The Dawn of Serenity Chapter Twenty-Six For once, things were quiet out on the dark plains of Earth. The wind hushed, leaving the ash undisturbed. It was the calm before the epic thunderstorm; a storm not of nature’s making, but the cold anger of men, more specifically, of a woman bent on revenge. A low rumble echoed through the air; pebbles began to quake and jump excitedly off the barren ground. The dark clouds looked on as armies appeared upon all horizons, marching towards each other at a steady pace. Growls and snarls rose into the air, accompanying the songs of war. It reached its crescendo as rockets streamed forth like deadly banners descending into the ranks of the opposing forces. Their explosions kicked up a thousand years of dust and ash, revealing the frozen wasteland beneath. The combatants snarled at each other, stomping and clawing at the ground as the two massive hordes faced one another. The moment the fiery volleys ceased, a loud resounding horn split the tension in the air. The armies were quick to follow its call, racing towards the center with a lust only quenched by bloodshed and hate. The ground shook violently as if the Earth were falling apart, the ground cracking and splitting as Beryl's Armageddon began. They collided with a greater force than any human could withstand, and those watching from behind the lines could no longer tell where each faction began and the other ended as the battle started in earnest. Where five Shitennou should have stood, only four presented themselves behind Beryl's imperial forces. Their faces were calm as the wind thrashed their capes about, but on the inside, each was fighting to stay grounded. Her Majesty's Army was a bastardized version of that glorious name now, only a few hundred compared to its former strength of one million. Outdated Soldiers and unaccustomed Guards made up the bulk of their ranks while only a few new Soldiers were produced in time for the first attack. Uprooted as they were, the army of Beryl still possessed an excess of firepower at their disposal, and the most powerful weapon on the planet -- the Golden Crystal. Endymion stood amongst them, his hands glowing gold as he concentrated his powers on protecting and enforcing their army. A trickle of perspiration made its way from his brow to his chin, but other than that, he looked strong and steadfast. A thick cloud of ash bellowed up from the battlefield, building up like a sandstorm ready to consume its writhing creators. It began to block their sight, but Endymion could feel everything happening on his troubled planet. "We should be down there fighting," Jadeite said, his hands twitching. "Don't be so eager, Jadeite," Nephrite chastised, a fact that made the younger general tighten his hands into fists. "This battle is meaningless for us to be involved in. Demando has sent but a fifth of the Soldiers he took from our armies. He's testing us, curious to see what we have come up with, it will not last long." His words almost prophetic, for ten minutes later, a Hunter came climbing up the small hill upon which they were situated, taking her place beside Jadeite. "Our lines are holding," she announced. "We're not making much progress, however. At this point, our older Soldiers' experience and the missiles are enough to combat Demando's forces, but the advantage will not last forever." "Then I think it's time to remind Demando just what he's up against," Nephrite said defiantly and glanced meaningfully at Endymion. The monarch nodded, closing his deep blue eyes. His whole body began to shine with a golden light as the signal was sent out for their troops to fall back. The ground began to shake due to a new more devastating force besides that of the stomping of angry feet. It was a low, ancient rumble, shaking the Shitennou's bones. Demando's hordes had little time to react before the earth came alive beneath them. Sharp monoliths shot up abruptly, splitting some Soldiers in half. The ground opened up beneath them like a hungry mouth, swallowing whole platoons, and closing up as if nothing at all had happened. The Soldiers scattered like frightened birds, their ranks broken and disoriented. They were quick to retreat, leaving the fallen and Beryl the victor, for now. The Earth quieted as the golden aura around Endymion slowly melted away, returning the world to its dark and dismal state. Silence fell upon the land once more. Zoicite let out a long sigh, kicking a rock at his feet. It tumbled down the slight incline, bouncing erratically, its motion mirroring the Shitennou's thoughts. War wasn't really his element, which seemed impossible for a member of the elite Shitennou. His skill was only matched by his brothers, but Zoicite had little interest in fighting, and only did so when absolutely necessary. His mind was analytical, not violent. He was better suited serving behind the lines than on them, planning instead of executing war maneuvers. It was his idea to use the crystal to break apart enemy lines, but as he watched Endymion, he wasn't sure if that was such a good idea anymore. The prince raised a shaking hand to his face while taking a few shuttering steps that made the flaxen haired general concerned that Endymion would collapse. "My prince!" he moved forward, steadying the monarch and catching the attention of the others. "What's wrong?" Danburite questioned, but Zoicite's focus was directed elsewhere. "Are you all right?" he asked, concerned. Endymion looked up, locking eyes with him. He watched those sapphire orbs come in and out of focus, as if confused for the briefest of moments, but it was enough to make Zoicite's stomach twist into a tight knot. It was as if Endymion was waking up from a very long sleep and he realized everything was changed. For an instant, the world disappeared, and all Zoicite could see was blue, endless stormy blue. It reminded him of the ocean, of the woman he couldn't exactly remember holding the fluttering kite from his daydream. Those eyes made him hopeful and afraid, and made him feel alive. Then they changed; turning stoic and obsidian once more, and Zoicite's heart sank like a ship shattered by the pounding waves. "I'm...I'm fine," Endymion said finally, his voice bland. The Shitennou glanced at him skeptically, but did not contradict him. "We should get back to the palace." Nephrite took charge, turning to speak to the Hunter at his side. "Take a few Guards and salvage what you can. We can't afford to be wasteful now. Collect some of the turned Soldiers as well; we might be able to find a way to program them back." "Yes sir." "I'll go with her," Jadeite offered, and followed her down the sloping hill. "What do we do now?" Danburite asked, his voice echoing into the dead sky. No one answered; no one could. +++++ Kunzite watched in his study as the battle dissipated with Minako hovering over his shoulder. Both she and Kunzite watched hostilities from the beginning; Kunzite analyzing every decision and movement their army made. He sat back in his chair as the battlefield cleared. He felt proud of his comrades, and relieved that they no longer seemed to need his guidance. However, that fact left a surprising pang of sadness throbbing within his cold heart. They were brothers, and even he didn't want to be left behind. He appeared to be useless now. The Shitennou didn't need him, and his queen didn't want him. "What's wrong?" Minako asked. "There's nothing wrong. We've won our first battle and the Shitennou were flawless in their execution," he replied, pushing his chair out as he stood abruptly. "You're brooding." He turned to face her, finding her arms crossed as she drummed long delicate fingers against her forearm. "I do not brood." She raised a fine brow, a simple, but powerful enough objection. He pushed passed her, trying to ignore her stare as it penetrated his back. Was she reading his mind now? He remembered she had the ability to sense emotions, but Kunzite and feelings were two elements that rarely went together, especially in his latest incarnation. His queen had made him perfect this time...hadn't she? "You do not know me, Minako," he continued, shaking his platinum locks. He heard her approach; felt her breathing against the skin of his neck as she stood on tiptoe to whisper in his ear. She was pressed against his side, and the contact with the Venusian star made him feel hot and stifled. "You're not as opaque as you think you are, Lord Kunzite, especially to someone like me, and I don't even know all that much about my powers as yet. You should be more careful, lest someone more important than I figures you out, too." He opened his mouth to object, but she was already moving on like a relentless tornado. "What will they do next?" she asked, innocently prancing back to his desk as if nothing had happened. He began to realize, if the copious supply of free time wouldn’t destroy his sanity, this woman would gladly take the helm. It made him uncomfortable, but secretly he was happy for the challenge, although he would never admit to anyone – especially himself. "Demando will regroup and find another way to come at us. He won't be reckless; he'll take his time. I imagine he'll use long-range missiles to break us down before moving in and attempting to push us back. He knows we only have so many left and little means to reproduce more. Without our slaves, we'll fall behind and lose any advantage we have at the moment." "Do you really think he took them?" she prodded. "I'm not sure. I have yet to speak with the few that remain, but they might not offer us any further insight anyway." "And what will we do?" "We will most likely wait until Demando makes his move. He has put us on the defensive I'm afraid," he admitted. "And, what will you do?" "I will continue to train you until my queen deems me worthy once more." "And what will happen to me after that?" He turned to her, finding her dynamic eyes staring at him, wishing he hadn’t turned around at all. She was scanning him, seeking his answer before he had a chance to give it. What did she want him to say? She moved closer, and everything in her eyes told him to move away, but Kunzite was not one to back down. "Will you forget about me when she calls?" "You are important too, or else the Shitennou would not be protecting you as we are," he stated matter-of-factly, "but you must prove your worth; this is not a charity." "Well, I wouldn't want to test your patience." She smiled and released his eyes as she turned to exit the room. "Asa, are you coming?" The wolf looked meekly at his owner before quickly following the blonde out the door. Kunzite couldn't blame him; if he were any l esser man he would be but a dog following her with his tail between his legs, helpless against the charm she radiated without even trying. "I'll be at the training dome doing my best not to let you down." She flashed a victory sign at him before leaving, the familiar gesture doing nothing to calm his nerves. He stood there for a long time, unsure of what it was that had taken place between them. She was acting irrational, but then again her former incarnations were just as strange. She was getting too comfortable here, of that he was sure. He was beginning to think their plan was folly, and that taking on a Senshi was nothing but a big mistake. But she was something fresh, something new to their dark world...to his dark world. If anyone could turn the tide on their war, it would be a senshi. She also left him pondering exactly what he would do once he was recalled, and if he even wanted to be at all. +++++ Jadeite drank, Nephrite raged, Kunzite, well, Kunzite didn't do anything, and he had the unfortunate tendency to bite his nails until it hurt, a habit he wished to break, but at this moment, Zoicite couldn't have cared less. Endymion's eyes were haunting his vision, even a day later, It was miraculous he managed to get any sleep at all last night. The Shitennou congregated in their prim parlor as a winter storm raged against the crystal walls outside. There would be no war on the Earth's parched skin until the winds calmed, but they weren’t displeased with the momentary respite. Zoicite was glad to be in the company of his friends with no prince in sight. They could taunt and ridicule him as much as they wanted this day, and he would only smile. Their mockery was much better than the look of confusion still lingering within his memory, and dealing with their banter would be a much-needed distraction. The other Shitennou seemed not up to the challenge however, much to Zoicite's chagrin. He shared a seat with Nephrite while Jadeite sat across from him, both lords it seemed, distracted by their own problems. Danburite sat alone in a chair, his eyes darting nervously between the other members of the Shitennou. They listened silently to the howls of the wind outside, the conversation nothing more than a scant exchange since their arrival. Zoicite could stand it no longer. "I started analyzing the turned Soldiers yesterday. Saphir slowly updated their software right under our noses while they were planning their little coup. I missed this fact in his notes when I went over them the first time. As yet, I haven't found a way to rewire their allegiance, and it's unlikely that I will. It's possible we could use them as spare parts though. Just because the mind is turned, doesn't mean the arm might be useless, too. I'll have to investigate," he finished, deciding he finally needed to take a deep breath. "Well then, go," Jadeite muttered testily. "And what have you been doing to contribute?" Zoicite retaliated, sitting back with his arms folded. "I...be quiet, Zoicite." Jadeite looked away, keeping his eyes hidden behind his long bangs. "How is your search for the slaves coming, Danburite?" Nephrite finally spoke up. "There's nothing yet. They're just...gone. I need to speak with one of the remaining slaves, interrogate one to see if they have any information. Isn't one of your girls still here, Nephrite?" "You will not touch her," Nephrite said with such force that the others glanced up quickly. He realized his error, but was quick to smooth out the situation. "She won't respond well to your methods, Danburite. If anyone is capable of getting information out of her, I think it would be me. I can read her mind, remember? I'll see what I can find out, you find the other slaves left here." "All right," Danburite answered quickly enough, but his eyes remained suspicious. "The storm won't last another day, so let's make the most of our time now." Nephrite stood up to indicate the end of their meeting. The others were quick to follow, knowing the mood of the room had changed. "I'll see to the Soldiers," Zoicite mumbled and moved to leave the room with Danburite not far behind. "And what of our leader and our little experiment…?" Jadeite asked once they were gone. "Have you heard from him?" "No, but I plan to catch up with him very soon. Go rest Jadeite, you look like you haven't slept for days." Jadeite huffed at him, but didn't deny it, as he followed the others and left Nephrite alone. "What of you and our little experiment?" Nephrite seemingly spoke to no one in particular, but the darkness did not stay silent. Out of the shadows, Kunzite emerged. He slowly walked towards Nephrite, and the two powerful men came face to face once more. The second in command could see how his superior's forced leave of duty was affecting him. There were muted circles under his light eyes and any sign of discontent spoke volumes where Kunzite was concerned. The other man could see a change in his closest friend as well. He seemed less haunted and taller, his cheeks flushed with life. Nephrite was the most dynamic of them all, but this look was quite different to his usual expression. He thought back to their conversation about his slave girl and perhaps had an idea why, but Kunzite wasn’t one to talk about vivacious females destroying all normality. "Things are progressing," Kunzite replied. "Has she shown any more powers?" "Not senshi wise. Her...skills of perception seem to be coming back, however, and her fighting techniques are fast improving. Her loyalties to at least the Shitennou are steadfast. I have some doubts, but it is quite possible this plan will succeed." "Good, I have a feeling we'll soon need all the firepower we can get. Try increasing her training sessions, you know the senshi power-up in high stress situations." "Yes, I know. It might do well for you to come and see if we can investigate her mind a little further." "Of course, call me when you think she's ready. I'll take my leave now, it's good to see you again, Kunzite. 'Til next time," Nephrite said, and left Kunzite alone with his thoughts. +++++ He watched her thoughtfully as she idly traced a fading scar on his upper arm. She lay on her stomach, her dark hair fanning over her bare shoulders and chest. Her feet were dancing in the air slowly, matching the rhythm of her slender finger as it moved. Her skin glistened softly in the dim firelight, a memento to their intimate interlude that continued to leave Nephrite's head fuzzy. He wasn't lost to everything, however. She was acting subdued since the night of revolution, and Nephrite found he missed the fire in her eyes. He had to remind himself to be patient, that she lost her whole family and friends in one night. She was alone, left to the whims of her lord. "Where did you get this scar?" she asked. "I don't remember," he replied. He remembered, but it was a memory he'd rather forget. "You're lying," she stated, switching her attention to his body. She outlined his stomach muscles, tickling his skin with her light caresses. He was amazed at her intuition, but realized he shouldn't be. She spent more time with him than even the Shitennou; she saw him at his most exposed. And perhaps, he thought with a cool grin, after so many years together, his sight was rubbing off on her. "Sailor Mars gave it to me during our last battle," he admitted quietly. She looked up at him momentarily, her purple eyes searching his face before returning to her current task. Her hand moved up to his chest, feeling his heart beat steadily beneath his tanned skin. "I forget that you were the ones to vanquish Beryl's thorns. It's hard to remember you're part of history when you're right here before me. She must have been fierce to leave a mark on you." "Sometimes, I think you're worse." She smirked. "You deserve it most times." "Why are you here, Irinushka?" Her finger stopped touching the skin over his heart. He knew he could read her mind if he wished, but he wanted her to answer on her own. He knew he should. There were answers he and the Shitennou needed, and their conversation in the parlor only a few hours ago echoed within his mind. But a part of him was being selfish. Even though she was not herself, they had never been closer since Demando's uprising. He knew this would change if the slaves were ever found. She would never trust him again. He reached for her hand, gently intertwining their fingers to give her the courage to open up on the subject, but decided to prompt her by speaking first. "I don't believe Demando took our slaves, but I cannot even guess where else they might be. Whatever happened, it must have been planned for years. Surely, you had to know, and I'm not angry that you would keep it from me; it would mean your brother would lose his freedom, and I understand that. I just--I want to know why you're still here...why are you still here, with me?" "Aleksei is..." she paused, trying to think of the words to say. She glanced up at him, her eyes shining. "Do you remember a few months ago when you told me you could not give me my freedom, for you had none of your own? Aleksei is safe and free now, but you aren't. I...I don't abandon people that I care about." For once, Nephrite was speechless as he digested the information. She had the chance to leave and she stayed, for what, for him? It made his heart race and ache at the same time. He didn't deserve her affections, nor did he believe he deserved her pity. Couldn't she see that? He sat up, indignant anger in his eyes as he released her hand and grasped her upper arm. "Why would you do that? You had a chance for freedom and you didn't take it to save a soulless man? I cannot be saved, Irinushka. I wish you had left. How moronic can you be!" She shrugged out of his grip, sweeping her legs beneath her gracefully as she adjusted her posture and sat beside him. Her gaze was steadfast and sure, and she stole his breath away as she reached out and touched his face with the backs of her fingertips. "You have a soul, Nephrite. Do you even listen to yourself? You're wishing I had escaped, and you have not forced me to tell the secret we both know I keep, for you know what would happen. She would find them, and she would bring them back, or worse, and my heart would be broken for my brother. You're concerned for me, you always have protected me -- you care about me, Nephrite! A man who cares, who feels, is worth saving. You've done evil things, but you're not evil. I couldn't leave you to this world alone, not after everything that's happened, and those things that inevitably will. This is where I belong right now, with you." "Rin..." "Nephrite, I..." He shook his head, silently begging her not to continue. He couldn't bear to hear that word, not for him. She smiled sadly. "Nothing makes sense when I'm with you." For a moment, the fire was the only sound in Nephrite's ears besides the loud beating of his heart. He wanted to say so much, but something was holding him back. A cage was still wrapped around him; his queen still held sway over his life. But a small part of him was stirring and giving him some hope. Perhaps Irinushka was right – perhaps he could be saved. But this was who he was, wasn't it? There were shadows of a life not his own burning in the fire of his dreams, but these were distorted by the smoke of darkness curling around his soul. "Thank you," in the end was all he could say. "Kiss me," she whispered, and he was only all too happy to oblige. Touching her lips felt like a lightning strike and for a few minutes, he lost himself in her embrace. He let it take away his worries, his confusion, and his fears and replace them with sublime emotions he hadn't felt in a long time, or felt at all. Once parted again, they settled back into the soft bed. She pressed close against his side and draped an arm over his chest. He knew this couldn't last. He was not meant for such happiness, but... He closed his eyes, and gently kissed the crown of her head. He would hold onto this as long as he could, however long that would be. +++++ For four long months the two self proclaimed monarchs rampaged against each other. Their battle was relentless and tore apart the already damaged Earth. Each found ways to injure the other, but the white prince was getting the upper hand. He soon had Beryl cowering within her charcoal castle while Endymion strained to keep a barrier between them. There was just not enough power in the Earth prince's veins to be both offense and defense for his queen, and the wonder of Metallia had long since diminished over the years. When all hope seemed lost for her, Beryl found an unusual savior pouring out from the catacombs beneath her feet. The army of Serenitas sprung forth, issuing chaos and retribution against both dark armies. Serenity's white army blanketed the desolate landscape and disappeared as quickly as they had come when their daily damage visited upon their enemies was completed. On their banners, a brilliant crescent moon shone against the dark skies, and it was a mark Beryl knew very well. But she could do nothing as she nursed her wounds and attempted to regain some of her lost power while her current and former enemies fought one another. She realized this battle could not be won by sheer force alone. It would take a more cunning route to secure her sovereignty once more. She would make one last effort to keep what she had stolen, and prove the worrisome voices of her court wrong. She would win. She would not let them take him away from her again, no matter what.