Title: A Broken Promise
Chapter Seven: Which Blonde to Choose?
Special Chapter Rating: PG 13-ish. All because of our favorite pervert, Wakeru...
Author's Notes: Hey guys! Another chapter for all of you! Usual disclaimers apply! But before I set you free to read this sorry excuse for a fanfic, I'd like to inform you of a change I'm contemplating, on the update and posting of my fanfiction. I've gotten a xanga, [my address and I do hope all of you visit me! :) I have decided that I might discontinue my posting on FF.Net because of my laziness to convert files and all that other garbage... so I might just directly post them on my xanga, until I get a site of my own. I don't know. Still thinking about it.
Anyway, enjoy!
"PLUTO!"
"She's gone, Venus. Let it go."
The Venitian roared and turned her sharp gaze towards the offending speaker. "What is your problem?! Your comrade falls in the heat of battle, and yet you don't even spend a short second mourning?!"
Uranus let out a bark of laughter. "You romanticize it greatly. She chose her own death, did you not notice that?"
Jupiter blinked. "What do you mean?" then she paused, all the pure curiosity stripped off her face. "What? So she chose a bloody death for fun?"
"She found it better to die at the hands of her love, rather than die at the hands of someone she despises," Neptune replied rather dimly.
The small conference took place in the mud-covered cave, where the group had halted their march when Venus had produced her random outburst. Noticing that the brigade had not continued their steps, Mamoru gruffly questioned, "May we continue?" And they did so: despite the tears that fell in the pathway.
As they walked on, Uranus glanced at the blonde soldier who marched at her left side. Venus allowed tears to roll down her rosy cheeks, the thought of death settling on her rather badly. In a short moment of understanding, Uranus murmured, "Mina... you have to understand. We cannot spend time pitying all the fallen–even if they were our friends. For sometimes..." and this she whispered, a look of longing suddenly striking her usually unforgiving face, "sometimes, death is far more merciful than life."
Venus heard these words and felt the pangs of bitterness acidicly eating their way towards her heart. Was it better to die by the hands of a stranger? Or better to die at the hands of someone whom your heart had grown accustomed to love? Wouldn't the pain of the latter make your demise much worse? Thoughts stumbled clumsily through her head; she wanted to say something meaningful–all the while, something comforting. But her mouth opened and closed, producing no sound.
"Guys... what is that?"
Venus arose from her sea of thoughts to look at the image in question, and found something rather peculiar meeting her gaze. A pillar of yellow marble stood in the way, its surface covered with markings unreadable to those of earth origin.
"Don't go near it... it may be a trap."
Mamoru's warning didn't go unheeded. The soldiers stayed back–all except one.
"Venus! Did you not hear what I just said?! It could be dangerous!"
The Venitian continued her slow walk towards the pillar. She allowed her right hand to softly caress the megalith, when suddenly...
Nostalgia seemed to hit her right away. She felt consumed by memories inexperienced by her, but familiar just as well. "Is this what Pluto felt?" she thought, feeling her head was being hit by a rather large bowling ball, "always experiencing memories that were not hers?" Almost at once, the trip through memories of the ages had finally ceased.
She then floated, stumbling upon a scene where a boy and girl laughed. A carefree sight of the boy running his hands through the girl's long blonde locks, making his fingers' travel through the golden strands a long one. He did it in such a manner that he felt this luxury would soon be taken away.
"I can't believe that tomorrow shall be the last day I shall see you..." he whispered, leaning in to suffocate himself in the girl's hair. Minako felt something grasp at her heart. Why did this sight seem so familiar? She found herself entranced with the couple, as if they were on the screen of Osaka Avenue's Movie House... a duo starring in their very own romance film.
The girl shook her head and murmured, "Don't say that–please..." and she tossed her head up; blue eyes that Minako knew all too well, were lined with tears. Minako's jaw dropped as to satisfy the shock of that moment. The girl in the boy's arms was a Venitian. A Venitian that Minako stared at every morning in the mirror. And suddenly the characters were obvious, so obvious that Minako was disgusted with not recognizing them at first sight. The boy was Kunzite, former Negaverse general: former champion of her heart.
Venus was re-living a moment from Silver Millenia.
"Why must you continue to be part of the prince's guard?! You could stay here, with me..." Princess Minako let the words trail on, a look of longing clearly etched across her face.
Kunzite let out a hallow laugh and stared into her eyes, imploring for the understanding that he knew was within her. "I can't stay for the same reason you can not leave–I live to protect. I am the captain of the prince's guard, as you are the captain of the princess's. I am friends with the one I serve, as are you."
Princess Minako's breath hastened as rebellious thoughts ran through her mind. "I could always abandon my post–I can run away with you! We'll travel to the end of the galaxies! Live as rogues on Saturn... the planet of desolation. We'll make it our kingdom, Kun–"
The princess was suddenly unable to say more, for the flow of words was stopped by Kunzite's mouth over hers.
From her watching place, Minako shuddered. Had she really been that ignorant back in Silver Millenium? Really that ready to betray her kingdom; her princess? And for what? Love. Something that kept her smitten, pining like a dog, and made her disappointed when she was given nothing. An emotion that continued to pass over her, as it handed the rest of her friends their taste of romance. A feeling that she, as a senshi, was to represent, yet instead--her own realm, love, left her embittered.
Why was it that the Fates mocked her?
Sailor Venus brought back her vision to the scene she had, temporarily, left. And what she saw now made her heart beat quicken. Past Minako had gone, leaving Kunzite alone. And Kunzite stood there watching. Her.
Most disturbing was that he was grinning.
"Hey Minako. I thought I felt your presence here." Kunzite began to walk over to her, and Minako felt her concern for any Time Stream mishaps fade away. Kunzite, his eyes so warm and welcoming, so hungry, were turned towards her. And, for some reason, she wanted nothing more than to quench that thirst both saw in each other. Maybe it was finally her turn to love...
"Kunzite, I..."
A reassuring grin was provided in response. Kunzite began to lean in, retrieving that kiss both were yearning for. And Minako, knowing this scene by heart, stood on her tip toes and let her eyes close shut. Maybe things will be ok... maybe I can forget about everything... and I'll just stay in this dimension with Kunzite...
"Stay in this illusion... and forget about Usagi?"
If Venus had any wit about her that moment, she would have been surprised at how easily the word flew out of her mouth, into existence. With Kunzite's lips on hers, it was as if she was guzzling down a potion via Negaverse General. With these factors, it was just so easy to answer, simply, yet so effectively, "Yes."
And then it seemed Demando's second trap had worked.
"VENUS! YOU–YOU IDIOT! WHERE ARE YOU?!"
The companions Venus had left behind still stood by the mini stone tower, continued trying to access the powers that had sucked their friend in. Mars smashed her fist against the ivory, tears of anger lining her eyes. "Dam it Minako... we've already lost two. Why did you abandon us now?"
"We have to leave."
It was said in a mutter, but the words seemed to travel through a great expansion, bouncing off every single crack and crevice of the great corridor. And the voice rebounded to echo menacingly around all of the soldiers.
"What... what did you say?"
Tuxedo Kamen shook his head and avoided all of the accusing glances. "I said we should move on."
"And what is that supposed to mean?!" snapped Mars, suddenly rising to her feet. She maneuvered to position herself right in front of Tuxedo Kamen. Though she was shorter in physical stature, Mars's fury allotted her a greater height...
"Repeat that again, Tux," she snapped, "say it again–to my face."
Mamoru looked down the extent of the cave that they still had to travel. They didn't have time for this, they really didn't...
"SAY IT, DAM IT!"
Tuxedo Kamen in all of his impatience yelled, "I SAID WE'RE GOING TO LEAVE–VENUS, OR NO VENUS!"
Mars stepped back, contorting her face into a look of disgust. "I thought that's what you said."
Tuxedo Kamen tried to find a place in his mind that wasn't full of the turmoil invading his soul. Once finding that spot, he tried to say calmly, "Look. I'm sure Venus is fine without us. She's a strong girl, and I love her like a sister... but we need to go." Still seeing a few skeptical faces among his listeners he growled, "Fine. Those who want to stay, stay. But those with enough sense to follow me, then let's go!" Unintentionally, he gave a dramatic sweep with his cloak and dashed down the cavern, closely followed by Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn.
Chibi Moon watched the quartet run off and held a fist over her heart, vowing, "Mama... I will see you again. I swear it."
Mars, on the other hand, did not let the foursome get away without a word. Yelling at their retreating backs, making her message cut through their group, right at Mamoru: "MAMORU! YOU KNOW USAGI WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED IT THIS WAY!"
The man in black did not turn around to indicate the yell had been heard. Tuxedo Kamen wasn't completely sure if he wanted to acknowledge it. Because, somewhere in his heart, he knew it was true.
A half of an hour past, then a full hour made its turn, and still there was no sign of Venus.
Jupiter looked at the pillar skeptically. "Do you suppose if we break this thing Venus will be inside?"
Mercury shook her head. "Don't even try it. Smashing that thing to Kingdom Come might destroy the little chance we have of getting Venus back." She sighed. "I can't believe my scanners can't pick up anything, it's so frustrating..."
"Don't give up, Mercury-chan."
Mercury turned to face the small figure of Chibi Moon. In her ruby-red eyes lay a continually burning hope. The blue-haired teenager felt as if Usagi's spirit really was there, guiding them. Just in the form of a small, pink-haired princess. "Mama once told me," Chibi Moon began, and with those words Mercury felt a gushing relief, feeling her 'Usagi's Guidance' theory had been justified, "she told me that you were the smartest person she ever met, and that you could always, always solve any problem." here she paused and smiled. "She said you even thought of a diet plan that worked for her."
Here, Mars couldn't help but add, "Your crowning achievement, huh, Ami-chan?"
Mercury smiled. "That was a hard one. But, yes, I did eventually accomplish what everyone thought was the impossible. Though she did stop using it after a month or so..."
Jupiter poked Mercury playfully in the stomach, smiling as she did so, "What Chibi Moon here is trying to say, Ami, is that with that brain of your's, you can get us out of this jam."
Mercury stared doubtfully at the pillar. Could she do this? Could she take back their captured friend? Did she have the courage, the smarts, to possibly deactivate this Black Moon-manufactured trap?
She looked around at her three friends, knowing that they were turning to her for the aid. And time was short. No matter how much they missed Minako, they wanted to see Usagi just as badly. And
she was sure if they even attempted a rescue mission... something would go faulty.
"Mercury... you don't look so sure."
Mercury smiled and threw all logic out the window. This is where the spirit of love and friendship would come into major play. Through some divine intervention it'd all work out. Again she smiled, feeling her hands trembling. She couldn't screw this up... it felt like it was her moment to shine... her time to lead. "No. We're all set." Oh man, she really hoped so.
"Get away from me you- you HEATHEN!" Serenity continued to dash around the garden, the folds of her dress proving an obstacle. Every hurried step she took, she seemed to trip over her own skirts. Ah, why hadn't she listened to her mother during those princess lessons? Grace may have saved her here...
Wakeru, on the other hand, took his time on his approach. If he wanted, he would already have taken the girl back to his room... but foreplay would make the whole concept far more exciting.
"Princess, princess," Wakeru clucked, noticing his prey had tripped, "Why run away? What? You don't like me?"
Serenity slammed a fist into the ground and seemed to not notice the pain it gave her. "Of course I don't like you—you PERVERT! I HATE YOU! GET AWAY FROM ME!"
The young woman's shrieking did not stop Wakeru from approaching. He smiled, noticing the girl's disheveled disposition. Her hair was messed up---one ponytail free from its confinement. One shoulder covering had slunk down, revealing even more white, porcelain skin. Wakeru grinned. And he had assumed this was going to be a slow night...
"Where all of my prince's guards?!" Serenity screamed, baffled. Where were all of the soldiers ready to come dashing in? Ready to protect her from any threats?
"Gave them the night off, my sweets," Wakeru snickered, "you know... give us more privacy?"
Serenity's wide blue eyes, (if it was possible), widened even more at this statement. She was alone...? "No..." she whispered, using her hands and feet to shuffle backwards, in a vain attempt to escape. "No... this can't be right..."
Wakeru leaned down, grabbed Serenity's chin and dragged her in, and kissed her roughly. Serenity sputtered, but felt helpless to stop this onslaught. Wakeru was about to ease his victim out of her black dress, but...
"Wakeru?! WHERE THE HE are you?! You don't come out here I will GRILL you!"
Wakeru growled. Why did his sister have to spoil all of his fun? He released Serenity from his hold, and saw her body go limp on the ground. Triumphantly, her held up a needle, glad that the anaesthesia had worked. Those silly Terran doctors may have accomplished something worth-while...
He summoned a portal, slipped the princess's form in, and had her transported to a safe hideaway. He grinned. Fine. He would fulfill whatever petty chore the Black Moon needed done. But once he was done, he'd salvage the remainder of this night. For there would be a prize, stretched out on the bed, waiting for him in his room.
"Explain it to me again. Why is Chibi Usa going in instead of one of us?"
Mercury sighed, running a gloved hand through her light blue hair. "Well, none of us have Venetian power."
Chibi Usa shuffled uncomfortably in her spot, and murmured, "Well, neither do I."
Mercury smiled. "Well, that's the beauty of it. You do."
Chibi Usa blinked and looked up into the eyes of the Mercurian guardian. "What?"
"Neo Queen Serenity, throughout the years, has been infused with the different powers of each sailor senshi in this galaxy—using the Silver Imperial Crystal as her outlet for such power. And that includes Venus." here she paused, glancing at her three companions, imploring for questions on the matter. None were given, so she continued, "Since you are her offspring, then I am certain that same power is in your blood." Or at least I hope so...
Chibi Usa nodded and provided an "ooh" sound. Like Mercury really was spouting coherent words.
Chibi Moon took a deep breath, stepped towards the pillar and waited for the power to suck her in. Nothing happened. Chibi Moon tried to transfer her power into the tower. Nothing still.
Mercury sighed. "Or maybe this only works with the immediate power host... Usagi." Oh Usagi, you were Minako's last hope... as we are your's...
Jupiter glared at the orange tower, and snapped, "I'm sorry! But it's time to apply some force here!" Despite the desperate cries of Mars and Mercury she cried, "JUPITER THUNDER CRASH!" targeting its exploding force to erupt straight at the pillar. And...
"Venus!" Mars cried joyfully. Venus's body lay limp among the shambles of the pillar. Mercury took Venus's unmoving wrist in her hands and smiled. "She has a pulse!" she cried. Divine intervention really did take a part in their friend's salvation!
Mercury smiled sheepishly. "You were right after all, Jupiter... it was just an incasing."
Jupiter grinned smugly, but laughed the whole thing off. "We got Venus back! That's all that matters!"
Mars laughed and clapped a hand on Mercury's shoulder. "Don't worry—it was still an awesome plan either way."
Without stopping to inspect the unconscious Venus further, Jupiter shouldered the slumbering soldier, the newly formed five ran down the cavern, hoping to catch up with the rest of their group. Their joyous, celebratory cries gilled the cavern. All whoops and yells loud enough to easily drown out Minako's voice, murmuring, "Kunzite... yes, I shall join you... and Black Moon."
Author's [Concluding] Notes: -GASP- The SUSPENSE! Anyway, leave a review, e-mail me at thepinkmatrixaol.com, OR visit my xanga at "margin-right: -0.0625in">So yes, I hope we keep our princess safe for another day... 'Till next time!