Chapter 2: Princess

Usagi couldn't quite believe what she'd just heard. Was this person, this Makoto woman, really best friend to one of the most feared warriors in the Nine Kingdoms? Impossible, but if she was, then wasn't that bad news for Usagi herself? She was frightened, and there was obviously no escaping from this woman. Usagi had somehow managed to land herself in a spot that might turn out to be even worse than the one she'd been in.

Makoto continued to look at her, waiting for an answer, but Usagi found herself unable to speak. Green eyes regarded her with amusement. The brunette picked up a knife from the table, and Usagi's whole body tensed up, ready to make a fruitless run to who knew where.

"I could have just handed you right to her if I wanted to." Makoto reached behind her and pulled a small block of wood from one of the bookshelves. Draping one arm over the chair, she began to whittle away at the wood. "But I didn't, and I'd like to know why."

Usagi felt a little better now that the woman wasn't looking at her. Still, she was confused about the situation. Why hadn't the Anu woman already told Makoto who she was and why they were after her? What kind of friends were they? Her mind flashed back to a while earlier when she'd been pinned below the tall woman who sat before her now. The way she'd manipulated her with such ease. Usagi had almost forgotten about the situation that she was in. Remembering now, she blushed. 'They aren't those kind of friends, are they?' Her eyes widened a little at the thought and she blushed.

"What are you thinking about little princess?" Makoto's amused voice reached her ears.

Usagi jumped, looking back up. "Ah...um, that is..."

"Hey, don't worry too much on it. If there had been another way, I'd have done it, but it was the only thing that I could think of at the time. Try to see it as more of a learning experience."

Usagi knew what she was talking about, but that didn't make it anymore comfortable to be around the brunette.

"And if I remember right, it was you who were so willingly offering yourself to me if I helped you out. Consider it a debt paid if that makes it any better. You're lucky it was me who's cabin you broke into, otherwise who knows what would've happened to you. There are much worse things than being in that palace up there." She looked at the ceiling contemplating. "Well, I can't think of any for myself, but for you, there are much worse fates. And now we come back to the beginning. Why are they after you?"

Usagi gave up and looked down at the mattress. Makoto got up from the chair and moved past her, picking the bottle of wine up from the table next to the bed, then sat next to Usagi. The sound of rain could be heard hitting the roof, and there was the low rumble of thunder in the distance.

"You are right, you know...I am a princess." Usagi's voice was strained.

"Hehe, being a bit vain now aren't we?" Makoto laughed and drank some of the wine.

Usagi took on a serious expression and turned to look up at Makoto. "No. I mean it. I am Lady Usagi Seun of the Kingdom of An. I was take from my home against my will and brought here to the palace in the capital city, Anu."

Makoto choked on the wine she was drinking and spewed half of it in her lap. "And I'm the Queen of Enlil!" she yelled, cursing. "Are you serious? I mean, are you really serious?" She was looking Usagi over anew now.

Usagi nodded, "Yes, that is my name and title. You must believe me." She stood, leaving Makoto to sit and stare at the floor, dumbstruck. Usagi paced a little, continuing her explanation, "I have been held in the palace for the past two weeks. I am sure that my Mother has already been sent word of my captivity. I need to get out of here, and get word to her that I am no longer in harm's way. Someone told me that there is a ship awaiting me at the docks. It will not be there in the morning. My informant left rather quickly after assuring my escape. I do not know who they are, or even if they have good intentions, but I have no one else to trust..." she trailed off, looking back at Makoto.

Makoto looked back at her, leaning on her elbow and resting her chin in her palm. "Don't say anymore, okay." Her face was expressionless now, and her voice flat, "I don't want to have anything more to do with you. If you leave now, you'll have the cover of this storm to aid in your escape," A flash of lightning lit the room. "I really should have listened to Haruka. I've gotten myself into a mess here, and who knows what she's already in."

"I am so sorry for causing you so much trouble. I did not ask for any of this, and neither did you, but I am so scared. Not once have I been beyond the city of Seun. To be spirited away in the middle of the night to a land I have never seen and people who are so cold to me, it is frightening." Her voice was breaking a bit, and Makoto looked away from her. Usagi didn't know if she could do this. She was greatful to the woman. At least she wasn't going to tie her up and take her back to the palace. She was letting her go of her own will. Why did this have to happen? The storm raged outside, and Usagi tried to pull herself together enough to come up with some way as to how she would find the ship and dockyard in this weather.

"Just know," Makoto began, interrupting her thoughts, "that I'm going to turn you in...just not right now. I'll tell Haruka, maybe tomorrow. I-It's only right that I tell her. She's my best and only true friend." She sighed and stood, walking across the room to the table, she began rolling up some large pieces of parchment there. "Now hurry up and leave before I change my mind."

Usagi's heart almost broke at her words. She couldn't do this. Makoto just didn't understand the situation that she was in. If she told Lady Anu of her treachery, she would be executed, friend or no. If she didn't order it, then her father surely would. There wouldn't be forgiveness for this type of crime. There was too much at stake for too many people. She couldn't just leave now. Yes, she had to get to safety, but that did not mean sacrificing people along the way to save herself. But what could she do?

Makoto's voice broke through her thoughts again, she was now putting the rolled up parchment into a long cylindrical tube, "I need to head down to the docks. I've got some business with someone there. Yeah, it's late, but he pretty much never sleeps anyway." She grabbed a cloak that was laying on a bench next to the door. After putting it on, she slipped the strap on the tube over her shoulder. Standing there she continued, "You're on your own now. Don't go getting yourself caught. I don't know what's going on, and I don't wanna know. I don't want anything to do with the nobility..."

That was rather strange, Usagi thought. Considering she was friends with the Princess of Anu. But here she was, offering her more help, though indirectly it seemed. Usagi doubted that Makoto had planned to go to the docks this night. She had to accept the inevitable. She'd have to go; her mother was worried for her and so many lives depended on her getting out of here. So she grabbed her own cloak and threw it around her shoulders hastily. Makoto was opening the door.

"Please put out the light when you leave," she put her hood over her head, then hesitated. Opening a trunk next to the door, she reached in, moving things around. Finally, she found what she'd been looking for and turned to Usagi, throwing a small pair of boots over to her. "These don't fit me anymore." she stated simply.

Usagi looked down at Makoto's bare feet. "What about you?" she asked.

Makoto smiled, "Don't need em," was her answer, then she slipped out the open door and into the rainy night.

Usagi wasted no time in donning the old boots. She went over to the lantern and snuffed it out before heading to the door. In the darkness, she pulled the hood over her head and held the cloak tightly around her small frame. 'When this is over', she thought, 'I hope I can find some way to thank her.' She began to cry, making her way out the door. 'If she's still alive...'

- + - + - +

Makoto wasn't happy at all. She was in trouble. This was exactly the kind of stuff she tried to stay out of. She'd learned her lesson years ago not to get mixed up with the nobility. It had been Haruka who finally convinced the right people to let her be. She wasn't about to get ensnared in their plans again. But leave it to her to try to be the hero. 'If I'd know who she was, I wouldn't have helped her...I'll just explain to Haruka tomorrow.' Dammit, why was she waiting for tomorrow to turn the girl in? If she did it now, she knew that Haruka would forgive her, and she wouldn't tell her father either. Now, though, Makoto might have gotten them both in deep.

And here she was further helping the girl, for she could see a small shadow following her when she turned her head to the right. Makoto lied about having business with a friend. The plans for her ship hit lightly against her back as she walked, reminding her of something she may never have after tomorrow. 'I'll be lucky if I'm even able to practice my trade after tomorrow...' It had been hard starting over to begin with, she didn't think she could do it again, even if they allowed her to. 'Haruka will understand. Gah! I'm so ungrateful. She put her trust in me, and I've betrayed her, and for what? Some cute little foreigner who turns out to be a princess. Haruka always said that it would be my downfall, and I so hope she's wrong this time.' Reaching the docks, she scanned the ships that were there. Figuring she'd already dug her own grave, she decided to make sure the girl found the right ship. There was no sense in letting something stupid happen to the girl she'd just risked her neck for. If something happened to her now, then all this trouble would be for naught.

- + - + - + - +

Usagi followed Makoto as closely as she dared, without being seen. There wasn't anyone around at this time of night in weather like this, but she wasn't taking any chances. They weren't walking very long, and already she could see the docks. Now she felt stupid, for it had been right near the shipyard that they'd just come from. If she had been by herself though, she'd planned on going in the opposite direction, and she'd still be wondering around aimlessly. Makoto was a fit woman. Her strides were long, and it took a bit of effort for Usagi to keep up. The tall woman stopped at the edge of the docks and Usagi mimicked her, waiting. When she made no move to continue on, Usagi grew impatient and fidgeted. Makoto spun on her heal and faced Usagi, motioning for her to come. Usagi was confused, but went to the woman anyway.

"Alright," came Makoto's voice from beneath her hood. The rain was a drizzle now, lightning flashed in the distance, and the thunder rumbled lowly, almost grumbling in a way. "Where is this ship supposed to be at?" she asked.

"I do not know, just at the docks was all that she said," Usagi shrugged.

"This person is either stupid or incredibly smart for not telling you. Stupid for thinking you'd know what to look for. Or a genius for not entrusting the information to such a naive girl."

"I've never claimed to be a genius, and I've been called worse things than stupid in the past," a voice came from the darkness to their right. "I am however, patient, so I waited for you here. I trusted that you'd make your way to the docks well enough. They aren't that far from the city after all."

Usagi felt herself blush. So she didn't know the geography, big deal. But she did recognize that voice, it was her savior from before. The one who'd shown up our of nowhere and released her from the room they'd kept her in. They'd fled the palace together and parted in the city, where the woman left her with the location of her ship. Now she watched as the figure moved from the shadows and into the dim light. Violet eyes looked upon her with satisfaction. "Seems that you've gotten here in one piece," she said in a light tone. "My ship is yonder," she pointed down the docks a ways, though it was too dark to really see which ship she was referring to. Her dark eyes looked over at Makoto then, "Will you be accompanying us? I'm not averse to an addition to my crew, but this trip is a long one."

Makoto shook her head in reply, "No. In fact I was just leaving. This girl was lost; I only helped her find her way." She then turned to go, but Usagi stopped her by pulling on her cloak. Makoto's hood came off of her head, and she frowned at Usagi, "What?"

Usagi felt helpless to do anything. She knew that Makoto would be in trouble with her friend and there was nothing she could do about it. "Thank you," she said, "I'll will repay you one day, I promise."

Makoto smiled, "No you won't. If you really knew me, you wouldn't want to."

Usagi didn't know what she meant by that, but she shook her head anyway, "I will."

"Bye princess," she put her hood back on and walked away. Usagi stared at her retreating figure, tears begining to fill her eyes. Then suddenly she felt a tight grip on her arm, pulling her away.

"Hey!" she yelped.

"Be quiet," the woman snapped, "We've got to get you out of here, fast." They were almost running down the dock. Usagi was gasping for breath by the time they turned onto a wide plank lying between the dock and a large ship. Crossing the plank, they emerged onto the deck. There were several people sitting around, weapons drawn and at the ready. "She is safe," the woman said, "Make ready to depart, we're leaving. Where's the first mate?"

"Sheesh, quit being so bossy Rei," the musical voice belonged to a young blond woman, leaning against the stairs to the half deck. "Nobody even knows this ship is here. We haven't seen a single patrol or anything." She smiled widely at Usagi, who couldn't help but smile back, even under the circumstances. "Well, what are you waiting for people, let's move it!" she addressed the crew, who jumped to their feet immediately. "We've actually been ready to depart for a while now, so it's not likes there's much to do. We should get her in out of the this icky rain."

"Can you at least try to be serious about this?" Rei asked.

"I am serious. Seriously miserable. I haven't set foot on solid land for weeks and you get to go off running around the city all day. Now let's get this damn ship moving so we can go right back out there." She marched over and pulled Rei's cloak from her shoulders. "I'll take that." She swung it over her own back and pulled it tight around her, then went off mumbling.

Usagi looked at the woman in front of her, that she now had a name for. Rei's long, raven black hair cascaded down her back, now growing damp from the light rain. Her dark, violet eyes looked after the retreating blonde with annoyance. Rei was a little taller than Usagi, with darker skin, like the girl who'd taken her cloak. There was an exotic look to her.

"Who was that woman with you?" she asked.

Usagi stopped studying her and answered, "I hid in her cabin upon leaving the city. I didn't know where to go or what to do. I was too scared to think straight. Why didn't you take me to the boat right then?"

"There were circumstances that didn't allow it at the time," she answered, "What was her name?"

"Makoto." She didn't know why Rei wanted to know so much about Makoto, and it worried her a little.

"Is that all? No last name?"

"She didn't tell me. When her friend, Lady Anu, came, she um...hid me."

"What!" Rei's harsh voice surprised Usagi. "Friend! What do you mean friend?"

"Makoto is a friend of Lady Anu. That's how she was able to hide me."

Rei just stared at her for a moment and then spun on her heal and looked around, "Minako, get your ass back down here now!" she shouted up the stairs to the half deck. Looking back to Usagi, she said, "Dammit, how naive can you be? She's probably bringing the Jackal here right now!"

"She wouldn't do that!" Usagi shot back. "She helped me! When the guard came to search her shipyard, she hid me until they were gone."

"Oh, and did she have a nice little chat with her friend? Hm? Maybe telling her she'd see where your accomplices were and then send word to the guard!" Rei put a hand to her forehead. "How could I have thought you might be able to handle this. I am stupid."

"Yeah, but we love you anyway," the blonde had returned.

"Minako, we've got a problem."

"If we do, it's not my fault. I haven't done anything but stay on this damn ship all–"

"Okay, shut up! I'm going out again, and I need you to stay here and watch Lady Suen."

Minako frowned and looked at Usagi. Usagi was frightened. She couldn't let Rei go after Makoto, if that's what she intended to do. She would not believe that Makoto was going to do anything like what Rei said. "I won't let you. Please don't do this. She's done nothing but show me kindness. I am grateful that you saved me, but she has as well." she pleaded with the dark-haired woman.

"If she's a friend of our enemy, we can't let her go. For other reasons as well. If we bring her back before she informs Anu, then it'll buy us some time, and we'll have a hostage to boot." Minako smiled as if that was explanation enough.

Usagi started to cry and backed away, but Rei grabbed her arm holding her in place, "No. You can't do this!" Then she remembered who she was. "That is, I order you not to!"

Rei's eyes went wide for only a moment, and then she looked at Minako, smiling. "Did you here that Mina? She's giving me an order!"

"Oh, that's a no no Lady Seun. You see, this is a ship of the sea, and on this ship Rei is the Captain."

"And as Captain of this ship, all those on it, whether princess or pauper, will obey my orders. I am the law aboard this ship." Rei held tight to Usagi's wrist.

Usagi looked over at Minako, who shrugged, "Welcome to the Dysnomia."

Usagi bent her head in defeat, feeling Rei's grip loosen slightly. She looked at the hand that held her, and froze. 'Oh no,' she thought. Upon Rei's right hand was a ring. It wasn't any ordinary ring, it was a signet ring, and it bore the royal crest of Enyo. The royal family of the Kingdom of Bellona. She looked up into Rei's eyes with a look of utter horror.

Rei looked from Usagi to her own hand, "Shit," she breathed, and grabbed Usagi around the waste, just as she was making a great effort o get away from the brunette. To get as far away as she could, back to the palace where she had been. She'd have been better off there. How could she have been so dumb as to trust this stranger. They were the ones who'd captured her to begin with; the Bellonaens. Rei's grip was tight around her, and she couldn't break loose. So she cried and screamed, kicking at the woman's shins.

"Ouch, dammit! Minako, she's not going to listen to anything I say now. I'm going to have to put her below deck. Ouch! Would you hold still dammit!" she struggled with the small blonde, hauling her towards the door to the lower deck. "Go after that woman. Her name is Makoto, she's tall, with long auburn hair, and I noticed that she has three piercing in her left ear. She doesn't look native to Enlil, so you'll know her when you see her."

"Ah, finally, sweet, flat land here I come." Through her sobbing, Usagi saw Minako bend down to scoop something up that had been lying on the stairs. She looped in several times and attached it to a hook on her belt. It looked like a whip at first, but then Usagi realized that it was actually a chain. A small delicate chain that seemed to glow in the dim moonlight that now managed to peak through the clouds, as the storm abated for the time being. The rain had stopped completely now, and only the wind blew across the waters. "I'll be back in no time. Besides, she shouldn't be to hard to find. I'll just make my way to the shipyard, as Lady Suen has so helpfully supplied us with her residence." she smiled at Usagi, who looked away in contempt. "You'll understand later, and everything will be straightened out then," Minako nodded resolutely.

Rei held her tighter and moved to the door, "Don't get your hopes up on finding her there. If she's going to report it to Anu, she could be anywhere. Try casing the palace first."

"Rei, just take the little bunny below deck and calm her down. I'll find this Makoto and bring her back alive and hopefully unharmed, so don't worry Lady Suen. I have my own ways of doing things, Rei, as eccentric as they may seem sometimes. But have I ever failed you, hm?"

"There's a first time for everything Mina. Now hurry your ass up."

"Stupid."

"Idiot," Rei opened the door, and Usagi watched Minako leave the ship. As she heard Rei mutter under her breath, "Maybe I am stupid..." Usagi thought about how stupid, she herself was. 'I'm so so sorry Makoto. Please be safe...'

+ - + - + - + - +

Minako reached behind her head, grabbing her hair up into a tail and binding it with a piece of ribbon. It felt so good to be on flat land again. Okay, so it was sandy and a bit hilly, but at least it wasn't moving. Her legs felt a little funny, but that was to be expected. It was a good feeling, all be it annoying, but she was on a mission. 'If I was a Makoto, where would I be?' she looked around, trying to figure out where to head next. She'd went straight to the shipyard first, and not finding her there, she was at a loss. Minako wasn't one to loose heart though, so she hastily moved on, searching the rest of the docks. It had taken about fifteen minutes, and she knew that Rei must be chomping at the bit by now to leave. 'So it's the palace then...' she rolled her eyes, thinking about how Rei might have been right to begin with. Suddenly, raucous laughter filled her ears making her start in surprise. A big man was standing in a the doorway of a nearby building holding the door open for someone. "You've got some of the greatest ideas about things, I'll tell you that right now!" he said to the figure who stepped passed him and into the street. "How you can live with yourself, I'll never know." the burly man clapped the other on the back who coughed a bit because they'd been drinking something from a bottle.

"You know it's only the wine talking old man. I've never been that drunk!" the woman laughed. Her voice was amused and a bit slurred."It's damn hot out here now," she loosed her cloak and pulled it off, slinging it over one shoulder with something else, a tube of some sort. Minako watched her turn to say something else to the man. Andwhen the woman pulled her auburn hair back, she saw the glint of metal on her left ear. Minako smiled, 'There's my Makoto.'

"I've gotta get home."

"Why? Got some sweet young thing waitin for you?" he smiled, revealing huge white teeth.

"Please don't mention any of those. I've had my fill of them as of tonight, I swear." she took another drink from the bottle in her hand. "If I could forget tonight, I would."

"Somebody's father finally threaten you enough then?"

"I only wish it was so simple," she replied. "I've gotten myself in deep this time. Haruka was right, they're my one weakness I guess."

He laughed that raucous laugh again, and Minako winced a little at the sound. "Well, a g'night to you then Makoto. Don't forget about coming tomorrow afternoon and fixin that problem with my boat. I hope yer better by then." He waved her off and closed the door.

"If I'm alive by then," she sighed and started walking away.

Minako didn't hesitate. She followed the woman a little ways from the building and then hurried to cut her off. They came to a lighted clearing and Minako made her move. 'Here I go.'

She walked out into the street to stand in front of the brunette. Makoto walked, looking at the ground, but stopped when she was close enough to see Minako's feet. She looked at them for a moment, then very slowly her eyes rose following the length of her body, until they rested on Minako's face. "Well...hello there." Makoto greeted her, with a half smile.

'This is going to be way to easy.' Minako grinned triumphantly. She looked Makoto over a bit. She was tall and fit, with skin darker than her own. Her emerald eyes glowed in the lantern light, and strands of long auburn hair framed her face. A face that was beautifully androgynous. She wore a loose, white button up shirt and faded green trousers that were cut off at the knees. When she gave Minako a cocky grin, she revealed her perfect, white teeth. 'Someone like this does not belong in a shipyard,' she thought curiously. 'How did someone like you end up here?' she tilted her head, and Makoto mimicked her. Minako smiled again, 'Oh well, that's about to change.'

"Find something interesting?" Makoto asked, amused.

"Very." Minako nodded.

"Well, good luck with that then," she said and started to walk around Minako.

'Hey!' "Hey!" Minako said quickly.

"Mmhmm?" Makoto said, drinking from her wine bottle again as she walked, not bothering to turn around.

"I'm talking here!"

"No you weren't. You were looking. Talking and looking are two different things."

"Quite observant."

"I have my talents."

Minako ran around the front of Makoto, blocking her way. Makoto looked a little annoyed, then turned away from her.

"Sorry, but I've sworn off foreigners."

"Look who's talking sugar. You're not exactly native yourself." Minako tried to keep her voice down.

Makoto looked at her skeptically, "Who are you?"

Minako beamed, "I'm your capture, and I've come to take you back to the ship with me."

Makoto just stared at her for a moment, then burst into laughter, "Oh really? Well by all means, capture me then." She continued laughing, taking another gulp of wine.

"Alright," Minako took the chain from her belt and walked over to Makoto. "Now hold out your arms please."

Makoto put her wrists together, doing as told.

Minako began to wrap the chain around her wrists, tying them tight. "How old are you?" she asked, to make conversation. 'This is just too easy.'

"I'm twenty five and a half," Makoto said looking down at her wrists, "So...you like bondage do you?"

Minako actually blushed, then laughed lightly, but didn't respond. Makoto smelled of wine, and was obviously very drunk. Having finished tying her wrists, Minako took the end of the chain and looked up at Makoto.

"Now what?" Makoto asked with a smirk.

"Now you follow me to the ship," Minako stated finally.

"I don't think I will," said Makoto, and she tried to pull her wrists apart. She looked at them confused, then yanked harder. "Funny, this always worked before." She pulled even harder, almost to the point of drawing blood. "Damn chain isn't even as big either..."

"You won't be breaking my chain. Now come on, are you gonna be good and follow me?"

Makoto dropped the wine and pulled on the chains, then looked up at Minako and there was something akin to fear in her green eyes. "I really don't like being chained," she growled, beginning to panic.

Now Minako was a bit afraid. The woman wasn't going to cooperate anymore, and Minako knew that the game was over unless she did something quick. Reaching into a pouch that hung from her belt she withdrew a powdery substance. Then, pulling roughly at the chain that bound Makoto's wrists she brought her close and blew the silvery powder into her face. She felt a little guilty as Makoto's hands flew to her eyes and began rubbing them, trying to get rid of the powder. "If you'd cooperated I wouldn't have had to do this."

Makoto continued rubbing her eyes and blinking. Afer a minute or two of this, she gradually straightened up and looked around. Her eyes landed on Minako and after a moment she smiled, "Well...hello there."

Minako couldn't help but laugh at that. "And hello to you. Do you like my Dust of Obsession Makoto?"

"Yeah," Makoto breathed, staring at Minako.

"Are you going to follow me to the ship now?" she reached up and tucked some stray locks of hair behind Makoto's ear, and let her hand trail down her neck.

"Of course. I'll follow you anywhere princess," Makoto said with fervor. Minako started for a moment, then realized that it was just a silly pet name that Makoto made up in her disoriented state; she couldn't possibly know who Minako was.

"Well then, let's go, shall we?"

Makoto nodded enthusiastically, smiling. So Minako took the chain in her hand and lead the woman off. They hadn't gotten far, however, when she felt the chain being yanked from her grip and she was spun around to face Makoto. The brunette's face was very close to her own, and Minako put a hand on her shoulder, pushing her slightly away. "Now Makoto, we need to get to the ship. They're gonna leave without us if we don't. Come on now and–"

She was cut off as a pair of lips came crashing into her own. 'Oh crap, this wasn't supposed to happen!' Her mind yelled at her. Get her off of you, you fool! Minako tried to push Makoto back, but realized that she herself was the one being pushed back against the wall of a boathouse. Her hand was on the chain that bound Makoto's wrists, but Makoto had managed to get a tight hold on the cloth of her shirt at her mid section, which allowed her to easily maneuver Minako back. Minako found herself on the other side of a very passionate kiss. The taste of wine filled her mouth and she tried to remind herself of the mission she was supposed to complete. She became caught up in the moment, however, letting Makoto's tongue explore the inside of her mouth, feeling her hands move away from her mid section, going higher. Suddenly her eyes shot open. 'Hands! Ack! Oh no you don't!' She used all the strength she had to push Makoto off of her, and grabbed the chain. Not bothering to look at the dazed Makoto, she practically ran down the street, not caring who saw them now. 'This isn't a game, I've got to get her to the ship...and away from me.' Minako was flushed by the time she reached the dock, and she wasn't sure that the cause was totally from running. Pushing Makoto ahead of her, she boarded the ship.

"Finally! Dammit Minako, what have you been doing? We were going to leave you!" Rei's angry voice greeted her.

Minako pushed Makoto towards Rei, "Here, take her. She's not really herself at the moment."

Rei caught Makoto and almost fell over with the effort. Makoto wasn't what you'd call light. "What did you do to her Mina?"

"I just used an extra ingredient is all." she sighed in exhaustion. "She won't even remember being brought to the ship by tomorrow morning. Minako smiled, "And I've come through for you again."

Rei grinned, "You did cheat a little though. Couldn't snare her without some of your freaky dust huh."

"Hey, I go the job done! Now let's get out of this gods forsaken place. I hate it here."

"Alright Mina," Rei nodded, "Come on people, we're pulling out!" She reached down and began to untie Makoto, then stopped. "Mina...you're chain, it's kinda, um...broken."

Minako knelt beside Rei in front of Makoto and looked at her chain. "Shit! How did that happen? My chain is indestructible..." she looked up at Makoto, who had a frown on her face.

"Um, sorry. I didn't mean to do it. I'll get you a new one if you want. That is, if I can find one. I mean, you might want to have a word with whoever sold it to you. Cause obviously it's not indestructible," her words were a bit slurred as she talked, "if I was able to break it." She lifted the chain up as the ship started to move. "Look at the bright side. You've got two now."

Rei laughed and patted Makoto on the back, "That she does!"

Minako glared at Rei and looked back at Makoto. "This isn't good Rei..."

Rei turned serious, "No, it's not, but right now I'm more concerned with losing the Jackal that'll be biting at our heels soon." she looked back towards land.

"How's Lady Suen?"

Rei grimaced, "I think she might have finally cried herself to sleep. I put her in my own quarters, so she'll be comfortable. We're going to have to talk to these two tomorrow. Explain everything to them then. We just need Lady Suen to understand. Makoto here is our hostage, if she really is Anu's friend, so it matters not if she believes us." Minako remained silent.

Makoto was glaring at Rei.

Rei glared back.

"I don't like you," Makoto stated flatly.

Rei frowned, "Really now?"

Makoto smiled, "You're an ass."

Rei's mouth formed a straight line and her brows knitted in anger. Minako giggled.

"You're sure she isn't going to remember any of this tomorrow Mina?"

"Absolutely."

"Oh, I'll definitely remember you in the morning princess. Going to bed soon?" Makoto asked.

Rei looked sharply at Minako, but Minako shook her head, "It's just a pet name she's given me, another thing she'll forget as well. I haven't told her anything." Rei nodded in relief.

"Yes, I'll be going to bed soon."

"Then lead the way," Makoto smiled wickedly.

"I'm not sleeping with you, dummy."

Makoto stood with Minako, "Who said anything about sleeping?"

"Just come with me, you're going to be on one of the lower decks, far away from my quarters."

Makoto followed her obediently. Minako thought of how things would change tomorrow. 'I have a feeling you're going to have an incredibly bad hangover in the morning...'

- + - + - + - +

Rei stood at the bow of the ship feeling the cool wind whip across her skin. She watched the direction in which the land had disappeared hours before. The skies were remarkably clear and the moon reflected off of the water, sparkling like a sea of diamonds. She looked down at the chain she held in her hand. It wasn't a good sign. Minako's chain was not something made by mortals, and to have it broken so easily by a mortal was just impossible. Were their powers weakening? She shook her head at the ridiculous thought. It had to be a flaw in the chain, it was the only explanation. Minako would just have to fix it later.

Rei suddenly noticed that the calm wind was no longer cooling her skin. 'What the hell?' The wind had stopped completely. It was perfectly quiet, except for the gentle lapping of water against the sides of the hull. There wasn't even the slightest hint of a breeze. The air was still as death. She looked up at the sails, which were limp, and realized that the ship was steadily slowing down. 'Oh shit, this isn't good.' she looked back down at the chain she held in her hand. 'This isn't good at all.'

Continued...