Disclaimer: I do not own or have any title, interest or right in either
Gundam Wing or Sailor Moon. This fanfiction is not being used for
commercial purposes. I own all other rights (to the extent legally
permissible) in connection with this writing.
* * * * *
The soft chirping of crickets floated through the night air. Slivers of moonlight pierced the cloudy skies and dimly illuminated the open grasslands. Wufei sat quietly against a tree at the outskirts of the forest, his dark eyes scanning the horizon. He had been on his watch for several hours, and decided that he would wait for another few hours before retiring.
The young knight picked himself up and took the opportunity to stretch.
Wufei noticed some movement in the distance. His right hand automatically went to the pommel of his long sword. The movement slowly resolved itself into three riders on horseback.
As they drew closer, he recognized Princess Makoto and Sir Yuuichirou. Wufei noted that they were accompanied by a stranger.
"Who is he?" Wufei demanded, pointing at the tall mean seated on the rust- colored stallion.
"His name is Trowa Barton. He saved me and Yuuichirou from those horsemen," Makoto told him. "He's journeying south as well and was hoping to accompany us."
Wufei continued to cast a suspicious eye at the stranger.
"I don't think that's possible," Wufei stated stiffly.
"Why not?" Princess Makoto demanded.
Wufei glared at her. "May I have a word with you alone, your highness?"
Makoto glanced at Trowa. The tall, young man seemed indifferent to the entire matter.
"Of course," Makoto nodded, expertly dismounting from her horse.
Wufei walked several yards away and motioned for Makoto to join him.
"What do you want to talk about, Sir Wufei?" Makoto asked, as she reached the young knight.
Wufei frowned. "How much does this stranger know about our mission?"
"Nothing," Makoto replied.
"Why does he want to accompany us to the south?" Wufei demanded.
Makoto shrugged, glancing back at Trowa. "He's a simple minstrel. I think he would like to travel in a large group..."
"We can't take him with us," Wufei interrupted angrily. "We need to keep our mission a secret. We don't know who is our enemy! He could be one of them! We can't have him travel with us."
"But..." Makoto began.
"Why are you so interested in defending him?" Wufei snapped in irritation.
Makoto flushed and looked away.
"It's just that..." her voice trailed off.
"Don't let your emotions interfere with our mission," Wufei hissed.
Makoto stared at him and she clenched her fist.
"WUFEI!" Yuuichirou called out. "I think I see Heero!"
Wufei spun around and saw Heero riding towards them with Princess Rei lying limply in his arms. He immediately knew that something was wrong.
"We'll finish this conversation later," Wufei growled at Makoto.
Wufei sprinted off to meet the other young knight.
* * * * *
Minako sat quietly in front of the warmth of the fireplace. The small fireplace was part of the rest area located away from the entrance of the Crown Inn. The other patrons of the inn had retired for the night, leaving the young princess alone in front of the dying fire.
She considered adding another log to the flame, when she heard soft footsteps pad into the room. Minako glanced over her shoulder.
"You're up late," Duo observed with a smirk. "Can't sleep?"
"Not really," Minako admitted. "Shouldn't you be asleep?"
Duo shook his head and sat down next to Minako.
"I'm not allowed to sleep. I'm here to protect you!" Duo informed her.
"Are you always this gallant?" Minako mused with a small smile on her face.
"Only for a beautiful maiden," he responded with a wink.
"Is that your response for everything?" Minako asked, raising her eyebrows.
"Well, I can't seem to help myself. After all, you are the most beautiful vision I have ever had the fortune to come across...like an angel dancing among mere mortals."
"Such honey-coated words!" Minako laughed. "I'm not sure if I can take you seriously."
Duo pulled himself close to her, so that he was mere inches from her face. His handsome face had undergone a complete transformation. His smile and lighthearted expression had disappeared. She found herself staring into the passionate eyes of an almost completely different man.
"I am serious, your highness," he told her in a quiet voice.
Minako could feel her heart fluttering rapidly. Duo continued to move in closer, but she couldn't move back without falling out of her seat. Her mind was a confused whirlwind and she was having trouble forming any coherent thoughts.
Duo whispered to her. "Do you not believe my words? Then, perhaps you can believe in this..."
He leaned forward and his lips drew close to hers.
Minako felt her resistance breaking down as he came close. Her mind was still racing aimlessly until a memory surfaced to the front. The memory of those fateful words that still haunted her: "...for all eternity...you will never know true love..."
"No!" she gasped, pushing him away before their lips could meet.
Duo pulled back in astonishment and a hurt look briefly crossed his face.
"I am sorry for my behavior, your highness," Duo mumbled, looking away.
Minako looked to the ground, trying to catch her breath. "Sir Duo, we still have a mission to save Princess Usagi..."
"I understand," he stated softly. Duo stood up. "I'll leave you alone, your highness."
"Sir Duo..." Minako began.
Suddenly, the front doors to the Crown Inn burst open and several figures hurried inside. Duo's hand went automatically to his sword.
Minako's eyes widened when she recognized the familiar faces. She smiled happily when she saw Princess Makoto enter the room with Sir Wufei and Sir Yuuichirou. But her happiness quickly evaporated when she saw Heero enter with the motionless body of Princess Rei in his arms
* * * * *
Quatre quietly entered his bedchamber and shut the room behind him. The discussions with his father and Lord General Zoisite had lasted long into the night. The young prince was completely exhausted from both the discussions and his long travel.
The blond youth decided that it would be too much trouble to change and simply slid underneath the silk sheets of his bed. Quatre closed his eyes and he quickly drifted off into a quiet slumber.
Various images wandered through his sleep-filled mind. The prince saw the sadness and disappointment on his father's stern face. Quatre was also haunted by the specters of the women and children who died at the hands of Lord General Zoisite's men. Quatre's sleep grew increasingly turbulent, until a single vision soothed his spirit.
Quatre saw the gentle face of a young woman with dark, blue hair. She had kind eyes and a wonderful smile. It was this vision of Princess Mizuno Ami that washed away the despair that assaulted his heart. It was her smile that brought a calming presence into his troubled soul.
The sleeping young prince was oblivious to the solitary figure standing in the darkness on the balcony. The intruder was staring intently at the images flashing deep within a dark crystal floating in his hands. His intense green eyes widened as something in particular drew his interest.
"I see," murmured Lord General Zoisite. "Such a beautiful dream..."
* * * * *
Ami's eyes widened in alarm.
Sir Heero and the others had arrived with an unconscious Princess Rei. The young knight had carefully placed the raven-haired princess upon a bed in Ami's room. Heero and the others huddled anxiously around the bed when Ami had examined Rei's nearly lifeless body.
But there were no visible wounds or traces of any poison. Ami had studied various texts on the art of healing, but none of them had covered this type of injury. But as she continued to examine Rei, she felt an unusual and disturbing sensation.
"Can you tell what happened to Rei?" Minako asked anxiously. "Did something attack her? Or is she sick?"
"I can't figure out what's wrong with her," Ami stated sadly. "But her life is quickly fading away. Even now, her pulse and breathing was much weaker than when you had brought her in."
"Let's call for a healer," Heero grunted. He began to head out the door.
"That won't help you," a soft tenor spoke out.
All eyes in the room focused on the tall, young man standing quietly in the back of the room. Trowa Barton seemed oblivious to the stares that he was receiving from the others.
Heero marched up to Trowa and grabbed him roughly by the front of the tunic.
"What do you mean by that?" Heero demanded, a distinct hint of anger and desperation in his voice.
Trowa seemed unruffled by Heero's actions.
"Her condition is not a physical injury or illness," Trowa replied evenly. His dark, emerald eyes stared back at Heero.
"And how do you know this?" Heero snarled.
"I can tell," Trowa answered simply. "I can also save her life."
Heero loosened his grip on Trowa tunic. "You can save her...?"
"Can we even trust this stranger?" Wufei demanded, his voice incredulous.
Heero turned around and glared at Wufei. "Do you have any better suggestions?" Heero shot back.
Wufei was about to speak, but he was interrupted.
"I will vouch for him," Makoto announced. "Let him help her..."
Heero cast a suspicious eye at Princess Makoto. The brunette stared defiantly at Heero and any others in the room that would dare contradict her. The young knight released his hold of Trowa's tunic.
Heero stepped back for a moment and regarded the tall stranger. "If you cause any harm to her...I will kill you," Heero promised.
Trowa did not flinch at the threat. He simply folded his arms and scanned the room.
"There are too many people here," Trowa observed. "I can't help her unless the others leave."
"I am staying," Heero stated in a level voice.
Trowa shrugged. "If you wish to risk your life...so be it."
Heero paused to consider the statement. He turned to look at the others in the room.
"I want everyone else to leave for now. I will stand guard in here," Heero told them.
The others exchanged looks of concern, but quietly shuffled out of the room without protest.
Heero's cobalt blue eyes were fixed on Trowa's every moment.
The tall, young man walked carefully up to the prone body of Princess Rei. Trowa closed his eyes and seemed to enter a deep trance. His breathing grew noticeably slower and more deep. Eventually, it almost appeared that both Princess Rei and this mysterious stranger were breathing to the same rhythm.
Trowa lifted both his hands and raised them above her body. He stretched open his palms and began to quietly murmur strange words. A faint crimson glow seemed to surround the young man.
Rei's body jerked and convulsed involuntarily. Heero's hand flew to his sword and he considered drawing his weapon. But something happened before he could unsheathe his blade.
A dark shadow burst out from Rei's chest and immediately appeared to be sucked into Trowa's waiting hands. Trowa stumbled backwards in considerable pain.
Heero turned to look at the young princess. The knight was visibly shocked to see that the color seemed to have returned to her face and her breathing seemed regular. Princess Rei now appeared to be resting easily.
"It is done," Trowa choked, as he stumbled out the door.
* * * * *
A young man strolled down the darkened alleyways of the town of Leunire. His wavy, red hair glistened beneath the sparse moonlight. With a smirk on his face, he cruised the back streets for unwary victims.
Rubeus usually took money, but sometimes he would take the life of his victims for sport. Well, it usually wasn't much of a sport. His victims were usually either in a drunken stupor or those much weaker than himself. But he did take delight in seeing others suffer.
The sounds of uneven footsteps caught the young robber's attention. It was usually the cue for a foolishly inebriated bar patron to stumble into Rubeus' hands. He slipped into the shadows, with his hand on the curved dagger at his belt.
With predatory eyes, he watched as a tall, slender young man stumble down the alley. Rubeus watched as the other man seemed to clutch his chest in pain and would occasionally stumble. The stranger's face was partially covered with long, brown hair.
Rubeus could tell that this man was in no condition to fight. With this realization, the robber stepped out of the shadows with some confidence.
"It's dangerous to be out here alone in the dark," the red-headed robber sneered.
The other young man grimaced and leaned against the wall for support. Dark green eyes stared at the robber.
"Perhaps your purse is too heavy!" Rubeus laughed. "It may be easier for you to walk if you gave me all your coin."
The stranger continued to study Rubeus with his emerald eyes. Rubeus began to feel somewhat disconcerted by the lack of reaction from this potential victim.
"Give me your money or die!" Rubeus snarled. He was done playing games. There was something extremely unsettling about the young man before him. Rubeus drew his dagger and marched towards the other man.
"Your bitter childhood does not excuse your past crimes," the stranger told him in a soft tenor. "But I am sorry."
"What the hell do you know about me!" roared Rubeus. "I don't need your sympathy! I will take your life."
"I am sorry that I have to do this," the stranger apologized.
The brown-haired man raised his hand. A dark shadow shot out of the man's hand and plunged into Rubeus' chest. The young robber's body shuddered as he felt his life being drained away. Rubeus collapsed to the ground in shock.
How could this have happened, he cried silently to himself. Rubeus stared numbly as the stranger seemed to miraculously recover from his pain.
The mysterious stranger stepped closer and drew a slender sword. It was the last thing that Rubeus ever saw.
* * * * *
Rei slowly cracked open her eyes. The raven-haired princess found herself lying comfortably in a warm bed in an unfamiliar room. Her head and body still ached. Rei carefully pulled her body into a sitting position.
A sleeping Princess Minako was resting her head on the bed. Minako was sitting awkwardly on a stool next to the bed, but she somehow was able to sleep peacefully. A small smile crept across Rei's face.
Rei's movements caused Minako to stir. Minako's eyes flashed open.
"Rei!" Minako cried out happily. "You're awake!"
Rei put a hand to her head. The memories of her battle with Lord General Jadeite came rushing back. The last thing she remembered was passing out after making one last ditch effort to defend herself.
"What happened?" Rei inquired in a soft voice. Her violet eyes scanned the unfamiliar room. "Where are we?"
Minako's smile turned into a sly grin. "Your knight in shining armor saved you," Minako informed her.
"What?" Rei asked, still trying to clear her head.
Minako sat up on the bed. "Sir Heero found you lying unconscious on the floor. It looked like you had suffered some type of injury or illness. Heero looked very concerned over your health...it was so touching!"
Rei raised an eyebrow. "Let's not try to read too much into that..."
"Afraid?" Minako smirked playfully.
"Afraid of what?" Rei demanded, as her head was beginning to clear.
"Afraid to lose your heart to a gallant knight?" Minako teased.
"Hardly," Rei replied, turning away. "Men are unreliable and can't be trusted."
"Even someone like Sir Heero?" Minako pressed.
"Where are we?" Rei asked, quickly changing the subject.
Minako briefly regarded Rei with some amusement. "We're in a small inn located in the town of Leunire. Everyone arrived here safely. But..."
Rei looked at the blond princess. Minako's face seemed to be somewhat troubled.
"What's wrong?" Rei asked.
"Do you remember that minstrel that we met on the day of the tournament for the knights?" Minako queried in a hesitant voice.
Rei nodded.
"Makoto and Yuuichirou encountered him in the forest," Minako said.
"That minstrel? What's he doing down here?"
"I'm not sure. But did save Makoto and Yuuichirou from those horsemen. And he also saved your life," Minako stated in a solemn voice.
Rei arched an eyebrow. She clearly recalled that the Lord General Jadeite's attack had been magical in nature, and was not a physical injury that any healer, much less a minstrel, could treat. Her suspicion was aroused.
"How did he accomplish that?" Rei asked quietly.
Minako shook her head. "Sir Heero was the only one in the room at the time. And he won't tell any of us. Sir Heero tried to stay up and watch over you all night, but we convinced him to get some rest."
Rei slid out of bed. Minako hopped up and raced over to Rei.
"You shouldn't be getting out of bed," Minako scolded gently. "You're still recovering. Don't worry about a thing, I'll take care of you. I can go get you some food and..."
"I'm feeling fine, Minako," Rei reassured the anxious blond. "But I really need to talk to the others. We don't have much time to save Princess Usagi. I can sense her life fading away..."
Minako considered Rei's words for a moment. Reluctantly, Minako nodded in agreement.
When the door to the room was opened, Rei detected a familiar, beautiful fragrance.
She glanced at the floor. Rei was astonished to find several lovely Casablanca lilies at her feet.
* * * * *
Author's Responses/Comments to Reviews:
Hotaru Yuy - Thanks for all your reviews! Don't worry, Quatre becomes more involved with the plot in the upcoming chapters. I apologize if it seems kind of disjointed.
Sadie Joyce - Myst Lady - I'm happy to hear that you like the Duo/Minako scenes. Yes, Wufei was married (Episode Zero manga), and his poor wife died trying to protect their colony. I'm really glad that you like my fanfiction, though I'm not sure if I deserve a reward (but I'm still grinning ear to ear with the compliment). I hope you get over your writer's block soon!
Kaiya - Hmm...I guess it'll be one or more chapters before I answer your question about the reason why they want to eliminate Rei. :) I'm glad you love to love Zoisite. He will get a decent amount of time in my story.
Water Angel - Thanks for your wonderful review and compliment! I really don't think that I'm gifted, but I'm very, very flattered (I still think I have an extra spring in my step from that compliment). I really do try to make an effort to keep a good balance of drama, humor and suspense. Thanks again.
cloverangel42 - Yes, Quatre will play a bigger role in upcoming chapters. I'm glad that you noticed the way Zoisite was set against Quatre. This chapter offered a little hint as to what will happen in the next chapter or two. Hope you liked it!
suisei no mitsukai - I'm really happy that you like my story! It's actually quite fun trying to integrate characters from two different series. :)
thescientist - Thanks for your review! It actually was the manga that inspired that whole Rei/Jadeite scene. I'm still trying to figure out whether (and how) I should integrate Nephrite and Kunzite.
* * * * *
The soft chirping of crickets floated through the night air. Slivers of moonlight pierced the cloudy skies and dimly illuminated the open grasslands. Wufei sat quietly against a tree at the outskirts of the forest, his dark eyes scanning the horizon. He had been on his watch for several hours, and decided that he would wait for another few hours before retiring.
The young knight picked himself up and took the opportunity to stretch.
Wufei noticed some movement in the distance. His right hand automatically went to the pommel of his long sword. The movement slowly resolved itself into three riders on horseback.
As they drew closer, he recognized Princess Makoto and Sir Yuuichirou. Wufei noted that they were accompanied by a stranger.
"Who is he?" Wufei demanded, pointing at the tall mean seated on the rust- colored stallion.
"His name is Trowa Barton. He saved me and Yuuichirou from those horsemen," Makoto told him. "He's journeying south as well and was hoping to accompany us."
Wufei continued to cast a suspicious eye at the stranger.
"I don't think that's possible," Wufei stated stiffly.
"Why not?" Princess Makoto demanded.
Wufei glared at her. "May I have a word with you alone, your highness?"
Makoto glanced at Trowa. The tall, young man seemed indifferent to the entire matter.
"Of course," Makoto nodded, expertly dismounting from her horse.
Wufei walked several yards away and motioned for Makoto to join him.
"What do you want to talk about, Sir Wufei?" Makoto asked, as she reached the young knight.
Wufei frowned. "How much does this stranger know about our mission?"
"Nothing," Makoto replied.
"Why does he want to accompany us to the south?" Wufei demanded.
Makoto shrugged, glancing back at Trowa. "He's a simple minstrel. I think he would like to travel in a large group..."
"We can't take him with us," Wufei interrupted angrily. "We need to keep our mission a secret. We don't know who is our enemy! He could be one of them! We can't have him travel with us."
"But..." Makoto began.
"Why are you so interested in defending him?" Wufei snapped in irritation.
Makoto flushed and looked away.
"It's just that..." her voice trailed off.
"Don't let your emotions interfere with our mission," Wufei hissed.
Makoto stared at him and she clenched her fist.
"WUFEI!" Yuuichirou called out. "I think I see Heero!"
Wufei spun around and saw Heero riding towards them with Princess Rei lying limply in his arms. He immediately knew that something was wrong.
"We'll finish this conversation later," Wufei growled at Makoto.
Wufei sprinted off to meet the other young knight.
* * * * *
Minako sat quietly in front of the warmth of the fireplace. The small fireplace was part of the rest area located away from the entrance of the Crown Inn. The other patrons of the inn had retired for the night, leaving the young princess alone in front of the dying fire.
She considered adding another log to the flame, when she heard soft footsteps pad into the room. Minako glanced over her shoulder.
"You're up late," Duo observed with a smirk. "Can't sleep?"
"Not really," Minako admitted. "Shouldn't you be asleep?"
Duo shook his head and sat down next to Minako.
"I'm not allowed to sleep. I'm here to protect you!" Duo informed her.
"Are you always this gallant?" Minako mused with a small smile on her face.
"Only for a beautiful maiden," he responded with a wink.
"Is that your response for everything?" Minako asked, raising her eyebrows.
"Well, I can't seem to help myself. After all, you are the most beautiful vision I have ever had the fortune to come across...like an angel dancing among mere mortals."
"Such honey-coated words!" Minako laughed. "I'm not sure if I can take you seriously."
Duo pulled himself close to her, so that he was mere inches from her face. His handsome face had undergone a complete transformation. His smile and lighthearted expression had disappeared. She found herself staring into the passionate eyes of an almost completely different man.
"I am serious, your highness," he told her in a quiet voice.
Minako could feel her heart fluttering rapidly. Duo continued to move in closer, but she couldn't move back without falling out of her seat. Her mind was a confused whirlwind and she was having trouble forming any coherent thoughts.
Duo whispered to her. "Do you not believe my words? Then, perhaps you can believe in this..."
He leaned forward and his lips drew close to hers.
Minako felt her resistance breaking down as he came close. Her mind was still racing aimlessly until a memory surfaced to the front. The memory of those fateful words that still haunted her: "...for all eternity...you will never know true love..."
"No!" she gasped, pushing him away before their lips could meet.
Duo pulled back in astonishment and a hurt look briefly crossed his face.
"I am sorry for my behavior, your highness," Duo mumbled, looking away.
Minako looked to the ground, trying to catch her breath. "Sir Duo, we still have a mission to save Princess Usagi..."
"I understand," he stated softly. Duo stood up. "I'll leave you alone, your highness."
"Sir Duo..." Minako began.
Suddenly, the front doors to the Crown Inn burst open and several figures hurried inside. Duo's hand went automatically to his sword.
Minako's eyes widened when she recognized the familiar faces. She smiled happily when she saw Princess Makoto enter the room with Sir Wufei and Sir Yuuichirou. But her happiness quickly evaporated when she saw Heero enter with the motionless body of Princess Rei in his arms
* * * * *
Quatre quietly entered his bedchamber and shut the room behind him. The discussions with his father and Lord General Zoisite had lasted long into the night. The young prince was completely exhausted from both the discussions and his long travel.
The blond youth decided that it would be too much trouble to change and simply slid underneath the silk sheets of his bed. Quatre closed his eyes and he quickly drifted off into a quiet slumber.
Various images wandered through his sleep-filled mind. The prince saw the sadness and disappointment on his father's stern face. Quatre was also haunted by the specters of the women and children who died at the hands of Lord General Zoisite's men. Quatre's sleep grew increasingly turbulent, until a single vision soothed his spirit.
Quatre saw the gentle face of a young woman with dark, blue hair. She had kind eyes and a wonderful smile. It was this vision of Princess Mizuno Ami that washed away the despair that assaulted his heart. It was her smile that brought a calming presence into his troubled soul.
The sleeping young prince was oblivious to the solitary figure standing in the darkness on the balcony. The intruder was staring intently at the images flashing deep within a dark crystal floating in his hands. His intense green eyes widened as something in particular drew his interest.
"I see," murmured Lord General Zoisite. "Such a beautiful dream..."
* * * * *
Ami's eyes widened in alarm.
Sir Heero and the others had arrived with an unconscious Princess Rei. The young knight had carefully placed the raven-haired princess upon a bed in Ami's room. Heero and the others huddled anxiously around the bed when Ami had examined Rei's nearly lifeless body.
But there were no visible wounds or traces of any poison. Ami had studied various texts on the art of healing, but none of them had covered this type of injury. But as she continued to examine Rei, she felt an unusual and disturbing sensation.
"Can you tell what happened to Rei?" Minako asked anxiously. "Did something attack her? Or is she sick?"
"I can't figure out what's wrong with her," Ami stated sadly. "But her life is quickly fading away. Even now, her pulse and breathing was much weaker than when you had brought her in."
"Let's call for a healer," Heero grunted. He began to head out the door.
"That won't help you," a soft tenor spoke out.
All eyes in the room focused on the tall, young man standing quietly in the back of the room. Trowa Barton seemed oblivious to the stares that he was receiving from the others.
Heero marched up to Trowa and grabbed him roughly by the front of the tunic.
"What do you mean by that?" Heero demanded, a distinct hint of anger and desperation in his voice.
Trowa seemed unruffled by Heero's actions.
"Her condition is not a physical injury or illness," Trowa replied evenly. His dark, emerald eyes stared back at Heero.
"And how do you know this?" Heero snarled.
"I can tell," Trowa answered simply. "I can also save her life."
Heero loosened his grip on Trowa tunic. "You can save her...?"
"Can we even trust this stranger?" Wufei demanded, his voice incredulous.
Heero turned around and glared at Wufei. "Do you have any better suggestions?" Heero shot back.
Wufei was about to speak, but he was interrupted.
"I will vouch for him," Makoto announced. "Let him help her..."
Heero cast a suspicious eye at Princess Makoto. The brunette stared defiantly at Heero and any others in the room that would dare contradict her. The young knight released his hold of Trowa's tunic.
Heero stepped back for a moment and regarded the tall stranger. "If you cause any harm to her...I will kill you," Heero promised.
Trowa did not flinch at the threat. He simply folded his arms and scanned the room.
"There are too many people here," Trowa observed. "I can't help her unless the others leave."
"I am staying," Heero stated in a level voice.
Trowa shrugged. "If you wish to risk your life...so be it."
Heero paused to consider the statement. He turned to look at the others in the room.
"I want everyone else to leave for now. I will stand guard in here," Heero told them.
The others exchanged looks of concern, but quietly shuffled out of the room without protest.
Heero's cobalt blue eyes were fixed on Trowa's every moment.
The tall, young man walked carefully up to the prone body of Princess Rei. Trowa closed his eyes and seemed to enter a deep trance. His breathing grew noticeably slower and more deep. Eventually, it almost appeared that both Princess Rei and this mysterious stranger were breathing to the same rhythm.
Trowa lifted both his hands and raised them above her body. He stretched open his palms and began to quietly murmur strange words. A faint crimson glow seemed to surround the young man.
Rei's body jerked and convulsed involuntarily. Heero's hand flew to his sword and he considered drawing his weapon. But something happened before he could unsheathe his blade.
A dark shadow burst out from Rei's chest and immediately appeared to be sucked into Trowa's waiting hands. Trowa stumbled backwards in considerable pain.
Heero turned to look at the young princess. The knight was visibly shocked to see that the color seemed to have returned to her face and her breathing seemed regular. Princess Rei now appeared to be resting easily.
"It is done," Trowa choked, as he stumbled out the door.
* * * * *
A young man strolled down the darkened alleyways of the town of Leunire. His wavy, red hair glistened beneath the sparse moonlight. With a smirk on his face, he cruised the back streets for unwary victims.
Rubeus usually took money, but sometimes he would take the life of his victims for sport. Well, it usually wasn't much of a sport. His victims were usually either in a drunken stupor or those much weaker than himself. But he did take delight in seeing others suffer.
The sounds of uneven footsteps caught the young robber's attention. It was usually the cue for a foolishly inebriated bar patron to stumble into Rubeus' hands. He slipped into the shadows, with his hand on the curved dagger at his belt.
With predatory eyes, he watched as a tall, slender young man stumble down the alley. Rubeus watched as the other man seemed to clutch his chest in pain and would occasionally stumble. The stranger's face was partially covered with long, brown hair.
Rubeus could tell that this man was in no condition to fight. With this realization, the robber stepped out of the shadows with some confidence.
"It's dangerous to be out here alone in the dark," the red-headed robber sneered.
The other young man grimaced and leaned against the wall for support. Dark green eyes stared at the robber.
"Perhaps your purse is too heavy!" Rubeus laughed. "It may be easier for you to walk if you gave me all your coin."
The stranger continued to study Rubeus with his emerald eyes. Rubeus began to feel somewhat disconcerted by the lack of reaction from this potential victim.
"Give me your money or die!" Rubeus snarled. He was done playing games. There was something extremely unsettling about the young man before him. Rubeus drew his dagger and marched towards the other man.
"Your bitter childhood does not excuse your past crimes," the stranger told him in a soft tenor. "But I am sorry."
"What the hell do you know about me!" roared Rubeus. "I don't need your sympathy! I will take your life."
"I am sorry that I have to do this," the stranger apologized.
The brown-haired man raised his hand. A dark shadow shot out of the man's hand and plunged into Rubeus' chest. The young robber's body shuddered as he felt his life being drained away. Rubeus collapsed to the ground in shock.
How could this have happened, he cried silently to himself. Rubeus stared numbly as the stranger seemed to miraculously recover from his pain.
The mysterious stranger stepped closer and drew a slender sword. It was the last thing that Rubeus ever saw.
* * * * *
Rei slowly cracked open her eyes. The raven-haired princess found herself lying comfortably in a warm bed in an unfamiliar room. Her head and body still ached. Rei carefully pulled her body into a sitting position.
A sleeping Princess Minako was resting her head on the bed. Minako was sitting awkwardly on a stool next to the bed, but she somehow was able to sleep peacefully. A small smile crept across Rei's face.
Rei's movements caused Minako to stir. Minako's eyes flashed open.
"Rei!" Minako cried out happily. "You're awake!"
Rei put a hand to her head. The memories of her battle with Lord General Jadeite came rushing back. The last thing she remembered was passing out after making one last ditch effort to defend herself.
"What happened?" Rei inquired in a soft voice. Her violet eyes scanned the unfamiliar room. "Where are we?"
Minako's smile turned into a sly grin. "Your knight in shining armor saved you," Minako informed her.
"What?" Rei asked, still trying to clear her head.
Minako sat up on the bed. "Sir Heero found you lying unconscious on the floor. It looked like you had suffered some type of injury or illness. Heero looked very concerned over your health...it was so touching!"
Rei raised an eyebrow. "Let's not try to read too much into that..."
"Afraid?" Minako smirked playfully.
"Afraid of what?" Rei demanded, as her head was beginning to clear.
"Afraid to lose your heart to a gallant knight?" Minako teased.
"Hardly," Rei replied, turning away. "Men are unreliable and can't be trusted."
"Even someone like Sir Heero?" Minako pressed.
"Where are we?" Rei asked, quickly changing the subject.
Minako briefly regarded Rei with some amusement. "We're in a small inn located in the town of Leunire. Everyone arrived here safely. But..."
Rei looked at the blond princess. Minako's face seemed to be somewhat troubled.
"What's wrong?" Rei asked.
"Do you remember that minstrel that we met on the day of the tournament for the knights?" Minako queried in a hesitant voice.
Rei nodded.
"Makoto and Yuuichirou encountered him in the forest," Minako said.
"That minstrel? What's he doing down here?"
"I'm not sure. But did save Makoto and Yuuichirou from those horsemen. And he also saved your life," Minako stated in a solemn voice.
Rei arched an eyebrow. She clearly recalled that the Lord General Jadeite's attack had been magical in nature, and was not a physical injury that any healer, much less a minstrel, could treat. Her suspicion was aroused.
"How did he accomplish that?" Rei asked quietly.
Minako shook her head. "Sir Heero was the only one in the room at the time. And he won't tell any of us. Sir Heero tried to stay up and watch over you all night, but we convinced him to get some rest."
Rei slid out of bed. Minako hopped up and raced over to Rei.
"You shouldn't be getting out of bed," Minako scolded gently. "You're still recovering. Don't worry about a thing, I'll take care of you. I can go get you some food and..."
"I'm feeling fine, Minako," Rei reassured the anxious blond. "But I really need to talk to the others. We don't have much time to save Princess Usagi. I can sense her life fading away..."
Minako considered Rei's words for a moment. Reluctantly, Minako nodded in agreement.
When the door to the room was opened, Rei detected a familiar, beautiful fragrance.
She glanced at the floor. Rei was astonished to find several lovely Casablanca lilies at her feet.
* * * * *
Author's Responses/Comments to Reviews:
Hotaru Yuy - Thanks for all your reviews! Don't worry, Quatre becomes more involved with the plot in the upcoming chapters. I apologize if it seems kind of disjointed.
Sadie Joyce - Myst Lady - I'm happy to hear that you like the Duo/Minako scenes. Yes, Wufei was married (Episode Zero manga), and his poor wife died trying to protect their colony. I'm really glad that you like my fanfiction, though I'm not sure if I deserve a reward (but I'm still grinning ear to ear with the compliment). I hope you get over your writer's block soon!
Kaiya - Hmm...I guess it'll be one or more chapters before I answer your question about the reason why they want to eliminate Rei. :) I'm glad you love to love Zoisite. He will get a decent amount of time in my story.
Water Angel - Thanks for your wonderful review and compliment! I really don't think that I'm gifted, but I'm very, very flattered (I still think I have an extra spring in my step from that compliment). I really do try to make an effort to keep a good balance of drama, humor and suspense. Thanks again.
cloverangel42 - Yes, Quatre will play a bigger role in upcoming chapters. I'm glad that you noticed the way Zoisite was set against Quatre. This chapter offered a little hint as to what will happen in the next chapter or two. Hope you liked it!
suisei no mitsukai - I'm really happy that you like my story! It's actually quite fun trying to integrate characters from two different series. :)
thescientist - Thanks for your review! It actually was the manga that inspired that whole Rei/Jadeite scene. I'm still trying to figure out whether (and how) I should integrate Nephrite and Kunzite.