AN: Sorry for the long delay, but in my search for a beta, enormous amounts of research and general craziness in my life, it's taken a bit of a backseat. However, this chapter has been lingering in my brain for a while. Hopefully it makes some sense! As a note, if anyone would like to be my beta, please feel free to let me know in a review or PM. I hope you enjoy! Also, there have been some significant edits to various chapters, so I do recommend that you start from the beginning. At least Chapter 3, in which the Shitennou are introduced. Thanks!
Disclosure: I neither own Sailor Moon nor have I gained any monetary profits from this story.
Chapter 11: Making Magnets
"Where are we going?" said Mina. "Are we going to visit the same chapel Ami and I saw before?"
"Yes."
"And how should I address you?"
"You may call me Brother, Cleric, or even Eurus, as Greek names although uncommon are not unheard of either. You are being disguised as my sister, after all. Thank goodness we look alike."
Mina paused thoughtfully. It was true, with their blond hair, fair skin and lean builds, they could very well pass as siblings. "How are the others going to pass during their turns?" she wondered silently.
"As for you, I'm going to address you as Mireille, my big sister, who has come to stay with me after our dear mother's untimely death. Sound like a plan?"
Mina nodded. At least he had picked a name that was somewhat similar to her own. She only hoped she would remember to respond to it. "All right, let's do it." She schooled her face into a pleasant, if vapid expression, and straightened her plain dress. It would have to do, unflattering as it was.
"Just take my hand and relax." He held out his hand to her expectantly.
As she grasped it she asked, "How long…."
Abruptly, the scenery faded, shifting into another reality. "Wow!" She looked at him in delight. "Absolutely awesome!"
He silenced her with a glance and a gesture. Someone was inside the chapel. Caution was imperative!
"Cleric!"
In walked Ritter von Grumpenberger. Mina had to force herself to not recoil in disgust at his appearance. After all, she was supposed to never have seen him before. Instead, she stared at the floor before her, feigning the attitude of a quiet, modest maiden in the presence of a stranger.
"Ah, and who do we have here?" The undisguised lust in the ritter's voice sent ripples of revulsion down Mina's back. "Cleric, have you been keeping a jewel of a woman here, concealed for your own private enjoyment?" The salacious inference was not lost upon Eurus.
"Ritter," the cleric replied coldly, "this is my sister, Mireille, who is staying with me until her upcoming marriage. Our mother has now gone to her final resting place," he made the sign of the cross across his breast, "now to be with our Lord in heaven. I assure you that she will not remain here long. She has a long journey ahead of her, after all."
Mina could feel his eyes on her, appraising her. She had never felt so cheapened in her life! The ugly, unflattering dress she had scorned moments before, she now thanked Aphrodite she wore! If only this horrid man would finish his business with Eurus and go away! She drooped, trying to hide as much of herself as possible behind Eurus.
"Sir," said Eurus, "my sister is fatigued. Let us leave her here to recover from her journey, and we may speak together in the main hall. As you have come to see me, your concerns must be very important."
Ritter von Grumpenberger was obviously reluctant to leave Mina behind, but when Eurus grasped his arm firmly and led him away, von Grumpenberger had no choice but to follow. When the door had finally closed, Mina heaved a sigh of relief, sinking onto a convenient chair. Despite being a strong warrior, she was still a woman, and it was unnerving to face such a barbaric person. "If only I could face him as Sailor Venus," she thought. "I'd teach him respect for women. He certainly wouldn't last very long in the Silver Alliance."
She paused thoughtfully. Is Earth ready to join? Perhaps it is better that Earth is prevented from joining the alliance. It would be horrible to see such attitudes spread throughout the planets. She shuddered. "What a horrid man! I wonder if all Earth men are like that."
"But King Endymion and his brothers certainly aren't such pigs." She thought and smiled. "Perhaps there is hope for Earth after all. I suppose I must just wait and see."
Eurus reentered the room. He was pensive.
"What happened?"
"There's been news. A building in Fribourg has collapsed. I don't know why, but we must go to help!"
"Eurus," asked Venus cautiously, "What can we possibly do? As Venus and Eurus, we could be of help, but what can a cleric and his sister Mireille do?"
"Well, one of the reasons why I decided to be a cleric in this society is because of the strength of religion in this region. While religion is very important in almost all societies, in this case, religion is more powerful and more influential than the ruling body. You could say that religion rules the rulers. By providing an example to the city leaders, they may show more mercy and develop an 'Enlightened' view of the matter."
"Very interesting," Mina mused. Traditionally, very religious cultures were often quite reactionary. That could be a useful tool towards unifying the people, but it could also result in fanaticism. Worse yet, mob rule could result with the masses blinding following orders instead of rationally comprehending the issues at stake. "What do you propose doing?"
"First thing's first. We have to go and help, whether to provide medical aid or solace in the face of death. I warn you that it may be depressing, but these people are the salt of the earth. They are so kind and warm. I have never met people with such good hearts! As for the other, I'll write a letter to my bishop, asking for advice. With any luck, word will eventually reach Maria Theresa or her son Joseph, the current Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire."
"That sounds like a plan. What do you want me to do?"
Eurus had quickly organized supplies in his small wagon as he spoke. He had gathered medical supplies, a large book, writing implements and a few other miscellaneous items. Once he finished, he harnessed a tired donkey and helped Mina take her seat beside him.
"And we're off." He flicked the reins, and the donkey shuffled down the path at a steady pace.
Mina sat thinking, but the sunny day, green trees and singing birds couldn't help but make her smile. Earth was truly beautiful! She waved her arm enthusiastically at the passing scenery. "Is it always to wonderful here? I've never seen anything like it! The palace garden can't compare at all. Those trees are just so gigantic!"
Eurus laughed at her enthusiasm. "I wish that you really were my sister," he said. "Your joy is infectious. I like it. To answer your question, no, it isn't always so wonderful, but the weather is often good. Today is uncommonly beautiful though. The earth must be rejoicing at your visit!"
Mina giggled in return. She had often heard such grandiose compliments from courtiers. "Thank you kind sir," she replied in her very best royal manner. "You are too kind."
They both laughed aloud, simply enjoying each other's company. As they encountered a turn in the bend, Eurus abruptly went silent. Down the valley were signs of destruction. Fire was one their worst enemies. Poorer residences were made entirely of flammable materials, and once a fire began, it was nearly impossible to put out.
"Oh no," moaned Eurus.
Mina tensed, ready to leap from the small wagon, but paused at Eurus's restraining hand. He pulled the wagon to the side and called out to the people. "Georg, what happened?"
One large man, face streaked with ashes, blood and tears looked up. "Cleric, help! My wife, she's trapped!"
Eurus jumped off, and quickly unhitched his donkey. Although the beast was small, it was strong and sturdy. He knew that its superior pulling power was vital to free the trapped woman. Mina stood by the wayside simply watching for a moment as she watched the men struggle with the massive beam that had fallen when the burning barn had collapsed. She could tell that they were going about it all wrong.
"Eurus…Brother!" she cried. "Wait! If you do that, you'll simply crush her further."
Eurus looked back at Mina in shock. He had forgotten her presence. With a shout, all activity ceased. The entire group turned to look at her. Mina could feel the blood rushing to her face in a painful blush. "I… I only meant that you need to use a fulcrum and lever to ease the weight off of her before you pull the beam."
Eurus smacked his forehead with a grimace. "Of course. Hurry now." Eurus began giving precise directions to each man, using just enough words to make his meaning clear. As a group, they ran off, three to get a large spar, two for a largish rock and a few others to readjust the ropes attached to the faithful little donkey.
As Mina watched the cooperative efforts, she realized the potential of these Terrans. Given proper leadership, the people were eager to work together towards a common purpose. She must investigate further, and she hadn't much time to do it but if this attitude was being developed, there was great hope. They might even be able to teach us a thing or two, Mina thought wryly.
Suddenly, there was a great cheer as Adelheid Friecke was pulled from beneath the heavy beam. Her figure was liberally covered with mud, ash and muck, but she seemed physically unharmed except for a few bruises and the fright. Even her gown was merely torn and not burnt. "Mireille!" Mina continued observing the work of the women tending to the rescued woman. "Mireille!!" Mireille? Oh my! Mina thought, with a gasp, that's me!
"Yes?" she looked for Eurus, hoping that he had called for her. She hurried over to him. "How may I help, my brother?" she asked sweetly.
His face was streaked with sweat and dirt. He no longer had the appearance of a young ascetic. She could finally see the warrior within him. As he wiped his face with his slightly less dirty shirt sleeve, his face broke into a satisfied smile. "We saved her, Mireille. I don't know how long she would have lasted if you hadn't reminded me of using a fulcrum to lift the beam off of her. Thank God you were here."
Despite herself, Mina was warmed by the kind praise. How different these men were from the baron! Then she blushed. Stop it, she warned herself. You'd think that I hadn't been praised, flattered and pursued my whole life! This man is no different from the rest, and I'm certainly not here for that!
A man stood next to Eurus; Mina recognized him as the one who had worked most frantically. "Georg," said Eurus, "this is my older sister. She is staying with me for tonight. Tomorrow early we leave to deliver her to her husband."
Georg removed a tattered hat and crushed it between his hands in a fervent gesture. "Thank you kindly miss," he said. "Though my wife and I have been married for nearly twenty years, I cannot imagine my life without her. She's a good woman, and given me much. Even though the years have been hard under the thumb of that Ritter, they've been good ones."
Mina smiled. Georg was a kind, good-hearted man, a hard worker and a family man. He reminded Mina of some of the people she missed back home. They weren't fancy, but were honest. It was refreshing after all of the silly royal protocol on the moon. "I am so glad that I could help, that my…" she glanced at Eurus and continued. "That my brother and I could help. Is there any other assistance we may offer to you and your family?"
"No miss, leastwise no work suited to the hands of a lady."
Mina snorted. "What difference does that make? I'm no stranger to hard work. Please, let me help you."
At seeing her irate expression, Georg burst out with a loud guffaw. "I see you know your own mind. At the moment, me and the boys are going to clear more of the debris, and make sure no embers burn unnoticed, but I'm sure the missus would be right glad for some help in checking over the goods we've left in the houses. Perhaps between us all, there'll be enough to keep us going until harvest."
During this exchange, Eurus had remained utterly silent. To be honest, these princesses were continually surprising him. They were nothing like the spoiled "ladies" that lived nearby. If anything, their attitude towards work was much like that of he and his brothers. True, they were used to leading and giving orders, but also knew that sometimes the best leaders are the ones willing to get their hands dirty. He nodded. "Mireille, I'll meet you back here after we're done in the fields. If you need me, send along one of Adelheid's girls. She'll know where to look."
Mina nodded, but wondered why she'd need her "brother's" help. After all, she was Sailor Venus, a princess and a warrior. What could she possibly face that would require the help of a man, even one like the cleric?
Mina joined the other women and began salvaging whatever they could. Although everything that had been stored in the barn was probably burnt, here and there were items of use that had not been placed there. One woman discovered a large cheese that had been hidden behind some shelves; another found a ham that had only been slightly crushed by rubble. Mina found a few baskets and pots that were still usable, and drug them out to the piles gathered in the clearing. A few other women began sorting the goods.
She wiped her sweaty forehead with a clean corner of her sleeve. Mina worried that there wouldn't be enough food to eat until harvest. It was, after all only mid-Spring, and harvest looked a long way off.
"Thank you for the help, milady," said Georg's wife. "We wouldn't have expected a lady like you to dirty her hands for the likes of us." She laid a gentle hand on Mina's arm. "What's with the dour look, dearie? Don't you worry about us, we know how to care for ourselves!"
"Please, just call me Mireille… and, I'm worried because there's so little left! How will you get by? Surely, this little bit left isn't enough to tide you over until the harvest!"
Adelheid sighed. "True, it will be hard going, but with help from the children, we should be fine. Some of us know how to live off of the forest, too. There are some wild foods that will help to stretch the supplies."
"But, isn't there anyone to help you?" Mina was troubled. Clearly, there were some wealthy people who live right in town, wouldn't they assist until harvest, at least?
"Who? That Ritter of ours?" Adelheide spat indignantly.
"Why, Adelheid Friecke, are those your dulcet tones that speak my voice?" cooed an oily voice.
Mina blanched. Why him? Why him of all people? Mina would rather face wild Jovian saurians than this man. She absolutely refused to look at him. Perhaps assuming a shy, modest attitude would save her.
"Ah, and I see you have met our charming visitor." Mina could hear the leer in his voice. Odious, odious man! Suddenly, she could feel the heat of his body; smell the stench of his breath… Oh, horrors!
He seized her hand. Mina felt faint. Apparently he noticed, because he abruptly wrapped his arm about her waist, drawing her still closer to his stinking body. Suddenly, rage filled her, lending her strength. She flung herself away from him, eyes snapping, daring him to take a single step closer.
He laughed. "So, the quiet, mild maid suddenly has a mind of her own! Good, that makes it far more fun for me."
"Don't you dare come near me!"
All sign of humor vanished. "You dare to order me about, you chit?! Do you know who you are addressing?"
"Do you know who you are addressing?" Mina tossed her hair back proudly. Who did he think he was, treating the princess of Venus like a mere beast? She could feel the power of Venus surging through her, tantalizing her fingertips, longing to be unleashed, to punish this putrescent man.
From somewhere, Eurus appeared at her side. "Sister," he said. "Sister, what are you doing?" He gently, oh so delicately touched her hand, cooling her rage.
What had she been about to do? Had she been ready to expose everything, to ruin all of their hopes? She was ashamed. "Brother! Where were you?" She flung herself into his arms, tears welling up in her eyes, not of fear, but of shame and embarrassment. Some leader she was!
"Ritter," Eurus said, in a low dangerous tone, "I expect you to explain yourself."
The old hauteur had returned to von Grumpenberger's face. "I don't need to explain anything to a sniveling fool like you, much less to a gaggle of simple women. I am the power in this land. None would dare to raise a hand against me. Do you think anyone could believe the word of a woman against a Ritter?"
Eurus's eyes narrowed. "We'll see about that," he muttered. Mina could feel the power crackling around her, humming, waiting to be unleashed. Suddenly, von Grumpenberger collapsed. She wasn't sure exactly what had happened, but now she was holding Eurus up, instead of him supporting her, and there was a faint odor of ozone. Mina was confused, it almost felt like Lita had been there, but different… it was more subtle than Lita.
"Well, dear sister," he panted, "I supposed you'd better get me back before I collapse too. I guess I'm just not used to hard labor." He smiled weakly at her.