by Deirdre Blair
Disclaimer: See previous chapters.
Summary: Now that Hotaru reveals a little more about herself, Harry becomes more and more intrigued. But complications arise and something and someone else needs Hotaru's undivided attention. Could this cause trouble in her plans? It could.
Author's Note: Can you believe it? Chapter Six, finally!!! Wow. Thank you so, so much for your reviews. This chapter, I believe, was the hardest one to write for me and I hope you enjoy it. To Damia: I'm so impressed with your review. You ventured into the story more than I had intended, and I thank you so much for that. Everyone, keep up the reviews! They're wonderful! You guys...you're just so great!
Sorry it's taken me a while to update. I've been hooked on the Gamecube version of Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Um, actually it was a promotional disk that came with the console itself. But I've gotten hooked and I didn't even think about this story while I was off fighting baddies. But here's chapter six!
Rating: PG13
Genre: Drama/Romance
Pairing: Harry/Hotaru, Ron/Hermione, Draco/Blaise
Warnings: Male/Male SLASH
by Deirdre Blair
Mysterious Prince
Previously on Tragic Angel...
~"The first creature we're going to study this year is going to be the pegasus. We just recently got a whole herd of 'em this past summer. There's gonna be enough for one per three people. So, get in yer groups and I'll bring 'em out."
"He-Helios?" Hotaru whispered.~
~This is Trinity. She has been my companion for nearly one hundred years, explained Helios. While I am gone, she will watch over you.~
~"But is that really surviving? Living a lie?"
Hotaru sneered. "Surviving is staying alive. Living a lie is still living."~
~Perspiration began to form on her head and slowly, the familiar purple light spilled from her palm. She let out the breath she didn't even know she had been holding, and let the light heal Harry.
Harry stared incredulously. "What did you just do?" he asked in a slow voice.~
~As Hotaru exited, Harry re-examined his hand. His eyes were narrowed, set in a glare. He turned his hand over and over, feeling somewhat better--as if a gallon of blood hadn't spilled from his hand earlier.
Just what in all things holy was going on?~
-
It was time for Advanced Potions, and Harry had made it on time after all. Hermione gave him a reprimanding glare on his almost-too-late arrival. He smiled apologetically, glanced quickly at Hotaru, and settled into his seat.
And at that very moment, he wished that he had studied like Hotaru, Blaise, and Draco. There was a pop quiz on everything they read the night before.
As Snape saw Harry's panicked look, he smirked. "Not ready, Mr. Potter?" he asked, not surprised. "Maybe I didn't make myself perfectly clear before. This is an advanced class and you will be forced to behave more responsibly."
Harry was still panicking when he managed to scowl and grumble, "No, I'm ready."
Well, he had read the material, but didn't study as he should have. Instead, he chose to spy on the Slytherins. Yeah, he was well on his way to becoming an Auror--definitely making wonderful decisions. Didn't Hotaru once tell him that he acted upon his impulse too much? Maybe he did.
However, realising his mistake would do nothing for him. As the questions were written on the board, his heart was going at a rapid pace. He clenched his quill before reading the first question.
-
Blaise pouted as they handed in their parchment.
"Oh, what's your problem?" Hotaru asked.
Blaise gloomily sat on his stool. "Those questions were really...precise. I mean, how does he expect us to remember everything that we read? That's impossible."
Hotaru had an incredulous smile on her face as she shook her head and sighed. "I don't know what you're talking about, Blaise. I mean, I saw the length of all of your answers. They were a little...over the top if anything. I don't think he wanted an essay for each of them."
"Of course, I know I got everything right. The quiz was easy enough for me," Draco said with a charming smirk.
Hotaru rolled her eyes. "Oh yes, all hail the great Draco Malfoy. May we all bask in the golden light of his godly glory." Hotaru bowed mockingly, dramatically. "I bow to you, my Lordship."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Your sincerity is enthralling," he drawled.
Hotaru chuckled.
-
Harry watched their whole exchange. He knew he should've studied. They all looked pretty confident that their answers were correct. Meanwhile, he only put what came to mind with each of the questions.
"Well, don't worry, Harry. Most of the questions were common sense questions, anyway," Hermione replied, trying to cheer him up.
Harry shook his head. "I don't have a lot of that, Hermione. Remember? I chose spying on the Slytherins instead of last-minute studying. I'm a complete and utter failure. I might as well quit this whole subject all together."
Hermione's eyes widened. "But, then you'd be going back on your word. You promised you'd stay with this subject."
Harry narrowed his eyes. "Hermione, do you even know why I took this course?"
Hermione shook her head.
"Me neither."
Harry felt eyes on him, and looked up to find himself staring directly into a pair of very curious violet orbs. Upon that connection, the owner smirked and teased Blaise Zabini in such a way that it made Zabini sputter indignantly. Harry wondered what she said.
"Harry?"
She was such a mystery, that Hotaru Tomoe. He wanted to get to know her more. He knew there was a whole other side to her that nobody ever got to see. But he wanted to see that side of her. He was quite sure he'd like it.
"Hey, Harry?"
Why he was thinking about Hotaru, he didn't know. He was experiencing a drastic change in feelings towards her since yesterday, when he first met her formally. At this point, he didn't know what to make of his feelings. He knew he didn't hate her, despite her scolding remarks about his friends. And he knew he didn't like her a lot either. She was...just different. She was something he wanted to figure out. Like a puzzle.
"Harry!"
Harry jumped, Hermione's whisper loud in his ear. He blinked and looked around. The students were just getting settled back down and Snape would begin the real lesson. What the lesson was, he didn't know. But he wasn't too excited, either. Although, he saw out of the corner of his eye, that Hotaru, Draco, and Blaise were very excited.
Harry looked at Hermione, who was staring indignantly at him. "Yeah?"
Hermione huffed. "Never mind."
"All right, get in your seats and quiet down!" Snape roared over the din of the class. Everyone became quiet immediately, their attention focused on the Potions Master.
"Today, and during a period of two weeks, we'll be concocting a Telepathy Potion. You've read about it in your books. It's a very complex spell, and if one thing goes wrong, you could be broadcasting your most personal thoughts into every mind of every person in this country," Snape informed. "The purpose of this potion is to share voluntary thoughts to only one other person--the person you'll be partnered up with."
The class knew better than to whisper amongst themselves. Snape seemed both disappointed and proud. "Pair up with one other person in this room, now. If you are left without a partner, you will be forced to work with either me or someone of my choosing."
Snape gave them three minutes exactly to partner up with someone. Harry saw Hotaru walking his way and was prepared for a situation much like that in Defence Against the Dark Arts. However, he saw her veer to his right and walk right up to Dean Thomas.
"Hello. Would you like to be my partner?" Hotaru asked in a rather civil, polite tone.
Dean, almost unsure of what to do, nodded. Hotaru smiled and sat in the empty seat next to Dean.
Harry just didn't understand. Why didn't she choose him? Wasn't she trying to get to him? Maybe she was toying with him. Yes, that was so Slytherin-like. He sat down hard in his chair. Hermione scowled. "Well, don't look so enthusiastic about being my partner."
Harry blinked. "Oh, sorry, Hermione. I just..."
"You were just disappointed that she didn't choose you, I know," she said in a small voice. She sat, staring forward. Harry saw the corner of her eye twitch somewhat. She was very angry.
He heard Hotaru engage in a discussion he didn't understand with Dean behind him. He knew they were talking about Potion theories. But he honestly didn't understand a single word. It was then he realised that Hotaru was probably smarter than he could ever be. She even fascinated Dean, who was second to Hermione in intelligence. He could even see Hermione perk up at certain parts of their conversation.
Snape interrupted everyone and told them what to do. They were to gather the ingredients, and begin working on their potion. But it'd take at least two weeks to make and get ready. Snape listed the ingredients on the board, and the students got up and retrieved them.
As the groups worked, Snape monitored each station. He stopped at Hermione and Harry's station and sneered. He didn't give any comments on their work, and then he went to Dean and Hotaru's station.
He watched them very carefully.
Hotaru looked up at him. She was bold enough to say, "May I help you, professor? You've been staring for at least five minutes."
Snape didn't even twitch. "I'm monitoring your work."
"And what do you have to say of our work as of this point?"
Dean looked at Hotaru and smiled a small smile, a smile that knew she wasn't going to let a Slytherin take all of the credit.
"So far, you are doing very well. You should continue at this rate, or risk failing entirely," he replied as he went to the next group.
Dean leaned close to Hotaru and whispered, "I can't believe you just said that." Neither could Harry.
"What? Just because I'm a Slytherin, does not mean that I don't like giving credit to those who earn it. The Slytherin reputation doesn't extend to me."
Dean shook his head, slicing his billywig sting. "You sure don't act that way with Potter's friends."
Hotaru looked at the back of Hermione and Harry's heads, which had stilled noticeably. She looked back at her wolfsbane. "It's nothing personal to Weasley or Granger."
"Then what is it?"
Hotaru flashed a grin. "Do you honestly think I could get that sort of attention from him any other way?"
Harry's breath caught in his throat.
-
A little girl of about eleven sat in a white canopy bed, her knees hugged to her chest. Her cheek lay on her knees. She had long, very long, pink hair that curled around her body and made her look like a little princess.
This red-eyed girl was a princess, however. Princess Serenity of Crystal Tokyo. However, she was commonly called "Chibiusa" by her dear friends. And little Miss Chibiusa was frightened to death.
She had sent Helios, her beloved pegasus, out to go talk to Hotaru. She wanted Helios to inform Hotaru of the crisis in Tokyo, so Hotaru could save the day.
Hotaru was also Chibiusa's dearest friend, and that was part of the reason she wanted Hotaru back. She missed Hotaru, and everything they would do together. Riding roller coasters, have picnics, and have slumber parties nearly every week. She missed having a best friend.
Oh, why did Hotaru-chan have to leave? Why would she want another life? Wasn't this life good for her? Maybe it was her. Maybe she, Chibiusa, was too needy and dependent. Tears began to surface to her eyes.
"Hotaru-chan...I promise I won't be a little kid anymore if you come back...please, Hotaru-chan..." Chibiusa mumbled as a slight wind played with her bangs. She looked up to see Helios, in human form, standing at her bedpost.
Her face brightened considerably. "Helios-kun!"
Helios didn't smile back, and instead sat down next to her on the bed. "Chibiusa-san, why have you been crying?" he asked as he wiped a tear with his index finger.
Chibiusa's smile faltered a little bit. "I was missing Hotaru-chan. Did you talk to her, Helios-kun? Is she coming back?" she asked hopefully.
Helios looked away. "No. No, she's not coming back. She said she's never coming back...no matter what."
Chibiusa felt a tremor of sobs rise. She choked them back, and stared at her bed sheets. "E-even after you told her about what happened?"
Helios nodded. "Chibiusa-san, she already knew."
"He-Helios-kun?" she looked at him with wide, tear-soaked eyes. "Did I just lose my best friend?"
Helios's breath caught in his throat and he shook his head. "Don't be silly."
"Was it me? Am I the reason she doesn't want to come back? Did I annoy her? Did I behave like a little brat--?" she was cut off by a finger on her lips.
"No. You were a very good friend. And it's not you," Helios replied with determination. "Hotaru doesn't want to come back for reasons far deeper than friendship. It has nothing to do with you."
Chibiusa felt into Helios, nuzzling herself into his white shirt. "What could be deeper than friendship, Helios-kun?"
Helios looked into the distance, his hand on Chibiusa's back. He seemed to think for a moment before whispering, "Betrayal."
Chibiusa furrowed her brow. "Betrayal?"
"Mm-hmm..." he replied in a soft voice.
-
Amber-yellow eyes took a long gaze at the shadowed school of Hogwarts. The stranger stood in front of the large double doors at the entrance of the castle. His face was unreadable as he stared. There was no fear, excitement--nothing at all. His face was a steel mask.
"So," he said in a smooth voice. "This the famous Hogwarts."
As if on cue, the double doors opened to reveal Professor McGonagall. Her eyebrows rose as she looked the boy over. "You must be Yue."
The boy smirked before following her in.
-
Advanced Potions was done and over with for that day and Hotaru was a bit disappointed. She really wanted to stay longer, but Snape had insisted that she leave. Obviously, he didn't know her passion for Potions. She bid a friendly farewell to Dean Thomas before following Blaise and Draco out and to the Great Hall.
The three took their usual seats. Then, a rather cheerful Pansy Parkinson made her way up to them. "Hey, did any of you hear?"
Hotaru blinked, while Draco and Blaise exchanged glances. "Hear what?" Draco asked.
Pansy grinned indulgently. She took a seat next to Draco, draping herself over him. Draco looked a little peeved, but he said nothing. "Well," she said in a sing-song voice. "It seems as if we're going to have another exchange student. Hannah Abbot saw him, told Lisa Turpin, who told Su Li, who just finished telling me about the new boy. In Hannah's opinion, he's just dreamy. Nobody knows who he is, but the rumour is spreading like wildfire."
"With help from you," Blaise muttered. He didn't particularly dislike Pansy, but he didn't condone her rumour-spreading habits. He hated rumours. "And where's the proof?"
Pansy shrugged. "I hear he's supposed to be introduced tonight." With that, she hurried off to whisper something about the supposed new student to Millicent Bulstrode.
Hotaru sighed and shook her head. "Honestly, Draco, how could you ever stand her?"
Draco pouted. "Pansy's not that bad. She has some good qualities."
Blaise snorted. "Yeah, well that's because you went out with her for two years. If you spend time with someone long enough, you're bound to see something good about them. She's just like you, Draco. Only, she's a girl and is slightly more emotional."
Draco narrowed his eyes. "Pansy and I aren't that much alike, Blaise. You're exaggerating."
Hotaru waved him off. "Even so, you went out with her?"
Draco sighed. "Yes, even though it's none of your business. But we broke it off. We don't...have much in common. In fact, Blaise and Pansy have more in common with each other than Pansy and I ever did," Draco added with a smirk.
Hotaru furrowed her eyebrows while Blaise choked. "Draco, cut it out," he reprimanded.
"Is there something I'm missing here?"
Blaise shook his head fervently. "No, no, no...you're missing nothing. Draco's just being a prat," Blaise replied, giving Draco a hard kick in the shin, under the table.
Draco glared and rubbed his shin. "That's not smart, Blaise. I need to be in perfect shape this year. Kicking me in the shin isn't going to ensure our victory over Gryffindor."
Hotaru's eyebrows rose. "Oh? Are you talking about Quidditch?"
Draco looked at her immediately. "You play?" he asked, surprised.
Hotaru laughed and shook her head. "No, of course not. I can't really fly on a broom. I mean, I get from here to there, but actually flying--no. I think if we could fly without a broom, I'd be better at that."
Blaise nodded and agreed whole-heartedly. "I never was much of a Quidditch fanatic like Draco here. I have excellent reflexes, but I'm a terrible flyer."
Suddenly, the entire hall silenced gradually as they saw the Headmaster stand up and stare upon them all. There were hushed whispers around the room--all concerning the stool and Sorting Hat that were on the "stage".
When everyone was quiet, and all attention was focused on him, Dumbledore spoke. "Good evening, everyone. I hope the past two days have been fun for you. I have excellent news. A transfer student will be among us now. Everyone, I'd like you to meet Yue Takada."
Through the double doors that led to the Great Hall, came a boy of about sixteen years old. There were much more whispers about him now. He had amber-yellow eyes that seemed to be sorrowful and calm at the same time. His face was very fair-looking. He was more beautiful than handsome, however, and would've looked very much like a girl if not for the lack of feminine qualities elsewhere.
He had a slender aesthetic, very thin and rather short, and seemed to be extremely slender. His hair was dark violet and a little unruly, but looked silky and almost wistful. He had a slender neck, almost pouty lips, and a straight, sort of pointy nose. It was perfect for his face.
He had the fluid grace of a cat, as he walked up to the Sorting Hat. Every step looked as if it barely touched the floor.
Yue sat on the stool, his face expressionless. The Sorting Hat was placed upon Yue's head immediately and all remained silent.
"Now, aren't you an interesting one?" the hat said aloud. The boy remained emotionless. "You possess the cunning spirit of a Slytherin, the courageous nature of a Gryffindor, the capacity for loyalty of a Hufflepuff--although it seems as if you don't put that to much use--and the notorious intellect of a Ravenclaw. This is a rather difficult decision."
Yue just sat there. Then suddenly, his eyes moved and connected to Hotaru's gaze without first scanning the hall. He stared deeply into her eyes.
Hotaru felt herself shiver. She sensed great power waves from him. She couldn't quite place the emotions that came with it. But he was very, very powerful. And immediately, she knew he was no ordinary wizard. That level of magic didn't exist in anyone but senshi.
"You seem to have a natural great power within you and have the potential to be one of the greatest wizards to ever live. Slytherin could help you on your road to glory," the hat told him.
Harry's eyes widened as he heard that. The hat had told him the exact same thing. Who was this guy?
Yue didn't even seem fazed by the hat's analysis.
"It's a hard decision between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Both houses would be rewarding in the future. I'm afraid I must leave it up to you on which house you want. I'm stumped," the hat informed.
Yue once again looked at Hotaru, his eyes locking onto hers. Several seconds passed before he said, in a smooth voice, "Gryffindor."
"Gryffindor it is, then!" the hat announced.
The Sorting Hat was pulled off of Yue's head and he walked over to the Gryffindor table. His gaze remained locked on Hotaru's.
Harry saw this exchange of looks and saw Hotaru start to tremble. She was shaking terribly and he had the sudden urge to run over to her to see what was going on. Yue sat three seats down from him, across from Seamus.
Harry looked back at Hotaru and saw that Blaise was comforting her--well, as comforting as a Slytherin could be. Harry knew Blaise was speaking calming words to her, while glaring at Yue as if he were the Black Death. Draco was watching with as much curiosity as Harry was.
Although, he seemed to be more interested in Yue than Hotaru.
-
As dinner ended that night, Hotaru, Blaise, and Draco walked together to the Slytherin Common Room. Or at least, they walked on their way to it. They were interrupted by a certain Yue Takada.
"Hotaru Tomoe," Yue spoke in a dead tone.
Hotaru halted in her steps, and turned around, meeting eyes with the mysterious stranger. "Yes?" she asked in a light, inquiring voice. "What do you want?"
A few Gryffindors stopped as well. Among them were Ron, Hermione, Harry, Dean, Seamus, Neville, and others.
Yue walked up to her, and grabbed her elbow. "Come with me."
Blaise protested, his wand withdrawn, ready to kill. "Get off of her."
Hotaru put a hand up, jerked her elbow out of his grasp, and looked at Blaise. "I'll be okay. Yue-san and I are going to have a little chat." The longer Yue was around Hotaru, the more familiar his magic felt to her. She needed answers.
Reluctantly, Blaise nodded. He dragged Draco with him to the Slytherin Common Room.
Hotaru looked at Harry. "There won't be a show today. You might as well go back to your dormitory."
Hotaru and Yue left so abruptly, that she didn't even see if they left or not.
-
Yue and Hotaru walked together in silence until they reached the Quidditch pitch. They both stood in the centre, at least thirty feet apart.
"Why do I feel as if I know you? Or at least, your magical signature?" Hotaru asked, not bothering to be discrete. She had a strong feeling that Yue already knew she had been a senshi.
Yue smirked. Hotaru admitted that it looked rather dark and handsome on his face. It made him resemble the way Blaise always looked. His eyes flashed with great power. "I'm not surprised you don't remember me," he spoke his accustomed smooth voice.
"Are you going to tell me?" Hotaru asked, growing impatient. She had to stay on her guard. The energy she sensed in him was almost too much to handle. It made her slightly dizzy. She raised her own energy level--surrounding herself with that Saturn magical field she used to always have. It was dangerous to do this, however, because Voldemort might be able to sense it.
Yue's smirk grew broader. "We go way back, you and I. Perhaps this will refresh your memory..." In the palm of his out-stretched hand was a floating black orb that had two silver vines wrapped around it, though not touching it. Hotaru could faintly see the symbol of Saturn glowing with violet light inside of it.
Her eyes widened somewhat. It somehow felt...familiar.
In an instant, the glowing symbol grew brighter until it blinded Hotaru, and she was forced to look away. As suddenly as it had come, the light dimmed and Yue's entire appearance changed. While his hair remained the same, his amber eyes went a shade darker. He now wore two earrings that looked like black crystals. His school uniform changed into something resembling Chinese design. It was made out of black silk and had silver trim. On the back, there was an embroidered black dragon with violet eyes and a silver under-belly. It looked quite menacing.
In his hand was a long black staff with large blades on either end. A violet ribbon and a silver ribbon tied around the top. His shoes were very Chinese-like, black in colour as well.
And on his forehead, glowing brightly, was the symbol of Saturn--though definitely a shade darker than Hotaru's.
Hotaru stood there, astonished. While she stared, she noticed Yue's smirk become broader. This snapped her from her reverie. She must not be caught off-guard. Especially by one who was able to contain this much power.
However, she could not transform into Sailor Saturn. To become Sailor Saturn again would completely go against everything she was now. She had built a new life for herself and now was not a time to repeat history. No...she couldn't transform. Besides, Voldemort would easily pick up on her sudden increase in power--if he could not already sense Yue's reckless use of it.
She glared at him, only two other options coming to mind; neither of them were very high on her list. One option was to fight him head on with her Silence Glaive (which she could use without summoning too much of her power--enough power for Voldemort to sense her). That would be dangerous, as he obviously had Saturnian power coursing through his veins, while she only had what a Princess of Saturn had when on an alien planet--not transformed. That amount was not even close to enough.
The other option was to use her wand. But she knew then and there that would never work. Saturnian power would be able to destroy the flimsy piece of wood before she could mutter the first syllable of a curse.
Then again...her wand was special...
Her confidence growing steadily stronger, she took out her wand. When Yue saw it, a flicker of amused curiosity flowed through his eyes. For some reason, that look was also very familiar to her--as if she had seen that exact expression on that exact face. She ignored her shivering spine.
Soon, however, Yue spoke of it. "Now, what are you planning to do with that?"
Hotaru smirked. "You'll see. You can't just come up to me, reveal Saturnian power you probably stole, and expect to get away with it." Yue seemed mortally offended when she accused him of stealing that power, but he said nothing. She suspected that he wasn't attacking her out of sheer morbid curiosity on what she was about to do.
Hotaru stood there, quite unsure of what to do. How was she supposed to channel her power through the wand without raising the power within her first? She exhaled deeply and closed her eyes. The world around her began to melt into a small drain--except the small drain was in her mind. The music of the world around her beat harmoniously, and loudly, in her ears. She could hear the steady heartbeat of the man in front of her.
Instantly, she felt a burning sensation on her forehead. She knew he wasn't attacking. He couldn't have been. But she also knew that her symbol wasn't showing up. Then, without so much as a sound to warn her, the bright purple symbol of Saturn blazed on the back of her closed eyelids.
This must have been it then. She was instinctively channelling her Saturnian power through her wand--the blessed wand. She felt both a surge of power and giddiness. She opened her eyes, made instant eye-contact with Yue, and cried, "Impedimentia!" into the wind.
The curse itself was a weak one--by normal standards. But through her own magic and that of her custom-made wand, it was almost as powerful as the Killing Curse itself. It knocked Yue back a long way, rushing at almost light-speed, until he collided with the Quidditch stadium itself. As he slid limply down the wall, leaving a red streak behind, Hotaru felt a sudden, and over-whelming...fear.
Without thinking, she ran up to him, pocketing her wand because she knew, somehow, that she didn't need it to begin with. She ran with all of her might towards the battered and broken boy who still wore the combat clothing found on Princes. When she arrived, she fell to her knees, gathered him into her arms and immediately asked if he was all right.
Apparently, it was only a flesh wound, because he grumbled, "Geez Taru-chan...why'd you have to go and do that? I didn't do anything to you..." he said in almost a whining voice.
Hotaru found it strangely endearing, and nearly burst with delight that he was all right. But...why?
Yue looked at her with a knowing grin and brought out the orb again. Only this time, it seemed as if his entire demeanour was being sucked in. In seconds flat, he was back in a normal, school uniform.
"W-what just happened?" Hotaru asked, to her own disbelief. For once, she did not have the answer.
Yue looked different somehow, a little less menacing yet still unnervingly mysterious, but also with a normality Hotaru knew she wasn't accustomed to seeing. However, she couldn't be accustomed to seeing anything with him...she never knew him before. Then again...
"And you called me 'Taru-chan' as if you knew me..."
Yue yawned, obviously quite bored with this whole ordeal already. Hotaru noticed that he gave the impression of boyish naivety when tired. "Yes, that's because I do."
Hotaru blinked. "How?"
"We're joined, you and I." When saying that, he linked his pinkie with hers and brought their two hands up to eye level.
"Joined?" Hotaru asked with unusual innocent curiosity.
Yue studied their hands for a moment. "Mm-hmm. We're joined. Two peas in a pod. Almost like brother and sister."
Hotaru continued to stare inquiringly.
Yue sighed, a little impatient. "Of course, you don't remember. How could you. Let me help." Instead of transforming into a menacing warrior, he slowly inched closer towards her. She felt a slight brush creep up her cheeks and her breathing become shallow. However, when he leaned his forehead to touch hers, she knew he wasn't going to kiss her.
Then, another burning sensation coursed through her body. Her forehead was where it hurt the most. It was as if she was on fire--but fire that exceeded the heat of a normal flame. She bit her lip to stop from screaming.
A hoard of images suddenly began flowing back into her mind.
Two toddlers running, playing hide-and-go-seek in Saturnian palace gardens. Two adolescents training with each other in a large room with an instructor whose face Hotaru could not see. Although, she knew at once it was Setsuna. Two teenagers goofing around the palace on several occasions. Two people who looked and acted so much like brother and sister, that you'd never guess that they were actually cousins. And then finally, the worst memory of all...
"Yue-kun!!! Yue-kun?" cried a teenage Saturnian princess. She was running, frantically searching for any sign of her beloved cousin. Beads of perspiration already adorned her forehead along with her symbol. She had already disposed of the loathsome high heels, but it made running in a long gown no easier. It was the Saturnian princess's coronation day.
It was supposed to be a joyous event--though based on tragedy. Princess Hotaru's mother had been suddenly killed by an attack from the evil Metallia when she was twelve. They had been participating in an on-going war with the devious creature, and just when it looked as if the good would win, Hotaru's mother was killed and all hope was suddenly diminished.
It would've been fine for the kingdom itself--in regards to the ruler--for Hotaru's father still lived. But her father was mysteriously suffering from a mental disease that rapidly decreased brain activity, and eventually, any function at all. He was diagnosed within five years of his short reign. He was only given a week longer to live.
While devastated over her father's condition, Hotaru welcomed the title as Queen of Saturn. Supposedly, on Earth, the planet would go to the next male heir (which would be her cousin Yue Takada). But this wasn't Earth and Earthling rule did not extend to Saturn. The next in line for the throne would be the son or daughter--whichever was first-born. Then it would be cousins and so on. Since Hotaru was an only child (which was very common this generation), she was ensured the throne.
But during her coronation, something she had actually been looking forward to, Metallia had attacked again with a whole army of minions. There were at least one-hundred thousand demons from the Underworld at Metallia's beck and call. Saturn didn't even stand a chance. The guards had fended the army off while Hotaru retreated into the palace, where she would hopefully be safe.
Scared, but at the same time undignified, Hotaru ran into the castle. She expected her beloved cousin Yue-kun to follow her. But he never showed up. "You promised, Yue-kun..." Hotaru said in a childishly hopeful voice.
Years ago, when they were twelve, Yue had promised that if anything had ever happened to Hotaru like what happened to her mother, then Yue would go to the end of the world with her, protecting her with his life. She loved him for that, for his reckless bravery.
Now, however, she was over-come with worry. What if Yue had ventured off to try and slay the beast itself? No, Yue was smarter than that. He knew that trying to kill Metallia without her and the rest of the combined powers of the senshi would be suicide. He'd never do such a thing. Especially to her.
"Yue-kun!!!" she cried again, hoping with all of her heart that he was safe.
Yue...if he was dead, Hotaru would most likely cease to function any longer. He was her special guardian angel. He was her best friend. And he was her shield against the cruelty of the world. He was everything to her--and to lose him because of a stupid and selfish war would tear Hotaru apart.
Growing up, even though she was a member of the royal family, Hotaru had always been teased viciously. She didn't know what she was doing wrong...or if there was anything wrong about her at all. All she knew was that coming home with bruises from being used as a punching bag was no way to live.
Then Yue realised what was going on, and hurried to her rescue. Her knight in shining armour, he was. He repeatedly protected her from vicious bullies throughout her life. He was her rock in a desperate situation. And now that the biggest bully of all, in the most desperate situation of all, was here, she was in need of him more than ever.
Tears clouded her vision. She quickly blinked them away.
"Taru-chan, what are you doing?" asked a familiar voice.
Hotaru's head snapped up to see Yue coming out of a dark corridor, sword in hand, and a peculiar and almost amused curiosity on his face. Hotaru ran to him, embracing him like a sister would after having been separated from her brother for an eternity. "Where were you? I was so worried!"
Yue smiled at her fondly, and placed one hand on her back. "I was off fighting demons and saving the kingdom, what else?"
Hotaru looked up at him, drying her tears and standing straight up. "It's Metallia. She's come again."
Yue nodded. "I know. Hotaru, go to the Crystal of Silence. Wait there until you feel my presence approaching. Open the doors only for me. You got it?" Hotaru nodded. "Only for me. You'll be safe so long as you stay within the room of the Crystal of Silence. It'll protect you."
"But, how do you know?" Hotaru asked, knowing it was a valid question. "The crystal has been dormant for years."
Yue put a gentle hand on her chin. "Because, you are the Saviour. Hurry, I'll meet you there soon."
Before Hotaru could ask him what he was planning to do, he sprinted off. Hotaru stood there for a moment, heard a strange noise, and reluctantly sprinted down the winding staircase that would lead to a hall with a thousand doors, that would lead to a special door, which would lead to a stair case with a hundred steps going down, that led to a room with three doors. She'd go in the left door, using her Saturnian magic to open it, and hurry into the circular room with a marble Ancient Greece-styled pillar that was about two feet tall. She'd run up to that and wait until Yue came to save her again.
It seemed as if years had passed, when it had only been three days. Hotaru had begun to lose hope after the first day, but by now she remained there out of loyalty to Yue. Although she knew Saturn had lost, she was going to wait until Yue returned.
And when she finally felt his presence, although very dim, she hurried to the door. She opened it, her face a wide grin--
--and she nearly screamed. It was Yue, all right, but a battered and beaten Yue. She could barely feel his magical signature anymore. She knelt beside him, heaved him into the room, and shut the door behind her. She brought him up to the crystal.
"Yue-kun..." she sobbed. She tried her best to heal him with all of the magic she possessed, but that only got rid of the wounds on his body. It did nothing for magical damage. And he was drained entirely.
His eyes opened slightly. "Taru-chan..." he said slowly and in a strained voice.
In a watery voice, Hotaru mumbled, "Yue-kun..."
Yue smiled at her as much as he could, and raised his hand to place it on her cheek. It never made it there, and it suddenly dropped quickly. Hotaru stared at it, then at his face which still had a smile on it. Only now, it looked eerie with his eyes staring at her. Hotaru closed his eyes for him.
For what seemed like hours, Hotaru sobbed into Yue's chest. When she calmed down, yet with tears still free-flowing, she sat on her knees. She grabbed his sword and laid it on his chest, his hilt at his chin, and put both of his hands on it. Then, she drew an asphodel from her subspace pocket and dropped it gently on his hands.
Hotaru stood fully now, and she gazed into the Crystal of Silence. It was a mesmerising object. It entranced you the moment you looked at it. Without thinking, she walked up to it and place both of her hands on either side of it, without actually touching it. Her gaze was locked on the crystal.
Instantly, she felt a huge magical drain. It felt as if the crystal was absorbing every particle of magic inside her. When she could no longer stand or think coherently, she fell backwards, releasing the crystal from her grasp.
When next Hotaru looked up, she found herself looking into almost worried blue orbs. The face came into view, and she recognised the owner of the blue beauties to be Blaise Zabini. She blinked, and sat up immediately. She looked at her surroundings and gasped. She was in the Slytherin Common Room. But...how did she get there?
As if reading her mind, Blaise replied, "That Yue kid brought you to the entrance. At the same time, Draco and I just happened to be on our way back from the library. We were suspicious...especially when he didn't say anything. It was a bit creepy...the fondness in which he was looking at you." Blaise paused. "He didn't...do anything to you, did he?"
Hotaru blinked, completely caught off-guard by Blaise's sudden protectiveness. She had only known the boy a few days, and already he was getting attached. "Uh...define do..." Immediately, she knew this was the wrong thing to say.
Blaise stood up, a maniacal, murderous scowl on his face. He clenched his fists. "That's it. I'm going to cast the Cruciatus curse on him, then tear him limb from bloody limb!"
Hotaru stood as well, putting her hands on his shoulders. "Whoa! Don't jump to conclusions. We had a talk, Yue and I. Nothing more. I...passed out because I suddenly got a huge headache."
Blaise raised his eyebrows. "Headache? Do you think that maybe he's a Legilimens?"
Hotaru cocked her head to the side. It wouldn't surprise me if he was... "No, I don't think so. I know what Legilimency feels like. That wasn't it. I haven't been getting good sleep or nutrition for the past eight years of my life...so maybe that was it."
Blaise, who was by far still suspicious, nodded in reluctant agreement before settling down in the leather chair. "Still, I'd like to tear him limb from limb."
"Why?"
Blaise smirked in a charming way. "I haven't done it in a while and I'm getting withdrawals."
Hotaru laughed, even though the comment somehow made her uneasy. It was as if she had suddenly reformed a conscience or something.
One thing was for sure. She needed to talk to Yue, and fast. The memories, they had all come back to her. But they were still cryptically blurry and she had a very difficult time remembering a lot of things.
But she couldn't do it that night. She was dead tired from all of the power usage and was still a little light-headed due to the sudden return of her memories from the Saturn Kingdom (although she thought she had all of those to begin with), and from the frustration in trying to decipher them. She had a feeling, however, that she wouldn't be getting much sleep for a long, long time.
TBC...
Author's Note: Hey! Along with this chapter, I've just finished reading Volume 1 of Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya. I just have one thing to say. IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY READ THIS SERIES, I SUGGEST YOU TRY TO IMMEDIATELY!!! I swear, it's a manga all it's own. I especially like Tohru, Uo-chan, Hana-chan, Yuki, and Kyo. I love them so much!!! And the illustrations are so pretty!!! *ahem* All right, now my thoughts on this chapter alone.
Hm...I introduced another new character. I gave Yue and Hotaru a history. I made a plot point later to be discussed in future chapters. And I did a few other things. All in all, I'm pretty satisfied. I think, if I'm not mistaken, that this is one of my longest chapters to date. I could be wrong, though. Um, so please review! A review from you will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
-Deirdre Blair