Author's notes at bottom.
***PLEASE READ THIS!***
If you are reading this story, you need to know
that it is a SERIES. That means that there are more
stories before this one and to completely understand
everything that is happening, you need to read
the others first.
DON'T LET ME GO: BROKEN PROMISES
DON'T LET ME GO: INSANITY
DON'T LET ME GO: ROSES
DON'T LET ME GO: APPARITIONS
DON'T LET ME GO: DEBAUCHERY
The last one, Debauchery, is this one. I can't
stop you from reading this first, but know that
it won't make much since ^_^
______________________________________________
Her words haunt me. I wonder why Queen
Serenity couldn't have came to Usako and told
her I was alright. Even if she didn't know
where I was, at least let it be known I didn't
die in the explosion.
The pain that I see Usako go through day
in and day out. Will that go away?
There is an evil presence lurking, I can
feel it. I wonder if Usako is strong enough in
her state of mind to go against an enemy right
now. I hope I can stay by her side - to help her.
-Mamoru.
~~~~~~~~
Don't Let Me Go: Debauchery
Chapter: 1
By: Bethany and Patch
Edited by: Meara
Rated: PG13 for violence
Comments, suggestions, cheese
cubes and Tiggers can be sent
to us at Bethany212@aol.com and
Patchkhan1@hotmail.com
~~~~~~~
~*~ Four Days Later ~*~
Her body tossed and turned, sweat dripping from her
bangs as she moved, writhing in bed. The sheets became a
trap formed by a mastermind; twisting around to keep her
legs from moving.
With what felt like her last breath, Usagi screamed
out the name of her protector, her saver, her lifeline.
"MAMO-CHAN!!"
The five seconds it took Mamoru to wake Usagi from her
self-induced prison seemed like ages to the frightened girl.
Her loud sobs filled the otherwise quiet room until they were
muffled against a strong chest. "Usako, it's okay baby. I'm
here, I'm right here," he soothed softly, stroking her back
with one hand and holding her tightly with the opposite arm.
Her weakened state only allowed her to hold his shirt
loosely, her face pressed against the cotton of his shirt.
"Mamo-chan? Are you really here? It was so.. so real. So
horrible! I.. it hurts Mamo-chan, hurts!"
Mamoru rained soft kisses on her head while checking
to make sure he wasn't holding her too tightly or pressing
against any of her broken ribs. "What hurts baby?"
"My head... You're alive? But.. you were gone for so
long." Another gush of fresh tears left her eyes and she
sobbed louder into his shirt. "They told me you were dead,
why did they lie to me, Mamo-chan? Why?"
Mamoru could feel her pain through their soul-bond,
feel her heartbreak and grief. It hurt worse than anything
he had ever felt in his life.
"Shhh... it's okay now. I'm here, I'm never leaving
you again - never. Come on, you need to lay back down." Care-
fully he helped her back onto her pillows, before climbing
into the bed to lie beside her. Her breathing finally slowed
until her chest rose and fell with soft movements. Mamoru ran
his fingertips over her face and through her silver hair gently,
reassuring her of his presence.
His head dropped slightly as he strained to keep it
propped up on his hand; making sure to watch over her so she
couldn't fall into another nightmare. His eyes snapped shut
before he caught them and opened them wide.
~*~
"Mamo-chan," a voice called in the back of his mind. His
awareness returned slowly and reluctantly. "Mamo-chan!"
"U...Usako...?" his lids felt too heavy to open completely.
A soft hand ran over his face and cupped his check. "Baby,
wake up."
With all the strength he could manage, he opened his eyes
and looked around. Silver hair was all around him, and baby blue
eyes were looking at him with love. "Usako?"
"Come on lazy bones, get up," she said in a sing-song voice
full of happiness. That's when he noticed it. He had fallen asleep
in the bed with her, and was now cuddled up against her petite
form. But that isn't what really got him moving.
It was those violet eyes on the other side of Usagi that
were boring into him. And boy if looks could kill....
"Rei-chan?"
"Get your ass up! You could have hurt her!" The look the
Senshi of Mars gave him was not a gentle one as Mamoru gave a
sleep induced mumble.
"Leave him alone Rei-chan, he's tired," Usagi stated,
running her soft palm over his forehead once more.
"What's he doing in the bed with you anyway? Doesn't he
realize that you have two broken ribs and not to mention numerous
other injuries? Where are the doctors and nurses around here
when you need them anyway?"
Mamoru looked up, quite surprised at Usagi's tone of voice
as she spoke. "The only thing that is hurting me right now is the
loudness of your voice!"
Rei looked just as surprised as Mamoru did. "I..." a blank
looked crossed her face before she done something that both the
Prince and Princess wished they had a tape recorder for. "Gomen
nasai Usagi... I didn't mean to."
Usagi blanched, obviously taken aback from Rei's apology.
"It's..it's okay Rei-chan, just not so loud, ne?"
Rei nodded before plopping down in a chair, watching Mamoru
carefully rise off the bed and go into the adjoining bathroom.
Minako burst in the room, Makoto and Haruka in tow. "Hidy
hoe young lady, we hear you are being released today - care to
comment?" Minako said, one hand over her ear like a reporter,
and talking into her fist.
"Yeah, give us the goods!" Haruka added, holding the cup
up to Usagi's mouth. "You are getting out of the hell hole,
what are YOU going to do first?"
Makoto pushed Haruka aside and planted a wide grin on her
face, "Ohh.. let me guess, I bet your going to Disney Land, ne
Usagi-chan?"
The princess couldn't help but laugh at her friends, they
all were talking to each other, dicussing anything from hospital
food to Usagi going home. Usagi looked across the room at Mamoru
coming out of the bathroom, still scrubbing his palms over his
face. She smiled slightly and he returned the gesture. In three
quick strides he stood beside her and kissed her check. "Morning
sunshine," he whispered lovingly in her ear.
Usagi raised one of her hands up to brush some stray hairs
from his forehead. "Morning baby." Their lips came closer together
to touch just slightly...
"AWWWWWWWWWW!" Makoto and Minako sighed, hearts in their eyes.
"I'm going to be sick!" Haruka and Rei exclaimed, both
looking rather annoyed.
Mamoru blushed a beet red and moved back from Usagi, although
still holding her hand tightly. "So, how long before we get out of
here Usako?"
Usagi sat up on the bed, still a little sore, and looked at
the clock. "Mama should be here in about thirty minutes."
Rei and Minako brought a suit case out and started packing
away brushes, combs and the like while Makoto rattled on about
the flowers that covered Usagi's entire room. The time passed quickly,
and before she knew it a short woman with blue hair gushed in the
room, a nurse and wheelchair behind her. "Okay honey, you are ready
to go!" she exclaimed in a bubbly, although loving voice that
belonged to mothers.
The ride to the Tsukino residence was uneventful, unless
you count the fact that they had to get a taxi to transport everyone
and all of Usagi's flowers and balloons from the hospital to her
house. Slowly Usagi rose from the passenger seat of the car and
shooed away Mamoru who was anxiously standing in front of her to
assist in getting her inside.
Mamoru figured he'd have a heart attack or pick her up screaming
and kicking to get in the house at the rate she was going. But Usagi
wanted to do it herself and come hell or high water she would.
With a little pain in her side she managed to get into the living
room and sit. The stairs would have to wait for later.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Days later - Mamoru's Apartment
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It puzzled him. This was one of few things in life that did.
And, as he stared at her long *silver* hair, Mamoru connected that
most things in life that did confuse him; had to do with Usagi.
Was it his imagination, or just a conicenidence?
Whatever the case may be, this beautiful flow of silver hair
made his young Usako look more mature, better able to handle herself;
she looked... like a Queen.
"Usako?"
Usagi looked up through thick lashes and smiled sweetly at him
for a second before going back to painting a picture of a rabbit.
"Hai, Mamo-chan?"
No, Mamoru thought as she painted intently, she is still my
beautiful Usako and Crystal Tokyo is still years off... isn't it?
This bothered Mamoru, but he was hoping this was something that
came of her thinking him dead-
"Why is your hair silver?"
Usagi stopped and put her paint brush down and looked at her
hair. She wore a puzzled expression and shrugged. "Luna thinks it is
a sign of my maturity - my mother's hair was silver."
Mamoru nodded thoughtfully and ran his fingers through its
thick mass. "You look beautiful."
A pink blush tinted her cheeks and she bowed her head to continue
painting. But that was not what Mamoru had in mind.
Slowly Usagi watched a large hand take the brush from her
smaller fingers and lay it aside. She stared at that invading hand to
see what it's owner would do next. A tingle of excitement ran up
her spine as it came dangerously close to touching her breast as it
made it's way up her arm and to her neck.
Mamoru had never ventured this far with Usagi before. He wanted
to wait until she was emotionally ready and now seemed as good as
time as any. Slowly he brought his lips to hers and gently leaned them
both back on the floor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He was being dragged by his arms through dark hallways as his
knees scraped across the rough floor. His head hung between his
shoulders and his hair was matted to his scalp.
He didn't know how much more he could take. He was surprised
he wasn't dead yet. But no, he had the will...to keep on living, to
get back to Reika, his love. Reika... how was she? He had no idea
how much time had passed and he desperately wished she was okay.
The two men continued to pull him until they finally stopped.
Motoki lifted his head slightly to get an idea of where they were.
It was a cavernous room, and the only light source came from the
torches that graced the black walls. Where the hell were they?
After a moment, he was pulled forward again until they stopped once
more and then thrown to the front. He flung out his hands to brace
himself and then raised his head once more. His eyes grew wide at
the sight that lay before him.
A huge throne made of black marble sat before him, two tall
torches on either side. A man sat on the throne but Motoki couldn't
see it for it was partially hidden from the black hood that covered
it. Motoki could see the man's beard but nothing else. He was
dressed in a black robe with blood red lining. In front of the man,
on the floor was a cauldron with flames of fire leaping into the air.
It was a scene from someone's worst nightmare, Motoki was sure of that.
His attention was brought back when the man stood up.
"Furuhata Motoki. Welcome to my...humble abode," the man said,
spreading his arms wide and smiling slightly.
"You certainly haven't made me feel welcomed," Motoki spit out.
"Your... treatment was necessary so that you understood what
position you held here."
"Why am I here? What do you want from me?" Motoki asked. He
could feel sweat forming on his palms. He was terrified but he
wasn't about to show it.
"Ah, so we get down to business," the man said, and brought
his hands up to lift his hood.
Motoki gasped. The man...he had no eyes! They were white and
sightless. A scar ran down one side of his face and he had long,
straggly hair. The man grinned an ugly smile at Motoki's horrified
reaction.
"Do you like what you see? Sadly, there are consequences to
certain actions, and this," he said pointing to his eyes, "was one
of them. But, no matter. My name is Chronos, Leader of the Organization
of Chronos. We are a secret society, using powers from the realm
of the unknown to accomplish our goals. You have something I need."
"What possession of yours could I *possibly* have?" Motoki
asked, sarcasm thick in his voice.
"The 10th Ring. You have it."
"Nani? What are you talking about?"
"Do not play games with me," Chronos warned, "You were looking
for a wedding ring for your fiancee and had your friend, your dead
friend now, look for it in America. He found one and found it so
unique that before he sent it to you, he decided to do some
investigating on it. Unfortunately...he wasn't able to finish that,
as you now know," Chronos smiled mockingly.
"You killed Mamoru?" Motoki asked in disbelief. But he
recovered and charged at the man as pure hatred ran through his
veins. "Bastard!"
Chronos swung his arms and with a whoosh of air, Motoki was
flung backwards and hit the hard ground with a sickening thud.
He lay there, completely dazed and swallowed the urge to
throw up. Kami only knew he *had* nothing to throw up. He saw the
face of Chronos above him.
"You underestimate me, boy," Chronos said, with a sneer of
his lips. "Your friend did send you the ring and I want it."
"What's it to you?" Motoki gasped out.
Chronos turned around and walked a few steps away and Motoki
had to raise his head to see him. He suddenly turned back again,
his black robe flying about him. "I suppose I could tell you," he
began in a bored tone, "it won't do you much good though. The ring
that you have is known as the 10th Ring," he held up his hands and
spread his fingers. Each finger had a gold ring with some kind of
stone on it but one ring was missing; the last finger of his left
hand bore no ring. "The ring belongs to me, it has always belonged
to me until one of our *ex-members* stole it from us while we were
in the middle of a... ritual."
"Why is this ring so important?" Motoki asked suspiciously
as he slowly got up.
"It's quite simple, really. The 10th Ring completes the set
of the Cattaras Rings. Its power is unimaginable and beyond this
realm and without it the nine other rings are useless. With it, the
Cattaras Rings are the greatest gift, or weapon, ever given to Earth,"
he stopped and then smiled at Motoki, his sightless eyes looking
straight into Motoki's soul, "Shouldn't this be sounding familiar,
Earth Prince? After all, we, the Organization of Chronos and these
rings have existed as long as you have; have existed since the Silver
Millennium."
"Nani?" Motoki asked sharply, "I am no Earth Prince and I have
no idea what this Silver Millenium is. What nonsense are you talking
about?" gain Motoki felt himself thrown backwards and again he felt
the pain roil through his body as he crashed against a wall. He couldn't
understand why his body hadn't shut down a long time ago. He didn't
think he would survive for much longer.
He was surprised to find himself suspended against the wall and
when he opened his eyes, Chronos was right in front of him although
it seemed impossible considering the fact that Chronos had been on
the other side of the room when Motoki had been thrown.
"You dare to mock my words?" he breathed menacingly, "Do you
think I don't know who you are? For so long, for so many milleniums
I have waited to see you like this, crushed and near death before
me but no, it cannot be. I must have that ring, and you will give
it to me!"
"Never!" Motoki managed, "I am not who you say I am, but even
so, I would never give you the satisfaction of destroying this Earth
Prince you speak about. Never!"
Chronos stayed quiet and after a moment, a look of pure anger
crossed his face and his eyes bore into Motoki's. Motoki felt him
search his soul through those sightless eyes and whatever he found
calmed him. "So, you are not the Earth Prince, I know that now. An
inconvenience but no matter, I will have that ring from you, one way
or the other."
Motoki was terrified now. What did he mean by 'one way or the
other?' "I believe you have a girlfriend, as one of my men told me.
Reika, is it?" He walked to the cauldron and stared at the flames.
Chanting, his eyes closed and he raised his face and arms. An image
of Reika appeared within the flames and Motoki almost let out a
choked sob of relief to see her alive and well. She was talking to
Rei and she looked distressed. Don't worry, baby, he thought, I'll
protect you.
"It would be a pity to waste such a beautiful life," Chronos
said, cocking his head slightly and staring at the image. "It would
be a pity for you to see me destroy such goodness and heart. I could...
break her neck so easily," his hand burst through the image causing
it to disappear.
"No!" Motoki yelled. He was still held against the wall and
struggled to break free of his invisible bonds. "I'll kill you if you
hurt her! I swear it!"
Chronos threw back his head and laughed loudly. He stopped and
brought his head back to look at Motoki. "Give me the ring." Motoki
could only hang his head in defeat.
~~
Reika stood outside of Motoki's apartment complex looking up,
her arms crossed against the slight chill in the air.
"Oh Motoki, where are you?" she mumbled, sorrow laced in her
voice. It had been about a week, an agonizing week since he had disappeared.
A tear slipped down her cheek and she brushed it away. Usagi had Mamoru
now, why couldn't she have Motoki? It wasn't fair.
"Stop it!" she scolded herself. She was being selfish but it
was just so hard. "I love you," she whispered. She looked up once more
and gasped. As if in answer to her prayers, the light of his apartment
had been turned on. She blinked a few times, not believing her eyes.
It wasn't on a minute ago!
She ran into the building and hit the elevator button. "C'mon,
damn it, open up!" They doors opened and she rushed inside and then
waited impatiently as they took her up to his floor. The doors opened
once more and she ran out, her heart pounding as she ran down the hall-
way.
Thrusting the keys he had given her so long ago into the lock,
she threw the door open. She inhaled sharply for there he stood, now
facing her. She slowly walked into the apartment, the door forgotten
behind her.
She stopped when she stood in front of him. She said nothing, just
stared at him, drinking in the site of him. Her eyes roved up to his
face and she smiled through her tears... and then promptly fainted.
___________________
And there you have chapter 1! Drumroll please!! If you noticed,
this chapter is a lot longer than our previous ones. It will
continue to be this long if not longer from here on in.
This is turning out to be a lot longer than either of us expected,
and we hope you are enjoying ^_^
I'm sorry this wasn't out last week - I (Bethany) was suffering
from major writer's block and I owe big thanks to Patch for
putting up with me through it ^^;
Thankfully I'm almost completely loose of it's grip and I can
actually think straight when I look at the computer screen.
HUGE thanks to everyone who has emailed us about this story,
***HUGS*** you guys have kept us going ^^
GIGANTIC THANKS to our editor, Meara! ***HUGS*** one million and
six thank you's!
Insert usual SM disclaimers that no one reads here...
Thanks for reading - please, Please, PLEASE email us!!!!!
We LOVE feedback!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bethany212@aol.com & Patchkhan1@hotmail.com
Luva!
Bethany
Patch
***PLEASE READ THIS!***
If you are reading this story, you need to know
that it is a SERIES. That means that there are more
stories before this one and to completely understand
everything that is happening, you need to read
the others first.
DON'T LET ME GO: BROKEN PROMISES
DON'T LET ME GO: INSANITY
DON'T LET ME GO: ROSES
DON'T LET ME GO: APPARITIONS
DON'T LET ME GO: DEBAUCHERY
The last one, Debauchery, is this one. I can't
stop you from reading this first, but know that
it won't make much since ^_^
______________________________________________
Her words haunt me. I wonder why Queen
Serenity couldn't have came to Usako and told
her I was alright. Even if she didn't know
where I was, at least let it be known I didn't
die in the explosion.
The pain that I see Usako go through day
in and day out. Will that go away?
There is an evil presence lurking, I can
feel it. I wonder if Usako is strong enough in
her state of mind to go against an enemy right
now. I hope I can stay by her side - to help her.
-Mamoru.
~~~~~~~~
Don't Let Me Go: Debauchery
Chapter: 1
By: Bethany and Patch
Edited by: Meara
Rated: PG13 for violence
Comments, suggestions, cheese
cubes and Tiggers can be sent
to us at Bethany212@aol.com and
Patchkhan1@hotmail.com
~~~~~~~
~*~ Four Days Later ~*~
Her body tossed and turned, sweat dripping from her
bangs as she moved, writhing in bed. The sheets became a
trap formed by a mastermind; twisting around to keep her
legs from moving.
With what felt like her last breath, Usagi screamed
out the name of her protector, her saver, her lifeline.
"MAMO-CHAN!!"
The five seconds it took Mamoru to wake Usagi from her
self-induced prison seemed like ages to the frightened girl.
Her loud sobs filled the otherwise quiet room until they were
muffled against a strong chest. "Usako, it's okay baby. I'm
here, I'm right here," he soothed softly, stroking her back
with one hand and holding her tightly with the opposite arm.
Her weakened state only allowed her to hold his shirt
loosely, her face pressed against the cotton of his shirt.
"Mamo-chan? Are you really here? It was so.. so real. So
horrible! I.. it hurts Mamo-chan, hurts!"
Mamoru rained soft kisses on her head while checking
to make sure he wasn't holding her too tightly or pressing
against any of her broken ribs. "What hurts baby?"
"My head... You're alive? But.. you were gone for so
long." Another gush of fresh tears left her eyes and she
sobbed louder into his shirt. "They told me you were dead,
why did they lie to me, Mamo-chan? Why?"
Mamoru could feel her pain through their soul-bond,
feel her heartbreak and grief. It hurt worse than anything
he had ever felt in his life.
"Shhh... it's okay now. I'm here, I'm never leaving
you again - never. Come on, you need to lay back down." Care-
fully he helped her back onto her pillows, before climbing
into the bed to lie beside her. Her breathing finally slowed
until her chest rose and fell with soft movements. Mamoru ran
his fingertips over her face and through her silver hair gently,
reassuring her of his presence.
His head dropped slightly as he strained to keep it
propped up on his hand; making sure to watch over her so she
couldn't fall into another nightmare. His eyes snapped shut
before he caught them and opened them wide.
~*~
"Mamo-chan," a voice called in the back of his mind. His
awareness returned slowly and reluctantly. "Mamo-chan!"
"U...Usako...?" his lids felt too heavy to open completely.
A soft hand ran over his face and cupped his check. "Baby,
wake up."
With all the strength he could manage, he opened his eyes
and looked around. Silver hair was all around him, and baby blue
eyes were looking at him with love. "Usako?"
"Come on lazy bones, get up," she said in a sing-song voice
full of happiness. That's when he noticed it. He had fallen asleep
in the bed with her, and was now cuddled up against her petite
form. But that isn't what really got him moving.
It was those violet eyes on the other side of Usagi that
were boring into him. And boy if looks could kill....
"Rei-chan?"
"Get your ass up! You could have hurt her!" The look the
Senshi of Mars gave him was not a gentle one as Mamoru gave a
sleep induced mumble.
"Leave him alone Rei-chan, he's tired," Usagi stated,
running her soft palm over his forehead once more.
"What's he doing in the bed with you anyway? Doesn't he
realize that you have two broken ribs and not to mention numerous
other injuries? Where are the doctors and nurses around here
when you need them anyway?"
Mamoru looked up, quite surprised at Usagi's tone of voice
as she spoke. "The only thing that is hurting me right now is the
loudness of your voice!"
Rei looked just as surprised as Mamoru did. "I..." a blank
looked crossed her face before she done something that both the
Prince and Princess wished they had a tape recorder for. "Gomen
nasai Usagi... I didn't mean to."
Usagi blanched, obviously taken aback from Rei's apology.
"It's..it's okay Rei-chan, just not so loud, ne?"
Rei nodded before plopping down in a chair, watching Mamoru
carefully rise off the bed and go into the adjoining bathroom.
Minako burst in the room, Makoto and Haruka in tow. "Hidy
hoe young lady, we hear you are being released today - care to
comment?" Minako said, one hand over her ear like a reporter,
and talking into her fist.
"Yeah, give us the goods!" Haruka added, holding the cup
up to Usagi's mouth. "You are getting out of the hell hole,
what are YOU going to do first?"
Makoto pushed Haruka aside and planted a wide grin on her
face, "Ohh.. let me guess, I bet your going to Disney Land, ne
Usagi-chan?"
The princess couldn't help but laugh at her friends, they
all were talking to each other, dicussing anything from hospital
food to Usagi going home. Usagi looked across the room at Mamoru
coming out of the bathroom, still scrubbing his palms over his
face. She smiled slightly and he returned the gesture. In three
quick strides he stood beside her and kissed her check. "Morning
sunshine," he whispered lovingly in her ear.
Usagi raised one of her hands up to brush some stray hairs
from his forehead. "Morning baby." Their lips came closer together
to touch just slightly...
"AWWWWWWWWWW!" Makoto and Minako sighed, hearts in their eyes.
"I'm going to be sick!" Haruka and Rei exclaimed, both
looking rather annoyed.
Mamoru blushed a beet red and moved back from Usagi, although
still holding her hand tightly. "So, how long before we get out of
here Usako?"
Usagi sat up on the bed, still a little sore, and looked at
the clock. "Mama should be here in about thirty minutes."
Rei and Minako brought a suit case out and started packing
away brushes, combs and the like while Makoto rattled on about
the flowers that covered Usagi's entire room. The time passed quickly,
and before she knew it a short woman with blue hair gushed in the
room, a nurse and wheelchair behind her. "Okay honey, you are ready
to go!" she exclaimed in a bubbly, although loving voice that
belonged to mothers.
The ride to the Tsukino residence was uneventful, unless
you count the fact that they had to get a taxi to transport everyone
and all of Usagi's flowers and balloons from the hospital to her
house. Slowly Usagi rose from the passenger seat of the car and
shooed away Mamoru who was anxiously standing in front of her to
assist in getting her inside.
Mamoru figured he'd have a heart attack or pick her up screaming
and kicking to get in the house at the rate she was going. But Usagi
wanted to do it herself and come hell or high water she would.
With a little pain in her side she managed to get into the living
room and sit. The stairs would have to wait for later.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Days later - Mamoru's Apartment
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It puzzled him. This was one of few things in life that did.
And, as he stared at her long *silver* hair, Mamoru connected that
most things in life that did confuse him; had to do with Usagi.
Was it his imagination, or just a conicenidence?
Whatever the case may be, this beautiful flow of silver hair
made his young Usako look more mature, better able to handle herself;
she looked... like a Queen.
"Usako?"
Usagi looked up through thick lashes and smiled sweetly at him
for a second before going back to painting a picture of a rabbit.
"Hai, Mamo-chan?"
No, Mamoru thought as she painted intently, she is still my
beautiful Usako and Crystal Tokyo is still years off... isn't it?
This bothered Mamoru, but he was hoping this was something that
came of her thinking him dead-
"Why is your hair silver?"
Usagi stopped and put her paint brush down and looked at her
hair. She wore a puzzled expression and shrugged. "Luna thinks it is
a sign of my maturity - my mother's hair was silver."
Mamoru nodded thoughtfully and ran his fingers through its
thick mass. "You look beautiful."
A pink blush tinted her cheeks and she bowed her head to continue
painting. But that was not what Mamoru had in mind.
Slowly Usagi watched a large hand take the brush from her
smaller fingers and lay it aside. She stared at that invading hand to
see what it's owner would do next. A tingle of excitement ran up
her spine as it came dangerously close to touching her breast as it
made it's way up her arm and to her neck.
Mamoru had never ventured this far with Usagi before. He wanted
to wait until she was emotionally ready and now seemed as good as
time as any. Slowly he brought his lips to hers and gently leaned them
both back on the floor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He was being dragged by his arms through dark hallways as his
knees scraped across the rough floor. His head hung between his
shoulders and his hair was matted to his scalp.
He didn't know how much more he could take. He was surprised
he wasn't dead yet. But no, he had the will...to keep on living, to
get back to Reika, his love. Reika... how was she? He had no idea
how much time had passed and he desperately wished she was okay.
The two men continued to pull him until they finally stopped.
Motoki lifted his head slightly to get an idea of where they were.
It was a cavernous room, and the only light source came from the
torches that graced the black walls. Where the hell were they?
After a moment, he was pulled forward again until they stopped once
more and then thrown to the front. He flung out his hands to brace
himself and then raised his head once more. His eyes grew wide at
the sight that lay before him.
A huge throne made of black marble sat before him, two tall
torches on either side. A man sat on the throne but Motoki couldn't
see it for it was partially hidden from the black hood that covered
it. Motoki could see the man's beard but nothing else. He was
dressed in a black robe with blood red lining. In front of the man,
on the floor was a cauldron with flames of fire leaping into the air.
It was a scene from someone's worst nightmare, Motoki was sure of that.
His attention was brought back when the man stood up.
"Furuhata Motoki. Welcome to my...humble abode," the man said,
spreading his arms wide and smiling slightly.
"You certainly haven't made me feel welcomed," Motoki spit out.
"Your... treatment was necessary so that you understood what
position you held here."
"Why am I here? What do you want from me?" Motoki asked. He
could feel sweat forming on his palms. He was terrified but he
wasn't about to show it.
"Ah, so we get down to business," the man said, and brought
his hands up to lift his hood.
Motoki gasped. The man...he had no eyes! They were white and
sightless. A scar ran down one side of his face and he had long,
straggly hair. The man grinned an ugly smile at Motoki's horrified
reaction.
"Do you like what you see? Sadly, there are consequences to
certain actions, and this," he said pointing to his eyes, "was one
of them. But, no matter. My name is Chronos, Leader of the Organization
of Chronos. We are a secret society, using powers from the realm
of the unknown to accomplish our goals. You have something I need."
"What possession of yours could I *possibly* have?" Motoki
asked, sarcasm thick in his voice.
"The 10th Ring. You have it."
"Nani? What are you talking about?"
"Do not play games with me," Chronos warned, "You were looking
for a wedding ring for your fiancee and had your friend, your dead
friend now, look for it in America. He found one and found it so
unique that before he sent it to you, he decided to do some
investigating on it. Unfortunately...he wasn't able to finish that,
as you now know," Chronos smiled mockingly.
"You killed Mamoru?" Motoki asked in disbelief. But he
recovered and charged at the man as pure hatred ran through his
veins. "Bastard!"
Chronos swung his arms and with a whoosh of air, Motoki was
flung backwards and hit the hard ground with a sickening thud.
He lay there, completely dazed and swallowed the urge to
throw up. Kami only knew he *had* nothing to throw up. He saw the
face of Chronos above him.
"You underestimate me, boy," Chronos said, with a sneer of
his lips. "Your friend did send you the ring and I want it."
"What's it to you?" Motoki gasped out.
Chronos turned around and walked a few steps away and Motoki
had to raise his head to see him. He suddenly turned back again,
his black robe flying about him. "I suppose I could tell you," he
began in a bored tone, "it won't do you much good though. The ring
that you have is known as the 10th Ring," he held up his hands and
spread his fingers. Each finger had a gold ring with some kind of
stone on it but one ring was missing; the last finger of his left
hand bore no ring. "The ring belongs to me, it has always belonged
to me until one of our *ex-members* stole it from us while we were
in the middle of a... ritual."
"Why is this ring so important?" Motoki asked suspiciously
as he slowly got up.
"It's quite simple, really. The 10th Ring completes the set
of the Cattaras Rings. Its power is unimaginable and beyond this
realm and without it the nine other rings are useless. With it, the
Cattaras Rings are the greatest gift, or weapon, ever given to Earth,"
he stopped and then smiled at Motoki, his sightless eyes looking
straight into Motoki's soul, "Shouldn't this be sounding familiar,
Earth Prince? After all, we, the Organization of Chronos and these
rings have existed as long as you have; have existed since the Silver
Millennium."
"Nani?" Motoki asked sharply, "I am no Earth Prince and I have
no idea what this Silver Millenium is. What nonsense are you talking
about?" gain Motoki felt himself thrown backwards and again he felt
the pain roil through his body as he crashed against a wall. He couldn't
understand why his body hadn't shut down a long time ago. He didn't
think he would survive for much longer.
He was surprised to find himself suspended against the wall and
when he opened his eyes, Chronos was right in front of him although
it seemed impossible considering the fact that Chronos had been on
the other side of the room when Motoki had been thrown.
"You dare to mock my words?" he breathed menacingly, "Do you
think I don't know who you are? For so long, for so many milleniums
I have waited to see you like this, crushed and near death before
me but no, it cannot be. I must have that ring, and you will give
it to me!"
"Never!" Motoki managed, "I am not who you say I am, but even
so, I would never give you the satisfaction of destroying this Earth
Prince you speak about. Never!"
Chronos stayed quiet and after a moment, a look of pure anger
crossed his face and his eyes bore into Motoki's. Motoki felt him
search his soul through those sightless eyes and whatever he found
calmed him. "So, you are not the Earth Prince, I know that now. An
inconvenience but no matter, I will have that ring from you, one way
or the other."
Motoki was terrified now. What did he mean by 'one way or the
other?' "I believe you have a girlfriend, as one of my men told me.
Reika, is it?" He walked to the cauldron and stared at the flames.
Chanting, his eyes closed and he raised his face and arms. An image
of Reika appeared within the flames and Motoki almost let out a
choked sob of relief to see her alive and well. She was talking to
Rei and she looked distressed. Don't worry, baby, he thought, I'll
protect you.
"It would be a pity to waste such a beautiful life," Chronos
said, cocking his head slightly and staring at the image. "It would
be a pity for you to see me destroy such goodness and heart. I could...
break her neck so easily," his hand burst through the image causing
it to disappear.
"No!" Motoki yelled. He was still held against the wall and
struggled to break free of his invisible bonds. "I'll kill you if you
hurt her! I swear it!"
Chronos threw back his head and laughed loudly. He stopped and
brought his head back to look at Motoki. "Give me the ring." Motoki
could only hang his head in defeat.
~~
Reika stood outside of Motoki's apartment complex looking up,
her arms crossed against the slight chill in the air.
"Oh Motoki, where are you?" she mumbled, sorrow laced in her
voice. It had been about a week, an agonizing week since he had disappeared.
A tear slipped down her cheek and she brushed it away. Usagi had Mamoru
now, why couldn't she have Motoki? It wasn't fair.
"Stop it!" she scolded herself. She was being selfish but it
was just so hard. "I love you," she whispered. She looked up once more
and gasped. As if in answer to her prayers, the light of his apartment
had been turned on. She blinked a few times, not believing her eyes.
It wasn't on a minute ago!
She ran into the building and hit the elevator button. "C'mon,
damn it, open up!" They doors opened and she rushed inside and then
waited impatiently as they took her up to his floor. The doors opened
once more and she ran out, her heart pounding as she ran down the hall-
way.
Thrusting the keys he had given her so long ago into the lock,
she threw the door open. She inhaled sharply for there he stood, now
facing her. She slowly walked into the apartment, the door forgotten
behind her.
She stopped when she stood in front of him. She said nothing, just
stared at him, drinking in the site of him. Her eyes roved up to his
face and she smiled through her tears... and then promptly fainted.
___________________
And there you have chapter 1! Drumroll please!! If you noticed,
this chapter is a lot longer than our previous ones. It will
continue to be this long if not longer from here on in.
This is turning out to be a lot longer than either of us expected,
and we hope you are enjoying ^_^
I'm sorry this wasn't out last week - I (Bethany) was suffering
from major writer's block and I owe big thanks to Patch for
putting up with me through it ^^;
Thankfully I'm almost completely loose of it's grip and I can
actually think straight when I look at the computer screen.
HUGE thanks to everyone who has emailed us about this story,
***HUGS*** you guys have kept us going ^^
GIGANTIC THANKS to our editor, Meara! ***HUGS*** one million and
six thank you's!
Insert usual SM disclaimers that no one reads here...
Thanks for reading - please, Please, PLEASE email us!!!!!
We LOVE feedback!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bethany212@aol.com & Patchkhan1@hotmail.com
Luva!
Bethany
Patch