Hearts in Time Beginnings
Part five: Tip of the iceberg
By
Lance the Flamesniper
Prince Lance sighed as he gathered his things. By the time he reached Venus he
should be close to completely healed. He was just about to head out of his quarters when
there came a knock at the door. Cautiously he opened the door, only to find a small box
on the floor. On the box was a note.
"Open this when you have left and use what you find when faith wavers and friends
are not found. S.," the note read.
Lance considered for a moment, before pocketing the box. He knew only two people
with the initial S and he severely doubted Serenity would leave him gifts. Still, if this was
something from his princess, then it was something that must be treasured.
Ten minutes later he was on a starliner bound for Venus.
*******
Setsuna sighed as she watched the starliner leave. She'd been out of sight when he
opened the door to his room and took the box, but at the same time she was confused by why
she'd suddenly felt the need to run. 'Am I afraid that he'll reject me?' she thought. She shook
her head. Lately, thoughts of being more than friends were creeping into her mind more often.
Though from how skittish her friend was being her feelings were confused. What did his
flightiness mean?
"Moon penny for your thoughts," Chirped a young voice beside her, causing Setsuna
to jump. Seemingly appearing beside her was a girl who looked to be about thirteen physically.
She had bright blue eyes and long blonde hair that was done up in odangoed pigtails. Her gown
shimmered as silver threads in it caught the light.
"Pardon your grace?" Setsuna Asked as she bowed to her princess.
"You were thinking of something," Princess Serena responded. "And whatever it is has
you looking sad. I was just wondering if you'd like to talk about it."
Setsuna wasn't sure what to say. Serena was still basically a child and probably wouldn't
understand. At the same time she seemed concerned. "Have you ever had a friend who you
wanted to be more?"
"Kinda," Serena replied turning her head to the side. "His name is Darien and we're
supposed to get married someday."
Setsuna blinked. "Then you do understand."
"Then why are you sad?"
"Because I'm not sure how he feels, or how I really feel for that matter. And now he's off to
save a princess and we don't have a chance to talk about this."
"If he loves you, he'll someday tell you. And I bet he will. All you need is hope," Serena
replied then skipped away leaving the young Plutonian to her thoughts.
********
In her palace, things were eating Beryl. Or more accurately eating her soul. Envy, lust,
greed, wrath, and pride were their names.
"How dare the Golden kingdom toss you aside! Can they not see how prosperous your
kingdom is? How you've made it more than your parents could have ever made it?" Pride would
hiss.
"They must pay for their wrong," Wrath would add.
"And to think that even now they side with the skyborn immortals. All that power, it's
not right that THEY have it. It should be mine!" Greed would interject.
"They shall pay for this slight!" Wrath would then say.
"And what of the Earth Prince, nay all the Earth men that have been lured away. They
should be yours. You should have the pick of them all? Are you not Beautiful? Are you not
desirable? Do you not DESERVE a harem of men to serve your hungers?" Lust and pride would
hiss together.
"This must not be forgiven!" Wrath would thunder.
All the while Envy would silently twist the thoughts together like a demented weaver
making a perverse tapestry.
Meanwhile Beryl read over the reports of her generals. Topaz had made it to Mercury and
would begin her plan to set up resistence cells and begin sabotaging the oracles, shipyards and
other important trade. Feldspar had sucessfully kidnapped the Venusian princess And would soon
work to usurp the government. Amythist was on Mars working on her plans to upset the martial
academies there while Onyx had moved on to work on sabotaging things on Jupiter. Coral had just
arrived on Saturn and had yet to formulate any plans. The same was true with Tourquoise on
Uranus and Ivory on Neptune. She had yet to place an agent on Pluto. Somehow all her agents
sent there were found out upon arrival.
A ghost of a smile appeared on her lips. They would pay. They would ALL pay. The harlots
of sky who dare to take men from the Earth as their slaves.
******
Lance sat on his bunk looking at the items laid before him. On one hand there was the file
on the people and ways of Venus. On the other hand there was the box. Both had to be attended to
before he arrived on the planet.
Lance carefully picked up the box and opened it. Inside was a simple gold locket. The outside
was carved in the form of a rose, the petals inlaid in silver. Lance smiled as he opened the locket. Inside
was a simple image of Setsuna's smiling face.
"When Faith wavers and friends are not found," Lance intoned as he gazed lovingly on her image.
"Then I still have you, my star of the evening."
Next came the file. All he'd need to know about the customs and politics of Venus. Venus was a
democratic matriarchy, the best and most well versed woman became queen by election. Much different
from the Monarchy that he was raised in. The people of Venus were masters of whips and flails which is
odd since they also revere peace and love. Venus itself is a beautiful somewhat tropical world; a place
many married people often traveled to for their honeymoons.
"Quite a strange place for a kidnapping," Lance mumbled as he read.
*******
Feldspar paced the warehouse, his face eterally scowling. The Queen had yet to submit to his
demands. For the last week he'd waited for the response. Rumor was that the queen was looking for
someone to negociate. Feldspar didn't care who she sent. Anyone would be easily intimidated into agreeing
to anything he wanted. His only regret was that the princess seemed to be a total ditz.
Feldspar adjusted his ryusensui and resumed pacing. In a way he hoped that they'd try to take
Princess Mina back by force. He could use the action.
********
Lance winced as he walked off the Starliner. Being this close to the sun was only tolerable thanks to
another Mercurian device: the solar shields. This device filtered out the deadlier rays of the sun. Too bad it
didn't also filter out it's brightness or the heat. Still a mission was a mission.
The people of Venus were clad in gender specific costumes. Men wore cloth looped around their
bodies into something akin to a toga. Women dressed in either toga-like dresses or bikini-like outfits. Idly
Lance wondered what Setsuna would look like in such an outfit, then shook his head at the idea. 'She's your
friend, moron! Don't think of her like that!'
Before he could betray his friendship any further he double timed his way to the royal palace. It took him
twenty minutes to get there on foot, but he didn't mind too much. The pain the jogging caused on still sore body
kept his mind occupied on something other that lecherous thoughts and betraying friendship.
The palace was ornate almost to the point of extravagance. Ivory pillars held up ceilings made of Mother
of Pearl. On the sandstone wall hung brilliant tapestries that would be worth untold fortunes if ever sold. In his
mind he kept comparing it to his spare and spartan life on Pluto, there was no need for overly opulent buildings
there since everyone was either a mage or a philosopher or in his rare case a noble/weaponmaster. Still he
waited patiently for his turn. It was not long in coming
"Word has reached me," The queen delared. "That amoung our number is a representative sent by the
Moon Kingdom to aid us in our time of need. Would that person come forward?"
Lance stepped forward smiling at the gasp of surprise from many courtiers.
"You?" The queen replied. "You are but a child! Surely you are not the one Serenity has sent!"
"I am, your eminence," Lance responded as he gave a light bow.
"By what reasoning does the Queen of the Millenium send a CHILD to our aid?" One of the nearby
courtiers growled.
"I beg your indulgence your eminence. I recently earned the title of Weaponmaster. Her majesty sent me
to aid you. If you refuse my help based on my age, then perhaps I have wasted not only your time but also mine
in coming here," Lance intoned then half turned as if to leave.
"Wait," The Queen commanded. "While it is true that I am put off by your age, a weaponmaster is most
definitely the type of help we could use. My daughter and senshi candidate Mina has been kidnapped. The
kidnappers promise only to release her if I step down as Matriarch. They are willing to negociate but only if that
person will meet them at a certain location and go with them, alone."
"I see," Lance responded. "I will go and bring back your daughter. Where must I meet them?"
*********
Lance had been very specific. He did exactly as the kidnappers asked and came to this place alone. "A
graveyard. Of all places to meet it would have to be a damn graveyard," Lance mumbled. Lance had dressed in
a his Weaponmaster dress uniform but has slipped a long cloak over it to hide his katana. The key to this
mission, he knew would be surprise.
"You the guy they asked to negociate?" An unrefined voice asked.
"That would be me, yes."
"Come along," The man replied as he forcably walked Lance into a nearby mausoleum.
As soon as they were inside Lance felt someone step up behind him. The sound of a crossbow cocking
confirmed it. The man who'd forced him into this place quickly walked past him and was then flanked by two other
guard who came out of the shadows. 'It's all a game of intimidation,' Lance thought with slight smile. 'The guy with
the crossbow is meant to make me nervous while the two other guards further the intimidation.'
"Just so you know, all it'll take is a snap of my fingers and you'll be dead," the would be kidnapper said.
"Just so YOU know," Lance began almost mockingly. "If you snap your fingers you and your buddies'll
only have maybe ten seconds of life left."
That got a chuckle from the leader. "I doubt that."
"Look, your friends might scare other people but they don't scare me. I'm here to negociate and expected
some kind of power play on your part. I'm neither intimidated or impressed."
"What? Why not?" The crossbowman said.
"Because in my mind's eye I've already seen what will happen when you fire at me. Your two tough guy
buddies will go down, having been shot in the neck. You'll fall too, only it'll be at my hand and I will then get what I
want out of your "boss", even though I doubt he's the real guy in charge," Lance replied even though he honestly
doubted he could pull off such a trick. "Now, you will tell me where the girl is and turn yourselves in."
The boss growled. "Like Hell we will." With that he snapped his fingers.
Lance was in motion before the sound even registered. The crossbowman fired a half second after the snap,
but Lance had already drawn his Katana. He swung cleaving the arrow neatly in half, each half imbedding
themselves in the two tough guy's necks just as he predicted. Lance didn't slow down to look at it though as he
brought his blade into a diagonal crosstrike cutting the would be artillerist from hip to shoulder without killing him
before turning to glare at the "leader".
The leader, whose name was Drake, was too busy soiling himself to think about running. "A...A...
weaponmaster?"
"That's right. Now be a good little birdie and sing for me. Where's the girl?" Lance snarled.
Drake gulped. "Yeah sure. She's at the Harbor Warehouse Compound 482. Feldspar's got her! It's all part of
some big master plan or something!"
"Well, you're well informed....for a lackey. Who's this Feldspar? And what else do you know about his plan?"
"W...w...well I know that it's big. Feldspar's part of the negaverse movement. They got some kinda plan but
what it is I don't know....please don't kill me!"
"I want you to turn yourself into the constabulary. Tell them all that you've told me. I'm going to go get the
princess," Lance said as the man scrambled for the door. 'This is bigger than I thought. I'd better send word to the
Moon Kingdom when this is done and get further instructions.'
********
Feldspar continued to pace. He didn't like how quiet things were. His lieutenant, Drake, should have reported
in by now. Something had to have gone wrong. But that was a rediculous idea. The people of Venus weren't bright
enough to set a trap in his opinion. The thought that someone might have been called in never crossed his mind.
"You'll never get away with this!" Princess Mina said calmly despite being tied to a chair. "My mom's probably
sent a dozen Knights to find you!"
Feldspar leaned down and glared at the barely teenaged Princess. "Don't bet on it. Any minute now I'll get word
that she's decided that her filthy child is worth more than a kingdom and turn the land over to me. Our plans will be
closer to fruition!"
"Plans?" Mina asked, hoping that this evil man would give her information she could use later. She was a Senshi
in training after all, defending the Millenium was her duty.
"Why yes," Feldspar replied. "by this time next week the Oracles will be destroyed and the Mercurians will be
powerless! Then the Negaverse will be free to attack the galaxy without mercy!"
It was then that the door to the warehouse slammed open. In rushed a panicked lackey. "Boss we gots a
problem!"
"What is it you fool? Can't you see I'm busy gloating?"
"We're being raided Boss!"
"WHAT!?"
*********
Lance shook his head as he watched the goings on. It seemed the Venusian Constabulary only had two setting:
normal police work and overkill. At the moment they were using overkill. There were maybe fifty negaverse movement
agents at this location, he would bet there were more in each town on Venus. Still seeing two hundred orange clad
constabulary in body armor smash down a gate using a battering ram then swarm inside like a horde of angry plutonian
buzzwasps was rather amusing.
It also made for a very good diversion. While the locals were busy he'd go complete his mission. With that in
mind the young weaponmaster slipped into HWC 482. He didn't really have a plan per se. Tactics weren't his strong suit,
though he was learning. Currently he was following someone who seemed to know where he was going. His efforts were
rewarded when the man he was following ducked into a building. After hearing a few moments of conversation it was
clear that he'd found the place. In a lightning quick motion he struck his would be guide in the side of the head, knocking
him out then walked calmly into the building.
********
Feldspar eyed the man who's just walked into the building suspiciously. He was wearing a long black cloak that
concealed his body like a funeral shroud. His feet were incased in buckskin boots. The young man's face was a pale white
while his hair was sandy blonde. The man's serious expression did not match his youthfulness.
"Who are you?" Feldspar growled as he stared the man down.
"I've been sent to reclaim the princess of Venus. Release her now or you will not see the dawn," the young man
responded.
"I wish to know the name of the fool who seeks death this night!" Feldspar responded.
"Very well. I am the Prince Lance of Pluto, weaponmaster of the Shadowstorm sword style!" He replied as he off his
cloak. "Surrender now Feldspar! Or suffer the consequences!"
"So, they've sent a royal who thinks he's a weaponmaster after me? I'm impressed," Feldspar responed as he
uncoiled his ryusensui and quickly launched it at the swordsman.
Lance barely ducked in time to the attack. Ryusensui were a very dangerous ranged weapon, though simplistic in
their design; simply put they were metal weights attached on the ends of a lenght of rope or leather cord. It's a weapon based
on speed and range capable of killing at a distance of several feet. Thne best he could do was wait for an opening. In the
meantime he was jumping high into the air to avoid getting his legs broke, ducking under attacks that would have broken his
neck and twisting from one side to another to avoid internal injuries due to shots to the still injured ribs.
"You're quick, I'll hand you that," Feldspar growled as another strike was voided this time being deflected by his
opponents Katana.
*You're annoying I'll hand YOU that," Lance retorted as he felt a pillar come in contact with his back. 'Smooth move
Lance he's got you backed into a pillar....maybe I can use this to my advantage.' "I'll give you one last chance. Surrender! I
don't want to have to kill you!"
"Like you could!" Feldspar laughed as he tossed his ryusensui.
Lance dived out of the way as he charged his mana attack "Celestial Blade...Slash!"
"No!" Feldspar screamed as he exploded.
Lance walked over to where Feldspar had been. "Rock? He was made of....rock?"
"A golem!" the young princess exclaimed.
"Well this was a surprise," Lance muttered. "Did he tell you anything about what's going on?"
"Boy did he ever!" Mina replied and set forth telling her tale.
********
Several hours later, Lance stood before the Matriarch of Venus again. The mood was both Joyous yet grim.
"Thank you Swordmaster Lance for saving my child," The queen stated.
Lance bowed deeply. "I was merely doing my duty as a weaponmaster of the Silver Millenium. Though I would be
remiss in my duty if I did not point out that your child is not out of danger. They could try again."
"What do you recommend then Weaponmaster?"
"I am sending a special courrier to the Moon queen telling her of what your daughter told me. I recommend sending
Princess Mina, Senshi of Venus to the Moon Kingdom. There she can learn and be safe," Lance replied.
"Very well. But what of you Weaponmaster?" The queen asked.
"I shall be heading to Mercury. There is a threat to the Millenium a foot and until other weaponmasters can be alerted
and mobilized, I am the only one standing against it. To faulter now would be irresponsible of me."
"Surely you could go to the Moon yourself and still make to Mercury in time to stop whatever's planned. Is there not
someone there who will be concerned about you?"
"If there is, it is not of anyone's concern but mine," Lance began uneasily. "I do have a friend on the Moon that I would
ask Princess Mina to deliver a note to though. She might worry if she doesn't hear from me."
"Very well," The Queen responded. "I wish you all the graces of the Kami in their heavens on your journey."
"Thank you, your eminence," Lance stated grimly. "I hope I do not need them, but I fear this is merely the tip of the i
ceberg."
TBC
Part five: Tip of the iceberg
By
Lance the Flamesniper
Prince Lance sighed as he gathered his things. By the time he reached Venus he
should be close to completely healed. He was just about to head out of his quarters when
there came a knock at the door. Cautiously he opened the door, only to find a small box
on the floor. On the box was a note.
"Open this when you have left and use what you find when faith wavers and friends
are not found. S.," the note read.
Lance considered for a moment, before pocketing the box. He knew only two people
with the initial S and he severely doubted Serenity would leave him gifts. Still, if this was
something from his princess, then it was something that must be treasured.
Ten minutes later he was on a starliner bound for Venus.
*******
Setsuna sighed as she watched the starliner leave. She'd been out of sight when he
opened the door to his room and took the box, but at the same time she was confused by why
she'd suddenly felt the need to run. 'Am I afraid that he'll reject me?' she thought. She shook
her head. Lately, thoughts of being more than friends were creeping into her mind more often.
Though from how skittish her friend was being her feelings were confused. What did his
flightiness mean?
"Moon penny for your thoughts," Chirped a young voice beside her, causing Setsuna
to jump. Seemingly appearing beside her was a girl who looked to be about thirteen physically.
She had bright blue eyes and long blonde hair that was done up in odangoed pigtails. Her gown
shimmered as silver threads in it caught the light.
"Pardon your grace?" Setsuna Asked as she bowed to her princess.
"You were thinking of something," Princess Serena responded. "And whatever it is has
you looking sad. I was just wondering if you'd like to talk about it."
Setsuna wasn't sure what to say. Serena was still basically a child and probably wouldn't
understand. At the same time she seemed concerned. "Have you ever had a friend who you
wanted to be more?"
"Kinda," Serena replied turning her head to the side. "His name is Darien and we're
supposed to get married someday."
Setsuna blinked. "Then you do understand."
"Then why are you sad?"
"Because I'm not sure how he feels, or how I really feel for that matter. And now he's off to
save a princess and we don't have a chance to talk about this."
"If he loves you, he'll someday tell you. And I bet he will. All you need is hope," Serena
replied then skipped away leaving the young Plutonian to her thoughts.
********
In her palace, things were eating Beryl. Or more accurately eating her soul. Envy, lust,
greed, wrath, and pride were their names.
"How dare the Golden kingdom toss you aside! Can they not see how prosperous your
kingdom is? How you've made it more than your parents could have ever made it?" Pride would
hiss.
"They must pay for their wrong," Wrath would add.
"And to think that even now they side with the skyborn immortals. All that power, it's
not right that THEY have it. It should be mine!" Greed would interject.
"They shall pay for this slight!" Wrath would then say.
"And what of the Earth Prince, nay all the Earth men that have been lured away. They
should be yours. You should have the pick of them all? Are you not Beautiful? Are you not
desirable? Do you not DESERVE a harem of men to serve your hungers?" Lust and pride would
hiss together.
"This must not be forgiven!" Wrath would thunder.
All the while Envy would silently twist the thoughts together like a demented weaver
making a perverse tapestry.
Meanwhile Beryl read over the reports of her generals. Topaz had made it to Mercury and
would begin her plan to set up resistence cells and begin sabotaging the oracles, shipyards and
other important trade. Feldspar had sucessfully kidnapped the Venusian princess And would soon
work to usurp the government. Amythist was on Mars working on her plans to upset the martial
academies there while Onyx had moved on to work on sabotaging things on Jupiter. Coral had just
arrived on Saturn and had yet to formulate any plans. The same was true with Tourquoise on
Uranus and Ivory on Neptune. She had yet to place an agent on Pluto. Somehow all her agents
sent there were found out upon arrival.
A ghost of a smile appeared on her lips. They would pay. They would ALL pay. The harlots
of sky who dare to take men from the Earth as their slaves.
******
Lance sat on his bunk looking at the items laid before him. On one hand there was the file
on the people and ways of Venus. On the other hand there was the box. Both had to be attended to
before he arrived on the planet.
Lance carefully picked up the box and opened it. Inside was a simple gold locket. The outside
was carved in the form of a rose, the petals inlaid in silver. Lance smiled as he opened the locket. Inside
was a simple image of Setsuna's smiling face.
"When Faith wavers and friends are not found," Lance intoned as he gazed lovingly on her image.
"Then I still have you, my star of the evening."
Next came the file. All he'd need to know about the customs and politics of Venus. Venus was a
democratic matriarchy, the best and most well versed woman became queen by election. Much different
from the Monarchy that he was raised in. The people of Venus were masters of whips and flails which is
odd since they also revere peace and love. Venus itself is a beautiful somewhat tropical world; a place
many married people often traveled to for their honeymoons.
"Quite a strange place for a kidnapping," Lance mumbled as he read.
*******
Feldspar paced the warehouse, his face eterally scowling. The Queen had yet to submit to his
demands. For the last week he'd waited for the response. Rumor was that the queen was looking for
someone to negociate. Feldspar didn't care who she sent. Anyone would be easily intimidated into agreeing
to anything he wanted. His only regret was that the princess seemed to be a total ditz.
Feldspar adjusted his ryusensui and resumed pacing. In a way he hoped that they'd try to take
Princess Mina back by force. He could use the action.
********
Lance winced as he walked off the Starliner. Being this close to the sun was only tolerable thanks to
another Mercurian device: the solar shields. This device filtered out the deadlier rays of the sun. Too bad it
didn't also filter out it's brightness or the heat. Still a mission was a mission.
The people of Venus were clad in gender specific costumes. Men wore cloth looped around their
bodies into something akin to a toga. Women dressed in either toga-like dresses or bikini-like outfits. Idly
Lance wondered what Setsuna would look like in such an outfit, then shook his head at the idea. 'She's your
friend, moron! Don't think of her like that!'
Before he could betray his friendship any further he double timed his way to the royal palace. It took him
twenty minutes to get there on foot, but he didn't mind too much. The pain the jogging caused on still sore body
kept his mind occupied on something other that lecherous thoughts and betraying friendship.
The palace was ornate almost to the point of extravagance. Ivory pillars held up ceilings made of Mother
of Pearl. On the sandstone wall hung brilliant tapestries that would be worth untold fortunes if ever sold. In his
mind he kept comparing it to his spare and spartan life on Pluto, there was no need for overly opulent buildings
there since everyone was either a mage or a philosopher or in his rare case a noble/weaponmaster. Still he
waited patiently for his turn. It was not long in coming
"Word has reached me," The queen delared. "That amoung our number is a representative sent by the
Moon Kingdom to aid us in our time of need. Would that person come forward?"
Lance stepped forward smiling at the gasp of surprise from many courtiers.
"You?" The queen replied. "You are but a child! Surely you are not the one Serenity has sent!"
"I am, your eminence," Lance responded as he gave a light bow.
"By what reasoning does the Queen of the Millenium send a CHILD to our aid?" One of the nearby
courtiers growled.
"I beg your indulgence your eminence. I recently earned the title of Weaponmaster. Her majesty sent me
to aid you. If you refuse my help based on my age, then perhaps I have wasted not only your time but also mine
in coming here," Lance intoned then half turned as if to leave.
"Wait," The Queen commanded. "While it is true that I am put off by your age, a weaponmaster is most
definitely the type of help we could use. My daughter and senshi candidate Mina has been kidnapped. The
kidnappers promise only to release her if I step down as Matriarch. They are willing to negociate but only if that
person will meet them at a certain location and go with them, alone."
"I see," Lance responded. "I will go and bring back your daughter. Where must I meet them?"
*********
Lance had been very specific. He did exactly as the kidnappers asked and came to this place alone. "A
graveyard. Of all places to meet it would have to be a damn graveyard," Lance mumbled. Lance had dressed in
a his Weaponmaster dress uniform but has slipped a long cloak over it to hide his katana. The key to this
mission, he knew would be surprise.
"You the guy they asked to negociate?" An unrefined voice asked.
"That would be me, yes."
"Come along," The man replied as he forcably walked Lance into a nearby mausoleum.
As soon as they were inside Lance felt someone step up behind him. The sound of a crossbow cocking
confirmed it. The man who'd forced him into this place quickly walked past him and was then flanked by two other
guard who came out of the shadows. 'It's all a game of intimidation,' Lance thought with slight smile. 'The guy with
the crossbow is meant to make me nervous while the two other guards further the intimidation.'
"Just so you know, all it'll take is a snap of my fingers and you'll be dead," the would be kidnapper said.
"Just so YOU know," Lance began almost mockingly. "If you snap your fingers you and your buddies'll
only have maybe ten seconds of life left."
That got a chuckle from the leader. "I doubt that."
"Look, your friends might scare other people but they don't scare me. I'm here to negociate and expected
some kind of power play on your part. I'm neither intimidated or impressed."
"What? Why not?" The crossbowman said.
"Because in my mind's eye I've already seen what will happen when you fire at me. Your two tough guy
buddies will go down, having been shot in the neck. You'll fall too, only it'll be at my hand and I will then get what I
want out of your "boss", even though I doubt he's the real guy in charge," Lance replied even though he honestly
doubted he could pull off such a trick. "Now, you will tell me where the girl is and turn yourselves in."
The boss growled. "Like Hell we will." With that he snapped his fingers.
Lance was in motion before the sound even registered. The crossbowman fired a half second after the snap,
but Lance had already drawn his Katana. He swung cleaving the arrow neatly in half, each half imbedding
themselves in the two tough guy's necks just as he predicted. Lance didn't slow down to look at it though as he
brought his blade into a diagonal crosstrike cutting the would be artillerist from hip to shoulder without killing him
before turning to glare at the "leader".
The leader, whose name was Drake, was too busy soiling himself to think about running. "A...A...
weaponmaster?"
"That's right. Now be a good little birdie and sing for me. Where's the girl?" Lance snarled.
Drake gulped. "Yeah sure. She's at the Harbor Warehouse Compound 482. Feldspar's got her! It's all part of
some big master plan or something!"
"Well, you're well informed....for a lackey. Who's this Feldspar? And what else do you know about his plan?"
"W...w...well I know that it's big. Feldspar's part of the negaverse movement. They got some kinda plan but
what it is I don't know....please don't kill me!"
"I want you to turn yourself into the constabulary. Tell them all that you've told me. I'm going to go get the
princess," Lance said as the man scrambled for the door. 'This is bigger than I thought. I'd better send word to the
Moon Kingdom when this is done and get further instructions.'
********
Feldspar continued to pace. He didn't like how quiet things were. His lieutenant, Drake, should have reported
in by now. Something had to have gone wrong. But that was a rediculous idea. The people of Venus weren't bright
enough to set a trap in his opinion. The thought that someone might have been called in never crossed his mind.
"You'll never get away with this!" Princess Mina said calmly despite being tied to a chair. "My mom's probably
sent a dozen Knights to find you!"
Feldspar leaned down and glared at the barely teenaged Princess. "Don't bet on it. Any minute now I'll get word
that she's decided that her filthy child is worth more than a kingdom and turn the land over to me. Our plans will be
closer to fruition!"
"Plans?" Mina asked, hoping that this evil man would give her information she could use later. She was a Senshi
in training after all, defending the Millenium was her duty.
"Why yes," Feldspar replied. "by this time next week the Oracles will be destroyed and the Mercurians will be
powerless! Then the Negaverse will be free to attack the galaxy without mercy!"
It was then that the door to the warehouse slammed open. In rushed a panicked lackey. "Boss we gots a
problem!"
"What is it you fool? Can't you see I'm busy gloating?"
"We're being raided Boss!"
"WHAT!?"
*********
Lance shook his head as he watched the goings on. It seemed the Venusian Constabulary only had two setting:
normal police work and overkill. At the moment they were using overkill. There were maybe fifty negaverse movement
agents at this location, he would bet there were more in each town on Venus. Still seeing two hundred orange clad
constabulary in body armor smash down a gate using a battering ram then swarm inside like a horde of angry plutonian
buzzwasps was rather amusing.
It also made for a very good diversion. While the locals were busy he'd go complete his mission. With that in
mind the young weaponmaster slipped into HWC 482. He didn't really have a plan per se. Tactics weren't his strong suit,
though he was learning. Currently he was following someone who seemed to know where he was going. His efforts were
rewarded when the man he was following ducked into a building. After hearing a few moments of conversation it was
clear that he'd found the place. In a lightning quick motion he struck his would be guide in the side of the head, knocking
him out then walked calmly into the building.
********
Feldspar eyed the man who's just walked into the building suspiciously. He was wearing a long black cloak that
concealed his body like a funeral shroud. His feet were incased in buckskin boots. The young man's face was a pale white
while his hair was sandy blonde. The man's serious expression did not match his youthfulness.
"Who are you?" Feldspar growled as he stared the man down.
"I've been sent to reclaim the princess of Venus. Release her now or you will not see the dawn," the young man
responded.
"I wish to know the name of the fool who seeks death this night!" Feldspar responded.
"Very well. I am the Prince Lance of Pluto, weaponmaster of the Shadowstorm sword style!" He replied as he off his
cloak. "Surrender now Feldspar! Or suffer the consequences!"
"So, they've sent a royal who thinks he's a weaponmaster after me? I'm impressed," Feldspar responed as he
uncoiled his ryusensui and quickly launched it at the swordsman.
Lance barely ducked in time to the attack. Ryusensui were a very dangerous ranged weapon, though simplistic in
their design; simply put they were metal weights attached on the ends of a lenght of rope or leather cord. It's a weapon based
on speed and range capable of killing at a distance of several feet. Thne best he could do was wait for an opening. In the
meantime he was jumping high into the air to avoid getting his legs broke, ducking under attacks that would have broken his
neck and twisting from one side to another to avoid internal injuries due to shots to the still injured ribs.
"You're quick, I'll hand you that," Feldspar growled as another strike was voided this time being deflected by his
opponents Katana.
*You're annoying I'll hand YOU that," Lance retorted as he felt a pillar come in contact with his back. 'Smooth move
Lance he's got you backed into a pillar....maybe I can use this to my advantage.' "I'll give you one last chance. Surrender! I
don't want to have to kill you!"
"Like you could!" Feldspar laughed as he tossed his ryusensui.
Lance dived out of the way as he charged his mana attack "Celestial Blade...Slash!"
"No!" Feldspar screamed as he exploded.
Lance walked over to where Feldspar had been. "Rock? He was made of....rock?"
"A golem!" the young princess exclaimed.
"Well this was a surprise," Lance muttered. "Did he tell you anything about what's going on?"
"Boy did he ever!" Mina replied and set forth telling her tale.
********
Several hours later, Lance stood before the Matriarch of Venus again. The mood was both Joyous yet grim.
"Thank you Swordmaster Lance for saving my child," The queen stated.
Lance bowed deeply. "I was merely doing my duty as a weaponmaster of the Silver Millenium. Though I would be
remiss in my duty if I did not point out that your child is not out of danger. They could try again."
"What do you recommend then Weaponmaster?"
"I am sending a special courrier to the Moon queen telling her of what your daughter told me. I recommend sending
Princess Mina, Senshi of Venus to the Moon Kingdom. There she can learn and be safe," Lance replied.
"Very well. But what of you Weaponmaster?" The queen asked.
"I shall be heading to Mercury. There is a threat to the Millenium a foot and until other weaponmasters can be alerted
and mobilized, I am the only one standing against it. To faulter now would be irresponsible of me."
"Surely you could go to the Moon yourself and still make to Mercury in time to stop whatever's planned. Is there not
someone there who will be concerned about you?"
"If there is, it is not of anyone's concern but mine," Lance began uneasily. "I do have a friend on the Moon that I would
ask Princess Mina to deliver a note to though. She might worry if she doesn't hear from me."
"Very well," The Queen responded. "I wish you all the graces of the Kami in their heavens on your journey."
"Thank you, your eminence," Lance stated grimly. "I hope I do not need them, but I fear this is merely the tip of the i
ceberg."
TBC