Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Love and Lament ❯ Merci 6 ( Chapter 11 )

PinaPoe's notes:: Another Merci Chapter. Wow!! This chapter did not want to end, and I was really balancing between a good flow, and the endings of some serious writers block. Hopefully things will go smoothly from here on out. Regardless I had fun writing this chapter and I am finally really getting into these characters. Once L&L is over I definitely plan on having a few more Merci flashbacks spread out between the rest of my stories.

 

 

Love & Lament

 

Chapter eleven

 

 

 

As the space portal shifted, Merci, Hyperion, and Radiance, found themselves in a majestically crafted room. The entire chamber was made of a glowing blue stone. Beside the transport podium was a short woman, obviously a warrior of some importance. She had curly black hair which hung about her shoulders, and steely black eyes. Her black leather armor was exquisite, and bore the royal crest of Serenity.

 

“Lady Radiance,” The warrior saluted and bowed to the Venusian queen. “Thank you for your prompt arrival. Please follow me, introductions will wait until after you've met with Queen Serenity.”

 

The latter part of her statement was directed toward Hyperion and Merci. The warrior was obviously familiar with Radiance. The three comrades followed her in silence until they arrived in a section of the palace that looked like a cathedral of sorts. Merci stared in awe at the paintings, artworks, and stained glass windows that adorned the church. All of the art was related to the earth and the moon in one way or another, and Merci remembered that Radiance had said that the Earth itself was a God.

 

In the center of the cathedral was a giant crystal that stood fifteen feet high. The beautiful formation was pale pink in color and radiated both color and warmth. Merci would have been lost in that, had their guide not led them around it to where two other women and Queen Serenity herself waited. She had met the great queen in passing only once before, and at the time she only had eyes for her future husband. Now, however, standing in the presence of the ruler of the galaxy was a bit humbling.

 

The next hour passed in a dream like trance for Hyperion and Merci. After they met Queen Serenity, she had given all of them, except Radiance who already had one, a gemstone ring which held their planet's crest. Beyond that was a haze of broken images. Merci could vaguely remember cutting herself and coating the ring in her own blood. The only other memory was of Serenity and Radiance chanting while she donned the ring. After that there was a flash of light, a surge of energy, and then nothing.

 

“Husband!” Merci gasped as she regained her senses. She searched frantically for a moment until she noticed that he sat behind her, apparently waiting for her to awaken. She immediately sought out his embrace, needing the security of his touch after the bizarre ritual she had just taken part in. Hyperion whispered soothing words in his wife's ear as he ran his hand through her hair and down her back.

 

When Merci had finally calmed herself she took note of her surroundings. They were in a clinic of sorts, resting on one of the many cots. Their clothes had been replaced by an odd uniform. Both of them were dressed in a skin tight white body suit that covered them from shoulder to crotch. Merci had a light blue mini skirt and matching bow, while Hyperion wore a green skirt and pink bow covering his chest. Matching boots and gloves rest on a chair next to their cot. Merci did not know how to respond to seeing her husband in such out of character and highly feminine attire. Hyperion had obviously noted his new clothes and was not happy with them. His discomfort was obvious.

 

It took a moment before Merci noticed the other women sharing the room with them. Two cots behind them a young woman, younger than Merci was when she had married Hyperion, trembled slightly as she drew her knees tightly to her chest. She had peach colored skin and straw colored hair pulled back into a tight topknot. Her eyes were shut tight and she murmured quietly as she rocked herself back and forth. Her uniform had a skirt that was dark blue, and a rich red bow.

 

In the far corner of the room another woman knelt on the floor. She sat on her ankles, her back straight and her hands placed upon her thighs. Her violet eyes stared unblinking at some unknown point in front of her; she was deep in a meditative trance. Apparently, she did not like the new uniform, as it was balled up and cast several cots away from her. Merci noted her coal black skin and tight wiry muscle. Her hair was thick and unkempt, small beads, feathers and bones were tied throughout it by leather cords. Merci had a feeling she knew the savage looking Martian, but would have to get a closer look at her face to be sure.

 

“Ahem.” Merci and Hyperion looked to the entrance of the clinic where a tall human male stood waiting to get their attention. “If you would all please follow me, the great Queen Serenity requests your presence immediately.”

 

The Martian was on her feet and stomping toward the door before anyone could move. The tall human's eyes bugged out as she left the room stark naked to wait out in the hall. Sharing the Martians obvious distaste for their uniforms, Hyperion removed his bow and skirt, but still donned the boots. Since he had only one usable hand, the other had three fingers amputated after his last battle on Jupiter, Hyperion left the gloves on the chair. Merci quickly dressed, and when it was clear that the other woman present was not moving, she moved to help her.

 

With minimal coaxing Merci followed Hyperion out of the clinic with the Earthling woman, Vileal, clutching tightly to her arm. The tall man that led them did not say anything else as he guided them toward the Queen's waiting room. The Martian kept pace with him, and by the time they reached their destination, she was so angry she looked as if she would explode. Hyperion and Merci remained curious, the Earthling woman was obviously scared and refused to leave Merci's side.

 

“What is the meaning of this?” Merci heard a voice shout from inside the room the Martian just barged into. A string of expletives in both the Moon and Martian languages spewed out into the hall quickly followed by Radiance's musical laughter.

 

Hyperion looked to his wife and the young woman who tightened her grip on Merci's arm. Merci gave him a questioning glance before she shrugged her shoulders and walked past their stunned escort into the verbal battle in the room ahead. Upon entering, she found the Martian in a heated face to face screaming match with their warrior escort from before. Queen Serenity was sitting in a large chair in the center of the room. She watched the screaming match with equal parts concern and amusement. Radiance, who sat to her right, did not bother trying to hide her amusement as she doubled over in laughter.

 

“While you are here, you will show Queen Serenity the respect she deserves! That includes wearing and respecting the uniform of her Planetary Guard.” The curly haired warrior stood face to face with the Martian screaming for all she was worth. From across the room Merci could see the flames in her eyes and the throbbing vein in her neck.

 

“What you are doing now is not only an insult to her, but an insult to the great tradition of the guard, and it will not be tolerated!” The warrior continued to scream in a louder voice, obviously trying to get the Martian to back down.

 

The Martian, who was smaller even then the short warrior, stood her ground as she locked eyes with her adversary. “Get this straight cat,” The Martian spat the word, she obviously knew something she shouldn't as the curly haired warrior looked taken aback for a split second. “I am here not out of obligation to our, peace loving leader. I am here because there is a threat to our galaxy that promises me battles like I have never seen. And I REFUSE to wear that ridiculous uniform. Either I get my furs returned to me, or I go into battle as you see me.”

 

“Oh, that I would love to see!” Radiance managed out between renewed fits of laughter. That earned the golden goddess a glare from Queen Serenity. Radiance just smiled at the Queen of the galaxy and winked. Serenity may rule, but Radiance looked as if she considered herself to be equal if not superior to the silver haired queen.

 

“General Mox, it's alright. These women have heeded my call in these dire times. We can afford to make them as comfortable as possible.” Queen Serenity stood and walked toward the Martian and the curly haired warrior. “My attendant will retrieve your furs Lady Revian.”

 

“Queen Serenity.” Hyperion spoke up in his rich voice. The queen turned to notice the other three women who entered her chambers.

 

“Ambassador Hyperion?” The great queen asked in surprise. “Of course, I did not realize… Corsse.” Serenity called out to the man waiting in the hall.

 

The large man slowly entered the room, keeping his eyes down cast. “Please retrieve Lady Revian's clothes and find some pants and a jacket for Ambassador Hyperion.”

 

“Of course my queen.” The large man spoke as he quickly departed the room.

 

Queen serenity looked at Hyperion, almost frowning. “I did not realize that you were to be sent from Lord Hektor's household. I did'nt even think, it has been so long since that incident that I have come to think of you as a man.” Hyperion held Serenity's gaze until the Queen broke eye contact and turned toward the others.

 

“Thank all of you here for what you are doing for our kingdom. I know you have heard all the legends of the previous warriors, but with General Mox's training and Lady Radiance's leadership I know you will all get through this.” Serenity spoke to everyone gathered, her voice held a slight tremor of guilt that none but Radiance and perhaps Revian noticed.. “I realize what a shock this is to your lives, and I will make sure that you want for nothing. My general will begin your training as soon as your clothes arrive.”

 

Serenity took a moment to look at everyone in the eye. “The threat that we face is very real, and we cannot afford to fail. I have gifted the five of you with the powers and the skills of the many women who wore those rings before you. The enemy we face is unlike anything my ancestor's or I have ever encountered. My best warriors, Hivial and WaterLilly will meet the enemy head on, and though I pray for their success I think they will only be able to delay the inevitable. Their sacrifice will NOT be in vain.”

 

Everyone in the room was silent and stood straight and proud as their eye's followed the Queen. “They will buy us the time we need to gather our armies and get you adjusted to the powers in your rings. Each planet's armies have been notified and are preparing, your duty will be to defend the moon and my daughter. If she were to die, my bloodline will be broken and the peace and prosperity our galaxy has been blessed with will end. Don't let our Silver Millennium die… Everyone is counting on you.”

 

Once again Queen Serenity looked to each of the five women, Hyperion, Merci, Vileal, Revian, and the Goddess Radiance. Hyperion stood straight and proud, he was a man of duty and this was something he would not fail in. Merci stood at her husband's side, uncertain but determined not to fail. Vileal still held onto her arm, though her grip was not as tight as it had been. Radiance smiled brilliantly, always cheerful no matter the situation. Revian looked at Serenity with what appeared to be scorn, or disgust.

 

“You called all of us here because we are of royal blood?” Revian questioned in an accusatory tone.

 

“Yes.” Serenity replied with a touch of uncertainty, taken aback by the suddenness of Lady Revian`s question.. “It is necessary for royal blood to activate the spiritual essence in the rings of all the women who fought and died protecting our kingdom.”

 

“Yeah,” Revian strode to Merci's side and grasped Vileal's hand and pulled the frightened girl to stand by Serenity. “Then why is she here? Why is your daughter not fighting by our side?”

 

“Watch your words Lady Revian!” General Mox strode forth to step between Queen Serenity and the volatile Martian.

 

Revian met the General's glare with one of her own. When she spoke her voice was steel, everyone else held their tongue. “I make it a priority to know everyone who could one day be my enemy, and this girl is not of royal blood.

 

“You demand the flesh of your subjects, but you do not give the same.” Revian turned her back to Queen Serenity and grabbed her furs from the attendant who stood stunned in the doorway.

 

“Know this.” Revian sneered as she dressed. Everyone stared at her in shock, disbelieving that she had the nerve, and plain disregard of the queen's station to challenge her like this. “I will remain here because I gave my word that I would fight for you, but I will never respect you. Someone who won't lead by example is not worth following.”

 

Revian attached the last of her furs and slowly stalked towards the shocked and shamed queen. “When the Great Spirit deems fit to call my Grandfather home, I will ascend the Martian throne. When that day comes, I will challenge you for leadership of our galaxy. We have been stifled long enough by your bloodline's millennium of peace. You have shown me your lack of courage, and we are about to pay the price for it.”

 

Everyone stood silent, unable to say anything after the shocking tableau they just witnessed. General Mox was the first to snap. “H… How dare you!” She seethed as she reached for the saber at her side.

 

“Stop!” Radiance's melodic voice pierced the room. Everyone, Serenity included, turned to face her. “The challenge has been made, and when the day comes that Lady Revian succeeds her grandfather, it will take place. Until then, we have a job to do.”

 

It was the most serious Merci had ever remembered seeing or hearing her friend. She was also shocked at the Martian's challenge, but couldn't help but agree with her judgment of the Queen Serenity. Her father did something similar, by offering the one daughter cut off from the family. Merci was smart enough to know that it took some political arm twisting to get Serenity to agree to take only her, and not one of her sisters. Merci sympathized for a moment with the queen, thinking of all the sacrifices and compromises one had to make to maintain peace. She also thought that perhaps a warrior like Revian or better yet a combination of politician and warrior, like her husband, might be better suited to lead the galaxy.

 

General Mox stepped away from Revian, but only after Queen Serenity backed up Radiance's decree. “Fine.” The general hissed. “All of you follow me. We have a lot of work to do.”

 

The pissed warrior stormed from the room, followed by Revian and Radiance. Merci waited behind for her husband to change into the pants and Jacket that he was brought. Vileal, once her part in the ordeal was over, had returned to Merci's side. She wondered briefly why the Earthling gained comfort from her. She decided that she did'nt care, the girl was an expendable pawn to Serenity, as she was to her father. That similarity alone gave her a sense of kinship with the frightened soldier, and gave her determination to see that she got out of this not only alive, but a stronger woman as well.

 

 

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“Damn it… damn it…” Merci took a deep breath as she leaned heavily against the wall of the giant hall which housed an enormous indoor swimming pond. She tried her best to calm her hammering heart and prevent the tears she knew were building from falling.

 

::Why does he have to be so driven, can't he see what this is doing to us?:: Merci thumped the wall in frustration as a few tears fell. She wiped at them in embarrassment before stripping off her uniform and jumping into the giant pool.

 

Merci cleared her mind as she drifted along the bottom of the pool. Being in the water was a comfort to her, it reminded her of the great oceans of Mercury and Venus, both of which she spent much of her time in. The moon had no natural bodies of water, so she had to make do with this remarkable example of the moon's craftsmen's work.

 

After a half hour she finally started to calm down and let her thoughts wander. She did her best thinking underwater and hoped to find a solution to her problem. It had been six weeks since she and Hyperion arrived on the moon and started their training in both combat and use of their rings. Hyperion was only slightly rusty in his swordsman ship; regardless he spent hours perfecting his technique and discovering the powers of his ring. His ring gave him dominion over a variety of powerful storm based attacks, Merci's ring was master to water and ice.

 

It was the time Hyperion spent in training, to the exclusion of everything, and everyone else which currently plagued Merci. The last six weeks had been the most stressful in her life; General Mox and Radiance have been running the Planetary Guard ragged in preparation for the oncoming enemy. Having not heard anything from that department had also increased everyone's worries. Queen Serenity had apparently lost contact with whatever force she was able to tap into that kept her apprised of the enemy. All they had to go on were Hivial and WaterLilly's infrequent reports.

 

All of the stress worries and frustration had been constantly building inside Merci, and the person she normally sought reassurance and comfort from was not there for her. Hyperion, when he wasn't practicing his sword drills and training in hand to hand with Revian, or discussing battle and defense strategies with Bruuna and General Mox. The only times when they were not sparring that Merci got to see him was during diner and for a few hours when they slept.

 

Sleeping arrangements for the couple left much to be desired. Merci was usually in bed at least an hour or two before Hyperion, and when he finally arrived he was too tired to talk, much less do anything else. The one time they had made love, seemed hurried and forced. Merci had spent the following day in a funk depressed over the fear that she was loosing her husband. Hyperion was after all a warrior, born and bred. Merci wondered if she should even be surprised that he would get so easily caught up in the fervor of the upcoming battle.

 

Hyperion was not the only one who was caught up in all the war preparations. Merci's thoughts started to drift away from her husband to the other women whom she was training to fight alongside. Bruuna and especially Revian were close to obsessed with their duty and mission. Bruuna had kept her distance from Merci for a number of years now, and Merci had always wandered about that. Her distance on the moon was no different, although this time it hurt, because now more than ever she knew she could use her old friend.

 

Bruuna was very much respected in the work she did around Queen Serenity's palace. She quickly proved to be much more competent than General Mox's best soldiers, and was assigned as her second in command of Queen Serenity's armies. While the General split her time between the Planetary Guard and her armies, Bruuna was able to focus all her attention on her soldiers. She was well respected among her men, and more than a few wished she would stay after everything settled down. Merci was very happy for her friend's prestige, though she was jealous that Hyperion spent more time in her council than with his own wife.

 

As much time as Hyperion spent with Bruuna, it wasn't even close to the time he spent sparring and conversing with Revian. Hyperion's skill, experience, and devotion to his mission made him the only one of the Planetary Guard to befriend and earn the respect of the Martian. Sometimes, in her more insecure moments, Merci feared that they had become more than friends. She sighed in frustration, knowing that even if they were, she could not object due to her own past indiscretion.

 

Revian was for lack of a better description, a perfect warrior. The ebony skinned Martian was an unequalled swordsman and hand to hand fighter. General Mox tried to put her in her place several times, but could not match her skill. After Revian`s challenge to the queen, she adopted to the role of a soldier quite well. Everyone expected her to be problematic and headstrong, but she was more than willing to follow General Mox`s and Radiance`s lead.

 

Merci shook her head as she remembered the time she tried to approach Revian, after she had confirmed that she was indeed the girl she had met many years ago at her Seepa. Time had hardened the Martian warlord's appearance; she was notably more muscled and savage looking than she was those many years ago. Revian brushed her off, the Martian wanted nothing to do with those that were not warriors. The only three people she ever conversed with in her free time were Hyperion, General Mox, and Bruuna.

 

General Mox was an interesting woman, she frequently pushed everyone to their limits, but the dark warrior was a fair woman and held an almost motherly affection for all of them. Merci appreciated the kind words and the extra time the woman spent helping her and the others with the skills they lagged in. As an instructor she was a godsend. Hyperion, was also a great source of knowledge about tactics and warfare, and despite his physical handicap, he had not lost a step when it came to the art of battle. This in turn, gave him another person besides Merci to spend time with.

 

Merci started to swim, hoping that the eventual pull on her muscles would help to burn the jealous and troubled thoughts from her mind. She circled the enormous pool six times before her mind could attempt to focus on other things, or people as the case may be, Radiance for example.

 

Even though everyone had their strengths and skills, Radiance's mastery surpassed them all. She had an awe inspiring command of her planetary rings powers. Her superiority in skill was to be expected though; she was after all a god. Everyone on the moon seemed to hold her in a high regard. Revian was the only one who did not look up to her, Radiance was too cheery and flirtatious for her tastes. Despite what Lord Egrenon had told her years before, Martians were a very honorable species. Their passion for love and war was unequaled. Once they pledged themselves to someone or someone's, Martians were not adverse to multi-partner relationships, they never strayed from them. Revian was bonded to the two women that accompanied her to Merci's Seepa. Phobos and Demios were her sword mates, as well as her lovers. Because she was bonded to them, any advances Radiance made on her were seen as insults.

 

Merci almost smiled as she recalled the many failed attempts Radiance had at bedding the fierce Martian. It took three weeks of constant rejection before the Golden Goddess finally turned her attentions to someone else whom, unfortunately or not, happened to be Vileal.

 

Vileal, Merci was happy to note, was progressing quite rapidly in her training. She was still the weakest of the five, but had gained a confidence that she sorely lacked when their training first started. Vileal had become her best friend in these trying times and the two often looked to each other for support. They frequently spent hours talking about earth and various other topics that interested the girl as Hyperion spent hours sparring with Revian, Mox, and Bruuna.

 

Merci had once asked about her parents, and found that she was the daughter of one of Serenity's handmaidens. Her mother had died a year prior and Serenity had taken her on as a ward of sorts. Though at times she confessed, she felt more like a pet. When the Planetary Guard was needed, Serenity chose her to fight in her daughter's place, though she did have to use a vial of Princess Serenity's blood to mix with her own in order to activate her ring. Regardless of her position however, Vileal never resented the princess Serenity, they in fact remained very good friends and were almost sisterly in their affection.

 

Merci had been able to meet the Moon Princess a few times in the last several weeks. She was slightly younger than Vileal, and very friendly, although a bit too naïve. Merci tried hard to like the princess, and under any other circumstances she knew that she would. Now though, Merci resented her for the fact that they were all expected to lay their lives down for her. She dealt with that by looking at the Princess Serenity as a symbol rather than a person; otherwise she would never be able to fully accomplish her mission. Merci could not put the flighty young princess ahead of her husband, or even her friends. So instead, she viewed the princess as a symbol of their galaxy's prosperity and peace; it was still not enough, but it would have to do.

 

Merci and Vileal's time together was not limited only too shoulder crying, conversation, and visits with the princess. The two friends had become quite the team in their sparring matches as well. Hyperion and Revian were both master swordsman and excelled at hand to hand combat, the two were even remarkably adept at using their planetary rings, though they preferred steel to sorcery. Merci on the other hand, was second only to Radiance when it came to the mastery of her ring. Vileal's attacks were by far more powerful than hers, but they took time to activate. The two quickly found that if Merci acted as Vileal's guard they were much more effective as a combat unit. Sometimes more so than the others, who relied too much on brute force.

 

Merci smiled for the first time in hours as she thought more of her young friend. It was not long before her mind started drifting to the young woman's beautiful straw colored hair, and her exotic peach skin that reddened slightly in Merci's presence. ::Oh but she is a beautiful woman, isn't she.::

 

This was not the first time Merci found herself thinking such thoughts about her young friend. She never did dwell on them as long as she did this time however. ::Oh Hyperion, I do love you, but you are just so distant to me now that I need you the most. I know I am being selfish, but I need… someone, I need the closeness and safety that our love always used to bring me, not the cold uncertainty that you have shown me so oft this past six weeks.::

 

Merci's eyes shot wide as she realized what she was seriously considering. It was bad enough she had done it once, but to repeat the offense, especially at such a dire time. Merci felt disgusted with herself, more so that the idea still had not left her. She knew that one of her greatest faults was the fact that she needed someone by her side at all times. She could function on her own, but she felt safe, and in control when she had a partner. In her youth that role was filled by her best friend Bruuna, or her sister Tetisu. Once she married Hyperion, she was always her strongest by his side, and when he was gone on trips she found comfort with Radiance. Now, Hyperion spent all his time in training, and almost seemed to avoid her at other times, Merci felt cut off emotionally as well as physically from him. Bruuna hasn't been there for her in years, and there was a rift between herself and Radiance that was only now healing. Merci could feel her chest tighten as an all too familiar pang of anxiety hit her.

 

The thoughts of her rift with Radiance brought for images of her former lover. The images stirred feelings of both anger and desire in Merci, and helped to burn away her building anxiety attack. In Mecurian and Venusian society, having lovers on the side of your marriage was not only common, it was encouraged. When Radiance came to her the many times Hyperion was away, Merci thought nothing of spending a number of pleasurable nights in her dear friend's arms. Merci knew Radiance was involved with both Artemis and Bruuna, but both were very dedicated to their work and could not always be there for her. The same held true with her and Hyperion, as Hyperion's position often took him to other planets for a few days at a time. When Merci realized that Hyperion knew nothing of this, and that his people were dedicated to monogamy, she felt horrible. She also felt betrayed, as she knew that Radiance would have known this. Since that time, Radiance and Merci's friendship was shaky at best.

 

Merci knew she wasn't being fare, after all, she was just as much to fault as her friend. Besides, her friend was a goddess of love, being horny all the time was just in her nature. It took a lot of talks with Vileal acting as a sounding board before she decided it was time to forgive her friend and admit her own fault in the situation. Radiance had been overjoyed, and had actually cried when they finally mended their fences. Merci did not realize how broken up about the situation her golden friend truly was until that moment.

 

::After all I put Radiance through, and after all the times I berated myself for my indiscretions and I am thinking of doing it again.::

 

“Saturn what is wrong with me!?!” Merci cried out underwater. Bubbles streamed from her mouth as she dropped to the bottom of the pool. She was in such a mess of confused thoughts and emotion that she did not feel the subtle shift in the water that signaled someone else had entered the pool. She continued to wallow in her thoughts and pity when her body was suddenly encircled by a pair of lithe arms. Merci squawked indignantly as hands hit a ticklish spot on her side.

 

As quick as the assault began, it ended. Merci's tormenter had pushed up from the twelve foot depth that Merci now rested; unlike herself, everyone else needed to breathe air. Merci flipped to her back to see who had managed to sneak up on her. Her heart jumped into her throat and her stomach started doing flips as she spied a deliciously naked Vileal pulling herself to the waters surface. Much like Hyperion, Vileal had been very shy about nudity. Apparently being constantly around Merci and Radiance had finally rubbed off on the beautiful young woman. For Merci, Vileal's newfound confidence could not have come at a worse time. Without thinking, Merci pushed up from the pool's bottom to chase after her young friend.

 

Vileal emerged from the water with a large gasp of air. She took no time in pulling herself toward the pool's edge. She had become a great swimmer in the limited time Merci had to teach her, but she could not dream to out swim her teacher. With determined strides she hoped to exit the pool before Merci caught her and exacted her revenge. Vileal let out a cry of triumph as she grasped the pools edge and started to lift herself from the water. She had been trying to sneak up on Merci underwater for weeks now, it was a feat Merci had gloated that she would never accomplish.

 

Unbeknownst to Vileal, Merci had caught up to her well before she made her way to the end of the pool. She had decided to wait until the most opportune moment to strike. Unfortunately, her waiting for a moment had given her time to study her young friend's lithe, and quite attractive, body in motion. Merci's hormones superseded her thinking as she leapt from the water just as Vileal had stepped from the pool. The young human screeched in shock as Merci's short, albeit powerful arms wrapped around her and pulled her back into the water.

 

Vileal caught a short breath before she was pulled into the depths of the pool. She playfully struggled for a moment, until a stray movement sent a tremor of pleasure through her body. Suddenly, she was very aware of her nakedness, and the fact that her best friend's arms were wrapped securely around her. Heart hammering, Vileal slowly turned in Merci's embrace; the last of her breath escaping as she caught the unguarded look of desire that Merci had failed to hide.

 

Merci's heart thundered in tandem with Vileal's, as the two women's eyes locked and refused to part. Only when Vileal's look changed from shy desire to panic, did Merci realize that her friend had not taken a breath in a number of minutes. Quickly assessing their depth, Merci realized that she would not break the surface before her friend passed out. The lack of oxygen was already showing it`s effects as Vileal`s eyes became lidded and she started to fall limp in Merci`s arms. Without another alternative, Merci pull Vileal`s mouth to her own and filled her friend`s lungs with the air that her own stored while her gills processed oxygen underwater.

 

Not in a straight mind from lack of oxygen, Vileal responded to the oral intrusion by wrapping her arms around Merci's neck and pulling their bodies tighter together. Merci's immediate concern for her friend was burned away in a flash of intense arousal caused by their bodies sliding together. Acting on instinct Merci pushed up from the bottom of the pool to the surface.

 

Vileal gasped and drew in a huge breath when the two women finally returned to the surface, but only long enough to satisfy her immediate need. Within seconds Vileal returned her mouth to Merci's with a vigorous passion. Even though Merci did not mean to start this, she could not muster the willpower to stop it. Her internal struggle was lost before it began, and she found herself ardently returning the kiss.

 

Merci held Vileal afloat as the two women fervently explored each other for the first time. It was something that Merci had known was building between them for a while now, but tried to deny. Vileal's innocence and her own guilt were the only things that kept them at bay. Now that the first step had been taken, Merci could not stop, she couldn't even think straight enough to realize how bad a situation she was putting herself in.

 

Before long, the two women had made their way from the pool to a small pile of towels hastily laid out across the large chambers floor. Along the way, Merci was finally able to grasp a few strands of reason. Her eyes slowly trailed the glistening body of her young friend, whom writhed and blushed hotly under the scrutiny. Merci wanted badly to take her friend then and there, to consummate their friendship into something more, and more importantly, to ease the pain the absence of Hyperion had left in her heart.

 

Vileal slowly opened her eyes as long moments passed without Merci's touch upon her body. Merci's hand trembled lightly above her belly, as if she was struggling with her desire to touch her. An obvious look of confusion and uncertainty clouded Merci's features, and Vileal too realized what they were about to do. The young human's eyes started to tear up as she rolled away from Merci and grabbed a towel to cover her nudity.

 

Vileal's sudden movement broke the trance that Merci didn't realize she was in. “Vil wait, I'm sorry I just… I didn't.”

 

“It's alright.” Vileal interrupted, her towel draped back facing her friend. “I… we shouldn't… I mean your married and I'm well, I just thought that…”

 

Vileal started to cry, and Merci could not stop herself from embracing her hurting friend. Vileal struggled for a moment, but Merci calmly whispered in her ear and never loosened her grasp. When Vileal's tears subsided, Merci loosened her grasp, but pulled her friend down to lay beside her. Merci waited patiently for Vileal to compose herself enough to look her in the eyes before she started to speak. Merci knew that her friend was very insecure about herself and that this whole incident would seem like a rejection and would wound her already fragile self image.

 

“Vil, you have nothing to be sorry for. This was my fault, I have been lonely and scared and when you kissed me I could not hold myself back. You are a very beautiful and desirable woman, but I should not have taken things this far. You have become my best friend these last several weeks, but I am married and I cannot betray my husbands trust again.” Merci gently wiped the last remaining tears from Vileal's eyes, before kissing her chastely.

 

“You are my dear friend, and I don't want to use you, if this were to happen between us I would want it to be serious. You deserve that, you deserve far more than I can offer you. You are a very special woman, never think otherwise. I… I just owe it to Hyperion to try and fix things between us. I'm sorry.”

 

Vileal sniffed before wiping at her eyes and nodding slowly. “I know I shouldn't have put you in that situation. I just… You are the first person since my mom died who has treated me like a normal woman. Ever since Queen Serenity adopted me everyone has either scorned me for my new position or sucked up to me to gain favor with the Queen. You are the first person who has been genuine to me in a long time and I guess that I mistook that for…” Vileal trailed off, too embarrassed to finish telling Merci her naïve assumptions.

 

Merci felt like a heel, knowing that she had in some cases lead Vileal on a bit. She had not realized how seriously she had taken all of her casual and half teasing flirtations. “Vil I do like you. I more than like you, I just… If I wasn't with Hyperion, I would be with you.”

 

::Saturn, why do I have to be such an idiot! How could I have messed things up any worse.::

 

Merci got her answer a second later when General Mox burst into the pool hall. She looked stunned for a moment as she took in the two naked women reclining next to each other in a decidedly more than friendly manor. “Lady Merci, Vileal, you are needed in the oracle chamber's immediately!” General Mox shouted at them from across the hall, before running off. The short warrior was obviously anxious, though Merci could not tell whether it was from the situation she just walked in on, or something else.

 

Vileal had covered herself as much as possible and hid her face in the crook of Merci's shoulder when the General had barged in. Merci could feel the heat of embarrassment emanating from her friend, feeling even worse by the second for putting her in this situation. Merci also knew that Mox, being one of Hyperion's friends, would probably relate what she saw to him.

 

Merci sighed, knowing that she had no one but herself to blame. However, now was not the time to worry over the matter. Something big was going on, they had never been allowed access to the oracle chambers before, and now they were supposed to meet there. With a few words of comfort and reassurance Merci got Vileal dressed and in the right state of mind to face whatever awaited them. Within moments, they hurried along to the oracle chamber, a large cavernous room which held the many scrying pools Queen Serenity and her advisor's used to communicate with the galaxies royalty.

 

Vileal, remained close to merci as they hurried through the oddly silent halls. Merci was thankful for her younger friend's presence at her side, even if the young woman was just as, if not more scared than she was. More so, she was happy that the preceding events did not seem to have harmed the trust or closeness of their friendship.

 

Merci frowned as she realized her hand had unconsciously drifted to the small of Vileal's back. The young earth woman looked up at Merci and smiled shyly. Merci smiled back nervously and blushed slightly. Merci removed her hand and chastised herself for her unconscious indiscretion. Even after the whole scene at the pool, she could not keep from touching or to be honest, desiring her friend.

 

Merci's musings came to an end as Vileal announced their arrival in the oracle chamber. Bruuna and three other high ranking officers in Serenity's army were clustered in a corner, deep in conversation. Bruuna looked up and nodded slightly to Merci as she entered before retuning to her conversation. Radiance and Queen Serenity stood at the head of one of the larger pools, peering intently inside. Queen Serenity looked up as her two planetary guards arrived. She smiled at them before looking away uncomfortably and returning her gaze to the pool. The great Queen had avoided most of them since the incident with Revian. She was a very generous host, and saw to their every comfort, though it was obvious that she did so partially out of guilt. Merci was thankful that war preparations and other duties kept her away from them.

 

Merci and Vileal had just settled at the side of the pool when General Mox, and a sweat covered Revian and Hyperion, entered the chambers. Merci spared her husband a brief glance, not receiving one in return. Hyperion's face was all business as he strode confidently to Queen Serenity's side awaiting instructions. Merci cursed husband's sense of duty and cursed herself for the indiscretions she was allowing it to excuse herself for. She knew her husband was driven like this since she had met him, and she loved him regardless. She was mad at herself for her jealousy of Hyperion's drive and focus which kept him from her more often than not these last six weeks. And yet, she had the feeling especially now that there was something beyond that which kept Hyperion emotionally detached from her.

 

::Of course now I need to wonder if General Mox will tell him what she saw. It would serve me right if she did. By Serenity, why do I have to be so weak!:: Merci glanced again at her husband, dismayed that he hadn't acknowledged her in the slightest since entering the room.

 

“Everyone,” Queen Serenity's voice blanketed everyone in the chamber. Merci had to forced herself to pay attention. Her mind wanted to dissect what was happening between her and her husband. “I am trying to regain contact with Hivial and WaterLilly. Hivial called a short time ago with important news, but the pool faded, I wanted all of you here when I reestablish…”

 

As the great queen spoke, the water in the scrying pool began to ripple and an image started to take shape. “Your Highness…” Hivial's voice sounded throughout the chamber as her image flickered in the scrying pool.

 

“I'm here,” The great Queen Serenity responded. “Please report.”

 

The waters of the scrying pool finally came into focus revealing the legendary warrior Hivial. Hivial was dressed in a formal gown, which clung tightly to her light golden skin. Her skin seemed a bit pale, and her eyes held an exhausted, if not vacant look. “As of three candle marks ago,” Hivial's voice seemed dull and emotionless. “The invading armies have been slain and scattered.”

 

A cheer rose up in the scrying room, everyone overjoyed at this unexpected news. It had been so long since they had heard anything and finally, not only an update, but an answer to their prayers. Serenity held up a hand, a worried look graced her features that caused everyone to hold their cheers.

 

“Where is WaterLilly, why is she not reporting by your side.” The queen looked ready to cry. Merci, in that moment realized that even though she valued her daughter over everyone, Queen Serenity really did care for, if not love, each and every one of them.

 

“WaterLilly was gravely wounded toward the battles end. She will recover, but it will take time.” The legendary warrior's voice remained dull and emotionless, and she looked as if she was about to topple forward, like some unseen force was the only thing keeping her standing.

 

“Hivial, honey, are you all right?” Radiance's voice was tender and soothing. She spoke in a lover's tone, and Merci suspected that Hivial was one of the few people that Radiance truly loved.

 

“I just need to rest. I was injured and need to recheck my wounds. This was the deadliest challenge we have ever faced.” To Merci, Hivial sounded as if she was reading from a script. Merci chalked it up to exhaustion and shell shock, but was convinced that something was being left unsaid.

 

Queen Serenity stared at the pool, a contemplative look gracing her features. She seemed to study Hivial for a moment before bidding her farewell. “Rest well Hivial, give WaterLilly my regards and contact me when she awakens. I will send a few healers, though I don't know how long the voyage will take them.”

 

Unlike the rest of the planets, the outer four could not be traveled to via the warp rooms. Instead, it required a long draining process of magic and inter-planer travel. It could be weeks before help arrived. Merci realized this and wondered if the brave warrior in the pool would live that long. From her appearance, she looked half dead already.

 

“Queen Serenity, I would like to volunteer to join the healers on the journey.” Merci spoke as Hivial saluted and her image vanished from the pool. “I am one of Venus's top doctors, and I can provide them with protection on their journey.”

 

Merci had volunteered without thinking, without considering that she was not the only one a trip of this length would affect. She turned to Hyperion, who finally looked at her; his face was a mask of obvious hurt and betrayal. In that brief moment, Merci realized why Hyperion had distanced himself from her for all this time… He knew.

 

“Hyperion wait!” Merci called out too late as Hyperion had already fled the room, obviously hurt and angry. Revian turned to Merci and Vileal with a look of obvious disgust. The Martian sneered at them before following Hyperion out of the room. Merci knew she couldn't follow him. It was clear by the look he gave her that he did not want her to follow.

 

Everyone in the room was silent, with the exception of a select few no one understood what just happened. Merci struggled to maintain her composure under the scrutiny she was receiving. She was gifted by an unexpected source of warmth when Vileal's hand encompassed her own. Not caring who was looking or what they thought, Merci turned to her friend and buried her face in her shoulder trying unsuccessfully to hide her tears.

 

“I… I would like to travel with Lady Merci, uhm that is if you have no use of me here my Queen.” Vileal requested meekly, while all the eyes in the room were trained on her.

 

Merci tightened her grip on Vileal's hand as she soundlessly sobbed onto her shoulder. Inside Merci was devastated, she knew that she and Hyperion were having problems, but she never knew why. Now that she knew, she could feel with almost utter certainty that this was not something that Hyperion could forgive.

 

Queen Serenity, looked upon the two friend's for a moment, not knowing what to say or even how to respond to the confusing scenario that had just played out. Without a better idea, she responded as if nothing had happened. “I believe the healer's would appreciate your help and protection. Thank you both for volunteering. Hivial and WaterLilly are very dear to me, and they have saved our galaxy countless times. They deserve the best. I will see to it that you are ready to leave within two days.”

 

Queen Serenity forced a smile as she turned to speak to everyone. “Until then I am contacting everyone, tomorrow evening I will host a grand gala to celebrate our galaxy's finest warriors!”

 

A subdued cheer rose throughout the chamber as Bruuna and her soldiers departed to spread the good news. General Mox followed them without a word. Queen serenity seemed like she wanted to say something, but Radiance shooed her away before turning to help her friends.

 

“Oh Merci, honey, I am so sorry.” Merci finally sobbed out loud as Vileal and Radiance enveloped her in a supportive, loving embrace.