Chapter One

‘It is my heart that belongs with yours. No matter what anyone thinks, it is Death and Soul who belong together.’ – Kari

Her long white hair was pulled back in a high ponytail. The feeling of uneasiness settled over her body. She did not like socials; she did not like them at all. Pyrite preferred being her solitary guardian self. Nothing was more important than being a guardian...nothing perhaps more than Kari. Kari was her soul mate...her intended. With the permission of Versala, Kari’s mother, she wanted to marry the young girl. She could still remember that fateful day when she had met her formally. Kari had been eleven and she sixteen. The memory lingered in her mind like the soothing scent of jasmine in the palace’s many shrines.

She strode powerfully and proudly as a Guardian of Crystalia. The streets of the city bustled with lively activity and the scents and smells of food cooking were tempting to any. Everyone who she passed gave her a look of respect and smiled in kind regard. They knew that without her, their peace would be shattered. For she was the only one available to protect the planet, at least until the other princesses of the domains were ready.

Pyrite, or more commonly known as Sailor Crystal Death, stopped at a flower shop to look at the blooming flowers. Just then she noticed a girl with indigo hair and pink eyes. She looked no older than twelve and she happened to be staring at a potted plant in the window. “Hello.” Pyrite greeted.

“Death-sama.” She curtsied politely.

“Pyrite is my name. After all we will be working together some day.” Pyrite responded kindly.

“What are you doing back home?”

“I have finished my training. I come back to protect our planet until you and the others turn sixteen.” She explained.

“I cannot wait to be sixteen.” Kari told her.

Pyrite smiled politely, “It is not all fun and games.”

“I know. I want to help you Death-sama.”

“It’s Pyrite, Kari. You know you can call me my name. I have no qualms with you doing so.”

Kari smiled at her sweetly, “But Pyrite, that is my nickname for you. You are Death-sama. Death-sama is always respected because she is the most powerful. You are the most powerful among us all.”

Pyrite looked taken aback then said, “I may be powerful, but it is not a power that can be used in a carefree manner. Death is powerful.”

“Will you protect me?”

“There is no doubt that I would not do anything to protect you Kari. If you ever need me, all you need to do is send for me. I will come to you right away.” Pyrite vowed.

“You will?” Kari questioned.

“Yes.”

“Thank you Death-sama.”

Pyrite gave up on Kari calling her by her name. “I must go. Be careful.”

“I will...and I will keep you to your promise.”

Pyrite smiled softly as she fiddled with a strand of snow-white hair. She looked at the gown that lay on her bed; it was an ebony empire-cut dress. Simple and elegant could describe the beautiful garment. That was how she liked her clothes. However, with her dress she had to wear her crown. She disliked having to wear it because she felt uncomfortable wearing the symbol of her royalty. However, it was important that she was recognized as the Princess of Death Domain. She admired her crown though. It was a silver band with seven dangling black jewels which varied in size, the biggest in the center.

Her stomach clenched as she put the crown on her head. She despised socials and she would not enjoy it unless her friends and Kari were there to have fun. She sighed then rose regally to her feet. She slipped on her black heels, wobbling slightly as she adjusted to the new shoes. She sighed once more, what she wouldn’t do to get out of here and do something more interesting. She straightened her dress and made sure that she looked presentable before heading out of her bedroom.

Crystalia Palace was a beautiful palace in which it was centered at the point where all of the domains met. The entire structure of Crystalia Palace was made of white marble and clear quartz crystal. There were certain parts of the palace that were decorated in colors of the different domains. Pyrite admired the structure as she entered the crowded ballroom.

Again, she felt the familiar clench of her stomach. Funny how she felt so brave on the battlefield yet she could not muster the courage in a simple social setting. For the first time in her life she wanted to leave...to run away. She took in a breath then walked toward the center of the ballroom to find her friends.