Stars in the distance (Cameo and Staria)
 

Staria:

Stars shone brightly in the velvety night sky, illuminating Hecate's moon and it's guardian with a soft glow. Troubling thoughts made the purple haired woman frown. So much pain and suffering, simply because the threat hadn't been able to be found sooner. Shifting in her seat, Kaira shook her head then moved from the bench to pace with her flowing robes trailing gracefully behind her.

Perhaps what troubled the senshi the most was the fact that she had so nearly failed her princess. Warriors from another galaxy had come to try and conquer theirs, it had been a difficult battle to push them away. Like others in fact, but as always the pair succeeded. Though this time Kaira had very nearly lost Hecate.

Even these gardens filled with peaceful walkways and lightly shining flowers did nothing to appease Sailor Triodia. Her eyes, the right brown and the left grey, held confusion as she walked. The princess was a friend, a wonderful dear friend. Sometimes, especially at moments like this, Kaira found herself wondering if perhaps she was brave enough, maybe crazy enough, to take a chance. The amethyst haired woman was far too afraid though. It would never happen, at least not in this lifetime.

"Fretting again sweetheart?" Asked a familiar, honey sweet voice in a teasing tone from the shadows. Hecate appeared there, dressed in rather simple black clothing as she often was when she traveled and played commoner. She wore a long black coat over her clothing at the moment, a familiar coat to any who knew her well enough. It was fitted like a shirt and had a sweetheart neckline but the rest was like a trench coat as it fell to reach her ankles. Beneath the coat was simple trousers and boots, but she still made a striking figure with her long multi-colored hair that was both black and the color of fresh blood. She also wore a wide brimmed hat where most of her long braid was coiled.

"You'll do yourself no good that way" She tipped her hat towards the princess of her moon and grinned at her. Hecate always had her eyes on the future and didn't' seem to care much about the fights of the present. They were alive, that was all that mattered she'd always say. It was almost as if she knew something most people didn't.... then again perhaps hecate did. She'd never tell so one could never be sure. She was always a little mischievous and a little secretive, just her nature.

At her side was a large, black, wolf-like dog with golden eyes, her traveling companion and messenger. Grim was his name and he was a stoic creature. He gazed at the senshi of the moon coldy... He never seemed to like her much. Then again he was fiercly loyal and fiercely protective of hecate so that may be why. He lived for her...

Whirling around, shoulder length hair flying in the wind, Kaira smiled sheepishly at Hecate. Glancing once at the dog, the woman rolled her eyes slightly before returning her attention to the other woman. "You know very well how much I fret. It is what people know me for after all." Certainly, it annoyed the councilors of her moon more often then not. Then again, most knew that this was simply Kaira's way of making sure that every little detail was taken care of and that all those she cared for were safe. No matter the eventuality, she had a contingency plan. For nearly everything, admitted Kaira to herself.

"What brings you here today Hecate, I though there was a celebratory ball on your planet?" There was always something to celebrate, or so it seemed to the young woman's view. After every battle won, people celebrated without realizing how difficult and trying it was for their protectors. In truth, Kaira knew so such thing about Hecate but for herself .. The endless battles wore upon her soul, making her wish for a peace that would never come.

"There was" Hecate responded with a brief scowl. A prince from a neighboring asteroid had tried to corner her. It irritated the hell out of her to the point that she decided to excuse herself. Not because she had a problem being hit on... lord no. she didn't mind that one bit. He was just 'soft' and a drunkered if him being drunk off his ass that early in the party was any sign. She couldn't stand such unnecessary, idiotic behavior... especially when you made such a public display of it.

"You didn't come so why should I have to sit through it?" She teased lightly then. She gave the other woman an almost suggestive smile. It was always fun to tease her and some of the other guardians. If she knew that Triodia had any feelings for her she didn't show it. Then again Hecate was too tender hearted to truly force someone to admit their feelings before they were ready. The heart was too frail to be forced...

Shaking her head, Triodia smiled a little in return. She couldn't help it, not truly. "Because, of the two of us you are the more important." Moving to the other woman's side, Kaira reached out to pet the dog lightly. He didn't like her, but they had one thing in common. Both shared an unwavering loyalty for Hecate. Glancing up at the dark haired woman, Kaira's smile fell slightly.

Loneliness reared it's ugly head at the most troublesome of times. A peaceful breeze swept trough the beautiful garden, bringing with it the scent of the flowers that Kaira loved so much. Though her powers lay with metal, she tended her plants tenderly. In a way they brought her comfort that other hecatiens, simply could not.

((I have an idea but if you dont like it I'll rewrite this post XD))

"Says who?" Hecate returned absently as she raised an eyebrow. She stepped towards one of the bushes, her favorite flowers grew there. The flowers petals had healing effects when made into tea. She had given one to Kiara when she'd first started the garden. Gently she plucked one of the black flowers before she turned back to the princess. She tucked the bloom behind the other's ear so it would stand against the violet hair beautifully as she'd known it would. She gave her a small smile and touched Kiara's cheek with the back of her hand, as she tilted her own head to the side.

"You remember what I said when I gave you these seeds don't you? Just because some flowers small more fragrant, does not mean it is more special or more important then any other. Every life is equally important, equally beautiful. Tend them well and you'll see. What makes you think that doesn't apply to people just as well as plants? You are a wonderful princess Kiara, and equal to me in every way. She said softly, sincerely. She wished Kiara wouldn't be so hard on herself... however being hecate she could never be serious long.

"Don't forget that again or I just might have to punish you" She said with a teasing wink. A warm laugh escaped her lips and she patted the other girl's cheek gently before she dropped her hand. Grim meanwhile simply allowed himself to be patted without a word. He simply looked at the girl with those luminous eyes in silence. He never understood why Hecate would believe anyone equal to her.

Like a moth drawn to a flame, Kaira listened to Hecate's words with bright shining eyes and rapt fascination. Upon feeling her touch, the young woman felt a sense of contended calm sweep trough her. It seemed like Hecate always knew just what to say,or do, to dispel Kaira's less then happy moods. "I won't," stated the woman with a smile. Lifting a hand, Kaira passed a gentle hand over the flower in her hair with a bemused expression. She'd not expected Hecate to do such a thing. Though now ... Now she had to find a way to preserve the black bloom and make it a permanent part of her wardrobe.

Her wonderful friend deserved to find happiness, and peace. There had to be a way to contrive that this became truth. "I know I've asked this before, but Hecate have you not found anyone to love yet? There are so many wonderful suitors, and choosing one of them would strengthen what alliances we already have." The thought of marrying anyone was quite far removed from Triodia's mind.

"And every suitor more boring then dishwater" Hecate whined childishly as crossed her hands behind her head and leaned against the tree she had seemingly appeared under. She stared at the stars wistfully a moment. There was more reason of course... but what she wouldn't say. She knew she was suppose to find a suitor to carry on the hecate line, as it was a most powerful line only rivaled by the white moon. Hecate's line was a line of pure magic... pure power. Yet that line was soon coming to a close... she could sense it and even now was preparing for it. She just hoped that Triodia would understand what she did someday...

"I'd rather just hang out with you... Let's go make some tea" She then added as she turned her attention from the future and back to the present. she giggled girlishly and smirked at the other woman. She would enjoy this time... She would make those she loved as happy as she could while she had the chance. She wrapped her arm around the other girl's shoulder then began to steer her inside. She didn't care that it looked odd, like some commoner was dragging the princess of the witch moon inside. Grim would ensure that no soldier questioned them anyway... he could be a fearsome creature when he wished.

Laughing at her friend's words Kaira tried very hard not to show the slight disappointment she felt. A few of those boring suitors had been her suggestions. There really wasn't anything more that she could do, save perhaps paying even more attention to those she sent Hecate's way. Falling into silence, Kaira glanced up at the stars with a wistful expression. Somewhere out there, in the wide expanse of space, there had to be someone for the both of them. She didn't let herself think for one moment of those niggling feelings in her heart. It wasn't proper, Hecate's line needed an heir and her friend needed a powerful partner who could support her in everything and give her strength.

Letting out a small startled sound, Triodia let out a resigned sigh as she was guided into her palace. The guards knew better then to disturb anyone who wished to enter and see the princess. Besides, she could take care of herself and had proven so over and over again. "Won't you at least talk again with that red headed prince I sent your way?" He was a nice fellow, one that Kaira could almost see herself with. Something was holding her back though. The emotion that she preferred not to name, and barely ever even acknowledged.

"I do not believe in giving a guy false hope m'dear. Now do you have any of those sweet, minty and choclate chip cookies from earth left? I think they'd go so well with this black tea Princess Fides sent me last week. Apparently her current boredom cure is growing different teas in that garden of hers" She chatted easily, dismissing the red headed prince with a wave of her hand. She didn't know fides well... Just in passing. Still the woman seemed different then usual in her letter to Hecate... then again she did pretty much since she mentioned that earth general had showed up at her castle. She did hope she'd be happy... Fides always seemed so sad, lonely, distant, and cold. Oh well, she could do nothing to make her happy, but she could make Kaira happy! And maybe herself too if she had any of those cookies left... the truth was Hecate just loved them so much! If she'd had time she'd try to grow some of this 'mint' plant and learn to make them. They did have a form of flour on hecate, though it was actually slightly finer and better for baking then earth's coarser wheat and rice flours.

She looked over at Kiara as she spoke, her metallic eyes sparkling in hope. She knew her sweet tooth was not what needed indulged but well... what harm could it do? She would only release Kaira's shoulders when she arrived in the kitchen and retrieved the bag of Fides' tea from her pocket. She quickly prepared it, singing softly to herself as she did so. Hecate always did love to sing and chant... then again much of her power revolved around words so it was little surprise.

((feel free to ignore the fides stuff >.> reference to Fides rather tragic history and other rps hehe xD. ))

With a mild expression upon her face, the young woman listened quietly to her friend rattle on. A deep rumble in her stomach made Kaira blush and place a hand there as if to silence herself. Such behavior! At least it took her mind from sadder thoughts, grounding her into the present moment. What a delight it was to hear Hecate sing! Having no such talents, Triodia admired her friend all the more for the ability. "I suppose I should go find those treats," teased the violet haired woman lightly as she moved towards one of the cupboards. Reaching up till she was on the tips of her toes stretching her arms as far as she could somehow Kairi managed to grab the bag of cookies and slip it from the shelf.

Slipping one out for herself, the young woman then placed it by her friend. "Here, you can have the rest." Though she rather adored the taste of the pastries herself, she liked seeing Hecate happy even more. Once this little task was finished, Triodia moved to sit on a nearby stool to watch her friend while she munched happily upon her cookie.

"I couldn't do that I'll just eat a few while i'm here" Hecate responded absently even though she did glance at the cookies rather fondly. She finished the tea and gave a cup to Kaira before retrieving her own...as well as the bag of cookies. She perched on her own stool which she moved closer to Kaira. Before she even took a single sip of tea, however, she focused on her real objective and ate two of the sweet things with a soft hmm of pleasure.

"Oh...what about you my fair lady. Always after me, how are your suitors coming?" She teased softly, stretching her legs slightly. Grim whined softly and with a chuckle she gave the dog half of the cookie she'd been eating. Despite Grims normally hardened demeanor he had as much of a sweet tooth as she did.

Grabbing the cup, Kaira held it lightly in her hands with a smile plastered on her face. She truly lived for such peaceful, happy, moments. This was the type of thing she remembered when wars broke out and everything seemed hopeless. It was what she fought so hard for. Though a sliver of doubt filled her heart when Hecate mentioned her own suitors. It wasn't like she wasn't attracted to any of them, she was... But a stronger feeling then simple attraction held Kaira back.

"One or two have caught my eye, maybe I could be happy with one of them." Happiness, it was such a furtive emotion. Triodia shook the thought from her friend and smiled down at Grim. "I still don't understand why Grim doesn't like me!" Didn't he know how much she wanted him to? They both treasured Hecate. She was a unique, and truly dear, friend. Lapsing into silence, Kaira drank her tea broodingly.

"Jealousy i imagine" She finally answered after raising an eyebrow and staring at her friend a moment. She spoke in a soft, distant tone and seemed to be staring past Kaira for a moment. She often did that lately, as if looking at something others couldn't quite see. She turned towards Kaira then and noted how she was brooding. Hecate being hecate she would not stand for such a thing. Slowly she stood and put the cookies and tea aside.

"now now love, I like you. Isn't that enough?" she teased as she walked behind the other girl. She placed her arms around her then and nuzzled into her shoulder as she held her in a delicate hug. She ignored it as Grim lay down and pouted a bit, perhaps because of jealousy as she said. She was more concerned with her friend right now. She always was bothered by such silly things...

Caught up in her thoughts the young woman didn't notice her friend's movements until she felt arms wrapping out around her. A surprised sound left Kaira, but eventually she relaxed and even leaned back a little into Hecate's hug. "More then enough," answered the violet haired woman softly as she leaned her head against her friend's. She relied on Hecate for so much. Triodia was a little worried about her though, having caught on to the fact that something was troubling the other woman. Staring off into space, that's what the dark haired Hecate did. It never boded well when she did that.

((Yush and poor Triodia will find out what all Hecate's was planning out for too late *sniff* ))

"that's my girl" Hecate cooed softly, patting the other womans arm even as she held her. She smiled softly and nuzzled further into the other woman's shoulder. Softly she began to sing, for no particuliar reason really. She was simply enjoying comforting her friend. She wished she could do this, be like this, forever. Her dreams, however, had long showed her that this was not the case... she had to make some hard choices and no matter what someone had to die. Still... she would protect Trodia from this knowledge to the last moment, when she must tell her everything and hope she can take up the task Hecate had no choice but to leave her...

((I feel so bad for them .. Gosh, Kaira is gonna be so confused and miserable in the RP! Three women all with traits of the one she loved, all three of them parts of who she was!))

Moving a little to put aside her empty cup, Kaira closed her eyes and sighed. Hesitantly, she placed a hand on one of Hecate's arms as she sank further into the comfort her friend offered. She listened, simply enjoying this shared moment of peace. Soon enough something would come to shatter it; heralding another war raging between planets. In truth, a messenger was already on the way with news that would launch the two friends into trouble again. Ignorant of this, Triodia moved so that her lips brushed lightly against Hecate's cheek in an unusual show of affection for her. She was always so careful not to overstep the bounds of friendship.There was just something in the air though, causing a shiver to run down her spine and making Kaira worry even more then usual.

((XD is the messenger coming to herald that there's someting dark heading for planet hecate? >.> the dark thing going to make hecate go booom! I say it should be XD, even if means the private rp will end soon unless we continue with grim and Kaira... hmm or maybe grim, kaira, and a third senshi i'll make to maybe come get the battered and bruised Kaira afterwords and take her to somewhere safe and all the time that kaira walked the earth with grim waiting for her princess to be reborn? >.>))

Hecate paused in her song and her breath caught in her throat. She had not expected such a thing and it caused her to turn towards Kaira in surprise slightly. She was blushing faintly and half smiling but there was something sad in her eyes. It was a wistful sort of sadness. She wanted to protect Kaira so badly... show her what it was like to not be afraid. Yet she knew she would not be around long enough for that, her sacrifice inevitable or all the people of hecate and Kaira would die.

Grim made a soft sound to indicate the messenger was coming. Hecate nodded and then leaned forward. She started to brush her lips across Kaira's but hesitated and kissed her forehead instead. She sighed softly, whispering 'my violet rose'. She then, however, pulled away and released the senshi of the moon. The messenger threw open the door moments later and Hecate was already transforming into Sailor Hecate.

He bowed to the two princesses and his eyes passed warily over grim. He shuddered once before returning his gaze to the other two. He stood when Hecate gave the nod too and began to relay his message. He said that the people of hecate were rioting, acting as if they were loosing their minds. He also said that the ground seemed to be shaking as if promising earthquakes and that strange shadow beings seem to be appearing. After relaying this information the gaurd at hecate's castle had been slashed through and died so no more information had been received.

"Good.... Sailor Triodia. The shadow monsters will likely be coming here. You must stay here and protect the people of our moon. I will investigate what is happening at Hecate." She said sternly, all signs of her friend gone replaced with the witch warrior who had battled back armies as if they were nothing but annoying flies. The balance on her planet was being broken, her people did not have much time. She would have to make it to the inner Sanctum quickly and cast the spell she'd been preparing for....

((We should continue it until Kaira's found her way to earth, then we could skip that until it's present day in the invitation only rp))

Smiling uncertainly in return, Kaira couldn't help but note the sadness in Hecate's eyes. It filled her with dread even as her heart soared. Hecate's lips had been so close to her own, and that sweet endearment... She'd never called Triodia that before. Something was wrong. Why else would Hecate have so suddenly begun to act in such a way? Kaira was tempted to reach out and pull her friend close to protect her in her arms. That wasn't possible though, they both had a duty far greater then themselves. It dictated everything they did, even when they were alone as they had been.

As the messenger burst into the room, Triodia stood swiftly. Hearing him out, she felt her heart freeze. This was simply not possible! The people of Hecate, her people, were going mad and her friend had to go and save them without her. It wasn't the first time, but something nudged Kaira into thinking that this was different. "Of course Hecate." Once the words were spoken, Kaira transformed into her warrior self. Lifting her miscolored eyes to meet her friend's, she tried her best to appear strong and without worry. "It would be best if you left now, there is much to be done after all." Already her mind was turning to the battle ahead and how to fortify the palace. She would summon the people there so they could take refuge while the senshi and her guards worked to protect them all from this unexpected menace.

((Okay <3. Sailor Bellona will pick her up then ^.^ ))

Sailor Hecate gave the other woman a warm smile before raising her swords and clashing them together. She called out a few ancient words and the weapons glowed. They glowed black as midnight and the energy lowered and wrapped around Hecate like mist. She would disappear in this mist, the teleportation spell taking her to the surface of her beloved planet. Her own people were trying to destroy each other and shadowy beasts were ransacking her castle. The magical balance of Hecate was being attacked, making it's magical people lose their minds. The shadows did not pay them any heed... They were searching for her... and she knew many would head to Trodia, her beautiful moon.

For a moment she looked upward from her castle courtyard, looking at the soft glow of her moon. She whispered something softly, something she had never been able to say. She then ran to the main tower of the castle, her blades slicing through the beasts to spill there purple blood. She would not stop moving, no matter what got in her way. She killed one beast on the tower stairs then leaped over it's tumbling body, her eyes on the prize.

Once at the top of the tower she would head to a blue orb she'd put there for this very moment. She then smashed the crystal with the hilt of her sword. It released a light blue mist that would began to spread over the planet. It would bring a temporary peace to her people, causing them to fall into a deep sleep where they stood. This done she headed downward, now heading to the inner sanctum deep within the planet. She hoped Trodia would be alright... that she would survive.

The violet haired woman watched as her friend disappeared within a storm of her own creation. Triodia let the thoughts that plagued her slip away and buried her worries deep inside her heart. This was no time for that. "Quickly now, gather all the people to the palace!" The order was yelled out to one of the guards as she ran out of the kitchen with a determined look upon her face. The flower Hecate had tucked into her hair had somehow managed to stay. It reassured Sailor Triodia somewhat having the small token of friendship to remind her of her friend.

Even as the monsters began arriving upon the heels of screaming refugees, Triodia refused to let her focus falter for a moment. This would take so much more then any other battle ever had before, there were so many of them! Spears of metal jutted from the ground at uneven intervals, breaking trough the lovingly placed stones at the front of the palace. Standing upon the battlements with a fierce look, Triodia raised her arm once more while trying to find a way to strike at her enemies. She would allow none of them to harm even a hair upon the heads of her people!

Instructing the archers to send down a wave of arrows upon the things, Triodia watched. Perhaps if she found their leader this might be halted sooner. It seemed like these were wild creatures though, without any conscious thought sae that of wreaking havoc. Again and again the young woman made metal shoot, erupt, or fall upon the hoard of oncoming beasts. Yet they faltered not a bit in front of this resistance.

Hecate ran over the stone steps and quickly threw open the door to what appeared a blank wall. With a wave of her hand the stone moved and she was though it without halting her movement for a moment. She heard it shut behind her but knew.... knew what the shadows were really after. Hecate's center... she ignored the heat as she ran deeper and deeper in the carved bath. Her feet would not stop moving until she reached the very center.

In a large open chamber against one wall were three orbs on pedestals. A navy blue one created a constant waterfall around itself from the ceiling to the floor before the water disappeared The sound of breaking ice could be heard within this waterfall. A deep purple orb to it's left created a tornado around itself that occasionally had flashes of light within it. The third, A yellow orange one surrounded itself as a column of fire and falling stones that disappeared when they hit the floor... Around the pedestals and the alter that held them thousands of plants grew, covering the rock cavern. For the life was created of a part of each of these, rich soil, loving sunlight, and flowing water.

Hecate bowed her head and said a small prayer before she approached the three, then stood in the center of the pedestals which were arranged in a triangle. She raised her hands and began to chant, using the orbs to strengthen her teleport spell that normally could move only her self. It was a feat that no hecate had ever been successful at... to teleport thousands of people and animals in one moment. Still it was exactly this taht Hecate needed to do. Her voice echoed through the beautiful place, some of the plants around the pedestal snaking around her legs as if to try and give more power too her. The singing of many ancient Sailor Hecates could be heard, including the geat matriarch the first Sailor Hecate.

Hecate swayed with the difficulty of her burden but would not pause until the chant was completed. Even as she heard claws against stone as they attempted to break through the barrier above she did not move. Every word grew stronger, louder, her voice mixing with her ancestors until neither could be told apart. Then... finally, it was done just as the stone wall barrier at the entrance shattered apart.

Every man, woman, and child that Hecate and Trodia held under their protection would disappear. They would appear on earth, refugees without a home but with their minds restored and there lives safe. Hecate smiled to herself as she felt and fell to her knees, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The sound of boots had joined claws and a hooded figure stepped into the sacred chamber. The plant's recoiled from the figure, heading towards the altar as if looking for safety and the smell of death permeated the room.

"You have used to much power child... you've thrown away any chance you ever had..." Said an amused, androgynous voice. The creature stepped forward, a partially decayed hand touching one of the flowers that had been pulling its vines out of the way. It crushed the delicate bloom in its hands, watching as the petals decayed and wilted at the withered hand's touch. A cold laugh escaped the cloaked figure, as if enjoying it. Hecate meanwhile was forcing herself to stand. She stood with her blades ready and fell into a classic fighting stance.

"You really intend to fight me? How amusing... still.. I'll give you one chance to live little girl. Move away from the orbs of life and I will allow you to live ...as my concubine." The dark figure taunted as it continued to step forward. It did not seem bothered or afraid of Hecate at all. It knew she'd made her choice... her people over her own life. Not that it mattered.. It would take her and track down wherever she sent them too.

Hecate's response was to say she'd rather die and leap forward to stab her blade deep into the creatures chest. The tassels on both blades flashed, as if in protest at touching the disgusting flesh. The creature again seemed amused and simply gripped her wrist, causing Hecate's flesh to appear to burn. It then yanked out her blade by pulling her wrist out and then upwards. It lifted until she was dangling from it's bony hand. It then stabbed a knife it had beneath it's cloak into hecate's belly then through her across the room as if she was a bag of trash. The figure then moved to the pedastals, yet when he tried to touch them the elements managed to resist his power and push his hand back.

"Tell me how they work! Now!" It hissed, rounding to turn on the bloodied and dying hecate now. To it's surprise Hecate was laughing now. She simply grinned at him as she pulled the knife from her own chest with a gasp of pain. She could not stand, he had pierced her stomach and her spine both. Yet still she laughed and reached to pull the silver crystal from her chest, tearing it from her own uniform. She became her human form as she placed the crystal in front of her which now flashed through the three colors of the orb. She began to chant, taking up the knife that he had used to stab her as she did so.

It ran towards her but it was too late as she stabbed the blade through the stone. Light filled the room, throwing the creature back into the wall. Her crystal split into three, one colored like each the life orbs. The orbs of life became lifeless gray stone and the three crystals disappeared... to find their weilders and take a bit of hecate with each of them. Hecate fell, gasping for breath and filled with pain. The creature stood, intending to tear her body apart for her insolence. The plants, however, even as they began to die and the planet began to shake suddenly wrapped around the creature. Hecate had cursed it when she'd stabbed her blade through it, having prepared for all of this.

It reached down, thinking it could tear through the vines with its power... but it's power seemed... gone. It screamed as the vines began to tear at the dessicated body and struggled. Finally, however, it was forced to abandon the body. Red light shot from the body and it fell, a simple skeleton in a cloak to the floor even as the vines began to break and tear those bones. Somehow... Somehow she had stolen some of it's power....

Hecate coughed, would she die before the cave started to collapse or after she wondered.

Triodia could feel power amassing on the planet below, and glanced down even as one of the creatures leaped towards her. Feeling it's claws raking against her back, the senshi let out a yell of pain and fell to the ground. With anger born from worry, Kaira raised a hand and urged metal to form a sword and armor to cover her arms. Lunging after the beast who had harmed her, she slashed, thrust and hacked until it and many of it's brethren were no more.

Falling to her knees, Sailor Triodia watched the carnage continue until a burst of energy flared trough the air leaving her breathless upon the ground. A panicked look crossed her brown and grey eyes as she gathered her wits and scrambled up from the ground. No one was there anymore, no guards, no people ... They had all disappeared and Hecate had been the cause. Even the monsters seemed to have halted their battle, as if realizing that their prey had escaped.

Taking her chance, Sailor Triodia let fall the armor and weapon she'd created to call upon her own particular way of traveling trough the skies. Wings made entirely of light metal formed upon her back. With practiced ease she set off, feeling her muscles straining under the pressure of hard, heavy metal, and the speed she demanded. Hecate was in trouble, she just knew it! That spell had to have taken more energy then the senshi had ever wielded before. Triodia wouldn't have been surprised if no other had ever managed such a feat.

It put fear into her heart, one that could only be conquered by seeing her friend safe and sound. The wounds she bore were no comparison to the ones in Triodia's heart. Once her booted feet touched the planet, Triodia was running toward Hecate's palace and tearing trough the place in search of her friend. Sensing a familiar presence deep beneath the surface, her eyes filled with tears as she realized that the energy was flickering. "No!" yelled out Triodia as she vaulted down the stairs blindly to find Hecate.

The devastation before her didn't prepare Triodia for the sight that met her eyes. Gasping for air she ran to her friend's side and gently pulled her upon her lap. "Hecate..." She didn't know what to say. All she could do was cry and smooth her friend's hair. Triodia's heart was breaking into a thousand pieces, that she dared not even hope would someday be repaired.

Hecate closed her eyes briefly as she heard the voice, wishing she could do something to fix what had happened but knowing there was no use. She could do nothing to help her friend or make her feel better. She had done... what needed to be done. She only opened her eyes as she was pulled into the other woman's lap, reaching up to touch the other womans cheek. Hecate realized her lifeless legs felt cold... and so did her hand. Still she forced herself to smile warmly at the other woman.

"My violet rose...don't cry. I can finally ...finally say I love you without guilt or remorse. Still...There's something I must ask you to do... I have split my crystal, the key to the orbs of life, into three to protect them from a great evil that was unstoppable. I mixed my blood with the evil and with my death it will become mortal. You must find the three souls who the crystal shards choose... must teach them to find their own power so they can unlock the orbs once more and kill the creature. Only together can they equal my power and do what must be done. Take the orbs, keep them safe...i'm sorry my love" She spoke softly, her voice torn with pain. She coughed, her vision was blurring. Her hand slid, laying over the other womans chest about where her heart would be.

"i'm...I'm so cold...but your warm...your heart was always so warm" She whispered softly as her life began to fade. The earth quakes began to grow stronger as she neared death, the two tied as one. The tremors grew stronger and a few columns on the alters fell over. The orbs of life where now apparently nothing but lifeless granite instead of crystal, locked to all but the unborn wielders. Hecate's eyes began to film over, her body becoming gray stone from the toes up. Her breath began to still as she held onto the other woman. Once she was dead the stone would shatter as the planet would shatter.

Shock and bittersweet gladness filled the amethyst haired woman's heart. Everything she had wanted to hear along with the last thing she'd ever wished for, it was all rolled into one. Kaira tugged Hecate closer while doing her best not to cry. "I promise to do as you wish." Before the senshi could say anything else the whole planet ad begun to crumble.

Twisting around with a torn a expression she glanced from Hecate to the orbs. Sobbing lightly, she put aside her friend's body gently to run to the orbs. Grabbing them, Triodia ran. Dust and debris filled the air as rocks began to tumble from above. Jumping and twirling desperately to evade every projectile, Kaira somehow managed to reach the stairs.

All was a blur as the young woman pushed herself to the limits of her abilities to survive. Even as she flew to her moon, she did not consciously remember doing so. Triodia collapsed by the flowers Hecate had once given her. Clutching the orbs tightly against herself, she finally began to let her tears run free. It was not time to mourn, yet Kaira couldn't stop herself as her transformation faded and she was finally herself once more.