5.) Gardens of the Moon
I will indulge my sorrows, and give way
To all the pangs and fury of despair
- Joseph Addison
MAKOTO
"From my primary analysis, I'd guess three cracked ribs, they may be fractured..." A quiet voice said somewhere above me as a pair of hands ghosted over my chest. I struggled to open my eyes but it was useless. It felt as though I was trapped in this darkness, the sounds around me were muffled as though I was under water. I struggled to concentrate, trying to remember what had happened. Maybe that would help me figure out what was happening.
"Well, get her seen to. I'm going to go deal with Rei." A voice I recognized as Minako's said, the sound of her footsteps echoed around the room. Each step reverberated through my mind. I concentrated on surfacing from what ever the hell this was. My eyes eased open. I cast a quick glance around to infirmary. Haruka, who I assumed dragged me in here, was leaning against one of the counters. Ami was standing by my side, studying me carefully as Michiru lingered by the door.
"What happened?" I asked, realizing that my jaw hurt when I spoke. The last thing I could distinctly remember was Rei walking away from me, after that things got hazy. I made to sit up but Ami held me back. Her hand was firm on my shoulder.
"That's what I'd like to know." Michiru replied, her tone was icy. Haruka rolled her eyes and left the room. "What did you say to her?"
"I'm the one waking up in the infirmary and you're asking me what I said?" I replied, pushing Ami away and sitting up. The pain that flashed through my ribs nearly caused me to cry out.
"Fuck." I groaned through clenched teeth. Ami looked like she was trying not to say 'I told you so'.
"Be thankful she didn't do worse." Michiru muttered as she left the room. I bit back an angry retort as Ami's fingers brushed along my shoulder.
"I need to take a closer look Makoto, would you mind removing your shirt?" Ami stated. I met her eyes for a split second.
We both looked away.
MINAKO
"Hey. Wait!" I called, following Rei down the hallway. She ignored me and kept walking. I picked up my pace. "Stop!"
I growled as she continued walking away from me.
"Rei. You need to stop. We have to talk." I said, I finally caught up and cut in front of her, forcing her to stop.
"Maybe I just don't feel like talking now." Rei snapped. Her hands were dripping with blood. I gritted my teeth.
"I don't care what you feel." I yelled. "We need to talk about this."
"Maybe you should listen to what I'm saying." Rei replied, her voice low. One would have to to be deaf to miss the tone in her voice. I felt a faint stirring with in me. The raising of my heart beat caused blood to pound in my ears. If I had to choose, I would say it was a mix of fear... and arousal.
"No. You listen to me." I ordered. Rei's eyes met mine as her hand landed on my shoulder, forcing me back against the wall of the corridor. Our faces were inches apart.
"We cannot be doing this right now. Yell at me later." Her voice came out as a commanding growl, low and dangerous. My breath hitched as I noticed the fire in her eyes. Fear had frozen me. Fear... and that other thing.
She turned to go, leaving me leaning against the wall, struggling to control my breathing. But for some reason I just couldn't stop myself from reaching out and grabbing her arm. I couldn't just let her leave like this.
"You broke three of her ribs, you know that right?" I asked, yanking on her arm to make her face me. The Martian met my gaze, her jaw was clenched firmly as if struggling with something. Her hands clenched, tearing open the scabs that were forming across her knuckles.
"What the fuck did you think you were doing?" I demanded, shoving her back a step. I couldn't let her hold that kind of power over me. I would not let her... intimidate me like that. The fire in her eyes faded slightly. I was glad to finally elicit a response from her.
"I wasn't." She gritted out, this time not meeting my eyes. She was pointedly looking away.
"Wasn't what?" I demanded, not feeling like putting up with her silences and short answers. I was annoyed at myself for folding under my emotions like this. I shouldn't be this weak...
"Wasn't thinking." She replied. I scowled. How wonderful. I now had an intellect, an invalid, and an idiot guarding the Princess with me.
"Well you damn well better start." I snapped at her before storming off in the other direction. She was infuriating.
AMI
I cast a critical eye over the bruises on Makoto's chest. Carefully I reached out and ran my hands over her skin, not missing the way her body clenched. I could feel the broken bones grinding together. I frowned. Rei had fractured two of her ribs and cracked a third with little more than her bare hands.
I gave an involuntary shudder, thinking back to the first time we had seen Rei truly fight. She had taken out three men, who I now recognized as the Crimson Guard, essentially unarmed. This was just another reminder of how deadly she was in hand to hand combat.
Despite the fact I found Rei actions horrific, I made a mental note to ask her to give me some training in martial arts and unarmed combat. I wasn't as physically strong as the others, I needed some way to compensate for that. I figured that Rei would be able to help me.
"Does anything else hurt?" I asked. There was a moment of silence. I looked up at Makoto, she blinked and cleared her throat, raising her shoulders slightly.
"Hurts to breathe but that's not really surprising is it?" Makoto remarked. I shrugged in reply, pausing as I tried to remember my medical training. I mentally went through my training on injuries of this sort, hoping I hadn't missed anything.
I was pulled out of my thoughts as Makoto fidgeted uncomfortably. She was probably uncomfortable in this environment... I bit down on my lip and glanced at her again. A bruise had formed along one side of her face.
"How is your jaw?" I asked her, taking her chin in my hand as I leaned forward to inspect her bruised and swollen face.
She jerked back slightly, wincing as I brushed my thumb along her cheek. For some reason her cheeks got hot under my hand. I met her eyes cautiously, seeing what looked like a blush creeping across her face. I jerked my hand back, feeling my face mirror hers as heat rose in my cheeks.
MAKOTO
I did my best to ignore the feel of Ami's hands tracing their way over my body. The pain was a welcome distraction from the other emotions winding their way through my consciousness.
I felt Ami's hands pause after brushing gently over my ribs. She looked up and met my eyes. I blinked as I realized she had asked me if anything hurt. I cleared my throat, fumbling for a reply. After I answered she paused for a second. I found myself content to just sit there and watch her as she thought. Her face seemed to relax slightly, as though she was entering a calming state of mind. I smiled softly.
After spending a few months with her I was starting to understand what she had been talking about when she told me to open my mind to new things. I understood now that when she had said 'mind', what she really meant was 'heart'. It was just something that got lost in translation. When Mercurians spoke of the heart, they talked of the organ that pumped blood through our veins, not of emotions and feelings. I found myself coming to understand more about her. I found my eyes trailing over Ami's body. She would never be considered a true beauty on Jupiter but I was beginning to recognize traits within her that were admirable. Appealing even.
I stalled, realizing what I was doing. I looked away quickly. Yet another blush was spreading along my cheeks. Ami's cool palm rested on my cheek. Her eyes rose to meet mine as she felt the heat flare through my face. Her hand jerked away from me.
A moment of painful silence followed. Our eyes met again, carefully, cautiously. I gave a tentative smile. Just then the door swung open. Ami looked away quickly.
"Are you two done in here yet?" Minako demanded as she strode in to the infirmary. She seemed riled up. Being around the Martian seemed to do that to people. I smirked at the thought, wincing as the action caused my face to ache.
Minako turned her attention to Ami, who seemed a little bewildered at Minako's state.
"So what kind of treatment is Makoto going to need?" Minako asked. Her question obviously was leading in the direction of whether or not I was fit for duty.
"The most I can do is give her some medication to help ease the pain." Ami murmured, looking a little thrown off by Minako's entry.
"Is she fit for duty?" Minako asked tersely. Ami flicked her eyes over to me before looking back to Minako. I could tell she was quickly assessing the situation. I gaped. They weren't even asking me about my opinion on this.
"I wouldn't advise you to put her on solo duty immediately. She needs time to recover from her injuries."
Minako nodded.
"Will she be okay to attend the meeting tonight?" Minako asked Ami. I began to reply but both Ami and Minako sent me a look. I shut my mouth resolutely. I had the feeling I shouldn't piss either of them off.
"I believe so." Ami replied. "I just don't believe that she's physically capable of guarding the Princess by herself at this moment in time."
Minako nodded again.
"I'll reschedule guard duty for the next week or so. Give her some time off to heal."
"Um... I'm still here you know." I pointed out. Minako looked over at me. For a moment I felt like a complete idiot for even opening my mouth but then she gave a tired smile. It seemed like she had finally calmed down a bit after her conversation with Rei.
"I know." She replied. "How are you feeling now?"
"I've been better." I admitted somewhat ruefully. Minako nodded.
"Good because we need to have a talk."
I winced, having the feeling I knew where this was going. Minako caught my expression and gave a sympathetic smile.
"I know how you must be feeling right now but we need to act like a unit tonight." She stated. I nodded, know exactly where she was coming from. She was thinking along the same lines that Haruka and I had earlier. Appearances mattered more than anything.
"I know Minako. I just kind of... she..." I paused, trying to collect myself. "I know what you're going to say. While I may not like Rei I can respect the fact she'll be a useful tool if we reach the point of war. We need to appear stronger and more unified than we are, tonight especially as we're trying to solidify our relationship with the Terrans. I know that we can't afford to lose anyone from the Alliance at this point, not when it would leave us vulnerable later on. I guess what I'm trying to say is that we'll get along tonight... we have to."
I looked over at Minako, trying to stop myself from glancing at Ami. Minako nodded.
"Uh, yeah. That's pretty much exactly what I was going to say." Minako admitted, running a hand through her hair. It was just then that I noticed the look Ami was giving me.
"So you and Haruka were actually talking about the planetary relations with Mars earlier today?" Ami asked. I hesitated slightly before nodding.
"About the Martian's inclusion in the Alliance, yes." I replied. Ami sighed. This time Minako was left looking a little confused. However I could tell that as she thought it over, it all made sense to her. "My father was some what opposed to the idea of allowing the Martian's to remain in the Alliance but we've... dealt with that."
Minako nodded. Ami was still watching us warily, as though she felt a little out of place. Minako looked over at Ami.
"Could you go find Rei, perhaps? We need to discuss tonight's plans before we meet up with the rest of the council. Be at the common room in half an hour. Makoto and I will met you two there."
Once Ami had left the room Minako looked at me.
"Now I need you to tell me exactly what went on earlier today between you and Haruka. Then I'd like an explanation about what started this fiasco with Rei."
I nodded, these points were non-negotiable. I had just received my orders and I was expected to follow them.
MICHIRU
I sighed heavily looking out the window. Why was Rei being so difficult? Why wouldn't she just let me help her? Haruka caught my eye before I turned my attention to the window. How had we reached this point? How had I let things get away from me?
I bit down on my lip as I thought back on our relationship. The perfect understanding of one another accompanied by the knowledge that we weren't meant to be anything but friends. I was meant for another and Rei... Rei wasn't supposed to be mine. I wanted to think that she was meant for Minako but after seeing how they interacted I wasn't sure they were supposed to be.
I jerked out of my reverie as I felt a gentle hand rest on my shoulder. I looked over, Haruka hover over my shoulder. Her face was stiffened into what she obviously hoped was a reassuring look, but it was forced. Hardened somehow by my distraction.
"Don't worry.' She whispered. "It will all work out the way its supposed to."
I nodded, reaching my hand up to cover hers'.
"That's kind of what I'm afraid of." I whispered.
Haruka raised her eyebrow quizzically, looking at me with that familiar concern radiating from her emerald eyes. I frowned softly, she was always worried about me.
"I can't stand seeing Rei this way. She..."
Haruka nodded as if she knew what I meant even though I didn't know how to finish my own sentence.
"Then go find her if you have to. I'll be here for you." Haruka whispered, I felt her lips brush the top of my head lightly. "Always, no matter what."
I pulled her down into a passionate kiss, knowing no other way to express the entirety of my gratitude for her words. We broke apart, her eyes were slightly saddened.
"Go." she told me. I nodded, sensing the sincerity in her voice and tone. Most of the time I felt she was too good for me, too good to me. I rose from my seat and went in search of Rei.
I frowned, wishing we could go back to the way things were. I approached Rei's door quietly, opening it without a sound.
Rei stood nearly motionless before the fire blazing in the hearth. Her gaze was so focused on the flames she didn't notice my entrance. I watched her carefully for a few moments as the flickering of the fire caused shadows to dance across her face. I could practically see the anger and pain coursing through her body. I finally found my voice as I watched her hands shake.
"What did she say to you?"
Rei barely even glanced my way, she shook her head.
"Nothing I hadn't heard before. I just... lost control. I wasn't thinking." She replied. I could see the pain this was causing her. She had never taken pleasure in violent acts.
"Rei..." I murmured, reaching out to comfort her. Suddenly the fire flared up in the hearth as Rei practically exploded at me. Her words were harsh and unexpected. However I could tell that somewhere deep down she had been silently suffering because of me. I had caused her unfathomable pain when I'd abandoned her for Haruka. That had been resting just below the surface all this time and she had never told me. I felt sick with myself.
Her rage and anger was righteous in my mind, horror sank deeper into my soul the more I thought about it.
Then all of a sudden I could feel a firm hand grabbing my arm. Her grasp practically seared my skin as she guided me to the door.
REI
I slammed my fist into the wall as Minako left. I was getting sick of watching her walk away from me. I turned on heel and once in my room I slammed the door behind me, dumping my equipment on my bed. I flicked my hand in the direction of the hearth, fire flared up. I glanced towards it, watching it dance in the darkness of my room. I clenched my jaw.
I felt as though my self control was reaching its breaking point again. My hands were shaking with barely controlled rage. I needed something to keep me rooted sanely in this world. I need something to hold on to, to divert this madness.
"What did she say to you?" Michiru's voice asked softly from the doorway. I turned looking at her over my shoulder. I shook my head.
"Nothing I hadn't heard before. I just... lost control. I wasn't thinking." I replied stiffly. Michiru was making things harder for me. She was dragging my line of thought back to places I didn't want to go. Places I knew were dangerous. I focused on keeping my breathing steady.
"Rei..." She whispered, reaching out to comfort me. I could feel an irrational anger flare up inside me, bubbling just below the surface... just waiting to get out. I clenched my fist, I needed to get Michiru out of here before I injured her. I needed her to stay away from me.
Her anger wasn't enough to keep her away from me. She still sought me out when I was at my most dangerous even though she was annoyed with me. I gritted my teeth. I needed to drive her away from me. For her own good.
My mouth moved without realizing it, hateful words slipped out lashing out at her with misplaced rage and hate.
Her face fell through a series of emotions before landing on pain, my heart ached as I realized one of her expressions had hinted at fear. I wanted nothing more than to reach out and reassure her. But I couldn't let myself do that, knowing that it would only put her in danger. Even though it was supposed to be an act... there was some truth in my words.
I could still feel the pain of arriving on Neptune and finding her missing... and then discovering that in my absence she had found something better; someone better. She was gone from my world. I could still feel the pain that came with the knowledge that we wouldn't be able to continue on as we had before. I had lost my one safe haven.
I kept my eyes on Michiru, grasping her upper arm with my hand and steering her towards the door. I yanked it open, finding Ami and Haruka wandering down the hall towards us.
"I cannot deal with this right now Michiru."
HARUKA
Ami and I had run into each other on the way to find Rei and Michiru. Most of our time together was spent in silence but as we approached Rei's room Ami spoke up.
"You should tell Michiru what you and Makoto talked about this morning." She told me, her voice was barely more than a whisper. Before I could ask how she knew what we had spoken of, the door to Rei's room was torn open. Rei's was guiding Michiru out of her room forcefully.
I made to step forward as I saw how horrified Michiru looked. I made to step forward to protect Michiru from Rei but then I caught Rei's eye. In an instant I realized what was going on.
"I cannot deal with this right now Michiru." Rei gritted out between clenched teeth as she released Michiru's arm.
This was Rei stopping Michiru's involvement in her affairs. This was Rei stopping Michiru from putting herself in harms way.
I gently wrapped my arms around Michiru's shoulders, she seemed so broken by what had happened. Rei hesitated slightly as if regretting the whole thing. I met her eyes again, her eyes were begging me to take care of Michiru. To take away all the pain she had caused.
I nodded. Rei turned her back to us and walked away. Ami glanced between us again.
"Tell her." Ami advised softly before chasing after Rei.
AMI
As we walked into the ballroom where the formal introductions would take place I thought back to earlier that day. Rei had ignored me when I told her that Minako had ordered us to meet up with them in the common room. I had followed her at a distance watching as she settled down in one of the more secluded gardens in the Palace of the Moon.
I could see in her, even now, some of the last vestiges of the rage she had been trying to purge herself off. The tenseness of her body hinted at the battle raging within her. I just stood there, waiting and watching, making sure not to get to close in case the rage boiled over.
Eventually she had risen from her seat, her eyes no longer held fire in them. She wordlessly walked by me to the common room where Minako and Makoto were waiting.
No questions had been asked about why we were late. Minako had merely launched into her orders in regards to our behaviour. She had met Rei's eyes unflinchingly and ordered her to attend the meeting, informing us all that Queen Serenity had instructed the court that Rei was to be treated as one of us.
I sighed. The afternoon had not gone smoothly, Rei had tried to argue but Minako had refused to back down. And with that hushed argument we had proceeded to the ballroom, where the others were waiting.
REI
I watched the red haired woman carefully, she was the one who plagued my dreams of late. Her cold laugh had woken me many a time from my troubled slumber. The High Queen was going along introducing us to each of the Terrans. The prince studied my face as the High Queen Serenity gave him my title, I gave a stiff bow. I felt no ill will from him at least and it was clear he held no true militaristic purpose. He was merely a figure head with no real power, I wonder if he himself knew this yet. I doubted it.
Next the four Generals were introduced, I kept my hand rested on the hilt of my sword even as I felt Minako's gaze burning into me. She disapproved of my aggressive stance and I knew it. Yet I could not bring myself to relax... so I ignored her.
Then it was the red head's turn. She stopped in front of me, looking me over even more studiously than the prince had. She gave me a dazzling smile, eyeing me like she would a pawn she hadn't yet decided how to use. I fought the urge to shift uncomfortably.
"Martian, your help would be most welcome in our campaign." She told me, laying a hand on mine. I cringed as pain lanced through my head accompanied with flickers of images.
A red haired woman laughing as the Moon Kingdom fell to ruin. Blood, fire, and pain. The visions disappeared as quickly as they had come, but the pain lingered making it hard to think. I clenched my teeth trying to rid myself of the nausea that had overcome me as blood continued to drain from my face.
I fought against telling her that would never happen as it was clear to me now that my dreams were more than just dreams. Apparently the mother I could scarcely remember had been a seer, as such things were hereditary. I'd known she was a priestess, apparently she was more powerful than I had been led to believe.
I met her eyes with an icy glare.
"You live up to your people's reputation." She said, smiling. I felt as though I had been slapped, instead of betraying the pain that had caused me, I bared my teeth in the standard issue Martian smile.
The hand on mine withdrew, her attention was hastily diverted elsewhere. Inwardly I allowed myself a small feeling of satisfaction upon seeing this.
I fought the urge to double over in pain as the room around me disappeared again, leaving in its wake images of blood and gore. An ending.
I spent the remainder of the meeting in an icy silence, completely aware of everything that was happening inside my mind and out. I could feel Minako's angry gaze on me throughout the entire ordeal as images pounded into my being. I couldn't surrender to them, I couldn't show weakness. As soon as I was able to, I left.
MINAKO
I did my best not to glare at Rei. We were supposed to be making a good first impression, not intimidating them. Her hand was rested firmly on the hilt of her sword, looking ready to kill the woman who stood in front of her.
I watched as Beryl gave a beguiling smile, seemingly immune to the threatening aura Rei was giving off.
"Martian, your help would be most welcome in our campaign." The woman said, a soft seductive tone entering her voice. Rei stiffened as the Beryl's hand slipped over her own. After what seemed like an eternity Rei looked up and met the redhead's eyes. Her gaze was cold, colder than I had ever seen it. I felt myself cringe away slightly even though the look wasn't directed at me.
However the redhead just smiled. The warmth radiating from her was overshadowed by the waves of hatred emanating from Rei. I could feel that Rei wanted nothing more in that instant than to draw her sword and cut down our future ally. I fought the urge to step forward as the woman gave another smile, as if trying once more to disarm Rei and begin to foster peace between our worlds.
"You live up to your people's reputation." Beryl acknowledged. Rei grinned at this. Her teeth bared in almost a feral manner. The resulting expression was terrifying. Beryl's hand withdrew as though burned, her attention skittered away from Rei almost urgently.
I groaned softly, feeling my anger at Rei building again. She had to complicate everything. I was so focused on preventing myself from dragging Rei from the room and yelling at her that the rest of the meeting was a blur.
Rei departed the moment the meeting reached some semblance of an end. This abrupt action caused some confusion on the Terrans' behalf, they were obviously insulted as well. I glared once more in Rei's direction before making excuses for her rude departure. The Terrans settled down, apparently appeased.
I let out a low growl, wanting to voice my displeasure but I couldn't break the illusion that we were a cohesive unit. I would just have to wait then...
REI
I stepped out into the palace garden, hoping for a few moments reprieve from the confines of politics. Politics and the headache that was threatening to crush my skull.
I took a deep breath of the cool night air, closing my eyes as I attempted to control the pain which was radiating throughout my body. There were soft footsteps behind me. My body tensed slightly, the feeling that I was nothing but a caged animal flooded my system. I turned around sharply, trying not to stagger as my vision blurred again.
Voices were screaming in agony, I had the feel of blood soaking my shirt and coating my hands.
I blinked, jerking back into reality. One of the Terrans was leaning in the doorway watching me. I clenched my jaw as the visions assaulted my consciousness yet again. I just wanted to succumb to them, give in and drown in the swirl of consciousness.
"What?" I growled out, not bothering with the niceties. For some reason this prompted a grin on his behalf as he came closer. My hand tightened around the hilt of my sword. I had to actively prevent myself from drawing my sword and slaying him then and there.
He advanced towards me, the grace of his walk hinted at the danger within him. I flicked my gaze to the weapon rested at his side, his easy manner implied a familiarity with violence. I tensed slightly, noticing how each of the Terrans had paired off with the members of my team. Divide and conquer, one of the tried and true forms of warfare. I turned my back on him, wanting to incite a reaction on his part. I wanted him to be insulted by my actions, I wanted him to pick a fight.
MINAKO
As the assembly transitioned from meeting to celebration, I found my attention monopolized by one of the Terran generals.
"They seem like quite the group." Kunzite murmured, looking across the ballroom at the remainder of my team. "They're probably difficult to manage, hmm?"
I gave a slight smile.
"They have their moments." I replied. He grinned.
"My team as well. Most of the time they get along just fine but..." His voice trailed off, he was looking out towards the balcony. I followed his gaze. Rei was standing out there with one of their generals. "But I bet what ever I have to deal with is nothing compared to having a Martian on your hands. Though I can imagine that explosive power is quite beneficial at times."
I gave a distracted nod as Rei caught my eye. A look of determination entered her eyes and she stepped past the Terran at her side, completely ignoring him, and wove her way through the crowd towards me.
I looked over at Kunzite, who was watching us in interest.
"Can you excuse me for a moment?" I requested, giving him a smile. He nodded, giving a bow.
"I'll wait for your return Lady Minako. I do hope there's no trouble, your Martian seems quite uneasy."
I sighed as I felt Rei's seething emotions at my back.
"May I have a word, Lady Minako?" Rei requested, each word was oddly tense and formal. I nodded, firmly grabbing her arm and pulling her in the hallway.
"What is your problem?" I demanded.
"I don't trust them." Rei replied, glaring back in the direction of the ball room. Her stance remained tense, almost menacing.
"Gods above." I cursed, having no other way to express myself. "You know nothing about them!"
"How can you not see it? They are dangerous. They shouldn't even be here." Rei protested, her voice surprisingly calm. I had expected it to be shaking with rage at this point.
"Look who's talking." I replied in an undertone. Rei acted as if she hadn't heard me. I continued on in a louder voice. "They hardly seem dangerous, a little overzealous perhaps, but dangerous?"
"Mark my words, if you decide to go through with this treaty it will end in war." Rei gritted out, her hands were clenched at her sides. She looked ready to throttle someone.
"Was that a threat?" I asked in a cold undertone.
"No!" She replied, sounding annoyed. She rubbed at her temples with one hand. "That's wasn't what I meant. I was just saying that..."
"No Mars, just drop it." I replied in exasperation. She was going to end this alliance before it even began if this kept up. "You're the only one here causing trouble. So just leave it alone."
Rei looked ready to reply but upon seeing the look on my face she turned away. I shook my head in
annoyance and turned back to the party.
REI
I strode back out into the night air. I needed to calm down before I did something rash, hopefully my absence wouldn't draw attention. I wished I could just leave this behind. I wanted nothing to do with the parties or the politics that went along with being royalty. I wasn't royalty so I didn't see why I had to play the part.
"I hope everything's going well." A soft voice said from behind me. I didn't need to turn around to know it was the Terran again. I came to an abrupt decision before I turned to face him.
"Drop the act." I told him. "If you speak to me, speak plainly."
"What are you talking about?" He asked, a politely confused smile gracing his lips. I had to give a wry smile at that, his innocent act certainly was convincing. If I didn't know better, I would have believed him.
"I know that you Terran's aren't here to discuss the treaty. I know what Beryl has planned." I stated, doing my best to keep my voice down. His would-be charming expression vanished, replaced by a mask of ugliness.
"Oh thank the gods. I was wondering how much longer I was going to have to keep up this farce." He replied, leaning back up against the wall. He seemed to be studying me, much like Beryl had earlier.
"You certainly gave up the act quicker than I was expecting." I stated. He shrugged.
"I don't see a point in hiding the truth from you. Not when Beryl has so much interest in you."
"Meaning?"
"You're more like us than you'd care to admit. Beryl sees that, she knows what you're capable of. She can see you're someone to be respected, not feared."
"She is obviously deranged." I replied, taking perverse pleasure in the spark of anger I saw in his eyes. I had struck a nerve there. However the rage disappeared all too quickly, hidden once again somewhere just beneath the surface.
"She wants you to know that you have a place with us. A place where you don't have to worry about the politics, the people who hate you just for being who you are. Beryl wants you to know that you'd be welcomed on our side with open arms." Jadeite said with an enticing smile. "She welcomes everything you embody. She doesn't fear you. Not like the Lunar court. You belong with us."
His voice had fallen to a whisper. I shook my head.
"I could never belong on Earth."
"You certainly don't belong here." He replied. His tone had taken a turn for the worse, his voice was cold, almost threatening now. I looked over at him. I was still trying to get a better read on him, he was like a snake constantly changing its' skin, slithering away from you the moment you thought you had a grasp on him. "You're a killer. You'll never belong in this world of purity and peace. They will never accept you here. Why not just embrace your nature?"
I had no answer for him. I was too busy restraining myself from killing him. I could feel the blood pounding through my veins, singing with the fires of war. It would have been all to easy to erase him from this world, leaving nothing but ash in his wake. I held myself back as best I could, feeling heat build up in my hands. I turned away from him.
"I would die before I joined you." I growled.
I walked down the balcony stairs, making my way for the silent solitude I would find in the gardens, I heard footsteps beginning to echo after me. I glanced back I was being trailed by that infuriating Terran. He seemed ready to try yet another angle of approach. I felt that I wouldn't enjoy his next attack.
EROS
"So I hear you and that Venusian are engaged." The Terran, Jadeite, said conversationally as he followed the Martian out into the garden. Neither of them noticed me as they passed by.
"What's it to you?" The Martian snarled in replied, something had raised her hackles.
"Well, that makes them like your family, yes?" He asked, a small smirk on his face.
"Yes. I suppose it does. What's your point?" Rei asked, she sounded annoyed. I rolled my eyes, she certainly didn't have the most patience.
"My point? I worry about something happening to those two pretty girls. It would just be tragic wouldn't it?" His smirk widened. I felt my heart almost stop. He was threatening Rhode and Minako. I started to approach when I heard the Martian speak again.
"You're threatening them?" Rei asked, her tone was incredulous as if unable to believe what she was hearing.
"Why not? It's just the two of us out here. And no one will believe anything you say about me... not when they all think you're trying to bring down the entire Alliance." He replied. I was stunned by his easy confession as to his true intentions, we were discussing a treaty with his planet and he was threatening us. "Plus, anything we do to them... we could blame on you."
"You stay away from them. You got that?" Rei warned, her voice low and dangerous. Even thought it wasn't directed at me I cringed slightly, flinching away from the harshness in her voice.
"Or what?" He asked, laughing. There was the sound of movement through the trees. I moved slightly so I could see what was happening.
The Martian had him pinned to the wall, her hand around his throat. His feet barely touched the ground. She was reacting to the threat on Minako and Rhode in a way I approved of.
"You hurt them, either of them, and I'll come for you. You and everything you care about." She threatened, I could have sworn I saw her hands flickering in the soft earthlight (moonlight?). Jadeite's hands were wrapped around Rei's wrist as if trying to pull it away from his neck. His breath came in choking gasps. I found myself actually wanting to stand by her side and get the message across that Minako and Rhode were out of bounds.
"You won't kill me." He choked out. Rei's hand tightened, cutting off anything else he might have had to say. I could feel her emotions clearly as I watched the scene before me. Rei's anger was radiating off her, nearly clouding out everything else, but somehow I managed to sort out the underlying feeling, the trigger. I was nearly floored as I realized what it was that made her so angry. She loved Minako to a degree I'd never felt before. My hands shook as I took in the extent of her feelings... how had she been hiding this?
"Are you sure? I know that you already think I'm capable of it. You just spent the last ten minutes saying I was a murderer, maybe I should just prove your point..." Rei whispered dangerously, I could tell she tightened her grip again as if to emphasize what she was saying. He wasn't even gasping for breath any more. His hands were clawing uselessly at the hand wrapped around his throat.
"If you have to threaten someone. Threaten me, not them." Rei snarled, then released his throat. He collapsed to the ground, gasping for air. "You don't threaten either of them, understand?"
He barely managed to nod as he struggled to fill his lungs.
"If you, or any of your comrades, hurt them, I will hunt you down and kill you, make no mistake about that." Rei stated, her voice was more ice than fire. She paused, towering over him as he sat slumped in the dirt. "And if you ever threaten either of them again, no matter how veiled it is, I will gut you. I don't care who's around, I don't mind having witnesses."
Jadeite gave a feeble nod, looking exhausted and terrified. The Martian turned her back on him, leaving him in the garden.
"What a bitch." Jadeite rasped, massaging his throat. I covered my mouth as I fought back a laugh. I quietly made my way back to the party with a grin on my face. Things were looking up.
MINAKO
"Mind if I have a word with my younger sister?" I heard Eros ask Kunzite. I glanced over my shoulder, Eros eyes made me reminiscent of the events earlier that day. His protectiveness. The anger that had resonated through him. Only this time, his emotions weren't directed at Rei.
Kunzite gave a polite nod before excusing himself. I watched as he disappeared into the crowd.
"Minako, stay away from the Terrans, alright?" Eros said lowly. I scowled, turning to face him.
"You sound just like the Martian." I told him, hoping that would make him reconsider his words. There was a lengthy pause as Eros thought on that. It looked like he was thinking about what to say in response to that. I hoped he would just drop the issue.
"I don't think the Terrans are everything they seem to be. I don't want you around them." Eros replied, looking out across they gardens. I was shocked. He looked away from me.
"Minako please. Just don't get too close to them and don't trust them." He told me. I opened my mouth to reply but he started to walk away. I ran a hand through my hair. What was going on with him?
Just then I realized I had no idea where Rhode was. I reached out and caught Eros' arm.
REI
After my conversation with Jadeite I found myself lingering on the edges of the ball room. I cast my eyes over the scene in front of me. I picked out certain individuals through out the room. Ami and Makoto were both sitting at one of the side tables, keeping and eye on the Princess. They were kept company by one of the Terran generals.
I scanned the room for the other Terrans. The Prince hadn't left the Princess's side since the meeting had ended, they were currently out on the dance floor... again. Their lead General was lingering near Minako, seemingly making idle conversation. I gritted my teeth.
She had completely ignored my advice. I looked away as the two of them were approached by Eros. My gaze sought out the remaining Terrans. I knew that Jadeite had remained outside after our encounter. Hopefully he wouldn't come back any time soon.
Vibrant red hair caught my eye. I looked over carefully, hoping that the crushing headache wouldn't return. Beryl was completely engrossed in conversation with one of the Queen's advisers. Setsuna, I think she was called. For some reason this pairing bothered me. I shook my head, knowing there was nothing I could do about it now.
I frowned as I realized I couldn't find the remaining Terran. My eyes swept over the dancers again. Hopefully I had just missed seeing him.
My heart nearly stopped when I found him. He was on the edge of the dance floor accompanying Rhode. Anger swelled with in me as I noted how uncomfortable she looked. I glanced back at Minako and Eros, both seemed preoccupied with their current conversation. They were too preoccupied to notice Rhode's distress as she danced with the Terran. I pushed my way through the crowd, fighting my way through until I was at Rhode's side. I glared at the Terran. I could sense Rhode's fear and wariness.
I placed a protective hand on Rhode's shoulder. Her head whipped around in surprise but when her eyes found me I could almost feel relief flood through her. She carefully shifted herself closer to me. My other hand grasped his arm, forcing him to release Rhode.
"Nephrite, wasn't it?" I growled out. His eyes jerked up to meet mine. A darkness passed over his face momentarily then he gave a bright smile.
"Yes?" He replied, giving an almost taunting smile. "Was there something you wanted, Mars?"
"I thought I'd ask Rhode for a dance, if that's perfectly alright?" I replied stiffly, doing my best to maintain a mild manner.
He nodded, giving me a mocking bow before turning his back on us. I watched as he wove his way across the dance floor to join up with his comrade at Ami and Makoto's table.
I looked back down at Rhode.
"Are you alright?" I questioned softly. She nodded cautiously, looking shaken.
"He didn't... threaten you or anything did he?" I asked quietly. Rhode looked up at me in surprise. She shook her head.
"No. No, it was nothing like that. I just... got a bad feeling about him." Rhode replied, wrapping her arms around herself. "There was just something about him..."
I nodded. She had probably sensed the same darkness that I had. It was as though death and darkness followed in their footsteps.
"Can... can we go outside. I think I need some fresh air." Rhode murmured. I looked down at her, noticing how pale she appeared. I nodded again, guiding her through the crowd to the balcony.
I wrapped an arm around Rhode's waist as we stepped out into the darkness. I could see how faint she looked. Just as I was contemplating going to fetch Eros or Minako, Rhode sagged slightly. I caught her gently as she slipped out of consciousness.
I carefully sank down to the ground, keeping Rhode cradled in my arms. There was a soft moan a few moments later.
"Rhode?" I asked, trying to keep the urgency out of my voice. "Are you alright?"
Rhode stirred gently, open her eyes. She looked slightly bewildered at finding herself in my arms. In the darkness I could see her cheeks colour softly. I sighed in relief.
"What happened?" Rhode asked. I helped her sit up on her own, noticing that she was shivering now. I took off my overcoat and placed it over her shoulders.
"You passed out for a few moments." I answered. "Does this happen often?"
Rhode shrugged.
"They say its stress." She replied. I thought that answer was a little cryptic but I decided to allow her some privacy. A small commotion broke the silence of the night. I looked back towards the ballroom. Minako was making her way over to us, looking infuriated. Eros followed closely behind her. He stopped short upon seeing me beside his youngest sister.
I moved away from Rhode as subtly as I could manage. Minako pulled me to my feet, yanking me away from her sister.
"What are you doing?" She asked in an undertone, her voice was furious.
I was just about to reply when I felt Rhode take my hand. I looked down, seeing that she was trying to make it to her feet. I helped her up, ignoring Minako's fury. That could wait a couple more seconds.
However once Rhode was on her feet she squarely face Minako.
"She wasn't doing anything. I was feeling poorly and asked her to accompany me out here." Rhode informed Minako. All of a sudden, Minako's rage with me was replaced with concern for her younger sister.
"Are you alright?" Minako asked, even Eros had come closer. "You didn't faint again, did you?"
Rhode's silence was answer enough for Minako.
"I'm taking you back to your room." Minako said, completely ignoring me. " You need to get some rest."
Before Minako guided her away, Rhode placed a hand on my arm.
"Thank you Rei." She whispered, meeting my eyes. The most I could do was nod before the two sisters were gone, leaving Eros and I out on the balcony. I turned to look out at the night sky. Hoping that Phobos or Deimos had been watching, with any luck one of them would keep an eye on Rhode for me.
"Rhode likes you, you know." Came a voice from over my shoulder. I looked over, finding Eros at its source.
"What?" I asked in surprise, more astonished that Eros was talking civilly to me than about Rhode.
"She's got a little bit a crush on you." He clarified, managing to keep a civil tone. I raised an eyebrow.
"And you know this how?"
"Venusian blood trait. We can feel the emotions of others." He told me, leaning against the balcony railing as he kept his eyes on my face. I found myself looking away, as if hiding from his searching gaze.
"Why are you telling me this?" I asked, I was wary of any interaction with Eros.
"I was out in the garden earlier. I heard what Jadeite was saying." He told me
I turned to face him.
"I suppose this is about me confirming your worst nightmare then. You're here to tell me that I should stay the fuck away from your sisters, right? Feeling all that anger and hate... you'd be justified in that. My emotions aren't always under control."
"I felt the anger but I agreed with it." Eros said, there was a pause. "You surprised me."
I met his eyes, searching them for any form of deceit or falsehood and, try as I might, I couldn't find it.
"What are you talking about?"
"The worlds are becoming more and more dangerous. I can't protect Mina from that, not when I'm worlds away from her. You're some one who can protect her, you can look after her."
"Why in the nine hells would you trust me with that? You hate me."
"I trust you because you love her." He stated, making sure I didn't break eye contact. Suddenly the entire conversation made sense. He had felt the reason behind my anger. I had let myself slip. "I don't like Martians but at least you can look after her."
I gave a bit of a laugh.
"That's funny 'cause I got the distinct impression didn't want me any where near her." I told him, looking out over the empty garden.
"I didn't want you near her. I thought you were just following orders. I thought that you didn't give a damn about Minako... or about how much pain she's in over this whole fiasco. It's different now. You never... felt human before. I never saw any indication that you cared... at all. I could never pick up of the slightest bit of emotion. It scared me... But you love her, I get the feeling you have from the moment you met her. And despite your feelings you haven't made a move. You respect that she doesn't like you." I could tell he was feeling awkward about talking this over.
"She hates me." I corrected. He shrugged.
"You didn't force your feelings on her. I mean, we all expect you Martians to go after people they're interested in and... well, you know." He muttered.
"Is this your way of apologizing?" I asked. He blushed.
"No." He said, but his eyes said yes. I nodded in response.
"Alright." I said in such a soft voice it was nearly a whisper. He looked at me.
"I don't like you and I may not like the fact that you want something from Minako, but I can appreciated it because it means you'll protect her. You'll protect her because of how you feel for her." Eros stated. "Keeping my family safe is the most important thing to me and I get the feeling that you'd die for Minako..."
I nodded. When I didn't reply he turned and left me standing alone on the balcony. I sighed. He didn't want me to ever have a relationship with Minako but he was happy I cared for her. I got the impression that he wouldn't mind if I ended up dying for her... the only regret he'd feel over my death would be over the protection his sister had lost. I sighed.