Chapter 14

I've never really enjoyed Senshi training. I consider it as more of a warm up than anything. Venus breaks us up into two teams; her and Mars being one, and Mercury and I being the other. The objective is simple, don't get knocked out.

Mercury knows that I'm not a fan of technology, and yet somehow she seems to always justify its uses to me. I'm the primary combatant here, and as such she handed me this headset to keep in touch while she scans the area from above. I'm not too keen on splitting up because it can go either way; if Mercury gets hit by the both of them then she's done for, but if I can get to the other team before that happens, Mercury can provide adequate support.

"Have you found them yet?"

I press the button on the headset. "No, not yet. Do your scans show anything?"

"Nothing. They've hidden themselves pretty well this time."

"Then I'm going to force them out." I clench my fists and summon a storm over our training ground. The energy builds within my body. The thunder is exhilarating. I don't hesitate in forcing the lightning to strike at random intervals. "Mercury, don't move."

The scenario in front of me is not unlike a real battle. Strategically, if I was the other team, I would have Mars resting at a distance while Venus scouted the area. Rei fights best at long distances much like Ami, but Minako likes to try and attack head on. I have a feeling that I will see her before the others.

The lightning crashes all around the field. No one comes out to meet me, but I have no intention of stopping. "Jupiter, there's a massive increase in temperature headed your way."

I turn just in time to dodge the flaming arrows headed in my direction. Standing on top of a fallen tower is Mars. On the ground in front of her stands Venus. "Did you go and abandon Mercury?"

I shake my head. "No, we divide and conquer."

The ground around us slowly turns to ice. I smile at the sight of Mercury's element. My storm shows no signs of stopping. Mars readies herself for an attack while Venus draws her sword. "Rei, go find Ami. She can't be too far away."

"Are you sure?"

The Princess of Venus smiles. "Yes, Jupiter is mine."

I press the button on my headset as Mars leaps away. "Mercury, you may have incoming."

"Alright."

Venus steps towards me with a smile on her face. I reach back and draw both my swords. Her eyes meet mine in a moment of caution. "I wield the holy blade of the Silver Crystal. My sword will shatter yours."

"You shouldn't rely on weapons for battle. They are only as good as the one who wields them."

She clenches the hilt tightly between her fingers. "Come on then."

I nod and push off the back of my heel. We both run at each other. Her eyes are fixed on her future attack. The lightning flows through my blades now. Her left hand glows a light orange. I pivot back at the last minute as she attacks not with her sword but with her crescent beam.

I jump to the side and summon the power of the storm. She blocks the energy with her sword. "I didn't think you would see that."

I smile. "You should give me more credit."

She lunges recklessly, but I evade to the side and catch the outside of her thigh with the tip of my blade. She staggers and drops to one knee. "Damn."

I move, but her beam still manages to hit my shoulder. Large streaks of blood drip down her leg. I guess I cut her a little deeper than I thought. She ignores the pain and takes a stance. Her eyes are begging for payback. Still, this is just training. It's not worth hurting each other over. I sheath my swords.

"What are you doing?"

"I'll fight you with my hands. I cut you a little too deep."

She shrugs. "This? This is nothing."

"I have just given you an advantage, don't complain." She stares at me carefully before circling with her sword. I play with the lightning between my fingers. The moment I close my eyes, she lunges again. I move past her blade and bring up my knee. Her smile never escapes me as she summons her chain. The metal effortlessly wraps around my body until I'm stuck in place. The metal tightens and cuts into my skin. Venus can sense victory. She sheaths her sword and pulls harder. I can see her knees buckling. She's using a lot of strength just to hold me here.

"That was a good move, Venus."

She's brimming with confidence. "Will you yield?"

I watch as she wraps the chain tightly around her arm. "No."

Her hands glow a bright orange. "Then I'm not stopping until-"

That is when it happens the most powerful lightning from the storm strikes my body. Venus' eyes widen as my electricity flows through me to her chain. She desperately goes to unravel the metal around her arm, but it's too late. All of that energy hits her head on. Her chain fallows her to the ground.

I push the button on my headset. "Mercury are you there?"

There is no reply. I can only assume the worst. Venus still lies motionless behind me. It is only a matter of time before Mars comes back for me. That is when I hear it, the tight string of a bow. I turn just in time to see the flaming arrow heading my way, but I'm not fast enough to dodge it. Instead I summon the rain. The fire goes out but the arrow doesn't stop.

"Ah!" I stagger back and look to the arrow now lodged through my hand. Blood falls slowly. I snap the end and push it through my palm. My wound has already begun to heal.

"Damn, I almost had you that time."

"I thought the goal was to knock the other team unconscious."

She nods. "Oh come on Jupiter, we both know you can handle it. Besides, you and I have a score to settle."

Mars jumps down to the ground. She had taken care of Mercury, but she didn't escape unscathed. The light burns of ice cover her arms and a small streak of blood runs down her face. "I guess it is just you and I."

"Yes, I left Mercury at the training gate. Splitting up was a good tactic. Your warning gave her an advantage. She almost got me." She turns. "And I see that you got Venus."

"She'll be fine."

"Of course she will. This is training; we're not supposed to kill each other."

The rain continues to fall between us. Mars readies her bow for another attack. She seems to be waiting for something. I waste no time. The lightning falls all around her as I run forward. Her arrows fly, but I dodge them with little effort. Before she knows it I'm in front of her, my fists are still charged and ready. She drops her bow and summons fire to her hands. Now it is a battle of both element and strategy.

Our punches brush past each other for what seems like hours. I have to hand it to Mars, she's gotten better at close quarters combat. Still, I can see the fatigue welling up in her eyes. She shoots to take me to the ground, but I push all my weight forward and catch her off balance. She falls and I take advantage. My left knee rests across her abdomen as I grasp her neck in a forearm choke. Five seconds and she'll be out. She struggles beneath my weight. That is when I feel it, a sharp pain in my left side. I immediately cringe and look down to see the dagger that has pierced my armor and stabbed my ribs. The pain is excrutiating. She continues to push it in as far as she can. Neither one of us wish to yield. She's fighting to stay conscious while I am just fighting to hold on. Her eyes never leave mine.

"Get off her!"

Mars is just as surprised as I am when I release my grip. Jadeite pulls me back until I'm a few feet away from her. The dagger is still in my side. "What are you doing?"

He ignores my question and looks over to Mars. "Are you alright?"

She coughs and brings herself to stand. The raging fire in her eyes is second to none. "Am I alright? Of course I'm alright, but you won't be!"

He brushes himself off. "What are you talking about? She was going to kill you."

I take a few deep breaths before grasping the hilt of the blade. "Idiot, this is training." In one swift motion I pull it out. Blood pours liberally down my side.

Mars grabs him by the collar; the flames in her hands are slowly burning his uniform. "I don't need to be saved by anyone! Least of all during a training session!"

"You… you call that… training?"

I bring myself to stand. "Rei, come on. Let's get Ami and Minako. I think we're done for today."

Her gaze never falters. "I should turn you into ash."

"Rei!"

The reluctance is there, but she steps back and drops her hold. Light smoke still burns where her hand just was. "I'll get Mercury."

And with those words, she's gone. Jadeite just stares on in confusion. I lean down and hoist Venus over my shoulder. The pain in my side is still there. "I would give her some space if I were you."

He doesn't say anything. I sigh and start heading back to the palace. I'm sure that Mars will meet me at the infirmary. My breathing is shallow and hard. Damn, I'm going to feel this for a little while. It doesn't help that Venus is heavier than I thought she would be. I'm thankful when the guards offer to take her. My steps are slightly slower than theirs. I look down and see my wound healing. Despite Jadeite's interruption, that was a good one. I'll have to make sure to compliment Rei when she has cooled off a little.

"Can you believe that man? He thinks he can just waltz onto the field and act like the hero."

Venus rubs her head. "Rei, don't you think that you're pushing this way out of proportion?"

The Princess of Mars turns on her heel. "You weren't even awake."

I sigh. "Would you sit down and at least let me dress your wounds? Ami got you a couple of times."

Mercury smiles. "It's an improvement."

Venus shakes her head. "By the gods… I have the biggest headache."

I nod. "Perhaps I went a little overboard."

"Just a little?" Even with a headache her venomous tone never falters. She'll be back to normal in no time.

A light knock echoes from the doorway. Standing there with his arms crossed is the one named Zoicite. He looks to each of us before his eyes rest on Ami. "Mercury, are you alright?"

She nods. "Yeah, this is just a scratch."

He smiles. "Good, Prince Endymion and Princess Serenity are preparing for the trip to your planet. Are you ready to go or shall I tell them that you need some time?"

She hops off the bed. "No, we can go now."

Before any of us can blink, the two of them disappear from sight. I turn to the others. "I guess the three of us have a little free time while they are gone."

Venus pushes off the bed and heads towards the hall. "Yeah, I'll see you guys later. I've got to do something about my head."

Mars just stands at the window. She turns away as I step to her side. "I need to consult the sacred fire."

I go to speak, but she's practically out the door. I throw the bandages back on the counter and step out. Well, that didn't turn out the way I thought it would.

"Makoto!"

I turn to my left and see Naru approaching with a smile on her face. "Oh, hey. So what have you been up to?"

She ignores my question. Her eyes fall to the hole in my armor. "By Jove, you four train as if you're going to kill each other."

"Venus insists that training be as realistic as possible."

"I see."

I start walking towards my room. "So what have you been up to?"

She shrugs. "Not much, just trying to find something to do. Serenity is going to be busy for the next couple of days."

I nod. "Yes, and then we must accompany her to Jupiter."

She pouts. "It's not fair that I have to go back to my studies."

"That's life."

She grabs my arm and pulls me towards the library. "Well, at the very least, the two of us can hang out a little."

I smile. "You didn't have fun playing dress up last night?"

"That was for your benefit not mine." She continues to lead me forward.

I sigh. "At least let me get cleaned up before you drag me around the palace."

"Well you two look like you're having fun."

Both of us stop as we round the corner. Nephrite stands at the balcony. Naru's eyes well up in happiness. She turns towards to me and whispers in my ear. "I can't believe he's talking to us. He's so dreamy, don't you think so Mako?"

I step forward. "Come on Naru."

"You're no fun." She continues talking, but I don't really hear what she's saying. Nephrite smiles and then turns back to the balcony. Naru pulls my arm. "Are you listening?"

I nod sarcastically. "Intently."

She rolls her eyes. "Fine, go get cleaned up. I'll find someone else to hang out with." And with those words, my cousin disappears around the corner. I let out a sigh and turn down the hall. My cousin can be a handful, everyone knows that, but deep down I know she means well.

"Rough morning?"

I glance over my shoulder only to see that he stands not two feet to my left. When did he walk up to me? "You could say that."

His eyes rest on the dried blood covering my side. "Did you win at least?"

"Never got a chance to finish. Jadeite interrupted the match."

He nods. "So that would explain why he's sulking in the gardens."

"It was a mistake, but Mars took it personally."

"I see."

Our steps echo through the halls. I don't even think he knows where I'm going, but he's following anyway. He stares ahead in silence. My first guess would be that he's contemplating something. I shrug and continue. The peace and quiet is actually quite relaxing.

"So, are you free later?"

That one question all but shatters the perfect silence that I was enjoying. It takes a moment for me to register what he just asked. "Sorry?"

"Are you free later?"

I pause. "Depends."

He smiles. "How about a walk beneath the stars?"

Nothing can hide the blush in my cheeks. "Tonight?"

"If that is alright."

I sigh as we reach my room. My hesitation is much longer than I thought it would be. He stands patiently waiting for an answer. My mind is screaming one thing but... "Sure."

His face lights up. "Then I will come get you at sunset."

He takes my hand and kisses my fingers; I can't help but blush more than I already am. What is wrong with me? I don't know what it is, but I just can't stop smiling. He steps back and turns back towards the hall. This feeling, I've felt it before, though it never appeared so quickly in the past. The truth is that Lord Nephrite intrigues me on all levels. There is just something about him that makes me feel that it is ok to smile. He looks back before continuing on. Our eyes meet without falter. By Jove, what am I doing? I could stand here for hours, and somehow I know that he could too.