A/N: Here's the next chapter! I have had no time and less motivation to write as work slowly but surely devours my soul. It's becoming more and more difficult to break out of writer's block, and this chapter took far longer than I had wanted to write. I also was in England all of last month, and was content to pay more attention to my partners than to this. I'm sure you understand.
Warning: Contains plot. And a bit of fighting. Really tame, but things will be getting more out of hand in the coming chapters.
With love,
Korrupted.
Disclaimer: Still don't own Sailor Moon.
Minako hummed as she stroked Makoto's back, the sound of her companion's even breathing relaxing her more than anything else. She secretly enjoyed the feeling of their nearly bare bodies touching, relishing in the contact. She knew she should get up to start the day, but she just wanted to stay with her friend instead. Besides, the moment she got out of the bed, Makoto would wake up too.
After a moment or two longer of internal debate, Minako placed the lightest of kisses on Makoto's shoulder blade, waited a moment more, then slowly slide out of bed.
If only Makoto cared for her in the same way.
Makoto didn't realize that she hadn't woken with Minako until the bed was far too cold where the smaller blonde would be. It was unnerving, and she was bolt upright in mere seconds, looking around the room cautiously. "Mina?" She inquired softly.
There was no answer, and it bothered her more that she hadn't been awake when her friend had left. She dressed herself in a hurry, moving to see a tiny bit of parchment on the floor nearby the door. Curiously, she picked it up and read it the moment she saw her name scrawled across the top.
'Makoto,
I know today will be busy with the ball tomorrow, but please meet me in the garden at the seventh bell tonight.
-Mina'
Makoto felt her heart skip and her stomach drop. Was this Mina telling her that she liked her too? Or that Makoto's attentions were unwanted and must stop? She didn't know, but it was with a very uneasy stomach did she leave the room. It lurched as her mind ran around and around with the contents of the message, like a dog relentlessly gnawing at a bone.
Did Minako hate her? Like her? Was it entirely unrelated?
On and on she worried, vaguely aware of the fact she was sweating with nerves. She was distracted as she entered the kitchen, walking directly into Ami in the process. "Whoa! Sorry, Ames."
"Oh, Mako! Is something wrong? You seem... Distracted." Ami inquired, tilting her head curiously.
"What? Nah, I'm good." She waved off dismissively.
Arianna nodded back to the door behind the tall slave. "Well, distracted or no, you're due at the seamstress in less than ten minutes for final adjustments. It's nearly the second bell."
Verdant hues went wide. "SHIT!" She yelped before dashing back out again.
Today was really not her day.
Minako stood very still as Petz tugged at the dress almost sternly, trying to ensure that it fit her perfectly. It was a very lovely shade of orange, mixing silks with small patches of leather to accentuate her bust and curves. There were leggings underneath the skirt for the measuring, and the mask was an elegant, lace version of a courtier's with jewels sewn on.
Makoto, however, looked positively radiant to her. Dark green tunic with a sort of gossamer demi-skirt that remained open in the front like a coat, pink roses embrodered into the collar, soft white undershirt, golden trim along the seams, soft leather boots, and a leather belt about her waist. Her mask was ornately styled as a tiger, fierce and covering the corners of her mouth with the teeth protruding from the upper jaw.
Emerald orbs met ocean, and Makoto made a playful snarl, her hand slowly becoming a claw. "Grrrr." She growled in a mock seductive tone.
Mina couldn't help but laugh, holding as still as possible while Petz stitched up a wayward seam. It was comical to see her stubborn friend being so outwardly goofy, but also refreshing. She just hoped tonight would go well between the two of them.
Makoto nervously touched the green cotton tunic, the silken pink hems a cool caress against her arms. It was almost the seventh bell, and her heart was hammering wildly in her chest. What would Minako say to her? Was it good? Bad? No, she shouldn't worry. She couldn't worry.
With a slightly faltering footsteps she strode from her room to the stairs, marching down them to look around the full bar. Several patrons greeted her warmly as she absently responded, noticing Minako wasn't there. Makoto took a deep breath as she marched to the kitchen, and out to the garden.
Minako stood among the early blossoms, fidgeting nervously. She knew Rei was watching her from a safe distance just in case something terrible was said, and she was very grateful for that fact. The sound of approaching footsteps caught her attention, Minako seeing a very nervous Makoto moving towards her.
"Hey, Mako." She beamed, her hands trembling as she clutched the parchment.
"Hey, Mina. How are you doing?"
Minako could feel her heart thundering in her chest. "I'm... I'm good!" Her pitch had gone far too high. 'Shit! Cover, I need a cover!' She quickly thought of something to say. "I'm good, just nervous about the ball tomorrow is all."
Makoto moved to stand next to her. "Yeah. Me too. I'm just glad that I can wear a mask." She beamed at her, Minako feeling a blush growing hotter. "Can't have anyone remember me and warn Nephrite."
Minako worried the parchment more. "Yeah. That could be bad."
Haruka wormed in next to Rei, ignoring the glare she received.
"Great vantage, now I can keep tabs on them." She smirked.
"What are you doing here? Minako wanted privacy." Rei hissed.
"And you're here because?"
"Minako requested me. She was nervous, and wanted me nearby."
Haruka grinned widely. "Fantastic! That means it might work!"
Violet hues narrowed dangerously. "What might work? What did you do?"
Haruka stiffened, then apologetically grinned. "W-well... I sent letters. To Minako and Makoto. From each other."
Rei felt her temper flare. "You... Sent a letter to Minako... From Makoto?!" She seethed in a whisper. Haruka had just set her friend up for failure! Makoto hadn't meant to ask her there!
Haruka held up her hands defensively. "Look, I swear I only did it to get Makoto to confess to Mina!"
"Confess what?" Rei prodded firmly.
"Why are we whispering?" A cheerful voice joined in.
Both Rei and Haruka jumped at Serenity speaking, neither having noticed her approach. "Heildar's wisdom!" Haruka barely kept her voice soft, yanking the prostitue into the cover of the shrubs as well.
Serenity peeked through the branches. "Why are we spying on Mina and Makoto?"
Rei rolled her eyes. "Because Haruka did terrible, terrible things that she will explain."
Midnight orbs glowered. "Makoto likes Mina. She has to admit."
Rei blinked. "Wait, what?"
"Awww, so you set them up on a date?" Serenity mewled happily.
Rei gripped Haruka's shoulders. "Why didn't you tell me?!" She was hissing as quietly as possible.
"Why did I need to?"
"Because Minako has feelings for Makoto, you fool!"
Serenity giggled impishly. "Oh, now we have to see this!"
"So..." Makoto stated awkwardly to break the incredibly long silence that had stretched between them.
"Um, yeah. So." Minako forced out.
Makoto was so nervous, and still she had yet to find out why Minako had called her here for. She couldn't stand the suspense. "You, uhh... Wanted me here for something?"
Minako blinked. "What? You asked me here."
Makoto's brow furrowed. "No, I didn't."
Minako looked utterly confused. "Yes, you did." She held out the very crumpled parchment. "You even wrote me."
Makoto took the note and held up her own, then glared. "I should have... I can't believe it. Haruka!" She shouted in rage.
"Shit!" Haruka swore, ducking down. "Abort mission!" She told the other two. "Abort, abort!"
Quickly they all hurried back inside, and away from the furious Kishu.
"I'm going to kill her." Makoto seethed. "I'm going to reach up, and kill her."
Minako was so morbidly embarrassed. She was so sure that Makoto had wanted to talk to her, maybe even admit feelings. Instead, they had been tricked by Haruka.
"I should go." She said flatly, quickly hurrying towards the brothel.
"Mina." Makoto called after her. "Mina, wait!"
Minako refused to heed her shouts, rushing up to her room and throwing herself onto the bed. Hiding her face in the pillow, she remained there, trying to calm herself down from the brink of tears.
Makoto worked quietly that night, Haruka wisely keeping her distance. She was so infuriated that she would dare do this to Minako. Even she knew not to get her hopes up. She was just a slave, and Minako was far out of her league.
Minako fixed her gown as Makoto adjusted her mask, both women nervous beyond belief at the ball they would be attending very shortly.
"So, you ready?" She inquired, watching Makoto grin shyly.
"Yeah. You sure you can walk in those heels to the castle?"
Minako laughed loudly. "Walk? Mako, we're taking a carriage."
She watched as her charge rubbed the back of her head, noting how the collar and shackles just barely peeked out from her clothes. It was very strange seeing Makoto look so elegant, but at the same time it was so fitting. Minako couldn't wait for the entire ordeal to be over, but it was her duty to gather any information she could.
They finally made their way to the carriage, and then to the palace. Makoto gracefully offered her hand to her master, Minako giggling as she was helped down from the vehicle. It wad so very surreal to Makoto that she was returning to the castle willingly, and walking alongside nobility. Surreal and so very nerve-wracking.
Minako could hear some of the nobles making hushed comments about a slave being an escort, and shifted closer to Makoto. "Relax." She whispered to the taller woman. "You belong here more than they do. Plus I would be scared without you here."
She felt a hand gently take hold of hers, and lightly squeeze before being pressed to Makoto's lips, Minako blushing and shyly smiling at Makoto. "I'm here to serve, O great master Minako."
Minako couldn't help but giggle as butterflies churned in her chest. At least she had her dear friend here to calm her nerves.
"Haruuuka~!" Diana chimed out, skipping over happily. "Wanna play?"
Haruka looked up to see both Hotaru and Diana grinning at her hopefully. As much as she wanted to remain hidden in the corner, the two of them would be a great chance to just relax after the chewing out that Rei had given her.
She didn't know that things would go so poorly; Minako had refused to talk to anyone, and Makoto looked furious. As the two children tugged her outside, Haruka couldn't help but be nervous about how they were fairing at the masquerade. Were they okay? Was Mako still angry with her? Was Minako upset with Makoto?
"Haruka, catch us if you can!" Hotaru giggled out.
As much as she wanted to focus on everything that could be going wrong right now, Haruka was incredibly glad for the distraction the girls were providing. And with a smirk, she began to hurry after them, hearing them laugh and shriek in glee.
Minako had never felt so out of place in her life, but she was eternally grateful to have Makoto nearby, even more so that she had danced with her several times. Even her presence was soothing as she chatted with the other powerful and wealthy members of the kingdom. The men were quite willing to chat when they say that Makoto was a slave, a few even watching her as they spoke to the madam, clearly thinking many less than savory things.
A few times, Makoto turned to engage servants that mingled through the crowd, pleased to see that she too was gathering information. While everyone knew that servants were there, it was clear they went unnoticed, gathering many a secret in their day to day duties. A dark-skinned guardswoman with blue eyes even came forward to speak to her, giving her a nod of respect as she walked back into the crowd. 'Another soldier she must have trained.' Minako mused, focusing back on the count before her.
"Madam Aino, why have you brought your female slave as an escort?" He finally questioned. "I am beyond certain you could have found a man to accompany you this night."
Minako sighed and put on a worn smile. "Because she is also my body guard, Count Rogen." She lied, mentally leaving out the 'o' in his title.
He stroked the greying beard that shown below his ornate bull mask. "I see. That certainly makes more sense." His green eyes flicked over to the woman in question. "Well, she is easy on the eyes, I suppose. At least you didn't bring an ugly slave to the ball."
Minako was fighting the powerful urge to punch him in the mouth, instead smiling as she took a very small, slow sip from her wine. If not for the fact she could listen into another two nobles from here, she would have excused herself. Instead she found herself mentally shrieking as he began to tell her all the good she was doing by finally owning a slave.
She hoped Makoto was doing better than she was.
Makoto wanted to slam her head into the stone walls. The men seemed to flock to her with unnatural ease, almost all of them asking if her master allowed her to 'entertain fellow noblemen'. A few bragged about themselves in what seemed to be an effort to sway her to favor them. It was all she could do to simply decline or excuse herself, but in the end she had gleaned information about several marauding groups attacking the borders under a Boshni flag. In a bid to find a moments peace, Makoto had taken to a wall, watching the crowd in disinterest.
"Why is a lovely woman such as yourself here and not dancing?" A male voice inquired.
Makoto turned to face the source, quickly bowing in respect to Prince Endymion. "Forgive me, Your Highness. But I am not of worthiness to dance with nobles." She stated before standing once more, allowing him to see the golden collar. "In fact, I beg your forgiveness at misleading you. You should not be in my company."
Instead he furrowed his brow, stepping closer. "Your voice... It seems familiar. You are from Furaji, yes?"
Makoto felt her blood run cold, but nodded. "I was enslaved in the far areas of the Furaji kingdom, yes." The prince had only seen her a handful of times, how could his memory be so keen?
He tilted his head. "May I be so bold as to ask you to lift your mask?"
Makoto was torn at the complete respect the prince had for an admitted slave, and the need to keep her identity hidden. "If I must, I ask you to allow me to do so in private, Your Highness."
Endymion's blue eyes searched the features hidden by the tiger's mask, lingering on her emerald eyes and auburn hair. "I... Do insist."
Makoto had to admit that Serenity did have an utter gentleman as her prominent client, following him out to the hall.
"Yes, Master Bryce. I understand, but I have come with my master." A firm male voice stated, catching Makoto's complete attention. She knew that voice, or at least she vaguely recalled it.
"And Count Rogen certainly has a devoted slave, then." What could only be this Bryce character replied.
Makoto frowned, listening to the other slave speak.
"He does, and I must be meeting him shortly."
"And what do we do with her?"
Makoto felt the color drain from her covered face as the voice finally clicked, leaning around the corner to watch the 'slave'. "Your Highness, send for either Savannah of the Blinded Guard, or Olik Koalst."
"Why do I...?"
"Just do it!" She snapped at prince quietly, before adding on, "Your Highness."
Confused, but heading the instruction, Endymion beckoned a servant and sent him hurrying off. Makoto watched her target intently, her stomach burning with rage, and her hand aching to smash the spy's face in. Never had she wanted to spread someone's brains across the floor with quite such intensity before, but he was one of the people responsible for her enslavement. Makoto was hungry for revenge.
Savannah marched gracefully, yet purposefully towards them from down a set of stairs, nodding to the prince before spotting Makoto. "Your Highness. Mako, you had me summoned?"
"Yes. You see that man over there, Savannah? Next to that gaudy, fat noble?" The dark skinned woman nodded. "He claims to be the slave to Count Rogen. He isn't."
Savannah leaned closer, her eyes narrowed at the rather sturdy looking slave. "And who do we suspect he is?"
"One of his men. I remember his voice from the tent before I was a slave."
The prince had finally had enough. "Just what is going on here?" Endymion demanded, watching one of the guards trusted to keep the oracles safe heed the order of a slave without hesitation. He found himself ignored.
"And what are we going to do about him?"
Makoto grit her teeth. "I am going to watch him, while you send word to Olik to have the guards watch the doors. Find this Count Rogen and ask him about his slave, just in case. If I am right, we strike. And the prince will either go with you, or stay put."
Endymion openly seethed. "Am I suddenly a maid for you to shuttle about?"
Makoto stood to her full height and looked up at him. "Yes, Your Highness. Because if he is here, you and your parents are in danger. Now either help Savannah, or tell Minako Aino that I might need her to fix me up again later. She was last near Rogen, and in an orange gown."
Endymion found himself being pulled away by the guard, struggling against her grip. "What was that slave talking about? Why are you listening to her? What is going on?"
Sky blue eyes locked with sapphire. "I trust her with my life. And that man is a traitor to your father and this kingdom. So do me a favor and find her master, Your Highness. Now!"
Minako was half finished with her sixth glass of wine, the alcohol making it far easier to deal with nobles prattling on and on to her about things she did not want to know. While her attention had strayed from Rogen, her hazy thoughts were mostly on Makoto, and how lovely she looked. It was hard to focus on men trying to impress her when she was thinking back on all the times she had seen her friend naked, and how she looked in great detail. Minako was incredibly grateful to her mask obscuring her cheeks to conceal most of her blush as the images continued to play upon her mind.
"Excuse me, Count Rogen?"
A female voice gently tugged at her attention from her musings, looking casually towards the armored woman who had approached the man with a bow. She watched her lean in to speak quietly with him, and his mouth curl in confusion.
"I don't own a male slave. You must be mistaken."
After another bow, Minako's full attention turned to the guard as she moved towards her. "Madam Aino?"
"Y-yes?" She half squeaked, clutching her glass firmly. Had she done something wrong?
The woman bowed, a knowing smirk on her lips. "Henso requested you. Please, come with me."
Minako instantly handed her glass to a passing servant before wobbling slightly after her, lifting the expensive gown slightly. "Is she okay?"
"She found someone here linked to her past. Someone bad. I'm Savannah."
"Nice to meet you, but where is she?" Minako bluntly questioned.
"Down that hall."
Endymion took hold of Savannah's armored arm, glowering. "I'm coming too."
"Stay put, Your Highness." She ordered, watching Minako hurry off without her. "You'll be safer in the ballroom."
"I don't care, I order you to take me." He was so furious with her refusal.
And yet she simply scoffed at him. "I'm a Blinded Guard. I answer only to the oracles, and the King."
Makoto was slinking a good distance behind the man as silently as possible, watching him turn another corner. Slowly she moved after him, the mask making her a bit claustrophobic as she rounded the corner as well only to find a sword leveled at her.
"Who are you?" He demanded.
Makoto grinned at him. "A slave. Weren't you aware that slaves are not allowed to arm themselves?"
She watched his eyes widen through the mask moments before she lunged, the blade slicing through the shoulder of her tunic harmlessly. It took a few moments, but finally the sword skittered along the stone floors, leaving them both to grapple each other. Makoto had the upper hand only due to her being straddled atop the impostor, ripping his mask away. He scrabbled at her neck to attempt to choke her, only managing to yank her mask off instead, her shocked expression met by his disbelieving gaze.
"You!"
A wild punch clipped her cheekbone as the struggle resumed, the distraction of being unmasked enough to upset her balance. They faced each other with exposed faces, plainly seeing each other for the first time in years.
"You're dead!" He told her.
"Clearly the dead can walk, then. And you're soon to join me." She snarled back.
The turncoat unsheathed a dagger from below his belt, throwing it expertly at the slave. In a split-second action, Makoto lifted her arm and used her cuff to deflect it from its path to her chest, hissing as it bounced off and nicked the crook of her neck instead. He started running again, and Makoto dashed after him, both halting when they heard someone shout.
"Mako, wait!"
Makoto turned to face Minako as she came bolting somewhat unevenly, barely turning back in time to duck to avoid another dagger. "Mina, careful!" She yelled back, watching her target throw another dagger.
This time at Minako.
Makoto turned and tackled Minako down as the blade left a thin cut on the blonde's cheek, sitting up only to see her quarry gone. Her attention turned back to the shorter woman, shaking in anger and worry. "What in the name of Jakli's spear is wrong with you?! He nearly killed you!"
Imploring but stubborn ocean hues met verdant. "I was only trying to help. You sent for me!"
Makoto was holding her by the shoulders firmly. "Dammit, Mina! I can't let you get hurt! I won't!"
"Makoto, calm down, please." Couldn't Makoto see that she was concerned about her safety? She could hear other people running towards them.
"Calm down?! I almost lost the woman I think I love!" Makoto raged back.
Both Minako and Makoto went dead silent, neither of them moving. Makoto instantly wished that she could take her words back, that she could undo the terrible damage she had done. Minako felt both joy at knowing that her desires weren't for naught, but also terror at the very same revelation. For a while, neither could do anything but remain frozen in place, staring at each other.
Finally, Minako squeaked out, "You... You what?"
Makoto felt both pale and red-hot, making small sounds in a vain effort to speak before glancing up. Both Savannah and Prince Endymion were standing were shocked expressions, the slave even more unsure as she looked back to Minako.
"I... I said... I... Think I love you."
