"It's my fault," she thinks. "I always drag everyone along 
into this  destiny!"+


	          The Dawn of Serenity

	           Chapter Twenty-One


	The tears had finally stopped, but his hands still 
shook every once in awhile. The night came and went, and 
now it was mid-morning, but to him, there was no difference. 
He found himself trapped in a perpetual moment, a moment of
closed doors and lost opportunities. He had failed. 

	Shing wrapped his small arms around himself and 
gently rocked back and forth on the hard unforgiving floor.
His bed was in disarray, and like the floor, found it 
offered little more release that night. Phantoms of failure
plagued his sleep, and the only thing he was thankful for, 
was he had this dark day off. Even slaves celebrated the 
Resurrection. After all, tomorrow was the day when the 
queen restored order to the world, giving them all a 
'better' existence.

	Shing lifted his eyes and focused on the item a 
few feet away in front of him. The stick remained where he 
had dropped it in frustration and anger, its metallic sheen 
glistening as it caught the light from the small collection
of candles. It had almost been within Minako’s grasp, but 
now it might as well be on the other side of this dead 
world. 

	What was he to do now?

+++++
	
	It was so bright.

	Solar warmth caressed her skin like a gentle lover's 
touch, filling her veins with comfort and joy. Fluffy white
clouds dotted the endless blue sky, leaving their vast 
nebulous shadows drifting over the meadow filled with 
vibrant flowers. They covered the landscape with their 
faces to the all-giving sun, swaying in the breeze that 
made its way out beyond the coast towards the jade ocean 
beyond. The whole world smelled fresh and inviting, and 
greedily she drank in its intoxicating scent.

	She could see a figure walking through the long 
thick grass towards her, the image blurry and lost in the 
colors that enveloped her. As the silhouette drew nearer, 
it extended its arms. Although she couldn't identify this 
individual, she knew a smile encompassed the stranger’s 
face. She returned the smile and raised her arms in welcome.

	"Minako..." A hand touched her shoulder, and slowly
she opened her eyes. Kunzite was watching her, his 
countenance conveying a sense of intrigued and mild concern. 
"Are you all right?"

	"Yes, I'm fine. What were you saying?" she asked, 
her warm sanctuary fading away to be replaced by the cold 
reality of the royal training facility, the high domed 
ceiling seeming to go on forever.

	They stood alone within the large empty space, but 
she felt as uncomfortable as if a large crowd were watching
her every move. His eyes analyzed her every action. He was 
handling her with care as if she would explode at his touch, 
and sometimes, she wished she could.

	"Each soldier controlled the power associated with
a specific element; Sailor Mars, for example, she mastered 
the element of fire, Sailor Neptune commanded the power of 
the oceans…you -- Sailor Venus I mean, controlled the 
element of metal."

	"Metal…?" Minako made a face at the thought. 
"According to legend, isn't Venus the goddess of love?"

	"What is Cupid without a sharp arrow?" Kunzite 
smirked, repeating the words said to him long ago. "It was 
her initial element, but...her personality had molded her 
powers, changing them as time continued to progress. That's
why she was chosen to be leader of the eight Senshi."

	"Eight? There were only seven in that room."

	"Time is not the most loyal of mistresses. One of 
the Senshi is unaccounted for, and we don't know what 
became of her. Perhaps if we unlock the powers within you, 
you will find her someday. But for now…" he paused, turning
around to grab a long sword from a nearby rack. He lifted 
the weapon with skill and poise and deftly twirled it in 
his hand, its blade catching the light as it rotated upon 
his palm. "Venus was a master of many weapons, but a sword 
was her best. Here, hold it."
	
	She took it obediently, holding it away from her 
body as if she'd never seen one before. It was awkward in 
her grip as she passed its hilt back and forth between each
hand. Kunzite remembered a time when the  sword of Venus 
was an extension of her slender but strong  hand. He sighed, 
realizing they had a very long way to go.

	"Venus was one of the best with a sword in all the 
kingdoms. You have a high reputation to uphold."

	"Well, that makes me feel so much better," she 
mumbled, rolling her pretty eyes.

	"It should. If you really are her, then remembering
your skills should come as second nature to you. Your past 
should help you, not hinder you."

	"Such words from one like you...."

	Both turned to face the voice that had emerged from
the shadows. Inwardly Kunzite stiffened, as Demando seemed
to have melted out of the darkness. He gave Kunzite a 
prideful grin and as the newcomer touched Minako with his 
intense blue eyes, their well-crafted secret had unraveled 
itself. He swept his gaze over her slowly, and the lustful 
look in his  eyes made Kunzite tighten his grip on the hilt
of his sword.

	"What are you doing here?" Kunzite asked, steeling 
his words, even though his mind raced.

	"Just came to collect my things. My sword needs a 
little sharpening," he answered, still not taking his eyes 
off Minako.

	"Going to be using it soon?" Kunzite approached him, 
trying to catch his attention.

	"You never know," Demando smiled smugly as he 
finally turned his head to make eye contact with the Hand 
of the Queen, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "My, my 
Kunzite, what a lovely predicament you have yourself in 
now. I had heard the Shitennou found themselves a new pet, 
but never in all my wildest dreams did I think-"

	"You should leave now, Demando," Kunzite demanded 
sternly, his bright eyes flaring with warning.

	"Of course…" Demando turned to go, but then stopped
to look back casually over his shoulder. He chuckled, as a 
dangerous look was exchanged between the two men. "I can't 
wait to watch you burn."

	In an instant, he disappeared into the shadows once
again and both knew he was gone. Kunzite's shoulders 
slumped noticeably once they were alone again and angrily 
he threw down his sword. Minako jumped as the sound echoed 
loudly through their ears.

	"Who was he, and what did he mean?" she questioned. 

	"I'm afraid we're going to have to cut this session
short."

+++++

	The timepiece rang out loudly, signaling the 
changing of the hour. The passing of the day was hardly 
their concern, however.

	The Shitennou had met in their lavish conference 
hall that seemed more of a lounge, actually. Nephrite and 
Jadeite reclined on comfortable chocolate colored couches 
while Zoicite stood at the bar pouring clear liquid from a 
decanter into a crystal glass.

	They had agreed to meet while Kunzite was 
conducting his training session with their -- new 
apprentice of sorts – taking the opportunity to deal with 
other matters besides the Sailor Senshi for once.

	"Do you think the queen is really considering 
Danburite's request?" Zoicite asked as he approached the 
sitting area.

	"If she's bored enough," Jadeite mumbled as he 
scooped the glass of water from Zoicite's hand, and 
proceeded to down two red pills. Dark circles -- like the 
pools of wine he had consumed the night before -- collected
under his eyes, and with a sigh, he plunged back into the  
recesses of the couch.

	"Why do you drink so much?" Nephrite probed. 
	
	"Why do you have so many concubines?" Jadeite shot 
back, rubbing his eyes with the balls of his hands.

	"Why wouldn't Kunzite tell us about this earlier?" 
Zoicite began, trying to keep the peace as always.

	"Well...we didn't trust him with the information 
about Minako at first, maybe he was just trying to get back
at us," Jadeite snickered.

	"More than likely he forgot," Nephrite corrected. 
"He has a lot on his mind, all of us do. Anyway, the 
decision about Danburite is not up to us, so we might as 
well accept that. But we should figure out if we're going 
to include him in our little secret. It will be difficult 
if he has reason to spend more time with us."

	"Venus was his princess, but...I remember how he 
looked at her in the 20th century. The man was obsessed," 
Zoicite commented.

	"If the man was obsessed, then he knows every 
little thing about her. As much as I can't stand that 
little suck-up, I suppose he could help," Jadeite drawled. 

	"Well, we can't decide anything without Kunzite, so
let's talk about something else until he gets back," 
Zoicite chirped and  leaned forward, a small smile forming 
upon his lips. "Did you try on your uniforms for tomorrow?"

	"My dear god, Zoicite, what is wrong with you…? 
When did the Shitennou start accepting teenage girls?" 
Jadeite raged. 

	"Jadeite..." Nephrite sighed, glancing sideways at 
him.

	"And will you stop sticking up for him? You're as 
bad as Kunzite sometimes."

	"I just thought you would be at least a little 
excited. For once, we don't have to wear these stuffy, dull
ones," Zoicite  pouted, crashing back against the couch 
with his arms crossed.

	"Even though I know I always look good, the day the
sun shines will be the day I want to discuss fashion with 
you," Jadeite laughed, mockingly. "You sexually frustrated 
drama queen."

	"You're one to talk, always dipping your...into the
Youma pool," Zoicite shot back.

	Nephrite moaned, rubbing his index finger around 
his temple. "We've been together for more millennia than 
one can count... can't you two just get along?" he mumbled.

	"In your wildest dreams, my friend," Jadeite 
chuckled wryly, lightly patting him on the back. Calm 
silence fell upon the room and for the briefest of moments, 
they felt as if things had returned to normal between them. 
It was a refreshing pause from the stress of late. Even 
Jadeite tilted back his head, closing his eyes, relaxing 
into the embrace of the soft leather.

	The timepiece punctuated every passing second, but 
they now wished time would allow them a few more moments of
peace.

	As the minute hand danced against the twelve, 
Kunzite burst into the room, shattering the sense of calm 
in an instant. The grim look now set across his brow wiped 
the smiles from their faces. Instantly, they were on their 
feet to meet him.

	"What is it?" Nephrite asked.

	"Demando knows." The simple reply was all that was 
needed to be said, and they knew of what he spoke. Jadeite 
swore loudly, falling dramatically back upon the couch and 
eyeing the plentiful bounty behind the bar greedily. 
Zoicite looked as if he would sprint from the room any 
moment, and hide amongst his endless collection of odds 
and ends. Only Nephrite seemed unaffected, but Kunzite 
could see a dark flash move across his eyes.

	"What do you think he'll do?" he questioned.

	"It's hard to say, the Moons are unpredictable at 
the best of times. One thing is for certain, he will use 
this information to his benefit, whether that means 
blackmailing us, or telling the queen," Kunzite said flatly.

	"Well, let's go and be rid of them then!" Jadeite 
rushed to his feet. "I'm tired of them, especially Demando.
I would enjoy teaching him a lesson."

	"What should we do?" Nephrite said, ignoring 
Jadeite's verbal rampage.

	"If I were him, I would make an announcement and 
reveal  knowledge of our plans at the ceremonies tomorrow, 
right in front of everyone, that is,  if that is his 
intention. I've felt as if they've been planning something 
for a long time now, and this could conceivably be just the
push they need. We need to watch them closely, especially 
if it comes down to a confrontation," Kunzite paused, and 
glanced at Jadeite. "We will do what is necessary."

+++++
	
	The next day, the thunder of the raging storm was 
replaced by the stomping feet of Guard and Soldier Youma 
as they prowled the bleak streets of the slave's quarters. 
They searched every house and hovel, hoping to locate a 
source that would lead them to Serenitas amongst the ranks 
of its inhabitants. Danburite watched them from the 
entrance to the enclave, his critical eye scanning the 
wasteland before him. Suddenly, from amongst the dark 
colors making up their world, a spot of bright yellow 
appeared at his side. Quickly, he turned to find Irinushka 
about to pass him. He grabbed her wrist however, and was 
soon under the intense glare of her violet eyes.

	"Can I help you?" she asked, raising a fine brow.

	"I'm conducting a sweep throughout these quarters 
right now. I cannot allow you to enter them until I am 
finished," he said in a dull monotone. She wrenched her 
wrist free from his grasp and looked at him through long 
lashes.

	"I do not have to take orders from you. Your rank 
is no greater than mine," she quipped, and her long hair 
swung back and forth as she turned away from him and 
continued down the steps. Danburite narrowed  his eyes, 
clenching the hand that held her smooth arm into a shaking
 fist.

	"Just you wait…"

	"Lord Danburite," a raspy voice called out before 
him. He turned, finding the swift form of a Soldier bowing 
before him.

	"What is it?"

	"We've found something."

+++++

	Irinushka crept into the house of elders, making 
sure no one saw her entering. She was surprised to find the
entrance unguarded, but pressed on immediately, making her 
way further into the interior of the house. As she passed 
through the curtain, she found all three elders and their 
two guardians resting comfortably on their laps. Lazy tails
flicked back and forth as two white felines watched her 
with amethyst eyes.

	"There are men and Youma searching for you outside 
and your guardians are in here cat-napping? What happens if
they find this place?" she said, incredulously.  

	"They already have," the Eldest spoke up as she 
gently petted the purring cat upon her lap. "We haven't 
much time before they come here, so we must be quick. You 
must help Shing for this mission has proven too much for 
one so small. We should have realized it sooner, and now it
might be too late. Minako must have that wand tonight, or 
all our sacrifices will be for naught. Go to her when the 
others are at the ceremonies. It will be the best time."

	"I will do what I can."

	"Now go. They are coming."

	Irinushka wasted no time in complying, and soon 
found herself back in the chilly, suffocating air. Her feet
moved quickly until she was a good distance away from the 
house, and rounded the corner just as Danburite and his 
Soldiers appeared. Their eyes met for the briefest of 
moments, but she did not stop. He watched her go, however, 
his clear eyes capturing this moment as her amber dress 
danced to the rhythms of the lively wind.

	When they reached the rickety house, Danburite 
allowed himself a small, victorious sneer. Surely, after 
finding the liaison to Serenitas, Queen Beryl would 
instantly promote him, and he would finally have the 
recognition and esteem he so richly deserved. The Shitennou 
would see him as their equal, and no longer would he feel 
small beneath their stares.

	With a swift kick, the door buckled under the force
of his boot and fell upon the floor in a puff of dust. His 
Soldiers piled in before him, sniffing out the room and 
making sure there were no traps. When everything was secure, 
he swooped into the antechamber, confidently striding past 
the heavy curtain and into the main room. His smile was 
quick to fade, however.

	"There's no one here, sir," a Soldier growled out.

	The wind howled through the door and swept against 
the empty walls and across the bare floor. The only sign 
that life had once existed here were three wicker chairs 
placed in the middle of the room, and Danburite approached 
them slowly. He traced a finger across the back of one, 
before a deadly rage swarmed across his face. He picked up 
the wooden chair and hefted it into the nearest wall. The 
impact reverberating through the vacant house, and with a 
crash, the chair landed upon the floor and shattered.

+++++
	
	Shing had migrated to an old worn chair by the time
Irinushka made it to the small house. He looked ragged and 
broken as she swept her eyes over his small form, and her 
heart broke. Slowly, she approached him, and placed a 
comforting hand on his shoulder. 

	"Shing..." He didn't respond to her entreaty, and 
she dropped to her knees in front of him. Gently, she 
reached out and turned his face towards hers, and sighed 
despairingly at the look in his eyes. "Oh, Shing..."

	He finally acknowledged her, and after a moment – 
not unlike the waves break against the shore -- he cried 
out and jumped into her arms. She held him tightly for as 
long as she dared, knowing that the ceremonies would begin 
soon, and time was no longer on their side. She pulled 
away when his small frame stopped shaking, and gazed into 
his shimmering eyes.

	"I failed," he whispered hoarsely. 

	"No, it's not over yet, Shing. There's still hope."
She stood up then, her hand outstretched to him. "You don't
have to do this alone anymore. It's the destiny of all of 
us, and no one should carry it by themselves. I'll get you
into the palace, and you'll give her  what she needs. I 
promise you that. There's still hope if we don't give up. 
What do you say?"

	He kept his eyes on the ground for a moment, 
glancing passed her at the inanimate object lying on the 
wooden floor. He saw a sparkle dash across the ancient 
symbol, and raised his eyes to hers. His eyes soon mirrored
the determination in her own, and with a firm nod, he 
reached out and grasped her hand.

+++++
	
	From behind, she straightened his collar in the 
full-length mirror, her black painted nails pausing to 
rest upon the crook of his neck. He caught  her wicked 
smile in the mirror, and on a night like this, even he 
couldn't resist. He turned around and buried his hand in 
her emerald tresses, then pulled her towards him meeting 
her lips with his. In the candlelit room they embraced -- 
hands grasping and tongues twirling in a primal dance -- 
until satisfied. He let go of her, bringing  his hand up to
his bleeding lip before turning to the others in the room. 

	They stood patiently awaiting his words, excitement
burning in their eyes. He glanced at them all, picturing 
the world under their rule -- under his rule. His eyes fell
upon his brother, who smiled his encouragement.

	"For millennia, our potential has been disregarded.
The old queen never understood, and it seems this one has 
eyes just as blind as she. We deserve better than to suffer
her endless grudge another day, and this dying planet for 
that matter. We deserve a kingdom to call our own. Saphir, 
Rubeus, Calaveras, Cooan, Petz, Berthier..."

	He paused, slipped his arm around Esmeraude’s slim 
waist, reveled in the marvel of her curvaceous form, and 
pulled her close to him. She laughed, wrapping her arms 
around his neck like a snake entangles its prey. 

	"Esmeraude...Tonight, tonight it all begins."

+++++
	
	Drums and bells blared over the frozen wasteland as
the ceremonies began. Youma dressed in lavish suits and 
gowns flocked into the palace and the enormous Crystal Hall, 
rebuilt and remodeled, especially for this momentous 
occasion. Tonight would begin the weekend-long festivities
of the Resurrection, the anniversary of the queen's 
ascension. But tonight would prove to be much more than 
that.

	As all activity moved to the Crystal Hall as water 
migrates to the whirlpool of a drain, Irinushka and Shing 
secretively crept down the corridors to the private 
residences. Irinushka lived in these halls, and knew when 
they were deserted by guards, for many nights during her 
first years she had escaped her duties -- if for a time. 
Still, they kept a cautious ear and eye out, knowing at any
moment their mission could fail once again.
	
	"We're almost there."

	Shing followed her with nervous footsteps. As they
grew closer, the excitement rose as had his racing 
heartbeat, but he refused to let himself get caught up in 
the moment this time. He knew what could happen during this
part of their mission, when they were so close to their 
goal, for in one moment they could be farther away from 
success if someone were to find them. The memory of 
Jadeite's eyes locking menacingly on his jabbed at the back
of his mind, and to relieve the pressure he held the stick 
firmly in his grasp.

	When they rounded the corner that would take them 
to her rooms, both were surprised to see Minako just 
leaving her quarters. With a flick of her hair, she was 
turning to disappear down the corridor. Shing heard 
Irinushka gasp beside him.

	"Shing, hurry...! Run to her!" she urged, pushing 
him forward.

	He sprung forth, and everything seemed to disappear
as his legs carried him faster than he had ever moved 
before in his life. He could only hear the quick beating of
his heart, and the walls seemed to blur and fade as he 
concentrated on reaching his objective. Before he knew it, 
he had traversed the long hallway, and almost tripped as he
turned the next bend. Minako was only a few yards ahead of 
him, but he knew he wouldn't catch her before the next turn. 
He panicked for a moment, before finally finding his voice.

	"Minako!" he yelled, his voice scratching across 
his straining vocal cords. He saw her jump as her name 
resounded off the crystal walls, and she whirled around, 
her golden bracelets clashing together like the sound of 
water against smooth rock. For a few moments, they stared 
at one another as Shing caught his breath, even though he 
wasn't sure what to say anyway.

	"What...what do you want?" she asked quietly.

	Slowly, he approached her, gripping the stick in 
his pocket. As he reached her, he pulled it out and held it
high in his upraised hands. She gasped, her eyes fluttering
between him and the shimmering item. She floated towards 
him and knelt before the courageous boy. He watched as her 
hand slowly reached out towards his, but stopped just short. 
He looked up at her, finding her eyes glistening with 
unshed tears.

	"Shing," she whispered, and his heart skipped a 
beat.

	"You...you remember me!" he exclaimed, breathlessly.

	"No, I never forgot." He regarded her with 
confusion for a few seconds, before her apologetic smile 
registered in his head.

	"You-you were acting...?"

	"Yes, I'm sorry I had to deceive you like that in 
the hall the other day. I know it must have hurt your
feelings, but I could not let them see the truth. Oh Shing,
how could they send you on this mission! I have been 
waiting for this, but I did not think they would give it 
to you…This mission is too dangerous!"

	"Mission...?"

	"Shing...I am an agent of Serenitas. They only 
captured me because I let them, because I came here to set 
things right. And with this," she grabbed the wand from his
trembling hands and held it firmly. "I can find the hope 
we've all been looking for."

	"Minako..."

	"You've been so wonderful to me, Shing. Thank you 
for helping me when I was in the cell, and tending my 
wounds," she smiled, and placed her free hand on his 
shoulder. "I want you to know, I wasn't in as much pain as 
you thought. The leaders of Serenitas...they protected me,
took some of the pain for themselves. That's how I could go
on as I did for so long a time…and because of you. You were 
always there, reminding me what I was fighting for to begin
with. Thank you, Shing, for everything."

	Her hand moved from his shoulder to his chin, and 
before he knew it, her soft lips were pressed against his. 
His eyes flew wide open at the sensations rushing from his 
head to his toes, and involuntarily he gasped. He felt her 
smile at this, as she pressed her lips deeper upon his in 
response. And then it was over, and she was standing once 
again.

	He looked up at her as she placed the stick into 
her overcoat, his whole body reeling still.

	"Something is going to happen tonight, and you need
to be in your home when it does. Goodbye Shing," she said 
softly and turned to go. "Follow the lights." 

	He watched her leave, speechless and powerless to 
stop her, or move himself. At the end of the hallway, she 
pivoted on her heel and faced him again, and with a smile,
blew him an invisible kiss. And with that, she was gone and
the hallway lost its color. Moments later, he heard 
Irinushka finally turning the corner, and come to stand 
beside him. He heard her ask what had happened, but all he 
could think about was the tingling sensation on his lips.

+++++
	
	"Tonight...it all begins."

+++++

	Well, I had to bump the rating up for this story
because of things going to happen next chapter, and in 
following chapters. I wasn’t sure if I was going to go 
down that road until this stage, so that’s why I didn’t 
make it R, M, what have you. It won’t be the worst possible
 thing ever, but I’m just warning everyone that things are 
going to get ugly soon. Hope you enjoyed!