A Black Moon fanfic
"The Taking of Crystal Tokyo"
*****
Part Two: Honour at War
It took a while for Prince Diamond's words to sink in, but when they did, it felt as if the floor had dropped from underneath Alexandra.
Kill... The King of the Earth? she thought, her eyes widening. Surely he can't be serious! But the icy look in his eyes told her that he was deadly serious.
And then she also recalled that King Endymion was Neo-Queen Serenity's consort... Alexandra tried not to wince. The Prince's obsession with the Queen was notorious among those within the royal circles.
Though she managed to keep her expression neutral, Diamond must've sensed her apprehension, for he continued, "I realize that this will be a difficult task for you, but the attack on Earth should distract everyone sufficiently for you to enter the palace undetected. I have complete faith in your abilities, Alexandra."
The Prince cocked his head to one side. "Sapphire has said much about your competency as a commanding officer," he commented, causing her to flush slightly. "And I believe him. I am sure you will do all in your power to accomplish this mission." His gaze hardened. "I will not tolerate failure, Commander."
"I will do my best," she managed to reply.
"See that you do," he replied; the ice in his tone made her blood run cold.
"That is all... You are dismissed."
She bowed deeply, automatically, and turned to leave. As she reached the door, Prince Diamond called out.
"Alexandra?"
She turned. "Your Highness?"
"One more thing. I would also appreciate if you would keep the details of your mission a secret; especially from my brother." His stern, violet gaze met hers. "I trust you will do so." Alexandra inclined her head, casting her eyes to the floor.
"Yes, your Highness," she answered, her voice low. Nodding, the Prince turned away.
Alexandra silently exited the War Room; it seemed sacriligious to dematerialize in the presence of her ruler. She then walked slowly down the hallway.
She was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she didn't notice Sapphire standing in front of her until she almost walked into him. When Alexandra noticed this, she looked up, surprised.
"My Lord," she said uneasily, "Forgive me, I didn't see you over there. Please--"
"Alexandra, I need to talk to you," Sapphire said, abruptly cutting her off.
Then, much to her astonishment, he took her arm and teleported them both to his office. As she reeled from the shock of this, Sapphire walked over his desk. He then leaned on it, staring at her intently. With a start, Alexandra suddenly realized she was being observed. She quickly came to attention.
"Alexandra," he began, without delay. "You must tell me what my brother told you in the War Room just now." His eyes met her resolutely impassive gaze.
"I can't," she replied quietly.
Sapphire's eyes widened. "What?"
"I was told by the Prince," she continued, trying to keep her voice steady, "that it was be kept secret."
"Even from me?" he asked, almost plaintively. There was a pleading look in his eyes.
Alexandra dropped her gaze. "Especially from you."
Sapphire's expression hardened. "I see," he replied coolly, turning his back on her.
At this, Alexandra's resolve softened; she felt she had to explain. "Sapphire, Prince Diamond specifically ordered me not tell you; he practically commanded it. As Commander of the Elite Guard, you know I can't break my word to my liege lord." Not even for you, she added silently.
His back remained turned against her. Alexandra wondered if Sapphire would ever reply... After what seemed like an eternity, he sighed.
"Your loyalty to the Prince does you credit, Commander," Sapphire conceded wearily. "Although... I hope that, in this one instance, it isn't misplaced." He turned to look at her. "You are dismissed." She bowed under his gaze, relieved, then left the room. Sapphire watched her go.
He felt sorry for Alexandra for a moment; perhaps he should've told her that he was more upset about his brother keeping secrets from him, than he was at her. Hopefully, she would realize that herself... Sapphire then frowned, as recalled the scene in the War Room: Prince Diamond glaring at him, waiting for him to leave.
"Brother..." he murmured. "What are you up to?"
***
It was almost midnight on Nemesis. However, because of the perpetually twillight sky of the planet, it was difficult to tell if it was actually that late, or indeed, whether it was night or day.
In the darkened practice hall of the Elite Guard, a single figure still trained. Alexandra, a sword held in both hands, went through the carefully rehearsed movements of the fencer. She did not use her dark crystal blades; she felt it was unseemly to use them for a mere workout. Instead, she used a katana, the Japanese longsword favoured by samurai. Methodically, she went through the thrusts, blocks and lunges of her exercises with a studied grace, honed by years and years of training.
Suddenly, she sensed movement behind her. Whirling around, the sword swept through the air, slashing around at shoulder height.
It stopped mere millimetres from the neck of the person who had just entered. Alexandra relaxed slightly, as she recognized who it was.
"Hello, Aquamarine."
"Commander." He glanced down pointedly at the blade at his neck. She took the hint, and moved it away.
"You're up a bit late," she commented, shaking red hair from her eyes. Aquamarine raised an eyebrow.
"The same could be said for you." His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Is there something troubling you, Commander?"
"What makes you think something is troubling me?" she asked, examining the blade of her sword.
"You only practice this late when you have something on your mind," replied her second blandly.
Alexandra said nothing. Turning her back on him, she walked over to a stool; grabbing the towel slung on it, she mopped her brow, then wiped the towel deliberately across her sword. Aquamarine continued to watch her intently.
"I don't suppose that has anything to do with you having to assassinate King Endymion tomorrow," he said, quietly.
Alexandra paused in mid-polish; it was only her training that prevented her from dropping the sword in surprise. She turned and looked up sharply at Aquamarine.
"How did you--" He shrugged, and replied in his usual, level tone.
"When Prince Diamond wanted to talk to you privately in the War Room this afternoon, it seemed obvious that he wanted to send you on a special mission. Since your post is at the Crystal Palace, and in light of his obsession with the Neo-Queen, I surmised that that would be the most likely task you'd be assigned."
Alexandra stared at his cold, clinical analysis. Then she flushed as she realized that, against orders, she had revealed her mission, thereby breaking her word to the Prince.
Aquamarine noticed her face redden. "Forgive me, Commander. I didn't mean to make you give away your orders..." His voice was apologetic.
"Never mind that," she muttered, irritated at herself. "It's my fault for admitting that you were right." Then a thought crossed through her mind. If Aquamarine figured my mission out that easily... God, I just hope Sapphire doesn't come to the same conclusion.
She sat down in the chair wearily, but not before taking care to set aside the sword. Aquamarine observed her silently.
"Your mission... It bothers you?" he finally asked.
"Of course it bothers me," snapped Alexandra. "I've been ordered to kill the King of Earth!" Aquamarine raised an eyebrow.
"Is that no less daunting than being asked to eliminate the Sailor Soldiers?" he answered archly. There was a pause, then a sigh.
"I'm sorry," Alexandra said apologetically. "I didn't mean to belittle your mission, Aquamarine, or that of the rest of the Guard, for that matter; I'm just tense, that's all. It's just that..." She stared off into space for a moment, trying to find the right words to voice her discontent.
"Well... When Sapphire told you to defeat the Sailor Soldiers, it was more out of necessity than anything else; to him, it was completely impersonal. However, when Prince Diamond looked me straight in the eyes and ordered me to kill King Endymion... I knew right then that he didn't just want the King dead; he wanted him completely wiped off the face of the planet... To never have existed."
There was a pause of silence. Then Aquamarine replied, "It is strange, how we can be controlled by our emotions... Thousands of years have passed, and it still manages to overwhelm us, and cloud our judgement. And love is a very powerful emotion. Even our Prince is not immune to its powers, it seems..."
"Yes..." Alexandra couldn't help thinking to herself, And yet... Prince Diamond has given me an order, and I cannot fail him; I must trust his judgement. Surely it is for the good of the Black Moon Family...
There was another pause. Then, Aquamarine cleared his throat delicately. "That being said, Commander... Perhaps you should take my words into consideration, as well." Alexandra's eyes narrowed.
"Your meaning?"
"Just to be wary, Commander. And to not allow your own perceptions of... Someone... Be coloured by your emotions."
Alexandra gave him a sharp glance, but Aquamarine's expression was as impassive as always. It was unlike him to be so forward like this... She looked up at him, staring him straight in the eyes.
"I have never let my feelings get in the way of my duty," she said bluntly.
Though it was phrased as a statement, Aquamarine sensed the question behind the sentence. Her searching eyes met his steady, sea-green gaze. Then he inclined his head, respectfully.
"No. You haven't," he replied.
She nodded briefly, satisfied. After a moment, Alexandra spoke. "Well, as you said before, Aquamarine, it is getting late... I should be getting to bed. After all, we have a long day ahead of us, tomorrow." She stood up, first carefully replacing the sword on a rack. Then Alexandra headed towards the door, turning to her second before leaving.
"Good night, Aquamarine." His watchful gaze followed her as she walked out of the training room.
"Sleep well... Commander."
Alexandra had walked only a few steps down the hallway, when her second-in-command's voice made her pause and turn.
"Commander?"
"Yes?"
As she looked back at him, Aquamarine's brow wrinkled slightly, and she felt his uncertainty. Alexandra was disconcerted by this. Her usually impassive second-in-command showing even the merest trace of emotion was rather unnerving. Then his face smoothed into its usual, unexpressive state.
"Just... Be careful tommorrow," he murmured. Alexandra blinked in surprise, and then smiled wanly, touched by her second's concern.
"You, too. Thank you, Aquamarine." Then she turned around and walked down the hall, determined to catch what little sleep she could before the impending battle.
*****
On Earth, warning lights flashed all over the Crystal Palace. In the central Control Room of the palace, the ruler of Crystal Tokyo and her consort stood around a large computer screen, along with three of the Sailor Soldiers.
Sailor Mercury was tapping in buttons at the control panel before her. "I'm detecting high levels of negative energy at these points," she said, pointing at the large screen above the panel; it displayed a map of Crystal Toyko, with red lights blinking at four points around the city. "The negative energy is also being aimed at the Palace, but I'm doing my best to divert its flow."
"Can you figure out where it's coming from?" asked King Endymion.
"Not yet," she replied. "It may be a good idea if the other Sailor Soldiers and I check out the points, so we can find out exactly what we're dealing with here." The King nodded.
Just then, Sailor Jupiter ran into the room. "I can't find Reenie," she said, worried. "I've looked everwhere inside the palace."
"Wasn't she playing outside?" asked Sailor Mars. Neo-Queen Serenity paled.
"I'll go get her," said the Queen, determined. She turned to leave, but then stopped, as a hand touched her shoulder.
"Let us look for her," said Sailor Jupiter. The Neo-Queen looked uncertain.
"But--" Just then, Sailor Venus held her by the shoulders, and looked straight into her eyes.
"You're the Queen of the Earth now, remember?" she said sternly. "We have to keep you safe; we can't risk you going out there right now." The rest of the Sailor Soldiers nodded. The Queen looked defiant for a moment, but then hung her head and sighed.
"I suppose you're right," she conceded reluctantly. The Sailor Soldiers then turned to leave, King Endymion taking Sailor Mercury's place at the control panel. Sailor Jupiter looked back and gave the Queen an encouraging smile.
"Don't worry, we'll find her." Mars nodded.
"Yeah, and then we'll check out those negative points of energy Mercury was talking about." The four Sailor Soldiers then left the room. The ruler of Crystal Tokyo watched them go, her concern apparent on her face.
***
Moments later, Sailor Mercury was running towards one of the pillars of negative energy, a solid line of cold, black fire that reached to the sky. She hadn't realized just how immense it was... Though she had seen many unspeakable things over the years as a Sailor Soldier, this was certainly one of the worst. As soon as she reached the foot of the pillar of power, she stopped in her tracks.
As she looked up at it, she pulled out her tiny pocket computer, and began to take energy readings. There was an amazing amount of power here; it almost seemed to be sucking the life energy from the Earth itself...
Mercury was trying to determine its power source when suddenly, she noticed an anomaly in her analysis readings, indicating that it had detected a life force within the negative energy. She stared at her calculations in bewilderment, then looked up at the dark energy pillar.
Surely there couldn't be somebody in there, could there? she thought to herself. Could they have gotten trapped inside? Still, all that negative power... How could anyone possibly survive?
Uncertain, she flicked on her goggles and began to examine the dark energy with them. It only confirmed her theory. With some shock, she realized that the power contained within it did indeed conceal someone... Or perhaps some thing.
"Well done, Sailor Mercury. I am impressed."
Sailor Mercury looked up in surprise, as black energy curled away from the pillar of dark power, like mist. It revealed a man with long, pale blue hair and cold, blue-green eyes, like the depths of the Arctic Ocean. There was a black inverted crescent marked upon his forehead.
"Then again, I would expect nothing less from the brilliant Sailor Mercury, the legendary Sailor Soldier of Logic," he continued emotionlessly, without inflection.
"Who are you?" she asked. He regarded her coolly, as he floated in midair.
"I am Aquamarine, second-in-command of the Elite Guard of Nemesis... And a warrior of the Black Moon Family."
***
Meanwhile, at the Crystal Palace, King Endymion stood at the control panel, examining the readings that flashed on the screen before him. At his back, paced Neo-Queen Serenity, wringing her hands. The King glanced back at her in concern.
"Beloved? Are you all right?" The Queen nodded, obviously preoccupied.
"Yes love, but..." She sighed. "I'm just so worried for them; Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus. I wish could be out there with them, by their side, like in the old days. At least I'd know if they were okay."
King Endymion spared a moment of pity for her. She always cared so much about others; that was one of the reasons he had fallen in love with her.
Turning away from the controls for a moment, he clasped her in a comforting embrace. "Don't worry... They'll be all right, like always." He smiled gently at her. "Why don't you go check on Reenie? I know the girls brought her back to her room safely." The Neo-Queen smiled back at him.
"You're right... That should make me feel better." Reaching up, she softly kissed the King on the cheek. Then she quietly left the room, as King Endymion turned back to his work.
Neo-Queen Serenity walked down a corridor, then pressed a panel on the wall. A door slid open.
"Reenie?" she called out, as she stepped inside. "I hope you're okay, honey, Mommy just wanted to see how you were..." Her voice trailed off, as she realized the room was empty.
"Reenie...?" said the Queen, her eyes widening.
***
Meanwhile, Sailor Mercury gazed up at the man called Aquamarine, as she contemplated upon the words he had just told her.
"The Black Moon Family...?" she repeated. Aquamarine nodded briefly.
"I hear that you are very learned, Sailor Mercury... I wonder how much you recall of history, as well? Long ago, the members of my clan were banished from Earth to Nemesis, for refusing to be purified by the power of the Silver Crystal." Mercury silently put away this information, and then addressed the blue-haired man again.
"You said you're from Nemesis... The legendary tenth planet of the Solar System?"
"That is correct. It seems you are as knowledgable as they say, Sailor Soldier." His cool green eyes then narrowed. "But I'm afraid the time for talk has passed."
After speaking these words, an ice blue trident materialized in his hands. As he pointed it at her, Sailor Mercury's eyes widened as icicles formed at the tips of the weapon; she leapt away just in time when three projectiles flew from it, striking the ground right where she had been standing. Warily, she got to her feet, while Aquamarine watched her, his face devoid of expression.
Closing her eyes, Sailor Mercury gathered her power around her, and with care, took aim...
***
Back on Nemesis, Sapphire carefully observed the progress of the battle, in the War Room. On the holographic map of Crystal Tokyo, four of the crystal counters were glowing steadily, indicating that they were already in combat. He nodded in satisfaction. He then turned to the counter placed at the Crystal Palace.
Sapphire's brow furrowed. "That's odd..." Perhaps it was just him, but the statuette of alexandrite no longer seemed to be at its original position. As he watched it closely, he realized that it was, in fact, moving.
"I thought I told Alexandra to secure the outer perimeter of the Palace," he muttered to himself. "She knows better than to leave her post." It was most unlike her to disobey orders like this.
Suddenly he stiffened. He glanced at the counter once more, then stared. But there was no mistake; the counter's progress had just entered the Crystal Palace, and even now it was obvious that it was heading towards its centre. A horrible realization began to creep over Sapphire.
"Oh, no..." he breathed. "Brother, you didn't..."
***
Alexandra stood warily, flattened against one of the walls of Crystal Palace. Fortunately, she had not been detected yet... Though the stream of dark energy she had travelled in was aimed directly at the heart of the palace, Sapphire had tactfully teleported her just outside its walls.
Earlier, she had watched as the four Sailor Soldiers ushered Small Lady into the building, then ran out again, each headed towards one of points of dark power; that was one part of her mission accomplished. Now, for the next phase...
Carefully, she reached up and pulled off her left earring, which quickly lengthened into a blade. Grasping the hilt in both hands, Alexandra slowly stepped away from the wall. Then, focusing her powers into the sword, she spun around suddenly and cried out, "Dark Lightning Strike!"
Dark bolts of energy crackled from the crystal blade and embedded themselves in the wall, which promptly shattered. Alexandra watched in grim satisfaction as the debris fell away. It perhaps wasn't the most subtle way of entering the palace, but at least it gave her the element of surprise.
Immediately, she stepped inside the breach she had made, and started running into the building, her short, low-heeled boots making clacking sounds as they hit the floor.
Not surprisingly, a couple of palace guards ran up to her, obviously to investigate the noise. She promptly ran the first one through with her sword; the second, she only managed to slash across the ribs. She ducked as his pike swept over her head, then dispatched him with another thrust of her blade.
They were many more guards after that. But Alexandra was Commander of the Elite Guard of Nemesis, and had earned her post for a reason. She managed to defeat all of them, while they barely made a mark on her. One of the palace guards made the unfortunate mistake of trying to attack her from behind; a dark crystal dagger had stabbed into his stomach, for his pains.
Alexandra wiped the blood from her dagger and replaced it, as it shrank back into an earring. She was very close to the centre of the palace, now; she almost could feel it.
Cautiously, she picked her way across the hallway. The few people she came across now were unconscious, as the Black Crystal's power took its toll. She stepped into another corridor, and entered the heart of the Crystal Palace.
Standing with her back against a pillar, Alexandra glanced around the corner. This must be the Control Room, she thought to herself, noting the large computer screen that dominated the opposite side of the room. Looking up at the display, she noticed an image of her home planet of Nemesis, with readings flickering along beside it.
In front of the screen, with his back turned against her, stood someone who rapidly tapped buttons into the panel in front of him. He had short, violet hair and wore a long cape. By his stance, she knew he was male; most likely, it was King Endymion.
He turned for a moment, and she caught a glimpse of his masked profile. Alexandra nodded grimly. Definately the King, she thought. She tugged off her right earring again, which immediately lengthened into a dagger. Holding it delicately by the tip, she steeled herself for the moment when she would throw the weapon into his unprotected back.
She found herself hesitating, and she snarled under her breath. What's wrong with me? thought Alexandra irritably.
Then she recalled her uneasiness as the Prince had given her her mission, and voicing her doubts to Aquamarine. I know I've had doubts about this assignment since the beginning, but... I've defeated dozens of men in battle! Why am I letting this get to me?
But that's the problem, isn't it? whispered an internal voice. You've defeated them in combat, not like this. Not by stabbing them in the back, like a coward. And Alexandra finally realized what had been bothering her.
Up until now, I've met all my opponents in battle. Assassination in comparison, is so... Dishonourable, somehow. She looked back at the King. He may be my enemy, but even then, I can't just stab him in the back... I am a warrior, not an assassin.
Still... I've been given orders by the Prince, Alexandra realized somberly. I must carry out his commands; it's my duty. Then a thought struck her.
The Prince never said *how* I should get rid of King Endymion... Suddenly, she knew what she had to do. What she had in mind was far more risky, but...
The dagger in her hand shrank back to an earring, which she put back on. I will kill the King... But on my *own* terms.
And at very least, Alexandra thought to herself, reaching for her other earring and drawing out her sword, I will not die without honour...
***
Meanwhile, King Endymion was doggedly continuing his work at the control panel, determined to discover as much information on the invasion on Earth as possible. He was so absorbed in his work that he ignored the sparks that would occasionally crackle across the console's surface, beneath his rapidly tapping fingers.
"King Endymion."
At the sound of his name, the King whirled around; the voice was no one he recognized, which immediately put him on his guard. Behind him, he saw a red-haired woman, her clothing bloodstained, though she herself seemed uninjured. In one hand she held a sword of black crystal, which seemed to pulse with dark energy even as he looked at it. He found himself reaching for his cane, which he gripped apprehensively.
"Who are you?" he snapped. "How did you get in here?" The woman shrugged, almost negligently.
"It should be obvious how I got in here," she replied, waving a hand over her blood-splattered clothes. "As for who I am..." She straightened unconciously.
"I am Alexandra, Commander of the Elite Guard of Nemesis, and Protector of the Royal Family of the Black Moon." Her eyes then narrowed calculatingly. "And I have come to challenge you, King of the Earth."
As her words sank in, the King's eyes widened. "You can't be serious!"
"Deadly serious, your Majesty." The woman's stance had changed, with her sword held out defensively.
"You're in the middle of enemy territory," reasoned the King, trying to project calm in his voice. "Even if you did manage to defeat me, you'd never get out here alive." The woman's eyes narrowed.
"I am quite aware of that," she replied bluntly.
It was then that King Endymion realized the truth in her words: she was fully willing to die in this endeavor, if necessary. As he stood in hesistation, the one called Alexandra seemed to read his thoughts.
"Do not deny me this, King Endymion," she said softly, a threatening tone entering her voice. "I had the opportunity to kill you but a moment ago. Turn down my challenge, and you *will* die."
As their gazes met, the King saw a dangerous light enter Alexandra's eyes. With a sigh of regret, he pulled out his cane.
"Very well." Holding out his weapon protectively, the two saluted each other, and the duel began in deadly earnest.
Alexandra began the fight with a quick thrust to the midsection. It was a predictable attack, but it was also a test, to see if King Endymion had become complacent over the years. However, he easily parried the move with his cane, thus living up to her expectation. The King then followed it up by twirling his weapon into her face, which she quickly deflected.
As the match went on, Alexandra immediately realized that Endymion was in excellent shape. Of course, that's one of the advantages of eternal youth, she thought resentfully. The Black Moon Family had always found that idea aborrent, and the commander was no exception.
Still, his youth had no direct bearing on his technique, and that had impressed her; a thousand years of living in peace had not diminished his abilities by any means. That was both a blessing and a curse; while a weaker adversary would be easier to defeat, she appreciated a worthy opponent even more, someone who could match her skills... And the King certainly could do that, if not more.
Before the match had begun, Alexandra had resolved herself not to use her magical abilities. She knew that in his youth, the King of the Earth was known for using his physical strength in battle, rather than the elemental powers used by the Sailor Soldiers; she intended to hold herself to that promise.
That being said, she aimed a front snap kick towards his face; the King reacted by stepping back, and shielding himself with his cape. The commander then completed the attack with a downward swipe of her sword, which was blocked by her opponent's cane in midair.
As the battle continued, it seemed that they were both equally matched; every thrust was parried, every move blocked by the other. Yet Alexandra knew that one of them had to make a mistake eventually.
That moment finally came, and fortunately, it was in her favour. She had just jabbed her sword towards King Endymion's shoulder, while he had ducked and sidestepped to avoid it, as she knew he would. However, she was now close enough to follow up the move, and Alexandra swept her elbow backwards into the King's face. He had not been expecting this, it seemed, and her attack connected; he fell to the ground, dazed.
Turning around, the commander pointed her crystal sword towards the prone man. But as she looked down at him, her eyes widened.
The King lay there, watching her warily. It appeared that the force of the blow she had given him had not only hit his head, but had knocked off his mask, as well. Alexandra found herself looking into a face that was eeriely, almost painfully, familliar to her.
Impossible... she thought, staring in disbelief. He... King Endymion looks... Almost exactly like Lord Sapphire...
Her thoughts were abruptly cut off, however, when she felt her legs being swept from underneath her; the King had turned the tables around, by knocking her off her feet with his cane. As she fell, he attempted to hit her in the head with the blunt side of his weapon, but she managed to duck and roll away.
Rising to her feet, Alexandra mentally cursed herself. I can't believe I let myself be distracted by that!
She cast an irritated glare at the King. Thankfully, he had managed to replace his mask while she had been down, but this was of little comfort to her; while she had to admit the King's appearance had been a bit of a shock, she refused to excuse herself from it.
Aquamarine warned me about this, she recalled bitterly. I've finally let my feelings get in the way of my duty... As the King awaited her next move, she focused upon him, with deadly concentration.
But it will not happen again, thought Alexandra firmly, taking an aggressive stance. I will defeat you, Endymion!
***
King Endymion continued to deflect Commander Alexandra's attacks, which had increased over the past few minutes. Despite the fact that she was his enemy, he respected the skill that she displayed; he was finding her to be a formidable opponent.
Suddenly, he found himself being backed into the control panel of the computer console; casting an inadvertant glance at the screen behind him, Endymion was astonished to see that it now displayed the planet of Nemesis pulsating with dark energy. If they hit the palace one more time, I don't think the building could take it... he thought, worried.
Noticing the King's distraction, Alexandra took advantage of it and aimed an overhead strike to his head. But King Endymion managed to parry it with a high block, still wrapped up in his own thoughts. I have increase the shields on the palace... But how can I distract this enemy soldier long enough to do so? Although he had caught her off guard before, he had a feeling that she wouldn't allow that to happen again.
Suddenly, an idea formed in his mind. It was risky... But I hardly have any other choice, do I...?
By this point, Alexandra had King Endymion up against the crackling surface of the control panel; only the King's cane stood between the edge of her sword and his face. He managed to shove her away with his weapon, then took a defensive stance as she quickly recovered. Holding out his cane protectively, he made sure that Alexandra was watching it, cat-like, for the next move he'd make...
Then he dropped it.
She hesistated for only a brief moment, but it was enough. As the woman lunged forward for the final thrust of her blade, the King had already taken hold of control panel behind him. Throwing his weight against it, he kicked out with both legs, barely missing the point of her sword, and caught Alexandra squarely in the midsection.
The female soldier was thrown backwards from the force of the blow; the wind knocked out of her, the woman slid halfway across the tiled floor, until she lay, unmoving.
Breathing heavily from the exertion of the fight, King Endymion turned his back on her and desperately punched in buttons at the already overloaded computer console, determined to increase the protections on the palace.
But unbeknownst to the King, Alexandra was still conscious. Slowly, she came to; opening her eyes, she found herself staring blearily at King Endymion. When she realized what he was doing, however, a surge of anger brought her immediately to her senses.
How... How dare he! she thought in silent outrage. How dare he turn his back on our duel! And here I thought the King of Earth was a man of his word... Her eyes narrowed. Very well, he will die like the dog he is.
As she got up stealthily, Alexandra found herself reaching for her dagger once again. Rising to her knees, she focused upon the most vunerable part of King Endymion's treacherous back, now fully intent upon killing him.
All of a sudden, a pulse of light burst from the computer screen above the King. Alexandra heard him cry out, saw him try to shield himself with his cape, but the energy surge overwhelmed him; she had to cover her eyes as the brightness flared, outlining Endymion's figure in shadow for a brief moment, before she was completely blinded by the light.
When Alexandra was finally able to see again, the first thing she saw was King Endymion lying on the ground, deathly still. Warily, she got to her feet; when she realized that he was truly unconscious, she began to approach him cautiously, all thoughts of vengance gone from her mind.
While she was walking, she then stumbled, as the ground rumbled under her feet. As she glanced down at the floor in bewilderment, Alexandra found her gaze moving back up, as she realized that rubble was beginning to rain down from the ceiling. She managed to roll away before any of it could crush her; when she looked back, she saw that the fallen debris had partially blocked her path to the King, and she cursed under her breath.
Now she was torn between two choices; she had to check if King Endymion was really dead, but the room was also starting to cave in. Hesistantly, she took step towards the body, but just then, another piece of the ceiling fell in. Self-preservation won out. Casting a last, uneasy glance at the King's prone form, Alexandra turned around and ran out of the room.
Besides, if he isn't dead already, she thought callously to herself, he will be once the room collapses. Still, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling of a job left undone...
***
As the sound of the commander's footsteps faded away, a figure appeared in the shuddering Control Room. Ignoring the falling debris around it, it walked towards the unconscious King of the Earth, and knelt beside him. Gloved fingers touched his neck, looking for a pulse; there was a sigh of relief when it was found, faint, but present.
Slender arms supported King Endymion, lifting him up, then reached down to pick up the staff that it had laid aside. Then Sailor Pluto, the Sailor Soldier of Time, summoned her powers and disappeared, along with the comatose body of her beloved King.
***
Meanwhile, out in the city, there was a brief respite during the battle between the two masters of water. Sailor Mercury took a moment to catch her breath, while her opponent, in contrast, looked barely winded. The black waves of water swirling around him settled.
"You have been a most worthy adversary, Sailor Soldier," complimented Aquamarine. "You are as skilled with your powers as you are with the knowledge you keep." His features then hardened, the first change of expression she saw pass across his face. "However... The game ends here."
Aiming his trident towards Sailor Mercury, Aquamarine focused the full extent of his powers through it, and cried out, "Dark Aqua Tempest!"
Immediately, dark, icy energy poured from the weapon, threatening to shower the Sailor Soldier with its power. Mercury tried to shield herself from the attack, but she had been already weakened by the previous battle; she could feel the cold, negative force bleeding through her defenses.
It's... It's all over, she thought despairingly, as hope seemed to bleed from her wounds, as well. But the feeling only lasted for a moment.
No! I refuse to believe it! This feeling of helplessness; it's part of the enemy's power, isn't it...? I have to believe in my own strength.
Gathering up the remains of her own personal energy, Sailor Mercury called upon the power of her guardian planet, crying, "Mercury Planet Power!"
Instantly, her own swirls of energy, light to combat his dark, formed around her. As it was summoned, she directed its power towards the Black Moon warrior, and it poured forth from her hands.
Meanwhile, Aquamarine had noticed the change in his opponent's demeanour, saw the light energy heading towards him. Increasing the strength of his own attack, there was a splash of brightness as it collided with his own black power. For a moment, the two forces were held in check; but slowly, inexorably, the darkness was being pushed back.
Aquamarine tightened his grip on his trident, as he watched this turn of events in mute astonishment. How is this possible? he thought, bewildered. For the first time in his life, logic had escaped him. I was so sure she was out of strength... As he stared at the Sailor Soldier to determine the reason for this, his gaze met hers.
As he looked into her eyes, he saw the accumulated wisdom of a millenium; he saw someone who had fought no matter what the odds were, how much doubt there was in their own abilities.... And had survived. He saw a person who had put their life on the line, time and time again, just to protect others. In those eyes, Aquamarine saw his death.
The handle of the trident shattered in his hands, and the blue-white energy washed over him. The cold had never hurt Aquamarine before; but now, its power overwhelmed him, so icy cold that it burned. It froze him, numbing him until the pain no longer mattered... Then, his body, no longer able to withstand the strain, was thrown backwards until he fell bonelessly to the ground.
It took a moment for Sailor Mercury to realize her opponent was down. Catching her breath, she watched his prone body warily for a moment; then, she immediately turned and ran back towards the Crystal Palace, determined to warn the Queen.
However, Aquamarine was still alive, if barely. In the strange, occult bond he seemed to share with the rest of the Black Moon Family, he felt the life force ebbing away from his fellow members of the Elite Guard, as they too were defeated by the other Sailor Soldiers. With the last of his power, he reached out to each of them, pulled, then sent it away...
"Commander..." he murmured softly. "A... Alexandra. I'm sorry... We failed y..." Then, there was nothingness.
***
In the War Room of Nemesis, Sapphire frowned, as he stared at at the map of Crystal Tokyo. The glow of four of the crystal counters was no longer steady; rather, the pulses of light had become wild and erratic.
His frown deepened. This could only mean that the energy levels of the Elite Guard were fluctuating rapidly; he had made the counters very sensitive towards that sort of thing. His consternation only increased as the statuettes began to tremble in place.
"What in th--" He never got to finish the sentence.
Sapphire had just enough time to shield his face as the four statuettes shattered before his horrified eyes, filling the air with sparkling, multicoloured shards.
TO BE CONCLUDED...
*****