Sailor Moon - Rise of the Exalted Knights
by Lisseas
Chapter Five - An Unexpected Reunion
Posted: 13/11/2016
No. It can't be her! Mamoru stepped back cautiously, cane at the ready. It isn't possible. She's dead! He knew that. He'd seen it with his own eyes, and yet…here she was.
"Fury?!"
Half an hour earlier…
"So you can't get through," Rinjirou noted, frustratingly calm. "That doesn't mean your girlfriend's dead. Not necessarily."
Mamoru shot him a silent glare as he dialled Usagi's number again. Sure enough, just a few seconds passed before a monotone female voice informed him the call could not be connected. He'd tried at least a dozen times since arriving in London, and each of the other girls at least twice. The calls just weren't getting through. It had to be the network itself, right? Surely they weren't all…
"Don't get me wrong," Rinjirou continued, almost conversational, "She could be. I mean, all of them could be by now, but…"
"But?"
The other man responded with a nonchalant shrug. "They could be."
"Thanks. Very reassuring." Mamoru pocketed his phone and ran a hand over his face, focusing once again on the devastation around them. There was no other way to say it; London was in bad shape. The British Army was still offering sporadic bouts of resistance but it was clear Chaos had already won. They would fall or retreat sooner or late, that much was certain. And the remaining population will be left to fend for themselves. Unless we do something.
Rei's grandfather harrumphed loudly, making his displeasure clear. "Must you two bicker so much?"
Rinjirou responded with a quiet chuckle. "It helps lighten the mood, Hino-sama."
"You're almost as bad as Rei and Usagi…"
Mamoru almost fired back, almost, but the mention of his girlfriend silenced any irritation. Was she alive or dead? Hell, was anyone in Tokyo still alive at this point? Yes, their quest was important. The sheer size and strength of Chaos' armies wouldn't be overcome without allies, he knew that, but an overwhelmingly vocal part of him insisted he should be with Usagi, protecting her.
That was the old Mamoru, though; practically Endymion. He'd learned the lessons of his past, and he'd learned them well. He couldn't allow his love for her to condemn other innocents to death. They had an entire planet to think about, billions of lives to save, and the Sailor Senshi couldn't do that on their own. No, he reminded himself firmly, my place is here, gathering new allies for the fight.
A firm tap on his shoulder broke him from his reverie; Rinjirou. "Wake up, idiot. We have company."
Mamoru recoiled involuntarily, his heartbeat rising. "What?" He turned, guiding Rei's grandfather to cover against the adjacent wall. "What is it?"
There was no mistaking the disgust in Rinjirou's voice. "Chaos has been busy."
The reincarnated Prince of Earth peered out from cover and saw…it. A twisted blend of man, armour and Chaos; a Paladin of the Order of Black, transformed into a hideous monster. Armour and skin alike were no longer distinguishable from the other; tattered black feathers jutted from the spaces in-between. He was no stranger to horrors after his time as Tuxedo Kamen and his career as a doctor, but that didn't stop his stomach from lurching at the sight of it. This creature was inherently wrong; it just shouldn't exist.
"Look," Hino whispered, pointing towards it. "Are those…?"
"Grunts," Rinjirou muttered coldly, slapping the priest's hand back behind cover.
"Grunts?" Mamoru squinted into the darkness and saw them; several human-like figures in modern body armour swarmed around the monster, rifles in hand. They were combing through the rubble in search of something. Survivors, perhaps?
"Soldiers of the Order not granted Chaos Slivers," the other man muttered sourly. "They formed the bulk of their forces, usually supporting a smaller team of Paladins." His right hand slowly clenched in a tight fist, quivering as he held it. "I don't see any signs of corruption here. They're working for that monster of their own free will!"
Hino closed his eyes in apparent prayer but said nothing.
"We don't know that for sure," Mamoru countered, trying to calm Rinjirou down. "Perhaps they're under some form of mind control, or possession? They-"
"Do you honestly believe that," the other man asked, "Or are you just trying to make me feel better? Because if it's the latter…"
"I…" Mamoru expelled a quick sigh of frustration. "It's possible. Chaos is an unquestioned master of temptation. Those soldiers could well have been influenced into serving it willingly."
Rinjirou shook his head emphatically. "Bullshit."
"Do not underestimate it again," Hino reminded him gently. "Chaos is eternal. It lives in the hearts of men and women everywhere, the foundation of everything cruel and evil within. That leaves a spark, a seed ripe for harvest. A weakness, my boy. A way inside."
The former Black Paladin turned away, visibly shaken. "You're right, of course."
Mamoru felt his brow furrow in confusion. What did I miss? That was about as sudden a turnaround as I've ever seen.
"From the second I pushed that second Chaos Sliver into my skin there was this…this whisper in my head. It promised me everything I'd ever wanted. The power to protect those I loved, to avenge the ones I'd lost…and punish those who deserved it." He hung his head, looking suddenly vulnerable. "I probably would have listened if not for Rei. I would have believed I was a force for good, for justice, when in truth I would have been nothing but a puppet."
"Good," Hino said with an approving nod. "I'm glad you recognise that. Hold onto the memory of that moment, Rinjirou. Those who call it master now were likely taken in by the same promises."
It was good advice, and Mamoru made sure to take note of it. We have no idea what promises it used to lure them to its side. He risked another look and, seeing no civilians at risk, motioned to Rinjirou and Hino. "There's nothing to gain from fighting them now. We need to get to the Order of Black's headquarters."
They turned left, creeping away from the enemy group. One of the city's iconic double-decker buses made for excellent cover; they slipped away, avoiding any potential conflict for the moment. Mamoru followed the other man's lead as London's streets narrowed and the architecture grew older and more elaborate. He slowed at a nondescript intersection as Rinjirou raised a clenched fist in the air.
"Whitechapel. Famous for Jack the Ripper...among other things."
"Stopping him remains one of the Order's prouder moments," Hino noted, almost casually.
Mamoru turned to face him slowly, seeing Rinjirou do the same. "You're kidding."
"Not at all." The priest offered a sly grin, waggling his fingers as if admonishing a child. "I would have led with that when asked what good the Order has done, my boy."
Rinjirou offered none of the sarcasm Mamoru was expecting. He just sighed to himself and motioned them forward. Almost like he's tired of it, he noted, curious. That's twice now that Hino's defended the Order or its soldiers, and Rinjirou just avoids the conversation. What's going on here?
Similar suspicions continued to grow as they progressed. Rinjirou had avoided discussing the Senshi wherever possible, except when noting their possible demise. He's hiding something. I thought I heard it in his voice before, when he mentioned Rei. Could he still…?
The question almost asked itself. "Do you miss her?"
Rinjirou's response was curt, as expected. "Who?" A hint of pain crossed his features. "Megumi?"
"No," Mamoru answered gently, "I know you miss her." He hesitated a moment, unsure if he should press on. They'd settled into an understanding of sorts and, while not what he'd call friends, per se, the next words he spoke could rock that proverbial boat. "I meant Rei."
The former Paladin said nothing in response but Mamoru noticed a subtle stiffening of his posture. It told him there was something going on under all the snark and bluster.
"Earlier, when you said they could all be dead-"
"They could be."
A typically gruff response. Unfortunately for Rinjirou, Mamoru had figured out a few of his tells. "You do miss her."
That stopped him in his tracks. Rinjirou dropped slowly into a crouch, surveying their surroundings a moment before turning with an irritated sigh. "I do. I did, at least, but…" He paused again, a clear sign he was searching for the right words…and failing. "We just…we wouldn't work."
"Oh, I don't know about that," Mamoru countered, smiling faintly. "I hear you two actually have a lot in common."
"One hell of a temper for one thing," Hino muttered from behind them.
The muscles in Rinjirou's jaw worked silently, clenching tight. "Yes, well…things change."
"What changed?"
"She decided killing a bunch of people who didn't know any better was okay."
It was a good point. I stand by Usagi's decision to rescue Chibiusa, but I can't exactly defend it as our finest hour. He glanced up at a sudden distant skitter of falling debris but saw nothing and hunkered down again. "Look, I know that has to hurt. It was…" A very difficult decision to make, he continued silently. "…a mistake, in hindsight, but one we had to make with the little information we had available. It was a decision born from love, not hatred."
Rinjirou let out a cynical snort. "Sure."
"Usagi cares for Chibiusa deeply, just as I do. We love her, Rinjirou, and Rei? She cares for Usagi just as much. That's why she-"
"I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy inside."
"Love can be a powerful motivator," Mamoru continued, unfazed by his negativity. "It can allow you to accomplish almost anything, true, but it can also lead you down a very dark path. It can twist your good intentions and turn them evil, make a bad situation worse. It-"
"One more reason to forget about it then," Rinjirou grumbled, folding his arms across his chest.
"Well, that's your call but I think you're making a mist-"
A deafening boom ended the conversation as a building at the end of the street exploded, showering them with concrete chunks and shards of glass.
"Move!" Rinjirou hissed, snagging a startled Hino by the collar and dragging him behind a nearby car.
Mamoru felt a warm trickle dribbling down his cheek. One of the countless shards must have cut him on its way out of the conflagration. He dabbed at it idly, but froze on hearing a bone chilling roar. Yet another corrupted Black Paladin tore through what was left of the building, pausing to sniff at the air. Similarly animalistic to the one they had come across earlier; were they simple war machines of sorts?
Rinjirou wasn't silent for long. "What the hell?"
Three hooded figures in familiar robes followed the Paladin out of the ruined structure. Mamoru had seen them before: one of their number had attacked Usagi at the shrine. Megumi.
"Hunters!" Rinjirou snarled, clearly not thrilled at the sight. "Of course those sons of bitches would sell their souls. Hell, they probably signed up willingly!"
It certainly seemed that way…but appearances could be deceiving. "Perhaps not." Mamoru couldn't help but remember Setsuna's sudden appearance in his apartment and her tale of Hunters that were anything but.
"Oh, come on," the former Paladin growled. "You're defending them too?"
"Not necessarily," he retorted, bringing his hands up. "But there's another answer. Sailor Pluto was attacked at the Space-Time Door by Chaos as Thorn, and it had several Hunters with it. All but one of them turned out to be Constructs. The same creatures you went to Brussels to destroy."
Rinjirou peered at him suspiciously. "So you're saying they're probably not real?"
"Well…" Mamoru ducked as one of the hoods turned his way, offering a wry smile. "They could be..."
Rinjirou actually chuckled. "You actually think we can take them?"
"I've fought Constructs before, but that Paladin worries me."
"As well it should," Hino agreed, peering around the side of their makeshift car-cover. "It may not be Chaos itself but it's been touched directly. It's likely far more powerful than-" He stumbled, landing on his rear in a most undignified fashion as a fireball exploded mere feet from his face. "…us!"
They'd been spotted. One of the Hunters waved a hand in their direction, three fingers up. The other two broke into a run, closing on them quickly as they drew swords from beneath their robes.
"Looks like we're fighting whether we want to or not," Rinjirou muttered, drawing his tantōs. "We're not outrunning them. I know that much from personal experience."
"Just keep an eye on that Paladin!" Mamoru summoned his cane, its weight almost comforting in his hands. Strength coursed through him as he straightened up, the familiar confines of Tuxedo Kamen's mask materialising over his eyes. Once, this persona had existed just to protect the Moon Princess; now he would use it to save his world.
The first Hunter was on him in moments, swinging a heavy, European broadsword at his head. Mamoru brought his cane up between them, warding off the blow. The impact vibrated throughout the makeshift weapon and into his arms, reminding him that their opponents were not to be taken lightly. The tuxedo-suited warrior retaliated with a swing of his own that was blocked immediately, followed by a furious exchange of blows from both combatants. It seemed, for now, they were evenly matched.
The second lunged for Rinjirou, driving him back with a serious of swift attacks. Mamoru cringed as Rinjirou ducked and weaved, reminded of his combat style; constant offence. He isn't comfortable on the defensive and the Hunter knows it. He's going to need help.
A distant flare of light caught his eye, growing rapidly in size and intensity; a fireball! The Hunter he'd first spotted had thrown a magical attack! Mamoru snagged his current opponent's robe, giving it a hard pull. They staggered forward, caught off-guard, right into the fireball's path. His brief sense of victory faded quickly, however; they cut through the cloth with their sword before swinging at his flank. A hiss of pain escaped his lips as he pulled away, watching the fiery blast explode harmlessly several feet away.
"Come on, you creepy bastard!" Rinjirou called insult after insult as he continued to dodge. "You're nothing but a stupid, robe-wearing, Chaos-serving…tosser!"
Mamoru cringed despite their situation. Not exactly his best work. The taunts had little to no visible effect; the Hunter continued to advance with short, precise cuts, offering little opening for counterattack. There was no wasted energy from any of them so far. They appeared to be well-trained and patient warriors. Or Constructs, he reminded himself sourly.
The answer to that question would come just seconds later. Rinjirou made a mistake, overextending on an attack of his own. The Hunter read his movements easily and parried, cutting into his hip and sending him crashing to the ground.
Damn it, Mamoru thought, frantically trying to disengage from his own opponent. I'm too far away!
The masked warrior closed in, sword aimed at Rinjirou's throat. "I live to serve the Black."
He leapt to his feet without a trace of injury. "And you'll die for them too!" Trap sprung, he dove to one side. Sparks flew from his forearm as the Hunter's blade struck the bracer under his clothes. He took the hit and responded by driving a tanto into their gut. They tried to escape his reach but only left themselves open in the process; he thrust his second blade hilt-deep into their neck.
Blood sprayed onto the street as Rinjirou withdrew, glancing at Mamoru impassively. "Human after all."
Hino raised a warning hand. "Focus on your surround-"
Another fireball caught Rinjirou in the shoulder, sending him spinning to the ground. Mamoru used his enhanced agility to disengage and level his cane. It extended at his command, slamming into his opponent's stomach. They doubled over in pain and he broke away, running for the fallen Rinjirou. The corrupted Paladin remained distant, seemingly content to watch, but the 'flame thrower' at its side was readying another attack.
No time, he realised, heart sinking. I won't make it to him!
The ball of flame danced between the Hunter's fingertips, growing in size and strength. Time slowed to a crawl as their mask rose, its pallid surface aglow behind the dancing flames. The flickering ceased a moment, the flames condensing into a solid orb before erupting again in a brilliant conflagration as it left their gloved hand.
It was Hino who made the next move, sliding between Rinjirou and certain death. His hands rose up before him and the air began to shimmer. The diminutive priest had one more trick up his sleeve: a six-foot disc sprang into existence before him, the transparent magical energy sparkling like running water on a stone. The fireball struck his shield and exploded with enough force to press Hino back but he held on, leaving both he and Rinjirou untouched.
The same couldn't be said for Mamoru. The first tug on his cape signalled danger, but the second pulled him off his feet completely. His back protested painfully as it slammed into the street, broken shards of concrete digging into his flesh. A blur of shadow flew over his face, resolving into the Hunter he'd been fighting previously. They straddled his chest, driving a knife at his throat. Mamoru managed to extricate his left arm and bat it aside, biting down on his bottom lip as the blade dug into his right arm instead. The Hunter remained emotionless through it all. No taunts, no threats, no cries of victory; just the same blank state from behind their bird-like mask.
The ground began to shake beneath him; the Paladin. He managed to turn his head enough to watch it approach in all its hideous glory. The dull ruby eyes above its 'beak' flashed brighter a second, then lit up entirely. A booming male voice called out, impossibly familiar yet utterly foreign all at once. "The Prince and his Fool. What a surprise."
Mamoru struggled in the Hunter's grip but the knife in his arm made it difficult to move. He craned his neck, searching for Rinjirou or Hino, but it was an exercise in futility. There was nohing but his assailant's robes. Damn it! If I could just get free!
"I see you brought the old man too." There was no doubt about it; this was Chaos itself. "I can retire him, if you like. Just like I retired his pitiful old shrine." It disappeared behind the Hunter's robes, but Mamoru could still hear its footsteps. They were receding; it was moving away. "Poor Rinjirou. What a disappointment you turned out to be."
There was a faint exchange, too soft and distant to make out. It could have been the former Paladin, or perhaps Hino? Mamoru couldn't tell.
"A second-generation Black Paladin, exposed to the effects of my Slivers from conception. A perfect vessel." Its voice took on a cruel note. "I took your mother first, then your father. Nudged you down a darker path at every turn, grooming you so you would accept my gift when it was offered. But still you clung to those pathetic morals she instilled in you...and the miko didn't help matters any either."
This time, Mamoru heard no reply. Was Rinjirou unconscious? Dead? Fleeing? He took a swing with his free hand, trying to knock the Hunter off him, and received a punch in the face for this troubles. The world went blurry around him, drifting in and out of focus.
"Oh, well." An ominous pause. "Megumi serves her purpose well enough. That it causes you pain is just a sweetener." A chuckle now, cold and arrogant. "I'm going to enjoy ending your existence, little man."
The Hunter pulled their knife free from Mamoru's arm as if responding to a silent command. They slammed their forearm into his throat, pinning him to the ground tighter still. He kicked with all his might, desperately struggling for any leverage at all but it was all in vain; they were just too strong. His already blurry vision grew darker, black spots now dancing before his eyes. The knife gleamed as the moon peeked out from behind the clouds, casting an unfitting, serene glow across the scene…
A feral shriek from his right preceded a sudden flash of steel over his face. A splash of warm crimson hit his skin as the Hunter's head tumbled backwards, hood, mask and all. Mamoru shoved the body off him and sat up, dabbing at his face in horrified confusion.
A female voice called out in English, already moving away from him. "Well don't just sit there, silly! Do something!"
He had no idea who his mysterious saviour was but he wasn't about to waste this chance. Mamoru broke into a run, snatching up the Hunter's discarded sword along the way. Chaos stood but twenty feet away, looming over Rinjirou and Hino. Remembering Endymion's training, he let the strength of the Golden Crystal build up within him, focusing it in his palm. As the evil monstrosity turned toward him he unleashed the blast with a wordless cry; right into its face. It howled in fury and stumbled into the nearest wall, clutching at a now-ruined eye.
Rinjirou shoved Hino aside and made a grab for his weapons. "Run!" He ducked under Chaos' clumsy attack, rolling across the asphalt to join Mamoru. "Who's the-"
"No time! We have to hit that monster now, while it's vulnerable!" He settled on leading by example and unleashed another blast as its hand pulled away, provoking an ear-piercing screech as it turned. Thick, black iichor streamed down its cheek; acrid smoke rose around its beak as it recoiled, a second screech echoing into the sky.
"Get it on the ground!" Rinjirou called, dancing around the perimeter of its reach.
Mamoru didn't give it a second thought. Acting entirely on adrenaline and instinct, he sprinted right at its unguarded back. Chaos reacted with admirable speed for its size but its burly arm passed just overhead. He dropped backwards into a slide, borrowed sword at the ready and, as he passed between its legs, buried it right to the hilt in one of its knees. The creature collapsed, nearly crushing him in the process, and Rinjirou made his move.
He was a blur of movement, avoiding a second ungainly counter strike from Chaos as he ran up one of its massive arms. One tanto lodged in its shoulder, serving as a handhold for a leaping swing that finished with him on its back. "Tell me again how you killed my mother, monster!"
Something was different, however; its once vibrant, ruby eyes were now dull and unfocused. It seemed less composed, even animalistic as it had upon first appearance.
"Chaos has abandoned it!" Hino called, helping Mamoru back to his feet. "All that's left now is a mindless beast."
That wasn't about to stop Rinjirou. He reached around its substantial neck and seized the Paladin's misshapen beak as leverage, yanking its head back. It fought back, nearly throwing him to the ground in the process, before he drew his remaining tanto across its throat. More thick, oily blood sprayed from the wound, staining the street below as it slowed, clutching at its new airway.
"That'll do," Rinjirou muttered darkly, as he leapt clear. "Now I-" He lurched as the Paladin snarled, snagging his ankle mid-leap and slamming him into the ground hard. It hacked and gurgled as its clawed hand rose up, intent on finishing him before its own inevitable demise.
"Vengeful Caress!"
A thin but vibrant beam of red light punched through its remaining eye. The back of its head all but exploded in a shower of gore, and all movement ceased. It swayed a moment as if considering its next move then toppled, slamming face-first into the street.
Rinjirou tugged his leg free from its limp fingers, scuttling back across the asphalt with wide eyes. A wise move whether he knew it or not, for Mamoru was already guiding Hino behind him and raising his newly summoned cane. I know that voice, he thought direly. That attack. It hasn't been that long.
She turned from her vanquished foe, a shaft of moonlight catching her features perfectly. Flowing blonde hair and blue eyes; black, leather-like tunic; pleated skirt, edged shoulder guards and knee-high boots. The Sailor Marauder known as Fury crouched, wiping her katana clean on the Hunter's robes as a wide, beaming grin spread across her face. "Well, hello, Tux!"
"Fury?!"
Her smile fell into a deep pout immediately. "It's Faye now, thank you very much!"
"Uh, right," he managed, eyeing her carefully. "Sorry. It's just we, uh…we thought you were…?"
"Dead?" The blonde nodded vigorously and sheathed her blade. "Mm, me too." A moment passed in silence as she dabbed at her skirt, scowling at a particularly stubborn bloodstain. "It's all a bit of a blur, really. I remember those last moments well enough, I suppose. Tearing out Crimson's eye is a personal favourite of mine!" An impromptu giggle followed before she sighed contentedly. "Oh, then I bled out on the floor. Metaphorically, of course, because I was technically already dead."
"Of course." Mamoru was surprised by his own calm acceptance of her babble.
"I remember slipping into this cold sort of…nothing, I guess…then Moonbeam did her thing and I was here. London; the same park I first met Sailor V in, in fact, all those years ago." Faye began to pace in a small but frenetic pattern, ever energetic. "I figured out pretty quickly that I still had my powers, so when all this nonsense kicked off I got out here and tried to help anyway I could."
"Just like that?"
She offered a supremely casual shrug. "It's not like I had much else going on."
Mamoru felt an eyebrow rise. "Really? You're back from the dead. I'd think you have plenty to do."
"You'd think that," she answered agreeably, "But everyone I ever knew thinks I'm dead. Well, there is…" The blonde trailed off, chewing absently on her bottom lip. "But she's on the other side of the planet, and that's probably for the best."
Minako, he realised, picking up on the note of genuine loneliness and regret in her voice. She knew Fury was alive and she didn't tell anyone. Why?
"Anyway…" The Sailor Marauder brightened up again, a reminder of just how much she resembled the Sailor Senshi of Love at times. "You seem to be missing a few colourful skirts. What brings you and Knifey McSourpuss all the way to London and where are the Sailor…Scouts? Guardians? What are they calling themselves these days?"
"Senshi," he murmured without thinking about it. Knifey McSourpuss? I'll bet he loved that.
Rinjirou stepped forward and cleared his throat. "I'm Rinjirou Payne." He sheathed his tantōs slowly, not entirely comfortable with Faye's presence – or attire, likely – but apparently accepting Mamoru's judgement. If he was offended by his new nickname he wasn't letting on. "I'm sorry, you were going on about someone named Crimson? And their eye…?"
"Totally not important," she answered, waving him off quickly as she turned to Hino and flashed yet another brilliant smile. "It's lovely to meet you. Who's the geezer?"
"Katsuo Hino." Never before had Mamoru heard the priest so ice cold. "You and one of your friends cut my throat once."
Faye blinked a few times in rapid succession. "Really?"
"Really."
She stroked her chin in contemplation. "Are you sure? I feel like I'd remember something like that."
Hino practically growled. "I'm sure."
The blonde Marauder shrugged again and thrust out her hand. "Oh, well. Hi, I'm Faye!"
Mamoru was barely able to resist the urge to slap his own forehead. At least she doesn't seem hostile.
"So," Faye continued, chipper as ever despite Hino's very clear snub of her handshake, "I think you were about to tell me what brings you all the way here from Tokyo."
"That's our business." Rinjirou wasn't masking his own hostility anymore. Not since hearing about Hino's previous run-in with her.
"Oh, come on. I did just save you from the scary guys in robes. Didn't I?" She seemed genuinely lost for a moment. "That did happen, right?"
Rinjirou's eyes screamed 'is she for real?!' but Mamoru merely shrugged in return. This was old hat for him by now. "She has a point."
Faye clapped briefly in response. "Oh, yay!"
The other man was clearly questioning his sanity now, but he did respond. "We're trying to reach the headquarters of a group known as the Order of Black."
"Oh, you mean these guys?" She kicked a limp Hunter for emphasis, giggling all the way.
"Wait…" Rinjirou studied her suspiciously. "How do you know who they are?"
"Really?" Faye crossed her arms beneath her breasts. "Black robes, creepy masks; who else are they going to be? Greenpeace?" Her eyes glazed over contemplatively for just a moment. "Although..."
"…" He sighed long and hard, wiping a hand across his face for good measure. "Fair point."
Mamoru barely held back his laughter. His cheeks are actually red! This wasn't the time or place for it, however; as entertaining as Rinjirou's discomfort was, they had a mission to complete.
Faye snapped her fingers. "I know. I'll help you!"
Hino was the first to speak, but his reaction said it all. "What?!"
"Yeah!" she cooed, functionally agreeing with herself. "I've been trying out this whole turning over a new leaf thing anyway, and I don't really have much else going on." Her lips widened in a grin of clear excitement. "Plus, this Order of Black is working with the giant bird-faced things wrecking the city, so helping you means helping London. I'm in!"
Rinjirou exchanged an uncertain glance with Mamoru. "Well, she certainly seems…excited to help."
You have no idea, he answered silently, studying Faye carefully. She had saved them earlier, that was true…
"Well," the other man managed, clearing his throat again, "You know her better than I do."
"Not as well as you might think."
Faye made a rude noise and rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, Tux, I'm not going to hurt. Probably…"
He folded his arms across his chest and caught her gaze, staring back blankly. I'm definitely going to regret this.
A familiar giggle followed as she raised her hands peacefully. "I'm kidding!" Her smile faded quickly, though, an odd, piercing stare taking over. "Or am I?"
There it was; he understood her game now. "Cut it out," he groaned, rubbing his face again. Dealing with Fury – Faye, he reminded himself – reminded him a great deal of his admittedly limited interactions with Minako. If she took a decidedly menacing turn, that is.
"So?" Faye asked, swaying gently side to side.
"She helped us out back there," Mamoru said finally, with an apologetic glance to Hino, "And that's not the first time for me either." His gaze shifted, locking eyes with Rinjirou. "We do want allies and she seems sincere enough, at least when it comes to helping London."
The former Paladin gave her a final look over and eventually nodded. "I'll defer to your judgement."
Hino uttered another uncharacteristic growl. "I don't like this." His eyes hadn't left her since she'd first appeared.
"I know." Mamoru took a deep breath and extended his hand. "Welcome aboard, Faye."
She let out a little cheer and seized his hand, shaking it enthusiastically. "I'm so glad to be here, go team, and all that. Let's go kill some bad guys!"
As she skipped off ahead humming to herself – with no idea where they were going! – he sighed in weary resignation. "I was not expecting this."
AN: Woohoo, a two-and-a-half week turnaround! I don't remember the last time I got a chapter up so quickly! It helped that I had a lot of this - mainly the second half - plotted out thanks to writers block during the last chapter. Admittedly, I now need to figure out what's happening back in Tokyo with Team Senshi, but I feel like I may have actually turned a corner here.
Not much else to add here. I was able to squeeze in a little progress on Mamoru and Rinjirou's relationship, as well as another fun (at least I think so!) fight. My main concern was I may have made the Chaos Paladin a tad weak given their portrayal so far, but I think I covered my bases re: tactics and the surprise factor. The Senshi would have a much easier time with weapons...lol.
And finally, I got to bring back a favourite character of mine in Faye (Sailor Fury). I hope you all enjoyed seeing her again as much as I enjoyed writing her. Faye's always been fun but I enjoyed her more light-hearted persona in Act III of Last Guardian Knight and made plans then for a possible reintroduction. Rinjirou IS looking for recruits, you know. Does Faye have what it takes to become an Exalted Knight? Let me know what you think!
As always, thank you to my regular reviewers (metalgear, LadyRainFeather, V de V, Sailor Sapphire Wolf) and to my pair of regular (I think?) guests. I'm sorry I can't thank you with a PM but know that I really appreciate you taking the time to leave feedback regardless of your account status. Thank you all for your continued readership!
Lisseas