Copyright Aviatrix8, 2000-01. Sailor Moon and all related characters are property of Naoko Takeuchi, and are used without permission. Alexandra, Aquamarine, Peridot, Topaz and Garnet are characters created by myself, however, and may not be used without permission.
Notes: Well, it's been over a year since I've started writing this story, but it's finally done (it's amazing what a little encouragement will do ^_~). Keep in mind that this is the first draft, and is still subject to change... Still, I'm pleased that I finished it at all; I've never completed a story this long or this serious in nature before...
*****
A Black Moon fanfic
"The Taking of Crystal Tokyo"
by Avi
"And now," said Prince Diamond, steepling his fingers as he sat upon his throne, "there is the matter of Crystal Tokyo."
He said it as if it was little consequence, or so Sapphire thought; as if one mounted an invasion upon another planet every day. But that, he knew, was just his brother's way.
Prince Diamond's gaze fell upon his younger brother, who bowed. "Sapphire, you know I have approved the final battle plans."
"Yes, your Highness. However, I believe we still require someone to lead the attack." Diamond raised a eyebrow.
"Very well. Any suggestions?"
"Rubius and the Four Sisters," Sapphire replied promptly. "Or perhaps Emerald." He actually didn't care for either, but both could be very effective if they chose to be. Besides, the prestige of leading such an important attack would lend extra initiative to either commander.
Prince Diamond looked thoughtful. "Hmmm... Very well. I believe--"
The Prince was cut off as another figure materialized in the throne room. Wiseman appeared, seeming to rise from the ground like a ghost.
"Might I make a suggestion, my Prince?" whispered Wiseman in his shadowy tones.
"Of course, Wiseman," replied Diamond, as Sapphire tried vainly not to clench a fist in annoyance.
Wiseman gestured at the crystal ball before him. "I have foreseen who will lead the attack on Crystal Tokyo, and it is neither Rubius or Emerald."
"Then who might it be?" asked Sapphire rather testily. The hooded gaze rested upon his.
"It is... The Commander of the Elite Guard."
"What?" gasped Sapphire, not able to contain his shock. He turned to his brother. "Your Highness, the Elite Guard's job is to protect the Royal Family, not go on some assault mission!"
Prince Diamond turned to Wiseman. "You are absolutely certain of this?"
"Yes, your Highness. Besides..." Wiseman returned his gaze to Sapphire. "Did you not see to the training of the Elite Guard yourself, Sapphire?"
"Yes..." he replied cautiously.
"And you only allow the best warriors into the Guard. So, wouldn't it be logical," said Wiseman, turning back to Diamond, "to send them on such an important mission, where success is vital?"
Prince Diamond seemed to mull this over. "A most persuasive argument, Wiseman. Very well." He stood up. "The Elite Guard shall lead the attack on Crystal Tokyo." He looked at Sapphire. "I trust you shall inform them, brother?"
"Of course, Prince Diamond." He bowed, but stiffly. Then he dematerialized, but not before casting a hateful look at Wiseman.
Then Wiseman sank into the ground, chuckling to himself. "Yes, send the Elite Guard," he said quietly. "For I see nothing in the future for them..."
When both had completely disappeared, Diamond pressed a secret panel on his throne. On the podium before him, a hologram of Neo-Queen Serenity flickered into being. He held out a hand, as if to touch it longingly.
"Soon, my dear..." he said softly, the glow of the hologram reflecting the hunger in his eyes. "Soon, you shall be all mine..."
*****
Part One: The Duties of War
Sapphire sat silently in the office of his chambers, decorated in the same trademark blue of his name; the only sound in the room came from his chair, as he swiveled it impatiently about. On top of the desk before him was some paperwork and a glowing computer terminal, both of which he ignored. His hard gaze seemed to rest across from where he sat, upon the door.
Finally he sighed, and stood up. Turning his back on the door, he said quietly, "Alexandra."
A woman with scarlet hair materialized in his office, from her post outside. She was dressed simply, or at least, far more simply than the other female warriors of the Black Moon, in red and deep violet; the only jewelry she wore, apart from the familiar dark crystal earrings, was a chain belt of round metal plates, with a reverse crescent in the middle. The Commander of the Elite Guard bowed to Sapphire.
"Yes, Lord Sapphire?"
He paused, not knowing where to begin. "I'm sure... You're aware about the impending attack on Earth?"
"Of course, my lord."
"And that we are assembling a task force for the mission."
"Yes?"
"Well... Congratulations." He turned around, his ironic, blue-eyed gaze meeting her red-violet eyes. "You and the Elite Guard have been chosen to lead the attack." Alexandra raised her eyebrows, but did nothing else to indicate her surprise.
"Thank you, Lord Sapphire," she said, bowing again. "It is an honour."
"Yes, I suppose it is, at that," replied Sapphire, sighing. He managed to compose himself, and continued. "I shall brief you and your men in the War Room at 1400 hours; the attack itself will take place tomorrow. I know this is sudden, but I'm afraid time is of the essence. Is that understood?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Very well. I'll see you at the briefing; inform your men, and feel free to make your preparations until then. You are dismissed." He turned as Alexandra quietly left the room. He paced for a bit, then sat down, as he considered his Commander of the Elite Guard.
Alexandra was one of the few military officers he did trust, possibly because she was under his direct command. But he actually respected her, too; she was both loyal and honourable, unusual traits on the treacherous Nemesis. However, he would expect nothing less from the Commander of the Elite Guard, the leader of those who served to protect his brother... Although, even Sapphire had to admit, Prince Diamond could probably take care of himself.
The Elite Guard was, in effect, a royal bodyguard of sorts. The job might've seemed unnecessary on Nemesis, where the dark energy from the Black Crystal amplified the powers of those who lived on the planet, especially its ruling Prince. However, Sapphire had seen otherwise; he made sure that the Guard was composed of some of the finest and most loyal warriors on Nemesis, overseeing their training himself.
"I can't believe I let Wiseman trick me into sending them to Earth," muttered Sapphire to himself irritably. Although control of the Guard technically fell to the ruler, Prince Diamond had allowed it to fall to him, perhaps realizing his younger brother's need to protect his older sibling.
"Still... If there's anyone who could accomplish this mission, they could." He had seen to it himself, hadn't he?
In two minds of it all, but realizing he could do nothing about it, Sapphire turned back to his work.
***
"We've been chosen? Us?"
It was Peridot who had spoken out; as the youngest and most impetuous member of Elite Guard, his immediate reaction to their commanding officer's news was not surprising. However, Alexandra fixed him with a stern gaze.
"Yes, we have been selected to lead the attack on Crystal Tokyo." She arced an eyebrow. "Do you have a problem with that, Peridot?" The green-haired boy flushed.
"No, Commander," he replied, subdued.
Alexandra had entered the private training room of the Elite Guard, to inform them about their latest orders. The four members of her team had stood around in various states of repose, as their personalities dictated, but all had listened attentively.
"I'm sorry for speaking out of turn, Commander," continued Peridot, attempting to make amends. "But I'm actually looking forward to this mission."
"Yeah. It'll be nice to finally see some action." This was from Garnet, who was casually leaning against the wall. His brown eyes gleamed hungrily.
"Really, Garnet. You're so bloodthirsty," commented Topaz, tossing his long, golden braid over one shoulder. "Still," he mused, "it has been rather quiet around here, lately..." His voice trailed off, at a sharp look from Alexandra.
"I don't suppose I could finish speaking now," she said archly. The three subsided, somewhat rebuked.
Alexandra felt somewhat guilty for reprimanding them, for she could understand their feelings. Because of the Prince's supernatural powers, the Elite Guard spent most of their time training rather than in combat, although all of them had experienced it at one time or another.
Even now, Alexandra could sense the restlessness in her men; despite their casual demeanour, their muscles were tensed, as if already poised for battle. Still, such enthusiasm for combat didn't excuse them from talking back to their commanding officer.
Her gaze unconsciously turned towards Aquamarine, her second-in-command. He was the only member of the Elite Guard who had remained silent thus far. However, his cool, blue-green eyes took in everything; he seemed to absorb all that was said, as if noting every nuance of the conversation. Noticing that the commander was looking at him, he gave her an imperceptible nod. Satisfied, she turned back to the rest of her men.
Alexandra began to give them the information that Sapphire had given her, as well as instructions of her own. As she did this, she silently considered each member of the Elite Guard in turn.
Peridot, with his light green hair and leaf-green eyes, was the junior member of the group, having being with the Guard for just over a year. But despite his apparent inexperience, he was an excellent warrior; he was one of those types who 'lived for the fight'. His dark olive uniform seemed to echo this, with its vague overtones of armour.
Leather-clad Garnet, of the dark red hair and blazing brown eyes, was indeed, as Topaz had pointed out, a bit on predatory side. But he had never, in Alexandra's experience, let this more primal side of his nature get in the way of his work; indeed, it seemed to enhance his powers.
Golden-haired and golden-eyed, elegant Topaz was the nobility of the group. Despite his seeming refinement, he himself was a fine warrior, as well, fighting with the absolute precision of the well-trained. His rich taste was reflected in the uniform he wore, and in the golden cords strung across the front of his jacket.
And finally, there was Aquamarine, he of the light blue hair and cool, aqua eyes. He was the analytical one of the four, one of the reasons that Alexandra had made him her second, and also fought with the same cold, calculating accuracy. His uniform, like that of the others, was of the same style as of that of the ruling prince and his brother, with its decorated, high-collared jacket; his was light blue, with a white design that resembled stylized waves. On a length of cord around his neck, he wore the reversed crescent of the Black Moon, with a blue-green teardrop mounted upon it.
After she had finished relaying her instructions, she dismissed her men. They promptly left to complete the tasks they had been given, except for Aquamarine, who lingered behind. He raised an inquisitive eyebrow at his commanding officer, who waved him away.
"It's okay, Aquamarine," she told him. "I don't feel like talking at the moment... I just want to be alone with my thoughts." He nodded in reply, and quietly left the room. Alexandra now stood by herself in the training room. Absentmindedly, she pulled out one of the stools and sat down, thinking.
She had sensed Sapphire's apprehension when he had told her about the Elite Guard's latest mission. She had to admit, even she had been surprised when he told her that they had been selected to lead the attack on Earth, despite the fact that they were, technically, military operatives, and could have been chosen. However, Sapphire's concern worried her; he was usually so confident in the Guard's abilities. In fact, the only thing that could disturb him like this was...
"Wiseman," she muttered to herself. Sapphire's dislike of the soothsayer was well-known, even to those outside the inner circles of court life.
"Wiseman must've suggested us for the mission; that's probably why he was so unnerved," she continued, murmuring to herself. Add to that the fact that it was those who were assigned to protect his brother that were to be sent to Earth... Alexandra sighed.
She had spent enough time working with Sapphire to know what he was like. Over the years, she had come to realize that his older brother's welfare was the central, most important thing in his life; that was why he made sure the Elite Guard worked diligently at their job. In fact, he had gone so far as to enhance their natural powers...
Alexandra found herself thinking back to that day; it had been about a year ago, and she had been summoned to his office.
***
"You sent for me, Lord Sapphire?"
He had been standing in front of his desk with his back to her, but had turned around and smiled. "Yes, Alexandra, I did. Come, there is something I'd like to show you." He gestured to his desk, upon which she noticed there were four objects. She approached tentatively, as this was most unlike Sapphire, but her curiousity had been piqued.
As she came closer, she realized the objects on his desk were weapons, each inscribed with the symbol of the Black Moon. She stopped in front of the desk and examined them with interest.
The first was a trident, which appeared to be made out pale blue glass; the next, a cat'o'nine tails made of reddish-black leather. Another was a sickle, its crescent-shaped blade a light shade of green; and finally, there was a long coil of golden wire. As she looked at them in wonder, Sapphire watched her reaction intently.
"What do you think?" he asked.
"They're lovely," Alexandra replied, admiring the craftmanship. She gestured to one. "May I?"
"Be my guest."
She picked up the trident, and turned it over in her hands. It was probably not made out of glass as she first thought, as it radiated a coldness to her touch. She put it down carefully.
"They're very well-made," she continued. Noticing his attention, she asked, "Did you make these, Sapphire?" He nodded.
Alexandra was impressed. She had thought Sapphire's crafting abilities had only applied to crystal structures; she would've never thought he could create weaponry, as well. She ran a finger over the blade of the sickle.
"Amazing. One of these days, you'll be able to create life," she joked lightly. She turned away from the weapons, somewhat reluctantly. "Well, I'm sure whoever these are intended for will appreciate them," she commented.
"I'm glad you think so," Sapphire replied. "Because they're for the Elite Guard." Alexandra looked at him in surprise, then glanced back at the weapons.
"This is most generous of you, Sapphire. The effort it must've taken..." He waved a hand dismissively.
"Think nothing of it. I just thought I should let you look them over, before I gave them to your men."
"Thank you... Thank you very much. I'm sure they'll use them well; I'll go inform the Guard right away..." She turned to go, but was stopped by a hand on her shoulder.
"Wait," said Sapphire. As she turned around, he pulled something off his desk, a small box of the type that carried jewelry. He handed it to her. Alexandra stared at it in astonishment.
"Take it," he said quietly. "It's for you."
She looked up into his steady, blue-eyed gaze. As if mesmerized, she took the box from his hands and slowly opened it. Inside, lay two earrings made of a dark crystal. As she stood there dazed, Sapphire's voice filtered through.
"You think I would arm the rest of the guard without equipping their commanding officer as well?" he asked, almost sounding amused.
It was then Alexandra recognized the earrings as the type worn by the favoured servants of the Black Crystal. She also recalled that she had never seen Sapphire wear a pair himself, although his brother did. She then realized the full implications of his gift.
"I can't accept this," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "These were--" She was about to say, 'given to you by Wiseman', but tactfully changed it to, "not meant for me." Sapphire's cool gaze fell on her.
"Those were given to me to be used as I saw fit," he said sternly. "They would serve you far better than they would me. Besides..." His tone softened a bit, and he sighed. "They are far more powerful than anything I could create."
Alexandra raised her eyebrows at Sapphire's admission, and the implication that he might actually be less powerful than Wiseman. She glanced down at the earrings to mask her surprise.
"Still... Are you absolutely certain about this, Sapphire?"
"Of course."
She sighed. "Very well, then." She took one of the earrings from the box and held it up to the light. "How do I use them?" she asked curiously. Sapphire looked thoughtful.
"Well, from what I know, those were supposed to amplify my powers over dark matter... However, they should adjust to whoever uses them." Alexandra carefully replaced the earring in the case and shut it. She then looked up at him and smiled.
"Thank you, Sapphire. This is a very kind gift." She bowed slightly. "I'm sure it will serve me well in my duties to the Prince." Sapphire smiled back at her, knowing that she understood.
"It is nothing. I know you will use them well." Alexandra bowed once more, more formally this time, and left the room.
When she had returned to her quarters, she tried out the earrings. She had been uncertain what would happen after she exerted her will over them, but Alexandra had been quite shocked as they both lengthened into a sword and dagger, the clasps reforming into hilts. When she had picked up the sword, she had been both amazed and gratified to find it had the finest balance she had ever found in a weapon in her life; it almost felt like an extension of her arm. Its edge seemed infinitely sharp, and she thought could almost feel the power of the Black Crystal throbbing within it.
"Yes, a very kind gift indeed," murmured Alexandra to herself, returning to the present. Her hand flew inadvertantly to the one of the earrings she wore, brushing it. She smiled quietly to herself, but realizing she was doing so, it quickly disappeared from her face. She sighed.
"Well, enough of dwelling in the past," she said, steeling herself. There was much to do before the mission briefing. She stood up and began her own preparations for the upcoming battle.
***
Alexandra materialized in the War Room just before 1400 hours to find that both Sapphire and the rest of the Elite Guard were already there, standing around the low, crystal podium that served as a map display. The former nodded to her as she entered.
"Ah, there you are, Commander. We've been waiting for you; I was just about to get the meeting underway." Alexandra inclined her head apologetically. Her men parted respectfully as she took a position around the map, where she could get a good view.
Meanwhile, Sapphire had waved a hand over the display, and a hologram of Crystal Tokyo appeared. He began to speak.
"As you know, you have been all chosen to lead the attack on Crystal Tokyo. I will now relay to you the details of your mission." He waved his hand over the map, and five glowing red dots appeared; one centred at the Crystal Palace, and the other four equidistant from it.
"At noon tomorrow, huge pulses of energy from the Black Crystal will be aimed towards these five points, effectively weakening the defenses of Crystal Tokyo. However, that is not all... Every one of you will also be teleported to each of the five points, hidden within the energy." He lifted an eyebrow. "Being of Nemesis, you will, naturally, be able withstand the power of the Black Crystal, but the effect it will have on the people of Earth will be devastating."
Sapphire held up a pair of dark crystal earrings. "Each of you be given a pair of these, which have been provided by Wiseman." His mouth twisted distastefully at the name, but he continued. "With these, you will be able to harness the energy of the Black Crystal; your Commander, already having a pair, will not need these, of course." Alexandra inclined her head to him in acknowledgment. He looked at her.
"Alexandra, you will take centre-point; the rest of you will take the other points around Crystal Tokyo."
He gestured once more with his hand, and five crystal statuettes appeared above him. Alexandra found herself distracted from the briefing, if only for a moment; with Sapphire's usual attention to detail, the statuettes were precise likenesses of the Elite Guard, done in the jewels of their namesakes.
"I will keep track of your progress with these crystal counters, each of which are keyed to your respective energy signatures." The statuettes hovered above the map for a moment, then touched down at the five marked points. "Use the earrings to channel the power of the Black Crystal to each spot. Once you've all finished planting the dark energy, you may then begin the second phase of the mission."
"And that might be...?" inquired Aquamarine blandly. Sapphire's cool, blue gaze met his own.
"To lure the Sailor Soldiers away from the Crystal Palace... And to eliminate them." Aquamarine raised an eyebrow at this, but said nothing.
"The buildup of dark power at the points is sure to attract the attention of the Sailor Soldiers, and lead them out into the open," Sapphire continued, his voice returning to normal. He turned back to Alexandra.
"Commander, since you have centre-point, you are to make sure that once the Sailor Soldiers leave the palace, no one else follows them. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Lord Sapphire," she replied, bowing her head.
"Good. You will also provide back-up to whomever needs it... However, I hardly think any of you will require it," he commented, his mouth twisting into an ironic smile. He composed himself.
"Once you have all completed your missions, you may use the earrings to teleport back to Nemesis. Then, our dark crystal probes will be sent in to begin the assault on the Crystal Palace."
Sapphire paused. "That's all for now... Are there any questions?" There was silence. "Excellent. Now--"
He was interrupted as a pull of energy drew all of their attention. Everybody in the room turned, as Prince Diamond materialized in the room.
Sapphire's eyes widened. "Brother?" he gasped in surprise. The Prince's violet gaze fell upon him.
"Sapphire." Diamond nodded to him in reply. He looked at the members of the Elite Guard, who immediately bowed. "Have you finished briefing the task force on their mission?"
"I just finished doing so, your Highness. However--"
"Excellent." Prince Diamond unconsciously cut him off. The violet eyes turned to Alexandra, who stiffened. "I would like to have word with you in private, Commander."
Hearing this, the rest of the Elite Guard took the hint, and quietly left the room. The Prince was about to speak to Alexandra, when his gaze fell upon someone else.
"Perhaps I didn't make myself clear, brother." Sapphire looked taken aback.
"But I thought--" He bit off the rest of the sentence, at Diamond's cold stare.
"Yes, your Highness," said Sapphire, relenting. He bowed and walked out the door, but not without casting a pained glance at his brother. When he was gone, Prince Diamond turned back to Alexandra, who was standing at attention somewhat uneasily.
Alexandra had never been completely comfortable under the direct attention of her Prince, even though she had spent a lot of time in his presence while guarding him. Personally, she found that there was something untouchable, even implacable about his Highness. Perhaps it was simply because he was her ruler; she had always felt that the Prince should be venerated, no matter how overly traditional it might seem.
Still, Alexandra did find Prince Diamond beautiful, all brilliant, cold fire like the jewel he was named for. And he had the same intense gaze that both he and his younger brother shared; that gaze was focused on her now.
"Sapphire has told all the details of the attack, I believe." Alexandra nodded briefly. "Good." He walked over to the map of Crystal Tokyo, looking it over.
"I am aware that you are taking point guard at the Crystal Palace, tomorrow."
"Yes, your Highness."
"I would just like to make a slight change in your orders," he continued smoothly.
Alexandra paled slightly. "Sire?"
Diamond walked back to her, and held her in his magnetic, violet eyes. "I have a very important mission for you, Commander. I trust you will carry out my orders to the best of your abilities." It was a statement, not a question.
She bowed. "Your Highness, I live only to serve," she answered truthfully.
"Excellent. Then listen carefully." He took a step closer to her, looking deep into her eyes until Alexandra felt as if she was trapped by his hypnotic gaze.
"During the attack tomorrow, I want you to enter the Crystal Palace," said Prince Diamond, quietly. "And then, Alexandra, I want you to find King Endymion... And kill him."
TO BE CONTINUED...
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