A/N: See? You didn't have to wait as long for this chapter as you did for chapter six! Isn't that great? ^^ Well either way, I got this done as fast as I could, so be satisfied! I can't guarantee that chapter eight will be out as fast as seven did. And damn, does it feel great to say that! I mean, this story has progressed so far since Future Meets Past was written and posted (I am SO going to revise that in the near future!). It's nice to say that I'm past seven chapters in this story.

It's great to know I still have readers after four months of not updating (or was it longer?! Can't remember -.-;;…) so I'd REALLY like to thank Pisces*Angel and rogus solus for reviewing the last chapter (Don't think I haven't noticed your reviews for the past chapters; thanks so much for the support!), and The Heiress as well.
Before this story goes on any further, I'd like to say that there might be a slim chance that there will be shounen ai/shoujo ai (homosexuality) in this story. Not necessarily to the main characters, but other characters might get together with people of the same gender. I don't want anyone offended when I start adding in the romance for this story (Yes people scream; seven chapters and a prologue and Hotaru STILL haven't gotten together with Kurama yet? Well, don't expect too much out of THAT couple, I'm still not sure what to do with them ^^;;) and I don't want anyone flaming because of that. So yeah, keep that in mind.

Again, thank you for all the support through the months (and years, considering Future Meets Past was written and completed in September of 2001, and I STILL occasionally get a review or two for that story!) Now please read and enjoy!


Love Through Centuries
Chapter 7: Conversations


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They appeared right outside a large set of doors. Palus gasped in surprise and delight; pale blue eyes widening at the sight. It was a large silver structure, outlined with draped silks hanging overhead. The doors itself had engraved designs on them, and out of curiosity she leaned closer to look at it. They were frightening; most of them were of demons and pictures of creatures she had never seen before. However, before she looked away, she could've sworn she saw a flash of what could've been her queen, standing by herself in the centre surrounded by eight figures.

Her fellow senshi were not nearly as amazed as she was; because although the building of the Sovereign Summit was frighteningly majestic (for a building built in the Makai) it was also frighteningly dark and foreboding. They felt that the Crystal Tokyo palace was much more beautiful and had a much more cheerful atmosphere.

"I'm sorry Hotaru-san, but since you are the company of Koenma-sama, you must enter along with him. As to my knowledge, he has not arrived yet with the ferrygirl Botan-san".

Hotaru nodded and backed away, content to wait by the door. Palus almost frowned at how mean it was, but let it drop, as Hotaru glanced down the hall inquiringly. Sailor Saturn was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, and if she had a problem with how she was treated, she would speak up. Palus needn't worry.

Tokei pushed the door open and they were met with probably the largest room they had ever seen. The walls were covered with large arch-like windows with golden drapes. The chandeliers glowed from the candles and caused a rather romantic atmosphere in the ballroom.

And it would've been romantic, Palus noted with a hint of sarcasm, if the room wasn't chock full of demons of every sizes.

There were four large tables arranged in a row. The centre one was obviously for the Lords and the guests, and two for the rulers and their company (each ruler had brought two as their company), but she was unsure whom the last table was for. Two people were seated there, a young girl with auburn hair tied into two pigtails dressed in a simple lacy black dress, and a young man seeming in his twenties in a simple shirt and black pants; he had long blonde hair and was tied back elegantly into a ponytail. Blinking, she wondered again who they were and continued to watch them as she descended.

Tokei lead them down the large set of stairs that served as a bit of a stage, while the fox-girl (and she could not for the life of her remember her name) introduced them.

"Arriving, as Neo Queen Serenity's representative, Lady Serenity of Crystal Tokyo and her company, the Sailor Senshi".

They felt the stares of almost everyone in the room. Guests wouldn't normally get as much attention, but they had come in place of one of the most powerful beings in all three worlds, and they were insanely curious as to who Neo Queen Serenity had chosen as her representative.

They followed the brown haired sorceress down the large staircase and were told to be seated around table that was directly in front of the foot of the stairs, so they had a clear view of the guests' arrivals.

There was a light chatter going around the room, but she could feel the tension crackling through the air. She felt like she was constantly being watched; shifting around in her seats her eyes darted around uncomfortably.

"How come no one's at our table, Usa-chan? Whom're we sitting with?" Palus whispered to her princess who was seated beside her.

"The three Makai Lords with each of their company and Koenma-san with his own company. Don't worry, they usually arrive last. They should be here in a few minutes".

She was right; but they had certainly taken their time. Koenma, Hotaru, and a blue haired girl she didn't know was announced (whose name assumed was Botan) and led to their table. Koenma sat between Botan (who sat beside Celis) and Hotaru.

"Good evening, Koenma-san", Serenity said, a face of absolute politeness. Her eyes were carefully made expressionless, Palus noted, as she always was whenever she greeted someone of higher or same rank as her.

"Good evening, Lady Serenity. I trust that you had a pleasant afternoon?"

Serenity smiled and nodded. "The Sovereign Summit is a most interesting place. It is great honour to be invited to come in my queen's place".

Palus was rather proud of her friend; no matter how you looked at her, you would never guess that Serenity was merely fourteen years of age (from the way she was speaking).

Seeing that Serenity and Koenma was engaged in a rather fast paced conversation, she not having the patience to keep up turned to look at her sister who sat on the other side of Serenity. Sighing, she noticed that Koenma had switched seats with Hotaru (at her request, probably) and now Botan-san, Hotaru-san, and Celis were speaking with each other. Frowning, she sat back to await the others' arrivals.

They didn't disappoint her. After a few of the ruler's company had arrived, she heard the announcement of one of the Makai Lords arriving, and eagerly she looked up. It was the one with the long black hair, fierce coal black eyes glaring from under strands of bangs that hung menacingly in front of his face. She shuddered as she felt his gaze sweep past her and the people at her table; this demon scared her more then the others.

She glanced to the side, perhaps by chance, and saw that Hotaru was looking at him, and they smiled at each other briefly, though you would barely notice if you weren't looking closely. Surprised, Palus wondered if Hotaru knew him.

He made his way leisurely to their table and sat down onto the empty chair next to Koenma. Palus watched him nervously, but tried to appear as if she wasn't. Hotaru seemed unfazed however, and she had to admire her calm when sitting near to one of the most powerful demons in Makai. She had learned of Yusuke during her few years of schooling, and they had said that he was a demon with a temper; known to be provoked by the smallest things and to lash out at anything that he deemed unworthy and useless, even demons who stood by his side.

She met Hotaru's eyes and tried to warn her of Yusuke, but Hotaru merely smiled and shook her head. Palus looked and felt dejected; she wasn't Hotaru or her sister or Serenity, who were all young but powerful in their own right. They all had a strong personality and could stand under pressure. But she was the youngest, and inexperienced. Celis was always the elegant and graceful one; who learned to deal with things with a certain poise that would leave those watching her breathless. It didn't hurt that she possessed a soft sense of beauty that gave off the impression that she was gentle and could not hurt a fly.

Of course, whoever saw her in battle would be quick to disagree.

Palus was different; young and foolish. Her teachers always told her that she had her head in the clouds every minute of the day and could hardly concentrate. She could never view dangerous situations with any amount of seriousness and so opted to deal with things her own way; by acting childish and silly. It was her way of letting people know she was harmless, but she was most definitely not. However, she could not deny the fact that she was probably the weakest of the four senshi that guarded Neo Princess Serenity of Crystal Tokyo.

Pouting to herself, she glanced up again to stare at the large doorway that stood over the staircase. She had enough pitying herself, really. She often found that instead of looking at how useless she was, it was better to just concentrate on the current situation at hand.

Besides, the second Makai Lord had already been announced during her musings.

It was Youko Kurama, as ethereal and beautiful as he had been during their first meeting this afternoon. Making his way down the steps, he slid onto a seat. With great curiosity, she noted that he kept a careful distance from Yusuke and Hotaru. He sat directly in front of Serenity.

She watched as Hotaru looked at him out of the corner of her eye, narrowed them, and looked away, continuing her conversation with Botan and Celis. Youko Kurama merely watched her in silence, with blank eyes and an even blanker expression. The neutrality he used in which to watch her friend (and role model) scared her. Palus tilted her head to the side in a sign of confusion, taping her bottom lip in contemplation. Things were obviously not quite right between the two, but as always, she knew Hotaru would know how to deal with it.

Youko Kurama sat only two seats away from her, and all the rest of the seats were filled. She knew that Hiei was the last one to arrive, but perhaps he had brought company, when the other two had not? Curiously, she made sure to pay attention so that she knew who was coming along with him.

"You must be part of the company of Lady Serenity", a soft and entirely gentle voice said.

She turned to him, startled that he would speak to her, of all people. But then again, it was understandable. Serenity and Koenma were busy talking about the state Makai was in, Hotaru, Celis, and Botan were discussing who-knew-what, Yusuke didn't seem like the sociable type to begin with, and that only left her and Youko Kurama to entertain each other. She mentally winced, but sighed and decided that it was inevitable anyway. She had to converse with someone here that wasn't in her circle of friends.

"Yup! I'm Palus, sister of Celis and we make up half of the Sailor Senshi", she chirped, eyes shining with interest. 'Well', she thought, 'no matter how much I deny it, Youko Kurama is a very curious figure here at the Sovereign Summit. It's kind of cool to talk to him and be on almost equal footing'.

He smiled, and she nearly fell over her chair with surprise. With just a small tilt of his lips, his entire demeanor changed. Suddenly he seemed so much more…pleasant, or kind, whichever was the better word, and she couldn't resist grinning back in her usual manner when she was with her friends; a smile that wasn't just for show. She was a bit surprised that he could make her smile rather truthfully with just one of his own.

"It is refreshing to see new faces. I met Neo Queen Serenity during the previous meetings; she is quite the formidable woman", he commented, making light conversation.

She bobbed her head up and down excitedly; eager to talk about a person she admired so much (the fact that he had mentioned her queen as a topic of conversation definitely earned him brownie points in her book). "Neo Queen Serenity-sama is a wonderful person! She's kind and thoughtful; patient and willing to listen. She is not only our ruler but also our friend; and a friend to everyone who reside in Crystal Tokyo. She is the most beautiful person", she replied rather dreamily, her bright blue eyes shining.

"And I am correct to assume that Neo Queen Serenity has eight senshi that serve as her guard; eight senshi who rule over each element of Ningenkai?"

"Yes. Each of them possess the power of nature, such as water or wind. They are all capable of battle and trained for it…in case the need should ever arise".

"Every five years, only one senshi accompanies Neo Queen Serenity, and she is Sailor Pluto. I was curious as to why none of the senshi came along".

"You could say that Sailor Pluto is like the guardian. She is not only a senshi but works for Neo Queen Serenity as a diplomat or politician of sorts, and attends all the meetings of different rulers around the world when our queen cannot. It is sensible to bring along Sailor Pluto, the one who has the most experience in this sort of thing amongst us all".

"Ah", Youko Kurama nodded in acknowledgement. His smile never left his face and Palus couldn't help but wonder as to where the Youko Kurama Hotaru had described in her story had gone to. "You said there were eight senshi of Neo Queen Serenity. So where does that put you and your other three?"

"We're the senshi of Neo Princess Serenity-sama. We were sent to come along with Lady Serenity for her protection, but Celis and I are only in training. Of course", she turned a bit more serious then she was used to and looked at Youko Kurama through unsmiling eyes, "that does not mean we are utterly defenceless".

Youko Kurama nodded. "Of course", he repeated.

Palus grinned brightly at him again, pleased that he had agreed. By now, she thought that perhaps Youko Kurama wasn't that bad after all, and was quite a good conversationalist, but she was still wary and decided to change the subject, unwilling to disclose more then enough information about her and her fellow senshi. She didn't want to accidentally reveal she was from the future, after all, though that was unlikely. She couldn't take the risk (her mouth tended to run off on her during her most excitable times).

But she never got the chance to ask the question she wanted to ask, because the third Lord, Hiei, had arrived. She turned to look up, but caught the fleeting look Hotaru had shot at Youko Kurama, a look of absolute confusion and bewilderment. Blinking rather innocently, Palus cast that aside to be mulled over later and turned her attention back to the new arrival.

Hiei had looked exactly as she had imagined. Short. She stifled a giggle, and continued to observe. He had spiky black hair with a white starburst imprinted onto it. Vicious looking red eyes glared out from under a white band that went around his forehead. He was draped with a black cloak with a high collar, and she could only see boots underneath. And just as she had thought, Hiei had brought a companion. Turning to the person beside him, her jaw dropped with absolute shock and surprise.

It was a tiny figure she could barely see, but as they descended, she knew her assumption was right. It was a small and seemingly very young girl. She had light turquoise hair tied back, with short strips hanging by her face. She had on a simple pale blue kimono, and her hands hung limply by her side. As she neared their table along with Hiei, Palus could see that her eyes were blank, almost as if she herself was merely a shell, a hollow representation.

She breathed a sigh of relief when the girl decided to sit down next to her, so Hiei was forced to sit beside Youko Kurama. The chairs were all filled, and spaced widely apart, so there was less chance of a disagreement. Curiously, she glanced at the girl out of the corner of her eye. The girl was completely silent, staring at the edge of the table, ignoring all the activity surrounding her.

As the lights dimmed, signalling the beginning of the banquet, Palus couldn't drag her eyes from the girl. She was like a living oxymoron, her physical appearance seemingly young and innocent, but there was a certain blankness in her eyes and on her face. Her expression was so silent and absolute that Palus was afraid it would crack if any type of emotion were revealed.

She felt Serenity nudge her side, silently telling her to pay attention. She looked up. The girl she had seen sitting in the last table with the blonde man was on the platform just above the stairs, and a large spotlight was trained on her. Everywhere, all demons and guests fell silent, staring at the girl who seemed to be only in her teens.

'It's like she's the leader or something', Palus thought, 'but she can't be! She's so…young'. Then she glanced over at Serenity and felt foolish. Serenity was only fourteen and she was expected to rule an entire kingdom. Although that wasn't to come until at least a few hundred years later, Serenity was already expected to act like the ruler she would become. 'I shouldn't mock young rulers of future empires', she joked to herself, 'not when I myself am being ruled over by one'.

The girl slowly smiled and bowed, a pleasant look on her face but a cold expression in her eyes. "I am glad to see all of you here. Thank you for attending the meeting of the Sovereign Summit, in which we hold every five years. This is the place in which we resolve the disputes that have collected over the last five years. This is also the safest place there will ever be in Makai, ever since the Makai Wars. The guards of this palace wish that all of you abided by the rules and to please refrain from using violence to solve your own personal disagreements. If any of you have any problems you wish to inform to the guards, they will be brought up during the meetings".

"And if we do not wish to wait till tomorrow to 'resolve our disputes', Morrayne?"

Palus turned to the voice and with a wince, realized it was Yusuke, who had stood up and now the spotlight was trained on all ten of them.

The girl grinned wolfishly, eyes glaring down at who had addressed her so informally. "Really, Yusuke, you are probably the only one who would dare speak to me in such a manner. And let me tell you, it is rather refreshing. If you choose to lash out against others instead of trying to 'work things out' in a fully calm and polite way, then I'm afraid the guards will be free to do as they wish with you. Please remember that no matter how powerful you are, the guards will be able to restrain you in the quickest and most painless way possible".

Then she turned to Palus' table. "For the newcomers, I am Morrayne, the ancient Elder of the Sovereign Summit. I wish you good will in the hands of the Goddess; you are fully welcomed here into this place. Be rest assured that no harm will befall any of you. If any threaten our guests, they will pay dearly".

Then her gaze swept across the entire room and caught the eye of everyone there. All demons and guests were watching her intently. She had an atmosphere of wisdom surrounding her, and called for everyone's attention.

Then she said what everyone had been waiting for. "Now please, let the banquet begin".

A cheer of mutual agreement rose from around the room, mostly from the rulers and their company's table. Guards began to trickle in by the handful, each holding trays up in one hand.

Palus was silent as the food was served and drinks poured. Everyone dug into their meal, and she picked at hers.

"Palus-chan? Is everything alright?" Serenity glanced at her friend; worried. Her blue haired senshi seemed a bit down, glancing around the table and then dropping her gaze back onto her plate.

"I'm fine, Usa-chan!" Palus plastered a large smile on her face and turned away from her friend, putting something unidentifiable in her mouth. She pulled away from her fork, surprised. 'Hey, this is pretty good!'

Soon, she was shoving food into her mouth, realizing just how hungry she was. "Yummy!" She exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement.

Celis giggled and pointed out her napkin to her. "Palus, calm down. You might want to wipe your mouth as well; some got on your face".

She blushed and grinned furtively at her sister with thanks. Wiping her mouth, she set her fork down and sighed in sheer happiness. She loved eating, especially foods that she had never tasted before. She reached forward to take her cup, but stopped herself before she could take a huge gulp and glanced down at it curiously. It was a clear liquid. She sniffed it suspiciously; no strange odor arose.

Scrunching up her face in fear, she drank a sip, and then sighed in relief. It was just water, but water that sizzled rather pleasantly down her throat when she swallowed.

Once she quenched her thirst, she sighed again. She looked around the table and saw that everyone was still eating, but they were already starting to finish up. After all, this was only the appetizer.

Curiously, she looked to the girl beside her and saw that she was still sitting, as she had been when she first sat down; eyes down, fingers laced and hands on her lap, back straight up. Palus tapped lightly on the girl's shoulder to get her attention, and her head turned, staring straight towards her.

She reeled back in shock, eyes wide.

How frightening was it, to see a girl seemingly younger then her stare straight towards her, red eyes wide and blank. Palus held back a gasp, and smiled hesitatingly at her, tucking strands of blue hair behind her ear. She held out her other hand and transformed her miniature smile into her signature grin. "Hi, I'm Palus! Who might you be?"

The girl looked down and stared at the offered hand. Palus waited patiently, but even she was about to give up when the mysterious girl was staring at it for a full minute. But to her ultimate surprise, and to the demon sitting on the other side of the girl, she slowly unlaced her finger and lifted her right hand up, palm faced down. Palus immediately switched hands and grasped the girl's hand tightly.

"It's nice to meet you", she said, determined to be cheerful and nice to the apparently shy girl.

The girl stared at their joined hands, going up and down. Then she lowered her head even more and covered her eyes with her hair. A word was whispered quietly, and Palus blinked.

"I'm sorry, but…I can't hear you. Can you repeat what you just said?" she asked kindly, grasping the mysterious girl's hand tighter. She had a feeling she was about to find out who the girl was, and it would definitely come as a big surprise.

The girl whispered again, her eyes still carefully blank but Palus was no longer afraid. Unaware of the stares directed at her from the other people seated around the table, she lowered her head and again repeated her request as politely as possible. She made sure to keep a pleasant smile on her face in case she scared the girl off.

The girl finally looked up, and awareness seeped into her eyes. Palus widened her own in surprise, but the girl finally said something that everyone around the table could hear. It was a name, a name that served no purpose to the guests from Ningenkai. But to those that had been around since the Makai Lords became as they were now, it meant everything.

"Yukina".


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TBC

A/N: I know it's a bit strange that I would use Palus' POV for such an important chapter, but I thought that if I used Hotaru's POV, this chapter wouldn't have turned out as well because I would've concentrated too much on her thoughts of Youko Kurama and herself, and I would've had no way of connecting her to Yukina, and I HAD to introduce Yukina in this chapter, so yeah. That's my explanation.