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Oh, such a feat
for Mizuno Ami...
"Cowain, you say?"
Ami thought it quite fortunate that they were having this oh-so-casual
conversation with her back to the handsome Zoicite, or else he would
have seen for himself that she was in a pitiful, nervous
state.
She was frustrated at herself for being agitated at something so simple
like lying. It was the truth that she was no expert at it, but she hadn't
expected it would turn out to be like this!
"Yes, Cowain," she answered in a perfectly calm and controlled
voice, which contrasted greatly with her appearance: the flushed cheeks
and the worried eyes--not to mention she was either wringing her hands
or fidgeting with her small satchel, both of which she unconsciously
did every now and then. And then, as if urging herself to continue,
she cleared her throat before adding, "We spent the whole day there,
before reaching your camp."
She had to change the topic of their conversation. And quick. She was
already panicking, for crying out loud, and she kept worrying that she
just might slip...
And General Zoicite was not a man to trifle with such. There was no
telling if he would be able to find out. From her recent discussions
and conversations with him, she was able to tell that he was very keen
and intelligent. Well, he wouldn't be in his current position if he
weren't so, after all. A respected and formidable general at his age
was indeed impressive.
But what would she do if he found out?
She began racking her mind for anything that would steer the conversation
away from the current subject. It should be something related to the
duties they were carrying out, so it wouldn't be too noticeable that
she was being evasive.
...Of course!
"About Chiba-sama!" Ami triumphantly prompted aloud. As soon
as the words were out of her mouth, she realized that she might've sounded
a mite too anxious. So she cleared her throat and said, "I mean...well,
what I meant was, can you umm, tell me about Chiba Mamoru-sama, General?"
"...Nani?"
She took a deep breath. "The Prince. The man we are looking for.
Can you tell me about him?"
Zoicite shouldn't have been surprised. But then, she never did bring
up this subject until now. He wanted to ask her if there were any particular
reason why she wanted to know, but stopped himself in time, realizing
how stupid that was. Of course, she was involved in this situation as
much as they were! It was only natural that she should ask about the
man they were all searching for.
He opened his mouth to speak, but it was as if Ami were reading his
mind for she hastily added an explanation, "I'm just curious, that's
all.."
Zoicite thought for a moment, then smiled to himself. "Well,"
he started, "You could say that Mamoru-kun wasn't just some prince
we protected out of duty. Mamoru, Kunzite, Nephrite, Jadeite and I have
known each other since the early schoolroom days. We were all like brothers."
Ami almost sighed in relief. Her ploy apparently worked. And now it
seemed more like a good idea than ever since her interest was piqued
and she didn't have to pretend that she was truly curious.
So Chiba-sama and
the generals have all known each other for quite some time. That wasn't
really surprising, which was why she proceeded to ask him, "I suppose
you all had your combat-training under the same sensei as well, haven't
you?"
Zoicite chuckled softly. "Yes, actually. We were the best among
that old man's students," he said, with unmistakable pride in his
voice. "It's basically one of the main reasons why we became the
crowned prince's generals. There's also the fact that we were already
familiar with Mamoru; we treated him as a brother even before the task
was offered to us. The need to protect him was not governed by the sense
of duty. It was the strong bond, the long-time camaraderie, that did
it."
Ami was a bit uneasy at hearing that. Chiba-sama was obviously a very
dear comrade to all of them, for after all this time, they were still
looking for him. It has almost been a year since he was last seen. It
was as if they could feel that he was still alive...
Realization suddenly struck her. Could it really be...?
"We all feel that we will find him, even if it would take us a
long time..." Ami was startled by the soft murmur which escaped
from Zoicite's lips as it broke through her thoughts. She was also surprised,
because it was as if he were reading her mind, with those words of his...
Her knowledge...it was because she was Mercury. She was of the Silver
Millenium.
But how about them? Was it possible that they bore a connection?
These men couldn't have gained knowledge of it by any other way. And
yet, here they were, searching for Mamoru, even when he has been missing
for a long time, never losing hope. It was as if they could feel something
deep inside them, telling them that he was still alive and he needed
their help.
It could be a coincidence. And then again, it may not be. Either way,
she and the others cannot let their identities be known so early. Even
if they were truly the 'ones'...
"It seems you're deep in thought, Ami." Zoicite's voice broke
through her reverie once again. "I'm hurt that you've forgotten
all about me," he teased.
That brought out a becoming blush on Ami's cheeks. "Of c-course
not," she replied weakly. "I was just thinking..."
Something in her voice made him ask more seriously, "If it's not
too personal, would you care to share your thoughts with me?"
Ami felt a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I was thinking,"
she said, her voice soft, "about Chiba-sama..."
Zoicite frowned slightly, but urged her to continue. "Hmm? What
about?"
She hesitated for a moment. Then she shifted slightly in her seat, and
looked up to him. Her lips parted to speak, but nothing came out. Her
back was to him, yet his face was only inches away. She almost gasped
when she realized how close she was to him. Her eyes met with his and
suddenly, her senses were scattered as she gazed intently, transfixed
at the captivating shade of light-green. An unusual shade of green,
yet so beautiful... Very beautiful. Everything about his appearance
was perfect. From the golden locks and sharply chiseled features, to
the broad frame... It was a mistake to look at him when he was so close.
Ami shook her head slightly in confusion, not remembering what she was
supposed to say.
But she wasn't the only one. Zoicite stared back at her, taking in the
delicate features which were closer than ever. The brilliant sapphire
eyes... The rose-colored lips... He lost his train of thoughts the moment
his eyes came upon them. He tried to speak, in attempt to regain his
own scattered senses. "Ami..."
"Zoicite, I..." She faltered, but took a moment to gather
her wits and scold herself. As if caught staring at him like a dumbfound
simpleton wasn't embarassing enough. She lowered her gaze and cleared
her throat a bit, before continuing. "About Chiba-sama..."
It also took him a moment to snap completely to his senses. "What
about him, Ami?" he asked softly.
She smiled at him, in complete control of herself this time as she replied
resolutely, "We'll get him back."
"CODE 361308.
Searching..."
Ami waited patiently for the palm-held computer to grant her access
on the data she needed to scan the area. She had nothing better to do,
anyway. It was actually a bit difficult working atop the horse, but
she managed, although a bit unsteadily. General Zoicite was considerate
enough to slow the stallion's pace a little for the meantime, until
she could properly screen the area.
"Accessed CODE 361308. MAP: 360000; TYPE:E; RANGE: 500 KM..."
The computer prompted the data within seconds. Ami browsed distractedly
for a while, until she noticed that Tokyo was only a distance away.
It would probably only take less than another half hour to finally get
there and have decent rest. They've been travelling for more than three
and a half hours already, and so far they've only stopped twice for
a short break to refreshen themselves a little before continuing on
their way.
She continued scrolling down to the bottom of the map and took note
of several locations. Their original camp site's location was a long
way past from where they were now. From south. Head northeast. Ami proceeded
on a few calculations regarding their location, and created new documents
containing small information on their party. Thinking she didn't have
much data to record since she wasn't at all familiar with everyone yet,
she decided to save the work for later and assume the scanning of parts
of the area instead. Looking over the area on a closer look, she noticed
something...
'What's this?' Ami wondered to herself. 'I could've sworn I finished
listing more than half of the soldiers.' She was suddenly alarmed at
the number of yellow dots, the ones which indicated presence of unfamiliar
humans, rapidly appearing on screen. 'Something strange is going on
here. We can't be this many...'
Quickly, she zoomed in on the screen and let the computer analyze the
profiles. She gasped as it dawned to her who and what these people were,
lying there in ambush with their weapons at hand.
Turning to Zoicite, she said, "We need to talk with my friends
and the rest of the generals now!"
It was said in a low voice, yet full of urgency--it was all Zoicite
needed to gear up his stallion and catch up with the others. Nevertheless,
the demand itself was alarming enough to make him ask in concern even
in his haste, "What is wrong?"
Ami did not answer until Minako, Rei, Makoto and all of the generals
were within earshot. She eyed each of them, in such a way that her distress
was evident. The others noticed it, and were quick to react as they
looked at her in apprehension and leaned in closer to hear what she
had to say.
"We're surrounded by a horde of bandits," she started, as
she drew a shaky breath.
"Good lord," Minako mumbled in shock. Makoto, who was beside
her, whispered with growing panic, in her ear, "Do you know what
this means?"
Kunzite frowned, his confusion and alarm apparent. "When? How?"
Ami shook her head
before she continued. "They seem to have been waiting in ambush,
and we just walked in the middle of their trap." Her brows were
knitted in deep thought. "It's too late. We'd still be facing them
even if we try to turn back."
At that moment, an ear-piercing wail was heard. It was followed by the
confident roar of villains who lay in wait for their prey...
There wasn't even
enough time to fully understand Ami's news when suddenly they were surrounded
with the sounds of clashing swords, spears and daggers flying about.
Kunzite barely had time to shout out commands. Rei looked around her,
eyes wide, desperately trying to get a hold of herself. She did not
even notice Jadeite's arm tighten around her waist in a protective gesture,
as the general steered their horse to another direction. He had to kick
his way out of the thread of vicious attackers.
'I must calm down. I must calm down,' Rei chanted to herself. She could
feel the symbol on her forhead forming, the sudden rush of strength
along with it, and she grew frightened. 'I can't let them see me like
this.' Her hand shot up to cover her forhead and fumble with the piece
of tattered cotton cloth which was covering it. She closed her eyes
and tried to focus.
She was not afraid of defeat nor surrender, for it could never happen,
not when she and the rest of the inner senshi were present. What she
was afraid of, was that someone might see the inevitable transformation,
which she knew would soon occur.
'This meager army is outnumbered, and the very place is the opponents'
territory. We can hold out on our own, but how long can we keep it up
without blowing our cover to both parties?'
Rei opened her eyes, and found herself still atop the stallion, but
she and the rest of the girls were brought to the center of the circle
of soldiers, obviously being protected. Were the circumstances different,
she would have laughed at their gallantry. She glanced at her friends,
saw Minako trying to position her horse. Rei could see that her friend's
forehead was glowing faintly, not too noticeable, and realized that
Minako was already thinking of getting off the horse to help the others.
Ami was already on the ground, hands fisted at her sides and her eyes
searching through the jumble of defending soldiers. But Makoto...she
was nowhere in sight! Rei searched frantically for her missing friend,
but stopped herself abruptly.
Makoto must already be seeing to General Nephrite's back.
Rei's eyes widened, as she realized that Jadeite was gone from her side;
he was already outside the circle, fending off the remaining attackers
alongside his fellow generals. She closed her eyes as she fought for
momentary control of the churning powers deep within her. It was almost
possible...
'He must not be harmed.'
The burst of fire scorched the piece of cloth. It was not given a second
thought as it was quickly reduced to cinders.
Vision of flames danced within the violet eyes as it slowly opened.To
hell with mortals who dared interfere.
The symbol glowed brighter and more fiercely...
The symbol of Mars.
"What the--?"
The blow of the wooden staff swept her off her horse, and threw her
to the ground, flat on her back. It was a sudden move, and if it weren't
for quick reflexes and strong arms to take the impact, she would've
been knocked out cold. But it had certainly served its purpose in her
favor. Makoto was now on her feet, in a fighting stance, her senses
dangerously sharp. Without another thought, she whirled around to face
her attacker, delivered quick blows that had him on his knees, wrenched
in pain. Makoto grabbed the staff and delivered a final blow on the
head before turning around and taking on two more aggressors.
Absorbed was she in facing her opponents, that she had never noticed
the bright, greenish glow which escaped from the piece of cotton cloth
which was once wound around her head and was now torn off from it. Neither
was she aware of that familiar energy coursing through her entire body,
becoming more visible by the second, her fierce, emerald eyes reflecting
the sudden change and the symbol on her forehead glowing ominously.
Her attackers apparently took notice of it, stepping back warily, eyes
wide with terror. She wondered for a moment why they were visibly shaking,
and soon cursed herself loudly when she realized that she was already
emitting a powerful aura and was probably looking like the very devil
herself. She groaned inwardly. 'Great. They must think I'm one of those
cursed sorceresses who plagued them for sheer sadistic pleasure..' The
two turned to flee, but Makoto grabbed them from behind.
Consistently a quick job. Little pain. Those were a few of the better
things. Leaving her no time for second thoughts, and less burden on
her conscience.
She sighed as she dropped both lifeless bodies to the ground. She looked
around her and realized she was off from the cleared path. The few trees
around her might have offered cover, she observed with relief. Perhaps
no one had seen her after all. Ignoring the noise around her, she took
that opportunity to calm herself, should someone else see her in her
current state. After a few moments, she took a deep breath, and decided
to resume her looking for Nephrite. If she hadn't been knocked off her
horse, then she wouldn't be worrying about that scoundrel of a general.
She was about to turn and go back, when smoke drifted out from somewhere
to her location. She hadn't noticed it at first, but one whiff was all
it took to make her stop in her tracks.
She glanced back, and wondered worriedly what the smoke was all about.
Quickly, she approached the source and gasped as she was greeted with
the sight of flames...
Jadeite gritted
his teeth in frustration. Just how much more of them were there for
him to fight off before he was drained away of all his energy? They
were outnumbered, but even then, none of his men were being held back.
They were still fighting steadily. But for how long was it going to
last?
Once again, he raised his sword to strike. He brought it down hard upon
his opponent, and steel made painful contact with flesh. His opponent's
anguished cry died a few moments later, but Jadeite paid him no mind.
He stepped back gingerly, and surveyed his surroundings briefly, now
that no agressors were coming to challenge him. He sheathed his sword,
and wondered where Rei and her friends were, and if they were alright.
He turned around, his purpose to go back to check on the women, when
suddenly, a shout of warning came from one of the soldiers. He whirled
around quickly to see a spear aimed dangerously at him. And there was
nowhere to run for cover.
Too late. Jadeite realized his mistake--he shouldn't have sheathed his
sword. Now there was nothing to block the attack, except for his bare
arms. The man was too far for him to reach; yet his spear was near enough
to pierce its target accurately even when it would move away. It would
not be the deathblow, he knew that well, but the severe injury the spear
would likely do unto him would very well make him vulnerable for the
killing. There was still a chance one of his men would interfere, and
it was Jadeite's best hope.
He braced himself for the attack, but the scene which unraveled before
his very eyes, as quick as it was, held him spellbound. Jadeite watched
in awe as his enemy was shot by a rather powerful blow from behind,
making him stumble. But what was more astounding, was finding out that
it was no ordinary physical blow which had the man screaming in agony.
Fire. The man was being devoured by flames!
Jadeite continued to watch, unable to tear his eyes off the dying man.
He had seen many things in the battlefield, but none like this. Skin
slowly melting... face deforming... and such agonized cries told of
his unimaginable, excruciating pain.
How the hell did that happen? He turned away from the charred corpse
which lay near, his eyes searching... Searching for what? He didn't
even know where it came from!
The man was trembling
so much in fright, his tears flowing copiously past his cheeks. He shut
his eyes, too afraid of all that he was seeing. His friends who were
fighting with him by his side fell down one by one, but the last one
who was fighting from afar was the worst. That one had suffered a horrifying
death. Nothing could've prepared him for what he had just witnessed.
He couldn't take it.
But she would have none of it. Turning her attention back to the man
whose collars she was clutching at threateningly, she pinned him to
the ground hard and growled at his face, "Did you see what happened?"
The man was still too frightened to answer. "Look at me when I
speak to you!" she commanded harshly. At that, he forced his eyes
to open, and found himself staring at the most piercing violet orbs
he had ever laid eyes on.
"Answer me," she hissed, her eyes narrowing. "Did you
see what happened?"
The man choked on
a sob before he nodded. "Very well," she said. "What
is your name?"
"O-okui Hir-roki!"
"Well, Mister Okui, what you saw was a colorful display of my temper.
A very good example of what happens when I am slightly riled. Would
you want me to do the same to you?"
Okui's answer came out in frightened whimper. She laughed coldly, making
the hair at the back of his neck rise. "I didn't think so. Then
know this, Okui. I do not appreciate being ambushed. I will give you
ten minutes. Gather who you can among your men and retreat. I don't
care how you do it, but I want it accomplished within ten minutes. No
one must know what has happened here, save you and your men. You don't
know me, you have never seen me. This did not happen. Do I make myself
clear?"
Okui nodded once again. "Good," she said. "But mark my
words, Okui. I will know if you did otherwise. And when that happens..."
Beads of sweat trickled down his forhead.
"...You shall have a taste of my wrath."
Rei released her hold on him, and stood up slowly. She walked away without
another word.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Thank goodness, that was over!" cried Minako. She shook her
head sadly, her long braid swaying gently behind her back. "I can't
believe that happened. I should've thought of something earlier."
"Minako-chan, don't worry about it too much," Ami told her
friend softly. "Don't bring this upon yourself; you didn't do anything
wrong!"
"But someone could've seen! And then what?"
"It happened to all of us," Rei sighed. "We had no power
over it."
"Rei-chan is right," Makoto said. "What's done is done.
Let's face it, we have no control over our powers, until we..."
"...find Serenity and free her," Minako finished in a whisper.
She stood up. So did the rest of them. "You're guys are right.
At least no one was seriously hurt. They never really had a chance,
even if it was an ambush." She sighed. "Let's just go."
Everyone else followed her to join the rest of their party.
"By the way, minna," started Ami. "I have to talk
to you about some important things."
Minako nodded. "Me too, but let's wait 'til we reach the inn we'll
be staying in tonight."
"Of course," replied Ami. She understood. "We'll all
be in one room, won't we?"
"Yep, four of us in the master suite--"
"Thank the gods!" Makoto cried out, very much delighted. "We
won't have to spend the night with the generals!"
"We won't have to unless we're camping out. I already told you
that, didn't I?"
"Yeah, but don't mind me," Makoto replied, grinning at her
friends as they walked past her. "I'm just happy about it."
She reached for her horse's reins, ready to mount.
She didn't count on a pair of strong arms which pulled her off her horse,
and hauled her by the waist. "Hey!" She cried out in surprise.
She looked up at her offender and scowled. "Nephrite! What is the
meaning of this?" She asked him indignantly.
"You're riding with me," the auburn-haired general answered
shortly. He walked casually to the location of his own horse, carrying
Makoto as easy as could be.
"And why's that?"
"I will not have you risk your neck again while you're under my
charge, Makoto."
"Put me down this instant, you big oaf!"
"No."
"B-but--ooff!" Makoto glared at Nephrite as she was cut off
in the middle of her protest. Heaving deeply, she managed to hiss out,
"Squeezing the life out of me for what, may I ask?"
"To shut you up of course," he replied. At Makoto's outraged
gasp, he grinned. He couldn't help but add, just to annoy her, "Because
you talk too much, woman!" He plopped her rather roughly atop his
stallion--which gained him another scowl--and mounted as well, right
behind her.
"What about Miyamoto-san's mare?"
"He'll take care of that." Nephrite glanced back, whistled
and gestured to Kenji to take the mare. The soldier nodded and did as
asked. "See?"
Makoto merely glared at him. "You have no right to just grab me
and drag me to wherever you want, you know. Oh, I could just scream
your head off!"
He had the gall to laugh at her. "And what? Make a spectacle of
yourself as you're already doing?"
Hearing that, she whirled around to face the others, and flushed scarlet
at the sight that greeted her. She saw Kenji and the other soldiers
staring at the two of them, some of them pretending to cough, hiding
their smiles of amusement. Ami and Minako were simply staring, blushing
slightly, while Rei was struggling to contain her own laughter.
Seeing all these, she forced a weak smile of assurance. Damn him. This
was all his fault. Still keeping her gaze forward, and the smile pasted
on her face, she told him, "You are the most rude and irritating
man I have ever known, do you know that?"
His smile widened. "Why, thank you. For you, darling, I most certainly
try."
"I am not your darling!"
"Well, I should hope not," he retorted.
She remained quiet after that, choosing to ignore him. Did he enjoy
exasperating her every time? And what gall, she thought to herself,
treating her like that with just a day's acquaintance! She fumed. What
she would give to get even with him!
Rei watched amusedly as each scene unfolded. The furious expression
on Makoto's face was priceless, but she dared not laugh aloud. Her friend
would not appreciate humor right now, but if she could only see herself!
She shook her head, and hid the smile tugging at the corners of her
mouth. But as she glanced at Jadeite over her shoulder, her smile faded
a little.
General Jadeite looked like he was deep in thought, a frown on his handsome
face. Could he be thinking of what happened back then during the bandits'
attack?
She hadn't really given it much thought. She wasn't herself during that
time, after all, but now she understood how Minako felt. She gave out
a small, inaudible sigh, hoping that the general would come up with
a rational explanation for what he had witnessed earlier.
Suddenly, a low, female laugh broke through her thoughts. Rei straightened
up, startled by the sound. 'Who was that?'
She looked around her. Nothing seemed different. No one seemed a bit
alarmed, as if they didn't even hear anything. Not even her friends.
Now 'that' was a disturbing observation.
There it was again, that husky, female laugh. And it sounded mocking.
Rei looked around her again, confused. Who was that? And was she the
only one who could hear?
"Is something wrong?"
Her attention was brought back to General Jadeite as he asked her that
question. She tried to smile as she assured him, "No, everything's
fine. Don't worry about me."
Jadeite nodded in response, and bothered her no more. But try as she
might, she couldn't shake the strange feeling that mysterious laugh
had caused...
The hooded figure
remained hidden among the trees, and watched as they rode past. Her
bright, silver orbs glinted in the dimness of the forest, just as it
did before, when she was observing her fight.
She stood there for a moment, still silent. When they were gone, her
lips parted in a sly smile.
'Most impressive, princess. I am quite certain our paths shall cross
again. Destiny shall find its way...'
She walked away slowly, lowering the hood to completely cover her eyes.
'I shall be waiting eagerly for that time to come...'
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