Hey everyone! Chapter 5 is here and it didn't take me a year to do it either. Um…Lets see. I've decided to end the fic at 8 chapters. It was 10, but why drag the story an extra 2 chapters? Too much work. The last chapter will be uploaded in August. A friend asked me if there would be any lemons. My answer……..maybe in the next chapter. I have a really good scene in my head too. Now, moving along…….
Disclaimer: If you don't know sailor moon doesn't belong to me by now then something is seriously wrong with you.
Chapter 5- Malachite's Betrayal
Malachite took a sip from his goblet when the door slammed behind him. He automatically knew who it was even before she walked through the door. He could hear the angry sound of her stomping footsteps echoing down the hall towards him and he cringed to himself waiting to hear the frustrated scream that usually left her mouth on days like this.
The days when she failed at another attempt of destroying the Sailor Scouts.
Zoicite had been sending youmas left, right, weeks, and months, but she never once defeated them . Malachite figured she'd come to her senses by her thirtieth loss, but considering she's still sending youmas and still losing, she obviously hasn't.
He raised a humorous brow as she picked up a vase and hauled it across the room to break against the wall. Malachite couldn't understand why the nega-verse would have a vase in the first place, it must be the color. Black, he assumed, does go with everything.
Zoicite screamed again kicking over a table and punching the wall. She hissed causing Malachite to choke on his wine. She might've left a dint, but her hand was paying dearly for it as a string of curse words left her mouth causing his brows to rise.
Zoicite always had the most entertaining tantrums. He used to think they were cute, but now he thinks it's about time for her to grow up. She never could take fault for her own actions. And it was her fault, even though she will never admit it, she's too damn cocky.
She squeezed her eyes shut and let out a deep breath her hands forming into fists. This, Malachite recognized, was the cooling point. It was like she was trying to push out all her tension or at least that's what Malachite thought it looked like. She looked completely insane doing it, but if she didn't all would be lost.
When she had reached her below zero mark, Malachite cleared his throat.
"I take it went badly."
Zoicite's bottom lip trembled and Malachite shifted nervously in his seat. He really hated when she cried.
His eyes raised towards the ceiling as she put her face in her hands.
If you really are God up there. Kill me
He quickly lowered his head when she looked over at him.
"She hates me." she whined
"She doesn't hate you. She hates the scouts and your ability to rid them from her backside."
Zoicite frowned at his bluntness. "Malachite! You're supposed to be on my side."
Malachite took another sip and smiled as she folded her arms across her chest and glowered at him.
"Right, so sorry. You were saying."
Zoicite's eyes got big and watery, which is what she always does when she thinks she seducing. Malachite clutched the arms on his chair as she positioned herself on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I need your help, Mal. You're her favorite, tell me what I can do to get back into her good graces."
The whole time her bottom lip stuck out a tiny bit while her voice dropped to that resembling baby talk. Malachite clenched his teeth together and strained to keep his face from frowning. He was pretty sure that even with his remarkable ability to keep a straight face, he was close to losing this one.
He wasn't exactly listening to her until she asked the question that gave him the idea. Well, actually, he had the idea for a week now, he just wasn't sure when and how to suggest it. He raised a brow and feigned to be rolling her question over in his head. He needed this to be as natural as possible. If he screwed up, Serena would kill him.
"Hm." he says
"What? Do you have an idea?!" She all, but screamed.
"Well.." he clears his throat. "…I was thinking that maybe if you found one of the scout's identity that, alone, would be the best gift that the queen could ever receive. Besides, it will only be a matter of time before the others' identities form once you discover one."
Zoicite gasps and squeaks in approval. She bounces up and down and throws her arms around him. Malachite lets out a deep breath as his legs lose all feeling and awkwardly hugs her back.
"That is brilliant! I loved you before, but now I love you even more!"
Malachite shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal even though his whole future depended on this little scheme's success.
"Now…." She says, her face becoming that of a beast hunting for her prey. "….how can I thank you properly?"
At his expressionless face she smiled and leaned forward pressing her lips against his. When her fingers began working the buttons on his shirt he grabbed her wrist.
"Um, can I take a rain check on that offer? I'm quite tired and I wouldn't want to disappoint you in any way."
Zoicite looked a bit upset, but she smiled pretending to understand and rose from his lap. He almost sighed in relief as his legs began losing the numbness. She was never heavy to him before. She must've gained a few pounds, he guessed.
For some reason, the idea made him a bit uneasy. He ignored it as he watched her walk toward the door.
He almost laughed out right when the door closed behind her. His plan, he figured, was going very well.
*****************************
Malachite didn't exactly understand why everything happened the way it did. His past was a huge mystery that not even Nephrite would have been able to decipher with his precious star constellations. When he was young, his future was thoroughly planned out. At the tender age of five he already knew what he wanted to do with his life.
His father protected the kingdom of Earth and it was only natural that his son follow in his footsteps. However, Malachite wanted to be a general more than anything and when he turned thirteen he began his training.
As he continued to train and grow older he quickly found himself progressing to the top where he became the first in command to the prince. This was a great honor and required a great deal of loyalty to not only the prince and palace, but to his duty to protect both. And because Malachite possessed those qualities a reputation transformed.
The rumors that circulated the palace weren't exactly false. Malachite took his job seriously and as a result, he became serious. He didn't go drinking with the other soldiers or have affairs with every woman that walked past him in the corridors. Since he didn't act like the others, he was labeled as untouchable.
He thought he would forever be alone, that is, until Zoicite entered his life.
He could still hear the taunting and mocking that the soldiers threw at the new general.
"A woman? What can a woman do?"
"Women can't be soldiers!"
"I bet she can't even pick up a sword."
Malachite found the men's behavior disgusting, which was the same word he used when he told them so. The men's fear of the first in command heightened and Zoicite's love for him took its first flight.
Zoicite seemed to be the perfect wife for him. She was just as serious about her position, she was attractive and most of all, she was desperately in love with him. Everyone noticed this by the way she would watch him from across the dinner table. If Malachite asked her to jump into the lake, she would do it with a smile.
Yes, it would have been a perfect match. So, why did he get involved with Serenity?
When Malachite first saw her, he couldn't believe that someone could be so beautiful. She had an air of confidence, eyes that matched the sky and hair that mimicked the sun. Her smile was indescribable and whenever she looked at him, it was like she was staring into his soul. It was the same look Zoicite gave him, but not as affective. It was then he realized her infatuation and he was intimidated. (though if she were to ask him, he would deny it)
Malachite tried to ignore her, he was even cold. This, was unacceptable behavior in front of royalty and he was ashamed, but Serenity never complained. She just fought harder.
Serenity, he realized, was not as innocent as she seemed. She knew what she wanted, always succeeded in obtaining it and she was aggressive as hell when it came to competition. He noticed this whenever Princess Mina visited.
Malachite could understand, though. Mina went out of her way to embarrass Serenity in any way she could. It was so dishonorable that even Malachite wanted to throttle her. The queen called her a jezebel, a word he agreed with whole heartedly since she slept with half the men in the moon kingdom including Endymion.
He wasn't exactly shocked to know that, but when Endymion revealed he slept with Serenity, Malachite nearly choked on his wine. Yes, Endymion and Serenity were betrothed, but he just didn't expect it. He couldn't really say why and he definitely couldn't explain the knot that formed in his stomach.
Malachite kept telling himself that Serenity was off limits. He was an Earth general and she was the moon princess, their attraction alone was treasonous.
The little chant was working until he came across the soaked princess by the lake(1). She was wearing this undergarment that hid absolutely nothing and he should have turned away at the very sight of her indecency, but he couldn't. She smiled and the next thing he knew, he was kissing her hard and fast. Her face was in his hands and her fingers tightly gripped his shirt.
He made love to her in the water like it would be the first and last time they ever did such a thing because that was his plan. Malachite would give into temptation this one time, but never again. Or so he thought.
He tried to ignore her. He was even colder towards her than when he first arrived, but she continued to show up and look at him in a way that had him covering the front of his pants with whatever he could find.
She watched him when he and Endymion sparred with swords(2), she watched him from across the main hall during palace balls(3) and she threw herself down the stairs to get his attention.(4)
Well, actually that was an accident. He was so scared that she broke her neck, but it was only a slight concussion. He moved a strand of hair out of her face and smiled. He didn't mean for the smile to say so much, but it did and she read it perfectly. Before anything could happen, Malachite came back to his senses and rose from the bed in which he laid her on. His eyes hardened and he meant to leave but she grabbed his wrist whispering words that almost made his facade drop.
"Thank you, Malachite"
Malachite figured that Serenity was only after him for sex. Mina was sleeping with Endymion at the time and Serenity was obviously trying to upset the Venetian princess. This little bit of information made it easier for him to refuse Serenity, that is, until she ran from Endymion's birthday celebration crying.(5)
He couldn't really understand what happened. Mina asked for a dance and seeing as it would be impolite to refuse the dance of royalty, he accepted. It was going smoothly except Mina was doing this twirling motion on his tunic with her finger and batting her eyelashes at him. He became uncomfortable and excused himself heading down the corridor away from the party.
Mina followed and before he could say anything, she grabbed him by the neck and covered his lips with hers. Serenity walked in then, but she ran away right before she could witness Malachite pushing Mina away.
Serenity's tears confused Malachite. She only wanted to have an affair with him, right? That's what he thought before this incident.
She can't possibly be upset about the kiss, can she?
He tried to talk to her, but she kept her head down and her eyes on the floor. He knew she was purposely avoiding his eyes and it was driving him insane. He needed to see her eyes. He needed to know what she felt and Serenity's eyes always seemed to reveal everything.
He grabbed her chin and gently lifted it. Her eyes were closed at first, but only at first. When they finally met his eyes, he could see an emotion that he had never experienced and it was the last thing he expected see it directed at himself. Serenity wasn't infatuated with him, she was in love with him.
It was at that moment when Malachite realized he felt the same.
*****************************
Serena moaned softly. She could feel hands moving up her body, the fingers massaging as they swept over her stomach brushing one nipple on the way to her face. Her left cheek was given a butterfly kiss then the right cheek followed by her chin until finally his lips engulfed her mouth.
She smiled and returned the kiss enthusiastically. When Malachite pulled away, Serena's eyes were now open, they still showed fatigue, but there was no way she could go back to sleep with this man standing right in front of her.
"You always know how to wake me up in the morning."
Serena looked towards the clock on her night stand and frowned.
"Early in the morning, I might add. What's going on?" she asked yawning.
"I need something from you…"
When Serena raised a brow and smiled. He shook his head.
"Not that! I mean, that would be nice, but that's not what I had in mind."
"Then what do you have in mind?"
He cleared his throat.
"Who is Tuxedo Mask?"
Serena frowned. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"Who is the man behind the mask?" he said as if it was the most comprehendible question.
"Are you serious?"
Serena threw back the covers and leaped from bed. She crossed her arms over her chest and gave Malachite a look that said: you must be crazy.
"You want me to reveal his identity?! Are you mad!?! That goes against everything that Sailor Moon stands for. It'll be…..it'll be………dishonorable!"
Malachite smirked and rose a brow.
"You're already on the path to hell, Serena. You're sleeping with the enemy and you ordered someone's death. Dishonor is written on your forehead!"
Serena's eyes wandered around in thought and scratched the side of her head with a short laugh.
"Oh yea. I forgot about that."
Malachite walked up to her and grabbed her gently by the shoulders looking straight into her eyes.
"Serenity, do you trust me?"
"Completely." she answered without hesitation
"I need his identity. I promise, you won't regret it."
Serena sighed.
"Oh, what the hell! His name is Darien Chiba. But why Tuxedo Mask's? Why not Sailor Mars or Jupiter, even?"
"Well, Zoicite despises Mask the most. I figure she'll appreciate it a lot more."
Serena nodded. By the look on Malachite's, she understood that this had something to do with her behavior the other day. She hates Zoicite and it would really be in her favor if she wasn't around Malachite all the time. She shouldn't be jealous, but she couldn't help it. She wasn't going to lose him again.
When Malachite turned to leave, Serena remembered something and stopped him.
"Yes?" he said turning towards her again.
"I forgot one small fact. Darien Chiba…….he's Endymion's reincarnation."
Malachite's brows rose. Well, of course. He would be, considering the past connections and the queen's determination to marry the two off. Interesting.
"Perfect."
*******************************
That night they made love for the last time. The end was near and their future had already been foreseen. Serenity understood that nothing lasted forever, not even a kingdom that preached peace. The same kingdom that held it's own battle, it's own corruption behind palace walls.
Malachite knew Serenity would be a fine ruler, even better than the present queen herself. She was surrounded by this aura that radiated truth, compromise, and understanding. Queen Selene didn't know compromise. If the piece didn't fit the puzzle that was her way of thinking, she easily denied it without argument. He never did like her very much.
Malachite looked down at her one last time. She was sleeping, her hair serving as a blanket.
He was afraid and he has never been afraid before this night, but the stars predicted their fate and no matter what he did, he couldn't change it. He wanted to attempt suicide. Every time he caught a glimpse of his sword he thought about running himself through, but he was a soldier. He'd rather die a soldier than die a coward.
So, on the morrow he will turn against his duty, his friends, his love and submit to the dark queen. He will have no choice, she will use dark energy to influence him. He and the others.
Malachite looked towards the window. The sun was rising. He could tell by the purple and orange colors in the sky. She said she would forgive him for his betrayal because it wouldn't really be him. Just a shell of what he used to be, a reminder that she did once experience love and she didn't regret it one bit. Even if it did kill her in the end.
A week from now, he will cry for the first time. A week from now he will run Serenity through with his sword and watch her die in his arms.(6)
Zoicite slammed the chamber door and strode into the room bringing Malachite out of his reverie. One look at her face and he immediately knew she was about cry and whine about something that the queen said to her again.
Maybe he wouldn't have follow through with his plan after all.
"What is it, Zoicite?"
"I've have tried everything! I've even analyzed past fights and I still can't find out those brats' identities! I'm am so screwed, Malachite." she whined and flopped down to her knees to lay her head in his lap.
Malachite ran his fingers through the blonde tresses, so unlike the ones on Serena's head. Before he could begin daydreaming, Malachite cleared his throat and lifted Zoicte's chin so she was looking up into his face.
"I have a gift for you."
"Really! What is it?!" she asked wiping her tears hastily all signs of depression now gone.
"I found out one of their identities……..Tuxedo Mask, to be exact."
Zoicite leaped from the floor and jumped in place.
"You are my hero! Who is it?"
"His name is Darien Chiba. Endymion's present form."
Zoicite's eyes became wide in surprise. "No…..are you serious?"
He nodded and Zoicite laughed.
"How did you find out, anyway?" she asked
Malachite licked his lips. "Lets just say, I have my ways." She laughed again.
Before He could even blink she had grabbed his hand and pulled him to the door in a run.
"We have got to tell Queen Beryl before she decides to kill me tonight……….."
******************************
"Endymion……" The queen said as her eyes clouded over with memories. "…And this is a fact?"
Zoicite nodded looking toward Malachite who was standing to her left, his arms were at his sides and his face was expressionless.
"Well, this is turning out to be interesting. This might be your chance for compensation, Zoicite."
"Please, my queen. I know I have disappointed you in the past, but I will not fail you this time. I want to prove to you that I am a dependent follower."
The queen glared at the female general. She didn't trust Zoicite with this assignment, she had failed her too many times already and it would be a complete waste of time to send her out there to fail again. However, this big mission could indeed persuade the queen to allow Zoicite to either continue her duties or to meet Jadeite and Nephrite in the land of the dead. This was definitely Zoicite's last chance.
"Fine. What I want you to do is bring Endymion back here unharmed. He could be valuable to us. Even if we don't have all the rainbow crystals, we will gain just as much with him on our side. Do you understand?"
"Yes, mistress."
"I mean it, Zoicite. Not a scratch! Now get out of my face before I change my mind!"
Zoicite ran from the room without looking back. Before Malachite could leave, the queen called him back.
"Malachite. I want you to watch over her. If she does anything out of order, you tell me immediately."
"Yes, My queen."
Malachite turned away almost smiling. His plan was definitely going well.
*****************************
Darien kicked open the door with his foot and walked into the apartment. Once he passed the door he kicked the door closed and moved to the kitchen to put the groceries on the counter. Once his arms lost the pressure of the bags he hung his keys on the hook by the door and opened the refrigerator door to peer inside.
He grabbed a carton of juice, opened the tab and drank thirstily.
"So, you've finally made it home, Endymion."
Darien choked on the juice and dropped the carton in shock. He looked around wildly trying to figure out where the voice came from. It sounded way too familiar and he was hoping it wasn't a certain general with her high pitch laugh he found so annoying.
He stepped over the spilled juice and made his way into the living room cautiously. He could hear snickering.
"Come out, come out wherever you are! I know you're there."
Darien turned toward the television and could see Zoicite's hazel eyes staring back at him. He frowned not understanding how she found out his identity and, on top of that, his address.
"Well, Endymion you seemed shock to see me. My, you haven't changed a bit."
"Zoicite….." he smirked now over his shock. He crossed his arms over his chest and sat on the sofa facing her.
"….what brings you to my neck of the woods?"
Zoicite frowned at his nonchalant attitude. It irked her that he wasn't the least intimidated by her surprise visit. She didn't mind though, she would have her chance to show her true character later when they fought.
"I have a proposition for you."
He rose a brow. "Really….?"
"Yes. How about you and I duel it out. I'll bring my rainbow crystals and you bring yours. Winner takes all. You meet me at the very top floor of the Tokyo Tower, say, in about…….. 20 minutes?"
Darien knew it was a trap, but this could be the only chance he had at getting all the crystals. The scouts would be proud if he won, then again they would be pissed that he went alone without their consent. So, he figured, either way, he would lose. If the he lost and Zoicite got all the crystals, there's no way they could get the silver crystal seeing as only Serena can combine the seven to form the one. Why not.
"Deal."
Zoicite gave a high pitch laugh causing Darien to wince.
"See you there, Tux."
*******************************
When Darien reached the 22nd floor he walked out of the elevator and found himself in spacious room. The sun had already set leaving the room dark except for the small light at the other end of the room. He could vaguely make out a figure.
"Welcome, Tuxedo Mask. You've just made it."
Darien rolled his eyes. "Cut the crap, Zoicite. Let's get this over with."
"Fine."
Zoicite walked to the center of the room and placed four brightly colored crystals on the floor and walked away never taking her eyes off him. Darien took out his three and placed them beside hers before moving away walking backwards the whole way.
Darien immediately jumped into a fighting stance. Zoicite raised one brow before laughter erupted from her mouth. Darien frowned.
"You humans are so gullible."
Darien cursed himself for being so stupid, but before he could make a grab for his crystals Malachite appeared out of thin air and scooped up all seven and then taking his place against the wall leaning casually. Darien narrowed his eyes. So, Beryl did have more generals at her disposal. Darien could feel the energy emitting from Malachite and it made him uneasy. This general was going to be hard to defeat.
He was brought back to the matter at hand when Zoicite lunged at him without warning. He managed to move away from the blow, but Zoicite was coming so quickly he could barely block nonetheless get a blow of his own.
This went on for almost fifteen minutes before Darien was able to land a kick in her abdomen sending her off balance.
Zoicite growled and rubbed her stomach. Malachite smiled. It was time to end this. His eyes clouded over and Zoicite frowned.
"Are you going to let him defeat you?…….he hasn't even transformed…..you coward!…….make him pay……..he doesn't deserve to live……make him pay……forget about your orders……you have all the crystals……kill him……you coward!"
Zoicite's breathing hitched and she grabbed her head. The voices, she knew, were right.
Forget the queen's orders. The crystals are more important
Zoicite screamed and began to float to the ceiling. Her arms were stretched away from her and she was murmuring. Darien could feel the energy building and transformed quickly waiting for her next attack.
"……….make him pay."
The ceiling began freezing as ice grew all over the room. Large icicles were forming and as it became colder they began to fall. Tuxedo Mask pierced a few with a rose breaking them into tiny little pieces flipping and dodging the ones he missed.
"…….show no mercy."
Frost was forming on the tips of his hair and he could barely see through the winds. He couldn't even tell where the windows were. All he saw was white.
Zoicite snarled. "I will not let you defeat me. I am the better fighter! You're just a piece of shit!"
Darien held up a rose and listened closely. It was already hard to hear with the winds making a lot of noise, but if he could just concentrate on her voice, maybe…….
He threw the rose and when he heard the painful scream and he threw another one. Zoicite descended slowly to the icy floor. One rose pierced her leg, but the other one caught her directly in the chest. As she reached the ground she stumbled a few steps grunting all the way.
Her breathing was coming in quick gasps. She painfully pulled the two roses from her body and turned to Tuxedo Mask.
"……kill him."
Zoicite was already weak. Malachite knew that her next attack wouldn't have enough forced to knock him off his feet. He would have to join his power with hers, but he had to wait for the right moment. In the mean time he would send Beryl a message to notify her of Zoicite's defiance.
He closed his eyes and concentrated. When he received her reply to abort the mission. He turned around in time to witness Zoicite throw an attack. It definitely was weak. Malachite flicked his wrist and the orb of energy heading toward Tuxedo Mask grew larger. Too large for him to dodge.
Darien hurled through the air the force of the blast eating away at his skin. He collided with the far wall and fell to the ground.
Malachite walked up to Zoicite.
"What have you done?!"
Her mouth was hanging open and she looked as if she was about to hyperventilate.
"I don't know….the voices….he deserved it!"
Malachite walked over to where Tuxedo's body laid immobile, his mask destroyed by the blast. He kneeled down and smiled when he met a pair of blue eyes. They stared at him curiously and it was no shock to find not an ounce of fear. He was so much like Endymion.
Malachite put his index finger to his lips.
"Shh….close your eyes and don't move. I won't hurt you, Endymion."
Darien hesitated, but in the end he did what he was told. He didn't know why he listened to the general, after all, it could be another trick. But, he just knew.
Malachite rose to his feet.
"He's dead, Zoicite."
Zoicite hid her face in her hands and began sobbing.
"The queen is not going to forgive me for this! Malachite, what have I done?"
Malachite put his arms around her and told her it would be alright.
"We still have the crystals. She will let you go, don't worry."
But, Malachite knew that this was the last Zoicite would ever step foot outside the nega-verse again. He smiled to himself as he conjured up the portal that would bring them back to the queen. From the wall, Darien watched them disappear, he laid with a confused expression and burns all over his body.
*****************************
"You ungrateful little bitch! I give you a second chance and this is how you repay me!"
"I'm sorry, my queen. Please, have mercy, it was not my fault…."
"Then who's fault was it then?! I give you a simple task. I ask you bring Endymion to me alive and well……and what do you do? You kill him instead!"
Zoicite was sobbing openly now and her head was down. She didn't dare meet Beryl's eye when the queen was in one of her rants. Malachite remained quiet and observed. He wouldn't speak unless the queen addressed him personally. That was the rule, in which Zoicite never followed.
"Where are the crystals, Zoicite? Give them to me."
Beryl seemed to be calming down as Zoicite searched her pockets. When she came up empty handed that's when she remembered Malachite collecting them back at the Tower.
"Malachite has them, mistress."
When Malachite didn't move, Zoicite gave him a piercing stare. Her life depended on those crystals and if Malachite didn't have them her life would be over.
"Give the queen the crystals, Malachite," she all but hissed.
Malachite shook his head.
"I can not give the queen the crystals, Zoicite. Because, you see, I don't have them."
"What do you mean, you don't have them?! Of course you have them, you collected them at the beginning of the fight! Now where are they!"
Zoicite was screaming now and Beryl watched with remarkable control. Only her fingers showing her impatience as they drummed the arm of her throne.
Malachite licked his lips.
"Yes, but your damn blizzard not only blew them away, it covered them with snow and ice. It was your stupidity that lost them."
Zoicite gasped. She knew Malachite was lying, but why would he betray her? Why?
"He lies!"
The queen made a deep sigh and finally lifted her eyes to the female general. Beryl's eyes were red and they scowled at Zoicite. Malachite took a step to the left. Beryl was feisty when she was angry.
"How dare you blame Malachite for your disobedience! I have had enough of you, Zoicite. Say goodbye to the living!……"
The only thing Malachite could see was a flash of blinding light as Beryl's staff glowed. Without warning a beam shot out and hit Zoicite in the chest. The only sound was the name of the lover who betrayed her leaving Zoicite's lips.
Malachite glanced up at the queen. Beryl pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and addressed Malachite for the first time since their arrival.
"I don't have the patience for treachery! I gave her several chances….make that a lesson for all of you." she said looking behind Malachite.
That was when Malachite realized the six hundred or so youmas standing in the dark corners of the large room. He never even noticed them. His attention went back to the queen when she began speaking again.
"Besides……she was pregnant anyway."
Malachite's head snapped up. "Pregnant?"
"Unfortunately!…..my kingdom is not a damn nursery. I can't have brats running around here."
Malachite glanced at Zoicite's limp body. Now he was beginning to understand what guilt felt like. He killed his own child. Malachite knew that the baby would've eventually been aborted, but it was difficult to know that it was his own hands that did it.
When two youmas dragged Zoicite's body away and Malachite was excused, he went to his chambers and threw up.
*****************************
Serena grabbed her communicator off the desk at the sound of the beep. She flipped open the top to see Darien's bruised face.
"Darien? What the hell happened to you?"
"I'll tell you when you get here. Emergency scout meeting, I need you here at Raye's, ASAP!"
"Okay, I'm on my way."
Serena ran down the stairs thankful that her parents went to a business dinner. She wasn't allowed out of the house after ten and she was tired of jumping out of her window.
She made it to Raye's last as usual. They all gave her the same looks they always give her when she's late. Serena shrugged and walked over to her usual spot.
It's not my fault I live the farthest from the damn temple
When she sat down, Darien, who was getting his burns treated by Amy, finally spoke.
"I dueled with Zoicite tonight."
They all gasped and Serena could've sworn she saw Raye break her pencil.
"Are you crazy! You could've been killed…"
Darien cut Raye off with a shake of his head.
"Calm down, Raye. I know it was stupid, but something strange happened."
"How do you mean strange?" Amy asked.
"Well, when I was laying on the ground, this general with white hair walked up to me and told me to that he wasn't going to hurt me, he told me to close my eyes and not to move….."
"So?" said Lita
"So, then he tells Zoicite that I'm dead."
Silence filled the room and Serena was beginning to feel very uncomfortable. But, at the same time she couldn't help but be proud. Malachite had saved Darien's life. She definitely needed to thank him later. She wondered what the whole thing was about though.
"That's……unusual." Amy said putting on Darien's last bandage.
Mina scrunched up her face. "Maybe he's on our side!"
Raye snorted. "Of course, he's not on our side! It's probably a trick to get us to believe that he is when he's not."
"Raye's right…." Luna said jumping onto the coffee table. "….We must be careful. If Zoicite found out Darien's identity, she might know yours as well."
"I kind of agree with Mina."
Everyone got quiet and turned to Serena as they were realizing her presence for the first time.
"You do?" Lita said with a little too much attitude. She was obviously still angry about the water incident.
"Yes, I do. It could be a trick, but what about the part where he might actually be on our side. We can't rule that out. I'm not saying we should just trust him, but if he asks us to give him a chance, we should at least do that. It'll give us an advantage over the dark kingdom. He can give us information."
Some nodded thinking over her suggestion. But, doubt still lingered in Raye and Lita's eyes.
"Hold the phone! Since when do you ever participate in scout meetings?"
Serena rolled her eyes. If it wasn't for her amazing self control she would be choking the living shit out of Lita. It was bad enough to have Raye always on her case, but now Lita was too. Serena really needed new friends.
"Am I not the leader? Am I not the princess? If I want to say something, I would appreciate it if you kept those kind of comments to yourself!"
Lita shut her mouth quickly. This was the first time Serena ever pulled rank. She never took being a scout seriously, but now it's time she started.
No one said anything else and Serena couldn't take the silence anymore and she definitely couldn't take Darien's staring. He knew something was up. He always knows when something's up.
Damn him!
Serena rose from her cushion and headed to the door.
"I'm going to go now since it's obvious we have nothing else to talk about. See you tomorrow."
While she slid the door open her eyes met Darien's. She quickly looked away and slid the door completely closed. Darien knew Serena was hiding something. He could tell by the way she shifted uncomfortably in her seat when he spoke of the mysterious general. Oh, something was going on and he was going to find out what.
So, when he feigned tiredness and left, instead of heading home, he headed in the direction of Serena's house.
To be continued………..
Sorry about the two month wait. Chapter 6 should be out by the end of this month…….hopefully. If you're confused about the whole Zoicite hearing voices thing, here's an explanation: Malachite manipulated her telepathically. So, to her, it sounded like the echoes of her conscience telling her what to do. Get it?
I used a lot of references from previous chapters so here are the footnotes:
1). This was mentioned in chapter 3. Water incident
2). This was mentioned in chapter 3. Before first period
3). This was mentioned in chapter 4. Dream sequence
4). This was mentioned in chapter 3. After school
5). This was mentioned in chapter 2. Dream sequence
6). This was mentioned in the prelude, Goodbye