Redemption: The Past - Chapter 08 - Blood and Sex By Aurora Eos Rose The city of Magellan. Aria stared down at the graceful metal spires. It was really very beautiful, set on the edge of the sea. Rather like a giant piece of folded lace. Although the wispy, graceful arches were made from steel, the city still had the feel of airiness, and light flooded the metal, giving the entire surface a golden glow, like the gentle fire/ of a fine topaz. She glanced at her hand for a moment. The metal of her wedding ring bit into her clenched fist. She closed her eyes for a moment, dreading the ordeal that was about to happen. She felt a pair of hands close over her shoulders. They began to massage the muscles, forcing away the tension from her body. "Everything will be fine." Athan's voice echoed in her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. She leaned into his touch, desperate to escape the truth. Everything would not be fine. She was coming home to Venus to ascend the throne...and face the trial. Venus prized passion, not necessarily love, but the physical lust. A woman's status was measured by her number of lovers, and men sought after a woman who might have dozens. Aria could remember her mother surrounded by men begging for her favors, while she played a harp in the garden. Aphrodite had always been protective of her daughter, unlike some mothers who would romp anywhere. Aria could remember her mother whisking the two of them away from the streets when a couple became involved in public. Aria sighed loudly. She might never have seen her mother with a lover, but one man always went to the queen's room when the night fell. And then there was the age of initiation. Every female on Venus was taken to a temple at the age of fifteen and publicly relieved of her virginity. The girl could choose her lover, or if she did not, one would be appointed. The blood and semen were collected and burned in a sacrifice to the goddess Aphrodite. Aria shuddered in fear. She had been on the moon on her initiation day. And she hadn't chosen a lover, but one had been drawn. Adonis had been sending messages for years, but Queen Selene had held him at bay. In a way, Athan's insistence on the marriage had saved her from losing her virginity in public, but the replacement was much worse. Aria would have a choice, either give her firstborn child to the temple or reenact the ritual with Adonis, with him sodomizing her instead. She hadn't told Athan about that little secret yet. She didn't think he would react well. Becoming queen meant not only finishing her coming of age ritual, but also facing the trial, and surviving. Aria opened her eyes slowly. She was even more deathly afraid of what Athan would do when he discovered what she had to do to claim the crown. Aria stared down at her hands. She was rather ashamed to see that they were shaking. She looked out the window again, flinching as the ship passed over the great amphitheatre. Tomorrow she would go there, and have sex for an entire day. The trial was actually more complex than just a simple orgy. First there was the choosing of her partner, in a winner fights all trial of combat. Then there was the ritualistic fight between the winner and the princess. Aria was hoping she could manage to win that battle. If she lost, then her partner could set the length of the trial. Then she had to last longer than her partner, or at least keep up, for the amount of time set by the winner of combat. It had to be longer than six lunar hours, but less than a day. Aria shook her head. She had sworn she would never take the throne. She had begged and pleaded with her mother to stop the bloody ritual. All the losers of the battle to be the consort of the queen were either killed in combat, or mutilated and sent to the temple. And if she failed the trial, her own life was forfeit in a ritual gruesome enough to make even a stoic Uranian shudder. Aphrodite had managed the trial easily. When Aria first began to complain, her mother had merely commented that it was the only way to allow entry into the inner sanctum of the temple of Venus. Aria dug her fingernails into the flesh of her palms. She didn't want the throne if that was the cost. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Serenity woke with a headache, and a great deal of guilt. She sat up slowly. Her entire body ached. Especially between her legs. She also felt sticky, sweaty, and generally filthy. A strange scent hung in the air. If Serenity had been more jaded, she would have recognized it as the scent of sex. She lifted a hand to her shoulder and tried to flip her hair aside. She mentally grimaced when her hand met only air. She had almost forgotten about the haircut. A soft sigh escaped her lips. The bed next to her shifted a bit, and a warm body pressed up against her. Sere felt herself blushing. She turned to admire the man in the bed beside her. He might be called the Prince of Darkness, but he was a wonderful lover. His touch had made her drop her guilt, her honor, everything. She dropped her hands back in her lap, grimacing as the sheet pooled in her lap, leaving her top half bare. He turned over slowly, the rest of his body moving against hers. He was warm, and smelled like sweat. "It's a little early to be up. I thought maybe I had tired you out, little one. I hope I tired you out." A strong arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her down beside him. Sere resisted the urge to snuggle up against him. His warmth was addictive; his arms were comforting. She laid her head against his broad chest. His arms snuck down over her body, molding her to him like hot wax. "I am tired." Her lashes fluttered shut. Endymion pressed a kiss against her shoulder. "Do I get to know your name? Or should I just call you sweetheart?" Sere blushed again. "My...my name is Bunny." She ducked her head down. Endymion smiled. "Bunny? You've got to be kidding me." Sere lifted her head again; her lip set and a stubborn look in her eye. "Yes, Bunny. And don't you dare make fun of my name." Endymion laughed again, entranced by her adorable burst of temper. "All right, sweetheart. My name's Endymion. Although you can call me Endy." Serenity twisted a corner of the blanket around her hand several times. "And what am I to you?" Her voice shook on the words. Endymion sighed loudly. "You're my mistress sweetheart. And I'll always take care of you." He pulled her close again for a soft, gentle kiss. Then her stomach rumbled loudly. She giggled. "But I'm more hungry than tired. I could eat a pound of marshmallows." A burst of laughter lit up the room. Sere propped her chin on one hand and watched Endymion's face soften. Her breath caught in her throat. He looked perfect when smiling, dimples softening his harsh features. His amusement chased the shadows from his face. His laughter wound down to chuckles. "Very well, little one. I think however, that you need a little lesson. As much as I love waking up to the sight of you every morning, and that's something I will continue to do, there's one thing you could do to make every day perfect." He leaned forward and tasted her lips. Serenity felt herself melting in his arms. His hands drifted over her body. Sere leaned into his touch, which her body now craved. His hands dipped between her legs. Serenity flinched, the pain now overshadowing the pleasure of the kiss. Endymion pulled back, a wry smile on his face. "I...I'm sorry." Serenity stammered the words. Endymion just smiled softly. He gently untangled his arms, and rolled over onto his back. He felt a strange anger that she had been a virgin, so he'd be forced to wait to truly introduce her to the pleasures of the bedroom. But another part of him felt a barbaric satisfaction in the knowledge that he was the only man to ever lie between her thighs. He closed his eyes a moment, waiting for his body to calm down. His face twisted into a sardonic smile. "I would consider myself lacking if you weren't a bit sore. So I suppose I'll have to entertain you in other ways. How about a picnic?" Serenity bounced off the bed, leaping up and down with glee. "I love picnics. Can we go sit out by the sea and roast marshmallows?" Her eyes glittered with anticipation. She threw her arms out and whirled in a circle, her head flung back. She leaned over the bed and pressed a butterfly kiss to his lips. "Thank you so much." Endymion choked back a groan. A naked, gorgeous woman jumping up and down, and then plastering her body against his, was just too much. He stood up and reached for her. "We'll go later. And I'll make this up to you..." Serenity swallowed a groan of surprise, lust, and pain as Endymion threw her face down over the bed and took what he desired. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Diane moved through the temple as quickly as possible. For once she ignored the ice sculptures, the great library, and the sacred arsenal. Although she was dying to explore, Ami knew that time was running out. It wasn't everyday that she had free reign in the great temple of Athena. Several priests and her mother usually escorted her. But there was a very angry young man banging on the door. She had to get to the sacred flame. The floor was smooth, glasslike, and cold. Diane had never really realized how very cold the temple could be. She chanted a prayer, her breath coming out in gentle puffs of white, as she moved through the corridors. "Oh great Athena, give me strength to punish evildoers, love to reward the just, and wisdom to seek the truth. Oh great Athena, ..." The prayer continued in an endless litany, a dirge like accompaniment to her footsteps. She noticed that she was chanting in rhythm with the banging on the door. The sound echoed through the glass rooms, a reminder of why she was practically running on the ice floors. She was rather surprised she hadn't ended up falling on her face yet. The pounding had gradually faded into the distance, echoing gently in the background. Then it stopped. Diane wondered for a brief moment whether the sound had ceased because Zavier had broken in, or because he had given up. She hoped it was the latter case. Finally she reached the inner sanctum. The great statue of Athena stood behind the great fire, the goddess rising almost two stories high. She was holding a spear, with an owl perched on her shoulder. Diane stood for several long moments, amazed at the size and beauty of the idol. It was completely carved out of ice. Below the statue's feet was a huge bowl, where the sacred fire was to burn. Diane kneeled in reverence for a moment. She had never been allowed here before, but could almost feel the goddess in the room. "At last, my child. You have come." Diane jumped in surprise, sure for a moment that the goddess had spoken. She slipped on the ice. She fell on her bottom, hard. A gentle laugh echoed in the chamber. "Mother?" Diane rubbed her bruised tailbone as she stood up slowly. Her mother hovered just over the spot where the great fire was to be lit. Her wings were spread wide, their blue feathers reflecting the light that filtered through the ice walls. "But, you're dead." "Ever the pragmatic one, little lily. Death isn't quite what you think it is. But I haven't the time to answer your endless questions. Instead I have a task for you, and a charge. Remember the prayer that I taught you as a child. Remember that justice is good, wisdom is great, but love is greater still. Do not let your head rule your heart." Diane's mother tossed an object into the great brass bowl. "My charge to the love of my life... protect the goddess, little one. For her heart can change the world." Diane felt tears spring to her eyes. Her mother slowly dissolved, until there was nothing but light. Diane moved forward slowly, her hands shaking. She reached inside, retrieving the wand of the senshi. She didn't even flinch as it wrapped around her wrist as a bracelet. "Stop it right there, you little brat. I ought to spank you like the child you are." Diane turned around to face a very angry Zavier. She didn't hesitate." "Mercury Power" *~*~*~*~*~*~*~* For one brief moment, Nestor had the incredible urge to push his way through the masses of people and drag her to the nearest bedroom. The lust that pooled in his gut had his body hard, his brain numb, and his emotions whirling. He had never seen such fighting from a woman. Her strength was incredible, her speed remarkable, and her sense of justice was stronger than any he had ever imagined. She was beaten down, made a slave, forced to kill others to survive, and yet she risked everything to save a group of children. The admiration he felt for her almost outweighed the lust. She dropped her eyes, and scrambled for her fallen helmet. Nestor felt a surge of satisfaction. She had seen him, and recognized him. "Isn't she phenomenal? It's a pity I'll have to have her killed." The loud sigh and pompous tone from the viceroy made Nestor's hands twitch. "But all the slaves know the rules, it is forbidden to interfere in the games." Nestor turned to the viceroy, his voice a snarl. His hand shot out, wrapping around the pretentious man's throat. The viceroy gurgled something unintelligible. Nestor squeezed harder, taking a sense of satisfaction at the terror on the man's face. "I think, little man that you forget who you are speaking to. Nothing is forbidden to me. You will have her thrown back in the pens immediately. You will also put a stop to children being slaughtered in the ring. Then you will remove yourself from my presence, and make sure that I do not see you for the duration of the visit." The viceroy began to turn blue, clawing at the huge hand holding him off the ground. Nestor threw Ken against the tiles. The viceroy gasped for breath, but was otherwise still against the floor. Then he began to force himself to speak. "But she interrupted Hera's holy games. She must either be put to death, or receive forgiveness from the goddess." The man's voice shook. Nestor took a few steps closer to the now shaking viceroy. He leaned to within an inch of the other man. There was silence for several long moments. The viceroy dripped with sweat. Nestor suddenly turned and walked away. "Very well, have her taken to the temple. I will be waiting for her there." The viceroy sunk to the ground, a puddle of nerves and sweat. "I hate royalty." He hissed the words, his eyes boring into Nestor's back. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Zavier felt the power sweeping through his body, over his legs and up his spine. It was like being dunked in a vat of freezing water. Zavier vaguely remembered icy dips in the far north with his mother. This was far worse. It made his blood thicken, and his head felt like it would explode from the amount of sensation being thrown at him. Then the power faded. "Get out of here, you murderous bastard. Only women of pure heart are allowed in the sanctuary of Athena." Zavier shook his head lightly. Then he gazed at the magnificent legs of the woman in front of him. His eyes traveled from the tips of her boots, to the top of her head, roaming overly long on her blue bow and her short skirt. Then he smiled. "Are you even aware that you flash totally naked for a moment when you transform?" Zavier laughed at Diane's dumbfounded expression. He took a step backward. "So it's a fight you want, nymph? I can arrange that. Uranus Power." Diane's heart fell into her boots with his words. He erupted in a column of wind, and then he stood in a tuxedo. And Diane laughed. Not a little giggle, but great, gulping gasps of air. Zavier scowled. "What do you find so funny?" Diane pointed at the uniform he now wore. "A blue tuxedo?" Zavier scowled at the ruffled cravat and white waistcoat. "It's royal blue, and I rather like the shade." Diane fell back several steps, still shaking with mirth. She almost missed the attack. "World Shaking." The blast flew at her. Diane flipped upward, landing on the statue's outstretched hand. "So, you want to play dirty? Shabon Spray." Instantly the room was filled with a damp mist. Zavier couldn't see, but he could feel her. He began to move toward her temporary refuge, his mind filled with admiration and anger. Diane could feel him moving through the mists below. She stayed perfectly still, afraid to even breathe. He was very quiet. His footsteps were almost inaudible in the cavernous room. She felt him though, buzzing in the back of her mind like a fly. It was disconcerting. "Come out, little water nymph. You really don't want to make me any madder than I already am. If you just get down here and take off that little sailor suit I won't have to punish you. If you make me chase you, you won't like the consequences." Although his voice was gentle, she could feel the steel underlying the words. She bristled at the tone, and his words. She wasn't a child, to be told what to do. She closed her eyes, and hoped that she could control her new physical powers well enough to escape. Then she jumped. Zavier whirled around the moment she moved. His attack left his fingers with only a whisper. The ball of wind crashed into the statue of Athena, sending the ice shattering into a thousand pieces. The mist that had been hovering in the room was swept away. Zavier saw a flash of white disappearing into the armory. Diane felt tears stinging her eyes. In one moment, he had destroyed a priceless treasure of Mercury. Hermes supposedly created the statue of Athena at the dawn of time. Diane ducked into the armory and slid to a halt. Then a grin spread across her face. Before her were weapons, every type of weapon ever developed since humans first learned to kill. A whisper of wind was her only warning. She rolled to the side, swiping a spear as she went, just in time to avoid being demolished by another of Zavier's attacks. Zavier felt her coming. He moved quickly, narrowly avoiding a spear in the gut. Diane was an excellent fighter, and her small size was paired with a great deal of grace, flexibility, and agility. He grabbed a halberd, using it to block her swift blows. The two fought mechanically, each trying to find a weakness in the other's technique. The clanging of metal against metal rang through the room. Zavier felt a smile creeping across his face. She was excellent, but she was too logical in her methods. Zavier dropped the weapon and slid underneath her spear, drawing his sword at the last minute. It pressed against her belly. Diane stood stock still for a moment, her eyes wide with shock. But a memory rose in her mind...something her best friend had once told her. She could hear Tory's voice echoing in her head. "If you ever get in trouble with a guy, just stick your knee between his legs, hard. But you have to catch him off guard. Guys are such wimps." Diane suppressed a chuckle. Her knee lifted, driving itself into Zavier's groin. He dropped the sword quickly, both hands moving to the offended region. Diane gritted her teeth and plowed her right fist into his jaw, making sure to not tuck her thumb and holding her fist just the way Tory had shown her. She took a perverse satisfaction in the absolute horror on his face as he slipped on the ice and fell backward. Then she turned and ran. His curses and threats followed her out the door. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~* The landing at the spaceport was not what Athan had expected. There were crowds totally surrounding the area, barely held at bay by Earth Troops, and they were not happy. In fact, they booed, hissed, and shouted slurs. Athan felt his blood begin to boil. Ariadne moved past the crowds like the princess she was, her head held high, ignoring the words being hurled her way. A young man pushed his way forward and spit in Aria's face. She lifted a hand and wiped it off. Her eyes were sad, but she shook her head and continued on her way. She knew they would despise her for pushing aside the tenants of Venus. And she was prepared to fulfill her responsibilities. She knew the words were just punishment for judging her own culture as barbaric. Athan however, was not so forgiving. He charged across the landing platform, grabbed the offender and yanked him from the crowd, and summarily beheaded him. The mob roared in outrage. Athan lifted his sword into the air. "Anyone else wish to meet their maker today?" His voice could be heard echoing over the screaming mob. His bloodthirsty words only enraged the spectators. The crowd continued to jeer, their sounds reaching a fever pitch. Then they broke through the earth troops. Athan's face lit up with the fever of battle. He swung his sword in arcs, killing everyone in his path. His anger fed his strength and his thirst for blood. Ariadne had been unable to stop Athan. She knew that his temper was now being unleashed, and there was no way to halt his killing. It was as though he suffered from the deadly blood wrath, a condition said to be the curse of Ares. She felt the crowds moving around her, jostling her. But she couldn't take her eyes from Athan's deadly dance. Two strong pairs of hands grabbed her by the arms. Ariadne tried to struggle free. She felt a needle pierce her skin, and a strange lethargy start to overtake her. Athan had forgotten for a moment why he was mowing down Venusian civilians. All that mattered was the fire singing through his body, the sound of flesh being sliced by metal. His mind was dead to the world. He was the destroyer. Then a scream stopped him cold. "Athan, help me." He turned to see Aria being pulled through the crowd by two women in golden cloaks. Her head slumped forward and her entire body relaxed. Athan roared in anger and started after them, but he seemed to be hindered by people at every turn. The platform ran red with blood. The crowd pressed around him, as if begging for death. Athan pressed onward, desperate to keep Aria in view. But time was working against him. He sliced through another body. It fell the ground with a gentle thud. A flash of gold from behind caught his eye. He turned just in time to keep from being beheaded by a gorgeous blonde woman. The symbol on the necklace she wore caught his attention. He shattered the woman's sword with a single blow. Then he grabbed the necklace in his fist and lifted the woman into the air. "Where are you taking her?" It was not a question, but a demand. The woman kept silent, her face a picture of tranquility. She didn't struggle, and seemed to not feel any emotion at all. Athan growled and twisted the piece of metal around his fist. The links dug into the beautiful woman's skin. Her face began to turn red. "Tell me where or I'll kill you." "To die for the goddess is an honor I never thought to have." The gentle words and soft tone made Athan furious. His face became red and a vein on the side of his neck started to throb. The woman started to wheeze as the chain tightened farther, drawing blood. Then she slumped over unconscious. Athan swore and threw her to the ground, ignoring the crack of the woman's skull against the hard surface. "Then I've given you your wish." Athan turned to face the mob. The crowd had begun to dissipate, parting for Athan like cockroaches retreating before light. He charged down the street, screaming Aria's name. The mob was no longer present, the people retreating into homes and alleyways, their mission completed. "ATH..." The scream was cutoff viciously. Athan looked upward, to where the temple resided at the top of the city. He could see Aria standing there, her golden hair fluttering in the breeze. She was struggling with a man who had her by the throat. The man plunged a needle into her arm, and her struggles faded slowly. The man threw Aria over his shoulder and entered the temple gates. The doors shut with a loud clank. Athan stood perfectly still for a moment. Then he sheathed his sword and began to run. The streets all sloped upward to the temple, where they radiated from like the spokes on a wheel. They were also steep and narrow. Most men would have found it impossible to run the entire length of the street. Athan ran until his lungs burned and his legs ached. And he kept running until he was standing in front of the temple gates. Their golden surface seemed to mock him. He stopped, his breathing heavy, sweat dripping from his body. He pushed against the metal. They didn't move. He banged his fist upon the door. Nothing. Only the hollow echo of fist against steel. He screamed for someone to open the gates. And still there was no response. Anger and hatred bubbled from his soul, spilling into his mind. It seemed to leak from his pores and turned the air around him thick. He raised his hand toward the gates. "I command you to OPEN." He screamed the words. And blast erupted from his fingertips, sending the metal flying inwards, the hinges broken, the lock a useless hunk of scrap. Athan lowered his hand slowly, the black haze fading from his brain. He drew his sword and entered the sacred temple of Venus with a blasphemy on his lips. The music caught him off guard. It was sweet, women's voices lifted in an anthem of peace and love. The strings of harp and lyre drifted across the courtyard. Their soothing sounds seared a path through Athan's anger. His sword lowered, his stride slowed. The song began to grow louder, the music rising to its climax. For some reason Aria came to his mind, her body beneath him, her hair wrapped around his hands, the look of rapture on her face as he made her scream. Then he entered the great room. It was filled with members of the nobility and clergy. They moved aside for him, their eyes fixed on whatever was occurring in the center of the room. Quite a few of the people present were caught up in the music. Athan detected a scent floating through the air. He snorted loudly, identifying it as an aphrodisiac. He had heard of the lewd practices of the servants of Aphrodite. Now he was witnessing one of their rituals. The scent grew in strength as he pressed through the crowd. The spectators had shed most of their clothing and were pawing at each other, eyes glazed with lust. Then he reached the edge of the crowd. He sucked in a deep breath. It felt as if someone had buried a sword in his gut. There was a large dais set in the middle of the room. Aria was tied between two posts, arms and legs spread. Her hair was untied and fell down her back. Otherwise she was completely naked. Her head had fallen slightly forward. She was so still that at first Athan feared the worst. Then her chest shuddered and rose in an uneven rhythm. Athan regained the ability to breath. He took two steps forward. "Aria." Her head lifted at the sound of his voice. Her cheeks were stained with tears, but her eyes were glassy and unfocused. Her bottom lip was bloodied, and even from his point several yards away he could see dark bruises on her breasts, hips, and legs. A hand reached over her shoulder and brushed a handful of hair back from where it covered her breasts. Athan's eyes locked on the intruder. The man was young, blonde, incredibly handsome, and just as naked as Aria. The man's other arm reached around her torso, gripping one breast firmly in his hand. Aria spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please, Athan. Please don't hurt me anymore. I promise I'll be good. I'll do whatever you want." Her voice broke into sobs. The man leaned forward and crooned something in Aria's ear. She shuddered at his words, the sobs subsided to whimpers. Athan felt the words rip at his soul. She thought that he was the one with her on the platform. His heart beat viciously against his chest. The red mist began to rise in front of his eyes again. He reached the edge of the dais before a sword stopped him in his path. "Athan, you cannot interfere." Andrew stood in nothing but a short robe, his chest mostly bared. His blonde hair shone under the sunshine streaming in the windows, but his face was drawn and slightly pale. "You shouldn't have come here until the deed was done. We were almost finished with the plan." Athan's rage found a new target. Two swords flashed brilliantly, but the spectators were oblivious to everything but the actions of the Princess and the blonde man upon the dais. The combatants whirled in a tight circle, both weapons moving so fast their motions were impossible to trace. The fight came to a stop as suddenly as it had begun. The two stood face to face. Athan's sword was pressed against Andrew's throat, Andrews against Athan's gut. "Getting your throat slit is not a pleasant way to die." Andrew's face turned even whiter. "Neither is disembowelment." His tone was just as sharp and angry as Athan's had been. "Why, Andrew. Why are you hurting her?" Athan's voice cracked on the last word. Aria moaned loudly, her voice echoing in the room. Athan flinched. Andrew closed his eyes for a moment. Then they opened slowly. "It was either this or murder half the population of Venus." Athan snorted. "Let them die." "I doubt the princess would appreciate that sentiment." Andrew's voice was incredibly dry. "These are her people, this is her world, and she knew something would have to be done. So I simply created a solution so she wouldn't have a chance to resist." "You're the one who set this up?" Athan's voice cracked on the words. Andrew took a deep breath. "I had no choice, Athan. This planet is tearing itself apart. Force is a poor way to control a highly developed civilization with centuries of history and culture. And you know as well as I that I cannot change the religion of Venus." Athan snorted. "You've become one of them." He pressed the sword against Andrew's stomach. Andrew's face turned red and his own sword pressed against Athan's gut. "I was born one of them. I lost my virginity to a temple priestess at the age of twelve. Sex is power, Athan. You know it, and I know it. Why are you reacting so strongly to this? We aren't Metallia. She will not be hurt." Andrew seemed exasperated, his voice filled with disbelief. "There are wounds that don't affect the body, you bastard." Athan's voice shook with fury and unshed tears, as Aria's cries continued to fill the air. Some were from pleasure, and they tore jealous wounds in his heart. The others were screams of pain and made Athan want to destroy the entire planet. "You know nothing, you fool. I know that you've studied the religions and cultures of the other planets. You took place in a Venusians betrothal ceremony. Why did you think that Princess Ariadne would be exempt from their laws? What made you believe that you could simply sweep aside the requirements of her position for your own pleasures? You knew the rules. You knew that if she lost her virginity elsewhere that this would be her only recourse. It could have been you there, with her. It could have been an act of love instead of rape." Athan flushed red. Memories and guilt of her first night bombarded his conscience. And he found no absolution. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't take off your head, you bastard." Athan hissed the words. "Athan, stop it. You can't just throw away the laws of a planet. She's known this would happen since she was a child. It wouldn't have been so bad if you had brought her here before you took her virginity, but you did not. And now this will happen, if it doesn't happen then your princess must give up her firstborn child to the temple, and she cannot survive that. You know it, I know it." Athan dropped his sword, slowly. His head fell forward. Andrew took a deep breath and lowered his own sword. Athan's fist clenched around his sword. Andrew laid a hand on his friend's shoulder and tried to steer away from the room. Athan's head lifted. His face was completely impassive, but his eyes were on fire. "Tell me his name." His voice was flat. Andrew took a deep breath. "Adonis, his name is Adonis." Athan nodded slightly. Andrew tried to move Athan away a second time. Athan lifted a hand. "No, Andrew. I want to watch. I have to watch. I want to see the man who will die tomorrow." Andrew took a step back, rather appalled by the cold tone of Athan's words. Athan sheathed his sword and moved to stand in the front of the crowd, his eyes fixed on Adonis. Andrew looked at cocky, arrogant, triumphant look on Adonis' face, and then he glanced back at Athan's steely gaze. And he felt a shiver of foreboding run down his spine. Aria couldn't think. Her body was on fire. There were hands touching her, rough fingers dancing over her skin, a husky voice whispering words in her ear. She arched against the touch. Her body began to quiver under his fingers. Adonis felt a shudder of satisfaction. He reached forward, fitting himself to her. "Do you want me baby?" He whispered the words against her ears, pressing a kiss against her cheek. "Please...don't make me beg." Aria's voice was hoarse and soft. Adonis continued to move his fingers. "If you want it, you have to tell me." Aria moved against his hand. "Please, oh goddess, please Athan." Her voice rippled through the group of people standing in the room. Adonis looked up for a moment. His face was twisted into a snarl. Athan's faced finally changed. He smiled. Adonis sodomized Aria, ignoring her screams of pain. Athan howled in outrage. "You're a dead man, Adonis." But Adonis was too involved in his own pleasures to pay any attention. In a moment he was finished. The priestesses moved forward to finish the ritual. The moment they moved away Athan broke from the crowd, sword drawn. Adonis' face went white. But Athan ignored him. He slashed through Aria's bonds and swept her into his arms. He turned to face Adonis. "Tomorrow you will die." The words were delivered dispassionately. Adonis smiled. "Afraid she might have enjoyed me more than she ever enjoyed you?" Then it was Athan's turn to smile. "She was screaming my name." Adonis took a step forward, but Athan was already turning to leave. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~* "Let's go, wench. Quit being so slow." Tory kept pulling at the ropes that bound her hands, feet, and neck. There were five soldiers, each holding one of the leads. She was still debating whether she could move fast enough, or yank hard enough to get all five to release their holds on the ropes. Then it was merely a matter of disappearing into the slums. The roads began to widen slowly, turning from the twisted warrens of the backstreets into the broad through ways that made up the majority of the city. Then the temple of Hera appeared, shining brightly under artificial lights. Tory swallowed loudly. She had not thought of her punishment until that moment. But beheadings at the temple of Hera had been a common enough sight even in the days of the Silver Millennium. A surge of terror gave her strength. She ripped free of most of the guards, only to have one hang on tenaciously. And he just happened to be the one holding her right foot. She did a strange skipping run, dragging the fellow along, while trying to jerk the rope from his hands. "Let go you idiot." The man didn't acknowledge her. Instead he continued to yell for help from his comrades, who were nursing rope burns on their palms. Then Tory felt a sharp tug on the neck lead. It was hard enough to jerk her off her feet. She fell backwards, smacking her head on the pavement. The world spun for a moment. "Going somewhere, little one?" Tory slowly forced herself to her feet. "I'm not little." She rubbed her hand over the back of her head, grateful that she couldn't feel any blood. The world still seemed a bit unsteady, but she knew it was probably just her feet. She turned around slowly to face her new captor. Then her face turned white. "Nestor." The man smiled slowly, his gaze traveling over her dirty, tattered clothing. Tory felt an insane urge to cross her arms over her chest. Instead she lifted her head a bit higher and clamped her jaw shut against a wave of pain. Nestor took several steps closer; until Tory was forced to tilt her head back in order to keep eye contact. Nestor felt the lust surging through him again. Any normal woman would be screaming about her treatment, or at least dizzy from getting smacked on the back of the head. But the little Amazon was glaring at him, her emerald eyes burning holes through his skin. He was enjoying the little battle, however. She was tall, but he still topped her by almost a head. He smiled down, thinking that her lips were something from a dream, the kind that one woke from sweaty and unfulfilled. "I think that you over estimate yourself, little girl." He ran a hand down the side of her cheek, unable to keep from touching. Her skin was soft as silk. He chuckled when she jerked her head away. "You seem little compared to me." She scowled at the statement. Nestor felt his smile grow wider. The little Amazon wasn't used to a man taller than her. She probably wasn't used to anyone who was bigger or stronger than her. But she'd learn fast. His hands moved to her waist. In one motion she was flung over his shoulder. She started to thrash, but a smack on her bottom made her halt mid-kick. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, unless you'd like to show my guards there a good time. I think a little gang rape would take the spunk out of you." "Better dishonored than dead." The words came out flat and emotionless. Nestor chuckled again. "Oh, I'm not going to kill you, sweetheart, not just yet." Tory forced herself to relax and ignored the stares from passers-by as she was carried toward her final destination. Nestor was thoroughly enjoying the little side trip. He had intended to meet her at the temple, but he'd decided to check on the progress of her guards. She would have escaped had it not been for his interference. That thought made his blood run cold. In some primal, strange way he knew that she belonged to him now. The question was exactly what he would do with her. Tory tried to keep her temper under control during the trip. She really wanted to smash the arrogant bastard's face in, but right now he did have the upper hand. Diane was always admonishing Tory and Cassie to think before they acted. Tory grimaced as his hand crept under her tunic for the fifth time. She resisted the urge to smack his roaming hands. She briefly wondered if all men were this interested in what was under her torn clothing. Tory twisted her head around as they entered the temple. She hadn't been there since she was a little girl, and it was still as beautiful as she remembered, even if the view was only from upside down. Nestor sat her on her feet. Tory wobbled a bit as the blood rushed from her head to other parts of her body. She gritted her teeth and fought back the rising blackness. "What now, oh mighty bastard." Nestor's hand flashed across her face. Tory grunted with the blow, but didn't show the pain she felt. "You have a rotten mouth, little brat. In here." Nestor threw open the door to the inner sanctum of the temple. Tory pressed her lips tightly against each other. Only those who pleased Hera ever left the room alive. The rest had to be scraped off the walls. Nestor grabbed her arm and literally threw her through the doorway. The wooden door echoed, as it slammed shut behind her. Tory swallowed loudly. "I have a really bad feeling about this." The room was totally dark for several long moments. Then torches along the walls blazed to life. Tory did the only thing she could think might save her head. She plastered herself face first on the floor and prayed. "You really don't have to do that, sweetheart, although I never saw you act so respectful before...this isn't something you intend to make a habit of, I believe." Tory slowly raised her head, her mouth falling open. "Momma?" A ghostly figure moved downward from its current position near the ceiling. The woman halted, feet hovering inches above the floor, green wings spread. "Hello my child. I see you have finally returned to me." Tory could feel tears streaming down her face. She sprang to her feet and attempted to hug the apparition, but only made contact with space. "Now darling, you can see through me. Did you really think you'd be able to hug me?" Tory snorted. "I didn't know, there's always some hope." The woman laughed. "Ah, little Tory. You really need to think before you act. But then, you were always like your father." Tory sniffled and wiped her wet cheeks on the backs of her hands. Her mother smiled gently. "I came to give you this. Be strong, my child. And remember, for all your strength, you are only a woman." Tory felt an object being placed in her palm. She glanced down and watched in fascination as the object seemed to sprout vines of emerald, and then it was wrapped around her wrist as a brilliant emerald bracelet. She looked up and her mother was gone. The doors to the sanctum flew open. Nestor stood there, a staff in his hand, his face serious. "Time to return to your cage, little pet." Tory felt no hesitation, just a burst of adrenalin. "Jupiter Power." Nestor felt the tingling start in his feet. Then it moved over his body, as if a bolt of lightning had erupted from the floor and engulfed him. The power subsided as quickly as it had come. Nestor swayed a bit. And there was a buzzing in his mind, where once there had been nothing. "Well, little bitch. I was certain you were the Princess, but catching Sailor Jupiter just adds another laurel leaf to my crown." Nestor began to stalk forward, his eyes growing almost black with anger. Tory growled. "And what makes you think you can possibly catch me, human scum." Nestor smiled. Tory shivered at the menace on his face. "Pluto Power." "OH SHIT." Tory felt the darkness return, sweeping through her body just as it had in the ring only a few days earlier. It sucked at her soul and left quickly, leaving her drained and weak. She almost didn't hear his whispered words. "Dead Scream." Tory flipped backward, launching her attack at the same instant. "Supreme Thunder." The delicate mosaic floor erupted in a shower of broken tiles as the two attacks collided and rammed into the floor. Tory kept moving, anxious to not be a victim of the vicious attack she'd just witnessed, or a victim of the staff, which Nestor seemed to wield efficiently. But she'd never been one to run away from a battle. Her blood was singing in her veins. She wracked her brain for every sneaky move Aria had ever taught. Then one came to mind. Tory smiled and let loose another explosion of lightning, praying that it wouldn't hurt her too much. She followed the attack, letting the electricity race over her. Nestor was momentarily blinded. He opened his eyes in time to see Tory's fist aimed at his face. He dodged, but she was too close. The blow snapped his head to the side, and he tasted blood. He swung the staff upward. Tory dropped to the floor and moved her leg in a powerful kick. The edge of her boot caught on the weapon, sending it flying across the room. Nestor was angry. And he was also tired of playing games with the pretty little thing that had just smashed his cheek against his teeth. She was rolling underneath him, trying to regain her feet, and he simply dropped on top of her. She grunted from his weight. His hands went to the bracelet on her wrist. For a brief moment there was a scuffle of hands. And then Tory felt as though her heart was being ripped from her chest. Nestor held the stolen bracelet upward in triumph. He stared down at Tory, his eyes raking over her body. The tattered rags she had been wearing earlier were a little more ragged, leaving much of her flesh exposed. "Give that back, you bastard." Tory sprung upward, leaping for the circle of emerald. Nestor merely lifted it higher, just out of Tory's reach. Tory was very vividly reminded of a similar trick involving Serenity and a coveted piece of chocolate cake. Suddenly the tears shed over the teasing meant a lot more. "What's the matter, little one? Did you lose something?" He continued to dangle the bracelet just out of reach. Tory stopped trying to retrieve it, knowing it was useless. "You're a bastard." She crossed her arms over her chest. Nestor clasped the bracelet in his fist and moved across the room to retrieve his staff. "Actually, my parentage is well documented." He moved to the right just in time. Tory flew by, the momentum of her kick sending her into the wall. Nestor snorted. "Humans cannot fight against Senshi, little fool. You're only going to hurt yourself." Tory growled and pushed herself away from the wall. "I meant your personality, not your lineage." Nestor laughed. "I'm surprised you even know what the word means, little girl." He dodged two more kicks and several punches. Finally he tucked his staff under one arm and grabbed one of her fists in each hand. Tory struggled, trying to free herself. "Let go." Nestor sighed loudly. "You're only making this harder for yourself. Guards." Suddenly the room was swarming with men. Then surrounded Tory and forced her to the ground. She was flipped face down, her arms twisted into an unnatural position behind her back, and her ankles tied to her wrists. No amount of squirming and bucking could free her. "You'll pay for this." Tory's eyes were blazing. "One of these days I will get that bracelet back, and when I do I'll fry the skin from your body." Nestor simply laughed. "You'll live out your days in the slave pens, scraping to stay alive. Take her away." Tory resisted the urge to cry as the guards dragged her out of temple and back to the cesspit of humanity at the Coliseum. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Cassandra could feel her lungs burning. She had detransformed the moment she had lost sight of Jason. She could still feel him, but it was much more manageable now. He couldn't read her thoughts; at least she hoped he couldn't. The sun had set and the streets of Phobos Deimos were cold. Cassandra ducked into a tavern, her heart in her throat. If her contact had decided to leave early...A hand gripped her elbow. "Dammit, Cassandra. You never were on time. We have to leave, now." Cassandra turned, throwing her arms around a short, red-haired girl. "My god, Lizzy. I thought I'd miss you." Lizzy shook the taller girl off. "Much as I enjoy this tender reunion, we're going to lose our window if we don't get the hell out of here now. One ship to Uranus, at your service." Lizzy led the way through the seedy tavern's kitchen, out the back door, and through several back streets. Finally they reached the port, just in time to see a ship about ready to leave. Lizzy smiled softly. "Come on, Cassie. Henry's been waiting for us." The two girls slid under the fence and raced for the ship. They ran up the gangway as it was closing. A sarcastic voice echoed over the intercom. "Nice of you two to make it on time. Sit back and relax, we have two ships on our tail and a fighter that could only belong to someone with lots of money." The ship lurched and left the atmosphere with a roar. Cassie headed for a chair and a seatbelt. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~* The great library was silent, and very, very cold. Diane could imagine herself freezing into a statue. She ducked around another row of books so she could check on the corridor, then ducked back into place, her eyes and ears watching and waiting. She knew he'd follow her here. This was the only other place to go. They'd already fought in the armory and in the main area. Diane coughed softly, and swore under her breath. The cold was beginning to affect her decision making. It was also making her cough and her teeth chatter. The short skirt didn't help. "Come out, come out wherever you are." Zavier's voice swirled through the room, echoing into nothingness. Diane clenched her fists, forcing herself to stay perfectly still. He'd passed her hiding spot three times now. She knew she should be fighting, or trying to escape. But her brain didn't seem to be working right. She had this horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach, like she'd betrayed Zavier. She shook herself, she had betrayed him, but he'd deserved it. She felt her legs beginning to shake from standing in one position too long. She felt like crying, like screaming that she was sorry. But she knew that Zavier would never forgive her. Zavier stalked through the rows of books, his mind concentrated completely on his prey. He was so angry, he couldn't even form a strategy, and so he wandered aimlessly, hoping to catch a glimpse of blue. She'd betrayed him. She'd lulled him into a sense of security, given her body with no reservations, and then stabbed him in the back. He felt revulsion for her that almost equaled his lust. It had to be nothing more than lust, for he would not allow himself to ever love someone who had no honor. Diane stared down at the floor again. Her legs began to give way. She felt tears falling from her eyes. Tears of guilt, and regret. Tears of shame, and confusion. She slumped to the floor, her head resting on her legs. She was so cold now. So cold. She didn't feel the transformation leave her. She didn't know the moment that she lost the will to fight. She only knew that she had failed. Failed her mother, failed the goddess, failed Serenity, failed the other senshi, failed Zavier. But most of all, Diane knew she had failed herself. So she cried while the tears froze into crystals on her face. Zavier never knew what drew him to the corner where Diane had managed to tuck herself away. It wasn't sound, for although her body shook with sobs, she was silent. It wasn't the strange connection the two seemed to share, for Zavier's mind had been clouded with anger, and when Diane had detransformed, the connection was all but broken. But something had drawn him here, to where two walls and two sets of bookshelves made a tiny four-sided corner. And in that corner was Diane. Her skin was pale, pasty blue-white. Her body shook with silent sobs. Her hair had fallen forward to cover her face. She looked helpless and lost, and standing only inches from her, Zavier could feel the fear and regret washing from her. And he ached. "Dianara." She lifted her head slowly, as though a great weight was resting on her shoulders. Her eyes were unfocused and glassy. Tears had frozen into crystal tracks down her cheeks. Her breathing was very slow, and her breath so cold that it didn't leave the puff of white in the air. She looked around for several moments, as if uncertain where she was. "Did I choose right?" Her voice was soft, hoarse. "I couldn't decide you see. Do I choose love or honor? Do I fight to save my princess, or do I fight to save my heart? Either way I loose. Either way I betray someone." Her head dropped again. "I always wanted to do the right thing. I saw the world in black and white. And now I see that there is only gray. And I'm lost in the gray." She hiccupped softly. "I wish I had chosen differently, but I'm certain that had I gone the other way, I would feel the same regret, the same shame." She lifted her hands, burying her face between them. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry." Her voice broke into loud sobs. Zavier's anger melted. He felt as though his heart were being ripped in two. In that moment, he knew what she had faced, and how she had become trapped in her own catch-22. She could love him and betray the honor of her country and her best friend, or she could sacrifice her own happiness. He reached over and drew her to her feet. Then he moved her past the edge of the bookshelves and picked her up gently. She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Never again, Diane. I won't make you choose again, sweetheart. I'll make the decisions for you." He reached for one of her hands and pulled the bracelet from her wrist. He put it inside the flap of his uniform. Her crying gently faded away. He held her tightly against him, hoping his body would keep her warm until they reached the palace. Diane's fingers dug into his back. "Why do I love you?" Her words were scratchy. Zavier pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Because you are the other half of me." He kicked open the door of the temple, grateful for the gust of warm wind that welcomed him. And then he took her home. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Jason threw every ounce of his mind into reaching for Cassandra. He couldn't let her go. He would never let her go. When, for those brief moments, she had belonged to him, he had never felt more whole, complete. The world could have ended in that moment and Jason would have felt his life was complete. It was like she was the other half of his soul. Jason halted for one long moment. His thoughts were beginning to scare him. He knew that he had always felt a piece missing, something that could complete him. He looked up at the sky. It was Cassandra. She was what he had been searching for since childhood, no, since the day that Sailor Mars had strapped him to a table and tried to steal his soul. Maybe she succeeded, only the soul had gone to her child instead. Jason shivered a bit at the implications. Then he shoved the thoughts from his head. They were Zavier's realm, plotting and postulating. He was action. He stood on the tarmac, watching the ships fade off into the night sky. And he could feel her. He was sore, tired, and still in the tuxedo, but all that he cared about right now was finding out where she was going. So he closed his eyes and concentrated on the spark in the back of his mind...the spark that was Cassandra. Like a flame burning in the midst of an ocean. And he reached for that flame, sought to make it his own. He stroked it, letting it blaze out of control. And he was rewarded with a single word. "Uranus." *~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Nestor stalked around the tiny room, his eyes angry. Tory sat quietly, her hands folded on her lap. She could feel his frustration. She felt a kind of perverse pleasure in the trouble she had managed to cause. But she wasn't fool enough to laugh or even smile. The pile of straw wasn't very comfortable, but it worked for the moment. It was better to have him glaring at the top of her head then trying to look him in the eyes. "You killed three of my guards, you little bitch." Tory remained silent, but a wry smile twisted her lips. She had really only been trying to escape. After all, they were the ones who had let her get hold of the knife. She hadn't meant to kill them. But she had no idea the knife was so sharp that it could pierce bone. Silence hung for a long time between them. Finally Tory spoke. "What did you expect me to do?" Nestor stopped pacing for a moment. He reached down and forced her chin upward. She focused on his forehead, refusing to meet his eyes. "I expect you to stay here in the slave pens until you lose a fight or die. You'll never escape from here. The coliseum is better than any prison or fortress." Tory jerked her head away from his hand. Her future was beginning to look very bleak. If she stayed her, she would die. Or she'd sell her soul for escape. And as long as Nestor had her bracelet. She snuck a glace upward. She was surprised to see his gaze directed at her chest. She could almost hear Diane speaking. "Use logic, Tory. If you're in a situation where you have something someone wants, use that to your advantage, even if you don't want to bargain with it." She'd seen Aria seduce men enough to know what they wanted. She only hoped she could perform without lapsing into laughter. Tory dug her fingernails into her palm and said a silent plea for forgiveness. Then she stood. "Are you sure you want to do that?" Nestor took a step backward. The woman standing before him was not even remotely the virago who had just demolished three men with only a tiny knife. This woman spoke in a sexy, husky whisper. Her green eyes raced up and down his body as though he were the main course. Nestor smiled slightly. Did she really think she could fool him? Well, two could play the game. "I suppose you could be...entertaining. After you've been properly broken in and trained." He took a step forward and deliberately grasped one of her breasts in his hand, rubbing a finger over the nipple. To his surprise, instead of backing away, she leaned into his touching, rubbing herself against him. "I promise I'm a quick learner." She trailed a hand down to where her rope belt held her tunic together. And she pulled. The garment gaped open, revealing her body. Nestor's eyes were drawn to her lush breasts. He groaned loudly. "You're going to kill me." His voice strangled on the words. He was enjoying this soft spoken seductress almost as much as the Amazon. The little princess had surprising depth. Tory slowly removed her clothing, her hands shaking. Nestor's eyes swept from her full bosom to her round hips, ending with her very long, muscled legs. He moved forward, brushing a hand against her cheek. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Tory lifted a hand and removed the ribbon that bound her hair. She shook her head, her auburn ringlets falling around her face. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life." She reached forward and flipped the single button on his uniform. Nestor felt his head begin to swim. Her hands moved over his body, gently removing his clothing. They lingered over the ridged muscles of his stomach, danced over his shoulders and down his arms. He could feel the blood pooling in his lower body. She drew his pants downward, and pulled the legs off one at a time. Her eyes widened at the sight of him. Nestor groaned and dragged her into his arms. He whispered words in her ears. Things he was going to do to her, things he wanted her to do to him. He kissed her violently and told her what he thought of her body as he devoured her neck. Tory was shivering now, whether from fear or from passion she couldn't tell. His hands moved over her body, stroking her soft skin. His hands lingered over the calluses on her hands, her feet, and her sword arm. He ran his tongue over every inch of skin, making Tory sigh with pleasure. She responded with butterfly kisses against his chest, his stomach, and lower. Nestor didn't breathe, too wrapped up in sensation. Then he was returning the favor, smiling with satisfaction when Tory's back arched off the floor as a scream left her lips. Before she had recovered he was inside her. There was only a gentle pop to indicate her maiden status, and then they were moving together. She tightened around him, screamed his name. He held her tight against him as he took his own pleasure. And then there was silence. He had intended to take what she had offered and leave her. What better punishment for an arrogant little princess than to have her "sacrifice" be for nothing. He glanced down at her face. There were still tears caught on her lashes. Her long hair lay out like a fan on the rough straw. Her breath was coming in short gasps. She looked incredibly innocent, and vulnerable, and for the first time in his life, Nestor felt the need to protect someone. Maybe the little Amazon thought she could take on the world, but she was too naive, to kind of heart. Nestor stroked a hand over her cheekbone. She turned her face, gently pressing a kiss into his palm. Nestor felt his heart stop at the gesture. And he finally recognized the warning that had been echoing in his mind since he began this night. He had done the one thing he thought impossible. He had fallen in love. Every muscle in Victoria's body was relaxed. She felt like she had just spent a week getting massaged or at least spent several hours in a hot tub. She stretched like a cat, surprised at how pleased she felt. She opened her eyes slowly. Emerald met Chocolate in an explosion of feeling. Tory flinched, amazed at the amount of emotion present in Nestor's eyes. She reached a hand up slowly, brushing back a strand of hair from Nestor's forehead. She smiled softly, unaware of how her hand and smile both shook a bit. Nestor pulled her against him violently, burying his face against her neck. Then he stood up, wrapping Tory in his arms and in the same motion wrapping his cloak around them both. And they left the coliseum. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Finished: 4/15/2002 *~*~*~*~*~*~*~* AN: Finally, chapter 8, just like I promised. And look, I did some Mako! Yes, she is very difficult for me to write, probably because I have the least in common with her. But I will survive. I will press on. And I really want to write chapter 9 now because I want to see the big Kunz/Ace fight....