Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ BSSM Silver ❯ Gamma ( Chapter 2 )

Umi stood before her full length mirror, viciously running her hairbrush through her long, tangled, blue hair. "Kuso! I'm going to be late!" She pulled a lock of hair in front of her face and glared at it, "And it's all your fault," she admonished and then brushed it. Finally satisfied, Umi quickly, and somewhat messily, braided her hair. Grabbing her tunic, she hastily pulled it over her head and fastened her belt around her waist. Then she picked up her rapier and strapped it to her belt, straightening her tunic one more time, Umi took one final look in the mirror, "Kuso! I'm hideous!" Umi whined softly, fingering the shorter, stray curls that framed her heart-shaped face.

Her face contorted slightly in anger, and Umi's grip on the curls tightened as though she might rip them out at a second's notice, but a knock at the door prevented that course of action. Walking toward the door, she opened it, revealing a surprisingly cheerful Tenshi, "Ohayo Umi-chan! Are you ready to go to practice?"

Umi nodded, "I'm ready to humiliate myself sure, why not." She lowered her head and stared at her knees; she gasped, her knees were bare; she had forgotten to put on pants underneath her tunic. She cursed to herself; there was absolutely no way she was going to fight in a skirt alone. "Kuso! Hold on a second! I forgot something!"

She turned around and was about to go change, when Tenshi grabbed her hand, preventing her. "There's no time Umi-chan! Now, Ikimashou!" Tenshi then proceeded to drag Umi down the corridors, to a large silver arena; the three girls, from Gabriel's room the other night, stood waiting impatiently.

The red head was the first to acknowledge their presence; she looked up and walked toward them, looking at her appraisingly, "Anata? You're Umi-hime?! Demo, you're just a little sprite!" She chuckled, "Besides, you look too weak to be the great fencer Umi-..."

Himiko was cut off as Umi, quicker than the eye could see, had pinned Himiko against the wall her, rapier placed against her throat, and Umi glared at Himiko her eyes cold as ice, "Care to repeat that?" Umi requested dangerously, and her sword pressed tighter against Himiko's throat.

Himiko gulped nervously, "Iie Umi-san. Gomen Nasai for my rudeness," she said almost fearfully, and Umi released her, grinning sadistically, which scared Himiko.

"Good. Now let's begin practice shall we?"

* * *

Slash, parry, slash, blood. Himiko lay on the floor, her shoulder bleeding from a cut given to her by Umi's Rapier, which was once again, placed at her throat. "I believe the duel is mine Himiko-san." Umi said coolly from above her, and Himiko faintly noticed that Umi's sadistic smile had never left her face.

"Hai, it seems to be that way Umi-san." Himiko replied, and Umi moved her sword away, allowing Himiko to climb to her feet. "Itai." Himiko muttered to herself, clutching the wound to stop the bleeding.

Umi reached out and grabbed her shoulder tightly, causing Himiko to meet her icy eyes flinchingly, but Umi merely smiled, "Never complain about pain Himiko-san. Pain is a reminder; it reminds you that you are still alive to feel that pain. Don't whine about it; rejoice in the fact that you're still alive to feel it."

Himiko stared dumbfounded at the girl in front of her, disbelieving at what she was hearing. Umi noticed this, and a smirk crossed her face, "By the way. You should stop putting all your weight in your swings. It made it too easy to throw you off balance." Umi's smirk eased into an easy smile and Himiko found herself returning it.

"Umi-san?" Kaze asked from nearby, her cream eyes fixed on Umi as she looked up and acknowledged Kaze with a small nod of her head, "Well, we like to play music, but none of us can sing very well, and I heard that you gave concerts regularly on Mercury." Kaze took a deep breath, as she realized she was rambling, "What I'm trying to say is... Would you like to sing with us?"

Umi smiled, her eyes lighting up with happiness. "I would love to Kaze-san."

And they walked to the music room.

* * *

Gabriel's eyes fluttered open slowly, taking in the bony shoulder of pale skin on which his cheek now rested. Closing his eyes, he breathed in the sweet, gentle, feminine scent of Kagura's body. Their lovemaking was still a fresh image in his mind, still a feeling deep inside his body. He could see her soft smile, partially closed eyes, pert breasts, bare stomach…He hid his face back in her hair, massaging her small stomach. "Aishiteru."

"Mmmm, the feeling's mutual Gabriel-ai."

He watched as she turned over and stroked his slightly damp brow with her slim fingers. Grabbing her hand, he kissed it lovingly. "Aishiteru," he repeated, gazing into Kagura's cat-like, golden eyes. "I've needed you…all this temptation was starting to drive me crazy."

"Heh, what would people say if they new you lusted after your sister in such a fashion?"

"Ah," he grumbled. "If they knew we were related then it would be a problem." Rising onto one elbow he looked her over, eyes intent on their subject. "The Queen will want to know you're here, as you are the highest ranking general in the galaxy and heir to the throne of Kinmoku. You should present yourself with a splash, like you always do. Enter when all the noblepersons of the court have gathered. Wouldn't it be surprising?"

She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him back down to her, kissing him gently. "Maybe later…"

Gabriel returned the kiss, pulling away reluctantly. "I'm serious, Kagura. Duty comes before pleasure."

"And I do believe you have the duty of keeping a promise to me."

He sighed and stroked her soft cheek. "I did keep it. I kept for 6 hours, 3 times every two hours. You have a responsibility to present yourself before them. They might become suspicious as to why I never leave the room, otherwise."

Kagura smiled up at him, searching his beautiful face. "Nii-san…" She sighed. "Hai hai hai…"

He watched her rise, admiring her naked figure; the curve of her breasts, the flatness of her stomach, the soft muscles of her arm. She was beautiful. Incest be damned, she was his. "I think Kaa-sama's dress is still in the wardrobe. The white one she wore when she was younger. Selenity-sama's wedding…"

"We'll have a good time now that we're together again, won't we?" she muttered, pulling the dress from the wardrobe and slipping it over her head. The fabric fell over her shoulders, resting halfway down her upper arm. It fell loosely from there, trailing on the floor behind Kagura. She spun around once, ran and jumped on the bed, and popped into his lap. "How do I look?"

"You look kawaii. Very kawaii. You look like Kaa-sama."

She smiled and grabbed his hand. "Hopefully not too much, or they'll think we're disgusting and immoral."

Gabriel grinned widely and threw her back onto the sheets. Pleasure could come once more and duty could wait for a while.

* * *

Kaze clapped appreciatively as Umi closed her eyes in content. The aria had been beyond perfection; it had been heavenly and sweet. Even Tenshi and Tsunami were impressed. Himiko, however, held back from there merry making. She hadn't appreciated that little spit that had happened between herself and the pale girl.

"Himiko-chan? Himiko-chan?!" Kaze had leaned over Himiko's shoulder to comment on the performance and noticed her friends disposition. "Baka!"

The red-haired princess clasped the back of her head as some blunt object came into contact with it. Falling from her chair in a most undignified fashion, Himiko lay dazed upon the cold floor. Looking up blearily, she saw the form of a giant hairbrush looming over her and screamed. Scrambling away from the apparition, she cried out again as she bumped into Umi, who was startled by her little outburst.

"Himiko-san?" Umi extended her hand to the girl. "Here, let me help you."

Confusion clouding all previous anger, Himiko grasped Umi's hand and pulled herself up. Turning, she glared at Kaze. "If you ever do that again…"

"Sumimasen!"

All five girls turned toward the doorway, Tenshi and Tsunami pulling themselves straight out of their position of hysterical laughter; Kaze scrutinized the intruder's hair carefully; Himiko glared and Umi smiled gently. "Can we help you in some way?"

Slowly, shyly, a woman only a few years older than them all entered into the room. Her deep brown eyes scanned them all for a moment. "Anno," she murmured softly. "You've all been called to the throne room…we couldn't find you and they're already halfway through the ceremony," she whispered, absentmindedly fiddling with the long, pale green skirt of her gown. The cloth shimmered in the lighting of the music room.

Himiko inclined her head as the other girls looked at each other. Ceremony? "Are you to be an escort?"

The girl tossed her hair out of her eyes and grinned. "Hai."

"Very well then." Himiko nodded her head toward the door, and the five young women followed after the woman, Himiko falling in next to Umi. "What do you think this is all about?"

Umi shrugged and tugged on a strand of her hair. The silver hallways glittered around them for miles it seemed, and then she spoke. "There was an arrival week, kept very quiet by a small group of people. Some general or something has arrived, but I suppose nobody was supposed to know about it, not even the Queen it seems. I wonder if it has to do with our plans to fight against Beryl."

"That could be, Umi-san." Himiko continued to stride forward, only to bump into Tenshi. Motioning to Umi, the five and their escort entered into the back of the great throne room, inching through the door quietly. "I believe I know of whom you speak, Umi-san," she whispered, pointing to the center of the room.

* * *

"It's her!" Umi hissed, lunging forward, fighting down hot anger and glaring for some reason she did not know. Kagura's still grace and ignorant, cold attitude had been enough to make her blood boil. "Baka shoujo…Ugh, it's her!"

Kaze and Tsunami gazed at her quizzically. "Indeed," Tsunami whispered. "But I thought that the senshi of the inner planets did not know the outer court."

"I don't know her, or who she may be. All I know is that I sense something about her. Her aura just isn't right."

Kaze shushed her swiftly. "Do you know of whom you speak?"

Umi wrinkled her nose, anger seething. "Iie. And I don't care either."

The other four looked at her in surprise, Kaze covering her mouth with one hand. "Umi-san, you must control yourself. That is Kagura-hime, Princess of Kinmoku, High General of the Star-Zero armies. Advisor to Galaxia-sama, Queen Selenity, and spy for the forces of the Moon on Earth. Shining senshi, graceful woman… Megami no senshi desu!"

"Kagura…God music?" Umi examined the girl standing before Queen Selenity, noticing the proud tilt of her pale chin, the prideful stare of her yellow eyes. This girl did not even bother to fall to her knees in reverence. "Why does she not kneel before our Queen?"

"Your Queen, Umi-san," Tenshi corrected. "The senshi beyond the asteroid belt, with the consideration of conformist Jupiter, are respectful to the Queen; but we are not made to kneel. In truth, we are far superior to the Queen of the Moon. Her power combined with that of all the inner planets would equal half of my Nee-san's power."

Umi was fascinated, as she watched the Queen bend low to kiss Kagura's hand. Kagura returned the gesture with a small kiss to the Queen's cheek, orange hair setting fire to the other woman's whiteness. "I still don't see why she's so important to us."

The other four shook their heads ashamedly. "Just like a senshi of an inner planet to say so."

Everyone turned to look at their escort. She merely smiled, and they all realized she'd been silently listening to their conversation. Umi blushed. "What do you mean?"

"Senshi of the inner solar system are not very friendly with those of the outer system. You're all so independent of each other, you don't see that you must work together to overcome our common enemy. It's sad to see that the mistakes of the past have been passed down to be carried on by the future."

Himiko looked at her sidelong. "And how do you know so much of this issue? What gives you the right to speak so freely?"

The woman's brown eyes crinkled in a smile. "I am priestess of the Fates, guardian of the temple on the Moon. I am Sailor of the Nebula, of the birth of stars, of creation. I have watched all these things happen. So I may speak freely, because I am above such things as inner and outer; I am simply me."

Umi was first to speak. "You must be really old!" she cried and then stopped, realizing she had practically yelled the words in her amazement.

The Queen looked through the crowd to the circle where Umi stood, surrounded by horrified nobles. "Umi-hime? Is there a problem?"

"Anno…" Umi looked up to see the Queen coming down from the throne, followed by Kagura-hime, who was obviously very amused by the outburst. Umi watched her tiny, smirking lips curve into a wide, malicious grin. "I was stating," she said, putting on a courtly air, "That Kagura-sama dresses very…bold…"

"That is rather rude of you, Umi-hime. I expected better…"

Kagura held up a hand to silence the Queen, her golden eyes set dangerously on the blue-haired princess. "It is no matter, Selenity. I'm sure Umi-hime would love to make amends for her rude, unthinking, childish, immature outburst," Kagura paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing silently, "with a duel."

Umi stared at the princess, lost for words, for once. A duel? With this little twit? Surely, Kagura was joking. She didn't look as though she had the skill or the discipline to command a sword, much less pick up her own fork. She would be an easy kill. "Well…"

"Well?"

She hardened her eyes against Kagura's scrutiny and held herself straight and tall. "I would be

dishonored…Gomen, honored to accept, Kagura-san."

"Kagura-sama," the princess hissed, narrowing her golden gaze. "We duel at midnight!" And with that she swept from the Room.

* * *

Gabriel raced after Umi as she sped back to her room. Before she could close the door, he eased himself through and grabbed her by the shoulders. "Have you gone mad?"

She screamed slightly, surprised by his presence, then blushed at having him so close and in private. Looking up, she weakly smiled. "What're you talking about, Gabriel-kun?"

"Mi-chan!" Gabriel squeezed her shoulders, until she flinched, and loosened his grip. "You don't just go accepting challenges from Kagura! She's…"

"Nani? Your lover, Gabriel-kun? And now you think to make me your whore?" She shoved him off, the blush gone from her cheek replaced by the hard, red flush of rage. "Let me tell you something, Gabriel-kun. I did not believe for one minute, that you were attracted to me! How could I be so stupid to think you wanted to hear stories of my home…when all you really wanted was to get me drunk, steal me away to your bed and…"

Without a second thought, Gabriel smacked her right cheek, glaring. "I never thought to do any of it Umi! You have an entirely overactive imagination." He pulled her chin up to his level and roughly held it there. "I don't want to see my new friend killed. Now listen to me. Are you really listening?"

She nodded, casting down her eyes. He released her chin and folded her hands into his. "Kagura is not some little princess, meek and mild. She's also a general, Mi-chan, and a natural born killer, at that. Beneath that demure, serene mask is a hardened veteran, returned to court for once reason: she's here to fight a war. She came back from the action of defending the Galaxy, to this little court to teach and defend. Queen Selenity knows of her skill, but not of her brutality and heartlessness."

"And? Why should this bother me?"

"Mi-chan, don't you get it?" He leaned closer, his nose touching hers. Umi could feel is hot breath falling into her own mouth, warming her lips. He closed his eyes, watching a painful memory slip by under his eyelids. "I've seen her rip out the soul of a person with her bare hands; she's stabbed people through the gut, long after there was nothing left to stab; I've seen her reach into someone's body and pull the still beating heart from their chest. She has no mercy, Mi-chan. She's never had mercy…not even when she was a child…"

Umi leaned her head back against her silver door, feeling Gabriel lean his forehead just above hers. His lips rested gently against her hair, and she found herself hoping desperately that he would kiss it, or her forehead. His sweet breath was spilling over her face now; his hands, which had momentarily held hers were resting on her hips. "Gabriel-kun?"

He grunted some response and she smirked for a minute before continuing. "Gomen."

"What for?"

She slipped out from under him, out of his arms, to stand by her mirror. "For accusing you of trying to make me a whore. I was just overreacting to the heat of the moment."

"Heat," Gabriel grinned. "Of the moment? What are you referring to Mi-chan?"

Umi smiled softly, walked over, and opened the door. "Ja ne, Gabriel-kun."

* * *

Kagura held her hand over her heart, stumbling into the room she had shared with Gabriel for so long. The lights were out, Gabriel was away, and she would finally be able to release herself, if only for a few moments.

"Soul of blackness, darker than chaos; heed my command and awaken!"

Scorpio shot forth from Kagura's hand, slamming into the mirror at full force. Turning on Kagura she snarled, "These little escapes will do you no good, Kagura-san."

A second ball of swirling energy shot from Kagura's hand, but it fell short of the mirror, frowning softly. Her yellow eyes would not look upon Scorpio, though they were connected by magic to the princess. "Kagura-chan…"

"Sawa, gomen…" Kagura seemed to age years in seconds; the orange became brittle, gray; the eyes paled. Scorpio had had her for too long. How could she possibly live normally without her anymore? Gathering strength, she pulled both back into her palm, feeling her power restored to her in a mighty wave. Kagura looked over to the window and then back to the door. She needed to take a walk and think.

* * *

Lucifer pulled himself away from the shadows outside Gabriel's door, watching the young Kagura walk slowly down the hallway. It had been many years since he had seen her, she probably didn't even remember him. However, Gabriel most assuredly did. He knew Lucifer had come back to court, come to protect the Queen, and fall in love.

Sighing, he moved quietly after her, staying close to the wall in order to conceal himself. "She's so beautiful, even after all this time…"

They came to a bend in the corridor and he gave her a moment's head start before following. He was silent as a cat upon the dark marble; even so, he could not hide from Kagura's excellent. She could hear him behind her. "Who's there?!"

Lucifer held his breath, pressing himself into the wall and not daring to even think. Kagura started to walk back a ways, but stopped when she heard nothing. "Beware fool. I'm not one to put up with the foolish attempts of an assassin."

Kagura began to walk again and he followed slowly this time, employing his magic to make his feet silent upon the floor. Presently, he moved out to walk directly behind her. She didn't even detect him. He was going to make it, going to see his love without being disturbed. But without warning, something slammed into him, throwing Lucifer to the floor.

Gabriel stood over him, sword drawn and placed at Lucifer's crotch. "Trying to rekindle an old flame are we?"

"Indeed I am, Ouji-sama. Is there a law against walking here?"

"When it involves walking near my sister, yes there is. Stay away from her, Lucifer-ouji."

Lucifer smirked evilly. "I didn't think it would matter to you. I've seen you following around that Umi-hime, trailing after her when she thinks she's alone. Why not forget your incestuous ways and allow me to be with the woman I love?"

"Because she's not the woman you love anymore!" Gabriel's eyes saddened, hardened and became placid once more. "Leave her be, Lucifer-ouji. For her sake…"

"Iie."

Gabriel drove his sword forward but Lucifer had already inched away to save his equipment. He held his hand out before him, summoning a large sword to appear in his experienced hand. (1) As Gabriel's sword slammed down once more, and as Lucifer parried the blow, a small gasp escaped from the hallway to their right. Both looked up to see Tenshi-hime, eyes wide in horror, running toward them.

Stopping short, she took in the scene, squinting to make she was seeing the real thing. "Lucifer-ai…"

Lucifer released a breath of relief and let himself fall back against the wall of the narrow corridor. A moment later, he looked down to see the shiny purple fabric of Tenshi's skirt falling over his leg. She stroked his brow, pushing the longer black hair of his bangs out of his eyes. Leaning forward, she made to kiss him, but he moved away. "Not now Tenshi-san."

She smiled, mistaking his lack of interest for embarrassment. Brushing off her skirt, she stood and glared daggers into Gabriel's. She held out her hands, and the scythe of Saturn appeared in her small fingers. "If I ever see you again, Gabriel-ouji, you better hope I'm not armed."

"But you're never unarm…"

"Exactly, Gabriel-ouji…Now, leave. Go find someone else to bother. I believe Umi and Kaze are in the music room."

She wouldn't leave Lucifer, now. Tenshi again huddled down next to him, wrapping her arms around his torso and giggling. He had to admit, Tenshi was attractive; but she was too soft spoken for him and too passive. He had fallen in love with her for only a short time, but she hadn't been quite the one he was looking for. He never should have left Kagura when they were younger.

Lucifer shifted uneasily as Tenshi began to drop feathery kisses on his jaw. "Tenshi-san, I said not now."

"Doushite, Lucifer-ai?"

"Ugh, because Tenshi-san! Just…Not now! Not ever! I don't…"

Tenshi giggled again and stood. She offered him her hand and pulled him to his feet. Throwing her arms around his waist she smiled up into his soft, black eyes. "Aishiteru, Lucifer-ai. I know you like to keep some things secret. I understand and I accept it.

"Ten-chan…" Lucifer reached up to stroke her violet tresses. They slipped through his fingers like air and he could barely get control over himself, though he did manage it. "Go away, Tenshi-san."

"You first."

"Fine." Lucifer pulled himself away and strode back in the direction of his quarters.

* * *

Immeasurably sad notes rang out from the piano as Umi's finger struck the desired keys. Umi's voice joined the notes uneasily as she softly sang her newly written lyrics along her newly played music. Umi was absorbed to say the least, Kaze observed as she walked silently into the music room. Striding up behind Umi, Kaze looked over the small girl's shoulder and read the title of the composition out loud, "Love Song… Is this for someone special Umi-chan?"

Umi jumped and slammed her hands onto the piano keys in shock. Turning her head she stared anxiously into Kaze's cream eyes, "N-no one Kaze-chan… I just like romantic songs…" Umi then lowered her head to hide her falsehood and, Kaze smiled knowingly, waiting for Umi to speak again. "A-ano… Could you play the music for me? I'm not very good at the piano."

"Hai Umi-chan, why not." Kaze sat down beside Umi on the piano bench and stretched her fingers over the keys, playing a few measures to get the hang of the music. "All right…" Kaze spoke up finally, "I'm ready when you are."

Umi grinned and began to sing, unaware of Gabriel watching from the shadows.

"Dakitai kagami ni utsutta

Anata no unmei

Kikoenai koe de kaze no naka

Yonderu no ah

Naiteru no ah

Hitori"

(I want to embrace the fate

of the you that's reflected in the mirror

With an unheard voice, in the wind

Calling out... Ah

Crying... Ah

Alone)

Kaze closed her eyes a moment, listening to the raw emotion in Umi's voice, and she knew for certain that this was no simple song, written out of the blue, or from boredom. This was an impassioned cry for the love of someone, and it took no genius to figure out that it was Gabriel, but Kaze wasn't sure if Umi even knew that herself.

"itami o anata no mune kara oidasanai de

watashi ni tsunai de kudasai"

(Don't drive the pain out of your heart

Please, connect to me)

"kowashite watashi no kokoro o

akai kanashimi ga

afurete nagarete kuru kara

ima ha tada ah

hitomi toji ah

kudakete shimai tai no"

(Break my heart

Because a red sorrow

is spilling out from it

Right now I just... ah

...close my eyes... ah

I want to smash it to pieces.)

Kaze looked up from the music and noticed Gabriel walking toward them, his golden eyes fixed on Umi, though she did not see him, because her eyes were closed. Gabriel reached the piano and slowly walked around it to the bench. He stood behind them; his eyes swirling with unreadable emotions, and Kaze found herself wishing she could read minds.

"Aishiteru kara shiawase hitsuyounai no

Naite yo sore tomo waratte"

(I love you, so I don't need happiness.

Crying or laughing)

"Kowashite watashi no kokoro o

Akai kanashimi ga

Afurete nagarete kuru kara

Ima ha tada ah

Hitomi toji ah

Kudakete shimai tai no

Soba ni ite ne"

(Break my heart

Because a red sorrow

is spilling out from it

Right now I just... ah

...close my eyes... ah

I want to smash it to pieces.

Please stay by my side, okay?)

Kaze played out the last few measures as Umi's voice fell away; her eyes were still closed, and a small smile of satisfaction settled onto her face, "Kirei Umi-chan! Kirei!" Kaze exclaimed happily, looking up at Gabriel as he smiled at the piece of music.

"Iie Kaze-chan, It was nice, demo It's not my best." Umi replied as her self-loathing kicked in, ruining what should have been a proud moment for the girl. Kaze found herself wondering, who had made Umi so insecure that she couldn't even congratulate herself.

"Nonsense Mi-chan, that was extremely beautiful and, you should be proud of it," Gabriel said, causing Umi to jump up from her seat and turn in mid-air to face him almost falling onto the piano. Kaze struggled not to laugh.

"G-Gabriel-kun! What are you doing here?!" Umi stammered, leaning against the piano for support as though her legs would give out if she let go. Gabriel reached out his hand, gripping Umi's shoulder gently, to calm her.

"It's ok Mi-chan, I'm not here to kill you." Kaze watched as an unmistakable blush spread across Umi's pale cheeks. "Tenshi-san told me you would be here, and I could not help coming here. Why didn't you ever tell me that you had such a beautiful voice?"

Umi's blush deepened and she lowered her head, "Ano… it didn't seem important." Umi then moved away from Gabriel; her hands slamming into the keys as she lost balance. Gabriel grabbed her arm and pulled her up straight, but he didn't let her go afterward.

"Mi-chan, how could you even think that?" His other hand slid beneath her chin and tilted her up to look into his face, "Everything about you is important Umi. Everything." His arm slid around her waist, pulling her closer to him; the only thing keeping them apart was the piano bench.

Kaze rolled her eyes, deciding that this was not the time, nor the place for this. She cleared her throat and Umi's blushed turned even darker, though this time with embarrassment, as she scrambled out of his arms and took a step backwards. Kaze smirked, "My thoughts exactly Umi-chan. Now if you'll excuse me, I have better things to do than watch you two make-out." Kaze laughed uneasily as Umi's eyes narrowed in an evil glare, her eyes turned colder than ice. She quickly strode out of the room a plan already forming in her mind.

* * *

Kagura dashed down the hallways, lungs burning for air. She was lost somehow, though she could feel the power of her opponent somewhere nearby. A couple more turns and she should be safely there with some time to spare. Stopping for a moment, she leaned over her knees, gathering her energy and taking several calming breaths. The way around her was dark and deserted, and she suddenly felt uneasy and lonely coming here all by herself. She should have asked Gabriel to walk her…

She spun at the sound of footsteps on stone, fear mounting in her throat and making her choke. She spat quickly and ducked behind a tapestry, completely hidden from whoever was behind her. Minutes later, at a careful pace, a black haired man stopped before her hiding spot. Kagura braced herself to attack, and would have pounced had he not begun to speak. "Kagura, where did you get to? I wanted to catch you before the duel began. Kuso," the man hissed, leaning his head against the tapestry where she was hidden.

"Well, you've found me, man, so what's your business?"

He jumped back from the tapestry with a yelp and pulled it back to see Kagura standing there, her yellow eyes questioning him. His mouth dropped open in surprise as she stepped out from the wall and into the corridor, regarding him seriously. He couldn't manage a sound.

"Well? Who are you and what do you want?"

"Boku wa…"He bowed as she inclined her head to watch his movements. "Boku wa Yoake no Myoujou, Lucifer-oujisama!"

Kagura popped her head up and cried out, "Ouji-sama?! OUJI-SAMA?!" She blushed and held out her hand, that he might kiss it. "Lucifer…"

Lucifer's eyes were hopeful as she gazed into the black depths. Black hair fell into his dark eyes, longer in front, shorter in the back; his skin was more pale than death's or even hers. He was lean but strong, and clothed in a shirt, pants and boots that matched the midnight of his eyes. He was darkness incarnate.

"Well," Lucifer smiled, beaming down into her eyes. "It's most fortunate that I have run into you, Kagura-sama. I've been meaning to speak with you. I…"

"Can it wait until later, Ouji-sama? You must know that there is to be a duel between myself and Umi-hime in but a few hours. I would not want to appear rude by being late, now would I?"

She hadn't lost any of her charm, he knew. Nodding, he grabbed her hand once more, lifting it to his lips for one more kiss. "Might I attend you, Kagura-san? Surely, you will need someone to aid you if something were to happen."

"That is not necessary, Ouji-sama. It's not possible for anything to happen. Not against Umi-hime."

* * *

Gabriel stood in front of the Silver entrance to the arena, tapping his foot impatiently as he waited for Umi to show up. If she didn't get here soon, Gabriel knew he would miss his chance to speak with her; perhaps forever if Kagura was angry enough. "Onegai Mi-chan… Come on!" He said desperately.

"What is it Gabriel-kun?" Came a voice from behind him, and upon turning, he saw Umi standing a few feet a way.

She was wearing a knee-length, light silvery-blue Greek style, tunic that was held up by two silver clasps on her otherwise bare shoulders and, emblazoned on the clasps was the light blue symbol of Mercury. In her small, delicate hand rested a silver, blue gem encrusted, rapier hilt; his brow furrowed as he saw that there was no sword attached to the hilt, "Mi-chan, you do realize that you're going to fight Kagura with a hilt?! Are you insane or suicidal?! I mean what kind of idiot would…"

Gabriel was shocked into silence as Umi pointed the hilt at him, and out from the hilt sparked a blue light, which elongated itself into the shape of a rapier. The light froze like ice and then shattered and exploded outwards, revealing a silver plated rapier that was still glowing faintly blue. The rapier rested on his shoulder then slid upward as Umi came closer, a sadistic smile on her face. "Still think I'm an idiot? Or suicidal?" Umi said softly as she lifted the rapier from his shoulder and moved it slowly away from his neck as he shook his head. Umi then let the sword sink back into her hilt, and Gabriel, deciding it was safe, gathered her up in his arms, holding her tightly.

"Onegai Mi-chan, be careful. Don't let her kill you." Gabriel murmured into her hair, breathing in her scent, afraid this would be the last moment he had with her and unwilling to let it go. He felt her sigh against him and subconsciously tightened his grip.

"Gabriel-kun… I'm going to be late…" He felt her try to free herself, but he wouldn't let go and Umi sneered nastily as she turned up to look at him, "Do you want your precious Kagura to see us like this?" She said maliciously, and Gabriel glared down at her.

"I don't care! I want you promise me that you won't let yourself be killed!" Umi winced at the tone in his voice, and Gabriel glared down into her eyes to get his point across, causing Umi to blush and shiver from something not of cold.

"Gabriel… No one will let her kill me! I don't understand why you're doing this!" She pushed free of his arms and moved away, shaking her head, "Just go out there and support your lover. I don't need your pity…" Umi then walked out into the arena, leaving Gabriel wondering what had just happened.

* * *

Umi walked out onto the Arena, her boots knelling softly on the cool, white marble. Her icy blue eyes staring fixedly across the length of the arena at her opponent, whose sulfurous eyes returned her gaze unflinchingly. "I see you have the prudence to at least show up on time Umi-hime…" Kagura said coolly as she hefted her long sword into the air with practiced ease.

"I do have Mercurian blood in my veins Kagura-sama" Umi replied sarcastically, almost spitting the word sama, dripping with venom from her mouth as Umi narrowed her eyes. Kagura returned the gesture, scrutinizing the girl with a critical eye.

"Obviously you have Mercurian blood in your veins Umi-hime. That is the Mercurian Imperial Sword resting in your hand after all." A small smile crossed her lips as a small bit of praise forced itself from her lips, "I hear no others have been worthy of carrying it for almost nine generations of your family." The smile disappeared almost as quickly as it came as she pointed her sword at Umi. "Well, summon it, so we can begin."

Umi smirked; the sword springing up from the hilt in her hand, "May I ask the terms to this duel? Or is that to be kept form me until all my Mercurian blood has poured from my poor veins?" It was hard to miss the sarcasm that dripped from Umi's lips, or the sadistic smile that was slowly spreading on her lips due to a pre-anticipated bloodlust, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw Gabriel take his seat beside Selenity-sama, looking rather grave. She really wanted to kill something, particularly him, for underestimating her skills, when she had proved time and time again that she was capable of fighting.

Selenity-sama stood up and her cool violet eyes locked with Umi's and, Umi glowered at the pity she saw there, "You will fight till third blood Umi-hime, and there will be no serious wounds in this duel." Her gaze flickered to Kagura, "And there shall be no killing."

"Selenity-san," Kagura murmured. "Mahou?"

The woman nodded her pale head no. "Is this understood?"

Both women responded the affirmative and Selenity-sama moved to a giant bronze gong hanging off the side; picking up a mallet she held it up into the air, "Then Begin!" and she swung the mallet into the gong letting it ring out a low baritone note.

Umi held her rapier in the ready position and Kagura did the same. Touching blades, the girl's both dropped into a defensive position and began to circle each other. Kagura made several feints at Umi, lashing out then pulling away before Umi could fully parry the attack, but Umi did not slack off, nor did she take anyone of those feints as feints.

So, When Kagura made her first real attack, Umi was ready. Kagura made a wide slash from Umi's right and, Umi swung out from her left to parry it. Locking blades, Kagura quickly put her full weight into the drive of her sword, trying to throw Umi off balance. Umi glared at Kagura and balanced better on her hind right foot, swinging her left foot up, she viciously landed a kick to Kagura's gut, causing her to fly backwards as Umi freed her sword and landed a gash on Kagura's forearm.

"First blood is mine." Umi said in a matter of fact tone as Kagura got to her feet. Neither noticed that everyone sat on the edge of their seats, eyes wide with shock. Obviously no one had expected Umi to gain the upper hand in a round; they had expected Umi to be slaughtered and carried off in a stretcher, but apparently, they had underestimated her.

Kagura growled softly and glared at Umi with eyes glowing with hate. Umi smiled her sadistic smile as her eyes became ice cold. They touched blades again, and this time, Umi took the offensive; launching forward she lunged her sword in a wild move that would go through the air and over Kagura's shoulder and cause her to over balance, but at the last second Umi changed her grip on her sword, and turned the lunge to a slice as she moved to cut open Kagura's cheek and end the duel, but Kagura evaded the attack and laid her sword down on to the now exposed, soft, back of Umi's hand, creating a deep gash and rendering her left hand useless for the duel.

Umi hissed softly in pain as she switched her sword to the other hand, "Second blood is mine, Umi-hime, and you might as well give up here. Your hand can't even grip your sword with that gash on it." Umi looked up and stared defiantly into Kagura's eyes.

"I can handle it Kagura-sama, let's just continue this, shall we?" Umi replied and straightened her stance, Kagura did the same smirking with unreserved superiority. Umi was determined to wipe that smirk off her face with or without her sword. Both girls touched blades and then began an aggressive offensive. Neither let the other gain the upper hand as both attacked and blocked the other. After several minutes both girls were tiring, but they still were giving it their all trying to annihilate each other. Eventually Kagura and Umi both grew tired of the redundancy over their fight and decided to end it. Locking blades once again, Umi drew her dagger but with her injured hand, Kagura had the advantage.

Kagura lunged forward, driving her sword towards Umi's unprotected face; Umi blocked it with her own dagger then lunged forward and sliced her cheek open. Not truly realizing that at the same second, Kagura had gashed her own cheek; Umi stepped away and shook her head trying to clear the euphoria of the duel being over.

The gong rang out above from above them; looking up, she saw Selenity-sama leaning on the railing, her face white with shock, "The duel… Is a draw," She said nearly inaudible, and she slumped back into her chair in a near faint.

It was only then, that Umi felt the sting of pain along her jaw, and she reached up a tentative hand to the wound, pulling her fingers away in amazement as she felt the stickiness of blood attach itself to her fingers. "A draw?" She breathed in disbelief as Kagura approached her holding out her hand.

"You seem surprised Umi-san…"

"I am Kagura-sama… No offense, but I've won every duel I've ever participated in…" Umi said a slight stain of embarrassment covering her cheek, and Kagura smiled an easy, almost carefree smile as she took Umi's uninjured hand gently.

"Don't worry Umi-san, So have I, but I suppose it's good for the both of us… Anyway, I wanted to congratulate you on your performance; I believe I have finally met a worthy opponent in you Umi-san, and I hope that we might duel again in the future." Umi carefully shook Kagura's hand, trying to mimic the smile she was receiving from Kagura.

"Arigato Kagura-san… It was indeed a great honor to duel with you." Umi said passively, "But if you'll excuse me, the hour is late and I have much to do tomorrow." Umi pulled her hand away and tilted her head respectively, and before Kagura could respond, Umi turned and walked away.

* * *

Selenity-hime smiled down on Kagura, as the fiery senshi watched the Mercurian-hime march out; She knew Kagura was a little miffed about losing, but she had shown good form in tying with Umi. "Well, Lucifer-kun," she giggled, looking up at the prince standing next to her. "Is she still the way you remember her?"

He nodded, a frown crossing his soft lips. "I'm starting to wish I hadn't told you about her, Usa-chan."

"Lucifer-kun? Don't be cross with me!" she glared up at him and returned his frown. "I could have you banned from the palace you know. You're lucky I invited you to the duel."

Lucifer moved around as several royal guests made their way past him. As the arena slowly emptied, he took a seat beside her, resting his legs over the side of the small throne. Peering form the corner of his eyes, he watched as she towled off the light sheen of sweat upon her body. Every movement, every breath was poetry to his eyes.

She looked up suddenly, catching his piercing gaze, and smiled, returning her golden gaze to her weapon. Oddly echoing around them in the arena, he voice came low and melodic. "Oi, Usa-ko!"

Selenity stood and leaned against the railing, sticking her small chest out invitingly. "Oi, Kagura-chan. You fought beautifully this evening."

"Arigato gozaimasu, Usa-ko." Her eyes darted to Lucifer and back, a gentle blush spreading over her golden-pale cheeks. "It was a fine duel. I am privileged to meet one such as Umi-hime. She is a skilled woman. It is rare that one finds a fighter with such gusto and bravery. It would be advantageous to have her by my side in battle," she murmured. "I envy her passion."

"Well, what if I told you I have another duellist to match your skill. Even excede it, Kagura-chan?" A sly smile crossed Selenity's pale pink lips. "Would you agree to another duel this evening, a private one?"

Kagura shrugged, adjusting the red strap of her top. "I suppose. Though it will be hell on my body."

Both girls laughed and Kagura again glanced over to Lucifer, her face falling as a frown graced his chiseled features. She blushed again, as Selenity spun and grabbed Lucifer by the hand, pulling him to his feet. "Well then, here is your man."

* * *

Gabriel stood silently outside the arena entrance, waiting impatiently for Umi to exit. And when she did, he caught her in his arms, pushing aside all formalities, and kissed her on the cheek. She looked up into his face, red spots gracing her cheeks, and laughed. "I didn't do too terribly, did I, Gabriel-kun?"

He pressed his nose against hers and smiled. "You were wonderful, Mi-chan. I'm so proud of you."

"Am I interrupting something, you two?"

Umi moved her head slowly away from Gabriel's, though she did not leave the comfort of his arms. She saw Tenshi waiting by the doorway, smiling secretively. "Do you two want to see a real show?"

"Nani?" Gabriel hugged Umi closer, placing his hand against the back of Umi's head and pushing her cheek to his chest.

"There's another duel about to take place, Gabriel-ouji. A duel between light and darkness, if you catch my meaning."

Gabriel's golden orbs widened in understanding and he released Umi slowly. "Lucifer-san...Kagura-ai."

Tenshi nodded solemnly, her violet eyes gleaming wickedly. She laced and unlaced her slim, pale fingers. "Perhaps you would like to watch, Gabriel-ouji? Seeing as you and Kagura and Lucifer-kun are so close. Wouldn't want them to have a secret affair going would you?" she hissed scathingly.

Gabriel raced back to the door to see Kagura conversing with the moon princess, Lucifer-ouji standing next to the High Princess in the gallery. His eyes were locked on Gabriel's younger sister, lust and a competitive shine illuminating his black gaze. Gabriel could not interfere...at least not without Tenshi cutting off his genitals.

* * *

Lucifer stepped quietly onto the arena floor, observing his opponents actions. Kagura sat upon the black bench on the far side of the arena, removing her brown leather boots from her pale feet. Her loose black slacks fell over her feet, and he watched her shiver as her bare toes touched the iciness of the floor. Lucifer laughed quietly, retreating to only a smile as she raised her eyes to his, blushing. "Cold, Kagura-sama?"

She smirked and nodded. "I like to battle without those damned boots. I don't have any balance with them on."

"Can you hold up against my pursuit? I'm quite hard to impress...and defeat."

"I can safely say, I do not fear you."

He grinned and set to taking off his own shoes, jacket and overshirt. Remaining now were his own black pants and black undershirt. Reaching up, he removed the silver circlet from his brow, flipping back the dark strands of hair. "How old are you again?"

Kagura cast down her eyes from the sight of his body, not really embarrassed, but attracted to what she saw. "I turned seventeen recently."

"Mmm," he hummed, looking over her body, which to her suddenly felt naked. "The great general is only seventeen? I would have thought you to be at least twenty-one."

"Nani?" Her head shot up in surprise, the blood rising in her cheeks. "Do not look at me in such a way. It's not proper. I may be young, but I assure you, I am quite mature for my age."

Lucifer tipped his hand out, watching the steel and onyx long sword explode from the air in front of him. "I'd like to find that out for myself, later, if that would be permissible."

She reddened significantly once more, and held her hand out before her. "We shall see." A wind picked up around her feet, rising to lift her loose hair off her shoulders. "Soul of blackness, darker than chaos; heed my command and awaken!"

The sword she had used during the duel had been a regular, steel sword, one she had borrowed from the Queen. But if he was going to use some magical blade, so too, was she. The hexacle on her palm began to glow, the black tattoo turning to a bloody red and suddenly to pale gold. With intense concentration, she whispered, "Sawa," and the tip of a sword slowly emerged from her palm. It's steel blade glimmered with silver runes, leading down to a hilt of pure gold. As she tilted it, slashed it once to check it's feel in her hand, Lucifer glimpsed a diamond shimmering in the end of the blade.

Lucifer clapped dauntingly and laughed. "A pretty trick, but could you work so well with my equipment?"

"Would you like me to castrate it…from your hand of course."

"Hime-sama, you surprise me. I wasn't talking about the blade in my hand…"

Kagura blushed and held her sword out, ready. "Mahou?"

He shot Selenity a glance, and tilted his head. "What do you think?"

Selenity fiddled with the skirt of her dress for a minute, considering what might happen. Lucifer was strong and overconfident, but so was Kagura, as Selenity had heard from many others. Yet, Kagura was a general…Lucifer was a prince…Well, why not make the duel more interesting. She raised her crystalline eyes to the two. "Very well. You may."

Kagura raised "Sawa" to rest between her pale eyes, smiling maliciously. It was an invitation for Lucifer to strike; and he did, fast and hard. She nimbly sidestepped the large swipe at her stomach, and set to making small knocks at his wrists. The quickness of her blade was almost overwhelming to him, but Lucifer was merely biding his time to where she would get tired with these little annoyances. She lunged in deep, and grabbing her by the arm, he pulled her closer, locking their lips together. She faltered in her attack and he took the moment to run a long scratch down her shin, the steel edge singing as it exited her flesh.

She fell back hard on her rear, staring up in shock. "Anata…"She spit in disgust, showing that she had no taste for his kisses. Kagura pulled the red ribbon binding her hair, and wrapped it around her bloodied leg, wincing, "Again."

"As you wish, Hime-sama."

He struck forward again, striking her off balance as she came to her feet. Kagura jumped high into the air, flipped and landed some seven feet away from him. She planted her sword firmly into the ground and momentarily, fire circled out from her long blade. She did not stop there; extending her hand down, she ran her fingers over the diamond sleeping in the tip of her weapon, and it flared to life adding electricity to the wave of heat. Lucifer held his hand forward calmly, and the fire would touch him.

"MEGAMI-SAMA!" Kagura cried, throwing herself forward! "Kuso!"

She stopped as he held the sharp, wickedly curving end of his blade to her collarbone, just above her heart. The breathing of her lungs was heavy, strained and she could not seem to gather any sense from this, as Lucifer rested the flat of the blade against her shoulder. "I believe I have won, Kagura-san."

"Never," she smirked, something darker than herself entering her eyes. Grabbing the blade fully in her hand she held it aside and plunged her sword forward, into his gut. He looked down in surprise to see blood slide slowly from his body, down his shirt; he looked back up into her face, now wrought with confusion at what she had down. "Lucifer…"

He slumped to the floor, sliding off of her cruel barb, holding himself in pain. Blood began to dribble from the side of his pale lips, a striking color against the milk white skin. Lucifer gazed up at her, feeling himself die from within and without, knowing that he had come so close to finally having her. But her eyes…

* * *

Gabriel watched as she grabbed the blade; as she rammed Lucifer through, smiling in satisfaction and then gasping in horror. He fell, she followed, leaning herself over him, stroking his brow and holding his wound.

"Why would she…Gabriel-kun?" Umi was looking up at him quizzically, pain riddling her features sharp. "Those are never the terms of any duel. How cruel of her! What was she thinking?!" the shorter girl looked out upon the duelists in horror, knowing now that Kagura had been holding back much when they had dueled.

"She wasn't Mi-chan…That's not the `normal' Kagura's way…"

Umi's eyes started to tear for Lucifer and she wiped them fiercely. "Then…what has she done…"

He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her in to comfort her, but more for his own support. "She's made it known to him that she can't be conquered…and now they will pursue each other…the way they always have, unknowingly on her part, fortunately. Until now." His voice sounded pained.

Umi wrapped her arms around him, and held him there for a minute. It was comfortable and gentle in the silence around them. The only sound marring it, were the sounds of Kagura's low voice, and Lucifer's gasps of terror. She heard Selenity-hime dashing down the stops, and peeked over Gabriel's shoulder to glimpse Selenity kneeling and holding her palms flat over the fallen prince. Light poured over him, white and pure.