Hello! In this chapter the identities of the famous M Officers will
be revealed. ^_~
I hope you'll enjoy this chapter!
PLEASE EMAIL!!!! ^_^ me and tell me what you think of this story or chapter.
My email address: ml_eclipse@hotmail.com
Usual disclaimers: Sailor Moon and all its characters and likeliness
belongs to Naoko Takeuchi, Kodansha/Toei. English translation is made
possible by DiC and now Cloverway/Bandai (?).
= thoughts
[ ] = author's note
Rated: PG
Please enjoy!
============================================================================
A Shepherd's Kiss
========================= By Cosmos ==================================
Chapter 10: Trust
On foot, it would have taken them two weeks' travel to reach the North Post.
The great loss of time would greatly jeopardize the chance of freeing their
friends, and Endymion. He was taken to another place a week and a half
away. Fortunately, Haruka remembered a small town situated in the same
direction north that was only a day's walk away. She suggested that they
check the area out in hopes to fine a better means of transportation.
Serenity agreed.
The stars provided the only light for them when they eventually reached the
small habitation. The darkness of the night provided perfect cover for them
as they quietly sneaked toward the closest farmhouse located on the outskirts
of the town. Luckily, the soft snorts and neighs of horses from within the
dark abode reached their ears. Haruka grinned triumphantly at Serenity.
"Stand guard," she whispered, "I'll get the horses."
Serenity nodded as she gave their dark surrounding a quick surveying glance.
Hotaru remained close to her side shaking slightly in fear. She looked down
and placed a comforting hand on the young child's shoulder. Hotaru looked
up with a gratifying smile. Serenity nodded and continued to survey their
surrounding with ears alert to pick up the slightest sound.
Soon, Haruka emerged from the barn leading two magnificent horses by the
reins. "I've left some gold as payment for them," Haruka explained upon
seeing Serenity's questioning gaze. The two women jumped smoothly atop the
great animals and Haruka galloped on ahead. Serenity reached down to grab
Hotaru and sat her in front as she flicked the rein getting the horse into
a fast gallop following the other woman.
What would have been two weeks was reduced to one week's ride. They moved
as quickly as possible, always lurking among the shadows by day and riding
in full gallop during the night. Fear of being captured or attacked was
never far from their mind. They rode like the wind anxious to reach their
destination, but fearing it at the same time. Both women knew what awaited
them hidden by distance. The North Post was the most heavily guarded area,
and Serenity knew the famous M officers were there…and so were the prisoners.
This would be a confrontation that would greatly challenge her skill as a
fighter. She hoped the days spent training with Haruka would prove useful.
So many lives were hanging in the balance. So many people were depending
upon only these two soldiers. The turnout of this battle would decide the
direction this dire war was to take.
They reached the North Post just as the sun kissed the horizon, bathing the
land in a splash of crimson-a premonition of what was to come. Hotaru
remained with the horses hidden some distance from the guarded area while
Serenity and Haruka crept cautiously toward the main encampment situated
directly in front of the large mouth of a magnificent cave slightly below
them in a small valley. The two women observed the area from the height
of a low hill overlooking the entire region.
With keen eyes, Serenity surveyed her enemies like a hawk observing its
prey. There were at least forty soldiers standing guard around the fringe
while several hundred others, divided in small groups from fifty to one
hundred soldiers each, lining the interior of the encampment like gates
leading to the heart of hell. Indeed, the region was so perfectly secured
that no opening was visible, and a direct attack was plain foolish. Beside
her, Serenity could hear Haruka sigh with frustration, "Where the hell are
they?"
Serenity scanned the area once again, but this time something strange
caught her eyes. Located to the side of the guarded area, hidden behind
thick greenery, was a medium size hut built of a strange rock-like
material. A serious number of soldiers stood guard around the structure,
signifying to her sharp mind that this building must harbor something
important. Her eyes narrowed as a smile slowly came to her face,
"Found ya'."
"What?" Haruka whispered in surprise.
"Over there," Serenity indicated with her eyes, "behind the hedges. Can
you see it? There's a rock house hidden behind it. That must be where your
friends are being held."
"Are you sure?"
"If not, then it must be their headquarter," Serenity replied casually,
"why else would so many guards be posted around it? Besides, it's a good
enough target anyway." She got up quietly and began to walk away. This
was all she needed to see. A plan of attack was already forming in her
mind. All she had to do now was wait for the cover of night.
Haruka crawled back down the low hill. She reached Serenity who sat
silently beneath the shadows of the forest with eyes closed and her chin
resting on her palm as she waited for the coming of dusk. The older woman
watched the younger girl quizzically. How can she be so calm? Haruka
thought. Within a few hours we will soon be fighting for our lives and
for the lives of many others, and yet…she seemed so at peace sitting
there.
"How can you simply sleep at a time like this?" Haruka asked in
astonishment.
"I am not sleeping," came the short reply.
"Then why aren't you preparing for the attack?"
"I already told you," Serenity replied without opening her eyes, "that a
direct attack is a foolish objective."
"Then do you have a better idea in mind? Did you see how secure the area
was? There is absolutely no opening for us to enter."
"All securities always have an opening," Serenity replied calmly, her eyes
remained shut.
Haruka was getting really annoyed by this younger woman's arrogant answers.
She said irritatingly, "Then tell me what it is, if you think you know it."
"I don't think," Serenity replied, a slight edge crept into her voice, "I
know." Her eyes snapped open and she gazed coolly at Haruka towering over
her. "I have come with you only to free your friends," she said in a low
tone, "I have no intention of defeating the Green soldiers and conquering
the North Post. If that is what you want then go ahead. I would rather
wait for darkness to sneak in and get out ASAP."
"Fine," Haruka growled, "but how are you planning to do that?"
"I saw your attack back at the South Post," Serenity replied calmly, "is
that your greatest strength?"
"Yeah," Haruka answered suspiciously, "what are you trying to get at?"
"I will sneak in to free your friends," Serenity continued ignoring the
older woman's question. "They are being held in that rock building I am
sure of it."
"But you saw how well guarded that place is!"
"It won't be soon."
"Why?"
"Because they will all be too busy chasing after you," Serenity replied.
She calmly watched the shock that soon swept over Haruka's face.
"What the--!" Haruka cried out in disbelief. "You…I…they will…whoa there!
I am not being anyone's bait here!"
"Why not?" Serenity calmly asked.
"Why not?!" Haruka steamed, "Why not?! Because I don't want to end up as a
toasted marshmallow on someone's sword! That's why!"
"Well, if that's how you feel, perhaps I should have suggested plan B
instead," the younger woman replied casually, totally indifferent to the
raves Haruka was throwing at her.
In a calmer tone, the older woman questioned, "I am afraid to ask, but…what
is your plan B? If it has anything with me running for my life chased by an
angry hoard of tall green men with big swords, then your second plan stinks
as well."
Serenity ignored Haruka's comments as she replied, "There are two soldiers
stationed at a distance from the others close to the forest edge. They
will be easy targets without attracting any attentions from the others,
especially at night. We will use their clothes as disguises to sneak
closer to the rock building. That is the only way we are to get near
enough to possibly free your friends without getting caught doing so."
"That's your plan?"
Serenity nodded silently. Haruka let out a great sigh of relief and
slumped down beside her. "You could have told me that sooner you know,"
Haruka said. "You didn't have to give me a heart attack before a battle."
"I didn't expect you'd believe me," she replied solemnly, although a hidden
smile touched her lips.
"As a friend, " Haruka replied seriously, "my trust is placed in your
hands."
Serenity's eyes became dark with gravity as the shadows slowly shift to hide
her face, Trust… she thought solemnly, then she replied, "I already
told you. Don't place such expectations on me. I may not live to meet
such high standards."
Haruka remained silent as she observed the shadowy face of the younger
woman. Her brows creased with concern instead of anger. As the days
passed since the first time she met her, Haruka noticed how Serenity slowly
became colder and more distant. Was there no way to make this young
woman live her heart again?
Before long the two lone soldiers could see Night's dark cloak spread
across the sky. The shadows began to close in on them; its long
incriminating fingers reach out to their souls in a cold caress. A sudden
chilling wind blew in from the nearby mountains bringing along with
it an eerie silence that tugged on their anxious minds, evoking undesired
fears regarding the mission that they were about to undertake. And so
before them, the night unfolds its marvelous dark petals revealing a
moonless Cimmerian sky dotted with the faint light of distant stars.
How queer that such a night could look so beautiful but feel so unforgiving.
Perhaps it was simply the sudden rush of adrenaline that gave them the
different perspective and sensation, or the knowledge of the impossible
task they were aiming to carry out. With each passing moment, their
pulses quickened as their minds ran over two main points again and again:
if they succeed in this mission then all would be free, if they fail then
all would perish. Such assuring thoughts before a battle, but the words
reminded these two soldiers the gravity of their feat. The path they have
been treading on suddenly transformed into a thin wire beneath their
trembling feet.
An unexpected feeling of dread spread through her as Serenity poised
herself in preparation for the surprise attack. It was not a fear of
death but one of failure. So many innocent lives were resting in this
dangerous balancing act they were about to do. She was feeling the full
weight of this great responsibility on her mind like a heavy blow from her
opponent.
A few more minutes…
Her dark eyes flicked quickly to the last few rays of visible light slowly
fading from the horizon.
A minute more…
The sound of her heart pounded in her ears at such intensity that she
feared it had announced her presence to her enemies.
The breath of a second…
Her fingers wrapped around the cold leather hilt of a small knife strapped
to her lower leg. She pulled its deadly face out of the protective sheath
silently. The smooth blade glimmered dully in the faint orange light cast
by the distant, newly lit, bonfires located in the interior of the
encampment. Her eyes flicked quickly to the dark horizon once again. An
aura of deep purple was all that remained as the last ray of light died
out.
So it began…
She silently launched at a soldier closest to her like a cat pouncing on
its prey. Her action was so swift the soldier had no time to react. Her
hand quickly closed around his open mouth trapping his utterance of shock
within his throat, while the knife was sent through his back silencing him
forever. She watched his body crumble to the ground in a dark heap with a
face hidden in shadows.
She could feel no regret for taking the life of this sentinel. All was
fair in war was it not? There must be the victor and the defeated in every
game. And war was simply a game of treachery and deceit played without
reason using human lives instead of money, but the final prize depended on
who won. It could be peace, or it could be an endless continuation of
sorrow. She could care less what it would be, however. All that now
occupied her mind was her promise to seek revenge for the cruelty inflicted
on her parents.
Yet, now as she watched the dead soldier with emotionless eyes, she could
not help but wonder if that promise has become something much more. Was
it still a promise a daughter gave to avenge the unjust murder of her
parents, or has it now become a personal vengeance against the world
because all was the enemy in her eyes? It appeared that her anger was
slowly leading her away from her true intention, but she quickly dismissed
this thought carelessly.
Quickly, she grabbed the lifeless soldier's coat and began to undo the
buttons. Before long, a dark form stood up. The numerous stars
silhouetted the soldier attired in dark green khaki pants with a heavy coat
of the same color. Long silver strands of silky hair lay hidden beneath a
handsome cap of black with a strange golden sigil sewn in front. Sharp
cold eyes gazed from beneath the hat like a falcon's.
Re-sheathing the crimson blade beneath the leg of her pants, the silent
invader took a few conscious steps into the faint light created by a nearby
bonfire. The warm orange light lapped at her face but it could never reach
her eyes, which remained hidden beneath the shadow of the cap.
She quickly glanced to her right and saw Haruka giving her a silent nod.
She returned her attention to the dozen or so soldiers standing guard
around the rock building. Her eyes gave her shadowy surrounding a quick
analysis upon which she picked out a tray of food left near her toward the
bonfire. A smile slowly rose to her cold lips as she thought,
How handy…the key to my success.
Cautiously, without gathering attention to her, Serenity sneaked toward
the tray of food and took it. Squaring her shoulders and lifting her
face to look straight ahead of her, she gave the impression of a soldier
having an order to fulfill. At a normal pace, she strolled toward the
rock building.
"Hold it!" a guard yelled at her.
She obeyed.
The soldier walked to her and asked, "What do you think you're doing?"
"Bringing food to the people in there," she replied calmly, anxiety
completely erased from her voice.
"And who told you to feed the prisoners?"
"It's a direct order from the Lieutenant," she replied confidently.
"Well," the guard hesitated as he observed her shadowy face hidden beneath
the cap, "fine. Go on, but is that all you're going to bring them?" he
added looking at the two small bowls of soup and three slices of bread, a
meager meal if it truly were for over twenty people.
"Sure," she replied indifferently, "why not? Prisoners don't need to eat a
lot."
The guard laughed at her cold personality, "Yeah, you're right. Why waste
our valuable food supply on pathetic little worms, eh?"
"Yeah," she replied coldly, careful to maintain a calm tone, although her
blood was boiling with rage.
"Go on then."
"Thanks…" for letting me know the prisoners are truly in there. Fool.
Serenity walked passed him as she steadily approached the building. She
could sense questioning gazes placed on her once and a while. She placed
the tray on the ground and opened the padlock. Giving her background a
quick glance, she noticed that the other guards were busy watching the
dark forest around them and ignoring her presence for the time being. She
opened the door and sneaked in with the tray, closing the door behind her.
The inside was dark except for two small torches lit at the far wall.
Through the eerie glow of the fires, she could make out dark forms of
numerous people lying, sitting, crouching, and standing around by the far
walls. The dancing light of the torches played on their shadows, which are
appeared like dark spirits wavering along the walls.
Upon noticing her presence, dull eyes looked up in surprise. Catching the
faint form of her uniform, Serenity noticed the hatred and anger that
quickly rose into those defeated gazes. Suddenly, she saw one person
glance sneakily behind her. Her eyes quickly narrowed as she swerved in
time to grab the hand of her hidden attacker and swung her in front in a
swift movement. Soon, she had the young soldier at knifepoint standing
stiffly in front of her.
"Is this the thanks I get for trying to save your butts?" she asked coldly
watching the hesitation of her prisoner's friends a short distance from
her.
"Serenity?" the young soldier asked when she recognized her friend's
voice. "Is…is that you?"
Serenity removed the knife and re-sheathed it while she let go of the
young soldier. "Sure it is," she replied in a clipped tone. "Who else
would be crazy enough to come jolting in here?"
The soldier turned around and gazed happily at her. Serenity saw that
it was Diana. To her right she noticed another soldier stepped forward,
Rei.
"How in the world did you manage to sneak pass all those guards outside?"
Rei asked in surprise.
"Easy," Serenity replied as she quickly moved toward the far wall,
"I simply walked by them."
"Huh?"
"Look," Serenity replied slightly agitated, "enough questions. We have to
get out quickly before they realize what is going on."
She could see numerous gazes fall upon her with hope glowing brightly in
their eyes as she passed by them. She glanced at them but soon looked
away with a strange light glowing in her dark eyes. A pang of sorrow rose
to her heart when she looked at all the poor people watching her with such
hopes. I must get them out of here, she thought with determination
as her fingers felt around on the wall.
"There is no way we can escape through there," Diana replied solemnly.
"The only way is through the door."
"Impossible," Serenity uttered as she concentrated on her work. "All of
you can't get a single foot through that door without getting thrown back
in or killed."
"But this building is made of Ternate Crystonium," Diana explained.
"There is no way we can break through it."
"All structures have weakness," Serenity replied determinedly.
"But…"
"Look," she asked irritatingly by all the interruptions, "do you want to
get out or not?"
Diana closed her mouth and remained silent. Serenity continued on
analyzing the structure of the strange material this building was
constructed from. Everyone was silent as they watched her experienced
hand feel around the smooth edged surfaces. From a distance, Serenity
first thought it was made of rock but upon closer observation she realized
it was made of a strong opaque crystal element. Observing the structure
closely she was able to notice distinct outlines of the trees on the
outside. Crystal, she thought, Ternate Crystonium….hmmm….this
crystal is almost like glass except it is much stronger, more solid and
thicker. If I blast a hole through it that would create too much ruckus.
No…that would not do. Crystonium…glass…hmmm.
Suddenly as idea struck her. "There is a way," she said slowly more to
herself than to the people around her.
"Have you found its weakness?" Rei asked in a low voice.
"I believe so." Serenity stood up and walked back to the front door. She
bent down and grabbed the tray of food. She placed dumped the contents of
the bowls onto the ground and threw away the food. She moved to open the
door carrying the empty tray with her.
"What are you doing?" one of the farmers asked upon seeing her waste the
food.
"You won't need these," she replied shortly.
"Wait!" someone cried out in fear, "Aren't you going to help us escape? Are
you just going to leave?"
Serenity glanced back with cold dark eyes. She gazed at the speaker for
a moment without replying. She finally said curtly, "Stand away from that
wall," then turned and stepped out without further replies. The prisoners
could hear the padlock clicked closed on the door once again.
"I don't trust her," of the them soon commented.
"Yeah," another agreed, "she seems so…so cold. She is probably a spy."
"You're right," a third voice joined them as many others nod in agreement.
"We got attacked a month after she arrived at our camp. She probably
came to gather information in order to have the Green Soldiers invade
our place."
"Enough!" Diana cried out angrily. "I can't believe you people are
thinking like this. Serenity would never betray us."
"And how would you know?"
"If she did then why did she return?"
"She could be pretending to be our friend so that she could gain our trust
in order to capture the rest of our people," a soldier spoke up.
Diana clenched her fist in anger as she gave the soldier a deadly gaze.
She was about to punch him in the face but Rei managed to stop her.
"No Diana," she said calmly, "fighting them would not make them see the
truth. For the moment, we need to be united in order to remain strong
enough to defend ourselves." Rei paused for a moment as her sorrowful
gaze fell upon the downtrodden group. Soon she continued in a quiet
soft voice, "I understand what you all are going through but do not give
up hope. I ask that you not let your pains blind you from seeing what is
right. Serenity may be unsociable but she is not one to betray."
"I am not quite so sure."
"I am," Rei replied confidently, "and I trust her with my life. I know
she will come through for us."
The others remained quiet as they listened to her words so strongly spoken.
"Let us move away from that far wall," Rei continued, "like she instructed."
Outside, Serenity strolled calmly away from the building with the empty
tray held in both hands. She took a turn left, away from the encampment
before a voice stopped her, "Halt!"
She remained still. Behind her she could hear footsteps approaching.
"Where do you think your going?" the stranger asked.
She turned around to face a tall brunette with forest green eyes wearing a
moss green uniform adorned with five stars on each shoulder. Her silky
chestnut hair tied in a ponytail flowed around her as the wind began to
pick up in the valley.
"I asked you," the soldier demanded, "where you are going?" Her angry
green eyes observed Serenity suspiciously. Serenity returned the gaze
with equal magnitude of emotion without fear.
"Just to return the tray," she replied curtly.
"What insolence!" the stranger said in outrage. "Hmmm," the soldier
analyzed her further, "you may be that new soldier on Lieutenant
Michiru's battalion. That would explain it. Do you know who I am,
soldier?"
Serenity hesitated for a moment before carefully replying, "I am afraid I
wasn't given time to meet everyone. So I apologize, and no I do not
recognize you."
"I am Lieutenant Makoto," the officer said. "Now, let me ask you again.
Where are you going?"
Serenity became agitated with the arrogance this Lieutenant was
portraying. Lieutenant Makoto? Serenity quickly thought, Could
she be one of the M officers? Discreetly maintaining her calmness,
Serenity replied as would a low ranking officer, "I was going to wash
and put my tray away, Lieutenant Makoto, Ma'am!"
"That's better," she replied. "Fine go ahead, but you are a pretty early
eater aren't you?"
"I am sorry, Ma'am!"
"What was your name again?" Makoto asked.
Serenity hesitated as her mind quickly search for a name to give.
If I give the wrong name my cover will be blown, she thought.
Shit! What a damn turn about.
"Well?" Makoto said slightly suspicious at the hesitation, "I'm wai-"
"Lieutenant Makoto!" a soldier called to her, "Lieutenants Michiru and
Minako wishes to speak with you about the battle at the North Post."
"Really?" the Lieutenant said in surprise, "What went wrong there?"
"It appeared that two Era soldiers have managed to escape."
"Damn! Couldn't that Silica do anything correct? Fine, tell them I'm
coming." Then turning back to Serenity said, "Come see me after your
done."
"Yes, ma'am!" Serenity watched as Makoto walked away in the direction
of the cave. She made a mental note of all their names, the famous M
Officers, and the location of their headquarters. Serenity quickly
turned away and proceeded toward the edge of the forest. So that was
Major Silica I saw back at the other post, Serenity thought furiously.
But why did she wanted to capture Endymion? She ducked into the shadows
and were met by Haruka, whom was waiting for her.
"So are they there?"
"Yeah," Serenity said.
"How are we to get them out pass all those guards then?"
"We won't."
"What?"
"Just listen," Serenity said impatiently, "I found out that the building is
actually made of an element called Ternate Crystonium."
"Shit!" Haruka cried out, "That's one of the strongest elements on earth!
There is no way we can blast through it."
"We won't need to," Serenity continued. "From what I observed at the North
Post, you have a power over the winds correct?"
"That's right."
"Great, I want you to sneak behind the building and create a funnel of
wind so fine that it would create an extremely high pitch sound. Now, you
won't be able to hear that sound so continue to increase the pitch until
you see the walls beginning to crack."
"But…"
"Look, Ternate Crystonium is just like glass except much stronger. So,
like glass, it is weak against high pitch sound. Now just do it and stop
asking questions," Serenity said in annoyance. "You are just like your
friends," she added as she began to stroll away
"Wait!" Haruka asked, "Where are you going?"
"I have been ordered to meet one of the M Officers," Serenity replied,"
and a soldier must obey orders."
"Are you crazy? Those three are very strong."
"Don't worry about me," she said as she walked away. "Just get your
friends out as soon as possible." A little distance off, she added, "Then
leave with Hotaru. Don't bother waiting for me. I won't return for a
while."
"But how will you know where to look for us?" Haruka asked but Serenity
was already out of hearing range. Haruka watched her form disappear from
view behind the flames of a great bonfire. What is she up to?
[Nice cliffhanger isn't it? ^_~ Hmmm...I wonder what Serenity's
true intention is by meeting these officers?
Chapter eleven coming next week! "Changing Colors"]
===========================================
Copyright (c) 2000, Cosmos.
be revealed. ^_~
I hope you'll enjoy this chapter!
PLEASE EMAIL!!!! ^_^ me and tell me what you think of this story or chapter.
My email address: ml_eclipse@hotmail.com
Usual disclaimers: Sailor Moon and all its characters and likeliness
belongs to Naoko Takeuchi, Kodansha/Toei. English translation is made
possible by DiC and now Cloverway/Bandai (?).
= thoughts
[ ] = author's note
Rated: PG
Please enjoy!
============================================================================
A Shepherd's Kiss
========================= By Cosmos ==================================
Chapter 10: Trust
On foot, it would have taken them two weeks' travel to reach the North Post.
The great loss of time would greatly jeopardize the chance of freeing their
friends, and Endymion. He was taken to another place a week and a half
away. Fortunately, Haruka remembered a small town situated in the same
direction north that was only a day's walk away. She suggested that they
check the area out in hopes to fine a better means of transportation.
Serenity agreed.
The stars provided the only light for them when they eventually reached the
small habitation. The darkness of the night provided perfect cover for them
as they quietly sneaked toward the closest farmhouse located on the outskirts
of the town. Luckily, the soft snorts and neighs of horses from within the
dark abode reached their ears. Haruka grinned triumphantly at Serenity.
"Stand guard," she whispered, "I'll get the horses."
Serenity nodded as she gave their dark surrounding a quick surveying glance.
Hotaru remained close to her side shaking slightly in fear. She looked down
and placed a comforting hand on the young child's shoulder. Hotaru looked
up with a gratifying smile. Serenity nodded and continued to survey their
surrounding with ears alert to pick up the slightest sound.
Soon, Haruka emerged from the barn leading two magnificent horses by the
reins. "I've left some gold as payment for them," Haruka explained upon
seeing Serenity's questioning gaze. The two women jumped smoothly atop the
great animals and Haruka galloped on ahead. Serenity reached down to grab
Hotaru and sat her in front as she flicked the rein getting the horse into
a fast gallop following the other woman.
What would have been two weeks was reduced to one week's ride. They moved
as quickly as possible, always lurking among the shadows by day and riding
in full gallop during the night. Fear of being captured or attacked was
never far from their mind. They rode like the wind anxious to reach their
destination, but fearing it at the same time. Both women knew what awaited
them hidden by distance. The North Post was the most heavily guarded area,
and Serenity knew the famous M officers were there…and so were the prisoners.
This would be a confrontation that would greatly challenge her skill as a
fighter. She hoped the days spent training with Haruka would prove useful.
So many lives were hanging in the balance. So many people were depending
upon only these two soldiers. The turnout of this battle would decide the
direction this dire war was to take.
They reached the North Post just as the sun kissed the horizon, bathing the
land in a splash of crimson-a premonition of what was to come. Hotaru
remained with the horses hidden some distance from the guarded area while
Serenity and Haruka crept cautiously toward the main encampment situated
directly in front of the large mouth of a magnificent cave slightly below
them in a small valley. The two women observed the area from the height
of a low hill overlooking the entire region.
With keen eyes, Serenity surveyed her enemies like a hawk observing its
prey. There were at least forty soldiers standing guard around the fringe
while several hundred others, divided in small groups from fifty to one
hundred soldiers each, lining the interior of the encampment like gates
leading to the heart of hell. Indeed, the region was so perfectly secured
that no opening was visible, and a direct attack was plain foolish. Beside
her, Serenity could hear Haruka sigh with frustration, "Where the hell are
they?"
Serenity scanned the area once again, but this time something strange
caught her eyes. Located to the side of the guarded area, hidden behind
thick greenery, was a medium size hut built of a strange rock-like
material. A serious number of soldiers stood guard around the structure,
signifying to her sharp mind that this building must harbor something
important. Her eyes narrowed as a smile slowly came to her face,
"Found ya'."
"What?" Haruka whispered in surprise.
"Over there," Serenity indicated with her eyes, "behind the hedges. Can
you see it? There's a rock house hidden behind it. That must be where your
friends are being held."
"Are you sure?"
"If not, then it must be their headquarter," Serenity replied casually,
"why else would so many guards be posted around it? Besides, it's a good
enough target anyway." She got up quietly and began to walk away. This
was all she needed to see. A plan of attack was already forming in her
mind. All she had to do now was wait for the cover of night.
Haruka crawled back down the low hill. She reached Serenity who sat
silently beneath the shadows of the forest with eyes closed and her chin
resting on her palm as she waited for the coming of dusk. The older woman
watched the younger girl quizzically. How can she be so calm? Haruka
thought. Within a few hours we will soon be fighting for our lives and
for the lives of many others, and yet…she seemed so at peace sitting
there.
"How can you simply sleep at a time like this?" Haruka asked in
astonishment.
"I am not sleeping," came the short reply.
"Then why aren't you preparing for the attack?"
"I already told you," Serenity replied without opening her eyes, "that a
direct attack is a foolish objective."
"Then do you have a better idea in mind? Did you see how secure the area
was? There is absolutely no opening for us to enter."
"All securities always have an opening," Serenity replied calmly, her eyes
remained shut.
Haruka was getting really annoyed by this younger woman's arrogant answers.
She said irritatingly, "Then tell me what it is, if you think you know it."
"I don't think," Serenity replied, a slight edge crept into her voice, "I
know." Her eyes snapped open and she gazed coolly at Haruka towering over
her. "I have come with you only to free your friends," she said in a low
tone, "I have no intention of defeating the Green soldiers and conquering
the North Post. If that is what you want then go ahead. I would rather
wait for darkness to sneak in and get out ASAP."
"Fine," Haruka growled, "but how are you planning to do that?"
"I saw your attack back at the South Post," Serenity replied calmly, "is
that your greatest strength?"
"Yeah," Haruka answered suspiciously, "what are you trying to get at?"
"I will sneak in to free your friends," Serenity continued ignoring the
older woman's question. "They are being held in that rock building I am
sure of it."
"But you saw how well guarded that place is!"
"It won't be soon."
"Why?"
"Because they will all be too busy chasing after you," Serenity replied.
She calmly watched the shock that soon swept over Haruka's face.
"What the--!" Haruka cried out in disbelief. "You…I…they will…whoa there!
I am not being anyone's bait here!"
"Why not?" Serenity calmly asked.
"Why not?!" Haruka steamed, "Why not?! Because I don't want to end up as a
toasted marshmallow on someone's sword! That's why!"
"Well, if that's how you feel, perhaps I should have suggested plan B
instead," the younger woman replied casually, totally indifferent to the
raves Haruka was throwing at her.
In a calmer tone, the older woman questioned, "I am afraid to ask, but…what
is your plan B? If it has anything with me running for my life chased by an
angry hoard of tall green men with big swords, then your second plan stinks
as well."
Serenity ignored Haruka's comments as she replied, "There are two soldiers
stationed at a distance from the others close to the forest edge. They
will be easy targets without attracting any attentions from the others,
especially at night. We will use their clothes as disguises to sneak
closer to the rock building. That is the only way we are to get near
enough to possibly free your friends without getting caught doing so."
"That's your plan?"
Serenity nodded silently. Haruka let out a great sigh of relief and
slumped down beside her. "You could have told me that sooner you know,"
Haruka said. "You didn't have to give me a heart attack before a battle."
"I didn't expect you'd believe me," she replied solemnly, although a hidden
smile touched her lips.
"As a friend, " Haruka replied seriously, "my trust is placed in your
hands."
Serenity's eyes became dark with gravity as the shadows slowly shift to hide
her face, Trust… she thought solemnly, then she replied, "I already
told you. Don't place such expectations on me. I may not live to meet
such high standards."
Haruka remained silent as she observed the shadowy face of the younger
woman. Her brows creased with concern instead of anger. As the days
passed since the first time she met her, Haruka noticed how Serenity slowly
became colder and more distant. Was there no way to make this young
woman live her heart again?
Before long the two lone soldiers could see Night's dark cloak spread
across the sky. The shadows began to close in on them; its long
incriminating fingers reach out to their souls in a cold caress. A sudden
chilling wind blew in from the nearby mountains bringing along with
it an eerie silence that tugged on their anxious minds, evoking undesired
fears regarding the mission that they were about to undertake. And so
before them, the night unfolds its marvelous dark petals revealing a
moonless Cimmerian sky dotted with the faint light of distant stars.
How queer that such a night could look so beautiful but feel so unforgiving.
Perhaps it was simply the sudden rush of adrenaline that gave them the
different perspective and sensation, or the knowledge of the impossible
task they were aiming to carry out. With each passing moment, their
pulses quickened as their minds ran over two main points again and again:
if they succeed in this mission then all would be free, if they fail then
all would perish. Such assuring thoughts before a battle, but the words
reminded these two soldiers the gravity of their feat. The path they have
been treading on suddenly transformed into a thin wire beneath their
trembling feet.
An unexpected feeling of dread spread through her as Serenity poised
herself in preparation for the surprise attack. It was not a fear of
death but one of failure. So many innocent lives were resting in this
dangerous balancing act they were about to do. She was feeling the full
weight of this great responsibility on her mind like a heavy blow from her
opponent.
A few more minutes…
Her dark eyes flicked quickly to the last few rays of visible light slowly
fading from the horizon.
A minute more…
The sound of her heart pounded in her ears at such intensity that she
feared it had announced her presence to her enemies.
The breath of a second…
Her fingers wrapped around the cold leather hilt of a small knife strapped
to her lower leg. She pulled its deadly face out of the protective sheath
silently. The smooth blade glimmered dully in the faint orange light cast
by the distant, newly lit, bonfires located in the interior of the
encampment. Her eyes flicked quickly to the dark horizon once again. An
aura of deep purple was all that remained as the last ray of light died
out.
So it began…
She silently launched at a soldier closest to her like a cat pouncing on
its prey. Her action was so swift the soldier had no time to react. Her
hand quickly closed around his open mouth trapping his utterance of shock
within his throat, while the knife was sent through his back silencing him
forever. She watched his body crumble to the ground in a dark heap with a
face hidden in shadows.
She could feel no regret for taking the life of this sentinel. All was
fair in war was it not? There must be the victor and the defeated in every
game. And war was simply a game of treachery and deceit played without
reason using human lives instead of money, but the final prize depended on
who won. It could be peace, or it could be an endless continuation of
sorrow. She could care less what it would be, however. All that now
occupied her mind was her promise to seek revenge for the cruelty inflicted
on her parents.
Yet, now as she watched the dead soldier with emotionless eyes, she could
not help but wonder if that promise has become something much more. Was
it still a promise a daughter gave to avenge the unjust murder of her
parents, or has it now become a personal vengeance against the world
because all was the enemy in her eyes? It appeared that her anger was
slowly leading her away from her true intention, but she quickly dismissed
this thought carelessly.
Quickly, she grabbed the lifeless soldier's coat and began to undo the
buttons. Before long, a dark form stood up. The numerous stars
silhouetted the soldier attired in dark green khaki pants with a heavy coat
of the same color. Long silver strands of silky hair lay hidden beneath a
handsome cap of black with a strange golden sigil sewn in front. Sharp
cold eyes gazed from beneath the hat like a falcon's.
Re-sheathing the crimson blade beneath the leg of her pants, the silent
invader took a few conscious steps into the faint light created by a nearby
bonfire. The warm orange light lapped at her face but it could never reach
her eyes, which remained hidden beneath the shadow of the cap.
She quickly glanced to her right and saw Haruka giving her a silent nod.
She returned her attention to the dozen or so soldiers standing guard
around the rock building. Her eyes gave her shadowy surrounding a quick
analysis upon which she picked out a tray of food left near her toward the
bonfire. A smile slowly rose to her cold lips as she thought,
How handy…the key to my success.
Cautiously, without gathering attention to her, Serenity sneaked toward
the tray of food and took it. Squaring her shoulders and lifting her
face to look straight ahead of her, she gave the impression of a soldier
having an order to fulfill. At a normal pace, she strolled toward the
rock building.
"Hold it!" a guard yelled at her.
She obeyed.
The soldier walked to her and asked, "What do you think you're doing?"
"Bringing food to the people in there," she replied calmly, anxiety
completely erased from her voice.
"And who told you to feed the prisoners?"
"It's a direct order from the Lieutenant," she replied confidently.
"Well," the guard hesitated as he observed her shadowy face hidden beneath
the cap, "fine. Go on, but is that all you're going to bring them?" he
added looking at the two small bowls of soup and three slices of bread, a
meager meal if it truly were for over twenty people.
"Sure," she replied indifferently, "why not? Prisoners don't need to eat a
lot."
The guard laughed at her cold personality, "Yeah, you're right. Why waste
our valuable food supply on pathetic little worms, eh?"
"Yeah," she replied coldly, careful to maintain a calm tone, although her
blood was boiling with rage.
"Go on then."
"Thanks…" for letting me know the prisoners are truly in there. Fool.
Serenity walked passed him as she steadily approached the building. She
could sense questioning gazes placed on her once and a while. She placed
the tray on the ground and opened the padlock. Giving her background a
quick glance, she noticed that the other guards were busy watching the
dark forest around them and ignoring her presence for the time being. She
opened the door and sneaked in with the tray, closing the door behind her.
The inside was dark except for two small torches lit at the far wall.
Through the eerie glow of the fires, she could make out dark forms of
numerous people lying, sitting, crouching, and standing around by the far
walls. The dancing light of the torches played on their shadows, which are
appeared like dark spirits wavering along the walls.
Upon noticing her presence, dull eyes looked up in surprise. Catching the
faint form of her uniform, Serenity noticed the hatred and anger that
quickly rose into those defeated gazes. Suddenly, she saw one person
glance sneakily behind her. Her eyes quickly narrowed as she swerved in
time to grab the hand of her hidden attacker and swung her in front in a
swift movement. Soon, she had the young soldier at knifepoint standing
stiffly in front of her.
"Is this the thanks I get for trying to save your butts?" she asked coldly
watching the hesitation of her prisoner's friends a short distance from
her.
"Serenity?" the young soldier asked when she recognized her friend's
voice. "Is…is that you?"
Serenity removed the knife and re-sheathed it while she let go of the
young soldier. "Sure it is," she replied in a clipped tone. "Who else
would be crazy enough to come jolting in here?"
The soldier turned around and gazed happily at her. Serenity saw that
it was Diana. To her right she noticed another soldier stepped forward,
Rei.
"How in the world did you manage to sneak pass all those guards outside?"
Rei asked in surprise.
"Easy," Serenity replied as she quickly moved toward the far wall,
"I simply walked by them."
"Huh?"
"Look," Serenity replied slightly agitated, "enough questions. We have to
get out quickly before they realize what is going on."
She could see numerous gazes fall upon her with hope glowing brightly in
their eyes as she passed by them. She glanced at them but soon looked
away with a strange light glowing in her dark eyes. A pang of sorrow rose
to her heart when she looked at all the poor people watching her with such
hopes. I must get them out of here, she thought with determination
as her fingers felt around on the wall.
"There is no way we can escape through there," Diana replied solemnly.
"The only way is through the door."
"Impossible," Serenity uttered as she concentrated on her work. "All of
you can't get a single foot through that door without getting thrown back
in or killed."
"But this building is made of Ternate Crystonium," Diana explained.
"There is no way we can break through it."
"All structures have weakness," Serenity replied determinedly.
"But…"
"Look," she asked irritatingly by all the interruptions, "do you want to
get out or not?"
Diana closed her mouth and remained silent. Serenity continued on
analyzing the structure of the strange material this building was
constructed from. Everyone was silent as they watched her experienced
hand feel around the smooth edged surfaces. From a distance, Serenity
first thought it was made of rock but upon closer observation she realized
it was made of a strong opaque crystal element. Observing the structure
closely she was able to notice distinct outlines of the trees on the
outside. Crystal, she thought, Ternate Crystonium….hmmm….this
crystal is almost like glass except it is much stronger, more solid and
thicker. If I blast a hole through it that would create too much ruckus.
No…that would not do. Crystonium…glass…hmmm.
Suddenly as idea struck her. "There is a way," she said slowly more to
herself than to the people around her.
"Have you found its weakness?" Rei asked in a low voice.
"I believe so." Serenity stood up and walked back to the front door. She
bent down and grabbed the tray of food. She placed dumped the contents of
the bowls onto the ground and threw away the food. She moved to open the
door carrying the empty tray with her.
"What are you doing?" one of the farmers asked upon seeing her waste the
food.
"You won't need these," she replied shortly.
"Wait!" someone cried out in fear, "Aren't you going to help us escape? Are
you just going to leave?"
Serenity glanced back with cold dark eyes. She gazed at the speaker for
a moment without replying. She finally said curtly, "Stand away from that
wall," then turned and stepped out without further replies. The prisoners
could hear the padlock clicked closed on the door once again.
"I don't trust her," of the them soon commented.
"Yeah," another agreed, "she seems so…so cold. She is probably a spy."
"You're right," a third voice joined them as many others nod in agreement.
"We got attacked a month after she arrived at our camp. She probably
came to gather information in order to have the Green Soldiers invade
our place."
"Enough!" Diana cried out angrily. "I can't believe you people are
thinking like this. Serenity would never betray us."
"And how would you know?"
"If she did then why did she return?"
"She could be pretending to be our friend so that she could gain our trust
in order to capture the rest of our people," a soldier spoke up.
Diana clenched her fist in anger as she gave the soldier a deadly gaze.
She was about to punch him in the face but Rei managed to stop her.
"No Diana," she said calmly, "fighting them would not make them see the
truth. For the moment, we need to be united in order to remain strong
enough to defend ourselves." Rei paused for a moment as her sorrowful
gaze fell upon the downtrodden group. Soon she continued in a quiet
soft voice, "I understand what you all are going through but do not give
up hope. I ask that you not let your pains blind you from seeing what is
right. Serenity may be unsociable but she is not one to betray."
"I am not quite so sure."
"I am," Rei replied confidently, "and I trust her with my life. I know
she will come through for us."
The others remained quiet as they listened to her words so strongly spoken.
"Let us move away from that far wall," Rei continued, "like she instructed."
Outside, Serenity strolled calmly away from the building with the empty
tray held in both hands. She took a turn left, away from the encampment
before a voice stopped her, "Halt!"
She remained still. Behind her she could hear footsteps approaching.
"Where do you think your going?" the stranger asked.
She turned around to face a tall brunette with forest green eyes wearing a
moss green uniform adorned with five stars on each shoulder. Her silky
chestnut hair tied in a ponytail flowed around her as the wind began to
pick up in the valley.
"I asked you," the soldier demanded, "where you are going?" Her angry
green eyes observed Serenity suspiciously. Serenity returned the gaze
with equal magnitude of emotion without fear.
"Just to return the tray," she replied curtly.
"What insolence!" the stranger said in outrage. "Hmmm," the soldier
analyzed her further, "you may be that new soldier on Lieutenant
Michiru's battalion. That would explain it. Do you know who I am,
soldier?"
Serenity hesitated for a moment before carefully replying, "I am afraid I
wasn't given time to meet everyone. So I apologize, and no I do not
recognize you."
"I am Lieutenant Makoto," the officer said. "Now, let me ask you again.
Where are you going?"
Serenity became agitated with the arrogance this Lieutenant was
portraying. Lieutenant Makoto? Serenity quickly thought, Could
she be one of the M officers? Discreetly maintaining her calmness,
Serenity replied as would a low ranking officer, "I was going to wash
and put my tray away, Lieutenant Makoto, Ma'am!"
"That's better," she replied. "Fine go ahead, but you are a pretty early
eater aren't you?"
"I am sorry, Ma'am!"
"What was your name again?" Makoto asked.
Serenity hesitated as her mind quickly search for a name to give.
If I give the wrong name my cover will be blown, she thought.
Shit! What a damn turn about.
"Well?" Makoto said slightly suspicious at the hesitation, "I'm wai-"
"Lieutenant Makoto!" a soldier called to her, "Lieutenants Michiru and
Minako wishes to speak with you about the battle at the North Post."
"Really?" the Lieutenant said in surprise, "What went wrong there?"
"It appeared that two Era soldiers have managed to escape."
"Damn! Couldn't that Silica do anything correct? Fine, tell them I'm
coming." Then turning back to Serenity said, "Come see me after your
done."
"Yes, ma'am!" Serenity watched as Makoto walked away in the direction
of the cave. She made a mental note of all their names, the famous M
Officers, and the location of their headquarters. Serenity quickly
turned away and proceeded toward the edge of the forest. So that was
Major Silica I saw back at the other post, Serenity thought furiously.
But why did she wanted to capture Endymion? She ducked into the shadows
and were met by Haruka, whom was waiting for her.
"So are they there?"
"Yeah," Serenity said.
"How are we to get them out pass all those guards then?"
"We won't."
"What?"
"Just listen," Serenity said impatiently, "I found out that the building is
actually made of an element called Ternate Crystonium."
"Shit!" Haruka cried out, "That's one of the strongest elements on earth!
There is no way we can blast through it."
"We won't need to," Serenity continued. "From what I observed at the North
Post, you have a power over the winds correct?"
"That's right."
"Great, I want you to sneak behind the building and create a funnel of
wind so fine that it would create an extremely high pitch sound. Now, you
won't be able to hear that sound so continue to increase the pitch until
you see the walls beginning to crack."
"But…"
"Look, Ternate Crystonium is just like glass except much stronger. So,
like glass, it is weak against high pitch sound. Now just do it and stop
asking questions," Serenity said in annoyance. "You are just like your
friends," she added as she began to stroll away
"Wait!" Haruka asked, "Where are you going?"
"I have been ordered to meet one of the M Officers," Serenity replied,"
and a soldier must obey orders."
"Are you crazy? Those three are very strong."
"Don't worry about me," she said as she walked away. "Just get your
friends out as soon as possible." A little distance off, she added, "Then
leave with Hotaru. Don't bother waiting for me. I won't return for a
while."
"But how will you know where to look for us?" Haruka asked but Serenity
was already out of hearing range. Haruka watched her form disappear from
view behind the flames of a great bonfire. What is she up to?
[Nice cliffhanger isn't it? ^_~ Hmmm...I wonder what Serenity's
true intention is by meeting these officers?
Chapter eleven coming next week! "Changing Colors"]
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Copyright (c) 2000, Cosmos.