Crumbling Rose...Petals of Love
Started By: Beryl 2/11/00
Players: Guardian, Queen Beryl, Zoisite, Tashande, Duncian, Darien, Kunzite, Riona, Michiru, Nephrite, and Minako

Rising up on his tip toes, Zoisite brushed a nearly shy kiss across Kunzite's cheek before turning and dashing out of the room. Jeremy and Riona barely earned a glance as he took off down the hallway, the rose clutched in one hand. Bouncing down the stairs of the school, Zoisite plopped into the passenger side of the Ferrari, his gaze still far off, the scent of Kunzite still on him. Today had been one of his best days, and nothing was going to ruin it.

Tashande was well into his next class when he felt a pang of regret. All of a sudden he got the feeling he had done something really, really, stupid. It didn't bother him that he'd heard Michiru was a slut, he never listened to rumors, it just felt... dumb somehow. Like he'd jumped into something he wasn't at all prepared for. Of course, those words could describe his entire life right at this moment, so he mostly blew it off.

Darien nodded slowly and gave her another soft kiss. "I know and I understand you wanting to help a friend. You don't even have to make it up to me if you get too tired to come over later on. I was gonna ask if you have plans for this weekend. A friend of mine wants me to house sit this weekend and I was wondering if you want to keep me company. And I've also got you Valentines present for you," he pulled out a long thin box from his pocket. "Hope you like it."

Kitsune stood there, stunned, feeling very much like falling flat on his face. But the image of that, him sprawled out and youma snickering, shook him out of his daze. Wouldn't do at all for anyone to know that he was so skeptical to human-like reactions. With one hand touching his cheek, and a dreamy look in his eyes, he drifted out of the room and past the two students before suddenly remembering the stained handkerchief. Turning, he ran back in, shoved it and his books into the book bag, muttering under his breath with every extra second it costed him. He wanted off this rock now.

Jeremy turned to leave the building, speaking, "Guess I'll leave you to get ready for this evenings festivities, I am sure like everyone else that you too are going with some guy for the fun, Riona." He started away, *Unlike some of us who go to defend the others that go for fun.*

Riona stopped as Zoisite walked pass them, watching him, looking for signs of the blood. He passed them without even a glance and exited through the stair-well. She looked over to Jeremy and laughed. "Ya, right. I'm not going. No date, no point." She shrugged and started walking.

Michiru smiled brightly. "I'd love to. It sounds like fun. I'll see you later on tonight, don't worry." she said. She kissed him lightly on he cheek and then ran off to her next class. *Alright, now just what to do with this guy. He looks like the macho type so why not a night of those simulated war games Joe took me to. they were alright, but not my style and since I'm to show Tashande a good time, it would be perfect!*

Zoisite frowned as he peered down at his watch. He needed to get home and get changed... not that he couldn't do that here, but he really wanted a shower as well. Eyeing the Ferrari, his frown deepened. Nephrite had stolen his keys... well, all right, he had nearly wrecked the thing last week, but how was he supposed to know that the little red lights dangling in the air meant to stop. Stoplights were a suggestion in his mind, not an order. Slipping over into the driver's seat, a spark of energy leapt from his finger, getting ready to start the car.

**A few hours later**

Jeremy walked confidently about the Valentine's Ball, already he could tell this was not to be a very fun night. So far no danger, which to him was good, but no youma also meant he was wasting his time watching the dance for trouble. *Well,* he thought to himself watching as the couples slowly swayed, *If worse comes to worse I can always break up any fights of jealousy...*

Sandra smiled up at her date on the dance floor, so far it was working to plan. A minor nudge of negative energy here and there and she'd have all the pleasure and energy she craved this night.

Zoisite whistled softly to himself as he wandered into the dance, clad in his usual basic black. the only deviation from his usual morbid mode of dress was the silvery rose clipped to one lapel of his black overcoat. Moving through the mortals like a prowling wraith, his emerald eyes remained sharp and cold. Perfection... so many foolish mortals, so little time.

Kunzite entered the room dressed in a simple dinner jacket over lounging pants and a T-shirt, all a soft muted gray color that stood out against other's more formal clothing. He wandered through the gathering, noticing the dark energy that clanged here and there and nodded to himself. The others were already here doing their jobs. He had better get started as well.

Dunican walked up to Minako's door and knocked on it. All he was wearing was a dark gray suit and a dark tie. Reaching into his pocket he felt the velvet box that was tucked in there. He smiled. *She is going to love this gift I have for her,* he thought and smiled as he waited.

Moving through the others, Zoisite's fingertips dug through a pocket, removing an energy collector. Unlike the more powerful kings, he couldn't simply steal what he needed without the benefit of a conductor. Clasping it within his fingers, he brushed against a few others. It wasn't exactly necessary but it did help to touch his targets. Settling himself in a chair, a devilish smile lit over his cupid bow lips, this was proving to be entirely too much fun. When he brought the most energy to Beryl-hime later, then he might finally have an edge over Nephrite and be a little closer to the ice king. Resisting the urge to purr at the thought of the other, he lifted the silvery rose clasped to his jacket to his lips.

Michiru danced close to Darien and smiled. "I hope this dance goes better than the last one." she muttered as she held him close. "Maybe we should have skipped this part and went straight for the part when you kiss me good night." she said with a smile.

Minako opened the door, smiling at Dunican. She looked him up and down, closing the door behind her. " Hey! Don't you look handsome?" she said, smoothing out the blue silk skirt of her dress.

Kitsune's arm was snagged by a pretty young girl with curly brown hair. Letting her drag him into the shadows, his mouth curled into a cold smile. Getting the energy would be easy enough, but preventing the senshi from sensing the drain is another story.

Dunican looked over Minako as well. Smiling at what he saw. "You look stunning," he said with a smile. Dunican then remembered the gift he had for Minako. Pulling the red velvet case out he handed the gift to her. "This is for you my love," he said with a smile.

Minako took the case, examining it carefully. " Oh you didn't have to..." Minako said, opening it. She gasped, nearly dropping the gift. It was a rather expensive looking tennis bracelet, and it totally blew Minako away.

Settling against one wall, jaden eyes were all that could be seen from the cover of shadows. Closing them briefly, he began to trace the ebb and flow of energy throughout the room. A few powerful sources shone like stars... most likely Kunzite and Nephrite. The thought that his own Queen here was something that he'd never considered. Reopening his eyes to catlike slits, his attention moved over each of the couples on the floor. The teal haired one... Michiru if he remembered her name correctly... was with the newspaper reporter. The blonde and her companion were opening presents, it seemed. Odd, at least to him, how mortals always seemed to delight in giving something valuable to someone else. The red head... Sandra? That was her name. She was with a different man everyday and night. A derisive smirk touched his lips as he leaned back. With a motivation like that, she had to be a storehouse of energy. He'd found his next target.

Kitsune pulled his lips away from the girls' and let her unconscious form slide to the ground. Wiping his lips clean of color with a handkerchief, he slipped back into the room and watched the mortals as they wasted energy on dancing and making out. Shaking his head, he went in search of his next meal.

Darien chuckled softly and pulled Michiru closer, his one hand resting on her hip, his other trailing up her back to cup her head. "You mean, like this?" he whispered, leaning forward and kissing her deeply.

Michiru smiled under the kiss and kissed him back. When they finally came up for air she touched his hair and smiled. "Yeah, only when you take me home, think you can make it last...oh ten times as long?" she asked with a sly smile.

Dunican smiled and took a step forward. Taking the case he took the bracelet out and then put it on Minako's wrist. Looking into her eyes he kissed her on the lips softly. "Are you ready to go?" he asked.

"When I take you home?" Darien said with a wink. "Don'tcha mean IF I take you home? I think I can make it last as long as you want, dearheart. From the first kiss to the last and everything in-between. You sure you want to continue dancing or shall we just skip the rest of this?"

Nephrite stood on the side of the gym watching the couples with disgust. *I can't believe I got chaperon , again. This is the very last time I ever attend one of these.* he thought. He watched as a few of the single teachers approached him. "Oh Couch, we were wondering.." they started. Sanjouin just smiled and nodded not listening to a word they said.

Michiru smiled gently and playfully pushed him away. "Oh now you're being bad. Threatening to keep me out all night. Daddy wouldn't like that." she said shaking her finger at him.

Pushing off of the wall he had been residing against, Zoisite poked at Nephrite's side as he moved past him. Weaving his way towards the red-haired Sandra, his eyes were on the prize. It might actually teach the girl to be as loose as everyone claimed she was. Clasping the crystal in the palm of his hand, the most angelic expression he could muster consumed his features.

Darien laughed and caught her hand with his, bringing it up so he could kiss each delicate finger. "I'm not all that bad, am I?" he asked. "After all, how is Daddy going to know if you sneak home before he gets up?"

Dunican and Minako finally made it to the dance. They both walked in. Dunican looked around the room. "They setup the dance great this time," he said and looked at Minako. "Care to dance?" he asked with a smile and a hand to her.

Riona looked up at the school. *I shouldn't be coming... I don't even have a date...* While thinking this she continued to walk towards the glass double doors that led into the decorated gym. She gave herself a quick check before opening the doors. Her deep crimson dress hung down to her ankles perfectly on her slender frame, but the thin straps did little to protect her bare arms from the cool night air. She pulled open the doors and stepped into the noise. The music played, the people danced and the teachers watched. Just like every other dance she had bothered to attend in her life. She walked over to the refreshments table and poured herself a glass of the punch. She took a sip and from the slight tang in the flavor she could tell that it was spiked. She also noted the tacky little heart ice cubes floating around in the bowl.

Jeremy finished his punch, spiked yes, but hardly with any amount of achol to do any harm. The stuff in his pocket would effect more than all the punch in the bowls. He merely shook his head and watched as the single women singled in on the guys that were their prey and nodded, the one benefit of his scarred face was that women didn't flock to him at these events. His looks and his attitude kept them away, which for him was both a curse and a blessing.

Michiru smiled slyly. "well well, aren't we the daring one." she said and laughed. "Since you are so eager to leave..." she said and slightly brushed her lips across his neck. "I guess that can be arranged."

Minako smiled, taking Dunican's hand. " Of course," she said, pulling him out onto the dance floor with the other couples.

"But of course my dear," Darien replied with a wink. "Dare's my name. Let's go then."

Zoisite came to a halt by the flaming haired Sandra, studying her for the moment much to the distaste of her male date. Cold eyes of jade moved up and down her body as an equally chilling smile graced his lips. Extending one hand, his voice purred out in a soft whisper that Kunzite would have taken to be seductive, "Shall we?" In Zoisite's thoughts, the ice king would be pleased with all the energy that the female could provide... the collector crystal held protectively in his clasped hand.

Michiru smiled and nodded to him. She kissed his cheek and headed for the door. Something was nagging at the back of her head. Something she felt that she might have forgotten.

Darien wrapped an arm around her waist and brushed a soft kiss across her forehead. "Is something the matter?"

Sandra glanced at the young Zachary and almost laughed out loud at the poor fool. She kept tabs on her generals, she kept very good tabs on them, but they had no clue on where she was. She smiled slyly, this would almost be too good of an opportunity, but it could also put her at risk. She smiled and extended her hand towards the boy, "Yes, let's shall." If trouble happened she could always summon the youma hidden across the gymnasium.

Wrapping one arm about the red head's waist, he restrained himself from wincing. The male form was much more inciting and fit for Zoisite than any female. Sliding the crystal to rest between his fingers instead of directly into his palm, he pressed that hand to the small of her back... trying to siphon her energy into it. His free hand brought her other one to his lips as his green eyes settled on hers.

Sandra smiled as Zoisite made his move, she felt the twinge of her energy leaving and simply smiled wider and gazed into his green eyes, *So foolish Zoisite. Much yet to learn.* Then she did the unthinkable, she forced a large portion of her energy out and into the crystal and then collapsed with a loud scream.

Jeremy's eyes snapped along with a good fourth of the gymnasium to see a collapsed Sandra, the school slut, with young Zachary Sanjourin holding her in his arms. Jeremy's eye narrowed, wondering what had happened.

Zoisite just stood there for a moment, staring down at the woman in complete surprise. Sliding the energy crystal up his sleeve like a practiced magician, he slowly lowered her to the ground, sure to support her head. Lashing his gaze up to the crowd, he searched frantically for Nephrite. To the casual viewer, he was like any other young man who's date had fainted... the difference was, now he had Beryl's energy... an almost direct link to Metallia... starting to cycle through him. The thought of that ancient of an evil touching the sakura would have been enough to frighten most anyone.

Michiru stopped when she heard the scream. "What was that?" she asked looking worriedly at Darien. She clanged to him tightly, scared that another attack like at the Christmas Ball was about to happen. *Why me..and why when i have a cute guy as my date?* she wondered.

Nephrite looked up from his dance with the woman over at the scream. ~What the..Zoisite, what did you do now?~ he sent to the younger king and made his way over. "Everyone back up, I'm sure its nothing, please just give the young lady some room to breathe." he said calmly, trying to get to the girl so they could get her into a room to be checked out.

"I'm sure it's nothing," Darien replied, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "But to be on the safe side, let's make sure their alright. Okay?"

Kunzite sighed faintly and pulled away from his latest victim. The girl blinked slowly then shuddered as the energy drain was abruptly cut off. Animation returning to her eyes, she smiled hopefully but Kunzite was already moving away back inside. Moving towards the gathering crowd, his eyes narrowed when he saw Zoisite and some unconscious female. This was not good.

~I honestly don't know...~ Zoisite began mentally as he glanced down at the girl in his arms. Leave the bad luck to him to get a frail one. The energy flowing through him felt... wrong... bad... even more than himself. His eyes blanked over, feeling his teeth start to lengthen without him being able to help it or retract them. Lifting his fingertips, he began checking her eyes. *Just who or what are you?* he asked himself, relatively sure he'd nailed one of Beryl-hime's personal youma or someone... something... closer to Metallia than he was.

Sandra slowly stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She was groggy, forcing so much of her energy into Zoisite, but if it worked it was worth it. She couldn't move, to weak from the exhaustion. Silently she mustered what little energy she had left to force her mental voice as Beryl to bellow through all three of the kings' heads. *Remember that lesson. Do not just choose any target, be careful for next time perhaps instead of one of my servants it will be a Senshi. Don't be overly anxious to give up your Earth identities yet.* With that Beryl pulled her energies inward, reaching out to the vast swell of darkness that compromised her link with Metallia and slowly she felt some strength return. Finally Sandra slowly pulled herself to her feet and glanced knowingly at Zoisite, "I'm ok. Just that the heat got to me more than I thought it would."

Inner "ears" ringing from Beryl's voice, Kunzite took a step back from the crowd and looked around at the others. Zoisite looked out of it still and Nephrite was trying to shoo away helpful and determined single women and school girls. ~Of course, my Queen,~ he said briefly to her, his mental voice cold and calm. ~We shall do as ordered.~ taking upon himself to get the other three out of here as fast as possible, he plugged a way clear and motioned them to follow him. "Then let's get you out of the heat, Miss? Some fresh air might do you some good."

Nephrite tried not to snicker in front of everyone. ~You tried to drain Queen Beryl?~ he said with a mental laugh. ~You know I'm not going to let you live this one down.~

Michiru turned away from the scene. "What a Drama Queen." she muttered. "She just wanted to get attention, what a stupid stunt." Michiru wasn't happy. It had pulled her date's attention from her for over a minute.

~Nephrite, think about what you are saying,~ Kunzite replied, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Zoisite. ~Think. That dark energy of Beryl, the closest to Metallia, in the most vicious of us all. We have better get him out of here before he reacts to the energy.~

Smiling lightly, Darien put an arm around Michiru's shoulders and gave her a friendly squeeze. "Well, she has to do something," he said with a chuckle. "After all, it's the only way she can get my attention from he most beautiful lady in school, beautiful. Now, where were we?"

Zoisite stumbled backwards on his feet, eyes still blank and sickened. Metallia's direct energy was a bad thing... look at the changes it had wrought in Beryl's body. Pointed ears, fangs... not to mention the rest. Backing into Kunzite's arms without even thinking, his attention was consumed by the ripping of flesh along his back. Beneath the howl of music, the sound of ripping material was lost. Something leathery yet warm brushed against Kunzite's chest and arms, rustling like membranes as they slithered down, nearly brushing the floor. The darkness in the gym was what kept him from mortal sight as they fully formed, laying against his backside thankfully. A soft hiss of surprised escaped him as a longcoat formed over his body, hiding whatever it was that had formed. ~I have to get out of here... now... I feel sick~ he sent to Kunzite and Nephrite before turning for the door.

"Come on, Zach, it looks like you need air too," Kunzite said, half supporting him even though he was more than startled by the warm leathery things touching him. He looked up at Nephrite, nodding to him to led the way.

Biting off what he was about to say, Nephrite grumbled but complied. But once out in the cold air, he turned to Kunzite. "What's the big deal?"

Falling to his knees, Zoisite's slender form was cast in shadows, the moonlight illuminating him from behind. Retching as quietly as he could with the dry heaves, one hand dragged the trenchcoat from his body. The stifling feeling had grown in intensity, making him feel as if he were suffocating. Casting it aside, a sound like snapping canvas filled the air, cracking in his airs too loudly. From Zoisite's back were a pair of batlike wings, arcing up in the air like crescents. Tipped with small sharp claws of blood red, they were thin and delicate much like their owner, too small on him to permit flight. Resting on his hands and knees while the last of the Demon Queen's essence played havoc with him, he stared blankly at his fingernails that had taken on the same crimson shade. Head reeling, he retched again even if nothing came up. This couldn't get worse. At least Beryl's lesson had taught him that much.

"That's the big deal," Kunzite replied with a sigh as Zoisite fell to the ground retching and the wings were revealed. "Metallia's engery would do something similar to you and me, you know. Though-" he looked at the wings and moved closer, reaching out with one hand to caress one. "-they are very.. captivating. I wonder what it would be like..."

Nephrite snorted in disgust. "You are a pervert," he snapped.

Zoisite's wings were soft and supple, as smooth as well tanned leather. At the slow pass of the ice king's hand over them, they trembled slightly with the last spasms pulsing through Zoisite's body. Slowly getting back to his feet, he stumbled, needing to once more find the center of his balance with these new additions. Bringing them down and forward, they draped over his shoulders to trail down to his ankles like a cape. Two small claws linked just below his throat, holding them together without him having to exert energy. Shuddering, he pushed himself into Kunzite's arms, nearly in tears. Even as his arms enfolding the other man's waist, the new wings reached out as well, seeking to engulf the man within their leathery warmth.

"Not as prevented as you, hitting on little girls," Kunzite replied with snort. Stumbling back as his arms were filled with Zoisite's trembling form, Kunzite reflexively grabbed the smaller man to keep from completely falling. The brush of the wings against him, brought a slight shudder to his frame and a sudden tightness to his groin. Now was not the time to think of those sort of things, he thought to himself sternly. "I think that one of us should get Zoisite out of here before someone gets too close and notice the wings," he told Nephrite. "And since you're supposed to be chaperoning the dance, I'll do it."

The small claws hooked into Kunzite's clothing like those of a small kitten, holding the sakura tighter to him. Burying his face against the other's shoulder, he sighed wearily. He didn't want to move, and it was going to take something short of a chainfall to get him off of the ice king, especially with cruel Nephrite there.

The grinding of his teeth nearly audible, Nephrite glared at Kunizte and Zoisite, wanting to say something against the older general's orders. He didn't like the growing attachment his supposed student was showing to his more powerful rival. But there wasn't much he could do about it right now, especially with each passing moment the chances of someone seeing Zoisite's new attachments was getting bigger. "Fine, then, take him home, but don't get too attached to him, Kunzite. I don't think Beryl would like it." With that, he huffed back inside.

Kunzite made a face. "We better get going," he whispered, the ice crystals of his teleportation surrounding them.

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