Power and Victory

Summary: Some people with different skills, abilities and strengths are challenged to give up their comfortable lives to be part of another mythical confrontation. Would they want to put their lives at risk? What would they choose: a judgment, a logical thought or what the heart can see? In this process of learning and understanding, they will realize that everything is not always what it seems. They should make choices wisely to protect the world. All in all, they might learn that what is essential is always invisible to the eyes.

Disclaimer: We acknowledge Masami Kurumada as the original author of Saint Seiya and Shiori Teshirogi in accordance with copyright and other rights involved. Moreover, we want to thank them for creating this universe and these inspiring characters, too. Special thanks, Lady Scorpio, for your comments and for all those who directly or indirectly helped us to build this story. This AU and OCs are created by the Sapphire Twin Star. The rating will change in the next chapters.

A/N: A year ago, a Von Holt female character was created for The Ocean Dream Diamond story plot. As a private prank, she was named Nikita. Then we began joking and arguing about this character, her world and her interaction with her alter ego for months so finally her twin sister Raiza was born out of those arguments. Without noticing it, we kept building their world and relationships with gorgeous guys who happened to meet them in different settings. Finally, we decided to share their story with you as the outcome of all these messages, pranks and discussions, too. So this story is written for those twins found in this AU who easily began to tell us about their life, dreams, fears and adventures. So we tried to tell it in the best way we can and posted this first chapter in honor of the gorgeous Gemini twins Saga and Kanon! You rule!

Chapter 1: Another mythical confrontation

Sountrack:

Blue Forever (21st century version) from Make up

( watch?v=AdvhOtaxvRQ)

BOOOM!

The big explosion moved his majestic body a couple of meters behind, while his golden heels scratched the ground, throwing a burst of dust. His blue mane wildly danced in the wind as his hands moved desperately forward to his attack position.

- Keep them out of here! - He screamed with his manly voice, the one that was used to command all warriors without hesitation. - Move them to a safer place…! NOW!

His younger colleague just nodded, not even knowing if he acknowledged him.

Grabbing the small slender body lying under the debris, the younger warrior tried to carry one of the girls to safety behind the thick walls. He heard her moaned as his hands lovingly encircled her body, pulling her against his cold golden metal chest. The warrior noticed she was trembling a bit as he stared back at her. Nikita seemed so fragile in his arms, her golden honey long hair falling like a luminous cascade. She trembled again. Were his forever cold hands provoking her tremors or were they soothing her damaged body? Suddenly, she was looking at him with wide-eyed horror. Of course, all of this would be too absurd for her and her previous ordinary world. He understood it very well, because it had been not easy for him when he first discovered that there was another universe other than what they knew and were living in: to find out that he was sacred warrior, not only an ordinary successful businessman.

- I'm here, ma chérie. Everything is ok! - He tried to sound calm and in control, softly caressing her cheeks with his gold-gloved hand.

His coldness soothed her and his voice gave her the comfort she needed now. So she slowly closed her eyes and put her head against his shoulder.

- DOWN! Damn it! - Another throaty voice screamed while an explosion made him fell down. The warrior almost dropped her on his way down. More explosions and big blasts surrounded them. On his knees, he crawled away and put her in a small niche while her eyes opened full of fear and distress.

Bon sang! It has been a wonderful party until this madness began! He thought as he remembered the earlier carefree atmosphere when he arrived to the ballroom. The lovely twins Raiza and Nikita Von Holt were together again and celebrating their gathering in style with a big group of friends and acquaintances. Among them, he could recognize the powerful, the wealthy and the beautiful of the world. Among them, he was there, too, by right.

More lightning bolts surrounded them. Nikita was scared and tried to hug him. He embraced her and later he carefully moved her apart. Then he noticed that her rich flowery cocktail dress was now in rags, the fancy high heels were gone, her young and beautiful face covered with a thick veil of dirt and her body had scratches and bloody marks. He tried to look at her reassuringly with his deep icy blue-green eyes and he kissed her cheeks very softly before standing up.

- I'll be back in a minute, ma chérie. Stay here, ok? - Then he calmly turned around, stood in his attack position and used his freezing skills against their attackers. He held them for a while. But a new explosion hit him and threw him away from her. He heard her screaming in horror and saw her moving deeper into the little niche, trembling. A shower of dust fell upon them.

- Take them out of here…! NOW! - That manly voice was madly yelling again as the older warrior fended off the deadly attack and counter attacked with renewed energy.

Nikita sat against a cracked wall and sighed. Although she didn't see his demigod body, it was his commanding voice for sure. He's safe, too, thanks the gods!

The explosions were stronger. Nikita tried to cover herself with her arms and the rags. She wondered if she was left alone. What's happening? Where are they? Where is Raiza? She couldn't stay there anymore, feeling the debris falling upon her like dangerous snowflakes. All was so dark and she felt more vulnerable there so she crawled out the niche and searched for safety.

A couple of meters away, another body was lying on the floor, her posh velvet night dress in rags and shoeless, too. Raiza slowly opened her blue-green eyes and looked for her twin. Where is Nikita?

Suddenly a dark big shadow came in front of her as she screamed in terror! Two bulky arms caught her slender waist and brought her up. A pair of black wings covered her bleeding body and then opened in full width, taking her up in the skies. She felt his musky smell and grabbed his neck for protection. This is unbelievable! This winged thing is him! Another blast and then he lost altitude while her arms were covered with hot red drops, his thick red blood. She felt a sensation of weakness on her knees. She never had fear of height before, but the fear of falling was something else she just found out. Raiza sank her nails deeper on the muscular arms that were holding her, feeling the inner of her stomach went upward as they fell further down. She tried hard not to faint, despite being madly terrified for their safety. His safety.

- Sod it! No, Raiza, I wouldn't let you down! – His throaty voice was a reassuring caress and he held her tightly. He managed to glide towards a small space behind the walls, ignoring all the pain and his wounds. He carefully put her down and kissed her forehead. – I'll be right back! - He said with a stern golden look and a twisted smile.

- You're bleeding… - She said softly caressing his cheek. – I never doubt your ability and strength. But, please, be careful and less stubborn. I don't want to be alone after all this!

- There's nothing to fear. I'll take good care of this situation. - He smiled back at her and nodded while she stared at him. Then he walked away in his Alpha Male way.

Raiza was standing there with an overwhelming feeling of admiration. Something she just finally admitted to herself. He was always giving that impression to the people around him, especially as the first impressions: an arrogant, stern and invincible man. Only when they got really close, she could find the secret facets of his character. Now he showed his hidden side: that he was capable of caring for someone, too.

Another explosion and Raiza couldn't see him anymore. All around her was falling apart. The whole world was being destroyed by powerful forces she didn't know and couldn't understand. She tried to hide near the walls. For the first time in her life, she felt lonely without her other half, her twin. Her eyelids were hot, before gradually her eyes became moist.

Since she left the Von Holt estate with her nose held high, Raiza swore to herself that she would never show them she had regrets. No matter how hard her life was without her silver spoon, she only tried to bite her tongue and keep going. Because big girls don't cry, as was stated by the song that became Raiza's hymn. What the heck! To hell with that damned pride! All she wanted now was to hug her other half and freely cry, as in their childhood. She just wanted to cry out until she was tired. Maybe she did cry that loud because she oddly felt deprived of all energy. Suddenly, everything was darker and darker as she fainted.

When she opened her eyes, Raiza saw another girl creeping towards her, someone who looked like her, a mirror image of her, wounded and whining! Oh, my God! It's Nikita! She couldn't believe it although it was the best she could have expected now. She crawled towards her until she heard her twin cried out.

- Raiza, you are alive! Thanks the gods! – The younger von Holt twin, Nikita, embraced Raiza, hiding her face and shamelessly crying; not knowing that her older twin had done exactly the same thing.

- My little twin, I am so glad you are safe, too! – Raiza was exultant now, she was relieved that her sister was there with her. – Look what happened to our fancy dresses! – She lightly laughed, trying to reassure the trembling Nikita. It has been a long time since she wore this kind of dresses again, the clothes that any indie artist could not afford.

For that gala night, Raiza looked like a bee queen in her black and cream see-through lace Zuhair Murad's dress, while her sweet younger twin went for the romantic and elegant flowery one. It was fun to do the shopping with Nikita, it was a happy sisters' get-together after a long time. Now, it seemed that moment happened ages ago, while it was only last week, before all this mysterious mess and confrontation took place and ruined their lives as well as their dresses. However, there was a silver lining on the horizon now. She was optimistic. Together, there was a chance to flee, to get away of all this madness, to come back with their beloved ones. They would have a fresh start.

A big explosion sent them across the muddy corridor. The twins hugged, wanting to merge for protection and survival. What's going on? Would we survive this ordeal? Would we see them again?

Being twins, their connection was strong and a long lasting one. Their minds and spirits were connected. If they were together, they felt invincible as in the old times. Almost being unconscious, Raiza and Nikita looked for each other in the middle of the mess. Yes, nothing bad is going to happen if we remain together, nothing would divide us from now on.

Suddenly, their minds wandered and they were brought back in time. The time when their world was an ordinary one, having everyday worries and maybe petty concerns. If anybody wanted to complain about it, it would be because their world was out of Barbara Cartland's realm of love and romance, so joyful for beautiful, affluent and pampered people. But real life was not as easy as they pretended it to be. Neither the secrets that were unveiled and affecting their lives and the ones they loved.

Slivers of the last days came dancing in their minds, like in an old photo album. They remembered so many people and places, the laughter, the misunderstandings, the sorrows, their success … and their loneliness again.

Raiza and Nikita belong to an old aristocratic family who owned a beautiful and large estate in Germany. They were members of the wealthy Von Holt family and were technically Großherzoginen [1].The title of Great Duke or Grand Duke was a very important one because it was used in Western Europe and in Germany, too, to address those who were lesser than sovereigns, which meant they were below the king but higher than other noblemen.

Belonging to the Hochadel or upper nobility, the Von Holts were influential and rich people, related to many Royal Houses in Europe and the most successful business around the world. Their dad was Großherzog Heinrich Von Holt and their mom was the beautiful Großherzogin Kathrin Von Mecklenburg-Schwerin. If Germany wasn't a Republic and the constitution didn't state it, a Großherzog was in order of precedence higher than a Duke and below a king.

The twins were born Großherzoginnen Von Holt and had a brilliant future. Their official names were very aristocratic: Rheinhilde Agneth Irmalinda Zoe Adelheid, a.k.a. Raiza, and Victoria Maria Isabella Junia Nicole, a.k.a. Nikita. [2]

Unfortunately, their parents passed away after a strange plane accident six years ago when they were teenagers. Nobody could explain why the new and reliable Gulfstream 550 Jet, full of the state of art technology and luxurious interior, went down in the outskirts of Zürich when the couple was traveling towards their winter retreat in the Swiss Alps. The seasoned pilot, with no reports of plane accidents in his long career, was not responsible of it. When the burnt corpses were recovered, they were quickly buried by the elder members of the family without waiting for the girls to come to the funeral. These were bitter news for the twins who remained orphans under the authority of their tutor Shion and living with their charming old aunt Lady Sophrosyne in the big Von Holt estate in Frankfurt.

Being twins and heiresses of such noble wealthy family, they studied in an exclusive Boarding School in Switzerland and they met the younger members of the most powerful and important European families, expanding their network and acquaintances. Although all what happened to them, they endured it with strong heart and grace. So it was said they grew without any big trauma and with clear goals in life.

When they were 18, part of the family responsibilities was given to the twins who had different ways of life and dreams so far. This decision caused them many troubles.

Now they were 20 and soon would be 21. Although being alike as two peas in a pod, they had little differences. Both were slender yet curvy. Raiza was the older twin, had a wavy long auburn hair and probing blue-green eyes. Nikita was born an hour later. She had a voluminous long golden honey hair and bright emerald eyes.

The older twin Raiza was a free spirit, not bound by formalities and protocol of the aristocracy. Since she was a baby, Raiza had a special attachment with her father, who was a good-hearted man. As a young woman, she wanted to develop her artistic capabilities without being forced to attend the high society events or to follow the strict rules. Although she enjoyed the status, security and wealth that her family name granted her, she utterly disliked the limitations and responsibilities which were included.

On the other hand, Nikita was the younger twin who was more compromised with the family projects and business, being glad to look after the fulfillment of them. Like her parents, she also had a passion for arts so she decided to study History of Art at the university, willing to become a fine curator. Although some of the responsibilities and social affairs bored her, Nikita worked hard to be a graceful Großherzogin and carry on her duties with charm and style. Being born and bred an aristocrat, she accepted her status, responsibilities and obligations. She was happy to help her family to achieve her goals.

These different points of view leaded to never ending quarrels between them, especially a big one when Raiza decided to give up her duties as noblewoman. Nikita was outraged and the younger twin decided to assume the obligations related to their family estate. Since then she was the one in charge of fulfilling their duties as Großherzogin Von Holt and becoming the head of the family.

With Nikita's answer and free of her family responsibilities, Raiza happily got her things in a Caddy and ran away from the Von Holt Manor under the flinch of disgust of their auntie, their mentor Shion and the servants. A teary yet crossed Nikita stayed in her room, not caring to bid farewell to her older sister.

After the big tempest, one day Nikita decided for reconciliation and looked for Raiza. She found out that her older sister was living in a little town near Frankfurt. The older carefree twin was playing guitar with her band in a pub and apparently she was building her alternate career as an indie artist.

Although Raiza was surprised that Nikita looked for her, she was thankful that her little sister was more understanding and had a big heart full of forgiveness. Afterwards, both of them were committed in big talks.

Through tears, screams and hugs, they rebuilt their sisterly and strong twin-bond that finally brought them back together despite keeping their different ways of life. The twins met or phone each other on regular basis, sharing her thoughts and feelings. But they were not living together neither nearby because Raiza wanted her independence and enjoyed to use her stage name Raiza Holt while hanging with the band.

So, among their peers, it was told that Großherzogin Rheinhilde Von Holt was living an amazing spiritual experience in Tibet and she might return someday in the future.

However, a couple of weeks before, they decided to appear together in a big party to launch one of the late Großherzog and Großherzogin Von Holt's most beloved project: the Art Gallery, whose curator was Nikita, and whose income would help young promising artists with scholarships and wages. This was the luxurious party they were having with family, friends and the best of the European nobility when Hell began!

Back in the middle of this bloody confrontation and in an almost state of unconsciousness, the twins' minds gathered memories and feelings.

Nikita's memories included some sunny pictures of the time shared with her twin and the blissful moments with her suitors, as the picnic with her Bond-like boyfriend near her favorite lagoon and garden at the Von Holt's estate. It was amazing! He was so handsome, protective and cool! His blue-sapphire eyes were probing and deep, his embrace warm and reassuring, his kisses so passionate! But there were shadows around his heart, too. Besides, she also recalled another pair of cold blue-green eyes of a gorgeous yet icy man who dearly looked at her while his strong arms wrapped around her. He was another knight in shining armor, the one who whispered poetic words of love with that romantic foreign accent! How handsome and daring they are! Both of these gorgeous were so stunning! Yet these happy images seemed to be so far away! What has happened to them? Where are they now?

Raiza's memories were darker as smoggy as the pub in which she used to play with her band after she left the family affairs in Nikita's hands. As dark as the man with a wild blond hair who stole her heart in that unique serious yet mocking way! Yes, that haughty male who was able to bring warmth to her heart and body, the one who wanted to share her world without hesitation although being so heavily burdened by his ancestry and family responsibilities! The stern gentleman who showed her that responsibility and commitment would not destroy her freedom. Where is he now? Is he safe?

Yet more explosions and debris! It seemed the world was falling upon them! The girls were awaken and trembled, holding themselves together. They were alone now. What was happening? Was this the end of the dream and the beginning of a hideous nightmare?

After thinking of what happened the last days, the twins knew that their lives had dramatically changed. How crazy that almost everyone they knew was not what they seemed to be! Although most of the people had secrets, it was astonishing what they had learned lately: that there were forces beyond their understanding and threats for their steady world. But there were some questions: What's true? What's real? Who are those warriors?

Raiza and Nikita hugged each other while their hearts beat in a perfect harmony. Their pulse was faster as they were merging together as in old times… Suddenly they felt that something was getting warmer and bursting inside them, as a strong white light was coming from their core! It was a big explosion as they became bodiless, ethereal, while all sounds stopped around them. They saw the warriors bent on the ground, wounded but fighting, in the middle of this carnage. The great light covered them, too.

They felt like they were flying away now into safety and comfort. There were no more fears, no more pain in their wounded bodies. They hugged again and clearly knew everything would be alright from now on, so perfectly and endlessly right….

[1] Großherzoginnen is a German word and means Great Duchesses or Grand Duchesses.

[2] About their names, their meanings are in brackets:

For Raiza: Rheinhilde [battle counsel], Agneth [holy], Irmalinda [entirely gentle], Zoe [life], Adelheid [noble].

For Nikita: Victoria [victory], Maria [the star that brights], Isabella [consecrated to god], Junia [June], Nicole [people's victory].