" Is everything properly prepared? " Queen Beryl's shrill voice echoed
through her throne chamber.
" Yes, my Queen, as you ordered. "
" Very well. Where is General Kunzite? "
" He is keeping an eye on the Senshi. "
" I want him present when the prince arrives. " Queen Beryl wasn't about to let on how uneasy she felt about the small group that would soon be arriving at the palace. She had kept her minions quite oblivious to many of the truths concerning her status in the Dark Kingdom, and this visit could quite possibly ruin everything. It had been tempting to merely destroy the Celestial Senshi without word to the King, but when Zoisite brought an unconscious Sailor Eclipse before her throne, she knew that would not be possible. If it were ever discovered that Queen Beryl had killed that contemptible little brat, her life would undoubtedly be forfeit.
" You wished my presence, M'Queen? "
" General Kunzite. It's about time. The prince is due to arrive at any moment. It would not look good if my first general was not in attendance to his queen at such an important time. "
" Of course you are correct. I was just checking on our guests. " He watched her carefully, noting the slightest tremble in her voice and an almost pained expression on her face; it was something between a pout and a grimace.
Why was the Queen so uptight? Granted, they had very little contact with the other regiments of the Dark Kingdom army, but that was no reason for this type of reaction. Queen Beryl wasn't just nervous.she was scared.
It was then that his gaze came to rest on the Senshi chained thoroughly to the dais of Beryl's throne. She was still unconscious, but he could not shake the image of her eyes from his mind. He had recognized her almost immediately, but there were still pieces of the puzzle that he could not place. Kunzite tried desperately to recall his connection to her so many years ago.
A bright flash in the center of the room caught his attention before his thoughts could wander further, and there in its wake stood three figures. The first was a man who appeared to be in his mid-twenties with pale blue, shoulder length hair. He had sharp, azure eyes and an almost disturbingly pale complexion.
To his right was a woman of similar age. Though she had deep blue waves of hair that fell to her waist, the locks that directly framed her face were a startling shade of white that accented the golden tone of her skin. She assessed the room with eyes as black as coal and twice as cold as ice.
The last member of the group stood just behind the other two. His hair was jet black with occasional highlights of brilliant gold that matched the stunning color of his eyes. He possessed an undeniably regal bearing, as he looked disdainfully about the room. It was obvious that he was less than content to be in this place.
All three wore uniforms similar to that of Kunzite and Zoisite's except that theirs were black, and the woman wore a skirt as opposed to pants. The visitors were wearing capes lined in blue, white and gold, respectively.
" Show some respect to your sovereign, wench, " snapped the woman, glaring at Beryl. Like nails on a blackboard, her high-pitched shriek echoed through the room.
Beryl narrowed her eyes slightly at the other woman but reluctantly stepped down from her throne and bowed stiffly. Just who did this young whelp think she was? Surely the girl could be no more than a mere soldier, unworthy of even attending this meeting. But under the circumstances, she was in no position to argue.
The man with the blue hair stepped forward then, " We have been informed that you are in possession of the Celestial Senshi of the Dronian Galaxy. Would this be correct? "
" Yes. We have the Senshi. "
" In addition to picking them up, King Spinel has ordered us to stay for a length of three days. The progress in this quadrant is far below satisfactory, and we are to see to it that changes are made. "
" Three days? " Beryl repeated with a gasp, " Here? "
" It is no wonder that they do so poorly here.the one who leads them cannot even comprehend the simplest statement, " the woman smirked.
" General Selenite, that will be quite enough of your remarks. I'm certain that Beryl is merely surprised by this turn of events. " General Azurite then returned his attention to Beryl, " Our newest general is somewhat outspoken, " he explained though his tone gave no indication of apology.
Beryl could barely contain herself upon learning that the annoying bitch was a general. King Spinel must have lowered his standards for help these days. " If there is anything you need during your stay, feel free to ask General Zoisite or General Kunzite. They will be happy to assist you. " The words were forced out between clenched teeth as she mulled over the thought of spending the next three days with these self absorbed, holier-than-thou busy bodies.
" It is truly her. "
Everyone turned to the man who had remained silent until that awed whisper fell from his lips. His golden gaze fixed on the motionless figure half hidden behind Beryl's immense throne. " So then, Beryl, you do speak the truth, " he mused. His dark voice flowed smoothly, sinfully entrancing yet frightening all the same; it evoked an involuntary shudder from Beryl and her court.
The crowned prince and heir to throne of the Dark Kingdom, Lord High General Pyrite, moved across the floor to where the Senshi lay. " I am pleased with this accomplishment, Beryl. Our mission will surely succeed. "
" I am glad to be of service, my Prince. The others have been imprisoned, to be dealt with as you wish. "
" What you do with them is of no concern to me, " he said flippantly. "Selenite, perhaps you can find some amusement in disposing of them? "
General Kunzite's brow furrowed as he watched the scene unfold. An uneasy chill crept along his spine as he listened to the prince speak. Memories fought to emerge from the depths of his subconscious, and though he wanted to remember, the very thought of remembering scared him.
Eclipse lifted her head slowly, willing away the nausea that rose with every subtle movement. Her head was throbbing, and her entire body ached in protest as she fought to gain her bearings. How.how could she have let Zoisite sneak up on her like that? She silently berated herself for failing so terribly. She should have just killed Kunzite while she had the chance, but instead she had hesitated. But why?
" She's waking, my Prince. "
The Senshi heard the voice, and though it was somewhat muted by the ringing in her ears, she recognized it immediately. General Azurite. With a surge of determination Eclipse raised up to her hands and knees and lifted her gaze to the group that stood over her.
She screamed as the final blocks on her memory fell away, overwhelming her mind as the sudden realization of past and present merged. Years of nightmares and visions had not prepared her for the full weight of the awful truth. Oblivious to the lingering pain of Zoisite's attack, she leapt to her feet, fighting against the chains that held her.
" I see that time has not dulled your memory, my dear, " Pyrite smiled darkly. " But not to worry, soon everything shall be as it was intended. "
" Yes, my Queen, as you ordered. "
" Very well. Where is General Kunzite? "
" He is keeping an eye on the Senshi. "
" I want him present when the prince arrives. " Queen Beryl wasn't about to let on how uneasy she felt about the small group that would soon be arriving at the palace. She had kept her minions quite oblivious to many of the truths concerning her status in the Dark Kingdom, and this visit could quite possibly ruin everything. It had been tempting to merely destroy the Celestial Senshi without word to the King, but when Zoisite brought an unconscious Sailor Eclipse before her throne, she knew that would not be possible. If it were ever discovered that Queen Beryl had killed that contemptible little brat, her life would undoubtedly be forfeit.
" You wished my presence, M'Queen? "
" General Kunzite. It's about time. The prince is due to arrive at any moment. It would not look good if my first general was not in attendance to his queen at such an important time. "
" Of course you are correct. I was just checking on our guests. " He watched her carefully, noting the slightest tremble in her voice and an almost pained expression on her face; it was something between a pout and a grimace.
Why was the Queen so uptight? Granted, they had very little contact with the other regiments of the Dark Kingdom army, but that was no reason for this type of reaction. Queen Beryl wasn't just nervous.she was scared.
It was then that his gaze came to rest on the Senshi chained thoroughly to the dais of Beryl's throne. She was still unconscious, but he could not shake the image of her eyes from his mind. He had recognized her almost immediately, but there were still pieces of the puzzle that he could not place. Kunzite tried desperately to recall his connection to her so many years ago.
A bright flash in the center of the room caught his attention before his thoughts could wander further, and there in its wake stood three figures. The first was a man who appeared to be in his mid-twenties with pale blue, shoulder length hair. He had sharp, azure eyes and an almost disturbingly pale complexion.
To his right was a woman of similar age. Though she had deep blue waves of hair that fell to her waist, the locks that directly framed her face were a startling shade of white that accented the golden tone of her skin. She assessed the room with eyes as black as coal and twice as cold as ice.
The last member of the group stood just behind the other two. His hair was jet black with occasional highlights of brilliant gold that matched the stunning color of his eyes. He possessed an undeniably regal bearing, as he looked disdainfully about the room. It was obvious that he was less than content to be in this place.
All three wore uniforms similar to that of Kunzite and Zoisite's except that theirs were black, and the woman wore a skirt as opposed to pants. The visitors were wearing capes lined in blue, white and gold, respectively.
" Show some respect to your sovereign, wench, " snapped the woman, glaring at Beryl. Like nails on a blackboard, her high-pitched shriek echoed through the room.
Beryl narrowed her eyes slightly at the other woman but reluctantly stepped down from her throne and bowed stiffly. Just who did this young whelp think she was? Surely the girl could be no more than a mere soldier, unworthy of even attending this meeting. But under the circumstances, she was in no position to argue.
The man with the blue hair stepped forward then, " We have been informed that you are in possession of the Celestial Senshi of the Dronian Galaxy. Would this be correct? "
" Yes. We have the Senshi. "
" In addition to picking them up, King Spinel has ordered us to stay for a length of three days. The progress in this quadrant is far below satisfactory, and we are to see to it that changes are made. "
" Three days? " Beryl repeated with a gasp, " Here? "
" It is no wonder that they do so poorly here.the one who leads them cannot even comprehend the simplest statement, " the woman smirked.
" General Selenite, that will be quite enough of your remarks. I'm certain that Beryl is merely surprised by this turn of events. " General Azurite then returned his attention to Beryl, " Our newest general is somewhat outspoken, " he explained though his tone gave no indication of apology.
Beryl could barely contain herself upon learning that the annoying bitch was a general. King Spinel must have lowered his standards for help these days. " If there is anything you need during your stay, feel free to ask General Zoisite or General Kunzite. They will be happy to assist you. " The words were forced out between clenched teeth as she mulled over the thought of spending the next three days with these self absorbed, holier-than-thou busy bodies.
" It is truly her. "
Everyone turned to the man who had remained silent until that awed whisper fell from his lips. His golden gaze fixed on the motionless figure half hidden behind Beryl's immense throne. " So then, Beryl, you do speak the truth, " he mused. His dark voice flowed smoothly, sinfully entrancing yet frightening all the same; it evoked an involuntary shudder from Beryl and her court.
The crowned prince and heir to throne of the Dark Kingdom, Lord High General Pyrite, moved across the floor to where the Senshi lay. " I am pleased with this accomplishment, Beryl. Our mission will surely succeed. "
" I am glad to be of service, my Prince. The others have been imprisoned, to be dealt with as you wish. "
" What you do with them is of no concern to me, " he said flippantly. "Selenite, perhaps you can find some amusement in disposing of them? "
General Kunzite's brow furrowed as he watched the scene unfold. An uneasy chill crept along his spine as he listened to the prince speak. Memories fought to emerge from the depths of his subconscious, and though he wanted to remember, the very thought of remembering scared him.
Eclipse lifted her head slowly, willing away the nausea that rose with every subtle movement. Her head was throbbing, and her entire body ached in protest as she fought to gain her bearings. How.how could she have let Zoisite sneak up on her like that? She silently berated herself for failing so terribly. She should have just killed Kunzite while she had the chance, but instead she had hesitated. But why?
" She's waking, my Prince. "
The Senshi heard the voice, and though it was somewhat muted by the ringing in her ears, she recognized it immediately. General Azurite. With a surge of determination Eclipse raised up to her hands and knees and lifted her gaze to the group that stood over her.
She screamed as the final blocks on her memory fell away, overwhelming her mind as the sudden realization of past and present merged. Years of nightmares and visions had not prepared her for the full weight of the awful truth. Oblivious to the lingering pain of Zoisite's attack, she leapt to her feet, fighting against the chains that held her.
" I see that time has not dulled your memory, my dear, " Pyrite smiled darkly. " But not to worry, soon everything shall be as it was intended. "