Standard disclaimer - I don't own Sailor Moon, or its characters. All OCs, however, are mine.


Corey couldn't believe it…he'd murdered someone. Corval called it justice…but Corey knew better.

It seems Corval had not been quite the man he'd thought him, after all...


A familiar ginger cat joined him in the hall as he headed for his quarters. He felt sick to his stomach. Had he just made a terrible mistake? No…justice had been done. Right? That's right…there was no arguing against that...and finally doing something for a change felt good, despite his misgivings.

"That was some nice work you put in tonight in the Poor Quarter…"

How did Titus know about that already? "I'm sure I don't know what you mean…"

"Oh, yes, how silly of me." The cat was silent for a moment. "You realise, of course, that Lord Howe will be furious when he finds out. Are you prepared for that?"

"More than prepared, I assure you."

Titus chuckled. "My, so full of confidence, all of a sudden." He paused. "Is it really so easy to take a life?"

No, he thought, reaching his door. It's not. "Good evening, Shadow." He slammed the door shut behind him and leaned back against it, suddenly exhausted.

"Corval…what's wrong?"

He looked to his left; Mina lay on the bed, frowning up at him. By Selene…of all the times for her to sneak in here, she chooses now? He sighed and removed his helmet, tossing it to the floor.

She slid off the bed and approached him slowly. "It's late…did the queen summon you?"

"No…nothing like that."

"But then why are you wearing your armour…" She trailed off, looking down at his arm; he saw the same red spots that she could. "This…" Mina looked up, suddenly looking worried. "This is blood."

"Yes…it is." She was far from stupid; there was no point denying it.

She just stood there, her arms folded across her chest, staring up into his eyes.

"It's nothing to worry yourself about," he managed. "I'll clean it later.

"Corval…" Her voice was barely a whisper. "Tell me what happened…"

He confessed. He had no choice. Mina's concern ate away at him, and it combined with the guilt he already felt to form an irresistible force. He stared into her eyes, seeing surprise…followed by disappointment. That hurt more than anything else; he'd rather she was angry.

"Mina…" he whispered, reaching for her hand.

She recoiled from him. "You killed someone. You murdered that man!"

"No," he argued weakly. "I judged him…and carried out his sentence."

"That's not your decision!" Mina shot back. "That is for the courts to-"

"They failed!" he roared, frightening even himself. "The courts…failed! The city watch…failed! Even Queen Serenity herself…failed!" Mina backed away, clearly startled by his sudden outburst…and he collapsed in on himself. His anger faded away as he dropped to his knees. A tear slid down his cheek, followed by another; he hadn't cried since he was a boy. "I've failed, Mina. Honour and Faith…they'd be so disappointed in me. What I did tonight wasn't justice…it was vengeance!"

Mina was silent; she was looking at him with…worry? Or perhaps pity?

"Faith's sister, Ella…she was raped, and murdered." His vision was blurred through the tears. "Lord Howe's son…he was identified as the murderer…but his father pulled the usual strings, and he wasn't charged. The evidence was lost…the witness 'disappeared'. I just…I couldn't let it happen. Not again."

She sighed warily. "That's not-"

"I couldn't allow another injustice, Mina…" he whispered. "I just couldn't. I had to do something. Anything! I had to take a stand…to show the people that justice hadn't abandoned them." He stared down at his arm, seeing the blood. "I thought it would be a relief. An inspiration for others." He bowed his head. "But it was just an execution, the same as any other...and I'm disgusted by myself."

The stern façade she'd been maintaining crumbled. "Oh, Corval…"

He locked his hands together and stared through the window. "The Moon Kingdom is falling down around us, Mina…and nobody else seems to see it. Even if Earth doesn't come…I fear this kingdom is doomed." He laughed quietly, his tone bitter. "There's no coming back from where we are now..."

"No," Mina said firmly, kneeling down before him. "This isn't like you, Corval…you're an idealist! That's one of the reasons I fell I love with you." She leaned in, pressing her forehead against his. "I may not approve of what you did tonight…and I doubt I ever will. But I can understand why you did it. I know it's been difficult for you…having to watch as things have gotten worse and worse. But there's still hope, Corval. There's always hope..."

He shook his head slowly. "I wish I could still believe that, my love…"

"You must!" She wrapped him in a tight embrace. "You're this kingdom's very symbol of justice. If you are seen to have lost all hope…then what chance do the rest of us have to hold onto ours? I need your strength, Corval…we all do. Don't abandon us all now…I beg of you. You can still make a difference, and lead the Moon Kingdom back into the light."

"After what I did tonight…"

"What you did…is done. That is between you and Selene now. I'm gladdened that you feel regret…it means that my Corval, the man I love, is still there inside you…and he can still do the right thing."

He slowly returned the embrace, more grateful for her love than ever. Perhaps, she was right…perhaps there was still hope.


"My son has been murdered!" Howe spat. "Decapitated in the street, and I demand justice!"

"What was the wording?" Faith mused. "Ah, yes…I refute these poisonous allegations!"

"You see?!" the noble insisted. "He makes jokes, while my son lies dead!"

"What of my sister?" Faith remarked coldly. "She lay dead, and you helped your murdering bastard get away with it…"

"So, you admit you wished Ralvus dead?"

Queen Serenity leaned forward from her throne. "Sir Faith is a Guardian Knight, Lord Howe, and as such is beyond reproach."

Well, Corval thought sourly. That's as good an opening as any. He stepped forward. "Sir Faith did not execute your son, Lord Howe." He paused, breathing out slowly. "I did."

The throne room went silent. The queen and her advisers, Luna and Artemis, stared at him in quiet disbelief.

"You…" Serenity whispered.

"Yes. I tracked Ralvus Howe down. He confessed to the crimes of rape and murder, and I sentenced him to death. The execution was carried out immediately, before Selene."

Howe snapped out of his quiet state. "Your Majesty, I demand that this…murderer be arrested at once!"

Serenity actually seemed…pleased? "I will do no such thing, Lord Howe. If your son indeed confessed, then Sir Justice was acting within the bounds of the law. It is his right, and duty, to bring justice to those who are deserving…even if it is a right not used in many years."

He was sure she wasn't pleased at Ralvus' death; just the opportunity to tell the arrogant bastard 'no'.

"This is an outrage!" Howe protested.

"No!" Justice said bluntly. "That you and your kind have been allowed to continue to sow discord and injustice for so long is the real outrage. You speak of justice, Lord Howe…what of justice for the people of this kingdom? What of justice for all those hurt by your harsh levies, and your laws? Where is their justice? The Guardian Knights stand vigilant against all threats to this kingdom, from outside…and within." He raised his finger warningly. "Pray that we do come to see you and your friends as such a threat…"

"How dare you!" Howe seethed, turning and storming from the throne room. Justice nodded to Faith, and his brother left as well.

"Justice…" Serenity said quietly. "A summary execution?"

"I stand by my decision, Your Majesty. Justice was done…though I assure you it shall not be done in the same manner again."

She sounded doubtful. "How can you be so sure?"

"It turns out I'm no executioner, Your Majesty…I took no pleasure in it. The opposite, in fact."


Corey was relieved to hear that…watching as he'd calmly executed another human being had shaken him greatly.

Seeing that Corval had been remorseful after the fact was good to know. He'd suffered a crisis of self; that was all…


"More wine, my love?" Corval asked.

"Please," Mina said with a smile. "Artemis lectured me on protocol yet again today…I'll need much more wine!"

They all burst into laughter. He sat with Mina, Garrod and Liara in his fellow knight's quarters, enjoying a meal, and a rare moment of calm. Mina and Liara had come to know each other well over the last few months, forging a bond over their 'secret romances'. Corval smiled as he watched them laugh; it was nice to be able to relax and act as a couple around other people, even if only for a short time.

"It almost feels like the worries of the everyday world don't exist, eh, Corval?" Garrod asked.

He nodded in agreement. "Yes…even if it's only a brief respite."

"That…sounds an awful lot like the real world talking," Liara said firmly.

"Indeed," Mina agreed. "What have we told you two?"

The women looked mad, but their tone was clearly one of amusement.

"I'm sorry, love," Garrod chuckled, leaning across to kiss Liara gently. "How can I show my remorse?"

"Well…that's a good start," she giggled.

Corey just wrapped his arm around Mina's shoulder, feeling her relax into him. He pressed his lips to the side of her head gently. "I love you," he murmured. "More than you-"

A loud bang came from the door, and they froze.

"Sir Honour," an unfamiliar voice called. "Royal Guard. Please, open the door."

Corval immediately released Mina and glanced at Garrod. He seemed…at a loss. Liara's eyes were fearful, and he understood why.

"Liara!" a different voice shouted. "I know you're in there…with him! Open this door at once!"

"My father…" she whispered.

"We knew this could happen," Garrod said quietly. He squeezed her hand tightly, before standing. "I love you, Liara…and I won't run away from the consequences."

"Brother…" Corval said quietly. "I'm with you." He stood and walked along with Garrod to the door, waiting as he opened it.

"Count Barlow," Garrod said civilly. "Guardsmen…what can I do for you this fine evening?"

"Out of my way!" the noble snapped, pushing past him and making a beeline for Liara. "You! You're coming with me right now!"

"Father, no!" she shrieked. "I love him!"

"Stupid girl!" he snapped, taking hold of her arm. "You don't know what love is!"

"You're hurting her!" Mina shouted, rising to her feet.

"With all due respect, Princess, this is none of your concern!" He dragged the struggling girl through the doorway, as she screamed.

"Garrod! I love you!"

"And I love you…" he whispered in return.

"I have orders to place you under arrest, Sir Honour," the lead guardsmen declared. He sounded somewhat apologetic, at least.

"Brother?" Corval asked questioningly.

"No, Corval." He suddenly sounded tired. "I told myself long ago that if this day came…I would accept the consequences. I love her…and I won't run from this." He stepped forward, extending his arms wrists up. "Arrest me then."

"I'll speak to the queen," Corval promised. "I won't let them do this!"


Garrod, Corey thought…also known as Garrett…also known as Wrath. This was the same man who'd threatened to snap Makoto's throat…and almost smashed his ribcage in.

How had he fallen so far?


Justice stood before the queen with Faith by his side. Garrod, temporarily stripped of his title, stood before her, while Count Barlow rambled on. He glared across the room at Lord Tyford and Lord Howe. Of course they were here…filth did like to associate with filth, after all.

"This low-born Earth scum needs to rot in prison or, better yet, he should be exiled! He corrupted my sweet Liara! He lay with her! It's an insult to me, and a dishonour on my house!"

Queen Serenity seemed tired. It appeared these troubled times were finally beginning to take their toll on her. She leaned forward and frowned. "And you do not deny these charges, young man?"

Garrod shook his head. "I do not, Your Majesty. We fell in love…and I will not apologise for that."

"Love," Barlow scoffed. "You led my daughter astray. You used her…and you willpay!"

Queen Serenity seemed uncomfortable…she didn't seem to be making eye contact with Garrod.

So, Justice thought, the laws didn't seem so imposing when they were just a concept. But now…now that someone has actually been charged, it appears the queen doesn't find them so easy to stomach.

The silver-haired monarch sighed deeply. "Count Barlow suggests we exile you. Will you speak in your own defence?"

"No, Your Majesty…I will speak for him." Justice stepped forward to stand beside his friend. "Garrod is guilty of one thing, and one thing only…falling in love." He looked briefly to Mina; she'd insisted on attending as well. "It is a disgrace that such a crime even exists." He frowned. "The crime of falling in love? What madness is this? How have we fallen so far, that two people can be punished just for loving one another?"

"We're not here to debate the laws, Sir Justice," Lord Tyford interrupted. "The current matter before the queen is a simple sentencing. Prison…or exile for this…man."

"They are right," Serenity agreed reluctantly. "Sir Justice, your fellow Knight does not dispute the charges…and the sentences are clear."

"Hold a moment, Your Majesty. Please." He let out a long breath; it seemed, at last, he was being forced to try his hand at politics. "I would remind you of Earth. We all know it is a growing threat. Metalia and Beryl grow in strength day by day, and their anti-Moon rhetoric is finding followers."

"What is the purpose of this?" Howe scoffed. "Yet more distractions!"

"We will be required to stand together, in the event of an attack," Justice continued. "Your Majesty…as Elder Knight of the Divine Triumvirate of Selene, I beseech you; do not remove Sir Honour from our ranks. Not at this crucial time. Sir Faith, while a strong and capable warrior, is still young. We will need our brother Knight to defend this kingdom. The Guardian Knights have always stood as three…do not weaken your kingdom any further."

There was silence. Luna moved out from behind the throne, and the queen conversed with her quietly for several seconds.

"Your Majesty!" Barlow exclaimed. "This is most irregular…"

"Sir Justice speaks wisely," she declared. "I will not weaken the Guardian Knights now, at this crucial time. To do so would be foolhardy…and would only serve to diminish the strength of the Moon Kingdom as a whole. Sir Honour will be released…on two conditions." She glanced down at him. "You will remain under house arrest when not engaged in official Guardian Knight business, or accompanied by your fellow Knights. And two…you shall have no further contact with Count Barlow's daughter." She looked up at the noble. "I trust that is sufficient?"

"Barely," he seethed, "but it will have to do."

"Very well." She sighed. "Sir Honour, you may return to your quarters." As Garrod nodded and was escorted from the throne room by Faith, the queen rubbed her temples wearily. "Now, if there is no other business to attend to…"

"Actually, Your Majesty," Tyford said smugly. "I would point out that Sir Justice here and Princess Mina were found together in the very same room. The evidence would suggest they're involved in an illicit relationship of their own." He smirked at Justice. "Unless you have suddenly found yourself elevated to the rank of noble, Sir Justice?"

Serenity turned an annoyed gaze upon him. "Lord Tyford…while I cautioned Princess Mina and Sir Justice against any kind of romantic entanglement many years ago…" She turned a small smile on them. "They have the blessing of the King and Queen of Venus to see one another…therefore, it is none of your concern."

"I was…unaware," Tyford said sourly. Justice just glared at him; the spineless cur was already shuffling backwards, trying to retreat from the throne room.

"Lord Tyford?" Mina called. "I shan't forget your attempt to destroy my happiness today." She fixed him with an angry glare. "If you should ever try something like this again…you will regret it immensely, I assure you."

"Princess Mina," Serenity said firmly. "I've asked you before to please refrain from threatening people in my throne room." He was sure she was actually amused.

"It was not a threat, Your Majesty," the blonde said icily, still glaring at the noble. "It was a promise!"


"I feel I'm losing my mind, brother!" Garrod groaned. "I miss Liara. I miss her so much!"

"I know, brother," Corval said quietly. "I know it hurts. I can't even begin to imagine how much. But I need you focused. Metalia has taken control of much of Earth…an attack against the Moon Kingdom may be launched at any time, and we must be ready!"

"I don't care, Corval…" Garrod sighed. "Without Liara, the whole solar system could burn and I'd happily watch it go."

"You don't mean that, Honour. I need you."

"It's so easy for you, isn't it, Corval?" Garrod muttered. "You still have your love. After all…Mina is the heir to Venus…so long as she still wants you, everyone turns a blind eye to your relationship."

Where was this attitude coming from? "Garrod…you know that isn't true."

"I don't care anymore. Just, please…leave me alone."

"Very well," he sighed. "Think about what I've said. Please." He stood, and left Garrod to his thoughts.

Faith was waiting outside. "How did it go, brother?"

"He's distraught, and wants nothing but to see Liara. Not that I can blame him."

"Indeed." Faith paused a moment. "Brother…have you considered that we're on the wrong side?"

"What? Where is this coming from so suddenly?"

"Just hear me out," Faith said gently. "It has always been your position to support Queen Serenity…and I understand that. That was how it was when you were initiated…but things weren't as bad as they are now. Surely you can see what's happening here is wrong? Our own brother is a victim of these terrible laws. Queen Serenity could have declared them unjust then and there, and repealed them…but she didn't. She continues to placate the nobility at the expense of everyone else. Those are not the actions of a just ruler, brother. Those are the actions of a coward, too afraid to take a stand against their corruption."

"She fears the collapse of the Moon Kingdom," Justice admitted. "I think she realises how far gone it really is, at least deep down inside…but she can't admit it. Not even to herself."

"Is this still the Moon Kingdom you knew, brother?" Faith objected. "I know I barely recognise it. It has already collapsed! It needs to be rebuilt…stronger than before."

"You may have a point," Justice agreed reluctantly.

"We need to act," Faith said adamantly.

"Oh?" Justice was curious. "What would you have us do?"

"We need to remove Queen Serenity from power, and then the nobles."

"What?! You would declare war on the queen and the nobility?"

"I don't know about you, Justice, but I vowed to stand between the darkness and the light. Eternally vigilant in defence of this great kingdom!" Faith gestured around at the palace. "The darkness is within, Justice! Open your eyes! You must be able to see it. The source of the corruption must be cleansed before we can begin to heal the Moon Kingdom. You proved you still care enough to act when you executed Ralvus Howe!"

"That…was a mistake," Justice declared firmly. "Just as this talk, now, Faith…this is a mistake. It is not the place of the Guardian Knights to battle against our own people! We work for change from within the system…not through open rebellion!"

"Battle lines are being drawn, Justice; you'll have to choose a side eventually."


The training yard was deserted. Justice still remembered Honour's lessons well, several years later. And his advice. When someone like you, who truly believes in justice as an ideal, rises to be the Guardian Knight of Justice…he is almost unstoppable. That was the question, though, wasn't it? Did he truly believe in justice anymore? Or had he lost his way? He'd thought he was bringing justice when he killed Ralvus Howe…but he now knew what a mistake he'd made. He'd confused justice with vengeance that night...an unacceptable lapse in judgement. He sought guidance…and that search had brought him here.

He thrust Justiciar down into the ground before him and knelt, bowing before the blade as he wrapped his hands around its hilt. "I come before you, Selene, your humble servant Justice, Guardian Knight of the Divine Triumvirate. I seek an audience with you…I seek your wisdom."

A brilliant white light shone from the gem in Justiciar's pommel, and she appeared before him. The pale visage of a beautiful woman; Selene herself.

"My dear and faithful Justice…you have never sought my council before, have you?" She paused, as if in thought. "No…I am thinking of your predecessor. You are much more headstrong…you prefer to do things your own way."

"That's true…" he admitted. "I admit to finding this all somewhat…odd. But I find myself in need of guidance, and you are the only one I have left to turn to. I'm lost, Selene…and I don't know what do. The Moon Kingdom is falling apart around me; how do I save it?"

Selene smiled sadly. "Oh, my faithful servant…your heart is pure indeed, but this is a task beyond even your abilities. The Moon Kingdom will fall…I have foreseen it. Nothing can stop that now."

"What?" he whispered. That couldn't be true.

"You will be forced to make one last, terrible choice…to betray all you know…or all you hold dear."

He stared up at her, momentarily stunned into silence. "Then I'll simply choose not to choose."

"Oh, sweet Justice," she said sorrowfully. "I fear you will not have that option…"


A frantic knocking on his door rose Corval from his sleep. Mina sat up beside him, startled.

"Sir Justice! Sir Justice, please! I must speak to you!" It was a woman's voice, unfamiliar to him.

He slid out of bed and walked quickly to open the door; he didn't recognise her. "Yes?"

"My name is Yumi, Sir Justice! I served Lady Liara Barlow as her handmaiden!" She seemed scared and out of breath.

"Liara?" he repeated. "Yes, of course…what's wrong?"

"Liara is dead…she threw herself from the top of her tower in a fit of sorrow! She couldn't live without Sir Honour!"

"What?" He heard a startled gasp from behind him; Mina must have heard as well.

"I'm sorry…I truly am. But why are you so panicked?" he asked.

"I…I delivered a letter from Liara…to Sir Honour. After he read it...oh, Sir Justice…his scream! It was such a terrible sound! Suddenly he was wearing his armour…he screamed Count Barlow's name!"

"Did he say anything el-"

A sudden shout from outside distracted him. What now? "Fire! Fire in the city!"

He rushed to Mina; she looked unsettled. "I have to go…"

"What's happening?" she asked softly.

"Nothing, I hope," he answered. "But I fear Garrod may have done something terrible." He kissed her gently. "I'll return when I can!"

He pushed past Yumi; the poor girl seemed in shock. Mina would take care of her, he was sure of it. He summoned his sword and armour in a flash of light as he reached Faith's door and hammered his fist into the wood repeatedly.

"Faith!" There no answer. "Faith! Answer me!"

Marus wasn't inside. He recalled their conversation from yesterday…and his blood chilled in his veins as he suddenly understood. Battlelines are being drawn, Justice…you'll have to choose a side eventually.

"No…" he murmured. "He wouldn't…he wouldn't!"

As he rushed outside, he saw the flames in the distance. There was no doubt; it burned in the district where many nobles held residence. Honour had screamed Barlow's name...this was all starting to make horrible sense. He closed his eyes, focused on the location, and felt the familiar sensation of falling as he channelled his energy into a teleport.

He opened his eyes again and found himself standing before the burning building. It was Barlow's estate, alright. The front door was missing, smashing into splinters, and the building was quickly being consumed by flames. He entered anyway; he had to find Honour. He had to stop this!

Thick black smoke surrounded him as he made his way through the burning halls. Corpses littered the floor; a woman he presumed was the Count's wife…and those of his other children; a young man, perhaps twenty years old, and a younger woman. By Selene…Honour couldn't have done this. It wasn't in him…was it? At last, he found Count Barlow. The noble had been practically eviscerated…and his skull crushed to paste. Honour's flail, his favoured weapon, was the likely instrument of his demise. Corval's initial disbelief gave way to desperation. This was what Faith had tried to convert him to…he'd been planning this all along. It was the only explanation for his disappearance. Oh, Marus...why?

"The source of the corruption must be cleansed before we can begin to heal the Moon Kingdom…that's what Faith said! They're not done yet!" he realised. "Howe…Tyford…they'll take them all out in one night of slaughter…"

He focused on Lord Howe's estate in his mind, and blinked.

The mansion was already smoking when he appeared before it, flames beginning to lick at the windows. He entered quickly, making his way through its burning halls. Just like before, he found the dead everywhere…they'd even killed Howe's youngest son, barely twelve-years-old. How had he not seen this coming? For them to fall so far into madness, so fast…it wasn't possible. Justice found Lord Howe himself with his wife…already dead. They'd both been decapitated. This was different from the last time, though. Barlow's corpse had been mangled…almost torn apart, as if with great anger. These two, though…this had been an execution. Barlow had been killed by Honour…his anger and grief obviously drove him. But this…this had to be Faith's work. It was too neat…too methodical. He was the true danger, here. Honour appeared to be acting on emotion alone. But Faith…no, Faith was in control. In some sick way, he must truly believe he was doing this for the Moon Kingdom…for the greater good.

If they were going anywhere else…it would be for Tyford. He readied himself…and blinked once more.

Screams echoed throughout the halls, as Justice made his way deeper into the mansion. A woman in common clothes shrieked as soon as she saw him.

"Get out!" he shouted. "It's not safe!"

Another body lay ahead…by Selene, how many must die tonight? The head was crushed beyond recognition, but it had clearly been noble-born, by the clothes alone. A pair of screamed pleas from up ahead forced him into a run again, but as he drew closer, they stopped, silenced. Justice rushed through a large pair of doors, into a study…and saw them; Honour and Faith. It was true. He'd still held an irrational hope that this was all some kind of terrible mistake…but here they were. His fellow Guardian Knights. They stood over the bodies of Lady Tyford and her daughter, Elaine. He remembered seeing them at official functions, over the years.

"Stop!" he shouted.

They turned slowly, illuminated by the flames engulfing the walls around them.

Faith spoke first. His voice was strangely calm. "You shouldn't be here, Justice…"

Honour didn't speak at all; he just stared at Justice from behind his helmet.

"Why?!" Justice demanded, gesturing around at the chaos surrounding them.

"This is justice." Faith said simply. "The justice you were too afraid to bring to these villains. We have cleansed the Moon Kingdom of two vile creatures…and once we find Tyford, it will be three. But for now, he has eluded us." Faith gestured to Justice with his halberd. "Don't try to follow us again, brother…for your own sake." They disappeared in a flash of light, leaving Justice to scream in abject frustration.

"My…gods…"

He whirled about, sword in hand, to see Lord Tyford himself emerging from a false wall behind him.

"My Kira…Elaine…everyone is dead…" He collapsed before them, stroking his wife's hair absently. He looked up at Justice, blank. Justice recognised the look in his eyes; this had destroyed him. "It wasn't supposed to end like this, you know…"

"Then how, pray-tell, was it supposed to end?" he muttered angrily. Tyford's next words chilled him to the bone.

"Beryl promised us power…and riches…all we had to do was keep Serenity off-balance…sow discord within the kingdom." He looked around at his burning home. "But this…this was never supposed to happen…." He bowed his head. "My family…my wife…my children…they're all dead..."

"You…"

Justice felt something break inside his own mind. This man had betrayed the Moon Kingdom; he'd worked actively with the enemy to destroy it. For six years, he'd been telling Queen Serenity that this man, and those like him, was a threat. And now he knew it was true. Honour and Faith…had they somehow uncovered the truth…or were they just working their way down some list of grievances in their pursuit of 'justice'?

"Who is 'us'?" he demanded coldly.

"Howe…Barlow…Kanegowa…Fyfe…and myself. Beryl called us her 'cadre'," Tyford mumbled. "She told us we'd be protected…rewarded…but now…"

Justice drew his sword…and ran him through without a second thought. His fellow traitors were dead…let him join them. He felt no remorse this time…treason was punishable by death, and he had no doubt that the queen would have ordered their deaths…had they lived. He could try pursuing his fellows again…but from their words, they were done for the night. No…he had to report to the queen.


"This is troubling news indeed, my friend…" Queen Serenity whispered.

He'd told her everything. Yumi's description of Honour's breakdown, Faith's now apparent attempt to convert him to his cause, the carnage in the noble's houses, Tyford's confession…and his killing of the traitor.

"Forgive me," he said softly, bowing his head. "I've failed you…and I've failed the Moon Kingdom."

The queen stood from her throne, and wandered silently to the window, looking out at the flames still raging in the city. "No…if anyone has caused this…if anyone has failed, Corval…it's me." She bowed her head. "Your warnings, over the years, about the corruption of the nobility; your urging that I should take a harder stance against them…it was all correct. I just didn't listen."

"You had no way of knowing." He didn't bother with protocol; it seemed moot, now. "They played us. Metalia, Beryl, Tyford…and the others…they played us all for fools."


AN: Phew, another chapter down. I had planned to wrap up Corey's flashbacks with this chapter...but it ended up at 8000+ words, so I decided to split the final 'act' of his memories in two. There shouldn't be much of a wait for the conclusion - I just need to proof-read it and format. After the next chapter, we'll be back into our main plot in the present day. I hope you've all found this entertaining, and as always, thanks for reading!