Sailor Moon - The Order of Black

Chapter Thirty Two: Perspective

Originally published: 01/12/2015

I hate this part…

The world reappeared around Rinjirou with a blinding flash, his stomach folding in on itself in a surge of rampant nausea. Just like the last time. He lurched forward, all sense of equilibrium gone for a moment.

Justice – Corey, he reminded himself – grabbed a hold of his shoulder to steady him. "You alright?"

"Get off," he muttered, shaking him loose. "I'm fine!"

"Suit yourself." The American stepped back, casually inspecting their surroundings. "So, this is it?"

"My old room. My home for nearly six years."

Corey's emerald green eyes narrowed, his brow furrowing above them. "I still think blinking in here was an unnecessary risk."

"And I still don't care." Rinjirou took a few tentative steps towards the bed, testing his balance. "I've been gone barely two weeks, and the Order's recruitment numbers aren't exactly high enough that they're squabbling over living space." He reached out and straightened his sheets unconsciously. "It also helps we're in the heart of a large underground facility, and they told everyone I was dead."

"So they're guarding the front door, not your old room." Corey made a sound somewhere between a sigh and a reluctant groan. "Sound logic, I suppose."

The former Paladin rolled his eyes gratuitously. "I'm glad you approve."

Corey ignored him, reaching up to adjust the mask he wore. "Damn it, this stupid thing just won't sit right!" He wore the same armour as Rinjirou, 'borrowed' from what had proved to be a very helpful Tokyo safe-house. "What gives?"

'Blink' in, 'blink' out. A useful ability, even with those terrible side-effects! "It's tight because you're ridiculously big, even for most Black Paladins! What the hell do they feed you in…?" It was quite the interesting question when he considered it. "Where in American are you from? New York? Chicago?"

"Des Moines," the Guardian Knight grumbled, as he tried again in vain to readjust the mask's straps. "And I don't have a clue. My dad's not a big guy and my mom's tiny…though you wouldn't know it during a scolding session."

Rinjirou surprised himself with a quiet chuckle. "Mine too." He reached out for the framed photo on his nightstand and lifted it, staring down at her smiling face in silence.

"That's her?"

He stiffened up, but nodded eventually. "I'd hoped it was still here. Of course, getting it out intact is going to be a challenge." The frame was sturdy, but he decided he could probably break it with little effort. The picture itself was what was really important, anyway. Here goes…

"Don't," Corey said softly, holding out his hand. "Give it to me. I'll keep it safe."

"What? No!"

"Why break something that's obviously important to you if you don't have to?" He gestured again, a hint of impatience in his voice. "Come on."

With some reluctance, Rinjirou handed the photo frame over and watched with interest as it slipped behind Corey's back and disappeared. "That's a neat trick."

"Subspace pocket," he replied. "Gotta keep my sword somewhere when I'm not using it." He paused briefly to wet his lips with his tongue. "Now, where will we find Thorn?"

"I never said we were looking for Thorn," Rinjirou answered calmly. "He leads the Watchful Eye, and secrets are their forte. I doubt finding him on our own will be as easy as you think."

Corey was definitely unimpressed. "Then what the hell are we doing here?"

"We need a Hunter." And I know just where to find one… "Megumi."

"First that photo of your mother, now her? I'm starting to feel a little used here."

"Feel however you like," Rinjirou retorted coolly, "But Megumi's a Hunter, the only one we know of, and that means she probably has a good idea where the High Seeker spends his time."

"And if she doesn't feel like chatting?"

"Your little feline friend has that covered," he muttered. "Besides, you agreed we would do this my way and I say Megumi gets another chance."

Corey sighed again, clearly regretting his decision, but he didn't attempt to back out. "You're right, you're right. Lead on."

"Good." He headed for the door, pausing to listen for footsteps outside. They may not be expecting me, but I can't afford to be too cocky either. Hearing nothing, he inched it open to inspect the space outside. "We're clear. Come on."

They exited into a familiar corridor, West-Three. How many times must he have walked its length? Everything he'd said to Corey was honest; this had been his home for a good chunk of his life. More than nine years all up, six in the same room. Being back now held some nostalgic value for him even after such a short time away.

"You're sure Chibiusa isn't here, in this facility?"

"I can't be a hundred percent sure but I've spent a lot of time here and I never saw a prison block. I realise there's a lot I didn't know about the Order, but a secret prison inside their main base would be a difficult thing to hide."

Corey didn't sound convinced. "Unless those Hunters kill anyone who stumbles across it."

Rinjirou fought the urge to roll his eyes. "Black Paladin numbers aren't so high they can afford to kill off so many. There'd be nobody left to fight the Sailor Senshi."

"I see."

"It's far more likely Thorn's holding her somewhere else. Probably a facility of his own." He stopped for a moment and turned to his unlikely companion. "You asked for my help, didn't you? So shut up and do as I say!"

Corey's response was impressively sarcastic, mock salute and all. "Yes, sir."

They made it into the next dorm without incident, though Rinjirou found himself less than impressed with the Guardian Knight's covert abilities. "Could you look anymore out of place? And walk slower, I swear it's like you want us to get caught!"

"I'm used to wearing plate armour!" he hissed back. "Sneaking around isn't usually much of an option!"

"You're clomping around like a Clydesdale!" Rinjirou retorted, reaching up to slap Corey's hand away from his mask. "And stop fiddling with that!"

"It's cutting into my face, and-" Corey cut himself off abruptly and took a deep breath. "Fine."

The former Paladin glared at him in silence for another couple of seconds before continuing forward. "Good."

He navigated the halls off of memory, the layout etched into his mind. I'm in Dorm B, and Megumi's in Dorm D…assuming she didn't relocate after joining the Hunters. It seems unlikely, given they seem to want to preserve their appearance as standard Paladins.

Another Paladin passed by, paying them no mind, mask on and weapon at her side. Corey turned to watch her go and nudged him gently. "Is everyone in here armed?"

"Of course," Rinjirou agreed, not breaking stride at all. "It's protocol when on duty. You have to keep in mind the Order considers itself the modern-day continuation of an ancient order of holy knights. A Paladin's weapon is their identity, none more so than the blade in their hand." He glanced over at his 'partner' as he caught up. "Going to make another snide remark about my gun?"

"No," Corey said quickly, getting alongside him again. "I was out of line…especially given everything I saw at the Sanctuary when we went back in."

His forthright answer surprised Rinjirou. "What exactly did happen?"

"We were trapped, backs against a sealed door. The Paladins kept coming, keeping us pinned down with gunfire and other attacks. I guess Sailor Uranus saw no other option, and brought the ceiling down on them."

His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "You guess?"

"I don't know," Corey admitted quietly. "I hoped might be a better word, but I'm beginning to realise how some could see the Sailor Senshi as dangerous. Sailor Moon was prepared to go so far over Chibiusa's abduction…and none of the other Senshi spoke up against her. That unwillingness to confront her or go against her, it's…it scared me, and that's why I'm here. Someone has to try to stop this madness before it goes too far." He bowed his head. "Even if it costs me my own happiness."

Before Rinjirou had a chance to respond, another Paladin approached…and stopped right in front of them. "You two. Hold." His eyes lingered suspiciously on Corey. "I don't recognise you."

"Newly transferred." The American adopted a commendably different accent. "From the States."

Oh, dammit. "Uh, yeah…" He tried to mimic Corey as best he could. "Just arrived." Where the hell is he pretending to be from?

The suspicious man turned to him. "And where are you going?"

Rinjirou referenced his mental map of the facility and settled on a plausible destination. "Training Room Bravo." Where new recruits go through orientation and receive their assignments. "We're a little late, I'm afraid, still finding our feet."

"I wasn't aware we'd taken on any new recruits."

Damn it, he swore silently, just let it go! "Fresh off the plane, sir. A special case, they said. We're-"

"I'm going to have to call this in for confirmation." The Paladin held up a hand, dropping the other to the pistol at his hip. "If you are who you say you are, you have nothing to-"

Corey lunged forward and drove a knee up into his guts before driving him face-first into the wall. He managed to turn, but straight into an impressive right-hook from the Guardian Knight.

Rinjirou was outraged. "You-"

The unconscious Paladin was quickly stuffed into an adjacent supply closet. Corey looked back at him and shrugged. "What?"

His nonchalant response was the last straw. "Everything they say about you Americans is really true, isn't it?! Cowboys, every last one of you!"

"He was onto us!"

"He…I mean, not necessarily!" Okay, Rinjirou admitted silently, it seems pretty unlikely he wasn't onto us at this stage…but there's no way I'm telling him that! He pinched the bridge of his nose tightly and raised his hand. "Fine, it's done. Let's just move on." As they headed off down the corridor again, he couldn't resist one final taunt. "Just try not to punch anyone else on the way to Megumi's room."

He got a response, of sorts; Corey raised his hand, middle finger extended.

This time he did roll his eyes. "Charming."

Minako ambled down the street in a haze of confusion. Corey was gone, just…gone…and she didn't quite know how to feel about it. The argument between him and Usagi – all of them, really – kept running through her head on a constant loop. Who was right and who was wrong? Did it really make much of a difference? Of course it does, she decided quickly, looking ahead at her friend's back. He swore an oath to protect her just like the rest of us. It's his duty.

Only that's not quite right, is it? The voice was the same, yet different all at the same time; a little more refined with a commanding quality. She recognised it immediately as the part of her that was Mina, her old Silver Millennium self. Corval was sworn to defend the kingdom and its people over even the Queen herself. Corey is held to the same oath and, while Usagi represents the Moon Kingdom until it is restored, the people would be the very same ones you protect. The citizens of Earth.

"Oh, shut up," Minako muttered irritably, only growing more confused. "Who asked you, anyway?"

"Minako?"

She jumped, realising Ami had dropped back to join her and caught her in the middle of an internal conversation.

"Are you okay? Who are you talking to?"

"Er…" Minako's hand flew to the back of her head, toying anxiously with her bow in a familiar habit as a nervous laugh slipped from her lips. "Certainly not myself, because that would be crazy!"

"Oh?" Ami raised a single, inquisitive eyebrow…and the blonde wilted.

"Fine, it was myself! Mina, to be exact."

"I see. And, uh…she talks to you often?"

Minako waved her hands frantically, spotting legitimate concern on her friend's face. "Oh, no, no, no! Not really! Not like that, anyway! I just, um…it's like I vocalise her memories sometimes, in my head. It's not like we have actual conversations!"

Ami relaxed noticeably. "Oh, good. That's not such a worry." The concern remained, though. "I mean it, though. Are you okay? What happened back there had to be rough on you?"

The blonde was unsure how to respond…but it all slipped out in a flood of words. "I already miss him so much, Ami! I'm worried about him, but I'm so mad at the same time! I want to kiss him, a big, long kiss...right before I smoosh his stupid face in!"

For her part, Ami actually took a small step back, but Minako was too far gone to notice.

"How could he just turn his back on us? On me?! How could he leave without any hesitation at all!?" She took a deep breath in…and sighed miserably. "I just don't know how to feel, Ami. I'm furious, I'm worried, I'm sad and lonely, I'm hurt…and on top of all that I feel guilty of all things."

"Guilty?"

"For not standing up for him. For automatically siding with Usagi and the rest of you. I…" She glanced up at Usagi's back again, uncertain about continuing. "She is wrong, you know…sort of. About Titus, about the Order of Black. I mean, I know my plan to save Corey from Ruin wasn't exactly the smartest idea-"

"No arguments there," the blue-haired girl agreed quickly.

"-but it was all we had and we did talk it over as a team. This?" She shrugged helplessly. "I know how important Chibiusa is to Usagi, to all of us…but I really don't want to kill a bunch of people. Not even those Hunter jerks." Her fingertips met in a familiar gesture of anxiety. "I get that we may not have a choice someday, Titus wasn't wrong there, but storming their main base is only going to increase the chances that someone does die."

Ami's reply surprised her immensely. "I agree. Rushing in isn't exactly what I'd call helpful…but what other choice do we have? Usagi's our princess and, more than that, our friend. Even if we refused to help her she'd just go without us." She met Minako's curious stare calmly. "Could you really let that happen? Could you let her go after Chibiusa alone?"

It was an easy question to answer. "No. I couldn't." It certainly silenced her doubts for the moment. Most of them, at least. "It isn't the smart decision, or the tactically sound one…but it's what Usagi's going to do and we have to support her in it. Just like we always have."

Her genius friend seemed almost reluctant to speak. "Corey wasn't wrong, about the Order of Black or Titus…but he went about his protest in the wrong way."

Corey's not a Sailor Senshi, Mina's voice argued silently, and you can't expect him to act like one. Are you listening to me?!

Her argument just provoked another heavy sigh from Minako, and reminded her of something she'd been considering earlier. "Say, Ami? Do you ever wonder if we all follow Usagi a little too blindly sometimes?"

Her friend raised another eyebrow. "In what way?"

It wasn't the answer she'd hoped for...but it was what she'd expected. I just don't like it. "Oh, never mind. You said it already, our duty is to follow Usagi and protect her...whether we're as sure about everything as she is or not." It hurt, but it was the truth. I'm sorry, Corey, but you made your choice and I can't let it impact mine.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

Minako took a deep breath and nodded. "Minako may not be a hundred percent sure about all this, but Sailor Venus knows her duty."

Ami's jaw dropped. "Now she's talking to you as well?!"

"Oh, you know what I mean!"

Ahead, Usagi was in the midst of her own internal conflict. The fear and concern she felt for Chibiusa had been tempered by Corey's apparent betrayal. I can't believe he'd just leave like that. Does he not see how Titus' actions make us look? He calls us hypocrites, then defends his friends' lies in the same breath?

"Oh, you know what I mean!"

She turned at Minako's undignified screech and found her friend glaring at Ami irritably. Oh, Minako, I can't imagine how you must be feeling right now. Corey's my friend, true, but you love him. Adding some irony to the situation was her admission that he wasn't wrong. It was obvious even to her that storming the Order's headquarters wasn't ideal, but what other choice did she have? Corey wanted them to wait, bide their time, but how could he ask her to leave Chibiusa in their hands for a second longer than she had to?

I can't, she decided, and I won't. Maybe it isn't the right choice, but Mother warned me there would come a time I had to make a decision with no 'good' options, and this is just the first. If I'm forced to choose between Chibiusa or the Order of Black it's a no-brainer!

Adding to her immediate frustration was Mamoru. Besides Corey's little disappearing act, her maybe-still-boyfriend wanted to 'talk'. Usagi was still mad despite her distress and loneliness, but that was all part of her prerogative as a woman and a princess. Still, she admitted reluctantly, Mamoru does have the right to know about Chibiusa…even if I'm not looking forward to telling him.

"Hey, Usagi." Makoto tapped her on the shoulder gently, breaking her from her reverie. "Question."

"What is it?"

"Regarding Corey's little rebellion or revolution or…whatever we're calling it." The brunette paused, clearly uncomfortable with the subject matter. "You were willing to expel Titus from the group after he helped us, albeit the wrong way. In theory…" She hesitated, sighing heavily as she considered what she was trying to say. "In theory, Corey's openly acted against you. Are you planning on kicking him out too?"

Usagi replayed her question over in her head and found no hint of malice in her voice, only concern for a friend. In truth, she hadn't really considered it either. If I say no it proves Corey right; I would be a hypocrite. Perhaps we all are…but he's our friend. Could we really send him away? Of course, that only raised more questions. I say Corey's our friend, but isn't Titus as well? And if he's not…who's at fault for that, him or us? He's acted like our friend, even if we don't always agree with his methods. She turned around again to glance at Minako, feeling an uncomfortable pain in her chest. And, even if I was inclined to send Corey away with Titus…could I really do that to Minako? It would crush her!

"Usagi?"

She shook her head abruptly, back to reality again. "Sorry, Mako, I…honestly, I'm not sure."

The taller woman nodded. "I get it, just…thinking aloud."

"I'm glad you are," Usagi said quietly, meaning it. "I think I needed to hear it."

"Anytime."

They were fast approaching the familiar rise of Sendai Hill, however; it was time to focus on Mamoru. She saw him as they closed on the steps, and a sudden flutter of nerves rose up within accompanied by more not-entirely-unwelcome anger. That all vanished as she spotted the green-haired woman who stood beside him. "Setsuna?"

The Guardian of Time inclined her head slightly. "Usagi. Everyone." She was decidedly unsteady, just the faint bow enough to nearly topple her, and several bandages were visible beneath her clothes; a stark contrast with her unusually pale skin.

Usagi lost all focus as concern for her friend swept over her. "Are you alright? What happened to-"

"Usagi!" Rei called to her, already halfway up the steps. "Minako and I are going to get Rinjirou!"

She nodded, barely hearing her; Setsuna's battered appearance had caught her entirely off-guard. Is she here about Chibiusa? How did she get hurt so badly?

"My arrival here was…unpleasant," the older woman replied, straightening up with a grimace. "I was fortunate to make it here at all."

"What the hell happened to you?" Makoto asked, eyes narrowing as they roamed over her injuries.

"It's a long story." Setsuna glanced sidelong at Mamoru. "One we can go over later."

"Right," he agreed, stepping forward. "Usagi, everyone, we have terrible news."

"What?" We're breaking up for real? Usagi surprised even herself with her venom. Wow, I really am holding a grudge, aren't I? Serves him right for putting me through hell.

If Mamoru picked up on the annoyance in her voice he didn't let on, remaining calm and collected. "It concerns the Order of Black-"

That reminded her why she was here in the first place. Now wasn't the time to lose her focus. "Oh, I can't believe I got distracted! It's Chibiusa! Somehow they've abducted her!"

He surprised her, stepping forward to hug her without another word.

Usagi stiffened momentarily before relaxing into his embrace. I've missed this, she thought sadly, as angry and upset as I've been.

"We'll get her back, Usako. I swear it."

She pulled away as she picked up on his clear lack of surprise. Concern and even fear, yes, but there's no surprise at all! "Did you know about this?!"

"No," he said quickly, with another sideways glance at Setsuna, "But it explains a few things."

"Indeed." Setsuna attempted to straighten up again but was only partially successful. "I was attacked at the Space-Time Door by several members of this Order of Black. They overpowered me and I was driven off. But, even as I withdrew, I saw where they were going…and when."

"Crystal Tokyo," Ami said softly, saying what they were all thinking. "But, wait! How could they-"

Minako came bounding down the steps, inadvertently cutting her off. "Rinjerko's gone!"

"Would you stop calling him that?!" Rei hissed, following close behind her as she straightened up her robes. "His weapons and armour too."

"Where would he go?" Makoto folded her arms across her chest, glancing warily at Usagi. "You don't think…?"

Minako lost a little of her enthusiasm. "Corey convinced Rinjirou to help him instead of us? I hate to say it but it sure looks that way."

"Damn it," Usagi murmured irritably, instinctively pulling away from Mamoru. "Why is he fighting us so hard on this? How are we supposed to find this High Seeker Thorn now?"

"High Seeker Thorn?!" Setsuna somehow, impossibly, paled even further.

Mamoru squeezed down on Usagi's shoulders tightly. "Usako, how do you know that name?"

She pulled back further, put off by his aggressive interest. "He...he's the one who took Chibiusa. We got a message from the Order a little while ago, with a phone. I spoke to him…"

"Usagi…" The Guardian of Time composed herself with a painful deep breath. "This Thorn isn't just any man. He's Chaos itself!"

Even the mention of its name was enough to form a ball of dread in her stomach. "B-But…I dispersed it! It's gone, it shouldn't be able to reform!"

Even Mamoru couldn't hide the anxiety in his voice as he squeezed her shoulders reassuringly. "You did, but somehow it's back."

A big part of Usagi was still mad at him, but she couldn't deny his presence was of immense comfort during all this turmoil. We will have to work everything out at some point but, for now, I'm just glad he's here with me to face this. All my friends...

Ami exchanged a nervous glance with Makoto. "I really don't want to die a third time."

"Me neither," the brunette agreed, running a hand nervously over her mouth.

"Why is it working for the Order of Black?" Rei demanded in disbelief. "What could it possibly gain from such an arrangement?"

"Never mind that!" Minako cried, eyes widening in fear. "Corey's going after this Thorn guy to get Chibiusa back, and he has no idea what he really is!" She gripped Ami frantically and began shaking her in her distress. "You can track his blinks or something, right? Anything to find him?!"

Ami's voice warbled unnaturally due to her unwanted motion. "I can try, but I've never-"

"Easy, Minako!" Makoto pried the manic blonde loose and guided her away. "We'll fine him. Both of them."

Usagi was glad for her added bit of reassurance, even if this new revelation assured her she'd made the correct choice all along. There's no way I can leave Chibiusa with that monster!

"I, uh…I'll head for the command centre and start searching," the flustered genius said, reaching for her bag, tossed to the ground in the confusion. "I'll have Luna and Artemis join me there."

Mamoru reached out to brush Usagi's cheek. "Usako, what's going on? Where's Corey?"

Usagi suppressed a frown. For just a second, out of the corner of her eye, she thought she'd spotted a faint smile on Setsuna's lips. We've always believed she knows more about the future than she lets on, and that seems to confirm it. But why is she happy about it?

"Usako?"

"I…I'll explain on the way," she murmured, pulling away from him once again. "Come on, let's go."

"Okay," Rinjirou said flatly, gesturing to a door marked only '34'. "This is it."

Megumi's room. Even knowing they had a backup plan wasn't enough to quell the sense of unease Corey felt. The Huntress that attacked Usagi at the shrine. We're trying to convince her to help us. I suspect it's doomed to fail…but I gave my word we'd do this Rinjirou's way and I intend to keep it.

"Remember, let me do the talking. The last thing we need is you punching her in the face."

"Really?" Corey resisted the temptation to roll his eyes at the pointless taunt. "Come on, let's go."

With a final suspicious glance, Rinjirou raised his fist and knocked on the door.

"Just a minute."

Her cheerful tone caught Corey by surprise, but it lined up perfectly with everything Titus had been saying. The Order of Black is made up of normal people, just like us, and after my disagreement with Usagi over our next course of action…I can't really judge them too harshly. I may not agree with the methods they use, but I can't say I don't see where they're coming from after today.

The door finally opened to reveal a tall, slender Japanese woman in her mid-twenties with a friendly smile, jet-black hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. "Yes…?"

The face of the enemy, Corey thought sombrely. God, she almost reminds me of Rei.

Her smile faded as she locked eyes with Rinjirou. "Rin?! But-" She didn't get a chance to finish before he shoved her backwards into the room.

Corey followed quickly, pulling the door shut behind them with a click. He watched as Rinjirou raised his hands in what he assumed was a sign of peace, Megumi staring him down with a glare born of intense anger and, perhaps, betrayal. Is that how Minako will look at me when I get back to Tokyo?

"Just wait, please! I know you said you'd kill me if you saw me again, but-"

"Yet you came here anyway?" She took a careful step towards the corner, and what Corey recognised as a katanagake...or sword rack. "Why would you risk it? What's your game?"

"I'm searching for High Seeker Thorn," Rinjirou answered calmly, matching her movements with two steps of his own. "I figured you'd know where to find him."

"How do you know that name?" Megumi was only a few feet from her weapon now, and showed no signs of backing down. "And what makes you think I'd help a traitor to the Black?"

"I hoped you might remember I loved the Order as much as you did, that I love Earth as much as you do. That we used to be friends before all this happened."

She shook her head, effectively slamming the door shut in his face. "That's just it, Rin. We used to be friends…but we're not anymore." Her fingers closed around the hilt of her sword slowly. "Please, for that friendship…don't make me kill you."

Corey eyed Rinjirou silently. He seemed genuinely confused by her cold response to his overtures. If I'm honest, I can relate. How many times did I try to reach Garrod before the end? Before I had to kill Wrath…

"Megumi, please…innocent lives are at stake."

"They always are," she whispered, as she drew her sword from its sheath. "Every single day."

The Guardian Knight had heard enough. He stepped forward, arms raised in a similar manner, with a simple plea. "Thorn's taken someone dear to me. A girl, maybe twelve years old, and all I want to do is bring her home."

Megumi's brow furrowed above her dark brown eyes. "Who are you?"

Honesty worked on Rinjirou. "You can call me Justice."

Those same eyes widened in recognition. "The Guardian Knight…"

"Please, the Order of Black and the Senshi don't have to be enemies. We can talk, even compromise. I don't want a war-"

"Words are cheap, Justice." She locked eyes with Rinjirou again. "You would bring the enemy into my home?!"

"Megumi, I-"

She lunged forward abruptly, shoving him aside on her way to Corey. Justiciar appeared in his hand, its familiar weight an immediate comfort as he blocked her strike with ease. He decided against his armour, choosing mobility over defence. She's faster than I am at the best of times…but I'm a better swordsman, I'm sure of it. She may be well trained, but I've got a whole other lifetime of experience to draw on.

Megumi danced around him as Rinjirou looked on, apparently unwilling to fight her directly. Corey's irritation didn't last long, though; he knew the feeling all too well. Two more strikes clashed against Justiciar, impressively quick and precise, but he was able to keep up. She may be the best opponent I've ever fought one-on-one, he admitted, but it isn't enough.

"Don't kill her!" Rinjirou called anxiously, hands hovering just above his daggers' hilts.

I wasn't planning on it, Corey retorted silently, unwilling to disclose that particular bit of information to his opponent. After all, if she didn't fear for her life what was the point? It's not particularly nice, but then good doesn't always have to mean nice. If she wants to believe the Senshi and I are power-mad conquerors, let her. As long as she gives up her boss.

Megumi's face was admirably calm, a serene peace that Corey almost envied. Despite Dawkins' best efforts he'd never been able to truly master the 'fight from peace' philosophy she seemed to find so simple. Her blade took on a violet hue as they continued to fight, just like it had at the shrine. Next, it would produce the energy blasts, but he was of no mind to allow that.

Her speed was definitely impressive, the katana a blur of motion as it clashed with his sword again and again. Despite the danger, Corey found himself enjoying the fight. It had been a long time since he'd had an opponent even remotely capable of keeping up with him and he'd almost forgotten the thrill of crossing swords with someone. But there were other considerations, noise especially. We're causing a hell of a commotion right now!

"How are you…?"

She was clearly puzzled by her inability to damage his sword, obviously used to ending things quickly, and indeed it was time to bring their fight to a close. If this goes on any longer we'll definitely be discovered. He channeled Selene's divine power into Justiciar, rewarded as it shone a brilliant white…and cut right through her katana with a single, powerful cut.

Megumi stared down at her severed blade as half of it hit the floor with a dull 'tink'. "That's not-"

Corey gave her no time to recover, extending his hand towards her and forming his shield. He used it to push her back against the wall and hold her there, a similar trick to one he'd used on a boundaries-challenged group of Sailor Senshi at one time. But there was no playfulness to it this time; he meant business.

"Don't hurt her," Rinjirou said firmly, coming up behind him.

"I wasn't planning on it," he retorted. "Not unless she makes me." It was an empty threat, but she didn't know that. If I can just get her to give up Thorn...

Unfortunately, Megumi didn't look much like cooperating. She struggled in vain against the invisible force holding her in place, directing a defiant glare his way. "You may as well kill me. I won't talk."

Corey had to at least try. He didn't like relying on backup plans. "I don't care about you, the rest of your Order, or even Thorn. All I want is the girl. Tell me where she is."

She stared back at him furiously but maintained her vow of silence.

"Please, Megumi," Rinjirou said, stopping just short of reaching for her. "Thorn is provoking a war! If the Senshi should come here seeking the girl, a lot of Paladins are going to die. Believe what you will but I haven't joined them, I just don't want to see old friends struck down needlessly."

"Unlike some, a loyal Paladin would gladly to give their life for the Black."

"Nobody has to die!" Corey countered, leaning in closer. "Can't you see that?!"

"Is your Princess going to renounce her ambitions on Earth?" Megumi asked, finally giving up on her futile struggle and leaning back against the wall. "Will she swear it? And how can we trust her to keep to her word?"

"You're not listening-"

Rinjirou decided to switch tactics. "The Watchful Eye murdered my mother when she refused to join them, then my father for seeking the truth. Thorn gave the order, Megumi, I saw the files for myself! The girl I grew up with can't possibly think that's right. She'd know it's wrong. She'd see Thorn's wrong!"

At long last, a crack appeared in her stony façade. "There are things I don't like about them, true, but the Eye is necessary, Rin. Ask yourself how the Order could allow itself to be undone by a single, mad Paladin, or exposed for all the world and the Senshi to see? How would they be received?"

"Not well…" he admitted reluctantly. "We've done things over the years…terrible things…"

"Exactly." Megumi shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry for what happened to you, Rin, so sorry that you lost your parents that way…but sacrifices must be made for the greater good." Her expression dulled briefly, as if she were lost in though. "You and I won't be the last to lose people for the cause."

"The greater good?!" Rinjirou sputtered. "Megumi, you-"

"I've come to accept my hands will be stained with blood by the end of all this," she whispered, "And I make that sacrifice gladly. As long as the mission is complete and the Earth is safe…I can handle the guilt."

Corey withdrew in disgust, finally allowing his shield to drop. It was all so twisted; killing people was alright as long as it was done for some all-encompassing 'greater good'? How can anyone come to see the world like that?

Her eyes snapped back to him, any trace of emotion save for anger gone. "Kill me, or begone. I have duties."

The borrowed mask he wore felt like an uncomfortable barrier. Corey wanted her to see the disgust he felt, hear it in his voice. He leaned in close and thrust a finger towards her face for emphasis. "Give Thorn a message. Tell him I'm coming for the girl. Whatever it takes."

Rinjirou appeared shaken, and definitely sombre. "Megumi, I-"

"Just get out of here, Rin," she muttered, unwilling or unable to meet his gaze. "I'm sick of looking at you."

Corey decided to oblige her and, after a brief nod, dropped a hand on Rinjirou's shoulder to blink them away.

"Anything, Ami?" Minako was practically perched atop her friend's chair, she was so close. "Tell me you've figured out a way to track Corey!"

"Like I told you the last time you asked me," the blue-haired girl muttered testily, glancing down at her watch, "three minutes ago, I'm working as fast as I can!"

Artemis nuzzled her cheek from her shoulder. "Come on, Mina, let her work. I know you're worried but you're not helping."

"Okay, okay…" The energetic blonde nodded reluctantly and began pacing the floor of the command centre instead. "I just…Corey's tough but even he can't stand up to that monster on his own!"

"I know," the cat said, ever the voice of reason. "Ami will find him. She just needs a little more time...and some quiet."

Setsuna's revelation that High Seeker Thorn was Chaos was utterly terrifying to Minako. A possessed Galaxia had wiped out the Inner Senshi in a matter of seconds, and the man she loved was probably staring down that same beast all alone. Oh, Corey…why did you have to run off like this? Why couldn't you just be patient?

Usagi appeared to be asking herself the same question, sitting quietly in the corner with Mamoru. "I caused this, didn't I? I drove him away, and now he's going to…to…"

"Shhh," he said, gently stroking her hair. "Thinking like that doesn't help anyone. Ami's going to find Corey, and we will get to him in time. You'll see."

Minako had waited long enough. She whirled about with such force that Artemis barely held on, his claws digging into her dress instinctively as he yowled in fright.

"Mina!"

She ignored him, stomping over to Ami again. "Anything?!"

An irritable sigh was her first answer. "Tracking Corey's teleports is no easy feat. The linear fractal of the waveform is-"

Minako raised her hands in annoyance. "Less griping, more typing!"

AN: Nothing much to see here, for this is only Part One. Please continue on to Part Two at your leisure...where the Japanese themed titles make a return.