As leader of the Shitennou it is up to Kunzite to make sure his troops are fit for purpose. Written for the 30th Anniversary of Kunzite.
Rated: T - Friendship/Spiritual - Words: 742 - Jadeite/Jedite, Kunzite/Malachite, Nephrite/Neflite, Zoicite/Zoycite
The darkness was his ally. The cold was his weapon.
It was thus with a mixture of horror and embarrassment that he beheld Jadeite yelling as his uniform burned.
He was far more approving of Nephrite who, like himself, was sticking to the shadows. Although in his fellow Shitennou's case, he was weaving in and out of his cover to attack his targets. He was even deliberately manipulating the meagre light sources amidst the castle to cast strange shadowy shapes and throw his targets off their guard.
It was a decent strategy, thought Kunzite. He, however, was far better hidden, the darkness so thick around him that even his silver white hair could not be seen. And 'being seen' was exactly what Nephrite was risking.
Were Kunzite nearer, he might have tried to advise his comrade to be more cautious. But he knew how overconfident Nephrite could get. He never considered unforeseen circumstances might strike at any moment, like lightning.
The same could not be said of Zoisite. The younger Shitennou was unscathed and well poised to attack. But Kunzite could tell he was too eager, too ready to pounce.
"Come here." Though Kunzite had whispered, his voice carried enough authority that Zoisite (after jumping slightly) did as he'd been commanded.
"Hold back. Let Nephrite work his strategy first, then you will know what you are up against."
"But what about Nephrite? Shouldn't we help him?" Zoisite asked, his curly bangs bouncing as he voiced his concern.
"He is a Shitennou," Kunzite said simply, uttering the words with an air of finality. However, even through the darkness he detected Zoisite's frown. "If he can't hold his own in a training exercise like this I'll have to question his suitability for his station."
"Kunzite!" Zoisite admonished in a hushed tone. "You're so cold."
Kunzite felt the urge to smirk, but he felt doing so might rather undermine the point he was trying to make. Even in the dark.
"We are the elite of the elite. The best there is. Should any one of us fall or fail it would be upon the others to uphold the honour of our brotherhood."
"But…this is just a training exercise. You organised it yourself. There is no honour to be gained or lost here."
Kunzite gripped his junior comrade's shoulder.
"There is always honour to be gained or lost. That honour, that reputation is an invaluable defence against our enemies. An almost priceless tool to carry out our duties to our people, our kingdom, and to our Pri-"
"Kunzite?"
The silver haired Shitennou awoke with a start, the thick darkness of his bedroom violated by a tiny, cold torchlight of the hallway.
Meagre though the torchlight was, it was enough to cast a distinct silhouette of a younger man in a sharp uniform and curly hair tied up in a ponytail.
"What could be so urgent, Zoisite?" Kunzite said, not quite managing to keep the frustration out of his voice. "Even I need to sleep sometimes."
"Nephrite has engaged the Sailor Senshi, I thought you'd want to come and see right away."
Kunzite pursed his lips, then, within moments had garbed his tanned skin in his uniform and cape and headed for the door. It was only then, as he neared the threshold that he contemplated the dream. The surroundings had been august, beautiful even. But…not like the Dark Kingdom's current stronghold. The castle in the dream had been warm and inviting, a far cry from the harsh Arctic lair they dwelt in now. And…he hadn't gotten the impression that Queen Beryl had been around at all?
Something wriggled at the back of his mind.
But then, a chilly breeze blew through the hallway, the wind fluttering his cape and bringing him back to the present.
It was nothing but a dream he decided, crossing the threshold and leaving his chambers once more in utter darkness.
A/N: 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!