1 AN: I am not going to talk too much, but I wanted to say a few things.
One, I SO DID NOT write that guestbook entry that Jessica thinks I did.
Two, as a author, I need to know when my works are no good. So, I am (I
know again…) redoing the chapters. I will leave them posted, but I will be
constantly fixing them as I go. I'm sorry if this isn't very handy but I'm
really tired right now and I just want to finish chapter four. Three,
chapter four will probably take a while to get out. While chapter three
came almost immediately after chapter two, chapter four will be a while. It
will most likely be out in a three weeks or less. *sighs* I know that's a
long time, but I can't help it, I have to redo some of the chapters you
know! This is the most recent corrected chapter. I don't know if I'll leave
it like this either, but I hope this is good enough. If you catch a flaw in
the plot or anything, please post it in a review and I'll fix it and repost
it. I'm getting really exhausted of reposting stories, but what can you do.
*smiles* Please enjoy chapter two…again for some of you.
2
3 "Unjust Seduction :: Hidden and Restrained Feelings"
4 By: Kon Gyousano
Mars ran. She ran as fast as she could, there was no way she was going to let that…thing get to her. But, she knew in her heart that eventually he would. Most people would have viewed her at the moment as a blur of raven hair and sailor senshi fuku, but of course, he didn't. He viewed her as a challenge, something to catch and make accept him. She didn't know weather she hated him or loved him. It was all so hazed over…and he didn't know weather he loved her or wanted her. It was just as foggy in his mind. Rei could only guess, but her psychic powers helped her get a vague idea of what he wanted.
Glancing around, she found what she had been fleeing to, a sanctuary. Still running, she noticed Jadeite was still following her at a high speed. She rolled her eyes and whipped around to see the marketplace drawing nearer. There was no way he would try anything on her in front of everyone in the kingdom.
Smirking, she dashed into the crowds, snatching different cloths and tossing gold coins over her head as she ran. It was a game, and a fun one at that. Maybe if she were a little nicer to him he would love her…and maybe if she would let her own defenses down she could love him. She slowed her pace to a walk, and pulled a bandana into her hair. She took the other cloth and wrapped it around herself to cover some more of her hair.
Jadeite looked around. Where was his firebird? Had she actually escaped him? No way…looking around he caught sight of a long shining raven mane. Only one person had that color of hair, his little firebird. Smiling, he ran over to her. She had disguised herself well, even he had to admit. She had various cloths around her, one covering half of her hair.
He didn't what possessed him to do it, but he lifted the cloth on her hair. She yelped in surprise, and whirled around to face him. He put on a coy grin and patted the top of her head.
"Come on firebird, you can't run from me. You should know that by now." He drawled looking down into her fiery violet eyes. At the moment they were blazing, and he could almost see a plan forming in them to dodge him. Mars was silent for a moment, and that could only mean one thing, she was planning a getaway.
"Please don't run…I won't hurt you." Coming out of her reverie she looked up at him. Could he really be saying that he wasn't the lustful general she thought he was? A stray blond bang fell into his face and she clenched her fists resisting the urge to brush it away. He tilted his head to the side, giving her an inquisitive glance and another bang promptly fell into his face. She sighed resignedly and reached up to brush the offensive hairs away. She never got to.
Grabbing her wrist before it reached his face, the bright-eyed general of earth kissed her hand and sent shivers down her spine. Pulling away from her hand he started towards the market place fountain, princess of mars in tow. She looked at him curiously, having no idea what he was going to do.
Suddenly, he reached down and scooped her up. Squealing she swiftly reached up for support and linked arms around his neck in a death grip. She suddenly realized he had one hand behind her head and one below her knees. Ignoring the warm wave that her arm was connected to, she let go. She liked him, but he still wasn't worth her reputation, yet. A wicked grin crossed his face and her eyes widened as she figured out what he was planning to do. She flailed her arms out trying to get a grip on his shirt but it was too late. Shrieking, he tossed his love into the deep fountain, careful not to throw her hard enough for her to reach the bottom.
Thinking as fast as she could, Mars reached out to grab his shirt or neck or anything to hold her up before she was thrown into the water. Realizing she was already inches away from him, she screamed knowing her fate. She landed with a dull thunk in the cold water. She jumped up and then shrank back noticing that her senshi fuku was clinging to her like a parasite. The cold water was Mercury's area, she herself hated it.
Remembering her white shirt she suddenly got a mental image of what she must look like to him right now. A soaking Mars princess in the middle of the market with a smug looking general. So much for reputation. Getting up angrily she flicked up a very rude finger and jumped out of the fountain, knowing that her short skirt must have been giving everyone around her quite a view.
Her mind was too fuzzy to think though, so she ran. Her long hair and drenched state made the wind seem a lot colder but she ignored it. She would have her revenge, but now she had to think of what to do to him for it. Pushing the annoying buzzing to the side of her mind, she decided that Jadeite needed to be publicly humiliated just like her. Smirking she planned how she would get him back even more then he had embarrassed her.
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Mercury was tired, and she well deserved a break. No, that was an understatement. She was exhausted.
Stretching, she let out a cat-like yawn. She had been working on royal proclamations all day. Would Queen Serenity and the princess like to go to Indonesia for a royal gathering between its rulers and some of Australia's royal ambassadors? Or would they go to the Neptunian Empire for a visit between old friends? Well, that answer was easy. The blue-haired princess shredded the first envelope and stamped the second one. Picking up several letters, five large books, and placing her few brought possessions on the floor, she started to organize. Setting all the torn and crumpled papers in the trashcan to her left, she looked at the desk.
Two small brochures sat lazily at the edge, and twelve foreign language books were laid beside more unopened envelops. A small plain penholder sat at the right corner of the desk holding mainly feathers and a small inkbottle was dumped beside it. Mercury sighed, why did the moon kingdom still use those things? They were so dirty, she would have to design a safe efficient way of writing without spilling black liquid all over her desks, but later. She reached down and lifted the large stack of papers. Frowning at some of the ancient titles, she looked back at the desk, and gasped.
The penholder was gone, and had been replaced with another with a more decorative flowery pattern on it. It had been filled with the strangest little things, they were mostly yellow and beige, and at the top they had little black points. Knowing from experience that touching strange things was not the way to go, Mercury took out her scanner and looked them over. They had no negative energy, and seemed to be harmless unless they were positioned at the wrong angle and you had your hand there. These were made of wood, and lined with white gold. In the center, one eighth of the things, were lead. Smiling, she reached out carefully and with one delicate hand picked up one. It was light, and at the end where the gold lining was, a large pink stub stuck out.
Putting her scanner away she picked up a piece of the leftover paper and placed the object of interest's point on it. She lifted it to see a small gray dot in the place the point had been. She frowned and put it down again this time pulling it along the length of the paper. Grinning as she realized they were writing utensils, she put the other end down and ran over the line in the opposite direction. The line seemed to smear a little.
She frowned and rubbed the pink end back and forth over the line. After several lengths that portion of the line was gone. She would have to find out what these things were called later.
Remembering that things didn't just pop up she looked around for whoever had put the penholder there.
"Hello? Who's there!" Hearing a rustling in the stack of papers behind her she stiffened startled. Jumping around she sighed in relief "Oh…Zoi, you scared me half to death!" She playfully swatted his arm.
A man with long auburn hair tied in a messy ponytail and smoky green eyes towered above her. But, amazingly Mercury didn't feel the least bit threatened by this man, even though his obvious muscles were clearly visible under a small gold armor. Smiling up at the man, she couldn't help but notice his fit shape. Her bell-like voice spoke up to break the perfect atmosphere as she realized why she was getting up.
"Did you leave the penholder there?" She grinned up at her lover to make sure he didn't feel threatened.
"Yes." His deep voice was smiling as it bounced off her offices walls.
"I love it! Thank you so much!" Forgetting all manners the future queen of Mercury rushed up to the unprotected general and embraced him in a bear hug.
Sputtering for a moment, he finally found his breath and hugged the blue-eyed princess back. "You're welcome." He smirked as she grip on him tightened.
Without looking up at the green-eyed general, Mercury whispered, "I love you." It was a statement, and it had a finality to it that was not to be argued with. She smiled into his shirt even though she knew he couldn't see her.
"I love you too, waterlily," He said into her hair. This was a time when he cursed their height differences or he would have the perfect opportunity to kiss her. Kingdom laws be damned, he wanted to kiss this girl right now! Abruptly she pulled away from him. "What is it?" He sounded a bit gruffer than he had meant to and immediately cursed himself for his haste in asking her why she had backed up. She was always too soft and trusting.
"I'm going down to the palace game room for a while to relax, maybe play a game of chess or two with some handsome guys I can find in there... Care to join me, maybe play a little?" She knew it was not a question more of an order, and he knew it as well. She was giving a million dollar smile outside and a triumphant one inside. She knew he loved chess just as much if not more then her. It was a no lose situation, her and chess.
"Of course I'll accompany you. I've had a long day too, waterlily," He reached over and took her hand as they walked down to the game hall, without her objections to his use of his now common nickname for her.
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Jupiter sat mindlessly brushing her walnut hair. It was down today, but not for long. Down hair was only for fancy occasions like parties or balls. Today was her lazy day and she was going to do what she wanted do. She had no princess to protect toady, Serenity was out with Endymion. That was why she got to fight today.
And fighting meant three things.
One, she got to see Nephrite. Oh he was so dreamy with his chestnut hair and deep blue eyes that always pulled her in, and that tall stature…She cut herself off. No, I'm going to spar with him today. I won't list his good traits, only think of his weaknesses.
Two, she got to show off. She knew it sounded it a little snobbish, but she was a good fighter. Actually the best in the Moon Kingdom to be exact. Only one person to ever visit the palace had actually beaten her in a fight. And again, it was Nephrite.
Three, she got to fight. Fighting, cooking, and cleaning where her ways to keep her mind off things. Lately she had been too concerned with the well being of the kingdom to worry about her. But today wads her break, and she was not going to waste it indoors.
She pulled her hair up into its usual ponytail and picked up two ornate green balls connected to each other with a thick rubber band. She held her hair in place with one hand and pulled the rubber band around it with the other, twisting it and then pulling her long hair through again.
Finally her ponytail was done and she got up to head down to the coliseum.
Nephrite sighed and absentmindedly ran a hand through his chocolate hair and gave the fit soldier he was training a bemused smile. "You need to work on your form, but you're strategy of defense and less offense it very wise. You should work," He paused and dodged a small punch from the now fully recovered fighter. "On finding your opponents weaknesses." He jumped up and landed a semi-hard kick on the soldiers back. Landing with a loud thud Nephrite took it as a break point.
Looking up at the door, he saw just the face he had wanted to see. "Taking a day off love?" Jupiter smiled at the remark even though she tried to hide it. Letting a small wave of annoyance help fuel her fighting spirit at his nonchalant remark. Did he want her to be killed? Sometimes she wondered. Glancing around she caught sight of the man who had called to her, and walked up to him, sizing him up.
Today he had large bags under his eyes, but he amazingly hadn't broken a sweat yet. That was the way to play it, save up your strength for the enemies that might actually pose a threat to your reputation. She liked fighting him, even if she lost a lot. That was going hard on her though, he lost more or less just as much as her. But who was keeping track? She snapped out of her reverie as he crossed his arms in front of her. "Yes actually I am." She gave him a lopsided smirk at his half-amused expression, and struck a battle pose. "But, I want a fight. And a good one at that."
She had parted her feet just a little and bent down a little to give her a definite balance and held out her two fists, one in front of the other making her look very fierce and opposing. His grin widened and he saw she wasn't going to make the first move. "Very nice stature. A good battle you'll get, and I won't hold back just because I like you and you're a princess." Oblivious to the crowd gathering around them, the started circling each other like a pair of carnivorous animals, trying to decide which one would make the first move.
Jupiter decided to stop the awkward silence and the endless prowling and lunged forward fist coming down and then other fist following. The first few punches were dodged, but when she threw a very low kick at him while also sending a distracting punch, she struck gold. Falling onto his back, she saw her chance and pinned him down with her foot.
His grin widened as he reached up and grabbed her foot. How could she have been so careless? The pain she felt when she landed hard on her bottom was her idea of a punishment for her careless actions. She threw her entire body weight to her feet and jumped up, landing steadily on her feet. She took up offense again, this time adding high kicks along with low.
Nephrite noticed a small sweat was starting to break across her forehead that meant he was wearing her down. He smiled and caught her fist halfway to his chest and then her other fist, midway to his face. He squeezed down, but not hard enough to leave any permanent damage. He was rewarded when her face scrunched up meaning that she didn't want to show her pain to him, but was being forced to. He threw her down forcefully and when she only got up elbow he declared the fight over. The crowd of watchers had grown into a large semi circle a good distance away from them.
Jupiter grinned; she had gotten the fight she wanted. She held up her hand, and he reached down and started to lift her up when she pulled him down on top of her. Blinking owlishly for a moment, Nephrite finally realized what position he was in and saw the blush he would have been wearing if he weren't such a manly man on his love's face. "Meet me tonight at the field of Eros…okay my thunderdragon?" He liked his new pet name for her, even if she didn't.
But, much to his relief, her blush deepened and she mumbled a hushed "Of course" into her own shirt. He smiled openly, pulling himself off of the princess. She had things to do, and he couldn't keep her from them. Besides, he had to ready himself for tonight…
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Venus stood by her window, gazing at the slowly sinking sun. It cast an exquisite orange glow over the land, stretching across everything it could touch. Its farthest ray's landed on Venus, turning her usually pale blond hair a dazzling orange.
She sighed, why did time always slow down when you wanted it to speed up, and go faster when you wanted to savor it? She brushed a stray bang out of her face, and stepped away from her window and out to the balcony. Only one minute to go…he should be here by now! She took deep breaths and waited. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she saw a shadowed figure below her balcony.
Suddenly, the figure vanished, and she spun around on her heels, only to find herself nose to nose with that very figure. "H-Hi." She could feel his warm breath on her face, and she had the distinct feeling that if she didn't do something and soon, she was going to be in over her head. She slow backed away and bumped into the ledge of the balcony. She reached behind her and squeezed the edge of the banister. She tilted her head up to get a good view of Malachite. He looked like he had been getting ready for the party tonight early. Oh bless Queen Serenity and her love for parties, it made her man just that much more handsome.
"Hello princess." His deep voice was a little weary from teleporting up to her room.
She smiled mischievously and jumped off the balcony. She knew that her senshi reflexes would save her from the five-story fall, but she knew that Mal didn't know that. She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the air whip around her, and then two warm arms wrapped around her middle. She glanced up to see a pair of annoyed navy eyes looking down at her.
The ground came all the too fast, and since she was being carried over his shoulders now, she had no fear of being hurt. She pounded her fists into the back of his armor, purposely not too hard. "Let me down! Let me go!" She pounded, while he got an evil glint in his eyes. He started walking with her over his shoulders towards the castle. Screeching, Venus got an idea. "Venus Crystal Power, Make UP!" Her body was incased in a warm transparent glow as she spun around, feeling the magic of the transformation wash over. Millions of small stars burst from the ground spiraling around her, and it was these that blinding the general and gave her the perfect chance for escape. Running as fast as her senshi powers would let her, she bounded into the nearest city. Mal groaned as he realized what she wanted him to do.
Looking around, she saw some tall buildings to make her escape, and leaped up, half glancing to see him on her tail. He looked really angry from a distance. She looked ahead and saw an at least thirty-story building. She took a deep breath, gathered her confidence, and jumped. She smiled when she jumped a few feet above the ground to the building.
Malachite watched as she jumped up a huge building. That was reckless even for her. He shrugged his shoulders and leapt up after her. He reached the top fairly easily, and looked around at the surrounding buildings. She was nowhere to be found. There was a door in front of him though, and the lock had the distinct impression of a heart molded into it. Grinning, he ran through the open door, and saw Sailor Venus a few flights below him. Seizing his opportunity, he jumped over the railing and slid down to where she was. She gasped and ran through the nearest door, into an almost empty office room. Much to his dismay the elevator in front of them was closing really fast and she could easily make it but he didn't know if he could squeeze through. Several people rushed out of it, seeing the blurred figures approaching.
Sailor Venus lunged into the elevator and clicks the close button as fast as she could. In a swift motion, the general of earth threw all his strength into one leap and made it into the elevator. This didn't accomplish much, but he got in the lift nonetheless. But, all ups have downs, and Sailor Venus got both. Good thing was that Malachite was plastered along her length. Or was that the bad? Maybe it was both.
Breathing heavily the silver-haired general spoke. "Enough. We better get to the palace before the ball or the Queen will have my head for making you late." Venus giggled. She squirmed under him, trying to get a little distance between them.
"You're not getting away that easily though." The elevator had started its slow departure to the first floor. He put his hands on either side of her head. She looked up at him, with barely concealed worry in her eyes.
"Mars is the only one of us to do that…Please don-" Her breathing quickened as he leaned over and shushed her with his lips. First she stiffened under him, but then she decided to make the better of their twenty-two more floors and gave into the electricity shooting through her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he slowly let his slide from pinning her to around her waist. Only one thing could break them out of their current situation. "Ding" After at least five minutes of lip locking, the elevator came to a halt. Both abruptly pulled away from each other simultaneously.
Malachite straightened his pale blue suit, and ran a hand through his hair, careful to be at the opposite end of the elevator from his love. He couldn't trust himself not to do something foolish.
Sailor Venus silently detransformed into her princess gown, and straightened her hair bow just to make sure nobody noticed. The doors sure were taking their time in opening. "Tonight, beautiful dove, I'll pay your room a visit. It has been ages since I've been there." He grinned wickedly as her eyes widened, but she had no chance to counter it with an excuse as the doors pulled apart at that very moment. She gave a feeble nod of her head and stepped out of the lift and concentrated on teleporting back to her room.
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Queen Beryl looked at the child before her. This boy could not have been more then six, just old enough for him to fight her. She glanced a Metalia again. "Why must I kill him?" Her voice came out a little weaker then she had intended. She looked down at the frightened eyes of the boy and made up her mind as to how to kill him if she had to.
"To prove you're loyalty to me before you and Onyx fight. It's a warm up, so you don't waste your want for death to come off on King Onyx." She hissed.
"Fine, fine, let's get this over with. She took the petrified child's chin in her hand, and just to be nice, gave him a quick death. Squeezing hard enough to break concrete, she kept her hand on the boys chin, careful not to let her nails get dirty. She heard a small 'urk' after a moment, which meant, her job was done.
Letting the boy's limp body drop to the floor, she looked back a Queen Metalia. "Now let's go." She didn't dare to look back. This was Metalia's way of keeping Beryl in her place and she knew it. She headed down the dark chambers that lead to the battlegrounds.
She reached them, and saw her opponent sulking in those shadows he was so obsessed with. She had never battled Onyx before, she had fought Metalia, but of course she lost every time to Metalia's mind control, but fighting Onyx would be interesting.
She rolled her eyes and put up a fighting stance. "Come on, hurry up. I have places to go, things to do, people to kill." Her red eyes glowed dangerously as she eyed her next victim.
Onyx watched, bemused, at beryl's battle pose and speech. He stepped out of the shadows, letting his black hair cascade over his shoulders. He was the King of Darkness, and would not be defeated by this frail little redhead.
He held out his hand, where a black orb formed. Holding the now pulsing globe above his head, he let all the shadows behind him blend with the sphere and make the ultimate cover, total blackness. He started chanting, letting his hands come down in front of him and the orb float above his head. Beryl was watching with half interest. A red glow started to shine in his hands. His chanting grew louder and more urgent.
"De no isno tkuo rein wikumo y orkno. De no isno tkuo rein wikumo y orkno." He knew his words came out in the ancient language of Sumerian, but he knew what they meant in his language anyway.
"Come out dagger of blood and darkness. Come out dagger of blood and darkness." He looked at his hands where a gleaming silver blade was now, covered in the blood of his last opponent. Beryl had obviously seen this weapon, and closed her flaming eyes for a moment, and a huge spear of black crystal came to her hands. Neither knew it, but Metalia was deciding which one of them would lead the war by the victor of this battle.
Beryl noticed a small ivy patch beside her. She started chanting in Sumerian as well. The language of darkness was quite commonly used in the Negaverse. "De no hrio karna y rempo geriam." She didn't need to repeat her order. The poison plant beside her came out and built an indestructible shield around her. She held out her hand and the ivy quivered at her command. It flickered and formed an invisible shield in front of her.
Deciding she didn't want to waste any more time, she sighed and took out a large black weapon. Metalia shrank back, now fully realizing the extent to which Beryl's powers went. Holding the gun propped on her shoulder like a gem, she fired it, sending a large blast of black energy straight into the darkness that concealed Onyx. He gave a scream of outrage, meaning that it had hit its intended target. The darkness faded after a moment, revealing a shaking Onyx on the ground. His breathing was labored, and the sphere above him was apparently the only thing holding him in consciousness at the moment.
Beryl gave a sadistic grin as she realized she had won, and pointed a single red talon at him, he was lifted off the ground, and she carefully placed him next to Metalia. He was only movable when he was unconscious or on the verge of it. Beryl patted the gun on her shoulder like it was a long lost treasure then sighed. She clicked her fingers with her free hand sending the weapon back to the endless void that was it's home.
Metalia talked about only one thing at the end of the brawl. "Where did you find that?" Beryl smiled wickedly as she realized that Metalia wanted something she had. She thought about what this could do for her, and decided it couldn't do anything and told her.
"It was on Azuma. I was visiting an old…" she paused not knowing if Metalia would kill her or not to have friends. "Acquaintance of mine and they told me of the challenge of that planet. It holds the true power of death, and I went through the tasks. They were fairly simple, and as a reward for my efforts, this lovely 'soul gun' appeared. After several trial runs, I found that it destroys-" Metalia waved her hand in the air signaling that she already knew what it did.
"And why was I not informed of this little gift?" She spat her underling. "It wasn't even in your mind! How did you hide it from me?"
"You are not the only person with mind control. My old acquaintance has the power now to intensify anyone's powers tenfold and they did so with me as a gift. That's why when I came back I could easily block whatever I wanted from you. The effects are wearing off though, and I think I need to go see them again…" She trailed off looking at Metalia expectantly. Metalia however said nothing, but turned on her heal with a floating Onyx lying unconscious behind her and walked defiantly down the hallway.
"That witch, never could be defeated could she. Always had to be first place." Beryl rolled her eyes and teleported to her chamber, resuming her crystal ball gazing. "WHAT! I was only gone a little bit! There's no way he got that far in such a little time! No WAY!" She shrieked tossing the huge black crystal she still held at the far wall where it shattered into billions of tiny fragments flying around the room.
She glared down at the princess of the moon, furious. She was fuming at the moment, and she intended to show it, one way or another.
A voice spoke from behind her. "Not yet. You will get your revenge, but right now we have more important issues at stake. We must assemble an army."
2
3 "Unjust Seduction :: Hidden and Restrained Feelings"
4 By: Kon Gyousano
Mars ran. She ran as fast as she could, there was no way she was going to let that…thing get to her. But, she knew in her heart that eventually he would. Most people would have viewed her at the moment as a blur of raven hair and sailor senshi fuku, but of course, he didn't. He viewed her as a challenge, something to catch and make accept him. She didn't know weather she hated him or loved him. It was all so hazed over…and he didn't know weather he loved her or wanted her. It was just as foggy in his mind. Rei could only guess, but her psychic powers helped her get a vague idea of what he wanted.
Glancing around, she found what she had been fleeing to, a sanctuary. Still running, she noticed Jadeite was still following her at a high speed. She rolled her eyes and whipped around to see the marketplace drawing nearer. There was no way he would try anything on her in front of everyone in the kingdom.
Smirking, she dashed into the crowds, snatching different cloths and tossing gold coins over her head as she ran. It was a game, and a fun one at that. Maybe if she were a little nicer to him he would love her…and maybe if she would let her own defenses down she could love him. She slowed her pace to a walk, and pulled a bandana into her hair. She took the other cloth and wrapped it around herself to cover some more of her hair.
Jadeite looked around. Where was his firebird? Had she actually escaped him? No way…looking around he caught sight of a long shining raven mane. Only one person had that color of hair, his little firebird. Smiling, he ran over to her. She had disguised herself well, even he had to admit. She had various cloths around her, one covering half of her hair.
He didn't what possessed him to do it, but he lifted the cloth on her hair. She yelped in surprise, and whirled around to face him. He put on a coy grin and patted the top of her head.
"Come on firebird, you can't run from me. You should know that by now." He drawled looking down into her fiery violet eyes. At the moment they were blazing, and he could almost see a plan forming in them to dodge him. Mars was silent for a moment, and that could only mean one thing, she was planning a getaway.
"Please don't run…I won't hurt you." Coming out of her reverie she looked up at him. Could he really be saying that he wasn't the lustful general she thought he was? A stray blond bang fell into his face and she clenched her fists resisting the urge to brush it away. He tilted his head to the side, giving her an inquisitive glance and another bang promptly fell into his face. She sighed resignedly and reached up to brush the offensive hairs away. She never got to.
Grabbing her wrist before it reached his face, the bright-eyed general of earth kissed her hand and sent shivers down her spine. Pulling away from her hand he started towards the market place fountain, princess of mars in tow. She looked at him curiously, having no idea what he was going to do.
Suddenly, he reached down and scooped her up. Squealing she swiftly reached up for support and linked arms around his neck in a death grip. She suddenly realized he had one hand behind her head and one below her knees. Ignoring the warm wave that her arm was connected to, she let go. She liked him, but he still wasn't worth her reputation, yet. A wicked grin crossed his face and her eyes widened as she figured out what he was planning to do. She flailed her arms out trying to get a grip on his shirt but it was too late. Shrieking, he tossed his love into the deep fountain, careful not to throw her hard enough for her to reach the bottom.
Thinking as fast as she could, Mars reached out to grab his shirt or neck or anything to hold her up before she was thrown into the water. Realizing she was already inches away from him, she screamed knowing her fate. She landed with a dull thunk in the cold water. She jumped up and then shrank back noticing that her senshi fuku was clinging to her like a parasite. The cold water was Mercury's area, she herself hated it.
Remembering her white shirt she suddenly got a mental image of what she must look like to him right now. A soaking Mars princess in the middle of the market with a smug looking general. So much for reputation. Getting up angrily she flicked up a very rude finger and jumped out of the fountain, knowing that her short skirt must have been giving everyone around her quite a view.
Her mind was too fuzzy to think though, so she ran. Her long hair and drenched state made the wind seem a lot colder but she ignored it. She would have her revenge, but now she had to think of what to do to him for it. Pushing the annoying buzzing to the side of her mind, she decided that Jadeite needed to be publicly humiliated just like her. Smirking she planned how she would get him back even more then he had embarrassed her.
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Mercury was tired, and she well deserved a break. No, that was an understatement. She was exhausted.
Stretching, she let out a cat-like yawn. She had been working on royal proclamations all day. Would Queen Serenity and the princess like to go to Indonesia for a royal gathering between its rulers and some of Australia's royal ambassadors? Or would they go to the Neptunian Empire for a visit between old friends? Well, that answer was easy. The blue-haired princess shredded the first envelope and stamped the second one. Picking up several letters, five large books, and placing her few brought possessions on the floor, she started to organize. Setting all the torn and crumpled papers in the trashcan to her left, she looked at the desk.
Two small brochures sat lazily at the edge, and twelve foreign language books were laid beside more unopened envelops. A small plain penholder sat at the right corner of the desk holding mainly feathers and a small inkbottle was dumped beside it. Mercury sighed, why did the moon kingdom still use those things? They were so dirty, she would have to design a safe efficient way of writing without spilling black liquid all over her desks, but later. She reached down and lifted the large stack of papers. Frowning at some of the ancient titles, she looked back at the desk, and gasped.
The penholder was gone, and had been replaced with another with a more decorative flowery pattern on it. It had been filled with the strangest little things, they were mostly yellow and beige, and at the top they had little black points. Knowing from experience that touching strange things was not the way to go, Mercury took out her scanner and looked them over. They had no negative energy, and seemed to be harmless unless they were positioned at the wrong angle and you had your hand there. These were made of wood, and lined with white gold. In the center, one eighth of the things, were lead. Smiling, she reached out carefully and with one delicate hand picked up one. It was light, and at the end where the gold lining was, a large pink stub stuck out.
Putting her scanner away she picked up a piece of the leftover paper and placed the object of interest's point on it. She lifted it to see a small gray dot in the place the point had been. She frowned and put it down again this time pulling it along the length of the paper. Grinning as she realized they were writing utensils, she put the other end down and ran over the line in the opposite direction. The line seemed to smear a little.
She frowned and rubbed the pink end back and forth over the line. After several lengths that portion of the line was gone. She would have to find out what these things were called later.
Remembering that things didn't just pop up she looked around for whoever had put the penholder there.
"Hello? Who's there!" Hearing a rustling in the stack of papers behind her she stiffened startled. Jumping around she sighed in relief "Oh…Zoi, you scared me half to death!" She playfully swatted his arm.
A man with long auburn hair tied in a messy ponytail and smoky green eyes towered above her. But, amazingly Mercury didn't feel the least bit threatened by this man, even though his obvious muscles were clearly visible under a small gold armor. Smiling up at the man, she couldn't help but notice his fit shape. Her bell-like voice spoke up to break the perfect atmosphere as she realized why she was getting up.
"Did you leave the penholder there?" She grinned up at her lover to make sure he didn't feel threatened.
"Yes." His deep voice was smiling as it bounced off her offices walls.
"I love it! Thank you so much!" Forgetting all manners the future queen of Mercury rushed up to the unprotected general and embraced him in a bear hug.
Sputtering for a moment, he finally found his breath and hugged the blue-eyed princess back. "You're welcome." He smirked as she grip on him tightened.
Without looking up at the green-eyed general, Mercury whispered, "I love you." It was a statement, and it had a finality to it that was not to be argued with. She smiled into his shirt even though she knew he couldn't see her.
"I love you too, waterlily," He said into her hair. This was a time when he cursed their height differences or he would have the perfect opportunity to kiss her. Kingdom laws be damned, he wanted to kiss this girl right now! Abruptly she pulled away from him. "What is it?" He sounded a bit gruffer than he had meant to and immediately cursed himself for his haste in asking her why she had backed up. She was always too soft and trusting.
"I'm going down to the palace game room for a while to relax, maybe play a game of chess or two with some handsome guys I can find in there... Care to join me, maybe play a little?" She knew it was not a question more of an order, and he knew it as well. She was giving a million dollar smile outside and a triumphant one inside. She knew he loved chess just as much if not more then her. It was a no lose situation, her and chess.
"Of course I'll accompany you. I've had a long day too, waterlily," He reached over and took her hand as they walked down to the game hall, without her objections to his use of his now common nickname for her.
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Jupiter sat mindlessly brushing her walnut hair. It was down today, but not for long. Down hair was only for fancy occasions like parties or balls. Today was her lazy day and she was going to do what she wanted do. She had no princess to protect toady, Serenity was out with Endymion. That was why she got to fight today.
And fighting meant three things.
One, she got to see Nephrite. Oh he was so dreamy with his chestnut hair and deep blue eyes that always pulled her in, and that tall stature…She cut herself off. No, I'm going to spar with him today. I won't list his good traits, only think of his weaknesses.
Two, she got to show off. She knew it sounded it a little snobbish, but she was a good fighter. Actually the best in the Moon Kingdom to be exact. Only one person to ever visit the palace had actually beaten her in a fight. And again, it was Nephrite.
Three, she got to fight. Fighting, cooking, and cleaning where her ways to keep her mind off things. Lately she had been too concerned with the well being of the kingdom to worry about her. But today wads her break, and she was not going to waste it indoors.
She pulled her hair up into its usual ponytail and picked up two ornate green balls connected to each other with a thick rubber band. She held her hair in place with one hand and pulled the rubber band around it with the other, twisting it and then pulling her long hair through again.
Finally her ponytail was done and she got up to head down to the coliseum.
Nephrite sighed and absentmindedly ran a hand through his chocolate hair and gave the fit soldier he was training a bemused smile. "You need to work on your form, but you're strategy of defense and less offense it very wise. You should work," He paused and dodged a small punch from the now fully recovered fighter. "On finding your opponents weaknesses." He jumped up and landed a semi-hard kick on the soldiers back. Landing with a loud thud Nephrite took it as a break point.
Looking up at the door, he saw just the face he had wanted to see. "Taking a day off love?" Jupiter smiled at the remark even though she tried to hide it. Letting a small wave of annoyance help fuel her fighting spirit at his nonchalant remark. Did he want her to be killed? Sometimes she wondered. Glancing around she caught sight of the man who had called to her, and walked up to him, sizing him up.
Today he had large bags under his eyes, but he amazingly hadn't broken a sweat yet. That was the way to play it, save up your strength for the enemies that might actually pose a threat to your reputation. She liked fighting him, even if she lost a lot. That was going hard on her though, he lost more or less just as much as her. But who was keeping track? She snapped out of her reverie as he crossed his arms in front of her. "Yes actually I am." She gave him a lopsided smirk at his half-amused expression, and struck a battle pose. "But, I want a fight. And a good one at that."
She had parted her feet just a little and bent down a little to give her a definite balance and held out her two fists, one in front of the other making her look very fierce and opposing. His grin widened and he saw she wasn't going to make the first move. "Very nice stature. A good battle you'll get, and I won't hold back just because I like you and you're a princess." Oblivious to the crowd gathering around them, the started circling each other like a pair of carnivorous animals, trying to decide which one would make the first move.
Jupiter decided to stop the awkward silence and the endless prowling and lunged forward fist coming down and then other fist following. The first few punches were dodged, but when she threw a very low kick at him while also sending a distracting punch, she struck gold. Falling onto his back, she saw her chance and pinned him down with her foot.
His grin widened as he reached up and grabbed her foot. How could she have been so careless? The pain she felt when she landed hard on her bottom was her idea of a punishment for her careless actions. She threw her entire body weight to her feet and jumped up, landing steadily on her feet. She took up offense again, this time adding high kicks along with low.
Nephrite noticed a small sweat was starting to break across her forehead that meant he was wearing her down. He smiled and caught her fist halfway to his chest and then her other fist, midway to his face. He squeezed down, but not hard enough to leave any permanent damage. He was rewarded when her face scrunched up meaning that she didn't want to show her pain to him, but was being forced to. He threw her down forcefully and when she only got up elbow he declared the fight over. The crowd of watchers had grown into a large semi circle a good distance away from them.
Jupiter grinned; she had gotten the fight she wanted. She held up her hand, and he reached down and started to lift her up when she pulled him down on top of her. Blinking owlishly for a moment, Nephrite finally realized what position he was in and saw the blush he would have been wearing if he weren't such a manly man on his love's face. "Meet me tonight at the field of Eros…okay my thunderdragon?" He liked his new pet name for her, even if she didn't.
But, much to his relief, her blush deepened and she mumbled a hushed "Of course" into her own shirt. He smiled openly, pulling himself off of the princess. She had things to do, and he couldn't keep her from them. Besides, he had to ready himself for tonight…
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Venus stood by her window, gazing at the slowly sinking sun. It cast an exquisite orange glow over the land, stretching across everything it could touch. Its farthest ray's landed on Venus, turning her usually pale blond hair a dazzling orange.
She sighed, why did time always slow down when you wanted it to speed up, and go faster when you wanted to savor it? She brushed a stray bang out of her face, and stepped away from her window and out to the balcony. Only one minute to go…he should be here by now! She took deep breaths and waited. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she saw a shadowed figure below her balcony.
Suddenly, the figure vanished, and she spun around on her heels, only to find herself nose to nose with that very figure. "H-Hi." She could feel his warm breath on her face, and she had the distinct feeling that if she didn't do something and soon, she was going to be in over her head. She slow backed away and bumped into the ledge of the balcony. She reached behind her and squeezed the edge of the banister. She tilted her head up to get a good view of Malachite. He looked like he had been getting ready for the party tonight early. Oh bless Queen Serenity and her love for parties, it made her man just that much more handsome.
"Hello princess." His deep voice was a little weary from teleporting up to her room.
She smiled mischievously and jumped off the balcony. She knew that her senshi reflexes would save her from the five-story fall, but she knew that Mal didn't know that. She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the air whip around her, and then two warm arms wrapped around her middle. She glanced up to see a pair of annoyed navy eyes looking down at her.
The ground came all the too fast, and since she was being carried over his shoulders now, she had no fear of being hurt. She pounded her fists into the back of his armor, purposely not too hard. "Let me down! Let me go!" She pounded, while he got an evil glint in his eyes. He started walking with her over his shoulders towards the castle. Screeching, Venus got an idea. "Venus Crystal Power, Make UP!" Her body was incased in a warm transparent glow as she spun around, feeling the magic of the transformation wash over. Millions of small stars burst from the ground spiraling around her, and it was these that blinding the general and gave her the perfect chance for escape. Running as fast as her senshi powers would let her, she bounded into the nearest city. Mal groaned as he realized what she wanted him to do.
Looking around, she saw some tall buildings to make her escape, and leaped up, half glancing to see him on her tail. He looked really angry from a distance. She looked ahead and saw an at least thirty-story building. She took a deep breath, gathered her confidence, and jumped. She smiled when she jumped a few feet above the ground to the building.
Malachite watched as she jumped up a huge building. That was reckless even for her. He shrugged his shoulders and leapt up after her. He reached the top fairly easily, and looked around at the surrounding buildings. She was nowhere to be found. There was a door in front of him though, and the lock had the distinct impression of a heart molded into it. Grinning, he ran through the open door, and saw Sailor Venus a few flights below him. Seizing his opportunity, he jumped over the railing and slid down to where she was. She gasped and ran through the nearest door, into an almost empty office room. Much to his dismay the elevator in front of them was closing really fast and she could easily make it but he didn't know if he could squeeze through. Several people rushed out of it, seeing the blurred figures approaching.
Sailor Venus lunged into the elevator and clicks the close button as fast as she could. In a swift motion, the general of earth threw all his strength into one leap and made it into the elevator. This didn't accomplish much, but he got in the lift nonetheless. But, all ups have downs, and Sailor Venus got both. Good thing was that Malachite was plastered along her length. Or was that the bad? Maybe it was both.
Breathing heavily the silver-haired general spoke. "Enough. We better get to the palace before the ball or the Queen will have my head for making you late." Venus giggled. She squirmed under him, trying to get a little distance between them.
"You're not getting away that easily though." The elevator had started its slow departure to the first floor. He put his hands on either side of her head. She looked up at him, with barely concealed worry in her eyes.
"Mars is the only one of us to do that…Please don-" Her breathing quickened as he leaned over and shushed her with his lips. First she stiffened under him, but then she decided to make the better of their twenty-two more floors and gave into the electricity shooting through her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he slowly let his slide from pinning her to around her waist. Only one thing could break them out of their current situation. "Ding" After at least five minutes of lip locking, the elevator came to a halt. Both abruptly pulled away from each other simultaneously.
Malachite straightened his pale blue suit, and ran a hand through his hair, careful to be at the opposite end of the elevator from his love. He couldn't trust himself not to do something foolish.
Sailor Venus silently detransformed into her princess gown, and straightened her hair bow just to make sure nobody noticed. The doors sure were taking their time in opening. "Tonight, beautiful dove, I'll pay your room a visit. It has been ages since I've been there." He grinned wickedly as her eyes widened, but she had no chance to counter it with an excuse as the doors pulled apart at that very moment. She gave a feeble nod of her head and stepped out of the lift and concentrated on teleporting back to her room.
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Queen Beryl looked at the child before her. This boy could not have been more then six, just old enough for him to fight her. She glanced a Metalia again. "Why must I kill him?" Her voice came out a little weaker then she had intended. She looked down at the frightened eyes of the boy and made up her mind as to how to kill him if she had to.
"To prove you're loyalty to me before you and Onyx fight. It's a warm up, so you don't waste your want for death to come off on King Onyx." She hissed.
"Fine, fine, let's get this over with. She took the petrified child's chin in her hand, and just to be nice, gave him a quick death. Squeezing hard enough to break concrete, she kept her hand on the boys chin, careful not to let her nails get dirty. She heard a small 'urk' after a moment, which meant, her job was done.
Letting the boy's limp body drop to the floor, she looked back a Queen Metalia. "Now let's go." She didn't dare to look back. This was Metalia's way of keeping Beryl in her place and she knew it. She headed down the dark chambers that lead to the battlegrounds.
She reached them, and saw her opponent sulking in those shadows he was so obsessed with. She had never battled Onyx before, she had fought Metalia, but of course she lost every time to Metalia's mind control, but fighting Onyx would be interesting.
She rolled her eyes and put up a fighting stance. "Come on, hurry up. I have places to go, things to do, people to kill." Her red eyes glowed dangerously as she eyed her next victim.
Onyx watched, bemused, at beryl's battle pose and speech. He stepped out of the shadows, letting his black hair cascade over his shoulders. He was the King of Darkness, and would not be defeated by this frail little redhead.
He held out his hand, where a black orb formed. Holding the now pulsing globe above his head, he let all the shadows behind him blend with the sphere and make the ultimate cover, total blackness. He started chanting, letting his hands come down in front of him and the orb float above his head. Beryl was watching with half interest. A red glow started to shine in his hands. His chanting grew louder and more urgent.
"De no isno tkuo rein wikumo y orkno. De no isno tkuo rein wikumo y orkno." He knew his words came out in the ancient language of Sumerian, but he knew what they meant in his language anyway.
"Come out dagger of blood and darkness. Come out dagger of blood and darkness." He looked at his hands where a gleaming silver blade was now, covered in the blood of his last opponent. Beryl had obviously seen this weapon, and closed her flaming eyes for a moment, and a huge spear of black crystal came to her hands. Neither knew it, but Metalia was deciding which one of them would lead the war by the victor of this battle.
Beryl noticed a small ivy patch beside her. She started chanting in Sumerian as well. The language of darkness was quite commonly used in the Negaverse. "De no hrio karna y rempo geriam." She didn't need to repeat her order. The poison plant beside her came out and built an indestructible shield around her. She held out her hand and the ivy quivered at her command. It flickered and formed an invisible shield in front of her.
Deciding she didn't want to waste any more time, she sighed and took out a large black weapon. Metalia shrank back, now fully realizing the extent to which Beryl's powers went. Holding the gun propped on her shoulder like a gem, she fired it, sending a large blast of black energy straight into the darkness that concealed Onyx. He gave a scream of outrage, meaning that it had hit its intended target. The darkness faded after a moment, revealing a shaking Onyx on the ground. His breathing was labored, and the sphere above him was apparently the only thing holding him in consciousness at the moment.
Beryl gave a sadistic grin as she realized she had won, and pointed a single red talon at him, he was lifted off the ground, and she carefully placed him next to Metalia. He was only movable when he was unconscious or on the verge of it. Beryl patted the gun on her shoulder like it was a long lost treasure then sighed. She clicked her fingers with her free hand sending the weapon back to the endless void that was it's home.
Metalia talked about only one thing at the end of the brawl. "Where did you find that?" Beryl smiled wickedly as she realized that Metalia wanted something she had. She thought about what this could do for her, and decided it couldn't do anything and told her.
"It was on Azuma. I was visiting an old…" she paused not knowing if Metalia would kill her or not to have friends. "Acquaintance of mine and they told me of the challenge of that planet. It holds the true power of death, and I went through the tasks. They were fairly simple, and as a reward for my efforts, this lovely 'soul gun' appeared. After several trial runs, I found that it destroys-" Metalia waved her hand in the air signaling that she already knew what it did.
"And why was I not informed of this little gift?" She spat her underling. "It wasn't even in your mind! How did you hide it from me?"
"You are not the only person with mind control. My old acquaintance has the power now to intensify anyone's powers tenfold and they did so with me as a gift. That's why when I came back I could easily block whatever I wanted from you. The effects are wearing off though, and I think I need to go see them again…" She trailed off looking at Metalia expectantly. Metalia however said nothing, but turned on her heal with a floating Onyx lying unconscious behind her and walked defiantly down the hallway.
"That witch, never could be defeated could she. Always had to be first place." Beryl rolled her eyes and teleported to her chamber, resuming her crystal ball gazing. "WHAT! I was only gone a little bit! There's no way he got that far in such a little time! No WAY!" She shrieked tossing the huge black crystal she still held at the far wall where it shattered into billions of tiny fragments flying around the room.
She glared down at the princess of the moon, furious. She was fuming at the moment, and she intended to show it, one way or another.
A voice spoke from behind her. "Not yet. You will get your revenge, but right now we have more important issues at stake. We must assemble an army."