Black Thorns on a White Rose

Chapter One: Kinmoku

By: Ree


Pairing: Kou Seiya/Ten'oh Haruka

Ages: Seiya (24), Haruka (24), Taiki (24), Yaten (24), Usagi (22), Mamoru (25-26), the Inner Senshi (22), Hotaru (20), Setsuna (Unknown, but appears 26), Michiru (24), Kakyuu (25), Chibi-Usa (Newborn babe)

Setting: Kinmoku Planet (mostly)

Rating: R

Summary: It is the 30th Century Crystal Tokyo. Haruka has been feeling restless lately, and Neo Queen Serenity decides to send her on a diplomatic mission to Kinmoku. It's déjà vu all over again when she sees Seiya again for the first time. However, when Seiya (now a female) learns that her beloved Usagi married Mamoru and is now the Queen of Crystal Tokyo, it's all she can do to go on with her life. Can Haruka bring Seiya out of her misery once and for all? Or is it destined that the two of them will be mortal enemies forever?

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon; I don't want to claim ownership to Takeuchi-sama's noble work. So don't sue me! I don't own anything, I am just a poor student, and you won't get anything!

Crystal Tokyo was a beautiful place in the 30th Century after Chiba Usagi revived the planet Earth out of its cold sleep using the power of her ginzuishou. The young 22-year-old had married her beloved Chiba Mamoru the previous year and no one had expected the planet to fall into the cold sleep so soon. It was a true test, and thanks to her beloved friends, Usagi rose to claim the throne and title of Neo Queen Serenity. A few months after she laid claim to the throne, she became pregnant with the child they were all expecting. When Usagi Small Lady Serenity was born, the kingdom rejoiced. It seemed as though life would be wonderful for the entire world, they didn't even have to be concerned about the Black Moon Family, because they had destroyed them in the past. Although Sailor Pluto confused them all with the details, she assured them that the Black Moon wouldn't return. Still, even those that refused the cleansing from the ginzuishou were dealt with accordingly, so that they didn't have a repeat performance of the Black Moon. As the Inner and Outer Senshi scattered to their planets to reside in their planets, there was a lot to do when it came to building a kingdom. Finally, everything was settled in, except for two Senshi. The Senshi of Uranus and Neptune were reaching a rift in their relationship...it was as though the distance was affecting them both in the worst way possible.

Haruka had been summoned by Neo Queen Serenity for an important mission. So, she left her castle and the rebuilding of it in the hands of the people her friend had suggested to help her. Even though it bothered her to no end, the Senshi of Wind was wearing a pair of high heeled shoes that clicked on the marble floor as she walked inside. All of the servants bowed to her as she walked with confidence (even if her feet were killing her) through the halls. Ascending the stairs slowly, careful not to trip on her heels, the white-haired woman walked down the halls with large and ornate doors on either side. On each of the doors was a planetary symbol, and at the end of the hall was a pair of white marble doors lined with gold with a crescent moon in the center and the symbol of Earth beneath it. Knocking a few times, Haruka heard the affirmative call and pushed open the double doors.

"You wanted to see me, koneko-chan?" she asked with a smile, using the nickname she'd used for her friend when they were teenagers.

"Hai, Haruka-san!"

The woman who had spoken still had a bit of the teenager she'd been in her, but the blue eyes that met those of the Senshi were that of a woman. Silver hair done in two odangos, a delicate pearl crown perched on her head, flowing white gown, and the crescent moon in the center of her brow, there was no doubt as to who the woman was. Neo Queen Serenity stood in all of her glory in front of her old friend with a warm smile on her face and a bounce in her step. Some things never change, Haruka thought with a smile as she shook her head.

"I'm so glad you could make it, Haruka-san! I have a special assignment for you! What's wrong, you seem down," she noted, stopping and instantly becoming concerned as Haruka cursed.

Damn she's good...and as she cleared her throat Haruka gave her friend a smile. "Don't worry about me, koneko-chan, it's nothing serious. What's this assignment you have for me?"

"Oh no, Haruka-san, you're going to tell me what's bothering you right now," the Queen insisted.

"Well, who am I to deny royalty?" she replied and sighed, giving her friend a smile. "Michiru and I are having a bit of an argument. She says that I should visit her once in a while, but right now, things have been tough. It's as though the two of us are slowly drifting apart and I don't want that to happen. Maybe it'll be good to get away for a few days, koneko- chan."

"Haruka-san, you know that you and Michiru-san are meant to be together. Why are you having these feelings now?"

The teal-eyed woman merely glared at Usagi, which signified that she didn't want to talk anymore about it. Clearing her throat, the Queen handed Haruka the scroll she had planned on giving her.

"Here Haruka-san, this scroll contains your mission details. Good luck."

"Arigato," she replied shortly and got to her feet.

Dusting her long navy gown off, she headed out of the room and closed the doors behind her. Shaking her head, but keeping silent, the powerful Senshi stormed down the halls, her heels now stomping angrily on the ground. Looking at the scroll that had been flattened in her fist, she wondered what exactly the assignment was that her friend had given her. Well, it can't hurt to find out. So stopping in her tracks for a moment, she straightened the paper and read through it. When Haruka reached the end, she turned around and stormed right back into the royal chamber, an angry wind following in her wake.

"Usagi, what in the hell are you thinking? You know that I don't get along with them!" she screamed angrily, eyes flashing dangerously. "You're going to have to choose someone else."

"Haruka-san!" she shrieked and jumped a mile high, screaming. "Don't do that! You scared me!"

"I demand that you give this assignment to someone else. You know how my feelings are about those three and yet you expect me to go on with this folly?" the irate woman roared.

Usagi sniffled and burst into big crocodile tears while Haruka sweat dropped, suddenly feeling guilty. "Ano...koneko-chan..."

"Why are you so mean, Haruka-san?"

"I'm not...it's just...well...wouldn't one of the other Senshi be better suited to this assignment?" Haruka stammered, feeling very guilty at making Usagi cry. "Like Minako, or Rei, or even Makoto? The three of them get along well with those three and are you sure about sending me to do this alone? I may just end up killing one of them on accident."

"Onegai Haruka-san!" Usagi cried and clung to the other's arm. "Do this for me, please, please, please, please?"

"All right, all right," Haruka agreed, smiling a little bit. "I'll do this for you, koneko-chan and for you I will do my best."

"Arigato gozaimasu, Haruka-san!" the petite woman cried happily then became serious. "The reason why I didn't choose Minako-chan, Rei-chan, or Makoto-chan for this assignment is because they'd only see the idols that they adored when they were here on Earth. They wouldn't be able to see past that like you would. I trust you with this, Haruka-san."

Nodding in understanding, the 24-year-old had to admit that Usagi had a point. She would be one of the only ones who would see through the past image of the idols they had been. Still, she just didn't like or trust them, even after that final battle at Zero Sagittarius. Hugging Usagi for a moment, she gave her a reassuring smile before heading out once more. I'll complete this mission Usagi. I'll complete it for you. Using the transport chambers inside the Crystal Palace, she returned to Miranda Castle, located on one of the moons of Uranus. While the climate was good, there still needed to be vegetation, water, and wildlife before people could come to settle there. As she spoke with the people who were making sure that there would be those things in her kingdom, Haruka also made arrangements to depart immediately to the planet she needed to reach. Everyone bustled to obey her commands and prepare the transport chambers in Miranda Castle for her to use.

"I can't believe I'll be going to that planet..." she whispered as she headed for her room, the large navy and gold doors emblazed with the symbol of Uranus in the middle opening before her.

Stepping into the room, the warm breeze blew through the open windows. A smile played on her features as she went over to them and glanced out at the solar system before her. From where she was, Haruka could see the planets of Saturn and Jupiter and she thought about the other Senshi. With a heavy sigh, she turned and went to her bed, sitting down on the navy satin blanket that covered the divan. The lady had only to wait a few minutes before a servant knocked at her door and announced they were ready for her departure.

"Very well, I shall be there momentarily. First, contact Princess Michiru; I have a message for her."

Rising from her position, she elegantly made her way to the communication room and waited as the Triton Castle was contacted. In a few moments, the refined face and flowing green hair of the Princess of Neptune appeared on the screen as she smiled genially.

"Konnichiwa Haruka, what is it you wished to speak with me about?" Michiru asked, her smooth and warm voice flowing over the white-haired Senshi and making her shiver a little.

"Michiru, I have just returned from Crystal Tokyo. Koneko-chan has an assignment for me, and so I shall be departing for a while. I am not sure as to when I will return though."

Michiru was silent for a moment, her brows furrowing for a moment. "Very well, thank you for informing me. I shall look forward to your safe return, Haruka. For now, I must return to other matters."

The screen went black and Haruka sighed. Michiru seemed a little cold to me...I wonder what's bothering her. Although the elegant Senshi of the Sea often shared what was troubling her with her lover, this time though, she was choosing to keep things bottled up. I wonder if it's about me and that's why she isn't telling me. Pushing those thoughts aside for the moment, Haruka turned on her heel and headed for the transportation chambers. Once there, she found that everything was ready for her departure and inhaled deeply. In all honesty, Haruka was a bit edgy at visiting the home world of the Senshi she distrusted so deeply, but then again, they would want news of what was happening in Crystal Tokyo.

"Prepare for transportation to the Tankei Kingdom of Kinmoku-sei," she ordered imperiously.

"Yes ma'am!"

Stepping into the chamber, she waited for them to set the coordinates and when they gave the signal, Haruka gasped as the chamber went to work. In a matter of moments, she appeared outside a wall about 100 feet high and stumbled to make sure she retained some dignity and didn't fall over. Still making sure she held the scroll, Haruka ran her fingers through her white hair and adjusted the straps of her gown. Making sure they were both in place and that the ribbon wrapped around her neck was secure and the bow in the back of it was straight, she headed for the large doors that most likely led into the palace. There were two guards standing in front that immediately drew their swords and held them pointed at her chest.

"Halt! State your name and why you are here!" the guard on the right commanded.

"I am Princess Haruka of the planet Uranus, and I have been sent here by Neo Queen Serenity of Crystal Tokyo to see Princess Kakyuu and the Sailor Starlights," she said formally and showed them the scroll.

The two guards inspected it for a moment before they stepped aside and allowed Haruka to pass. Bypassing them casually, she entered the area inside the wall and was immediately hit with the scent of lilacs and olives. Well, when they said that she was the princess of fragrant olives, I see they weren't kidding, Haruka thought as she walked towards the palace. It was even more impressive than her Miranda Castle, with its sky- reaching towers, beautiful and lush grounds, and all of the people milling around. Haruka's teal eyes glanced around in every direction and soon fell on a figure that was approaching her. The look that figure wore looked as though she was ready to kill.

"What are you doing here?" the other woman demanded, folding her arms over the pale blue gown she wore.

"Nice to see you too...Seiya," Haruka retorted as she too folded her arms over her chest under her breasts.

The two rivals stared each other down, electricity charging the air between them, and looking as though they were ready to kill. Haruka smirked, knowing that she was getting to Seiya by just being there, and Seiya returned the smirk, as though challenging her before speaking.

"Welcome to Kinmoku-sei, Haruka."

Well, what did everyone think? Is it as good as my previous one? I promise I'll try not to take too long in updates, since it is summer, but I do have two other fan fics that I want to finish too. Anyway, R&R because I am a review whore and adore them very much, they encourage me to update. The title was the idea of feistyangel, thank you very much for it!

Ree