Disclaimer: Damn Disclaimer, making me feel bad when I know that I'm not
going to ever own Sailor Moon or Slayers, (I want Xelloss-sama…I NEED
Xelloss)…Well, you know the rest. Please don't sue me, the idea's and
opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of Mr. Boji B. Bojangles
(copyright!! You can't have my Boji B!), my monkey friend, blah, blah,
blah, yadda, yadda, yadda…I make-y no profit, you make-y no court case.
1 BAuthor's Rants and Raves/B
Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion: Yeeeaah! ::Is dancing happily around her computer:: School is almost out, school is almost out!
Xelloss: My, my, you seem very pleased, don't you?
Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion: Xelloss-sama?!!? YIEK!! ::glomps Xelloss, purring happily:: Tee hee…Xelloss-sama…kawaii…^-^
Xelloss: O.o;;; Oh dear me… ::pats her head awkwardly:: Now, you know I'm happy to see you too, but perhaps we should get on with the story, yes? ::grunts as he futilely tries to pry Lady Illusion off of him with his staff as a crow bar:: You know how terribly upset Diamond gets when I "steal his spotlight." ::mumbles something very much like "Diamond" and "vanity complex"::
Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion: Hmm? Oh, yeah, the story! Right! First things first! This mazoku here, ladies and gentlemen, ::points to Xelloss-sama:: is one of my muses/helpers/members of my bishounen harem, Xelloss Metallium, the Mysterious Trickster Priest!
Xelloss: ::bows gracefully:: Charmed, I'm sure. ^-^
Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion: ::swoons:: Mega…kawaii…………Whoa! ^^;; Anyhoo, Xel here helps me out by sparking my writing muse, keeping me on track when I go off into slight tangents—
Xelloss: ::clears throat:: Forgive me for interrupting, but "slight tangents?" -.o
Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion: ::glares at Xel:: Yes, "slight tangents." Now be quiet so I can finish my crazed ranting! Where was I? Oh yeah, he helps me stay on track, and he's just so damn cute! Not to mention he's really good at keeping my plot and story line a secret. How about a demonstration? ::turns to Xelloss:: Xelloss, what is going to happen Usagi in the next chapter of my fanfic?
Xelloss: ::Winks, grins, and shakes finger(The infamous "Xelloss Pose"):: Sore wa Himitsu Desu!! (means "That's is a secret!" in Japanese just for those of you who don't know that.) ^.~
Lady Eternal Cosmos: ::beams proudly:: Good boy, Xelloss! ^-^
Xelloss: -.-;; Why me?
Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion: Because I like you, silly! Anyhoo—
Xelloss: ::sighs loudly:: Ms. Illusion, honestly now! We really need to get this next chapter going, and we won't be able to do so if you do not cease your incessant jabbering, besides—
Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion: ::is trying to control anger, but can't stop eyebrow from twitching:: Excuse…you? "Incessant jabbering?" This com—
Xelloss:: Besides, if you don't hurry, then we can't… ::Grins mischievously and leans over, whispering something in Lady Eternal Cosmos' ear that causes her eyes to grow wide, her face to blush 31 different shades of red, and a nosebleed to come on:: So, shall we?
Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion: ::cramming tissues under her nose to stop the bleeding while Xelloss places an arm around her waste:: TO THE STORY!! Next chapter, read it and review it please. Thanks much. Let's go Xelloss, NOW.
Xelloss: ::still grinning like a crazed maniac:: Whatever you say…until next time, minna-san! Ja ne! ::both Xelloss and LECI teleport…um…elsewhere and the story begins…sort of…::
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Chapter 4:
"The nerve of that—that JERK!!" Usagi stammered furiously as she stormed around her 'room', cursing and swearing out Diamond, her captor, using every word under the sun. Night had fallen where the Soldier of the Moon was, and her room had taken on an unearthly luster. Whatever dim lighting there was, it seemed to frolic and mirror off the massive walls of crystal and marble that contained her. The large French doors of gemstone that lead out onto the balcony were open, letting in a cool and caressing summer breeze that was almost calming to Serenity…almost. 'Oh no you don't…' The girl mentally growled to herself. 'I'm not finished with you yet…' There was more anger to be released, more hatred to let flow over the threshold.
"Kidnapping me—ME, of all people!! Diamond, why you-- you are nothing but a heartless, hormone-obsessed bastard!! Do you hear me? A BASTARD!" She finally finished, shouting at the ceiling, although she knew in her heart that Diamond was not hiding anywhere near there and he probably wouldn't have heard her anyways. It would have been the understatement of the Silver Millennium to say that Ms. Tsukino was not happy hostage.
Feeling deflated and emotionally drained, the Princess of the Moon flopped down onto the nearest piece of furniture, a silvery-white, golden- rimmed day bed. As soon as her body hit the soft and fragrant fabric, she sighed aloud, letting her pale limbs and bejeweled head sag and droop. 'I'm so tired…' Her thoughts whispered. 'And I'm…lonely.' Deep within Usagi's chest, the sharp pang of discord and despair that had plagued her before now turned into a gut-wrenching ache, causing a flood of emotions to go surging throughout every inch of her body. 'I can't cry now…' Her mind panicked as her eyes ignored the will of her psyche and began to well up with hot and salty tears. 'I will not cry—I'll—I'll think of Mamo-chan! That'll make me happy!'
Mamoru. The love she had left behind when Emerald captured her—no, when Prince Diamond had called for her abduction. Usagi could almost smell Mamo- chan's strong and warm earthy aroma, the exact fragrance that lovingly enveloped her when he wrapped his toned, muscular arms around her. The ache deep within the Princess gently began to dull, however, it did not depart completely.
"Does Endymion love me?" She wondered aloud. "Is he even looking for me right now?"
Serenity's questions were met with silence… until a small, sweet voice--one sounding full of reason, truth and wisdom beyond the years of anyone she had ever heard—answered simply.
"Perhaps he loves you, perhaps he does not…but you know deep in your heart, My Lady that Lord Diamond does."
Chills ran up and down Usagi's spine as she realized she was not alone. Whipping around in her chair, she commanded, "Who are you, and why are you in my chambers? I have given no one authority to enter, and here you are telling me blatant lies?!"
Usagi was surprised as soon as she heard the words that came out of her mouth. 'Was that me?' She inquired half-mindedly. 'Those words passed *my* lips, however, they sounded…oh, I don't know…more regal, possibly?'
Turning back to the situation at hand, Usagi spun, ready and expecting to fight, and drew in a sharp breath when she saw…a little girl. Or was it a tiny fairy child? Either way, the creature that stood rather coyly just behind the billowing curtains of the balcony doors had a fantastical quality about her. Her voice was hauntingly sweet and child-like, like the soft tinkling of wind chimes caught up gently within the summer evening's breeze. It too, seemed to come and go with the wind. Everything about this girl was unsettling, yet calming all in the same moment; not to mention, everything she wore was of the softest petal pink.
"I express regret My Lady, and I hope that you will accept my sincerest apologies if I have caused you any distress. Truly, it was not my intention to do so."
"Oh…um, no…no trouble… at all…" The Princess began to reply rather dreamily, still trying to figure out what to make of this uniquely wonderful child. "Just, if you would please…could you step into the light, so that I could see you a little better?"
"Of course, My Lady."
From the shadows emerged a girl's petite form, looking to be at the very oldest, only 11 years old, and upon closer inspection, Usagi noticed that even her eyes were of a very soft rosy gray. Her face was pale and delicate, but also filled with a tender youth and curiosity that shone brilliantly through her eyes. 'I want to know more about you.' Her eyes seemed to smile and dance as they relayed this message. 'I want to be a friend…'
'Well, her clothing is very…different,' thought Usagi as she looked up and down over her. 'Almost as if she came directly out of Alice in Wonderland.' Indeed, they were rather whimsical and fantastical. Her dress, just below her knees, looked as if the entire thing had been made of giant cherry blossom petals, along with a tiny hat, similar to the hat of a French maid and a nurse, was also made of the same material. Short cropped, pink hair fluffed and framed her face nicely, just making her look even more so imaginary.
"Is there something My Lady does not like about my appearance?" The youth queried graciously.
The Moon Princess seemed genuinely attracted to this girl. Maybe this was someone who she could confide in while she was here—until Mamo-chan came to rescue her, of course.
"No, I think I like you very much." Usagi smiled warmly. "But I am kind of curious to know who you are."
"I am a servant sent to you, My Lady, and you alone, by his Highness, Prince Diamond. I am to follow your every command and whim…except if you ask to leave. I can't help you there." The girl added, sticking her tongue out and giggling for effect.
"But what is your name? You have a name, don't you?"
The girl paused for the first time, and seemed to be in a split second of deep thought. "No…" She started slowly and began blushing slightly, as if what she was about to say was some embarrassing consequence of something she had done. "I don't think I have a name…for you see…I don't think I've been alive very long, My Lady."
"Well, what did Diamond call you?"
"He mainly referred to me as 'You, there.' Would that possibly be my name?"
Usagi practically choked.
"He didn't give you a decent name!?" She started to feel the heat of anger rise within her once again, but quickly calmed her raging nerves.
"Figures," She scoffed. "Leave it to the Prince of Idiots to not even give some cute little kid her own name. Geez, what a jackass." Sailor Moon paused for a moment, contemplating as to what might be a good name for this child to take on. 'She needs something that helps describe her…but it has to be cute!' Usagi's brow crinkled in reflection. 'Hmmm…you know what? She reminds me of the Cherry Blossom petals that fall like snow during the festival at home…That's it!!'
Eagerly, the Silver Moon Princess piped up, "Because you remind me so much of cherry blossoms, why don't I call you just that; Cherry Blossom. Is that alright with you?"
"Anything you pick My Lady, is wonderful for me."
"No, forget what I think. My question is 'do you like the name 'Cherry Blossom'? I am not going to name you something you hate. That would be rude and unkind—like that jellyfish no baka, Diamond." Usagi mumbled under breath.
Cherry Blossom grinned widely. "I like it very much, My Lady. But maybe—if it's not too much to ask—could you perhaps call me Cherry-chan for short?"
Laughing happily, for the first time in a long while, Usagi stood, strode over to where Cherry Blossom stood and took her gently by the hands. "It's a deal, Cherry-chan. I'm Usagi, and I'm very pleased to meet you. I hope we become awfully good friends while we're together."
Joining in Usagi's merriment with the sweet, twinkling laughter of her own, Cherry clasped the Princess' hand in her own small, delicate ones and shook them as she jumped up and down with excitement, causing the tiny little bells on her shoes to tinkle joyously. "Me too, My Lady! And I thank you for my name—my first real name!"
"No problem Cherry-chan, but could you do me just one favor?"
Cherry's pink head bobbed up and down anxiously. "Anything, My Lady."
"Do me a favor, and please don't call me that. Since we are going to be friends, I would like you to call me Usagi, like all of my other friends do, okay?"
"But My Lady, his Highness Prince Diamond specifically ordered me not to call you anything but 'My Lady', 'Your Highness', or anything else along those lines." She looked sheepish again. "I am not permitted to call you by your first name. That would be rude and disrespectful of your position."
Diamond again. 'Why does he always seem to come up in practically every conversation I have? Oh—wait, that's right—he only KIDNAPPED ME!!' The voice in the captive girl's mind snapped bitterly as she rolled her crystal blue eyes.
"Look Cherry-chan, I want you to forget what Diamond said, got it? Screw him, you are under my care now. Besides, it's not like my current 'position' is the greatest. And if he dares to even *think* about hurting you in any way, he'll have to take it up with me." Just to make her point clear, Usagi threw a few menacing punches in her free hand with the fist she had clenched in aggravation. 'Although I'm more worried about what he would do to me if he got me alone again rather than what I could ever do to him.' She gulped nervously and turned red as some rather bawdy visions ran thru her mind's eye. Cherry-chan didn't seem to notice though, as the little blossom fairy took a timid step back from Usagi, her stormy rose- colored eyes wide with a strange mixture of fascination…and fear.
"Ms. Usagi. Got it."
"Ms. Usagi?" The Golden Haired girl sighed loudly. "Well, it's close enough, I guess…Oh! And let's keep everything we talk about a secret, all right? The last thing I need is Prince Diamond using something I said during a girl's talk against me."
Deep, ice-like laughter rang from the shadows.
"Now there's an ingenious idea! Using your own words against you for my own fiendish plans! How very unique, My Love."
Little Cherry Blossom gasped as she flew down on bended knee. "Your Highness! I—uh—was introducing myself to the Princess, My Lord, just as you asked."
Freezing to her spot, Usagi could vaguely feel a presence as someone step behind her—then, a cool hand gently stroking the small of her exposed back. Sparks flew up and down her backbone as the feathery soft caresses ceased, and the hand moved further up spine, leaving a trail of chills and tingles as the went. 'Oh no…'
Finally snapping out of her trance, the Moon Princess swung around and landed an extremely hard *SMACK* across the Silver Princes' unsuspecting face.
"Don't you *dare* touch me like that--or any other way—ever, *ever* again. Do I make myself clear?" She hissed thru clenched teeth. Diamond just stood there staring at her in complete and utter shock, his hand hovering protectively above the large red-mark upon his face. Then, as quickly as his shock came; it went and his hand dropped, his eyelashes drooping and shadowing the irate gas-flame blue flare that his eyes had taken on. Usagi though, had just barely caught the glint in the Princes' gaze, that glint that made him seem more sinister, mischievous and crazed than ever before. His eyes seemed to whisper something directly into her mind; 'My, my, my…I'm going to have so much fun with you…'
"Crystal clear, my Dear, crystal." Diamond smiled a secretive, wolfish smirk. Turning to Cherry Blossom, he gave her a thin and tiny glare as he commanded sternly, "You are no longer needed here for tonight. Leave us at once…" He paused, flashing a smug glance at Usagi before adding, "Please."
'Do not let Cherry-chan leave!' A voice in the princess' mind seemed to scream a warning as she panicked. 'Don't let him get you by yourself! You crossed the line when you hit him, and now he's planning something…don't let him catch you!'
"NO!"
Usagi appeared as astounded as both Diamond and Cherry Blossom looked when she realized that she was the person who had just yelled in protest. Her mind went on autopilot as she continued.
"Uh—no, Cherry-chan, I request that you remain here for the next few evenings, I still need you to help me—uh—redecorate! Yeah, that's it! Redecorate!"
"Redecorate, my beautiful goddess?" the Silver Prince questioned mockingly. "I'm afraid that I must disagree with you—for you see—this is my palace and no renovations of any sort will be arranged without my consent. Besides, my love, it is rather late to be starting such a strenuous project, is it not?"
"No—it's never too late to set up a good, long, time consuming task, is it Cherry-chan?" Usagi looked at Cherry with pleading eyes. Poor little Ms. Blossom however, was torn between the two people she had no choice but to obey, and she was very flustered.
"I—uh, guess, Ms. Usagi…" She stammered as her perplexed stare toggled back and forth from Prince Diamond, to Princess Serenity, and back again. Diamond was beginning to lose his control over his temper, because he noticed that he was losing the footing for his intentions—whatever those were. With a swish of his dark, velvety cape, he was beside Cherry-chan, looking down upon her disapprovingly as he prepared to finish this little power struggle, for good.
"Ms. Cherry, we do not require your assistance any longer, and you will leave my presence and that of the princess immediately." He hissed thru clenched teeth. "I brought you into existence, and—believe me—I have no qualms in regards to taking you out. Is that understood?"
The little pink child quivered like a flower petal in the strong breezes of the spring, her rosy eyes clouded with a great fear. "Yes, My Lord." She whispered, passing a pleading look to the Soldier of the Moon that simply said 'Please forgive me…I want to help but I can't…I just can't.'
Usagi knew defeat when it loomed over her like a dark shadow. With a grim smile, she gathered her courage and spoke. "It is alright, Cherry-chan. You may leave if you must…I…I understand." Usagi cursed silently when she noticed that her voice was shaking terribly, and she cursed even more while watching out of the corner of her eye as Diamond seemed to enjoyed he fear she exuded—it was like he was devouring it as some sort of delicacy. The princess watched in a mixture of fear and defeat as Cherry Blossom managed a sympathetic smile, finally stepping back into the shadows…vanishing. 'Now it's time to face the tiger…' she thought stiffly.
Turning his attention to his captive beauty, Diamond licked his pale lips whilst they slowly and seductively curled into a sinister, famished smirk. His azure eyes flashed dangerously as he spoke in his one if his most stunning elementally elegant and fluid tones.
"And now to deal with you…"
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Finis Chapter Quatre
A/N: YAY!! WHOO HOO! I am so happy! Why? Because one of my favorite authors on Fanfiction.net left two, count 'em, TWO reviews for me! The author I'm speaking of is the very talented Ms. Michelle, a.k.a. LotornoMiko! Everyone, if you like my story, you will LOVE hers, so please go read them! Thank you Ms. Michelle for everything, and this chapter and the next are dedicated to you, with lots of Usagi/Diamond scenes at your request (especially in chapter 5!). ^-^ To the rest of my faithful readers, thank you soooo much! I already have the next chapter ready, but I'm going to wait until I get at least 15 reviews to put it up! Chapter 5 is fairly entertaining too, has some steamy bits in it—so get reviewing!
Btw, I hope you like Cherry-chan. Isn't she cute? I decided to put her in my story after I had a dream about her character. Divine intervention? Maybe, but most likely not. A girl can dream though, can't she? (no pun intended, honestly) And I hope you all like the little bits in the beginning w/ me and my bishounen muses. I just did it for some fun. ^^
Thanks much again, and chapter 5 will be up as soon as I get my reviews. Me? Evil? Of course! OH HOHOHOHOHO OH HOHO! ( The Naga the Serpent/Kodachi the Black Rose/Tira and Chocolat Misu Laugh! Gotta love it!)
*~*Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion*~*
1 BAuthor's Rants and Raves/B
Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion: Yeeeaah! ::Is dancing happily around her computer:: School is almost out, school is almost out!
Xelloss: My, my, you seem very pleased, don't you?
Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion: Xelloss-sama?!!? YIEK!! ::glomps Xelloss, purring happily:: Tee hee…Xelloss-sama…kawaii…^-^
Xelloss: O.o;;; Oh dear me… ::pats her head awkwardly:: Now, you know I'm happy to see you too, but perhaps we should get on with the story, yes? ::grunts as he futilely tries to pry Lady Illusion off of him with his staff as a crow bar:: You know how terribly upset Diamond gets when I "steal his spotlight." ::mumbles something very much like "Diamond" and "vanity complex"::
Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion: Hmm? Oh, yeah, the story! Right! First things first! This mazoku here, ladies and gentlemen, ::points to Xelloss-sama:: is one of my muses/helpers/members of my bishounen harem, Xelloss Metallium, the Mysterious Trickster Priest!
Xelloss: ::bows gracefully:: Charmed, I'm sure. ^-^
Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion: ::swoons:: Mega…kawaii…………Whoa! ^^;; Anyhoo, Xel here helps me out by sparking my writing muse, keeping me on track when I go off into slight tangents—
Xelloss: ::clears throat:: Forgive me for interrupting, but "slight tangents?" -.o
Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion: ::glares at Xel:: Yes, "slight tangents." Now be quiet so I can finish my crazed ranting! Where was I? Oh yeah, he helps me stay on track, and he's just so damn cute! Not to mention he's really good at keeping my plot and story line a secret. How about a demonstration? ::turns to Xelloss:: Xelloss, what is going to happen Usagi in the next chapter of my fanfic?
Xelloss: ::Winks, grins, and shakes finger(The infamous "Xelloss Pose"):: Sore wa Himitsu Desu!! (means "That's is a secret!" in Japanese just for those of you who don't know that.) ^.~
Lady Eternal Cosmos: ::beams proudly:: Good boy, Xelloss! ^-^
Xelloss: -.-;; Why me?
Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion: Because I like you, silly! Anyhoo—
Xelloss: ::sighs loudly:: Ms. Illusion, honestly now! We really need to get this next chapter going, and we won't be able to do so if you do not cease your incessant jabbering, besides—
Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion: ::is trying to control anger, but can't stop eyebrow from twitching:: Excuse…you? "Incessant jabbering?" This com—
Xelloss:: Besides, if you don't hurry, then we can't… ::Grins mischievously and leans over, whispering something in Lady Eternal Cosmos' ear that causes her eyes to grow wide, her face to blush 31 different shades of red, and a nosebleed to come on:: So, shall we?
Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion: ::cramming tissues under her nose to stop the bleeding while Xelloss places an arm around her waste:: TO THE STORY!! Next chapter, read it and review it please. Thanks much. Let's go Xelloss, NOW.
Xelloss: ::still grinning like a crazed maniac:: Whatever you say…until next time, minna-san! Ja ne! ::both Xelloss and LECI teleport…um…elsewhere and the story begins…sort of…::
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Chapter 4:
"The nerve of that—that JERK!!" Usagi stammered furiously as she stormed around her 'room', cursing and swearing out Diamond, her captor, using every word under the sun. Night had fallen where the Soldier of the Moon was, and her room had taken on an unearthly luster. Whatever dim lighting there was, it seemed to frolic and mirror off the massive walls of crystal and marble that contained her. The large French doors of gemstone that lead out onto the balcony were open, letting in a cool and caressing summer breeze that was almost calming to Serenity…almost. 'Oh no you don't…' The girl mentally growled to herself. 'I'm not finished with you yet…' There was more anger to be released, more hatred to let flow over the threshold.
"Kidnapping me—ME, of all people!! Diamond, why you-- you are nothing but a heartless, hormone-obsessed bastard!! Do you hear me? A BASTARD!" She finally finished, shouting at the ceiling, although she knew in her heart that Diamond was not hiding anywhere near there and he probably wouldn't have heard her anyways. It would have been the understatement of the Silver Millennium to say that Ms. Tsukino was not happy hostage.
Feeling deflated and emotionally drained, the Princess of the Moon flopped down onto the nearest piece of furniture, a silvery-white, golden- rimmed day bed. As soon as her body hit the soft and fragrant fabric, she sighed aloud, letting her pale limbs and bejeweled head sag and droop. 'I'm so tired…' Her thoughts whispered. 'And I'm…lonely.' Deep within Usagi's chest, the sharp pang of discord and despair that had plagued her before now turned into a gut-wrenching ache, causing a flood of emotions to go surging throughout every inch of her body. 'I can't cry now…' Her mind panicked as her eyes ignored the will of her psyche and began to well up with hot and salty tears. 'I will not cry—I'll—I'll think of Mamo-chan! That'll make me happy!'
Mamoru. The love she had left behind when Emerald captured her—no, when Prince Diamond had called for her abduction. Usagi could almost smell Mamo- chan's strong and warm earthy aroma, the exact fragrance that lovingly enveloped her when he wrapped his toned, muscular arms around her. The ache deep within the Princess gently began to dull, however, it did not depart completely.
"Does Endymion love me?" She wondered aloud. "Is he even looking for me right now?"
Serenity's questions were met with silence… until a small, sweet voice--one sounding full of reason, truth and wisdom beyond the years of anyone she had ever heard—answered simply.
"Perhaps he loves you, perhaps he does not…but you know deep in your heart, My Lady that Lord Diamond does."
Chills ran up and down Usagi's spine as she realized she was not alone. Whipping around in her chair, she commanded, "Who are you, and why are you in my chambers? I have given no one authority to enter, and here you are telling me blatant lies?!"
Usagi was surprised as soon as she heard the words that came out of her mouth. 'Was that me?' She inquired half-mindedly. 'Those words passed *my* lips, however, they sounded…oh, I don't know…more regal, possibly?'
Turning back to the situation at hand, Usagi spun, ready and expecting to fight, and drew in a sharp breath when she saw…a little girl. Or was it a tiny fairy child? Either way, the creature that stood rather coyly just behind the billowing curtains of the balcony doors had a fantastical quality about her. Her voice was hauntingly sweet and child-like, like the soft tinkling of wind chimes caught up gently within the summer evening's breeze. It too, seemed to come and go with the wind. Everything about this girl was unsettling, yet calming all in the same moment; not to mention, everything she wore was of the softest petal pink.
"I express regret My Lady, and I hope that you will accept my sincerest apologies if I have caused you any distress. Truly, it was not my intention to do so."
"Oh…um, no…no trouble… at all…" The Princess began to reply rather dreamily, still trying to figure out what to make of this uniquely wonderful child. "Just, if you would please…could you step into the light, so that I could see you a little better?"
"Of course, My Lady."
From the shadows emerged a girl's petite form, looking to be at the very oldest, only 11 years old, and upon closer inspection, Usagi noticed that even her eyes were of a very soft rosy gray. Her face was pale and delicate, but also filled with a tender youth and curiosity that shone brilliantly through her eyes. 'I want to know more about you.' Her eyes seemed to smile and dance as they relayed this message. 'I want to be a friend…'
'Well, her clothing is very…different,' thought Usagi as she looked up and down over her. 'Almost as if she came directly out of Alice in Wonderland.' Indeed, they were rather whimsical and fantastical. Her dress, just below her knees, looked as if the entire thing had been made of giant cherry blossom petals, along with a tiny hat, similar to the hat of a French maid and a nurse, was also made of the same material. Short cropped, pink hair fluffed and framed her face nicely, just making her look even more so imaginary.
"Is there something My Lady does not like about my appearance?" The youth queried graciously.
The Moon Princess seemed genuinely attracted to this girl. Maybe this was someone who she could confide in while she was here—until Mamo-chan came to rescue her, of course.
"No, I think I like you very much." Usagi smiled warmly. "But I am kind of curious to know who you are."
"I am a servant sent to you, My Lady, and you alone, by his Highness, Prince Diamond. I am to follow your every command and whim…except if you ask to leave. I can't help you there." The girl added, sticking her tongue out and giggling for effect.
"But what is your name? You have a name, don't you?"
The girl paused for the first time, and seemed to be in a split second of deep thought. "No…" She started slowly and began blushing slightly, as if what she was about to say was some embarrassing consequence of something she had done. "I don't think I have a name…for you see…I don't think I've been alive very long, My Lady."
"Well, what did Diamond call you?"
"He mainly referred to me as 'You, there.' Would that possibly be my name?"
Usagi practically choked.
"He didn't give you a decent name!?" She started to feel the heat of anger rise within her once again, but quickly calmed her raging nerves.
"Figures," She scoffed. "Leave it to the Prince of Idiots to not even give some cute little kid her own name. Geez, what a jackass." Sailor Moon paused for a moment, contemplating as to what might be a good name for this child to take on. 'She needs something that helps describe her…but it has to be cute!' Usagi's brow crinkled in reflection. 'Hmmm…you know what? She reminds me of the Cherry Blossom petals that fall like snow during the festival at home…That's it!!'
Eagerly, the Silver Moon Princess piped up, "Because you remind me so much of cherry blossoms, why don't I call you just that; Cherry Blossom. Is that alright with you?"
"Anything you pick My Lady, is wonderful for me."
"No, forget what I think. My question is 'do you like the name 'Cherry Blossom'? I am not going to name you something you hate. That would be rude and unkind—like that jellyfish no baka, Diamond." Usagi mumbled under breath.
Cherry Blossom grinned widely. "I like it very much, My Lady. But maybe—if it's not too much to ask—could you perhaps call me Cherry-chan for short?"
Laughing happily, for the first time in a long while, Usagi stood, strode over to where Cherry Blossom stood and took her gently by the hands. "It's a deal, Cherry-chan. I'm Usagi, and I'm very pleased to meet you. I hope we become awfully good friends while we're together."
Joining in Usagi's merriment with the sweet, twinkling laughter of her own, Cherry clasped the Princess' hand in her own small, delicate ones and shook them as she jumped up and down with excitement, causing the tiny little bells on her shoes to tinkle joyously. "Me too, My Lady! And I thank you for my name—my first real name!"
"No problem Cherry-chan, but could you do me just one favor?"
Cherry's pink head bobbed up and down anxiously. "Anything, My Lady."
"Do me a favor, and please don't call me that. Since we are going to be friends, I would like you to call me Usagi, like all of my other friends do, okay?"
"But My Lady, his Highness Prince Diamond specifically ordered me not to call you anything but 'My Lady', 'Your Highness', or anything else along those lines." She looked sheepish again. "I am not permitted to call you by your first name. That would be rude and disrespectful of your position."
Diamond again. 'Why does he always seem to come up in practically every conversation I have? Oh—wait, that's right—he only KIDNAPPED ME!!' The voice in the captive girl's mind snapped bitterly as she rolled her crystal blue eyes.
"Look Cherry-chan, I want you to forget what Diamond said, got it? Screw him, you are under my care now. Besides, it's not like my current 'position' is the greatest. And if he dares to even *think* about hurting you in any way, he'll have to take it up with me." Just to make her point clear, Usagi threw a few menacing punches in her free hand with the fist she had clenched in aggravation. 'Although I'm more worried about what he would do to me if he got me alone again rather than what I could ever do to him.' She gulped nervously and turned red as some rather bawdy visions ran thru her mind's eye. Cherry-chan didn't seem to notice though, as the little blossom fairy took a timid step back from Usagi, her stormy rose- colored eyes wide with a strange mixture of fascination…and fear.
"Ms. Usagi. Got it."
"Ms. Usagi?" The Golden Haired girl sighed loudly. "Well, it's close enough, I guess…Oh! And let's keep everything we talk about a secret, all right? The last thing I need is Prince Diamond using something I said during a girl's talk against me."
Deep, ice-like laughter rang from the shadows.
"Now there's an ingenious idea! Using your own words against you for my own fiendish plans! How very unique, My Love."
Little Cherry Blossom gasped as she flew down on bended knee. "Your Highness! I—uh—was introducing myself to the Princess, My Lord, just as you asked."
Freezing to her spot, Usagi could vaguely feel a presence as someone step behind her—then, a cool hand gently stroking the small of her exposed back. Sparks flew up and down her backbone as the feathery soft caresses ceased, and the hand moved further up spine, leaving a trail of chills and tingles as the went. 'Oh no…'
Finally snapping out of her trance, the Moon Princess swung around and landed an extremely hard *SMACK* across the Silver Princes' unsuspecting face.
"Don't you *dare* touch me like that--or any other way—ever, *ever* again. Do I make myself clear?" She hissed thru clenched teeth. Diamond just stood there staring at her in complete and utter shock, his hand hovering protectively above the large red-mark upon his face. Then, as quickly as his shock came; it went and his hand dropped, his eyelashes drooping and shadowing the irate gas-flame blue flare that his eyes had taken on. Usagi though, had just barely caught the glint in the Princes' gaze, that glint that made him seem more sinister, mischievous and crazed than ever before. His eyes seemed to whisper something directly into her mind; 'My, my, my…I'm going to have so much fun with you…'
"Crystal clear, my Dear, crystal." Diamond smiled a secretive, wolfish smirk. Turning to Cherry Blossom, he gave her a thin and tiny glare as he commanded sternly, "You are no longer needed here for tonight. Leave us at once…" He paused, flashing a smug glance at Usagi before adding, "Please."
'Do not let Cherry-chan leave!' A voice in the princess' mind seemed to scream a warning as she panicked. 'Don't let him get you by yourself! You crossed the line when you hit him, and now he's planning something…don't let him catch you!'
"NO!"
Usagi appeared as astounded as both Diamond and Cherry Blossom looked when she realized that she was the person who had just yelled in protest. Her mind went on autopilot as she continued.
"Uh—no, Cherry-chan, I request that you remain here for the next few evenings, I still need you to help me—uh—redecorate! Yeah, that's it! Redecorate!"
"Redecorate, my beautiful goddess?" the Silver Prince questioned mockingly. "I'm afraid that I must disagree with you—for you see—this is my palace and no renovations of any sort will be arranged without my consent. Besides, my love, it is rather late to be starting such a strenuous project, is it not?"
"No—it's never too late to set up a good, long, time consuming task, is it Cherry-chan?" Usagi looked at Cherry with pleading eyes. Poor little Ms. Blossom however, was torn between the two people she had no choice but to obey, and she was very flustered.
"I—uh, guess, Ms. Usagi…" She stammered as her perplexed stare toggled back and forth from Prince Diamond, to Princess Serenity, and back again. Diamond was beginning to lose his control over his temper, because he noticed that he was losing the footing for his intentions—whatever those were. With a swish of his dark, velvety cape, he was beside Cherry-chan, looking down upon her disapprovingly as he prepared to finish this little power struggle, for good.
"Ms. Cherry, we do not require your assistance any longer, and you will leave my presence and that of the princess immediately." He hissed thru clenched teeth. "I brought you into existence, and—believe me—I have no qualms in regards to taking you out. Is that understood?"
The little pink child quivered like a flower petal in the strong breezes of the spring, her rosy eyes clouded with a great fear. "Yes, My Lord." She whispered, passing a pleading look to the Soldier of the Moon that simply said 'Please forgive me…I want to help but I can't…I just can't.'
Usagi knew defeat when it loomed over her like a dark shadow. With a grim smile, she gathered her courage and spoke. "It is alright, Cherry-chan. You may leave if you must…I…I understand." Usagi cursed silently when she noticed that her voice was shaking terribly, and she cursed even more while watching out of the corner of her eye as Diamond seemed to enjoyed he fear she exuded—it was like he was devouring it as some sort of delicacy. The princess watched in a mixture of fear and defeat as Cherry Blossom managed a sympathetic smile, finally stepping back into the shadows…vanishing. 'Now it's time to face the tiger…' she thought stiffly.
Turning his attention to his captive beauty, Diamond licked his pale lips whilst they slowly and seductively curled into a sinister, famished smirk. His azure eyes flashed dangerously as he spoke in his one if his most stunning elementally elegant and fluid tones.
"And now to deal with you…"
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Finis Chapter Quatre
A/N: YAY!! WHOO HOO! I am so happy! Why? Because one of my favorite authors on Fanfiction.net left two, count 'em, TWO reviews for me! The author I'm speaking of is the very talented Ms. Michelle, a.k.a. LotornoMiko! Everyone, if you like my story, you will LOVE hers, so please go read them! Thank you Ms. Michelle for everything, and this chapter and the next are dedicated to you, with lots of Usagi/Diamond scenes at your request (especially in chapter 5!). ^-^ To the rest of my faithful readers, thank you soooo much! I already have the next chapter ready, but I'm going to wait until I get at least 15 reviews to put it up! Chapter 5 is fairly entertaining too, has some steamy bits in it—so get reviewing!
Btw, I hope you like Cherry-chan. Isn't she cute? I decided to put her in my story after I had a dream about her character. Divine intervention? Maybe, but most likely not. A girl can dream though, can't she? (no pun intended, honestly) And I hope you all like the little bits in the beginning w/ me and my bishounen muses. I just did it for some fun. ^^
Thanks much again, and chapter 5 will be up as soon as I get my reviews. Me? Evil? Of course! OH HOHOHOHOHO OH HOHO! ( The Naga the Serpent/Kodachi the Black Rose/Tira and Chocolat Misu Laugh! Gotta love it!)
*~*Lady Eternal Cosmos Illusion*~*