Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ BSSM Silver ❯ Delta ( Chapter 3 )

Galaxia peered into the water covered mirror, the pure water swirling around languidly. "Kagami-san, doushite no?"

Kagami's white orbs stared blankly into the water, a sight coming to her that she could not quite comprehend; there was much darkness, illuminated by flashes of blue and white light. She is the Second face… Underestimated, but she is powerful… She will shine with the light-bringer, and she will carry his new life…She will soon gain her power…

Galaxia narrowed her golden eyes and leaned further over the watery mirror, "Who is she Kagami?! Who will be with my son?! Is it Kagura?"

Kagami's eyes were empty and she continued to stare blankly. Iie, she carries powers from two bloods… One Inner one Outer… She is a Hime, demo of what is not known to this sight… With the name of the sea, she will come to light…

Frowning, Galaxia turned away from Kagami and began walking back to the throne room; she had much thinking to do.

* * *

She stood in an ankle length, light blue, gown, cinched at the waist by an elaborate silver chain. Her gown was held up by silver, shoulder clasps emblazoned with the symbol of Mercury. Her long blue hair was tied up in an elaborate, Greek-style knot; about her neck was an Aquamarine gemstone on a short, yet fine silver chain, and her feet had slim, Hermes-like sandals adorning them. On her belt, the Imperial sword of Mercury rested comfortably against her side.

If only Umi was as comfortable as her sword. She stood up perfectly straight but her knees shook a little with unease. She looked around nervously for the tenth time that morning, hoping beyond hope that none of her acquaintances would see her.

Umi looked out to the dock with dread as a Mercurian ship landed in it. Walking forward, Umi silently cursed each and every single Deity that came to mind. "Welcome to the Moon Onee-san…" Umi said dully as her beautiful older sister stepped down onto the soil.

"Thank you for the welcome Bastard-child… Now take me to the Queen." What had once been a kind face was now twisted with utter hatred, and she hurriedly moved ahead as though disgusted by Umi's presence. Umi sighed and walked beside her sister, not surprised by this treatment. "So, does anyone know of your illegitimate heritage?"

"Iie, and I'd like it to remain that way…" Umi replied sullenly, and Ami suddenly gave a sickeningly sweet and insincere smile, making Umi regret what she had said.

"We'll see Imouto-san… We'll see." Then the girls entered the empty throne room, Umi was no longer able to ask her sister what she meant.

* * *

Gabriel walked down a golden corridor his mind lost to the four winds as he tried desperately to assess the situation he had found himself in. He knew that Lucifer would never give up on Kagura until she was his, and Kagura was most assuredly concerned about him, if not actually attracted to him. Also, his growing feelings for Umi were most confusing , and he truly wished he could sort those particular feelings out, so he could decide what to do about them.

He was so preoccupied in his thoughts, that Gabriel didn't notice the two women coming around the corner in front of him until he had already run into them, knocking one over. Mumbling apologies he leaned over and offered his hand to the girl on the ground, but she brushed him off and got to her feet herself, "Just who do you think you are? Knocking people over like that?! You should be punished!"

Gabriel look down at the young woman in surprise, and he had to do a double take, because the her likeness to Umi was almost uncanny, except for she had shorter, darker hair and darker eyes, "Ano… Sumimasen, demo…"

"Onee-san… You shouldn't speak that way to Gabriel-Ouji… He's higher ranked than we are…" Gabriel looked over to the other young woman, and he smiled; Umi looked utterly spectacular in the formal wear she had donned to welcome her sister with.

"Gabriel-Ouji?" Umi's sister asked, her eyes wide with apprehension, "Imouto…Did you I hear you right?" Umi smirked her eyes taking an evil glint as she cornered her sister.

"Hai Onee-san, Kore wa Galaxy no Gabriel-Ouji. My closest companion on this barren wasteland." Umi then turned to Gabriel her eyes filled with apology, "Gabriel-kun, Kore wa watashimo Onee-san, Mercury no Ami-hime."

Gabriel held took Ami's hand in his and kissed it gently, causing her blush, "Gomen Nasai Gabriel-san; I did not mean to be so rude. I hope you'll accept my sincerest apologies," She said with the sincerest voice and smile, but her eyes held pure malice, and Gabriel knew she was far from sorry.

"It's all right Ami-hime, I'm sure you did not mean it." He replied and let go of her hand, glaring into her sea blue eyes. She flinched and looked away, and so did Umi, but this was from embarrassment. "So Ami-hime, you have decided to join your sister on the moon?"

Ami turned her head and sneered at Umi; before turning back to Gabriel, an innocent look on her face, "Well my sister is still much too young and child-like to truly handle the troubles that come with being representative. I'm here to advise and guide her, before she botches everything up." Ami winked slyly and the straps of her blouse freed themselves from her shoulder, flirting with him. He turned to look at Umi, who, in his opinion, was much more attractive, and he saw she looked rather close to tears, leaning against the wall not looking at the pair.

His fists clenched, "Actually, I thought Umi-hime was doing quite well, because she's earned the respect of most of the court, and she hasn't had to act like a sniveling witch to get it," Gabriel said, beginning to loathe the girl in front of him. He pushed past her and gently took Umi's hand, leading her away from her sister before either could utter a sound.

Once they were a few corridors away, Gabriel muttered some vulgar words concerning Ami-hime and turned to Umi, "You let that witch manipulate you all these years? Come on Umi, you should know better than that!"

Umi lowered her head and stared fixedly at her right hand, "You don't understand Gabriel-kun; she's my sister, and she's treated me like this all my life! She's always resented me! Always envied me! Always hated me!" Umi's voice rose to the point of hysteria, and she took a few deep breaths to calm herself, "Demo, despite all that, I always hope that one day she will come to love me… As all sisters should…"

"Mi-chan…" Gabriel stepped forward and clasped both of her hands in his, "This is not how it should be. Siblings love each other without question, and they will be there for you no matter what. They do not make fools of you in front of your friends, or manipulate you into believing that you're worth less than the soil you walk upon…" He would have said more but was distracted by something odd on Umi's palm. Lifting it up for inspection, Gabriel saw a rather nasty scar defiling the beauty of her hand, "How did you get this one Mi-chan?"

Umi flushed in shame and pulled her hand away, "Judging by your earlier speech, you don't want to know…" she said, not making eye contact, as Gabriel grabbed her hand again and ran his fingers over the scar gently.

"What did she do?" He asked softly, "Cut it open with a knife?" Gabriel looked deep into Umi's diverted eyes, caught her gaze and held it causing her to tremble slightly, "Mi-chan?"

Umi sighed in defeat, "I was five, she was seven. We were late to a summoning by my Mother, and I didn't walk fast enough for her, so she grabbed my hand and started dragging me. She was holding my hand so tightly that it split open and started bleeding." Umi's face lowered, but she continued talking her voice taking on a note of hopelessness, "I wanted to go to a healer, but she wouldn't let me because we were late. By the time I got to the healer, it was too late to stop it from scarring…"

Gabriel clenched his free hand into a fist, "Mi-chan! You've really let her do this to you?! She's been abusing you too… My God I can't believe that you of all people would let this happen!" He ran a hand angrily through his hair and continued his rant, "I mean the way you've stood up to Kagura and myself made me think you were made of stronger stuff than this, but I guess I was wrong…"

Smack! Gabriel never finished his rant, because Umi's hand came up out of nowhere and slapped him smartly across the face, causing his head to whip back. Gabriel looked at Umi in surprise, watching her tremble with barely contained rage, "You don't understand Gabriel… You don't understand!" Umi then took off leaving Gabriel to watch her go, speechless.

* * *

Kagura sat leaned against the silver-blue walls of the private arena, many miles underneath the dead surface of the Moon. She had been training every morning, sometimes six hours at a stretch, desperate to remove the memory of Lucifer's blood-stained lips from her mind. His eyes had looked so cold and dead. She shook her head and held herself erect once more, ready to spar with Scorpio again.

The silvery entity shot from her chest, grinning wickedly. "You'll exhaust your power this way, Kagura. Take a rest, dear one." Scorpio watched her arm sharpen and laughed. "This fighting does not bother me or sap my energy."

"I know that, Scorpio," Kagura spat, hefting her own blade. "Again, with more skill this time, if you can manage it."

"Hai, Kagura-san…Matte!" Scorpio came in close to Kagura, wrapping her ethereal arms around the girl protectively.

Kagura breathed in once, the sweet scent of autumn wind hidden just beneath the acrid sulfur of Scorpio's body. She'd never been this close to Scorpio when she was outside her body, and it was actually quite comforting to have the essence of her power this near to her. She dropped her shoulders and sighed. "What is it?"

Scorpio retreated into Kagura's body and spoke within her heart, Someone approaches.

"Indeed, I feel them. Baka…" Kagura returned to her exercises, her back to the door. Thrust, lunge, guard, lunge, spin, jab. She danced around lithely, pausing only a moment to catch her breath and resuming. "I know you're here, I can hear your heartbeat. What is it you want with me, intruder?"

A quiet male voice responded, "I did not know that this arena was occupied, Kagura-san. I'll leave you. I wouldn't want to be impaled again."

She spun swiftly and came face to face with a grinning Lucifer-ouji. She was by him in seconds, her arms circling his neck tightly. She buried her face in his shoulder for a moment, relief washing over her. Yet, she realized, it was improper to hold him so, and she stepped away a light pink entering her face. "Gomen nasai…"

"Daijobu, Kagura-san. I see you've been exercising. May I join you?"

"In your condition?" Kagura wanted to reach for him, for some reason unknown to her, but held herself still. "After what I…I mean, your injury…" She dropped her eyes and frowned at her bare feet. To meet his eyes would be impossible, after what she had done to him. Had Scorpio really turned her into such an angry, brutal person?

His hand reached out and encircled the thin wrist of her right arm, bringing his fingers down to lace them with hers. Pulling her closer, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Don't worry about it, Kagura-san. I'm not in pain anymore, and you can justify what you did," he murmured, nuzzling her ear. "I did kiss you…"

"That's right, Lucifer-san! You kissed me!" Kagura threw off his arm and glared at him. "You deserved it!"

"Kagura," he laughed, and removed his shoulder guards and metal-plated boots. "Stabbing someone through the gut is a harsh punishment for a simple kiss, ne? What would you do if I kissed you again?"

She blushed hotly and brought her eyes to meet his, flushing even more as he smiled warmly into her face. "Well, first of all, to speak in such a fashion to myself is improper on your part. Second, we should not be alone together, as it is also improper. Third, if you ever kiss me again, I will take my bare hands and rip your manhood from your body in one grab."

His eyebrows shot up in surprise and he chuckled, running one hand rakishly through his black hair, "Is everything improper to you? May I remind you that you were the one to embrace me the moment you saw me here. Is that not improper?"

"I was…" She frowned and sighed. "I was worried about you, Lucifer-san. You haven't shown yourself in weeks, and I was wondering if I hadn't killed you. And Selenity-hime was so tight-lipped about the whole situation. Then you show up in perfect health, while I'm exercising, and I couldn't help it. I was relieved."

"A good answer, obviously well thought out and rehearsed."

Kagura sighed again and hunched her shoulders, walking back to the center of the arena.. "Fine, don't believe my sincerity. It doesn't matter to me, as long as you're alive." Her head shot up and she looked around, feeling as though she had spoken these exact words before.

"What did you say?" Lucifer was a few steps behind her, at her back nearly, but he stopped when she looked to her side. Orange hair curtained her pale profile, but he could see she was clearly bothered by her speech. "Kagura-san, I know exactly what you mean…"

"No you don't, what are you talking about? I didn't say anything important." She raised her sword once more, and held her before her, slashed it once or twice for effect. The air hummed with its brilliance and power.

Lucifer carefully rested his hands on her shoulders, hoping not to disturb her into another attack upon him. She tensed momentarily and leaned back, close enough to be thought of as `improper'. He laid his cheek upon hers and let his lips softly brush the skin of her shoulder. "I want you to remember things, Kagura-san. I want you to remember Earth. And myself."

She jumped in surprise, a gasp escaping her throat; `Sawa' dropped from her hand, clattering to the floor. His lips were moving slowly up her neck, and realization was dawning upon her quicker than thought. The kisses, the voice, the midnight gaze. A tear slipped down her porcelain cheek, falling into his lips, as they reached the side of her mouth; he was moving her around to face him. More tears. Lucifer's mouth met hers, fire shooting through her tiny body. Arms went around her, supporting her. Their lips broke apart, and Kagura brought herself back for more, stopping once to whisper, "Lucifer…"

* * *

Lucifer had to pry himself away from Kagura, and it hurt him so badly, for he never wanted to let her out of his arms again. He smoothed the wavy strands of her bangs off her forehead and smiled. She looked up at him, her gentle expression melting his heart. "Kagura," his lips forced down, touching the skin between her eyebrows. "I can't stay. Quickly, do you remember anything now?"

"Lucifer," Kagura nosed his collarbone and sighed. "Prince of Earth, spy in the Star-Zero armies Solar branch-you saved me from that attack back during the Ceres wars. And you took me back to that hole in the ground and healed me. And you kissed me here," she ran a finger over her cheekbones, and then her neck, trailing down to her breastbone. "And here, and here. I remember you, Satan."

"Only you know that name, and only you may call me by it." He hugged her to him, crushingly, for a moment, and then more comfortably. "That is all the time I can give to you today. Gabriel…your Nii-san…"

She gasped and jumped back, reaching for his larger hand. "Tell no one, Ouji-san."

He stroked the slender line of her jawbone, tipping her chin up. He brought his lips down to meet hers for an instant. "Anything. For you." He watched her eyes sadden, and read her thoughts by her emotions. "It doesn't matter if Gabriel finds out. I am your guardian for now and ever…even if you don't like it. My soul, or lack thereof, is yours."

* * *

"Kagura, how many times do I have to tell you?! Do you care that I'm older than you, and that I know his thoughts and intentions for you?! You never listen to me, Kagura!" Gabriel paced around the room, slamming his fist into the walls, the windows and doors. Kagura sat primly upon the floor, watching his little tirade in amusement. He turned on her ferociously. "Stop looking at me like that! Who the hell do you think you are?!"

Her evil grin broke him down, and she stood slowly, her white gown lengthening. "You know exactly who I am Nii-san. I am your superior. The only reason everyone thinks you're Galaxia's heir, is because they do not know my full lineage. I am of the two highest royal bloods in the galaxy. I am the High Princess of the outer solar system. I am the high General, the most eligible woman, the pride of the family."

Gabriel stamped his foot angrily and pushed her firmly. "I don't care about that! I care about all the other things: You are my lover. Aishiteru! I care about you more than anyone else." He rested his hands onto her lower back. "Lucifer isn't good enough for you. He's from Earth; He can't make love to you the way I can. Kagura, I don't want anyone else."

"Liar. I know your heart better than that." She laid her hand over his forearm and removed him from her body. "We have to think of our positions Gabriel. You are here to make an alliance with the inner court. Umi-hime seems to be a perfect match for you…"

"Iie. Kagura, you don't understand anything."

"I understand all too well. You've made love to me since you found out that I had enough power to handle you; we can't anymore Gabriel. It's not fair to me or Umi." She smiled softly, brushing a stray line of gold from his eyes. "You know that more than anyone else, I care for you. Demo, you and Umi have a future together. You and I do not. We have to make this alliance Gabriel…suspicions are already growing against Kaa-chan, and I have a feeling you may be next. Star-Zero…I cannot afford to lose my support from Kaa-chan. Listen to me, Nii-san. I know what I'm doing."

He nodded and sat heavily onto the bed. "I don't want to lose you…" he flopped back onto the coverlet,

looking up at her, extending his hand. "Just allow me to have you once more, Kagura-ai. Just once before I give you up to…Yoake no Myoujou."

Kagura crawled up over him, straddling him. She dropped herself down to kiss him passionately, pulling on his lower lip, pecking him lustfully. But she broke away before he could strap her down to him. "Gomen nasai, gomen, ne? Aishiteru, Nii-san."

* * *

Scorpio was witnessing the whole conversation, and her heart ached with Kagura's as her body left the room. They were heading out to the gardens; to that secluded spot on the very edge of the palace grounds where the very first Lunarian princess was said to have been born. Born from the planets as I had commanded it Scorpio thought. We're going to convene again tonight…

Scorpio felt the call from Kagura and flew up from her hand and into the air. Wind swirled around her, and she pointed to the ground, calling upon the names of the signs engraved there. "Capricorn, Aries, Virgo, Libra, Sagittarius…" she looked to one of the signs that remained unlit. "Scorpio…" They burst into life, crackling in response to their names.

Aries rose first, her curly white mane tangling in her golden horns. Her red eyes glared about her, falling upon Scorpio and then Kagura. She folded her black wings around her arms and bowed, prostrating herself before the two. "Ohitsujiza, Hime-sama."

A white flurry announced Virgo's presence, and she exploded from the Earth around them, white robes floating in a cloud about her slender body. The blue tendrils of her hair, whipped like daggers into her bloody eyes and she smiled tightly, falling before the two in reverence. "Otomeza desu."

Kagura nodded and swiveled around to catch the flash of blue light that accompanied Libra's pale face. Her aqua and gray eyes remained closed and she landed her feet softly to the ground. "Paschar be with you. Watashi wa Tenbinza, Kagura-san."

"Kagura-chan!" A bubbly ball of bright green light smashed into Kagura and snuggled close to her. "Remember me, don't you? Watashi wa Iteza." Shashu leapt into the air and called lightning to her hands, throwing it to dance around Kagura's flying locks. "We have fought many battles together. I am honored."

The yellow eyes spun in delight as Kagura received the last two spirit senshi. It was these two that she knelt for, her head bowed in excitement. Scorpio was in her element. Her true body was restored to her for this short time and she was shielded from the shining bitch Queen. Her black hair cascaded over her bare body, hid the roots of her black wings. The red spikes shooting out from her hair flashed almost as dangerously as her sulfur eyes. She placed a hand on Kagura's should and laughed gently. "Stand, Musume. We are old women, young one. Be not afraid, Kagura-chan. We are yours for the time."

"Hai," Capricorn whispered, her goat's horns curling back over her violet hair. She extended the skeletal remains of her wings. "Old women who are trapped in these shells. Allow us to finally use our power and take our revenge upon the Empress."

Kagura smiled at them all and held out her hands. "Arigato gozaimasu. The pendants , Onegai." She fingered the purple, red, white, gray, and bright green stars that fell into her hands. Fingering her orange star dangling at her throat she smiled. "WE will rule, minna-san. Yes, we will."

* * *

Selenity-hime stood silently next to her Mother, watching as the giant barge from Earth docked in the space harbor. Selenity was trying her hardest to look impassive when what she wanted to do was run and hide; she remembered Tyrain from their youth, and he was an extremely deranged boy.

Selenity watched as a young man practically ran down the steps to greet them; his boyish face wide with a joyful smile. Surprised by this, Selenity took a step back and straight into Endymion, who wrapped his arms about her waist protectively. The young man kneeled before the three a moment, before jumping up and embracing Selenity-sama, "Selenity-obaasama! I'm so happy to see you again!" He exclaimed before turning his attentions on Selenity-hime, "My dearest Cousin…" He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips; his purple eyes filled with happiness, "I trust I find you well, and happy with Nii-san"

Selenity-hime forced a smile on her face and pulled her hand away from Tyrain, "Indeed cousin, it is good to see you again." Selenity-hime burrowed herself further into Endymion's embrace, finding much needed security there.

Tyrain smiled again, "I trust that you might have the time to show me around this large palace; I'm afraid I shall lose myself if you don't," Selenity-hime had to admit: Tyrain had grown up to be a handsome man; He greatly resembled Endymion in facial and body structure, with high cheek bones and a hard, chiseled features; the only difference between the two was Tyrain's eyes which were the color of crushed violets. If only she could banish her old feelings about him and finally begin to trust him, but she feared that would never happen.

"Of course I'll show you around cousin… That is, if it's all right with you Mama." Selenity said, desperately pleading to her Mother to say otherwise, but Selenity-sama merely smiled and nodded her consent, leaving Selenity-hime to silently curse the Gods.

Tyrain offered his arm to Selenity-hime, and she reluctantly took it as Endymion took her hand. They walked down the corridors, pointing out the important places and making small talk. Selenity was silently making pleas to her once cursed Gods to send her Senshi to rescue her from this night mare. Turning a corner, Selenity saw a flash of silver and thought her prayers answered as she made out the forms of Himiko, Kaze, Tsunami, and Tenshi, talking in front of a door.

Tsunami looked up from their conversation and froze in terror, "H-HENTAI-OUJI!!!!" She screamed and the other three looked their way.

Tenshi blanched, and took a cautious step back, her index finger pointing at Tyrain, "A-another one!!!!!... Lucifer is far more handsome than you!" The girls all issued short screams in horror and started to run away, except for Kaze who looked at the three baffled.

"D-demo! He has pretty hair!" She wailed in indecision, and Himiko grabbed her by the arm and started towing her away.

"Hayaku! Find Golden Boy! He'll save us from this evil!" Himiko yelled and the other two yelled agreement and helped Himiko pull Kaze away and out of sight.

The trio watched after them, dumbfounded, and Umi stepped out from another corridor still in her earlier formal wear; she looked down the corridor that the others had just escaped through and shook her head, "Let me guess, idiot-tachi just went looking for poor Gabriel…" She turned and faced them, her face going pale, "H-hentai… Endymion-ouji!" she gave an uneasy laugh and strode forward, holding out her hand for him to kiss, "How pleasant to see you again…" Umi did not even try to force a smile on her face as he kissed her hand. Umi nodded her head toward Selenity-hime and turned her attention to Tyrain, "And you are?"

Selenity fought back a surge of giggles as Tyrain blushed profusely, much in the same way that Umi herself did in front of Gabriel, "A-atashi wa Chikyuu no Tyrain-Ouji…" He took her hand in his brought it to his lips breathing in her soft scent of lavender, "And you are Fair Maiden? I would very much like to the name of such beauty."

Umi blushed with humility, and she graced him with a small smile, "Watashi wa Mercury no Umi-hime." Umi pulled her hand away, and Selenity swore that Tyrain looked utterly crushed by this action. He smiled devilishly and leaned forward.

"I had no idea that Mercury had such beauty hid beneath its icy waters, perhaps if I had known; we would already be acquainted." He released Selenity from his hold on her and gently grasped Umi's forearms, "I hope that we shall come to know each other Umi-hime, I truly do."

Umi was about to respond, when a blonde head appeared around a corner. The young man attached to that head bowed respectfully to all present then smiled a winning smile, "Ano, I seem to be lost… Would any of you be willing to escort me to the harbor? I'm trying to get back to Earth…"

Endymion shook his head and draped an arm casually over the man's shoulders, "Leaving already Jadeite? I thought that you'd stick around a while and enjoy yourself!"

The young man scowled and shrugged Endymion's arm off, "Unlike you Endymion-sama, I have duties to my planet that I must perform; I have not the time to laze about with the fair women of this world. Now, if no one will escort me, I must try to find my own way…"

"Matte!" Umi exclaimed interrupting him and looking at him as though he were her savior, "I'd be happy to escort you to the harbor." She said sweetly, and gaining the stares of everyone there, "Heh, Well I was on my way there Sir, and I'd be willing to show the way…" She said, making hand motions to Jadeite, trying to communicate her need to be away from them.

Jadeite's eyes widened in realization, and he smiled warmly down at her, "I'd be honored to have the company of such a lovely young lady." He offered his arm to her, and she took it, allowing Jadeite to sweep her away. Selenity giggled slightly under her breath; things were certainly interesting ever since Umi-hime had arrived.

* * *

Akai swung quickly behind a tall column, watching her young friend leaving the summoning circle. Trails of power clung to her shoulders, misty and frail, but brilliant in the approaching darkness. Stepping along the path of shadows, Akai followed Kagura through the many courtyards and mazes; the girl did not seem to be going anywhere in particular. Closing her eyes, pausing for a few moments, she forced her will into thought and stretched herself to a close friend. "Midori-san."

A wave of spring scented air pervaded Akai's senses and she breathed deeply in response to it. Akai-sama. It is as we feared then?

Red eyes tearing, Akai whispered a silent affirmation to the night. "Will you follow her, Midori-san? Or will you stand against her?"

I will do as Abuzohar directs me, Akai-san. It is by his will that I have become the Moon's inner guardian. I will offer my prayers to him, if that is what you wish? Do more than that, I cannot. The presence immediately broke connection with Akai, and the woman sighed.

"Our only hope now is to somehow divert Selenity-sama's attention to a lesser evil. Beryl might do some damage if we permit her to, but I do not wish to think that I am betraying a strong ally into Kagura's hands. `If my God is for me, then who can be against me,'" she murmured, quoting an old proverb from those on Earth. "There prophets were right. Yet, now I must decide between two gods."

* * *

Princess Mars swept elegantly into the throne room, followed by Jupiter and Mercury. They were known to be the most ruthless of all the courts women-with the exception of Jupiter, who only did what the others told her to.

Running skilled fingers over the wall, Mars declared, "I know it is here somewhere. I have seen the Queen enter many times to admire the Ginzuishou, though she did not realize that I had watched." She pressed against every spot she knew of, but no panels slipped aside and nothing was revealed to her. "I'm surprised they do not guard the throne room more heavily. It would be such a tragedy if the Ginzuishou were to be lost to some ruffians who just wished to leave our beautiful Millennium defenseless."

The other two snickered appreciatively. Ami-hime stepped forward and held her hand before the wall. Her aura blazed softly. "I believe I can find what you seek, Rei-san." The wall shimmered, ice running down it's length, cracks formed around the edges of a massive door, causing Mars no Rei to squeal in delight.

"That's it! That's it! Nicely done, Ami-chan!"

"What are you all doing?" Umi stepped into the room, having dropped Jadeite at the docks some two hours ago. She had been wandering around, desperate for some distraction. "Why are you in the Throne all alone?"

Jupiter's lips trembled for a response, her normally strong personality failing her in this moment; Rei dropped her hands to her hips and glared angrily. "What's it to you, Umi-hime? Shouldn't you be off with your Silver senshi, doing something important? Like attending to Gabriel-ouji? You are his latest bed warmer, are you not?" Mars laughed derisively, "His whore?"

Umi's chin dropped, setting itself dangerously. "Do not cross me Mars. You know well enough that if I can draw with Kagura-sama, I can take you down more swiftly than thought. Now answer me, and I might let you off with a warning. What are you all doing?"

"I do not believe it is any of your business, Bastard. Go back home, Mother awaits you." Ami stepped close to Umi, her eyes narrowing sadistically. "Or I could send you home: in three grisly pieces. It would be my pleasure to do so. You are not needed here. I can take care of Selenity-hime's needs on my own. You services are not required anymore."

The hilt of Umi's sword flashed out, blade dancing in the air, and it was at Ami's throat before anymore insults could spill forth. Umi's breath hissed through her clenched teeth, her jaw working angrily. "Kaa-sama sent me. Since she has not formally called me back, I am staying. Now, I suggest you all leave, or I will report this to the Queen. Now."

Mars nodded to Jupiter and looped her arm through Ami's. She inclined her head to the side, smiling nastily at Umi from under her heavy lashes. "Sayonara, Umi-san."

Umi watched them stalk slowly form the room, making sure they had left, then carved the tip of her blade against the ice her sister had formed; it broke apart easily, and she grinned in satisfaction. Again, she etched her sword into the wall, carving the symbol of the moon there, placing her own sign between the two points. That done, she spun back to the door, and exited to the hallway before her, making soft tracks to her room and sleep.

* * *

"Hai, Selenity-sama," Umi nodded. She had decided to make a quick stop at the Queen's quarters; Ami-tachi weren't going to get away with something like this. The safety of the realm depended on the Ginzuishou. "I thought it wise to inform you of their transgressions. I wouldn't want your life at risk; or the lives of anyone else. Though, I would appreciate it if you did not inform them that you were alerted of their actions. Just watch them, is all I ask."

The Queen walked around her glass throne, her pale hair trailing on the floor behind her. She seemed so old in that instant, Umi felt she should help the woman in some way. Selenity made her way over on her own, stretching a fragile, shaking hand to caress Umi's blue hair, stroking the small curls framing her face. "Just as your mother would have wanted you…" a sad smile crossed the Queens face, and Umi ducked her head to catch the small woman, as she tripped. Selenity smiled up at her, "You are everything Mariana ever wanted in a daughter, Umi-ojousama…"

Umi's eyes widened and she tightened her grip on the Queen. "Selenity-sama…"

"Gomen, Umi-chan." Selenity pulled a small device from the pocket of her silk robe, letting the fine silver chain of an amulet fall into Umi's hand. She held the sapphire stone a moment and then released that to the girl as well. "Mariana has left us; you are now Queen."

* * *

Weeks passed, and still, no one had heard from Umi. She rejected all visitors, even Gabriel, who frequently wished to see her. She had gone to Mercury, been crowned, and had returned of her own accord in order to protect the Moon. But she never left her room now; she was too afraid of what might happen, what she might do, were she to fall back in with her senshi. What would she say to Gabriel? All she wanted to do was sit under her covers in the darkness, sit and forget. She was Queen now…

A thin strip of light flashed over her face, the creaking of the door disturbing her depressive state. She daintily peeked out over the edge of her bed, and squinted at the light's intrusion. The door closed; Someone was walking toward her, her bed was put under pressure, and she was being gently wrapped in a warm embrace. Umi scooted away in surprise and turned over, facing none other than Gabriel. She propped her head on her arm and glared severely at him. "What do you think you're doing?"

"I was worried, Mi-chan. You haven't been out of your room for days now." He sat up and patted his knee, pulling her cheek onto it when she did not respond to him. He twisted her hair into his hands. "What will you do now?"

"I don't know, Gabriel-kun. Though Selenity-sama has been advising me, and she tells me it would be best to take a husband. And I have several choices she says, though I believe I shall wed a man who has some influence over this present battle. My choices rest in Earth then. They're the only force which has close relations to Beryl. It may give me an opportunity to negotiate with her."

Gabriel continued to run his hand over her small head, listening as her breath slowed and became even and deep. He lifted her head off of his knee and laid it onto one of her giant pillows. He quietly leaned over and kissed her pale, cool forehead. "If you want influence, marry Kagura, Mi-chan. The lives of us all rest in her hands."

He walked slowly to the door and slipped through into the hallway, staring up at the high arch of the ceiling. "Mi-chan…"

"She is quite a catch, Nii-san." Kagura slid out from behind a pillar, clothed in her long white nightgown; her long orange hair fell over her shoulders and rested onto her hips. She grinned. "Am I too assume that we have a new addition to the family?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Imouto-chan." The last word hissed angrily from his mouth. "Why would I waste my time with such a child as Umi-hime? She is nowhere near my station. I have a throne to think of." His eyes saddened and he turned away from her. "You are my only Queen, Kagura. Why can't you understand that?"

Her small arms wrapped tightly around his waist, the soft white sleeves of her gown falling over his tan skin. Gabriel clasped her tiny hands and pulled her closer into his back. She pressed her lips onto one of his shoulder blades and sighed. "Aishiteru, Nii-san. Aishiteru."

Gabriel's muscles tightened beneath her and his hands gripped her wrists like iron. He unwrapped her arms from him and threw them back at her. "You're a liar, Kagura. I can't believe you anymore. You're on your own."

"Gabriel-ouji," Kagura tipped her chin down, glaring up at him from her darkening yellow eyes. "Do not defy me. Kagura may not be able to take you on single-handedly, but you know well that with my power and strength , she could defeat the Gods by herself. You leave us, you will die, I assure you." Kagura's head rose slightly and her eyes cleared. "I need you, Nii-san. Kaa-chan paired us for a reason. We can win this together. We can defeat Selenity."

He grabbed her hand and ran his thumb over her sharp knuckles. They began to walk slowly down the way, swinging their hands back and forth. The colors of the wall were fading from silvery-blue to a white and then led into golden yellow, until the whole hallway glowed. His door stood off to the right, and he gave her hand a slight tug in that direction. "Stay with me tonight. We don't have to make love," he stroked her bangs back with both of his hands and kissed her nose. "I just want to hold you in my arms for a while."

"You know we can't. I can't anyway. I told you I would not, and I meant it Nii-san." She stepped back from him and laughed. "Your seduction won't work on me tonight. Sleep, Nii-san. We won't have much of a chance to rest once things start to accelerate."

Gabriel nodded and pushed open the tall gold door, glancing over his shoulder once before entering the darkness of his room, almost hoping she would change her mind as she always did; but she did not move from her spot. Kagura smiled and waved him in, rocking back on her heels, waiting till the door was fully shut.

* * *

Lucifer tramped heavily down the steps of the west wing, his black boots ringing on the silver steps. Something had awakened him and now he had some desperate reason to be in the presence of the Moon. The temple would be a quite place to converse with his conscience. So he was slightly surprised, walking into the holy place, to see it already had one occupant. Her long, shining hair drifted onto her heels, her bare feet curled under her. She was leaning over her lap, fiddling with the side of her skirt and holding something else out of sight. Lucifer walked up behind her, quietly kneeling behind her. "Sumimasen. I did not know there would be anyone else here this late."

The girl turned and smiled. "Daijobu, Lucifer-san. I am glad for the company." Kagura's bare shoulders shivered in the earthlight , and Lucifer inched forward on his knees, pulling off his black cloak and draping it over her. "Arigato, Lucifer-san."

He sat next to her and watched her fiddle with five stars resting in her white clothed lap. They looked nearly identical to the one dangling at her thin throat. He reached over and clasped her hand in his. "What is someone so young doing at this late hour? Can you not sleep, Kagura-san?"

Kagura sighed and removed her feet from under her and pulled her knees to her chest. "My life seems to be getting ahead of me, Lucifer-san. I'm too young for myself, but too old for myself. I don't understand myself at all." She looked over into his dark eyes and blushed. "I'm sorry to trouble you with such things."

"I myself am having trouble thinking. It seems that my family isn't too excited about the prospect of me being here or the fact that I am the heir to the throne. I must admit it's no thrill for me either; Endymion and Tyrain do not enjoy my company and I do not enjoy theirs. I find them to be too devious for my taste." He examined her profile and smiled softly at her downcast eyes. "It seems that the only friends that I have here are Usa-hime and…" Lucifer chuckled deep in his throat, watching pink spread over her cheeks. "Are we friends, Kagura-san?"

"I don't know, are we?" she raised her gaze to his and looked hopefully into his eyes. "I want us to be friends, Lucifer-san. I guess it would be a little impossible though."

Lucifer scooted closer to her, resting his hand under the cloak as it rested on her shoulder. His hand caressed her bare skin and he closed his eyes as she jumped, her skin heating. His lips touched her skin and he grinned into her shoulder. "To me, you are already more than a friend, Kagura-san."

"It's so cold out tonight," she whispered, standing quickly to shake off his hand and his lips. Drawing the cloak tightly around her, Kagura walked to the entrance of the temple and quietly leaned her body against one of the wide marble doors. Light caught in her fiery hair and danced through its tips. Lucifer noticed, for the first time, that Kagura's hair had a slight curl to it, and when she looked over her shoulder at him, the curls seemed to gather at her waist. "Lucifer-san?"

He yawned suddenly and smiled, rising to his feet. Sidling over, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, "It's getting late. We should both be in bed, Kagura-san."

She began to remove the cloak. "I'll walk you back to your room, Lucifer-san. My room is on the other side of the palace and you shouldn't have to walk twice as much as is needed."

"Hai," he grinned, throwing the black cloth around her again. "and keep this. I have many others. You, being a foolish young girl, wouldn't know any better to bring one."

"Lucifer…" Kagura started, but he grabbed her hand and all thoughts left her, for she was lost in his smile.

They began to walk toward the entrance to the palace, only yards from where the temple was built, moving in absolute silence with the exception of Kagura's gown. The night was peaceful around them; all was perfectly still. Naturally it would be so, for all sensible subjects were asleep in their beds. A light breeze picked up after a moment, fanning them both. Lucifer held his arm more tightly around her, slipping it to her waist when the wind did not die. And then he stopped, pulling her as close to him as possible. She looked up at him and began to smile, but something distracted her attention to his left hind side. Flash!

Kagura had escaped Lucifer's arms and killed the creature before it could even strike them. Squatting inelegantly, she lifted it's blue clawed hand, examining the kanji stamped into it's palm. The slick, green eyes were starting to film, the skin beginning to pale from dark green to a pale, sickly yellow. She glared down at it, standing back, and tripping into Lucifer. "Beryl."

"Nani…"

"You said so yourself that there were those who did not wish for you to be King. Apparently Beryl is one of them." Kagura held her hand out, allowing her blade to fall back into her unscarred palm. "Beryl must be quite uneasy to feel she needs you assassinated. She never did trust in her own power…weak Beryl…"

Lucifer laid his hands over her shoulders, feeling their tense reflex to his touch. Kagura flinched and then softened, allowing Lucifer to draw her to his side. "We should tell the Queen."

Kagura shook her head and shivered again, as she had been for many hours now. The cold must have been getting to her… "Iie. I think until we have a major attack, it would be wise to keep such pitiful attempts under wraps. The youma could have been acting on it's own, you never know with these creatures."

"Even so…"

She wrapped her arm around his waist, nestling her head into his shoulder. "Even so, I think I shall walk you to your room, and hear no more talk of speaking with Selenity. You said you wanted to rest."

Lucifer gazed down into her lamplight eyes, feeling an uncontrollable urge to kiss that puckered mouth. And as he leaned, she giggled and ducked her head, only letting his lips hit the crown of her head. He blinked and smiled, burying his face back into those wavy locks of orange silk. "I think we should be getting back to bed now, Kagura-san."

"Hai." Kagura drew him forward, his long cape billowing behind her as they walked swiftly into the palace walls. "But what is this talk of we?" she rounded a corner and flew down a blackened hallway. Coming to some silver steps, she turned right. "Are you implying something, Lucifer?"

He watched her wave her hand over a wall, intrigued as the symbol of the earth centered in a star, blazed into the granite. The wall disappeared, and she dragged him through. He was out of breath by the time they came to a dead end, doors towering above them; his bedroom. He tugged on a strand of hair hanging over her narrow shoulder, not speaking, simply enjoying her company. He smiled to himself as a slight giggle escaped her. Laying a hand on his door, he pushed it slightly, looking into the black room and then back to her. She tipped forward to glance in, then straightened and smiled. Lucifer reached for her hand.

"Lucifer-san?" Kagura inclined her head and laughed gently. "Are you trying to tell me something?"

Lucifer pulled her toward the door, stopping in surprise when she did not resist. He tugged at her arm once more, amazed as she glided forward a few more steps. Flinging the door open, he swung her into the room, reveling in her white glow, for the whole room, when lighted, was still pitch black. He made his way to the bed and sat there, removing his boots and some of his heavier armoring. Looking up he laughed; Kagura blushed suddenly, unarmed. "You were so willing just seconds ago, Kagura-san."

She blushed even more, rubbing her knuckles over the back of her head; her sleeve fell away from her arm, revealing her pale white skin. "I've never been with any other man but Nii-san…"

"Kuso," he murmured, examining her slender form. "No wonder he was so angry with me. He was your lover…" Lucifer stood, gently pulling her closer and slipping the cloak form her shoulders; he touched the exposed skin with absolute tenderness. "Would I be out of line, Hime-san, to say that you look absolutely heavenly to me at this very moment?"

Kagura lifted her face to him, and a small breath escaped her lips, immediately sealed by his; his arms hugged her waist and she could no longer resist wrapping her arms around his neck, kissing wherever it was possible. She'd needed somebody for so long, and there were some things that Gabriel just wasn't able to do. His love had been hard and passionate; though Lucifer's did not lack her brother's passion, it was more tender and heartfelt. She could tell his love went deeper than lust.

He tipped her into his arms and carried her over to his bed, gently laying her there, crawling over her. She pulled him down to her, kissing his forehead and trembling lips. And it was then that they spoke that fateful word, binding each other with a simple gasp of, "Aishiteru."

* * *

Gabriel lay sprawled out across his bed, not bothering to stop the flow of tears making their way down the sides of face. She was making love to him; he could feel it through his bond to her, "Kagura," he choked out, trying not to close his eyes and see it. How could she do this? How could she leave him for-for that Earthian Bastard? He wished he knew, but logic failed him at the moment. He was hurting, but more than that; he was angry at his sister for this utter betrayal. Gabriel slowly dragged himself out of bed and ran a hand hastily through his mussed hair. He needed to get back at his sister, make her wish she had never left him; he needed another woman that he could seduce and make Kagura jealous with.

The question was: who would be willing to do this for him? Or who could be easily seduced? He thought for a moment before a face with blue eyes and hair flashed in his mind, causing him to smirk. Umi-ouhi would do quite well for this plan, and she was the only one who wasn't allied to Kagura in some way that would go along with this.

He nodded as if to reassure himself, "Gomen Nasai Umi-chan, demo I need to do this." He closed his eyes and imagined seeing her smile at him and tell him it was okay with her. Gabriel smiled to himself and walked out of his room and down the hall to Umi's quarters.

Upon reaching her room, he knocked on her door and waited a moment before entering. "Mi-chan?" he called, looking at the empty bed in surprise. He walked to the bathing room and opened the door; she wasn't there. Frowning, Gabriel left the empty room and shut the door behind him, and he then turned and began walking down the corridors, looking for Umi. His stomach clenched with worry as he walked into the arena and saw only Himiko and Tenshi dueling.

He walked towards them, and they stopped; Tenshi's eyes narrowing dangerously, "What do you want Gabriel? Here to kill Lucifer?" She growled softly as she changed her practice sword for her razor sharp glaive, causing Gabriel to take a cautious step back.

"Believe me Tenshi, if I wanted to kill Lucifer; I would have gone to his room not here, where you would be…" She glared at him, her eyes trying to get him to say more, but he changed the subject, "Have either of you seen Umi?"

Himiko shook her head, red tresses swaying like fire, "Iie, isn't she in her room?"

Gabriel shook his head, "Iie, I already looked there; she hasn't been out of her room in days, and I'm starting to worry." Tenshi's eyes softened as she saw the genuine worry on his face; she walked over to him, patting his upper arm comfortingly.

"Maybe she's hiding Gabriel-kun; you know how she is after all. She seems to think no one likes her, so maybe…" But she stopped at Gabriel's look and gave an uneasy smile, "If you're really that worried Gabriel, I'll help you look for her all right?

Gabriel nodded and walked out of the arena with Tenshi and Himiko at his sides, trying to ignore the feeling in his gut, which told him that something was wrong.

* * *

Kagura cuddled closer to Lucifer, lazily throwing a leg over his hard thighs; he was still asleep, breathing softly in the darkness; so she lay there quietly, pressing herself closer to him every few minutes. His body was so warm and solid, comforting to her lonely soul. She nuzzled the side of his chest and giggled as he groaned and turned on his side to face her. "Sleep well, Kagura?" he murmured, kissing her eyelids.

A bell sounded, and Kagura rose quickly, the sheets falling from her bare chest. Fire cascaded down her shoulders and breasts, glowing against her moon pale flesh. Lucifer reached out and pulled her back to his side, positioning himself over her and between her slender legs. "Only the midnight bells." He entered into her, thrusting slowly and drawing himself out, continuing in this fashion until she began to arch her back. He laughed quietly and pulled himself free, rolling to the side. "If only this could last a little longer...So again I ask, sleep well?"

"Almost as well as you, Ouji-san." She clambered on top of him and laughed, brushing the long black hair from his eyes. "But it doesn't matter. I am just glad to be by your side. It's been a while since…" She laughed lightly and leaned over to kiss him, falling gently to his chest.

Sliding his hand over her lower back, Lucifer sighed in pleasure, "Do you know how long I have waited for you Kagura?" He pulled on the ends of her hair with both his hands and let a deep laugh escape his lips. "Do you think a child might come of this?"

She relaxed herself onto his stomach, purring gently as he wrapped his arms tightly around her small back. Her ear, pressed sleepily to his breast, could faintly make out the steady beat of his heart. It had not been so stable when he had made love to her; she knew, for it had seemed to become her own. Everything of her body was now with Lucifer's, so if a child were to come of it… "So be it. I would carry your child with all the happiness of my heart."

"Kagura," a low moan burst from his lips and he held her mouth to his, pulling at her soft lips. His sex was pushing up against her desperately, trying to find it's way to hers.

She rolled to the side and giggled haughtily. "Again? So soon? I must recover from your other attempts to pleasure."

Slowly, he lifted his body from the black bed sheets, his stomach muscles working to move him. He threw his legs over to the side and sat there, head in hands, hanging his body out over his knees. Kagura wrapped the sheets around her naked body and knelt behind him, massaging his neck. Lucifer reached up and rested his hands on hers. "I made love to you. I shouldn't have…With our blood lines. Much is at stake for us, now. And…you're so young, Kagura."

"Only seventeen Ouji-san. That is not so young."

"Kagura," he squeezed her hand and pulled her closer to his back, relief washing through him as she buried her face in his black hair. "I'm nearly thirty now. It was inappropriate to have pulled you in. I have taken advantage of you. Your purity…" He leaned his head back in his hands and blew out angrily through his mouth.

"I did not resist you, Ouji…Lucifer. I could never resist you." She rested her chin on his shoulder, stretching up to do so. His body tensed slightly and she rested one hand on his left arm. "Do not leave me as Nii-san has. I cannot bear anymore heartbreak."

Lucifer twisted around and lifted her into his lap, holding her as she wrapped her legs around him. Their kiss did not end this time; rather, it seemed to last forever and ever in what was to be the last few, precious moments of their night.

* * *

Gracefully, her skates barely touching the rink; Umi moved to the center of ice rink and raised her hands. Crossing her feet, putting her skates onto their toes, she held that position for a moment, taking deep, calming breaths. Then, after the moment, she pushed her legs apart fluidly and began to propel herself forward, closing her eyes.

Somewhere, almost in another world it seemed, she felt her body twist tightly and lift up into the air a moment, before touching the ground again. She smiled, enjoying the feel of cold air against her cheeks. She sighed, letting her body sway in time to music she could hear in her head, trying to forget her troubles and remember happier times.

Swaying gracefully, her knees bending then springing upward, causing her body to fly into the air; she twisted her body loosely and completed the jump, but she didn't notice.

What she did notice was the small pair of hands that locked with hers and spun her into another tight jump. Landing, Umi locked hands with her new partner again and they sped around the rink, their moves entirely in synch. They both tucked their bodies in and pulled off a double Lutz and joined hands again. Umi knew who this was, only one person knew and could perform this routine as flawlessly as she did; this was her sister Ami. Umi smiled a bit as they used each other's momentum to perform an axel. Umi felt that she was in heaven, only when the sisters skated did they get along, and Umi wanted to stay on the ice forever, just to enjoy that kind of peace.

Unfortunately, Umi was keeping her eyes closed, and she didn't see her sister draw a dagger from her belt. Umi glided forward, still deep in the routine and she never saw it coming. Moving into a turn in synch with her sister, Ami lunged into the turn and tackle her sister to the ice. Umi's eyes snapped open with surprise as her head hit the ice full force, "Ami-neesan! Nani?" She asked , confused and frightened.

Ami didn't answer her, instead she pinned Umi down and straddled her, leaving Umi's stomach open and unprotected. She raised her dagger, "Shi-ne Umi-imoutosan." Ami whispered and plunged the dagger into her sisters exposed belly.

Umi gritted her teeth with the pain then cried out as her sister got up and left the ice rink, taking her dagger with her. Umi curled onto her side and held her stomach, trying desperately to stem the blood flowing freely from the wound. "Gabriel." She moaned softly, hoping for some reason, that he would hear her.