Sailor Moon - The Order of Black

Chapter One - Prologue

Originally published 30/04/2015

AN: Welcome to Order of Black, a semi-sequel to my last story, The Last Guardian Knight. I just wanted to drop a note in up front to say that while I'll be trying to keep this as standalone as possible, this DOES occupy the same universe as TLGK and it takes place about six months after its finale. For maximum enjoyment and understanding, I'd urge you to read it first, but references to those events will be light...so it isn't absolutely necessary. Without further ado, on to the story!

"I want to be a Black Paladin when I grow up!"

It was the same as always, the strange hesitation in her voice. "Are you so sure that's what you really want?"

"Yes! I want to be brave, and strong, and help protect people. Just like you, mother!"

She smiled. That sweet, angelic smile that he missed so much. "You're my special little man, Rin...and I know you'll make me proud no matter what you decide to do with your life..."

Rinjirou awoke instantly, just like he always did. His eyes locked on the clock beside the bed as he sat up. Five-fifty-eight AM. I don't know why I even bother setting an alarm anymore. As he reached out to switch it off, he had to remind himself not to panic when he noticed her photo wasn't in its usual place. You're on assignment, he thought irritably. You know that.

The dreams were coming early this year; the date of her death was still more than a month away, but he'd been dwelling on her memory more and more of late. I'm a Black Paladin...just like I always wanted. Just like you were. Would you be proud of me, Mother?

He slid quickly out of bed, stretched, and dropped to the floor for the first step of his daily exercise regimen - a hundred push-ups. As he rose and fell, first on one arm and then the other, he allowed himself another look at the hotel room around him. The Order had spared no expense, as was their custom, but Rinjirou found it all a bit much. He was a Black Paladin, after all, and had no need for such extravagance.

A familiar burn spread slowly across his chest and biceps as he sprang to his feet, the mark of a good workout. Exercise was a duty - he owed it to his fellow Paladins to keep himself in peak condition. He allowed himself a bottle of water from the minibar - his only indulgence - and swigged about half of it as he headed for the windows and pulled back the curtains.

"Tokyo…" He'd only been to the city twice…and both of those visits had been before he turned eight. It was already tiring to him. Perhaps things would be different in Osaka, but his hometown was more than five-hundred kilometres to the west. Tokyo was just too big. Too bright. Too loud. But then, the truth of the matter was Rinjirou felt no pleasure at seeing any part of Japan. It just didn't feel like home...and hadn't done for a long time.

He sighed, and polished off the rest of his water. His personal feelings were irrelevant. He had a job to do. "After all…I live to serve the Black."

Three days earlier...

Rinjirou stepped up to the Council Chamber carefully, in awe upon his first visit. The imposing doors had been carved from a single piece of wood, and incredibly detailed engravings covered their polished surface. The centrepiece was a man in armour, so large it spread across both doors. The first of the Black, Rinjirou thought solemnly. He who began it all. The Order's first Grand Master, standing in defence of the council as a symbol of the Order's origins and its darkest hour.

Two Black Paladins stood on guard before him; the nearest raised his hand. "I must ask you to wait, brother. The council is still in session."

He nodded as he stepped aside. Nobody interrupted the council when it was in session; certainly not a simple Knight-Brother like himself. No, he would have to wait…despite his growing anxiety. The summons had come as a complete surprise. Rinjirou was still a relative newcomer, despite over nine years as a sworn member. Even at twenty-four he was still the youngest member of his unit. The Order accepted new initiates yearly, of course, but not many made it through the selection process.

What could they want with me, he wondered. I've committed no crimes, no transgressions against the Order. But why else would I be called to the Council Chamber?

The doors swung open before him with a low creak; it seemed he would soon have his answer. Four men in hooded robes stepped through the doorway, and he immediately averted his gaze as he had been taught in training. The council itself! I've never even laid eyes on them before today!

A far more familiar man followed. Sandy blonde hair, a neatly trimmed goatee, and stern hazel eyes that had stared into Rinjirou's own many times before; Knight-Captain Harcourt, commander of the Black Paladins. His presence here wasn't strange in and of itself, of course. He likely reported to the council on a regular basis.

"Paladin Payne," Harcourt said cordially. "I expect you'll conduct yourself in the Council Chamber as a Black Paladin should?"

Rinjirou snapped to attention. "Of course, sir."

"Good." His superior turned to look back into the Council Chamber and nodded thoughtfully. "I do believe Elder Haim will see you now." He continued on his way without another word, following the robed council members down the corridor.

Rinjirou took a deep breath as he steadied himself. So, it was the head of the Order himself who summoned me…not the council. This is becoming stranger by the minute. His misgivings meant little, though - he had been summoned…and he was duty-bound to respond. A final, slow exhale followed as he stepped through the doors and into the imposing room. A large, circular table occupied its centre; it was made of stone and lit with candles.

"Ah, Paladin Payne!" There he was; Elder Lawrence Haim, Grand Master of the Order of Black. He was a tall man with thick, silver hair and light blue eyes. Rinjirou guessed he was in his early sixties, but his eyes hinted at a strength not readily apparent on first glance. "Thank you for responding so promptly to my summons. Please, come in."

"Elder," he said respectfully, raising his fist to his chest as he bowed – the customary salute.

The older man waved him off as he sat down at the table. "Relax, my boy. I don't stand on ceremony when I can manage it." He indicated the chair to his left. "Please…have a seat."

"Thank you, Elder." Rinjirou sat with some trepidation. It was so surreal; sitting at the council table felt like a crime.

Haim studied him carefully. "I imagine you've been wracking your brain all morning trying to figure out why I wanted to meet with you?"

"I had wondered."

The Elder leaned back in his chair, pressing his fingers together before him in a pyramid. "Tell me, Paladin. What do you know of Chaos Slivers?"

Chaos Slivers? Rinjirou thought back to his training; it was an easy question for any Black Paladin to answer. "They are pieces of Chaos itself…cut from the Oathstone granted to the first Grand Master upon the founding of the Order. They grant the Black Paladins our strength and-"

"Yes, yes, any initiate knows that." The older man yawned, appearing almost bored. "But what are they?"

"I…I'm afraid I don't understand, Elder."

"They are power, Paladin," he replied, as he clenched his fist tightly. "Pure, unadulterated power. The power to effect change on this world…and the power to defend it."

"Of course." Rinjirou fought to prevent a blush from rising on his cheeks. I should have known that.

"The Slivers are precious," Haim continued. "They are the means through which we create new Paladins, which makes them the very lifeblood of the Order. But they are also dangerous; they can cause untold damage in the wrong hands. That is why we go to such lengths to keep them safe in our care."

None of this was helpful in determining the purpose of Rinjirou's summons; not that he didn't find it all very interesting.

Haim seemed to guess his thoughts. "But enough history, Paladin. I imagine you're eager to hear the reason for your summons." He smiled faintly. "A Chaos Sliver thought lost has been relocated…and I want you to retrieve it for us."

Rinjirou was certain he'd misheard. Me? Collect a Chaos Sliver?! It was a great honour...one typically reserved for veteran Paladins after years of service. "I'm honoured beyond words, Elder, but-"

"But you wonder why you were chosen."

"Yes. It's a great honour, one I'm most grateful for, but…there are many others far more deserving than I."

Haim's smiled widened. "Humility is a virtue, Rinjirou...but only to a point." He rose to his feet and began to pace. "Knight-Captain Harcourt agrees that you are the most suitable Paladin for this task. Your aptitude as a Scout is unmatched, and the Chaos Ability from your own Sliver should prove an invaluable asset." The older man hesitated only briefly. "You see...the Chaos Sliver in question is in Japan."

Rinjirou's mood soured immediately. So, it's not my skill he wants at all…but my knowledge of Japan. He hadn't been back to his homeland in sixteen years; not since his mother's death.

If the Elder noticed his discomfort, he made no mention of it. "You're a perfect fit for the assignment in every way. You know the language, Rinjirou, the culture and customs. You'll be able to blend in far better than most of our operatives…and your Shadow Walker ability will only aid you further."

I never blended in all that well growing up, Rinjirou thought bitterly.

Haim placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I won't lie to you; this is a deceptively dangerous task. The Sliver is held by a former Cleric in Tokyo…home of the Sailor Senshi and the Moon Princess. We don't believe they are aware of our existence yet, but still…encountering them could prove fatal."

Rinjirou nodded thoughtfully. The Sailor Senshi, legendary warriors of the Moon Kingdom. Somehow, they were resurrected here on Earth, in our time…along with Princess Serenity, heir to her mother's throne. The Order of Black considered her dangerous – seers had foretold long ago that she would one day attempt to restore the Moon Kingdom here on Earth, and that could not be permitted. The Histories told them that the Moon Kingdom had lorded it over Earth in the past…and watched as it was destroyed by Queen Metalia and her witch Beryl. That was why the Order existed in its present form; so such a fate would never befall the planet again.

"All your instructors agree," Haim said softly. "Your potential is nearly limitless, my boy. Go to Tokyo, succeed in your task…and I foresee great things for you. You could lead your own team of Paladins someday…just like your mother."

That was more incentive than the Elder realised. I'll make her so proud of me! Rinjirou nodded curtly. "You honour me, Elder."

Haim produced a file from under the table and handed it to him. "The Sliver is currently in the hands of a former Cleric of the Order, Katsuo Hino. He's now Head Priest of the Hikawa Shrine in the Azabu district." His smile turned almost predatory. "Find this priest, Rinjirou. Retrieve the Chaos Sliver from him…and kill him."

"Kill him?" That didn't sit so well with the Paladin. "With all due respect, Elder, I'm no assassin-"

"This man stole from the Order of Black, Rinjirou. Not only that, but he stole a Chaos Sliver, one of our most treasured possessions! In doing so he betrayed us all, and he must be punished. An example must be made. It is your duty."

Rinjirou closed his eyes a moment…and nodded. He had no issue killing when the mission demanded it, but this? It sounded like murder. But his personal feelings mattered little. The Elder was right; as a Black Paladin his duty was to the Order, and its mission was far too important to allow a single, misguided individual like this Katsuo Hino to threaten it.

"By your order, Elder. I live to serve the Black."

The present day...

Rinjirou couldn't help but feel some irritation with himself; he'd allowed Elder Haim to play him like a fiddle. The mere mention of his mother had set his heart aflutter at the chance to please her, even in death. It was largely irrelevant, of course - this was his duty and he would have wound up in Tokyo regardless…but the manner of his acceptance was somewhat bothersome.

What's done is done, he decided, as he tried to focus on other matters…like the second part of his morning training regimen; a five kilometre run. The unfamiliar streets of Tokyo flashed by him as he moved, following the route he'd mapped out on his phone the night before.

The unwanted attention was there, as expected. The subtle glances…and the more open stares. It was all just as he remembered from his childhood. Although average in height and build, Rinjirou had inherited his English father's bright blue eyes. Despite appearing outwardly Japanese, they had marked him from an early age as an outsider. For as long as he could remember, he'd never quite fit in. The other children whispered about him behind his back…all except Megumi, of course.

She'd been his only friend growing up, the daughter of another Black Paladin also stationed in Osaka. Unfortunately, he'd lost touch with her upon his mother's death; his father took him back to England with him…to his home. Rinjirou wound up in an unfamiliar school in an unfamiliar country…and just as out of place as he was in Japan. His messy black hair, slanted eyes and accented English drew the attention of his classmates just as much as his eyes had in Japan.

He was jolted back to the real world as a man in a suit stepped out in front of him; Rinjirou avoided him but received a dirty look for his troubles. Arrogant bastard, he thought sourly. This country's full of people like him! Once again he cursed his bad luck at having to return after such a long time away. Still, he told himself, it could be worse. It has been worse. Much worse.

His father died suddenly when he was twelve; a traffic accident. They'd never been especially close, not the way he and his mother were…but it hurt all the same. He was taken in by his uncle but the man was older, with adult children of his own, and he had no interest in raising another. So he'd learned to take care of himself. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, sewing…whatever he needed. The Order recruiter found him just before his fifteenth birthday - the customary age of initiation – and he leapt at the chance without so much as a single look back.

I found a new family, he thought, as he continued his run. One that cares for me just as much as my mother did. One that believes I am special. Just like her…

Two days earlier…

"Rin!"

A smile flashed across his lips at the familiar sound of her voice. "Hey, Megumi."

His one and only childhood friend…Megumi Shoto. She'd followed in her father's footsteps and also joined the Order as a Black Paladin. Rinjirou had thought he'd never see her again after he left Japan, making her presence in the London headquarters a welcome surprise.

She flashed him a mischievous smirk. "Word on the grapevine is you're being sent out of the country on a secret mission. Care to comment?"

Typical Megumi, Rinjirou thought, with a laugh. "If I was, which I'm not saying I am...I wouldn't be able to talk about it because it's a secret!"

The tall, slender girl shoved him gently. "I know that, Rin – I'm not an idiot! You could toss me a hint, though. That way, even if I guess where you're going, you didn't technically say anything." She began poking him in the ribs as she laughed. "Come on, give me a hint. Just one, little insignificant hint...and this stops!" His half-hearted attempts to shrug her off only made it worse. "I can keep this up all day, you know!"

"I'll bet you can," he muttered, with a wry grin. "God, you're annoying!"

"I'm annoying?" she retorted playfully. "There's so much irony in that statement." At least she'd cut out the poking. "Can you at least tell me how long you'll be gone?"

Let's see, he thought, as he calculated his travel time. I'll fly into Tokyo, find that shrine, and retrieve the Chaos Sliver from the priest. He couldn't bring himself to think about the other component of his mission, not right now. "I shouldn't be gone more than a couple of days."

"Great!"

He peered at her carefully. I thought, for a second, she smiled. But…no, that doesn't make any sense.

Megumi hugged her elbows as she leaned back against the wall. "It'll be good for you to get out and see the world for a change. Even if it's only for a couple of days."

Not when the destination is Japan, he thought, as his mood abruptly soured. Still...Megumi doesn't know that…and it's not her fault. "Maybe I have been cooped up in here for too long."

"How are you so calm about this?!" She abruptly punched him in the arm and uttered a frustrated sigh. "I'm so jealous of you right now! A meeting with the Elder and a secret mission? It's all just so exciting!"

"Wow," Rinjirou said, with a wink. "With that kind of enthusiasm he should be sending you!"

"Well, duh!" Megumi flashed him a teasing smirk. "If he wants the best-" Her watch began to beep, and she paled noticeably. "Oh, hell, I'm late for a meeting with Knight-Captain Harcourt! Why'd you hold me up, idiot?!"

"Whoa, whoa…I held you up?!" He shook his head sadly. "I can't be held responsible for your sloppy work ethic."

"Sloppy work ethic?!" She stepped past him, bumping her shoulder into his as she passed. "You, sir, have gone too far…and I can't let it slide. We'll settle this in the usual way when you get back."

"Rifle range?" he asked, already knowing her answer.

"Rifle range," she agreed, as she extended her hand. "Loser buys dinner."

He smiled as he shook her hand firmly; it was their usual wager. "Deal. I'm gonna enjoy eating on your dollar, Megumi."

She shot him a quick wink as she backed down the corridor. "Just keep telling yourself that, mister. When you get back, your ass is mine!"

The present day…

Rinjirou smiled as he slipped his shirt over his head, feeling refreshed after his shower. He actually missed her, strangely enough. Megumi was the closest thing he had left to any real family. They'd known each other from such a young age that she felt like his sister. Finding her again had been an immediate tick in the Order's favour; it only confirmed he'd made the right choice.

His exercise complete, his thoughts turned to his mission; there was no sense in delaying it further. His smartphone produced a map of the area in seconds. His destination, the Hikawa Shrine, was just over ten kilometres east of his present position. Getting there would be simple enough. Then, it was just a matter of convincing the priest to give up the Chaos Sliver's location.

And then you'll kill him? It was the little voice in the back of his mind; the one he considered most likely his conscience. Can you really do that? Take the life of an unarmed man in cold blood?

Rinjirou pushed his concerns from his mind and focused instead on the file before him. Katsuo Hino, a former Cleric of the Order of Black. He retired suddenly almost six years ago...citing poor health. It seemed convenient now, of course, given what they knew had happened. Entrusted with the care of a Chaos Sliver that was never recovered following his departure. That produced a frown; Rinjirou was uncertain how such a precious item had just been lost.

The answer came as he continued reading. The Chaos Sliver's record was lost almost immediately after his retirement. He tossed the file onto the bed and shook his head in disbelief. The master copy and the backup, lost at the same time? How could they not investigate that further? It seems far too convenient to be believed!

He walked over to the wardrobe and slid it open to reveal a wheeled suitcase – one that hadn't been there when he checked in the night before. The local branch of the Order was just as efficient as the rest, it seemed. Rinjirou lifted it onto the bed and opened it to reveal his Paladin armour. Chestplate and shoulder guards made from a ballistic-resistant weave, along with armoured gauntlets and the mask. It was an annoying but necessary addition; the nature of the Order demanded secrecy, so its operatives needed to remain anonymous. With that said, the priest posed little threat, and he would actually be more conspicuous in the armour than not…so he set it aside.

The two daggers beneath were a different story, though; where he went, so did they. He slipped the shoulder holster on, taking care to tighten it carefully so the sheaths hung in perfect position. Then, he slid the blades home, immediately more comfortable with their presence. Lastly, he pulled on his coat and gave himself a final once-over in the mirror. Perfect…and with Shadow Walker, nobody will even notice me.

As he headed for the door, he reflected once more on the final task his mission demanded; killing the priest. It was unpleasant…but he had betrayed the Order and the Elder's orders were clear; it was out of his hands. "Sorry, Hino-sama…but the Order of Black has spoken."

AN: So, there it is. I wanted to do something a little different for the intro this time around, and having it take place from the 'bad guy's' perspective seemed fun. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone thought, and don't worry - the girls start to feature from Chapter One. I'll definitely be trying for a more balanced perspective this time around. Thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for any reviews and feedback - just like with Last Guardian Knight, they help keep me focused and on track. Back with more soon!