|Chapter One|
The ruler of Emerald Tower was up every morning at four o'clock on the dot to start baking from her famous pastry shop. After the usual baking was overseen by her and the doors opened at seven then Makoto would walk around the restaurant to see the satisfaction of her work. Cinnamon rolls were the best sellers and what she was known for; the sweet delight were sold all day and even back ordered. For special occasions, she would personally back her famous wedding cake to the specific design, using all the money from profit towards the city. That was how she pleased her customers the most: all the money was used towards Crystal Tokyo as a whole. Roads were kept clean, the place was kept safe, and there were zero crime rates. No one had a reason to steal, everything was cheap, and housing was free. The only thing they asked for in return was to help one another, work hard, and grow the food. Those that lived near Emerald Tower watched as the senshi themselves helped with the farming.
At ten o'clock exactly, Makoto would make her rounds of the fields and use her powers to bring the rain when things would get too damp. At noon, she would take her lunch and study for an hour before heading down to the training area and keeping on her toes. At four o'clock she would shower and make her way back down towards her pastry shop where she would help work on the dough for the next morning of baking. Finishing at eight she would finally make her way back to her chambers and sleep only to do it all again. That was how it had been for years, and the maids were so use to her habits they never once questioned why she never went on dates or why she turned all the suitors down. Many men had tried to capture the Queen of Emerald Tower, but never once had she seemed interested. To be kind enough, she would meet and drill them with questions she knew no one could answer. There was only one man that would know the answers and so she remained lonely.
On this particular morning, things seemed to be going as planned while Makoto sat down and looked over the resume's submitted for the head chef position in her kitchen. Her kitchen chef was moving to another district city where his wife was waiting for him and about to have their first child. Thanking him for his kindness, Makoto decided to set out looking for someone to fill the position but found herself getting resumes without enough qualifications for the job. She needed someone that was going to be strong, take over the kitchen, and let her go on a vacation for once. Feeling frustrated for a moment, Makoto set all the resumes down in the folder and shut it. Unsure if she wanted to take the time to train someone, she let out a sigh. A knock on her door brought her back to her senses as she looked up to see her current head chef giving her a sideways glance, his soft brown gems seemed apologetic.
"There is a man here applying for the position and has a great resume," he said, pulling his white chef hat off and relaxing for a moment while his shaggy brown locks fell above his eyes. Makoto gave a small smile and leaned forward on her crossed legs.
"Is it anyone I would approve?" she asked softly as he noticed a scowl to her mood. Giving a nod, she slowly moved to her feet and headed in the direction of the restaurant. Thankful for wearing a business suit this morning, Makoto stopped to check herself in a long mirror. The black slicks hung from her waist and fit her curves snuggly before showing off the tops of her dark green stiletto heels. Her elbow length deep green button up blouse was neatly tucked in as a black belt held her outfit in place. She hardly wore anything dressed up, but then again she always wore something that would go with a set of heels. After working in them so long, it felt wrong to not wear them. They were like another part of her especially if they belonged to boots.
Her dining room gave a comfortable feeling with the elegant white table cloths, dark cherry wood curved chairs holding plush soft pink seats. The booths held a thin layer of glass over the wood while carved into each table was a special design depicting a story of the senshi. There was only one piece to the set that was missing, that she kept in her room hanging on the wall as a reminder each morning she rose. The light boomed in as she moved from the formal dining room holding large chandeliers into the breakfast and lunch nook. Here in the middle of the room held a beautiful white fountain that the children loved to play in and at times, Makoto took the mothers by surprise by climbing in while the children. Towels were provided for the children who made the mothers happy someone was watching over them. Glass was all around her, as ivy bearing beautiful pink flowers crawled along the domed white metal atrium. This room was at a perfect temperature to keep the plants alive along with the guests happy doing a hot or cold day.
Walking across the dark green granite floor, Makoto made her way towards the usual seating where all interviews were set. A private balcony overlooking the farm lands to the right and the private gardens to the left in equal proportions. She sat there every morning to watch the sun rise while drinking her cup of coffee feeling at peace. The workers got up with her, loving their jobs and usually sending their wives and children into the palace for breakfast. Moving through the long dark green velvet curtains, Makoto felt as if the wind was knocked out of while she started at the back of the man sitting so casually overlooking the world before him. His long dark chestnut waves swayed a little in the breeze while his large frame nearly overtook the small chair. It had been a long time since someone so tall was seen walking around, especially how well built he was and defined his muscles.
Makoto felt her knees weakening, the sickness swirling in the pit of her stomach as she tried to breathe but stay as quiet as possible before he noticed her entrance. Her emeralds clouded and she quickly swallowed it all down to keep her feelings suppressed. How was it possible? How could he be sitting here in front of her…alive? The questions pounded her head as pride reaped its ugly head while she straightened herself out. This could be someone that looked like him; she shouldn't let her emotions get in the way. Putting on a mask, Makoto put some swagger to her step as she pretender to just enter.
"I apologize for the wait," she said gracefully and moved towards taking her seat. His towering form rose politely and then he took a seat after her across from the small bistro table holding an afternoon tea set. Trying not to look at him too much, Makoto leaned forward into her chair and crossed her legs casually. Picking up the resume, she felt as if she was going to be sick. The work experience he seemed to list was second in command general to King Endyiom, a lifetime of cooking skills, astronomer, and extraordinary evening waltz-er. Was this some sort of cruel joke? Watching the paper shake, Makoto felt as if she was going to be sick. Leaning onto the table for support, she felt the chair pushed back as her head was thrust between her knees.
Nephrite couldn't believe how beautiful she looked after so long ago; in his death before judgment was passed on him all he could think about was her. It was a long sleep as he wished there was someone he could speak to but found in time he just dreamed of what he would do if he ever met her. A brilliant white light had brought him back and he found himself standing before a pregnant Serenity with a fair skinned tanned woman at her side. Her long dark green hair was pulled into a simple pony tail which reminded him immediately of Makoto. Her stance was protective towards the Queen and he found his answers there along with his fellow generals. Happy to be reunited, they spent a week in secret with the Queen learning about what had happened along with heard her story of how horrible she felt to be happy and not them. His time came to visit Makoto after Serenity found that she was still searching for a head chef and found this the perfect chance.
"She is a stubborn woman but don't let her chase you away. Makoto is kind and loving, but caught by surprise she can be gracefully rude and very hot headed." With the Queen's advice in tow, Nephrite made his way towards the Emerald Tower. It was like he would imagine her doing and noticed how happy the people were to live here. He was given rides towards the palace, paying them in gold only for them to thank him graciously. It was to no surprise that his Makoto would set something like this up. She was very kind hearted and it showed, especially when he asked about her to the town. There was nothing but good news to hear, how she walked about with them, helped with the work, and even showed them her love towards them with food.
Feeling her hands thrust him away angrily Makoto caught herself dodging his sparkling blue eyes. She had dreamed so much to see him and had gone over it time and time again how she would greet him with warm arms. Today she just couldn't; she was taken by surprise that it threw her whole world off. Too many emotions were flooding her senses, making her sick and unstable. A year ago, she was sure she would have reacted differently but she had moved on. The piece of wood she didn't want to see on the tables in her dining room had been covered and stored in the tower where she locked her heart. He was dead, there was no reason to live in the past and decided she would start dating suitors once more in order to find a companion. This week was already booked with dates from men in neighboring kingdoms.
"Makoto…" her name rolled off his tongue sweetly, spending a mixture of pain and pleasure to her chest. He remembered. Fighting within herself and feeling her body turn cold, Makoto let the resume drop to the ground.
"How was life on Jupiter sustained in the past?" she shot out quickly, hoping it wasn't one of the girls trying to give her a scare with the new technology.
"Lightening was used from the storms to generate electricity while the people lived in domes, using the green house effect to grow all sorts of plant life," spoke Nephrite, grinning since he remembered everything about her. Taking steps towards her, Makoto suddenly lifted her hand as if she wanted to repel him. This wasn't a joke, not everyone remembered Jupiter or how it was ran since there was no need back then to know of other plants. He was the only other person she knew of that she told that information to. Everything was spinning again, and she felt her knees buckle as she crumpled towards the floor. Just in time, Nephrite was able to save the woman from having a bump on her head. Letting out a long sigh, he picked her off the ground and walked into the main dining room where all eyes seemed to be on him. A hushed silence moved in the room as the lunch crowd held concern for the Queen but curious eyes at the never before seen man. "Her highness fainted…where is the medical ward?"
Following the pointed fingers down the hall and towards the palace, Nephrite moved towards the signs at the top leading him towards the medical ward where a young doctor flirted with a nurse but straightened quickly when he saw the Queen in a stranger's arms.
"Lay her on the table," said the doctor, and Nephrite listened while he looked at the sleeping beauty. Her long auburn hair swam around her giving her paled skin a perfect complexion. Brushing some of the strands from her face, Nephrite noticed what looked like a glare from the doctor. "Do you know what happened?"
"She fainted, give her time to rest and she will be fine," said Nephrite, checking her wrist to see her heart rate slowing down. The doctor seemed to look down his nose at Nephrite, having never heard or seen the man before. Was he a suitor?
"Did she hit her head?" asked the doctor, checking her neck and head gently while the nurse continued to write things down about vitals.
"No," said Nephrite, feeling frustrated that he couldn't get a silent moment to gaze upon her beauty or admire her.
"Name for the records?" asked the nurse sweetly towards Nephrite while her pen waiting anxiously.
"General Nephrite," he responded, hearing a clatter of the pen and clip board hitting the floor. Looking at the nurse, he watched a crimson blush brush across her cheeks as she looked him over for a moment and then back to the Queen.
"I've read about you in history books…how is it possible you're alive?" asked the nurse only for Nephrite to give her a soft smile.
"Queen Serenity has a very kind heart," he replied, turning back to Makoto while she slept. Serenity had too kind of a heart at times; perhaps this was all a mistake? Letting out a sigh, Nephrite decided he would not give up and would be waiting for her in the morning to open the kitchen. This would give her time to think while he got settled into the unused astronomy tower and cleaned it out.
`*`
Leaving the medical ward without asking questions or speaking to the first doctor and nurse out on the balcony, Makoto looked at the time to see she wasn't going to have time to get ready for her evening date with the Grand Marquis Viktor of the Vidia Kingdom. Would she even be able to do it? She was still shaken up and with his sudden disappearance it felt as if it was all a dream. Moving towards the front of the palace as the lights were softly lit for the evening activities, Makoto found a beautiful horse drawn carriage waiting. She frowned, never being one for a flashy entrance or need for the fine things of life since she usually walked.
"Your highness, is this perhaps a bad time?" he asked, moving from the carriage dressed in a neat classic black tie suit. He looked the same, tanned skin making her feel so pale. His blond hair was neatly styled for this occasion framing his face and making his bright blue eyes stand out. Maybe he did get too much sun? She could see the way his skin was already starting to get a hard looking texture to it.
"Just a busy day as usual, Marquis," she said, producing a fake smile. Taking his hand and moving into the carriage out of respect, Makoto let out a sigh as she relaxed to see how anxious he was already to be accepted for a date. Would this be the last? Her mind was still thinking of him, wanting to ask so many questions but also wanting to keep her distance. She didn't want to see desperate for his companionship although she had missed him so much. Finding herself at the opera house, which she hardly ever came to, Makoto found herself under dressed for the occasion since she was sure those that could get seats already had and dressed up.
The play was indeed boring, but Makoto pretended to pay attention already dreading when the intermission where eyes would be all over her. She hated that about going out into high society, since it existed in other places and seemed to bring itself here. Although there was no "Duke, Lord, etcetera" in Neo-Crystal Tokyo, it didn't stop neighboring aristocrats from coming over to visit and flash their fancy titles. Feeling a touch on her hand, brought Makoto towards the worried blue eyes of her current suitor.
"The intermission has begun, your highness," said Viktor softly as she gave a nod and then stood, looking over the private balcony as the chatter began while some moved into the lobby for refreshments. Did she want to join, she was unsure and felt her mind twist towards Nephrite. Pushing him into the back of her mind Makoto let out a long sigh.
"I apologize, my mind is elsewhere this evening," said Makoto and watched Viktor grin.
"I could tell your highness, you didn't even keep to your afternoon schedule," said Viktor, making Makoto feel like a failure for a moment. Was the town worried? Never before had she missed a day, or had word traveled quickly? "I couldn't blame you for fainting, if I had seen someone that looked like someone I knew a long time ago then I too would be on edge. What was his name? Ne-phlite? Or something rather?"
She felt something in her snap at his tone, speaking his name and the suggestions toward which this person was as if he knew him.
"You must have heard wrong," she said coldly. Viktor caught himself, watching the woman unsure if he was stepping on stones or not. By the sound of her tone, it could be a cold expression for the man's name he had spoken?
"Do you believe there could be evil among us again? I mean, if he was sighted and has returned, should the rest of the world be worried?" asked Viktor. Makoto stood suddenly, feeling her blood boil and quickly took offense.
"The Generals that you read of in history books were all good men, serving his Royal Highness King Endyiom for a lifetime of solitude. Their bodies were used to throw us off as to whom we were truly fighting, a trickery used by Beryl and Metaria. Do not slander the name of a man who has done no wrong, a man who died protecting this Earth…I bid you good evening," said Makoto, stopping her speech before she got too into it. Moving from the balcony, Makoto stormed from the building as the electricity sparked off her. Everyone stayed out of her way, affair of getting shocked and also wondering why the Queen was so angry. It rained hard that night, a storm sounding strongly as the wind blew through the town harshly causing the villagers to lock their shutters in hopes tomorrow would be a better day.
Alone, she walked the streets with her arms wrapped tightly around her. The tears still didn't fall while she tried to keep them sealed away. The cold rain pounded against her skin and she felt like she wanted to get lost in this haze forever. A carriage pulled up to the side of her and she ignored it, watching Viktor peek his head out slowly.
"Please get in, your highness," he said softly. He had been trailing her for some time, waiting for her cool off before approaching. When she didn't respond, he found himself feeling the answer course through him as a gruffness took over his voice that turned into a demand. "Get in the carriage."
Makoto felt herself snap out of her self-pitying daze, looking over at his hard face and wondered if she had him wrong all along. He seemed so air headed as if there was nothing but a kindness to his soul. But then again, she looked the same way and lost her temper quickly. Taking his hand, she sat across from him as the carriage moved slowly towards the palace.
"As long as he is around, your heart is taken," said Viktor, surprising her at how he caught on so quickly…too quickly. Had he been studying and hiding it from her? Makoto didn't have to say anything for him to know he was correct. Giving a smile, he felt the carriage come to a stop and took Makoto towards the palace doors under his umbrella.
"Thank you," she replied softly, watching him seem to have a new sparkle.
"Just because he has it, doesn't mean I won't stop trying," said Viktor, pulling Makoto into a soft kiss that let her mind spinning. Dropping the umbrella, Makoto watched Viktor slowly walk away towards the carriage. Indeed, he was a very strange man after all.
AN: At first, I'm going to start off focusing on each senshi for a few chapters before moving towards the next. It's hard to suddenly change characters chapter to chapter and have to re-read to get the character refreshed in your mind…at least for me! : )