BSSM GOLD
Part two: Silver
Episode 6a: Lucifer's Arrival! The turmoil of brother and sister
Gabriel grabbed her hand, and gently led Umi down to the beach. The eclipse of the moon had brought them here, and now Umi could feel the tug of the power.
"I thought you would have detected this," he whispered glancing out at the waves. "You want to join them don't you?"
Umi looked out to the sea, praying silently. She turned to him. "Want to go for a swim?"
He looked at her, at the black shorts and black t-shirt. His eyes saddened. They were Kagura's. He stripped off his shirt. "I'm game."
"Yay!" she cried racing to the surf. She paused in the knee-deep water, and turned. "Gabriel?"
He looked up from the sand, and drew his breath in. He wanted to run back to the car, to leave her. But why would he do that? He didn't want to, but his sister was alone without him. He missed her so much.
"Gabriel?" She said, reaching up and running her fingers through his hair. "It's Umi, are you there?"
Gabriel pulled her close and hugged her, realizing how fiercely he loved her. She snuggled into his chest. Tears trickled onto his cheek as she nuzzled his shoulder. "I'll never leave you."
"Me neither."
* * *
Kagura sat on her bed, staring at the curtains across the room. She could almost see him lying there, reading her stories, comforting and making love to her. Sweet love they had always had, and she could never be the same. She let her hair curtain her face, unshed tears burning her eyes. But she could not cry, was not allowed to really cry. For Kagura knew her remorse was gone, as well as her heart.
Tenshi was gone as well. All the people she loved were disappearing. "I must be strong," she thought aloud. "I must make them pay for their betrayal." She hung off her bed, and stood, contemplating for a moment. "I'll go to Nova-chan, and get her to help me."
* * *
Shadow Moon stared at the spot where Sailor Pisces had been. Her blue eyes took in the body of Bara, so serenely dead and bleeding. She stood over her, black sword raised to kill. "Gomen nasai, Bara-chan. It's for the best."
The nasty crunch, and splatter didn't even bother the shadowed Senshi, for she simply walked out of the room, leaving Bara in a pool of blood.
* * *
Sailor Pisces held the eternal crystal before her master, ready to distribute it into her small hands. Tsuki Hime looked like an eager child holding a newfound creation. The crystal beamed new energy all around them, crackling with the power of the thunder.
"This is a Jupiter crystal," Tsuki Hime breathed, watching as the crystal floated into her hands. "The second of its kind. Very good, Pisces-san. You have done well."
"Arigato. Watch what it can do."
The crystal began to flame and dance with power. Tsuki Hime smiled evilly, but began to frown. "What is this?"
The green glow penetrated the walls of the Black Carousel and rained lightning on the city of Tokyo. The face of a young girl flashed toward to Tsuki Hime's face, smiling happily. She stroked the pale cheek, bringing a sharp fingernail to the flesh.
And the light faded. Tsuki Hime sat, eyes wide, staring at the ceiling. Pisces reached forward to her mistress. "Tsuki Hime-sama?"
"Don't touch me."
"What happened?"
"Someone has purified the body. You just left it to rot, didn't you?"
"Well…"
Tsuki Hime jumped to her feet. "Are you completely useless? I could have sent Scorpio-sama; she would have done it! I can't trust any of you!"
* * *
Umi lay next to Gabriel, listening to the soft lap and swish of water. The damp sand crunched under their bare arms and legs, catching in Umi's long hair and glistening. Gabriel brushed his lips over the hollow of her neck, whispering his love vows. She laughed at the way his breath tickled her skin.
The eclipsed moon shown black above them, their hearts clenching at the very sight. For Umi, it was the feeling of her princess. The moon could only be this way if something had happened to her. But for Gabriel, it meant Tsuki Hime had succeeded in taking another life. Either way it didn't matter anymore.
"Gabriel?"
"Hai?"
Umi stood up, her hair flapping freely in the breeze. Her eyes narrowed slightly, looking at something unseen, "I need to go home. Now."
"Demo where will I go?"
"There's room at my place."
"Are you sure? You're fri…"
"Don't worry about it! We have a free guest room."
"Guest…room?"
Umi smirked, "Not like that ecchi. Where do you want to stay?"
"Well, I don't seem to have much of a choice, now." He smiled devilishly. "But if I get cold…"
"Urg.Then let's go!"
"Hai." He took her hand and walked her to his car. Getting in, they drove back towards Juuban.
* * *
Himiko, Kaze, and Ai ran into Bara's apartment, busting the door open with a kick from Himiko. Seeing what was before them Ai broke into heart-wrenching sobs and ran forward to cradle the bloody corpse that had once been Bara.
"Usagi," Himiko moaned, crinkling her nose. "The stench of blood is everywhere."
Kaze hung her head. "We should have guessed."
"Bara-chan."
* * *
Tsuki Hime smiled at the dark man, wondering how such a handsome thing could come from Kagura. She placed a hand on his forehead, whispering gently. "I name you Lucifer. You were born of Kagura and from now on will serve her."
He opened his yellow eyes, raising a pale hand to push back shoulder-length, ebony hair.
She smiled, kissing him. "Would you like to meet her? Of course you do."
He grinned to himself. "Hai. Kagura, myself."
* * *
Umi flipped on the light, and froze in the doorway. "Usagi-chan?"
"Hai, Umi-chan. Usagi."
"Demo."
Usagi raised her blackened hair, blue eyes, and pale face. The fuku was all wrong, and dark. "Umi-chan, what's happened to me?"
Gabriel appeared in the doorway behind them. "Tsuki Hime-sama? Nani?" He stepped back. "Gomen nasai, gomen, gomen."
Umi looked at him. "Gabriel?"
He studied the dark hair. No, it wasn't her, and she wasn't out to get him. "Forget it."
Usagi smiled. "Umi-chan, can I stay with you?"
Umi looked at Gabriel, searching for an answer. "Anno…we…" she bit her lip.
Gabriel began to speak. "Maybe I should…" he stopped, watching as the room twisted. He could see Kagura, crying into the shoulder of a man. He was familiar to Gabriel, almost as if… "Kagura."
* * *
Somehow, the footsteps coming down the hallway didn't relieve the ache in her heart. "No one's coming for you Kagura-chan, forget it."
She was so lonely, she almost couldn't bear it. No more Gabriel, no more Tenshi, no more anything. Her friends hated her, and her colleagues looked down on her friendship with Tsuki Hime.
But Umi was happy; of all people Umi was happy. And so was Gabriel. They were together, making love, following destiny, and living life to the fullest. Kagura had no one and no reason to live.
She rolled off her bed, and trudged to the golden doorway. The doorway opened to a hallway of shiny glass, it was the private hall for her brother and herself. Small shards stuck out of the floor, shining light into her face. Kagura smiled at them, placing her cold hands onto the points of death. Red oozed over the floor. "Gomen nasai, minna I haven't played with you in so many years. Not now, though. I have to go see Nova-chan." The crystal slices twisted into her hands, burning flesh. Kagura cried out, trying to rip her hands away. "Let me go!" she cried. "I said later. Onegai!"
The footsteps from before, pounding down the hallway, brought her hope. "Onegai, help me, onegai!"
Her vision wasn't even blurred by tears, but then again, she hadn't truly cried for many years. She tried to wrench her hands free once more. It didn't work. She squeezed her eyes shut, and pushed down, hoping her blood would satisfy them.
"Daijobu yo?" said a calm, male voice, letting the words out like an everyday conversation. "What are you doing?"
Kagura looked up, about to begin cursing whoever this underling was. He should have some respect for his Superior. However, she couldn't even choke out a word when she caught his shadow. She shook her head, biting her tongue. "Crystal Demons don't usually act like this toward me."
"Does it hurt?"
Her angered flared hotly. "What do you think? Of course it does."
The laugh of the man had a smile to it. "Oh, well, I suppose you can handle this." He turned on his heel.
"Matte!" Kagura said, raising her weary head. She looked at his back. "Would you help me? My hands are stuck, and I-I'm bleeding." A slight whimper betrayed her pain.
"Do you really want my help?"
Kagura let out an airy breath. "Onegai, it's starting to freeze in my skin."
Darkly clad knees dropped next to her. A large, white hand, like that of a ghost, patted the floor. It turned over, revealing two large scars. "You see?"
She stared in horror, wondering what in hell he was trying to prove. "What are you doing?" she whispered.
He placed his hand onto the glassy surface. "Relax, Kagura-sama. Think of something peaceful."
She concentrated, thinking hard on something. A small, heart-shaped face came to mind. Blue eyes, blond hair in odangos, and an angelic disposition. She smiled within. "Odango-san."
"Done."
She felt the pieces slip from her palms. Flexing her fingers, Kagura stood. "Arigato…"
"Lucifer."
"Domo Arigato, Lucifer-san." She smiled up at him. Her brow furrowed suddenly. "Are you related to anyone here?"
"What makes you say that?" He said, his yellow eyes dancing.
Kagura walked around him, taking in all of the perfect features. Nice, messy black hair; sharp eyes, like her own in color; a strong jaw and face. His body wasn't that bad either. "Lucifer-san, who are you, I want the truth?"
He stepped forward, grabbing her shoulder. Roughly pushing her back, he brought his lips to her ear. "Watashi…watashi wa Kagura."
* * *
Tsuki Hime smiled at the pair, both standing noticeably apart. Kagura's pigtails hung in messy strands. Her eyes betrayed only the slightest curiosity. And while she kneeled, Lucifer stood, leaning against the wall.
"Come here, both of you."
Kagura lunged to her feet, preparing to do as told. Lucifer was at her side, his hand held out to her. She looked at him, turning her nose up. "I need no assistance."
He frowned. "I'm trying to be polite."
"I don't need your generosity. I'll walk myself."
"It's not like I'm offering to wipe your…"
"ENOUGH!"
Identical sulfurous eyes shot at her. "Good, it's just as I thought. You are completely perfect."
Lucifer smiled. "Of course I am."
"What do you mean, Nova-chan?"
Tsuki Hime pushed back her red hair. "I don't think an explanation is necessary now. I want to know about your progress with the concert."
Kagura's eyes expanded to saucers. She grasped her sword hilt, which glowed in protest to her tight grip. She raised it to her lips, kissing it gently. "Gomen nasai, Cleaver-chan. Did I hurt you?"
The golden long-sword shivered. Tsuki Hime gave her an odd look. "That's disgusting."
Kagura smiled sweetly. "You were saying, Nova-chan?"
Tsuki Hime continued, eying Kagura. "How is the concert coming?"
"Actually, we don't need to practice. You know how we are."
"As I expected, demo have you thought about how this will affect you if you lose?"
Lucifer watched Kagura's skin go white, and he grimaced. Tsuki Hime needed to learn manners, creator or not. He put a hand on Kagura's shoulder. "They'll win. You should have more confidence in Kagura-sama."
Kagura looked up at him, trying to keep her eyelids down. No one had ever done that for, she had always had to defend herself. Not usually was she against Nova-chan, but the other Senshi would bully her. She always won, but something in her now felt strange.
* * *
Himiko sat on the couch, studying her nails. "I give up! We can't win. Usagi's beheading people, changing henshin, Gabriel-san is living with us, Tenshi's in a coma, and…"
"Minna?"
Kaze, next to Himiko, turned. She smiled. "Konban wa, Ten-chan. How're ya feeling?"
Tenshi slouched into the room, looking gloomy. Her eyes were bruised and red. Burns on her cheek quickly healed as she sat on the floor. She eyed Gabriel, smiling knowingly at Umi. "Where's Tsunami?"
Umi fiddled with the zipper on Gabriel's jacket. "We don't know. She just said she couldn't come. She had some important mission."
"Oh. So what're we doing?"
Another person walked into the conversation, her black odangos bobbing. "Ohayo, minna."
Kaze laughed. "It's evening Usagi-chan."
"Whatever." Usagi looked at their faces, stopping at Tenshi. Her eyes narrowed. "You've been reborn."
A silence lay over the room, Usagi's declaration boiling in their veins. What was she talking about? Surely, it was an affect of the henshin. Kaze shifted uncertainly. "Usagi-chan, sit down."
Usagi put her hand on the door, ready to leave them. "I won't stay with any child of darkness. She goes now!"
Himiko grabbed Usagi's tiny wrists. "Usa-chan, onegai! It's not her fault."
"What do you mean? You obviously don't understand why she's a sailor Senshi do you?" Usagi glared at Tenshi. "You are this way, because you chose it. Tenshi chose to be the Senshi of death, and she chose to betray you to her mother the night Umi was taken. You deserve to die."
Ai looked up from her hands. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying. "It was you."
Himiko and Kaze quickly looked at her, wondering if it was her grief talking. She brought her eyes level with Tenshi, who looked away. She hid her eyes behind her wispy hair. "It's true. I told Shino-sensei…Oka-san, that Umi-chan and Kagura-san were having a duel. I was helping students after school, and I was in a hurry. She asked me why."
Umi looked halfway between angry and sympathetic, "Did you know she was related at that point?" Tenshi shook her head. Umi smiled. "Then there's no problem."
"Well," Tsunami cried, slamming the front door behind her. "I have good and bad news!"
* * *
Sailor Pisces peeked through the stone of the hallway, her mouth covered by her hand. She watched Lucifer slink into Kagura's room, following his new mistress. "Pisces-sama? What are you doing?"
She turned on the young voice. "Shut up, Sakura-san."
"Arigato, Pisces-sama. No one else remembers my earth name!"
"Shut up, I can't hear them."
Sakura hushed her voice. "Kagura-sama? Who's the man?"
* * *
So they sat there, Kagura staring at her hands, Lucifer wishing he could hold her. He was an incarnation of her soul, bound to her. Every feeling he had, every new thought he encountered was a direct cause of Kagura. Her scars were put upon him, and he was there to take away her pain.
When he'd tried to sit down on the dark bed across the room, she had stood and forbidden him to do so. At first he thought she wanted him near her, wanted him to be in her bed. But in truth, he was sitting on her brother's bed, and she couldn't bear it. He opted to sit at her head. "I want to know more about this concert." He reached for her hair, as it lay over her white pillows. She moved away. "What is the concert for?"
"Tsuki Hime…" she whispered.
"Nova-chan?"
"You aren't allowed to call her that."
Lucifer bristled. "I can if I want to. Who's going to stop me?"
Kagura glared at him, her eyes slitting dangerously. Lucifer moved back an inch. Kagura's anger was being filtered into him, and he couldn't control it. His hand flew at her face.
"Gomen nasai, Kagura-sama." He grabbed her cheek, causing her to yelp. He stroked it, his eyes falling into hers. Their gazes locked, thoughts racing through Kagura's head. Lucifer smiled at one, but quickly displaced it. Now was not the time for pleasure. "Kagura-sama, will you allow me to help you or not?"
She fought off his gentle touch. "I don't need your help. Leave."
"I can't leave you," he whispered, removing his hand. "I'm not allowed to."
"Why not?"
" Because Nova-chan told me I couldn't. And, I don't want to."
"Don't say that. You don't have to help me."
He scooted closer to her. "What can I make you do to understand?"
"I want my Gabriel. Bring back Gabriel, and you can help me."
That stung; more than it was supposed to. Lucifer grabbed at his chest, his heart pounding wildly. Why wasn't she falling in love? He had looks and charm, something no woman could resist. "Why does it have to be him? What's wrong with me?"
She flopped against her pillow, looking up at him. "What do you mean?" she laughed. "I'm tired, go away."
He lowered his eyes. "I have nowhere to stay."
She sat up, cheeks flaming. "Nani?"
"I don't have a place to sleep."
"Oh. Well you can sleep here."
He stripped off his armor and boots, turning down the covers. He hopped in. "Night!"
She chuckled, shaking lightly at first, and then bursting into gales of laughter. "What do you think you're doing? You can't sleep with me!"
Lucifer's jaw dropped. She didn't find him sexy or irresistible in the least. He slid out, looking sheepish. "Why not? Where do I crash?"
She pointed her hand into a dark corner, where a small couch sat. He gathered up his clothing, casually leaving his shirt behind. "Kagura-sama."
* * *
Umi stared silently at the ceiling, listening to her breath. Usagi was in the room next to Gabriel's, having a serious talk with Kaze. Umi hadn't been allowed to stay. Now she just sat here. "I'm so bored!"
"I know how you feel," Himiko whispered, walking in and closing the door. "What do you think about this band thing?"
"We're way out of practice. I don't want to even think about it now."
Himiko plopped onto her bed. "So, what did you do with Gabriel?"
Umi wiped away a tear, and turned away. "I don't want to talk about it."
"Umi?"
"Go away Himiko."
* * *
Sakura pushed up her reading glasses, trying to ignore her partner's snoring. On impulse, she threw her book across the room. How could she study her spells if someone was making such a ruckus? "Arashi-san, wake her up!"
Arashi looked Sakura in the eye, who by now was fairly livid. She nudged the girl sleeping next to her. "Yuurei-san, I realize you just gave birth, demo shut up!"
Yuurei rolled over, tears falling. "Usagi, save me. Onegai."
They both looked at her. Arashi got up, throwing the covers off. "Tell me when she stops."
* * *
"Nyanko-sama!"
Sailor Capricorn bent her head over the child. The baby's eyes smiled with delight. "You are such a beautiful child. What shall we name you?"
"I will name her."
She bowed out of the way, allowing Tsuki Hime to pass. "What shall you name her?"
Tsuki Hime placed her hands over the dark brow. The eyes of the child squinted. The older princess smiled. "Hai, that will be your name. Very fitting."
"Hime-sama?"
"Chou Doku, Tamashii no Senshi."
Sailor Capricorn looked at the child. "Tamashii no Senshi? That sounds familiar."
"It should," Tsuki Hime whispered, pulling her shroud over her face. "She will be the savior of our line. When she dies, so do we."
"Hime-sama? You won't live eternally?"
She shook her head. "Not if you don't start doing your job."
* * *
"This is it, Hime-sama. Tokyo Tower."
Tsuki Hime's hair flapped in the breeze, flying free of the usual odangos. She smiled on the town. "Oyasumi nasai, Tokyo."
Part two: Silver
Episode 6a: Lucifer's Arrival! The turmoil of brother and sister
Gabriel grabbed her hand, and gently led Umi down to the beach. The eclipse of the moon had brought them here, and now Umi could feel the tug of the power.
"I thought you would have detected this," he whispered glancing out at the waves. "You want to join them don't you?"
Umi looked out to the sea, praying silently. She turned to him. "Want to go for a swim?"
He looked at her, at the black shorts and black t-shirt. His eyes saddened. They were Kagura's. He stripped off his shirt. "I'm game."
"Yay!" she cried racing to the surf. She paused in the knee-deep water, and turned. "Gabriel?"
He looked up from the sand, and drew his breath in. He wanted to run back to the car, to leave her. But why would he do that? He didn't want to, but his sister was alone without him. He missed her so much.
"Gabriel?" She said, reaching up and running her fingers through his hair. "It's Umi, are you there?"
Gabriel pulled her close and hugged her, realizing how fiercely he loved her. She snuggled into his chest. Tears trickled onto his cheek as she nuzzled his shoulder. "I'll never leave you."
"Me neither."
* * *
Kagura sat on her bed, staring at the curtains across the room. She could almost see him lying there, reading her stories, comforting and making love to her. Sweet love they had always had, and she could never be the same. She let her hair curtain her face, unshed tears burning her eyes. But she could not cry, was not allowed to really cry. For Kagura knew her remorse was gone, as well as her heart.
Tenshi was gone as well. All the people she loved were disappearing. "I must be strong," she thought aloud. "I must make them pay for their betrayal." She hung off her bed, and stood, contemplating for a moment. "I'll go to Nova-chan, and get her to help me."
* * *
Shadow Moon stared at the spot where Sailor Pisces had been. Her blue eyes took in the body of Bara, so serenely dead and bleeding. She stood over her, black sword raised to kill. "Gomen nasai, Bara-chan. It's for the best."
The nasty crunch, and splatter didn't even bother the shadowed Senshi, for she simply walked out of the room, leaving Bara in a pool of blood.
* * *
Sailor Pisces held the eternal crystal before her master, ready to distribute it into her small hands. Tsuki Hime looked like an eager child holding a newfound creation. The crystal beamed new energy all around them, crackling with the power of the thunder.
"This is a Jupiter crystal," Tsuki Hime breathed, watching as the crystal floated into her hands. "The second of its kind. Very good, Pisces-san. You have done well."
"Arigato. Watch what it can do."
The crystal began to flame and dance with power. Tsuki Hime smiled evilly, but began to frown. "What is this?"
The green glow penetrated the walls of the Black Carousel and rained lightning on the city of Tokyo. The face of a young girl flashed toward to Tsuki Hime's face, smiling happily. She stroked the pale cheek, bringing a sharp fingernail to the flesh.
And the light faded. Tsuki Hime sat, eyes wide, staring at the ceiling. Pisces reached forward to her mistress. "Tsuki Hime-sama?"
"Don't touch me."
"What happened?"
"Someone has purified the body. You just left it to rot, didn't you?"
"Well…"
Tsuki Hime jumped to her feet. "Are you completely useless? I could have sent Scorpio-sama; she would have done it! I can't trust any of you!"
* * *
Umi lay next to Gabriel, listening to the soft lap and swish of water. The damp sand crunched under their bare arms and legs, catching in Umi's long hair and glistening. Gabriel brushed his lips over the hollow of her neck, whispering his love vows. She laughed at the way his breath tickled her skin.
The eclipsed moon shown black above them, their hearts clenching at the very sight. For Umi, it was the feeling of her princess. The moon could only be this way if something had happened to her. But for Gabriel, it meant Tsuki Hime had succeeded in taking another life. Either way it didn't matter anymore.
"Gabriel?"
"Hai?"
Umi stood up, her hair flapping freely in the breeze. Her eyes narrowed slightly, looking at something unseen, "I need to go home. Now."
"Demo where will I go?"
"There's room at my place."
"Are you sure? You're fri…"
"Don't worry about it! We have a free guest room."
"Guest…room?"
Umi smirked, "Not like that ecchi. Where do you want to stay?"
"Well, I don't seem to have much of a choice, now." He smiled devilishly. "But if I get cold…"
"Urg.Then let's go!"
"Hai." He took her hand and walked her to his car. Getting in, they drove back towards Juuban.
* * *
Himiko, Kaze, and Ai ran into Bara's apartment, busting the door open with a kick from Himiko. Seeing what was before them Ai broke into heart-wrenching sobs and ran forward to cradle the bloody corpse that had once been Bara.
"Usagi," Himiko moaned, crinkling her nose. "The stench of blood is everywhere."
Kaze hung her head. "We should have guessed."
"Bara-chan."
* * *
Tsuki Hime smiled at the dark man, wondering how such a handsome thing could come from Kagura. She placed a hand on his forehead, whispering gently. "I name you Lucifer. You were born of Kagura and from now on will serve her."
He opened his yellow eyes, raising a pale hand to push back shoulder-length, ebony hair.
She smiled, kissing him. "Would you like to meet her? Of course you do."
He grinned to himself. "Hai. Kagura, myself."
* * *
Umi flipped on the light, and froze in the doorway. "Usagi-chan?"
"Hai, Umi-chan. Usagi."
"Demo."
Usagi raised her blackened hair, blue eyes, and pale face. The fuku was all wrong, and dark. "Umi-chan, what's happened to me?"
Gabriel appeared in the doorway behind them. "Tsuki Hime-sama? Nani?" He stepped back. "Gomen nasai, gomen, gomen."
Umi looked at him. "Gabriel?"
He studied the dark hair. No, it wasn't her, and she wasn't out to get him. "Forget it."
Usagi smiled. "Umi-chan, can I stay with you?"
Umi looked at Gabriel, searching for an answer. "Anno…we…" she bit her lip.
Gabriel began to speak. "Maybe I should…" he stopped, watching as the room twisted. He could see Kagura, crying into the shoulder of a man. He was familiar to Gabriel, almost as if… "Kagura."
* * *
Somehow, the footsteps coming down the hallway didn't relieve the ache in her heart. "No one's coming for you Kagura-chan, forget it."
She was so lonely, she almost couldn't bear it. No more Gabriel, no more Tenshi, no more anything. Her friends hated her, and her colleagues looked down on her friendship with Tsuki Hime.
But Umi was happy; of all people Umi was happy. And so was Gabriel. They were together, making love, following destiny, and living life to the fullest. Kagura had no one and no reason to live.
She rolled off her bed, and trudged to the golden doorway. The doorway opened to a hallway of shiny glass, it was the private hall for her brother and herself. Small shards stuck out of the floor, shining light into her face. Kagura smiled at them, placing her cold hands onto the points of death. Red oozed over the floor. "Gomen nasai, minna I haven't played with you in so many years. Not now, though. I have to go see Nova-chan." The crystal slices twisted into her hands, burning flesh. Kagura cried out, trying to rip her hands away. "Let me go!" she cried. "I said later. Onegai!"
The footsteps from before, pounding down the hallway, brought her hope. "Onegai, help me, onegai!"
Her vision wasn't even blurred by tears, but then again, she hadn't truly cried for many years. She tried to wrench her hands free once more. It didn't work. She squeezed her eyes shut, and pushed down, hoping her blood would satisfy them.
"Daijobu yo?" said a calm, male voice, letting the words out like an everyday conversation. "What are you doing?"
Kagura looked up, about to begin cursing whoever this underling was. He should have some respect for his Superior. However, she couldn't even choke out a word when she caught his shadow. She shook her head, biting her tongue. "Crystal Demons don't usually act like this toward me."
"Does it hurt?"
Her angered flared hotly. "What do you think? Of course it does."
The laugh of the man had a smile to it. "Oh, well, I suppose you can handle this." He turned on his heel.
"Matte!" Kagura said, raising her weary head. She looked at his back. "Would you help me? My hands are stuck, and I-I'm bleeding." A slight whimper betrayed her pain.
"Do you really want my help?"
Kagura let out an airy breath. "Onegai, it's starting to freeze in my skin."
Darkly clad knees dropped next to her. A large, white hand, like that of a ghost, patted the floor. It turned over, revealing two large scars. "You see?"
She stared in horror, wondering what in hell he was trying to prove. "What are you doing?" she whispered.
He placed his hand onto the glassy surface. "Relax, Kagura-sama. Think of something peaceful."
She concentrated, thinking hard on something. A small, heart-shaped face came to mind. Blue eyes, blond hair in odangos, and an angelic disposition. She smiled within. "Odango-san."
"Done."
She felt the pieces slip from her palms. Flexing her fingers, Kagura stood. "Arigato…"
"Lucifer."
"Domo Arigato, Lucifer-san." She smiled up at him. Her brow furrowed suddenly. "Are you related to anyone here?"
"What makes you say that?" He said, his yellow eyes dancing.
Kagura walked around him, taking in all of the perfect features. Nice, messy black hair; sharp eyes, like her own in color; a strong jaw and face. His body wasn't that bad either. "Lucifer-san, who are you, I want the truth?"
He stepped forward, grabbing her shoulder. Roughly pushing her back, he brought his lips to her ear. "Watashi…watashi wa Kagura."
* * *
Tsuki Hime smiled at the pair, both standing noticeably apart. Kagura's pigtails hung in messy strands. Her eyes betrayed only the slightest curiosity. And while she kneeled, Lucifer stood, leaning against the wall.
"Come here, both of you."
Kagura lunged to her feet, preparing to do as told. Lucifer was at her side, his hand held out to her. She looked at him, turning her nose up. "I need no assistance."
He frowned. "I'm trying to be polite."
"I don't need your generosity. I'll walk myself."
"It's not like I'm offering to wipe your…"
"ENOUGH!"
Identical sulfurous eyes shot at her. "Good, it's just as I thought. You are completely perfect."
Lucifer smiled. "Of course I am."
"What do you mean, Nova-chan?"
Tsuki Hime pushed back her red hair. "I don't think an explanation is necessary now. I want to know about your progress with the concert."
Kagura's eyes expanded to saucers. She grasped her sword hilt, which glowed in protest to her tight grip. She raised it to her lips, kissing it gently. "Gomen nasai, Cleaver-chan. Did I hurt you?"
The golden long-sword shivered. Tsuki Hime gave her an odd look. "That's disgusting."
Kagura smiled sweetly. "You were saying, Nova-chan?"
Tsuki Hime continued, eying Kagura. "How is the concert coming?"
"Actually, we don't need to practice. You know how we are."
"As I expected, demo have you thought about how this will affect you if you lose?"
Lucifer watched Kagura's skin go white, and he grimaced. Tsuki Hime needed to learn manners, creator or not. He put a hand on Kagura's shoulder. "They'll win. You should have more confidence in Kagura-sama."
Kagura looked up at him, trying to keep her eyelids down. No one had ever done that for, she had always had to defend herself. Not usually was she against Nova-chan, but the other Senshi would bully her. She always won, but something in her now felt strange.
* * *
Himiko sat on the couch, studying her nails. "I give up! We can't win. Usagi's beheading people, changing henshin, Gabriel-san is living with us, Tenshi's in a coma, and…"
"Minna?"
Kaze, next to Himiko, turned. She smiled. "Konban wa, Ten-chan. How're ya feeling?"
Tenshi slouched into the room, looking gloomy. Her eyes were bruised and red. Burns on her cheek quickly healed as she sat on the floor. She eyed Gabriel, smiling knowingly at Umi. "Where's Tsunami?"
Umi fiddled with the zipper on Gabriel's jacket. "We don't know. She just said she couldn't come. She had some important mission."
"Oh. So what're we doing?"
Another person walked into the conversation, her black odangos bobbing. "Ohayo, minna."
Kaze laughed. "It's evening Usagi-chan."
"Whatever." Usagi looked at their faces, stopping at Tenshi. Her eyes narrowed. "You've been reborn."
A silence lay over the room, Usagi's declaration boiling in their veins. What was she talking about? Surely, it was an affect of the henshin. Kaze shifted uncertainly. "Usagi-chan, sit down."
Usagi put her hand on the door, ready to leave them. "I won't stay with any child of darkness. She goes now!"
Himiko grabbed Usagi's tiny wrists. "Usa-chan, onegai! It's not her fault."
"What do you mean? You obviously don't understand why she's a sailor Senshi do you?" Usagi glared at Tenshi. "You are this way, because you chose it. Tenshi chose to be the Senshi of death, and she chose to betray you to her mother the night Umi was taken. You deserve to die."
Ai looked up from her hands. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying. "It was you."
Himiko and Kaze quickly looked at her, wondering if it was her grief talking. She brought her eyes level with Tenshi, who looked away. She hid her eyes behind her wispy hair. "It's true. I told Shino-sensei…Oka-san, that Umi-chan and Kagura-san were having a duel. I was helping students after school, and I was in a hurry. She asked me why."
Umi looked halfway between angry and sympathetic, "Did you know she was related at that point?" Tenshi shook her head. Umi smiled. "Then there's no problem."
"Well," Tsunami cried, slamming the front door behind her. "I have good and bad news!"
* * *
Sailor Pisces peeked through the stone of the hallway, her mouth covered by her hand. She watched Lucifer slink into Kagura's room, following his new mistress. "Pisces-sama? What are you doing?"
She turned on the young voice. "Shut up, Sakura-san."
"Arigato, Pisces-sama. No one else remembers my earth name!"
"Shut up, I can't hear them."
Sakura hushed her voice. "Kagura-sama? Who's the man?"
* * *
So they sat there, Kagura staring at her hands, Lucifer wishing he could hold her. He was an incarnation of her soul, bound to her. Every feeling he had, every new thought he encountered was a direct cause of Kagura. Her scars were put upon him, and he was there to take away her pain.
When he'd tried to sit down on the dark bed across the room, she had stood and forbidden him to do so. At first he thought she wanted him near her, wanted him to be in her bed. But in truth, he was sitting on her brother's bed, and she couldn't bear it. He opted to sit at her head. "I want to know more about this concert." He reached for her hair, as it lay over her white pillows. She moved away. "What is the concert for?"
"Tsuki Hime…" she whispered.
"Nova-chan?"
"You aren't allowed to call her that."
Lucifer bristled. "I can if I want to. Who's going to stop me?"
Kagura glared at him, her eyes slitting dangerously. Lucifer moved back an inch. Kagura's anger was being filtered into him, and he couldn't control it. His hand flew at her face.
"Gomen nasai, Kagura-sama." He grabbed her cheek, causing her to yelp. He stroked it, his eyes falling into hers. Their gazes locked, thoughts racing through Kagura's head. Lucifer smiled at one, but quickly displaced it. Now was not the time for pleasure. "Kagura-sama, will you allow me to help you or not?"
She fought off his gentle touch. "I don't need your help. Leave."
"I can't leave you," he whispered, removing his hand. "I'm not allowed to."
"Why not?"
" Because Nova-chan told me I couldn't. And, I don't want to."
"Don't say that. You don't have to help me."
He scooted closer to her. "What can I make you do to understand?"
"I want my Gabriel. Bring back Gabriel, and you can help me."
That stung; more than it was supposed to. Lucifer grabbed at his chest, his heart pounding wildly. Why wasn't she falling in love? He had looks and charm, something no woman could resist. "Why does it have to be him? What's wrong with me?"
She flopped against her pillow, looking up at him. "What do you mean?" she laughed. "I'm tired, go away."
He lowered his eyes. "I have nowhere to stay."
She sat up, cheeks flaming. "Nani?"
"I don't have a place to sleep."
"Oh. Well you can sleep here."
He stripped off his armor and boots, turning down the covers. He hopped in. "Night!"
She chuckled, shaking lightly at first, and then bursting into gales of laughter. "What do you think you're doing? You can't sleep with me!"
Lucifer's jaw dropped. She didn't find him sexy or irresistible in the least. He slid out, looking sheepish. "Why not? Where do I crash?"
She pointed her hand into a dark corner, where a small couch sat. He gathered up his clothing, casually leaving his shirt behind. "Kagura-sama."
* * *
Umi stared silently at the ceiling, listening to her breath. Usagi was in the room next to Gabriel's, having a serious talk with Kaze. Umi hadn't been allowed to stay. Now she just sat here. "I'm so bored!"
"I know how you feel," Himiko whispered, walking in and closing the door. "What do you think about this band thing?"
"We're way out of practice. I don't want to even think about it now."
Himiko plopped onto her bed. "So, what did you do with Gabriel?"
Umi wiped away a tear, and turned away. "I don't want to talk about it."
"Umi?"
"Go away Himiko."
* * *
Sakura pushed up her reading glasses, trying to ignore her partner's snoring. On impulse, she threw her book across the room. How could she study her spells if someone was making such a ruckus? "Arashi-san, wake her up!"
Arashi looked Sakura in the eye, who by now was fairly livid. She nudged the girl sleeping next to her. "Yuurei-san, I realize you just gave birth, demo shut up!"
Yuurei rolled over, tears falling. "Usagi, save me. Onegai."
They both looked at her. Arashi got up, throwing the covers off. "Tell me when she stops."
* * *
"Nyanko-sama!"
Sailor Capricorn bent her head over the child. The baby's eyes smiled with delight. "You are such a beautiful child. What shall we name you?"
"I will name her."
She bowed out of the way, allowing Tsuki Hime to pass. "What shall you name her?"
Tsuki Hime placed her hands over the dark brow. The eyes of the child squinted. The older princess smiled. "Hai, that will be your name. Very fitting."
"Hime-sama?"
"Chou Doku, Tamashii no Senshi."
Sailor Capricorn looked at the child. "Tamashii no Senshi? That sounds familiar."
"It should," Tsuki Hime whispered, pulling her shroud over her face. "She will be the savior of our line. When she dies, so do we."
"Hime-sama? You won't live eternally?"
She shook her head. "Not if you don't start doing your job."
* * *
"This is it, Hime-sama. Tokyo Tower."
Tsuki Hime's hair flapped in the breeze, flying free of the usual odangos. She smiled on the town. "Oyasumi nasai, Tokyo."