In the days of the Silver Millennium, one warrior rises above all others and forges an alliance that will change the course of his life. Written for Kunzite's 30th Anniversary.
Rated: T - Romance/Spiritual - Words: 3,089 - Kunzite/Malachite, Nephrite/Neflite, Queen Beryl, Zoicite/Zoycite
A/N: I'd like to thank Imawriteritswhatido for beta reading this fic for me. Find them under the same username on Ao3.
/users/Imawriteritswhatido
This story is a gift for Yagi. Happy Pride Month everyone.
There was nothing.
Nothing at all.
And then…
The silver haired youth stood out stark amidst the dark surroundings, his senses reaching out through the dank air. With lightning quick reflexes, he conjured two curved energy blades, each aglow with a violet hue, tossing one at some unseen point in the distance. The other he held onto as he spun around, bringing his sword arm up to block the oncoming crimson axe.
The Youma was a repulsive nightmare in red and black but, but was clearly a small fry. The youth thrust his free hand out and unleashed a telekinetic pulse that threw the Youma back, knocking it out.
The young warrior barely had time to recover when his arm was awkwardly jerked in another direction. Confusion gripped him momentarily before, by the dim light of his sword, he spotted thin strands of some kind anchored to his sleeve.
He motioned to cut them with his weapon, but his sword arm was suddenly stiff and slow moving. Knowing what he'd find even before he looked, the warrior's eyes darted over and found similar strands affixed to his other arm. His eyes narrowed, annoyed at his own carelessness.
He began to scan his surroundings, looking for any sign of his assailant. It was not until he looked skywards however that he spotted the arachnid Youma. Whilst her legs gripped the web she was suspended from, her other four others were occupied with manipulating the threads she had ensnared the youth in, reeling him ever closer to her.
Suspended between herself and the youth was another, younger, warrior. He had curly dirty blonde hair tied in a ponytail and stark green eyes that were wide with fear. The silver haired youth couldn't exactly blame him, especially not from the way the spider youma was licking her lips as the pair closed the gap between them. The youth himself however felt no fear at all. He was instead concentrating.
Half a second later, summoned by a twist of the warrior's mind, the blade he'd thrown earlier boomeranged around, cutting the strands suspending both him and the younger warrior. Landing on his feet, the youth retrieved his other blade and hurled it at the Youma who shrieked back in terror.
Adrenaline enhancing his senses, the youth erected a sphere of energy just in time to shield himself from a quartet of wooden spikes. The spikes splintered against the barrier wall and, judging from the crackle of electricity around them, the youth could tell they were no ordinary weapons.
It took only slightly longer to spot a trio of female warriors hiding amidst nearby trees. In a flash, the youth lowered his barrier, raised his arm straight up and rechannelled the energy into a glowing ball, firing it at his would-be-assailants!
Though they dodged the attack, their tree erupted and the youth took satisfaction in the cry of pain that he heard over the smoke and dust.
The smirk was swiftly wiped from his face when something searing hot shot inches from his cheek. Taking to the air, the youth levitated himself in an arc that carried him over the smokescreen and far enough away to observe the battlefield. Sure enough a quartet of women resembling pixies were enclosing the spot he had been mere seconds ago.
Marshalling all his concentration, the youth stretched out his hands and encased the warrior women in a black dome. He flexed more mental muscles, forcing the dome to steadily shrink. He was tempted to let out a derisive laugh as he heard the women try fruitlessly to break free, but discipline reminded him that that would risk breaking concentration.
He did however permit himself a derisive smirk. A smirk that was swiftly wiped from his face as he felt a stabbing pain in his right shoulder.
With a gasp, the young warrior crumpled to his knees. Through silver locks and eyes half closed in pain, he saw a fifth 'pixie' standing over him, ready to deliver another strike.
Digging deep, the youth unleashed a telekinetic burst in all directions sending the fifth warrioress flying back. He side-stepped just in time to avoid one of the now freed pixie sisters raking him across his back. Manifesting his swords again, he crossed the blades and rebuffed another attack, then hurled an energy ball, then a blade, then another telekinetic push!
Panting furiously he raised a shield around himself again and was swiftly besieged by the pixie sisters, their fearsome forms obscuring all else outside the barrier. Were he uninjured, and less exhausted, the shield may well have been absorbing his enemies' attacks, giving him precious energy with which to recover. As it was though, the shield could merely provide him a respite to gather himself up for his final, and most desperate technique. Unfortunately, in the state he was in, the concentration he needed to perform that move would demand lowering his only defence.
Fear whispered in his ear but he silenced it. Instead he stood up straight and scowled out at his assailants. Whatever else he may be, he was a warrior. And, on his pride, he refused to scream in despair or defeat. Even if this was his e-
The five sisters recoiled suddenly, a blizzard of pink petals bombarding them. Though the petals were dealing little damage, the young warrior did not hesitate to act.
His shield vanishing, he reached out with his will and brought his hands together palm upon palm, one facing skyward and the other facing forwards. At once the surrounding area was transformed into a glowing green grid pattern. Within each square various strange vistas opened up, some depicting men firing at each other from opposing trenches, another where gigantic saurions stomped through the land. A quintet of screams filled his ears and then, the pixie warriors vanished.
Closing the gateway to the Chaotic World of Multiple Dimensions, the youth prepared to shield himself again but discovered there was no need. He was completely alone. With one exception.
Across the battlefield he locked eyes with the younger warrior with dirty blonde hair, noting the swirling cherry blossoms surrounding him.
The younger warrior didn't smile but gave a tentative nod that the silver haired youth returned before both left in the opposite direction.
The black void returned abruptly. But it did not last.
Kunzite knelt humbly at the foot of the gigantic throne, flanked by three other warriors in similar grey uniforms. Before them sat a fierce vision of dark nobility. She might have appeared as one with the dark throne room were it not for her blood red hair.
"Through the will of the Great Ruler the Earth has at last become unto Heaven. As the most formidable warriors in her service you shall each be assigned a region of the planet to rule as Kings, albeit Kings in service to the Great Ruler. And myself, of course."
Queen Beryl tone left Kunzite and the others in little doubt as to their proper place.
"Arise Kunzite."
At his Queen's command, Kunzite got to his feet, some of his silver hair falling over his shoulder as he did so.
"You have distinguished yourself as by far the most powerful of all our warriors."
Kunzite gave a bow. "Your Highness honours me."
"Then let your honour be seen and known by all."
Beryl extended a crimson talon from which violet light oozed, gathering around Kunzite's shoulders. Bony shoulder clasps, a blue circle at their centre, appeared and from them a white cape flowed like a waterfall.
"To you Kunzite I award the most fertile of Earth's regions and the rank of leader."
"Leader of what your highness?" Kunzite asked.
Beryl sat straighter in her seat, radiating authority.
"Leader of the Shitennou." Beryl gestured to all four of the warriors before her. "When needed, you shall command both your comrades here and those who answer to them. Now go forth my Shittenou. And make my will so." With a lazy wave of her hand, Beryl manifested four breaches in the air itself.
Kunzite waited for the other Shitennou to rise before they bowed in synchrony with one another before turning and heading for their respective portals.
"Congratulations."
At the whisper, Kunzite's gaze darted to his immediate right. There he found his fellow Shitennou giving him a small smile as he enveloped his finger in a lock of curly, dirty blonde hair.
The vast emptiness, the utter lack of sensation crashed back over him like an ocean wave. But, like a wave, it receded.
The night was thick with fog and darkness. Kunzite found himself grateful for the cover as he approached the lone figure beneath the tree.
"Greetings, master Kunzite." Zoisite brought his hand to his breast and gave a polite bow, though he did not avert his gaze from Kunzite's face.
"I presume there was a reason you wished to see me like this Zoisite."
Despite the darkness, Kunzite thought he saw a twinkle in Zosite's green eyes.
"To come right to the point of it…I want you to help me kill Nephrite."
Kunzite cocked an eyebrow. "I don't think Queen Beryl would be pleased with that."
"Queen Beryl need not know about it. It could appear to be an accident."
Kunzite pursed his lips. "Why do you want him dead anyway?"
Disgust engulfed Zoisite's features. Kunzite found he didn't like that look upon his junior's face. "Nephrite cheated me! When Queen Beryl began observing us all, he used his star powers to drain much of my energy. Mistress Beryl never saw me at my full potential and awarded me the smallest territory, the lowest rank of the Shitennou!"
Kunzite was torn between feeling impressed and annoyed at Zoisite. On the one hand, Zoisite had distinguished himself as a warrior despite being handicapped. On the other, all was fair in war. If Nephrite had bested him through trickery then that simply proved Nephrite was a more cunning and ruthless warrior. Zoisite should simply learn from his mistake and remember to keep his guard up in the future. But something about Zoisite's pouting expression made him refrain from the reprimand.
"Have you spoken to Jadeite about this?"
"Jadeite is merely the second most powerful Shitennou. And after all, you and I have worked together before."
"I'd hardly call that working together. We owe one another nothing."
"True," admitted Zoisite, "But an alliance between us could be…mutually beneficial?"
"How so?"
"We could divide Nephrite's territory between us."
"We could, but what would stop me simply taking it all for myself?"
"Nothing, except that, with Nephrite's territory added to your own, you couldn't possibly run it all by yourself. Even one as powerful as Queen Beryl needs us to manage the planet for her. Why not have someone who could share that burden with you?"
For some reason, Zoisite's slight inflection caused a brief murmur within Kunzite's chest.
"I'm not sure you are up to the task Zoisite," he pushed back.
"Then instruct me, master Kunzite. Help me become a better governor, a better warrior even. Then I will bring down Nephrite and hand half his lands to you."
"A true warrior would succeed on their own merit," replied Kunzite. Or at least, that is what he knew he ought to say.
Instead he took a moment to take in his fellow Shitennou, the darkness doing nothing to diminish the sparkle in his green eyes.
"Very well Zoisite. I'll help you."
Marshalling what passed for his consciousness, he found he could this time beat the darkness back. Although the effort was like straining a muscle. And he knew he could not maintain the effort for long.
"Zoi!"
Cherry blossoms filled the space that Kunzite occupied. Or rather, had occupied. In the blink of an eye, Kunzite had teleported behind Zoisite and placed the point of his blade at the other Shitennou's eyeline.
"You over rely on that attack. You must vary your techniques or risk your enemy countering."
"A-alright," gulped Zoisite. "J-just watch that sword, okay?"
Kunzite huffed out a laugh. "You are far too afraid of damaging that pretty face of yours."
"Oh?" Zoisite's voice had dropped an octave and shed some of the fear that had previously laced it. "How nice of you to have noticed."
Kunzite said nothing. He was concentrating upon keeping his hand steady despite the sweet scent of cherry blossoms emanating from Zoisite's hair.
The darkness smothered him. Drowned him. He was sinking into its nothingness. Then, like the first creeping shards of morning, he saw something more.
"We need to put our plans on hold."
The pair of them were once more beneath the cherry blossom tree that stood outside Zoisite's castle.
"But…why?" pouted Zoisite.
"From my last meeting with Queen Beryl I deduced her preparations are nearing completion. We will be invading the Moon Kingdom very soon. Mistress Beryl will want all the Shitennou as part of the vanguard."
"Who cares what Beryl wants! We've been preparing too!"
Zoisite crossed his arms and began angrily pacing back and forth, his ponytail whipping wildly whenever he changed directions.
"Zoisite," Kunzite began in a pacifying tone, "It is unwise to displease Queen Beryl. She is the Great Ruler's chosen representative. Her word is law, and she has the power to back it up. To challenge her is to court suicide."
"Then I...I…" Zoisite suddenly stopped and brought his thumb and forefinger to his chin. "What if…" He began ponderously, "...What if I killed him during the invasion?" His green eyes grew larger, a mad energy infecting them. "It would be perfect!" He began pacing again. "Amidst the chaos no one, not even Mistress Beryl, would think twice if Nephrite were to fall in battle."
"...Zoisite…"
"The Youma wouldn't say anything, I'd outrank them, I could just swear them to silence."
"Zoisite."
"Although, if they were under Jadeite's command then that might be trickier. Perhaps if I offered him a slice of Nephrite's territory too h-"
"Zoisite!"
Zoisite halted again, though this time more abruptly. His mouth was slightly agape, almost as if Kunzite's sternness had slapped in the face.
"Your grudge with Nephrite is clouding your judgement. We can't know precisely how strong the Moon Kingdom's defences are. Nephrite may well be crucial in our victory."
"But-"
"Not to mention," Kunzite said raising his voice, not allowing Zoisite the opportunity to interject, "we have been preparing to kill Nephrite here on Earth, when his defences would be at their lowest. During a full scale assault he will be on the alert from all sides and you will be busy fighting the Moon Kingdom's soldiers. You would be running an immense risk to yourself to strike then."
"Master Kunzite, I'm willing to risk my life!"
"But I'm not!"
Once again Zoisite's mouth hung open, though this time his expression was softer. If anything he seemed confused; lost about what to do next. Kunzite's gaze by contrast was unwavering.
"D-do…Do you mean you are concerned for our alliance? For the territory you stand to gain?"
Slowly, Kunzite moved forwards, steadily diminishing the gap between himself and Zoisite, though his eyes remained ever still and focused upon the other Shittenou's face.
"No. That is not what I meant."
Kunzite opened his eyes.
He was alone. Completely alone. And everything was dark. It was more than dark. There was absolutely no light to be seen at all. He couldn't even see his own hand before his face. In fact, he couldn't even feel his hand. Or the rest of his body for that matter.
And yet…he did sense something. A soft, pleasant, familiar scent of…
The darkness lifted. Pink petals danced through the air like snowflakes.
He was beneath the tree again, but now a field of flowers of all colours surrounded him.
"Well…you did ask me to guide you here didn't you?"
Slowly, Kunzite turned around.
"Zoisite." He spoke the word with more than love. It was a single, simple, wonderful word that meant 'everything'. Or at least everything that truly mattered.
"So…this is death?"
Zoisite tilted his head, almost questioningly. "Not exactly. At least, this isn't what death was like for me. I'm not exactly sure why it is different right now."
Kunzite brought his hand up to his chest, unsurprised by the lack of a wound he found there.
"I think I have an idea."
"Oh?"
Kunzite shook his head. "It doesn't matter."
Kunzite said nothing more. He let go of his honour, of his pride, of all that he was, freeing himself instead to embrace Zoisite for what felt like an eternity. And what may well have been one.
A/N: Yeah, this story is set during/after episode 44 of the anime.
I had always intended for my Kunzite story to be connected to his death in that episode, and by extension his relationship with Zoisite. But I hadn't planned for it to evolve into this potted history of Kunzite and Zoisite in the SilMil.
All in all, I'm pleased with how this turned out given the restraints real life put me under whilst writing it.
Hope you liked the gift Yagi.
if anyone takes issue with my story please, politely, let me know so we can talk about it and I can hopefully know better going forward.
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!