Legacy - Chapter Five
By:
Moments of Insanity
Disclaimer: Nope, Sailor Moon wasn't,
wouldn't, and will not be mine.
Sorry for keeping you waiting
for so long. This bloody chapter was too difficult to write. Had many
problems with it. and Ice could tell you the numerous grammatical
mistake I've made . gotta love Ice for her editing. Ice. One day
I'll write perfect English, just wait.
Author's note: nope,
this is not an all-powerful senshi story, nor is it the sappy
romantic type of story. It's about working, starting from the bottom
and reaching to the top.
Ah important note, is that Ami will
retain her name unless spoken to. Please don't be confuse with Ami
and I'ma, they're the same person, except I'ma is a persona Ami
wears..
This chapter's recommendation includes:
Ice's Love at Fifth Sight
Aurora Eos Rose's the vow
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Garnet eyes surveyed the autumn scene outside the window. Yellow leaves fluttered in the wind as they fell toward their final resting-place. Her fingers laced around the handle of the cup while the water from the kettle hanging on the fireplace bubbled noisily. A soft knock on the door awakened her from her reverie.'Come in,' Setsuna called out. Calmly, she took a sip of her hot tea, though she arched an eyebrow in surprise when she saw her visitors.
'Lady Setsuna, we need a place to hide,' Nephrite stated calmly, pushing his wet bangs away from his troubled brown eyes as he entered the room, 'at least, until I can think of what to do with these two novices.'
'Are there any problems?' Setsuna asked. She glanced at her younger sisters who stood behind Nephrite. Ami looked dreadful; hair dye colored her green tunic with dark patches, and it plastered to her form. Her face was covered with dark smudges where she had tried to wipe it clean. Ami's eyes were brimmed brimming with tears. Makoto looked sullen, her hair pulled mostly out of her hair tie with pieces of hay and grass nested in her hair, giving her a rather comical scarecrow look. Her own tunic was smudged with mud and grass stains.
'Why don't you four sit down,' Setsuna offered. She quickly extracted three fluffy towels from the cabinet and offered them to Jadeite and Nephrite. She threw one over Ami and proceeded to rub the hair dye from Ami's hair. She could hear Ami stifling a sob. 'Makoto, the water has boiled; make yourself some tea.' Carefully, she knelt down, and taking Ami's face in her hand, she gently wiped the smudge marks away with the towel. Her heart twanged at the anguished look on Ami's face. Ami bit her lips to stop the shuddering breath threatening to come out. Her tears were rolling down her face. Later, Makoto handed her a steaming cup of tea.
Setsuna rummaged through a trunk next to her table, drawing out several sets of tunics and pants. Tossing them to Ami and Jadeite, she motioned for them to change behind the screens. She grimaced and apologized, 'Lord Nephrite, I'm afraid I don't have anything that could fit you.'
'I understand, Lady Setsuna.' Nephrite sighed, cursing at his giant frame.
They sat there in contemplative silence. When Ami came out from behind the screen, she wore a creamy white woolen tunic, with simple embroidery at the hem and long sleeves. A simple leather belt was tied at her waist. Thick black trousers covered her limbs, offering warmth to her shuddering body. 'I'm glad that it fits you,' Setsuna stated simply, 'I had to guess your sizes, since I'm sure you haven't packed winter clothes.' She handed another package to Makoto, saying, 'Try it on later.'
'Would you like to explain?' Nephrite interrupted tersely.
'Pardon?'
'You knew them before they even came to this chapter,' Nephrite said, 'so you know that both are girls. Now why did you allow them to stay here?' Jadeite, having changed into an ordinary green tunic, stood behind his teacher. His eyes shifted nervously from Ami sitting silently on the chair near the window to Nephrite, who looked about to explode.
'They're my sisters.'
Nephrite scoffed, 'You don't even look alike.'
'You don't need to know the story behind it,' Setsuna replied coolly.
'You still haven't answered my question. You know that they're girls. You know that the Chapter refuses to allow girls in. Yet you allowed them to do this! Don't you know the rules?'
Setsuna remained silent.
'You know the rules. Yet you deliberately bent them. I have every reason why I should send them back, and what to do when they get back? A disgrace to the town. Why did you allow them to come here?'
'Makoto, can I have some more hot water?' Ami asked softly, lifted her half- filled cup. Makoto raised her eyebrows skeptically, but poured steaming water into her cup.
'I'm sorry, Lord Nephrite, but I see no reason why Ami and I should return,' Makoto said, though underneath her calm question, she was shaking. She moved silently across the room and returned the kettle back to its place.
Jadeite held his breath.
'Simply because girls do not belong to the chapter,' Nephrite answered hotly. 'Physically they couldn't accomplish the tasks; they have a place in society, and they should stay there.'
'But Makoto and I'ma are gifted, Lord Nephrite,' Jadeite interrupted. He immediately regretted his outburst when Nephrite gave him a hard stare.
'Lord Nephrite, I thought you of all people would appreciate that only skill should be accounted. Not class, not gender, but one's ability.' Setsuna sighed sadly.
'I understand that fully,' Nephrite retorted hotly, 'but.' He stopped for a second and heaved a big sigh. 'Jadeite, I know that they are gifted. Every instructor has come to Kunzite and me, singing praises of their ability; both are mastering their weapon of choice. Makoto is powerful with the broadsword, I'ma fast and deadly with her long sword. Both are implacable with archery, and Makoto is a force to be reckoned with at close range fighting. But that doesn't change the fact that they're both girls.'
'I'm not leaving,' Ami suddenly said fiercely. Makoto placed her hand on Ami's shoulder. She stared intently at Nephrite; icy blue eyes bored into brown ones. 'I'm not leaving,' she repeated.
Nephrite rubbed his temples tiredly, he could feel an ominous march of headaches coming on.
'A proposal, Lord Nephrite,' Setsuna suggested, 'you don't want to force them to leave, correct?' Nephrite nodded tiredly, and she continued, 'Then lie to Kunzite.'
'What?'
'Lie,' Setsuna said off-handedly, 'surely you've done that many times before.' There was a twinkle in her garnet eyes. 'I remember the times you've sneaked out to the tavern and needed to use the passage behind the healers' quarter after curfew. You lied pretty well that time.'
Jadeite perked up at the mention of the secret passage.
'You have the biggest liar in the chapter ,' Setsuna carried on, giving Jadeite a pointed look, 'surely a couple of ad hoc lessons in lying wouldn't be too hard.' Makoto stifled a laugh. 'If Lord Kunzite knew you kept such talented people, he might even overlook the fact that they're girls. He is forever despairing over the current students here.'
'The trick is to keep a straight face, my lord,' Jadeite interrupted blandly. There was a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes.
'Beside, this unfortunately incident with the pool was just another prank,' Setsuna smiled, 'Surely this minute incident doesn't require Lord Kunzite's attention.'
Nephrite smiled slowly.
'Now that's over. Lets move onto the introductions. My name is Jadeite. What's yours?' Jadeite offered his hand to Ami.
'Ami,' she replied shyly, giving a firm shake.
'That's an awfully girly name,' he observed, only to be smacked by Makoto's hand.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Makoto sighed as she pulled the soft wool tunic over her head. She glared at the girl sitting next to the arched open window. 'Ami, close the window. It's cold,' She whined. Ami just smiled sweetly before returning to her silent, dreamy contemplation while gazing at the stripped, naked branches of the trees. Her cheeks flushed with color as the winter wind blew into their room.
'It's going to snow today,' Makoto said grumpily, 'I can smell it in the air.' She took the scabbard leaning on the walls leaning against the wall and fastened it onto her belt. 'Ready to go?' she asked her sister. Ami nodded.
Both entered the courtyard and spotted Devin in the handful of novices. Both quickly moved into the crowd, hoping to shield themselves from the wind. Devin grumbled, 'I hate this weather.' He folded his arms around his body. Makoto just nodded. 'I hope we start working soon. I'll soon be frozen if this weather keeps up.' He muttered.
A few minutes later, Kunzite entered the courtyard, his gray cloak billowing in the wind, his hair tied into a ponytail. His squire, Jadeite, trailed behind him, trying to use Kunzite as a windshield as the wind whipped his short, curly blond hair into a dancing frenzy.
Then Kunzite announced the strangest thing Ami and Makoto ever heard. 'You're all going to learn magic.'
Immediately, the novices began to whisper among themselves.
'Magic, he says.'
'Doesn't exist,' another scoffed.
'Shouldn't have gotten up.'
'Of course it does,' Maxin announced proudly, 'my family always has magic users among them. It comes with heritage.'
Kunzite just coughed, gathering the scattered attentions. 'Of course, not many will be able to grasp it. Magic seems to exist in random people,' he paused, giving Maxin a pointed look. 'Finally, the element of magic is also different. Some may only be able to light a match, while some may heal small ailments.'
'And we can start by throwing insults at each others,' he ended solemnly. The crowd gaped at him; they knew he was strange, but they had never known to what extent. Jadeite, behind Kunzite, was trying his best to keep a straight face, but you could see his mouth twitching with suppressed mirth. Nephrite, who had just entered the courtyard, sighed. Kunzite had an uncanny ability of making important issues sound ridiculous, and he didn't even realize it.
'Hurry up, we don't have all day, unless you want to freeze in this weather, I suggest we all begin working,' Nephrite said and started to pair partners up.
Soon, the sun was hanging high above the sky, hidden by a thin skin of haze, offering the much welcome heat to the courtyard. Half hearted insults were thrown as the novices waited for the blessed sounds of lunch bell.
'Mangle cow,' Devin yawned.
'I'm hurt,' Makoto replied dryly, her attention elsewhere. 'Wimpy chicken,' she replied, keeping Nephrite in the corner of her eyes. Nephrite wasn't having much luck in hiding his yawns. Jadeite had already fetched a much- envied coat. He sat under the oak tree, sometimes yelling some odd insults to heat up the otherwise cold atmosphere. Unfortunately, Ami hadn't have Makoto's luck; she was again paired with Maxin. Makoto scowled, and her anger grew with every insults that had passed Maxin's lips. She could tell Ami was upset. Her stance and the way her shoulders were positioned set Makoto's alarm off.
Ami's eyes flared with anger as she tried to keep her temper in check.
Maxin hissed, 'And and you're a lying guttersnipe.' His eyes glowed with glee. There was a nasty sneer on his lips. He paused. 'Tell me, did you steal to make enough money for the passage to here?' he asked condescendingly. He kicked hard into the sludge, sending mud all over Ami's white tunic. 'Mud suits you,' he added insultingly, 'just like where you're from.'
Ami bit her lips; the livid feeling was almost overflowing. Her own insults halted after some attempts to hurt Maxin. She glowered at her inability to reply, and with it, a destructive urge began to grow inside, fed by the flow of anger, all focused at the boy in front of her. The urge to hit and to kill increased, and her brain greedily embraced these feelings, reaching out mentally further than it had ever gone before, shattering an unknown barrier. Her anger turned cool, so cold that it burned, like the wintry wind in the dark nights. It was biting, whirling, and screaming inside a cocoon of icy blue filaments. It was the heart of ice, and pulsing with the essence of winter, it called to her with knowledge of the unknown.
'Let me tell you what you are, a cretin who was probably born on the wrong side of the bed,' he sneered. There was a malicious glint in his eyes and he taunted, 'Raised by a whore, who beg for her food, and spread her legs for. '
'How dare you say that!' Makoto shrieked angrily, momentarily forgetting her partner, 'son of a good for nothing bastard. Lord of Manure!' Her fists balled up, shaking with anger. In her fury-hazed mind, she noted the presence of floating sparks of light, drifting around like fireflies. Faraway, she noted these sparks were agitated and vibrated more violently as her hand swept through them.
Devin looked alarmed. 'Makoto!'
Makoto looked at her partner before turning her eyes to her sister. She licked her dry, parched lips; it seemed like the air inside the courtyard had frozen. The slush on the ground turned to sheets of ice, and soil cracked under the icy dryness of the air. She blinked when she saw an icy blue halo around Ami. Bemusedly, she saw Ami bringing her arm up, her fingers flickering as if weaving an intricate pattern. A cold fear clutched Makoto's heart.
Ami flicked her index finger up almost with haughty indifference. The earth rumbled and ripped open as spears of ices jutted out, speeding dangerously in a straight line, towards a gaping Maxin.
Almost hastily, without thinking, and based on an inherent knowledge, Makoto linked the sparks of light together, and with a brush of her hand, she sent a crackling ball of lightning outwards. Ice and lighting collided. The sound was clear, like glass breaking, as the spears of ice were shattered into glittering dust.
There was an explosive sigh, as if life in the courtyard was suddenly reanimated. Maxin collapsed, his face was ashen, as he looked at the snow slowly settling on the ruptured earth. Ami collapsed in a heap; Jadeite immediately ran to her side, gathering her in his arms. Makoto felt as if someone had taken took her knees away, and as she slowly toppled down, an arm snaked around her waist. She looked up owlishly and saw Nephrite.
'What happened?' she gasped, her vision starting to blur.
'Magic.'
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ami cracked open her eyes to see unfamiliar surroundings. Her whole body hurt, still screaming for rest. She sighed. Worried garnet eyes peered into her blue ones. Setsuna, she woozily deduced.
'How are you feeling, little Ami?' Setsuna asked softly; she brushed Ami's hair gently. Ami sighed, feeling comfort from Setsuna's action.
'Where am I?'
'In the infirmary.'
Ami turned her head. It was near sunset, as the sky was dyed with a blood red sheen. The events played back in her mind. 'Magic. Me,' she scoffed weakly, 'who would have believed it?' She sighed. 'How long have I been asleep?'
'Two days.' Setsuna handed her a bowl of broth, which Ami gratefully accepted. The door creaked up open, and footsteps padded softly across the room.
'Lady Setsuna, is she awake?' Jadeite stuck his head out of the screen that separated Ami's bed from the other beds. He beamed when he saw that Ami was awake.
'Hello Jadeite,' Ami smiled weakly.
'You look like a wreck,' he commented. His hand reached out to comb Ami's tousled black blue hair. Makoto reflexively smacked his head. Ami smiled brightly when she saw Makoto behind Jadeite.
'Setsuna,' Makoto greeted before turning to Ami, 'that incident certainly put your values into perspective, didn't it?' she asked dryly.
'True.'
'What are you two doing here?' Setsuna asked suspiciously.
'Nothing,' Jadeite replied innocently, 'just wondering if we can take Ami down to the tavern. For my celebration, of course,' he added hastily as Setsuna frowned disapprovingly.
'Celebration?' Ami asked weakly.
'Well, for my knighthood, and two new sorcerers, or rather sorceresses,' he smiled jubilantly.
'You don't have to remind me,' Makoto said wryly.
'Knight?' Ami repeated, 'congratulation!' as understanding dawned in her eyes.
'With Zoisite as well. Now we need squires, so both of us asked Lord Kunzite if we could nominate both of you. He agreed, as long as you finish your training,' Jadeite beamed, secretly glad he would have someone to scrub his armor.
'Ami,' Setsuna warned, but sighed when Ami pleaded with her blue eyes. 'Just remember. No ale,' she ended warningly.
Jadeite and Makoto just beamed and pulled Ami out of her warm blanket together. Quickly, Ami dressed herself. Before she slipped out of the door, she whispered, 'I'm sorry about the tunic.'
Setsuna just smiled, trust her sister to remember such unimportant things.
The trio sped down the stairs. It was obvious Jadeite was excited. He ran out to the stables and waved when he spotted a distant person.
Zoisite waved back, 'You got him out?'
Jadeite grinned. 'Of course, who do you think I am? Me, suave and charming, no girl stands a chance. ' Makoto smacked him in the head again, and he demanded, 'What's the thing about my head?'
'Stupidity,' Makoto replied snidely, grabbing the cloak Zoisite offered. Ami also took the cloak offered by Zoisite, before quickly walking next to Jadeite. She peered at Zoisite from under her eyelashes and frowned. Recently, she felt extremely awkward and lightheaded near Zoisite, hence the reason why she was walking next to Jadeite. She needed space to think.
'How are you feeling, Ames?' Jadeite whispered under his breath.
'Woozy,' she smiled thinly, ' like someone rearranged my bones. incorrectly.' Jadeite grinned. 'Don't worry, ale is the best medicine around, regardless of what Lady Setsuna said. And the place we are going to has the best brew in the city.' Pausing in front of a heavy, locked oak door, he twisted the heavy round handle and cursed when the door remained locked.
'Zoisite, your job,' Jadeite called. Zoisite rolled his eyes and swiftly took a pin from his cloak. With a deft flick of his wrist, the lock clicked open, and the door swung open slowly to reveal a streetscape. The street was empty, as most shops had closed for the day. Dogs barked as mothers called for children to return home. Jadeite led them down the alleys, turning at several junctions. Before long, they reached a badly lit tavern with only a worn down picture of grapes etched onto the swinging wood as its sign.
It was a rowdy establishment. Candle lanterns hung on low wooden beams.. Round wooden tables surrounded a stage in the middle. They seated themselves as tankards of ale quickly filled their table. They chatted and toasted, but Ami refused her tankard no matter how Jadeite and Zoisite begged and threatened. Slowly, workmen began to enter the tavern, filling it with noise while they talked about shops and exchanged stories and jokes. A bard sat near the warm fireplace, playing a tune on a worn down lute. The noise hushed down as they waited for the highlight of the day.
Two dancers slowly ascended onto the stage, dancing to the tune of the lute. Soon the audience began to stamp their feet in tempo. One dancer was the metaphor of light, with golden tresses that were tied in a bun; yellow ringlets teased her flushed cheeks as she swayed with the music. Her blue eyes twinkled merrily; blood red lips pulled up to show her pearly teeth as she smiled beautifully at the audiences. Her blood red dress was made of light materials, and it sighed when it brushed against her thigh. Her hands swung with the tempo, and with each swing, the bracelet that adorned her slender wrist would create a shimmering sound. Constantly after three beats, she would raise her hands and clap as she whirled. She danced with feathery steps, light and lively.
Her partner was the opposite of her, dark, oh so dark, like the night. Long black hair contrasted greatly with her snow white skin. Her hair swayed hypnotically as she danced to the music, and when she whirled, her hair flared out, hiding her exotic features, while mysterious violet eyes sent an unspoken challenge to the audience. Her hands wove patterns in the air while the bells at her ankles played at half a beat slower than the tempo maintained by the audiences. Her movement was of fluid confidence.
With each sway, their pants with thigh-high slits would open to show their slender limbs. The lantern lights accented their bodies' shadows as light shone behind the dancers, showing the lush curves of their bodies. Ami felt the blood flowing to her face, and her breath shortened. They were beautiful and exotic. The dance ended with the ladies giving a challenging strut, and the audience erupted in appreciative applause.
'This place is a brothel!' Makoto hissed to Jadeite angrily, her voice lost in the thunderous applause. Her face flushed with embarrassment.
'I didn't know either,' Jadeite defended himself, 'Lord Nephrite only mentioned that they have great ale here.' Makoto narrowed her eyes, obviously not believing him, 'Honestly.'
'Something against your morals?' Zoisite asked, smirking slightly, 'but you have to admit they're beautiful.' His eyes followed the blond beauty who was currently lounging next to a palace guard Zoisite knew.
'Zoisite,' Jadeite said disgustedly, 'what about Rose? Your sweetheart.' Ami stilled, listening closely.
He scoffed, 'She is my sweetheart as much as Lady Beryl is Endymion's wife.'
'Lady Beryl is infatuated with the Prince,' Jadeite quickly explained. He shot a hard glare at Zoisite.
'I took Rose with me when I came here because she would have been sold,' Zoisite shrugged, 'simply because she was the only friend I had in the village. They're coming over,' he said, quickly changing the subject and pasting on a charming smile.
'Hello, never saw you here before, my name is Minako,' She smiled brightly, and gracefully slid into the chair next to Zoisite. 'This is my sister here, Rei,' she continued as the brunette sat next to Ami.
' A pleasure to meet you, Lady Minako,' Zoisite smiled.
Minako laughed, it was like twinkling bells, and said, 'A gentleman at last.' She slid her hand onto his thigh and leaned against him. "I'm thirsty," she pouted and peered from underneath her eyelashes to observe the people seated at the table. She laughed inwardly, Rei was obviously not very comfortable. The man with short, curly hair was eyeing Rei all the time. And the two lads sitting quietly. One had black hair and blue eyes, and his lips pressed into a thin line. His ears were flaming red, and his eyes were trained on the tankard in front of him. So were the last boy's eyes; he had long, curly brown hair and was sipping his ale, keeping his eyes on the table. Both had eyes so big and wrists so slender that it would have been easy to pass them off as female. Maybe they were girls in boys' clothing. Minako laughed silly at her silly thoughts.
Ami had a bad feeling about this and was feeling very uncomfortable; it was like someone kicked her in the stomach when she looked at the way Minako just leaned into Zoisite, like she belonged there. Minako caught her eyes; there was a laughing twinkling in the blue, and bitter resentment swelled up inside Ami.
'Of course, Jadeite?' Zoisite asked, his arms causally placed on Minako's shoulder. Jadeite glanced at Rei, who sat there rigidly with a disapproving glare at her sister. She nodded rigidly at Jadeite's unasked question.
Two tankards joined the empty ones on the table. Minako laughed, "You're too nice, kind sir." She smiled, her fingertips stroking Zoisite's cheek. "We have traveled many places."
'Are you gypsies?' Makoto leaned forward, her green eyes sparkling with interest.
Minako smiled. "You could say that, but we are getting tired of traveling and wish to find jobs, roofs over our heads, and soft beds to sleep in. I couldn't help but notice that you all seem to be important people; maybe you could get us jobs in the palace?'
'Sorry, milady, but unfortunately, I'm not someone that important. I'm just a loser from a trading family having a few tankards of ale with my friends,' Zoisite replied, grinning ruefully. Jadeite glanced at the table that the palace guard used to sit, then glanced back at Minako, just in time to see the look of annoyance in her eyes.
'But noble sir,' Minako stopped when Ami slammed her palm against the table, shocking the people in the tarvern.
'Sorry,' Ami muttered. Her face flushing, she took her tankard and downed the contents in one gulp.
'I'ma, that's ale,' Makoto reminded her sister, shocked at her action.
'I know that,' Ami replied hoarsely, trying to resist the nauseous feeling rising from the bottom of her stomach; suddenly she clamped a hand over her mouth and stumbled toward the door. She lunged out of the tavern before she emptying the foul contents of her tankard into a gutter.
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Date: 22.01.03