---

CHAPTER SIX

Makoto wept silently as Ami led the way to the trial. How could this happen? Minako had died before but never in front of Makoto, which made her an invincible friend. Makoto was always the strong one to Ami, Rei and Usagi but in front of Minako she didn't have to pretend to want to carry burdens.

Ami's new powers led her to the courtroom. It was guarded heavily. Not only that, but it was packed with people trying to get in. Soldiers threatened the crowd to get back or be thrown in jail.

Ami bravely stepped up to one of the soldiers.

"I'm going in," she said, her voice quivering.

The soldier simply laughed at her. "Studious little Greek wants in? How funny. Get back into the crowd, woman, this is man's work. Not unless you and your friends want to meet me after the trial for some recreation?" He looked at his friends and tried to throw his arm around Ami.

Makoto wasn't about to lose another friend. Perhaps if she wasn't mad as she was she would have thought about her actions. What she did was later a burden on her conscience.

"Get the hell away from her."

The soldier laughed again. "Says who?"

She grabbed his leg in one swift movement and hurled him into a wall. The other soldiers attacked. She fought with zeal, every hit was a victory over every oppressor she had ever fought. In the name of Mars, Venus, the Moon, and Earth she was ready to combat all destroyers in her path.

One man was left, he took out his arrow and shot. It hit her in the heart. Ami ran to her. Help me, Apollo, she thought.

She took out the arrow, ripped some of her already worn tunic off and cleaned Makoto's cuts. Immediately she was healed. The crowd of hundreds saw this and was astonished.

Makoto got up as if nothing happened. The last guard that was left let them into the courtroom immediately. Bowing with their obvious superiority in his mind.

They entered the courtroom just in time to here the judge pronounce Ademerplius guilty and condemn him to life in prison.

"I guess now we have to stop him from selling his soul," Ami announced as they left the massive building. They watched the crowd collect once again to follow the road to the heavily guarded prison.

"I say we follow them," said Makoto, then she lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry that I messed up our getting in there in time."

"That's alright, we will succeed my friend."

They got up and followed the procession that led to the prison. A man silently watched them. He had lost them since last night but he had found them again because of the fight. There was really no need to watch them until now. As he watched the two senshi walk up the road, he had never been so nervous in his life.

Ami and Makoto felt like they had walked forever, not even in Tokyo racing through the streets in pursuit of a youma had they had to walk so far before. Makoto's feet were killing her but she kept quiet because of the importance of the mission.

Ami's thoughts were on the ever probable notion that they might die, as one might know Ami had died before, the sensation wasn't pleasant. She wondered who would die first, her or Makoto. It always seemed like Makoto and Ami were the first to die. Would Makoto last very long with only supernatural strength? Maybe strength would be the deciding factor so could Ami last very long without it? She was wrenched from her deep abyss of thoughts when a blue haired man stepped in front of her. He stepped on her toe. How familiar he looked...

The man in the shadows changed forms, he looked once again at the two girls. The smaller one must be easier to kill, he thought. She looks too weak to be the leader. Something about her blue hair made him think not, too; he shook his head violently. He couldn't remember small details because of the brainwashing; his teenage mind couldn't handle it.

He ignored his instinct and stepped on her foot to get her attention...

"Ouch," said Ami. He turned around and Ami's eyes widened. He looked exactly like Saffiru of the Nega-Moon. How strange: blue hair like mine, blue eyes like mine. Ami had always admired Saffiru for being the only other person she knew with blue hair and eyes.

"I'm sorry miss," He bowed and formally introduced himself, "I am Eros."

"Greek like us," Makoto blurted out she was already captivated by his good looks.

"Of course," he said. "I am of Crete. Would you mind if I traveled along with you? He looked at Ami wistfully. She really was very beautiful… she wasn't a goddess but few humans were as beautiful as his mother.

During the trip he tried to get closer to Ami but he couldn't reach her heart. One kiss and she will do whatever I want. The thought never crossed his mind that Ami might be the leader. In his heart of hearts he wanted her to be the one he dominated. She reminded him of well... never mind what she reminded him of, she was beautiful.

Throughout her conversation with Eros she noticed Makoto's reaction to his words, as if they were law. The gods said she had a strong will but this was ridiculous. He was handsome and charming and... she didn't trust him.

"What are your names fair ladies?"

" Ma... "

Ami broke in without warning, "She's Litta, and I'm Amy."

He nodded his quick mind understanding their name game. Soon they had reached the summit of a large hill. A foreboding tower stood at the top. The troop walked on, the crowd had dwindled, most of the Romans finding something better to do. Those who were really bored stood waiting for action.

Ademerplius was taken inside the dark doors. I wonder how much light gets in there, thought Ami. She didn't know and she hoped she wouldn't have to find out.