A/N: To be honest, rather shocked that I am even updating at all right now. I literally have both of my amazing lovers sat on either side of me as I type this. One waving, one flashing and scowling as I add that. So, be thankful that you get an update this month at all. Not the longest, but next chapter is going to be really intense. Plot heavy stuff in here, read and enjoy.

Warning: Contains plot. Ohhhh. So scary. Beware. Bewaaaaare.

With love,
Korrupted.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. Still. As is obvious tradition. Because if I did, you all should be very, VERY afraid. Forever. And ever. Because it would be me in charge of their fates. Don't let me have that power.


"Whereas some doubts have arisen whether children got by any Englishmen upon a Negro shall be slave or Free, Be it therefore enacted and declared by this present Grand assembly, that all children born in this country shall be held bond or free only according to the condition of the mother."

-Virginia Slave code of 1662


Minako watched as Ami gently pressed against Makoto's scarred over back, hearing only a few hisses of pain. Whatever the bluenette had been using as a salve for Makoto's wounds had been a miracle; the injuries looked months old instead of only three weeks. Though she was far more mobile, Ami had insisted that the slave was to remain bed-ridden for the vast majority of the day before. Which was of course the eternal ire of the brunette to obey. Haruka had scolded the former general twice for attempting to lift things today alone.

"Well, it's healing well." She turned to glower at the blonde. "Better than yours, in any case. Your scars will both be about the same."

Minako sheepishly shrugged, her own back sore but otherwise healed from that wondrous salve. So what if she had scars from the scourge; Makoto had endured far worse. She had picked up some of the slack in the kitchen by moving things, though it had tore open the healing wounds several times. While business as usual had resumed, even the patrons had felt the absence of the tall slave and her watchful eyes; and the worried tension that constantly flowed from Minako.

"Either way," Ami went on, "I want you to stay resting, but... To be honest... If you only keep to observing in the main brothel, I don't see why you can't do something. Trying to keep you in bed is much like trying to use paper to patch a hole in a barrel."

Makoto grinned cheekily from her pillow, clearly excited about being allowed to move about to tend to the downstairs. "I'll try to refrain from throwing idiots about, Ames. I promise."

A firm glare was leveled at her. "You better."

After the healer in training walked out of the room, Minako began to help her charge slowly to her feet, then tug a loose silk shirt on over her bandaged chest. With some difficulty, the two of them managed to get a pair of cotton breeches onto the Makoto, both of them looking at each other with grins. "So. This is it." Makoto stated excitedly. "Get to do something other than lay naked in bed."

Minako chuckled. "I don't know. I might miss the naked sleepy cuddles."

The sounds of laughter filled the room, dying down as they looked to the door, walking towards it and down the hall. Both women paused at the top, glancing at each other for a moment for assurance, descending together.

The main brothel went utterly silent as all eyes fell on the recovering slave, some smiling in relief, others shuffling about in shame, but Minako sighed loudly.

"She's fine. Relax, enjoy the women and drinks. No need to be on eggshells."

Slowly, hesitantly, the chatter started back up, eyes occasionally wandering over to glance at Makoto curiously. It was more than clear that her master was doting on her, which a few nobles took clear offense to. After another few minutes, one approached the table after the blonde had retrieved a cup of ale for her friend.

"Why are you spoiling your slave?"

Minako blinked at him, then laughed. "Because she's injured. I always help my injured friends, don't you?"

He stared at her aghast, the brothel going quiet. "But she's a slave!"

It seemed that his words ignited a fury among the occupants, mainly other patrons.

"Hey! That 'slave' helps the workers!"

"She helped my daughter with cooking stew. Watch your words."

"She protected Ami, and Minako, and I don't care what you think, but she's far more valuable than you! You don't like her? Leave."

People jeered at the now angry noble, scolding him for his arrogance, telling him to get out before they threw him out themselves. It was quite clear that the man had never been treated so plainly, and the guards grinned broadly at the support their patrons had for the once spiteful staff member.

Minako was in awe of the unity her patrons were showing for her friend, yelling at the now retreating form of the noble. She rapped the wood table for silence, tears shining in her cerulean hues. "Now, now. Simmer down." She fought back the desire to cry. "Thank you all, truly. The next round is on me."

Loud cheers filled the brothel as Elizabeth began pouring glasses for the patrons, only to be silenced by another rapping on a table, Lady Michiru standing once the silence fell once more. Holding her glass cup aloft, the aqua haired noble looked at the blonde and her charge, Haruka smirking at her. "I propose a toast." Michiru stated clearly. "To Makoto; the courageous guardian of the Crystal Palace."

The room filled with echoing cheers, the sight moving both master and slave alike. And for the first time in years, Minako dared to dream that she was changing things for the better.


Max sighed as Renny wrote her letter calmly, the last traces of sweat from the day's training with the queen pat dry from the watchful madam's hand, the cloth in her hand only slightly bloody. Her apprentice was improving at channeling the power, but with the army advancing she didn't know if the young ginger had enough time. Though Max refused to believe that the obnoxious little minx that had wormed her way into the heart of the Circle would perish in the upcoming battle. Renny was too important to them all for her to imagine it.

"Here ye go, Max." The young girl said at last, handing over the letter shakily. "Tell th'Queen I be fair better at this now. An' let th'General know I'll be there t'morrow, aye?"

Max leaned in to place a chaste but gentle kiss on her charge's forehead. "Of course. You rest up now, and no working the bar tonight." She gently brushed a stray lock of red hair behind Renny's pale ear. "I worry about you pushing yourself too hard, Renny."

Renny waved a dismissive hand in the air. "Psh, pushin' me self? Aww, ye know I be fair tough, Max."

Those dark eyes were unamused as they met playful emerald. "You've been coughing blood for two days, and this is the first time you really haven't. As your mentor and guardian appointed by the Queen, I am telling you to stay resting."

"But Maaaax..."

"Ranait Ó Conghalaigh, do not make me tell you again."

With a heavy side, the younger woman relented, accepting a kiss to her hair with only a mild sulk and light blush. "Thank you. I will give them your letter, and I expect to return to find you in bed."

Another huff from the ginger was her reply as she left the room, taking a moment to compose herself as she closed the door behind her. Ranait had to survive, she had to. The training, the now probable war, everything. Things were getting blurred between them, and Max honestly didn't know were her platonic love ended and curious desire began anymore. She knew for certain she loved her queen with all of her heart; but was her love for Ranait starting to turn into something that shouldn't be?

With a heavy sigh, Max stalked silently to her office to seal the letter before heading off to the castle. She had to think more about what she felt for the girl. Renny deserved nothing less.


"C'mon, into bed with you." Minako coaxed, helping Makoto into her sleeping breeches.

Makoto pouted as she obeyed, slipping a pillow under her stomach to help keep her back straight. "You know, you don't need to baby me."

A humored shrug from her master was given. "But I like it. You take care of me, so I take care of you. It's what friends do."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Now shut up and join me, Mistress Blondie."

Minako slipped out of her shirt and stalked gracefully to the wash room in naught but her loincloth to clean her face before the reflection glass, turning to take a look at the four raised scars that lay on her otherwise flawless skin. They barely hurt, and her back was still flawless compared to the heavily scarred surface of Makoto's, but it was a reminder of why she had to protect and free the enslaved general. No one knew who she was, nor the terrible burden of what she knew, but Minako would change all that. She would free her, and then help her find a way to track down that traitorous bastard once and for all; if for no other reason just to spite him for hurting her dear friend.

"Mina, get your ass in bed! I'm sleepy!" Makoto shouted, breaking through the though the thoughts of the madam.

"I'm coming, I'm coming." She replied in a mock irritated voice.

A scoffing chuckle from the bed was heard. "I should hope not. I know I'm good looking, but damn!"

Minako blushed furiously, indignantly walking back out topless to glare at her snickering friend. "Makoto! I beg your pardon!"

Makoto laughed harder. "Oh, begging me now, are you? Well, well. What will the girls think?"

"MAKOTO!" Her voice squeaked higher, her face even redder.

"And now you're screaming my name? Hmmm, this is a night to remember."

The heat from the blush was unbearable, but all Minako could do was stand there in open-mouthed shock at the very suggestively toned remarks. A sharp knock at the door drew the attention of the frazzled woman, dazed as she opened the door to be greeted by Rei.

"Mina? I have the house earnings of the night here for... you." Her words trailed off as she took in the topless state of her employer, the incredibly dark blush on the pale skin, and Rei couldn't stop the coy smirk from crossing her lips. "Oh. I apologize for interrupting. I'll put these in the safe for you. Carry on, pretend I was never here." She cast Minako a playful wink. "I hope you aren't too out of practice for her."

Mortified, Minako flailed, her voice a squeaking sound. "No! Nothing is happening and I am not doing things of that nature with anyone!"

Rei chuckled and nodded before continuing her retreat, Minako turning back into the room, stalking towards her friend in an embarrassed huff.

"Oh no, we've been caught." Makoto cackled from her position on the bed.

"I hate you."

"Nah, you like me. So, you too outta practice to join me?"

"Mako, no."

"Mako, YES!"

Rolling her blue eyes in exasperation, Minako finally slid into the bed with her charge, this time behind Makoto instead of in front of her. She could see the scars cris-crossing the lightly tanned skin, reaching out one hand to touch them. She felt Makoto stiffen marginally at the contact before relaxing, humming slightly as gentle fingers ghosted along the marks.

"Mmmm, that feels nice." Makoto breathed, snuggling into the bed more.

Minako grinning to herself, wondering how many of these were from battles when she was a general. After ten minutes of tracing the scars, she could hear the soft snores that marked Makoto having fallen asleep, the blonde cuddling up to her happily. With luck, Makoto would be freed in a bit over four years. She would make sure of it.


Max sighed as she left the Queen's chamber, having fixed her clothing and hair flawlessly. It had been quite nice to spend time with her love, even nicer when they had decided to be intimate with each other, but now she had to return back to her brothel to keep gathering information for the queen. It was growing more and more difficult to get new intel from her clients, but Max was determined to keep going.

As she passed the advisers chamber, she opened the door to announce herself, but saw one of them instead watching a small envelope and letter burning in the fire place. And Max knew that handwriting all too well.

The door was slammed open as she raced forward with a screech of fury, her shadows reaching out to try to salvage the clearly destroyed parchment. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" She raged, finding guards hauling her away. "She TRUSTS you!"

A set of calculating brown eyes watched her in irritation, the man scowling. "The Beacon doesn't need to contact her family. She has a duty to fulfill."

"Ranait! Her name is Ranait Ó Conghalaigh!" She was livid, shaking in hate, her shadows coiling around her like serpents ready to strike. "She's seventeen, was born in Southern Ireland, and is more than just a tool! Say it! SAY HER NAME YOU BASTARDS!"

Another scoffing scowl. "You've grown too attached. How disappointing." He sneered down at the Spy Master. "Perhaps it would do you both better if we removed the Beacon from your custody."

Something inside Max snapped, her shadows exploding outwards to knock everyone to the floor, pinning them down viciously. The aura around her was as cold as ice, the woman terrifying as she glared around the room. "Never, ever threaten my apprentice again. If you dare to come near her, I swear to you all that I will not kill you. I will end you. I will relish in your agony, and delight in refusing to give you death. Stay away from Ranait, and my brothel." Those cold, deadly eyes narrowed. "I will know if you disobey my warning."

Drawing her shadows back into her body, Max sank into them and vanished, stepping back out of them in Ranait's room.

The girl was sleeping soundly, her arms splayed out above her head, tiny snores escaping her parted lips, her hair scruffled from slumber as Max watched silently, taking in the sight of the typically rowdy girl being so calm and serene. The woman sat in a chair beside the bed, watching her charge intently. She didn't put it past the advisers to try to come for Renny and take her away, she she would be damned if they were to even touch her. She had raised her, scolded her, watched her grow and learn. She was so very dear to not just the brothel staff, but herself. They couldn't take her anchor to the rest of the world away; how could Max try to function without Renny to connect her to everything else?

She refused to even consider moving from her post, not wanting to even fall asleep out of worry that Renny might vanish. As the night wore on, Max tirelessly continued her vigil, her shadows comfortingly surrounding the ginger for protection.


Makoto moved easier as the days went on, her scars loosening slowly but surely, even going so far as helping Arianna in the kitchen again. It was glorious to be mobile and helpful without being dependent on Minako. With the second bell past midday tolling, there was much to do, and as if on cue, her master strode in, Makoto seamlessly lifting a small loaf of bread she had made just for the blonde.

"Called to the castle to be told I HAVE to attend- Oh. thanks, Mako." The loaf was happily taken, and a cup lifted next with water.

"Twolwd I whad to- Hanks." The cup went next as Makoto resumed chopping.

After a sip to clear her mouth, the blonde continued her verbal rampage, waving around the bread almost violently. "I have to attend the masquerade ball to collect as much information from the guests as possible. A ball! I have to dress all noble, and costumed, and dance!" She flopped into a chair dramatically. "I can't dance! This will be a disaster. I told them to use Ami instead, but they insisted that I come as I am a wealthy member of Landenholt. HOW AM I GOING TO LEARN TO DANCE IN A MONTH AND A HALF?!"

Makoto set down her knife and bread, wiping her hands on cloth before moving to stand behind her intensely aggravated friend. Without a word, she removed the water and bread from her grasp, then placed her hands on Minako's shoulders, massaging the tension away expertly. "Calm down, you idiot. It's fine."

There was a low hum from Minako as she relaxed, Makoto's hands easing her further. "The clothing is simple. It's a masquerade, so all you need is clothing and the right mask. Petz can do that."

When she only heard a mildly grumpy grunt of agreement, she went on. "After that, you need an instructor. And I know how to dance. I'll teach you."

Minako turned to glance back at her charge. "You know how to dance?"

A daring grin was the answer. "In my previous position in the world, learning to dance among nobles was as essential as learning swordplay."

Minako considered the proposal for a moment before replying. "As long as you are my partner for the ball, then I would love for you to teach me. It would be silly to have someone I don't trust completely as an escort to such an event." A small, but shy smile appeared on her lips. "And I do trust you completely, Mako. So, what do you say?"

"I say we start tomorrow, Master Two Left Feet."

"HEY! That's mean! True, but mean."