OKAY!!!! The last one. . .So sorry it's SOOOOO late!! Don't hate me!
Read, review, and love it! I'm going to post Reaching Out soon and I hope
all of you will read that and review it as well. Don't stop reading my
work, please!! My first story was a big success, let's make all of them.
I really do hope all of you enjoy this chapter. It was a long time coming
and took lots of planning. Thanks for all the reviews and once again, I'm
sorry this was so late. See all of you soon. . .in Reaching Out! ~Lady
Hino
* * *
"Well?" he spat into her face. He was furious. His eyes large with rage, his lips curled back into a constant growl. "What the hell happened?"
Lily sat on the edge of her seat, her heart pounding in her chest and her breath coming out in little huffs. "I did as you said. I have only and always done what you have said. I brought the princess with me to the ugly little cottage and I left her to be dealt with by you."
Sora pushed his face even closer to her own. "What happened after?" he demanded.
Lily leaned further back into the rotting chair she was sitting in and shook her head. "I ran away as soon as I heard Jadeite and the others come crashing through the forest. I didn't want to be discovered. . ."
"I'll bet all my powers that Endymion, Nephrite and that damned scoundrel Jadeite knew you were behind Rei's departure. Tell me. . .why did you run back here?"
Lily turned to look around her at the destroyed cave that Sora called his own. He had forced her to work with him. From the moment she became Jadeite's mistress to the attack in her home; he had planned it all perfectly. She had told him days before her home was attacked that she didn't want any part of this plan. She wanted to be rid of all the guilt and the constant worry that plagued her night and day, but she knew something would happen after she had confessed her true feelings to him. Oh yes, she knew something would happen and when Mrs. Dover came running to her only a day before her home was broken into, she was not surprised. The old woman had always been able to sense things she was not supposed to be sensing and she had the feeling that someone was going to come and steal the children away from Lily. Lucky for her, Lily got the children away and managed to deal with Sora quite well later on. Only, Lily could never control Sora. She could do no more than make a comment that was soon tossed to the wind. "I thought that it would be best for me to flee from the presence of Jadeite," she finally answered.
Sora bent his head down and gave a snort of laughter. "You are a grand amusement, Lily. A trollop to the bone and a grand actress. You thought I would keep you safe if you returned here. . .am I right? You believed that I would keep you safe from that bad General, did you not?" he mocked.
Lily turned to look at the window that was propped open with a large stick, then turned back to him. "I thought that you would be somewhat thankful for what I have helped you accomplish. I brought you what you wanted and betrayed my lover in the process."
"Jadeite was never yours to begin with. He was going to get rid of you, did you know that? He didn't want you. He didn't want you any more than he wanted my brother. He was going to throw you out on your very lovely hide and laugh at the dust that clouded the air around you," he spat.
She didn't make a comment to that. She knew that if she dared to he would curse her, cast a spell on her so that her beauty was forever locked inside the ugly soul that she bore. She knew she had done something terribly wrong when she agreed to help the angry man who stormed into her life only a short time ago. There was no doubt in her mind that she was doing something that would see her climbing through the jungles of Hell for all time.
"What? You have nothing to say? Come now, lovely, say something," Sora said through a stiff smile.
"You are crazy and I wish you never see your face again!" she spat without thinking. A hand immediately went to her mouth and she mentally cursed herself for ever having said something. "I did not mean what I said, Sora. Think nothing of it," she said quickly.
The anger and insanity that filled his eyes made her skin crawl and her blood turn to ice. "You shall get what you wished for," he whispered. And in the next instant, his hand shot out from behind his back and wrapped around her delicate white throat. "You shall never have to see my face again, Lily," he shouted at her. The gurgling sounds that filled the back of her throat made his heart soar. She clawed and ripped the skin on the back of his hand, blood dripped onto her lovely gown from the scratches and he smiled in complete victory as the life sputtered in her eyes and the blood drained from her features. "I hope you rot in hell, you dirty whore," he said to the lifeless form before him.
He turned away from the ugly sight of Lily's slim, inert body and went to stare out at the land before him. "It will not be long now, Jadeite. Already I can feel your powers weakening. Already I can hear your pain as loud as my own. You wonder where I came by such power? I'll tell you right now.right here in this forest where only the owls and the foxes can hear. Where only the moon has eyes and where only the trees gossip through the whispers in their leaves. . ."
An echo passed through the dark room he stood in; an echo that sounded oddly like a man shouting his torment to the sky. "You crave to know, do you not? We shall keep this between us, won't we? Between you and I and the trees that whisper so gently when the breeze comes to tickle their senses. . ." he smiled evilly at the winds that whipped at the tops of the tall firs. "I know you want to know. . .I know how you crave to know where my powers came from," he paused for several seconds as he tried to think of the most surprising explanation. "Have you ever noticed that the ones who are the most moral, the most beautiful, and the most clever are the ones who have power? Those who are the most powerful of any magical being are all of those things and more. And what happened to the cycle, you ask? I. . .I follow in the footsteps of all hatefully powerful people before me. I have gained my power through study and pain and pleasure. You, Jadeite, have had a hand in personally handing me my great powers on a silver. . .nay, a gold platter. Yes. . .I like the sound of that very much. You, who are trying so hard to be rid of me, gave me my powers. Yes. . .I like the sound of that very much. . ."
The laugh that fell from his lips raced through the trees and bounded off stone walls, so hard and evil was it. "Yes. . .you are the cause of your own demise. . ." he shouted.
* * *
The walk was tedious and hard on the both of them. "I don't understand why we are doing this," Jadeite said out of the corner of this mouth as he led his black stallion up another hill. "We could have fought at the palace and you would have been safe behind those ivy covered walls of Nephrite's."
Rei merely smiled at her husbands back and continued to walk at a leisurely pace behind him. "You complain too much, Jed. . ." she said softly.
Jadeite spun around at the top of one of the grass covered hills and stared at her with hard blue eyes. "I complain? Who didn't like her supper just the other night because it was too weak in taste?"
Rei continued to smile at him in such a way that Jadeite could feel his stomach twist into millions of knots. "You are most handsome, husband," she said.
Jadeite groaned deep in his throat and turned back around to lead his stallion down the rest of the hill. He paused briefly when he was halfway down and didn't bother to note the skittish prance his stallion made when he did. "How do you think Isabelle fairs?" he asked gently.
Rei came to a halt beside him and took his hand in her own. His strength once again overwhelmed her senses and she calmed herself before she spoke. "She is well, Jed, you are not to worry. Endymion and Nephrite have everything under control. As of this moment she is most likely curled up in Eurus's wings sucking on a dainty thumb and sleeping the night away."
Jadeite nodded slowly and turned to look back over the hill. "It was so hard to send her away," he said.
Rei shifted toward her husband and gazed down at the grass. It had been terribly difficult for the both of them to send a confused Isabelle on her way with Eurus. Jadeite had drawn a life sized picture of his daughter and, with the help of Endymion and Nephrite, had managed to turn it into a creature that they could kill. It had not been easy to kill the paper girl, even though they all knew that the real, flesh and boned angel was being whisked away to unknown magical grounds. There were tears in Jadeite's eyes as he gazed into the liquid blue eyes of his daughter as he had drawn her and there were heavy hearts when they buried the fake body in the ground. "I know it was hard, Jed. . .but just think of it. . .now she is safe and no one will be the wiser."
Jadeite merely nodded and, with Rei's hand clasped firmly in his own, made his way down the rest of the hill. "I want this bastard gone and I want him gone now," he said as the walked.
Rei followed at a slow pace, not willing to let go, yet knowing that she had to start the argument soon if they wanted Sora out in the open. She regretted what she had to do, even felt tears prick the backs of her eyes as she thought about what she would have to say in order for everything to look real. Jadeite believed she was going to argue about where he was taking her, but in truth, she had spoken at length with Endymion and had gotten enough advice to know that Jadeite needed anger at this moment and not a knowledge that a trick was being played. "Jadeite is not one of those fools who are easily distracted by anger. He is distracted by sadness and by grief, he is distracted by worry and pain. . .and sometimes he is distracted by love. . .but he will never be distracted by pure anger."
Rei took a deep breath and looked at the back of her husband's hand. It was strong and beautifully shaped, and she wanted nothing but to wrap that hand around her heart and tell him to never let go, for he held it firmly as it was. "You are too sensitive," she said softly.
His back stiffened at the comment, but he did not turn around as he gave her his answer. "I am what?" he asked gently.
"You are too sensitive," she tried again. She could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stick up, could feel her heart pounding rapidly against her chest. She didn't want to cause him any more pain then he felt, but she wanted him to be strong and able as he went into this fight. She didn't want to see her husband injured. "You are weak and soft and brittle when it comes to emotion. Why don't you stop trying to play the hurt babe and do some work?" she said.
The grip on her fingers lessened. "I am sorry to know you feel this way," he said quietly. He stood as still as a statue, staring off into the forest that lay ahead of him. The eerie silence that filled the area made horses prance from side to side. Rei could sense the magnitude of emotion that raced through his body, could smell the anger in the essence surrounding him. "I am sorry I am nothing more than a weak stable boy to you," he said with a bitter cold.
Rei swallowed the sob that caught in the back of her throat and put on the face that so many despised in her. It was her face of insolence, the face of only a truly spoiled princess and she wore it as though she had never lost it in all her days. She hated using the face, but knew that when she hardened her features and drew away from someone, then she would be heard and would be recognized as power. "I regret to inform you, sire, that you are nothing more than a lowly prince in my eyes. I am to be queen of an entire planet! What have you to prove to me?" she said in a voice so frigid it could make the sun drip with icicles.
There was no emotion on Jadeite's face as he released her hand completely and walked several feet away from her. He couldn't stand that look on her face, the emotionless, callous way her eyes narrowed at him, the firm line of her lips and the blush that had disappeared from her cheeks. She was no longer who he thought her to be. She was merely a figment of his imagination. A ghost of a woman standing before him with cold eyes. "I am nothing but a burden to you, am I?"
Rei wanted desperately to run into his arms and kiss away the frown that marred his brow. "Yes. I have felt this for a long time, sire. It is entirely too much to think that you are attached to me. I want to go home. I want to see my family again and be in the presence of real royalty."
Jadeite felt his blood boil. So that was how the little one played? She tried to pretend anger with him, but for what cause? She wanted him to become so raging mad that he would run away and seek comfort in the woods? Endymion was behind this masquerade. He was as sure of himself as he was with his power. Her played anger was meant as part of some devious plan to lure Sora out into the open. Well. . .he thought to himself. . .two can play at this game.
He straightened to his full height and stared down his nose at her. He knew how much she hated the gesture. He could sense it in the way she pulled even further away from him. She didn't like feeling like the small, quivering female. "How very like your kind," he said haughtily, "The royalty of Mars always did have the ugliest outlook on life. They are selfish cowards with no backbone. I'm actually surprised at you, my dear," he put emphasis on the 'dear', "you held out longer than I had thought. To go home in the middle of a search. . .my, my, my. . .what a sorry warrior you are."
The expression that crossed over her blank expression made his heart leap. Her fire was amazing. Even with a very convincing mask on, she still looked like an enraged princess. "I suppose I'll just leave you to your own and seek out another whore who will satisfy my needs. I need no wife."
She wanted to pounce on him. How dare he? He knew. "Stop the charade, you imbecile. You make my teeth ache from grinding against each other!" she screamed at him.
Jadeite felt the smile long after it showed on his face. "Why should it be I who stops this charade when you, dearest of dears, are the one who began it?"
She bit her tongue at that. "It was Endymion's idea. He wanted you to not have to worry about anything but your anger. He said that what you needed now was anger, not something to worry about. . .or someone. . ." she whispered.
Jadeite reached over and tilted her chin up so he could look into the soft violet eyes. "What I need now is a reason to live, not a worry of anger. . ." he said quietly.
The smile the stretched over her face made her appear to be the angel he knew she was. She was the reason why he fought. He wanted his life and hers to be peaceful, not haunted by death and anxiety. He would avenge Garrick's death and create a home for his wife and child. . .and possibly the other children on the way. "I have already decided on a plan, Rei, and it is as sure and true as any plan ever was."
"How so?" Rei asked.
Jadeite contemplated telling her. She could get in his way, and yet, as he looked at her, the sparkle in her eyes and the eagerness lighting her smile, he knew she would only help him. "If I know Sora at all, and I do, sweetheart, he will be enraged that I sent Isabelle away. He will come. . .I am expecting him at any moment. I know he will come as sure as I know the blood flows in my veins, I know he will come. I will be ready for him. . .I can already feel the tension in the air, the smell of anger is strong and the sounds of battle ring in my ears. I do not want you near when the fight begins. I want you safe. . .I want you protected. Why am I mad at Endymion for sending us on this ridiculous walk of his? Because I know that Sora lurks around every corner and I want you safe."
"I can help you fight, Jed. . ." she whispered. "I have trained with the queen's army. I have fought with the warriors of the universe. I am a senshi of Mars!"
Jadeite shook his head even as she prepared to show him how good her aim was. "I don't want you hurt, darling. I know you are a fighter and a fine one at that, but this fight is between Sora and I. I don't want you part of it," he said softly. He stroked the side of her face and straightened a piece of silk ribbon that had twisted itself on her shoulder. "Allow me to put you to sleep, Rei."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean a sleep. A small slumber that will ensure your safety. It will not harm you. . .I would never do anything to harm you. It is merely a-"
"Absolutely not!"
Jed looked at her with eyes so sad and so heavy she felt her heart would burst if she continued to stare at them any longer. "I will back you, Jed. I will stand beside you and fight as any good senshi would do. I will not allow anyone to take what is mine. . ."
Jadeite smiled down at her and took her chin into his palm. He caressed the side of her face, marveling at the smoothness of it even as he wondered how he had managed to lure such a beauty to his side. "Watch my back as a good senshi would, Rei, but do not interfere like a good senshi would."
Rei blinked and looked toward the line of trees that marked the forest. She would follow him; she would protect him as he would protect her. "I will-"
"Such the lovely painting, isn't it, your highness?"
Jed and Rei turned at the sound of that voice, so cold and dead. "Sora. . ." Jadeite whispered against Rei's hair.
The evil glint in the man's eye caught in the fading sun and he smiled so wickedly that the waves of hate rolled off of him and seeped into the gooseflesh that marred the prince and princess. "It seems that I ruin something that I should not. . .but I care about as much as I care for that brat I killed."
Jadeite felt the burst of anger in him, felt it rising to get caught in his throat. He knew he shouldn't overreact, not yet. It was too soon to show any true emotion. "Go to hell, Sora. . ."
Sora threw back his head and laughed through his chest. He leaned heavily against one of the trees that guarded the forest and licked his lips in such a way that Jadeite felt the blood begin to pound a tattoo against his skin. He was looking directly at Rei. "Come, prince, let us duke this out and let the winner be on his way. Now that I look at this succulent piece of fine china, I find my taste buds eager for a feast."
Jadeite shot through the air so quickly, Rei failed to see it and fell to her back against the grassy hill. She gasped in horror when she saw Jadeite clutching the stout neck of the crazed villain.
"Impressive, sire," Sora said, his voice strained. "Such strength and power, I wonder where you came upon it, what with that slip of a girl draining your loins."
Jadeite pressed Sora hard against the back of the tree, his knuckles white with the exertion. "I want you gone from my sight. I want to pull out your eyes and feed them to my birds. I want your head to be served on a silver platter to my dogs and I want your rotting carcass tossed to the vultures in Zoicite's deserts. Your blood will be drained from you and I will personally see to it that it is poured into the mouths of every opening to hell. You will be no more to me than a speck of dust on a ruby, velvet throw."
Sora shoved a fist into Jadeite's stomach just as the sun lowered and Jadeite's last word was spoken. The two men fell backwards, limbs tangling with each other. The ground shook and the trees shivered; the wind howled with pain and the birds scattered.
Sora pulled a fist back just as Jadeite rolled to his knees and the blow that he ushered to the side of Jadeite's face sent him reeling. "Take that you mangy cur," Sora shouted.
Jadeite swung a leg around and landed Sora on the ground. He dove for his neck, the blood pulsing in his veins, the sounds of war beating against his skull. They rolled further down into the forest. Jadeite slammed Sora against the rocky ground and issued blow after blow against the sides of Sora's face. "You shall never defeat me," Sora yelled after each punch.
Jadeite was too absorbed in his actions to notice when Sora's hand shot out from beneath him and the bolt of blue lightening that came toward him, threw him backwards. The hot piercing lance stuck into his stomach, the blood pouring out in rivulets down the front of his shirt and seeping into his breeches. He could feel the warmth even as he felt the coolness of steel. When he looked down the lance of lightening he saw that it had turned into a blue sword; smooth and cold, it protruded from his belly with a menacing glare. "This will not slow me," he croaked out.
With a shaking hand, he pulled the sword from his belly, the pain making his knees shake. Sora merely stared, a grin as evil as any marring his handsome face. Jadeite threw his hand out just as Sora shot out his and the clash of blue and white light made the darkening sky light up with fire.
Rei raced down the hill and into the forest, heedless of the voices she heard behind her, heedless of the fire lighting the sky and fearing only for one life that was not her own. She fell through the bushes, tore her gown and ripped the ribbons holding the bodice in place. Twigs caught in her hair, mud splattered about her, there was a blurry white cloud blinding her vision yet at the same time making things so much clearer. She could see the shadowed figures standing like stone statues in the distance. They were straining to remain upright; their arms outstretched and light streaming between them. She stood in the cluster of trees to one side and watched the scene play out before her. She could smell the smoke in the air and could feel the heat, as thick as a wool blanket, draping over the canopy of the forest.
With beads of sweat rolling down the sides of his face, Jadeite stood hard and fast, a tickle in the back of his mind telling him that Rei wasn't far. She was safe, protected by the shield of his homeland, engulfed in the aura of his own persona. He knew that giving her that small bit of protection would cost him, but he didn't care. He wanted her safe and warm and unharmed when she came to him after the horror was over.
He turned his attention back to Sora. The man was as unwavering as he was, but Jadeite began to feel the effects that pouring ones soul into their hands could do. His heart was beating so hard and so fast that he feared it would leap from his chest and he could feel the trickle of sweat falling between his shoulder blades. He shifted his feet and closed his eyes. His enemy would not move for the minute he needed to gather more.
"By all that is holy, I call on my ancestors of yore and beg on their graves the power for more. . ."
Sora sensed it before he heard it. Never had he witnessed Jadeite reaching into the weave of magic that clung to the air about him. He knew his brother's murder like he knew himself. The bastard always took what he needed from his soul, from his spirit, never from the dead around him. How dare he try and beat him? Sora would show him. Sora would prove that he was the better fighter. "You will not win so easily, prince," he shouted above the roar of the light. He felt his voice give way even as he grunted from the strength of Jadeite's blow. "There is nothing left in that aura that surrounds you. It has dissipated and you are left helpless and numb!"
Jadeite ground his teeth together, his arms shaking and his legs weak, he pulled back, his elbows wanting and wishing to snap back against his body and tear from his sockets, but his strength took over and he managed to pull back enough, just enough to gather more strength closer to him, just enough to feel the tip of Rei's energy swirl about him. He knew he risked much by pulling her into the fight, but he needed the help, needed to destroy the creature before him with crazed eyes. "Just a bit more, sweeting. . .only a bit. . ." he whispered. The veins in his arms were prominent with the strain and his shaking fingers clutched at the thick bolt of white light in his hands as if it were his only link to life.
"Weakling, you're drawing power from a harlot, a vain little princess with nothing to offer but a tasty body and glorious hair," Sora shouted at him.
"Yes, goad me," Jadeite whispered as he strained against the new power that began to pour into his hands. He felt the ball growing by the second. And with a mighty heave, he thrust the fresh energy at Sora and laughed at the glory that poured over and through him.
Sora fell back against the new attack. He collapsed to his knees, his hands still outstretched as he tried to gain enough strength to push and fight back. The blow was stronger than he thought it could be.
Jadeite let out a relieved breath then pulled back again. It was now or never. If this last one didn't sent Sora to his miserable death, then nothing would.
And so it was, with a roar as fierce and grand as the proclaimed golden hawk who had fathered Ares, Jadeite propelled the last of his energy into Sora's prone form. He glimpsed it soaring at him, flying as surly as any arrow of Rei's toward its target. Yet, before he could see the spectacular display of power strike the blackest of hearts, before he could witness the distinct and utter look of terror in Sora's eyes, and before he could partake of the sweet victory of watching his enemy's body burst into a million pieces, Lord Warrior General Jadeite collapsed to the dusty ground.
Not so, the princess watched every horrifying second that passed by as fast as a breath. The fear and shock in Sora's eyes, the pain that crossed over his face before he was engulfed in brilliant red and white flames. She heard the heart wrenching cry even as she held her hands tightly over her ears and she felt the harsh quiver the earth made as the man who had caused so much pain became nothing but a memory.
"He's gone. . ." she whispered when the air settled and the trees once again began to sway in the breeze. The night was upon them, the darkness enclosing them and still she stood in the shadows, the cloudy aura slowly clearing until she could see nothing but the moon shining curiously over the earth. She could almost see Serenity's eyes, full of tears searching for her. She could feel her mother's gaze upon her as she stepped out of the trees and toward the still figure on the ground.
There was blood pooled about him, a tear in his shirt above his abdomen. He was bruised and scratched, dirt clinging to him like a second skin. His hair, once blonde and vibrant, was gray with ash and dust. His beautiful blue clothing was torn and blackened. His arm was twisted under his back, his legs sprawled wide and upon his face was an expression Rei had never seen before for he was at peace now.
Rei ignored the look and knelt beside her fallen husband. There were tears in her eyes that fell unbidden onto her hands as she reached them out to touch Jed's body. She wanted to tear the shirt from him and examine the wound in his stomach. She wanted to tear off her own flesh and sewn it on to his, if only it would keep him from scarring. "Jed. . ." she breathed.
The stony silence she received made her heart pound. "Jed. . ." she tried again.
"Rei!" Endymion yelled. "This is too much like before. Where are you?"
Rei refused to turn to the voice. She knew he had been calling her when she rushed into the forest, but she hadn't paid him any attention. She wanted only to reach Jadeite. She did not know that the aura surrounding her also kept him and all others out. "Jed. . .we'll get you back to the palace and you'll be well as soon as you are in that garden room. You remember, don't you? The one we were married in. . ."
"Rei! Rei where the hell are you?" he tried again.
"I'll bring you Isabelle and she'll jump on you and pull at your chin until you wake like she always does."
"Rei!"
She heard the crashing of the bushes and smelled Endymion's soul before he touched her arm. "Rei. . ." he whispered.
Nephrite fell in behind him, hundreds of soldiers surrounding the small clearing. "Jadeite. . ." he said softly, a quiet and dead voice.
"Is he. . ." Endymion dared to ask.
Rei swung on him, her eyes as hot and hard as the red planet itself. "How dare you, Endymion? He is not dead! He is exhausted. He needs rest. Pick him up and take him back to the palace!"
"Rei. . .his stomach. . .there's a hole. . .still seeping blood. . ." Nephrite whispered in a hoarse voice.
"And it can easily be stitched. Now someone pick my lord up and let's get him into a bed. Bring our daughter out of hiding and ready a bath," she said. Her voice was tired, her shoulder slumped. No one knew what had happened in the forest. No one knew how much energy all three of them had used in order to rid themselves of that creature.
"Rei. . ." Endymion begged.
"Do as my lady says. . ." came a rough cough.
Endymion and Nephrite turned startled and watery eyes toward the still form on the ground. "Jadeite?" they asked in unison. They were challenged by brilliant blue eyes that stood out against the gray flesh of his face.
"Do not. . .stand there like. . .idiot fools," he coughed, heaving as he did so. "This.this scratch in my stomach.it's beginning to become. . .a bother. . ."
Without another word, a sling of five men's cloaks was fashioned and Jadeite was carried between two horses, Endymion and his wife's, back to the palace.
* * *
"Come here, princess."
She leaped into his arms, her fair skin smooth and warm against him. "Jed. . ."
"I have been cooped up in this bed for far too long, princess. I want to go running through the forest. I want to make love to you by the river's edge and sleep in a bed of wildflowers when we have sated ourselves."
Rei rose up on her elbow and glared down at her husband. He was bare- chested and his eyes were closed, but she knew he was well. She smoothed a hand over his hair and kissed his shoulder.
They had been living in Serenity's palace for the last week. As soon as the last stitch was set in Jadeite's stomach wound, they were transported to the moon to wait out Jadeite's recovery. Rei had wanted to go back to that dreaded spot in the forest and search out the remains of Sora, but knew that the only remains was still in the pocket of her torn and ragged dress. She hadn't wanted to pick it up, nor did she want to leave it lying on the ground.
Once they were established in the palace, her friends bombarded her with questions and accusations. They wanted to see this prince who stole her heart. Why did they not remember him when he had come to visit so long ago? And why did she blush every time they mentioned Jadeite and her sleeping in the same bedchamber?
Rei smiled. She had missed her friends dearly and was glad for their constant chatter. The silent Ami who sat back and watched everyone, then asked her in secret what it was like to roam the hills of Spain; Mina, who didn't stop talking for a moment, but continually asked about the mysterious Kunzite who Rei had never met. There was Makoto who continually heaped trays and trays of food on her, telling her that she had to fatten herself and her husband up. And last, Serenity who teared every time Rei came into the room, so thankful was she that Rei was safe where she should be.
"What are you thinking?" Jed asked.
Rei turned her face to his and smiled broadly. "I am glad to be with you, my lord," she said softly.
Jadeite ran a hand down her shoulder to her hip and groaned. "How long did the physician say to remain still?"
Rei smiled and shifted so that his hand splayed her belly. She heard him groan again and giggled in response. "You know perfectly well that Zoicite said not to move for at least two weeks or until the stitches could come out," she said gently.
Jadeite smoothed a hand over the jagged scar on his stomach and winced with memory. "I'm glad you were there, Rei," he whispered.
Rei merely kissed him and then snuggled close to his chest. "I wouldn't leave you alone with him. . ." she said.
Jadeite shook his head and pulled her closer to him. "I wish I could have seen his downfall," he said.
Rei kissed his chest then stiffened.
"What is it?" Jed asked.
"Don't move," she said as she wiggled out of the bed and raced toward the dressing room.
"Don't move? Oh, of course not. I wouldn't dare move. What if I were to pull a stitch? What if I were to open my wound? Honestly, that idiot Zoicite said that merely to anger me. He wanted me to suffer. Suffer I tell you. Being alone with a naked angel will kill me!" he shouted.
Rei continued to sort through her dresses until she found what she needed.
"Yes, that's what Zoicite wanted. He wanted to be rid of me so that he could-"
Rei placed her found object in his hands; her eyes bright with question.
"I'll be damned. . ."
"I found it after the battle was over. It was all there was that was remotely whole. . ."
Jadeite turned the object in his hands; the scorched edges leaving bits of ash on his fingers. "It's mine. . ."
"I know. . ."
"It was missing when I. . ."
"I sensed it even as I picked it up. . ."
"It seems like so long ago that I was angry at him because they were late. Then to be missing one. . ."
"I know. . ."
Jadeite put it on the bedside table and reached for her. "It's over," he said when she was once again snuggled beside him. "It's over. . ."
Rei nodded against his chest and glanced over at the object that lay like a dirty beggar amidst the queen's white dress. A small paintbrush lay on the white cloth.
And somewhere in Jadeite's room, in his palace on earth, a man named Hiro dusted the top of a paint case that had been given to the prince from his good friend. . .Sora. . .on the day when powers turned from good to evil and new loves were found.
FIN
* * *
"Well?" he spat into her face. He was furious. His eyes large with rage, his lips curled back into a constant growl. "What the hell happened?"
Lily sat on the edge of her seat, her heart pounding in her chest and her breath coming out in little huffs. "I did as you said. I have only and always done what you have said. I brought the princess with me to the ugly little cottage and I left her to be dealt with by you."
Sora pushed his face even closer to her own. "What happened after?" he demanded.
Lily leaned further back into the rotting chair she was sitting in and shook her head. "I ran away as soon as I heard Jadeite and the others come crashing through the forest. I didn't want to be discovered. . ."
"I'll bet all my powers that Endymion, Nephrite and that damned scoundrel Jadeite knew you were behind Rei's departure. Tell me. . .why did you run back here?"
Lily turned to look around her at the destroyed cave that Sora called his own. He had forced her to work with him. From the moment she became Jadeite's mistress to the attack in her home; he had planned it all perfectly. She had told him days before her home was attacked that she didn't want any part of this plan. She wanted to be rid of all the guilt and the constant worry that plagued her night and day, but she knew something would happen after she had confessed her true feelings to him. Oh yes, she knew something would happen and when Mrs. Dover came running to her only a day before her home was broken into, she was not surprised. The old woman had always been able to sense things she was not supposed to be sensing and she had the feeling that someone was going to come and steal the children away from Lily. Lucky for her, Lily got the children away and managed to deal with Sora quite well later on. Only, Lily could never control Sora. She could do no more than make a comment that was soon tossed to the wind. "I thought that it would be best for me to flee from the presence of Jadeite," she finally answered.
Sora bent his head down and gave a snort of laughter. "You are a grand amusement, Lily. A trollop to the bone and a grand actress. You thought I would keep you safe if you returned here. . .am I right? You believed that I would keep you safe from that bad General, did you not?" he mocked.
Lily turned to look at the window that was propped open with a large stick, then turned back to him. "I thought that you would be somewhat thankful for what I have helped you accomplish. I brought you what you wanted and betrayed my lover in the process."
"Jadeite was never yours to begin with. He was going to get rid of you, did you know that? He didn't want you. He didn't want you any more than he wanted my brother. He was going to throw you out on your very lovely hide and laugh at the dust that clouded the air around you," he spat.
She didn't make a comment to that. She knew that if she dared to he would curse her, cast a spell on her so that her beauty was forever locked inside the ugly soul that she bore. She knew she had done something terribly wrong when she agreed to help the angry man who stormed into her life only a short time ago. There was no doubt in her mind that she was doing something that would see her climbing through the jungles of Hell for all time.
"What? You have nothing to say? Come now, lovely, say something," Sora said through a stiff smile.
"You are crazy and I wish you never see your face again!" she spat without thinking. A hand immediately went to her mouth and she mentally cursed herself for ever having said something. "I did not mean what I said, Sora. Think nothing of it," she said quickly.
The anger and insanity that filled his eyes made her skin crawl and her blood turn to ice. "You shall get what you wished for," he whispered. And in the next instant, his hand shot out from behind his back and wrapped around her delicate white throat. "You shall never have to see my face again, Lily," he shouted at her. The gurgling sounds that filled the back of her throat made his heart soar. She clawed and ripped the skin on the back of his hand, blood dripped onto her lovely gown from the scratches and he smiled in complete victory as the life sputtered in her eyes and the blood drained from her features. "I hope you rot in hell, you dirty whore," he said to the lifeless form before him.
He turned away from the ugly sight of Lily's slim, inert body and went to stare out at the land before him. "It will not be long now, Jadeite. Already I can feel your powers weakening. Already I can hear your pain as loud as my own. You wonder where I came by such power? I'll tell you right now.right here in this forest where only the owls and the foxes can hear. Where only the moon has eyes and where only the trees gossip through the whispers in their leaves. . ."
An echo passed through the dark room he stood in; an echo that sounded oddly like a man shouting his torment to the sky. "You crave to know, do you not? We shall keep this between us, won't we? Between you and I and the trees that whisper so gently when the breeze comes to tickle their senses. . ." he smiled evilly at the winds that whipped at the tops of the tall firs. "I know you want to know. . .I know how you crave to know where my powers came from," he paused for several seconds as he tried to think of the most surprising explanation. "Have you ever noticed that the ones who are the most moral, the most beautiful, and the most clever are the ones who have power? Those who are the most powerful of any magical being are all of those things and more. And what happened to the cycle, you ask? I. . .I follow in the footsteps of all hatefully powerful people before me. I have gained my power through study and pain and pleasure. You, Jadeite, have had a hand in personally handing me my great powers on a silver. . .nay, a gold platter. Yes. . .I like the sound of that very much. You, who are trying so hard to be rid of me, gave me my powers. Yes. . .I like the sound of that very much. . ."
The laugh that fell from his lips raced through the trees and bounded off stone walls, so hard and evil was it. "Yes. . .you are the cause of your own demise. . ." he shouted.
* * *
The walk was tedious and hard on the both of them. "I don't understand why we are doing this," Jadeite said out of the corner of this mouth as he led his black stallion up another hill. "We could have fought at the palace and you would have been safe behind those ivy covered walls of Nephrite's."
Rei merely smiled at her husbands back and continued to walk at a leisurely pace behind him. "You complain too much, Jed. . ." she said softly.
Jadeite spun around at the top of one of the grass covered hills and stared at her with hard blue eyes. "I complain? Who didn't like her supper just the other night because it was too weak in taste?"
Rei continued to smile at him in such a way that Jadeite could feel his stomach twist into millions of knots. "You are most handsome, husband," she said.
Jadeite groaned deep in his throat and turned back around to lead his stallion down the rest of the hill. He paused briefly when he was halfway down and didn't bother to note the skittish prance his stallion made when he did. "How do you think Isabelle fairs?" he asked gently.
Rei came to a halt beside him and took his hand in her own. His strength once again overwhelmed her senses and she calmed herself before she spoke. "She is well, Jed, you are not to worry. Endymion and Nephrite have everything under control. As of this moment she is most likely curled up in Eurus's wings sucking on a dainty thumb and sleeping the night away."
Jadeite nodded slowly and turned to look back over the hill. "It was so hard to send her away," he said.
Rei shifted toward her husband and gazed down at the grass. It had been terribly difficult for the both of them to send a confused Isabelle on her way with Eurus. Jadeite had drawn a life sized picture of his daughter and, with the help of Endymion and Nephrite, had managed to turn it into a creature that they could kill. It had not been easy to kill the paper girl, even though they all knew that the real, flesh and boned angel was being whisked away to unknown magical grounds. There were tears in Jadeite's eyes as he gazed into the liquid blue eyes of his daughter as he had drawn her and there were heavy hearts when they buried the fake body in the ground. "I know it was hard, Jed. . .but just think of it. . .now she is safe and no one will be the wiser."
Jadeite merely nodded and, with Rei's hand clasped firmly in his own, made his way down the rest of the hill. "I want this bastard gone and I want him gone now," he said as the walked.
Rei followed at a slow pace, not willing to let go, yet knowing that she had to start the argument soon if they wanted Sora out in the open. She regretted what she had to do, even felt tears prick the backs of her eyes as she thought about what she would have to say in order for everything to look real. Jadeite believed she was going to argue about where he was taking her, but in truth, she had spoken at length with Endymion and had gotten enough advice to know that Jadeite needed anger at this moment and not a knowledge that a trick was being played. "Jadeite is not one of those fools who are easily distracted by anger. He is distracted by sadness and by grief, he is distracted by worry and pain. . .and sometimes he is distracted by love. . .but he will never be distracted by pure anger."
Rei took a deep breath and looked at the back of her husband's hand. It was strong and beautifully shaped, and she wanted nothing but to wrap that hand around her heart and tell him to never let go, for he held it firmly as it was. "You are too sensitive," she said softly.
His back stiffened at the comment, but he did not turn around as he gave her his answer. "I am what?" he asked gently.
"You are too sensitive," she tried again. She could feel the hairs on the back of her neck stick up, could feel her heart pounding rapidly against her chest. She didn't want to cause him any more pain then he felt, but she wanted him to be strong and able as he went into this fight. She didn't want to see her husband injured. "You are weak and soft and brittle when it comes to emotion. Why don't you stop trying to play the hurt babe and do some work?" she said.
The grip on her fingers lessened. "I am sorry to know you feel this way," he said quietly. He stood as still as a statue, staring off into the forest that lay ahead of him. The eerie silence that filled the area made horses prance from side to side. Rei could sense the magnitude of emotion that raced through his body, could smell the anger in the essence surrounding him. "I am sorry I am nothing more than a weak stable boy to you," he said with a bitter cold.
Rei swallowed the sob that caught in the back of her throat and put on the face that so many despised in her. It was her face of insolence, the face of only a truly spoiled princess and she wore it as though she had never lost it in all her days. She hated using the face, but knew that when she hardened her features and drew away from someone, then she would be heard and would be recognized as power. "I regret to inform you, sire, that you are nothing more than a lowly prince in my eyes. I am to be queen of an entire planet! What have you to prove to me?" she said in a voice so frigid it could make the sun drip with icicles.
There was no emotion on Jadeite's face as he released her hand completely and walked several feet away from her. He couldn't stand that look on her face, the emotionless, callous way her eyes narrowed at him, the firm line of her lips and the blush that had disappeared from her cheeks. She was no longer who he thought her to be. She was merely a figment of his imagination. A ghost of a woman standing before him with cold eyes. "I am nothing but a burden to you, am I?"
Rei wanted desperately to run into his arms and kiss away the frown that marred his brow. "Yes. I have felt this for a long time, sire. It is entirely too much to think that you are attached to me. I want to go home. I want to see my family again and be in the presence of real royalty."
Jadeite felt his blood boil. So that was how the little one played? She tried to pretend anger with him, but for what cause? She wanted him to become so raging mad that he would run away and seek comfort in the woods? Endymion was behind this masquerade. He was as sure of himself as he was with his power. Her played anger was meant as part of some devious plan to lure Sora out into the open. Well. . .he thought to himself. . .two can play at this game.
He straightened to his full height and stared down his nose at her. He knew how much she hated the gesture. He could sense it in the way she pulled even further away from him. She didn't like feeling like the small, quivering female. "How very like your kind," he said haughtily, "The royalty of Mars always did have the ugliest outlook on life. They are selfish cowards with no backbone. I'm actually surprised at you, my dear," he put emphasis on the 'dear', "you held out longer than I had thought. To go home in the middle of a search. . .my, my, my. . .what a sorry warrior you are."
The expression that crossed over her blank expression made his heart leap. Her fire was amazing. Even with a very convincing mask on, she still looked like an enraged princess. "I suppose I'll just leave you to your own and seek out another whore who will satisfy my needs. I need no wife."
She wanted to pounce on him. How dare he? He knew. "Stop the charade, you imbecile. You make my teeth ache from grinding against each other!" she screamed at him.
Jadeite felt the smile long after it showed on his face. "Why should it be I who stops this charade when you, dearest of dears, are the one who began it?"
She bit her tongue at that. "It was Endymion's idea. He wanted you to not have to worry about anything but your anger. He said that what you needed now was anger, not something to worry about. . .or someone. . ." she whispered.
Jadeite reached over and tilted her chin up so he could look into the soft violet eyes. "What I need now is a reason to live, not a worry of anger. . ." he said quietly.
The smile the stretched over her face made her appear to be the angel he knew she was. She was the reason why he fought. He wanted his life and hers to be peaceful, not haunted by death and anxiety. He would avenge Garrick's death and create a home for his wife and child. . .and possibly the other children on the way. "I have already decided on a plan, Rei, and it is as sure and true as any plan ever was."
"How so?" Rei asked.
Jadeite contemplated telling her. She could get in his way, and yet, as he looked at her, the sparkle in her eyes and the eagerness lighting her smile, he knew she would only help him. "If I know Sora at all, and I do, sweetheart, he will be enraged that I sent Isabelle away. He will come. . .I am expecting him at any moment. I know he will come as sure as I know the blood flows in my veins, I know he will come. I will be ready for him. . .I can already feel the tension in the air, the smell of anger is strong and the sounds of battle ring in my ears. I do not want you near when the fight begins. I want you safe. . .I want you protected. Why am I mad at Endymion for sending us on this ridiculous walk of his? Because I know that Sora lurks around every corner and I want you safe."
"I can help you fight, Jed. . ." she whispered. "I have trained with the queen's army. I have fought with the warriors of the universe. I am a senshi of Mars!"
Jadeite shook his head even as she prepared to show him how good her aim was. "I don't want you hurt, darling. I know you are a fighter and a fine one at that, but this fight is between Sora and I. I don't want you part of it," he said softly. He stroked the side of her face and straightened a piece of silk ribbon that had twisted itself on her shoulder. "Allow me to put you to sleep, Rei."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean a sleep. A small slumber that will ensure your safety. It will not harm you. . .I would never do anything to harm you. It is merely a-"
"Absolutely not!"
Jed looked at her with eyes so sad and so heavy she felt her heart would burst if she continued to stare at them any longer. "I will back you, Jed. I will stand beside you and fight as any good senshi would do. I will not allow anyone to take what is mine. . ."
Jadeite smiled down at her and took her chin into his palm. He caressed the side of her face, marveling at the smoothness of it even as he wondered how he had managed to lure such a beauty to his side. "Watch my back as a good senshi would, Rei, but do not interfere like a good senshi would."
Rei blinked and looked toward the line of trees that marked the forest. She would follow him; she would protect him as he would protect her. "I will-"
"Such the lovely painting, isn't it, your highness?"
Jed and Rei turned at the sound of that voice, so cold and dead. "Sora. . ." Jadeite whispered against Rei's hair.
The evil glint in the man's eye caught in the fading sun and he smiled so wickedly that the waves of hate rolled off of him and seeped into the gooseflesh that marred the prince and princess. "It seems that I ruin something that I should not. . .but I care about as much as I care for that brat I killed."
Jadeite felt the burst of anger in him, felt it rising to get caught in his throat. He knew he shouldn't overreact, not yet. It was too soon to show any true emotion. "Go to hell, Sora. . ."
Sora threw back his head and laughed through his chest. He leaned heavily against one of the trees that guarded the forest and licked his lips in such a way that Jadeite felt the blood begin to pound a tattoo against his skin. He was looking directly at Rei. "Come, prince, let us duke this out and let the winner be on his way. Now that I look at this succulent piece of fine china, I find my taste buds eager for a feast."
Jadeite shot through the air so quickly, Rei failed to see it and fell to her back against the grassy hill. She gasped in horror when she saw Jadeite clutching the stout neck of the crazed villain.
"Impressive, sire," Sora said, his voice strained. "Such strength and power, I wonder where you came upon it, what with that slip of a girl draining your loins."
Jadeite pressed Sora hard against the back of the tree, his knuckles white with the exertion. "I want you gone from my sight. I want to pull out your eyes and feed them to my birds. I want your head to be served on a silver platter to my dogs and I want your rotting carcass tossed to the vultures in Zoicite's deserts. Your blood will be drained from you and I will personally see to it that it is poured into the mouths of every opening to hell. You will be no more to me than a speck of dust on a ruby, velvet throw."
Sora shoved a fist into Jadeite's stomach just as the sun lowered and Jadeite's last word was spoken. The two men fell backwards, limbs tangling with each other. The ground shook and the trees shivered; the wind howled with pain and the birds scattered.
Sora pulled a fist back just as Jadeite rolled to his knees and the blow that he ushered to the side of Jadeite's face sent him reeling. "Take that you mangy cur," Sora shouted.
Jadeite swung a leg around and landed Sora on the ground. He dove for his neck, the blood pulsing in his veins, the sounds of war beating against his skull. They rolled further down into the forest. Jadeite slammed Sora against the rocky ground and issued blow after blow against the sides of Sora's face. "You shall never defeat me," Sora yelled after each punch.
Jadeite was too absorbed in his actions to notice when Sora's hand shot out from beneath him and the bolt of blue lightening that came toward him, threw him backwards. The hot piercing lance stuck into his stomach, the blood pouring out in rivulets down the front of his shirt and seeping into his breeches. He could feel the warmth even as he felt the coolness of steel. When he looked down the lance of lightening he saw that it had turned into a blue sword; smooth and cold, it protruded from his belly with a menacing glare. "This will not slow me," he croaked out.
With a shaking hand, he pulled the sword from his belly, the pain making his knees shake. Sora merely stared, a grin as evil as any marring his handsome face. Jadeite threw his hand out just as Sora shot out his and the clash of blue and white light made the darkening sky light up with fire.
Rei raced down the hill and into the forest, heedless of the voices she heard behind her, heedless of the fire lighting the sky and fearing only for one life that was not her own. She fell through the bushes, tore her gown and ripped the ribbons holding the bodice in place. Twigs caught in her hair, mud splattered about her, there was a blurry white cloud blinding her vision yet at the same time making things so much clearer. She could see the shadowed figures standing like stone statues in the distance. They were straining to remain upright; their arms outstretched and light streaming between them. She stood in the cluster of trees to one side and watched the scene play out before her. She could smell the smoke in the air and could feel the heat, as thick as a wool blanket, draping over the canopy of the forest.
With beads of sweat rolling down the sides of his face, Jadeite stood hard and fast, a tickle in the back of his mind telling him that Rei wasn't far. She was safe, protected by the shield of his homeland, engulfed in the aura of his own persona. He knew that giving her that small bit of protection would cost him, but he didn't care. He wanted her safe and warm and unharmed when she came to him after the horror was over.
He turned his attention back to Sora. The man was as unwavering as he was, but Jadeite began to feel the effects that pouring ones soul into their hands could do. His heart was beating so hard and so fast that he feared it would leap from his chest and he could feel the trickle of sweat falling between his shoulder blades. He shifted his feet and closed his eyes. His enemy would not move for the minute he needed to gather more.
"By all that is holy, I call on my ancestors of yore and beg on their graves the power for more. . ."
Sora sensed it before he heard it. Never had he witnessed Jadeite reaching into the weave of magic that clung to the air about him. He knew his brother's murder like he knew himself. The bastard always took what he needed from his soul, from his spirit, never from the dead around him. How dare he try and beat him? Sora would show him. Sora would prove that he was the better fighter. "You will not win so easily, prince," he shouted above the roar of the light. He felt his voice give way even as he grunted from the strength of Jadeite's blow. "There is nothing left in that aura that surrounds you. It has dissipated and you are left helpless and numb!"
Jadeite ground his teeth together, his arms shaking and his legs weak, he pulled back, his elbows wanting and wishing to snap back against his body and tear from his sockets, but his strength took over and he managed to pull back enough, just enough to gather more strength closer to him, just enough to feel the tip of Rei's energy swirl about him. He knew he risked much by pulling her into the fight, but he needed the help, needed to destroy the creature before him with crazed eyes. "Just a bit more, sweeting. . .only a bit. . ." he whispered. The veins in his arms were prominent with the strain and his shaking fingers clutched at the thick bolt of white light in his hands as if it were his only link to life.
"Weakling, you're drawing power from a harlot, a vain little princess with nothing to offer but a tasty body and glorious hair," Sora shouted at him.
"Yes, goad me," Jadeite whispered as he strained against the new power that began to pour into his hands. He felt the ball growing by the second. And with a mighty heave, he thrust the fresh energy at Sora and laughed at the glory that poured over and through him.
Sora fell back against the new attack. He collapsed to his knees, his hands still outstretched as he tried to gain enough strength to push and fight back. The blow was stronger than he thought it could be.
Jadeite let out a relieved breath then pulled back again. It was now or never. If this last one didn't sent Sora to his miserable death, then nothing would.
And so it was, with a roar as fierce and grand as the proclaimed golden hawk who had fathered Ares, Jadeite propelled the last of his energy into Sora's prone form. He glimpsed it soaring at him, flying as surly as any arrow of Rei's toward its target. Yet, before he could see the spectacular display of power strike the blackest of hearts, before he could witness the distinct and utter look of terror in Sora's eyes, and before he could partake of the sweet victory of watching his enemy's body burst into a million pieces, Lord Warrior General Jadeite collapsed to the dusty ground.
Not so, the princess watched every horrifying second that passed by as fast as a breath. The fear and shock in Sora's eyes, the pain that crossed over his face before he was engulfed in brilliant red and white flames. She heard the heart wrenching cry even as she held her hands tightly over her ears and she felt the harsh quiver the earth made as the man who had caused so much pain became nothing but a memory.
"He's gone. . ." she whispered when the air settled and the trees once again began to sway in the breeze. The night was upon them, the darkness enclosing them and still she stood in the shadows, the cloudy aura slowly clearing until she could see nothing but the moon shining curiously over the earth. She could almost see Serenity's eyes, full of tears searching for her. She could feel her mother's gaze upon her as she stepped out of the trees and toward the still figure on the ground.
There was blood pooled about him, a tear in his shirt above his abdomen. He was bruised and scratched, dirt clinging to him like a second skin. His hair, once blonde and vibrant, was gray with ash and dust. His beautiful blue clothing was torn and blackened. His arm was twisted under his back, his legs sprawled wide and upon his face was an expression Rei had never seen before for he was at peace now.
Rei ignored the look and knelt beside her fallen husband. There were tears in her eyes that fell unbidden onto her hands as she reached them out to touch Jed's body. She wanted to tear the shirt from him and examine the wound in his stomach. She wanted to tear off her own flesh and sewn it on to his, if only it would keep him from scarring. "Jed. . ." she breathed.
The stony silence she received made her heart pound. "Jed. . ." she tried again.
"Rei!" Endymion yelled. "This is too much like before. Where are you?"
Rei refused to turn to the voice. She knew he had been calling her when she rushed into the forest, but she hadn't paid him any attention. She wanted only to reach Jadeite. She did not know that the aura surrounding her also kept him and all others out. "Jed. . .we'll get you back to the palace and you'll be well as soon as you are in that garden room. You remember, don't you? The one we were married in. . ."
"Rei! Rei where the hell are you?" he tried again.
"I'll bring you Isabelle and she'll jump on you and pull at your chin until you wake like she always does."
"Rei!"
She heard the crashing of the bushes and smelled Endymion's soul before he touched her arm. "Rei. . ." he whispered.
Nephrite fell in behind him, hundreds of soldiers surrounding the small clearing. "Jadeite. . ." he said softly, a quiet and dead voice.
"Is he. . ." Endymion dared to ask.
Rei swung on him, her eyes as hot and hard as the red planet itself. "How dare you, Endymion? He is not dead! He is exhausted. He needs rest. Pick him up and take him back to the palace!"
"Rei. . .his stomach. . .there's a hole. . .still seeping blood. . ." Nephrite whispered in a hoarse voice.
"And it can easily be stitched. Now someone pick my lord up and let's get him into a bed. Bring our daughter out of hiding and ready a bath," she said. Her voice was tired, her shoulder slumped. No one knew what had happened in the forest. No one knew how much energy all three of them had used in order to rid themselves of that creature.
"Rei. . ." Endymion begged.
"Do as my lady says. . ." came a rough cough.
Endymion and Nephrite turned startled and watery eyes toward the still form on the ground. "Jadeite?" they asked in unison. They were challenged by brilliant blue eyes that stood out against the gray flesh of his face.
"Do not. . .stand there like. . .idiot fools," he coughed, heaving as he did so. "This.this scratch in my stomach.it's beginning to become. . .a bother. . ."
Without another word, a sling of five men's cloaks was fashioned and Jadeite was carried between two horses, Endymion and his wife's, back to the palace.
* * *
"Come here, princess."
She leaped into his arms, her fair skin smooth and warm against him. "Jed. . ."
"I have been cooped up in this bed for far too long, princess. I want to go running through the forest. I want to make love to you by the river's edge and sleep in a bed of wildflowers when we have sated ourselves."
Rei rose up on her elbow and glared down at her husband. He was bare- chested and his eyes were closed, but she knew he was well. She smoothed a hand over his hair and kissed his shoulder.
They had been living in Serenity's palace for the last week. As soon as the last stitch was set in Jadeite's stomach wound, they were transported to the moon to wait out Jadeite's recovery. Rei had wanted to go back to that dreaded spot in the forest and search out the remains of Sora, but knew that the only remains was still in the pocket of her torn and ragged dress. She hadn't wanted to pick it up, nor did she want to leave it lying on the ground.
Once they were established in the palace, her friends bombarded her with questions and accusations. They wanted to see this prince who stole her heart. Why did they not remember him when he had come to visit so long ago? And why did she blush every time they mentioned Jadeite and her sleeping in the same bedchamber?
Rei smiled. She had missed her friends dearly and was glad for their constant chatter. The silent Ami who sat back and watched everyone, then asked her in secret what it was like to roam the hills of Spain; Mina, who didn't stop talking for a moment, but continually asked about the mysterious Kunzite who Rei had never met. There was Makoto who continually heaped trays and trays of food on her, telling her that she had to fatten herself and her husband up. And last, Serenity who teared every time Rei came into the room, so thankful was she that Rei was safe where she should be.
"What are you thinking?" Jed asked.
Rei turned her face to his and smiled broadly. "I am glad to be with you, my lord," she said softly.
Jadeite ran a hand down her shoulder to her hip and groaned. "How long did the physician say to remain still?"
Rei smiled and shifted so that his hand splayed her belly. She heard him groan again and giggled in response. "You know perfectly well that Zoicite said not to move for at least two weeks or until the stitches could come out," she said gently.
Jadeite smoothed a hand over the jagged scar on his stomach and winced with memory. "I'm glad you were there, Rei," he whispered.
Rei merely kissed him and then snuggled close to his chest. "I wouldn't leave you alone with him. . ." she said.
Jadeite shook his head and pulled her closer to him. "I wish I could have seen his downfall," he said.
Rei kissed his chest then stiffened.
"What is it?" Jed asked.
"Don't move," she said as she wiggled out of the bed and raced toward the dressing room.
"Don't move? Oh, of course not. I wouldn't dare move. What if I were to pull a stitch? What if I were to open my wound? Honestly, that idiot Zoicite said that merely to anger me. He wanted me to suffer. Suffer I tell you. Being alone with a naked angel will kill me!" he shouted.
Rei continued to sort through her dresses until she found what she needed.
"Yes, that's what Zoicite wanted. He wanted to be rid of me so that he could-"
Rei placed her found object in his hands; her eyes bright with question.
"I'll be damned. . ."
"I found it after the battle was over. It was all there was that was remotely whole. . ."
Jadeite turned the object in his hands; the scorched edges leaving bits of ash on his fingers. "It's mine. . ."
"I know. . ."
"It was missing when I. . ."
"I sensed it even as I picked it up. . ."
"It seems like so long ago that I was angry at him because they were late. Then to be missing one. . ."
"I know. . ."
Jadeite put it on the bedside table and reached for her. "It's over," he said when she was once again snuggled beside him. "It's over. . ."
Rei nodded against his chest and glanced over at the object that lay like a dirty beggar amidst the queen's white dress. A small paintbrush lay on the white cloth.
And somewhere in Jadeite's room, in his palace on earth, a man named Hiro dusted the top of a paint case that had been given to the prince from his good friend. . .Sora. . .on the day when powers turned from good to evil and new loves were found.
FIN