She

Chapter One

By Maria Szabo

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. This is a work of fanfiction and the only profit being made is that of enjoyment.

"Did you see her?"

Jadeite's whispered question echoed off into the depths of the cavern. He had pulled Nephrite aside as soon as the red-headed general had gotten back from his latest mission, another exercise in futility, chasing that annoying princess and her mystical silver crystal.

"Her?" Nephrite blinked in confusion and irritably moved to push the younger general aside. The only woman he was interested in seeing right now was Queen Beryl and he was hoping she'd be in a good enough mood to excuse his latest failure.

Jadeite checked him. Although he was slender in build, he was stronger than he looked. "I'm talking about Kunzite's new toy, the one he presented to her Majesty."

This got Nephrite's attention. "Toy?"

"Mmmm. You remember. The 'interesting thing' he was talking about?"

"Ah." He did remember, vaguely. He'd put that down to some of Kunzite's endless bragging. The man was full of himself and never hesitated to let the rest of the Dark Kingdom know it. "So what was it? Some kind of youma?"

"A senshi."

"What?"

The blonde general's pale eyes gleamed in the satisfaction of having surprised his older compatriot. "Kunzite turned one of the Sailor Senshi. She's working for us now."

Nephrite bit his lip. He'd been so wrapped up in his mission that he'd barely paid attention to the movements of his rivals. Damn. He'd have to make up for that now as well as placate Queen Beryl.

"How did he manage that?" He wasn't sure how much information Jadeite would share, but evidently, he was somewhat put out by the situation. Otherwise, he wouldn't have said anything at all.

Jadeite shrugged. "Not sure," he admitted, and lowered his voice even further, "and I'm not sure of the soundness of his plan. Beryl-sama didn't seem to take to the Senshi very well."

"Oh, ye of little faith."

The two conspirators turned at the sound of the mellow, amused voice, to behold Kunzite standing in the shadows, his newly-acquired Sailor Senshi at his side. The oldest of the Shitennou gave a trademark smirk, and his eyes went from one of them to another in bitter amusement.

Nephrite flushed angrily, and, as always, sought refuge in the attack. "What are you thinking, bringing in an enemy to the very heart of our operation?"

"She's one of us now. I believe you've met?" He set his hand at the small of the young woman's back and guided her forward gracefully. "But I'm sure you haven't been introduced. Mercury, these are two of my fellow Shitennou. Nephrite is the taller one who is scowling. Jadeite is the blonde."

"I'm pleased to meet you," she intoned, quite politely, her eyes twinkling with a slight hint of maliciousness. Her demeanor had changed a bit from when Nephrite had encountered her before—she was bolder, less hesitant, although he could hardly say that he knew her well, being that most of their encounters consisted of attacks and counter-attacks.

Jadeite, ever proper, inclined his head in a slight bow, his eyes lingering on the girl suspiciously. Nephrite contented himself with a quick glance and a curt nod and then returned to the point of the conversation.

"Kunzite, you didn't answer my question. What did you bring her here for?"

He gave him a look of long-suffering. "I'm going to use her to destroy the Sailor Senshi, idiot. Although other uses do come to mi…"

"Don't talk about me like I'm not here." Mercury bristled. She clenched her fists slowly, then released them. "Kunzite. You will not 'use' me for anything. I will take care of Sailor Moon and the others on my own. The rest of you can safely turn your attention to other matters."

Jadeite blinked. "Other matters?"

"Of course. Dealing with the Princess, obtaining the Crystal," her smile grew patronizing, "and there's always Tuxedo Mask to play with, if you get bored…"

Kunzite reached down and grabbed her wrist suddenly. "I think it's time we got you settled in."

"Wha…"

"Nephrite, Jadeite, you will excuse us, I'm sure?"

The two generals watched as he pulled the protesting Mercury down the hallway towards his quarters.

"She's a bit…." Jadeite shook his head in disbelief.

"More than a bit," Nephrite agreed, but his eyes held a spark of interest as they watched the others depart.

To be continued…