Sailor Moon - The Order of Black

Chapter Thirty: Strife

Originally published 09/11/2015

"And that'll just about do it." Mamoru put the finishing touches on Setsuna's bandages, satisfied she wasn't going to bleed out anytime soon. Somehow, even without understanding it fully, Endymion's healing abilities had done the trick. "Keep any strenuous exercise to a minimum, okay?"

A faint smile played across her lips. "I'll stay off the Stairmaster."

"Glad to hear it." He reached for his nearby glass of water, strangely dehydrated. I'm not used to an effort like that; it wiped me out! "Now, I feel compelled to ask a few follow-up questions…if I may."

"I'd be surprised if you didn't have questions," Setsuna answered, uncharacteristically playful. "Ask away."

"Alright." Mamoru polished off the glass and set it aside. "I'll cut right to the chase; Chaos is working for the Order of Black?"

"For, with…it accompanied at least one human soldier to Crystal Tokyo." She shifted, wincing slightly as she propped herself up against the back of couch. "It hardly strikes me as the sort of being to follow for long, though."

He stroked his chin thoughtfully as he considered her words. "You're sure it was Chaos itself? I seem to recall Rei's grandfather mentioning something called a Chaos Sliver; the Order use them to power up their soldiers. Could that be what you sensed at the Space-Time Door?"

"I only wish it were so," she murmured. "But you forget they attacked me at the Space-Time Door; it isn't possible for a mere human to reach it. Navigating the time vortex alone requires a great deal of power, Mamoru, and there are few beings in this galaxy powerful enough to do so." She sighed in weary resignation and shook her head. "What I sensed was no mere sliver. Trust me."

His mouth was already dry again. "And they were going to Crystal Tokyo? You're sure?"

"I saw the spires through the Door and tried to follow, but it collapsed the time-stream around me. I quite literally fell through time itself, savaged by its rips and eddies. Somehow, I regained enough of my focus and strength to open a small rift…and bring myself here."

"It's quite a tale," Mamoru agreed, scratching idly at his temple. "But why here of all places?"

She arched a single eyebrow wryly. "You are a doctor…and you live alone. I assumed a Sailor Senshi falling from the sky might be a rather odd sight for most people, and settled on discretion."

"That makes sense. I was surprised to find you here, though."

"No more surprised than I when I awoke to find you passed out on top of me." He was beginning to get the distinct impression she was teasing him. "I certainly didn't expect to be healed in such a fashion."

Mamoru stared back at her suspiciously. "But you did know I had this new ability. You know what's coming, don't you? The future?"

The Guardian of Time was a maddeningly impassive as ever. "No more than you…Your Highness."

"Of course." He rubbed his face wearily, still exhausted after his earlier efforts to stabilise her. "I'm sorry I even asked."

Any trace of mirth disappeared from Setsuna's face as she struggled to sit up straighter. "Chaos and its soldiers were travelling to Crystal Tokyo, but the Order of Black is based here, in your time. We'd best let Usagi and the others know what's transpired, and quickly."

"Usagi…" Just her name provoked a strong feeling of guilt. Mamoru missed her terribly, and felt like such a fool for ever suggesting this 'break' they were on. Just the thought of seeing her again scares me, he admitted silently. What if she's angry? What if I've pushed her away one too many times and she won't take me back? What if… Despite his misgivings, every question led to the same answer. It doesn't matter. I need to apologise. For this…for everything.

"Mamoru?"

"I'll call her," he said finally, "And explain the situation. Ask her to come see us here."

"Very well." Setsuna studied him curiously a moment, as if uncertain what to say. "She loves you. All of this is just a bump in the road, as it were. She'll understand, Mamoru; just be honest with her."

His eyes widened. "So you do know the future?"

"Your future," she said quietly, "My past. Now, go. Call her. I'll wait here...and try not to pass out. For a second time."

Rei stared across Corey's living room at Usagi and delivered perhaps the worst news she could have imagined. "The Order of Black has Chibiusa."

It was heart-wrenching; Usagi's typically bright smile fell apart, crumbling to reveal fear and disbelief in its wake as she sank back against the couch behind her. "What? I don't…I don't understand. How? How could they reach her in Crystal Tokyo?!"

Luna, perched on her lap, nuzzled against her arm gently. "Oh, Usagi...I'm so sorry."

"We don't know yet." Ami was quiet, almost contrite. For someone used to having all the answers, it had to be a very uncomfortable position to find herself in. "But we'll find her, I promise you."

Rei felt completely useless. All I can do is pass on the Order's threats; I hate this! "They gave a phone to Rinjirou, made their threats, and disappeared." She handed the device in question to Usagi, photo of Chibiusa already loaded. "There's a number programmed into the contact list. They're waiting for you to call. If you don't…" No, she decided, I really don't want to finish that thought.

"They'll…" Usagi trailed off, evidently deciding against finishing as well, a fact Rei was infinitely happy about. She was puzzled when the blonde glanced over at Corey, however, even more so after he was unable to return it. I'm missing something here. Something important. The reason he's been in such a funk of late?

"Bastards!" A loud thump echoed through Corey's living room as Makoto's fist made contact with his coffee table. "What sort of cowards hide behind an innocent girl like this? It's sickening!"

The miko couldn't agree more. "We're not going to play their game, are we?"

"I don't see that we have a choice," Ami said, clearly unhappy about it.

"Neither do I," Minako agreed quietly, without a trace of her typical manic energy. Pure Sailor Venus in crisis mode; Rei sometimes forgot she was the literal veteran of their group, capable and collected. "I hate to say it, but they're folding all the cards."

Oh, Minako, Rei thought wearily. You just can't help it, can you? Even when you're being serious!

"That's…" Ami's correction trailed off into an exasperated sigh. "…close enough."

A quick look around the room confirmed the mood was subdued. Ami and Minako were already 'in the know', like Rei, but that wasn't stopping either from exuding a sort of nervous energy despite their relatively calm exteriors. Makoto didn't need much examination; she was clearly angry – her assault on the coffee table made that obvious – with a hint of concern for Chibiusa beneath. Corey was the most surprising, though. He'd had his stoic moments, of course, but she was having difficulty getting anything out of him. Guilt, maybe? But why?

Luna, ever supportive, nuzzled against Usagi's arm again. "I don't like it, but Ami and Minako are right. We have little choice if we want to keep Chibiusa safe."

"It may even present an opportunity to stall," Artemis added, from his perch on Minako's shoulders. "If we know what they want it may help us formulate a plan."

Rei hadn't seen Usagi this uncertain about anything for some time. "But-"

"Agreed," Titus called, adding his two cents from the kitchen counter. "Call them."

The blonde heaved a sigh born of equal parts reluctance and grief, found the number, and brought the phone to her ear.

"Speaker!" he hissed.

Usagi lowered the phone again, touched the screen, and waited, shooting an irritated glare towards Titus at the same time. Rei listened intently as it rang once, twice, and then a third time. Finally, she heard a faint click as it was answered…and shivered at the cold, ominous tone that drifted from the speaker.

"Princess." He spoke with a deep, near-mechanical voice that readily provoked a sense of unease. It was perfect Japanese, too; almost too perfect.

"Yes." Usagi sounded as rattled as Rei felt. "Who is this?"

Their unknown conversationalist inhaled sharply, loud enough to create a crackle in the loudspeaker. "It is you. Yes…I could never forget your voice."

Rei glanced up as Minako caught her eye with a wary, questioning look. Her meaning was clear. Who is this guy and how does he know Usagi?

Their leader stared down at the phone in her hand blankly. "Who isthis?"

"Some call me Thorn. High Seeker Thorn. That will suffice...for now."

Titus' tail puffed up dramatically at the mention of his name but he stayed quiet. Rei felt sick, like she still did occasionally around Rinjirou, but there was no obvious source for her discomfort. Could this Thorn guy be doing that through the phone?!

Usagi, clearly put off by his familiar form of address, was hesitant. "I'm calling as you asked. What do you want?"

"The Order wants what it always has; an Earth free of Moon Kingdom corruption and influence. Your reign aborted before it can begin."

"And what do you want?"

Rei nodded approvingly. Usagi hadn't missed his reference to the Order as a separate entity either. I don't like this at all.

"I am but a loyal servant of the Black." The lie practically dripped from his words; she could hear it in his voice. "The Council leads. I merely speak on their behalf."

Minako held up her own phone and waved it to attract Usagi's attention, one word typed on the screen. Chibiusa?

Usagi's eyes widened in realisation, and she took a deep breath. "I want to speak with Chi-" She was quick to catch herself and rethink her response. "…the girl you're holding. To ensure she's alright."

"You are in no position to be making demands, Princess." Thorn sounded almost amused by her brief attempt at seizing control of the call. "The photograph is more than proof enough, I think."

A touch of anger entered Usagi's voice. "If you've hurt her-"

"She's fine, for the moment. One of my men was a little…overzealous in restraining her but she has suffered no permanent injuries so far." His tone darkened in an instant. "Whether or not she remains in such pristine condition depends entirely on you. Don't test me, Princess; I won't hesitate to harm the girl if I feel it's necessary."

"I understand," Usagi replied, fear returning quickly to her face. "Please, there's no need for that.

"I hope so, for her sake." Thorn's voice retained its mechanical, monotone nature despite his thinly veiled threat. "Now, be a good little princess and stay in Tokyo, make no further moves towards our agents…and await further instructions. It won't be long now..."

"Wait, I-" Usagi fell to her knees as the call ended with another click, finally allowing the tears she'd been holding back to fall. "I…"

Rei rushed to her side. "We'll get her back, Usagi."

"Yes," Minako agreed, hugging their friend gently. "We will."

Something strange happened; Usagi's tears stopped and her fear morphed into something far more uncharacteristic, a vitriolic anger. "They…they've gone too far!"

The miko pulled back a little to study her face. "Usagi?"

The fear was still present, but masked behind a fiery anger that Rei hadn't seen in a long time. "We can't leave Chibiusa in their hands. I won't! We're going to find them and take her back!"

Makoto leapt to her feet. "Damned straight!"

How can I argue with that? "You know we're with you, Usagi. Always." There were a couple of things she could do, too. "I can perform a fire reading, maybe figure out where they're holding her?" She was a little more hesitant on her second point. "And Rinjirou did agree to help us…"

"You're so sure?" Titus asked curiously.

Makoto raised an eyebrow. "That was my thought."

"Yes, I am," Rei retorted, embarrassed by her embarrassment, "And that's all I'm going to say."

"You'll need to be careful," Luna pointed out. "We still know relatively little about the Order itself. Their capabilities, their overall strength and numbers, their abilities…"

A meaty thwack followed as Makoto pounded a fist into her palm. "We'll find out the old-fashioned way. I say we break down their front door and start kicking ass until we find Chibiusa!"

"What the hell is wrong with all of you?!"

Rei joined everyone in staring at Corey in confusion.

His emerald eyes flashed as he rose to his feet, almost angry. "Another frontal assault isn't the answer, Usagi. We tried that once already, remember, and-"

Usagi didn't let him finish. "Is your guilt so strong that you're willing to sacrifice Chibiusa? I will not leave her in their hands a moment longer than I have to!"

"Usagi…" Minako was clearly very uncomfortable with the sudden animosity between the two.

"Of course I'm not willing to sacrifice her," Corey shot back, "But blundering in guns blazing isn't the answer! There has to be another way that saves her without resulting in even more deaths!"

Even more deaths, Rei echoed silently. What the hell happened?

"The only reason there were any deaths at all is because you didn't keep Haruka and Michiru under control like you were supposed to!" Usagi snapped. "This is your fault as much as anyone's!"

The room was quiet enough to hear a pin drop. Rei watched first as Minako opened her mouth, then closed it again just as quickly, unwilling or unable to question Usagi. Her sudden outburst came from her fear for Chibiusa, no doubt, but it had to sting nonetheless. Corey's right fist trembled as his face slackened into a vacant mask...before he turned and stormed out of his own apartment. Titus leapt from the counter to follow him without a word.

"Corey!" Minako called after him but he didn't stop. She glanced at Usagi in silence before directing her gaze at the floor, clearly conflicted.

"Uh…" Makoto shuffled her feet awkwardly, careful not to look at anyone too closely. "So…"

"He's wrong," Usagi muttered. "Corey's wrong! We can't wait. We can't leave her in their clutches. We can't!"

"It's alright, Usa," Rei said reassuringly, stroking her back gently. "We won't."

Makoto joined her, replacing Minako at Usagi's side. "That's right. We're going to get her back, with no messing around. Because it's the right thing to do."

Usagi's deep blue eyes bored right into Rei's soul. "We have to see Rinjirou right away. He'll know where they're holding her, right?"

"If he doesn't," Rei agreed, "He'll likely know who does." The miko spared a troubled glance for Minako, sharing it with Ami over her shoulder. Sorry, Minako, but it looks like you need to choose a side. I don't envy your choice…but you know your duty. "Come on. Let's go introduce Rinjirou to the Moon Princess."

"Corey, wait!" Titus' call echoed down the hallway after him, the cat breaking his usual 'silence in public places' rule. "Usagi's just frightened and angry, worried about Chibiusa. You know she didn't mean it!"

"Of course she meant it," he muttered, as he headed into the stairwell. "Why wouldn't she? It's true, after all. Those deaths are on me…and they're the reason the Order's retaliating now. I can feel it in my heart. I'm the reason this is happening."

"Don't be stupid! You're speaking out of grief as much as Usagi right now!"

"That's where you're wrong," Corey snapped, as he hit the first floor landing. "I won't be part of this. Not without exhausting all other options first. You saw those Paladins, same as I did. They won't just back down. They'll keep on fighting until they're all dead…or we are. She may be angry, or scared, or both…but Usagi's wrong on this. I've never been more sure of anything in my life! There has to be another option between leaving Chibiusa in the Order's hands and storming their headquarters!"

Titus followed him through the foyer and out into the warm afternoon air, keeping quiet until a cluster of pedestrians passed by. "So do something about it, Justice."

A sarcastic snort slipped out before he could catch it. "Like what?"

"You tell me, Corey. You're the Guardian Knight." The cat dropped all pretence and stopped trying to hide his annoyance. "By Selene, we just spoke about this! You're not a Sailor Senshi, so why are you still thinking like one?"

Corey knew the answer immediately. Minako…

"She'd understand, Corey." Titus softened, losing some of his edge. "Minako and I may not get along on the surface, but we have something of an understanding. She's dutiful, yes, and perhaps that will prevent her from openly siding against Usagi…but she knows you, she loves you, and she'll understand your decision at the very least."

"I'm not so sure," Corey said quietly. "She loves me, sure, but she also loves Usagi. Maybe even more than she loves me."

"Even if she does," the cat countered, "Ask yourself one question. What was Corval's greatest flaw?"

He stiffened, stopping to pull his compass from behind his back. "He got too caught up in what Mina would think...and it cost him everything." The needle began spinning in a lazy circle, not focusing on anything. It can't help me with this. There's no truly good or evil choice here.

"You don't answer to Minako, or any of the Senshi for that matter. You don't even have to answer to Usagi...unless you choose to." A long, low sigh slipped from Titus' mouth. "You're a Guardian Knight. The last Guardian Knight, perhaps ever. You serve no queen, nor do you have a kingdom to protect. Your choices are your own, beholden to no master but yourself. You only need ask yourself what is more important to you. Friends? Love? Or something else?"

Corey stared down at the tarnished compass a moment longer, mulling over his best friend's advice. I'm sorry, Minako, but I won't make the same mistake again. One life was enough. There's more at stake here than my own happiness…or yours. He inhaled slowly and nodded. "I hear you."

"I don't say this to hurt you, Corey, or to sow discord amongst the team." There was an unusual hint of wistfulness in Titus' voice. "I loved the Moon Kingdom, I truly did…and I gave it everything I had. I disagreed with the queen on occasion, sometimes vehemently, but I served because it was my duty. Do I have regrets? Of course…but the past is the past, and I've tried to make up for any mistakes as best I could."

"How uncharacteristically nostalgic of you."

"I'm old, Corey," he murmured, with a small smile. "I've spent a thousand years weighing the consequences of my actions, counting lives saved versus lives lost. I've told so many lies even I'm not sure what the truth is anymore." He sighed quietly. "But I'd do it all again because that's who I am. I chose this life, and I've never looked back. Some guide, like Luna and Artemis. Some lead, like Usagi. Me? I've made a life out of making the difficult choices that nobody else wanted to make…all for the greater good.

"Power corrupts, and the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Old clichés, yes, but true nonetheless. Crystal Tokyo needs a strong conscience, Corey. Someone to check Usagi and the Sailor Senshi, and keep them on the right path. That check is you. Be the Justice I know you can be; perhaps you'll even lead them to a future where there's no need for someone like me anymore."

"Titus…"

"The cynic in me says that will never happen, of course...but I have faith in you. You've grown into a fine young man, Corey. One I'm proud to call my friend. My best friend." He sighed contentedly. "In truth, I never thought I'd have one of those…but for once I'm glad I was wrong."

Corey knelt to give him a rare scratch behind the ear. "Quit talking like you're going somewhere. We have way too much left to do."

"I suppose you're right," Titus agreed, with a faint smile. He took another deep breath and, just like that, any trace of vulnerability was hidden behind his familiar mask of smugness. "Now then, Justice. What are you going to do?"

Rinjirou looked up from his gleaming daggers to see Rei approaching, and was dismayed to find his lips curling up in an idiotic grin. You're acting like a love-drunk kid, he thought sourly. Get it together! She wasn't alone; Ami was close behind her, along with two other unfamiliar girls. A tall, physically imposing brunette, and a blonde with a strangely familiar hairstyle. He had difficulty placing it, at first, until he remembered Minako's explanation of Sailor Senshi transformation magic. The magic disguises their appearances, makes your mind think they're someone else. He had seen someone with the same hairstyle recently, and it came to him as they stopped before him.

Rei was the first to speak. "Well, here we are as promised. This is-"

"Sailor Moon." He slid the blades back into their sheaths, not bothering to extend his hand. "Presumably the one and only Moon Princess, as well?"

She gave him a very slight bow. "My name is Usagi."

"And I'm Makoto," the brunette added, without any bow on her part.

He barely acknowledged her at all, focused on this Usagi. "So you're the one who's going to crown herself Queen of Earth. You don't look like much…and you don't fight like it either."

"I wouldn't say I'm going to crown myself queen," she replied, meeting his gaze without fear. "We don't know how that happens, or why. Only that it does…and I'm not exactly thrilled by it myself."

She had a strange, earnest quality to her voice that almost made Rinjirou want to trust her...and she'd completely ignored his barb about her fighting skills. Still, he wasn't about to just take her at her word. "Your little spy Titus is quite the accomplished liar. He had me utterly convinced you were innocent."

"Titus?" He'd always been good at reading people, and the confusion he saw in her eyes now certainly appeared genuine. "What do you mean?"

"He told me you had no plans to rule Earth," Rinjirou muttered, bitter despite acknowledging he had no real right to be angry. I used him as much as he used me, after all. "Even invoked the name of this 'Guardian of Time' I've since learned is a Sailor Senshi to really sell me on it."

"He did." Something strange happened; her confusion turned into anger. It was brief, covered up in an instant, but interesting all the same. She's actually upset. But why?

"Yes. The first time we spoke, before he convinced me to help him infiltrate the Sanctuary."

"I had no idea," Usagi said firmly, "And I'm sorry. Lies aren't my way."

Maybe I'm crazy, he decided, but I actually believe her. "I'll accept your apology…with a caveat; keep the cat away from me. I want nothing more to do with him."

"I understand, and I assure you Titus will be reprimanded for his part in all this."

Rei nodded approvingly, obviously happy with his response. "So, you know the situation."

"Yes. The Order of Black have taken this…Chibiusa, was it?" At their nod, he continued. "Leverage, to ensure you all remain compliant?"

"She's my daughter," Usagi said stiffly, appearing to catch herself just before a sob. "I mean, not now, obviously, but in the future. More importantly, she's our friend and she has nothing to do with any of this." Her expression darkened briefly as she looked away. "If they've hurt her I'll…I don't know what I'll do."

His first instinct was still to defend them, to proclaim loudly that the Order of Black didn't hurt those they protected, but that wasn't quite right, was it? They did kidnap children; they had killed innocent people who'd stumbled onto their existence. He'd watched one of their Hunters do exactly that before his very eyes. They're as bad as they claim these Sailor Senshi are. Perhaps even worse. While he was still unconvinced they weren't power-mad tyrants-in-waiting, he owed Rei the benefit of the doubt. "What is it you want from me?"

Her deep blue eyes stared into his own imploringly. "Any knowledge you have that could help us find Chibiusa would help. Where would they be holding her?"

Rinjirou felt an irritated scowl forming on his face but held his tongue when Rei cleared her throat.

"Be nice."

His gaze lingered on her a moment before he nodded. "I have no idea where they'd be hiding her. This is out of form for the Order I knew." An uncomfortable realisation came to him as he began to see just how blind he'd been. "We never took any prisoners…that I saw." Because they were killed after they were captured. Probably by Hunters…

"Where would we start looking?" Her eyes seemed impossibly huge; even Rinjirou wasn't immune to a frightened woman's pleas. "Please, I don't know what they'll do to her. That Thorn person, he-"

"Thorn?" The name struck an immediate chord. "High Seeker Thorn?"

Usagi appeared confused once again. "Yes, that's who I spoke to."

High Seeker Thorn, mysterious head of the so-called 'Watchful Eye'…and the man who'd ordered his parents' deaths. First his mother, after she refused to join them, then his father a few years later for daring to investigate her murder. That changed things. I probably would have helped her regardless, but now? Now, it's personal. He swallowed back the anger Thorn's name had provoked and nodded his agreement. "If helping you means hurting him, I'm in."

"I knew you'd help us." There was hope in Rei's eyes, but he didn't want to fan the flames too much.

"Perhaps not in the way you think. I told you I won't fight them. Not Black Paladins. Hunters, maybe, but never fellow Paladins. They're not to blame for this."

That clearly angered the brunette. "The Order of Black is-"

"Made up of many individuals," he retorted. "Most of whom are honourable warriors who defend this world as you claim to. Don't cast them all as Hunters, Senshi; that sort of black-and-white thinking has no place in the real world."

The brunette – Makoto – looked like she wanted to hit him, but Usagi placed a hand on her forearm and shook her head. "Calm down, Mako." She turned back to him, with a strangely calm expression on her face. "We'll take whatever help you're willing to provide."

"For starters," Rei added, "Where would we find High Seeker Thorn if we wanted to ask him a few questions?"

Rinjirou took a deep breath, steeled himself, and began. "I would assume the Watchful Eye – Thorn leads them – call the London headquarters home like much of the Order."

"Much of the Order?" Ami, silent until now, wore a studious expression. "It's well defended, then?"

I like to think you'd understand, Mother. I don't take this lightly, but someone has to stop Thorn and his fanatical band of murderers. Maybe that person isn't me after all…but I can help. "There will be at least a half dozen squads of Black Paladins on-site at most times, five Paladins per squad…"

Minako paced her living room anxiously, preoccupied with thoughts of Corey. He'd been gone for a while now, and she felt increasingly terrible after not standing up for him against Usagi. She'd tried, but as soon as Usagi even looked at her she cut herself off. As if by reflex. Usagi was her leader, her Princess; her first duty was to her, right? If it's as simple as that, why do I feel so bad right now?

As if in answer to her prayers, the door opened and Corey slipped inside. "Hey."

"Hey!" It was her intention to play it cool, but after seeing him it all just slipped out in a torrent. "I'm so sorry! I wanted to tell Usagi she was wrong but I was surprised when she went off on you like that and I froze and-"

"It's fine." He crossed the space between them in three long strides and bent down to place a gentle kiss on her lips. "Really, Minako, it is. I understand. Usagi's upset. She didn't mean it."

"But I-"

"You were just being a good Sailor Senshi." Corey certainly sounded fine, but there was something in his voice that convinced her that wasn't the case. He was almost too calm. "We talked about all this, remember? Usagi comes first."

That's not right, Minako thought, unsettled by his matter-of-fact response. I meant that in a hypothetical situation where they're both in danger and Corey agreed; in that situation, I would have to go after Usagi. It wasn't meant to imply a blanket 'always Usagi' decision, and I don't always choose her, do I? When she gave it a little more thought, she realised that her love for Corey had never come into direct conflict with the love and sense of duty she held towards Usagi. But I wouldn't just automatically side with her. I wouldn't! Try as she might, though, she couldn't shake that stubborn sliver of doubt deep in her heart. Didn't I do just that by not saying anything earlier? I think that's the most disconcerting thought of all…

Corey pulled her into a loose hug. "It hurts a little, I guess, but she was your friend long before you'd met me. It isn't fair to ask you to choose sides."

It felt like he'd stabbed her in the heart, and she pulled away irritably. "Just stop! Stop being so nice about it!" Her guilt intensified as she turned away, ashamed of herself. "You should be more upset. Yell at me or something! This, it's…I don't deserve it."

"Look, I know how you feel about duty, and Usagi's your best friend. How am I supposed to ask you to side with me against her?"

"When she's wrong, I…" A frown formed as soon the words were out of her mouth. It's never really occurred to me that she might be wrong. I mean, sure, she was out of line in the past with her digs at our relationship, but I don't even question Usagi on most things. Should I have less blind faith in her? No, she's earned it, hasn't she? It's my duty after all...

"Minako?"

Corval loved me blindly…and it led him down the wrong path. What if…? She shook her head, forcing such thoughts away for now. Corey was back and he didn't seem angry; that was what mattered. All this will do is fin the flames. No, wait, that's not right. Fuel the fans? Fire the fuel? Damn it, I'm going to be a teacher and I still get confused by proverbs! What's wrong with me?!

"Uh, Minako? You okay?"

She forced a smile and nodded emphatically. "Uh-huh. Forget it. I'm just happy you're not mad."

Corey's eyes narrowed as he looked her over, clearly suspicious. "You were gone a long time. You're sure?"

"Positive," she agreed, allowing her chipper tone to filter through again. A little part of her felt even guiltier for lying to him, but it was for a good cause. Besides…I've gotten great at hiding behind that 'Crazy Minako' mask. "Let's just be happy, okay?"

He nodded absently, as if distracted. "Look, Minako, you know I, uh…you know I love you, right?"

"What? Of course I do." It was her turn to hug him now, pressing her cheek against his chest. "And I love you! What's brought this on?"

"There's…" Corey exhaled slowly. "This whole situation, it's…I mean, I'm a Guardian Knight, and I…" He smiled too...but she had the distinct impression it was forced. Just like her own. Not even the relaxing touch of his fingers tracing lines down her spine helped. "I just wanted to be sure you knew. No matter what happens, I love you."

Her brow furrowed in confusion as she pulled away. "Okay, you're starting to scare me. What's going to happ-" An insistent beeping from her communicator cut her off. Typical. Anytime we try to have a serious conversation! She gave her boyfriend an apologetic look as she flipped it open. "Sorry."

He shrugged nonchalantly in response. "It happens."

That it does, she agreed silently, as Usagi's face appeared on the tiny screen. Far too often. "Hey, I figured you'd be busy with Rinjerko for a while. What's up?"

"Are you still home?" Her friend sounded off. Not tired so much as…weary. Mentally.

"Yes, why?"

"We're on our way back. We need to talk about Titus."

Corey stepped around behind her and cleared his throat. He was typically quite relaxed around them, but Minako could sense the tension between him and Usagi immediately. "What about Titus?"

She hesitated a moment, apparently caught off-guard by his presence. "I don't want to get into it over the communicators. I can give you all the details when we arrive." She paused a moment. "Corey, I'm-"

This time, it was he who didn't let her finish. "Fine. I'll make sure Titus is here as well."

Her expression hardened. "Fine."

Minako swallowed uncomfortably as her communicator went dark. She wasn't sure what this was all about herself, either, but one thing was clear; Usagi wasn't happy. "What do you think this is about? What's Titus done this time?"

"Nothing I know of," Corey murmured, as she sank back against the familiar warmth of his chest. "It can't be good, though. Usagi isn't in a great state of mind, Minako, and this could be trouble…for all of us."

AN: Different titles for a change, but consider this Part One. If you're so inclined, please proceed to Part Two. No cliffhanger, how good is that?!

Lisseas