Agapé - Seiya x Usagi // Sailor Moon // Chapter Four
Agapé
Written by: Mikami
Chapter Four
The Spoils of War
The intermission between the first and second rounds was a vicious drag on the Princess’ consciousness. Her hands were clammy and were twisting the edges of her veil in force despite the impassive mask she wore. Inside, her emotions were in a flurry and overlapping one another. The atmosphere was suffocating, the noise of the boisterous crowd was oppressing and worst of all, her own mother had grown distant since the announcement of her father’s final wish.
Usagi kept remembering what Setsuna said to her only days before-that she shouldn’t be hard on her mother for the steel front she feigned. The Princess tried desperately to understand and to consider the pressures of royal pretenses.
A lesson Queen Serenity continuously implemented was for royalty to have two faces: one for the world and one they kept to in private. But now Usagi wasn’t sure which one her mother was employing, for Queen Serenity had hardly spoken to her daughter since the tournament began. It was difficult to reason that her mother was heartbroken over the ordeal, especially the way she refused to look upon her at all.
Usagi ignored Pellamas’ call for the servants to bring more wine. They scurried around the balcony terrace and brought trays to the platform where the entourage was seated. Ami refused the refreshments but Makoto, Rei and Minako were all too glad to receive them. Usagi lifted her hand slightly to decline the offer and out of the corner of her eye, spied her mother waving them off as well. Queen Serenity was trying to find some distraction in continuing her discussion with Pellamas.
The Moon Princess never thought much of the newly appointed ambassador to Earth. He was a senator before this and from what she knew he possessed an ambitious personality. Pellamas was polite and gracious when he crossed her path-then again, all her subjects were, as it was customary. However, there was always a speck of dishonestly behind his smile that left Usagi cold. As soon as he was given his new position, he acted as if the Princess was nothing but a commodity to be traded for relations with Earth. A precious commodity, but one nonetheless.
Part of her was glad that Minako and the rest of her guard left her at peace. Usagi didn’t want to be pushed into small but forced conversation. There was no room on her plate for falsities and she wasn’t going to pretend that she was all right when her world was about to be blotted out as soon as the victor was announced. All Usagi could do was stare down into the arena at her impending future. He was amongst the last four competitors.
The big and burly one seemed dangerous, the young redhead appeared unapproachable, the copper-haired man was cunning and ruthless, and the dark-haired one in red was just unsettling. To look upon them and watch them fight was one thing, but stepping into the world that they dwelled every day was another matter completely.
Down below, the three Templars were anticipating the next round. They stood together on the edge of the circular ring, unable to sit down during the intermission. Seiya was fingering his new dagger out of habit while discussing the possible match ups with Yaten and Taiki.
“Not counting Rion, it’s the other two you should be looking out for,” said Yaten.
“I know, but Rion isn’t someone I’d ever take lightly either,” replied Seiya. “Right now, he’s not thinking about winning the Moon Princess for Sagramor. It’s more about his competitive streak and whom he overcomes with brute strength. His concentration on that alone gives him a fighting chance.”
Taiki’s hand was on his chin as he eyed Marquise across the arena. The redhead was in deep conversation with his two superiors.
“Marquise is young but he isn’t brash and overconfident like other soldiers his age. His impressive intelligence humbles him and he’s extremely analytical even in battle,” Taiki put forward.
“He isn’t bad with a sword either,” added Yaten. “I heard Ward Six just put into commission a new training program that covers various weaponry for close combat and long range.”
Seiya agreed and remembered. “Apparently similar to ours, but they’ve added lessons of critical theory aside from field training. It could give them an edge but the Chairman did claim it was a waste of resources.”
“Yes, well the Chairman usually prefers we shoot first,” Taiki said simply.
Yaten peered over his shoulder, watching Beryl speak closely with Gauvain. She seemed adamant in repeating something over and over and the silver-haired Templar grew suspicious.
Turning back to his comrade in red, he uttered, “In the end, you, Rion and Marquise have something in common. Whatever happens, none of us want the contract to pass to Metalia. I don’t even want to think about what will happen.”
“I know,” spoke Seiya grimly. “Many states would oppose the union even if Gauvain won it fairly. It could lead to civil war and we’d never see the end of it.”
“And I’ll bet Metalia’s first order of business would be to overtake the larger city-states and usurp the resources of others,” Taiki asserted. “The Chairman would be overthrown and our system would be dismantled.”
“It would be better if Gauvain fought the first match of the second round. It would give one of us a chance to take him out before the finals,” Seiya concluded, observing both Marquise and Rion.
“And if not?” said Yaten.
Seiya’s jaw hardened. “We have to. There’s no way around it.”
The waves of chatter in the crowd came to a halt when Pellamas rose from his seat. From behind him, two valets appeared at the ends of the balcony rail with two more banners. All competitors returned to their stations at the edge of the ring at the recommencement of activities.
Taiki and Yaten took their places alongside Seiya as they all lifted their attention back to the royal entourage. Seiya passed Pellamas’ sermons off as mere drabble while his gaze chose to wander along those seated at the balcony. He vaguely recognized four of the young women from the reception-notably the blonde with the red ribbon whom he recalled talking with Gauvain, and the brunette that stumbled upon Taiki. Seiya had suspected they were royalty.
His eyes roved uninterestedly over the Queen but stopped once again on the veiled Moon Princess. She was like stone-still as the marble statues that lined the columns along the arena walls. Seiya didn’t remember seeing her address her mother or the rest of her entourage. Not one movement caused even the veil to waver, giving any indication that she was real or even alive.
His line of sight was swept back to the arena when the first round winners were announced for the final time. The forum cheered heartily for their favorites before waiting with bated breath for who would compete next in the second round. The two valets set loose their banners over the rail.
Yaten’s eyes widened a fraction as Rion and Gauvain were the called to the next match. He exchanged glances with both his companions, while Seiya eyed his burly friend. Rion was already out of his seat and receiving some words from Marrok and Balfour. Across the arena, Gauvain was scrutinizing Rion in a predatory manner.
“He’ll be alright,” Taiki said suddenly, voicing an answer to a question all three of them omitted to ask.
“He doesn’t need his sword,” Yaten added. “He took Cyprian out cold.”
Tracing his rapier’s blade with a finger, Seiya mused quietly, “Gauvain isn’t Cyprian.”
Seiya saw his friend leaving the side of the arena. Burying any speck of concern on his face, he gave Rion a firm nod. All he received back was a wide grin, showcasing Rion’s rows of silver teeth. He trailed his rapier behind him, preparing to toss it to the side once the match commenced.
When he met Gauvain in center ring, the difference in size was a stark contrast. The shorter, leaner agent from Metalia looked anxious to tear him to shreds. Rion was of the exact same mind. They both saw each other as cornerstone opponents on the way to the final round. Seiya thought of Rion’s words the day before-that his luck was more likely to match him up with Gauvain than his friend and ally.
The two competitors crossed swords in acknowledgement and then the fight began.
The three Templars sat forward in their seats when Rion struck first. His rapier came crashing from above and Gauvain blocked his assault with his own sword with difficulty. His right hand shook, gripping the hilt while the end of his blade rested heavily against his dagger to resist the weight of Rion’s sword. The incredible force brought Gauvain down to one knee and he struggled not to wince in front of his grinning opponent.
Rion’s hefty sword faltered when Gauvain managed to break the bladed lock. He twisted his body to the right and slid his sword hand out to the left as if to pierce the air. As he relinquished his dagger, Gauvain escaped Rion’s larger body, which lurched forward with momentum. The copper-haired man rose swiftly to his feet and at his opponent’s first sign of vulnerability, he brought his blade down toward Rion’s back.
“No,” Seiya murmured to himself confidently, watching Gauvain’s counterattack.
Rion would not be caught unaware as he sensed the oncoming blow. Instead of avoiding the sword, he swept back a great arm. Gauvain barely ducked out of the way but he eluded Rion’s heavy fist.
“He’s going to get rid of it,” stated Taiki. On cue to the tallest Templar’s words, Rion whipped his rapier toward his startled adversary. It twisted and propelled itself through the air uncannily and as Gauvain reached out his sword to fling it to the side, he caught a late glimpse of Rion himself charging after the bladed distraction.
Pain seared Gauvain’s shoulder when the only way he could evade the flying rapier was to crane his body sideways. But it wasn’t enough to escape the cutting tip of the lethal projectile. There was little time to think when Rion rushed at him less than a second later. White shattered behind his eyes as Rion’s muscle-bound shoulder pierced him in the chest and sent him hurtling to the ground.
The crowd had risen instantly and cheered wildly at the top of their lungs while a splatter of red colored Gauvain’s chin. His heaving mouth hung open as crimson streaked down his cheek. The sword in his hand twitched like the rest of his limbs, which were sprawled on the floor and desperate to get up. He lifted sore eyes to the bulky figure stalking closer to him.
Yaten looked eagerly on and saw Beryl clutching her chair’s armrest in hostility. Her wasp yellow eyes were commanding her champion to cease his moment of weakness. Red lips formed curses and threats and Gauvain caught them from his wretched angle below Rion.
“Just finish it, Rion,” Yaten spoke out loud.
Raising both giant fists in the air, Rion roared thunderously before bringing them down to crush his opponent.
Gauvain demanded his aching limbs to move and rolled away hastily as Rion’s fists created a web of cracks upon the arena floor. Gauvain coughed as dust flew into his throbbing lungs. His body protested as he was forced to relocate again when Rion repeated his assault.
Rion grunted in frustration at the empty space he kept breaking. He didn’t fully comprehend Gauvain’s sword coming to slash at his forearm. Rion pulled his arm back in pained reaction while Gauvain staggered back to his feet. Another bladed swipe came, this time at Rion’s thigh. The red slit yawned open, causing the burly soldier reel back.
Again and again, Gauvain tried to draw him toward the side of the ring. Adrenaline aided his vicious parries, which were rapid but almost out of his own control. The sun’s beams from the dome’s oculus above shot at Gauvain’s rapier, reflecting off it in bursts of light. It blinded Rion and he saw nothing but burning silver and white.
The larger warrior felt an excruciating rip explode in his knee. Rows of silver teeth opened in shock and affliction when his lower knee tendon was snapped by Gauvain’s cold blade. His knee gave way and he stumbled, still being blinded by the angle that Gauvain held his dagger. Rion felt his injury hit messily with the hard floor; agony flared up his leg and into his hip. His ruthless opponent opened another gash across his chest in vengeance. Rion’s great weight fell forward on his hands. He collapsed severely on his stomach when the hilt of Gauvain’s sword struck the back of his head.
Seiya shot rapidly to his feet, as did Taiki and Yaten.
“The match is over,” he said firmly, seeing Gauvain still pacing around Rion’s unmoving form. His friend and ally was disarmed and subdued yet the Metalia agent set his unyielding foot on Rion’s upper back, holding him down harshly.
“Call the fight’s end!” Seiya yelled. He raised frantic eyes to the third tier balcony where Pellamas and the Moon entourage resided. None of them moved.
In the arena, Gauvain slid his dagger into his belt and took up his rapier in both hands. With the heel of his boot crushing down, he lifted his sword above his opponent’s spine.
“Pellamas!” The dark-haired Templar roared through the screaming crowd. “Call the fucking match! It’s over!”
His shouts fell on deaf ears. Seiya’s eyes widened, realizing in the desperate seconds that Pellamas was choosing to let it pass. The ambassador appeared stoic and unflinching but fully aware of what the Beryl’s champion intended.
With full force, Gauvain plunged the point of his rapier downward.
“Seiya!” Taiki shouted loudly. His hand shot out to pull his companion back but he only caught air. Yaten almost went after him but stopped before his foot crossed the red circle of the ring.
Seiya’s rapier collided with Gauvain’s in a volatile clash. One slash had Gauvain missing his target and another deadly swipe had him backing away from Rion. Seiya thrust his sword toward Gauvain in fatal warning as he stood between his comrade and his enemy.
“The match is over,” Seiya growled.
“Not according to the higher powers,” Gauvain gave him a spiteful grin even though his teeth were stained red with blood.
Hollers and gasps erupted from the astounded Moon forum as the crowd was shaken into a frenzy; even the other competitors and their parties had risen from their seats and stood at the edge of the ring.
Rei and Minako were at the railing the moment the red Templar had crossed the arena to defend the burly competitor.
“They should have stopped the match earlier,” Minako said firmly. “Why didn’t they?”
Usagi looked over at Pellamas, who appeared enraged at the turn of events. He left his seat and was gripping the balcony rail, leaning over as if to seize the perpetrators.
The ambassador’s angry voice boomed from above. “There are only two participants to fight in any round of the tournament and you, Kou Seiya, have blatantly disregarded the aforementioned decree.”
The Moon Princess was stunned to see the look of cruelty spread upon Pellamas’ face as he stared down malevolently at the red Templar and his grounded ally.
“For this transgression you are hereby disqualified from the tournament,” Pellamas practically snarled.
Usagi’s mouth opened in alarm as the entire Moon forum burst into verbal chaos. Almost every soul had stood from their places, throwing up their hands, plunging fists into the air in shouts and protests. The other participants from Earth were riled up as well, clamoring at the third tier balcony in absolute shock for the unexpected turn.
In the arena, Seiya was incredulous as his sword hand dropped. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the bewildered expressions on both Yaten and Taiki’s faces and he knew that he heard Pellamas correctly. Burning alarm shot through his veins but was mixed with instinctive anger at his unjust punishment. Raising defiant eyes toward Pellamas, Seiya wondered briefly in those anarchic seconds how hard he would have to throw his rapier in order to spear the ambassador in the chest up on the third tier.
“I didn’t need your help,” grunted Rion from below the crowd. “You’re a fool that’s gotten himself disqualified.”
“You’d be no use to Crystal Tokyo as an ally if you were dead,” Seiya snapped back. “You’re the bigger fool.”
Rion expelled a weak laugh as he lifted his head from the floor. He tried pushing himself into a sitting position just as Balfour and Marrok appeared to help him up the rest of the way.
“The contract belongs to Metalia,” Gauvain said to them both. “Pity, that both of you are now out of the running.” He pointed his sword briefly at Marquise-the last to stand in his way.
Seiya was about to approach Gauvain but a four armed guard appeared at the side of the arena and intended to escort him from the ring. Gauvain’s laughter assaulted Seiya’s ears when the guard laid hands on his arms.
“This isn’t right,” Makoto said. The Princess of Jupiter was looking over at Pellamas and the Queen.
The crowd seemed to sense this as well and was making their protests known. They jeered loudly as the competitor from Crystal Tokyo was brought to the side of the red circle. They could see the angry words being exchanged by all three Templars to the guards that repeatedly tried to implement the ambassador’s command. The crowd hissed derisively at Pellamas when he ignored them. Soon, their heckling was united in one call as shouts of “unfair” and “chance” was thrown recklessly toward the balcony.
“The crowd is visibly upset, Mother,” Usagi spoke rigidly to the Queen beside her. She kept her eyes forward and didn’t turn her head to even look at her.
“You don’t want to upset them further since we’re already going through with Father’s blasted contract,” the Princess continued.
Her daughter’s voice was cold but it was just. In terms of fairness, the Queen had seen everything that transpired in the last battle before the standstill. Old prejudices and hate still swarm underneath the Moon Queen’s pristine manner and for a while she didn’t cared if one competitor from Earth died-it was one less person that would take her daughter away. But the honorable side of her that was the Queen, pressed her for the unfairness of the situation. The match had been over and Pellamas hadn’t called it out of bounds.
“Pellamas,” Queen Serenity called him.
The ambassador whirled around, his face still tight from seeing Crystal Tokyo try to oppose his decision.
“My Lady,” he said, his tone turning docile.
“Your resolution is vexing to the citizens and they desire it to be reverted,” she said.
“But My Lady, the competitor from Crystal Tokyo has clearly broken the rules,” Pellamas protested.
“Do the rules not also state that when a competitor is disarmed and unable to fight, the victor should be announced immediately?”
Pellamas’ mouth opened but nothing came out when faced with the rhetorical but stern question. His gaze slid down momentarily to catch Beryl’s-who had taken instant awareness of his predicament on the balcony. She watched him severely, warning him to not overturn his decision of Kou Seiya’s fate.
“You have no words to further support such a rash decision,” said the Queen. “Give the crowd back their tournament and the competitor his rightful dues.”
A sense of dread trickled into his spine as he turned slowly back to the affronted Moon forum. He avoided the startled and resentful look on Beryl’s face when he silently motioned toward the four armed guard that was on its way to the arena doors with all three Templars.
“What’s going on?” Yaten asked, when the battalion around them halted.
Taiki and Seiya looked back at the balcony.
“Looks like some rat bastard made a mistake,” Seiya said, his sarcasm vicious toward the guards that released them.
The four armed guard looked once more at Pellamas, albeit curious and slightly confused at the abrupt change in orders. When the ambassador demanded it again, two of them ushered the three Templars back toward the ring.
“Well, that was a bloody waste of time,” Taiki muttered. He kept his eyes on the balcony above, wondering which of the Moon royals commanded the overturn of Crystal Tokyo’s disqualification. He found relief in the notion that Pellamas seemed to be the only one playing favorites.
When the crowd sensed the uplifting of the prior condemnation, their spirits were elevated back to excitement. They were glad to receive the acknowledgement from all three Templars when they arrived back at their place ringside.
“For a while I thought we were in trouble,” said Yaten.
“I’d just like to know who vouched for us up there,” Taiki added.
Seiya locked his sights on both Queen Serenity and the Moon Princess. Raising his sword toward them, he nodded in gratitude, whether not they were responsible for preserving his chances.
“They’ll be glad that they did,” said Seiya.
He saw Pellamas shrink away from the balcony rail. The expression on his face was peculiar-worried even, as if he had grievously disappointed someone. Seiya peered across the arena to Gauvain, who was equally agitated that the Templar’s place in the tournament was reinstated. What was most satisfying was the visceral disorder on Beryl’s face and at once Seiya’s theories were confirmed from the reception party. He never trusted Pellamas from the very start.
“Looks like they might have had a deal going,” he mused thoughtfully.
Yaten agreed with a scowl. “And the way Pellamas has been acting, it’s been painfully obvious to any fool.”
“If so, I wonder what they promised the ambassador in return,” Taiki said.
There was no more use for banners when all in the arena were privy to the next two combatants. The match was more anticipated after Seiya’s short-lived disqualification and the crowd shouted riotously for the battle to begin. The dark-haired Templar took up both dagger and rapier and left his comrades’ sides for center ring.
“He said before that Gauvain had a good chance of winning, but so does Marquise if Seiya underestimates him,” Taiki stated matter-of-factly.
Yaten turned his head to look his companion in the eye. “His lack of experience will limit him no matter how promising he looks.”
“Underestimating was always a weakness of yours,” replied Taiki with a sly smile.
“I resent that.”
The amused laughter of his taller companion was drowned out by the last round of cheers as Seiya met his waiting opponent. Though, Yaten was more concerned about the final match of the tournament rather than the one at hand.
The redheaded Marquise stood with his rapier casually at his side. He looked relieved to have the Templar back in the tournament. The young man smiled at his opponent and drew his dagger from his belt.
“I was afraid it would all be over too soon,” Marquise told him.
The side of Seiya’s mouth lifted as he readied his long and short blades.
“In what context?” the Templar asked.
“The rest of us saw what happened and disqualifying you for coming to Rion’s aid was unjust. Somebody must appreciate you up there.”
“That was pure luck,” replied Seiya, crossing swords with Marquise for a final address.
Marquise nodded. “I believe that luck is a skill.”
Seiya struck first, lunging toward Marquise’s lower half with his sword pointed straight and true. It clashed halfway down his opponent’s blade instead of his hip like he originally intended. Marquise retaliated rapidly by swiping for Seiya’s center but was blocked effortlessly by the Templar’s dagger hand. Marquise thrust forward, stepping into Seiya’s space. It earned him a bladed deadlock.
Their weapons seared against one another, shaking from the brute force from both opposing sides.
“What does Ward Six really need with a Princess anyway?” Seiya grinned through gritted teeth.
Marquise let out a heaving laugh. “Not so much the Princess, just the contract details. But Dynadin is the market for a wife, so I guess it works out.”
Seiya shoved him a few steps to the side but Marquise was quick to bounce back with a cutting series of agile parries and swipes. Seiya met his challenge head on, striking at him for every blow he sent forth and doubling his efforts to catch him off guard. Marquise missed the Templar’s shoulder by inches when Seiya whirled around. Rotating his body away from Marquise’s blade, Seiya lowered himself to one knee and thrust his sword to slit his opponent in the calf.
Marquise stumbled back as the invading rapier pierced his lower leg. He stared back at Seiya, who pointed sword and dagger enthusiastically at him.
“Dynadin not finding a woman to tolerate his neurotic habits?” laughed Seiya. “Your cousin is better off tinkering in the lab.”
“Maybe, but trust me we got something big coming up in our division. If I get the contract, I get a host of new opportunities,” replied Marquise.
Seiya stepped forward and met his sword with the redhead’s. Though he missed another thrust, the distance wasn’t too great and Marquise brought his dagger upward to Seiya’s neck. The Templar craned his head to the side, the sharp edge of the short blade barely missing flesh.
“Cyanide bullets was one thing,” said Marquise, struggling against Seiya’s dagger. “Combining our weapon technology with magia is on a whole different level that I’d like to explore.”
“That’s exactly what our Arms Development Chair has in mind,” Seiya commented. “But we’ve been trying to do it for years. You’re a little late to the party.”
Marquise’s knee came up to rapidly collide against Seiya’s hip, breaking another short deadlock. Seiya responded by driving his elbow into Marquise’s gut.
The redheaded youth coughed and heaved. “Not…so,” he said. “We’ve been in the process of engineering electricity rounds…not too different from thunder.”
Marquise’s rapier shot out and knocked Seiya’s dagger cleanly from his hand. The next slash had torn the underside sleeve of Seiya’s red blazer.
“I’ll make you a deal,” the Templar smiled, creating a series of staccato blade swipes against him. “If I win the contract, you’re most welcome to our Weapons Division to work with Godfrey.”
“Oh yeah?” Marquise raised an eyebrow, matching Seiya parry for parry.
“You have my word. Godfrey’s always enjoyed your work. He thinks the creation of cyanide bullet rounds is God’s gift to our ranks.”
His younger opponent laughed and managed to nick Seiya in the side. The cutting pain made the Templar wince slightly.
“I’ll hold you to your promise,” Marquise said. “That’s only IF you win.”
Seiya grinned and brought down his rapier from above but Marquise crossed his two blades to block his assault. A second later, the Templar curled his now empty dagger hand into a fist-which connected excruciatingly with Marquise’s jaw.
The world spun but the redheaded youth was still able to discern his opponent’s next words.
“I’d prefer it was one of us. We can’t afford to let Metalia take the win,” said Seiya.
Marquise had understood it very well-Ward Six was always aware of Crystal Tokyo’s recent troubles with the brotherhood. Once or twice they offered to send aid just in case the situation heated up in the Septra Plains. He also remembered Metalia trying to barter with Ward Six for access to their research. At the warning of both Maze and Crystal Tokyo, Ward Six denied any collaboration with Metalia and its agents.
“If they give you trouble, give them trouble back,” Marquise stated, wiping his aching jaw of blood. He regained his footing.
“It hasn’t come up to that yet…unfortunately,” Seiya replied, hitting the hilt of Marquise’s rapier. The sword flew out of the redhead’s grasp.
“It will soon,” predicted Marquise. He didn’t dwell on his rapier’s loss and chose to charge at Seiya with his remaining dagger.
The Templar crouched low and swiped cleanly at his adversary’s feet. Marquise cried out as his feet failed him, toppling his form onto the floor. His arms flailed wildly to break his fall and he dropped the dagger to land on his hands. The Moon forum erupted in cheer.
Turning over on his back, Marquise heaved and stared up at the dome’s oculus above. A moment later his vision was filled with the encouraging smile of his opponent. Seiya offered him a hand and Marquise took it.
“Don’t forget,” said the younger man as he was hauled up to his feet.
“Not a chance,” Seiya answered. “With your help the project will move faster.”
The two competitors had to raise their voices to hear each other above the din of the crowd. After picking up his own dagger, Seiya retrieved his opponent’s from the floor nearby and handed it back to him.
“This is a nice souvenir,” the Templar said.
Marquise smiled, accepting the blade. “It is. I wonder if they’ll let us keep any of this loot.”
He looked at his longtime ally and his expression suddenly turned serious.
“Win, Seiya,” Marquise said. “It’s the only way now to access a real opportunity to research magia weapon technology. The other states in the tournament won’t stand for it if Metalia gets the contract.”
Seiya’s gloved hand came down firmly on Marquise’s shoulder, giving him a knowing but silent answer. By this point, most states had reached an understanding that though all of them desired the Moon’s contract, they would rather have another win it than Gauvain and Beryl.
High on the third tier, Minako couldn’t help but turn toward the Moon Princess. She grasped her hand tightly while peering over the edge, unable to conceal her guilty excitement from Usagi any longer.
“The selection has finally been narrowed down to two,” Princess Venus said. She watched the young redhead and the Templar return to their seats for one last intermission.
“It can hardly be called a selection considering the prize goes to whomever runs the other through first,” Usagi replied dryly.
“Oh Usagi,” said Minako, trying to give her hand and encouraging squeeze. “It’s better than not knowing. I spoke with Gauvain at the reception. He seems a gracious man and you needn’t fear him.”
“You hardly know him, Minako,” Princess Jupiter cut in. “Even if he’s shown his combat skills are considerable, it means nothing in the face of his true self.”
The blonde shook her head. “Trust was never your strong suit.”
“Rightfully so, especially now we’re suddenly thrown into the mix with an entire race that we’ve known as the enemy,” said Makoto.
“You’re not helping the situation with prejudices. All I was saying was that it’s better to know who your fate lies with-”
“Please stop,” Usagi interrupted them both. Her voice was firm but it shook slightly from the agitation she was working hard to bottle.
“I’m sorry, Usagi,” said Minako softly. She exchanged worried glances with Makoto.
The brunette added, “We only meant well…”
The Moon Princess knew and she didn’t want to blame her closest friends for trying their best during a situation none of them could control. They meant well but they didn’t seem to understand the gravity of it. Minako was clearly the one ready to make peace but Makoto still harbored her distrust. Though neither of their opinions were any use to Usagi as she stared down at the last two competitors.
She didn’t think much of Gauvain. The way he fought made him seem arrogant despite the credit given by Minako. When his attention wasn’t on the battle, it was dedicated to the scarlet woman. He spent almost every ringside moment speaking with her and it was no secret that winning the contract was everything. There was even a desperation she sensed and it made her uncomfortable to envision herself being wed to such a man. Usagi even remembered hearing that he was a top agent of the Metalia Syndicate-an organization without an actual state.
The other-the red Templar from Crystal Tokyo brought a host of unidentifiable sensations to the Princess’ psyche. She didn’t know if it was fear when she first looked upon him at the reception. Though he startled her when he was able to discern her attention on him from behind the balcony statues.
That day, Usagi watched every match he fought. The way he moved appeared surreal sometimes-as if his every limb was an instrument created solely for the purpose of killing. How long had he fought the war? How many of her father’s soldiers had he killed? Perhaps it was fitting that he was garbed in red.
There was no introduction for the third and final round of the tournament. It was the most anticipated moment for the entire day and people were getting restless just sitting in their places. The six former competitors were also anxious for the last match to begin, even if some of their injuries from earlier battles were being tended to, ringside.
“One more,” Yaten declared, grinning from ear to ear. “Then we’re home free. I guess the tournament gave us a two for one deal-the contract and Gauvain’s ass on a sword.”
“Don’t be careless, Seiya. He’s going to use everything he has against you,” said Taiki.
Seiya rolled his shoulders back, eyeing his friend. “I want him to.”
The Moon forum roared loudly when they saw the last two competitors leave their places at the side. They stepped into the crimson circle and headed toward one another, attention focused on nothing else. When they met in the middle, all the noise became a dull static.
“Red is a little ostentatious, Templar,” said Gauvain derisively.
Seiya smirked. “It’s my favorite color. It matches the blood leaking out of your shoulder.”
Gauvain looked down momentarily at the white bandage turning scarlet above his left arm. It was the gash he received from Rion’s flying rapier.
“It was a small price to pay for what I intended to do afterward, though I was quite rudely interrupted,” he said. “I would’ve made sure that your friend would never walk again.”
“Be thankful you didn’t because I wouldn’t have any qualms displaying Earth brutality to this entire forum of peace,” Seiya replied simply.
“Such hostility. It didn’t have to be this way if Kardeiz Gamma was willing to share a little,” said Gauvain in mock somberness.
“Yes, moving into someone’s territory and performing unappreciated activities is a surefire way of convincing them to share.”
“You make it sound so unnecessarily crass,” Gauvain declared. He crossed swords with his opponent in acknowledgement. “There’s much we could do for each other.”
“The Metalia Syndicate is a parasite. There’s nothing you have that we could possibly want,” said Seiya coldly.
Gauvain’s rapier shot out in a harsh projection of both blade and thrust. He knew there was little chance of it hitting its primary target so he followed up by pounding his knee into Seiya’s stomach. The Templar reeled backward with tightly gritted teeth but was forced to shake off the haze when Gauvain came at him in a lethal pattern of swipes and gashes.
Seiya caught every parry and beat away each attack with his own. Gauvain was fast-stringing together bold hits of his sword, hoping to overwhelm his opponent. Seiya resisted Gauvain’s dagger with his own and propelled him backward, before charging at him, rapier out and on target.
The scorch of Gauvain’s dagger opened a spiteful gash on Seiya’s forearm but the Templar retaliated quickly by bringing his foot swiftly up to slam into Gauvain’s injured shoulder. The Metalia agent growled in pain, feeling fire sweep his torn skin beneath the bandage. His dagger hand faltered a little but he ignored it in favor of lashing his sword against Seiya once more.
“You’re a fool, Seiya,” Gauvain spat, striking at him repeatedly. “Kardeiz’s lapdog. There’s no place for you or the Templars in a post-war Earth.”
Blocking Gauvain’s increasing attack weight, Seiya gripped his dagger and plunged it toward his opponent’s chest. His hand was shoved away by Gauvain’s sword.
“Crystal Tokyo as a military city will die when Endymion becomes Chairman. That weakling will run it straight to hell once Kardeiz is no more,” the Metalia agent continued.
Seiya caught Gauvain’s elbow square in the jaw and the explosion of pain had his head snapping to the side. Despite the clinging affliction, Seiya whirled around and crouched low, seizing an opportunity to drive his rapier into Gauvain’s thigh. His opponent howled out and stumbled backward as Seiya withdrew his weapon to see the tip painted red.
“How much did Pellamas sell his soul for?” asked the Templar callously. He swatted away Gauvain’s messy sword parry.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Gauvain said between a snarl and a sick grin.
Seiya twisted his blade around the Metalia agent’s. “He should be more subtle when trying to cozy up with the whore in your corner.”
Gauvain didn’t take to his comment lightly and brought down his rapier from above with clashing momentum. Seiya stopped the blade’s course with his own sword but winced tightly at the unexpected force that drove down on him.
“Be mindful of your words, Templar,” hissed his copper-haired assailant.
“The truth is a hideous bitch goddess,” Seiya replied matter-of-factly.
Gauvain pulled away his sword but denied Seiya any moment to recover by hammering his shoulder into his opponent’s arm. A sharp clang rang between them as Seiya dropped his dagger to the floor. Gauvain followed up his ruthless assault with a low thrust from his rapier to catch Seiya’s knee. The Templar lifted a leg and swiftly brought his foot down upon the invading blade.
Gauvain shook his sword in frustration, which was lodged underneath Seiya’s foot. He attempted to stab him with the dagger in his other hand but Seiya snatched his wrist. The air was throttled out of his lungs the moment he felt Seiya’s other leg come out of the crouch and strike his ribs, just under his armpit. His own dagger fell from his fingers as his mouth opened to gulp in coveted breaths.
Seiya felt his opponent wrench his blade forcefully from side to side to get it free. He didn’t have time to lose his balance so he straightened up once more to see Gauvain do the same. His sword came out viciously to break Seiya’s grip on his rapier. The Templar’s sword twisted and flipped through the air above until it landed in Gauvain’s other hand. He grinned cruelly at Seiya’s empty hands and heartily gripped both long blades in his own.
“Our first order of business will be to demand compensation for Crystal Tokyo’s debasement of our organization,” Gauvain declared with bared teeth.
He dashed at Seiya with two rapiers and lashed one after the other, trying to catch Seiya’s elusive form. The Templar swiveled his body left and right, his tempo changing every other second to avoid Gauvain’s double advantage. Moving rapidly on his feet, Seiya’s arms dodged the growing amount of swipes. As Gauvain crossed both blades up high, he aimed to scissor off his opponent’s neck. The Metalia agent was met with disappointment when he cut nothing but empty space as Seiya bent far backward to avoid the deadly attack.
“Even if that was the case, we’d still be ready for you,” Seiya gritted out, facing him once more. “Crystal Tokyo is much more than your pitiful assumptions.”
Seiya watched Gauvain lunge forward with both sword points against him. He stepped to the side and grabbed Gauvain’s left arm. Twisting it in fervor, Seiya made sure the hold was hard enough to relinquish his own blade back from Gauvain’s temporary possession. With his rapier back in his hand where it belonged, Seiya readied himself for his opponent’s rage and retribution.
It came swift and sure. The banging of their swords caused tremors up their spines and shook their cores to the beat of combat. Gauvain barked at him in anger as he fought wildly. It was the same barely controlled rage he pitted against Rion.
Gauvain tried slashing upward toward Seiya’s neck but only touched the fabric of his high collar. As soon as his arm came down, Seiya had thrust his rapier into Gauvain’s wrist. Gauvain’s mouth opened in shock and pain, and didn’t even feel his fingers loosing their grip on his blade. Once it dropped, Seiya kicked his weapon across the arena floor. The sword skittered far away to land against the foot of Valmont’s chair.
Immediately Seiya shot forward and pressed his blade to Gauvain’s neck, knocking him down.
“Yield,” the Templar commanded harshly.
Gauvain spit in his face.
“Say it!” Seiya roared and shook him violently. Gauvain let out a strangled cry as the skin of his neck slid upon Seiya’s blade, opening a shallow but painful gash.
His eyes were blurry; he couldn’t even see Beryl standing in vehement rage. Gauvain’s mouth opened in a whisper barely audible for the Templar to hear.
Seiya dropped his wretched opponent as soon as the word left his lips. The crowd exploded in the forum, surrounding him in the light of his victory. They rose to their feet, shrieking and shouting at the top of their lungs. At the side of the ring, the six former competitors were howling in appreciation and acclaim as Gauvain was forgotten on the floor. Rion’s arms were raised and plunging maniacally in the air as he cheered for his friend and ally. Taiki and Yaten left their seats and met their companion enthusiastically in the ring. The rush of gladness melted through Seiya’s innards as he greeted his two comrades.
The Moon Princess felt the finality of her father’s contract lock into place. The tournament was over and the decision was made at last. The screaming Moon forum had also taken its toll on her and left an ailing sensation to cultivate up her throat. Usagi felt she couldn’t breathe. She was drowning and being dragged down so far from the surface in a panic that now threatened to pull her well-placed mask apart. The veil she wore wouldn’t hide it.
Her tears came hot and moist as her hands began to tremble. Usagi could no longer contemplate the swarming activity and bustling noise around her. The crowd and the arena blurred while her eyes burned. She barely heard Minako say her name when she rose from her seat to escape her falling world.
Usagi gasped when she moved down the platform as quickly as she could. The Princess flew by the attendants and valets, leaving them bewildered in her path. She needed to get out.
Crossing the exit of the third tier balcony, her feet pounded on the marble floor. Her dress was heavy and weighed her down. Usagi grabbed the veil and tore it from her head to leave it scattered behind her. She lifted her skirts desperately as she headed for the nearest warp platform.
Her steps slowed down when she arrived, but instead of activating it, Usagi sank down to sit. Burying her face in her hands, her shoulders shook as she wept.
Back in the arena, the Moon forum was greeting the representatives of the winning state of Earth. They cheered louder than before, seeing the former details about their past enemy in a newer, more advantageous light. Crystal Tokyo had proved themselves highly formidable in the past and proved it again on the Moon’s strict terms. They applauded the Templar’s win and were hopeful that his display of strength mirrored their upcoming relationship with Crystal Tokyo in the new alliance.
Seiya raised his head to the balcony tier and saw Pellamas abruptly leaving his seat beside Queen Serenity. The ambassador didn’t take another look over the railing as he hastily made his exit. Others of the Moon entourage were taken aback by his sudden disappearance and neglect to announce Crystal Tokyo’s victory in the tournament. The dark-haired Templar glanced at Yaten and Taiki, who also noticed the scene.
Beryl of the Metalia Syndicate had left as well and remnants of Gauvain’s wretched form was seen trailing out the arena exit with his attendants in tow.
All three Templars stood in center ring, consumed by the heat of acknowledgement and applause. They looked to the Moon Queen, who stood up and made her way to the railing to silently address the completion of their conquest.
The entire Moon entourage was on its feet and Seiya found all of them had left their places to stand at the railing. Before the Templars bowed low, Seiya discovered that the Moon Princess was nowhere in sight.