The Dawn of Serenity Chapter Eighteen Lightning crashed outside as the storm continued to rage, illuminating his claret eyes with an unnatural emerald sheen. With each subsequent flash, he saw their silhouettes move erratically, pacing back and forth, gesturing wildly across the room. Their voices filled his study like a killer swarm, but sensors just inside the door were sure to block any sound escaping. He paid little attention to their squabbling, however—so focused upon the small holopad, he was. The screen blinked to life as Demando once again watched the holographic images with intense attention. During the day, while the Shitennou were distracted by their plans, the high leaders of the Black Moons scuttled around the palace like deadly shadows with schemes of their own. Thanks to Esmeraude's ability to sneak around the palace unseen, and Saphir's advanced powers of the mind, they had managed to station two cameras just outside the doors leading into the Crystal Chamber; these practically invisible to the naked eye. From the seclusion of Demando's suite, they watched the procession of Shitennou and prey approach their destination late into the night, and all caught a glimpse of what it was they had been hiding all this time. As her face came into view, each member of the Black Moon Clan pressed closer to the screen in silent suspense. Each held their breath, releasing gasps, shouts of alarm and surprise, for there wasn't one amongst those in the room who couldn't recognize her face. As his family continued to rampage, Demando watched the images repeatedly -- almost obsessively -- his careful eyes analyzing every digital frame. So then, this was what kept the Lords of the Queen tossing and turning in their beds at night. The moment he had seen her, Demando understood it all too well. The presence of a Senshi would indeed ignite a furnace under this palace, and he could only imagine the hell storm the queen would unleash in response. To turn her without consent was a brave plan indeed. He marveled at their sudden brash disregard for the rules, and began to reconsider the Shitennou's involvement in their ultimate plan. "Well, what are we waiting for?" he heard Rubeus question, and finally raised his head, taking his eyes off the screen. "We can take this information to the Queen and finally be rid of the Shitennou once and for all." "Yes, she will surely make them suffer," Calaveras added in Rubeus’ favor. "Don't be rash," Demando mumbled, as his thoughts remained distracted by the unbelievable images upon the screen. He froze the digital profile of the Senshi and zoomed in upon her face, coming dangerously close to her vibrant blue eyes. He stared at them, mesmerized by their familiar color, and found himself dreaming of a white goddess of his own. "But...this is a perfect oppor-" "We have planned for far too long to bring about this kingdom's demise to get sidetracked now. We will wait for what I deem the perfect moment to expose this atrocity; now is not the time. Besides…" Demando chuckled, "I want to see what they intend to do with her next." +++++ Kunzite intended to step over the threshold, but for some inexplicable reason, his feet had no intention of leaving their current position. Just inside lay the private and luxurious halls of the Queen’s chamber, where he would at least meet his end in style. As soon as their late night rendezvous was complete, he asked for a meeting with the queen, to help aid their deception, but wasn't entirely surprised when he was declined an audience at such an early hour. She lived a life of pleasure and was not one to be bothered in the middle of the night. He remembered a time when his beloved Queen lived and breathed destruction and dominion, when she stayed up long into the night planning the Silver Millennium's annihilation. Her strength continued to push them in the 20th century, when everything they seemed to do failed miserably. He barely recognized the Queen he now served. She was changed, but then again -- everything was changed now. With the dawning of the new day, Kunzite was roused from his turbulent attempts to sleep by a page with a look of complete loss on their face, and Kunzite knew she had finally heard the news -- and no doubt went on a rampage, directing her fury towards the nearest possible victim. He was to be her next sacrifice, and with that knowledge, his feet refused to move. He knew the longer he waited, the greater her anger would be, and the weaker his defense would seem against her calculating mind. He was putting the whole mission in jeopardy, because of his cowardice – a trait, to which the noble lord was unaccustomed. Jadeite, Nephrite and Zoicite would suffer for this, and with that thought, he pushed himself over the threshold and into her madness. The queen’s antechamber was a glossy black obsidian affair, and Kunzite watched his reflection distort as it drifted across every crystal's many facets. He followed the gentle slope up towards the very top of the crystal spire, the only hall ascending those heights. As Kunzite passed by one particularly vast chamber, he felt the hairs upon his skin dance. For a moment, he paused and looked into the black abyss, where only a faded blue light shone at its end. It was forbidden to anyone to enter aside from the highest of nobility within this world, and possessed as many barriers around it as the Queen's Chambers themselves. Right now, it was a place Kunzite never wanted to see ever again, but felt, deep inside, that his feet would unwillingly lead him there soon enough. He continued on, and eventually found himself within the inner sanctum of the Queen. The crystal here was faded rouge, a few shades lighter than was the Crystal Chamber. Accents of Gold and ebony decorated the furniture and flooring, countless adornments of great beauty and opulence lined the walls – simply the best for such a Queen. He found her in her cluttered, but homey reading room, pacing what little floor space she could find in-between the endless rows of bookshelves and lavish beige leather chaises. Instantly, she noticed him, and set her fiendish eyes on him. "Kunzite!" she roared and stormed up to him in silks and chains. "My Queen…" he bowed deeply, using this time to steady his resolve. "What is going on within my kingdom? Rumors of destroyed Soldiers…and what have you done with the crystal? A tremendous amount of energy was taken from it last night, almost the equivalent of a monthly dose for all of us. Explain yourself immediately!" "My Queen, I came here this morning to discuss the very events of which you speak, but you would not accept my presence." "I do not want to hear excuses! I leave you in charge of all my affairs and you offer me only excuses?" "Of course, I'm sorry, my Queen," Kunzite bowed apologetically. "I was outraged by the massacre of our Soldier Youma and sent Jadeite's best Hunter into those tunnels after the attack, but she was only able to find one Underling. We were at a loss as to what happened to the Soldiers, and thought that perhaps the Underling could help us solve the puzzle. The renegade was injured badly, however, so we had little time to debate. We took her to the Crystal Chamber and healed her, as well as turned her – without your permission I realize. It was a hasty decision, please forgive my impudence." Kunzite kept his head bowed as the Queen digested his tale. He told her their alibi with all the strength and conviction he could muster, and did his level best to prevent his voice from wavering. Though the true test would be to see if she would believe him, and take into consideration his undoubted centuries of service and unswerving loyalty, perhaps that, he reasoned, was the only thing that would help his cause this time. She measured him up with her frightening eyes for a few moments, and Kunzite held his breath. "Turned an Underling?" "Yes, it is an option we have never considered. In the past, captured Underlings seemed immune to all other devices, and we didn't want to waste this chance, as Underlings are hard to come by these days." He could see the possibilities working themselves out behind her eyes as she thought more deeply upon his words, and Kunzite finally inhaled. "Have you succeeded?" "We think so, yes. When she awakens we will have confirmation." He approached her then, braving to grasp her hand in his as once more, he fell upon bended knee. "Please forgive me for my deception. It was not my intent to leave you in the dark so. I did what I deemed necessary at the time. If you are to blame someone, blame me alone." "Of course," she chuckled shortly, and looked down at him with a smirk. With her free hand, she beckoned him to stand, and pressed her palm upon his broad chest. "Kunzite, always the responsible one, I am not pleased with your sneaking around behind my back in the dark of night, but I can understand the need for it this time. But I suggest you not try such a thing again, or else punishment will be very much a part of your future." "I understand." "Do you need punishment now?" He recognized the sly look in her eyes, and finally let his nerves relax. Slowly, the knots in his stomach unraveled themselves, for he knew by her tone that for now, they were safe from her unrivaled wrath. "Do you wish to kiss me?" she questioned further. Normally such an opportunity would send chills of excitement down his spine, for pleasing his queen in matters other than those of state was his reward for years of service. Now, however, as he looked into her fiery eyes, Kunzite could only see one thing -- Minako. The blonde would not leave his mind and body alone, ailing every part of him, and leaving him sore with memories and dangerous thoughts. He wanted nothing more than to disappear from everything at the moment and steady himself after the last twenty-four hours, but he knew any change in his character would be noticed by their compelling queen. With a pleasant smile he forced his emotional nausea deep inside, and quickly closed the gap between them. He embraced her as passionately as he dared. Her lips were cold to the touch, but he closed his eyes and brought her closer to him, trying his best to keep his arms from shaking. Only a day before, butterflies of anticipation would have filled his stomach. He lusted after his queen, cherishing every moment spent praising her and doing her bidding, knowing he was making her content in this dark world. He daydreamed of spending shaded nights in her bed, or just sitting at her feet worshipping the ground she treaded. Now, his dreams were filled with golden hearts and the caress of topaz eyes, and cherubic laughter echoed in his ears, seemingly coming from around every corner. He was a haunted man, but for some unbelievable reason, deep inside, he wished to embrace the phantoms and let them pass through him, leaving something he lost long ago behind, for they felt just as real as the lips pressing against his at that moment. She pulled away from his touch ever so slowly, a pleased smile on her pursed lips. She thought she was teasing him as she swayed towards her black and metal desk -- twisted and deformed like her evil intent-- but she was doing him a favor, for he didn't know how much longer he could keep up this charade. She sat down dramatically, flipping her teal hair over her pale shoulder. "Keep me updated on this Underling. You may go." She waved a tired hand, and pretended to occupy herself with paperwork she no longer had to do. "As you wish, my Queen...." Kunzite bowed quickly, and happily turned to leave the room. "And Kunzite…?" He sighed internally as she called out to him again, and dared not turn around and face her once more. "Keep nothing from me again." He nodded, silently acknowledging her warning, and continued on his way, his rushed steps the only sound in the chamber. He didn't relent as he practically bolted -- descending her lofty heights and followed the glistening black halls back towards the open canyon of the palace. He passed servants and Youma, caring little for their questioning stares, and stormed into his private quarters. A splash of water from the alabaster sink did little to settle his system as his legs shook beneath him. Kunzite only caught a glimpse of his ragged face before his body caved in, and he could no longer hold the churning bile down. +++++ Slowly, her sleeping charge finally opened her eyes and stared, dazedly at the brown ceiling high above her head. Irinushka patiently waited as the young woman took in the sights around her for the first time. The reflective surface of the surrounding walls gave off a warm chocolate brown sheen, while lavish, sheer linens of various colors hung from the ceiling over seven plush and comfortable beds. Golden vanities lined the opposing side of the wall, and beaded curtains led to the walk-in closets beyond. The room warmed by the rich scent of aromatic spices and herbs as they entered her nostrils. Lush pillows added a sense of intimacy to the room, as they lay strewn sporadically around the large, oval interior. It was a view Irinushka was used to seeing everyday, but she knew this poor girl was overwhelmed at the sight of it for more than one reason. The comfortable blankets close to her chin began to rise erratically as fear took hold of her heart, and her blue eyes couldn't find a safe place to focus as they darted back and forth. As she began to move, Irinushka placed a comforting but firm hand on her shoulder, and drew the attention of their wayward guest. "Be still, there is nothing to fear here. You are safe," she spoke gently, but she knew the woman was far from placated. "Where…where-" "Ssh. Please, take some slow breaths and calm yourself, or else you might go into shock. Breathe, my lady." The blonde haired beauty stared at her for a moment, before closing her eyes and doing her best to calm her breathing. Irinushka's advice seemed to work, but the woman still clung desperately to the white sheets. "Good. Now, relax. My name is Irinushka. I have been charged to take care of you until your rooms are ready, and to help heal your wounds." For the first time she looked down at herself and noticed the bandages covering her arms, she brought her delicate hands up to her face, gingerly feeling the bumps and bruises that had collected there over the course of her ordeal, and slowly the panic began to rise within her once more. "What...what happened to me?" "Do you remember nothing?" Irinushka asked and watched as her focus shifted to her soft tumbling hair that framed her pale features and cascaded over her chest to her waist. She touched it as if it was some sort of fragile artifact, running her hands from roots to tips. "I...Who-Who are you? Who am I!" Irinushka shook her head at the sudden outburst and began to fiddle with her equipment. "We were afraid of this." "We…?" "You were in an accident. Underlings, people that despise our way of life, attacked the palace yesterday. Unfortunately, one of their bombs exploded not far from your quarters, and the floor above collapsed on you. It was miraculous that you were pulled from the rubble at all, but all your pretty things were destroyed. Apparently, you did not escape with your memories in tact, as Underlings often use bio-chemicals in their attacks. We haven't finished our analysis of the weapon yet, but your condition proves our worst fears correct." "Underlings…palace…? I-I don't remember any of this!" "I know," Irinushka smiled sadly, and placed her hand over hers. "I'm so very sorry, my lady. But I promise, the lords will do everything in their power to avenge you. I must go tell them now about your condition; they've been very worried. You won't be left alone, I have someone to watch over you." Out of the corner of her eye, another woman appeared and curtsied humbly at the end of the bed. Her brown hair was a few shades lighter than Irinushka's, and her châtain eyes were filled with friendliness and understanding. "This is Araya. She will watch over you," Irinushka said, and rose from the edge of the bed. "It's a pleasure, my lady. I've always wanted to meet you," Araya smiled brightly. "Wait," the woman called out once Irinushka reached the door. Slowly, almost reluctantly, she turned, and faced her with a quiet smile. "Who...what's my name...?" "Minako...." +++++ Nephrite waited outside with Jadeite, but she refused to meet either of their stares. She breathed out raggedly, dropping the pleasant smile that had been plastered on her face moments before. She had done exactly as they said, but Irinushka felt despicable and equally responsible for lying to the innocent girl shaking upon her bed. The two lords waiting impatiently for the news, but a selfish part of her wanted to make them suffer for having her follow her current orders. She could see Jadeite fidgeting, and smiled to herself. "All right all ready! Tell us!" he exploded. "She remembers nothing," she relented, and listened as they sighed in relief. "It worked," Jadeite, laughed victoriously, throwing his hands into the air. "So it would seem," Irinushka muttered. "Maybe she isn't who we think she is after all. It takes a weak mind to succumb to brainwashing," Jadeite scoffed. "And can we trust this Araya? I know she is one of your women, but that doesn't make her necessarily loyal." "Araya will do as she's told, although I will most likely pay for it down the road," Nephrite sighed. "Good job, Irinushka. Her rooms should be ready tomorrow, so keep her sedated until we return." "She's sleeping in my bed," Irinushka protested. "I've got a place for you to sleep," Jadeite smirked, reaching out to caress her chestnut locks. She pulled away quickly, pinning him with a dangerous glare. "Do not touch me again." "Why, you...!" Jadeite raised his arm to strike her, but Nephrite was quick to catch him before the blow could find its mark. He turned to Irinushka and gave her a warning glance. "Go, Rin." She moved her mouth to speak, but decided quickly against it. With a dramatic whirl of her golden silks, she turned and disappeared back into the room, closing the door roughly behind her. "You have a spitfire there," Jadeite commented as Nephrite released his arm, and massaged the spot where his friend had held it in a vice-like grip. Nephrite narrowed his eyes at the thought, and peered at the closed door as if he could see through it. "Yes...she reminds me of someone." +++++ Shing stepped in line behind Aleksei and Ben as they pushed a large armoire on a small cart, careful not to get in their way. He himself carried a bronze statue of a rearing stallion in his quivering arms, and knew its weight must equal its value. Though he hardly noticed the strain, for his mind could only wrap itself around one thing -- Minako was dead. Three whole days had passed since that dreadful night, and the pretty blonde was nowhere to be seen. Before and after his shifts, Shing hid outside the entrance to the dungeons, hoping against all hope that he would catch a glimpse of her sumptuous golden hair. On one such occasion he felt brave enough to shadow Jadeite as close as he dared, but the General only led him to another dead end. There was only one explanation -- Minako was dead, and she was never coming back. "Why are you so quiet lately, Shing?" Aleksei finally asked. He had kept up his silence until now, but could no longer hold back his curiosity and concern for his younger friend. "Yeah, we usually can't shut you up," Ben murmured as he grunted against the strain of pushing the large stone piece. "You haven't told us anything about your previous job either. Until a couple days ago, you loved it. What's wrong, Shing?" Aleksei continued to probe after sending Ben a stern glance over his shoulder as he guided the cart down the hall. Shing heard them, but it was as if he was experiencing himself as a ghostly apparition with no power to move or speak. He wanted to tell the others what ailed him -- vent his anger to Aleksei and Ben, and cry on Irinushka's shoulder. But Jadeite's warning eyes and burning rage held his tongue in check. Besides, how could he make them completely understand what had transpired over the last two weeks? He did not fully comprehend himself. "I...I’m just bummed out from getting fired I guess. I don't want to talk about it," Shing offered miserably. “Oh come on, working with us again isn’t so bad, is it?” Ben huffed. Shing could tell by Aleksei's eyes that the older boy didn't completely believe him, but was saved any lengthy discomfort as the corridors had become more difficult to negotiate. Aleksei was forced to focus his complete attention back on their task, and the group fell into a silent precession. The path they took led them deeper into the palace, into vast chambers where mortals of their status rarely ventured. The private chambers of the Shitennou were located at these depths, and Shing was at a loss as to whom these newest accommodations might belong. The rooms they now serviced were smaller than he expected of high status -- albeit grander compared to those of the slave's -- the crystal walls seemed brand new, as if the palace had grown them overnight. With the armoire and statue now in place, the room was finally complete. Shing wiped his brow, and took a moment to look over the finished room. The crystal walls were tinted a warm beige, and somewhat comforting, off-white stone furniture graced the colorful carpet. The enormous bed rested upon four carved stone blocks, and endless amounts of golden pillows piled high across the fanning headboard looked so inviting. Accents of bronze added to the pleasant atmosphere, and even Shing felt as if his burdens were a little lighter as the result of simply looking upon its splendor. "Now get out of here, all of ye. You're free for lunch, but make it quick!" The only dark spot to ruin the perfect image of the tastefully decorated room was Shing's new master, Uldar. He was a wretched Youma with dark green skin and uncaring eyes, but at least he found the Youma more bearable than Emshaud. One by one, they trudged back out of the room, and as Shing stepped out into the hall, he heard the sound of heels clicking upon the crystal concourse, and soft feminine voices rising towards the ceiling. The others continued on their way down the hall, but Shing ducked around the corner where a large lonely plant grew undisturbed by the comings and goings of its more animated passers-by. "Shing...what are you doing?" Aleksei called back over his shoulder, and Shing waved his arm dramatically. "Go, I'll catch up," he said in a rushed tone, but the older boys shared a quick glance and raced back to where Shing was crouching behind the plant. The raven-haired youngster protested vigorously as his friends pushed and shoved to get behind the leafy protection with him. Shing finally succumbed and hushed them by raising his hand for silence. "These rooms are deep inside the palace, so you should be safe from attack this time."As the figures came into view, Shing observed a pretty brunette speaking to somebody not far behind. Irinushka walked beside the shorter woman, her wise eyes sweeping the corridor thoroughly. "Why are we hiding? It's only Rin," Aleksei said, and was about to get up, but Ben clamped a firm hand on his arm, then nodded towards the women. "Look at her." Shing no longer had eyes for anything else as the last member of the party came into view. Minako walked cautiously, as if a fluttering bird, trying to find a place to safely rest. Indeed, she looked like a frightened dove, as a shimmering white dress embraced her lithe body. Her elegant tresses washed out the earthen women around her and illuminated the crystal walls, making the air about her seem almost to dance in response to her beauty. "Is that who I think it is, Shing?" Aleksei asked, and all Shing could do was nod his head dumbly. "Your new rooms might not come up to the standard of those to which you are accustomed, but nonetheless I think you'll find them most comforting," the brunette in the finest lavender silks continued as they reached the doorway to the rooms where the boys had been only a short time before. "Right this way, my lady." "I...I don't feel like I should be here," Minako said softly. "It's all right," Irinushka spoke up finally. "Araya will stay with you for now, and help you with whatever you need for tonight. Tomorrow, I will come and tell you more about what you have forgotten." Minako accepted her terms, and followed Araya into the brightly lit room. Her feet hesitated upon the threshold, as she twisted her hands in front of her. It was more than Shing could take, and heedless of the consequences and Aleksei's protests, he burst forth from his cover into the open. Irinushka jumped at the sight of him and was about to scold him when he shouted the very name that plagued his mind every moment of every day. "Minako!" he shouted, and obediently she turned and faced him. Her eyes seemed surprised to see him, but then changed to a questioning glance as she touched each facet of his face. Her countenance filled him with an eerie sense of dread, and as she spoke, he felt his heart stop inside his chest. "I...do I know you?" The question hit him hard, and he would've stumbled back if not for the fact that Irinushka had firmly gripped him around his small shoulders. "What are you three doing here…? Aleksei, Ben, get Shing out of here, and go to your house and wait for me. Do not speak to anyone, you understand?" Irinushka's dark eyes burned into Aleksei's, and he nodded vaguely. "Yeah, okay. Come on Shing," Aleksei urged, hitting him lightly on the back. Aleksei virtually dragged the immovable boy from the spot to which he was rooted firmly, but Shing seemed unaware of anything except the look in Minako's eyes. Gently, Irinushka coaxed her over the threshold and moved to close the door. The golden goddess peered back out at him, her mouth partly open to speak, to say something to the young boy, but neither of them knew what to say now. Slowly, Irinushka pushed the door closed, separating the two star crossed friends, and returning Shing to his world of shadows. +++++ Well, I haven't spoken in awhile, so I think it's time I flap my gums a little. I hope you're growing more accustomed to the dark world we were introduced to in the second arc of this tale. More characters, familiar and new, have started to weave a new story, and perhaps the one ray of hope anyone had, has been crushed by the Shitennou's plan. Minako seems to be under their spell, but all isn't lost just yet. Where will their plan take them next, and how can they hope to keep it secret with Demando watching their every move? Next chapter a few questions will be answered, but they just might lead to more mystery. If anyone is wondering by the way, Shing is about ten or eleven. I think he's my favorite, and I want to give him lots-o-hugs. ^_^ I hope everyone is all right with the fact that I'm using original characters. I think they're important to try to give the world more life and personality, and I've tried to use familiar characters to balance it out. I had to stick Araya in there for some fan service, too. tehehe. Thanks for all your help Araya! ;)