Disclaimer: Do not own either "Fist of the North Star" or "Sailor Moon."
Author's Note: People, let's face it. This is not the most popular cross-over. In fact, if I wanted a really popular cross-over, I would write Sailor Moon with either Ranma, DBZ or Naruto. But c'mon. Give me a little love here. Make me happy...review please? :)
Anyway, enjoy the next chapter.
Nephrite trembled under Queen Beryl's livid eyes as he stood there, ready to give his report once more.
More like begging for my life. I am still not sure if the Queen will even let me live after this embarrassing debacle.
"Nephrite you disappoint me. Not only have you failed in killing the vigilante when she was alone but you also managed to get yourself severely injured. Tell me Nephrite, how are you of use to me when you are missing one arm?" asked Queen Beryl furiously.
"M-My queen, I may have a use for you yet! I only beg that you bring me to full strength. Restore my arm to its proper-"
"DO YOU HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE THE RESOURCES TO DO THAT?" roared Queen Beryl as she, once again, completely lost it as she stood up, making Nephrite fall down and land on his behind.
Queen Beryl could not believe that Nephrite had asked that of her. The amount of energy necessary to replace a missing limb from a General like himself was monumental. Any progress that the long haired general had made would be gone in an instant.
"M-My lady, please reconsider. I know that I can kill those vigilantes. I was caught off guard was all." trembled Nephrite.
The monarch had remained silent as she seemed to ponder over Nephrite's words.
I would have thought that Nephrite would have been far more capable than this but it seems that I was wrong. Despite being considerably stronger than Jedite his production was nowhere near that of his predecessor. Not only that but it seems that despite his strength he still has problems disposing of these vigilantes, just as Jedite did. Nephrite is starting to become a liability. Perhaps I should give him this one last chance. If he fails then I will withdraw him from this assignment and have Zoicite take over operations. And if Nephrite dies in battle...well...well...no use crying over weaklings!
At once Queen Beryl stared hard at Nephrite, frightening the general. She walked off her throne and proceeded to make her way to Nephrite before placing her hands on Nephrite's shoulder where his arm had been hacked off and proceeded to draw upon her power.
The auburn haired man was surprised to see the queen this close to his person and even more so at her being in physical contact with him. He had only ever seen her from afar, where she was cruel, powerful, larger than life.
Up close he noticed that she was shorter than he was. Not only that but he noticed that her face, as cruel and immovable as stone when angered, was lined with worry and stress as she was working on his arm.
He could not help but notice that the queen was so small and, dare he say, fragile.
However he knew that looks were all but deceiving. She was powerful, frighteningly so. Even Malechite, the most powerful and capable of all the generals, was no match for her.
And the power wafting from the queen's red aura reminded Nephrite of his place. Physically he was about a foot taller than her. But in terms of innate power, he was but a roach compared to an elephant.
Nephrite's musings were cut short as he suddenly fell down to his knees and started to roar in pain. The stump where his arm used to be started to throb violently. Nephrite gritted his teeth and watched with awestruck horror as a mass of bone and flesh suddenly emerged from where was nothing.
The pain soon subsided and Nephrite knelt there, gasping.
"It will take about a few minutes for your body to reacquaint with its new arm." said Queen Beryl rather solemnly as she turned her back on Nephrite.
"M-My Queen?"
"I have faith that you will come out victorious. Your strength is admirable and we need your power despite your shortcomings. I ask you Nephrite that you don't fail me." said Queen Beryl, now her voice lowered, subdued.
Nephrite was surprised at how mellow the queen sounded.
What is wrong with her? Never have I seen her this subdued before. Is there something that I am not aware of that she is hiding from us? I wonder...I must peer into the stars to know the truth.
"I am honored that you have given me this opportunity. I swear that I won't fail." said Nephrite as he rose to his feet, his body now feeling more powerful than ever.
Queen Beryl watched as her general soon teleported away, leaving her alone. She then made her way back to her throne where she took her seat and started to peer into her crystal ball. She re watched the battles between Jedite and the three girls, then Nephrite's battle with the blond.
These vigilantes are a grave threat to our plans. Never did I believe that there were humans capable of fighting my generals on even footing. I cannot afford anymore losses. What we need is the Imperium Crystal. With that our victory is guaranteed but should our enemies grab hold of it we'll be annihilated.
The Queen looked over to the far side of the hall. She seemed to be looking into a dark chamber and her face frowned.
Queen Metallia, what would you do at a time like this?
Nephrite teleported over to his mansion on Earth. He soon got work immediately as he summoned the great star chart and started to ponder his next course of action.
I know that Queen Beryl is hiding something from me. We have been strapped for resources as of late and the energy that Jedite had managed to acquire for us has now but all run out. Why is the Queen continuing this seemingly useless venture of conquering the Earth when we are still so weak? There HAS to be an answer.
"Stars in Heaven, those who watch over our Fates listen to plea with open ears. What is my Queen hiding from me...from us? Why do we continue this seemingly pointless mission to conquer Earth?" asked Nephrite.
The stars glimmered brightly as the soon orbited around Nephrite's body. The display was quite brilliant but Nephrite frowned in disappointment.
I see. So the stars don't have the answers. Perhaps I can consult HIM but I'm not sure that he'll answer my summons, especially after my last failure. I am more than sure that he is furious with me for that little slip up but I don't have a choice if I want answers. If anyone will know anything it will surely be him.
"Leo I call upon you, wise as you are fierce, all knowing and ever powerful! I beg that you hear my summons!" roared Nephrite.
The stars around him soon started to move about the artificial void created in Nephrite's mansion. They rotated around each other fiercely before forming a shape. The shape soon sprung to life and jumped out of the void. A great roar was heard that shook the foundations of Nephrite's mansion and put the auburn haired general on edge.
Before Nephrite was a lion. Like Regulus before him, Leo was gigantic, at least five feet at the shoulder with piercing, yellow eyes that sought devour all within its sight. Unlike Regulus, Leo was entirely white with a silver mane that extended nearly towards the middle of his back. He was quite impressive.
And also quite angry at Nephrite, whom he bore his fangs against.
"Nephrite! How very insolent of you to summon me after sending my younger brother to his death. Your reason had better be good or you'll find your guts on the ground." threatened Leo, who was clearly not happy with Nephrite at the moment.
The general had to really keep himself composed. Leo was stronger than Regulus and far more fierce. Any hint of fear would result in his death.
"Indeed the situation is worthy of your attention my good Leo. I have come for counsel. Perhaps you could help me?" asked Nephrite politely.
The lion roared loudly at the request and it seemed like he would pounce. Fortunately for Nephrite, Leo held back.
"Counsel? Have the stars not given you the answers you seek already?" growled Leo.
"I have already consulted the stars. They do not have the answers I seek." responded Nephrite sternly.
"Foolishness. The stars know all and you, of all people Nephrite, know this. It is simple, the stars have refused to reveal the answers you seek." said Leo, his voice now more composed and not as threatening.
Nephrite was taken aback a bit at this revelation.
The stars have chosen not to answer me? Have I become so pathetic that even they, my eternal friends, have decided that I was not worthy of their counsel?
"That comes as a surprise to me my good friend. However I am in need of answers and you are the only one that can help me. Please, I know that I have not been in your favor since the death of your brother but for old time's sake, grant me this one request." asked Nephrite.
The lion growled as he considered Nephrite's words. He knew that despite his shortcomings, Nephrite had been a loyal friend and comrade to him for as long as he could remember. There were a number of times, far back in the past, that Nephrite had saved his life.
Leo looked over the auburn haired man. Though the Nephrite right now was but a ghost of former glory over ten thousand years ago, he was still the same man.
"Very well. I will do you this favor ONLY because I still hold you in high regard. Ask what you wish to know and I will do everything in my power to answer." said Leo.
"Thank you my friend. My question regards Queen Beryl. I fear that she is hiding something from me. I have grown suspicious of her motives in taking over Earth when we are still severely lacking in resources." said Nephrite.
The lion heard these words and seemed to be deep in thought. The lion then turned toward the star chart and roared loudly.
Stars seemed to whirl around at a great pace. They surrounded the lion and immediately he growled.
"What is it my friend?" asked Nephrite.
"I have told you time and time again in the past to forsake that delusional woman. Yet you never heed my words. You still cling to her and her idiotic ideologies even after all this time. I am disappointed in you, Nephrite." growled the lion.
Nephrite was taken aback a bit at this exclamation. Leo had always been suspicious of Queen Beryl and after the vision he was given by the stars, his dislike for the queen had grown several-fold.
"My business with my queen is my own, Leo. I have already told you this. What I need is answers. Have the stars said anything?" asked Nephrite.
Leo looked over at his friend and for the first time since their exchange, he gave a look of concern to his friend. The lion soon sighed.
"Very well. You are correct in your original deduction. The queen has not been very clear of her objectives. There are many things going on behind the curtain that she has not been making you aware of. Let me ask you, Nephrite. Have you heard of the Imperium Crystal?" asked Leo.
Nephrite's eyes opened wide in surprise.
"That ancient relic that Queen Serenity of the Moon possessed? The stone that had single handily defeated us?" asked Nephrite.
"That is correct. Your queen is in search for that stone. While her motives are still blurry I can venture a guess that is one the main reasons you all are on this mission on Earth. To find this stone and harness its power to subject all of Earth under her dominion." said Leo.
"I see. That would make sense. But why hide this from me? If we were looking for the Imperium Crystal then why waste time gathering energy?" asked Nephrite in slight confusion.
The lion suddenly growled loudly, nearly startling Nephrite.
"Fool! Do you not realize that you have been led around like an idiot? While you and Jedite have been spending your time gathering energy, both Zoicite and Malechite have been assigned to find the crystal. The energy you have gathered is solely used to keep that abomination alive until the crystal is found." growled Leo.
Nephrite himself gritted his teeth as he heard this.
I can't believe that Queen Beryl has assigned such an important mission to Zoicite and Malechite without informing me.
"I see. So my only purpose was to fuel energy for Metallia then, is that not right?" asked Nephrite.
"That is correct. Your job was only to keep that abomination alive long enough until the Crystal was found. Can you guess what will happen once your Queen gets a hold of that Crystal? Do you believe that you will still be around? Take my advice friend. Leave her. Forsake her. Whatever she has said to you is nothing but lies. She cares not for your life and once the crystal is found you will be discarded. She cares for no one and only holds one person dear to her heart." growled Leo.
Nephrite was surprised by the honesty of the lion but Nephrite had lately been feeling discontented with Queen Beryl.
"Who is this person you refer to?" asked Nephrite.
"The former prince of Earth." replied Leo.
What! Prince Endymion?
"The prince is alive?" asked Nephrite in surprise.
"In a sense. That is another reason why she has you lot scouring the Earth. She hopes to find him before she proceeds with her plans. That she is squandering the little resources you have left in a silly search for a man that may or may not even remember her. How foolish." growled Leo.
This is suddenly beginning to make sense. Do Malechite and Zoicite know this? Somehow, despite being more informed I have a feeling that they don't know exactly what is going on.
"Then what do you want me to do, Leo? I cannot simply abandon my mission. If I do so, I will draw suspicioun." said Nephrite.
"There is no need to worry. Continue on your missions and act as if you are still playing toady to that queen. Get rid of those interlopers stopping her plans. Gain favor with her so that she can trust you. Meanwhile, use whatever time you have to locate the Imperium Crystal and use it for yourself." said Leo.
"But how am I supposed to find it?" asked Nephrite.
The lion roared loudly and the stars around them converged together. A beam of light came forth and hit the ground. There was a small explosion. When everything cleared, there on the floor was a black crystal.
"Pick that up. The Imperium Crystal has been scattered. This dark crystal in your possession will help you obtain all the pieces. Once you have collected them use the Imperium Crystal to pave way for your own fate. Remember, the stars know all but will not always reveal their knowledge." said Leo as he soon started to fade away.
Nephrite looked over at the old lion.
"I am grateful for your assistance Leo. Please, be well my friend." said Nephrite.
"Likewise to you as well. I wish you luck in your endeavors." said Leo before disappearing once and for all.
For a moment all was silent in the mansion of Nephrite. He thought about what his next course of action would be.
I have this black crystal in my possession. I have the advantage. If I can get rid of those damned vigilantes then I can focus all my attentions in getting rid of Queen Beryl. Perhaps I can sway Malechite to my side as he is always willing to listen to reason. Maybe I can get him to forsake Zoicite so that I can kill him. That effeminate bastard deserves it.
But how do I get to those vigilantes? I have no idea where to start and the stars don't seem to respond to me as before. Let me see. Perhaps I can use this black crystal and see what my next course of action should be.
Nephrite stretched his arm out and the crystal on his hand soon began to levitate. A giant hologram appeared before Nephrite. His eyes widened at the sight of Osaka Naru on the hologram.
That girl again! Why is it that she always appears when it concerns my business? Does she hold some latent talent or power that I am not aware of? Perhaps I can use her once again to ferret those vigilantes to me. Unlike before, I won't be unprepared.
"Castor! Pollux! Come to me!" roared Nephrite.
Two columns of white light crashed down from behind Nephrite. One of the pillars was soon extinguished with a great burst of flame while the other faded away with a great mist.
"Castor and Pollux at your service." replied the twin monsters simultaneously.
"I have a mission. You are to join me in getting rid of some meddlesome trouble makers that keep interfering with our plans. I expect you to cooperate." commanded Nephrite.
"Of course."
Naru Osaka hummed happily to herself as she made her way to school. Despite everything that had happened the night before she was relieved that Usagi had not abandoned her and that they were able to come to an understanding.
Everything made sense now that she thought about it. Usagi's sudden change in behavior, activites and, most importantly, power. Who wouldn't change having to fight supernatural creatures day in and day out?
Who would have thought that silly Usagi would be the famous Sailor Moon? I would have been so jealous of her if the job weren't so scary.
While Naru still thought that being around her friend would still feel awkward from time to time she had grown to realize that Usagi, no matter her changes, was still her friend.
Even more so now. After what happened last night, the old Usagi would have probably cried or fainted. Yet she risked her life to save mine. I-I can never thank her enough.
The ginger haired girl soon got school. It was there that she met up with her blond haired friend.
"Usagi!" said Naru cheerfully.
The blond turned around to regard Naru with just a nod.
While this would have normally put Naru off before she was already getting used to Usagi's cool, stand-offish behavior.
"So, you feeling better?" asked Naru in a optimistic yet slightly concerned voice.
"I'm fine." replied Kenshiro as she continued walking.
"Are you sure? You really took a beating last night?" asked Naru with a bit of suspicion. No normal human could have healed from a lion bite so quickly but, hey, Usagi was Sailor Moon, perhaps she could heal faster than normal.
"The wounds I received are of no bearing. Don't fret yourself with something as insignificant as that." replied Kenshiro coolly as she continued walking, soon making her way inside the school.
"Whatever you say Usagi!" smiled Naru. She knew better than to pry. If Usagi insisted that her wounds were no problem then perhaps they weren't.
As the two girls were walking they soon came across a lonely looking Umino, who seemed to be staring out at space.
Naru frowned as she saw Umino. The boy still looked somber after she had hurt his feelings a couple of days ago. And now that she thought about it, she felt terrible after what she said to him.
Wanting to make it up to him she waved her hand up and called to him.
"Hey there Umino!" she said brightly.
The boy's face quickly turned red as he heard this and he immediately began to walk away. Naru frowned as she saw this but was not willing to give up. She ran forward and placed her hand on the boy's shoulder. He tensed up at the contact but he at least stopped walking.
"Umino, what's wrong? Why did you try to leave?" asked Naru in concern.
"Naru, why are you even talking to me? Didn't you say that you hated geeks like me?" responded Umino somewhat bitterly.
Naru felt her heart sting when she heard this. Of course she remembered what she said to him but she really did not think that he would take it this badly.
"Umino, look, I wasn't thinking and-"
"That's right, you were not thinking. You seem to put yourself up on a pedestal and think you are better than everyone else. And you would think that a geek like me should have known better than to fall for you. But guess what, I did, even though I am not that handsome, rich, wonderful man you crave so much." replied Umino bitterly.
The ginger haired girl suddenly felt her heart plummet as she heard this. Her words from a couple of days ago soon rang through her head.
You're such a geek, you know that Umino? That's why no girl likes you. Girls don't LIKE geeks...
I know when I get married, its going to be with a handsome, rich man that is willing to hold me whenever I want...
Naru suddenly felt tears stinging her eyes. She felt like her stomach was suddenly emptied and that just breathing had become difficult.
"U-Umino...I'm so sorry I didn't mean to hurt you like that." quivered Naru.
"It's too late for that...Naru." said Umino as there was a hint of a crack in his voice. The boy turned around and walked the opposite direction. His eyes soon met with the blond haired girl's. She narrowed her eyes and Kenshiro knew that the boy before her was crying underneath those glasses of his.
"Usagi, I'm sorry if I have bothered you in the past. I know that girls like you are not into me but I'm glad that you still hung out with me, even if it was for a little while. But I've wised up. I will no longer bother you." said Umino.
Kenshiro was rather concerned when she saw Umino. The aura wafting from the boy's body was that of utter sorrow and gloom.
It was then that Kenshiro spoke.
"Do not assume that Naru is the same girl that you have known previously. By all accounts she is but a child but so are you. Both of you will say things to each other that you'll end up regretting but that is no reason forsake a friendship between the two of you, as odd as it is. Take the time you need to compose yourself. Think about what you want to do. But never break ties with a person on the spur of a moment. You'll never know when you might need that person in your life. I hope you understand that." said Kenshiro.
Umino stared wide-eyed at the blond before him. He was certainly not expecting this answer.
"U-Usagi...you have grown wise and mature so quickly that I don't even know its you anymore. But thank you...I will definitely keep what you have said in mind. I-I just need some space is all." said Umino with a slight smile before walking off.
Kenshiro just nodded slightly before seeing the boy off.
Naru saw the boy walk off before the dam broke loose and she started to cry in earnest.
The school day came and went quickly and it was all a blur to Naru. She was not in a good mood and it hurt her to know that she had affected Umino in such negative way.
It's like I'm a monster or something.
Naru was so distraught, in fact, that she didn't even wait for her blond friend, Usagi (or Kenshiro in Usagi's body) to get out of class. The ginger haired girl just kept walking on and on out of school.
She was so out of it, in fact, that it soon began to get dark. It was only then that Naru realized that the sun was setting and that she was at the park all alone.
Since when did it get so dark? I need to get home.
So Naru had proceeded to make her way back home but was soon stopped short when a man appeared out of thin air before her. She gasped in total shock and fright at what she saw.
"So Naru Osaka, we meet again." said Nephrite with a wicked grin. The two youma on either side of him snickered.
"W-What do you want with me?" stammered Naru in fright.
"Why, we are here to pick you up of course. You seem to be hiding something that is of great value and I want it. So come along quietly and we can be on our way." said Nephrite.
The girl took a step back.
"N-No! I won't let you take me!" cried Naru.
"Did you know that you looked so pretty in the moonlight?" said Nephrite smoothly.
The Naru of old would have swooned at the compliment but the only thing on her mind now was pure anger.
"I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!" screamed Naru as she covered her ears.
Nephrite pretended to frown in hurt.
"I thought that this is what you wanted? A rich, handsome man? I am quite rich and while I don't mean to put on airs I am considered quite attractive. So what is the problem Naru? Aren't you honored that Maxfield Stanton is paying so much attention to you?" asked Nephrite.
Naru's eyes widened in shock when she heard this. She would have completely fell for this before. To feel honored that such a handsome and rich man was taking interest in her.
But all she felt was shame.
To believe that I was into rich, arrogant snobs like him. No wonder Umino is so angry with me.
"I don't like you and if you come any closer then I'll scream." threatened Naru.
Nephrite's eyes narrowed in anger as he suddenly closed the distance between them and placed a hand over the girl's mouth. He leaned over and whispered in her ear, making the ginger hair girl shudder in fear and disgust.
"And who will help you?"
Naru suddenly opened her mouth and bit as hard as she could on the offending hand. Nephrite pulled his hand away quickly, giving Naru enough time to scream.
"SOMEONE, HELP ME PLEASE!"
Nephrite growled in anger and grabbed the girl's arm and twisted it painfully from behind. He placed his other arm around her throat and squeezed tightly.
"You stay quiet you hear? I'm going to lure your friends out with your worthless life and they'll die to me. You got that?" sneered Nephrite.
Naru could not help but start crying. It was like everything in her life was falling apart. The sight of the two monsters laughing at her just made things worse.
Her vision began to get hazy. The arm around her throat just didn't let her breath.
Then, suddenly, she felt the arm slip off her neck as she gasped in breath. The large body that was pressed against her frame was soon gone. She looked over to see Nephrite lying on the ground a few feet away as the two monsters came to his side.
Naru looked over at her savior and her eyes widened in surprise over who it was.
"U-Umino?" stammered Naru in shock.
"Hey there, Naru." smiled Umino.
Nephrite got up and was in a rage.
"You little brat! How dare you knock me down from behind!" roared Nephrite as he soon closed in.
Umino did not even see him as he got his face clobbered with Nephrite's fist, sending the boy flying back.
"Umino!" cried Naru.
The boy suddenly got back up. His feet were already wobbly beneath him and he was favoring his left cheek with his hand but his face grew stern with determination. He charged forward.
Nephrite laughed in mockery as he dodged each and every blow that the boy was throwing at him. He then managed to grab the boy by the collar of his shirt and lifted him up. He pulled his fist back and smashed it against the boy's face, making him cry out as he flew back once more.
Yet Umino did not give up. He stood straight back up and continued to fight, swinging his fists over and over again with all his might.
Nephrite was amused at the display and continued to let the boy think he was actually putting up a fight. After a particularly clumsy punch that Nephrite dodged easily, he drove his fist into the boy's stomach, making Umino gasp out. Nephrite grabbed the boy by the hair and picked him up. He started to pummel him over and over again ruthlessly.
Naru just stared in shock and helplessness as she saw Umino getting beaten over and over again by Nephrite.
It suddenly occurred to her that the boy might die. That the geek that she thought she hated would die and it would all be her fault.
"Stop it! You're going to kill him! I'll go with you, anything! Just leave him alone!" cried Naru.
Nephrite turned over and grinned evilly. He managed to get the girl to cooperate. He threw Umino's body like a rag doll.
Umino landed right next to where Naru was kneeling at.
At once Naru looked down and started to cry uncontrollably.
"I'm so sorry Umino! I didn't mean anything I said! Please, don't die on me." cried Naru.
A hand went up and caressed the girl's cheek. Naru looked down and suddenly saw something she had never seen before.
Umino's eyes.
The boy always had those annoying glasses on but even through the distorted nose and the split lip, the eyes rang true and bright.
Naru stared down and saw the most beautiful, blue eyes that she had ever seen. They seemed to stare right into her soul.
"Naru...even without my glasses you still look so gorgeous, you know that?" complimented Umino weakly.
Naru's eye's widened at the compliment as she felt her heart racing. She realized that she really took the compliment at heart and that Umino was genuine in what he said.
"U-Umino..."
"It's okay. Despite everything I still like you. I'll always be there to pro-"
Umino never had a chance to finish as a harsh boot suddenly came out of nowhere and landed right on the boy's neck.
Naru just stared in shock as the bright blue eyes she had just seen suddenly began to glaze over before blanking out completely.
"How terribly sweet. I'm so glad that I got to be an important part of this!" cackled Nephrite along with the two monsters.
Naru looked over Umino's unmoving body and suddenly realized one thing.
H-He's dead...he's really dead...
Before Naru even knew it she could already hear her anguished screaming.
Author's Note: Kind of short chapter but still, trying to make things interesting. Hope you all enjoyed.