Zoisite and Nephrite discuss Jadeite's latest failure. Manga Canon. Written for the 30th of Nephrite and Zoisite

Rated: T - English - Drama/Crime - Words: 686 - Jadeite/Jedite, Nephrite/Neflite, Zoicite/Zoycite

A/N: This story is set five minutes before Sailor Moon Chapters 3.

I'd like to thank Yagi for beta reading this fic for me. You can find Yagi's work on Ao3 under the same username or on tumblr as sparklezoi.

"Jadeite failed again."

Zoisite snapped his head up, his dirty blonde ponytail whipping around from the motion. Another man, older and with a long mane of auburn hair, stood within the shadows, almost like he was part of them.

"Nephrite," Zoisite began worriedly, "That's the second time he's been thwarted. Do you think Queen Beryl will give him another chance?"

Nephrite shrugged.

"Perhaps, though I doubt we can do anything to save him. It's his own fault: he relies far too much on those weak clay creations of his." Amidst the cold light of the mounted torches, Nephrite's shadow seemed to nod independently of its master.

"Oh, I don't know, it seems those Sailor-suited Senshi are to blame. I believe Kunzite's operations have had interference from them too, but he isn't in any trouble."

"Tch. That's because gathering energy in Japan was Kunzite's secondary objective and he palmed it off on that chump Danburite. Beryl isn't going to punish a small fry like that. And besides, she expects better from us Shitennou than a pawn like Danburite."

Zoisite narrowed his eyes. "Nephrite, it almost sounds like you are hoping Jadeite gets punished. Want the glory for yourself, eh?"

Even amidst the dim light of the corridor, there was no mistaking Nephrite's glare. "Of course I don't want Jadeite to be punished. He is one of us, one of the Shitennou. It would be a dishonour for him to die even at the hands of our Queen. Nevertheless, if she is intent on penalising him there is nothing any of us can do. I might as well seek promotion."

"Oh, and what makes you believe you'd have better luck than Jadeite, or even Danburite for that matter?"

Nephrite smirked. "As I said, I don't rely on weak clay creations. I prefer to take a more direct approach."

Nephrite's shadow seemed to creep closer to Zoisite.

"I suppose I agree, though Kunzite's methods tend to be indirect too. His minions have their own minions."

"I never understood how he was able to gather so much energy that way," muttered Nephrite.

"Danburite tended to prey upon the fickleness of the mere mortals. They all want to be on TV, whenever they aren't mindlessly watching… them…"

Zoisite's head tilted slightly and his gaze seemed to glaze over, almost like an idea had struck him.

"In any case," Nephrite pressed on, "I'm sure I will be able to gather energy more efficiently and get the Silver Crystal. And, should it come to it, I'll grant Jadeite a little payback on those Senshi too."

"Well, I for one hope it doesn't come to that. Jadeite's luck might not yet have run out."

They both stiffened slightly and glanced up.

"Speak of the devil," muttered Zoisite.

"Oh no," chuckled Nephrite, "I think she's somewhere else in the castle."

Zoisite chuckled too and together, the pair made their way to Jadeite, and Queen Beryl's throne room.

A/N: Yeah sorry, I was short on time and ideas on what to do for this fic. I want to try and make all the Shitennou's fics prequels to their first appearances but since Jadeite just got a single scene in my older fic 'The Day Before', I felt Nephrite and Zoisite shouldn't get something grander than that.

Also, just to let you know I am involved in a discord called 'Moonlight Legends' which is dedicated to sharing all sorts of Sailor Moon fanworks, including other fanfics. If you would like to join so you can share your own work, get help with your current projects or just connect to other fan creators shoot me a PM and I'll send you an invite. All are welcome!