The Dawn of Serenity

			Chapter Twenty-Eight



	Today was going to be different. 

	The notion not heralded by a beautiful dream, however. He 
didn't need to dream anymore.

	Shing walked through the colorful scenery as if walking through
his dreams, so light and carefree from worries that should never have 
been his own. The pathway smelled fresh and inviting. Rows of flowers 
flanked him like swaying fans, the air filled with their sweet heady 
scent as they came together to form a fragrant melody, while birds high
in the sturdy trees joined in. 

	The birds in Serenitas' aviary were as vibrant in color as all 
the flowers sprawled beneath their wings. They chirped and sang, 
ruffling their feathers, or resting quietly with their beaks buried 
within a closed wing. Most were awake and charming at this time of day,
flying from one tree to the next. Shing loved it here. He had never 
felt more at home in all his life.

	He was amazed at the power of Serenitas the moment he first 
set foot in this magnificent land. He came with thousands of his fellow
slaves, and instantly warm and inviting faces greeted all. The leaders 
of Serenitas were in the forefront, as magical and kind as legend had 
said. Seeking out his friends from amongst the masses, he was quick to 
find Aleksei and Ben, but the older boy looked anything but pleased. 
Irinushka was nowhere to be found. They searched frantically for her,
but Shing soon began to realize another woman in his life was missing 
as well. 

	They were settled into modest houses that would comfortably 
accommodate eight members each, with a community bathroom and cafeteria
in close walking distance. It was not unlike the life they were used 
to as slaves, but this time the beds were soft and warm, the food fresh
and delicious, and the best part of all was they were free. They were
given jobs, ones that suited them instead of being forced to do 
whatever work their former masters required of them. Children were 
looked after by the women of Serenitas, not the hungry rats of their 
old broken homes. Everyone was adjusting nicely, that was - except for 
Aleksei and Shing.

	Either the leaders were very observant, or knew what plagued 
the two boys, for they approached them and asked that they follow them 
into a shimmering white temple. There they were told of Irinushka and 
Minako's fate, a fact that unsettled each of them. Aleksei was outraged
at his sister's stubbornness, while Shing felt irrevocably sad for his 
golden friend. She still had much to endure, and all but for Irinushka,
she would be alone. The leaders swore they would be safe, but Shing 
noticed how the longhaired man's smile didn't seem to reach his eyes, 
as it should. His name was Artemis, the woman's, Luna, and the youth 
who didn't seem much older than Aleksei, Helios.

	They were as mystical as Shing would have pictured them, but 
something about them did not seem so infallible and strong as he would 
have imagined. Sometimes, when they thought no one was looking, they 
seemed just as fragile as the lonely boy looking at them did.

	They had taken Shing aside when Aleksei had left, offering him 
praise and congratulations on his work with Minako. In his own small 
way, they revealed, Shing had saved them all. They had no medals or 
gold to give him, but instead offered him any position he would want. 
Shing knew immediately what that would be. He had seen the aviary 
nestled against the temple, almost hidden by trees. At night, he could 
hear the midnight singers softly welcoming the quiet dark. Luna smiled,
almost knowing what his answer would be before he gave it.

	In the aviary, he had a master that was neither cruel nor 
terrifying like Emshaud. His name was Richard, a kind, patient man in
his late fifties that loved birds as much as Shing. He taught him many
wondrous things, especially how to forget his old life.

	As he went about his chores that afternoon, Shing stumbled upon
someone. The aviary usually wasn't crowded, and he only ever saw a few
people each day, but this woman was familiar somehow. She was young, 
with shining golden hair almost like Minako's lustrous tresses. She was
very pregnant as well, her hand idly resting atop her swollen belly. 
She sat on a wooden bench with shadowed eyes staring up at a nearby 
tree. Shing followed her gaze, finding a nest within a cluster of leafy
foliage. Two tiny voices clambered out of the nest as a Robin swooped 
down with something in its beak. 

	He wondered what she was thinking about as she looked down, 
now both hands cradling her stomach. She looked sad, and instantly knew
this look didn't fit her fairy-like features. He felt compelled to 
cheer her up, but he did not know what he could say to her. He was but
a young boy and she -- Shing's eyes widened, as he finally recognized 
her.

	She was there one day, standing with the leaders as everyone 
was settling into this new realm. She had been happier then, smiling 
and shaking people's hands. She was someone important, he knew, mostly 
by the way everyone in Serenitas stared in awe at her as she walked by.
They whispered she was their savior, the Hope the Elders had spoken of 
for so long. Could this seemingly fragile woman be the one to defeat 
the dreaded queen, to save him and even, Minako?

	She suddenly seemed aware of his presence, and turned dazzling
blue eyes in his direction. Shing became mesmerized by them, seeing 
someone else's face in their pools. Shing did dream, but instead of 
beautiful places, he dreamt of his old life; a dank palace with little 
hope, save for one day when someone tumbled into his dreary life. One 
thing the leaders of Serenitas refused him access to was news of his 
friend, which worried him. The news could only be bad if they refused 
to share.

	"Hello...?" She was staring at him, and Shing realized again 
that he wasn't alone.

	"H-Hi," he replied lamely. 
	
	"Do you work here? It's such a lovely place," she said, 
glancing back up at the nest. "Such lovely trees and flowers, such 
lovely birds, it's almost easy to forget that they're caged, but I 
don't think they can forget. Even now they sing, sing for freedom..."

	"I...I never thought of it that way," he admitted.

	"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to depress you," she said, smiling 
apologetically. "I should be happy. My daughter is going to be born 
soon, and I've been waiting for her longer than you can imagine. 
She's... even though she can be annoying, she's everything I've ever 
wanted. My life's never been normal, and having her, having a family 
-- even one like mine -- was always a comfort to me..."

	Shing wanted to ask how she could possibly know her daughter 
already, but looking at her eyes, he would not dare contradict her. 
She compelled him to listen, compelled him to believe. 

	"Even though I should be happy, I'm not, because I'm missing 
someone very dear to me...a lot of people dear to me actually, but I 
need him here more than anything. He's so close, but yet...I can't do 
anything. Not now, not yet, and all this waiting is killing me. I just
wish he could be here."

	She hung her head, tears brimming in her eyes that would not 
fall. Though she seemed small, Shing knew with certainty that this 
woman had been through more than he could possibly imagine – she had a 
hidden strength that rivaled that of Minako. 

	"I...I have someone I wish was here, too," he whispered.

	She looked up at him, sniffing. "Really?"

	"I used to live in the servant's quarters of the palace. It was
nothing like this place. I was very sad and the only things to cheer 
me up were the stories the Elders used to tell, and the dreams I had. 
Then one day she came. She was from Serenitas  and became a prisoner 
of the Shitennou. Lord Jadeite made me  work for him, made me clean up 
her  wounds..." he saw her eyes grow wide at the mention of Jadeite’s
name, but continued on, "even in pain she was kind to me. Her eyes
were so bright, a lot...a lot like yours. Jadeite did so many mean 
things to her, but the worst was when they tried to erase her memory.
I thought she would never remember me, but she did! She told me she was
only acting, and had been the whole time. She was an agent of 
Serenitas, sent here to right all the wrongs. The last time I saw her, 
she..." Shing blushed, remembering Minako's surprising kiss. "She's 
still there, with only my friend's sister to keep her company. She's
fighting for us all by herself. It's unfair! I wish I could help her, 
but I'm just a boy, and the leaders won't let me help, or ask her to 
come back. I just...I wish she was here."

	The aviary became startlingly quiet, and hesitantly he looked 
up into the woman's eyes. They were shining, a soft determination set 
in them. She stood up abruptly, her hands now clenched in front of her 
chest.

	"I promise you, I'll bring your friend back." Such a thing 
should have sounded implausible coming from a woman with buns in her
hair, whose stomach looked like it was going to pull her off center at
any moment. Once again, she made him believe by the light in her eyes, 
the setline of her mouth. His heart began to race, picturing Minako's 
smile, imagining Minako here in Serenitas.

	"She must be very brave, your friend. What's her name?" she 
asked.

	"Oh, her name's Mi-"

	"There you are." They turned, finding Artemis, Luna and Helios 
standing at their sides. They were smiling, but even Shing could see 
these were nervous smiles. 

	"I'm sorry, I just wanted to get out of my rooms for a while," 
the woman said, smiling sheepishly.

	"No need to apologize, it is most understandable. But perhaps 
next time you will take one of the twins with you, just to keep us from
worrying about you, or the maiden," Helios said, with a gentle smile. 

	"Come Usagi, while we're here I want to show you my favorite 
bird. If I were still a cat it would be the best gift I could've ever 
lay at your feet." Luna grabbed her hand, tugging it softly.

	"Luna, I hated it when you brought me something. Please don't 
remind me. I totally took it personally when you brought back the bunny."

	"Well, maybe I was a little upset with you that week..."

	Their voices were lost in the symphony of birdcalls as they 
disappeared around the bend, leaving three brave men alone. 

	"Greetings Shing, it is good to see you today," Helios greeted.

	"You too, sirs," Shing replied, bowing his head.

	"Are you enjoying your work here?" Artemis asked.

	"Yes, very much," he replied, smiling, beside himself.

	"Good, good. Let us not detain you from it any longer. I'm sure
you have much to do," Helios said.

	"Oh, right. G-Goodbye." He bowed again before turning on his 
heel, but he did not go far. He doubled back, going through the trees 
and plants to where Artemis and Helios still stood. He knew when he was
not wanted, no matter how gently Helios had said it. They didn't want 
him to hear what they were going to discuss, which could only mean it 
was about one person. 

	But as he reached his destination, he found that they had moved
down the path some, with their backs turned. He crept closer, his ears
straining to hear their soft words.

	"So it's really true," he heard Artemis say, and watched as he 
crouched down. Gently, he picked something up, something black and 
fragile. "Endymion's roses...they're dying. I hope she did not see this."

	"We don't have much time, Artemis. His flowers in the palace 
are failing too. The prince is dying, and if he passes, so will I, so 
will Elysian. Everyone here will fade out of existence with us as well,
including the princess."

	"But it is not safe to take her anywhere else," Artemis sighed,
dropping the dead flower to the ground. "And we cannot attack, not now,
not with the information Minako has given us. If we do, they will find 
this place and all our hopes will be extinguished."

	"It seems all we can really do for the moment is wait for the 
birth of the little maiden, and pray all our hard work doesn’t unravel."

	"And it may, if Minako forgets why she is there. She's slipping, 
Helios, I can feel it more every time we talk. She may run out of 
strength, and doom us all."

	Shing had perked up at the mention of Minako, but now he was 
confused and frightened as ever. Why did they want Endymion to live? 
He was part of the Queen's evil, was he not? And whom were they waiting
for, could it be that woman’s baby? And Minako...Shing's heart had 
become defiant as Artemis slandered her. Minako could never fail, she 
was brave and smart, and Shing believed in her. He would not believe 
she would ever quit.

	"We knew placing her within the palace alone was a big risk, 
but it was one we had to make. We had no other choice."

	"There's always another choice! If they find out the truth,
she'll die, along with any human still living in the palace, and us, 
all of us. I had as much faith in her as you, but it's too much of a 
burden for anyone...for the gods' sake, Helios, she's not even-"

	Helios hushed him with a sharply raised hand, as his golden 
eyes swept over the aviary carefully. Shing stilled himself, knowing 
he had been caught. But the young priest did not seek him out to 
reprimand him, but turned back to Artemis.

	"Perhaps we should carry on this conversation somewhere more 
private." They left, two white figures being swallowed by all the color
around them, but Shing couldn't see any of it anymore. Minako was in 
danger, as was Irinushka. And he was here, millions of miles or 
dimensions away. He needed to do something, but if the leaders of 
Serenitas couldn't help, how was he, and who could be more powerful
than they could?

	Shing's eyes widened. "The Elders!" Shing had all but forgotten
about the three mysterious Elders living in their small hut. He had 
not seen them since their exodus to Serenitas, but they had to be here
somewhere. "I'll find them, they've got to be able to help somehow!"

	He stepped out of his hiding place and tried to outrun his 
doubts and fears.

+++++

	The arrow whizzed by its intended target, clattering to the
ground and coming to a stop mere inches from the back wall. Minako 
huffed, wiping away the glistening strands in her face that seemed 
glued to her forehead by her perspiration. It wasn't enough to hit the
target every time, he had said, but the speed between your shots that
could make all the difference during a battle. He had shown her, 
moving impossibly fast, hitting the target every time with 
lightning-fast accuracy. Following in his footsteps was a challenge for
her, however.

	He had asked her to shoot ten arrows as fast as she could, and 
only three had managed to hit the target at all. They had been training
for three days now, and she was vastly improving, but this task seemed 
to stall all their progress. Jadeite sighed, walking towards her as she
lowered the bow forlornly.

	"I can't do this," she whined. His first instinct demanded he
forcefully remind her of what precisely a soldier's duty was, and 
punish her somehow. But looking into her eyes, he saw a bit of himself 
within those fathomless depths. Jadeite had been a  good bowman many 
years ago, but he owed someone else all the credit for the skills he 
now possessed.

	"I wasn't always as great as I am today, at least at the bow,"
he began with a smirk, but she only sighed.

	"And let me guess, you practiced, practiced, practiced!" she 
drawled, rolling her eyes. 

	"Keep your mouth shut, I'm telling the story. I would never be
as good as I am if it weren't for...weren't for Sailor Mars," he 
admitted, turning away from her.

	"Sailor Mars...?"

	"When we trained on the Moon, she was the one to teach me how 
to really feel the bow instead of just holding it, to really see the 
target instead of just looking at it. It was a power deep inside me 
that I didn't know I possessed. I was fortunate to have had her as a 
partner."
	
	"So each of you trained with a Senshi? Who did I train with?" 
She asked, but Jadeite just stared at her as if it was the most obvious
answer. After a moment, she realized, and blushed slightly. "Oh..."

	"So try and reach inside and tap into your powers, Minako. You 
can do this. I've seen you once. You were not as good as Mars was, but
every Senshi could hit the mark more than three times."

	"Well, unlike you, I don't have a Sailor Senshi to lead me to 
enlightenment. There's, I'm afraid, only me," she said, barely
whispering the last sentence, but Jadeite heard it all the same. She 
sighed irritably, wiping her hair from her face again. "But I have 
enough of this getting in my way...ugh!"

	He wasn't sure what possessed him, but casually he undid the 
sash from around his slim waist and reached for her. For a moment, she 
shied away until she noticed the calm look in his eyes. Gently, he 
pulled back half her long tresses, tying the sash into the best bow he 
could manage. When it was done, he stood back and laughed in surprise.

	She had resembled Sailor Venus before, but this time there was 
no denying it. His sash was the perfect color to complete everything; 
a blood-red scarlet just like the senshi had started wearing all those 
many years ago. He felt a confused sensation take over his heart for a 
moment, seeing her like this, as if at any second the other senshi 
would show up and start with him to seek their vengeance.

	"Jadeite...?" 

	He looked at her, her eyes peering at him questioningly, and 
cleared his throat, "There, now you'll be able to see. I have other 
things to do today, our session is over."

	He left without another word, but did not leave her alone. She 
shook in the shadows, anger causing her muscles to quiver. Yellow eyes 
had watched as he tied the sash into her hair, touching her face and 
gazing at her with sparkling eyes. It was more than she could take. He 
was hers. She was sick of all the attention she was getting, being 
pampered by all the Shitennou, while her fellow Youma were the ones 
suffering and dying. Something must be done, and it was up to her to 
right everything.

	Jealousy drove the Hunter from her hiding place and soundlessly 
she stalked her prey once again. Minako was oblivious to her as she had
been that day out on the plains when she had caught her in her net. 
She would do more than make her a hostage this time; she would break 
her.

	"Hello, sweet Underling," she whispered, causing Minako to 
jump with a startled gasp. She turned around, finding a grey Hunter 
staring at her with cat-like eyes. She had no weapon but the bow, and 
desperately she clutched it in front of her.
	
	"What do you want, Youma?"

	"My name is Tetis, thank you very much, and I suppose we're not
so dissimilar."

	"What...?"

	"I was resurrected as well, to serve my master, to do his 
bidding. I knew only a little of my past before he had ever so 
wonderfully reminded me," Tetis laughed, enjoying Minako's confusion. 
"But I suppose that's where our similarities end, for at least I serve 
the right master."

	"What...what do you mean?"

	"Do you ever wonder where you got that scar on the back of 
your neck?"

	Unconsciously, Minako reached beneath her hair, feeling the 
circular scab at the base of her neck. "I...I must have gotten it 
during the Underling attack."

	Tetis made a clucking sound, circling around Minako like a 
lion with a sharp grin. "Do you think falling debris would make such a 
mark, or that whatever poisons they 'supposedly' used could touch you 
so? No, my dear, Serenitas is not to blame for your injuries. The man 
that just left this room is responsible."

	Minako said nothing for a moment, looking as if choosing her 
words was proving to be more difficult than her training. "You're lying."

	"No, for once someone is telling you the truth. The Sailor 
Senshi and the Shitennou have never been friends, only enemies. They
tried to protect this world, but the Shitennou turned against them and
slaughtered them. And they brainwashed you, used the prince's crystal 
to change your memories. I was the one who caught you all those months
ago, I should know better than anyone. They want you to bring down your
own people, Minako. You must have felt that this is all wrong, no 
matter how much they've tried to change you. A legendary Senshi must 
be  stronger than that. You must have known somewhere deep inside...
you're  fighting for the wrong side."

	Quicker than Tetis could ever have imagined, Minako notched 
two arrows and shot them passed either side of her wild hair to impact 
against the wall. Tetis could hear them vibrating behind her, but the 
third arrow pointed at her face was her main concern now. Minako's eyes
were cold, glaring at her through angry slits.

	"Leave, now."

	Tetis chuckled, stepping back slowly. "As you wish, little 
princess." She never turned her back until she was out the door, the 
whole time, focusing on Minako with mocking yellow eyes. "Enjoy the 
rest of your day."

+++++ 

	Kunzite stormed down the hall, not noticing as the Youma moved 
out of his way, frightened. They had worked so hard to formulate some 
way to catch Serenitas. Even now, they continued to elude them. They 
always seemed one-step ahead, as if they were watching every move 
behind these crystal walls. They were a nuisance, one that needed to 
be taken care of so he could please his queen.

	Kunzite stopped, reviewing his previous thought. Please his 
queen? He did not care about pleasing Beryl anymore...or did he?

	Kunzite cursed silently to himself, running his fingers over 
his temples. Ever since that night in the Crystal Chamber he could not 
think clearly. He would think one thing and say another, saw flashes of
color and voices in his sleep. It was impossible to dream, he knew, 
since Elysian was no longer, but still he feared to sleep some nights.

	He shook his head in wonder that Kunzite, greatest of all the 
Shitennou, could possibly fail on account of a split personality and 
insanity. He always thought he would die on the battlefield.

	As he stood there, Jadeite turned the corner, as deep in 
thought as Kunzite seemed to be. The younger lord didn't seem to notice
him until he was a few steps away, and almost skidded to a stop. They 
stood there for a moment, staring at one another strangely.

	"Aren't you supposed to be in the training dome?" Kunzite 
finally asked.

	"I...cut our session short. Kunzite, I think we made a mistake."

	Kunzite would have laughed if he weren't so frustrated. 'Just
one?' he thought. "And what would that be?"
	
	"I don't think Minako is Sailor Venus."

	"What happened?"

	"Nothing! It's just..." Jadeite sighed, pushing his hand 
through his hair. "When I'm around her, I don't feel...'it'."

	"'It'?" Kunzite repeated.

	"Yes, 'it'. There was always something about the Senshi, 
something pouring off them that even I could feel. Maybe it's because 
she's not transformed, maybe because I'm just a little crazy and
frustrated, or maybe...she really isn't Sailor Venus at all."

	"Then who is she, Jadeite? She looks, talks and acts just like 
her, even the small mannerisms are the same."

	"You would know."

	"What?" Kunzite’s voice rose a tad.

	Jadeite averted his eyes. "I didn't mean Minako is not the 
woman we knew in the past. I'm saying, I don't think she is Sailor 
Venus anymore. It would explain my feeling, and it would explain why 
she hasn't had the ability to transform or wield her usual power. Maybe
Minako can't transform because she simply can't. She's not Sailor 
Venus anymore. Sailor Venus, the Sailor Senshi, could still be hanging
right where we left her, and only the body and soul of the bearer of 
the crystal slipped through our fingers."

	Kunzite digested Jadeite's idea for a moment. It was somewhat 
logical, except for one fact. "And what about the power she wielded in
your interrogation room, Jadeite?"

	"I don't know. Maybe Serenitas was right when they told
Nephrite that the human race could be evolving. Maybe that's what 
Serenitas is doing, readying their super-human army to crush us. A 
former Sailor Senshi would be the one to lead such a change."

	"Jadeite, I'm not sure any of this is making sense-"

	"I know that!" he snapped before brushing passed Kunzite 
quickly. "If you go see her, try to contain yourself."

	Kunzite stared after him, both angered and slightly confused 
by his last words. With an unbecoming huff he turned and continued on 
his way, weaving through the halls back to his quarters. But his feet 
stopped at the junction that would lead him either to the comfort of
his bed, or the training dome, and curiosity won out over sleep.

	As he walked on he passed Jadeite's Hunter, Tetis, who would 
barely meet his eye as she whispered a quick 'my lord' before bustling 
on. He thought it strange, but finding Minako with a big red bow in her
hair stopped all thought for a moment. She turned her face to him, her 
hair swept up to give him full view of her sparkling eyes.

	"Hello Kunzite," she said, her voice too quiet.

	"Did something happen today with Jadeite?" he asked, hoping to
get an answer from her.
	
	"No." She stood up, but did not move, forcing him to approach 
her.

	"Both of you seem very odd this day," he mentioned in passing.

	"Do you ever feel torn, Kunzite?"

	The question surprised him for a moment, as if she had been in 
his head only a few minutes ago. "I don't know what you mean."

	"I've followed your lead ever since I woke up that day amongst 
a room full of complete strangers. I've been listening to everything
you've said about me being some destined soldier, that I can help you 
save this world from our enemies. But all the while there's been this
nagging voice in the back of my mind, telling me that all of this is 
wrong somehow. I didn't listen to it, because...because I  trusted you,
Kunzite! I like…I trusted you..."

	"Minako-"

	"Why did you torture me, and don't lie to me! What exactly did 
you do to me?" 
	
	Kunzite saw no more reason to hide the truth from her. Whatever
they had done obviously was coming undone. Somehow the words were slow
to come, as if he was ashamed of what they had done. But he could not 
be, it had been for the greater good, for his queen's success and reign. 

	'Is that what I really want, what I should be fighting for?' he 
thought, his residual anger returning and giving him enough courage to 
speak.

	"Jadeite and Zoicite used their machines to try and find the 
location of Serenitas, where you are truly from. When that did not work, 
we used the crystal to erase your memories. Our plan was to  have you 
side with us, and hopefully lead us to Serenitas somehow. Having a
senshi on our side would more than double our offensive capability, 
and defeating Serenitas would be easy enough. It was the only choice-"

	"There's always another choice!"

	"What? To kill you again?" he suddenly raged, and as her eyes 
grew wide he knew he had said too much.

	"You killed her...me...you killed Sailor Venus in the past, 
didn't you?"

	His silence was enough to mark him and Minako threw down her 
bow and quiver, the sound echoing through his bones. Without another 
word, she stalked towards him, eyes ablaze with hatred and hurt. At 
the last second, she turned to the side, marching passed him and out 
the door. A second later, Kunzite realized it would not be a good idea
to let a vengeful senshi just walk out of his sights, and gave chase.

	"Minako, stop!" he shouted and was thankful that she did." I 
cannot permit you to freely walk around the palace, not now. You-" He 
stopped, recognizing the object glittering in her hand. He had seen 
that wand enough times before - her henshin pen. How long had she had 
it? She did not look surprised as she clutched it in her white-knuckled
grip, as if she had -- had it all the while. Jadeite was wrong, she 
was Sailor Venus after all, but the confirmation did nothing to ease 
his discomfort. It would only make what Kunzite had to do harder.

	"I've told you once before, Kunzite," she interrupted his 
thoughts vehemently, her eyes gleaming with unshed tears. "There's 
nowhere to go."

	And with that, she left him once more, and Kunzite did not 
fight it. For all his brilliance and strength, he did not know what to 
do now. Part of him knew she should be eliminated immediately, for 
there was not enough power in the prince's crystal for another attempt
at clearing her mind. But another part of him wanted to scream at 
himself for even thinking of destroying her, and urged him to follow 
her at once, to make things right, somehow. In the end, Kunzite didn't 
move at all.

	Down the hall, Tetis laughed to herself as Lord Kunzite and 
Minako had their fated falling out. Even if Kunzite could not get rid 
of the pest, one of the other Shitennou was bound to notice and kill 
the Underling. Now all she had to do was sit back and watch, and soon,
once again, Jadeite would be all hers.

+++++

	Only a few months ago he had found himself in this exact 
situation. Kunzite, it seemed, was destined to wait at the threshold 
of mysterious women. Minako's door loomed tall and solid before him. 
He had no choice but to lead the Shitennou, as his queen's Hand. The 
Sailor Senshi needed to be dealt with swiftly before she had the mind 
to do something rash. If she could not be reasoned with, then she would
be exterminated, and Kunzite knew Venus enough to know someone so
passionate should never have been controlled. His lie to Beryl would 
come back to haunt him, and it would all be his fault. 

	Kunzite squared his shoulders resolutely. There was nothing to 
be ashamed of, except for perhaps keeping things from his queen. Minako
was an experiment, nothing more. It was a risk they all took, but in 
the end, it had failed. He did not know how she realized what had 
happened, if some chain in her mind had snapped, or she heard or saw 
more than she was supposed to. It did not matter anymore.

	He raised his hand, knocking strongly against the wood. No 
response came, although he was hardly surprised. She was probably 
crying in her bathroom, too distraught or angry to answer his call. 
He tried the handle, and found it unlocked. In that, he was a little 
surprised. The door soundlessly opened, ushering him into a softly lit
room full of golden candles. Minako was sitting at her vanity, one 
hand beneath her hair as the other smoothed something slick across her
perfect lips.

	Kunzite could only stand in the doorway, for once stunned. She
sat there in a pale pink robe, and as the candlelight shimmered, it 
seemed sheer to his now wandering eyes. She ignored him as she checked 
her reflection, drawing his feet towards her like a moth to a bonfire.
He knew each step he took closer to her was dangerous, but for once in
his life, Kunzite simply could not care less.

	"How could you train me, knowing that everything you were 
saying was a complete lie, using me like a toy and knowing you would 
have to destroy me if I ever broke." Her voice was neither enraged nor
hurt, coming from her lips in a strange neutral tone that didn't seem 
to fit her.

	"It was...it was a burden I had to bear."

	"Is that all I am to you?" She turned to face him, and even 
though her voice was steady, there was a pain in her eyes that was 
almost palpable.

	"Do you really think I enjoyed killing you?" he retaliated, 
surprising himself with the emotion in his voice.

	"You want me to fight with you; to destroy everything the 
Sailor Senshi had always protected. Kunzite..."

	She rose, and he felt like retreating. She stood at her full 
height, towering over him with her presence despite having to look 
down into her face. He took a chance and drew his gaze from her eyes, 
and was taken away by the graceful line of her neck and the small 
glimpse her gown offered him. His blood was starting to boil, an aching
feeling he hadn't known in some time.

	"I will fight for you." 

	Those few words were enough to still the heat and he returned 
his gaze to her face. A sudden, indignant anger filled him, mixed with 
utter confusion. "How can you, knowing what you know now? We've 
tortured you, betrayed you, and a Sailor Senshi would never agree to 
cast aside her oaths, to join an evil force and-"

	"I'm alone, Kunzite," she interrupted, her voice wavering. 
"The other Sailor Senshi...they're not here. If we were so strong and 
magnificent, then why am I the only one reborn? They have left me here
on my own, and I don't think I've ever liked being alone. And Serenitas...
if I was so important to them, why have they left me here? They've 
abandoned me! Everyone I ever once knew has deserted me to this fate!"

	She approached him, stopping inches from his body. His breath 
caught as her warm scent filled his lungs. "And I said I would fight 
for you...just you. I'm tired of being torn, with you I feel complete,
more whole than I ever have. Besides, I think fighting against you is 
a battle I could never win on my own." Her eyes sparkled with mischief 
then, doing nothing to calm the tension inside him. "Just tell me you'll 
never hurt me again. Just tell me you did what you did because there 
really wasn't another choice. Just tell me I mean more to you than some
experiment. Tell me...and I'll follow you anywhere."

	He wanted to tell her the whole truth. She deserved that much,
but a selfish part of him never again wanted to have her eyes look upon
him so coldly. He only wanted her to look at him like this, eyes 
sparkling sensually and hopefully at the same time. 

	"You know I cannot tell you those things," he said, simply. 
Answering, but withholding at the same time. He expected her to fly 
into a rage and ask him to leave, but she nodded at him, her fingers 
reaching up to the slim straps of her gown. His jaw almost dropped as
her gown did, and somehow he managed to keep himself upright as he 
drank in her splendid form. His mind was reeling as his body reacted, 
and he cursed himself for being so affected. He tried to look away, 
but the sight of her was too inviting, too tempting. "Why...?"

	Why was she forgiving him? Why was she ignoring her instincts 
as a soldier? Why did she think he even deserved this, deserved her?

	"Why...?" she repeated, and reached for his hand. His nerves 
fluttered as she placed it above the swell of her warm breast and over 
her heart. He could feel it beating wildly, in time with his own 
tattered muscle. "Because no matter what, you make me feel like I'm 
alive. It's something I haven't felt in a long time."

	"Minako..." 

	She moved his hand around her waist and his other hand followed 
dumbly. She pressed herself against him, her warmth radiating into his
chest. He breathed in sharply as she curled her hands into his hair,
tugging gently. She was so close, rising up on her toes so their eyes 
were level. She was waiting, waiting for him. She was giving him the 
chance to push her away and leave, to turn away from this absolute 
madness before it was too late. 

	He moved his hands, placing them behind her neck and buried 
them in her hair. She responded, tilting her head back into his hands 
and exposing her long neck. She stood there, exposed and vulnerable, 
her lashes fluttering against her cheeks as the candlelight lit up her
hair. Kunzite did the only sensible thing to do at such a moment. He 
kissed her; hard and fast, as if she’d vanish if he waited any longer.
He was a man on the verge of disaster, and all he could think of was 
jumping in and letting it take him over. He allowed himself to become
lost within the texture and taste of her, which wasn't as he remembered. 
She tasted like dark chocolate now; bitter and sweet at the same time.

	She moaned into his mouth, stimulating all his senses. Scouting
fingers sought out the buttons of his jacket, and with each one let 
loose, Kunzite became more and more undone. He watched as she pushed
apart his uniform, her eyes intent on his skin as she brushed her 
fingertips against his chest.
	
	"Kunzite," she whispered, her voice deep and enticing. Her 
nails raked down his sides, hitching his breath. "Don't make me wait 
any longer."

	It was an order Kunzite had every intention to follow. 

+++++

	It was so peaceful here, even when most of the city was at war.
Shing walked the marble halls of Serenitas' temple after much of this
world's inhabitants were abed. Weeks ago, when he had first arrived, 
he found he could not sleep on a featherbed, this due to so many years 
of sleeping upon hard packed straw, and he would come to find solace 
in the temple. There were many wondrous things to see: paintings, 
sculptures, and it always  smelled of calming lavender and honey 
incense.

	Shing barely glanced at the artifacts tonight. His mind was 
once again distracted by worry, something he thought he could leave 
behind. He had been working so hard here. Everyday he grew bigger and 
stronger, and each day he was determined to learn something new. Part
of him did it for himself, but the other only thought of her. When she
finally came back, she would be proud of all he had done, and he would
have earned her friendship. But now, after everything, Shing wasn't so
sure she would be coming back at all.

	He was also burdened by failure. His search for the Elders had
 been unsuccessful so far. He asked everyone he could, but no one knew
 anything about the whereabouts of the old storytellers. It was as if
 they had vanished from this Earth, taking all their knowledge and
 mystery along with them. They had always dreamed of Serenitas, it
 seemed a shame if they could not make it here.

	"This is ridiculous!"

	"Calm down, Artemis!"

	The familiar voices stopped him dead in his tracks. They were
coming from the room to his left where the door was slightly ajar. A
soft light came pouring out the crack, drawing him closer. He dared to
nudge the door open just a bit more, and found the backs of Helios and
Luna, while Artemis paced frantically in front of them, red-faced and 
heated.

	"Our whole mission is blown!" Artemis continued.

	"Not necessarily, Artemis," Helios countered, his voice soft 
and controlled as always. "If she had kept quiet about what that Youma
had shared with her, the Hunter would have become suspicious and told 
someone that Minako has no sway with. Hearing news like that, no one 
could remain silent about such atrocities perpetrated against them."

	Artemis practically snorted. "And telling the Queen's Hand was 
the best course of action?"

	"She made a convincing argument about us leaving her alone, 
about their being no one for her, and we’ve known from the start she 
would  have the most profound effect on him. She’s more than a Sailor  
Senshi to him, even if he can’t remember why, you know that," Luna said.

	"How could I forget?” Artemis' voice was bitter. "She...she 
didn't have to sleep with him though!"

	"Artemis..." Luna reached out for him, but the white haired 
Lunarian shied away from her touch. She said nothing, but Shing could 
tell she was hurt by the low slump of her shoulders.

	"She may have won us a few more days with her...plan," Helios 
ventured carefully.

	"That was no plan, and you know it. She's lost out there alone,
and we are losing her. And now she won’t listen to us, and does things 
without consulting us," Artemis retorted, although his voice was more 
sad than  angry now. "I never wanted to believe it, when we first set 
this into motion, but...there may be no saving her now."

	"We all knew that."

	"Did she, did we even give her any choice?" Artemis reflected.

	They were silent, scaring Shing with their closed lips. He 
could almost sense their awkwardness, their reluctance to speak the 
truth, or even admit it to themselves. Artemis slowly calmed, his face 
returning to its pale perfection, except for the frown of reality 
pressing down upon his features. He looked as if about to say 
something, but was startled it seemed. This, Shing could tell at a 
glance by the way his head turned quickly to one side. Shing was just 
as surprised as the rest of them to find one of the guardian  twins 
suddenly standing next to Helios, seemingly appearing out of thin air. 
She bowed hurriedly, as she stood within the midst of their misshapen 
triangle.

	"What is it?" Helios asked.

	"It's the princess...it's time."

+++++


	For those of you unfamiliar with Tetis, she is a Youma 
in the anime/manga who has a speculated relationship with Jadeite, and 
I thought I would pay homage to it. She also proved to be a good 
catalyst throughout the story too. And don’t even email me saying 
Minako would NEVER do that after what just occurred. Yes, it’s called
make up sex. =P