Chapter 14
They headed out of Shanghai in rented, silver Range Rover's. Taking the back roads out amid the rice fields and slowly rolling hills of southern China. The landscape growing more mountainous the further west they travelled. Skirting the large prefecture city of Tongren, keeping to the narrow dirt trails of rarely used roads. The rugged jeeps bouncing along the trails, their heavy tires gripping the loose dirt and digging in when necessary. Not wanting to get stoped by park officials or local law enforcement, they snuck into the vast nature reserve.
The jagged spine of the Wuling mountain range was soon jutting out of the approaching foothills. Lush and semi tropical landscape soon wrapped around them, as they disappeared into the ancient forests that hugged the mountains. They took the more difficult, rarely used road through the forest towards the Ying River. When they caught sight of military trucks, jeeps and foot soldier's moving along the main road. Deciding to take the west line route up the mountain to the Fanjin Mountain gate.
As the trail began to wind upward, the walls of the mountains began closing in on either side. In sheer drops of weathered stone, deep gorges and towering trees.
"I don't like the fact that the Chinese army is headed up to the mountain gate as well." Mina stated sourly from the back seat of the jeep.
Hollywood glanced back over his shoulder at her from the drivers seat. "That's why we are taking this god forsaken goat trail." he hissed back, cranking the wheel sharply to keep the franticly bouncing vehicle on the narrow road as they climbed upward.
"They could already be camped up at the gate, then our little hike will be over real quick." Mina growled back. Raye who was seated beside her, slipped her hand into hers. Intwining their finger's together, seeking to calm her. She was usually the hot headed one. But Mina had been in a heated mood for weeks, anxious and easy to rile. Mina lightly brushed her thumb over Rayes knuckles, silently reassuring her that she was alright, just dealing.
"Then we will figure out how to get you girls past them." Zac countered from his position in the front passenger seat.
"Fanjing is the highest mountain in the Wuling range." Amy announced from the back seat near the window, staring down nervously over the edge of the road. That plunged into a perilous gorge of sheer cliffs. Mina and Raye shared a grim look.
"Fanjin means Tranquility." Serenity intoned from the back seat of the other range rover, glancing down at the three cats nestled against her hips on the bench. They had not left her side since appearing this morning, immortal beings that they were. They seemed so vulnerable and weak compared to her mother?
"We're heading up to the Golden Summit, the Moon Mirror. There should be a portal into the God's realm and there we should find the Celestial Temple." Serenity locked her steely gaze on Lita who was seated in the passenger seat and Kane at the wheel ahead.
"It seems rather presumptuous that your mother is just going to let us waltz up into her temple unscathed." Kane sighed.
"By the look of the Chinese Soldier's already headed up the main road, I figure a welcome party is already waiting for us at the Gate." Lita slumped back against her chair, crossing her arms defiantly.
"I guess the mountain ain't so tranquil after all." Kane intoned, with a smirk.
All the two girls groaned at the poor idea of a joke to break the tension inside the jeep.
Hollywood abruptly slammed on the breaks, the back end of the jeep fishtailing slightly. Zac braced himself as both Mina and Raye shouted choice curses his way from the back seat. Amy merely braced herself against the bench, the lips thinned into a tight line.
Kane bellowed in alarm, when the Range Rover ahead's red break lights suddenly flashed.
"What the hell!" Kane ground his foot down on the brake, bringing their jeep to a grinding halt inches away from the bumper of the one in front. Lita had braced a protective arm over Serenity's chest, holding the shorter blonde back against the seat.
Amy held onto the granny bar over her window with both hands, white knuckled with her jaw clenched tight. Glancing backward as Kanes jeep squealed towards them. Visions of them hitting their forward vehicle and plummeting down the mountain. A clear and terrifying outcome in her mind.
Kane burst from the jeep, slamming the door shut as he thundered up the slope toward Hollywood. Who had exited his own jeep and was currently staring off into the distance pensively.
Kane was intent on slamming his fist in the man's face to wake him the hell up!
"What is the god damn deal! You nearly killed us!" He roared, his leather duster snapping angrily in the wind.
Personifying the rage simmering under his skin.
Hollywood raised a bracing arm to halt his forward stride. Forcing him to come abreast and scan the gulley ahead. Just over the next ridge above, they could see a long line of military vehicles positioned along the adjacent road. Heading up to the large parking lot with the elaborate pagoda style gate a few miles above them.
"Damn." Kane hissed.
"This is the end of the line?" Zac limped across the trail towards them, his cane scraping into the dirt and clumps of moss.
"For us." Hollywood narrowed his eyes, strategizing their next move. As the girls approached.
Luna had perched herself on top of the roof of their jeep, along with Artemis and Diana. All surveying the thick foliage along the trail, searching for another way to ascend the mountain.
"The girls will go into the forest." The black cat announced.
"While we provide a distraction at the gate to so you guys can sneak through." Hollywood nodded towards the self assured black cat.
"Split up!" Lita cried, instinctively curling her fists into Kane's black t-shirt. Pulling the man in close, needing for him to clarify what they were going to do.
"We will ram our jeeps through the gate, while you five slip in behind through the forest." Kane rubbed his thumbs tenderly over her fists, seeking to calm her raging spirit.
"The forest is thick and steep...you could wrap yourself around a tree!" Lita growled through clenched teeth. Her heart now hammering in her chest at the dread of losing him.
Kane released a long, low, sigh. Smiling down at her warmly, wanting to reassure her that he would be careful.
"What other choice do we have?" Hollywood spoke up, a resignation in his cool voice.
Serenity nodded, turning on her heel to head back to the jeep and gather up her pack. It would take a full day to hike straight up to the peek. There would be rest stops and inns along the steps for tourists. But if they could stay on the main paths they would reach the summit by dusk.
"Let get going, then." She commanded, opening the back hatch of the rover and slinging her army pack on her back. As Luna lept off the roof and landed elegantly on the top of her pack. Perching herself like some furry parrot upon the top flap.
Artemis and Diana pranced behind her into the underbrush.
Raye and Mina quickly gathered their own hiking gear and disappeared down the gulley and into the forest after Sere.
Leaving Amy and Lita to say their goodbyes.
Hollywood took out Lita's black hiking pack and set it on the road. Before taking his leave, driving away in the forward jeep knowing the two couples would need a bit of privacy in case this was the last time they saw one another.
Kane stared pleadingly down at Lita, his larger hands cupping her face. Wanting to calm her, seeing the fierce battle waging in her eyes. The anger and worry shimmering beneath the sensual emerald of her eyes was breathtaking. Making his heart clench at the pain he saw. "I will be ok..." He whispered, trying to reassure her. "I promise." Easing his lips down to her's. She seizes his shirt collar in a fist and held him close, unwilling to allow him to draw back. Deepening the kiss, smashing her lips against his violently. Their kiss soon becoming hungry and painful, tongues lashing and
twisting as if fighting for dominance. She could feel his arousal, hot and hard against her stomach. His hands flying passionately into her long auburn hair. His lips demanding against hers. As all the blood once pumping to her fists in her rising fury, now pooling deep down in her core. The ache he created inside of her pleading for only him to quell.
Finally she yanks her mouth away, shoving him away with her fisted hand. Breathing hard and struggling to keep her tears at bay. She quickly strides to her pack and adjusts it over her shoulders.
"I intend to finish what we started, Neville." She commands gruffly, the torment in her voice still quivering softly, before jogging away into the trees.
Kane smirks, she is the only person alive he allows to use his real name. Oddly enough he loves hearing it from her smooth sultry voice.
"Count on it! Lightening Bolt!" He shouted after her, laughing almost joyously. Brushing a hand through his wild coppery red hair and shaking his head ruefully. Shaking out his crotch, by jiggling his legs. Man was he turned on right now!
Zac swallows and looks down at Amy, his tender hazel green eyes full of such pent up emotion he could barely contain it all. Amy finds herself near tears in moments. Casting her head down shyly, desperate to stay in control.
"Don't hide from me." He whispers, running his finger down her face. Lightly grasping her chin and forcing her to look back up at him. Smiling down at her soothingly as the tears begin to fall down her face. Brushing them away with his thumbs. "These last few weeks have been the happiest of my life. I never thought I would find that other half of myself, hell I never even knew I was missing a piece of my heart till I found you. But I was lucky enough to have met you even if it might be brief."
"Don't say things like that." She moaned, closing her eyes and melting into his caress. As he cupped her cheek with one hand.
"You have brought out such powerful feelings in me I never knew existed. I need to know your safe, so that I can fight with a clear conscience. I need you to be here when I get back!" She pleaded softly, the tears flowing with out embarrassment.
Zac grimaces unsure if he can promise such a thing. They are both going into insurmountable danger, their lives would be in peril. If it was fated for either of them to die, their was absolutely nothing they could do to prevent it.
Could he lie...just to ease her heart.
Bending down he places feather-soft kisses at the sides of her mouth. Smiling with satisfaction as she moans and tries to slant her lips over his. Needing him to reassure her with his love, that he would survive all this.
"I promise...I'll be here when you get back." He whispers against her lips.
For her sake he would endure the uncertain future ahead and he would do what ever was necessary to prevail. He would never intentionally hurt her, or break a single promise.
She slipped her arms around his waist, arching herself against him. Her lips encouraging his desire, sweeping over his lightly. The kiss is soft, passionate and loving. Lingering and teasing his mouth with her own, as if they had all day. Then her lips are pressing anxiously against his, persistent and demanding, as her tongue darts out to lick his lower lip.
Coaxing him to open his mouth, sweeping inside to tangle with his. Her middle finger's lacing in the belt loops of his jeans, the rest of her hands splayed over his back. Touching the hot, bare skin of his back under his white t-shirt.
He pulls back, still holding the sides of her face. His eyes glazed with lust, and a huge smug grin plastered over his face.
"Wow..." He murmurs against her smiling lips. "Your really good at that.."
Amy blushes and darts away, needing to reclaim at least a sliver of dignity as she was now ready to break down into full out sobs. Yanking the back door open on the remaining jeep and pulling out her pack, jogging into the underbrush with out a goodbye. She just couldn't bear to say it...
Kane had already slipped back into the driver's seat, when Zac tossed his cane into the passenger side. His physio was going smoothly, his body getting stronger, movements less stiff and clumsy. He was ready to get rid of that damn cane already.
Hanging onto the top of the door, he eased himself into the jeep. Casting Kane a curt look as he settled himself and latched his belt.
Kane kicked the jeep forward, speeding away down the narrow mountain pass eager to catch up to Hollywood.
"In love huh?" Kane tossed Zac a meaningful look.
"Truly, Madly, Deeply." Zac quipped.
"Ditto..." Kane huffed, a huge grin spreading over his face.
A few minutes later the girls were moving at a crisp pace amid the trees, crossing a long rope bridge that spanned a deep ravine. With the twittering of birds and rustle of golden monkey's echoing in the back ground of the forest.
It was hot and muggy, a mist swirling low over the ground. As they climbed upward along a winding goat trail that wove back towards the steps that led up to the mountain gate. Circling around the periphery of the parking lot, keeping to the tall grass. They moved slowly and as silently as possible. Surveying the covered military transports lined up in the parking stalls, with soldier's ushering haggard looking civilians inside.
"Looks like their evacuating the mountain?" Mina commented, her cool blue eyes narrowed. Peering through the tall scrub grass, surveying every movement of the military within the large parking lot.
"Do you think the Queen already attacked?" Raye gasped, staring up through the massive open gateway towards the natural steps beyond the Pagoda arch that guarded the mountain.
"It's a possibility? " Amy mused. "We could be confronting her army far more quickly then we like, once we start climbing those steps?"
"What choice do we have!" Lita snarled, "We either fight her now or later. I say we take the fight to her front door just like our princess planed."
Serenity looked up in surprise into her fierce green eyes.
"I remember, Princess. I remember everything, thanks to my loss of control last night." Lita locked her eyes with Serenity's. There wasn't an once of regret there, just a burning conviction to see this battle through to the end.
Mina thinned her lips into a tight smile, hating that her past lives still eluded her. She desperately wanted to remember.
Trying everything she could think off to try and resurrect those lost moments.
The fact that Raye and Amy were now gripping Lita's shoulders in an act of solidarity only infuriated her more.
"Lets get this show on the road!" MIna growled, standing up and breaking cover as the squealing tires of the twin jeeps exploded into the parking lot.
"That's our cue." Serenity motioned them forward, hunching down and jogging along the edge of the parking lot towards the gate. Staying as hidden they could in the grass, ducking and crouching as they moved along the front of the parked cargo trucks.
The jeeps spun and weaved through the gunfire and shouting soldiers. Making as straight of a route as they could towards the open gateway. Crashing through the entrance kiting several armed military personal in their wake. The harsh sounds of snapping branches followed as the jeeps crashed out of control through the under growth. Leaving the rest of the parking lot in a state of chaos, with terrorfied civilians and alarmed soldier's trying to regain order.
With the remaining soldier's good and distracted it was easy for the five girls to slip through the now unguarded gate and dash away up the steps. Disappearing up the path to continue their journey towards the Celestial Temple at the summit.
"Did you know, that Fanjing is the highest peek in China." Amy stated absently from the rear of the group. They had been climbing up the winding well used path for the last couple hours. "It's situated at the intersection of three counties. Jiangkou,Yinjiang, Songtao."
Mina rolled her eyes and groaned but kept her peace, adjusting the strap of her hiking pack on her shoulder. It had been digging in mercilessly for the last hour. Raye marched just behind her, glancing worriedly over her shoulder at Amy. Who had her head down, watching intently every step she made in her beige hiking boots.
"In 1986 it was listed as one of the first natural reserves in China. Brought under the protection of UNESCO'S Man and Biosphere program." She kept on, unrelentingly. With the amount of information she had absorbed last night in her research, trying to distract herself. Having a photographic memory was useful at times, this time it proved to be a curse. All her mind could focus on was every detail of Zac's jeep careening down the mountain. Out of control and skidding
amid the pines and boulder's as Kane attempted to keep the wheels gripping the loose earth.
Serenity released a soft sigh, slowing her gate and moving out of formation. Allowing Mina and Raye to push ahead, while she came astride Amy. Silently reaching for her hand and entwining her finger's with hers. Seeking to offer her comfort, strength and support through the subtle contact.
Amy never broke stride or her lecture, squeezing Sere's hand tight. So very grateful for her dear, sweet friend who's compassion was unmatched. Knowing with out words how to comfort the stoic, academic. Who never willingly sought out comfort from other's, dealing on her own, in her own silent ways.
"This Mountain became a sacred buddhist site during the Ming Dynasty. " Amy continued, falling silent for a moment when Raye responded.
"We were there, Amy." She smiled sadly.
"It was over three hundred years ago." Amy breathed in awe. Lifetimes...so many lifetimes...
"It the was the life in which the Silver Crystal was reborn." Serenity smiled, tenderly. "From a single tear drop, when my beloved and all my dear friends died before my eyes during a battle on this very mountain."
"So much History..." Lita commented from the front of the line. Shaking her head in disbelief as those tragic memories resurfaced in her mind.
"I want to fucking remember!" Mina howled, shaking off Raye's comforting hand from her shoulder and storming up the path.
"It's as much a curse as it is a blessing." Lita called up to her, giving the worried Raye a curt nod that she was going to go talk to Mina. Increasing her stride to catch up to the furious blonde.
Amy merely blinked, her worry over Zac being alive or dead twisting in her gut. Unwilling to take on more things to think about she continued on.
"The mountain is a magnificent sub tropical environment, boasting ancient bridges, temple ruins, echoing caverns, rare plants and all manner of wild life. From the golden monkey to the dove tree. At the peek it has steep stone pillars supporting a huge square rock, known as the Pile of 10,000 books. The landscape if full of mysteries, such as the Buddhist light, the projection of human shadows upon the heavy fog and the reflection of the moon upon the sheer cliffs at it's peek...known as the Moon Mirror."
Raye sighed and hung her head, resigning herself to the long exhausting day ahead. With Amy's voice droning like a walking, talking National Geographic as they trekked upwards through the relentless heat and billowing jungle mist.
They had been catching sight of soldier's marching along the steps, more and more often the higher they went. Having to duck off the main path and hide as they stomped by. So going off the primary tourist route seemed in their best interest. They should have reached the summit by evening, but being delayed again and again by evading the military greatly cramped their itinerary.
So, as the afternoon lengthened into dusk, Serenity led them off the main path and onto a narrow, buddhist trail that pushed deeper into the trees. Ascending more steeply up the mountain towards a sheltered cliff. Holding the wood and stone relics of a lost temple. The remains of once sturdy walls leaning against, wooden beams and pillars or crumbled away into giant hills of stone. They quickly set up camp in the weak shelter behind the crumbling walls. Started a fire and ate their supper in silence. Everyone was so drained both physically and mentally.
"You think we should set up guards tonight?" Lita offered, setting down her empty bowl on a nearby flat stone. The firelight casting her grim face in deep shadows, as she surveyed the trees behind them. The eerie sounds of creatures calling from the darkness, making the hairs along her neck rise with anxiety. She was a creature of the big city now, she hadn't been camping since she was in high school. The fact that they were in the middle of nowhere on the side of some foreign mountain top only heightened her discomfort.
"I guess..." Mina mumbled around a huge bite of sandwich, glancing over her shoulder nervously. "Wouldn't want any surprises in the night." They had all discussed several theories as to why the military was evacuating the mountain and on constant patrol. Coming to the same conclusion.
Onii were now loose, roaming the mountain side...
"I'll take the first shift, then I'll wake you in a few hours Lita." Mina announced, gathering up the empty plates and bowls.
Raye cast her a worried look as she promptly left the warmth of the fire, heading into the trees after her girlfriend. Then followed her discretely towards the fresh water spring a half mile away from camp.
Serenity watched them leave with a heavy heart. Then bid Amy and Lita goodnight, retreating to the relative security of her tent with the three cats in tow.
Crawling into her sleeping bag, still fully clothed, only taking off her tennis shoes and set them by the front flap. She tucked her nose into the collar of Darien's t-shirt and took a big comforting sniff. Allowing his soft scent to lull her into a deep if troubled sleep.
"So many sad memories...I wish I could erase them all for you my darling daughter."
A voice floats through the darkness like a loving whisper. The very same voice that had halted her soul and b locked her from rememb ering her first life.
"Mother...?" Serenity calls b ack her voice weak and uncertain.
"He cast a spell on you, I could not b reak." Her soft, smooth and elegant voice called b ack to her as the sheet of complete darkness b egan to lighten into a melancholy demi-light. Pale, b lue white pillars shone in the distance. Drawing Serenity to walk slowly towards them.
Glancing down as she felt the feathery light material of her pearl white gown, sliding over her striding legs. She gathered up the long flowing hem in one hand, moving more swiftly towards the ancient ruins.
"As Gods we were charged only to guide and witness the earth's struggles, never to involve ourselves in their lives. It is forb idden for us to interact with the human's. We reigned over them only in the act of worship. The love you held for the b eautiful planet Earth. The intense curiosity you had to meet and understand it's people finally got the b etter of your common sense. You fell to earth for the first time upon your sixteenth year." As her voice floated around her, Serenity spun in a circle within the center of the ruins. Taking in the lonely devastation with a deep sadness.
"You were lost to me for over a week, even your Senshi could not find you. In the end it was Prince Endymion's pilgrimage to my Celestial Temple that drew me down to earth as well. He offered to lead your Guardian's to your side for my aid. Such a pompous, arrogant Prince. Believing he could b arter with the Gods. His kingdom was in turmoil during that time, reb ellions had b een b looming upon the four b order's of Elysian...the Heavenly Kingdoms were falling and the reb ellion encroaching towards the capital. I offered my services with out question and sent down your four Senshi to retrieve you." Queen Serenity sighed.
"But it was already to late. His deep b lue eyes, so similar to the fathomless b lue of his planet had left you spell b ound. You would secretly use the Moon Mirror to spy on him, as he fought valiantly to maintain order in his crumb ling Kingdom."
"You promised to aid him mother!" Serenity shouted. "But you welched on your side of the b argain. You sat upon your immortal throne and did nothing while the reb ellion grew and devoured the four b oarder realms of his kingdom." The memory was so sudden, so starling it shot through her mind like a b ullet.
"I am a Goddess! I am b ound b y greater laws then human hub ris." Queen Selene's disemb odied voice seethed out. "Human kingdoms come and go, it is the future of the whole race I focus on."
"How selective your memory has b ecome! You tried to conquer his kingdom!" She cried b ack in anger, as more selective memories surfaced in her mind. Each one slashing painfully through her human soul.
Her accusation was met onl proud and uncomfortab le silence from her mother.
"Every human soul is precious and deserves to b e free to make their own choices! They are not cattle, or lifeless chess pieces for you to play with!" Serenity growled b ack. But her mother continued to ignore her rising ire.
"You would descend again and again. Breaking every law, every tab oo in a naive attempt to repair his diseased people, his failing Kingdom. You even dragged your Senshi into the conflicts down on earth."
Queen Selene continued venomously, ignoring her daughter's righteous words outright.
Serenity took a deep b reath, casting her face up to the eternal star scape ab ove. Her eyes searching the endless expanse for any sign of her Goddess Mother. This celestial judgement she felt she was under, b ecoming unb earab le.
"You fell madly in love with that Prince, offered him your heart, your soul and your innocence. Dooming b oth our kingdoms to fall." Queen Selene sighed heavily. "I was so b linded b y hatred of him and how he had lead you astray. Your
were to b e my heir, I was going to leave the Silver Millennium and the Silver Crystal in your care and return to the Cosmic Cauldron and take my rightful place among the Progenitor's. So distracted b y your b etrayals and reb ellions that I didn't see the darkness secretly invading the earth and my own kingdom in time."
"So you b lame me!" Serenity cried up to the heaven's in contempt.
"It was to late to save our kingdoms...in the end the gods went to war against the Earth. And my kingdom tore itself apart. While the hearts of the human's corrupted from within b y the darkness, sought to steal my power. And, no I never b lamed you. I was angry and hurt b ut I have never b lamed you. I take responsib ility for what happened to me, to our kingdom and the curse you and all the people you love have endured for the last ten thousand years."
Serenity b owed her head in shame, her mother sounded so very tired and full of grief.
"What really happened..." She called up into the darkness.
"You will need to discover the truth b ehind the secrets, my dear. Of our long dead kingdom, your true past, your former lives and the elusive power that flows within the Silver Crystal." Her voice b egan to fade away, replaced with the frantic screams of her friends and the b rutal sounds of comb at.