Zoisite had taken residence upon the sofa and had fallen asleep before Ami could work up the courage to talk to him. His soft, feminine snores had curtailed anything Ami had wanted to say and she forced herself to turn in for the night. Sighing softly to herself, the soldier of water and wisdom moved to her bathroom and quickly took a shower and changed clothes, not exactly feeling it, but hoping she was refreshed enough to face the task.
Ami moved into the kitchen, just as Zoisite was placing the food on the table. The polar lord turned towards his girlfriend and smiled, his beautiful features radiating in innocent joy. The gesture was jarring and disconcerting and the water senshi struggled to gain some kind of mental equilibrium. "Zoisite... perhaps we should talk about this." The polar lord shook his head softly and gestured to the table, pulling out a chair for Ami. Slightly flustered, the water senshi dropped into the chair. Once again, Ami opened her mouth to speak, only to see Zoisite's blond curls bent over his plate, the shitenno tucking into his meal. Not quite sighing, but coming very close, Ami also began to eat for lack of anything else to do.
Once they had both pushed away their plates, and Ami was nursing a cup of coffee the water senshi hazarded to speak.
"Zoisite, please. We have to talk about this. I know that... that you may not be able to forgive me, and perhaps you shouldn't but I..." Ami's words were forestalled by the polar lord suddenly reaching out and grasping her hand. Zoisite stood and moved until he was by Ami's side, effectively trapping her.
"It doesn't have to end Ami. I know you love me, and I can forgive...this doesn't have to hold us hostage." the polar lord reached out a gentle hand and stroked his girlfriend's cheek. Ami squeezed her eyes shut, unable to bear the earnest, loving look on the blonde's face.
"Ami, you're the only one I want... I can prove myself worthy, all I ask is for a chance to do so. Don't throw away three years together without at least giving me a chance..." Zoisite's lips were at the water senshi's ear, his breath soft and soothing. "What we have, is too pure, too beautiful to let it die Ami. I know you love me...I can be the only one you need, just... let me in..." Ami's dark blue eyebrows knitted in confusion, she wanted to talk to Zoisite, to explain to him just how sorry she was but, her head...it was so hard to think. She felt as if she was within a fog, and every word Zoisite uttered seemed to drag her down further.
Though Zoisite's words were gentle and soothing, his eyes were anything but. Hard, biting emerald focused on Ami's delicate, confused profile even as he moved in closer, only the chair between them barring his body from hers. "I need you Ami, I love you. You and only you..." Ami grit her teeth, she could feel the fog drowning her, stamping out all thought and reason. "I..." The water senshi paused as memories, images began to flutter against her subconscious.
Zoisite pushed, but he felt resistance slowly begin to bar him entrance. He surged against the wall like a wave, pouring his power into his words, hoping to tear down the wall with his will. The wall only grew stronger, and more defined, and it began to take shape, showing that it was not a wall at all. Zoisite, forced his power not to falter as a great dragon rose from the fog of his words, its large gleaming body writhing with power. Intense blue eyes bore into Zoisite and he felt his soul quake in familiar terror. Yet he felt drawn to this great serpent, this beautiful, majestic creature. The dragon let out a roar and when the last echoes of the terrible sound faded, Aerin Askari stood before him. Her eyes were as intent, wild and wise as the creature high above her, and though the dragon was massive, it did not seem to dwarf the heir of Mercury...rather they seemed equally larger than life.
When the azure haired princess spoke, the dragon's great maw echoed her words, and Zoisite realized that they were one and the same. This great dragon was the divine form of the dragonblood heir. "Leave this place, Shitenno. You will not break me, and you will not force me to forget. I offer you a boon out of her love for you and out of the friendship we once shared. I will not be denied, not by you, and not even by my guilt. I will not yield to you so do not lower yourself in an attempt to cast about the fog of illusion. Be grateful for the time you shared with her, and be also grateful that she does not remember me...does not remember your betrayal. You struck down my Chosen in your jealousy, sold your soul for power... do not press the matter. For if she awakens, nothing will stop me from exacting my vengeance...and I promise you I will tear into your body with my fangs, and I will feast upon your blood. I will not warn you again...go."
The blonde shitenno gasped as he was hurled from Ami's mind and the Mecurian senshi turned towards him, unaware of the exchange. "I can't Zoisite. Please, I never wanted to hurt you, this wasn't something I went looking for but... You are a good man Zoisite, an honorable man. After all you've suffered you deserve a woman who can give you all herself without restraint. I care for you, I truly do... and that's why I won't hurt you like this. I know it is not enough, but I'm sorry." Ami pleaded with the man she had betrayed with her foolish heart.
"You intend to go to her then?"
Ami sighed and stood, moving to a nearby window where she stared out of the pane forlornly. It was a beautiful day today, so beautiful that she could almost forget the ugliness of her betrayal and the darkness of the looming enemy. Almost. "I never said that..." Zoisite gave a start, attempting to seize his opportunity.
"Then why? Why can't we... don't you know that I love you Ami?" The senshi of Mercury squeezed her eyes shut at the desperation in her former lover's voice.
"That's why Zoi-chan. I love you...but not the way you need me to, not the way you deserve. I refuse to keep you in limbo like this...I can't give you anymore than what I have...and I won't let you settle for it. As for her...I'll only end up hurting her, failing her in the end." Even as the words dissipated into the still air Ami flinched as she watched Brahma's death replay itself in her mind, only to be followed by the memory of Taiki's battered form. The memories swirled and merged until Ami thought she was going to be sick.
Behind her, Zoisite sighed and shuffled his feet. "I will fight for you Ami-chan...however I'm a patient man. We have more pressing problems to deal with at the moment. Know this though, I'm not giving up on us. Not yet." Ami's eyes closed as Zoisite's words punctuated the echo of her apartment door closing, and she struggled to figure out how to put things right again.
Zoisite grit his teeth and a nearly unnatural growl lurched in his chest as he strode towards his car. He could not break her, not yet anyway. If he pushed Ami now, he could force her memories to the surface at a rate the blue haired woman couldn't handle. Her mind would snap under the strain and only a rampaging dragon would be left in her place. The shitenno frowned as he remembered his True Master's words '...you would have awakened a beast within Mercury which you, at your current level could never hope to defeat...or tame.' He couldn't subdue Ami head on...such a thing would be suicide, even if she had no idea of her power. He would have to wait...and perhaps he could persuade the Master to aid him. But he would have to offer something in exchange...if he succeeded in his mission surely the Master would give him the power to break his beautiful dragon. With a dark smile, the lord of ice hopped into his car and sped off towards his next quarry.
A gloved hand gently caressed a sweat beaded brow and smoothed back dark locks to stroke a familiar scar behind an ear. Contrite, compassionate blue eyes traced the prone, battered figure, grateful that he found the boy before the Emperor had. Those same blue eyes clouded in pain as he realized the Emperor had touched the boy's mind, keeping him in this persistent coma. Gloved hands pulled back the white hooded cloak that shrouded his features and lavender locks fell into masked blue eyes. "This will not do Mamoru Chiba, for I have need of you yet...perhaps to undo the mistakes I've made." The wind howled, almost in response to his words and King Endyminion held up a hand infusing the cavern he'd found his quarry in with heat. Mamoru twitched but did not awaken and the King of the future pressed his hand to the forehead of his younger self, gasping as he felt the heavy oppressive weight of the Emperor's power. Power, so much greater than his own…and so different. King Endyminion sighed, he could not free the young prince but he could not abandon him to his fate.
With a wave of his cloak, both King Endyminion and his younger self disappeared in a flash of light.
Motoki Furuhata stirred slightly as a stern knock invaded his dreams, and shook him from his nap. The aspiring programmer shifted groggily from his couch, padding on slightly unsteady legs to the door.
"Yes, yes, I'm coming..."
Motoki cracked the door, surprised at its weight, until he noticed there was a body slumped against the hardwood surface. Motoki absently noted the figure wore winter attire suited for snow. The weather was a bit cool but it hardly warranted so many layers of clothes. "Hey! Are you alright?" The blonde, carefully but quickly opened the door bending down to grasp the slumped over figure under the armpits and drag him inside. Once Motoki had enough clearance to close the door he allowed himself to take a good look at his unexpected guest. Familiar dark locks hid eyes that Motoki, knew from years of friendship were deep cobalt.
"Mamoru-kun...what...?"
Forgoing any further speech, the blonde moved towards his friend and began to check him for injuries. Aside from a few bruises the dark haired man appeared fine, yet when Motoki opened his eyes, he noticed Mamoru's pupils did not react to the light from the room. Frowning at this, Motoki half dragged, half carried his friend to the couch he had recently vacated and settled him there. The blonde ran an agitated hand through his sleep mussed locks as he began to pace lightly. Quite frankly he wanted to take Mamoru to the hospital, but he wasn't certain how the other man got to his apartment. If he had been injured, why would he go to Motoki rather than a doctor? Was he in trouble? Then of course there was the simple fact that for the most part Mamoru looked fine... what if he just had some sort of a fainting spell?
Groaning at his frantic thoughts, Motoki moved to the phone hoping to call his girlfriend Rika before she left the University for the day. Before he could even begin to dial the number, Motoki heard the scrape of a key against a lock in the door. Within moments Rika walked in, her arms laden with groceries. The brilliant redhead had obviously wanted to surprise her lover with a home cooked meal, but she nearly dropped her parcels when she noticed the prone dark haired man upon her couch.
"Mamoru-san?" Rika rushed to place her parcels on the nearest table, just barely remembering to kick off her shoes and nudge the door closed with her foot before moving to her lover and his best friend. Though the auburn haired woman was no medical student, she had learned enough to offer basic assistance. "What happened to him?" Motoki looked vaguely lost as he shook his head with a shrug. "I just found him like this at the door." Satisfied that there was no immediate threat to her home Rika pressed a hand against Mamoru's slack forehead. The auburn haired woman froze as images bombarded her skull, tunneling her vision.
"Rika?"
Rika shook her head slightly to clear it and began to move, pulling off Mamoru's boots and pulling him out of his thick clothes. "Anata, go get another blanket and bring me a bowl of warm water, and clean rags." Motoki paused as if he wanted to say something briefly, but he decided against it and moved to follow Rika's instructions. Rika turned back to the prone man and ran her knuckles gently over his fevered forehead. "Endyminion, what has happened to you?"
Kaori shifted from foot to foot as she adjusted the guitar strapped to her back. The rising idol singer tried not to fidget as she softly rapped her knuckles against the door of the absurdly expensive condo. Moments later the door swung open and a warmly smiling Yaten Kou beckoned her inside. "Hey, Day." Kaori Dayspring grinned and set her prized instrument down before she placed a warm hand on the silver haired idol's shoulder. "Good to see you Fuji." Yaten snorted and uncharacteristically pulled Kaori into a hug, the tall woman's shock giving way to warmth as she returned the embrace. Breaking the embrace, Yaten led the dark haired woman to the expansive living room and motioned for her to have a seat.
"Before you ask, Taiki is fine. He's a little black and blue in a few places and, in my opinion he's grumpy as hell, but don't worry… he'll be back to his old standoffish self in no time."
Yaten hid a smirk as he watched the honey hued woman bristle slightly at the perceived slight against Taiki's honor. However before Day could issue a response a throat loudly cleared itself behind them in an attempt to draw attention. Yaten turned and Day looked up as she noted Taiki standing in the doorway, with glasses perched upon his nose and a well worn poetry book in hand. "I prefer the term prudent." Taiki intoned as he strode into the room. Yaten sniggered under his breath. "I'd say prudish is more like it." Yaten muttered hopefully unheard; his hopes were dashed when his taller sibling smacked the back of his head with the book as he passed to greet Day. "Dayspring-san, as always it is good to see you." Taiki did not touch others often, much like Yaten but for Day he made an exception. Day held Taiki gently, as always somewhat overwhelmed by Taiki's presence. Taiki was in some ways like the sun to her; she yearned to look upon the tall idol yet his presence seared her. Taiki, unaware of Kaori's torment stepped back and turned to his brother, whacking him again for good measure. "Why did you not tell me that Dayspring-san had arrived?" Yaten rolled his eyes and rubbed at the spot his sibling had struck. "Simple, that big head of yours has big ears. I knew you'd hear us talking." Yaten ducked another swipe and moved away from his brother's side.
Kaori shook her raven head at the Kou siblings and their antics, pleased that at least two of them were alright. "How is Seiya-san?" Taiki and Yaten paused at Kaori's question, both of them wondering how best to phrase their response. "He is healing… we don't know what happened but I do remember there was some sort of gas line explosion in the shopping district earlier." Kaori frowned at Yaten's response… remembering a newsfeed about the incident. If Seiya had been there… he was lucky to be alive. Kaori was grateful that her friend had been so fortunate. "If you need anything…either of you, please let me know." Taiki and Yaten both offered grim, yet appreciative smiles to the raven haired woman. Waggling silvered eyebrows Yaten attempted to lighten the somber mood.
"What we need is an opening act… I heard someone is preparing for her debut finally." Kaori blushed to the roots of her hair, her silver blue eyes shifting to the floor. "Well…I mean. You guys taught me so much and I just.. yeah…it's not much to brag about or anything." Yaten rolled his eyes at the mocha skinned woman's words, she was a quiet, unassuming woman, imposing in battle but preferring to not have too much focus on herself. The Kou siblings knew why Kaori chose her current path but Yaten wondered if she were prepared for all that came with it. Taiki let out a rare chuckle and placed a hand on Kaori's shoulder. "So you say… but you always did understate yourself Dayspring-san. Come tell us all about it and please before Yaten hurts himself, tell me you have a decent outfit?" Yaten look flustered and Kaori laughed, the sound rich and unabashed.
"Actually, you won't believe who is designing my dress…"
She stared at the Earth hanging swollen in the sky like a shining jewel and she wondered at its beauty. She wondered how such a shining planet could be a source of such pain and destruction. She startled slightly as she felt lithe arms wind about her waist and an inviting form pressed up against her back. Blue eyes drifted closed as the feeling of full breasts against her shoulder blades and a gentle breeze brought long blonde hair to whisper against her cheek.
"Found you.."
A pleased hum issued from the woman's lips and she leaned against her beloved, feeling deceptively powerful arms tighten in response. "So you did… aren't you supposed to be with Lady Luna for today's lessons?"
She could feel her beloved's face scrunch in annoyance behind her. "Do you have any idea how hard it is to take a kitten standing at a podium shouting about Galactic history seriously? She even had a little baton! I realize that both of her forms are still the same person, but I'd rather deal with the child that is way too serious for her own good than a cat. So, I snuck out." Her beloved complained good-naturedly. She knew her lover enjoyed learning but could be distracted at times. She chuckled softly at the mental image her beloved's description invoked.
"Speaking of lessons, I thought that you were meeting your mother to work on treaty negotiations?" She shook her head at the reminder and turned in her beloved's embrace so that she could look into eyes as clear as a summer's day. "Mother had court business that called her back home. So I'm free for the day." Her lover's face scrunched into a predictable pout. "You didn't send word to me my Sapphire… did you wish to be alone?" Her beloved's noble, lyrical voice wavered a bit with uncertainty. She moved her hands to her lover's back and pressed strongly in between her shoulder blades, knowing that she even in this wingless form the action aroused her greatly.
"I always want to be with you Serenity..." 'Even when you break my heart…' The thought was left unvoiced and yet for a moment she thought the blonde lunar heir could hear it as she stiffened within her arms. "Shiva…I…" The heir of Fighter would not allow her beloved the chance to speak as she leaned in and kissed her beloved before leading her to the gardens nearby.
Kunzite adjusted the crème and silver scarf that encased his elegant neck, his complexion reddening even further under the assault of snow and biting wind. It had taken Kunzite and Nephrite hours to drive to the exclusive yet rustic Yamanouchi ski resort. In that time a mild snow storm had settled over the surrounding area, making it difficult for the two lords to make it to the cabins that lay scattered about the mountains owned by the resort. The resort had apparently been battered by a pair of snow storms over the past few days, a fact that didn't set well with Kunzite, as the Master had never contacted him. The silver haired lord felt his anxiety spike as he wondered if perhaps the Master had been lost before Yuuchiro was even attacked.
As much as he did not wish harm to his Master, in many ways it was a more comforting idea than the thought of Mamoru harming Yuuchiro himself. Kunzite turned to Nephrite, putting a large hand on his shoulder. "Do you feel anything?" Nephrite shook his head in the negative, a frown marring his face. "There has to be something… the Master, he would not just abandon us." Even as the words escaped his lips, the deva froze as he saw a figure standing in the distance, unaffected by the blizzard raging around them. Nephrite gripped Kunzite's shoulder and pointed towards the figure in shock. Kunzite's normally calm face contorted in startled recognition and he moved forward on instinct.
"Master?!"
Jadeite kneeled before the Sacred Flame, knowing that it would not answer him, yet praying that it would protect its miko all the same. The lilac eyed lord finished his prayer and bowed to the Flame, before rising gingerly to his feet. With a sigh the polar lord exited the shrine to finish his daily chores. Rei's grandfather had left to see the wounded miko and he would be expected to tend to the jinja in the old Guji's absence. Grabbing a nearby broom, the polar lord began sweeping the grounds, clearing the cobble of dust and leaves. It would be an hour or so before guests would come to the jinja looking for charms, and Jadeite had to prepare for their arrival.
"Jadeite."
The blonde lord looked up from his work at the soft spoke words. His lilac gaze meeting the verdant one of Zoisite, Jadeite moved to greet his brother in arms. "I'm so sorry Jadeite… I know how you feel about her." Words that were intended to comfort only sparked anger as the younger man gripped the broomstick so hard it began to creak. "How I feel about her?! What does that matter! Even if I didn't love her, you didn't see… you didn't see what was done to her! And I don't even know what bastard attacked her!" Jadeite moved away from the other man angrily before throwing the broom to the ground. "You tell Kunzite I don't need a babysitter! We should be out there looking for these people! For the Master! Instead we sit here and wait…wait for them to hurt us again!
'You sit here…You were the one that did nothing.'
Jadeite paused in his rant and turned to the other blonde angrily. "What? What did you say?!" Zoisite held up his hands in a placating gesture and took a step back. "Jade…I didn't say anything."
'She was wounded because you were weak… why would she ever choose you when she has the Master…when she has her princess? She who holds men in such disdain… why would she ever sully herself for you?'
Jadeite lost all sense of composure as he heard the taunting words. His vision swam, and his power leapt upon him without him calling it forth. With an inhuman snarl he turned towards his tormentor and lunged, intent on the kill.
"ZOISITE!"
"How about this one?"
Chibi-Usa smiled softly as the tinkling bell passed into her line of sight, Diana's hand pointing elegantly towards the laptop screen. "It is a decent size, has a skylight that can be opened, and it's near the queen." The gray Mau continued as she leaned over her charge's shoulder. "It's not bad..." Diana arched an eyebrow at the underwhelming response. "However it's not near the outers... or Mugen Gakuen." the Crystal heir flinched at the knowing smirk in Diana's voice and tried to tame the blush that was beginning to flare upon her cheeks. She knew it was foolish, but she wanted to spend as much of the time she had in the past with Hotaru, Chibi-Usa didn't want to face the uncertain future where she would never see the senshi of Saturn again. And yet... "No, we came here to help protect the future... being near mama would be the best option."
The gray Mau tilted her head as she looked at her charge, both proud and despairing at the pink haired woman's resolve to put the future first. Diana knew first hand much of Chibi-Usa's loneliness; having aged so slowly left the pink haired girl an outsider in almost everything she encountered, and the loss of her closest friends, namely Pluto and Saturn only made her burden that much harder to bear. With the hidden feelings that clamored in the Crystal heir's heart, that burden had become a quiet agony. It hurt the Mau immensely that she could not help her charge in some way; that her friendship was not enough, yet she knew that Chibi-Usa deserved more than just her friendship alone.
Yet often times what one deserved and what destiny allowed were two different things.
Chibi-Usa took note of the apartment's location and shut down her laptop. "Come, we have a lot to do and you will likely need a custom uniform." Diana bristled at that. "I don't see why I can't just go as your cat…" Chibi-Usa smirked at her retainer. "You're the one who wanted to be more involved… I can't take a cat to school. Now we can always go with my other idea and dress you up like a plushie…" Diana's face immediately darkened to a thunderhead. "A plushie? A talking plushie?! How stupid is that? And you think no one is going to notice a seventeen year old carrying around a plushie?" Chibi-Usa shrugged at Diana's diatribe. "Fine. Uniform it is…" The gray haired Mau groaned feeling as if she'd been outmaneuvered somehow, yet she dutifully moved to follow her mistress.
"Momoko-san!"
Momoko turned upon hearing her name called and a smile graced her face as recognized Hotaru. Hotaru was wearing her soccer shirt with a pair of dark sweatpants. "Hotaru-san, I'm surprised to see you, skipping out on practice team captain?" Hotaru smiled and shook her head her longer hair shrouding her features as it whipped around. "I could ask you the same question class rep." Momoko grinned and made a motion like the cracking of a whip. "Are you kidding; I've got them working in teams so we always finish at least an hour early. Even student council meetings go by fast." Momoko replied with playful smugness, while inwardly she beamed with pride as she watched Hotaru grin at her antics. The violet eyed girl had just been Chibi-Usa-chan's sullen friend but after the pink haired girl moved away, Momoko tried to draw Hotaru out of her shell. Tomoe was still somewhat reserved and she still retained some of her mistrust of people after a life time of being scorned for being different, yet Momoko found her to be a good friend. It saddened Momoko somewhat that she did not see the violet eyed girl very often. "So since you are playing hooky you want to head to Crown? Maybe we could go bowling afterwards…" Hotaru began to nod, but the sounds of what sounded like bickering drew her attention.
"It is too short!" An indignant voice hissed in outrage. Another voice answered somewhat wearily, yet obviously amused. "You're too tall. Besides no one will be staring at your legs…" Diana let out an indignant squawk that sounded very much like some one had stepped on her tail. Before the gray haired woman could retort she noted the shocked gasp of another nearby. Ever the vigilant guardian, the Mau stepped in front of her Lady and bared her teeth. "Diana?! What the…move you overgrown furball!" Chibi-Usa pushed at her guardian's rigid form and was about to shout when she noticed the ashen haired woman was trembling minutely. Leaning over so that she could see beneath Diana's arm, she grinned sheepishly and waved as she saw both Hotaru and Momoko staring at the both of them. The Crystal heir's brows furrowed as she mentally amended that description. Hotaru was glancing between Diana and Chibi-Usa with a slightly disturbed look on her face. While Momoko and the trembling Diana were staring at each other. The oddly tense situation was broken when Hotaru suddenly turned and walked in the other direction. Gasping in shock, Chibi-Usa broke free of the Mau's grip and left the two imitations of statues to their own devices. Waving, she sprinted after the raven haired senshi.
"Hotaru-chan! Hotaru-chan wait up!" The pink haired woman reached out and snagged the soccer captain's arm turning her so they could talk. Chibi-Usa flinched as she noticed the tears rolling the senshi of Saturn's pale face. "Hotaru-chan?" Chibi-Usa reached out and caressed the cheek of the woman she loved in secret, her thumb clearing away tears. Embarrassed, Hotaru broke eye contact and turned her head, even as the tears maintained a steady torrent. "I have to go… Soccer practice… I'm sorry…" Bewildered, Chibi-Usa blinked as the dark haired teenager rushed away in a dead run. Chibi-Usa's mind flashed back to Hotaru's face moments before and she felt the need to protect burn within her like wildfire. 'I may not be the one that she wants, but she needs me now.' The pink haired woman turned back to see if Diana and Momoko were ok, not realizing that the action would be her undoing. When she turned back to follow Hotaru, the raven haired girl was nowhere to be found. "What the… damnit NO!"
A few blocks away Sailor Saturn sat curled on a roof top and rocked back and forth crying helplessly. Her mind flashed on Chibi-Usa and Diana. '…no one will be staring at your legs…' the tone was indulgent yet there was a hint of a leer in the words. Yet that was not what struck the raven haired girl the most. Diana's reaction when she noticed Hotaru and Momoko… the way she moved in front of Chibi-Usa while pulling the Crystal heir tightly behind her spoke of an intimacy that mere friendship could not provide. Yet for all that Hotaru couldn't understand why the implication hurt her so. She felt as if her heart had exploded in her chest, the agony was that pronounced. "Why should I care? At least Chibi-chan is back… at least we are together again. Can I really be so selfish that I don't want to share her with… with her girlfriend?" The Senshi of Saturn cried harder as she realized she didn't have an answer to that question.
Pluto nuzzled her head against the shoulder beneath her cheek, the mocha flesh soft with lithe, powerful muscle underneath. She purred softly as she felt delicate hands caressing her sides and scratching lightly with blunted nails. She wanted to stay in this moment until time itself came to an end but she knew she couldn't; she had to confront her tempter.
"Please. Whatever it is that you are planning… don't go through with it." Pluto leaned up to stare into silver blue eyes. She held the gaze until those luminous orbs slid closed.
"Do you remember the term that was meted upon my people? The slur that was deemed more appropriate than our true name of Terran?" The words were hissed out as if they caused their speaker great pain. Pluto nodded, though her action went unseen and she sighed before she spoke.
"Tau'rianlathial. Harbingers of the Silence."
"Exactly. We were deemed barbarians… barely worthy of our starseed. Even Saturn did not endure such scorn. Yet they forgot the sacrifices we have made, and that this world was once a paradise. I intend to return it to that." The silken voice that had only moments before spoken to her of love, and dark, enduring passion grew cold and distant. Pluto briefly mourned the change as she moved closer, griping powerful shoulders and forcing silver blue eyes to open.
"Then stay your hand. Serenity will guide humanity… if this is what you seek then your goals are the same as ours. End these attacks!" Pluto felt dread steal over her as her lover moved away and begin to pace. Shaking dark locks, the pacing stopped and once again Pluto found herself drowning in eyes that burned like stars. "Vau'rusatoral. That is what I want."
Gasping softly Pluto stood and walked over to the one that had captured her and betrayed her. "Vanguards of Rebirth…What…" Drawn to her proximity, the dark one moved closer to Pluto and embraced her. "For my homeworld…and for us."
"…No…" Pluto pushed away and the perceived rejection sparked the dark one's anger. "You may have accepted this cage as your fate but that does not mean that I have. I have not forgotten the promise I made to you...and I shall keep it." Angry eyes burned Pluto with their desperation, and it was that thought, the knowledge that this may be done in her name that coaxed her own outrage to the surface.
"At what cost?! You'll destroy all I love…everything I've sacrificed for?"
The dark one sighed, and moved closer. "Your eyes are closed my love, I intend to open them…"
"And force me into the light where I shall be blinded." Pluto snarled back anger and pain lacing her tone. It seemed as if those words broke the combative air about them and the dark one sighed softly. "I won't argue with you… I will show you instead." Those words invoked terror and panic in the normally calm senshi and she rushed forward griping the arms of her lover.
"No! No, wait please!"
The time for waiting, the time for mercy is over…" A cherished hand reached out and captured Pluto's chin, and the senshi of time found herself unable to pull away. "Vau'rusatoral…and Eternity. This is my vow to you." Before Pluto could react to the whispered words… their speaker had vanished.