Empire of the Dark Ami
by amiwakawaiidesu
(Based on characters and situations from "Sailor Moon", created by Naoko Takeuchi and not owned by myself.
In answer to a question from Kaiya, Sailormercury did leave her minicomputer behind, but Luna gave her Kuroiami's old minicomputer as a replacement; I'm glad you mentioned that, since it helped me think of a way into the conversation at the palace luncheon in this chapter.)
-------
CHAPTER TWELVE
For Sailormercury, approaching Hoshi before the Moon Palace was torture. Would Hoshi remember their last meeting? Would Kuroiami have told him the truth about his birth? Or would Hoshi merely see Sailormercury as a stranger?
And what's going on between him and Saturn?...
In the event, Hoshi was neither especially cold nor familiar; as Sailormercury climbed the steps of the palace with Luna and her fellow Senshi--Sailormoon, the Outer Senshi, Queen Galaxia, SailorChi and SailorPhi--Hoshi caught her eye and bowed politely. Sailormercury's heart fluttered, but what did the gesture mean?
At the moment, Sailormercury couldn't afford to ponder the question; as the Senshi entered the grand ballroom of the palace, they came into the presence of Queen Kuroiami herself, and it was all Sailormercury could manage just to keep from shaking. Kuroiami was virtually her twin physically; they had the same face, the same hair, the same figure. But to Sailormercury, Kuroiami was the essence of wickedness; everything about her spoke of it--from her casual disdain for human life, to her exploitation of her friends, to her flaunting of common decency.
Honestly, Ami thought, frowning at Kuroiami's black dress; her breasts are practically spilling out of that gown!
*"Ami-chan,"* Sailormoon whispered, *"she looks just like you!"*
*"She looks nothing like me!"* Sailormercury whispered back.
Kuroiami, meanwhile, was focusing her attention on Queen Galaxia, bowing before the sovereign deferentially.
"Your Majesty," Kuroiami said; "you honor us with your presence."
"It was the least I could do," Galaxia said; "I would have delayed longer--in light of your recent maternity--but I was given to understand you're feeling better now."
"Maternity?" Sailormercury said. "What maternity?"
"Oh, didn't you know?" Kuroiami replied. "I gave birth to Hoshi two days ago."
*"I knew she looked awfully busty,"* Sailormoon whispered.
"How wonderful!" Galaxia said. "Is the child here on the Moon?"
"Oh, he's right here," Kuroiami said, gliding across the floor to stand next to Hoshi, who in turn was standing next to Jadeite, Nephrite, Zoisite and Kunzite. "Isn't he just precious?"
"He seems rather...large. Is that normal in this solar system?"
"No, he had the benefit of magic."
"Does the young man have a father...?" SailorChi said.
"...or was he conceived by magic as well?" SailorPhi added.
"No, it wasn't magic," Kuroiami said, glancing at the generals. "These gentlemen are Hoshi's father."
*"I do believe I'm going to vomit,"* Sailormercury muttered.
*"Be strong,"* Sailorsaturn said, putting a hand on Sailormercury's shoulder.
"That's all fine," Sailoruranus said impatiently, "but why have you asked us here, Kuroiami?"
"I mean you no harm," Kuroiami replied, "if that's what you're asking. I suspect Her Majesty Galaxia may have already told you, but I invited her here to intercede in our conflict. Insofar as you are party to the conflict, I thought it only reasonable that you should be here as well."
"Wait just a minute," Sailorsaturn said, pointing the Silence Glaive at Kuroiami. "What gives *you* the right to speak for Earth, and call upon the queen of the galaxy?"
"My friends," Galaxia said, stepping between Kuroiami and Sailorsaturn, "there is no need for violence; regardless of whether Queen Kuroiami had the right to call me, I am here now and offer my services as a mediator. Will you consent to let me help you arbitrate this matter, and find a settlement agreeable to all?"
Sailormoon nodded her head enthusiastically, before anybody else.
"Sounds sensible to me," she said.
"Quite," Kuroiami said.
"Agreed," Sailorsaturn said, withdrawing her glaive.
"I knew we could come to a civilized understanding," Kuroiami said, with a forced smile. "Before we get down to business, though, I would like to offer the hospitality of the palace to all of my guests. Quarters have been arranged for all of you, and I've taken the liberty of a arranging for a small reception and luncheon in the Grand Hall--if you would be kind enough to join us."
"You might want to freshen up first, though," Hoshi said, glancing at the moon dust covering the Senshi, then turning to the nearby servant youma. "Servants, please show our guests to their quarters."
"Yes, Lord Hoshi," the youma said, moving to escort the guests. Hoshi, though, made a point of personally escorting Sailorsaturn.
"So how was your trip?" Hoshi asked Sailorsaturn. "I hope you didn't have far to walk."
"Just a few kilometers," Sailorsaturn replied. "We would have come straight to the palace, but we didn't trust your mother."
Hoshi smiled.
"Strange. I can't imagine why you'd feel that way."
* * * * *
Freshening up was an easy matter for the Senshi; in the privacy of their quarters, they first transformed out of their Senshi forms, then transformed back and found their fuku automatically cleansed of dirt and dust. Before rejoining the others, though, the Senshi from Earth first met in Sailormoon's room to discuss a few matters of pressing importance.
"I didn't expect Kuroiami to invite us to negotiate," Sailoruranus admitted. "Frankly, I was hoping for a showdown that would settle this once and for all."
"Nonetheless," Sailorpluto said, "it will make a bad impression on Her Majesty if we appear fixed on vengeance--or even worse, disorganized. We must decide what we want, and who will speak for us."
"Uranus is a great leader," Sailormercury said. "I should think she's the natural choice."
"Arigatou," Sailoruranus replied, "but I have no patience for negotiating. Neptune would be better at that."
"But Pluto is older and wiser," Sailorneptune countered.
"Since we recognize the captured Usagi as our princess," Sailorpluto said, "perhaps Eternal Sailormoon would be a better choice. She alone would know what our princess desires for us."
"Me?" Sailormoon said. "Oh, no, I'm no good at this diplomatic stuff...
"But Ami is really bright, and you all seem to trust her. Why not her?"
The Outer Senshi looked at each other and nodded.
"That seems sensible," Sailoruranus said.
"But I don't have any experience as a negotiator..." Sailormercury said quickly. "Perhaps Luna would be a better choice..."
But even Luna agreed with Sailormoon.
"I think you'll do fine, Mercury," Luna said. "And you'll get more respect than a cat would."
"So it's settled then," Sailoruranus said, slapping Sailormercury on the shoulder. "You can represent us."
Sailormercury opened her mouth to speak, but--insofar as Sailoruranus was more-or-less the leader of their little group--she decided not to protest.
"Hai. I'll do my best."
"We still need to decide what we want, though," Sailorsaturn noted. "I imagine most of us would *prefer* Kuroiami's complete annihiliation, but I doubt that Kuroiami would volunteer for that."
"Well," Sailorneptune said, "at the very least, our princess must be returned alive and well."
"And Kuroiami must have no power on Earth," Sailoruranus added.
"Agreed," Sailorpluto said. "Kuroiami must be exiled from the Earth-Moon system--if not from the Solar System altogether."
Sailormercury nodded as the other Senshi spoke, quickly taking out her minicomputer to start taking notes.
* * * * *
Not surprisingly, the reception in the Grand Hall was an awkward affair. Sailormoon and Sailormercury remembered past lives during which they had lived in the Moon Palace of their own world, and it was strange to see the minions of this world's Dark Kingdom setting up house in the same place. And it was worse for the Outer Senshi, who had all they could manage just trying to appear civil. Nonetheless, Galaxia's presence had a mollifying effect; neither the Earth Senshi nor Kuroiami's court wanted to make a bad impression--at least at first.
So, after formal introductions, the two factions broke up into various small groups which basically orbited arounded Galaxia and her escorts. After Sailormercury scanned the saké and champagne and found it safe to drink, the older Outer Senshi helped themselves, but Sailormercury suggested non-alcoholic punch for Sailormoon.
*"I'd stick with the punch,"* Sailormercury recommended, *"unless you want another scene like Mr. Edwards'."*
*"Perhaps you're right,"* Sailormoon replied. *"I did get a little drunk there..."*
Hoshi, meanwhile, was slowly edging himself away from Kuroiami and her generals, and closer to Sailorsaturn--who was also sampling the punch.
"Saturn-san," Hoshi said, "how nice to see you again. Did you find your quarters adequate? If the room is too small, I could have you moved into my room instead."
Sailorsaturn raised an eyebrow.
"You mean while you're still there?"
"No. I meant you could have my room, and I would move somewhere else."
"You're very kind. I'm sure my quarters are perfectly adequate, though."
"Well, I do want to make you comfortable."
"And what makes me so special?"
"Do I need a special reason?"
Sailorsaturn smiled slightly.
"You don't even know me," she said. "Why should you care about me?"
"I know something about you. You were killed, weren't you? And brought back to life?"
"How did you know that?"
"It was something my mother had done, which I did not agree with. But you could say it's one thing we have in common; my mother had both of us killed, and yet we're both still here to enjoy this reception."
Sailorsaturn shook her head, glancing at Kuroiami.
"How can you speak about that--woman--so casually? Even if she is your mother, she's murderous and evil."
"Perhaps. But did you not destroy the Moon Kingdom yourself, a thousand years ago?"
"The Kingdom was already destroyed by Queen Beryl; I simply cleared away the debris, so a new age could begin."
"And will you drop the Silence Glaive again, to end this age?"
"Perhaps I should."
"I hope you'll wait a bit, if you do," Hoshi said. "I've only been alive two days now, and it would be a pity to die again so soon...
"And it would be a pity if you destroyed yourself, using your power. You're very beautiful, and very charming."
Sailorsaturn blushed, despite herself. She wanted to hate Hoshi, but it was very hard to hate him; for all of Kuroiami's influence, he was still Princess Mercury's son.
Why should I feel this way? she thought. He's just a boy--barely more than a child!
But it's amazing, how similar we are. Both of us were born to be slaves, as pawns of evil. In all the world, who else could understand what we feel? Who else could know how it feels, to be used the way we've been used?
Averting her eyes, Sailorsaturn glanced across the room at Sailormercury, who in turn was trying not to look like she was looking back at Hoshi and herself.
"You're very beautiful as well," Sailorsaturn said to Hoshi. "I *would* like to get to know you better, but..."
"But what?"
"Will you do something for me?"
"Pray tell."
"Your mother--your original mother--is consumed with curiosity about you, and it pains me to see her suffer so. Will you speak to her, as a son would speak to his mother?"
Hoshi glanced at Sailormercury--who quickly looked in another direction--then smiled at Hotaru.
"Very well. *If* you'll do something for me."
"Pray tell."
Hoshi leaned in close to Sailorsaturn.
*"Meet me in my room,"* he whispered in her ear, *"at midnight."*
Sailorsaturn's eyes popped open wide with surprise, but Hoshi was already walking away before she could reply.
* * * * *
Since Sailormoon had wandered off to help herself to some appetizers, Sailormercury was alone when Hoshi reached her. Like her companions from Earth, Sailormercury hadn't yet brought herself to speak with Kuroiami directly, and might have ducked a direct meeting with Hoshi too if she thought she could do it without appearing rude. Though she desperately *wanted* to speak with Hoshi, her heart fluttered at the mere sight of his approach.
"Sailormercury," Hoshi said. "I've been remiss in speaking to you; please forgive me."
"That's all right," Sailomercury lied. "You seemed to be busy with Sailorsaturn."
"Oh yes," Hoshi said, smiling openly, "she's very charming. I know I should be frightened of her--because of the power she has--but I don't feel that way at all."
Sailormercury smiled back, feebly.
"Hoshi," Sailormercury said, "is it *true* what Kuroiami said about giving birth to you? I saw you die in Tokyo..."
Sailormercury started crying.
"...and Kuroiami said she killed you, just so she could have her vengeance on me! *Why* did she bring you back to life, then? Why, Hoshi? *Why?*"
"I don't know," Hoshi said, producing a handkerchief for Sailormercury. "Perhaps it wasn't enough for her simply to raise me as her son. Perhaps she felt I was flawed as your son--like a tool that came flawed from the forge, and could only be saved by a second forging."
Sailormercury tried to stop crying, but Hoshi's words only made her cry harder. To make her baby suffer so--how could Kuroiami be so cruel?
"I'm making a scene," Sailormercury sobbed; "I should leave..."
"Here," Hoshi said, taking her arm, "I'll take you to the garden..."
Letting Hoshi lead her, Sailormercury soon found herself in another place familiar from the past--an ornamental garden behind the palace.
"I'm all right," Sailormercury said after a moment, wiping her eyes on the backs of her gloves after Hoshi's handkerchief was soaked. "I just wish..."
"What?"
"Hoshi, do you *know* what your mother wants? Kuroiami, I mean."
"Do I know her secret plans, do you mean?"
Sailormercury nodded.
"I'm afraid I'm not privy to my mother's plans," Hoshi said. "But I will grant, it is not like her to negotiate if she could simply take what she wants; even Mother can't fight the power of Queen Galaxia, though. Since Mother asked Galaxia to come here, she must have come to accept the futility of her position. Either that, or she has some cunning scheme whose subtlety is beyond my apprehension."
"You seem so sensible," Sailormercury said. "You don't seem like your 'mother' at all--even if she did give birth to you."
"You are my mother as well, Mizuno Ami."
Sailormercury smiled.
"Come," Hoshi said, offering Sailormercury his hand; "the luncheon will be starting soon, and your friends will be wondering where you've gone."
* * * * *
Back in the Grand Hall, Sailormercury was just in time to be seated at the table for lunch, finding herself in the peculiar position of being seated across from Hoshi, with Sailormoon on her left side and Zoisite on her right; in this position, Sailormercury was closer to Kuroiami than any of the Earth Senshi.
When the food came out of the kitchen--an eclectic combination of European and Asian fare--Sailormercury wondered if it would be too much of a faux pas to scan the food for poison, as she had the drinks and appetizers served earlier.
Better safe than sorry, she thought, deciding to go ahead and scan it.
"Not that you'd necessarily believe me," Kuroiami said to Sailormercury, "but the food isn't poisoned. It *would* be terribly rude of me to kill you when you just got here."
"One can never be too cautious," Sailormercury replied, setting her minicomputer aside after the scan was done, and picking up her chopsticks to help herself to some rice.
"That computer looks very familiar," Kuroiami said, "May I see it, Mercury-san?"
"If you wish," Sailormercury replied, handing the computer to Zoisite, who in turn handed it to Kunzite, who then handed it to Kuroiami.
"Why yes," Kuroiami exclaimed; "this is my old minicomputer! How delightful!"
"How can you tell, Mother?" Hoshi asked.
"There's a small nick in the case," Kuroiami said, showing the nick to Hoshi. "I haven't seen this computer since long before you were born, but--if memory serves--it got this nick when I threw it at Luna and it bounced off a fire hydrant."
Everyone at the table turned to Luna, who was sitting on the table enjoying a plate of tuna.
"Fortunately, I ducked," Luna said, "but the case was dented, and the computer was broken."
"But you still got it working again," Kuroiami said, before handing the computer back to Sailormercury, via Kunzite and Zoisite.
"Indeed," Luna said. "If only your sick, warped mind were as easy to fix as that computer."
Kuroiami forced another smile, while Sailormoon leaned over next to Sailormercury.
*"Their Luna's a smart-ass, just like ours is."*
"Well," Galaxia said, breaking up the awkward silence, "I must say this Earth fare is very delicious. Is this raw fish...?"
"Sashimi," Jadeite said, "yes. That tilapia happens to be from my African economic region."
"But you must try the tuna," Zoisite said. "That comes from my infinitely superior Asian economic region."
"I'm afraid I must disagree," Nephrite interjected. "My American tuna is superior to your Asian tuna."
"In whose opinion? Yours?"
"No, the highly respected Waffler's International Food Guide."
"Well, of course--that's an American publication."
"Just what are you insinuating?"
"Well, Nephrite," Zoisite said airily, "it's hard to imagine how anything from your American region could be *superior*, when your workers are all so fat, lazy and stupid."
"Whereas your workers," Nephrite shot back, "are all mindless corporate robots."
"Enough already!" Sailoruranus exploded. "Who gives a damn whose fish is better!"
Again there was awkward silence, until Kunzite spoke up.
"Well, my Scottish salmon is pretty good..."
"I'm sure it is," Kuroiami said, touching Kunzite's forearm before addressing the visitors from Earth. "If I may turn to another subject, though, may I ask who will speak on behalf of your group?"
"I've been chosen to speak on behalf of the Earth," Sailormercury said.
"How wonderful," Kuroiami said. "Then Hoshi will your opposite."
Sailormercury glanced at Hoshi with surprise--but of course it made sense; Hoshi was intelligent and charismatic, and doubtless had a fine mind for details.
"If I may ask, Quuen Kuroiami," Galaxia said, "when do you plan to start negotiations? Unfortunately, we can't stay here longer than a week because of other commitments, but we're at your disposal to assist negotiations while we're here."
"We appreciate that," Kuroiami replied. "I would like to begin tomorrow if that's agreeable--the earlier the better. I've set aside my office next to the throne room for the meetings."
"Pardon me," Sailormoon said, "but don't you mean Queen Serenity's office? Or do you plan to make this your permanent residence?"
"Forgive me," Kuroiami replied, forcing yet another smile. "I meant Queen Serenity's office."
* * * * *
Since the Moon was tidally locked to the Earth--causing it to keep the same face turned toward the Earth at all times--a Lunar 'day' was 28 days long, with 14 days of daylight and 14 days of darkness; today--Friday, August 18 on Earth--the sun had already been shining on the western edge of the Sea of Serenity for 11 days, and still wouldn't set for another 3 days. Thus, Sailorsaturn guessed that Hoshi hadn't set Lunar midnight--11 days later--as the time for their midnight rendezvous.
Instead, Hoshi doubtless meant midnight as measured by the palace clocks, coordinated to the Japanese time zone on Earth. Though the sun shone continuously outside, lights inside the palace were dimmed during the 'evening' hours and brightened again in the 'morning'. According to that clock, midnight was roughly 10 hours after the luncheon ended in the Grand Hall.
During the remainder of that Friday, the Earth Senshi occupied themselves variously, and Sailorsaturn spent part of her time with both the Outer Senshi (who explored the palace, looking for a tactical advantage over Kuroiami) and the Inner Senshi (helping Sailormercury and Sailormoon study galactic law in the palace library). However, she said nothing of her meeting with Hoshi, either when the Earth Senshi dined together as a group, or when she pretended to retire for the evening. Though she turned back into Hotaru to be a bit more comfortable out of her fuku, she couldn't sleep as she lay atop her bed in her short black dress, staring at the ceiling.
What does Hoshi want from me? Hotaru wondered. Am I just a diversion to him? Someone to pass the time with...?
Or perhaps his mother suggested this meeting; it would be like her to use her son for strategic advantage, like a pawn in a game of chess...
This seemed like a logical explanation, and Hotaru's pseudo-mother Kaorinite would surely agree.
But even so, Hotaru wondered, what if he *does* love me...?
The cynical heart of Mistress Nine--enmeshed with Hotaru's own--found that ridiculous to imagine, but Hotaru still had a mind of her own. Thus she rose from her bed just before midnight, slipped on her Mary Janes, and walked alone upstairs toward the darkened chambers of Kuroiami's court on the second floor of the palace.
She had come this way with the Outer Senshi earlier in the day--taking advantage of Kuroiami's invitation for the Senshi to 'make themselves at home'--but the servant youma wouldn't permit the Outer Senshi to explore too freely. Thus, though Hotaru was told that Hoshi was quartered in the former quarters of Princess Serenity, her memories of the Moon Kingdom weren't clear enough to tell her precisely where that was, and she didn't dare ask Sailormoon or Sailormercury (lest they ask why she wanted to know).
Fortunately, though, Hoshi had anticipated this possibility and detailed a servant youma to wait for Hotaru at the top of the grand stairway leading up from the downstairs guest quarters.
"Excuse me," Hotaru said, "but can you tell me the way to Lord Hoshi's quarters?"
"I can do better," the youma replied. "I can take you there myself."
Hotaru bit her lip.
"I've been here before...long ago; could you just tell me where it is, so I could find it myself?"
"The corridors here can be confusing; are you certain you don't want a guide...?"
Of course I'm certain! I'm nervous enough as it is!
"Yes, please."
"Very well. If you walk up the corridor to the left, it will take you to an atrium which leads to the Hall of Light; Hoshi-sama is quartered in the royal suite just past the entrance to the Hall of Light."
"I remember that...it's all dark, right, except for the Earthlight?"
"That is correct."
"Is the suite numbered in some way? How do you know which is his?"
"The doors of the royal suites are all framed in silver, which glows in the Earthlight."
"Arigatou. I shall see if I can find my way."
The youma bowed, and Hotaru departed.
Some minutes later, though, Hotaru realized she was very lost--just as the youma had predicted. There were several side corridors which the youma had not mentioned, and--after wandering around at length--she had no idea where she was.
Somehow, though, Hotaru found her way at length to a darkened corridor which--she surmized--must be the Hall of Light; it was very nearly pitch-black except for a high circular window at the end of the hall, apparently meant to illuminate the corridor with the light of the distant Earth. Since the Earth was now just a slim crescent in the sky, most of the illumination came indirectly from sunlight, but that was still enough to reveal a door frame just off the entrance to the corridor, framed in silver and decorated with the ornate script of the ancient Moon Kingdom.
Should I knock...? Hotaru thought, her heart beating fast. Or does he already know I'm here...?
Hesitating, Hotaru retreated into a nearby alcove to summon her courage. Then, suddenly, the door of the suite opened...
Hotaru held her breath, for the interior of the suite was almost as dark as the Hall of Light; but someone stepped through the door--a woman, wearing a long gown--then a second figure appeared that must be Hoshi...
This was already peculiar enough--Kuroiami meeting her son in the dark--but Hotaru gasped aloud when Hoshi grabbed Kuroiami, spun her back to his embrace and kissed her!
*"Don't leave yet,"* came a whispered male voice.
*"I must. Kunzite will wonder where I am."*
*"Let him wonder; you know you love me best."*
*"Oh, don't be this way; I shan't be gone forever."*
This seemed to mollify Hoshi, who settled for a second passionate kiss before letting Kuroiami withdraw into the corridor. Hotaru, for her part, felt a wave of nausea wash over her...
Ewwww! With his own mother...?!
...but thrust the back of her wrist into her mouth to keep from making a sound as Kuroiami first fiddled with the top of her strapless dress, then checked her makeup in a compact she magically summoned out of thin air. Kuroiami's manner suggested she had dressed quickly--she paused to pull on the ankle strap of one of her sandals, which was loose--but finally she seemed satisfied that everything was back in its proper place and straightened up to her full height.
In the near-darkness, Hotaru didn't know if Kuroiami could see her, but Kuroiami's hasty manner suggested she was oblivious to anything except her next appointment. Spinning around quickly on her high spike heels, Kuroiami turned away from Hotaru and then walked off briskly in the opposite direction.
Sickened as she felt, it took all of Hotaru's courage not to bolt at once, but she waited until Kuroiami's footsteps--click-clacking on the marble floor of the corridor around the corner--had faded before she threw herself away from the alcove and ran...
...right into Hoshi.
"Tomoe-san," Hoshi said, holding Hotaru by the shoulders; "are you all right?"
"Hoshi? What--? How--?"
"I was worried you might be lost; my youma said you wandered off on your own, but apparently in the wrong direction."
"Isn't this the Hall of Light?"
"No, this is the Hall of Shadows."
Hotaru--who was feeling a simultaneous mixture of rage and nausea in Hoshi's arms--now felt confusion as well.
"Then who lives here?" Hotaru asked, looking over her shoulder at the silver doorway.
"I think that's General Jadeite's suite," Hoshi said. "It used to be the queen's chamber in ancient times, but my mother offered it to Jadeite when he complained that his quarters weren't large enough."
"Jadeite...?"
Of course, Hotaru thought; it was Jadeite she had seen with Kuroiami!
"You look like you've had a shock," Hoshi said. "Did something frighten you?"
"No. I was just a little lost..."
"There's something I wanted to show you, in my room. Will you come with me?"
"Oh...hai..."
Hoshi reached down to take hold of Hotaru's hand.
"I'll lead you," Hoshi said, "so you don't get lost."
* * * * *
Ironically, Hotaru was glad the palace was dark since she was blushing all the way to Hoshi's room. This was in a corridor not unlike the Hall of Shadows, except that the crescent Earth was framed squarely in the round window at the end of the hall, and even the tiny sliver of Earth now visible was more than sufficient to make the silver door--and all the other doors in the corridor--shine with a brilliant light.
"It's so beautiful!" Hotaru exclaimed.
"The frame is wrought of earthstone," Hoshi said, letting go of Hotaru's hand to run his hand over the gleaming surface. "It's a very rare mineral found only on the Moon, which shines in Earthlight...
"But anyway, close your eyes, please."
"Why do I have to close my eyes?" Hotaru asked.
"Well, you don't want to spoil the surprise, do you?"
Hotaru lifted an eyebrow, looking at Hoshi dubiously. But after a moment, she closed her eyes and let Hoshi take her hand.
"Careful now..." Hoshi said, opening the door and leading Hotaru inside, "...mind your step..."
Being Japanese just like Hotaru, Hoshi paused to let Hotaru slip off her shoes at the doorway and slipped off his own shoes as well, before guiding her into the interior of the suite.
"Is this your bedroom?" Hotaru asked, still keeping her eyes closed.
"Yes. This used to be the princess's bedchamber, so it's pretty big--but even so, I wouldn't want you to trip over a footstool or anything. You're not peeking, right?"
"I'm not peeking..."
"All right," Hoshi said, coming to a stop and letting go of Hotaru's hand, "you can open your eyes now."
Hotaru opened her eyes and gasped. A giant lenticular crystal stood before her--taller than her head--and the crescent Earth shone from inside the crystal like a blue-white gem, blown up to gigantic proportions.
"What *is* this?" Hotaru asked, looking into the crystal in wonder.
"This is a seeing crystal," Hoshi said, standing close behind Hotaru. "There were two in the ancient palace--one for the queen and one for her daughter--which they used to watch over the Earth."
"How does it work?" Hotaru asked.
"It's really quite simple. You simply think of a place, and the crystal shows it to you; here, let me show you..."
Hoshi closed his own eyes, concentrated, and brought forth an image of Shiba Park and the Tokyo Tower, gleaming with light in the Tokyo night.
"Subarashii!" Hotaru exclaimed.
"Now you try."
Hotaru closed her eyes, concentrated, and brought forth an image of a darkened rose garden.
"What is that place?" Hoshi asked.
"I don't know," Hotaru admitted. "It's a place my father took me, long ago..."
"Perhaps it's Koishikawa Park," Hoshi mused. "Do you like roses?"
"Yes, I like roses. I like all kinds of flowers."
"I thought you might. For all your power, you're a very kind and sensitive person."
Hotaru frowned.
"Why are you showing me this, Hoshi-sama?"
"Does there have to be a reason?" Hoshi asked. "I thought you might appreciate it, as beautiful as you are yourself..."
"You hardly know me. Why *are* you so interested in me?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
"Indulge me."
"Hotaru--may I call you 'Hotaru'...?"
"You may."
Hoshi paused a moment, then answered Hotaru's question.
"I love you, Hotaru."
Hotaru turned around to face Hoshi.
"I'm sorry," Hoshi said; "I know I hardly know you. But I fell in love with you the very first time I saw you; I've only been a teenager a couple of days, so I don't know if this is normal. But I think about you constantly, and you're even in my dreams."
"Didn't we only just meet yesterday?"
"Yes. But I'd seen you before that."
Hotaru was confused for a moment--until she remembered the crystal.
"You've been spying on me?" she asked.
"I'm sorry," Hoshi said, turning away from Hotaru. "I know I must sound like a complete cretin, but it was on my mother's orders, I swear. I never expected to fall in love with you; I'd never even *been* in love before, until I saw you..."
Hotaru frowned. Inside, part of her had a good mind to kill him on the spot--outraged at such a grotesque violation of her privacy--but another part of her was more forgiving; for all of his polish and savoir faire, Hoshi was still just a child. Raised to the age of six by Kuroiami, then killed and resurrected as a teenager, how could Hoshi be anything *but* confused when he felt the first flush of puberty racing through his body?
"Why do you tell me this now?" Hotaru asked. "I'm angry, but you must have known I'd be angry."
"I know your secret, Hotaru," Hoshi said, turning his head, but still looking away. "There's a monster living inside you--the monster that tried to get the Holy Grail from Sailormoon. I could have told my mother, but I didn't tell her. I couldn't tell her."
"Why not?"
"Didn't I tell you, Hotaru? I love you."
Hoshi's head shook slightly, and Hotaru realized he was crying.
I should hate him, Hotaru thought. I should hate what he did to me. But he's just a child--even more so than me...
Hotaru stepped toward Hoshi, but then she heard a voice in her mind--the voice of Mistress Nine.
This boy is a fool, Hotaru! Exploit his weakness while you can! Kill him!
No! Hotaru thought back; he's just a child! He doesn't know what he's doing!
Have you forgotten your mission? This boy stands in your way!
"Shut up!" Hotaru screamed. "Shut up, damn you!"
Hoshi jumped and spun around in shock, assuming Hotaru was yelling at him.
"It's my monster," Hotaru said, regaining her composure and stepping closer to Hoshi. "She wants me to kill you."
"Do you...*want* to kill me...?" Hoshi asked.
"I don't think so," Hotaru said softly, embracing Hoshi and laying his head on her shoulder. Hoshi cried into her shoulder, and she let him do so freely.
"Tell me," Hotaru said, "can your mother see us with her crystal?"
"No," Hoshi replied, between his tears; "the crystals are tied to the Earth."
"At least we have privacy, then," Hotaru said gently, caressing Hoshi's hair. Hotaru then closed her eyes to summon her power, and let that power flow through Hoshi. Only after a moment did Hoshi realize what was happening--as a wave of warmth swept through his body, sweeping all his cares and fears before it.
"Hotaru," he said, looking up in surprise, "what...?"
But the wave of warmth carried away Hoshi's consciousness as well, and he suddenly slumped in Hotaru's arms, fast asleep.
*"I love you too, Hoshi,"* Hotaru whispered softly, kissing Hoshi on the cheek. *"But rest is what you need now, my prince...
*"Saturn Planet Power, Make-Up."*
Still holding Hoshi, Hotaru then transformed into Sailorsaturn, and--with Sailorsaturn's strength--she carried Hoshi to the ornate covered bed that stood in the middle of the room and placed him there under the covers. Pausing just a moment to brush Hoshi's blue hair out of his eyes and kiss his forehead, Sailorsaturn then considered returning to her own room...although she still wasn't sure exactly where that was.
Thus, after another long moment, Sailorsaturn simply decided to stay where she was. Pulling back the covers, she slid into bed next to Hoshi--Silence Glaive and all--then curled up next to Hoshi and de-transformed once again.
Mistress Nine, Hotaru thought, closing her eyes, I shall be very upset if you kill Hoshi while I'm sleeping...
Then, with her arm around Hoshi, Hotaru soon fell asleep as well.
by amiwakawaiidesu
(Based on characters and situations from "Sailor Moon", created by Naoko Takeuchi and not owned by myself.
In answer to a question from Kaiya, Sailormercury did leave her minicomputer behind, but Luna gave her Kuroiami's old minicomputer as a replacement; I'm glad you mentioned that, since it helped me think of a way into the conversation at the palace luncheon in this chapter.)
-------
CHAPTER TWELVE
For Sailormercury, approaching Hoshi before the Moon Palace was torture. Would Hoshi remember their last meeting? Would Kuroiami have told him the truth about his birth? Or would Hoshi merely see Sailormercury as a stranger?
And what's going on between him and Saturn?...
In the event, Hoshi was neither especially cold nor familiar; as Sailormercury climbed the steps of the palace with Luna and her fellow Senshi--Sailormoon, the Outer Senshi, Queen Galaxia, SailorChi and SailorPhi--Hoshi caught her eye and bowed politely. Sailormercury's heart fluttered, but what did the gesture mean?
At the moment, Sailormercury couldn't afford to ponder the question; as the Senshi entered the grand ballroom of the palace, they came into the presence of Queen Kuroiami herself, and it was all Sailormercury could manage just to keep from shaking. Kuroiami was virtually her twin physically; they had the same face, the same hair, the same figure. But to Sailormercury, Kuroiami was the essence of wickedness; everything about her spoke of it--from her casual disdain for human life, to her exploitation of her friends, to her flaunting of common decency.
Honestly, Ami thought, frowning at Kuroiami's black dress; her breasts are practically spilling out of that gown!
*"Ami-chan,"* Sailormoon whispered, *"she looks just like you!"*
*"She looks nothing like me!"* Sailormercury whispered back.
Kuroiami, meanwhile, was focusing her attention on Queen Galaxia, bowing before the sovereign deferentially.
"Your Majesty," Kuroiami said; "you honor us with your presence."
"It was the least I could do," Galaxia said; "I would have delayed longer--in light of your recent maternity--but I was given to understand you're feeling better now."
"Maternity?" Sailormercury said. "What maternity?"
"Oh, didn't you know?" Kuroiami replied. "I gave birth to Hoshi two days ago."
*"I knew she looked awfully busty,"* Sailormoon whispered.
"How wonderful!" Galaxia said. "Is the child here on the Moon?"
"Oh, he's right here," Kuroiami said, gliding across the floor to stand next to Hoshi, who in turn was standing next to Jadeite, Nephrite, Zoisite and Kunzite. "Isn't he just precious?"
"He seems rather...large. Is that normal in this solar system?"
"No, he had the benefit of magic."
"Does the young man have a father...?" SailorChi said.
"...or was he conceived by magic as well?" SailorPhi added.
"No, it wasn't magic," Kuroiami said, glancing at the generals. "These gentlemen are Hoshi's father."
*"I do believe I'm going to vomit,"* Sailormercury muttered.
*"Be strong,"* Sailorsaturn said, putting a hand on Sailormercury's shoulder.
"That's all fine," Sailoruranus said impatiently, "but why have you asked us here, Kuroiami?"
"I mean you no harm," Kuroiami replied, "if that's what you're asking. I suspect Her Majesty Galaxia may have already told you, but I invited her here to intercede in our conflict. Insofar as you are party to the conflict, I thought it only reasonable that you should be here as well."
"Wait just a minute," Sailorsaturn said, pointing the Silence Glaive at Kuroiami. "What gives *you* the right to speak for Earth, and call upon the queen of the galaxy?"
"My friends," Galaxia said, stepping between Kuroiami and Sailorsaturn, "there is no need for violence; regardless of whether Queen Kuroiami had the right to call me, I am here now and offer my services as a mediator. Will you consent to let me help you arbitrate this matter, and find a settlement agreeable to all?"
Sailormoon nodded her head enthusiastically, before anybody else.
"Sounds sensible to me," she said.
"Quite," Kuroiami said.
"Agreed," Sailorsaturn said, withdrawing her glaive.
"I knew we could come to a civilized understanding," Kuroiami said, with a forced smile. "Before we get down to business, though, I would like to offer the hospitality of the palace to all of my guests. Quarters have been arranged for all of you, and I've taken the liberty of a arranging for a small reception and luncheon in the Grand Hall--if you would be kind enough to join us."
"You might want to freshen up first, though," Hoshi said, glancing at the moon dust covering the Senshi, then turning to the nearby servant youma. "Servants, please show our guests to their quarters."
"Yes, Lord Hoshi," the youma said, moving to escort the guests. Hoshi, though, made a point of personally escorting Sailorsaturn.
"So how was your trip?" Hoshi asked Sailorsaturn. "I hope you didn't have far to walk."
"Just a few kilometers," Sailorsaturn replied. "We would have come straight to the palace, but we didn't trust your mother."
Hoshi smiled.
"Strange. I can't imagine why you'd feel that way."
* * * * *
Freshening up was an easy matter for the Senshi; in the privacy of their quarters, they first transformed out of their Senshi forms, then transformed back and found their fuku automatically cleansed of dirt and dust. Before rejoining the others, though, the Senshi from Earth first met in Sailormoon's room to discuss a few matters of pressing importance.
"I didn't expect Kuroiami to invite us to negotiate," Sailoruranus admitted. "Frankly, I was hoping for a showdown that would settle this once and for all."
"Nonetheless," Sailorpluto said, "it will make a bad impression on Her Majesty if we appear fixed on vengeance--or even worse, disorganized. We must decide what we want, and who will speak for us."
"Uranus is a great leader," Sailormercury said. "I should think she's the natural choice."
"Arigatou," Sailoruranus replied, "but I have no patience for negotiating. Neptune would be better at that."
"But Pluto is older and wiser," Sailorneptune countered.
"Since we recognize the captured Usagi as our princess," Sailorpluto said, "perhaps Eternal Sailormoon would be a better choice. She alone would know what our princess desires for us."
"Me?" Sailormoon said. "Oh, no, I'm no good at this diplomatic stuff...
"But Ami is really bright, and you all seem to trust her. Why not her?"
The Outer Senshi looked at each other and nodded.
"That seems sensible," Sailoruranus said.
"But I don't have any experience as a negotiator..." Sailormercury said quickly. "Perhaps Luna would be a better choice..."
But even Luna agreed with Sailormoon.
"I think you'll do fine, Mercury," Luna said. "And you'll get more respect than a cat would."
"So it's settled then," Sailoruranus said, slapping Sailormercury on the shoulder. "You can represent us."
Sailormercury opened her mouth to speak, but--insofar as Sailoruranus was more-or-less the leader of their little group--she decided not to protest.
"Hai. I'll do my best."
"We still need to decide what we want, though," Sailorsaturn noted. "I imagine most of us would *prefer* Kuroiami's complete annihiliation, but I doubt that Kuroiami would volunteer for that."
"Well," Sailorneptune said, "at the very least, our princess must be returned alive and well."
"And Kuroiami must have no power on Earth," Sailoruranus added.
"Agreed," Sailorpluto said. "Kuroiami must be exiled from the Earth-Moon system--if not from the Solar System altogether."
Sailormercury nodded as the other Senshi spoke, quickly taking out her minicomputer to start taking notes.
* * * * *
Not surprisingly, the reception in the Grand Hall was an awkward affair. Sailormoon and Sailormercury remembered past lives during which they had lived in the Moon Palace of their own world, and it was strange to see the minions of this world's Dark Kingdom setting up house in the same place. And it was worse for the Outer Senshi, who had all they could manage just trying to appear civil. Nonetheless, Galaxia's presence had a mollifying effect; neither the Earth Senshi nor Kuroiami's court wanted to make a bad impression--at least at first.
So, after formal introductions, the two factions broke up into various small groups which basically orbited arounded Galaxia and her escorts. After Sailormercury scanned the saké and champagne and found it safe to drink, the older Outer Senshi helped themselves, but Sailormercury suggested non-alcoholic punch for Sailormoon.
*"I'd stick with the punch,"* Sailormercury recommended, *"unless you want another scene like Mr. Edwards'."*
*"Perhaps you're right,"* Sailormoon replied. *"I did get a little drunk there..."*
Hoshi, meanwhile, was slowly edging himself away from Kuroiami and her generals, and closer to Sailorsaturn--who was also sampling the punch.
"Saturn-san," Hoshi said, "how nice to see you again. Did you find your quarters adequate? If the room is too small, I could have you moved into my room instead."
Sailorsaturn raised an eyebrow.
"You mean while you're still there?"
"No. I meant you could have my room, and I would move somewhere else."
"You're very kind. I'm sure my quarters are perfectly adequate, though."
"Well, I do want to make you comfortable."
"And what makes me so special?"
"Do I need a special reason?"
Sailorsaturn smiled slightly.
"You don't even know me," she said. "Why should you care about me?"
"I know something about you. You were killed, weren't you? And brought back to life?"
"How did you know that?"
"It was something my mother had done, which I did not agree with. But you could say it's one thing we have in common; my mother had both of us killed, and yet we're both still here to enjoy this reception."
Sailorsaturn shook her head, glancing at Kuroiami.
"How can you speak about that--woman--so casually? Even if she is your mother, she's murderous and evil."
"Perhaps. But did you not destroy the Moon Kingdom yourself, a thousand years ago?"
"The Kingdom was already destroyed by Queen Beryl; I simply cleared away the debris, so a new age could begin."
"And will you drop the Silence Glaive again, to end this age?"
"Perhaps I should."
"I hope you'll wait a bit, if you do," Hoshi said. "I've only been alive two days now, and it would be a pity to die again so soon...
"And it would be a pity if you destroyed yourself, using your power. You're very beautiful, and very charming."
Sailorsaturn blushed, despite herself. She wanted to hate Hoshi, but it was very hard to hate him; for all of Kuroiami's influence, he was still Princess Mercury's son.
Why should I feel this way? she thought. He's just a boy--barely more than a child!
But it's amazing, how similar we are. Both of us were born to be slaves, as pawns of evil. In all the world, who else could understand what we feel? Who else could know how it feels, to be used the way we've been used?
Averting her eyes, Sailorsaturn glanced across the room at Sailormercury, who in turn was trying not to look like she was looking back at Hoshi and herself.
"You're very beautiful as well," Sailorsaturn said to Hoshi. "I *would* like to get to know you better, but..."
"But what?"
"Will you do something for me?"
"Pray tell."
"Your mother--your original mother--is consumed with curiosity about you, and it pains me to see her suffer so. Will you speak to her, as a son would speak to his mother?"
Hoshi glanced at Sailormercury--who quickly looked in another direction--then smiled at Hotaru.
"Very well. *If* you'll do something for me."
"Pray tell."
Hoshi leaned in close to Sailorsaturn.
*"Meet me in my room,"* he whispered in her ear, *"at midnight."*
Sailorsaturn's eyes popped open wide with surprise, but Hoshi was already walking away before she could reply.
* * * * *
Since Sailormoon had wandered off to help herself to some appetizers, Sailormercury was alone when Hoshi reached her. Like her companions from Earth, Sailormercury hadn't yet brought herself to speak with Kuroiami directly, and might have ducked a direct meeting with Hoshi too if she thought she could do it without appearing rude. Though she desperately *wanted* to speak with Hoshi, her heart fluttered at the mere sight of his approach.
"Sailormercury," Hoshi said. "I've been remiss in speaking to you; please forgive me."
"That's all right," Sailomercury lied. "You seemed to be busy with Sailorsaturn."
"Oh yes," Hoshi said, smiling openly, "she's very charming. I know I should be frightened of her--because of the power she has--but I don't feel that way at all."
Sailormercury smiled back, feebly.
"Hoshi," Sailormercury said, "is it *true* what Kuroiami said about giving birth to you? I saw you die in Tokyo..."
Sailormercury started crying.
"...and Kuroiami said she killed you, just so she could have her vengeance on me! *Why* did she bring you back to life, then? Why, Hoshi? *Why?*"
"I don't know," Hoshi said, producing a handkerchief for Sailormercury. "Perhaps it wasn't enough for her simply to raise me as her son. Perhaps she felt I was flawed as your son--like a tool that came flawed from the forge, and could only be saved by a second forging."
Sailormercury tried to stop crying, but Hoshi's words only made her cry harder. To make her baby suffer so--how could Kuroiami be so cruel?
"I'm making a scene," Sailormercury sobbed; "I should leave..."
"Here," Hoshi said, taking her arm, "I'll take you to the garden..."
Letting Hoshi lead her, Sailormercury soon found herself in another place familiar from the past--an ornamental garden behind the palace.
"I'm all right," Sailormercury said after a moment, wiping her eyes on the backs of her gloves after Hoshi's handkerchief was soaked. "I just wish..."
"What?"
"Hoshi, do you *know* what your mother wants? Kuroiami, I mean."
"Do I know her secret plans, do you mean?"
Sailormercury nodded.
"I'm afraid I'm not privy to my mother's plans," Hoshi said. "But I will grant, it is not like her to negotiate if she could simply take what she wants; even Mother can't fight the power of Queen Galaxia, though. Since Mother asked Galaxia to come here, she must have come to accept the futility of her position. Either that, or she has some cunning scheme whose subtlety is beyond my apprehension."
"You seem so sensible," Sailormercury said. "You don't seem like your 'mother' at all--even if she did give birth to you."
"You are my mother as well, Mizuno Ami."
Sailormercury smiled.
"Come," Hoshi said, offering Sailormercury his hand; "the luncheon will be starting soon, and your friends will be wondering where you've gone."
* * * * *
Back in the Grand Hall, Sailormercury was just in time to be seated at the table for lunch, finding herself in the peculiar position of being seated across from Hoshi, with Sailormoon on her left side and Zoisite on her right; in this position, Sailormercury was closer to Kuroiami than any of the Earth Senshi.
When the food came out of the kitchen--an eclectic combination of European and Asian fare--Sailormercury wondered if it would be too much of a faux pas to scan the food for poison, as she had the drinks and appetizers served earlier.
Better safe than sorry, she thought, deciding to go ahead and scan it.
"Not that you'd necessarily believe me," Kuroiami said to Sailormercury, "but the food isn't poisoned. It *would* be terribly rude of me to kill you when you just got here."
"One can never be too cautious," Sailormercury replied, setting her minicomputer aside after the scan was done, and picking up her chopsticks to help herself to some rice.
"That computer looks very familiar," Kuroiami said, "May I see it, Mercury-san?"
"If you wish," Sailormercury replied, handing the computer to Zoisite, who in turn handed it to Kunzite, who then handed it to Kuroiami.
"Why yes," Kuroiami exclaimed; "this is my old minicomputer! How delightful!"
"How can you tell, Mother?" Hoshi asked.
"There's a small nick in the case," Kuroiami said, showing the nick to Hoshi. "I haven't seen this computer since long before you were born, but--if memory serves--it got this nick when I threw it at Luna and it bounced off a fire hydrant."
Everyone at the table turned to Luna, who was sitting on the table enjoying a plate of tuna.
"Fortunately, I ducked," Luna said, "but the case was dented, and the computer was broken."
"But you still got it working again," Kuroiami said, before handing the computer back to Sailormercury, via Kunzite and Zoisite.
"Indeed," Luna said. "If only your sick, warped mind were as easy to fix as that computer."
Kuroiami forced another smile, while Sailormoon leaned over next to Sailormercury.
*"Their Luna's a smart-ass, just like ours is."*
"Well," Galaxia said, breaking up the awkward silence, "I must say this Earth fare is very delicious. Is this raw fish...?"
"Sashimi," Jadeite said, "yes. That tilapia happens to be from my African economic region."
"But you must try the tuna," Zoisite said. "That comes from my infinitely superior Asian economic region."
"I'm afraid I must disagree," Nephrite interjected. "My American tuna is superior to your Asian tuna."
"In whose opinion? Yours?"
"No, the highly respected Waffler's International Food Guide."
"Well, of course--that's an American publication."
"Just what are you insinuating?"
"Well, Nephrite," Zoisite said airily, "it's hard to imagine how anything from your American region could be *superior*, when your workers are all so fat, lazy and stupid."
"Whereas your workers," Nephrite shot back, "are all mindless corporate robots."
"Enough already!" Sailoruranus exploded. "Who gives a damn whose fish is better!"
Again there was awkward silence, until Kunzite spoke up.
"Well, my Scottish salmon is pretty good..."
"I'm sure it is," Kuroiami said, touching Kunzite's forearm before addressing the visitors from Earth. "If I may turn to another subject, though, may I ask who will speak on behalf of your group?"
"I've been chosen to speak on behalf of the Earth," Sailormercury said.
"How wonderful," Kuroiami said. "Then Hoshi will your opposite."
Sailormercury glanced at Hoshi with surprise--but of course it made sense; Hoshi was intelligent and charismatic, and doubtless had a fine mind for details.
"If I may ask, Quuen Kuroiami," Galaxia said, "when do you plan to start negotiations? Unfortunately, we can't stay here longer than a week because of other commitments, but we're at your disposal to assist negotiations while we're here."
"We appreciate that," Kuroiami replied. "I would like to begin tomorrow if that's agreeable--the earlier the better. I've set aside my office next to the throne room for the meetings."
"Pardon me," Sailormoon said, "but don't you mean Queen Serenity's office? Or do you plan to make this your permanent residence?"
"Forgive me," Kuroiami replied, forcing yet another smile. "I meant Queen Serenity's office."
* * * * *
Since the Moon was tidally locked to the Earth--causing it to keep the same face turned toward the Earth at all times--a Lunar 'day' was 28 days long, with 14 days of daylight and 14 days of darkness; today--Friday, August 18 on Earth--the sun had already been shining on the western edge of the Sea of Serenity for 11 days, and still wouldn't set for another 3 days. Thus, Sailorsaturn guessed that Hoshi hadn't set Lunar midnight--11 days later--as the time for their midnight rendezvous.
Instead, Hoshi doubtless meant midnight as measured by the palace clocks, coordinated to the Japanese time zone on Earth. Though the sun shone continuously outside, lights inside the palace were dimmed during the 'evening' hours and brightened again in the 'morning'. According to that clock, midnight was roughly 10 hours after the luncheon ended in the Grand Hall.
During the remainder of that Friday, the Earth Senshi occupied themselves variously, and Sailorsaturn spent part of her time with both the Outer Senshi (who explored the palace, looking for a tactical advantage over Kuroiami) and the Inner Senshi (helping Sailormercury and Sailormoon study galactic law in the palace library). However, she said nothing of her meeting with Hoshi, either when the Earth Senshi dined together as a group, or when she pretended to retire for the evening. Though she turned back into Hotaru to be a bit more comfortable out of her fuku, she couldn't sleep as she lay atop her bed in her short black dress, staring at the ceiling.
What does Hoshi want from me? Hotaru wondered. Am I just a diversion to him? Someone to pass the time with...?
Or perhaps his mother suggested this meeting; it would be like her to use her son for strategic advantage, like a pawn in a game of chess...
This seemed like a logical explanation, and Hotaru's pseudo-mother Kaorinite would surely agree.
But even so, Hotaru wondered, what if he *does* love me...?
The cynical heart of Mistress Nine--enmeshed with Hotaru's own--found that ridiculous to imagine, but Hotaru still had a mind of her own. Thus she rose from her bed just before midnight, slipped on her Mary Janes, and walked alone upstairs toward the darkened chambers of Kuroiami's court on the second floor of the palace.
She had come this way with the Outer Senshi earlier in the day--taking advantage of Kuroiami's invitation for the Senshi to 'make themselves at home'--but the servant youma wouldn't permit the Outer Senshi to explore too freely. Thus, though Hotaru was told that Hoshi was quartered in the former quarters of Princess Serenity, her memories of the Moon Kingdom weren't clear enough to tell her precisely where that was, and she didn't dare ask Sailormoon or Sailormercury (lest they ask why she wanted to know).
Fortunately, though, Hoshi had anticipated this possibility and detailed a servant youma to wait for Hotaru at the top of the grand stairway leading up from the downstairs guest quarters.
"Excuse me," Hotaru said, "but can you tell me the way to Lord Hoshi's quarters?"
"I can do better," the youma replied. "I can take you there myself."
Hotaru bit her lip.
"I've been here before...long ago; could you just tell me where it is, so I could find it myself?"
"The corridors here can be confusing; are you certain you don't want a guide...?"
Of course I'm certain! I'm nervous enough as it is!
"Yes, please."
"Very well. If you walk up the corridor to the left, it will take you to an atrium which leads to the Hall of Light; Hoshi-sama is quartered in the royal suite just past the entrance to the Hall of Light."
"I remember that...it's all dark, right, except for the Earthlight?"
"That is correct."
"Is the suite numbered in some way? How do you know which is his?"
"The doors of the royal suites are all framed in silver, which glows in the Earthlight."
"Arigatou. I shall see if I can find my way."
The youma bowed, and Hotaru departed.
Some minutes later, though, Hotaru realized she was very lost--just as the youma had predicted. There were several side corridors which the youma had not mentioned, and--after wandering around at length--she had no idea where she was.
Somehow, though, Hotaru found her way at length to a darkened corridor which--she surmized--must be the Hall of Light; it was very nearly pitch-black except for a high circular window at the end of the hall, apparently meant to illuminate the corridor with the light of the distant Earth. Since the Earth was now just a slim crescent in the sky, most of the illumination came indirectly from sunlight, but that was still enough to reveal a door frame just off the entrance to the corridor, framed in silver and decorated with the ornate script of the ancient Moon Kingdom.
Should I knock...? Hotaru thought, her heart beating fast. Or does he already know I'm here...?
Hesitating, Hotaru retreated into a nearby alcove to summon her courage. Then, suddenly, the door of the suite opened...
Hotaru held her breath, for the interior of the suite was almost as dark as the Hall of Light; but someone stepped through the door--a woman, wearing a long gown--then a second figure appeared that must be Hoshi...
This was already peculiar enough--Kuroiami meeting her son in the dark--but Hotaru gasped aloud when Hoshi grabbed Kuroiami, spun her back to his embrace and kissed her!
*"Don't leave yet,"* came a whispered male voice.
*"I must. Kunzite will wonder where I am."*
*"Let him wonder; you know you love me best."*
*"Oh, don't be this way; I shan't be gone forever."*
This seemed to mollify Hoshi, who settled for a second passionate kiss before letting Kuroiami withdraw into the corridor. Hotaru, for her part, felt a wave of nausea wash over her...
Ewwww! With his own mother...?!
...but thrust the back of her wrist into her mouth to keep from making a sound as Kuroiami first fiddled with the top of her strapless dress, then checked her makeup in a compact she magically summoned out of thin air. Kuroiami's manner suggested she had dressed quickly--she paused to pull on the ankle strap of one of her sandals, which was loose--but finally she seemed satisfied that everything was back in its proper place and straightened up to her full height.
In the near-darkness, Hotaru didn't know if Kuroiami could see her, but Kuroiami's hasty manner suggested she was oblivious to anything except her next appointment. Spinning around quickly on her high spike heels, Kuroiami turned away from Hotaru and then walked off briskly in the opposite direction.
Sickened as she felt, it took all of Hotaru's courage not to bolt at once, but she waited until Kuroiami's footsteps--click-clacking on the marble floor of the corridor around the corner--had faded before she threw herself away from the alcove and ran...
...right into Hoshi.
"Tomoe-san," Hoshi said, holding Hotaru by the shoulders; "are you all right?"
"Hoshi? What--? How--?"
"I was worried you might be lost; my youma said you wandered off on your own, but apparently in the wrong direction."
"Isn't this the Hall of Light?"
"No, this is the Hall of Shadows."
Hotaru--who was feeling a simultaneous mixture of rage and nausea in Hoshi's arms--now felt confusion as well.
"Then who lives here?" Hotaru asked, looking over her shoulder at the silver doorway.
"I think that's General Jadeite's suite," Hoshi said. "It used to be the queen's chamber in ancient times, but my mother offered it to Jadeite when he complained that his quarters weren't large enough."
"Jadeite...?"
Of course, Hotaru thought; it was Jadeite she had seen with Kuroiami!
"You look like you've had a shock," Hoshi said. "Did something frighten you?"
"No. I was just a little lost..."
"There's something I wanted to show you, in my room. Will you come with me?"
"Oh...hai..."
Hoshi reached down to take hold of Hotaru's hand.
"I'll lead you," Hoshi said, "so you don't get lost."
* * * * *
Ironically, Hotaru was glad the palace was dark since she was blushing all the way to Hoshi's room. This was in a corridor not unlike the Hall of Shadows, except that the crescent Earth was framed squarely in the round window at the end of the hall, and even the tiny sliver of Earth now visible was more than sufficient to make the silver door--and all the other doors in the corridor--shine with a brilliant light.
"It's so beautiful!" Hotaru exclaimed.
"The frame is wrought of earthstone," Hoshi said, letting go of Hotaru's hand to run his hand over the gleaming surface. "It's a very rare mineral found only on the Moon, which shines in Earthlight...
"But anyway, close your eyes, please."
"Why do I have to close my eyes?" Hotaru asked.
"Well, you don't want to spoil the surprise, do you?"
Hotaru lifted an eyebrow, looking at Hoshi dubiously. But after a moment, she closed her eyes and let Hoshi take her hand.
"Careful now..." Hoshi said, opening the door and leading Hotaru inside, "...mind your step..."
Being Japanese just like Hotaru, Hoshi paused to let Hotaru slip off her shoes at the doorway and slipped off his own shoes as well, before guiding her into the interior of the suite.
"Is this your bedroom?" Hotaru asked, still keeping her eyes closed.
"Yes. This used to be the princess's bedchamber, so it's pretty big--but even so, I wouldn't want you to trip over a footstool or anything. You're not peeking, right?"
"I'm not peeking..."
"All right," Hoshi said, coming to a stop and letting go of Hotaru's hand, "you can open your eyes now."
Hotaru opened her eyes and gasped. A giant lenticular crystal stood before her--taller than her head--and the crescent Earth shone from inside the crystal like a blue-white gem, blown up to gigantic proportions.
"What *is* this?" Hotaru asked, looking into the crystal in wonder.
"This is a seeing crystal," Hoshi said, standing close behind Hotaru. "There were two in the ancient palace--one for the queen and one for her daughter--which they used to watch over the Earth."
"How does it work?" Hotaru asked.
"It's really quite simple. You simply think of a place, and the crystal shows it to you; here, let me show you..."
Hoshi closed his own eyes, concentrated, and brought forth an image of Shiba Park and the Tokyo Tower, gleaming with light in the Tokyo night.
"Subarashii!" Hotaru exclaimed.
"Now you try."
Hotaru closed her eyes, concentrated, and brought forth an image of a darkened rose garden.
"What is that place?" Hoshi asked.
"I don't know," Hotaru admitted. "It's a place my father took me, long ago..."
"Perhaps it's Koishikawa Park," Hoshi mused. "Do you like roses?"
"Yes, I like roses. I like all kinds of flowers."
"I thought you might. For all your power, you're a very kind and sensitive person."
Hotaru frowned.
"Why are you showing me this, Hoshi-sama?"
"Does there have to be a reason?" Hoshi asked. "I thought you might appreciate it, as beautiful as you are yourself..."
"You hardly know me. Why *are* you so interested in me?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
"Indulge me."
"Hotaru--may I call you 'Hotaru'...?"
"You may."
Hoshi paused a moment, then answered Hotaru's question.
"I love you, Hotaru."
Hotaru turned around to face Hoshi.
"I'm sorry," Hoshi said; "I know I hardly know you. But I fell in love with you the very first time I saw you; I've only been a teenager a couple of days, so I don't know if this is normal. But I think about you constantly, and you're even in my dreams."
"Didn't we only just meet yesterday?"
"Yes. But I'd seen you before that."
Hotaru was confused for a moment--until she remembered the crystal.
"You've been spying on me?" she asked.
"I'm sorry," Hoshi said, turning away from Hotaru. "I know I must sound like a complete cretin, but it was on my mother's orders, I swear. I never expected to fall in love with you; I'd never even *been* in love before, until I saw you..."
Hotaru frowned. Inside, part of her had a good mind to kill him on the spot--outraged at such a grotesque violation of her privacy--but another part of her was more forgiving; for all of his polish and savoir faire, Hoshi was still just a child. Raised to the age of six by Kuroiami, then killed and resurrected as a teenager, how could Hoshi be anything *but* confused when he felt the first flush of puberty racing through his body?
"Why do you tell me this now?" Hotaru asked. "I'm angry, but you must have known I'd be angry."
"I know your secret, Hotaru," Hoshi said, turning his head, but still looking away. "There's a monster living inside you--the monster that tried to get the Holy Grail from Sailormoon. I could have told my mother, but I didn't tell her. I couldn't tell her."
"Why not?"
"Didn't I tell you, Hotaru? I love you."
Hoshi's head shook slightly, and Hotaru realized he was crying.
I should hate him, Hotaru thought. I should hate what he did to me. But he's just a child--even more so than me...
Hotaru stepped toward Hoshi, but then she heard a voice in her mind--the voice of Mistress Nine.
This boy is a fool, Hotaru! Exploit his weakness while you can! Kill him!
No! Hotaru thought back; he's just a child! He doesn't know what he's doing!
Have you forgotten your mission? This boy stands in your way!
"Shut up!" Hotaru screamed. "Shut up, damn you!"
Hoshi jumped and spun around in shock, assuming Hotaru was yelling at him.
"It's my monster," Hotaru said, regaining her composure and stepping closer to Hoshi. "She wants me to kill you."
"Do you...*want* to kill me...?" Hoshi asked.
"I don't think so," Hotaru said softly, embracing Hoshi and laying his head on her shoulder. Hoshi cried into her shoulder, and she let him do so freely.
"Tell me," Hotaru said, "can your mother see us with her crystal?"
"No," Hoshi replied, between his tears; "the crystals are tied to the Earth."
"At least we have privacy, then," Hotaru said gently, caressing Hoshi's hair. Hotaru then closed her eyes to summon her power, and let that power flow through Hoshi. Only after a moment did Hoshi realize what was happening--as a wave of warmth swept through his body, sweeping all his cares and fears before it.
"Hotaru," he said, looking up in surprise, "what...?"
But the wave of warmth carried away Hoshi's consciousness as well, and he suddenly slumped in Hotaru's arms, fast asleep.
*"I love you too, Hoshi,"* Hotaru whispered softly, kissing Hoshi on the cheek. *"But rest is what you need now, my prince...
*"Saturn Planet Power, Make-Up."*
Still holding Hoshi, Hotaru then transformed into Sailorsaturn, and--with Sailorsaturn's strength--she carried Hoshi to the ornate covered bed that stood in the middle of the room and placed him there under the covers. Pausing just a moment to brush Hoshi's blue hair out of his eyes and kiss his forehead, Sailorsaturn then considered returning to her own room...although she still wasn't sure exactly where that was.
Thus, after another long moment, Sailorsaturn simply decided to stay where she was. Pulling back the covers, she slid into bed next to Hoshi--Silence Glaive and all--then curled up next to Hoshi and de-transformed once again.
Mistress Nine, Hotaru thought, closing her eyes, I shall be very upset if you kill Hoshi while I'm sleeping...
Then, with her arm around Hoshi, Hotaru soon fell asleep as well.
