Tales of the Stars

Book 1: Homecoming

Chapter 18

Mamoru answered his cell phone as he finished cleaning up from breakfast.

"Hey Mamoru I got your email last night. What's this lead you found?" Staria asked getting right to the point. Mamoru looked at the clock.

"Wow you called me before ten. I'm impressed. I figured you sleep past noon on a Sunday." he picked on his younger sister.

"Ha ha. For your information I have plans today that will be commencing as soon as we finish talking…or rather as soon as Honey and Kyoya wake up."

"Should I even bother asking?"

"Probably not, but long story short I'm forcing them to all watch Star Wars."

"Gotcha. Prequels today?"

"Finally someone else who gets it. Thank you."

Mamoru laughed, "No problem, but any ways there's a party later this week where an ancient gemstone is going to be show cased. It could be what we're looking for."

"You don't say…." Staria trailed off.

"I don't know if I like that tone you just used." Mamoru could tell she was up to something but wasn't sure what.

"It just so happens that I've been invited to this little shin dig. I'm guessing you plan to sneak in?"

"Well yeah, I don't have an invite and even if I did I wouldn't want them connecting me as Tuxedo Mask."

"True. Well I'll be able to be an extra set of eyes for you, and should you get caught I can find a way to get you out."

"Really now? And how would you plan to do that, may I ask?" He was getting even more skeptical of it all.

"Kyoya asked me to be his date so he won't be bored. The only reason he has to go is because they need a family member to go show face for the Ohtori group, who just happen to be fronting extra security detail for the night. If something goes wrong I'll find a way to bail you out of trouble without compromising your identity. Just trust me."

"You sure seem to be catching the attention of the boy you like."

"Oh hush. I don't want to hear it." She was blushing red and glad he couldn't see it over the phone. "Any other updates at all?"

"No nothing else new. I'm going to take some time to relax a bit today, probably go hang out with Motoki for a while at the arcade."

"Tell him I said hi."

"I will. Have fun with your movies." they both shared another laugh and said their good byes. Mamoru knew she was in good hands but still couldn't help but wonder if she was really having a good time of just putting up a front. Maybe if he got her to go hang out at the arcade some time she'd make some more female friends to pal around with. A part of him still felt that she was isolating herself.

"So that little squirt is going to be Darth Vader?" Kaoru asked, in disbelief.

"Yes that is Anikin Skywalker. His fate is sealed." Staria answered him. Despite thinking twice about it, she'd taken her perch on the couch once again. Kyoya had taken his same spot beside her without so much as a hint of hesitation. It didn't seem like the night before had phased him. So she was trying to do the same.

"That…thing…with them is really obnoxious." Hikaru added his two cents as usual.

"I agree." Staria said bluntly. "Jarjar needs to just go away…"

"Aw, I kinda like him." Tamaki pouted.

"Naturally." Kyoya picked. "You two are both idiots." Tamaki retorted by throwing a pillow at the shadow king, hitting him square in the face. Kyoya glared at his friend momentarily and would have thrown the fluffy object back but was stopped.

"I'll take that thank you." Staria said snatching the weapon away before anything get out of hand. "Watch the movie."

Tamaki turned his focus back to the film, but Kyoya kept his on Staria. He knew it was stupid to argue with Tamaki, but every now and again it was good to vent his frustrations. Staria met his glare with a 'please just watch and get along' look.

He'd behave but he'd still do what he wanted. So he settled back into the couch, making a point to wrap an arm around the girl's waist, forcing her to cuddle up to him. Staria squirmed a bit, taking quick glances to see if anyone was paying attention to them. Lucky for her they were watching the movie.

"Just relax and watch the movie." Kyoya whispered to her. "They're not going to care."

"Caring and commenting are two different things." She whispered back. Kyoya honestly looked a little hurt by the comment, but stood his ground and rested his head on top of hers. She was just as frustrating as their blond leader.

"Forget about what they think for once."

Once Staria was sure the guys weren't paying her and Kyoya any mind, she started to relax. Laying against his warmth was actually very calming once she let her insecurities go. She found herself getting distracted from the movie, and more interested in listening to his heart beat. The steady rhythm, added to the fact that she hadn't slept well that night, was slowly lulling her into a needed nap.

Tranquility awoke nuzzled against a warm body. In a sleepy haze she glanced up to meet Sapphrite's smile.

"Good morning Princess." He greeted her warmly.

"How long have you been up?" she asked letting her eyes drift shut again.

"About an hour. I didn't want to wake you when you seemed so peaceful."

Tranquility smirked a little thinking he just wanted to watch her sleep longer. The night before they had a little talk, and despite the repercussions that might come later they chose to go through with the soul binding ceremony. One way or another they would be together some day. Maybe not in their current life times, but in another for sure.

Tranquility looked at the cut, on the palm of her left hand, that was healing. It ached a little, but so did her entire body. Her love had an identical cut on his right hand. The spell required them to take each others' blood mixed in a very specific concoction. With a vow of ever lasting love for one another they had taken the drinks and sealed the spell with a night of passion. Now they only needed to hope that Serenity was correct and the purification ceremony would hide what they had done, from Estarilana's crown prince.

Sapphrite took her hand in his, running his thumb just below the cut. "I'm sorry, I didn't want to hurt you."

"It was worth it. Don't feel bad about it." she snuggled herself closer, letting her senses drown in the sent of his bare skin and sighed. "I wish we could stay like this forever."

Sapphrite frowned, knowing she couldn't see it. "But we can't. Not if you still wish to save our home." He sat up, forcing the princess to roll off of him. "I would rather stay like this as well, but you need to eat and prepare for your purification." He got up, keeping his back to her as he pulled on his pants.

"Sapph…" she couldn't help watching him, already missing the feel of him.

"I know. You didn't mean to break the mood, but the day has begun and I will not have you making your journey on an empty stomach. Once the purification is done you will not be allowed to have anything until you receive the pillar status and your new powers. I'm still responsible for your well being Princess." He still wouldn't turn to look at her. Tranquility watched him for a moment. Studying the strong muscles in his back as they peaked out from his tangled hair, she wondered just briefly about her own sleep tussled appearance. Not caring in the end, she got up as well, and wrapped her arms around him. Pressing her bare body against his back she hugged him tightly.

"I know, and thank you. I'll return as soon as I can to your side and when our world is saved I'll find a way to bring you back with me."

"Even if we can never touch one another again?"

"It will be torture, I know, but if we can just be near one another…"

"Quil…after last night…I don't think I could last very long. Knowing that he'd be watching us like a hawk. Lusion's jealous to begin with, that's why he won't let you bring me along in the first place. It'll just get worse once you're his wife." he cupped his hands over hers. "It's just a bad idea. Come back and save our home. Let me indulge a little while you're here. But going back with you, I don't think will be an option."

She tightened her grip, "I know you're right….." she could feel the tears starting to well up in her eyes. "I'm sorry…"

"Seriously!? After all that they still won't let him train?" Tamaki was flabbergasted.

"Yeah what's up with that?" the twins agreed. When they didn't get a response the group turned away from the film. Staria was asleep, but more interestingly, laying against Kyoya's chest. Her arms were also wrapped around his waist, so she was pressed firmly against him. Kyoya just raised a finger to his lips, to asked them to be quiet.

Which would have probably worked if Staria hadn't chosen that moment to tighten her grip. Kyoya jumped a bit, looking down at the girl holding him in a death grip.

"So….what's the deal?" the twins finally asked.

"I think she's having a bad dream." the raven haired boy finally managed. Tamaki crawled over to them from his perch on the floor. He got himself eye level with Staria and frowned.

"We should wake her up, she's crying in her sleep." The blond said gently. Sure enough tears were slowly making their escape from her eyes.

Kyoya shot the twins a dark look. "Don't pick on her."

The trouble makers exchanged a look. "Alright." Their tone was a dead give away though. They'd pick on Kyoya instead. Even if they'd regret it later. Tamaki brushed away a stray tear from Staria's cheek.

"Princess you need to wake up." He tried coaxing her out of her sleep, brushing her hair back from her face. "Star…come on. Come back to us. Please don't cry…" Kyoya watched as their king tried to gently wake the girl. Her dreams were clearly upsetting her and the scene she'd awake to wouldn't help.

"Tamaki, let me." he finally said and tried to pry the girl's arms off of him. It only resulted on a squeak of a sob from her, followed be her burying her face into his shirt. "Or not…"

"Kyo-chan" Honey chimed in. "Try holding her instead of pushing her away. It might change what she's dreaming about."

"I doubt it works that way." Kyoya replied. He was actually having a little trouble breathing. The girl had a stronger grip than he would have expected. "But fine, if it might wake her up."

Tamaki gave him a knowing wink that the others didn't see. Kyoya did hate the fact that Tamaki was going to eat this whole thing up, and it was his fault for being greedy. None the less he wrapped his arms around the crying girl and pulled her into a hug.

Tranquility stood before the queen in a simple white, toga draped dress with her long golden brown hair tied in a basic braid down her back. She'd eaten her meal with Sapphrite and then was rushed way from him to prepare for the ceremony. The room held a large shallow pool and a great alter. Other than a few mirrors and curtains the room was bare.

"You should say your good byes now my dear." The Queen informed the Earth princess. "At the end of the ceremony you will be placed in a deep sleep and will not be able to do so." Tranquility nodded and walked over to her brother, who was standing off to one side of the room.

"Quil you still can back out. No one will think any less of you." Endymion reminded her.

"I know Endy. I'm sorry I got angry with you before, but I need to do this. When I come back we'll save our home."

"Yes we will. " he emphasized the 'we' in his answer. The two siblings hugged.

Tranquility whispered one last thing before parting, "Please be kind to Sapphrite. He'll stand by your side in place of your lost friends." she pulled away trying to put on a strong front.

"I will. You have no need to worry about that. Just come back to us safely."

The princess turned and walked over to Sapphrite, who was guarding the door. He bowed to her as she approached, but she stopped it. Flinging herself into his arms and hugging him as tightly as she could. Against better judgment, she kissed him passionately for the last time, not caring that her brother, the queen and the few others in the room were witnessing it. Sapphrite hesitated only for a moment before opening to her fully, and holding her tightly. If it was to be their last contact he wanted to burn it into his memory. Tranquility finally broke for air and gazed into his eyes, letting him see into her soul.

"I love you Sapph." she said just loud enough for him to hear. "Please protect my brother, and the people of this kingdom. You will always be in my heart and my thoughts."

"As you wish my princess. Please be safe and hurry back to my side. My heart is and forever will be only yours my lady." he reluctantly let her go.

Queen Serenity motioned for Tranquility to walk into the pool and wade out to the center. The water in the center of the pool came only to the princess's waist. Four priestess surrounded her and the ceremony began.

At the end, just as she was being dunked completely under the water she caught a glimpse of her brother. His princess was by his side, holding hands. Her golden hair mimicked her mothers and she looked small and delicate next to the Earth prince. Her face was very kind looking but also held a sorrow in her eyes. Those eyes said 'I'm sorry you have to go though this because of me.'

Staria jolted awake, smashing her head against something hard in the process. She winced as she heard Kyoya mutter ouch. She looked up and he was rubbing his jaw.

"You know you are a dangerous sleeper…" he said when she looked at him.

"Sorry….are you ok?" She sat up, realizing she was tangled around him pretty tight.

"Yes I'm fine."

"What about you though Star?" Tamaki asked, being a little too much in Staria's personal space. "You were crying in your sleep."

"What? Oh um….I don't know. I don't really remember what I was dreaming about." She tried to laugh it off. "How stupid of me huh. Here I go falling asleep when I'm the one who invited everyone over for movies. Sorry I'm a bad hostess." Her head was throbbing, so she figured she must have clocked Kyoya really good.

"Kyoya let me get you some ice for that."

Kyoya thought about stopping her as Staria got up, but his jaw was throbbing and the ice would help it stop. So he settled for saying 'thank you' and let her go.

Staria made her retreat to the kitchen but the ice pack wasn't what was on her mind. She'd finally got a clear look at the Moon Princess. She knew the face of the girl her brother was dreaming about. Maybe they could finally start making some progress on finding her.

"So are you two dating yet or what?" Kaoru asked. He and his brother each leaned over Kyoya's shoulders from behind the couch.

"You two will regret it if you piss me off you know." was the shadow king's reply.

"Now now Kyoya." Tamaki plopped down beside him on the couch as well. "It is true you asked her out on a date later this week."

"Really Kyo-chan?" Honey asked excitedly. Kyoya glared at Tamaki.

"I asked her to keep me company at an event I'm being forced to attend so I won't be bored."

"It's still a date." Mori pointed out.

"I am well aware of that. I don't need all of you to remind me. Besides she's still overwhelmed by our way of life. She's coming along to see if she wants to give it a fair chance. If you pick on her I guarantee she'll run from all of it."

Tamaki nodded in agreement. "So no teasing men. Or we'll chase Kyoya's girlfriend away!" he braced himself for a punch from Kyoya but it never came.

"Just let her make up her own mind." Kyoya requested.

Staria didn't pay much attention to the rest of the movies that day. Her mind was racing with images from her past life. She still answered the questions the guys posed but she wasn't as into it as before. She'd spent a good chunk of episode two trying to draw the princess, but she wasn't happy with the out come. She'd just have to see the girl in person to point her out.

She'd wanted to text her brother about it all, but wasn't sure how to go about it. She had a face but couldn't really describe it right. Should she get his hopes up even though they didn't have a clue where to start looking?

Tamaki confronted her after their guest had gone home, "Alright you're having weird dreams again, aren't you?"

Staria looked at him for a second, and thought about lying to him. She frowned, not wanting to do that. "Yes…it just distracted me. Sorry if I was rude…."

"No, no one minded, but you've got me worried. What shook you up so much?"

Staria look down at her feet, "It was just a really emotional dream that's all. It's nothing to worry over, really." She looked back up and smiled. "I just got a little over whelmed."

Tamaki knew she wasn't telling him everything, but he didn't feel like pressing the matter. She probably wasn't going to tell him more any ways.

"Alright then." he draped an arm around her shoulders, "Then how about you tell me about this date you and Kyoya are going on instead."

Staria elbowed him lightly in the ribs, "Buy us pizza for dinner and we'll talk."

Tamaki laughed, rubbing his side. "Deal."