Now, Sailor Moon isn't mine of course, and I'm not making any money off of this
so please don't sue me, or my co-author... Thanks!

NOTE: Due to the fact that I suck, it is easy to tell which parts I wrote and which parts
the Dark Angel wrote, as my work hangs way over the edge of the page...

CANime presents...

SAGA'S BEGINNING

Prologue/Forward
by Unmeino Tenshi Noctrolyte
It was a dark time; the end of an age... though few suspected the truth. Uprisings of Chaos Cultists and all manner of evils kept the military of the Moon Kingdom busy...the uprisings amongst the outer planets followed by the great war between Earth and it's Moon, a war of dominance and war for supremacy of Doctrine. It was all a prelude however... a prelude to the destruction of the Earth and the Moon and it's empire; a destruction caused by the misguided followers of a Vangaard of Chaos. Every Saga must have a beginning, and this is the beginning of our story... ENJOY! 

NOTE: Due to the fact that I suck, it is easy to tell which parts I wrote and which parts
the Dark Angel wrote, as my work hangs way over the edge of the page...

Chapter I The Trap is Set... 

 The tiny yellow sun set over the strange orange cloud banks; seeming dim and pathetic compared to the massive panorama of Saturn's outer clouds; Saturn was beautiful, that no one could deny. The floating city of Cronus floated serenely in the dim twilight, it's many lights casting their beams down upon the cloudtops. A beautiful world... but Gentrilyte had little time to reflect upon the landscape; he had a mission to find his commander. Gentrilyte finally found his superior standing on one of the many observation balconies, gazing out at the sea of clouds. The dim light reflected dully off the bright mithril of the man's armor and was absorbed by the blackness of his cloak. Of all the troops in Queen Serenity's forces Noctrolyte was the only one who wore black; black was the color of the Earth, and the Earth was their enemy. Gentrilyte couldn't imagine his commander in any other color... it did not reflect his loyalty; that was with the Moon and it's leaders and them alone. Rather it reflected the man's dark nature.
"A beautiful night." Noctrolyte's soft-spoken sentence interrupted Gentrilyte's musings.
Gentrilyte stood beside Noctrolyte and admired the view once more. "Hai... beautiful chief."
"You came to see me for a reason ne?"
"Hai..." Gentrilyte blushed... he actually blushed. Somehow Noctrolyte always seemed to be berating him for something, even though his tone held no such implications... possibly because Noctrolyte had been responsible for most of Gentrilyte's training. Gentrilyte coughed nervously and continued. "I am to report to you on the situation with the Cultists." 
"Continue..."
"Hai Sensei... As far as we can determine the Chaos Cult was attempting to get a hold of princess Hotaru; why they would want to do so is still being determined... we're pretty sure they wanted nothing as simple as a ransom."
"Chaos's dogs have no interest in money." Noctrolyte whispered. He still hadn't looked at Gentrilyte. Noctrolyte had a reputation for being cold and heartless, and he lived up to it. "I shall determine why they would wish to capture her... it is my job after all." Noctrolyte tapped the platinum broach that held his long cloak in place. Embossed on it's surface was a crescent moon and a hand clenched over a dagger's blade; the crescent indicated Noctrolyte's membership in her majesties Knights of the Crescent Moon, all knights had a broach and every broach had a moon. The hand and dagger indicated he was also powerful mage; it had taken the man many years to earn that high rank. Warrior/Mages were hard to come by... the extreme discipline and concentration necessary were too much for the average immortal. In all his three years in the knighthood Gentrilyte had only heard of a few others... and one of those had been trained by Noctrolyte as well.
"Hai Noctrolyte-sensei... I will tell Kuragari you will be joining him in Hotaru's chambers."
"You do that Gentrilyte-san..." Noctrolyte mumbled, his thoughts still on some distant place. 
Gentrilyte bowed stiffly and walked away. 
After a few more minutes, Noctrolyte turned stiffly and began to make his way back to Cronus Palace. The man sensed grave omens in the air; Hotaru had been born on the night of the shadows... and now she is attacked by the Cultists of Chaos. Surely the events surrounding Hotaru signified some great catastrophe? There was certainly something odd about that girl... something about her reminded Noctrolyte of himself. The Knight shook off his dark thoughts and prepared help his other student Kuragari investigate the scene of the near-abduction.

*****

Princess Hotaru's chambers were crowded with investigators, sages and 
other knights, all of them inspecting the scene and creating quite a bit 
of noise.
Kuragari didn't like it, especially the way they continued to send 
glances at him and his brethren.
For a young dragon, he had ALOT of patience....and now, his patience 
was beginning to run thin.
But he had enough common sense to stop his fellow dragons from trying 
anything drastic (such as shedding their human forms and attacking 
anyone that insulted them).
Without needing to look, he grabbed Keristillax's hand when it strayed 
to the hilt of his sword (for the Moon Kingdom general Quartzite was 
smirking at them). "Don't."
"Demo, Kuragari-sama {but, Kuragari}...." the younger dragon frowned, 
but Kuragari's expression remained neautral, and his stern hand did not 
waver until Keris sighed quietly and relaxed his position again.
"Do not do anything drastic, young ones," Yugiri said sagely. The 
venerable silver was in his favored human form as the rest of them were. 
"For the sake of our alliance and our dignity. People like them don't 
deserve being killed by us." he turned to Kuragari. "You know the 
situation better than we do...what has happened here?" Yugiri and the 
rest of Kuragari's little group had just arrived.
"There was a kidnap attempt on Princess Hotaru. We're lucky that it 
didn't suceed."
"Who was trying to kidnap her?" Magius asked. He was the eldest of the 
group of hybrids. Yugiri was the only silver dragon among them.
"Chaos Cultists again," Kuragari replied. Then, a split second after he 
felt a familiar presence, he saw the dark figure of Noctrolyte slip into 
the room. Once his sensei was with them, he bowed and murmured, 
"Noctrolyte-sama" in a greeting.
Noctrolyte mentally smiled, though his expression remained stoic. Even 
though he and Kuragari's ages were rather close, the younger knight-mage 
still insisted on addressing him with full respect. "No need for 
formalities at the moment...the situation is rather urgent." he noted 
the presence of Kuragari's closest friends among the hybrid dragons and 
Yugiri. He nodded his greeting to the silver dragon, and then turned 
back to Kuragari. "Have you turned up anything?"
"The magic signature hovering around this room indicates that the 
kidnappers were Chaos Cultists. Princess Hotaru wasn't harmed too much 
thanks to the quick response of the guards, and they suceeded in 
capturing one of the cultists. The prisoner is being held in the dungeon 
at the moment, awaiting interrogation."
"Very well....I'd like you to come with me to carry out that duty. I 
wish to find out their intentions for myself."
Before Kuragari could respond, Noctrolyte felt a hand upon his 
shoulder, and the general didn't need to turn to realize who it was.
"Now, now, Noctrolyte...you shouldn't have a pathetic creature like 
Kuragari accompany you," Quartzite spoke in his customarily snobbish, 
fairly nasal tone. "He doesn't deserve the honor."
". . . ." Kuragari's eyes narrowed, but he made no threatening move. 
However, his companions had hatred apparent in their eyes, and many got 
ready to draw their weapons. Before anything could happen, Kuragari 
raised his hand, easing them down, and Noctrolyte responded, "Kuragari 
has proven himself more than you have...it's a surprise that he wasn't 
promoted yet, when an undeserving one such as yourself has. I shall have 
to ask my father about that." he coldly brushed Quartzite's hand away 
and addressed Kuragari. "We go. Your company is most welcome."
Both proceeded to the dungeon with Quartzite's glare on their backs all 
the way.
As they walked down the spiralling staircase, their conversation 
continued. "Kuragari, I've been meaning to introduce you to someone 
since we arrived at Cronus Palace. She has been assigned here for a 
while, and father wishes to have her accompany us back to the Moon."
"Her?"
"Yes...she's a cleric of Mishakal, and one of the best female warriors 
in our force. You should have heard about her by now...Cleric Saytica."
"I have heard of her....I've never seen or met her, though."
"Good. All the more reason for you to meet her."
"Why?"
Noctrolyte allowed himself smile very slightly. "Oh, for nothing at all 
really...."
Kuragari did not reply, but his curiousity had been sparked.
They reached the bottom level of the dungeon where the prisoner was 
being held, and Kuragari led the way to the cell. From afar, they could 
already hear the insane cries and blasphemous words of the cultist. The 
guards they passed were looking annoyed because of the commotion that 
one prisoner was causing.
As they neared the cell, the cries grew increasingly worse...and then 
suddenly ceased (to their relief and that of the guards). As they 
stepped in to investigate, they saw that while the room was heavily 
guarded, the prisoner was chained to the wall. His eyes were glazed as 
his breathing was ragged, but he no longer thrased nor cried out.
Beside the prisoner was a tall, slender young woman in the typical 
light blue robes of a cleric. Her hand was held over the prisoner's 
forehead, and a bluish pink light radiated from it. Apparently, she had 
casted a soothing spell. She had dark hair (as dark and deep as her 
beauty), and seemed very serene and calm in her work
Noctrolyte cleared his throat, she turned, revealing a stunningly 
beautiful face and two strangely alluring violet eyes. She smiled in 
recognition. "Welcome, Noctrolyte-sama. I apologize for the noise 
earlier...I had to enchant the prisoner to make him stop. The poor 
guards were trying to restrain him...and were having no luck at all! 
They had to call me to help them." she sent her kind smile at the 
guards. Most of them blushed and all began looking rather sheepish. She 
seemed to radiate a charming, calmly pleasant aura around her. Then, she 
became serious. "Have you come to interrogate the prisoner?"
"As a matter of fact, I have, cleric Saytica...and it is good that you 
are here. I wish to introduce you to my companion Kuragari."
For the first time, Saytica noticed the tall figure beside Noctrolyte, 
who seemed just as brooding as the general was. Nevertheless she bowed. 
"Doozo yorishiku onegaishimasu {I am honored to meet you}, 
Kuragari-sama...I have heard much about you."
"And I you..." the girl was very pleasant company, even at a time like 
that.
Soon, they got down to business.
Saytica released the spell, and Noctrolyte took the situation under his 
control. The cultist immediately began to thrash and cry out.
Noctrolyte held out his left hand and slowly extended the index finger. The cultist seized his protests and started to stare at the finger as if transfixed. Saytica and Kuragari felt the sudden influx of Psi in the room and knew that Noctrolyte was casting some obscure spell; the man was an omni-mage and often used spells and arcanes few other wizards had knowledge of. A gold glow surrounded Noc's finger as he began to quickly trace a series of runes in the air, each rune leaving a glowing after-trail. As soon as the last rune had been traced the prisoner slumped forward, apparently unconscious. Noctrolyte crossed his arms against his chest and began to ask questions.
"Your name?"
The seemingly unconscious prisoner's lips moved slowly, as if he was struggling over some difficult word. "Babius... Babius Firestand". 
Noctrolyte nodded. "Hai... your organization?"
"The Eternal Cult of our Father Chak'yra Khaos."
Saytica winced slightly at the mention of the most cursed of all gods.
Noctrolyte continued. "Hai... I see. What does this cult of yours want with the princess of Saturn?"
The prisoner smiled. "To kill her... to prevent her from fulfilling her destiny."
"Destiny?" Noctrolyte's voice was still at a level monotone... if he showed any emotion it would break the spell.
"Hai... destiny... her destiny to stop our lord... we are to spoil her purity first, then kill her."
Noctrolyte was curious; the cultist used the oddest sayings. "Spoil her purity?"
"Hai..." The cultist continued on about what he meant by `purity'. Upon hearing it Saytica blushed a bright pink and Kuragari looked away in disgust. Noctrolyte did not move, but his red eyes reflected his distaste.
"I see... is that all you know?" Noctrolyte whispered... the spell's duration was almost up.
"It is."
"Excellent..." Noctrolyte was silent for a moment as he waited for the spell to wear off. As soon as the cultist started to thrash and complain again he quickly grabbed the man by the hair and slammed his head against the wall hard enough to draw blood, knocking him out and venting his distaste with the man all in one motion. He then turned to the guards "Take him away and behead him." Noctrolyte then turned and began to leave the room.
"H... Hai." The guards unchained the man's limp body and dragged him away.
After a moment Kuragari's voice broke the shocked silence in the room. "That was unlike you Noctrolyte-sama."
Noctrolyte turned to face his student. "Chaos and his dogs deserve no better... I'll be in my quarters if you need me." The man then left, leaving Kuragari and Saytica with their thoughts.

*****

After the execution of the cultist Noctrolyte was once 
again watching the clouds from a observation balcony. Kuragari 
approached him nervously... that day was the first time he had seen 
Noctrolyte mad.
As he drew closer, he contemplated on how long he had known the older 
man.
Ever since his group of hybrid dragons had arrived on the Moon, 
Noctrolyte had been the one of the first (and the few) to treat them 
courteously; hybrid dragons were not as highly revered as metal dragons, 
and were generally considered as pathetic creatures to many royals and 
nobles despite their power.
Kuragari had been ordained a knight of Platnius though he favored the 
goddess Cynath and her brother Tryst, and had studied under Noctrolyte. 
Because of Noctrolyte, he was close to achieving omnimage status as he 
already was a specialist in many fields of magic. The two were quick to 
become friends and partners in a time of war.
Noctrolyte's 'father' Sensei Unmeino was a good man...a high general; 
he controlled the Moon Kingdom's army in the name of the god Platnius 
and of Queen Serenity. Though Kuragari didn't know too much about Noc's 
past, it was clear that Sensei had taken him under his wing and taught 
him well. Kuragari had met Sensei on several occasions, and saw for 
himself Sensei's expertise.
His thoughts of the past ceased as he was shaken out of his reverie by 
Noctrolyte's sudden voice. "No need to approach me in such a way, 
Kuragari."
The dragon shook away his momentary surprise and walked over to join 
Noctrolyte. Neither chose to face each other as both watched the 
horizon.
"If you're wondering, I am not angry at all...momentarily, perhaps I 
was, but now such feelings are gone." Noctrolyte's monotone proved that 
fact, though something other than stoicism reflected in his crimson 
eyes. "And don't worry about me."
Surprised that Noctrolyte had been able to read his emotions perfectly, 
Kuragari didn't really know how to respond. "But I--"
"I can tell what's behind your calm outlook, Hikaru." Kuragari winced 
upon hearing him being called by his secret name, one that Yugiri had 
christened him with. That name did not fit him at all, for it meant 
'light'. "You have no need to hide anything from me...old friend."
Fairly embarrassed, the dragon turned his gaze away from the clouds, 
closing his eyes briefly and relaxing himself back into impassiveness 
all in one sigh. "Gomen..."
"Do not apologize. I am merely telling you that as friends, there is no 
need for too much respect, or hidden emotions."
Finally, Kuragari's curiousity got the better of him. "What led you to 
kill the man anyways, Noctrolyte?"
". . . ." for a brief moment, Noctrolyte's eyes seemed to cloud over 
with something like sadness. "That is something I would rather not speak 
about." Noctrolyte brushed Kuragari's question away with casual ease, 
and he just as easily changed the subject. He closed his eyes for a 
moment, and once they were open again, the orbs radiated 
emotionlessness. "This appears to be the finale of the many uprisings 
that have occurred on Saturn. Our company will be heading back to the 
Moon on the morrow on father's orders...Saytica will be joining us. By 
the way.." he allowed himself another smile. "How did you find her?"
"She's very nice...but completely not like me. My presence will only 
dampen her happiness, and if I'm correct about what I think you're 
trying to get at, she and I can never be."
Noctrolyte wasn't the least bit surprised that Kuragari had found out 
what he was thinking. "On the contrary...I think the two of you would 
click well together. You need her just as much as she needs you in my 
opinion." the brief moment of his 'cheeriness' disappeared as his smile 
was replaced with the stoic line that spoke seriousness. "Shall we go? 
Gentrilyte might come looking for me again."
Kuragari nodded, and followed the man as he walked out of the 
observation balcony.

*****

As they approached the chamber where Noctrolyte's group was gathered, 
they heard an argument ensuing.
"I will NOT stand up to this insolence...as a noble, I SHOULD be able 
to command you to do what I want you to do!"
"We take orders from General Noctrolyte, Metallia-sama...."
"I. Don't. Care."
Noctrolyte and Kuragari exchanged glances and sighs. Lady Metallia was 
one of the most bitchiest Moon Kingdom nobles they had ever met, and she 
was arguing with General Kunzite again.
"What's the commotion here?" Noctrolyte asked calmly as he opened the 
door, revealing his presence.
The scene that greeted him was expected. Metallia looked just about 
ready to start cursing Kunzite, who stood with his arms calmly folded 
over his chest and meeting her glare with boredom. In the backround, 
Jadeite was poring over one of his old tomes of magic, Nephrite was 
watching the stars through a telescope, Zoisite was settled down with a 
book and Gentrilyte was polishing his axe.
"Did you just say that you didn't care whether or not these men were 
under my orders?" Noctrolyte mildly inquired to Metallia.
"You heard me loud and clear," Metallia sneered. "Frankly, 
Noctrolyte-*sama*..." she spat that out as if it was sour, "I don't 
think you deserve the honor to do so." She proceeded to flounce out of 
the room.
Kunzite rolled his eyes. "Bitch," he muttered, walking over to join 
Zoisite as Kuragari closed the door.
Noctrolyte shared his disgust, but chose not to show it. "We shall be 
heading out for the Moon tomorrow in the company of Kuragari's group and 
the cleric Saytica," he announced, catching the whole group's attention. 
"Sensei-sama's orders."

*****

Less then two hours later the group was onboard their transport ship (a wonderful arcane construct; a massive sailing vessel enchanted to fly) and heading for the gate to Luna. The captain of the ship said it would take roughly three hours to transverse the Styx; they were to stay below decks until they were on Luna. The whole group relaxed in their cramped quarters. Noctrolyte sat in the "foyer" (a laughable term; the foyer was simply a 12'x12' space at the fore of the ship with a few chairs and windows)... he was looking through a window at the silver energy of the Styx; the river of life energy that connected the planets and bound the Moon's empire together. Gentrilyte approached him.
"So... back to hearth and home eh Sensei? Gods I envy you..." Gentrilyte said cheerfully.
Noctrolyte raised an eyebrow. "Nani?"
Gentrilyte sat down. "Well... you have a nice house and a beautiful wife at home... I have my barracks and a bitchy kid sister who annoys me continuously." 
Noctrolyte almost smiled. "Makoto isn't that bad..."
"You don't live with her."
"Hai... I don't." Noctrolyte whispered oddly.
Gentrilyte was confused by his superior's tone. "You live with the lovely Sakura... personally I think you lucked out on that one..."
Noctrolyte again almost smiled. "Perhaps... but you don't live with her."
Gentrilyte took his leave then, still pondering what his teacher had meant by his cryptic comments. He passed Saytica in the hallway as she approached Noctrolyte.
The cleric cleared her throat. "Noctrolyte-sama?" 
"What is it Saytica-san?"
"Can I talk with you?"
"Hai... sit down." 
Saytica sat beside Noctrolyte and folded her hands in her lap... she knew Noctrolyte well, but his anger earlier in the day had made her nervous. After Saytica's beloved parents had been killed when she was 6 by Outer Planet fanatics Sensei Unmeino had taken her in and raised her like a daughter... much like he had taken in Noctrolyte all those years ago. The two had a fairly close brother sister relationship... Noc had even taught her many of her clerical skills. 
"What is on your mind Saytica?" Noctrolyte asked, his voice still calm and cold.
The knight's tone disturbed the Cleric. *He never used to be this cold... He always was a little aloof... but ever since he got married he's been like a statue.* "Umm... many things." Saytica mumbled outloud. 
"I see... is one of those things a rather handsome young man named Kuragari?" Noctrolyte asked, reading her emotions as usual.
"Hai..."
"I see... what do you think of him?" Noctrolyte whispered, his attention seemingly on the Styx. 
Saytica looked at her shoes. "Well... he seems nice enough... he's... so cold and hard and emotionless, like a block of stone." *Just like you*
Noctrolyte looked thoughtful. "Hai... this is true. Underneath his shell there is a good and noble man, I know it."
"Hai..."
"He is a good man Saytica... and he seems to like you very much."
Saytica looked down again. "What are you getting at?"
"I feel... you would fill a void inside him... you could provide him with the aspects of his character he apparently lacks... and he could do the same for you Saytica..."
Saytica frowned. "You've obviously put a lot of thought into this..."

"I have... I have thought of it since I met him... you deserve 
a fine and noble man like him..." Noctrolyte stood and kissed Saytica 
gently on the cheek. "I love you like a sister Saytica; I would never 
suggest a relationship that would be bad for you..." Noctrolyte whispered 
and then took his leave. "I must go to my quarters... we'll be arriving 
soon..."
Saytica watched her 'brother' leave. "I know you wouldn't, 
Noctrolyte..." she whispered quietly as the door closed behind him. "but 
you shouldn't worry about me. You should worry about who to find for 
yourself."
Noctrolyte's wife wasn't a bad woman at all; at least, when Saytica had 
met her she didn't seem to be that way. But Saytica knew that Noctrolyte 
did not love his wife as his wife loved him, and perhaps never would 
love her.
As Noctrolyte was a bit of an enigma to Saytica, Kuragari was also. The 
young man radiated a calm, darkly tragic aura that pretty much drew 
Saytica to him like a moth to a flame. Constantly, questions about him 
turned in her head, all of them without answers. What had brought him to 
be so cold? And who was he really? There were rumors around the female 
warriors and the knights that he and those in his company were 
dragons...hybrid dragons, and very powerful at that. Some even said that 
the rumor was truth...Saytica decided that she'd have to ask Noctrolyte 
about it (she didn't feel too comfortable asking Kuragari himself, or 
any of his 'kinsmen').
The cleric opened the door and stepped out to see Yugiri walking in the 
hallway. He was a very nice, handsome man, who looked almost ageless in 
a sense (Saytica knew that he was very old, but he looked as if he was 
only two years older than Noctrolyte, who was 49). Saytica did not know 
too much about him aside from the fact that he was in the company of 
Kuragari, that he was a venerable silver dragon and that he was a good 
friend of Queen Serenity.
She smiled in greeting when he noticed her and he returned the gesture 
along with a gallant kissing of her hand (the courteous gesture rather 
flattered her...). "Good day, Saytica-dono. I am merely heading up-deck 
to join Hikaru and the others."
"Hikaru?" she repeated curiously.
"Kuragari, I mean....Hikaru is his true name."
"Oh..." *What a nice name....rather ironic considering his nature, but 
nice nonetheless.* Saytica began twisting her hands nervously. "Um, 
m-may I..j-join....ah, that is--"
"Join us?" Yugiri smiled warmly, seeing past her stuttering easily and 
causing her to blush prettily. "Of course."
Saytica nodded a fair bit dumbly, and followed Yugiri up.
When they stepped unto the deck, the Moon was clearly in sight, and the 
view was just as marvelous as the stellar winds that touched their 
faces.
Yugiri left Saytica as she looked at her surroundings. To her right, 
the specialist mages Magius, Callaran and Mitsuko stood together, 
talking and enjoying the view. Magius and Callaran were handsome men who 
were in Kuragari's company, and both were the same age and older than 
Kuragari. Mitsuko was a pretty lady who also radiated a cool aura around 
herself, and was just two years older than Saytica.
Near the front of the ship, the bladesinger Higure was chatting 
pleasantly with the ranger Keristillax. Higure was one of the few 
bladesingers (swordsmen who had one hand holding a sword and the other 
open for magic; Kuragari and Noctrolyte were two formidable examples) 
Saytica had met, and Keris was the first ranger Saytica had ever known.
She turned to see Yugiri coming up beside Kuragari, who stood alone at 
the back of the spelljammer transport vessel. She moved to join them.
As expected, Kuragari acknowledged her presence with a quiet nod and no 
emotions whatsoever, ever increasing her intrigue in him.
"We will be arriving on the Moon soon," Saytica said lamely, not 
knowing what else to say to fill the emptiness surrounding the scene.
"Yes...I know." Kuragari's dark eyes continued to watch the stars that 
went by the ship at a relatively fast pace. His eyes were as mysterious 
and alluring as the crimson orbs of Noctrolyte; they were a deep, dark 
blue, the color of a late midnight sky before Aurica, the Goddess of 
Light, would awaken and chase the shadows of the Death Goddess Cynath 
away. They were so empty and cold...but Saytica felt that there was a 
dark sadness and heavy regret hidden within those depths.
Yugiri remained silent, seeming to watch the little exchange with a bit 
of interest.
"Where will you and your...company go after we arrive?"
"I have my duty to Platnius and Queen Serenity, so I will stay. My 
friends will stay too upon the request of Her Majesty. In this time of 
war, they are most likely to stay; Serenity needs all the help she can 
get to combat Earth."
"Sou des {I see}..." Saytica almost whispered, looking down. She felt 
Yugiri watching her, mentally telling her to draw closer to Kuragari, 
but she was afraid of his attractive mystery in a way. Finally, she 
mustered up the courage to say something. "Your name is Hikaru, isn't 
it?"
She heard the breath catch in his throat, and watched the sadness 
govern his eyes before they were hidden by the shadow of his dark bangs. 
Saytica instantly felt guilty; had she hurt him?
"Onegai {please}...please don't call me that." his voice almost shook.
"I...I'm sorry..."
"No need for apologies," he merely replied in an almost inaudible 
voice, though the sadness was still in his tone.
She looked helplessly at Yugiri, and the older man drew her away.
"Worry not about his reaction," Yugiri assured her, seeing that she 
kept on looking back at Kuragari, wishing to say something but having no 
idea how to react.
"But--"
"That is his name...his true name, that is. The name that brings back 
painful memories for him." he sighed. "Hikaru will never forgive me for 
telling you, but...that is the name that reminds him of his family, his 
loved ones that were killed or corrupted by Chaos cultists." there was 
an almost invisible catch in his voice, as if what he was telling 
Saytica was half-truth. The cleric was beginning to wonder if Yugiri was 
somehow related to Kuragari in more ways than friendship.... "Hikaru-kun 
was alot like you before his family was lost to him: a cheerful boy. His 
name fit him...but now it's a curse that reminds him of his so-called 
failure in not being able to protect his family. Thus the name Kuragari, 
meaning 'shadow, a name he now considers as his curse that he will bear 
for being a weakling'. This heartless, cold mage-knight that you see 
there standing alone is a mere shell of the true Hikaru...because of 
this failure, because of his loss that he considers his fault...you will 
never see Hikaru as he truly is."
Yugiri left without another word.
Saytica felt a greater need to find out who this 'true' Kuragari...or 
Hikaru, as the spelljammer entered the Moon's atmosphere.

*****

The Spelljammer landed smoothly and docked at the port on the sea of Serenity. The whole group had not been off the ship for more then an hour before the Technomancers were stripping down it's Styx drives for maintenance. Noctrolyte watched their frantic efforts, a bemused expression almost creeping across his face. He hadn't been standing on the dock for more then a few minutes when Sakura found him.
"Tenshi-chan!!!" Noctrolyte winced as his wife called him by his real first name... Sakura was a beautiful woman by most standards; tall, thin and busty with long black hair and stunning dark eyes... but she was far too manipulative and underhanded for Noctrolyte's tastes... he preferred woman to be a little more open and honest... it was irrelevant however as Noctrolyte's adopted father had arranged the marriage two years ago, probably in hopes of getting some grandchildren in a few years.
"Hello Sakura-chan..." Noctrolyte mumbled.
Sakura threw her arms around her husband and rested her head on his chest. "Is it true that you have no orders for the week?"
"Hai..."
Sakura smiled up at Noctrolyte and kissed him warmly. "Good..." Sakura on the other hand seemed to like her husband very much... he was of a noble family (he was adopted, but Sensei Unmeino treated him as his real son), he had military rank, he had wealth and he was very handsome to boot. 
Tenoroshi stopped dragging the heavy trunk which contained his possessions off the spelljammer long enough to shout a comment at Sakura and Noctrolyte. "Hey... get a room you two."
Noctrolyte glared at his student for a moment. Tenoroshi swallowed heavily and continued dragging his trunk.
"I suppose you have some business to take care of before you can relax... I'll see you tonight." Sakura released Noctrolyte from her embrace and smiled one last time at him before leaving the dock with a swish of her white gown. 
After Sakura had left Saytica walked out of the spelljammer and stood beside Noctrolyte. "Well... she certainly seems friendly enough."
"Perhaps..." Noctrolyte said in his usual emotionless tone.
Saytica sighed... she could remember a time when Noctrolyte wasn't so cold... he used to be fairly normal emotion wise; he even had a pretty good sense of humor in the old days; he could always make her laugh. Now... he may as well have been one of the robots the Technomancers were always building. "Yes... she's friendly... but that's not what you want is it?"
"No... it isn't." Noctrolyte whispered. He started to leave the dock, but before he was out of sight he turned. "Saytica."
"Hai?"
"Try to see Kuragari soon."
"Hai."
Noctrolyte nodded once in her direction, then left the dock.
Saytica shook her head sadly... she hoped something brought Tenshi out of his shell soon; she missed her brother a great deal.

*****

Metallia hated secret meetings;  she had to dress up as a commoner and the meetings seemed to always be in the filthiest establishment imaginable... this one was no exception. Metallia was in a bar in Luna City which the sign outside claimed contained "booze and girls"... typical of the commoners. She was waiting for the agent of the Earth's royalty to meet her; why he would decide to meet her hear was beyond the woman... she was Queen Serenity's cousin and the Queen's junior by three decades (she was 38)... she did not want to be in such a place. 
Metallia was both relieved and disgusted when the agent of the Earth finally arrived; he was a mortal... not even a commoner... but a mortal. There were no mortals in the empire; even the lowliest commoner was an immortal. Mortals lived on Earth alone... they were usually slaves and always servants. Metallia tried to ignore the smell rising from the man's unwashed body and put on her best smile. "Hello... you are he?"
The mortals voice was gravely and rough. "Hai... I have a message from milord Hiite... he says that the force is ready... if you leave the `back door' open the mission will be accomplished."
"Excellent... tell him to attack. Tonight." Metallia stood rapidly and was enraged by the mortal's hand on her leg.
"Where you going in such a hurry beautiful?" The mortal said, his expression difficult to read. 
Metallia pitied the mortal.... He was really pushing his luck if was going to try that nonsense. She remembered reading that in mortal society males dominated the females ceaselessly; very different from immortal society where every individual was considered equal regardless of sex. "Don't make me kill you mortal..." Metallia's smile widened as fire began to burn around her hand.
The mortal removed his hand hastily. "Gomen nasai..."
Metallia left the bar, the smile still on her face; only a mortal would be afraid of the simplest illusions. Metallia did not let the rather unpleasant encounter bring down her good mood; she had taken the first step to ensure her ascension to the throne.

*****

"Saytica! You're home at last!"
The cleric smiled as Lady Haruka and Lady Michiru came to greet her as 
she stepped into the courtyard of the Moon Kingdom. The three exchanged 
friendly hugs.
"It's been rather long, hasn't it?" Saytica asked as the three of them 
sat down together on one of the marble benches. The three good friends 
had not seen each other for half a year as the trio had their seperate 
businesses to attend to. Saytica sighed contentedly, looking around at 
the familiar surroundings. "I've missed the Moon so much..."
"There will be a ball tonight," Michiru said. "Who will you be taking 
as your escort? Haruka and I don't have anyone to go with...yet," she 
added with a wink. "I just might ask that handsome ranger Keris to take 
me..."
"I think he's already got a date," Haruka stated 
matter-of-factly. "Bladesinger Higure and him have been together ever 
since they arrived from Saturn with you, Saytica-san."
"Yes...I've noticed that," Michiru said thoughtfully. "Kuragari-sama's 
group are nice people, but they tend to stick to themselves."
"Oneesama-tachi!!" Princess Hotaru came running towards them with a 
beautiful smile upon her face. "It's been a really long time!!"
Saytica smiled fondly at the little girl. Hotaru was only thirteen, but 
since she had still had her whole family, she did not have to bear the 
full weight of Saturn royalty, and she was treated like she was much 
younger than thirteen by her family.
"Hotaru-chan," a familiar feminine voice spoke, "you shouldn't run off 
like that."
"Sumimasen, Setsuna-sama," Hotaru apologized as Lady Setsuna, Keeper of 
the Time Gate, stepped into view. Saytica, Haruka and Michiru all 
greeted the elder woman with the gravest respect. Though they hardly say 
Setsuna because of her duties as a Guardian of the Gate, they knew 
Setsuna personally as a wonderful woman. "Welcome back, cleric," Setsuna greeted Saytica, nodding regally. "I 
see that you have returned to the Moon at last."
"I have," Saytica agreed, "and just in time for the annual ball."
"Mmm." then, the Guardian smiled. "Are the rumors of you and 
Hikaru-sama keeping steady company true, Saytica?"
"Eh?" Saytica blushed. "Um...well, not really..."
"Why so?" instantly, Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna were all interested. 
Even Hotaru seemed curious about it.
"I don't really know...he's just so cold." Saytica's tone softened as 
she remembered the incident on the spelljammer. "I don't think he and I 
will ever be able to be friends like my brother wants me to be with 
him."
"Konnichiwa, minnasan." the sudden entrance of Kuragari almost made 
Saytica jump in surprise.
Kuragari bowed to the ladies. "I sincerely hope that I am not 
disturbing anything."
"You aren't disturbing anything at all," Setsuna assured him smoothly. 
"Welcome back, Hikaru-sama."
". . . ." for a moment, the bladesinger did not respond. Saytica was 
worried about what he would say next, but grew relieved up seeing his 
reaction. He merely flashed a half-smile. "Everyone seems to have a 
thing for calling me Hikaru nowadays."
"Yugiri-sama and Sensei-sama have told me many times that that is your 
true name," Setsuna replied. Her tone continued to be as smooth as silk. 
"It fits you well, dragonprince."
"That I doubt, milady."
Setsuna smiled. "That is what you think..."
Hotaru looked up at Kuragari with quiet awe. "Wow...are you really a 
dragon like kaachan and touchan say you are? You don't look like one..."
Kuragari smiled genuinely (almost taking Saytica's breath away...he 
looked so handsome when he was truly smiling), coming to kneel at the 
little girl's height. Setsuna nursed a secret smile. *So the cold 
dragonprince enjoys children...* "Perhaps I am, princess."
"If you are, could you take me on a ride one day? I've always wanted to 
see the Styx and the stars from the back of a dragon!"
"When the time comes, I will."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
"Sugoi!"
Kuragari stood again, and the haunting smile left his face. "I hear 
that they will be celebrating the annual ball on schedule."
"It will be," Haruka responded. "Who will you be taking to the ball? I 
sure hope you'll be taking someone," she added with a frown. "I hate it 
how my brother Quartzite keeps on trying to put you down because of the 
way you stay alone."
"No one perhaps," the bladesinger said cooly. "And it doesn't matter 
what your foolish brother thinks. He will pay for his mistakes when 
Thynus himself realizes the man's follies." Thynus was the God of 
Justice.
"Even then...I don't understand why he can manage to be so arrogant."
"Did you know that Saytica happens to be free?" Michiru asked Kuragari 
despite Saytica's silent protests. "And she said herself that she'd 
truly enjoy your company tonight..."
With a curious frown, Kuragari wordlessly turned to face Saytica.
"Um, ah..." all the cleric could do was stutter under his intense gaze.
Time seemed to freeze.
Finally, Kuragari half-smiled again and took her hand, kissing it and 
sending a pleasant shiver down Saytica's spine. "I would be honored to 
be your escort tonight, Saytica-san."
Her heart leapt in her throat, and she was unable to respond.
"Now if you will excuse me, miladies, I shall have to take my leave." 
he bowed to the group and walked away.
When he was gone...
Michiru smiled at Saytica. "Looks like you've got yourself a date!"

*****

From above on the balcony of Sensei's quarters, Yugiri and Sensei 
watched the conversation, and exchanged smiles. "Hikaru-sama has finally 
gotten himself a date for the ball....what a surprise. He used to turn 
down everyone who would ask him, right, Yugiri?"
"Yes...that was always the case until now. It seems as if Saytica's 
reached a part of him that no one else has been able to before."
"My son was right about Saytica and Hikaru...they were meant to be." 
then, Sensei chuckled. "Now to find escorts for ourselves..."
"Alas, we are but adult nobles..." Yugiri smiled, shaking his head. 
"And none of the court ladies truly fit our tastes, do they?"
"How true."
Then, they got down to more serious business. "How fares the queen, 
Sensei?"
"She does well...despite her pregnancy, she does well. She insisted on 
carrying on with the annual ball and being there to witness the 
festivities from her chambers and greet the homecoming of Noctrolyte's 
force and your band of dragons. Earth does not know that she bears 
Princess Usagi because the signs of her pregnancy are not clear yet to 
the naked eye...I am glad of that."
"But they still might try to capture her."
"Yes, that's true. Perhaps we should double the number of guards that 
will be in her chambers."
"Shall I get Hikaru-san and the others to watch over her?"
"No...they deserve a break after such loyal service to us. Let them 
enjoy the party along with my son and the other generals. We'll also 
have to take the extra caution of watching who comes in and goes out of 
the gates."
"Hai."
They lapsed into silence, watching the Moon's horizon.

*****

"Well, well, well, if it isn't our good old Kuragari," Kunzite said as 
Kuragari came into the room. Thankfully, everyone with the exception of 
Quartzite was there. Miraculously, Noctrolyte was there; apparently 
Sakura had understood the weight of his duty as a general for once. 
"Your lucky that Mr. I'm-the-best-example-of-a-bastard Quartzite isn't 
here right now."
"Too bad the gods haven't decided to strike him down yet," Zoisite 
muttered, toying with one of his light pink roses. "I hate that man."
"Don't we all," Nephrite agreed wryly from his spot beside his beloved 
telescope.
Kuragari leaned against the wall beside Noctrolyte, closing his eyes 
forcing himself to relax. For no real reason at all, he had been on the 
edge for the past few days, as if something was about to happen.
"Did you see my sister yet?" Noctrolyte asked out of the blue.
"Hai."
"Have you heard about the ball?"
"Hai..."
"Will you be her escort?"
"...Hai."
"The world is changing!" Gentrilyte whistled. "Kuragari's finally 
gotten himself a date!" he started laughing, and was totally oblivious 
to Kuragari's glare when it was swiveled his way. "I mean... the next thing you know Noctrolyte will smile..."
Noctrolyte frowned. 
"Not in a hurry to prove me right eh? I understand." Gentrilyte laughed at his own joke.
Now Gentrilyte had two glares focused on him.
"If it isn't the evil eye twins!" Gentrilyte grinned and laughed so hard he nearly fell over. The other generals started to laugh as well.
"Tenoroshi-san..." Noctrolyte said softly.
Gentrilyte looked up and composed himself. "H...hai?" 
"Control yourself. Please."
"Hai." Gentrilyte stood and wiped a tear from his eyes. "You know how I am Noctrolyte-sama..."
"Hai... I know." Noctrolyte muttered.
"So... Noctrolyte... are you going to the ball?" Gentrilyte asked curiously.
Noctrolyte nodded. "I have too... it's part of my duty."
"Alone?"
"Hai..." Noctrolyte said, wondering what Gentrilyte was getting at.
Gentrilyte looked confused. "Surely... Sakura would want to go with you?"
Noctrolyte shook his head. "Ne...  she doesn't seem to like these state affairs... she'll just wait at home."
"Keeping the fires burning eh Noc?" Gentrilyte said, smiling.
Noctrolyte glared at his student again.
Gentrilyte's smile didn't waver. "Said with all do respect of course..."
"Of course."

*****

The ball was a fantastic affair; a massive outdoor party set amongst the fountains and rose gardens of the Imperial Courtyard. Several hundred people attended; everyone from the highest royalty to the most lowly nobles. Commoner servants ran back and forth from the kitchens making sure noone's drink was ever empty and that noone had any reason to complain; these parties were a matter of both tradition and honor for the royal family. Amongst the people at the party several were considered VIP's; amongst these was of course Queen Serenity herself, she was always surrounded by a squadron of armed guards and several courtiers. Another VIP was the Queen's young cousin Princess Minako (daughter of the Queen's sister Queen Aphrodite of Venus); Minako had just turned 15 and this ball was her first. The young princess had been dressed by Serenity's own dressmaker in a lovely pink silk dress and she had been lent a gold jeweled tiara for the occasion.  Minako was wondering around the courtyard, fascinated by the groups of people; the politics involved and the little power struggles. During her wanderings she saw all her potential suitors; the princes of the 9 worlds of the Empire. She didn't like ANY of them; they all seemed to be either arrogant snobs or simply unfriendly social climbers... the only one half decent was Prince Tenoroshi of Jupiter... but he was far to obsessed with warfare. During balls and parties he always just stood at the back and discussed tactics with his comrades...
During her investigation of Prince Tenoroshi she saw another man... taller then Tenoroshi and obviously older... the man was absolutely gorgeous as far as Minako was concerned... he had a handsome if angular face and his eyes reflected a wisdom that was missing in her suitor's eyes... he looked strong and able as well... obviously he was some sort of fighter. She couldn't remember his name ever being mentioned as a prince; his green hair and crimson eyes suggested he was a prince of Pluto, but as far as Minako knew Setsuna had no siblings. The young princess decided to ask the Princess of Pluto about the man. She found Setsuna by one of the fountains at the border of the courtyard, alone.
"Setsuna?" Minako whispered nervously... the Princess of Pluto always gave her a chill.
"Hai Minako-san? What is it?"
Minako blushed. "Ummm... I'm not sure how to put this... do you have a brother?"
Setsuna shook her head.
"Oh... then who is that man? He looks like you..."
Setsuna looked around. "Who?"
Minako pointed at Prince Tenoroshi's little clique. "Over their with Prince Tenoroshi.
Setsuna looked over at the man and Minako was shocked by her expression; it looked like... horror. Setsuna quickly forced a smile. "That man isn't any relation to me... that's Unmeino Tenshi Noctrolyte, the son of the commander of Moon's forces."
Minako frowned. *he's not even a royal...* then she nodded at Setsuna. "Thank you Setsuna..." Minako walked away, attempting to forget the man and the impression his face had made on her... but she couldn't. She had to talk to him. Minako walked (almost ran) towards the man. As she approached him Tenoroshi decided to make a sudden thrust (he was miming out some sort of combat move)... he lunged right in Minako's path. Minako hit Tenoroshi head on, falling over him. Noctrolyte, thinking quickly jumped forward and caught the young princess before she could hit the ground. He lifted her up easily and stood her up. 
"You need to be more careful Princess." Noctrolyte said in his usual cool monotone.
Minako's mind was in turmoil; *He was holding me in his arms...* was all that went through her head for a moment.
"Is everything all right Minako-hime?" Noctrolyte asked the young princess, concerned. 
Minako composed herself. Her hair had been upset from the fall; she used her left hand to brush the lovely blonde strands that had escaped out of her eyes and chewed her lower lip prettily. 
*I could watch her forever...* Noctrolyte found himself thinking, watching her little movements. Then he suddenly realized what he was thinking and coughed. "You are all right?"
Minako nodded. "Hai..."
"Good... did you come here to see Tenoroshi?" Noctrolyte asked, suddenly insanely jealous of his student for some reason.
"No... I ummm... I came to talk to you." Minako muttered, blushing and looking at her feet.
Noctrolyte was so distracted by her blush and her little movements he nearly didn't understand what she was saying. When it sunk in he was shocked. "N... nani? Me?"
"Hai... you." Minako mumbled... "Hey!" Minako jumped suddenly, finding a way to change the subject. "Want to dance with me?"
"Me... dance with you? Uh..." Noctrolyte frowned... he didn't know what to do... this girl was upsetting his emotions for some reason. He was a married man... but it was just a dance. What harm could a dance do? "Hai... I will." Noctrolyte nodded.
"Then let's go!" Minako took Noc's arm and let him out 
into the open area of the courtyard where several others were dancing.
"As they reached the courtyard's wide pavillion, Noctrolyte heard a 
teasing voice from behind him.
"Niisan! I never thought that I'd see you dance with a princess!" the 
general turned to see Saytica smiling amusedly with Kuragari at her side 
(he couldn't help but grin at that sight).
His 'sister' bowed to Minako. "Good evening, princess."
"Um, hello...."
"Princess," Noctrolyte said with a bit of haste (unlike him, Kuragari 
noted), "this is Cleric Saytica, my adopted sister. Her escort is 
Bladesinger Kuragari, one of the best men under my command and a good 
friend of mine."
"Doozu yorishiku onegaishimasu," Minako murmured respectfully, bowing.
Saytica and Kuragari returned the gesture.
The cleric smiled teasingly at Noctrolyte. "Perhaps Hikaru-san and I 
should leave you two alone now...." she turned back to Minako. "It was 
an honor meeting you, himesama...." with that, she and her escort left, 
but Kuragari left a teasing mental sending behind to Noctrolyte.
:Melia smiles upon the least expectant....:
Noctrolyte almost harrumphed. He had little time to deal with the 
Goddess of Love.
But why did the Princess Minako make him feel so strange?

*****

"I can't believe this," Hino Masurao (aka Hiite) muttered, watching 
Minako dance with Noctrolyte. "My fiancee....dancing with a mere 
general!"
"Don't worry yourself about it now, dear brother," his younger sister 
Rei said calmly, looking at her drink with a vaguely bored expression on 
her face. "Once Earth has conquered the Silver Empire, you'll have 
everything you want...including her!"
"Why yes...that's right." he grinned at his little sister. "Thank you 
for enlightening me."
The Princess of Mars rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her red wine. 
"Being the idiot you are, you need it."
Hiite decided to ignore that comment, and his thoughts went on the most 
recent events and developments of the war and the issues surrounding 
it.
Though Mars had not officially revolted against the Silver Empire yet 
(though it was clear that they were allies with Earth and it's forces), 
Hiite and the Knights of the Red Sands, were getting ready for victory.
Some of Queen Serenity's guardsmen were actually some of Hiite's 
knights in disguise, ready to execute the kidnapping with as much 
efficiency and in as much stealth as possible.
As soon as she decided to retire to her chambers....
Yes, the taste of sure victory was absolutely wonderful.
He and Rei walked past the 'guards', and they gave a secret salute to 
him when no prying eyes appeared to be glancing in their direction. 
"Shall we execute the plan soon, my liege?" one whispered. The gruff man 
looked impatient, and rather uncomfortable in the uniform of a Moon 
Kingdom guard; surely the knight was more at home in crimson armor.
"Patience, patience," Hiite eased the Red Sand Knight in disguise. He 
casually waved his hand and yawned to punctuate his point. "There is 
time yet...the night is still young. After all," he continued in a more 
sinister undertone, though always keeping his voice casual and light, 
"There is no need to rush when we have already won, secret as our 
victory is...."
Soon, he was unable to control himself; he burst into maniacal 
laughter, catching the attention of many royals.

*****

"You continue, dear brother," Rei murmured as her brother walked off, 
cackling his head off (and drawing the attention of many, much to her 
secret dismay). Her eyes were set on the dark figure of Noctrolyte. Her 
attractive eyes narrowed, and her hand, slender as it was, almost 
snapped the elegant stem of the glass she held. "Soon, if all goes out 
as planned, I'll prove who's better in combat...Noctrolyte, or me!"
Rei's dark obsession with the man stemmed from several areas; mainly jealousy and envy; Rei was 27 and well on her way to being an omni-mage... her advancement through the ranks of magic was the fastest in history... safe one. Noctrolyte's progression had been faster... and he had been learning warrior skills at the same time. She had to prove herself better then him... she wanted to be the best. Then... there was the physical attraction...
Rei shook her head swiftly to clear out those thoughts... a part of her was envious of Noctrolyte's wife Sakura... that same part was feeling almost insane jealousy towards Princess Minako now...

*****

Noctrolyte and Minako performed admirably considering neither knew how to dance; he only stepped on her toes twice.
"Gomen nasai Minako-hime..." Noctrolyte said hurriedly as he stepped on the princess's toes.
"It's all right Noctrolyte..." Minako whispered. They were dancing in the classic style; Noc's hands on Minako's narrow waist and her hands on his shoulders. They were standing quite far apart; Noc was maintaining his distance respectably. 
After a few seconds of silence Noctrolyte decided to start a conversation. "So... princess... how's life on Venus?" 
"Boring." Minako whispered, looking into Noctrolyte's red eyes... they were so strange... not unattractive, just odd. "What's your life like?"
Noctrolyte smiled (Minako, not being familiar with Noc's habits was not shocked... anyone else would probably of fainted.) "Well... I can't say it's boring. It's full of action."
Minako smiled radiantly. Noc's breath caught in his throat; she was so cute... cute and alluring in almost equal portions. "Ahh... action and adventure... I've always craved such things. I live such a dull existence."
Noctrolyte was still smiling. Minako loved his smile; it was so pure, it didn't look forced like the people that always surrounded her. It wasn't cold like Hiite's smile... that man gave Minako the creeps; he treated her like a prize to be won, not a person. Minako suddenly realized Noctrolyte had been speaking. "...Palace life... I'm not surprised you don't like it."
Minako was confused, but she smiled and nodded. Noctrolyte seemed satisfied. "Please go on Noctrolyte-sama..." 
"Oh... I don't have much else to say." Noctrolyte laughed.
Minako took a step forward; Noc was unsure what to do. They were now closer and moving slower... he was distinctly aware of her presence, her scent... an odd blend of flower fragrance from the princess's perfume and an odd note... sweat? It seemed too sweet...
Noctrolyte's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a man loudly clearing his throat. Noc and Minako looked to the side and saw a man wearing red tinted armor... Prince Masurao of Mars... 
"Konnichiha Hiite-kimi..." Noctrolyte said as cheerfully as he could, unaware of any problems.
"Konnichiha indeed..." Hiite whispered fiercely, glaring at the pair. "I see you've met my fiancee Noctrolyte-sama."
"Fiancee? Who?" Noctrolyte still hadn't caught on; he was distracted by Minako.
"Princess Minako." Hiite said.
Noctrolyte blinked, then it all sunk in. "Oh! Gomen..." He let go of Minako's waist reluctantly... she seemed unwilling to take her hands off his shoulder.
Hiite roughly grabbed Minako's left wrist and pulled her away from Noctrolyte, practically dragging her away. Minako looked sad... so sad... Noctrolyte felt a vast rage building up in his usually cold soul... he couldn't bear to see Minako treated so atrociously. He was about to pursue the pair when he felt a light touch on his left hand. He turned to face the toucher; it was Princess Rei, Hiite's younger sister.
"Konnichiha Rei-hime." Noctrolyte bowed respectably. 
Rei's heart jumped slightly; he had bowed to her... the man she both hated and loved was so close... Rei had been happy, nervous and angry in equal parts when Lady Metallia had given her the mission to distract Noctrolyte whilst Serenity was being captured. She smiled her brightest at him. "Noctrolyte-sama... are you available to dance tonight then? That's a first."
"Hai..." Noctrolyte's own smile faded; Rei's smile made him think of what it would be like if a snake smiled.
"Yes... would you care to dance with me?" Before Noctrolyte could respond Rei threw her arms around him. 
Noctrolyte was shocked by the princess's forwardness... something was amiss. "Rei-hime?" 
"Hai?" Rei rested her head against Noc's chest... felt his too warm flesh and heard his heart beat. 
"What are you doing?" Noctrolyte asked nervously.
"Dancing." Rei responded teasingly. She was enjoying being this close to the man she loved and hated.
"Oh..." Noctrolyte began to glance around suspiciously... something was definitely weird. Rei seemed to be leading them somewhere... away from the crowd...

*****

Hiite dragged Minako a short distance away, then violently squeezed her arm, hard enough to leave marks. 
"Hiite-sama?" Minako whimpered fearfully.
Hiite slapped Minako across the face... hard. "Listen you little whore of a princess... I'd stop throwing yourself at that freak Noctrolyte if I were you... it could be bad for you."
Tears came to Minako's eyes. "Hiite... your hurting me..."
"Besides Minako my ~love~... your dear knight there is MARRIED. He's been married for two years to a ~gorgeous~ woman." Hiite smiled cruelly. "Anyway... he's not worthy of your attentions anyway... he's a mere GENERAL. He's not royalty like us." Hiite kissed Minako fiercely, then threw her down to the ground and began to walk away. "Sayonara for now my dear. We'll discuss this next time I see you."  Hiite swiftly walked away... it was time to capture the Queen... after that he had to take her to Earth. He would probably not see Minako for three days... but that was okay. She wouldn't try anything while he was gone... Noc would be too busy trying to figure out who stole queen Serenity. He smiled darkly... when he saw her again he would finally prove beyond a shadow of a doubt who was in charge of their relationship. 
Minako watched Hiite go, her arm aching from his grip and her behind aching from where it hit the ground when he had pushed her down. She stood shakily and started to walk towards the party... she didn't want anyone to know how he treated her... it was too embarrassing. 

*****

Rei and Noctrolyte hadn't been dancing 5 minutes when Noc saw something that made him stop in his tracks; Minako had rejoined the crowd... but there were tears in her eyes... and her dress was dirty at the hem.
"What are you looking at Noctrolyte-sama?" Rei whispered.
Noctrolyte ignored her, letting go of her and shoving her aside. He walked, then ran towards Minako. Rei stood and watched him, smiling cruelly. *he loves her... he actually loves her... typical of him. Noc was a weakling at heart... there was no denying it... only a weakling would let themselves fall truly in love with someone who they could never have.* Rei frowned slightly... she suddenly felt like a hypocrite. A tiny voice inside her whispered *And what have you done Rei? What do you feel for Noctrolyte?* Rei's frown deepened.
Noctrolyte approached Minako carefully... he saw red marks on her wrist and forearm... finger marks. 
"Minako-hime?"
Minako turned away from him quickly and wiped her eyes. "Ko... Konnichiha Noctrolyte-sama... I see you were dancing with Rei."
"Ne... Rei was dancing with me. There is a difference... what happened to you."
Minako forced a smile. "Happened? Nothing."
Noctrolyte frowned... that was not her real smile. "Where did those marks come from?"
Minako faked a laugh. "Marks? Whatever are you talking about."
Noctrolyte placed his hand under Minako's chin and gently turned her head, bringing Hiite's hand mark into clear view. "That mark for one." 
"Uhhh..." Minako bit her lip... she couldn't think of an excuse. 
"Did Hiite hit you? `Cause if he did I'll kill him..." Noctrolyte hissed softly... coldly.
"Ne... he didn't..." Minako stuttered uncertainly. Her heart expanded at his show of concern... but then it shrank again when she remembered he was married.
Noctrolyte was about to continue when he heard a loud announcement. "EMERGENCY!!!" 
"Nani?" Both Minako and Noctrolyte turned to face the speaker; it was one of Serenity's guards; his armor was dented and his blue cloak was torn; he had obviously been in a fight.
"SERENITY IS KIDNAPPED!!!" The guard shouted... then fell to his knees and slumped forward, revealing the sword stuck in his back. A sword which bore the mark of Mars and Earth entwined...
Out of instinct, Noctrolyte pushed Minako behind him and drew out his 
sword in a swift move.
There was no need.
He heard an agonized, dying scream and saw a Mars Knight in the 
disguise of one of Queen Serenity's guards being burned in black flames. 
Kuragari slipped out of his hiding place and swiftly beheaded the man. 
The crowd began to disperse in panic as more and more Moon Kingdom 
knights engaged in battle with the now revealed Mars Knights.
"You knew?" Noctrolyte asked of Kuragari as his student ran over.
"Frankly I didn't," Kuragari admitted. "I just had a suspicion....." 
Saytica quickly joined them. Apparently, judging from the blue light 
emanating from her hand as it clutched her sword she had been fighting. 
"We saw Hiite walk off and make a signal to some of the knights," 
Saytica explained. "we decided to stay in hiding and surprise them."
"Your suspicion was right."
Just as he finished his statement, Kunzite and Gentrilyte came over, 
both with their weapons in hand.
"How fares the queen?"
"She's gone," Kunzite replied grimly, sheathing his blade after 
convincing himself that the courtyard was secure. "We came too late." 
from the looks of it, both him and Gentrilyte had been in a really hard 
battle; both looked more than just a little roughed up, and their 
weapons and their uniforms were stained with blood.
"WHAT?!"
"We're going to have choose a new suitor, general. No other choice."
Minako had a deep sinking feeling in her chest.
She was the cousin of Queen Serenity's unborn child.....the closest to 
the royal lineage of the Silver Empire.
Would she be chosen as the next ruler?
"And what of Hiite?"
"The bastard's gone," Gentrilyte said in a slightly frustrated tone.
"And Rei?"
"Wasn't she with you?" Kuragari asked, taking a look around with both 
psi sense and his eyes. "...I don't feel any signature in this area. She 
might have escaped in our distraction."
"I don't think so..." Minako clenched her fist and a shimmering golden 
chain came to her summons. She sent it in a dark corner, and it wrapped 
around Rei, dragging her over before she could escape. She grinned in 
triumph, hopefully winning the favor of the knights around her.
Noctrolyte was impressed as were the others. She had potential. "Good. 
We can start interrogation."
"Ha! You think I'd answer to you?!" Rei exploded, glaring up at 
Noctrolyte.
"You will if the chief can help it!" Gentrilyte cried with his 
full-blown cheer back.
"No...." Noctrolyte silenced everyone's protests. "She will talk if she 
must."
Rei was startled. Was he giving her a choice? What kind of 
interrogation was that?
Noctrolyte seemed to await her decision. She couldn't resist. "....Mars 
and Earth have declared war against the Silver Empire. My brother 
Hiite....he was the one behind the kidnapping of Queen Serenity."
The general nodded. "Thank you, Rei." he gestured to two guards that 
were limping over. "Take her to the dungeon."
He ignored Rei's pleading look as she was dragged away.

*****

An emergency meeting was called only an hour after the attack by 
Sensei, and every knight, spellcaster and fighter was required to be 
there.
The whole kingdom was in controversy as to who would take the throne. 
No one seemed to agree on the same person, and some remained silent, 
awaiting a true decision but giving no suggestion of their own.
Finally, Sensei stood, catching everyone's attention. Silence swept 
through the crowd. When all was finally quiet, he began to speak. "The 
treachery of Mars and Earth has been discovered....this is now all-out 
war. They have kidnapped our queen, and our spies are still trying to 
locate her as we speak. Now our new duty is to find the possible 
suitors, and to protect them. Eisho Garrison in the Ishtar region of 
Venus seems to be the best choice."
There was a murmur of agreement in the crowd. The garrison was located 
in a good place of defense; on top of an incredibly high mountain in the 
northern Ishtar continent. During the past wars with Earth, it had been 
used to hide royals and important documents and weapons.
Sensei continued. "Within the Silver Empire, Serenity has left nor 
named no successor as of now. Because of this treachery, she has been 
kidnapped, and we must find a suitor before this absence of a ruler 
weakens us. I turn to all of you for suggestions."
"With all due respect, milord, the royal family of Venus seems to be 
the closest in lineage to the Queen," Saytica pointed out after speaking 
with the other female warriors. She was their representative as 
Noctrolyte was the representative of the male fighters and the knights. 
"Princess Minako is a valid choice."
"But she's so young!" a noble protested. "She would never be fit to 
take the throne!"
Murmurs of protest rose up again, but Sensei silenced them. 
"Saytica-dono is right...Minako is the closest to the Queen by blood, 
therefore she must take the throne."
This time, no one made any objections.
"Princess Hotaru shall also join Minako-hime for protection. The rest 
of the nobles must remain in their strongholds to defend their lands 
from attacks. I shall hand-pick those who will be assigned to protect 
these two princesses from danger." he turned to the female warriors. 
"Cleric Saytica, Knight Makoto, Lady Michiru and Lady Haruka. You will 
be among the group with whoever you wish to join you." he turned to the 
male warriors. "Noctrolyte, Kunzite, Gentrilyte, Jadeite, Quartzite, 
Zoisite and Kuragari. Your groups of knights and warriors will join 
them." he then turned to the whole crowd. "Are there any objections?"
None were made.
"Very well....they leave on the spelljammer Thanatos tonight. Meeting 
adjourned."


*****

An hour later Noctrolyte was in the quarters he shared with Sakura, explaining the situation... it was not going well.
"But... you just came back! Why do they need you to guard the royals? There must be some others who could do the job!" Sakura was nearly in tears. 
Noctrolyte tried to think of a way to be sensitive... he failed and decided to be blunt. "Listen Sakura... this is bigger then you or I. The very future of the Empire we live in is at stake; I have no lands to defend; we live in the palace. Landless fighting men and woman cannot sit idle while such things are happening;  it just isn't aloud."
Sakura interrupted his speech. "I suppose I shall never understand that... though I doubt your motives."
"Nani?" 
Sakura smiled smugly. "Yuke saw you at the ball... dancing with two woman... and princess's no less!"
Noctrolyte rubbed his temples slightly... the headache that Sakura always seemed to cause him to develop was surfacing again. "I wish you wouldn't send your handmaidens to spy on me. I was dancing with them because they asked me to dance. I'm not allowed to refuse a request by royalty in ANY way."
Sakura frowned. "I see... what else have the princesses been asking you to do to them pray tell?"
Noctrolyte turned away from his wife and walked towards the door. "You are too suspicious for your own good Sakura my ~love~." Noc's voice on the word `love' was dripping with sarcasm. "Nothing has happened... you have made me late. I have a ship to catch... Sayonara." Noctrolyte blew a kiss in Sakura's direction and walked out the door with a swish of his long cloak. 
Sakura stared at the door for a moment, then turned swiftly back to her bed-chamber... she had to figure out what was going on.

*****

The trip on the Thanatos was much more jarring then usual; the spell-jammer had been stripped of most comforts and stabilizers in order to accommodate double the usual Styx catalysts; they had to get to Venus quickly. The slightest turbulence in the energy of the Styx caused the massive transport to shake violently; even the upper decks where plagued by the frequent bumps. The whole effect was having a demoralizing effect on a group of people who were already distraught over the loss of their beloved monarch. Kuragari was starring out a porthole as usual, watching the styx pass alone and in silence... he had hoped that Saytica would join him, but she was too busy trying to keep the rank and file from getting too unhappy; a task at which Kuragari had no skill. The dragon did not want to be interrupted; he winced when he heard Quartzite's too loud voice behind him.
"You seem oddly bothered by the turbulence ~dragon~." Quartzite's face bore a mocking grin. He arrogantly swiped back his white and gold hair and continued with the taunt. "I mean... surely you would be more at home outside the ship? That's where dragons normally hang out isn't it?"
"Hai..." Kuragari growled. "But my wings would warrant a much smoother ride then this blasted machine I assure you."
"I see..." Quartzite seemed about to continue when he suddenly fell forward on his face. Kuragari saw Gentrilyte wink at him as he continued on down the corridor; the man had obviously tripped his fellow general as he walked by. Quartzite leaped up and shook his fist furiously at the Prince of Jupiter. "You did that on purpose you clown!" 
Gentrilyte's only response was a particularly rude gesture. Quartzite snorted and began to walk in the opposite direction. "I'll finish that thought later ~dragon~."
Kuragari sighed, then continued to watch the styx go by. After a moment he was joined by another, more welcome presence.
"Konnichiwa Kuragari-san... may I join you?" Hotaru sat down without waiting for an answer.
Kuragari looked at the young princess, mildly surprised. "Hotaru-hime... surely you are supposed to be above decks with Princess Minako?"
"I was... she's no fun though; all she keeps doing is trying to get a look at the green-haired guy... Noctrolsocks or whatever his name is. It's odd." Hotaru looked dumb-founded by her fellow princess's behavior.
Kuragari smiled at that news; then turned to the princess. "Why did you come and find me Hotaru-hime?"
Hotaru smiled. "I wondered if you could tell me how this ship works? I know how a dragon like you moves through the styx... but how does the boat do it?"
Kuragari looked sheepish. "Actually I'm not really sure myself... perhaps you should find one of the mechanics?"
Hotaru shook her head. "They just keep begging my pardon about how busy they are... they're no help."
Kuragari liked Hotaru very much; she was royalty but she wasn't arrogant like Quartzite. "I see... well... the basic concept involves something called a "styx catalyst". It's a weird silver box with stuff inside it..." Kuragari laughed at the vagueness of his description. "This isn't very helpful is it Hotaru-hime?"
"Please go on Kuragari-san." Kuragari seemed to have the princess's full attention; he was about to go on but was interrupted by a magically amplified voice. 
The captain of the Thanatos's voice carried above all the conversation in the ship. "ATTENTION: We are now beginning our landing approach; please return to your assigned seats and prepare for landfall." 
"Whoops... I've got to go! Bye!" Hotaru jumped up and began to run down the corridor towards the stairway which led to the upper decks. Kuragari stood and began to walk towards his quarters as well.
 
*****

"IT FAILED YOU OLD FOOL!!! YOU SHOULD HAVE GUESSED THAT THEY WOULD APPOINT THAT LITTLE WHORE INSTEAD OF ME!!!" Metallia's rage carried through the bar. The various patrons of the "Imperial Enclave" gave them strange glances. The Imperial Enclave was a small tavern in a non-descript section of Aries city on Mars; it's remote location made it an excellent place to discuss secret matters. Metallia wasn't doing a good job of keeping the matters secret however.
The gray haired man across from her quickly made hushing motions. "Silence... you don't want to attract attention."
Metallia smiled slightly. "Perhaps I do..."
Pyrite shook his head, his gray eyes gleaming "No... you don't." The man's voice was a hiss... almost a threat. Metallia was unnerved; the Earthly priest of Bane always gave her a chill when his voice got like that. "Relax... we have the queen. Do you think Minako will be a powerful ruler? I doubt it... we'll just have to take care of her as well." Pyrite's snake-like smile widened.
"How do you propose we do that?"
Pyrite beckoned the woman closer. When he was done explaining his plan Metallia nodded slowly. "Hai... that will work old man. Proceed." Metallia stood and began to leave the bar. Just before she walked out the door she turned and gave one last command. "Don't fail me again."
"I won't." Pyrite assured her, then disappeared in a flash of black fire; he had matters to attend to. Soon Metallia would be Queen... then she would be taken care of as well. 

*****

The spelljammer landed easily on the launchpad of Eisho Garrison; from 
afar, the castle was rather dark and intimidating, but they soon 
realized that their surroundings were quite....pleasant. The welcoming 
was friendly by the many people that awaited them, and after a bit of 
exploring, they decided to settle down for the night.
It was decided that Kuragari's group would guard the Garrison alongside 
the guards, and that Noctrolyte, Gentrilyte, Makoto, Jadeite and Zoisite 
would take care of Minako. Kuragari, Saytica, Michiru, Haruka and 
Kunzite would stay with Hotaru. Quartzite, on the other hand, didn't 
join either party; according to him, he was too high of rank to be with 
either party.
"And besides," he added arrogantly, "I'd rather die than be near a 
*dragon*...and a hybrid at that!"
Before he could go on with his nasal laughter, he found the 
Dragonsbane's tip pointed at his throat, so close that he couldn't 
breathe without cutting himself.
Startled, his frantic gaze was met with that of Kuragari's cold eyes. 
"You misunderstand us....just because we can die does not mean that we 
are of a lower status than you!"
The rest looked ready to intervene before things got ugly, but 
Noctrolyte's impassiveness stopped them almost instantly.
"You live and die like cattle! That is your destiny!" Quartzite 
sneered, but again his arrogance ceased when Kuragari withdrew his blade 
and clamped his grip around Quartzite's throat with a strength that 
surprised almost everyone who was watching.
The dragon's glare was no less intimidating, as if Kuragari was feeding 
on Quartzite's sudden fear. "We die yes....but at least we die 
protecting something! Unlike some immortals that wallow in their riches 
without honor....like *you*." he threw the man down, who instantly 
scrambled to his feet and frantically away from Kuragari, who stood, 
eyeing the man who now seemed to be cowering away from him. "What? Cold 
feet?" he smirked, drawing out the Dragonsbane again. "We can fight 
right here and right now....I assure you, I care little if you die, 
especially if it's at my hands."
Saytica worriedly glanced at Noctrolyte. She had never seen Kuragari 
like this before....it was almost as if the evil blood in his heritage 
had possessed him.
Finally, Quartzite regained his composure and reconstructed whatever he 
could of his arrogance. "...I do not think you deserve to fight with one 
such as myself!" he harrumphed, turned on his heel and left.
He soon bolted into a run when Jadeite sent a teasing little electric 
bolt at his feet. The mage couldn't help but start to chuckle, and 
Gentrilyte joined in. Both of them cheered up the atmosphere....
At least what they could of it.
Kuragari's eyes misted over with sadness, and after a resigned sigh he 
buckled against the wall as if it was the only support left in the 
world. The young knight seemed so exhausted of all of this, and the pain 
seemed to be finally eating him up....
Saytica bit her lip. "Hikaru...." so close, she realized. So close 
before his evil heritage would have taken him at last....so close before 
he would have been driven to the edge.
And she, a cleric of Mishakal, didn't know what to do.
He closed his eyes briefly, and steadied his breath, straightening his 
posture. "...I think it would be best if we retire for the 
night....please call me when you need me." he turned and left the scene, 
quickly disappearing in the shadows.
"He won't be alright, will he?" Hotaru asked, showing the first signs 
of a little quivering in her voice. All Saytica could do was draw her 
close. "I don't know," she replied truthfully, the words almost breaking 
her heart. "I just don't know."
"Perhaps you ought to go after him," Minako whispered into Noctrolyte's 
ear.
The general nodded. "I was just about to do so." he too left, knowing 
exactly where the dragon would be.

*****

Noctrolyte found Kuragari standing on one of the many outdoor balconies 
overlooking the beautiful view of the rainforest-desert of Eisho. The 
knight was glaring out at the knight sky with his hands tightly 
clenching the railings of the balcony.
But there was little or no anger in his eyes and expression.
Just pain and heart-wrenching sadness.
"Don't let him bother you." Noctrolyte came to stand beside the younger 
knight. "Quartzite is an arrogant fool."
Kuragari gulped back what pain he could. "I was so close to going over 
the edge....too close for comfort....dammit!" he punctuated the word 
with a fist slamming against the railing. He attempted to calm his 
breath again, this time without much success. "Dammit....so *close* to 
losing it...!"
Though this was the first time Noc had seen Kuragari truly angry, he 
made no true reply, letting the dragon relax.
But the relaxation was painful; an exhaustion for the world settled 
upon the dragon all the more. "I'm sorry, milord," he apologized, bowing 
to Noctrolyte. His voice broke more than once. "I shouldn't be so open 
about how I feel...I promise that this won't happen again."
"I'd rather that it does," Noctrolyte admitted, catching Kuragari 
off-guard. "You need to release those pent-up emotions once in a while. 
And please," he said in a gentler voice, "Don't be so formal. We're 
friends, aren't we?"
Kuragari smiled bittersweetly. "Yeah, that's right....friends."
That disturbed Noctrolyte all the more. Perhaps Saytica had come into 
Kuragari's life at the right time.... "Get some rest," Noctrolyte told 
the dragon. "You're in no shape to be protecting Hotaru tonight."
Kuragari shook his head with a frown. "No...it's my--"
"Your duty? Please Kuragari," Noctrolyte stated more firmly, as if it 
was more of an order. "Just tonight...I'll ask one of your men to cover 
up for you."
Reluctantly, Kuragari agreed. "I think I'll go sleep away from Eisho 
tonight," he mumbled, but a firm look from Noctrolyte stopped that 
notion. "You sleep with the rest of us," the general said. "That's an 
order...my friend."

*****

When Noctrolyte returned, Saytica, Hotaru, Minako and Kunzite were 
still there; the rest were preparing the chambers of the two princesses.
"Noc-sama, is Hikaru...." Saytica couldn't continue her question; it 
was clear that she was terribly worried.
Noctrolyte nodded to his 'sister'. "He'll be fine by tomorrow....a 
little broken emotionally speaking, but otherwise alright. I think that 
he just needs some time alone."
"Quartzite's always been rather mean to our dragonprince," Kunzite 
mused. "I always knew that a day like this would come....if you watch 
Kuragari's eyes, you can tell that he's falling over the edge little by 
little....he needs someone," he said more quietly, more seriously, "and 
he needs someone soon." he looked pointedly at Saytica, as if 
emphasizing his point, than walked away.
Saytica looked at Noctrolyte curiously, but her 'brother' didn't seem 
to notice. He was assuring both Minako and Hotaru that Kuragari was 
alright, and finally everyone decided to settle in for the night.

*****

The next morning, Hotaru woke up rather early and got out of bed after 
greeting Mistuko, who was taking Kuragari's place. As she stepped out of 
her room, she greeted the rest of her bodyguards and decided to wander 
around Eisho by herself. She was assured that nothing would happen to 
her for the magical eyes of Mistuko were always upon her, and the dragon 
was ever-ready to teleport to her side and protect her if ever something 
should happen.
Hotaru had thought that Eisho Garrison would be a cold, intimidating 
place; after all, it was more of a military base than anything else. She 
had been surprised to see that the stronghold was warm and accommodating, 
and the people there were very friendly, including those who were 
protecting her and Minako.
After asking some directions from one of the servants, she walked to 
the High Tower of Eisho. A High Tower was one of the structures all 
castles and strongholds of the Silver Empire had; it was home to all of 
the spell-casters and had a wonderful view.
Cheerily, she greeted the people who smiled at her and came to sit down 
on one of the battlements with her feet dangling over the edge, watching 
the sun of Aurica continue to rise on the horizon of Venus.
"Hotaru-hime."
She turned and smiled upon seeing Kuragari join her. The knight looked 
alot more refreshed than he had last night. Already, he was in his black 
armor, a suit of armor much like that of Noctrolyte.
"Are you okay now, Kuragari-sama? I was really worried that something 
was wrong...Quartzite's a very mean man."
"He is," the knight agreed, sitting beside Hotaru and supressing a 
sigh. "I thought I was finally used to him...I guess I was wrong. But 
don't worry about me," he added with a smile upon seeing worry cross 
Hotaru's features. "I'll be alright."
Reassured, Hotaru turned back to the sunrise, letting the scene lapse 
into silence.
Then, a sudden thought occurred to her.
"Could you teach me magic?" she asked a little shyly. Kuragari looked 
surprised at her request, but his lack of response compelled her to 
continue. "I'd really like to learn....I heard that you're a great 
omnimage already, and I'd really like to be taught...."
After a moment of thought, Kuragari nodded. "I'll teach you then, 
Hotaru-hime....I'll teach you gladly."

*****

Gentrilyte yawned loudly as he joined Noctrolyte on the other side of 
the High Tower. "Mornin', chief....didn't expect you to be up so 
early...."
"And I didn't expect you to be up so early either," the general replied 
smoothly, never turning away from the map he was studying as he felt his 
friend and student plop down beside him, still blinking sleepily and 
trying to clear the cobwebs from his thoughts. "Escaping from your 
sister, I presume?"
"The brat's asleep thank Evelia....I finally get a break!"
"Makoto-dono's not that bad, Gentrilyte-san," Minako remarked as she 
went over to join the two soldiers. "She's a very nice person."
"Try living with her! You'll soon see what I mean!" then, he noticed 
the little scene unfolding. "Hmm....might as well leave you two alone 
now....." with a cheery salute, he stood up and left the scene, but not 
without winking at Noctrolyte (who was beginning to look slightly 
annoyed).
Minako took Gentrilyte's place. "Good morning, Tenshi-san," she 
greeted, beaming at the general. She couldn't help but feel a little 
light-headed around him....
Noctrolyte looked up from his map and smiled at the girl. "Good 
morning, princess. I can't help but notice something now that the magic 
here is amplified...."
"And what's that?"
"You have a high potential for magic. An incredibly high potential, 
especially the magic of Platnius and Melia, the Goddess of Love."
"Really?"
"Yes....and I was very impressed when you summoned that chain to 
capture Rei-sama. Very impressed."
"G-gee...thanks..." she blushed prettily.
Noctrolyte felt the blood rushing from his face in his own blush. 
"...No problem..."
"But I need a teacher...I could never do this stuff on my own..."
"I'll teach you!" then, Noctrolyte cursed himself. He was certainly 
acting a little too eager.....
Minako was surprised at his suddenness, but a little voice at the back 
of her head had been scolding her; she had been hoping that he'd offer. 
"Yes," she said softly. "I'd like that."

*****

Rei walked up and down the length of her cell in the dungeon below the Moon Kingdom's palace, pacing like a caged tiger. Every once in awhile she cursed either the gods or her brother... both were highly annoying to the young Omni-mage to be. She also cursed that little  princess Minako... she couldn't believe she had been caught by one who didn't truly know how to use one Arcane. Ultimately however Rei knew it was her own fault for trusting her brother... Masurao was the most scatter-brained person she had ever met... so different from Rei's almost obsessive single-mindedness. No doubt he simply forgot to warn her about the attack.
Rei's self torment was interrupted when one corner of her cell suddenly disappeared. She looked up and found herself staring at a man wearing the robes of a priest.
"Princess Rei... I've come to get you out of here."
"Who are you?"
"I'm a priest of Bane and a servant of Patriarch Pyrite. Come with me please."
Rei smiled. She had guessed the old man would send someone. "It's about time."
"Nani?" The man had not realized he was late.
"Shut-up." Rei snarled. "Let's go." 
"Hai."

*****

"The power of Melia runs through the doubled crescent; it is the symbol mages use to identify her." Noctrolyte accented his words by tracing the doubled crescent in the air with his right index finger. He and Minako were standing in one of the many courtyards of Eisho; this particular one was home to a massive and elaborate rose garden which Minako had taken an immediate liking too. Noc had been trying to teach Minako how to use various spells for almost four hours; she hadn't proved to be the best student. Not that he cared...
Minako gasped as Noctrolyte's finger left a sparkling gold trail. "How do you do that?"
"What?"
"The gold thing!"
"Oh that?" Noctrolyte looked at the princess and smiled. "That's nothing Minako-hime. Please pay attention."
Minako nodded. "Gomen nasai Tenshi-san. I did not mean to interrupt."
"It's alright.... Let's try to cast something now."
"Sugoi!" Minako jumped up excitedly. "What?"
"Melia's Crescent beam. Now repeat after me and follow my motions." Noctrolyte traced his finger through the air, then spoke the spell words in common for Minako's benefit. "Crescent Beam Smash" A sparkling golden blast of energy emitted from Noc's hand and struck a nearby wall, leaving a small burn mark.
Minako chewed her lower lip and looked dubious. "I don't think I could do that..."
Noctrolyte almost put his hand on Minako's shoulder encouragingly, but stopped himself. "You can Minako-hime... believe me."
"Hai... if you say so I guess I can." Minako clumsily mimicked Noctrolyte's motions. "Crescent Beam Smash"
Minako's spell didn't quite work... something must have been off. The beam broke into splinters which scattered through the courtyard, bouncing off walls until they finally either hit the ground and vanished or flew off into the air.
"Whoops..." Minako whispered, pouting.
Noctrolyte repressed a laugh. "It's okay... perhaps we should try something a little simpler?" 
"Hai... I think so." Minako smiled again; she never stayed sad for long.
"Ok..." Noctrolyte scratched his chin as he thought of a simpler spell to teach Minako. "How about `sleep'?"
"That's sounds interesting... how does it work."
"It's very simple; you take a little sand." Noctrolyte picked up some sand from the flagstones around him and gave it to Minako. "You scatter it in the air and say `Dorme'... nothing simpler."
Minako smiled. "Okay... I'll try to put you to sleep alright?"
Noctrolyte found himself smiling too. "Hai."
"Okay... here goes." Minako threw the sand forward; not noticing the sudden wind blowing it back at her. "Durme..." Minako's spell worked; she fell asleep instantly. Noctrolyte barely had time to run forward and catch her before she hit the ground. Very little sand had actually touched Minako so she woke up in a moment to see Noctrolyte looking down at her concerned... she was distracted... he was holding her in his arms... they were so close all of a sudden.
Noctrolyte's mind was going in circles.. he couldn't think clearly. His tormented thoughts were interrupted as his instincts took over; he Softly but firmly kissed Minako on the lips. 
Minako's eyes opened wide as Noctrolyte's lips met hers; then they closed as she threw her arm around him and kissed him back as best she could (she wasn't use to responding to such things... but she felt she needed to respond to this.). The kiss was so different from any she'd had before; when Hiite kissed her it was like an attack; this kiss was just the physical expression of the emotions both had bottled up inside.
Noctrolyte remembered what he was doing after a moment. He broke the kiss and stood Minako up on the ground hurriedly.
"I'm sorry Minako-hime... I had no right to do that." 
"It's alright... I loved it... I... love you."
Minako's sudden admission to Noctrolyte caused her to blush deeply and he to go so pale he looked almost blue. Minako looked at her feet, suddenly self conscious. 
"I... I must go." Noctrolyte stuttered, his voice catching in his throat. He had to get OUT of there before he did something drastic; what he had already done was bad enough. The knight ran from the courtyard, his mind going in circles. *She's too young... she's too high in rank and I'm married; what was I thinking? What am I doing.* He didn't know where he was going; it didn't really matter.
Minako fell on her knees; tears in her eyes. It was obvious he didn't like her... he had his wife at home... they were probably happy and Sakura was probably gorgeous compared to Minako... she had lured Noctrolyte into such closeness... no wonder he'd kissed her. Then she had told him how she felt... she had ruined their friendship. It was her fault. Soon Minako ran from the courtyard as well, heading back to her chambers.
They're activities had not gone unnoticed; Quartzite had 
been watching them out of a nearby window. He smiled smugly and walked 
with purpose to tell his fellows; he finally had a reason for Noc to be 
demoted so he Quartzite could be in charge. He rubbed his hands together 
excitedly; soon he would be given the power due to his rank and birth.
"What are you doing, sir knight?"
Quartzite started at that voice.
He turned with a fairly gracious smile to face the beautiful Saytica. 
The young woman was eyeing him a bit suspiciously, but even then he 
wanted her.
He had *always* wanted her ever since she had shown the first signs of 
loving that stupid *dragon* instead of him.
"Merely watching the view," he lied smoothly. "Do join me, fair 
lady....I would be honored with your presence."
"Sumimasen, but I have to decline," Saytica replied with a gracious 
bow. "I was just wondering what you were doing...and it my room no 
less." that seemed to be his invitation to go out.
He took it.

******

On the subject of teaching magic, Kuragari was having an easy time 
tutoring Hotaru.
The two of them remained where they were earlier, and the little 
princess was happily crafting a purple flame she had learned to conjure 
only minutes ago. She wielded it almost expertly, if not innocently.
She had such high potential for the archaic art, especially the dark 
ones...that potential was so high that it alarmed the knight....was 
there more to her than the eye, magic or physical, could see? 
Frantic footsteps caught the attention of both of them, and Kuragari 
was a little intrigued on seeing Noctrolyte there, looking a little bit 
troubled.
That didn't fit the man's normal persona at all. 
Hotaru also took notice and smiled cheerily at Noctrolyte.
"Noc-sama! Look what I can do!" she proceeded to construct a 
well-detailed projection of a Venusian sunset on the skyline. It 
disappeared when she giggled proudly.
Noctrolyte smiled tightly, but his eyes were on Kuragari. "That's 
wonderful little one..."
Kuragari knew that something was wrong. He smiled at Hotaru. "Please 
excuse us, princess...let us continue our lesson tomorrow."
Hotaru agreed, and after one last smile to both knights, she turned and 
left the Eisho High Tower.
They lapsed into silence as Noctrolyte came to sit beside Kuragari, 
looking at the sunset with a now fairly haunted expression.
Patiently, Kuragari waited for him to speak, not wishing to break the 
silence; it was unnecessary.
Finally, Noctrolyte did so. "I don't know what I'm doing. I...I kissed 
Minako-hime, Hikaru, when I was supposed to be training her on how she 
could defend herself! I took advantage of her....it's all so wrong! It's 
not logical, it's not part of my orders...it's actually *countermanding* 
my orders AND my vows to Sakura...."
Somehow, the dragon wasn't too surprised; he had seen this coming. "She 
is a beautiful girl, Noctrolyte, but all your thinking of is what your 
logic is telling you to do." he gave a fairly bitter smile. "You should 
learn to think with your heart as well as your head, because as far as I 
know, you're only listening to what your head says, and you and I both 
know that your head isn't saying alot of pretty things at the moment."
"That advice suits you more...."
"Indeed it does, but at the moment you are the one that needs it the 
most. I can never love...it will always be lost to me with rather 
painful results. Though Saytica is a wonderful woman, she deserves 
someone better. But you....you have a chance, Noctrolyte. You may as 
well take it." he stood. "I will take my leave now....please heed my 
words as I have heeded yours many times before. Believe me, it will 
help."
He turned and prepared to leave, but before he was gone... "Thank you, 
Hikaru."
The dragon smiled, though he did not turn to face the general. "Think 
nothing of it."

*****

In one of the common rooms of the palace, the rest of the group was 
together, doing their own little things.
Nephrite had just arrived to reinforce their guard at Eisho, and was 
adjusting his telescope in the window for stargazing later that evening. 
Beside him, Jadeite was poring over one of the many tomes of magic he 
needed in his training to become an omnimage, and sometimes inquiring to 
Magius or Callaran about certain terms and spells. Zoisite and Kunzite 
were talking, and Gentrilyte was polishing his favorite axe, the 
Bloodluster.
Michiru was tuning her harp with Haruka at her side and Makoto was busy 
polishing her own weapon, which was a two-handed sword. She was 
consulting with Higure about the Bladesinging style. Keristillax and 
Mitsuko were talking together.
It was the perfect atmosphere.
Except when Quartzite stepped in. He entered the room like he usually did; like a king entering the home of one of his peasants. He gave a haughty glance around the room then cleared his throat. Everyone turned in his direction. 
"I... have an acquisition to make."
"What is it?" Kunzite asked curiously. The rest of the group looked in Quartzite's direction, awaiting his answer.
"I have just witnessed our ~leader~ performing in a manner inappropriate for one of his rank."
Tenoroshi looked dubious. "Oh come on... what could he have possibly done?"
"He and Princess Minako were carrying on in the Rose Garden; I saw them." 
Tenoroshi gave Quartzite an odd look. "Quartzite... he was teaching her magic."
Quartzite threw his arms up in mock surprise. "OH!!! He was teaching her magic. My mistake... I thought they were just kissing."
"Nani?" Tenoroshi looked dumbfounded.
"Noctrolyte kissed Minako. On the lips. For all to see." Quartzite smiled smugly.
Kunzite looked thoughtful. "Quartzite..."
"Hai?"
"What were you doing spying on them anyway?"
"Well... I just happened to see them. I was in Saytica's room admiring the view..."
Tenoroshi looked angry all of a sudden. "So you were sitting in someone's room uninvited watching something that was none of your business anyhow."
"Hai..." Quartzite wasn't sure what Tenoroshi was getting at.
"Well... I think we can dismiss these `charges' don't you?" Tenoroshi turned to the rest. They all nodded in agreement.
"But..." Quartzite started to protest.
"Oh get out of here brother..." Haruka muttered. "I can't hear Michiru's harp over your bleating; it's out of tune."
"Fine. I suppose you all ~love~ Noctrolyte so much it doesn't matter what I say he did... but believe me, if I was in charge you'd wouldn't catch me doing anything like that." Quartzite turned on his heel and walked out of the room. He decided to go find Princess Minako; she was very pretty... Noctrolyte wasn't worthy of her but HE was. Plus... if he were to marry her HE'D be king. That would show them... 

*****

The city of Atlantis gleamed as the sun set, the crystals inlaid in the
white marble buildings making the city appear to sparkle like it was covered
in dew. In the center of the sparkling city rose the huge marble edifice of
the Royal Palace of Earth, built of black marble instead of white to provide
contrast. The palace rose twice as high as the other buildings in the city,
and the jewels inlaid in it glowed with their own multi-colored lights. It
was a gorgeous city... but underneath great beauty often hides great evil.
Inside the palace Pyrite stormed down the corridors, violently throwing
servants and courtiers who got in his way aside with a quick burst of
energy. He entered the massive throne room of the Earth, glaring down the
many mortal servants who offered him refreshments. The servants were in
chains... it was the enslavement of the mortals that had caused the original
split between the people of the Earth and the people of the Silver Empire.
The people who now inhabit the Empire planets refused to enslave the
mortals, wanting instead to let them develop there own culture. The people
who now inhabit Earth refused to do so, and they followed their doctrine,
using the slaves to work the farms and do any other menial task imaginable.
Pyrite approached the throne and kneeled before King Endymion. The young king looked at his senior advisor (Pyrite had been the advisor for the past three kings of the Earth) and gestured for him to rise. "What have you got to report old priest?"
"The plan does not go well my king. Although Serenity was captured by the Knights of the Red Sands, the Chief of the Moon Kingdom's armies did not react as expected. They have declared Princess Minako of Venus Heir... Needless to say Lady Metallia was... upset. I am taking steps to take care of the problem" Pyrite was smiling his terrible smile again.
The King stood excitably "I am confident that you will be able to solve the problem... soon ~I~ will be the Emperor of the entire Solar System."
"I know my king. Also, after we rule the kingdom I shall finally have access
to the library of the Empire... the greatest source of knowledge known."
Pyrite smile grew even more cruel, if that was possible.
"Yes... and that is the reward you request?"
"Of course my king. That is all."

*****

Soon after his meeting with the King Pyrite was sitting behind the desk in his study. Hiite was also in the office, pacing back and forth much like his sister had been in her cell.
"Why have you summoned me here old man?" Hiite asked angrily. "I have finished my mission perfectly... it is not my fault Unmeino chose Minako instead of Metallia."
"Perfectly you say? You forgot your sister you moron!!!" Pyrite stood up in his chair and slammed his fist down on the desk. "I had to send an underling to rescue her."
"My sister? Bah... she can take care of herself." 
"Silence! I have another mission for you... Princess Minako must be eliminated. Do you think you can manage that?"
"Is she guarded?" 
Pyrite grinned. "By the Silver Empire's best warriors!"
"Old man... you're talking about a suicide mission."
"Hai... you'll just have to figure out a way to get by them." 
Hiite nodded. "Okay... but after I get the girl... what is to be done with her."
"I care not... you may have her as your slave if you want. Now get out of here!!! I don't want to see you again until you have completed your mission."
"Hai... I will do that. With pleasure." Hiite saluted swiftly and ran out of the study, slamming the door behind him.
Pyrite leaned forward across his desk. "Rei..."
Rei appeared out of the shadows. "Hai?"
"Keep an eye on your brother... see that he doesn't make another mistake."
"I will Pyrite." Rei smiled... she had another quest to accomplish as well, and her mission to watch her brother would give her a good chance to do so. She would be very close to Noctrolyte... soon she would defeat him in combat... it was the only way to get him off her mind and out of her dreams.

*****

Quartzite found Minako sitting on a chair in her quarters. The girl had been crying; it was obvious from her puffy red eyes and the tears streaks on her face. 
"Minako..." Quartzite whispered in a tone he hoped sounded pitying.
"What do you want Quartzite." Minako whispered, trying to regain her composure.
Quartzite decided to be direct. He grabbed Minako's shoulders and 
pulled her up onto her feet. "Dammit... forget that common bastard. He's 
not worthy of your SPIT, let alone you love. Love me instead; I'm a 
prince... I DESERVE YOU..."
"But do you deserve me?" she asked, her voice getting stronger. "I 
don't care if you're a prince; what does it matter? I can't marry 
someone that I don't love!"
"You'll rule the kingdom if you marry me...."
"More like YOU'LL rule the kingdom!" Minako pushed Quartzite away. 
"You're going to use me, aren't you?"
"You'll understand once you marry me," Quartzite growled, glaring at 
the princess. "You'll learn to love me, and you'll endear me forever!"
"You treat people lower than you as if they were mere things, and you 
treat those higher than you without the respect they deserve! You were 
only promoted because you were royalty.....a monster like you is someone 
I'll NEVER love!"
"You WILL love me...I'll make you love me!"
"NEVER! A man who mistreats my friends, who thinks he can use 
me....that is a man that I'll never, never love."
Quartzite was genuinely surprised at her fire; he had expected her to 
be a little more passive. *No matter,* he thought. *When we are married, 
that same fire will serve me well....* but before he could think of an 
equally scathing response, a third voice joined in.
"Minako-hime is right."
Saytica now stood beside Minako with her hands on her slender hips. 
"Let's see....first you waltz into my room as if you were welcome, than 
you try to accuse Noctrolyte of doing something wrong, THEN you make a 
move on the princess!" she made tsking sounds with her tounge. "That's 
enough to spoil your reputation, I'd say." though the cleric was a very 
nice lady, Saytica could be extremely sarcastic to the people she didn't 
like, especially if those people treated her friends badly.
"Stay out of this, cleric," Quartzite hissed. "This is not your place."
"Oh, so now we're fighting because of our rank? I'll have you know that 
even though I'm supposedly just a cleric, I can still handle you in 
battle quite easily." 
The general was getting impatient and a little unnerved; being around 
the princess he wanted to marry and the cleric he wanted to 'love' was 
making him queasy. "Draw your sword then! Or is it *improper* for one 
with such high standards as yourself?! Can you not challenge me?" he 
smirked. "I can beat you easily."
"Big mistake, *general*." Saytica's sarcasm was dripping from that 
word. She drew out her own sword. It was a long, slender sword made of 
the clearest diamond with a silver hilt that had two silver dragons 
wrapped around it. Blessed by Mishakal, Solinari (God of White Magic) 
and Platnius themselves...it was designed never to break despite it's 
blade being made of diamond, and was incredibly heavy to all save it's 
chosen wielder and those who followed the ways of the three gods that 
had blessed it. "There is a reason why I use a sword unlike other 
'clerics'...." she smiled with eery cheer that it disturbed even 
Quartzite. "You see...." she wielded her sword expertly. "I'm also a 
holy swordsman."
"Prove to me your worthy of that rank!" Quartzite drew out his own 
blade.
Saytica smiled warmly at Minako. "Don't worry; I'll take care of this."
"Are you sure?" the young princess was concerned. "Should I call for 
help or anything?"
"No...I think I'd like to handle this man myself. You can stay to 
watch, if you want....just make sure to stay clear of our range."
"Your range?!" they were going to use magic?
"Yes...I'd appreciate it if you do." Saytica's blade began to hum with 
energy, and seemed to glow a pale, silver-blue light.
Minako promptly scrambled out of the way.

******

Noctrolyte remained on the balcony, still at a bit of a loss at what to 
do. Though Kuragari's words helped, he still felt as though he needed 
more time to think....more time alone.
But Melia worked in strange ways.
He felt and *heard* the hum of energy coming from the courtyard where 
he had left Minako, and was beginning to worry as to what might have 
been going on.
Without much further ado, he teleported to the scene to find Saytica 
and Quartzite clashing blade against blade. This was one of the few 
times that Noctrolyte had seen Saytica fight with such skill....though 
he had known her to be a holy swordsman, he hadn't expected her to be so 
good.
He was at Minako's side in an instant; she was standing at the side 
lines, well out of range of whatever magic would be used in the duel.
"Are you alright?" he whispered softly, almost tenderly as he gazed at 
her in concern.
She smiled, taking his hand. "I'm fine now..."
Meanwhile, Saytica was easily defeating Quartzite. The holy 
swordsman-cleric was trying the man's blade and his parries, and 
teasingly leaving openings only to block Quartzite's way again. She 
seemed to be moving like a bladesinger; dancing around their enemies with 
graceful, deceptively slow movements.
It was almost as if someone had taught her....holy swordsman didn't 
fight like bladesingers did. Noctrolyte was one to know; he *was* a 
bladesinger.
Quickly, she knocked Quartzite down, and pointed her blade's tip at the 
man's throat as he lay sprawled on the ground. She chuckled. "This is 
one of the many times I've seen you defeated...and by me no less."
"I demand a rematch!" Quartzite cried....but stopped short when he 
realized who was beside Saytica.
"A rematch would be nice," Kuragari replied coldly. His own blade was 
out. "Of course, that rematch would be with me."
"I accept! All the better to beat you now!"
As Saytica walked over to join Noctrolyte and Minako, she noted 
Noctrolyte's curious look.
"What style were you using?" her adopted brother asked as they 
proceeded to watch Kuragari and Quartzite duel. "That wasn't the style 
that they teach holy swordsmen at the Academy...it looked more like---"
"Bladesinging? I'll admit that it was."
"Who taught you?"
Saytica merely smiled, turning to the battle where Kuragari and 
Quartzite were now in a deadlock for dominance. "A certain other 
bladesinger that happens to be your student, Hotaru's teacher...and now 
my friend."
Quartzite broke the deadlock, but was stopped by Kuragari, who was 
using no magic whatsoever. The Dragonsbane was thirsty for blood, but he 
wasn't. They drew back a fair distance, and Kuragari crouched into what 
many knew as the battou-jutsu; it was when the bladesinger or swordsman 
would resheathe his blade and poise his hand a fair distance away from 
the hilt. Removing the sword would increase the speed...allowing one to 
slice their enemy to pieces, or at least in this case, subdue them. It 
was known infamously as the 'killing position'.
Not realizing this, Quartzite made a charge....but could barely double 
back, realizing his mistake a little too late but just in time to save 
his skin. The Dragonsbane whistled only centimeters away from his face. 
He grinned, thinking that this was his chance to strike at Kuragari. He 
continued his charge....but was stopped by Kuragari's follow-up strike, 
knocking him down by his unguarded neck with the scabbard. He had been 
tricked by the double battou-jutsu.
All of this had been done in mere seconds.
The general was knocked to the ground as Kuragari landed on the other 
side of the valley. Quartzite's breath was shuddering, and he could 
barely struggle up. The bladesinger-knight resheathed his blade and 
glared pitifully at Quartzite. "I *sincerely* hope that this has solved 
our little duel."
Kuragari turned his back and proceeded to walk to Noctrolyte, Saytica 
and Minako.
Quartzite scrambled up at last. "W...we're not f-finished yet, dragon! 
I'll prove who's better....and I'll prove it now!" he tossed three 
daggers at the dragon's back....but all three stopped only an inch away 
from Kuragari, turned around and flew back at him. They proceeded to 
merrily pin him to the wall.
The group decided to ignore the general's screaming.
"Well done," Noctrolyte congratulated. "To the both of you." he was 
referring to Saytica and Kuragari. "We've clearly done what hardly 
anyone has tried before; putting Quartzite in his place.
"I didn't want to kill him," Kuragari said quietly. He was back in 
toneless mode. "I was just hoping that I had finally solved my problem 
and get him off my back if not temporarily."
"And I wanted to get back at him for trying something on Minako, 
accusing Noctrolyte AND going into my room uninvited," Saytica added 
with a shrug. She turned to Kuragari. "Hikaru....thanks for taking out 
time to teach me bladesinging."
"...No problem..." he wasn't sure what to say; this was one of the few 
times when someone actually thanked him for something, much less if it 
was someone like Saytica.
Noctrolyte watched the scene with a fair amount of gratefulness. The 
two were getting closer...that was definitely a good thing.

*****

A while later, after most inhabitants of the Eisho had gone to sleep Noctrolyte was standing on the balcony had come to inhabit, still trying to sort through his emotions... he was a married man... he and Sakura had been together for two years... but he did not love her. At all... he didn't even like her. Minako on the other hand... he had only known her less then a week... but he had not been able to get her off his mind... not since he had first met her at the ball. She was so cute and pure and perfect... she was beautiful as well... petite and pretty with her long golden hair, her beautiful blue eyes, her wonderfully creamy skin and her full pink lips which seemed to just beg to be kissed...
Noctrolyte shook his head to clear away those ideas; such thoughts were not to be thought about one's betters. Noctrolyte was unprepared for these feelings... he'd spent all of his life training to be the most powerful warrior possible; he had never had time for love... his heart and soul was sending him a message his mind was not able to process... He was a general of the Moon Kingdom... he was a noble by rank... and he was married. She was a princess of Venus and the heir to the throne of the entire Silver Empire, a royal by rank... by all rights Quartzite WAS the most suitable candidate for her future husband... either him or Tenoroshi... but the thought of Quartzite being with Minako sent Noctrolyte into a most unreasonable rage... he couldn't stand it...
"Noc-chan?" A tiny voice whispered from the doorway to the balcony, interrupting Noc's self torment.
"Hai?" Noctrolyte whispered.
Makoto walked out onto the balcony, rubbing her arms against the chill of the night. "It's cold out here ne?"
"Hai... it is cold Makoto-hime."
Makoto frowned at the man's formality; she considered Noctrolyte to be one of her best friends. Something was bothering him... and she was certain she knew what. "You used to call me Mako-chan Tenshi... what is wrong?" Makoto decided to pretend she didn't know in a hope to coax some reaction out of her friend. 
"Recently I have been very conscious of my rank and place in life... I realize that Saytica and Kuragari were wrong to stop Quartzite... he had every right to try to... seduce Minako... he's a royal like you... like her..." Noctrolyte looked down at his feet in a gesture of modesty; a move which was entirely unlike him.
Makoto's heart ached for Noctrolyte... the man was caught in a spiral of depression... all caused by love. How ironic that something that was in theory so wonderful could be so horrible... "I see..." 
Makoto surprised Noctrolyte by slapping him across the face suddenly with all the considerable force in her body. Noctrolyte clutched his aching cheek and stared at the princess of Jupiter in shock. "Nani..."
"Snap out of it Noc... all this self doubt isn't going to get you anywhere... Quartzite's the biggest asshole I've ever met! You're... you're a much better person then is or could ever be... even your faults are good faults; you're too noble, too honorable... you're... wonderful." Makoto's green eyes were flashing with rage at Noctrolyte's defeatist attitude. 
Noctrolyte looked into Makoto's eyes, then surprised her by suddenly hugging her close. "Thank you Mako-chan." He kissed her on the cheek warmly. "That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said about me." He let go of her and looked down. "I... I suppose your right; but the fact remains..."
"Fact nothing. These are fantastic circumstances; we are at the beginning of what will probably be the greatest conflict in the Silver Empire's history. Noone will care when all this is over what you and Minako do... noone will even give it a second thought. I know I would."
"Yes... you're right about that too. You are very wise for your years Makoto..."
Makoto blushed. "Thank you... now. I have an order for you; from a princess to a knight."
Noctrolyte looked confused. "Nani?"
Makoto smiled. "Go to the garden, get a couple of roses and go to Minako's room... she's crying her eyes out over you you know. Apologize to her and tell her your feelings... share the bottle and let love take it's course." Makoto began to push Noc off the balcony. Noctrolyte decided she was right; he had to make things right...

*****

Noctrolyte found Minako sitting in a chair in her room, tears streaming down her cheeks; she was distraught and heart broken. When she heard the knocking at her door she took a couple of deep breaths to calm herself, wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her nightgown then walked to the door and opened it. When she saw who had been knocking she gasped. "Tenshi?"
"Hai." Noctrolyte smiled and pressed a couple of roses into Minako's hand. He proceeded to walk into her room and lead her to the chairs beside the fireplace in the corner. They sat down across from eachother. 
Minako decided to speak first. "Tens... Noctrolyte... I'm sorry I said I loved you; I was wrong... you're married and..." Minako was silenced by Noctrolyte's lips meeting hers. Noc's right hand played across her bare thigh (her nightdress wasn't particularly long) as his left hand wrapped around her and began to rub her back gently. Minako was completely surprised by his move... but she didn't object to the kiss. After a long moment they're lips parted and she rested her head against Noc's chest, his arm was still around her. "Tenshi..."
"Minako... I've realized something about myself... it's odd... my student taught his teacher something he would never have realized on his own; then my friend pushed the lesson home. I can't go through life and ignore my emotions... and I realized... I love you. More then anything. Ever. You're the most precious thing in the universe to me... I... never want to be apart from you."
"Oh Tenshi... I feel the same way." Minako whispered. She was enjoying the sensation of feeling Tenshi's heartbeat through his thin uniform shirt (he had removed his armor). It was an odd heartbeat... slightly different from the average. It was very nice however... she found it's steady beat extremely comforting and relaxing.
"I know..." Tenshi lifted Minako up and carried her to her bed. He laid her down on it and kissed her warmly. "Goodnight my princess... pleasant dreams." 
As he turned to leave Minako whispered something Noc had been dreading and desiring at the same time. "Wait... can't you... stay?"
Noctrolyte turned and frowned. "I don't think I should."
Minako pouted. "Please?"
"Hai..." 
"Good." Minako pulled the covers off her bed and wriggled underneath them. Noctrolyte pulled up a chair from the fireplace, placed it beside the bed and sat in it.
"You don't have to do that... you can... sleep with me. In this bed. If you want." Minako was speaking in short sentences; her cheeks were burning in a furious blush.
Noctrolyte's face paled. "Ummm... sleep with you?"
Minako smiled. "I don't really feel safe... with Quartzite wandering around the place. He's been pacing the halls all night. If he finds you in bed with me he'd certainly think twice about trying anything."
"But... Minako..."
"Please?"
Tenshi couldn't refuse her. He sighed. "Hai..."  He then unclipped his long cloak and hung it on the chair, then crawled under the covers. Minako sighed happily and pressed herself against him. "Goodnight Tenshi-chan... pleasant dreams."
Noctrolyte was breathing in short gasps. "Good...night... Minako."
Minako fell asleep with her arms wrapped around Tenshi. Tenshi stayed awake for a moment... she was so young and innocent... he shouldn't be in bed with her; if anyone saw it they'd almost certainly misunderstand... it was very comfortable though...
Soon the princess of Venus and heir to the Silver Empire and Unmeino Tenshi Noctrolyte, General of the moon kingdom fell asleep in eachother's arms... neither had ever slept so well...

*****