A/N: Thanks to everyone who has stuck around for this update! It's been a long time coming, and this one was giving me terrible writers block. Things are building up and soon a lot of things will come to a mighty head. Thanks to all of my readers for enjoying this so far. And a huge thanks to everyone who left reviews. You are the reason I keep writing.

Warning: Plot. Oooooh. So spooky.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Sailor Moon.

Minako's eyes searched Makoto's face for any sign of a lie, waiting for her to deny it. Instead she could only see the bare sincerity of her words written clearly in her expression.

"I think... I love you, Mina." Makoto repeated in a daze.

"It's you!" The prince blurted out.

Minako quickly took off her mask and put it on Makoto instead, turning to face the two who had seen the woman and using herself as a shield. "Your Highness, it's not what you think." She began, afraid for her friend and crush.

"She's right." Savannah agreed. "Your Highness, you must keep this a secret."

Endymion turned to look at the guard. "You knew? You knew she didn't die?"

"Only recently. Please, it's a matter of safety." She half pleaded.

Minako, nodded slightly, taking a step backwards closer towards Makoto. "Your Highness, I will explain everything tomorrow. But first we need to find that man."

Olik walked in angrily. "That man, is dead." He announced. "However he released a carrier bird before we could reach him."

Minako felt her heart plummet as they spoke. This couldn't be good. "Does that mean...?"

"That Nephrite now knows that Henso is still alive? Probably." Olik growled. "Which means that the royal family is in danger."

Endymion was looking at all of the others talking, glaring in irritation. "Would somebody tell me what is going on?!"

"I agree." An older voice stated in a firm voice, everyone turning to bow low to the king.

"I have just been told a man is dead on my ramparts, and my oracles have been speaking of war from ones long dead." His light blue eyes locked onto Minako and the masked woman behind her. "All of you, come to the war room. Now."

Sedated, all five of them followed the king without question, Makoto unsure of her fate. If they found out, would she be regarded as her former status, or still just a slave?

Nephrite was awakened by a soft cooing from the foot of his bed, lighting a candle to see a messenger pigeon watching him blankly. His brown eyes sleepily glared at it before standing, pulling the scrap of paper from the corked vial on it's back. He shooed it away before looking at the message, his eyes snapping up.

He walked out of the tent in his boots and night tunic, his jaw clenched. "Captain!" He snapped, a stern man with black eyes hurrying over.

"We won't be raiding the borders anymore." Nephrite informed him as the marched to the command tent.

"Sir?" The Boshni man questioned.

"We're going for Landenholt. Now. Before it becomes too problematic." He leaned over the maps before him. "If we don't, then we may have another army to contend with."

The captain nodded. "Someone find your strategies?"

Nephrite's face curled into a snarl. "That Kishu woman who kept nearly besting you six years ago. I should have made sure she was dead. This time, I will witness it myself."

How dare fate bring her back from the dead? She knew about him, and how he moved. He had to strike now, before they could launch any sort of counter measures against him.

Makoto stood next to Minako in the war room, looking blandly at the maps and papers strewn over the large tables. She could recall almost all of this from before; the main change being the enchanted glass that lit the rooms in the place of candles.

King Andrew stood before the throne at the table, watching his two soldiers, his spy master, his son, and the masked slave. "First things first. Slave, remove your mask."

Slowly, Makoto reached up and tugged it off of her, exposing herself to the room. The king frowned, tilted his head. "Where do I know you from?"

"The Boshni War, Your Majesty. I was last here as the general of the Furaji forces who aided you." She replied.

King Andrew's frown deepened. "You were reported dead. Why have you not stepped forward before now?"

Minako felt it was better to speak on her behalf at this point. "Your Majesty, she was enslaved after being ambushed by Nephrite. Why else would she be in a collar right now?"

His eyes turned to meet Minako's stubborn gaze. "Then keep your slave in better order. She should have reported sooner."

Minako was instantly fuming. "You mean while she was going between other slave owners? Yes, Your Majesty. I'm sure she would have been thrilled to be executed just to let you know she was still alive."

The king scoffed. "What else would you expect from a mountain rat? Furaji generals lowered their standards and this is the outcome. She deserved to be enslaved for being such a poor leader."

Both Olik and Savannah noticeably stiffened, the prince looking concerned. "Father, she is here now, and has alerted us to danger."

King Andrew grudgingly nodded, looking between his warriors and Minako. "So, what is the course of action we must take?"

"Well, Your Majesty." Makoto started. "He will likely come through Gallant's Folly and the kingdom of-"

His icy gaze leveled upon her. "I didn't ask you, slave. Silence, or I shall order your tongue removed."

"That's out of line!" Minako snapped. "You try to go near her, and I will kill anyone you send." Her hand was reaching for a whip that wasn't there.

However, Makoto gave her a stern look and shook her head, trying to keep her from continuing her rage.

"I highly doubt you could, Madam Aino." The king mocked blandly.

"Your Majesty, Henso Makoto knows his movements better than us." Olik plainly assured. "You would be better served asking her."

"You will address her as her current title, Sir Olik." He sneered. "Her past deeds are of no merit to me now."

"Father, that's enough." Endymion growled, turning to the both of them. "You may take your leave. We will discuss this with Sir Olik and Guardswoman Savannah."

Makoto bowed humbly, all but dragging a fuming Minako out with her. Minako was livid beyond belief, stomping after her in a huff. "What kind of an ass does he think he is?! Treating you like this, what a cock!"

Makoto bitterly smiled at her. "He never liked me much to be honest. Called me General Mountain Rat to my face any time he could."

Minako spun around and grabbed Makoto's hands, pulling her close. "I don't care. I don't care if this is normal. It shouldn't be like this. Not when... Not when I care so much about you."

Makoto felt utterly dumb-struck, blinking stupidly down at her. "You... What?"

Minako shyly blushed up to her friend, fidgeting. "I care about you. Very much. I would even venture to say I may love you."

A sun-kissed hand reach up to tuck a lock of stray hair behind a pale ear tenderly. "What... What should we do, then?"

Minako shifted nervously. "I'm not sure. May I... Kiss you again, though?"

"Not here." Makoto whispered back, watching Minako all but wilt. "But... When we get home, I think I would like that."

Minako instantly grabbed hold of Makoto's hand after the taller woman donned her mask again, and began to drag her tall charge the way back to the carriages. It didn't matter that Makoto was laughing loudly, just that they made it back to the brothel in spite of the meager torch light that eased the darkness of the night. The moment that the carriage halted, Minako handed the driver several gold pieces and resumed her tugging of Makoto into the brothel. She ignored the greetings and inquiries, vaguely hearing Makoto hurriedly telling the girls that they would be down later, and the whistles from patrons who knew that gleam in her eye.

Makoto had never been a weak woman, and yet she found herself quite literally dragged by the small blonde upstairs, Haruka all but cheering. The moment that the door was shut behind her, Makoto turned to look at Minako, and her wavering confidence. It seemed that now that they were utterly alone, her master lost all of her nerve, and she couldn't help but smile. She crossed over to the blonde in only three strides, gently tilting Minako's face up. "May I?" She inquired softly.

Minako felt her heart hammering wildly as she looked into Makoto's eyes, nodding dumbly. "O-only if you want to." She half stammered.

The warm smile that she watched spread across those beautiful lips made her heart flutter. When Makoto slowly slid her eyes shut and leaned close, Minako let her own flutter closed too, rewarded by the soft, tender sensation of their lips met.

It was a nervous, hesitant kiss, but it also was electric. Minako couldn't help but whimper very slightly, pulling away to look into Makoto's verdant orbs once more.

"M-mina," Makoto panted. "You okay?"

Minako didn't answer, just grabbed her by the lapel on her coat and kissed her again, this time with a bit more passion. She felt Makoto's hands move to wrap around her waist, the lack of certainty slowly fading as their lip became more hungry for the others. More wanting of these intoxicating kisses.

Minako groaned into Makoto's mouth as hands slowly traced up her back, knotting gently in her long, blonde hair as the kisses became more urgent. This time, it was Makoto who pulled away.

"Wuh-wait..." She panted, Minako kissing along the jawline that she had wanted to taste for far too long. "Mina, hang on."

"But your skin tastes so nice..." She absently mumbled, leaving a few very tiny hickies on Makoto's throat; a good few inches above her collar.

"Not y-yet... I'm not... I'm not ready to go too far."

Those words made her heart and loins screech in frustration, but she obediently pulled away; when someone said no, that had always meant to stop. Plain and simple. She refused to pressure Makoto, no matter how aroused she was, or how much she wanted to do things. Gaining control of herself, she kissed Makoto once on her lips, then a second time before withdrawing from her arms. "When you're ready. But for now, I want to sleep." She stated softly. "I want to be with you."

The relieved smile on Makoto's face was more than enough to assure Minako that she had done the right thing. She found herself pulled quickly back into another tender kiss before they pulled apart to undress, then tend to the minor wounds from the scuffle. They had done this dozens of times, but this time felt different, the small touches would often lead to a kiss placed in the wake of where a cloth had just cleaned. Caresses replaced the carefully detached touch.

At long last they slipped into bed, both clad in loin cloths and breast bands, arms wrapped around each other as their legs intertwined, and falling asleep in each others embrace.

The next morning, Haruka sat in the bar while the others milling around her, whispering about how Minako had been dragging Makoto upstairs with giggled excitement. She, however, was far more curious about just what they had done last night. But she couldn't walk in without Minako tossing her into the hall, or Makoto murdering her. So, who could she send that would be safe from harm?

"Hey, Hotaru!" She called, the dark haired girl skipping over to her with a smile. "Could you go wake up Mina and Mako for breakfast? I think they've overslept."

"You got it." Hotaru beamed, humming as she skipped away.

As Hotaru knocked jovially on the door, she heard a loud groan of dismissal, opening it to poke her head in. "It's late~! Up you both get! Breakfast!" Before skipping off, hearing a shrill curse through the door.

Makoto sat up and began to pull on clothes, but the sight of Minako sleepily stretching brought back a surge of memories that made her blush deeply. She walked back to the bed and sat down at the edge, resting her hand halfway between them. "So..."

Minako smirked slight, blushing just as deeply before reaching out hesitantly, tracing the back of Makoto's hand with her fingertips. "So... Now what?"

Makoto watched Minako's fingers idly, unsure of exactly what to say. "Now... I guess... I need to ask you... What are we?"

The silence between them stretched on, Mina finally speaking in a soft voice. "Now... I guess, we are together. I mean, as long as it's what you want."

Makoto swooped in to kiss her softly, cupping her cheek sweetly. Minako felt herself moan very breathlessly into her lips, a bit heady from joy. They shared the kiss for several moments before pulling apart again, Makoto's expression blushing yet serious. "And if people start asking questions?"

Minako groaned, rolling to look at the ceiling. Why couldn't this be easy for them? After several loud huffs, she finally spoke. "Then... They can kiss my ass. I don't want to make people think you're my bed warmer." Ocean hues turned to look at her friend in adoration. "You are... So much more than that. I love you, Makoto Kino. I don't want to lie about who you are to me."

Makoto smiled at her, brimming with deep joy. "Well, then don't say anything. Let them assume what I am. I've gotten damn good at lying about who I am. I'll tell them if they press the issue too much."

Minako pouted openly. "Why?"

"Because I am here to serve, O great Master Minako." Makoto said with a wicked wink.

Minako half shrieked in frustration, grabbing a pillow and bludgeoning the tall, now cackling with mirth slave with it repeatedly. "You! Know! I! Hate! You! Calling! Me! That!" She shouted, each word punctuated by a smack with the down pillow, feathers littering the bed and air.

Minako noticed that Makoto was precariously balanced on her hip while trying to hold off the assault with her hands, and took full advantage of it. She pounced onto her charge, using her hands to pin Makoto's above her head as she straddled her. She knew that Makoto could easily hoist her off of her, but was humoring the blonde, and Minako leaned down to kiss her languidly in thanks. Makoto's mouth was soft and inviting, the nervous motions growing slowly more sure as they kissed, the barely clothed madam pinning her down with a seductive air.

"Oh! Oh my goodness!" A voice squeaked from the door they hadn't heard open. "I'm so sorry!"

Minako sat up with a beet red face to see Ami just as equally flushed trying to find a place to avert her eyes to. After another moment she found herself gently but swiftly launched off of Makoto's waist by strong hands to the side, the formerly reclined woman now on her feet to walk briskly over to the smaller prostitute.

"Ames, hey. Hey, it's okay." She finally got the blushing bluenette to look at her face. "I probably should have locked the door last night."

Ami was still scarlet as she nodded, eyes flicking between the two women before her. "I... I apologize for interrupting. I didn't mean to ruin the mood."

Makoto's already red face burned an entirely new shade as Minako giggled. "We were... Not trying to... Have sex." The blonde tried to assure her. "We were just kissing."

"Could we not just blurt it out like that?!" Makoto squeaked. "I mean, Jakli's spear! I don't think Ami wants to know!"

Ami giggled softly. "Mako, I'm a prostitute. I have done far more than just hearing about kissing."

"Oh. Yeah. I forgot about that." Makoto sheepishly admitted, rubbing the back of her head.

Blue eyes locked onto her neck, sapphire eyebrows rising slowly. "And I need to help you cover a few hickies." She informed the slave. "Minako did quite a number on your neck."

"Wait, what?!" Makoto hurried over to the mirror, inspecting her throat to locate the marks, groaning loudly as she shot daggers at Minako. "Seriously?"

Minako simply pouted at her, batting her eyelashes. "You were so tasty. Couldn't help it."

Makoto hated how big blue eyes could sway her so much, throwing her hands into the air with a frustrated sigh. "Alright. Help me cover these, please."

Ami's hand took hers gently, leading them both away towards the bluenette's room.

Minako got dressed with a small smirk, giggling to herself as she thought about the kisses she and Makoto had shared. When she slipped on her boots, she blushed at how giddy each kiss made her, of how there was a spark that shot through her every time their lips connected. With a lazy smile, she headed out of the room, humming to herself as she made her way down the stairs.

And promptly found herself surrounded by her employees as they bombarded her with questions.

"How was it?" Elizabeth hissed with a waggle of her eyebrows.

"Was she okay? Did everything go alright." Haruka pressed.

"Dib boo boff hab foon?" Serenity inquired around a mouthful of ice cream.

Minako found herself blushing as she held up her hands to stem the flood of questions. She started with the most recent questioner. "First of all, Serenity, you know I don't allow ice cream at this hour. And for everyone else, we did not have sex."

There were many grumbles as Rei stood up and began to walk towards Setsuna, handing her a large coin purse with a smirk. The former miko grinned at her boss playfully as the guard tied the pouch onto her belt securely. "Sets was the only one to wager you two didn't go all the way."

Minako cast a grateful look at the guard before placing her hands on her hips, speaking loud enough of all of her employees to hear. "We did not have sex last night. But please be aware that whatever she and I are, is nobody's business. She is still subject to that terrible law, so keep your mouths shut during working hours."

"So, are you two a thing?" Haruka pressed in a soft, curious tone.

Minako went beet red, stammering slightly. "I... Sh-she and I are..."

"Yes, but keep your damn mouth shut, Haru." Makoto stated from the top of the stairs. "I'm still a slave, and it could be my life if the wrong person found out."

The entire group nodded in agreement, then began to congratulate the duo on their new found romance. Minako was in a good enough mood that she even let Serenity have a second serving of ice cream. But still, the matter of Nephrite kept cropping up into her thoughts, making her nervous. He was a threat to everyone, and she couldn't just set aside her duties to the crown. She had a business to run, information to gather, and people to protect.

And a love to hide.

Max stood behind Renny as they watched the Queen leave, both of them feeling ice cold. It was war, and they were needed to fight it on the Newark border, but they both knew that it was much more than just that. The marching army would destroy Landonholt and take away their greatest allies, leaving them utterly defenseless; they had to nip it in the bud before the troops gained too much momentum.

"Let's go." Max stated. "We don't have much time."

Renny nodded blankly as she followed Max, not really focused on anything in particular. She wanted to be sick. She wanted to scream, cry, and run far away. But no matter how far she ran, they would find her, and she couldn't leave Max. This was what she had been whisked away from her family and training for, but she wanted more than ever to be normal now that her destiny had come. She didn't want to fight in the war, she wanted to live her life.

She felt Max casually guide her to the carriage, climbing in just as silently as the woman beside her. They would need to prepare, and the General would need them early tomorrow to fit them with gear. She was only seventeen; how could she help take an army into battle? How could she help the Queen win?

"We're home." Max muttered quietly, causing Ranait to jump.

They paid the driver and headed into the brothel, the staff dead silent as they saw the blank expression on the usually cheerful girl.

"Renny?" Martin questioned. "What's-?"

"We are leaving tomorrow for a while. We aren't sure when we will be back." Max cut him off. "We will be preparing tonight. Business as usual for you all. Catherine is in charge until we return."

The auburn haired woman nodded solemnly, frowning in confusion. "Is this something we can't know?"

Max nodded silently, ushering her charge upstairs an away from the others. In that same complete silence, she drew Ranait a bath, and sat beside the edge, her feelings and thoughts both a complex myriad of confusion. There wasn't much time now, and war loomed closer than ever before. She wanted to try to solve things between them, but everything said now would be empty and sound contrite. A hollow prize born of guilt; a dying girl's wish fulfilled.

Max stroked the young girl's wet hair absently as they sat together. Ranait would live, she had to. She was all that Max had to connect her to the world. How could she manage without her?