A long time ago, the Avatar disappeared without a trace, and with the absence of any successor, the world was gradually thrown into chaos. Governments became unbalanced, spiritual and natural disasters spread, and war sprang everywhere.
In the face of this unprecedented crisis, Fire Lord Kuni declared that he would assemble a party to search for this Avatar, but many nations feared this as a prelude to more aggressive actions, and moved to subdue this threat. Amidst the chaos, two young women managed to escape, and with their allies, embarked on a long journey that would hopefully lead them to the new Avatar, the only one who could restore order to the world…
AVATAR
The Celestial Sailors
BOOK ONE: CHAOS
6: Friends in High Places
"After you, your highness."
Kotono had already suffered more than enough indignity at the hands of these fiends. What was one more to her? She entered the cell with all the smoldering ire an offended princess could exude, and didn't relax or even move until the door was closed and the guard's footsteps had silenced. There were no torches to be found—sensible, considering the number of fire-benders imprisoned here—but there was sunlight enough to see. Her cell was sufficiently large enough to hold ten people comfortably—as ironic as that word was—with space for straw bedding, a trough, and two rooms which served as toilets. There were only four other people in the cell, though, and one ran toward her before she could get a look at the others. She crouched instinctively and put relieved arms around her trembling brother.
They didn't speak—couldn't speak—for some time.
She drew back so she could study his face. The three bruises she saw enraged her more than everything else she had seen and suffered through. She touched them delicately.
"Who did this to you?" she hissed. Ittou sniffled and rubbed his injuries.
"Don't worry, one's from the fight. I mean, at the tournament. Another's cuz' I wasn't looking where I was going."
"Ittou," she stated firmly, doubtful of his account.
"No, really. It was just an accident. I only got hit by one guy, an earth-bender. I took out four of theirs." She sighed and touched his face again, but he didn't flinch. The bruises were slowly healing. She could feel his gaze fall onto her now. "You don't look so bad."
"I'm in a foul disposition, no need to ask why. General Jaedite's responsible for all of this."
"Jaedite?" he scoffed, letting go of her. "Are you sure, Tono?"
"I saw him with my own eyes," she seethed. "He's collaborating with General Nephrite."
"Oh," he said quietly. "He's the one from Ba Sing Se, isn't he?"
"Yeah. I don't know if there are any others, but I seriously doubt they could have pulled all of this off without help. There were water-benders and a few air-benders in the mix as well." His face lowered, and he distanced himself to fully absorb all of this. Kotono got a better look at the other prisoners, and actually recognized two of them: one was the animal trainer from the arena, and the other was one of the twin swordswomen. The older girl knelt as Kotono approached them, even though it pained her.
"Don't," she said gently. She laid gentle hands on the woman, as if she were a fairytale princess that could heal at will. "How bad are your injuries?"
"Not nearly as bad as not knowing my sister's fate, your highness. But I am glad you are with your brother now."
"You are...Keya?"
"Kartti, your highness. You can tell because my nose-ring is in my left nostril. Hers is on the right." Kotono flushed a little. She hadn't even noticed such a detail. She asked who the animal-trainer was; Ittou became animated again and introduced him as Lark. His parents had named him well, for he was a cheerful force in that oppressing room. Kotono smiled at him.
"I'm relieved. Well, you all must have heard me discussing events with my brother. I know that Generals Jaedite and Nephrite are a part of this, and there may be others assisting them. Unfortunately, I've received no word from my mother or father. However, I wouldn't submit to despondency just yet. It would seem they have no intention of executing any of us, and by my birthright, I will see to it that they never do. Furthermore, although I have no proof of this, I believe more people escaped than were captured. Even if only a fraction of our people managed to get away, we still have allies on the outside. We will not be forsaken so long as one of them endures."
She was about to go on inspiring her fellow cellmates, but she was interrupted by approaching footsteps. A guard barked at her to get away, and brandished a halberd at her for emphasis. The cell door opened slowly, and an older woman was escorted through. Kotono could barely restrain herself: even when reunited with her mother, she didn't want to show her enemies any vulnerability.
Fire Lady Iku absorbed her children with frail arms. The glassy, distant look in her eyes told her whole story.
"Father?" Kotono said. Her mother made no response. Kotono sternly set herself. "Then until we know his fate, he is alive and well. Isn't that right, mother?"
"Yes," she echoed emptily. "Alive and well."
"And so are your children," her son said, taking her hand. Kotono clasped the other.
"And your people." Iku temporarily emerged from her stasis to look up, seeing the other prisoners. They smiled in spite of it all, but she did not.
"So few survived..."
"This is just one cell out of...countless others. And they didn't capture us all. They couldn't have."
But all the woman managed to say was, "So few..."
…...
Minako's negotiation skills were the only thing that saved her and Umino from a one-way trip to the palace dungeon. The guards had taken her into their custody even though she claimed she knew the king, and were set on ignoring her pleas—but she insisted that she could prove it by speaking with him, and that if she couldn't, that they could release Umino and pile his sentence on top of hers. Whether out of generosity, pity, or willingness to see this unwanted guest humiliated, they took her to the king's audience chambers. His highness was nearly ready to turn in for the night, so hopefully this meeting would be brief. A page was sent to announce them.
"You know, I think I'm cured of my desire to go on dates," Umino groaned. Minako eyed him.
"Oh, don't say that. We just hit a minor snag. Trust me, everything will be fine."
"But what if it doesn't?!"
"It will," she winked. Her confidence was not contagious, however. Umino felt his stomach knot up as the page escorted them into the king's bedroom. The look on the king's face as he, Minako, and the guards filed in was like a searing stab—and Umino remained paralyzed as the king laughed, walked over to them, and embraced Minako.
"Minako Aino, as I live and breathe! You devious diva, why didn't you tell me you were in Omashu? I would have prepared a banquet in your honor!"
"Dude, you're the king," she said, giving him a shove that would have sent anyone else to the gallows. "You've got mad security outside, plus I hear you're all kinds of busy!"
"Then I should thank you even more for rescuing me from all that! …Oh, that will be all, guards. You may return to your posts. Job well done." They bowed and marched away in unison, Minako adding an impressed whistle as the door shut behind them.
"Someone hasn't lost their touch. I remember them quaking in their boots at you even when we were kids."
"I do apologize for the rough treatment they gave you," the king said more soberly. "In their defense, though, they're extremely good at their job. I couldn't have asked for better."
"No sweat," Minako winked. "I'm just glad they let me talk to you! Trying to escape from those dungeons would have been a real pain."
"Not especially," he added with a return wink. "Not for you, at least."
"Good point," she laughed—then, before Umino could collapse, she introduced him, and got straight down to business. It was far too late in the day to discuss anything, but the king vowed to hear her out over breakfast. He summoned a page and two men-at-arms, and commanded they deliver Minako's friends to the palace the following morning. He offered spare rooms for Minako and her "date" (an expression he used rather wryly), which was gratefully accepted. Umino was so stricken by everything that had happened that he could barely stand, much less walk. Minako's hand clasping over his revived him; a good-night kiss on the cheek completed the treatment, and he collapsed in his bed completely dazed.
Naru, her mother, Rei, and Usagi had just sat down to a humble breakfast when a loud tapping on the door surprised them. Maiyumi excused herself to answer it, wondering who in the world would be visiting a jewelry store at this hour. She was doubly astonished to meet two palace guards, and was outright alarmed when they requested that "Priestess Hino and Miss Tsukino accompany us to the palace on the king's command".
"Um…they haven't done anything wrong, have they?" she managed, very dazed.
"Not to our knowledge. His highness wishes to speak with them on an urgent matter." They weren't the politest duo, but Maiyumi had no immediate reason to refuse them. Rei stiffened like a cat backed into a corner when she got the news; Usagi just froze, not sure whether to accompany them or resist. Maiyumi urged them to go in a gentle voice, but it was the look on her face that calmed them the most. They were marched out without any further delay, quickly but not rudely. Rei tried probing their escorts for more information, but they were as tight-lipped as the statues that decorated the palace gardens. The looks they were drawing from the townspeople only made them feel more anxious. This time, at least, they were allowed through the main gate without pause—not necessarily a good thing—and led to the entrance, which was opened for them.
It feels like it's trying to swallow us, Rei thought grimly. The door shut on them with a sharp clunk; the guards guided them not to the throne room (or the prisons, they noticed with some relief), but to the dining hall, where a small number of officials, military strategists, members of the royal family—and a grinning Minako, they noticed—were all gathered around a large rectangular table. The King of Omashu himself stood to greet them.
"Ah, our guests, I presume? You are welcome here. Please, be seated."
"Whoa, it's the king," Usagi whispered. She bowed quickly and stumbled into the seat next to Minako; Rei was much more dignified, and chose a place closer to the king, offering a humble smile.
"I believe I know your names," he said to them, "and Minako here was kind enough to summarize the series of events that have led you here, but I would like to hear it all from you. At least until our chefs deign to distract us with something more palpable," he added with a smile. For once in her life, Usagi was too stunned to think about food, and stammered her way through an introduction before Rei's calm poise came in to help. Breakfast was served about halfway through Rei's story; she and Usagi had both eaten, so they declined all but the lightest fare (though Usagi ended up having seconds, and thirds…and fourths). When Rei's narrative had caught up to the present moment, Usagi was too full to move, and the king was too contemplative to speak. He rubbed his hands, his face, his cup, pondering.
"Three of the four great nationalities conspiring together in an attack… But I can't believe they all felt Fire Lord Kuni's actions were hostile. While it's true that relations between our lands have been strained these past few years, I can't imagine why so many felt such a response was justified. The Air Nomads in particular have always exercised neutrality in these conflicts. There could be a great deception being perpetrated, but they cannot all be swayed by lies. Minako, what does your father think?"
"He was under the impression that Fire Lord Kuni might have been amassing a secret or selective army, but he didn't want to commit to anything. He wanted facts, so he sent me."
"I see. Well, we have heard what the Fire Nation says, and what the Air Nomads say. I cannot speak for the queen of Ba Sing Se, but I personally have condemned the aggressive actions taken by members of the Northern Earth Kingdom. We will now listen to a representative of the Southern Water Tribe, General Zoicite." The king gestured, and a beautiful, androgynous person with a fair face and long blonde hair tied in a tail smiled, making a soft bow. Usagi sat entranced and couldn't take her eyes off what she hoped and prayed was a man; even Minako grinned, not particularly caring which.
"Thank you, your highness. Whether we are in the south, the north, or sailing endlessly through vast uncharted waters, my tribe's primary concern is to heal, to study, to teach, and to live in peace. We must, however, only assume two possibilities from Kuni's actions: that they were for war, or for peace—that is, was he really assembling a team to find the Avatar, or was he preparing for a conquest? Either way, the method he used was disquieting. If all he wanted was to find the Avatar, why not simply assemble the other nations, declare his intentions, and engage their assistance? Why have only people from the Fire Nation searching? Could you provide us with that answer, Priestess?"
"He… No, I could not," she said stiffly. Zoicite stared neutrally.
"Of course, that alone does not justify an attack of any magnitude—rather, an investigation."
"Is that what you call it?" Rei snapped. The king stared at her but let her speak. She was royalty; she had been there; it was her right.
"No," Zoicite stated firmly. "It was an attack; let there be no mistake about that. Perhaps Sifu Kinsei—or somebody from the Air Nomads—felt, too, that an investigation was in order. King Motoki, when you first received word of this event, what was your opinion of it?"
"That he was genuinely going to send a team out in search of the Avatar, and that it was long overdue. But I definitely questioned his method."
"And you sent no one to ascertain it?"
"No."
"Even though it could have been a cover for something more aggressive?"
"I sent no one. You may examine my records of that time if you wish."
"No, that won't be necessary, but it does strike me as…irresponsible." The guests at the banquet murmured, many perceiving this as an insult. Motoki just nodded.
"You have a point. Omashu, however, has always exercised a 'wait-and-see' approach to these international affairs. Yes, that same caution has been a detriment at times, but more often than not, it has prevented more calamities than it caused. In any case, we received word that the queen of Ba Sing Se sent representatives, and seeing as how we are of the same nationality, we felt assured that no further action was necessary."
"Of course," Zoicite said. "So: three well-meaning groups, unsure of what to make of Fire Lord Kuni's actions, each sent their own teams to clear everything up. Oh, if one, or even two of them, felt that he had belligerent intentions, then…yes, a deception would be possible. But if all three felt the same way, wouldn't there be some small truth in it? Priestess Hino, forgive me, but your word is strongly biased. We have no neutral party to arbitrate this matter."
"Actually," Usagi piped, then immediately shrank back and regretted it as all eyes in the room turned to her. She blushed and fidgeted, feeling like the proverbial sore thumb that stuck out. The king, however, smiled at her.
"I had forgotten! Miss Hino mentioned you were merely a bystander in the whole affair. Did you live in the Fire Nation during that time?"
"Um…n-no, your m…majesty, I was…I mean, my family, we…we, uh, you know, move around a lot. Like…nomads. My father's a wartime correspondent—"
"So he, too, felt that this was an aggressive action?" Zoicite spoke.
"No! It was just…a very good story, the tournament I mean, and he went there to report on it. We go everywhere, wherever there's something happening that people need to know about."
"But as a wartime correspondent, he would have been there to report on any possible warlike actions." Zoicite's face was neither cruel nor kind: just blankly cold, like a sheer, seamless stone wall. Its beauty had faded for Usagi.
"He was just…covering the story," she mumbled, weakly defensive. Zoicite shrugged, clearly discontented.
"It would seem that a rather large rock has been thrown into the lake," said the king philosophically: "it continues to create more and more ripples, and frankly, I do not know how we may still these waters. Do we call for a joint session of world leaders? Do we visit the source of this incident? Do we sit idly by and continue to throw our hands up in neutrality? Well, we can no longer do that. You may accuse me of being irresponsible, General Zoicite, but not anymore: I will take action. I cannot make account of those from the Water Tribe, or the Air Nomads, but I can do it for the Earth Kingdom, and since I sent none in my name, an account must be made of the Queen of Ba Sing Se. Therefore, I shall personally lead a small retinue on a mission of goodwill and good faith, and with her cooperation and consent, hopefully clear away some of this fog. If anybody has anything else to add, speak up now."
There were plenty of objections, of course; General Zoicite didn't make any, though. The king was resolute, however, and tried to ease everyone's concerns. He would send messengers ahead of him; he would only take a few guards and some trusted servants; his route would be secretive; and he would be leaving his sister, the princess, in charge of affairs, perpetrating a "business as usual" façade until his return. Usagi had been too absorbed by the conversation to notice the young woman sitting next to the king: pretty, relaxed, her eyes expressive, her face a sincere series of emotions. Usagi perked up as the king asked Minako and Rei to go with him—but not her.
"It would be best if you stayed here and waited for your family," he said gently. "Honestly, I should not have included you in these talks, but Minako vouched for you…and your experiences proved to be invaluable. I will arrange for a room for you here in the palace, if you wish, and you will have any number of willing servants to care for you and assist you."
"Um…thank you, your highness." Usagi honestly didn't know what else to say. The king was really going out of his way to comfort her—and he was right: she had no further part to play in all this. Usagi's journey began and ended with finding her family, and the best place to do it would be Omashu. By all accounts, this should have been the best thing that could have happened to her.
And yet she still couldn't shake the idea that she was being left behind.
Or worse: abandoned.
She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't see the king gesturing to someone, nor did she see this person walk up and bow, and almost missed his introduction entirely. She broke away as she heard her name called and beheld a young man, more the king's age than her own. He was dressed as a member of the king's elite guard, the Tellurians, but all in black, and had a cape with a red trim. There was a white flower in his lapel—a lotus, Usagi thought—and he carried himself with dignity. This was the Captain of King Motoki's Tellurians, his most trusted agent, the vanguard of his army, and close personal friend, Mamoru.
"He shall be entirely at your disposal until my parting," Motoki told her. The man bowed to Usagi, and bowed again as the king left. Usagi didn't quite know how to process all this. Tall, handsome, powerful, loyal, good fashion sense, and every wish of hers would be his pleasure to fulfill. Well, then!
"My lady, it is an honor," he said when they were alone. She tentatively reached her hand out, and he kissed it. Well, well.
"Um, thanks. Y-your name was M…Mamoru, right? I'm, uh…Usagi."
"I'm pleased to meet you, my lady. I hope you have enjoyed your stay as my lord's guest. Although it may be his highness's will that I serve you, I believe it will become my pleasure as well."
"Oh, th-th-th-thanks!" she sputtered, blushing. The last time any boy…any man…really, anybody had fawned over her like that was…well, never. She wasn't out of practice so much as bumbling and inexperienced. "It's, uh…a big honor to, uh…be here and…uh, I mean, really nice to meet you, too."
"You flatter me, my lady," he smiled, settling her nerves gradually with his smile. Her blush deepened. Still…
"Listen, can you—I mean, could you do me a big favor?"
"Of course, my lady." She winced.
"Could we maybe not be so formal for awhile? This whole courtly business really isn't my thing! I'd feel way more comfortable if we could drop the 'thees' and 'thous'."
"All right," he winked. "You got it, bun-head."
Usagi flared immediately. Her face turned an entirely different shade of crimson.
"Watch the name-calling, buster!"
"But I thought you said you didn't want to be formal," he laughed. She balled her fist up.
"Not that formal, you lemur-faced snot-rag! Call me names again and…and…I'll shovel dirt in your mouth!" Mamoru's casual smile faded; he straightened up again and bowed placidly.
"I beg your forgiveness, then, my lady. I have overstepped my bounds and offended you." The sudden change took her by surprise, and she immediately calmed.
"Oh! Um…that's okay…I mean, w-we'll see if I'm in the mood to forgive you later! Right now, I want—no, I order you to show me to my room!"
"Yes, my lady, it would be my pleasure."
"And I want a hot bath drawn, w-with oils and perfumes, a-and I want a plate of chocolates in my room waiting for me! Oh, and fresh clothes every day! And a foot massage!" She was giddy with the rush of power, the need to assert herself, to make him pay for the sleight. He would do it all, too, and more, because opportunities like this don't come around very often, and Usagi would milk it for all she could.
"Yes, my lady," he would always say, always bowing. She did take notice, and wanted to soften a little, but was too proud to change. Besides, it was fun commanding the Captain of the King's royal guard.
…
Usagi smiled despondently to herself as she watched the king's retinue fly away from the palace on the backs of Artemis and two air-bisons they had hired for the task. Ba Sing Se was several days northeast from Omashu—they'd be flying over the Kolau mountains, the Si Wong desert, the Serpent's Pass, and Lake Laogai—and goodness knows how long they'd stay once they arrived. It could very well be a month before Usagi saw any of them again. She had no doubts as to their safety, it was just…well, she'd be…lonely. Rei and Minako had turned from strangers into friends, the first real friends Usagi had made since she last came here. It was a thrill being around "solid" people, and now…yes, she still had Naru, and maybe Gurio if she was desperate, but…
She sighed. No matter. Even if they came back next week, her family would likely catch up with her, or she'd receive word of them, and they'd reunite and be back to their globetrotting ways. And that's what this was all really about; it was all she had to look forward to. Always being on the move wasn't such a bad life, really. She had seen more of the world in her lifetime—heck, in this year alone—than anyone else her age: ten times anyone else. She had beheld the sunrise atop the temple of the Sun Warriors. She had delved into the Crystal Catacombs, had braved the frigid waters of the southern Ice Floes, and had peered into the abyss of the Great Divide. She had seen air bisons, and badger-moles, and great whales, each at their labor. She had watched countless stars wheel in the night sky at the very center of the world.
It all seemed pointless with no one to share it with, though. And her bratty little brother Shingo didn't count.
Well, anyway, it was close to lunchtime, and despite putting a serious dent in the royal larder earlier this morning, Usagi was as hungry as ever, so a trip to the kitchen seemed in order. Escorts were there at her beck and call, but with Mamoru at his king's side, she had to choose the next-cutest boy in the bunch, if only to satisfy a different sort of appetite. Neither of them was allowed in the kitchen yet, but he became her hero by nabbing a few slices of meat, some cheese, bread, and various vegetables along the way. He even sliced them up, but was puzzled when, rather than devouring the slices, Usagi wedged them between the bread.
"Zooks, I never though o' doin' that," he drawled.
"Dad used to do it all the time. He said it made it easier to work and eat at the same time. He called it a mashmeal, because, well…" Her escort immediately understood the appeal and wanted to try one for himself. Usagi asked him to lead her to an isolated spot in the courtyard somewhere, and they each left the other in peace. After the interminable rain she had suffered through, Usagi wanted to soak in a warm, dry, pleasant day, as slowly as a vintage wine. She sat on a small stone bench and chewed her way through the mashmeal nonchalantly, drinking in the faded noise of the city, the call of birds, the hiss and click of insects. It felt like ages since she allowed herself to just sit, and be.
"On…way? Just…point. Arrive…very good. Then…in private? Good."
What was that? Her ears had to strain despite the silence. Somewhere very distant, two people were talking. She frowned and stopped eating. So much for a private picnic. Well, she'd just have to do her best not to eavesdrop, because she needed this relaxation, and she was a guest. What she did was nobody's business and vice-versa. She took another bite but froze before she could enjoy another.
"Kill…him? Maybe. Slow…down. Can't…loud to… Be certain. Who can…? They know…secret paths. He probably…will."
Usagi's heart hammered in her chest; she felt cold, panicked. Were they talking about killing someone? Killing who? She strained with all her might but the only way she could really pick up anything was to move. She stood up with arthritic deliberation. She laid her heel first to the ground, then imperceptibly followed with her sole and her toes. Now the second foot. Another step. She hardly allowed herself a breath, even though her pulse was screaming at her. She was almost suffocated before she could make out a sentence.
"We need to make it look like an attack. Indistinct riffraff that roam the lands, perhaps, killing as they please. These are unsafe times, after all, and no road is really secure."
"Nobody will believe it. He has the Tellurians with him, and those girls."
"They could act quickly. An ambush, perhaps. Striking at random, as ruffians do. No one is exempt from their final fate."
"We should at least arrange for contingencies. Poison, perhaps. Something that can't be cured easily…or cleanly."
"I think I have something in mind. I've taken up botany as a hobby; who would have guessed that it would serve us in this manner?"
Usagi had to clamp her hand over her mouth to stop herself from crying out. There was no mistaking the voice of General Zoicite.
"All right, when can you be ready?" said another voice, one she didn't recognize.
"Tonight, when the guards change. We don't have to rush. I know what path he's going to take, despite his announced secrecy, so all we have to do…" Zoicite trailed off; Usagi froze in terror as she shifted, disturbing a single loose stone from the wall. Without waiting another moment, she crept away from the direction the voice was coming from…or at least she hoped this was the right direction…slipped back inside the palace, and made it all of ten steps before she realized she still had her mashmeal. Not wanting to waste it, but in no mood to finish it, she found her way back to the kitchen and wrapped it in paper—then hurried her way to the front entrance as nonchalantly as she dared. She wanted to scream and tell the whole palace what she had overheard, but there was no telling who that other voice belonged to—or how many of the guards were secret turncoats. She just wanted to get away—maybe to Naru's house, maybe to the air bison stalls; anywhere but here.
She was stopped only once, by the entrance guards.
"Good afternoon, ma'am! Will you be going into town?" Well at least they were friendlier now.
"Uh, yeah, I just wanted to visit a friend, if that's okay with you." She grinned nervously.
"His highness said you're free to come and go as you please. Do you need an escort?"
"No, I'll be fine, thanks." The guard shrugged and let her through; Usagi almost collapsed with relief once she put the palace behind her. Her legs were about to give out from all the stress and fatigue of the last few minutes, though, so she went to the closest, most public place she could find, and fell nearly dead into an empty bench.
Not ten minutes earlier, General Zoicite visited the source of the sound, discovering that it led to an open, empty courtyard. There was no sign that anybody had heard their conversation, but he didn't want to take any chances. The grass was trodden everywhere. The stone walls were cold, the trees aloof, the path worn and well-used. But then, he spotted something.
"Breadcrumbs?" He followed their trail back inside, to the kitchen, and while he was politely engaged with the staff, noticed that someone had recently ripped off a piece of packing paper. Interesting.
The end of "Friends in High Places"
Next time: "Interception"
Author's note:
I wanted Mamoru to be the Captain of the Dai Li, but this proved impossible, since they are agents of Ba Sing Se, and more importantly, don't even exist until the time of Avatar Kyoshi. The word "Tellurians" comes from the word "Tellus", which is the Latin name for Earth (sometimes spelled as Terra), so as Mamoru is the "Earth" guardian in Sailor Moon canon (and an earth-bender in this one), I felt it was an appropriate change.
