Chapter Five
The Pact
At last, the Earth party's stay on the Moon was drawing to a close. Serenity and Endymion, of course, wanted to spend the last few days in each other's company, which suited everyone just fine—everyone, that is, except for Zoisite. As he watched his fellow Earthlings grow more and more comfortable in the Moon Kingdom, he became discouraged, and his mood darkened. He was beginning to wonder if he was the only one who was immune to the spells these witches cast. But then, of course, he was forced to remember Princess Minako's bare shoulders and the impact they'd had on him, which only left him feeling more bitter.
The effects of a mere few weeks in this accursed place were proving to be devastating. Jadeite was, at the moment, watching enthusiastically as Princess Makoto demonstrated to him how to make some frozen confection she called "ice cream." Jadeite had quickly proclaimed it as his 'favorite thing in the known universe,' and had requested that the Princess of Jupiter, as the most skilled cook among the Senshi, teach him how it was made so he could enjoy it at home on Earth. Zoisite shook his head as he watched them. How could Jadeite possibly like a Moon dish so much? he thought in disgust. It's probably a poison of some sort, eating away at him from the inside out.
Zoisite walked onward, trying to leave thoughts of Jadeite behind him. He is but a child, after all, he reasoned. He doesn't fully realize the consequences that interacting with the Moon could have for Master Endymion—for the Earth as a whole.
The others, though—Nephrite and Kunzite—there was no excuse for them. Kuzite had, as of late, been prone to violent mood swings; he'd be incredulously happy, and then switch to being melancholy with almost no warning. There was no talking to the man, it was ridiculous. Kunzite was the leader of the Shitennou, the Prince's most trusted guardians! How could they fulfill their duty to protect the Master with their leader in such a state?
Nephrite, on the other hand...Zoisite couldn't fathom the man's sudden change. He had been as opposed to this trip as I! What could have happened to him to make him behave so differently? Nephrite, typically the loner of the group, had suddenly become uncharacteristically happy and friendly. Zoisite had also noticed that he had been almost inseparable from the Princess of Mercury.
Come to think of it...Kunzite had seemed rather attached to that girl as well. Zoisite froze in his tracks, suddenly realizing that there could be a correlation between her and Kunzite's mood swings. He clenched his fist. Those accursed women will have us at each other's throats! he thought angrily. This is all that Moon woman's fault! If only there was a way to split her and Master Endymion up.
He'd been trying that, though, and it had all been to no avail. He couldn't do this alone, but he had no one left he could turn to.
Before Zoisite had realized it, he was entering an all-too-familiar courtyard. He hadn't even been paying attention to where he was walking; he curse his feet for bringing him back to this place. Already, unwanted memories were resurfacing. Frowning deeply, Zoisite turned to leave, but the sound of an angry voice halted him in his tracks. Quickly, he ducked into the shadows behind one of the large fluted columns, as the Princesses Serenity and Minako entered the courtyard.
"Princess, how many times must I tell you that this cannot continue? Those Earthlings pose nothing but trouble!" Minako was saying, trying to keep her anger in check.
"How many times must I tell you?" Serenity replied tersely, her tone uncharacteristically cold. "Endymion and I have already made our decision."
"But, Your Majesty, it could lead the Moon Kingdom to ruin!" Minako vehemently protested.
"It won't!" Serenity argued. "Why can't you let your prejudices go like the others, and just accept that I've found happiness?"
"You are the Princess," Minako snapped. "It is your responsibility to do what's best for your people, not for yourself!" Minako couldn't believe her own forwardness, but she realized that she could no longer afford propriety.
"That's all you see me as, isn't it?" Serenity asked tonelessly. "The Princess. Not a person. Not as your friend. Not as myself." The courtyard remained silent for a moment, then Serenity burst out, "That's all anyone sees! No one treats me like a human being! No one but Endymion. He sees me for me. He loves me for who I am! Why don't you think about that every time you try to destroy our happiness?" With that, Serenity stormed out of the courtyard, leaving Minako staring after her.
"You don't understand," Minako said to the empty air, unaware that she was being watched. "It's my duty to protect you, and the subjects of our Kingdom. But how am I to fulfill my mission if you won't listen to me when I say a union between the Earth and the Moon could never exist?" Sighing, she sat on the fountain's edge. "The other Senshi are no help whatsoever, either. How far can I get alone?"
Zoisite listened intently, his brows furrowed. She and I are both thinking the same thing, he thought. As much as I'd hate it... He inhaled, pondering it long and hard. There's no other alternative, he decided at last. Purposefully, he stepped out from the shadows. "Venus," he said.
Minako's head shot up, her eyes wide. "You!" she snarled, leaping to her feet.
"Relax. I haven't come to fight this time," he said, walking towards her. "I need to talk to you, as a fellow guardian."
Minako halted in confusion. "A...fellow guardian?"
"Yes," Zoisite said. "Our differences are clear, but I have come to realize that we have one problem in common. A certain matter about the two we protect, and their refusal to accept that they cannot be together."
"Oh, I see," Minako said, nodding, her eyes following his every movement, a look of apprehension clear on her face.
"I have reasoned with Master Endymion endlessly, but to no avail," Zoisite continued, stepping closer to her. "And I see that you're having the same trouble with Princess Serenity."
"Have you been spying on me?" Minako demanded.
"Would you deny what I say?" Zoisite countered, sidestepping her accusation.
Minako bit her lip. "No," she replied quietly.
"Very well then." Zoisite continued to pace the courtyard, Minako watching him like a hawk. "I have another idea as to how to separate them, though; but I cannot accomplish it on my own." His blue eyes locked with hers, penetrating her gaze. Minako felt her heart skip a beat, to her own chagrin. "I need your help," Zoisite finished, a softer tone in his voice.
"What do you have in mind?" Minako asked, refusing to commit to anything just yet.
"You and I both know that this can only end disastrously, but our masters refuse to see it," Zoisite said. "But they won't be able to ignore it when the consequences are right before their eyes."
"What are you suggesting?" Minako asked, furrowing her brow. "Are you saying that we should just let them be? We can't risk that!" she protested.
"Of course not," Zoisite replied. "But what if you and I were to pretend to have accepted their relationship, step back a bit, and allow the gravity of the situation that they have involved themselves in to wash over them?"
Minako nodded, beginning to see where he was going with this. "Once they go public with their engagement, they'll have to deal with outrage from the populace. It won't take them long before they see that we were right, that this will never work out," she agreed. "But what do you need me for?"
"When the uprisings start, it could become dangerous for both the Master and the Princess," Zoisite. "I don't know about the state of the Senshi, but the Shitennou have become just about useless. It's our sworn duty to protect our masters...so I promise that I will help protect Princess Serenity, if you will protect Prince Endymion."
"That's it?" Minako asked suspiciously.
Zoisite smiled. "Almost. You also need to swear that you'll go along with this plan no matter what, and that you won't reveal our true intentions to anyone."
"Obviously," Minako said snidely. "And I'm sure you'll swear the same."
"Naturally," Zoisite replied coolly. He held out his hand. "Have we got a deal?"
"Not quite yet," Minako said. "I have one last question." Zoisite looked at her quizzically. "What happens if the outcry isn't strong enough to drive apart the Princess and Endymion?"
"It will be," Zoisite assured her, a meaningful look in his ice-blue eyes. "You and I will make sure of that."
"I see," Minako said. So if the response of the populace isn't strong enough, he plans for us to... help it along. She frowned. This is treasonous, and could be dangerous. She set her jaw. But it's essential. There's no alternative. I have to trust him. She extended her hand and took his. "We have made our pact, before the sacred eyes of the Guardians of the Past. This pact cannot be broken," Minako said solemnly.
"Guardians of the Past?" Zoisite repeated.
Minako gestured to the statues around them. "They are all about us, their eyes eternally watching. The first Princess Serenity's protectors, the current Senshi's ancestors."
Ah, Zoisite thought, arching an eyebrow and looking around. I understand, now, why Venus is here all the time. She looks to her ancestors for guidance. Admirable. He bowed to her. "Well then, I shall take my leave of you, my newfound ally."
"We have made a bargain, but we are not allies," Minako pointed out. "I still shall not let my guard down."
Zoisite nodded, smiling grimly. "The same goes for me as well. Farewell."
He flourished his cape and strode away. Minako watched as he left, her heart pounding irrationally in his wake. I have made a most dangerous bargain, with an arrogant, loathsome, untrustworthy man, she thought in contempt. She inhaled deeply. But it was my last resort. What other alternative do I have?
"So, how's your embroidery going?" Nephrite asked as he and Ami ambled along on their continued tour of the Moon Kingdom. On this day, they were visiting the library, which was said to be a wonder to behold and contained all the knowledge of the Silver Millennium.
Ami blushed, casting her eye along the landscape. "It's going well," she said shyly. She hadn't wanted to tell him, but it was turning out to be one of her best pieces; and she felt in her heart that the reason for this was that she was suddenly finding herself embroidering for someone. Something about having Nephrite in her life made every experience feel new and exciting.
"It's hard to believe that you're leaving so soon," Ami said, changing the subject in a fluster. "This mon th has really flown by, hasn't it?"
Nephrite nodded, frowning internally. In a few more days, he would be back at home on Earth, something which didn't seem as appealing as it had not long ago. It would be as if his stay on the Moon was just a dream... He looked over at Ami, walking slowly beside him. This can't be a dream, he thought. So much has changed this month.
Ami looked at him and smiled wistfully. "Maybe next time, the Senshi will visit the Earth. Then I can see your home," she said brightly.
Nephrite smiled back. "I'd like that," he replied. Nervously, averting her eyes, Ami slipped her small hand into Nephrite's larger, gloved one. She felt her pulse quicken at the contact, but relaxed a bit when he squeezed her hand back.
Ami sighed contentedly. Despite what Minako seems to believe, I know the Princess was wise to bring them here, she thought. The Earth and the Moon people really are more alike than anyone wants to admit. All they need is to learn more about each other, like Nephrite and I did.
"Well, we're here," Ami said a few moments later as she and Nephrite approached a tall building with beautiful architecture. "I've wanted to show you this place for so long!"
"This is your library?" Nephrite asked, staring at the building in awe. "It's huge!"
Ami grinned. "Wait until you get inside!" She pulled him though the double doors and into the massive library. His jaw dropped when he saw the giant bookshelves that stretched the length of the tall walls, stuffed with innumerable books. "This is incredible," Nephrite said after a moment.
Ami's grin grew broader. "Well, of course—it's all the knowledge of the entire Moon Kingdom! Over one thousand years' worth of information, from all eight planets in the alliance!"
For several minutes, Nephrite gazed about himself in wonder. There were more books than he had ever seen, on every subject imaginable. He didn't even know where to begin. Then, a thought struck him. "Ami," he said. "Are there any books about the history of the Moon Kingdom?"
"Of course," she replied. "They're this way." She started to walk in that direction, but Nephrite stopped her.
"What about books that discuss the Moon Kingdom's relations with the Earth?" he inquired.
Ami pursed her lips. "That's a bit of a taboo subject," she said. "But I'm sure some of the older volumes might mention it. Why?"
Nephrite glanced around and stepped closer to her. "I have an idea," he said in a low voice. "What if we figured out what caused the rift? If we could determine that, we might be able to find a way to help the Master and the Princess resolve the differences between the Earth and the Moon."
Ami's eyes widened in understanding. "That's a great idea, Nephrite," she agreed. "The first step in solving a dispute is usually to figure out how it started."
Nephrite nodded. "So then, it's decided?"
Ami grinned. "What are we waiting for?"
Unfortunately, finding any books of value to their cause was proving to be more difficult than they'd anticipated. Ami and Nephrite spent hours combing every book they could find on the history of the Moon Kingdom, but every one skipped over why the Earth had refrained from joining the alliance, and what had caused the rift between the two worlds.
"What I don't understand is why the animosity is so strong if no one even knows why it happened," Nephrite commented as the two discouragedly left the library.
"It was probably something really silly," Ami replied. "People tend to hold onto their irrational prejudices just because they fear change so much. They can be so stubborn!"
Stubborn, huh? Nephrite thought off-handedly. I know only too well what that's like. It's just amazing that Ami was able to get past that. She's so... he sighed. I don't know. She softens that part of me, somehow.
"The bigger question is, why is there no record whatsoever? I can't believe that there's no record of interaction with the Earth at all. It's like they want us to think that the Earth doesn't exist at all!" Ami was continuing.
Nephrite scoffed. "Well, I don't see how they could have thought that was possible," he said, gesturing to the glowing blue orb hovering in the sky. "I mean really, didn't they think people were going to notice that hanging in front of their faces?"
"'They'," Am I said quietly.
"Huh?"
"We keep saying 'they.' 'They' don't want us to know what happened. 'They' want to pretend the Earth's not there. Who are 'they'? I think that's the first step in figuring out what's going on here." Nephrite stared at her, not quite sure where she was going with this. "'They' certainly aren't the Princess or Endymion; they want peace. So 'they' must have been someone earlier on."
"One of the earlier rulers," Nephrite reasoned. "Maybe they censored the histories, trying to 'protect' the people?"
"That seems most likely," Ami agreed. "So the question is, have the true histories been completely eradicated? Or did one of the Queens of the past simply remove them from the public libraries?"
Nephrite nodded in comprehension. "Things that 'they' don't want to commoners to know might be more appropriate for the eyes of royalty. There might be some old records in the Palace that Serenity doesn't know about that would have the answer."
"Exactly. It's worth a try, anyway!" Ami exclaimed. "I'll ask Serenity if she will let me take a look around the Palace."
"If you're looking through the records in the Moon Palace, then I'll look in the Earth Palace," Nephrite said. "But let's try to keep what we're doing a secret as best we can."
Ami frowned. "Why?"
Nphrite looked away uncomfortably. "Just in case...someone tries to stop us."
"I see," Ami softly said, looking down. She didn't want to admit it, but it was a possibility. Particularly if Minako were the one to find out. "Very well. We'll keep it a secret, and report on our progress to each other when we meet again."
When we meet again. Nephrite smiled. Well, at least with a mission on his hands, perhaps the waiting would be more bearable.
Kunzite walked briskly down the breezeway, trying to keep the discomfort he was feeling internally from showing on his face. But try as he might, he simply could not rid himself of the pain that had been growing inside him since the night he had seen Ami with Nephrite. He had seen them together often since then, Nephrite always wearing a bashful grin, Ami smiling up at him cheerfully. Kunzite found that if he closed his eyes, he could imagine that she was smiling at him.
He shook his head. This was between them, and he knew better than to let jealousy overcome him. Nephrite was his comrade, his friend. But still...
"You've made your choice, Ami. Only you can make it," he said quietly, his voice shaking a bit, "But I wish that you had chosen differently."
He looked up and saw Princess Rei of Mars standing a few feet in front of him in the breezeway. "Kunzite," she softly said.
"Good afternoon, Princess," Kunzite replied abruptly, hoping that she had not heard what he had spoken aloud moments before. Deciding that he did not wish to find out, he brushed past her and continued on his way.
Rei watched him go silently, and then turned to look out over the landscape pensively. "Ami," she whispered. "You would never deliberately hurt anyone..." She glanced once more in the direction Kunzite had gone, then set her jaw resolutely. "I'd better have a word with her. I wonder if she realizes what she has done."
Nephrite was sitting in the shade of one of the orchard's many fruit trees as the afternoon sun drifted through the leaves. Of all the beautiful places in the Moon Kingdom, he had decided this was his favorite. He loved the peace and quiet, the earthy smell of the trees that made him feel like he was home...of course, the fact that this is where he met Ami probably also had something to do with it. He blushed embarrassedly.
Fortunately, Nephrite's thoughts were interrupted just then by a cheerful call. He looked up to see Ami making her way towards him, carrying a basket. "I took a quick look through the library in the Palace," she said as she arranged her skirts and sat down next to Nephrite under the tree. She pulled a worn, nondescript-looking book out of the basket and showed it to him. "This book looked as though it might have a clue, but as you can see..." She opened the book and indicated the seam; the remnants of pages that had been ripped out were still visible.
"I had a feeling that might have happened," Nephrite said, nodding. "If there's anything to be found, it will have to be in the Master's or the Princess's private records."
"Mmm," Ami mumbled her acknowledgment. Sighing, she scooted closer to Nephrite and rested her head wearily on his shoulder. Nephrite's heart skipped a beat, and he nervously put his arm around her. Ami closed her eyes and snuggled closer, and Nephrite felt as though he were glowing inside.
They remained so for a few moments, until the sound of approaching footsteps snapped them from their reveries. Ami opened her eyes and saw Rei standing before her. Startled, she moved quickly away from Nephrite. "Rei...what's the matter?"
"Nothing," Rei said. "I just need to talk to you for a minute. In private."
Ami nodded and got to her feet. She gave Nephrite an apologetic wave and followed Rei away from the shady tree. When they were sufficiently out of earshot, Rei spoke.
"You and Nephrite seem to be getting along well," she said awkwardly, unsure of how to broach the topic.
"Yes," Ami agreed, blushing. "We are."
Rei smiled tentatively. "That's good...but...I was wondering if you had noticed what kind of effect that might be having on Kunzite."
"Kunzite?" Ami repeated, looking confused. "What do you mean? How would it be affecting him?"
Rei bit her lip. Ami was making this difficult. Could she truly have not noticed? "Well," she said, "Kunzite's been acting a bit...distant recently...and I was thinking it might have something to do with your relationship with Nephrite."
Ami was taken aback. "Rei...you don't think that Kunzite likes me that way, do you?" she giggled.
"What's so funny?" Rei inquired.
"I'm sorry," Ami said, trying to stifle her smile. "But Kunzite and I are just friends. Truly! He's like an older brother to me. There's no attraction between us, I promise."
Rei frowned. "I'm not so sure, Ami," she said.
Ami grinned. "Well, you should be," she assured her. "I'm positive. Kunzite may be a little preoccupied worrying about the return to Earth, for his Master's safety. We all know we have to be ready for a backlash when the people of Earth learn about Endymion's relationship with the Princess. I'm sure that's all it is!"
Rei looked down. "If you say so..." she said. She looked up and gave Ami a weak smile. "Yeah, I'm sure that all it is." They stood awkwardly for a moment, and then Rei added, "Well, I won't keep Nephrite waiting anymore. I'm sure he's wondering where you went." With that, she turned and left Ami.
She may be right... Rei thought as she walked away. But still...I know what I saw. I know what I sensed. Kunzite... are you really okay with this?
"I can't believe that you're leaving tomorrow," Princess Serenity said glumly as she and Endymion strolled through the gardens. "This month has flown by."
"It has," Endymion agreed. He looked at her encouragingly. "But cheer up! We'll be together again soon." Serenity forced a small smile, and Endymion continued, "Next time, you and the Senshi will have to visit us on Earth."
Serenity laughed at that. "I'd like that," she said. "I think the others would, too...except for Mina..." She trailed off, her eyes widening. "Endymion, look!" She pointed.
Endymion looked in the direction Serenity was gesturing in, and blinked in surprise. "Is that who I think it is?"
Sure enough, further down the path and heading their way, were none other than Zoisite and Princess Minako—together.
"I don't believe it," Serenity said, shocked.
"They've spotted us," Zoisite said in a low voice. "Remember, don't spoil it."
"You don't have to remind me," Minako snapped under her breath. She cast him a sideways glance, noticing his close proximity to her. She felt her heart skip a beat in spite of herself. "And keep your distance," she warned.
"If I keep too much of a distance, they'll be suspicious," Zoisite pointed out.
"I know that!" Minako whispered sharply. "Just...keep your distance casually."
Zoisite rolled his eyes, but he could see her point nonetheless. As frustrating as it was to him, being close to her was intoxicating. He couldn't allow himself to fall victim; he was the Shitennou's last hope.
Serenity and Endymion were almost upon them. "Remember Venus—act natural," he warned under his breath. Minako shot him a glare, but did not have time to respond.
"Zoisite, Princess Minako, do my eyes deceive me?" Endymion asked. "I never thought I'd see the two of you together."
Zoisite forced a smile. "Well, Master, we decided that there really was no point for us to continue our animosity towards each other. There's no dissuading you and the Princess, it would seem, so we'd might as well make the best of it."
Zoisite's words grated on Minako's very soul. The very notion of an alliance with this man was repulsive to her, yet here she was in that very position. She suddenly felt ill, but hid her feelings with grace. I must cope with it, she reminded herself, for the good of the mission.
Princess Serenity smiled confusedly. "That is good news," she admitted. "But..." She trailed off.
"Yes, my Princess?" Minako inquired evenly.
Serenity shook her head. "It's nothing," she said. It's just that...they were both so adamant that Endymion and I be separated. It's so hard to believe that they managed to change their minds and resolve their differences so quickly! The Princess then reminded herself of Nephrite and Ami; and of how striking a couple Zoisite and Minako had made when they'd performed. She smiled brightly to herself. Well, maybe it's not too hard to hope for.
With that pleasant thought in her mind, the Princess continued on her way with Endymion, leaving Zoisite and Minako to watch them go. The two remained silent until the royal couple were safely out of earshot. Then Minako turned to Zoisite and whispered, "Do you think they believed it?"
"It's hard to say," Zoisite murmured, his blue eyes moving to meet hers. "But if we keep this up, they're sure to." Hopefully "keeping it up" wouldn't prove to be too problematic...
"So then," Minako began awkwardly. "What shall we do now?"
"We need to be seen by the others, get everyone accustomed to the idea that we've truly accepted the Princess and the Master...and each other," he added grudgingly. "We need to go someplace public enough that people will see us together, but private enough that no one will overhear what we're saying to each other."
Minako nodded. "I have an idea." She led him back towards the entrance to the gardens and stepped off the path in a grassy area in clear view of the palace. "This should be suitable," she announced, arranging her skirts and seating herself in the grass. "Almost everyone in the palace passes by here at least once a day."
"If you say so," Zoisite smirked, flourishing his cape and sitting next to her. In reality, he agreed that this place was more than suitable, but he felt like being contrary. Something about Venus did that to him.
Minako scowled at him, but remained silent. Zoisite watched her face as she stared at nothing, her scowl softening into a cute pout. He smiled despite himself, and closed his eyes, feeling the sun warm his skin.
"What are we supposed to talk about?" Minako asked, breaking the silence.
"Anything, really," Zoisite said, not opening his eyes. "Just as long as we continue the charade of being friends for anyone who might be watching."
"Right..." Minako said softly. She still felt very bad about deceiving the Princess like this. It went against everything she had dedicated her life to. But everything I'm doing is for her sake, she reminded herself. Uncomfortably, she shifted from her sitting position to sprawl out on her side, looking down at a blade of grass. I wish the Princess had never met Endymion. Then I wouldn't be in this situation, and our world would not be in jeopardy.
Zoisite chanced to open his eyes and glance over at her, and instantly regretted it. Minako was lounging like a cat, sprawled relaxedly across the grass. One of the thin straps of her dress had slipped off her shoulder, revealing more of her bare skin. He swallowed hard.
Minako turned her head. "What?" she asked. The spell was broken, and Zoisite chastised himself for thinking about her that way again. It was involuntary, almost natural, every time he was close to her.
"Venus, I must make a request of you," Zoisite said, his voice as level as he could manage. "I'd ask that, in the future, you try to dress more conservatively. The way you are now, you look like a hussy."
Minako's eyes bulged with anger. "What?" she exploded. "How DARE you!" Zoisite winced, lifting a finger to his lips. Minako looked around, noticing that some passing courtiers were staring at them. She smiled nonchalantly at them, then turned back to Zoisite and whispered furiously, "How I choose to dress is none of your affair! Why does my attire concern you so much, anyway?"
Zoisite found he couldn't provide a logical answer for that. "It just...bothers me," he stammered. I sound like a fool, he thought bitterly.
Minako furrowed her brows angrily. She was insulted at the remark he had made about the way she was dressed, of course; but more infuriatingly, she had just moments before been thinking to herself how handsome he looked sitting there in the sunlight. Handsome? That arrogant pig? How could I have even considered such a thing? I must be feverish. She adjusted the strap of her gown. I do not dress like a hussy! ...Do I?
The two sat in silence for several moments more. Zoisite felt inexplicably guilty. Venus had taken extreme offense to his words; but still, if he was going to be forced to be in close quarters with her for an indefinite period, she needed to cover herself up more. Otherwise, how else could he be expected to concentrate?
At last, Minako turned her head and looked at him. "So, what will we do next?" she asked, opting to change the subject.
"Watch and wait, I suppose," Zoisite said. "Once everyone had accepted 'us,' it won't look suspicious when we make our next move."
You have no idea what you're doing, Minako thought sourly. You're just making it up as you go. She frowned. Not that I'm any better. I don't like it, not one bit. Aloud, she said, "Just as long as the Princess doesn't get hurt."
"I will make sure of that," Zoisite reassured her. Minako was taken aback by the tone in his voice. It sounded almost...friendly. Before she had time to consider that, Zoisite got to his feet and said, "I think that's enough for today."
Minako blinked and stared up at him. "Already? We've only been sitting here for ten minutes! Do you really think enough people saw us?"
"The important people saw us," he said hastily, taking her hand and helping her to her feet. He just needed to get away from her. He couldn't stomach how emotional he was becoming in her presence.
"Um, Zoisite?" Minako said. "You can let go of my hand now." Startled, he looked down and saw that his gloved hand was still clutching hers. He dropped it quickly, his face hot. "My apologies," he said, turning on his heel and striding swiftly away, muttering incomprehensibly to himself.
Minako watched him go, then returned to her own quarters in silent confusion. Once safely inside the confinement of her apartment, she sighed, smoothing her skirt, and looked into the mirror hanging on the wall of her parlor. Do I really dress like a hussy? she thought in despair. She fingered her thin straps; suddenly, she felt her eyes stinging. Ignore him, she thought. He's just trying to get to you. She looked back at her reflection. And succeeding.
The next day, Serenity and her court were bidding Endymion and the Shitennou farewell. As Serenity and Endymion lingered in each other's arms, Zoisite caught Minako's eye. They nodded cordially at one another, but said nothing aloud.
Ami approached Kunzite, smiling broadly. "Goodbye, my friend," she said, hugging him warmly. "I shall miss you!" Kunzite closed his eyes, deeply inhaling her scent and trying to make this moment last as long as he could. For this moment, she was his alone. "My thoughts shall never leave you," he told her softly.
A moment later, it was over; Ami pulled away from the embrace, flashing him one last dazzling smile and turning to Nephrite, who had been watching with a slightly irked expression. However, when Nephrite's eyes met hers, he felt any semblance of jealousy melt away. Her gaze was open, and reflected feelings only for him. How could he be envious of Kunzite's friendship with her when he had so much more?
"Well...goodbye, Nephrite," Ami murmured awkwardly.
"I'll see you soon, Ami," he replied, gently squeezing her hand. Blushing furiously, Ami turned to rejoin the Senshi.
"That's it?" Jadeite whispered to Nephrite in surprise. "I was expecting something like..." He gestured to Serenity and Endymion.
"I don't know where you would have gotten that idea," Nephrite said, coloring and looking away. That was last night, he added internally, smiling surreptitiously. Jadeite rolled his eyes and poked the redheaded general in the ribs, chuckling jovially.
Rei watched Kunzite from the corner of her eye. The Shitennou's leader was looking from Nephrite to Ami, his gaze unreadable. She could sense the jealousy and pain emanating from Kunzite's form, read the animosity building inside him towards Nephrite as clear as day. Ami claimed he just thought of her as a friend...how could she not see this?
Trying to block it out of her mind, she turned her attention to Minako, who was standing to Makoto's left. To her surprise, Minako and Zoisite's gazes were fixed on each other. Rei could sense an intense aura emanating from them, but found she couldn't read its nature. She bit her lip. My spiritual powers sometimes feel like a curse, not a blessing, she thought in frustration. Ever since the Earthlings had first arrived in the Moon Kingdom, everyone had been behaving strangely, although no one would admit to it. She cast a glance towards Makoto, the only one who seemed to be unaffected. Rei would need to talk to her about this as soon as she got a free moment...
Rei did not have time to ponder this further, as, at long last, Serenity and Endymion pulled apart. "I shall miss you, my love," Serenity said sadly.
"As will I, you," Endymion replied. He smiled half-heartedly. "We'll be together again soon, though."
Serenity smiled back. "We will," she said. The Princess stepped back, looking to the Senshi in their formation around her. They extended their arms, and a warm light began to emanate from their hands. The light grew brighter and brighter until, in a flash of brilliance, the Earth men disappeared.
Beryl sat alone on a bench in one of the more remote gardens adjacent to the Earth Palace. She sighed in a melancholy tone. "I wish Endymion would return," she said to no one in particular. "Every day, I come here, and all anyone can tell me is that he isn't back yet." Sighing again, she flopped back onto the bench, her hair cascading around her like a pillow. "Where could he have gone without anyone knowing about it?" she wondered aloud. And why didn't he tell me that he was leaving?
She lay there in silence several moments more, staring up at the sky, the wind blowing over her, rustling her skirts and tugging at her hair. Suddenly, the sky lit up with a brilliant flash, exploding from the moon above. It lasted only a split second, but Beryl abruptly sat up, startled. She looked around, but nothing seemed to be out of order. "What was that?" she asked the air. "I couldn't have imagined that! And it came from the Moon..."
Swiftly, Beryl rose to her feet and headed towards the Earth Palace.
Zoisite opened his eyes and inhaled deeply. At last, they were home on Earth. He was gratedul to leave that hateful Moon Kingdom behind, though he knew he would not be able to forget about it for long.
"Well, we're home," Endymion said, smiling at his comrades.
"Yeah," Jadeite said softly. "I miss the ice cream already." Endymion and Nephrite laughed; even Zoisite allowed a small smile, but Kunzite, seeming distracted, merely scowled.
"We may as well get back to the Palace and see what we missed while we were gone," Endymion said, not noticing Kunzite's preoccupation. The quicker he got back to his duties, the less his mind would wander to Serenity, and their separation would feel less painful.
The five began to stride across the field towards the Palace. Kunzite walked at a quickened pace, still scowling. Zoisite, at Endymion's side, frowned. We may be home, but it looks as though the problems from the Moon Kingdom has followed us back to Earth. I was right; Serenity and Master Endymion's marriage will bring nothing but disunion and ruin. He sighed. I shall have to remain faithful to my bargain with Venus after all.
Kunzite irritably turned to Nephrite and Jadeite, who were walking a few feet behind the others, immersed in conversation. "Nephrite, Jadeite, don't lag behind," he snapped.
Nephrite looked up at Kunzite in surprise, unaccustomed to being spoken to this way by his leader. "We were just talking," he said.
"Your 'talking' is holding the group back," Kunzite replied curtly.
"Kunzite!" Endymion said in surprise, but the dark-haired general had already turned and stalked off.
"What's his problem?" Jadeite grumbled.
Zoisite grimaced. We are already falling apart, he thought in disgust. How much longer will we hold out before it all comes to ruin?
Just then, the men heard a voice call, "Endymion!" They turned to see a young woman with long red-brown hair waving to them.
"Beryl," Endymion acknowledged as she hurried towards them. The three remaining Shitennou bowed politely at the noblewoman.
Beryl smiled when she reached them. "Endymion, I have missed you!" she exclaimed. "You didn't tell me that you were going away."
Endymion smiled halfheartedly. "Yes, well..." He shrugged.
Beryl's face fell a tad. "Oh..." She smiled anew, changing the subject. "Where have you been, my lord?"
"I'm afraid my location must, for the moment, remain confidential," Endymion replied.
"You couldn't make an exception, even for an old friend like me?" Beryl prodded.
"I'd love to tell you all about, Beryl, but I simply haven't the time," Endymion said. "Zoisite and I have some urgent business to attend to." He gestured to the silver-haired man, and the two quickly made their escape with Nephrite following quickly behind, leaving Beryl staring after them.
"My deepest apologies on behalf of the Master, Lady Beryl," Jadeite spoke up. Beryl jumped; she hadn't noticed the youngest of the Shitennou at her side.
"It's all right, Jadeite," Beryl said, forcing a small smile. "I could see that his majesty was preoccupied." Sighing a bit, she fell in step with the young man, and they made their way back towards the Palace at a leisurely place.
"How have you been in our absence, Lady Beryl?" Jadeite inquired, his face tinged lightly pink.
"Dismally bored," Beryl said with a small pout. "Can you tell me where you all have been?"
"I'm afraid not," Jadeite replied. Seeing her crestfallen expression, he quickly added, "Rest assured, my lady, you will not have to be in suspense much longer. I believe Master Endymion is planning to make a public announcement regarding the matter in the near future."
"I see," Beryl sais, nodding. What is Endymion up to? she wondered in frustration. Not knowing was deeply bothering her. Still, it was obvious that she would learn nothing else of importance today. "I'll see you later, Jadeite," she said distractedly, heading on her way.
Jadeite watched her go, then hastened towards the Palace. He found Nephrite standing at the top of the steps, waiting for him. "I see our stay on the Moon has done nothing to quell your crush on Lady Beryl," he said teasingly.
Jadeite's already pink cheeks flushed to a deep shade of red. "You're full of it," he protested, climbing the steps two at a time.
"Am I really?" Nephrite mocked, falling into step beside him.
Jadeite looked down, his face burning. "Well, it doesn't really matter, does it? She's in love with Master Endymion."
"Yes, but Master Endymion is not in love with her," Nephrite pointed out.
Jadeite shook his head. "But why should she choose me over the Prince? I have nothing to offer her."
Nephrite stopped in his tracks and looked seriously at his friend. "I don't think that's the case, Jadeite," he said, all tone of joking gone from his voice. "You have a lot to offer Beryl. You just have to find the courage to show her."
Jadeite's jaw dropped slightly. "Wow, Nephrite...I've never heard you say anything like that before," he said. "What has Sailor Mercury done to you?"
It was Nephrite's turn to blush now. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Jadeite stared at him a moment, then burst out laughing. Nephrite soon followed suit, and the two, chuckling jovially, continued on their way into the Palace.