A/N: There's a lot of the Inner Senshi in this chapter, but it's necessary. This is still a Haruka/Michiru story above all.
Major thanks to Soleil-Lune for beta-ing, because without her, this story would just be a mess of words and my poor attempt at grammar – huh…I guess that's like any Seabreeze oneshot I put ya'll through. ^_^
Revlis El'inmilnum
Chapter 6: Catalyst
Haruka was itching for a fight. To say that nothing was going as it was supposed to would be an understatement. She was beyond frustrated and it felt as if her whole being was quivering, simmering under boil. It was almost blinding. She couldn't think properly except for one horribly repetitious echoing thought: is it enough?
She wanted a fight with skin and steel. She wanted to feel the blows and expel the all-consuming itch of frustration. There was no one to take it out on. Normal Arethians kept their distance, and she dared not risk the repercussions in taking on any elite of Areth – not at this point anyway. She was left to herself. It was more than just frustration though. It was sorrow, anger, and above all regret… Yet it was much easier to simplify her feelings into frustration.
Is it enough that they just love each other? Michiru had avoided her since she had asked that question. Frankly, Haruka didn't have an answer either and that was the source of her problems.
Unable to bear a moment of stillness, Haruka was pacing the palace complex. There were certainly some differences from what she remembered, but other parts echoed with familiarity. The basic palace structure remained the same, but renovations were common and decorations had been continuously updated through the reign of eleven generations of queens. She was alone in the palace gardens now. Ochas was harassing the elite of Talrysc Kotyo, and his other officials were busy ensuring control of the city. It was a rare bit of calm, and exactly not what she wanted at the moment, especially as she gazed at the landscape.
If she closed her eyes, she could try to imagine what the vast sprawl of perfectly groomed vegetation looked like just a lunar cycle ago; so dissimilar from the fledgling garden when she had resided here, and so dissimilar from the remains that surrounded her now. Everywhere, there were marks of magic attacks. One section was completely burnt away leaving charred remains, while another section had spots that had been eviscerated by strikes from a lightning mage. Large potholes covered the ground from other stray attacks and some trees had been toppled over, helpless to the elemental destruction.
Haruka snarled, her jaw tightening and her teeth clenched together. She swung a fist downwards, channeling a rush of angry wind. The blow sent earth scattering, leaving another small crater in the ground of the gardens. It did not matter though. There would be no harmony or ease as long as Ochas remained alive.
The anger and frustration left her in a rush, taking her strength with it. Haruka went to her knees in the center of the crater with only the burning question accompanying her.
It was all wrong. Everything was wrong.
There had been only one blissful moment in which it had seemed as if everything would resolve itself to how it should be. It had been that one moment when she reunited with Michiru.
Now being by Michiru's side again had its complications. The closest thing they had had to intimacy was the moment of their reunion. It was aggravating; awkward even…That had never been the case before.
The moment Michiru had been in her arms again, the world had righted itself. Yet, the moment she let Michiru make the pact with Ochas…They had known what they were getting themselves into, but at the time it was nothing compared to being together again and spiting the traitorous kingdom that had separated them. Over five hundred years old and none the wiser for it, Haruka thought bitterly.
Regardless of the consequences, regardless of the unease, they were together again and Haruka's one shred of happiness came from that fact. Being back with Michiru, it was as if the five hundred years of separation was both painfully obvious and completely irrelevant. However, now there was an uncertainty in their skimming glances and touch. It was a complicated whirl of emotion dominated by self-blame, anger, and time. They did not have to say that they would look for any opportunity to thwart Ochas because they knew they had made a mistake.
They both knew they would have made the same choice again. But the question still remained: is it enough?
Haruka was startled from her churning circle of thoughts by a sound that she had not heard for decades. She climbed to her feet, brushing off the knees of her sand-colored pants. Her gaze traveled upward, searching for the source of the sound, knowing it could only come from one person with one particular instrument.
The sun was directly in her line of sight, but she shielded her eyes with a hand and caught the barest glimpse of sea-blue on a balcony high above. She closed her eyes and listened, absorbed in the bittersweet music. Unbeknownst, Haruka let her magic flow naturally, meeting the music in a swaying breeze that rustled around the decimated gardens.
There was a sudden jarring note that disrupted the bittersweet melody and Haruka's wind ceased. She opened her eyes and looked upwards as an angry song issued forth. The glare of the sun kept her from seeing anything, but Haruka took note of the location. Her eyes widened as she realized that she knew exactly which chambers the balcony belonged to.
She set off at a brisk walk, quickly entering the palace. She paid no mind to the Revlis servants that scurried alongside the walls, trying to avoid attention, or the Arethian soldiers who eyed her with caution. Haruka chose a flight of stairs she was familiar with, the stone darkened and smooth from centuries of use. She cut through a hallway, bypassing guestrooms, nobles' apartments, and parlors.
The hall opened up in an impressive display of architecture as windows on the left arched to give a full view of the palace gardens and, beyond that, Talrysc Kotyo. The hall ended, spilling out into a high-vaulted open space. One of the grand staircases was to her right and to her left was the private wing of the palace that had served as the royal apartments since constructed under Serenity I. Haruka, ignoring both of these, walked straight ahead, down into the opposite hallway. Windows lined the left wall for a short distance before solid stone stretched across both sides interrupted only intermittently by doors that in Haruka's time in the palace held multipurpose rooms.
This section of the palace had seen little fighting and remained intact. Ochas had yet to do anything with it, as he spent all his time either in the library or administrating. Haruka was not sure if the emperor-king of Areth ever actually slept. The hall here was thus empty and still dressed in tasteful royal splendor. It was quiet except for the angry melody that grew louder with each step Haruka took.
A mahogany door announced the dead end of this section of the palace. She had made it there quickly and with purpose, but now Haruka hesitated, her hand slowly reaching out for the iron handle.
The chambers beyond this door would be spacious and private. They would include a study and parlor with large balcony that provided a side view of the gardens and the city beyond. It would even hold a small room that provided fresh running water, designed by a water-mage architect during renovations.
It had been their apartments once.
Haruka opened the door. It creaked only slightly as she pushed it open, but she winced at the noise. It did not interrupt the melody issuing forth from the balcony and Haruka took a moment to observe the chambers.
At first she thought she had taken a happy step back into the past. The rooms remained the same as the day she left. Where her favorite couch used to lie was a new one that still looked inviting by the fireplace and a few of Michiru's paintings adorned the walls. Sunlight streamed in from windows and the doors from the parlor to the balcony were thrown open like they would have been on any typical sunny day. Obviously, the walls had been repainted, the linens replaced, the pillows fluffed, and the baseboards dusted.
On closer inspection, peering into study to her right, she noticed many of their books were missing, leaving vacant spots on the shelves. Straight ahead, through an arched frame, she could see their bed. It was now covered in nondescript gray beddings instead of the dark blue ones they had used. Her small collection of swords was gone from their place on the parlor wall as well as Michiru's prized silver-wrought fine-grain mirror. It seemed devoid of personal touches, nor were there any suggestions of use by the Revlis at the time of the Arethian invasion.
Haruka's hand lingered on some of the remaining objects, reassessing their familiarity, as she quietly went to the balcony. Michiru's back was to her, but she was clad in a simple dress, her feet bare, and her father's instrument, the violin, in her arms. The song issuing forth did not fit the sight Haruka beheld, but coincidentally or not, the anger was leaving the melody as she hovered just behind Michiru. The song tapered off in wavering, uncertain notes. Then it ended, punctuated by a shuddering sigh from the musician.
"You found the violin." Haruka said.
Michiru did not turn around, but her arms dropped, holding the violin carefully in front of her. "It was hidden away in the library."
"It still looks to be in good condition."
"Yes, thankfully. Even after all these years I cannot make one quite like my father. Of course, I was slightly lacking in materials to attempt such a feat."
Haruka smiled, "I bet it was out of tune something awful."
That earned her a small chuckle, "It was terrible. I had to restring it."
After that glimmer of easy conversation, silence fell between them. Haruka's heart pounded painfully in the quiet, accompanied only by the distant sounds of the city. The awkward moment persisted; then Haruka spoke, her voice a hoarse whisper, asking that cursed question again. "Is it enough that I love you?"
Michiru finally turned around, her sea-blue eyes pained, the knuckles white where they clutched the violin, "A betrayal, three hundred years, and a deal with the devil."
"It's true, isn't it? Three hundred bloody years…I still…I regret my choice when I see what this monster has done with our kingdom. It was ours to protect, even if we did not willingly choose to do so. The only time I don't regret that contract is when I look at you. But I haven't been able to even do that and I can't even answer my own question. Is it enough that I just love you? Does the rest of it have to matter?" Haruka spoke bitterly.
"We were foolish to think we would leave the worst of times behind after creating Revlis El'inmilnum." Michiru said suddenly. She walked forward, gently placing the violin into its ancient case on one of the balcony chairs. "Is it enough that the same kingdom we helped create locked us away?" She walked up closely to Haruka, her voice quiet and intense. "With the queen's blood staining the throne room, those threats ringing in our ears, and the princess's unbelieving eyes as the Revlis El'inmilnum came crashing down, the only thing I really know is that I love you." Her voice softened, "I wish I knew if it was enough to warrant the help we've given that monster."
"Three hundred years…" Haruka said slowly. Then she reached out, gently cupping Michiru's cheek with one hand, "Three hundred years that we can't take back. But we have now – the present, I mean. I can't answer if it's enough either, but we are still Neptune and Uranus, despite our own betrayal, and Revlis El'inmilnum needs its guardians more than ever. I remember that now when I see you."
"We are still Haruka and Michiru too." Michiru whispered, voice choked with emotion.
They came together in a sudden fervent kiss. Hands gripped clothes tightly, desperate and clumsy, unwilling to allow any space between them. Eyes closed, lips locked, bodies pressed, Haruka steered Michiru against the wall. One hand wrapped around Michiru's neck, ensuring their bruising kiss. The other hand found its way underneath the hem of Michiru's dress, hiking up the material in order to feel the smooth leg underneath. Neither were mindful of the rough stone as Haruka ground her hips against Michiru's, eliciting a gasp. Haruka caught a slender leg with one hand as it hooked around her waist and couldn't help the guttural moan that made its way out of her throat. As if that was the cue, Michiru pushed off against the wall, and guided Haruka inside their old apartments.
It didn't take long for clothes to get in the way. First went Haruka's sword and Michiru's mirror, somewhat carefully set aside as they broke away for the quickest of moments. Then Haruka was simultaneously kicking off her boots and helping to slide the dress off of Michiru, leaving her only in a shift. Haruka kissed the revealed skin, the shoulders and deeper neckline, urged on by a low moan. Michiru guided her hands to Haruka's belt, claiming another deep kiss in the process. Haruka's pants and shirt quickly followed, leaving them both only in undergarments.
They paused, fingers intertwined, but otherwise separated. Michiru's voice was a low melody, "How is it that it is only with you I feel as if I truly exist?"
Haruka kissed her slowly in response, drawing out the contact until neither could breath, much less think. Haruka did not even pause as they separated. She guided Michiru against the bed, kissing her collarbone, jaw, ear as her fingers inched upwards along Michiru's thigh, pushing up her shift. Michiru's hand remapped Haruka's abdomen and ribs against her undershirt, agonizingly skimming the underside of her breasts. Haruka groaned into Michiru's ear as the weight of a hand finally found itself against one of her breasts.
Michiru took control, reversing their positions as their lips locked again. After only a few seconds, she broke away. She stopped Haruka from following with a finger going to the blonde's lips. The other hand almost reverently found itself placed against Haruka's thudding heart. Michiru breathed shakily, her body trembling as she felt the racing heartbeat before pushing Haruka onto her back. Haruka watched with wanton eyes as Michiru lithely glided over her body, hands pinning arms underneath her. Their lips met yet again and they let lustful desire run its course, knowing so much of what was wrong was beginning to be repaired as they came together.
Afterwards they lay together, and slept, waking upon lunarrise. They were content and rekindled. Passion and determination restored to their eyes. Haruka smirked, "Not to bad for three hundred years of abstinence."
Michiru rolled over to rest on top of Haruka, eyeing her curiously, "You mean you didn't…?"
"Did you?"
They stared at each other in mock seriousness, Michiru's lips unconsciously forming a pout. Haruka raised her eyebrows, grinning, "Kinky."
"Shush, you old woman." Michiru responded, giving Haruka a quick kiss before climbing off of her and leaving the warm bed.
"Not bad for being three hundred plus, though, huh?" Haruka said, content to watch Michiru's bare backside as she retreated from the bedroom. "Where are you going?" She did not receive a reply, so with a sigh she tossed back the covers and followed Michiru back into the parlor. Haruka shivered as a cool air wafted in from the open balcony doors, teasing her skin, and with little effort, redirected the flow outward.
Michiru was holding the Deep Aqua Mirror. Her eyes glazed over as she stared into its surface. Haruka took the moment to unabashedly look over Michiru's naked form, once again letting the throbbing heat of desire refill her. Sea-blue eyes snapped back into focus and Michiru gently placed the mirror back on a table. "The princess and her companions are safe, but…"
Haruka's attention regretfully snapped to the matter at hand and she prodded Michiru gently to finish her words, "But…"
"There is something amiss within their group. I cannot quite pinpoint it, but danger is amidst them. They are safe for now though, and they are going to meet someone…Someone important."
Despite Usagi's magic, they still looked worse for the wear. Their clothes were ripped, torn, and bloodied, but without the physical wound to match, it hardly seemed a concerned.
But mentally…emotionally…
They nevertheless kept moving, numb to the world. They knew of death before; witnessed it even, if only in limited terms, but now they were intimate with its cold grasp. Their weapons tinged with blood, their magics turned against other humans in killing intent, and their clothing a physical testament of such ambitions turned on them.
Rei's once dark blue tunic was nothing but tatters off her shoulders due to a strike by a wind mage, her beige formfitting undershirt flashing along her midriff, sides, shoulders. Luckily her dark pants only revealed skin through a long gash along her lower thigh. A studded belt at her waist held a long dagger she had picked up off a fallen Asliro. Her bow was shouldered after having been used repeatedly in the past hours to feather Arethian soldiers, which had left her with an empty quiver.
Minako had been in a long dress at the time of the attack. She had since jaggedly cut it off along the knees to allow movement. A sleeve had been lost to a cut at her shoulder, but otherwise, besides some dirt and bloodstains, her dress remained somewhat intact. Clinched at her waist was the leather strap that held her prized long sword.
Makoto's own shoulder injury had left her with a green tunic that barely hung off her shoulders, but perhaps more telling was the horizontal slice just under her ribcage that she had barely dodged. One leg of her brown pants had been blackened from a fire mage, but otherwise left unmarked. She had her long halberd shouldered with a long spun cloth that tied near the top and bottom of the weapon.
Ami's scholar robe was surprisingly appropriate for a fight, both lightweight and easy to move in, but it had not held up too well. The material was torn in places, including a spot where the threads were coming undone from a grazed strike by a lightning mage. Her practical staff held a few niches from hard sword strikes, but now she was using it more as a walking stick, the bottom end of it caked in mud.
Usagi was appropriately relatively unmarked. Her cream dress sported a few ripped areas, mostly from hitting rough ground in order to dodge numerous mage attacks targeted at her. She still had her lightweight sword, strapped at her waist with a leather belt.
Despite a couple of run-ins with Arethian soldiers in the streets that provided their tattered attire, Minako and Umino's escape plan had worked. They successfully eluded capture and fled Talrysc Kotyo with no mishaps aside from an exhausted Ami who had successfully modified their escape plan through the river with the use of ice. They quickly traveled through farmland and the small townships set up outside the walls under the cover of the night and gratefully entered the thin woodland opposite of the road that lined the river. They traveled as far as they could until lunarset, then collapsing to sleep for a few peaceful hours inside the shelter of the familiar woods.
Luckily, one had always managed to stay awake to keep watch nerves still tense and not allowing for rest otherwise. As midday sunlight streamed through the trees, and with a slight bit of renewed vigor they set off, following the river north. They were despondent and melancholy, a far cry from their normal selves, especially the muted Usagi, but they were not disheartened or despairing. Traveling at a steady pace, they pressed onwards through the trees, remaining in sight of the river, but having cover from the road. They needed the shielding too, as the road was empty except for Arethian forces where before it had traversed commonly by all Revlis.
Usagi, who by all rights needed some time to properly grieve, manifested a steely determination, traveling at the front of their party with Minako who remained somber, but unfaltering. Rei followed immediately behind, her senses and intuition set on high alert. Ami was next, recovered from her exertions against the river hours before, her staff making a dull thud as it hit the ground in time with her gait. Makoto took the rearguard, her eyes covering all the immediate land and then some.
Little was said between them, due to both safety and distress. The silence was not deafening for despite everything, the woods continued to live around them. These were tame woodlands that they all knew from excursions out of Talrysc Kotyo, and the familiarity they breathed was comforting. Occasionally a deer would spot them and disappear into the trees or a red fox would slink into hiding at their presence or at especially noisy soldiers from the road. Birds and small animals rustled about in the trees, going about their daily lives, unaware that everything had changed for those walking through their home.
As the lunarrise came upon them, Makoto's eyes spotted a clearing among the normal line of trees and sky. The telltale smoke of a campfire catching the lunarlight in the dark blue sky was rising a short distance to the northwest, around what she recognized as a bend in both the road and river. Gaze narrowing briefly, she dashed ahead, pausing only momentarily to gently touch Ami's arm. Her steps were light and leaves barely made a sound as they landed underfoot. She ran unobstructed even with the shaft of her halberd hitting her calves. Bypassing Rei, she hissed Minako's name, gaining their impromptu leader's attention.
Minako halted, as well as Usagi who was beside her, both turning a curious gaze toward Makoto. Rei drew along side them, joined a moment later by Ami. Makoto kept her voice low, "There's a campfire up ahead."
"It'll be Arethian soldiers no doubt. Perhaps a search or scouting party." Rei responded uneasily. "We should be able to bypass it without problem. They'll be fire-blinded and won't be able to see beyond their campsite."
"One campfire…That'll mean there should not be that many of them." Minako said slowly.
"Stop." Rei glared. "Whatever you are thinking, it's not worth it."
"Having horses would make our journey a lot easier." Minako said adamantly.
"It's not worth the risk." Rei answered again, shooting a glance at Usagi who did not seem to be paying much attention to the argument.
"Rei, I think we should." Ami interjected suddenly. "Arethian scout parties typically have only one mage and number between five to ten units. With surprise we should easily be able to take them down. The horses would be a valuable asset. Plus we would be able to steal their food rations for tonight."
Rei turned toward Makoto, awaiting her opinion. After a moment, the lightning mage nodded. "Let's do it."
Rei fought against the frown that pulled at her lips, focusing on the princess. "Usagi? You ultimately get to decide."
The princess was looking at the ground, but her head snapped up at Rei's voice. "Horses will get us to Pluto faster. But…" She hesitated, fiddling with her hair that despite everything remained fastened in their signature buns. After a moment, she met their individual gazes, "Don't kill anyone, please."
Even now, her friends were not surprised at their princess's sentiments, but they all nodded gravely. Minako alone clapped a hand on Usagi's shoulder and smiled brightly, "Of course not." It did not even sound forced.
"Alright then," Rei sighed, "Let's go investigate."
They set off through the darkened woods, traveling more compactly, but following the same line up as before. They treaded cautiously and at a much slower pace. The light of the campfire slowly became visible, growing from a mere flicker to a burning flame. They began hearing the raucous noises of the campers, a harsh sound against the quiet of the night. As they drew parallel to the campsite, Makoto gained her friends' attention with a low whisper. "Wait here. I'm going to get a little closer."
Before any of them could argue, she had already slid away. She made no discernable sound as she approached the edge of the woods. It did not matter so much, as luckily she had both the river and the campers' racket to mask her movement. Lining her body up against one thick tree, she carefully slid around its trunk to catch a view of the camp.
As they had guessed, it was an Arethian scouting party. On the other side of the river, camped out off the road and on the grassy riverbank, eight soldiers were gathered near the large campfire. A few of them were playing a dice game, while the rest were eating. Makoto's sharp eyes bypassed them for the moment and landed on the eight horses, tethered to the makeshift tents as there were no trees near them on that side of the river. Perfect. She returned her attention to the soldiers, quickly picking out the necessary details.
Even from this distance, she could easily identify the mage playing at the dice game. It was a smaller, female figure distinguishable by the details of her uniform that were the slicker and lighter protective leather overcoat along with the fine sword at her side. The rest of the soldiers appeared to be of normal Arethian stock, dark haired and fair skinned. Though their now familiar rough armor was off, their jagged weapons remained at their sides. Makoto watched as one of the soldiers pumped his fist and laughed victoriously at a win in dice. The mage in response, lazily flicked her hand, sending a small stream of water into his face to cool off his ego.
Finished, Makoto edged back around the tree and crept back to her friends who were waiting anxiously. The light of campfire permeated through the trees even at this distance, giving her friends a half-shadowed look that made them easy to spot. She sidled up next to Ami, sharing a reassuring smile with her as the water mage gently grabbed her hand. She turned to the rest of her friends, "It's like we thought. Eight soldiers with eight horses tied to one of the tents. One of them is definitely a mage. The only problem is that they're on the other side of the riverbank and the river is both wide and deep here."
"You didn't see what kind of mage it was did you?" Minako asked.
"Water for sure. I saw her use it."
"We cannot have any grand pyrotechnics." Ami said softly. "If the horses are only tethered to the tents, any sort of explosion might set them off."
Makoto nodded her agreement, "Yeah, if they get startled, they could break free easily."
"Overconfident barbarians..." Rei growled. Her dark eyes narrowed, peering through the trees at the campsite. "Ami, can you douse the fire from along the edge of the woods?"
Ami eyed the fire from the distance before nodding, "Yes, it would be no problem."
"Perfect. We put it out; they'll be fire-blinded. Then you can make an ice bridge over the river to get Makoto, Minako, and me across. Stay on this bank with Usagi and assist from here until we give the clear." Rei said with little room for argument.
"Good plan," Minako said with a small grin, "Let's go."
They started to move, yet Usagi's frantic whisper pieced the air, "Wait! Let me help!"
Rei did not even hesitate, but neither did she meet Usagi's eyes. "No. Stay with Ami."
Usagi's eyes widened and her mouth opened in protest. Rei, however, was already moving ahead, taking Makoto's previous path through the trees. Makoto and Minako shot their princess an apologetic look, before following. These went unnoticed as Usagi's gaze fell only on the increasingly indiscernible figure of Rei. The flicker of firelight that penetrated through the trees did little to enhance vision beyond a few feet even when heading toward the flame. Her body jerked involuntarily as she suddenly felt another presence at her side. She relaxed having realized it was only Ami, who she had momentarily forgotten.
The water mage smiled sympathetically, "Come on Usagi."
They went after their friends, mimicking their movements and moving into the shadows as they got closer to the edge of the woods. Reaching the last of the thicker trees, they found their friends each with their backs against a trunk, looking back into the forest. Rei was placed behind one, her bow and empty quiver on the ground next to her, useless for this fight. Minako and Makoto were behind an especially wide tree together, both looking composed as they loosened their weapons. Ami and Usagi picked out their respective trees, just a few yards away, copying their companions' stance. They waited for a moment, allowing their eyes to adjust to the fuller darkness as the firelight flickered around the trees. Each of their hearts starting to pound, filled with an adrenaline that was completely dissimilar to what they had felt just the day before.
Ami closed her eyes for a moment, drawing a deep breath, before instinctively looking sideways and meeting Rei's eyes from the tree next to hers. The fire mage held up a hand with her fingers spread, somehow drawing the rest of their friends' attention and slowly put each digit down one at a time. As the last of Rei's fingers went down, Ami took a deep breath and spun around from the back of the tree, her own fingertips glistening with power. She winced against the sudden brightness of looking into a large campfire, but released a torrent of icy water.
The total darkness was sudden, as even the moon had snuck behind a cloud. Yet their plan worked perfectly, their eyes already adjusted to the night. The camp had gone into an uproar of noise at the darkness, their shouts indistinguishable, but they were trained soldiers. Through the darkness they could see them all jump to their feet and tightly grip their weapons, not bothering to relight the fire with the soaked firewood. Fortunately none seemed sure where to turn their attention to. Their voices rose, disagreeing with each other and shouting out taunts to whoever they believed had extinguished the fire.
Minako, Rei, and Makoto were safe as they broke through the trees and were left for open. The soldiers were completely fire-blinded and it was obvious that none of them knew where whatever had extinguished the fire had come from. Makoto pulled slightly ahead in the dead sprint from the edge of the woods and to the bank, Rei and Minako on her heels.
Immediately, Ami formed the ice bridge, thickening and widening it just as Makoto's feet touched its surface. Due to the width of the river and the speed of its waters, Ami found herself having to arch the bridge over the surface. Worry filled her as she knew the ice would be slick. For a moment, it looked like each of them might slip as they hit the arched ice. Arms pin wheeling as they struggled to maintain their balance and get up the slight incline. Luckily, they each had enough momentum to make it to the halfway point and the slope downward.
One foot in front of the other, and crouching slightly to keep her balance, Makoto made it across the bridge safely. As soon as her feet hit the opposite bank, she swung her halberd off over her shoulder. It had only taken a few seconds to make it across. Minako did not fare so well on the second half of the ice bridge, the slight downward incline throwing off her balance that she had previously achieved. Her feet flew out from under her, but she managed to stay on the bridge, sliding the rest of the way across. Using her momentum, she hit the solid ground with a roll, jumping to her feet and her sword in her hands almost immediately. She scowled as she heard Rei snicker as the fire mage passed, not breaking stride in the transition from ice to the ground. Rei drew the dagger at her waist, thankful that she had not wasted time learning how to properly use such a weapon in the past.
"Bloody cowards!" The nearest of the soldiers had finally spotted them as they hit the opposite bank. Only seconds had past, but the moon had emerged behind the clouds, and each moment more, the Arethians' sight would only get better as their eyes adjusted. The soldier's gaze fell on three dark forms rushing toward him and he wheeled to meet them. "They're coming from-" He did not get to finish as he was sent flying by a blast of ice, sniped expertly by Ami. The magic sent him flying to the distance back toward the road, his clothes immediately freezing stiff. He landed hard, his head striking the compact ground with force and he did not get up.
His warning was enough. His companions wheeled toward where he had shouted from originally. A feminine voice pierced the air originating from one of the soldiers, "Kai's down! They're coming from across the river."
Minako, Rei, and Makoto were already among them, and though the soldiers could now make out their dark shapes, luckily, their sight had not adjusted enough to pick up the blur of a weapon. Makoto reached the soldiers first, the shaft end of her halberd swinging up and rapping hard against the temple of the first Arethian she came across. Fluidly, she kept moving, ducking under a strike meant to lop off of her head. She spun her halberd expertly upwards from her ducked position, the shaft of it grazing the soldier's chest before it forcefully met the underside of his jaw. The Arethian's head snapped back and Makoto followed with a strike of lightning magic that sent the soldier convulsing to the ground before passing out.
Rei, just a step behind, realized there was no point in being discreet any longer the moment Makoto met the first Arethian. Sprinting toward the nearest soldier who only realized what the vague shape was once it was nearly on top of him, she swung her left hand with an open palm toward the Arethian's face. Just as she was about to land a blow, she stopped her momentum and channeled a burst of low level fire magic right in front of the soldier's face. The soldier howled and staggered under both the heat and the brightness, bending over to cover his eyes in reaction. Rei jammed the hilt of her dagger between his shoulder blades, and the soldier crumpled to the ground.
Meanwhile, Minako leapt past Makoto who was taking on another soldier, to meet the water mage among the Arethian scouting party. She arrived just in time to parry off a magic blow that was directed toward Rei by intercepting the strike with a spin of her sword, forming a momentary shield of light of magic. Using her forward momentum, she slashed her sword downwards, channeling her magic through the blade and releasing it upon the Arethian mage. Her opponent mage cried out as the elemental magic connected, unable to throw up any sort of defense against an unknown magic at that close of a range.
Minako wasted no time. She wheeled on her feet, turning to meet the blow of a large soldier that had been aimed at her unprotected back. It was a hard strike, and Minako felt her arms go numb from taking the weight of it. Before she could recover, the soldier was dispatched by Makoto's halberd coming unexpectedly from behind. Almost simultaneously, there was another howl of pain and the thud of a body as Ami was able to get a clear shot and snipe another soldier with a blast of compressed icy water.
The final Arethian was taking on Rei. He was a clumsy soldier and in a blind rage. He repeatedly kept over-extending himself in his swings, but Rei just danced around him, not bothering to land a blow. Minako and Makoto's attention inadvertently turned toward this fight, unaware of Usagi and Ami making their way over the ice bridge, and they watched with growing concern as Rei taunted the man in a cold voice far from the passionate fire magic she wielded. "Come on. Kill me. It can't be too hard after all those other unarmed civilians and children. I'm just a girl with a knife."
The soldier roared, gripping his jagged sword in both hands. He sliced vertically, putting his whole body into it. Rei merely sidestepped and as the man's momentum carried him forward, she extended a foot. The soldier tripped, falling face first onto the bank of the river. Rei watched him and as the Arethian struggled to get up, her expression changed from cold, composed anger to fervent rage. "Get up! Kill me, you bastard! Just like all the other Revlis! Kill ME!!!" Her voice rose, turning into hoarse yell. She choked, her voice burning tearfully by the last words.
"Rei, stop it!" Minako shouted. She heard the horses whine behind her, sensing the increasing magic tension in the area emanating from Rei. Makoto took half a step forward, but no more, unsure of how to proceed.
There was a fierce red aura around Rei, and it was easily starting to shed light on the immediate area, casting their surroundings in a blood red color. Most mages, when accessing high levels of power or attempting such a feat, had auras form around them in the color vein of their magic. This was a harsher aura than Rei had ever shown before even if previous examples were limited.
Perhaps the soldier was courageous, perhaps stupid, or perhaps he just though it was the only thing he could do in the situation, but he rolled over, mud caking his body, and lunged desperately with his sword. Rei dodged with ease, her face blank except for the two tear tracks on her cheeks. "Bloody, selfish bastard!" She punctuated her choked words with a stomp on his sword hand.
Minako swore she heard the bones of the soldier's hand crack and shatter as he howled. Unable to take it anymore and barely aware of her own tears, Minako started forward, just as Rei landed a hard kick against the soldier's ribs.
"Why?" The fire mage sobbed. "Why!?" Rei tried to land another hit at the now defenseless Arethian, but she found herself restrained. She was suddenly aware of arms around her, trying to pull her back, but she fought on, struggling to break free. The only thing she knew at the moment was that mercilessly beating the soldier felt good. There was a flash of blond hair in her peripheral vision and a familiar voice pleading with her, and she instinctively knew it was Minako. Rei didn't stop struggling though. All that mattered was making the Arethians pay, and this was a good place to start. She was oblivious to the blood red aura surrounding her grow, raw energy twisted in rage. She hardly noticed Minako's own magic and aura, trying to simultaneously soothe and hold off her own…
In her fury, she sent an elbow back, digging it into Minako's ribs. The blonde released her hold, doubling over in reflex as the air was knocked out of her. Rei could care less. In her vision, all she saw was blood. Blood of a kingdom and a country that had welcomed and sheltered her. Blood of a dead queen, of children, men, and women. Blood of a kingdom that had been peaceful for hundreds of years... It did not matter that she was a daughter of Hawkai. She had been a Revlis since she had first laid eyes on Usagi.
"Rei, please…Stop!"
It was Usagi now. Usagi with sad and desperate blue eyes. She stood between Rei and the now unconscious Arethian. Rei felt as if the world suddenly froze and everything came rushing back into focus. Her heart was pounding, her vision was in red, her throat was burning, and her body felt like it was on fire. Usagi was an oasis.
"I know Rei, but stop. Not like this." The princess whispered.
Rei fell to her knees and cried. Her sobs only grew louder as she felt Usagi's arms wrap around her.
---
Though they still avoided the road for obvious reasons, traveling was much easier with the horses. Making good time, they reached the town of Bunaju just before lunarrise the next day. They did not know what to expect at the town, but feared the worst, which only served to feed their already low morale.
Even though they had success with getting the horses, things seemed to spiral out from under them. They had each taken a horse and chased the remaining three off into the night, leaving the camp in disarray with a couple of the Arethians beginning to stir. It was then that things quickly began to turn against them. They had immediately pushed their horses hard despite the night and staying off road.
After an hour of this, Ami's horse stumbled. One of its hoofs unfortunately catching a thick tree root right as there was a sudden dip in the ground. Ami went flying off the horse as its front legs crumpled awkwardly. Makoto, in the front of the group, feared the worst as she heard Ami's short yelp of surprise and turned around and see both the water mage and the horse on the ground. Luckily, Ami was fine except for a bruise, but the horse had broken both its front legs. Makoto was the one to give it the grisly mercy kill and Ami naturally doubled up on her horse.
They stuck to a slower pace after this, and went just far enough to get a good distance away from the carcass before stopping to camp for the remainder of the night. Where they had been in silent camaraderie hours before, now the atmosphere was strained among them. Makoto and Ami could only look at each other, while the rest became reclusive with the scars and scares of the past days hanging over them. It had never been an issue before, but now it only made the group dynamics worse. Rei was an impassive statue, her reactions limited to a blank stare or head nod. Though no one else noticed, there was still a slight trembling to her hands. Usagi was beside herself; her mind in turmoil, wide blue eyes dancing across each of her friends. Minako refused to even look at Rei.
They pressed hard again at lunarset. The horses were well rested and they did not have to fear unseen obstructions. The day passed without much incident and as a new lunarrise came upon them, they were insight of the walls of the city of Bunaju. With minimal exchange they decided to rest there for the night. They needed more food as the saddlebags of the horses held only a little dried meat and they had not wasted time looting the camp, only stealing a few cloaks to help hide and cover their tattered clothes. It was blatant that they needed new garments. Minako and Usagi for one could not continue to travel in the remnants of what were once expensive dresses without drawing unnecessary attention. Finally, the lure of an inn momentarily outweighed concern over Arethian forces, especially considering that for most of their lives each was used to sleeping in a soft bed and not the hard ground.
As such, they hesitantly decided to enter the town teeming with soldiers from Areth and hoped that no word had been put out about Usagi's escape from the capital. They left their horses tied up in the woods and hoped that no others would come across them. With regret, they left their weapons, knowing they would just draw the attention they could not afford. Rei held onto her dagger, tucking it inside her cloak, while Ami kept her staff as it was commonplace enough. A few muttered words from Minako and they all also agreed to draw the hoods of their cloaks up. Five Revlis in non-descript cloaks would draw much less attention than five armed young women on horses storming into Bunaju.
At the edge of the woods, they peered down the path leading to the gates. It would seem that nothing had changed. The stone walls still stood with just a couple of buildings rising above its height. All seemed normal, except for the black and white flag of Areth flying from the top of the gatehouse and the glint of metal that reflected off the Arethian soldiers standing guard at the entrance.
Nothing was said between them as they paused at the edge of the woods, anxiously looking at Bunaju. Then Minako collected herself with a deep breath, pulled the hood of her stolen cloak over her head, and murmured, "Let's go."
The others followed behind her, all unsure of what to expect and all a little lost in their own thoughts. And still, aside from Ami and Makoto, none of them really knew how to regard each other right now.
Minako led, Usagi just behind her, followed by Makoto and Ami, and then Rei brought up the rear. As they reached the gate of Bunaju, there were luckily a few other Revlis citizens crowding the entrance, all trying to enter the town before lunarrise. This boded well for them; it would be that much easier to get inside and it also meant there was semblance of normalcy inside the city.
They were last among the group of Revlis trying to enter Bunaju. Minako's found herself holding her breath, discreetly grabbing Usagi's wrist in a deceptively steel grip. She kept her head down, suddenly aware of all the things that could go wrong in this moment. Her mind flashed back to the night they fled Talrysc Kotyo – was that only two nights ago? – and the distant screams of men and women tortured by these same soldiers.
They went through without incident. Minako looked up from the ground only briefly, and her eyes met one of the guards. Fortunately all he did was give a predatory leer. Then they were through, all five of them.
Minako immediately stole to the side, pressing her back against the stone wall, and feeling her heart pounding. The others joined her and as they gazed at the plaza that made up the entrance to the city. Before this plaza had functioned as a small market with street performances and small food stands, it was now bereft of all but its foundations. Houses and shops that lined the plaza were shut up tight and the people that were in the street were hurrying along. A number of spots on the light gray cobblestone ground were dyed in dark colors, something none of them could quite remember. A squad of Arethian soldiers appeared out of one street, but they continued to march along, paying no mind to the people.
Makoto turned to Minako, "Give me your earring."
Just like that the strained atmosphere between them all broke. They had gotten inside, they would be able to get a full meal, and they would be able to sleep comfortably that night. But a thick, underlying tension remained in the lack of eye contact and the shifting stances. A tension they still could not explain, but one none of them wanted to touch.
Minako's hand went to the miraculously remaining earring, dangling from her left ear. "But…But this is one of my favorites."
"Minako." Makoto nearly growled, holding out a hand.
"Okay, okay." Minako replied, taking out her earring. "I was just trying to say that I'm a little attached to it."
"Didn't Rei get you these for your birthday last year?" Makoto said as Minako gingerly placed the earring in her gloved palm.
"Yeah." Minako said, not meeting Makoto's eyes. "She got them from Hawkai, so the opal and gold work should give us enough funds to last a lunar cycle here even after buying what we need today."
Minako jumped as she felt a hand on her shoulder and presence at her side. Her eyes briefly passed over Rei's dark gaze, "I'll get you some just like those for your next birthday." The 'if we get through this' was not said, but each felt the words hang in the air.
Makoto closed her hand into a fist. "Right. Now we just need to find the right type of person to sell this too…"
"Let's head toward the town center. Hopefully the market should still be there as well as other shops. We can see what we find when we get there." Ami said.
Any further discussion was interrupted by a loud gurgling sound, emitting from Usagi's stomach. The princess blushed, glancing down. "Can we maybe get something to eat too?"
Rei scowled good-naturedly, while the others giggled with a slight edge of hysteria. "Come on then buns-head. Let's see if we can't find you something to eat." Even Rei's normally natural teasing seemed forced.
They walked along the perimeter of the plaza, heading down the main cobblestone road toward the town center. Each was familiar with the layout of Bunaju. They had been there a number of times before as it served both as a convenient stop along the road heading north out of Talrysc Kotyo and as a good place to get away from the capital for a few days. Minako was especially familiar with the city as her family had once held a house there. However, they had since sold it as she was the only one whoever actually used it, her parents preferring other cities as getaways. She had been known to journey to Bunaju alone in order to get away from her family from time to time when she was younger.
The sky was stuck in twilight at the moment, the lunarrise not yet complete. A Revlis fire mage scuttled around, lighting lamps as quickly as possible. It would normally be a busy time of day with people still running errands or heading home or going to a tavern. Last time they were here, children ran about in the street, playing games and generally getting underfoot. Just like the entrance plaza, the main road was bereft of its normal activity. Ami's acute eyes took in every detail, and she spotted more of the dark stained ground underfoot. Her step hesitated and as her foot hit the cobblestone, she suddenly realized. "Blood…" She whispered.
Makoto, ever aware of Ami, turned toward the water mage, "What was that?"
"Blood." Ami swallowed, "That's what has been bothering me – the stains; they're bloodstains."
Makoto met Ami's stare, her mind unwilling to process it, but knowing it was true. "Damn them." She hissed under breath.
Ami's hand found its way into Makoto's grip and with a gentle squeeze they continued to follow their companions. It was only a few minutes later when they arrived at the town center. All were relieved to see the market still there, though somewhat downscaled from before, along with open shops lining the street. Makoto quickly located a goldsmith's shop and with Ami in tow, went to sell Minako's earring, leaving the others behind to wait for them.
Minako, Rei, and Usagi watched Makoto and Ami disappear inside the shop. The strained atmosphere reemerged as quickly as it had left and an awkward silence permeated the air, despite the restless noise of the market around them.
Minako, unable to stand the silence for more than a heartbeat, quickly latched onto her first thought. "We should stay at the Silver Wake Inn for the night. They're respectable enough without charging too horrendous of a price. Plus they have decent food. Last time I went, I had a delicious vegetable stew. Well, you were all there too. We should be able to get a decent price on a double room for ourselves." Minako would have continued rambling, despite the uncomfortable air around them. Even Usagi was looking increasingly edgy, and would have gotten worse if a shriek had not interrupted.
A few stalls down from where they were standing, three Arethian soldiers in full uniform surrounded a girl, just a little younger than their own age, who was tending to one of the stalls. One of the soldiers gripped the girl's wrist and tried to catch her other flailing arm as she struggled, while the others laughed. The Arethian's voices were boisterous and grating, carrying over the noise of the market. The rest of Revlis in the vicinity all looked the other way as the soldier pulled the girl into a rough one armed embrace, pinning her arms. Still she thrashed about, trying to get away. The soldier slapped her hard, much to the catcalls of his companions and the girl was stunned for a moment.
It was then that a boy, about the same age as the girl, rushed in, yelling obscenities at the soldiers. Another one of the soldiers grabbed him just as he was about to make a leap at the Arethian holding the girl. They laughed even louder as the boy struggled and the girl with wide eyes could only watch fearfully as the soldier holding him made some lewd comment.
Rei and Usagi were staring aghast at the happenings as the three soldiers manhandled the girl and boy with nobody stepping in to prevent them from doing so. It was really in this moment that it came crashing in to them that Areth controlled Bunaju. That Areth controlled Revlis El'inmilnum.
Minako stared, until finally her body caught up with her mind in reckless abandon. "Somebody's got to stop them!"
Rei, realizing what Minako was about to do, made a lunge for her wrist, but she was already gone.
Minako dashed toward the three soldiers, the hood of her cloak coming down in the process, and fury ringing in her voice. "Stop! Leave them alone!"
The Arethian holding the girl smirked and tossed a glance at his companions, "Looks like we got another feisty one."
This mistake allowed Minako to land the heel of her palm against his nose immediately breaking it. The soldier stumbled, releasing the girl as his hands went to cover his bloody nose. The other Arethians were shocked, but only for a moment. The one holding the boy shoved him away, at the same time drawing his sword. The other one immediately charged Minako, wielding a twibill. She distantly heard Rei and Usagi calling out to her frantically as she dodged a swing from the wicked looking axe.
Minako suddenly realized the position she had put herself in. She had no weapons aside from her fists. She could not use her light magic because the distinct power of the House of Serenity would draw all sorts of the wrong attention onto them, which could not be risked. As this knowledge sunk in, she froze for the briefest of moments, but it was enough.
She became aware of a heavy pressure between her ribcage. Looking down, she was surprised to see the gleaming metal of a sword blade, quickly tainted by crimson. Then the metal left and she was temporary relieved as the suffocating pressure disappeared, a shower of blood following it. She tried to move, but instead she found herself collapsing. Then the pain set in. It was all encompassing and unimaginable. She somehow curled up, her hands going to the gaping wound. She coughed weakly; faintly aware of the bloody spittle passing her lips. Distantly Minako heard a horrified scream. Usagi. She tried to say her cousin's name, tried to tell her not to worry. Then there was an unbridled shout of rage and Minako lips curled upward ever so slightly; Rei did care.
Rei leapt over Minako's body, sending a silent plea as she drew the long dagger she had kept hidden beneath her cloak. Usagi, just behind her, placed herself between Minako and the soldiers. Somehow the hood of her cloak remained up, shadowing her face in the twilight, though it was unlikely these Arethians would know the face of the Revlis princess. Usagi's stance betrayed her horror, her whole body trembling. Dread plagued her and, mired in uncertainty, she could only send furtive glances down to Minako, bleeding at her feet. Rei brandished her dagger and once again surrounded by that abhorrently mutated fiery aura. Minako is dying… Usagi was aware of this. Just as she knew that Rei was on the edge of burning all of Bunaju to the ground. The reality of the situation sent her mind racing, her body freezing, and she was caught in between, unable to take action.
The three soldiers were obviously bare of any magical power, but it seemed as though they sensed something off about the girl with the darkly ablaze eyes or caught a hint of the inflamed aura. One spat at Rei's feet, yet he backed off, the other two joining him, the one with the broken nose whimpering in pain. They sneered in retreat, but quickly disappeared into the market.
Rei stared after them, her body quivering with barely suppressed rage. Her focus gradually left the point in which they disappeared, and she became aware of the world around them again. The merchants cowered in their stalls and shoppers kept their distance, fearfully eyeing her. Even normal Revlis were much more inclined to magic then Arethians. However, Rei was still able to pick up Usagi's voice, though she could not decipher her words. Then the whole reason for the rage came rushing back at her. "Minako!"
Rei whirled to face her companions, horrified at what she found. Blood…there was so much blood…Usagi was frantic, trying to do something about the wound, and vainly trying to comfort Minako. Rei fell to her knees next to her fallen friend, instinctively knowing that it was far too late for normal medicine.
But maybe…
"Usagi!" Rei grabbed the princess's shoulders, forcing her to look at her. "Usagi! Use your magic! The power of your ancestors! Minako's magic and your mother's!"
Usagi gaped at Rei, "But I've never used it before!"
"Yes you have! Back at Umino's! You can do it again! Heal Minako! I know you can." Rei said urgently.
Usagi swallowed, her eyes wide and disbelieving, but only for a moment. Her gaze sharpened and focused, unyielding determination settling in. "Right! For Minako…" She looked down at Minako's body with its mortal wound, and then closed her eyes. Rei watched, tensing with each heartbeat that passed.
Minako's breathing was almost non-existent, the blood just trickling out of her wound. It was now or never. If she could not find the magic in time…But Rei believed in her. Usagi would find a way, any moment now.
A flutter of movement, and suddenly there was a new presence by Rei's side. Usagi's eyes snapped open at this intrusion. A thick, tangible dismay and frightening realization struck them both as Usagi and Rei stared at each other. That was it. That was Minako's only chance and it had been lost thanks to this stranger. Neither could find anger, just…anguish. As one they turned their gaze to encompass Minako and the new presence, unshed tears of grief and frustration stinging both their eyes. Rei found her voiced choked, but Usagi let out a low moan, "Minako…"
It did not set in immediately, and once it did disbelief etched across both their faces along with a faint sheen of hope.
The stranger was petite girl, probably a few years younger then them. Her skin was pale, almost unnaturally so, that was complimented by shoulder-length dark hair and a pretty face with luminous purple eyes that were set with concentration. She wore the simple, thin clothing of the working class of Revlis. Hers was a dress and leggings in black and dark gray. What drew Rei and Usagi's attention was her alabaster hands, posed over Minako and glowing with a deep purple energy that neither recognized.
They watched with palatable relief as Minako's wound closed and color found its way back into her face. Still the girl continued. They could feel the unfamiliar magic that was emanating from deep within her being and outwardly channeled through her hands until Minako's eyes fluttered open and she coughed weakly.
Satisfied the girl sighed and leaned back, a trace of a smile on her face. Simultaneously, a bawling Usagi nearly jumped on the completely healed Minako who grunted at the impact. Rei closed her eyes, a few of her own tears trickling down her cheeks. She collected herself and let out a deep breath. When she opened them, a smile grew as she watched a healthy Minako trying to fend off the princess. Crisis over.
Rei just then felt that the presence of their two absent companions had returned. Makoto and Ami stood a few feet a way, worry easing off their expressions as they relaxed into a comforting one arm embrace staring at Minako. Rei was pleased to see that Makoto held a fat leather purse in one hand, and started to call out to the two. However, she caught Ami's curious gaze landing on the strange girl and could almost hear the rapid thoughts and questions leveled in that stare. She was starting to get to her feet but Rei quickly swiveled to the girl, this healer, before she could take off. She gently placed a hand on her shoulder to capture her attention.
The girl started, luminous eyes turning toward Rei. The fire mage was surprised to see wariness there and hesitation, especially after the act she had performed for them. Her intuition went off like a ringing in her ears and she knew then, what she needed to do. Soldiering past what was her normally automatic cautiousness to strangers, she spoke warmly, "Thank you." She paused, giving weight to her words. "Thank you. I don't know how, but you have done something truly remarkable for us. Thank you."
The girl blushed, a pale rosy color rising to her cheeks, and she looked down shyly, now avoiding Rei's gaze, "You're welcome."
The girl got to her feet, but Rei followed. "Please…Is there something, anything we can do for you?"
The stranger shook her head, surprise in her eyes. Rei quickly concluded that the girl was not used to such kindness. Those with differences did always seem to breed fear in others, Rei reflected. And the girl's magic felt so foreign and unfamiliar to all the different types of power she had felt. It was unmistakably dark, Rei could tell, but at the same time it was not dark like that feeling she received from Ochas. She wasn't quite sure how to classify it.
The girl hesitated, and Rei took her chance. "At least tell me your name." She asked. She had to get this stranger talking, her intuition continuing to scream at her.
The girl wavered, almost looking like she was going to run off. Her eyes went to Minako, now being embraced and helped to her feet by Makoto and Ami, then to Usagi who was still crying, but with a wide smile on her face. Finally, her gaze returned to Rei and she spoke in a soft, uncertain voice, "Hotaru."
"I still can't believe Serenity actually married that guy!" Haruka exclaimed, throwing down the letter. "He was a stupid brute. An uncivilized, arrogant loaf!"
"My, my. Someone is feeling protective. I thought he was delightful enough. Certainly different, but very intelligent." Michiru responded. She was seated on Haruka's favorite couch, the one next to the fireplace, which was stoked high to ward off the winter chill, reading the newest of Serenity's letters to them.
"We should never have let her go alone." Haruka growled.
"Haruka, love, she's hardly alone. The Asliro are with her as well as about two score worth of officials. Not to mention a few lords and their own retinues." Michiru said reasonably, her attention momentarily turned away from Serenity's letter.
"She married him!"
Michiru sighed, "It was bound to happen someday. Without any other surviving family members, she needs an heir. I'd rather it be him." She glanced up at Haruka, a playful gleam in her eye, "You just don't like him because he beat you when you sparred against him."
Haruka glared, "I tripped over a rock."
They had been through this conversation many times since they had received the first of Serenity's letters to them a lunar cycle after she left. The queen had been gone for a total of four lunar cycles at this point in her first extended trip away from the Talrysc Kotyo. Michiru was trying to read the fifth of Serenity's letters, dated to about half a lunar cycle ago, while Haruka waited anxiously for news of their queen. Haurka nearly went into conniptions when the first letter announced that Serenity had married, and now every time they received a new letter, they had this same conversation.
The queen's new husband was a foreign dignitary from across the eastern expanse of Ym'dea Eesp. He had spent five lunar cycles at the palace with his small retinue in order to establish relations, especially a trade network, with the fledgling kingdom. He had been a striking man, with brown hair and penetrating golden eyes. Tall and well-built, he had towered over Haruka. There had been a certain agelessness about him, that Michiru had noted matched Serenity. He had seemed affable and relaxed, never out of his element despite being in a foreign country. He and Serenity had gotten along remarkably well, to the point that Haruka had felt a little spurned. After five lunar cycles, he had invited the queen to his homeland to finish formalizing relations, and as it turned out, they formalized a different sort of relations too.
Michiru was happy for her queen. She was a little wary of the dignitary in the beginning to be sure, but her perception had since changed. Especially as her curious mirror, the Deep Aqua Mirror, as she found it was called, revealed no threats.
Though Haruka was protective, and Michiru certainly thought that no man or woman would ever deserve Serenity's full love, he was a close as they got to a perfect match. He held no magic, but his swordsmanship was exemplary. He has been the only one to ever defeat Haruka in a sparring match, tripping over a rock or no. Michiru found he was intelligent and creative too. He introduced her to a new instrument, one that was a little bigger than a violin and played on its side, which he called a guitar. As for his faults, he could be infuriatingly lackadaisical and frustratingly whimsical.
Nevertheless, he was the best match possible for their Queen. Especially considering that he held no blood kin that would ever lay a claim on the Revlis throne. Now that they were married, domestic fears could be put aside about the lack of an heir.
That didn't stop Haruka from protesting once she read through Serenity's letter to them both.
"Next thing you know, she'll be pregnant." Haruka mumbled.
"That is kind of the point. Revlis El'inmilnum does need an heir and if she has found happiness along with it, so much the better." Michiru's eyes skimmed over the letter. "Too late." Michiru smiled, "She's pregnant."
"What!?" Haruka choked.
"Two lunar cycles into the pregnancy already…That was fast." Michiru said, still smiling.
"What!?"
As a wide-eyed Haruka struggled to deal with the news, Michiru turned serious, her own gaze narrowing on the letter, "She says she will return in five lunar cycles."
Haruka seemed to miss the weight Michiru put behind her words, instead she mumbled to herself, "Pregnant…I'm going to kill that bastard."
"Haruka, focus, please. Besides you can't kill him, he's her husband."
Haruka sighed and collapsed onto the couch with Michiru. She immediately got comfortable, stretching out her legs and laying her head in Michiru's lap. Michiru waited until Haruka was content. One of her hands went to gently play with the blonde hair while the other still clutched the letter. Michiru let Haruka catch the former hand in both of her own, placing a kiss against it. "Now what were you saying about five lunar cycles?"
Michiru was mildly surprised Haruka had heard, much less processed her words. "She says she wants to be home for the birth and she'll have to wait until winter clears to safely cross eastern Ym'dea Eesp. Five lunar cycles, she says. She'll be seven lunar cycles along by then. That's much too late in pregnancy to be traveling such a distance."
"As much as I hate to admit it, she should stay there and have the child." Haruka agreed.
Michiru looked into the fire. "She does like to defy the odds."
"I don't like it. And I don't like him either." Haruka pouted.
Michiru giggled, an endearing sound issuing from the back of her throat that made Haruka smile. "He'll take care of her."
They went silent, both staring absently into the flame and enjoying each other's presence. Michiru set the letter aside, knowing Haruka would probably want to read it herself later.
"Do you ever think about having children?" Haruka asked suddenly
Michiru could not control the rare expression of surprise that flashed across her face, but knew Haruka probably felt her astonishment more than saw it. She did not respond immediately, but Haruka waited patiently. "It has crossed my mind." Michiru admitted eventually.
"I'm sorry I can't give you any." Haruka murmured.
"Maybe I'm sorry that I can't give you any." Michiru responded, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes.
Haruka blinked, once, twice, and then grinned. "Perhaps one day…"
"Perhaps." Michiru echoed.
Haruka sat up, turning slightly to give Michiru a kiss, bracing her arms on the couch. Then she stood, and held out her hand, adding a smoldering look, "Come to bed with me."
Michiru took the offered hand, allowing Haruka to pull her to her feet, but she did not give the wind mage a chance to lead. Instead, she placed her hands on Haruka's shoulders and, none to gently, pushed her back down onto the couch. Then as Haruka stared, Michiru, with sensual, graceful motion, straddled her. She leaned in, aqua hair framing her face, and whispered into her ear, "How about I bring the bed to you?"
Fin Chapter
A/N: Hehe, I was this close to writing smut. Twice.
I'm curious, my dear readers, how do you think the Minako/Rei/Usagi/Mamoru stuff is going to work out?
Anagram corner!
Last chapter's anagrams were Aliaxga and Xhyndria, which is Galaxia and the combined names for the moons of Pluto, Nix and Hydra, respectively.
This chapter's anagram is (I think it's just the one):
-Bunaju
No hints for this one. Good luck!
Pronunciation Guide:
Aliaxga: ally-axe-guh
Areth: eh-reth
Asliro: as-lee-row
Bunaju: boo-nah-jew
Hawkai: hall-kai
Ochas: oh-chas or oh-kass, depending on accent
Onom: oh-numm
Revlis El'inmilnum: rev-liss el-in-mil-num
Suwdin G'nrih: tsu-den gee-rih
Talrysc Kotyo: tal-risk co-tee-oh
Xhyndria: zen-dree-uh
Ym'dea Eesp: eem-dee-ah esp
Next chapter: Finally, whatever happened to Haruka and Michiru all those years ago will be spelled out bluntly.