REAL-LIFE INTRUSION: Remember when I said "No promises on when I'll get the next half out"? Glad I gave that disclaimer! As we all experience, life happens! The good news is that writing on my PhD is going smoothly. The bad news is that it's pretty much been the only mental exercise that I've had time for in the past 5 months! However, I'm still here, and this story is still kicking around in my head. I haven't lost any passion for the project. (Actually, I've come up with a couple of other ideas for fanfics!) Needing mental rest from the studies doesn't dampen my creativity, it just delays actual pen-to-paper. Anyway, let's see how I do in the next few months. With any luck, I'll defend in January and move on. The bottom line for this (and all my) writing: I'd rather delay and send out quality as opposed to rushing out crap. I appreciate your patience and support as I take care of the necessary things.

~kVc

QUICK NOTE TO "LadyJustice": I appreciate your passion for the characters. You raised some excellent and cogent points. You also missed a few things. I'd love to talk more in-depth about your concerns (my writing could use an insightful set of eyes), so please write me through the private messaging function (or the comment section on AO3). I prefer not to reply to comments within the story text. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: Sailor Moon is property of Naoko Takeuchi, Viz Media, Toei Animation. I'm just a fan showing my appreciation for the work.

REFERENCES: For new readers, references to Book 1 will be added at the end of each chapter. Please read them to get more background on the story. However, first time readers may be confused by the strange (unexpected) character names. I will give you a quick (rough) translation of the names here. Please see the references at the end of the chapter for more info on where to find more detail on the character:

Tuxedo Mask/Olugbeja Aiye = "Earth Protector" in Yoruba
Sailor Mercury/Galing Budhu = "Water Star" in Wiradjuri (Australian Aboriginal)
Sailor Mars/Wicapiwakan Pheta = "Holy Star Fire" in Sioux
Sailor Jupiter/Madeira Força = "Strong Wood" in Brazilian Portuguese
Sailor Venus/Etoiledor Beauté = "Golden Star Beauty" in French
The Four Kings (Shitennou) were not originally given human names (save aliases), so I took some liberties.

Additionally, each Act title references a song title (full playlist on YouTube - "Etoiledor's Playlist" [can't link from FF]) and the song is referenced somewhere in the Act. Try to find it!

I hope you had enough time to get that snack! The Radiant Sailor Moon has returned!

Act XVI: Fragile

Part 2

"Why didn't you take it? Answer me!"

"You answer me! You failed to properly subdue your opponent! She blew you away and broke containment. That disrupted the entire plan!"

One-by-one, bodies began to file out of the swirling portal into a closed room. The change of scenery went unnoticed by the bickerers.

"It was his job to secure the crystal!"

"Look, I lost containment too. It was a team failure."

"It wouldn't have been if Pretty Boy had just taken it!"

"This was a precise mission that-"

"'Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the war room!'"

The loud trio and the silent Endymion heeded Zoisite's words, looking over their new surroundings. The high ceiling and rough walls gave it the appearance of a cave. Candles on each side cast the enclosure in a dim, eerie light. In the center of the room was a long table whose modernness clashed with the rustic overtones. "I've...never been here before," Nephrite said.

A moment later, Queen Beryl stepped through the portal herself. Tapping her staff on the floor had the dual purpose of closing the portal as well as adding an audible ring to her stern order: "Sit!" The quintet quickly scrambled to the stone-and-wood seats on either side of the table. Beryl moved to the position of authority, thrust her staff into the ground, and sat down on the gothic horror that was the head chair. Silently, the men looked in her direction. She returned a fiery stare. "I am not happy with that outcome!" After a few tense seconds, she sighed, relaxing the rigidness in her neck and shoulders. "But...we know where Imperium is, and we know who it will be with." She leaned forward, elbows on the table, fingers tented. "We can devise a clear strategy in order to achieve our goals."

"My queen," Kunzite began, "As the commander for this mission, its failure falls on me. I-"

Queen Beryl waved her hand. "We strategized for a whole fifteen minutes, one of you had to go home to get their weapons, and this entire attack was based on the freshest of intel. If you and Endymion didn't know that the girl was unable to transform, we wouldn't have even tried." Her gaze turned to Zoisite. "Very rare is the game that's won on the first move, correct?"

"Absolutely right," he responded with a smile.

"And having intel on your opponents' strengths, weaknesses, and tactics is imperative to victory." She allowed herself a slight smile. "It may have actually been a good thing that you all were separated from me for a while. You've spent time with them, communicated with them. Let's put that to use. Add in what we've learned with this encounter, and our plans will move much more smoothly." She nodded towards the tech mogul again. "Zoisite?"

"Gentlemen, place your right hands on the table." The four joined Zoisite in doing as they were told. Upon contact, a lighted grid within the tabletop read their impressions, and a holographic heads-up display appeared in front of each of them. "This will allow us to share info, take notes, and do whatever research and planning that's necessary for the mission. And everything here will be immediately accessible to you after we leave."

"Thank you," Beryl said. "Our first order of business in this quest is goal number one: protection of Earth from outside forces."

The men all gave her quizzical looks. Timidly, Jadeite raised his hand. "Umm...my queen...are you saying that Imperium is...not...the primary goal?"

Beryl leaned back in her chair. "Our Great Ruler has shown me much: the history of societies of the moon and the vast multitudes beyond our solar system. Flesh-and-blood humanoid races to abstract lifeforms of energy and light. Many of them hungering for worlds to devour. I've seen planets destroyed, civilizations eradicated, extinct, wiped from existence itself." The grip on the arms of her chair strengthened. "I promise you: this won't happen to Earth!"

"Understood, my queen," Endymion said softly. "I assume that this is why you need Imperium?"

"Not quite," Beryl responded. "To attain this particular goal, I'll have to be named the Queen of Earth...and recognized as such."

Her matter-of-fact tone forced the men to fall quiet again. "That...sounds like a tall task," Zoisite said carefully.

"Of course, people won't believe what they can't or don't see...and even then, if they simply don't want to believe it, then they won't. But, if we can convince just a few of the right people, those with worldwide political leverage, they'll make defense of Earth a top priority."

"And...how do you convince the world that you are its protector?" Nephrite asked.

She smirked. "I have five capable men by my side to help with that. This is obviously a long-term goal, so we have time to work on the finer details." Her expression changed. "That brings us to goal number two: the liberation of Imperium from that little girl."

"My queen, what...exactly is the need for Imperium?" Kunzite asked. "I understand that it's powerful, but what is your ultimate use for it?"

Beryl leaned forward again. She actually wasn't looking forward to this question. It would be easier to explain if it were to simply enhance her magical abilities, but she didn't like to lie about her motivations when speaking to those fighting alongside her...even if she was "in control" of them. The truth was that she was largely unconcerned with Imperium for herself. It was really because the Great Ruler needed its power to fully awaken that Imperium was so important. And since her ascension to Earth's protector hinged on the Ruler's power, Imperium had to be collected. But...they didn't need to know all of that yet...did they?

Meeting the stares of each of her minions, she answered: "The main reason is to give our Great Ruler the power needed to fully awaken."

"We know that she has brought you wisdom and power," Nephrite said, "and we've worked for both of you to gather as much energy as we could. But, it sounds like your goals are not the same. Maybe even a bit divergent. What are hers, specifically?"

Beryl took a deep breath. "She is...mysterious. And the truth is, she will reveal her plans to you at the right time. Be patient and trust her." She extended her index finger. "Know this: for our service, we will be gifted Earth itself."

"'Earth itself…'" Endymion repeated softly, staring off into the distance.

"This," Beryl said sharply, bringing attention back to herself, "leads us to the third goal: the exposure of the Sailor Guardians!"

"'Exposure,'" Zoisite said with a wicked smirk. "Sounds delightful!"

"The Guardians are the greatest threat to the security and order of this world. These invaders will break their necks over our energy harvesting, but have no respect for security, sovereignty, or anyone's ideals other than their own." She scowled. "Hypocrites! The false light of the moon has always been like this. For the sake of the Earth, they must be stopped."

"Well, ruining them will be easy," Nephrite said. "We know who they are, so a quick Tweet and-"

"NO!" The rebuke reverberated off of the stone walls. "Do NOT expose their identities to the world. That could endanger those around them." She sat up in a semi-regal fashion. "Their families are citizens of Earth. They are under my protection. Instead, we will show the leaders of the world that they can not be trusted. Let them show who they really are, and we'll make their crimes front-page news. The people themselves will commence the manhunt and pressure them to turn Imperium over to their trusted Queen."

Queen Beryl's gesture and smile at the end of that phrase caught Kunzite's attention. "My queen, this goal seems to be your favorite. Is there some...other reason why you want the exposure of the Guardians? As opposed to their destruction?"

Beryl stared back at Kunzite's inquisitive look. "A lady has to keep some secrets for herself." She leaned back in her chair. "These are our objectives. I don't expect to reach them immediately, but putting together this agenda is step number one. The next part is to put together a road map that will win us all three of these battles." Her eyes scanned those of the five men. "What do you think? How should we go about our business from here forward? I'd like your input."

Jadeite nodded. "It's ambitious. Winning the hearts and minds of people isn't easy. It takes time to build trust and convince people of your worldview. And with the level of popularity that the Guardians have, actively turning the public against them will be a challenge on a different level."

"I will gladly accept any chance to step into the spotlight to serve you!" Nephrite said with a small bow. "Put me on the front line to challenge them, I'll go without hesitation!"

"I'm on board with both of those sentiments," Zoisite added. "I think that prioritizing the goals should be the first thing we do, followed by careful strategy. And, as you said, we're probably not going to finish all of that tonight."

"No," Beryl confirmed, "but we'll make a good start." She turned to the leader of her Kings. "What say you?"

"Your wish is my command," Kunzite answered directly. With an air of authority, he addressed his brothers. "I believe that the proper order of these goals should be three, then two, and finally, one. Every time that we successfully pressure the Guardians we make it more likely that they will willingly give Imperium to us, or that we can be victorious and simply take it. Once we have the stone in our control, we'll have all that we need to protect the planet under our queen's rule."

"Zoisite, you are the eyes, ears, and brains of this operation. All communication will flow through you. Your challenge will be finding ways to get our messaging out into the world: showing them the true nature of the Guardians and educating them about Imperium."

"Nephrite, I'd like you to spend more time with Queen Beryl. You may not have the same sphere of influence that Jadeite or Zoisite do, but you have the mindset to fight. Let her teach you about warfare. We'll meet the Guardians on the battlefield again, most likely multiple times. Put your strength under her tutelage. Use her expertise to learn more about the techniques and philosophy of battle."

"Jadeite, I need you to do something a little different from the rest: figure out how to make your temple more mainstream, more accessible. The easier that it is for people around the world to become enthralled by your teachings, the more we can connect to everyone from lay people to faith leaders, and slowly introduce the world to our queen, and eventually, our Great Ruler."

"Endymion, since-"

"Endymion will continue in his current role," Beryl interjected. "There will be a time for him to be a part of the deeper plans later. Right now he's in a valuable spot as an assistant diplomat. Let him make connections that way for now."

Kunzite nodded in acquiescence, taking note (as the other three Kings did) of the fleeting look that Beryl flashed in Endymion's direction. "In that case, my queen, the only thing that I have to ask is...what about you? When will the world know of your presence?"

"As with our Great Ruler, there will also be a proper time for me to be revealed," Beryl assured him. "Be patient. Today was simply the first in a long campaign." With a gesture four portals opened up behind the chairs of the Kings. "Return home. The Guardians have done quite a bit of damage to our plans in the past few weeks. Take time to thoroughly repair your businesses and reputations. But, don't dawdle. I expect to have plans from each of you ASAP."

The Four Kings stood, saluted, and turned to their individual portals. Before exiting, Nephrite shot a look at the still sitting Endymion and raised his eyebrows in a playful manner. "Have fun, Pretty Boy!"

As the Kings left and the portals closed, Beryl's gaze fell on Endymion: a handsome man dressed for war. As much as she wanted to bask in this moment, there was a large elephant in the room to take care of.

"Endymion…"

"My queen?"

Beryl inhaled deeply...and held it...then sighed. "Why did you hesitate when she was in front of you?"

Endymion looked thoughtfully to the ceiling. "'The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.'"

With a look of admiration in her eye, Queen Beryl rose from her chair and slowly walked over to Endymion. "And, 'Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.'" She reached his seat, placing her hand on his shoulder while taking a seat on the table. "No one has ever quoted Sun Tzu to me." She allowed her fingers to roam over his arm and down his chest, tracing the decorative silver markings. "I was clearly impatient, sending you all out without a plan. My passion got the best of me." She removed her hand and fixed him with a serious look. "But why didn't you take Imperium when you overpowered her? You didn't have to hurt her."

Endymion didn't flinch under her gaze. "I believe that with time, she will give it to us willingly. We have the beginnings of a plan, and its success will make it very difficult for her to ignore the easiest way out." He stood up. "The five of us have the ability to make their lives hell, without engaging in endless battles. Let the others begin their tasks, of course. I'm sure that a few conflicts will boil up. But, our ingenuity is what will deliver Imperium to the Great Ruler."

A small smile sprouted on Beryl's face. "Magnificent." Moving off of the table, she stood in front of Endymion, taking his face into her hands. "I trust in your wisdom, and I know that you will serve me well...but I have plans for you that are much, much bigger than any battle!" With that, she wrapped her arms around Endymion's neck, moved her face close to his, and applied a light, soft, searching kiss to his lips. After a few seconds, she moved her head back. His expression hadn't changed.

Annoyed, she stepped back and opened a portal. "Go. Continue with things at your job. Be prepared for my next order."

Endymion saluted and prepared to leave. Just before stepping through, he turned to her. "What will you do in the interim?"

Walking back to her seat, she answered. "I have an errand to run. Think of it as a warning shot." As she sat down, Endymion nodded, and disappeared through the portal.

As it dissolved behind him, Queen Beryl held her head. "Qué quilombo," she muttered to herself. The past few hours had been downright dizzying. The long-term plan to bring Endymion back to her arms had worked, and that aided in the perfect re-acquisition of her Kings. But, even with them under her direct thrall, the Guardians were still a thorn in her side. Especially…

Beginning to seethe, she got up and walked over to the wall. Tapping it with the top of her staff, some of the rocks dissolved, revealing a row of windows. From her exalted position, she peered through the light June snow at the little coastal town below. Her eyes knew these roads inside out. She had spent a lot of time there, languishing in exile, until Metalia arrived to remind her of her purpose. Yes...her purpose. It was clear, attainable, and nothing would stand in her way. She chuckled lightly. Kunzite was so perceptive! Of course she had another part of her plan! It wasn't enough to just expose the Sailor Guardians and take Imperium. No! That little whore needed to be humiliated, broken, destroyed. First her reputation, then her will, and finally, her very life. The dream scenario crossed Beryl's mind: the brat's dying eyes fading into oblivion while fixed on Endymion's lips...kissing the new Queen of Earth!

The thought of her promised revenge sated her for the time being. She tapped her staff again to seal up the windows, and began to walk back to her lair. She still had a few hours before she had to leave (it was still very early in the morning in Japan). But as strategy swirled through her head, so did Kunzite and Nephrite's question.

What was Metalia's deeper purpose behind gaining Imperium?

Quietly and carefully, Artemis stepped through the cat door. Slowly, he approached his target, slumped over at the edge of the Fuhurata's roof. As he sat down beside her, the beams of the early morning sun washed over them. He cast his eyes towards the horizon. "Venus is the evening star right now. If the weather holds, we should come back up here at sunset."

Etoiledor, head down and hugging her knees, did not move. "Not now, Artemis."

Artemis dropped his own head. He didn't have the empathic abilities of Kunzite, but he had been with Etoiledor long enough to accurately interpret her feelings. The aftermath of this ordeal had been brutal. The girls were confused, hurt...and scared. He knew that it gutted Etoiledor to have no answer when the team turned to her. The other four left without a word, with Usagi, Galing, and Madi going together and Wika returning alone to the shrine. Even Luna had no words of encouragement as she curled up in the corner. Artemis was too spent to even sigh about the situation. He lifted his head towards his shaken warrior and spoke softly: "E.B.-"

"I can't do it!" she sobbed.

"It's tough." Artemis responded, "Yeah, today was tough. But...you still managed to keep everyone safe. And in the bigger picture-"

"What does it matter?" Etoiledor interrupted. "You were training me for a mission...and I just can't do it!"

"We're battered, we're bruised, yes. But-"

"But, but, but!" Etoiledor pounded the brick to emphasize her outburst. She turned a tearful face to the white cat. "I failed her! I failed! She was at Olugbeja's sword point and I couldn't do anything! I'm...I'm…" She held her head and dropped her face again. "What kind of a 'leader' am I?" she asked with a whisper.

As Etoiledor continued to quietly weep, Artemis looked back to the sky. His eyes fell on the Tokyo Tower. Not 8 hours ago it was the scene of their humiliation. But now...it was just the most conspicuous structure along the skyline. It actually reminded him of his first trip to Paris. A tiny smirk escaped his mouth as he remembered something.

"I remember a girl whose room I snuck into one day. Just about anyone else would have screamed and ran at the sight of a talking cat, but she stood her ground. In fact, I believe that she greeted me with: 'Get away from me you cat-demon!' And promptly tossed me across the room!" Etoiledor didn't respond. Artemis continued: "You were really freaked-out that day with your powers beginning to manifest, then later on, I came along with an unbelievable story. Fear and confusion are completely understandable emotions." Artemis swallowed and spoke with caution. "But...even in that state, you kept your wits, you actually listened to me." He chuckled softly. "You still kept those fingers pointed at me, ready to fire even though you couldn't control it. You've always been a fighter." Artemis walked closer and put his paw on her hand. "This is different. I could have trained you for 20 years, but it's not the same when you actually have to coordinate in real time with others. It's a balance that comes with practice that you didn't get in London. And you have given them your time and taught them to be better senshi. But there's still a lot of nuance that you'll continue to learn. Yes, we have to get things figured out soon, but you still have to allow yourself some freedom. You can't be perfect. Aim to be better next time."

After a moment of silence, Etoiledor unburied her face. "You once asked me what was more powerful: a prophecy, or a prayer."

Artemis nodded. "I did. At the time, you weren't sure what I meant."

"A prophecy speaking of a great, ancient evil, forever looking for more power. A threat that was destined to consume the Moon Kingdom," Etoiledor recited.

"And the prayer from Queen Serenity herself, the one that gave me my mission, blessed you with your protection, and saved the Earth from destruction." Artemis drew himself up. "Despite that prophecy, the words from the Queen's lips are what moved the universe. An entire world saved, billions with a second chance at life, and sacred warriors destined to protect it! Don't forget, E.B., you were chosen for this."

"But...what if she was wrong?"

Artemis looked at his companion with confusion. "What? What are you asking?"

"Her words carried that power...but...I haven't been able to accomplish anything on that level. A jewel thief isn't the same as a sorceress...and I couldn't even handle her assistant. Not now…" She hesitated. "...not then." Her gaze found the Tokyo Tower as well. "Kunzite was right, I have been failing at this for a long time!"

"Tactile emotion manipulation? Sound familiar?" Artemis snapped. "He's toying with you! Whomever he was yesterday, as calm and clear-headed as he was, we've got to put that behind us! Unfortunately, Beryl has him now. And right now, his job is burying your confidence so that he can take advantage of you! His whole goal is to fill you with your own doubt. C'mon! Don't fall for his trap!"

"It might be a trap...but what if it's true?"

Artemis violently shook his head. "E.B., you can't-"

His words were interrupted by a notification tone from Etoiledor's phone. Listlessly, the Parisian pulled it out. Suddenly, she gasped.

The reaction startled Artemis. "What? What is it?"

Etoiledor turned a concerned face to Artemis. "It was a text from Usagi…"

"And?"

"...Her mom is in the hospital."

It's been such a hard time for these poor girls, hasn't it? Being beaten down, embarrassed...it's almost as if...they deserve every minute of suffering! Hello! This is Queen Beryl! Rest assured that my plans have just begun! I'll let that little girl go to check on her family while my Kings organize a new plan to weaken the Guardians. We'll overwhelm them so much that even their dreams won't be safe from us! The success of this plan is sure to please Metalia! Perhaps it's time for my Kings to meet her? Come join me next time as Reign of Beryl (such a lovely title!) continues with Breakdown!

REFERENCES:

This chapter heavily references the fights that the senshi had with the Four Kings/Shitennou:
v. Jadeite: Circle of Hands - Parts 1 and 2 (Book 1, Chapters 25 and 26)
v. Nephrite: Gonna Make You Sweat - Parts 1 and 2 (Book 1, Chapters 27 and 28)
v. Zoisite: Mastermind - Parts 1 and 2 (Book 1, Chapters 29 and 30)
v. Kunzite: Visions - Parts 1 and 2 (Book 1, Chapters 31 and 32)

New readers (and returning readers!) may want to read the backstory of the senshi (and Tuxedo Mask):
Tuxedo Mask: ABUJA, NIGERIA - One Year Ago (Book 1, Chapter 4)
Sailor Mercury: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Nine Months Ago (Book 1, Chapter 7)
Sailor Mars: NORTH DAKOTA, USA - Six Months Ago (Book 1, Chapter 12)
Sailor Jupiter: SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – Three Months Ago (Book 1, Chapter 17)
Sailor Venus: PARIS, FRANCE - One Month Ago (Book 1, Chapter 22) [BONUS: Visions - Part 1 (Book 1, Chapter 31)]

Act title: Fragile - Sting: Song about the fragility of life and meaningless of war and conflict

"False light of the moon" was first mentioned in Circle of Hands, Part 1 (Book 1, Chapter 25), and mentioned again in the Epilogue.

Beryl's first kiss with Olugbeja/Endymion was in New Moon ni Koishite (Book 1, Chapter 36).

The importance of the Fuhuratas is shown in Soldier of Love, Part 2 (Book 1, Chapter 24). Etoiledor's apartment is referenced in Circle of Hands, Part 1 (Book 1, Chapter 25).

Queen Serenity's prayer is at the end of SILVER MILLENNIUM - [?] Years Ago (Book 1, Chapter 1).

London refers to a mission covered in Visions, Part 1 (Book 1, Chapter 31).

"Jewel thief" references Sailor V's first mention in Child of the Moon, Part 1 (Book 1, Chapter 2).