Chapter 4
Night's soft velvet now covered the sky, its many diamonds dotted around. Reiko sat on the balcony railing outside of her new quarters. The soft night breeze was warm tonight, no doubt due to raging tempers in the Kaki Islands. Reiko could feel the emotional residue on the breeze as it ruffled her still-damp hair. Visibly, she had managed to cleanse away the blood of the king. Deep down, however, it joined the others in eternal damnation. Reiko knew she would never be free of the burn and fault. But, that needed to be put behind her now. She was a Senshi, sworn in by untraditional means, but sworn in nonetheless. She knew she had horrified the Senshi and royal family. To be truthful, she had horrified herself. Yet, the familiar burn in her blood had been unavoidable and unstoppable. She would need more self-restraint in the future.
She also needed to watch her mind. Sailor Mei had looked into Reiko's mind during the battle. What she had seen, Reiko didn't know. She was fearful as to what the Senshi of darkness saw. She hoped that the most crucial of secrets had been far enough within that Mei hadn't seen them, but Reiko couldn't be sure: she had truly lost her mind during those few moments. She sighed and left the warmth of the balcony. Closing the twin doors behind her, she felt a chill go up her spine. She knew what it was and what is meant. Someone was coming, and it was most likely someone she really didn't want to see. At the moment, though, it could be just about anyone. She stepped away from the balcony doors just as someone knocked. With a heavy sigh, she ran her hand through her hair, bringing back her trademark spikes, and opened the door.
She didn't recognize Sailor Shio outside of her uniform. At least, she didn't recognize her in a slimming, flowing nightgown, and without her glasses at that. "Hello," she said softly. I was wondering how you were doing."
"Fine," Reiko said coldly. "Why do you ask?"
Shio looked to the side and said, "Well, you seemed rather shaken after the incident today."
"You and the others were shaken, not I," Reiko said. "Did Talor send you?" Shio shook her head, letting loose several strands of hair from her bun.
"I came of my own will," she replied. "I was worried, but it seems you're fine. Are your quarters comfortable?"
Reiko shrugged. "They're a little too fancy for my tastes," she admitted. "Other than that, fine."
"Well, that's good," Shio said. Reiko couldn't help but notice how a soft blush came over Shio's cheeks. "Well then, I best be off. Tomorrow's an early morning. Since we're all together now, we need to begin our proper training."
Reiko nodded. Shio hesitated a moment before turning to go back down the hall. Reiko backed into her room and almost had the door shut before she flung it open and darted out into the hall. "Shio!" Shio turned around in surprise. Reiko paused a moment before saying, "Thank you." Surprised, Shio smiled and nodded. She turned back around and soon disappeared around a distant corner. Reiko stayed there in the hall for a moment after Shio disappeared. Then, she returned to her own room. With the door firmly closed she pressed her back to it. Her hair, still damp, fell down and shadowed her eyes as she bent her head. "Thank you for caring."
The morning, while normally chill with evening dampness, was strangely warm and dry. "Tempers are still flaring in the islands," Kaki said as Mei and Aria joined she and Hikari. "Yesterday's incident won't die down easily."
"If at all," Hikari said. "After all, the king was killed. That means Prince Vandir will be king, and he'll most likely try to win the queen's hand again."
He'll try to use the king's death as a trump card, Mei added. There is a war on the horizon.
"Speaking of war…" Kaki tilted her head to the left. From that entrance to the courtyard came Sailor Daichi. She was trailed closely by Sailor Shio.
"Good morning!" Aria called cheerfully. Daichi inclined her head to the bouncing Senshi of air, but made no other motion of greeting.
"You should really try to be more cordial," Hikari said somewhat absently. "It doesn't do any good to be sour."
"Yup, that's right!" Aria said in cheery agreement. "Isn't this exciting? We're going to train for real, as a team!"
Shio and Hikari nodded in agreement. Kaki and Mei, however, were subtly focused on Daichi. She unnerved the two Senshi, and anyone who knew them would know that it just doesn't happen. Kaki was raised by her soldier father with a nerve of frozen jerban. Mei was the most cold and hard of the three princess' of the Mei Mountains. Yet, here was Sailor Daichi, the most foreign of her people, the most powerful, and the most unnerving. She disturbed the Senshi of darkness and fire beyond all reason.
"I see you all came on time," Sailor Talor said. Everyone turned to the main entrance of the courtyard, expecting to see the orange and black Senshi of Talor. Instead, they saw Talor in a black gown with orange trimming and, most peculiarly, silver battle dress armor adorning her arms, chest, and shoulders sparingly. "Unfortunately, I cannot train you today. The Kaki Islands are, obviously, in an uproar over the death of the king. Even though he cast the first blow, they hold us responsible. They are talking war. The queen and I are leaving today to arbitrate the trouble with the representatives of the Shio Provinces and Aria Highlands." The Senshi kept their gazes from crossing Daichi. Talor, however, looked directly at her. "Daichi, since you seem the most learned in combat, you are going to train Mei and Hikari in my absence."
"What about us?" Aria asked, indicating the unnamed Senshi.
"You three will be accompanying the queen and I as representatives of your homelands," Talor answered. "Kaki, you will remain as the queen's side at all times. Aria and Shio, you will do likewise with your respected ambassadors." The three Senshi nodded in understanding. Talor turned and motioned for the entrance. "You three will be wearing traditional clothing similar to mine. The seamstresses are waiting, and we haven't much time to waste. Please proceed." The three Senshi nodded and left promptly. When they were gone, Talor heard Mei's voice in her mind. "I understand your concern, Mei, but they are capable Senshi," Talor said to her as she turned.
"Worried about Kaki, I presume?" Daichi asked. Talor nodded.
"I'm worried, too," Hikari said. "After all, the king's reaction is bound to be the norm for all of the people of the islands."
"Kaki is capable and powerful," Talor said. "Each of them will be able to protect the queen and ambassadors, should the need arise. Though, stars forbid things come to that."
I don't trust Daichi. Talor adverted her gaze to stare at Mei. After the episode yesterday, I don't trust her.
You have to, Talor replied. This generation, she is the secondary leader of the Senshi. No matter the situation, she is leader in my absence. You know that is the way of things. I, too, am wary of her, but she is a Senshi and you are on the same team.
Talor's silence was the key indicator that she was communicating with Mei. Both Hikari and Daichi knew that, but neither minded. "Now," Talor said, "You three are in charge of castle security in our absence. The princess is your responsibility in every area. I trust she will be well taken care of."
"You have my word!" Hikari said excitedly. "Why, I'll take care of her single-handedly! I love children!" Talor smiled and bowed her head shallowly. Then, she turned and left quickly.
"So, what will you be training us in leader?" Hikari said with a smile. Daichi couldn't help but smile at the bountiful youth and innocence that Sailor Hikari held. But, she knew that such a quality could be the Senshi of light's downfall.
"Silence," Daichi said. "That will be the first."
Inkou groaned as she let herself fall onto her bed. Her golden hair splayed all around her in an oceanic mess. She was exhausted from Daichi's training. The Senshi of earth sure seemed to know what she was doing. Poor Inkou was constantly stumbling over the tasks. Their first lesson in silence and subtlety hadn't gone over well with Inkou's need to exercise her extensive youthful energy. Inkou wasn't so much physically exhausted as she was mentally.
Sailor Daichi had the two Senshi stand in the center of the courtyard and try to strike her with their powers. They had each succeeded in striking her once. Then, she had them try to avoid her attacks. Mei had succeeded in avoiding one of them, but they generally failed at it. "This," Daichi had said, "Is the perfect way to gain an instant advantage over your enemy." Even with their powers over light and darkness, nether Mei and Hikari had been successful in attacking or avoiding Daichi. Then, it was their turn. "I will stand in the center," Daichi said. "Then, I want you to do as I did. Try to attack me."
Hikari and Mei spent some time trying to hide. Then, Mei sent a wave of dark energy at Daichi. She easily avoided it. Hikari then tried to do the same, but it was again avoided. They tried several times to mask their attacks and such. All the while, Hikari was trying hard to not be clumsy or loud. Finally, Daichi had them stop. "Now, try to avoid my attacks," she had said. Hikari and Mei hid themselves, and instantly found themselves running from Daichi's vines. They were doing miserably, to say the least. Finally, Hikari decided to climb to the second level of the courtyard. She had herself hidden well, and was pleased when Daichi began to openly wonder where she had gone. Hikari hid there for several moments.
"Hello Hikari!" called the princess' shrill voice. Hikari turned as saw the princess standing just behind her. Almost instantly, vines appeared and pulled Hikari over the railing and onto the ground. She was surprised to see that Mei had been hiding on the same level, a very small distance from where she was.
"Mei, I didn't know you were up there," Hikari said. Mei acknowledged the fact that she wasn't aware of Hikari, either.
"You were successful in hiding yourselves from me," Daichi said, "But you still made two fatal mistakes. First, the princess found you. What if she had been an enemy? You'd both be spitting blood sooner than grass, no doubt. You must plan for every option and every situation. Second, you hid from each other. You must know where your teammates are. You cannot coordinate your attacks if you do not know where each other is, and if you do not know where your ally is, how can you tell them apart from your enemy in the heat of battle?"
Inkou groaned and turned onto her side. Daichi had been, unfortunately, correct about everything. Even now, several days later, Daichi continued to train them harshly. The two Senshi were benefiting from it and were slowly coming around, but they still stumbled over certain tasks. Even though Mei was tough and both were powerful neither was truly ready for an all-out battle. Inkou absently wondered where Reiko had learned all of this. No doubt, her father had been a soldier or something like Kaki's had been.
Inkou sat up and swung her legs over the bed. Right on schedule, she could hear Mei and Daichi sparring in the courtyard. She walked over to her balcony and crossed her arms. She rested them on the railing as she leaned forward to watch. The way that they fought was amazing in Inkou's eyes. They were vigilant, quick, powerful… A part of her envied them. That part of her wished she could be the ruthless warrior that Daichi's image projected. Yet, that part of her was silenced, as always, by her youthful and caring heart.
Inkou's thoughts were interrupted by a knock at her door. With a newfound curiosity, she rushed to it to see who her visitor was. She opened the door to see a tall, fair-skinned man in dark armor. Inkou's heart leapt as she leapt at him, linking her arms around his neck. "Halen!" she shouted in happiness. "What are you doing here?" Halen laughed as he tried unsuccessfully to detach himself from her. Inkou, however, wasn't letting go.
"Well, I came to visit you," he said. "After all, things are rather boring at the castle without you around."
Inkou let go and fell a few inches to her feet. It never ceased to amaze her just how tall he was. "I must admit, I've missed you too," she said. Then, she grasped his hand and pulled him in. "You must tell me how everyone is! How is mother? Is Lars doing any better at the sword? Oh, you must tell me everything!"
Halen laughed as he stopped Inkou from pulling him any further. "I see being a Senshi hasn't put a damper on your energy," he said. "Everyone misses you very much, though I doubt Lars will shed any tears over it." Inkou laughed, knowing her brother wouldn't miss her excess energy. "Not many things have changed in the past couple weeks. Lars is still struggling with the sword, but he's become quite the politic." Halen's smiled quickly faded and he looked very somber.
Inkou tilted her head in confusion. "Halen, what's wrong?" she asked. He looked at her square in the eye.
"My original plan was to visit you, princess," he said. "However, I must now seek refuge here. I've been cast out of the mountains because of my support for the Talor Royal family." Inkou shook her head in confusion. Halen sighed and led her to her bed, where he sat her and himself on the edge. "Inkou, a war has become inevitable. The queen's talks won't work. The Hikari and Mei kingdoms are pushing for war, and your family is pushing to find a way to bring you home. It's the same with Princess Taika. The royal families want the Senshi of their lands to return to them to fight the war on their side." Inkou shook her head. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Why?" she asked. "Why would they want war?"
"I don't know," Halen said. "I couldn't get close to Lars and your mother until they exiled me. I don't have all of the answers. I just know that you need to be ready and be careful. If you choose to remain here, you'll be fighting your family on the battlefield."
"You have to tell Daichi," Inkou said. "What you've told me; you have to tell her." Halen nodded. There was a look of fear and sadness in his eyes that Inkou had never seen before. "Halen… Let's go." She didn't know what else to say. She stood with her hand firmly in his and led him out.
"If the Mei and Hikari Kingdom's join with the Kaki Islands, then the other three kingdoms would have to join with the Royal kingdom to even stand a chance," Daichi said. Halen had informed she and Mei of the situation in the mountains, and neither took it well. "The planet will be torn in half."
There will be no peace for many years, Mei added. There are more people in the Mei Kingdom who can command their element than there are in any other kingdom. Kaki has the largest army of element users than any other. The Hikari Kingdom has a strategic placement, being in between the two kingdoms. The other three kingdoms are too spread apart and just aren't strong enough.
"Thanks for stating the obvious," Inkou said sourly. She was fiddling with the hem of her sleeve as they talked. She was finding it hard to be her cheerful self.
"We won't know anything for sure until the queen returns," Halen said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We must wait for her return. Only then can be begin to truly worry." Daichi looked at the three of them with a stern look. They knew that this wasn't over.