The Dawn of Serenity

			     Chapter Twenty



	His rooms were amongst the most splendid of accommodations 
anywhere in the palace. Different light fixtures mounted inside the 
crystal walls to imitate the rising of the sun and journey of the stars
in the night sky. Blue lights were presently set at low as the lights
moved gently, like the reflection of graceful waves against a pier. It
was his favorite setting whenever he wished to sit and think. Against 
the wall, in a navy-blue suede chair, Kunzite found a little release 
from the maiden resting a short distance away, one hand keeping his 
heavy head aloft, while the other absentmindedly stroked the fur of a 
beast beside him. One lay beneath his feet, his dark fur catching the 
azure light. The other, a calming grey, leaned against the chair, 
enjoying the gentle scratching she was receiving.

	They were enormous wolves, coming up to a man's waist when 
upright. Jadeite had asked Zoicite to create them in order to assist 
his Hunters in pursuit of their game, but Kunzite saw other 
possibilities in them. Long ago, the lord fought with two canines like
these on the battlefield, and they had become just as loyal to him as 
his fellow soldiers. He had only asked for a few changes in their 
breeding and over many years the fair-haired lord had provided him with
the most excellent companions.

	In times like these, Kunzite needed a friend that wouldn't 
judge him, or question his wavering authority. He knew the Shitennou
were his family, but something seemed to ail all of them, throwing 
them all into a whirlpool of confusion. And, as he gazed at her 
slumbering form, he had a feeling he knew what it was.

	Another reason why Kunzite's rooms were unlike any other was 
the extraordinary pieces he had collected and placed within his lavish 
suites. Most were from a time long forgotten, but Kunzite had a hard 
time letting go.

	The bed was his pride and joy. It was a massive structure where
one could easily get lost in its tumbling sheets. It was nestled within
a frame of the finest timber that wrapped itself around it like a 
balcony rail, encircling and raising the bed dramatically to prominence. 
Tree motifs, bubbling brooks and high mountains were carved delicately 
into the base upon its polished surface. And like tall Redwoods, four 
mighty posts held the drooping canopy aloft high overhead. Upon these, 
sleek wolves chased elk up and down the banisters, while owls and hawks
circled above. 

	There was no place in this palace, even his study, that made 
Kunzite feel more at peace. Forests and the life that ran through them 
no longer existed in this world, and it was the one thing he missed the
most. He missed the heartbeat in the ground beneath his feet, the smell
of fresh water and pine. He yearned for the hunt, even if it wasn't 
successful, for there was always something to receive from the 
experience. But now the lord had caught himself a pretty blonde, 
bringing her to his bed, and he had no idea what to do.

	His first instinct was to bring her here, far away from 
everyone, where she would be safe, although he was the only thing 
jeopardizing her life at the moment. It had proven an arduous task; 
carrying her limp form along the hallways while trying to remain 
unobserved. Somehow, he had made it though -- placed her upon the soft
mattress, her head resting upon his pillows – and having straightened, 
and looking at her for a time, plopped down in the chair where he 
hadn't moved since. 

	It had only been only a few minutes since she fell into his 
arms, but Kunzite felt as if he had been sitting there for ages before 
she finally opened her eyes. Slowly, he saw her lashes flutter before 
they began to take on a nervous twitch. Soon, she was ruffling the 
sheets as she took in her surroundings -- most likely dazed from the 
change in scenery. The wolf under his hand perked up her ears at the 
sounds and pinned large coppery eyes on her newest target. He felt her
tense, but whispered soothing words of reassurance.

	Minako seemed to hear his call, and quickly sat up. She 
switched her attention from him to the intimidating animals flanking 
him like an entourage. Words stuck in her throat as she tried to speak 
several times, but opted for silence in the end. He could not blame her
for her confusion. It wasn't every day people saw themselves outside 
of their reflective image in a mirror, or holograph.

	Kunzite closed his eyes, reaching inward to reflect until she 
felt ready to speak. The room became absolutely still, save the gentle 
panting of his friends. Soon Kunzite became lost in his thoughts. He 
tried to think back to a time when everything had been peaceful, and 
soon found himself in a field of colorful flowers, with a golden sun 
shining in the clear blue sky. Deep laughter and the crashing of swords
echoed within his ears as four blurry figures danced across his vision. 

	It was a memory from long ago, in a lifetime lost to dark 
millennia past. He focused then upon more recent memories, and the 
scenery changed to a frosted wonderland where beautiful chaos reigned.
There were three figures now, dancing in jubilation as the sky was 
scorched black. Kunzite scrunched his brow. One was missing. He had 
never noticed before, but now the discrepancy blared in his mind. He 
had little time to think upon it now, however, as finally his fair 
maiden found her voice.

	"Are they yours?" she asked quietly, and slowly he dragged his 
eyes open.

	"Yes, his name is Asa, and hers is Sera," he answered, pointing
to each in turn. "They will not hurt you, unless I give them reason to."

	"Oh," she whispered, and abruptly turned her face away from him.

	As he watched her gathering the fabric of her dress in her 
closing fingers, a quick shudder passed over her, it seemed to ripple 
over her hair and shoulders. In response, he unconsciously rose to his 
feet, and before he knew what he was doing, he found himself sitting on
the edge of the bed a short distance away from her. He didn't move or 
speak as she wept silently. He simply watched her sweet face as her 
tears fell unchecked, splashing against the soft fabric of the dress 
she wore, leaving a trail of distinctive marks in their wake. 

	"I'm sorry," she muttered behind her hands. "You must think me 
so weak."

	"No, I do not," he answered simply, and she sniffed back her 
tears. She turned to him then, and for a moment, he was caught up in 
how bright her eyes had become amidst the crystalline tears.

	"I'm so confused."

	"I know," he said gently. She took a few shaky breaths, and 
let these out dramatically. Then the shivering in her slender shoulders
ceased. The teardrop stains on her clothes he noticed were gone, but 
he knew this day would forever mark both of them. "Can you continue? 
There is much to be said."

	"Yes, who was she?"

	"You are-"

	"No! She can't be me -- not yet." She shook her head, and 
Kunzite understood.

	"She was Sailor Venus, leader of the Sailor Senshi."

	"Why are they like that? Chained up and…are they dead?"

	"That is a question which has plagued us for centuries. They 
seem to be neither alive nor dead, and if they were to wake up, we are 
unsure which side they would be on. They are very powerful, and facing 
against them is an arduous task. But you are perhaps the answer to 
their unknown status."

	"How…?"

	"As time goes around the clock, so also does life. We believe 
you are her reincarnation, as you have given us many signs to think so.
Somehow, perhaps her spirit has passed on even though her body is still
here. You've only been here a couple of months, so, the idea was only 
explored shortly before your accident."

	"You knew her though...in other lifetimes?"

	"Yes," Kunzite answered, but his throat seemed to constrict at
the thought.

	"What was she like?"

	"She..." Kunzite paused, reaching into his memories. Amidst the
darkness, the golden Senshi shone bright, even after all these years. 
"She was a dynamic person; strong and driven. There was a darker side 
to her though, something she shared with only a few."

	She looked up at him then, her blue eyes dancing in the calming
light. Something moved within them, a flash of intrigued, a dash of 
hope. He felt his bones vibrate and the sensation penetrating the very 
core of his being as a small smile began to form at the corners of her 
lips. "Did she share it with you?" she asked.

	All he could do was look at her, his words and thoughts
whirling like a vicious cyclone. His gaze fell from her eyes to her 
lips, and against his will, he seemed to be drawn to her pale and 
sparkling mouth.

	Abruptly, a loud explosion resonated throughout his mind as if 
he were standing right next to a church bell. They both jumped at the 
forceful intrusion, and it took Kunzite a few seconds to find himself 
again. He looked down to the wolves, finding their attention focused on
his solid and heavy door, and Kunzite let himself release the breath 
he had been holding. 

	Quickly, he rose and strode across the room. "Lights, eighty 
percent," he muttered, and at his command, the room burst into life, 
and Minako squinted against the sudden change. Upon opening the door, 
Kunzite found Danburite waiting impatiently.

	The younger lord looked surprised to find Kunzite so disheveled, 
but only cleared his throat, diplomatically. "I'm sorry to disturb you,
but Queen Beryl wishes to meet with us to run through this weekend’s 
festivities," he announced.

	"This weekend…?"

	"Yes...the Resurrection ceremonies?" 

	"Oh, yes...I will be out to join you in a moment. Excuse me."

	He closed the door on a confused Danburite and turned to face 
Minako once more. She was standing now, a hand grasping one of the 
posts of the bed while the other was lost somewhere within her tresses.

	"You have to go?" she asked, and he answered with a simple nod.
"I will wait here for you if you wish."

	"Sera and Asa will stay with you, to make sure you do not 
leave." He meant it as a warning, but the look in her eyes told him 
this was unnecessary.

	"There's nowhere to go," she said with a sad smile.

+++++

	A drowning silence accompanied them as they walked the length 
of the corridors on their way to the hall. The look in Kunzite's eyes 
was all that prevented Danburite gasping for air. He feared making any 
sound, even attempting to quiet his footfalls in fear of drawing the 
Shitennou's wrath. Danburite wasn't blind; he had noticed the tension 
in the words of the others, the darting looks passed to each other that
they thought no one picked up. He wanted to know, to help if he could,
but it was not his place to ask. Not yet at any rate.

	"I noticed something strange on the latest slave census you 
gave me," Kunzite spoke up finally, although his strong voice had taken
on a softer tone.

	"Y-Yes...?"

	"Fifty-one slaves are unaccounted for since the last census 
three months ago. Are you certain of your findings?"

	"Of course," Danburite answered, almost offended. "I ran the 
results several times."

	"I didn't mean to demean you." Kunzite held up his hand 
apologetically, offering a small smile. "I would rather there be a 
mistake than the truth, however."

	"What do you mean?"

	"For the last few years the number of missing, unaccounted for 
slaves has been rising steadily. First, a few, now around fifty at a 
time...? Does this not concern you?"

	"Well, I assumed it the result of growing slave hatred by 
careless Youma, or Underling attacks that leave little more than dust 
most times. What are you thinking?"

	"I'm a little disappointed in you," Kunzite said, frowning. 
"But I guess having you running around planning this ceremony has had 
a negative impact on your performance more than I thought it would. 
Think like a soldier, Danburite." Danburite resented that statement, 
this Kunzite could tell by the way the man’s brows creased, but with a 
frustrated sigh, did as he was told. 

	"If slaves are not being mishandled by Youma, or destroyed by 
attacks, they could be hiding. Perhaps some underground in the slave 
quarters, or-" As if divine powers had intervened and touched him, 
Danburite stopped mid-thought and looked up, meeting Kunzite's eyes. 
"Serenitas...."

	"Yes," Kunzite nodded. "If we account for all the missing 
slaves in the last 200 years, that is a significant insurgency, more 
than the population of Youma in the city, and enough to build an army 
beneath our feet to crush us."

	"Do you really think that's what they're planning? I've heard 
rumors, whispers, but..."

	"The number of Underling attacks has increased in the last few
months. They've struck sporadically, but is this really so? Perhaps 
they are trying to find our weaknesses. Perhaps...we shouldn't have 
taken them so lightly for so long."

	"What should we do?"

	"Keep a closer eye on our slaves. Double our guard, if you must. 
The Underlings must have a liaison here as well -- I want them found."

	"Yes Sire." Danburite nodded, and finally, they reached their 
destination. They could hear the deep voices of the Shitennou within, 
and Danburite knew he only had this one chance to get out what he really 
wanted to ask before they were swept away in the madness of further 
planning. "Kunzite, may I ask you something?"

	"Of course…"

	"Have you talked to the queen about my promotion?"

	Kunzite cringed at the question, having completely forgotten 
about the young soldier's request. "No, but I give you my word I will 
as soon as I can speak to the queen privately. I'm sorry for my delay,"
Kunzite replied. "Now, let's get this over with."

+++++

	Shing stared down at the seemingly innocent item in his hands. 
He had come back to his room to rest as the result of another hard 
day’s work, but soon found it impossible to close his eyes with all the
thoughts wrestling each other within his mind. The elder had said it 
was the key to their freedom, and without it Minako would be 
defenseless. He now knew how to save her, but could he do this all by 
himself? How could one little boy hope to win against such a mighty 
empire? He didn't even know where to start. The palace posed many 
dangers to his mission, and it would take a miracle to make it through 
the many halls unnoticed. 

	He clenched the stick until his knuckles turned white, and 
brought it up to catch his falling tears of frustration. It had been 
so easy to make promises under the elder's supportive smile, but now 
the world just seemed too big for him alone. A part of him wished for 
life to go back to the mundane routine of a slave, where he knew his 
role and rarely questioned his place in this dark world. But it was a 
selfish thought; a child’s thought. 

	A deeper part --  a part that had grown every day he saw Minako
struggle against all reason, smile when there was nothing to be happy  
about, hope when all seemed lost --knew things were changing, and he 
could no longer hide in the shadows. A part of him wanted to experience
that everyday, and if this small object in his equally small hands had 
the power to bring that to all his friends, to him, to Minako -- how 
could he sit here and do nothing?

	Was a free, though swift life worth more than one of lengthy 
captivity? It was perhaps the first adult notion Shing had ever 
considered, and for a moment the world seemed to slow as something 
connected within his mind. Shing jumped to his feet and grabbed his 
coat before barreling back into the cold outside. His feet crunched 
against the cold ground, every step bringing him closer to his destiny.
He didn't know what he was going to do once he reached the palace, but
he knew he was determined not to hide anymore.

+++++

	The meeting had endured way too long in Jadeite's opinion. He 
couldn’t care less who was supposed to wear what, or who made their 
grand entrance. As long as there was enough distractions and endless 
flow of alcohol at these festivities, he would be well off enough. The 
rehearsals were far more elaborate this time, and of course, it was the
millennium anniversary this year, so the celebration had to be 
flawlessly planned.  

	Half of his anger was due to the irritation resulting from 
their evening practice, and the rest out of a general sense of 
frustration. There were so many other things they should be doing as 
opposed to perfecting their waltz technique. Underlings still planned 
attacks, Soldiers needed to be replaced, and a Sailor Senshi was 
currently shacked up within their residence. But he couldn't vent about
any of these things in the presence of the queen. So silently, he 
brooded, and by the end of proceedings had very much wanted to punch 
Zoicite, or the nearest inanimate object he could find.

	When the hall had emptied of all servants and nobility, leaving
only the Shitennou, Jadeite finally let out the long growl he'd been 
dying to release all night. "Well, that was the most ridiculous waste 
of my precious time," he declared, and in a sweeping motion picked up 
a full wine glass and plopped himself into the nearest chair. He gulped
it down greedily, reaching for the bottle when it was gone and ignoring
Kunzite's disagreeable frown at his antics.

	"Where is our guest?" Nephrite asked quietly, effectively 
tearing his attention away from the wayward blonde.

	"In my rooms," Kunzite answered, and Jadeite almost choked on 
a mouthful of red liquor. 

	"Pardon me?" he said in between coughs.

	"She...fainted," Kunzite answered, shifting uneasily beneath 
his cape.

	"So, you showed her the crypt then," Nephrite said, assuming 
the cause.

	"Well, at least the world didn't implode upon her by seeing her
former self. Did she believe our story?" Jadeite asked.

	"It would seem so. Although I'm sure she still needs time to 
process," Kunzite replied.

	"Pretending the Senshi was on our side," Jadeite barked, before
downing another glass. "What a ridiculous concept. Why did we listen 
to Zoicite, again?"

	"Perhaps you should've come up with something better, then," 
Zoicite quipped and Jadeite stared at him, a dangerous fire beginning 
to flare up in his eyes. Zoicite gulped and avoided the onset of the 
inferno by tactfully changing the subject. "What did you have to say 
to the queen at the end there, Kunzite?"

	"Well," Kunzite paused, but there was no reason to keep it from
them any longer. "Danburite wishes to join the Shitennou. He asked me 
to present his case to the queen. She said she will announce her 
decision during the festivities if she so deems him worthy."

	"Join the Shitennou? That's almost as ridiculous as us battling
along side the Senshi," Jadeite scoffed.

	"He has been our colleague for a very long time, and has proven
he is capable of being our equal. It's not so ridiculous," Nephrite
defended, surprising the others.

	"Have...have you ever felt like something was missing? Missing 
amongst our ranks?" Zoicite spoke up, finally having an excuse to bring
up a subject that had long bothered the quiet general.

	Kunzite immediately thought of his skewed memories earlier that 
day -- the meadow full of laughter and companionship. It had felt so
right... 

	"Don't be silly. It's always been the four of us." Jadeite's 
nervous laughter brought him back to the present, and an uncomfortable 
silence fell upon each of them. 

	"I should be getting her back to her rooms now," Kunzite cut 
in, clearing his throat. "Good night, gentlemen." 

	The others watched him go as Jadeite took another glass and 
gulped it down, trying to rid himself of the voices swirling in his 
mind he fought so hard to ignore.

+++++

	Kunzite slowly approached his rooms, pausing upon the threshold, 
straightening his jacket and cape. It felt heavy around his shoulders, 
and he knew his bed waited for him. He wondered if he would be granted 
a good night's sleep for once, but any further thoughts were erased
from his mind as he heard a scream coming from behind his door. Kunzite
remembered in whose company he had left Minako. Alarmed, he pushed open
the door and burst into the room.

	His eyes quickly took in the sight of a mess of blonde hair 
entangled with black furry limbs upon the floor. His heart raced, 
hoping the red color upon the floor was solely part of the thick, 
ornate rug beneath the struggling figures.
	
	"Asa!" he bellowed, and instantly beast and beauty rose to 
attention. Asa raced to Kunzite's feet, his ears pinned back in 
obedience and fear. Kunzite turned his eyes back towards Minako, 
finding her hair askew, the red blush from the carpet reflecting off 
her cheeks. She looked away from him, embarrassed. "What...Are you...
What were you doing?" Kunzite blubbered, finding it hard to form a 
coherent sentence.

	"Well, I got bored with snooping around your rooms so...I 
decided to make a new friend. It took a little bit of persuasion, but 
Asa finally warmed to me with a few sneaky ideas like stealing some 
treats from your ice box," she blushed, absentmindedly scratching the 
back of her head. "Sera will have nothing to do with me though."

	Kunzite finally noticed the other occupant of the room, who 
crouched low beneath his large mahogany desk. She looked positively 
annoyed, her tail flicking with disinterest.

	"She is stubborn sometimes," Kunzite said, still unsure of 
what to make of everything.

	"I think she's jealous of all the attention you were giving me 
earlier," Minako smirked, and he found himself doing the same. For a 
moment, the two laughed quietly, something Kunzite had not done in 
weeks.

	"I thought...I thought I would find you cowering in the corner," 
Kunzite said.

	"Yes well, I was for awhile," Minako admitted, finally standing
up. She took a few seconds to adjust her dress and straighten her hair
before continuing. "But what good does that do? There's no way to find 
the truth if you hide from it. It's not going to be easy but...if I am
who you really think I am, then I should start acting like the leader 
she was, right?"

	Kunzite nodded dumbly, surprised from the one-eighty the 
mysterious maiden was making. It wasn't unwelcome, however. Kunzite 
knew little of the politics of handling a weeping woman, and even 
though seeing a smile around this palace was something of an unfamiliar
sight these days, it was better than tears. He remembered the personality 
of the former Venus -- as unpredictable in its moods and rhythms as the
ocean tides. Perhaps this was her reincarnation after all.

	"Well, if you're done romping with the wild life, I will take 
you back to your rooms."

+++++

	Shing slumped against the great potted plant, reaching up to 
wipe the sweat from his brow. He took a moment to collect his thoughts
and recover his ragged breath, letting himself take a chance to relax. 
With a quick reassuring look behind him, he found Minako's door 
standing proud and tall against its stark surroundings.

	He made it. Against all reason, Shing somehow managed to pass
slithering Youma and retrace his steps and found his way back to the 
exclusive halls of the noble class. Close calls had him retracing many
paths and rethinking his decision, but Shing pressed on with the stick
held tightly in his hand. Now that he reached his destination, he had 
to think on how he would approach his forgetful friend. What could he 
say to make her understand? And what would he do if she wasn't alone?

	The murmur of voices coming from the adjacent hall halted his 
thoughts, and quietly, he crept to the other side of the plant and 
peered down the corridor. He would forever be able to recognize her, 
even from a distance. She flowed down the crystal corridor, and the man, 
even with his high stature, was pale and transparent in comparison to 
her colorful countenance. He was happy she was free of chains and the 
sad frown she had worn for so long, but was curious as to why she was 
receiving such gentle attention now.

	As they grew nearer, Shing ducked behind the familiar foliage 
and awaited their arrival. He could only pray that Kunzite would leave
the way he had come, and no Youma would dare decide to follow upon 
Shing's footsteps, for he would have nowhere to run. 

	"Do you think Sera will ever forgive me?" he heard Minako ask.

	"I'm sure. Time heals many things," Kunzite answered, and for 
a few seconds neither spoke.

	Shing dared to chance a look, and slowly, turned to gaze 
between leaves and stems at the two adults.

	"You're not just speaking about Sera now, are you?" Minako 
asked, but now her voice was more subdued. Kunzite nodded, and with a 
sigh she slumped against the door. "Thank you for being so 
understanding. I...well this is a lot to deal with, but-"

	"I know."

	"Do...do you really think I'm her?" she questioned, and Shing 
thought the lord must not have heard her as he stood with his eyes 
blank for so long.

	"Yes."

	"Okay," she whispered, dropping her eyes to her clasped hands. 
"What do we do now?"

	"Tomorrow, I thought we would continue your training, and Lord 
Nephrite would like to speak with you."

	At the mention of Nephrite's name, Shing tensed nervously. He 
remembered what the elder had predicted, and what this would lead to if
he couldn't reach her in time.

	"Now," Kunzite continued. "Try and get some rest."

	"Right...Goodnight, Kunzite."

	What made Shing tense more was the quiet smile she gave her 
enemy. Shing didn't understand how she could look at him like that 
after all they had done. Or perhaps the reason why his cheeks flushed 
was because it wasn't him making her smile anymore.

	"Goodnight," Kunzite replied, and for a moment lingered as if 
something still needed to be said. In the end, Kunzite bowed his head 
and turned on his heel, disappearing in a flourish of fabric along the 
corridor.

	Shing's legs shook beneath him as he realized his moment for 
action had finally come. He tried to time his emergence perfectly, and 
was thankful Minako paused in the doorway, buying him more time as 
Kunzite's footfalls echoed down the hall. Minako finally moved to enter
her room, and Shing stood up in anticipation. He waited until the last
possible second, and she was about to close the door and sprung out 
from behind his hiding place.

	A strong hand clamped down hard upon his shoulder, effectively 
stopping his forward momentum. The sound of his choked gasp accompanied
the quiet locking of her door, and Shing felt the painful sting of 
defeat. He had worked so hard to get here, risked everything, but now
there were other problems. Slowly, he turned his head around to find 
his captor, and his heart plummeted into his stomach as he came face 
to face with Jadeite and Zoicite.

	"Well, fancy meeting you here," Jadeite slurred, and Shing 
could smell the liquor on his breath. Shing couldn't speak, but had 
the sense to drop the stick in his pocket, praying they hadn't noticed.

	"Is this the slave you assigned to her?" Zoicite asked.

	Ignoring his question, Jadeite roughly yanked on Shing's 
shoulder, making him turn to face them. Shing couldn't tear his eyes 
away from Jadeite's; they seemed to suck him in relentlessly, scouring 
his reflective black pools for any sign of wrongful intent. 

	"What are you doing here?" Zoicite moved on the boy when 
Jadeite remained silent.

	"I...I..." Shing tried to think of some excuse – anything -- 
but his mind was frozen with fear.

	"What does it look like he's doing? Obviously spying like we 
were going to do," Jadeite huffed and crouched down to Shing's level. 
"They made you sick, didn't they, those two? This is all so ridiculous."

	"Jadeite..."

	"Shut up Zoicite!" Jadeite yelled, drunkenly. "I know why 
you're here, Shing. But you should just let her go. Women are nothing 
but trouble, especially that one. And nothing you can do will make it 
any better."

	"What should we do with him?"

	Jadeite straightened and pulled Shing passed him, swiftly 
kicking him square in the behind, almost stumbling upon one wobbly leg.

	"Get out of here! Go!"

	Shing needed no more incentive than that, and ran away as fast 
as his legs could carry him, tears of failure streaming down his cheeks.

	"What are you thinking?" Zoicite scolded. "What if he tells 
someone? Why did you let him go?"

	For a moment, Jadeite's eyes cleared, and a sober sadness took
hold. He watched Shing's retreating back until it disappeared from 
sight.

	"I don't know."

+++++