The Dawn of Serenity Chapter Twenty-Three Nephrite shivered, but not from the continuous cold pressing hard against the walls of the palace. With the spilled blood of an innocent, the dark forces of the world flowed through this sacrificial chamber, welcomed and greeted by Youma thirsting for the abyss. They bathed and drank in it, danced and lay in the crimson liquid of this charnel house. He could feel the currents of the ancient evil that had consumed his queen and made her its host so long ago, where only weeks before, Nephrite would have stood here and embraced them as they brushed against his skin, enraptured by the darkness. Now, he felt sick at their touch and the despicable displays around him. How had he ever acted like that? Amidst the chaos, it was a miracle Nephrite even heard his communicator whistling. Irinushka and Araya still clung to him, and reluctantly he let go of the older of the two brunettes to fish for the device buried deep in his pocket. "What is-" he stopped, noticing the blood smeared on Kunzite's alarming face. "What happened?" "It's Demando...he's taken the princess." "Taken the princess...! Are you certain?" "Yes! The queen's in danger…get her out of there!" "How do-" "I just know; do it…now!" The screen went blank, and for a moment, so did Nephrite's mind. Nothing was making sense. It only took a glance down at Araya's trembling body to clear his mind, however. "Irinushka, get the other girls out of here immediately." She didn't seem to register his words and he firmly took hold of her shoulders and began steering her towards the cowering women standing behind them. "Do you understand? Go!" She nodded numbly, the old strength returning to her deep eyes as she held Araya's hand and quickly gathered the others. He waited until they were out of sight, hoping they were safe from whatever Kunzite thought was going to occur. "Jadeite, Zoicite...come on!" he commanded, and without a second thought they followed. Quick as lightning, they dashed through the crowd and were just in time to see Demando and his family congregate on the steps when they finally reached Beryl and her prince. "What is it?" she hissed. "You're in danger." No sooner than he spoke the words, a great commotion echoed throughout the hall and Soldier Youma began pouring into the room. They came from everywhere, a dark avalanche threatening to consume them all. The Youma nobles in the hall began to panic as they found themselves surrounded, their uncertainty fuelled by the dangerous snarls and looks on their brethren’s faces. "What is the meaning of this?" Beryl demanded. "It's a revolution, your highness." Demando's voice wafted over the room, thick with satisfaction and pride. "Tonight, we dance to your demise." "Vive la reine," Esmeraude, mocked, as she took her place beside him. "Too long have we withered in your shadow, clinging to a pointless grudge and this dead land. We were meant for greater things than to simply fade from existence in this miserable place. Relinquish your throne and the crystal now, Beryl, and we will avoid bloodshed." "You ungrateful Lunarians, I will never submit to you!" Beryl bellowed. Darkness materialized out of the charged air and encircled her shapely frame. Her hair and dress started to lift as if she was weightless in water, and her intensely red eyes flashed dangerously with a brighter gleam than ever before. "Good, it will be much more rewarding to do this the old fashioned way. Kill them!" Demando ordered, his voice and laughter bouncing off the walls. The growling Soldier Youma quick to obey, and soon the hall filled with screeches as Youma fought Youma. Like a plague, the Soldiers indulged their kin, leaving death and destruction in their wake while Youma stepped over each other trying to run to the exits. The Shitennou quickly formed a wall before their queen, their senses as sharp as their drawn weapons. When the Soldiers approached their former leaders, they hesitated-- slowing and building up like a tidal wave reaching the shore. Even with such a mass, they knew what strength opposed them now. "Well, you know, we've been up against far worse before…" Jadeite, said, causing Nephrite to smirk as they readied themselves to lash out and strike. "Stop…!" Beryl's dominant voice halted their advance and all stood at attention as she and the Prince stood next to one another. Her long staff materialized in her outstretched hand, and obediently black energy was coalescing at its tip. The Prince extended his hand with hers -- his digits quickly flaring bright gold. Their power exploded, creating a golden shield crackling with black lightning. It expanded quickly, and upon touching the first line of Soldiers, disintegrated them into puffs of dust. The remaining ranks smartly fell back, as Beryl glared at her enemies with radiating eyes. "If you think it would be that easy to destroy my empire, you are more of a fool than I thought," she said. "No…" Demando laughed, pulling a square device from his pocket. "It will not be that easy...Until next time." He pressed a few buttons, and at his command, bright light engulfed the mass of Soldiers and Black Moons. The Shitennou shielded their eyes as it exploded brilliantly. When it was over, the Crystal Hall was clear of its imposing enemies-- as if they had never been there in the first place. But the carnage of their kill remained; the hall a bloody carcass of their foreshadowed war. Silently, the high court of the queen surveyed the damage while all Beryl could see was red. She turned towards her Shitennou unexpectedly, extending the staff and with it her frustration in their direction. "You…!" Lightning streamed forth from its tip, wrapping itself around their bodies and shocking the weapons out of their hands. She lifted them off the ground, bringing them closer to meet her rage. "My Queen...!" Nephrite whispered, the strength of his voice drained from the jolts of pain shooting through his convulsing body. "How could this happen? You were to watch them!" she yelled, pinpointing Danburite with eyes aflame. "You have failed me!" She dropped them abruptly, and each fell to their knees as the result of their quivering limbs and wavering obedience. She barely gave them time to collect their thoughts and catch their breaths, however. "Find out what they are doing and what they have done. Disgrace my rule like this again, and the next time I bring you to your knees, you will not rise again. Now go!" Slowly, the Shitennou rose, biting down the discomfort and sickness threatening to overwhelm them. En masse, they moved to leave the hall, picking their way through pools of blood and detached limbs. "Nephrite, not you…." He turned, finding her eyes searing with anger. "Bring me Kunzite." +++++ Kunzite emerged from the hallway leading to the keep with Minako in his arms for the second time, and soon found himself in a screaming crowd of frightened Youma. It alarmed him to the point where he wanted to put her down and run into the throng, but one look at her broken face changed his mind. He kept himself against the chilled wall, and fought his way towards Minako's rooms. Once reaching the lower halls, the crowds disbanded, making it easier on both of them. Just as he neared Minako's door, Irinushka and the others approached, the clicking of their heels and swishing of their skirts reminiscent of a wild storm blowing down the corridor. As they approached, Kunzite was surprised to find most with blurry eyes or stained cheeks. While some clung to each other, Irinushka forged ahead of them. Her eyes dry, but only a small crack was all that was needed to unleash the tsunami behind them. "Lord Kunzite -- oh no…!" Her eyes widened before she looked up at him peering through suspicious lashes. "What happened to her?" "I'm not sure, but that will be your job to find out. Open this door." Once Minako was out of his arms and safe, Kunzite finally let himself breathe out a sigh of relief. He could feel every beat of his nervous heart, and focused on quieting the powerful organ dancing within his ribcage. "Lord Kunzite?" "What happened in the hall?" he asked Irinushka. "I don't know. Nephrite ordered us to leave before everything happened. Before we knew it, Youma were running everywhere screaming about Soldiers and the Black Moons." "I see. Do not leave this room until one of us comes for you," he ordered and rushed to the door. "Yes, sire." She watched him pause at the threshold, however, glancing back with softened eyes for just a moment. "And do not leave her," he said, and hastily shut the door behind him. +++++ An hour later, the chaos that swarmed through the palace converged in her scarlet eyes as she glared at the men standing before her. The Shitennou shifted uneasily beneath their capes, the feeling of her electricity still tingling at their fingertips and toes. They glanced at the ground, finding their leader slowly recovering from his own punishment. For the Hand of the Queen, there was no reprieve. "Enlighten me now," Beryl said, sitting back in a plush chair of the conference room. For the Shitennou, the room did not feel as cozy as it once had. "Demando has turned most of the Soldier Youma against us. Our ranks have been cut by at least eighty-five percent," Jadeite informed Beryl hesitantly. "Those that are left are older models we thought long ago ought to be replaced." "What! How is that possible?" she shouted, gripping the arms of the chair until her nails dug into the expensive leather skin. "I think I know," Zoicite spoke up meekly. "Well, it's more that I know that I know-" "Zoicite…!" "Right, of course…Saphir put a program in them that would turn them against us with the press of a button. It's all there, in his lab...he left all of his work for us to find." "Well then, you can figure out how to reverse it," Beryl purred dangerously, and the others watched him turn pale. "N-No, I can't. Once the switch was thrown, it couldn't be turned off, Saphir made sure of that. The only way to stop them is to…well...destroy them." They watched as Beryl fumed, her voluminous waves of blue hair slowly rising as it had earlier. They fell back at the sight, and even the Prince was cautious enough to step back behind her chair. "There is more, your highness." At Kunzite's level voice, Beryl hissed, her now flashing eyes settling on him. He finally managed to find his voice beneath the layers of electrified pain and dared to brave her wrath as only a loyal servant would. "The princess, Serenity...Demando has taken her." The room froze as if Kunzite had released a winter storm with his words, and all waited for their queen's reaction. None came at first, until all at once a raging black fire consumed the chair she was sitting on. She rose and then reached for it, and in one powerful movement, cast it into the nearest wall. It exploded in a shower of green sparkling light before falling to the ground in a smoldering pile. A slue of curses in a tongue unknown to those gathered around her issued forth in a stampede from her mouth and the room burned with her searing anger. "Where is he!" she demanded. "About 500 feet out of range of any weapon we possess, with the exception that is of the crystal," Jadeite answered and then quietly added, "In orbit." "In orbit?" she stared at him incredulously. "He's...he's built a spaceship, your highness," Zoicite replied. "Of course," Beryl laughed bitterly. "Those crafty Lunarians and their love of space, why doesn't he take his ship and leave the planet if he so wishes to move on? He has his great obsession as well!" "He remains, because the only way we know to revive her is here, with us," Nephrite put in. "He wouldn't dare..." "He'll do what he must, and leave this place to its ruin once he has what he wants." "Build me another army to crush this childish fool, I will not lose to a Lunarian ever again!" she swore vehemently. "But my queen," Nephrite interjected, bringing his eyes to rest on the man standing behind her. "The energy to create an army so fast-" "I don't care! Do as I say." She waved the Prince to her side fitfully. "Go with them and give them the energy they need. Now go, all of you, and have the slaves clean up your pathetic mess as well!" "Yes, Queen Beryl." They bowed in unison before silently exiting the room. "Not you, Kunzite. You are more of a disappointment than the others. The Hand of the Queen shouldn't be so crippled. Stay in your suite until I call for you -- if I do so at all." "But, my Queen-" "Go!" she screamed, abruptly turning her back to him. Such hostility and hatred from his ruler would normally make Kunzite sick, but he was instead relieved to be out of her presence and quickly left the room, not once looking back. +++++ He didn't retreat to his rooms, however. There was only one place to go, as if a world of thorn bushes surrounded him and only one path was clear. But as he stared at Minako's sleeping face, this way seemed just as harsh. "I've given her a pain serum, so for now, she is numb to her injuries," Irinushka informed him. "Most of her injuries were superficial; minor lacerations that will heal with a few days and leave no scars. All the serious injuries are about her face where she was hit repeatedly, and the gash on her upper thigh. I can't really explain the cuts, and I don't want to imagine, but her assailant obviously wasn't interested in hurting her physically though, only sedating her so he could..." she trailed off awkwardly, not noticing how white Kunzite's knuckles had become as he struggled to keep his hands at his sides. "I've done all I can for her in respect to the sexual assault as well. I've ran tests and there is no fear of her becoming pregnant. She will heal, but there's nothing I can do for her mind." "I understand." His voice was dark and haunted, causing her to look up and stare in surprise at the vengeful look captivating his usually stark eyes. The last few hours had been rough on her, and for a moment, she thought it was just a trick. But she watched as he slowly approached the bed, his arms twitching at his sides as if he couldn't decide whether to reach out to the sleeping woman or retreat. "I'll...I'm going to go check on the others. If you need me, I won't be far," she said, feeling more uncomfortable with this side of him than the unrelenting stone mask he always seemed to wear. "Thank you," he said quietly. Once she was gone, he quickly cast her out of his mind and slowly sat in the chair next to the bed. He didn't understand the emotions making his heart pound so hard and weigh so heavy. So many years he spent pushing everything away but loyalty and love for his queen, but things were becoming less and less black and white. Those emotions were spreading like a wild fire to other parts of his life. He always enjoyed the company of the Shitennou, but now he felt like there was more to their bond that he had forgotten somehow. Some purpose and calling was lost in the transition from the world of light to this darkness long ago. It spread to this woman lying before him as well -- this wolf in sheep's clothing. He knew where his loyalties fell, but the image of her blurred everything, convoluted every loyalty and truth he once held to be true. For some reason, it felt forbidden even to consider her in his past as more than a respectable enemy, but that did not stop him from wanting to find Demando and make sure he never touched anyone or anything ever again. Thinking about the intolerable Lunarian made his veins feel like they were going to explode as his blood boiled. What frustrated Kunzite more was the fact he felt anything at all. She should make him feel no different. She shouldn't make him doubt his loyalties or memories. She shouldn't make him question his methods or ethics. She should be nothing to him. Sheets ruffled like the wings of restless birds, and all thought took flight as he watched her open her eyes slowly. He was getting accustomed to watching her fight with reality like this, and found himself wishing she would fall back into a naive slumber. She seemed to realize his presence quickly, but refused to meet his eyes this time. They fumbled in an awkward silence as both found things to concentrate on other than what needed to be said. "Are...are you all right?" he asked finally. "Yes," she answered, but her small voice seemed to contradict her reply. Kunzite found himself standing, words spilling from his mouth before he could stop them. "I won't let him get away with this, I promise you." She looked just as surprise as he felt when she turned her head towards him, her eyes wide. She seemed to recover fast, her surprise melting away to reveal something stronger. "No…" It was a simple word, but Kunzite seemed unable to grasp it. She smiled sadly, but her eyes were vibrant with determination. "Teach me how to be the soldier I once was, so when we meet again…I can avenge myself." At that moment, Kunzite remembered why he admired his former enemy so. His somber grin joined hers in a silent accord, creating a quiet scene as chaos and revolution swarmed just beyond the walls outside. "As you wish...." +++++ Shing didn't think he could ever sleep again. His whole body tingled, his lips burned, but he felt no discomfort at all. He had never felt so light and free at any point in his life. His mission was complete, somehow, against all reason and she... He blushed at the thought of her kiss -- innocent, but more incredible than he could ever have imagined the experience to be. Sleep was calling for him, but every time he closed his eyes, he could only see her shining countenance. He wondered if he would dream tonight, and if anything could ever be as beautiful as his current reality. He finally managed to drift off, his last thoughts pondering what Minako had meant by her last statement. He didn't have to wait long to find the answer. Out of the blackness of his mind, three lights blazed brightly, and as they approached he felt warmth fill him completely. "Shing..." He gasped, hearing his name echo through space. "Who...who is it?" he called out. "We are the leaders of Serenitas," three voices spoke in unison. "You have been brave, and the whole world will know of your deeds one day. Nothing we can say can possibly equal our gratitude…but there is something we can offer you. Follow us, Shing, follow us home." He felt them pulling on his consciousness, as if reaching out to him with long fingers. He was hesitant to answer, but Minako's encouraging smile gave him comfort. He nodded his ascent and held his arms out wide, and the lights shot towards him, surrounding him. Throughout the slaves' quarters, in hundreds of houses, white light exploded from each of the windows and pathetic holes dotting the old walls. Guards and mingling slaves shielded their eyes from the massive explosions that were spreading sporadically throughout the quarters. Guards were quick to react, bustling into houses to find the meaning behind the bright intrusion on their dark plane. They searched house after house, but found nothing...nothing and no one. Every piece of furniture, rotting piece of food, scrap considered clothing -- everything was gone. It was as if they never existed at all. +++++ The fury of dancing feet turned to the confused shuffle of all out war as the Shitennou led their retaliation force forward. Battle was their element, and that was the only reason they weren't exploding in a million directions. The eyes of the prince upon their backs seemed to compel them as well, even though they never cared for his company before. Something was different, but they hardly had a free moment to think about it any further than a fleeting whim. "Has he moved?" Nephrite asked. "No," Jadeite answered. "The ship is stationary. It looks hardly big enough to hold all the Soldiers he took. He must have them cloaked somewhere. I've tried our main frequencies, but he's smarter than that. It'll take awhile to crack it, but by then it might be too late." "And what about our army…?" Nephrite questioned Zoicite. "Saphir left us his plans, but erased the program for our Soldiers. I'm going to need days to redevelop one," he answered. "We don't have the time, and you know it. We need some sort of defense as soon as possible – anything, so we're not so vulnerable." Nephrite shook his head, his eyes sweeping the screens. "Use me." It took a moment to realize where the voice had come from and all stared at the prince, surprised. "Use you?" "I can create a barrier around the city." "But we'll need your powers to make more Soldiers." "I am not weak," he replied. "All right," Nephrite relented after a few moments of deliberation. "We need to do this methodically and quickly. We can't stop working until it is finished." "I wish Kunzite were here," Zoicite sighed, dropping his head into his hands. "Let's not leave him a complete mess to come back to," Nephrite encouraged and the others nodded. "My lords…!" Danburite rushed into the room, stopping to catch his ragged breath. A Hunter was close on his heels, her eyes locking with Jadeite immediately. "What is it...?" "The slaves...they're...they're disappearing!" Danburite exclaimed. "Disappearing...?" "Yes, disappearing… Half the slave's quarter is empty!" "What is going on, he's taking the slaves, too? That makes no sense! What possible use could they be?" Jadeite growled, gnashing his teeth together. "To cripple us further, perhaps…?" Zoicite suggested. "They are our main workforce, Nephrite?" Within his mind, Nephrite wasn't thinking of possible scenarios, nor their slave population either. He only cared about one. +++++ For the first time in two days, Nephrite could finally relax. The Shitennou were not granted sleep until their tasks had been completed, and it had taken hours of hard work and pills, but their army had been designed and at the moment was being created beneath his feet. They had left their most trusted Youma in charge of continuing to build their defenses, hoping that Saphir didn't secretly program everyone against them. He stepped into his suite, his eyes flashing across the vast space looking for her figure -- hoping his instincts were wrong. As he flicked on the lights, his mood darkened. She was gone, having disappeared to wherever it was the rest of her people had vanished. All the ladies were missing it seemed, and for the first time in a long time, Nephrite's bed would be cold. Perhaps, he mused with a sarcastic grin, his fiery sprite would come to pay him a visit and keep the lonely general company. Listlessly, he shrugged out of his stiff party attire and stepped into the shower. He stood there for a long time, letting the scalding water wash away his discomfort. His mind wandered over the events of the passed few weeks, finding himself amazed by how fast everything was happening. A millennium of endless reign and it only took a few weeks for it all to unravel. He shifted his attention from these musings, trying to find comfort in the stars, but it seemed the thick bulbous clouds were greedy and blocked his sight completely this day. When he emerged, he found her cross-legged on the edge of his bed, the jewels on her stilettos sparkling from the sconces on fire throughout the circular room. Her eyes shone by themselves, however. They were filled with frustrated tears; tears she refused to let fall. All his anger and resentment seemed to wash away, and only concern and understanding remained. There was so much to be said, but words seemed too heavy a burden to manage right now. On some silent cue, she rose and her long legs quickly brought her to him and his awaiting arms. He held her firmly while burying his face into her dark locks, hoping to find peace somewhere within. It seemed forever before she pulled away, staring up at him with eyes vulnerable and spirit seemingly broken. For a second, the look in her eyes seemed so familiar, but he could no longer think when her lips had pressed themselves firmly against his. Her embrace not one full of passion, rather, only a need for release -- a need to feel anything other than remorse and fear. She needed him for once, just as much as he had always needed her. As she cast away his robe from around his shoulders, he lifted her up, his muscles gleaming as he carried her to the bed. +++++ The warmth of his skin was replaced by some other fire as d reams claimed Irinushka. It filled the gap in her aching heart, evaporating the pain and raining hope upon her troubled heart. The three lights – the three leaders -- came for her, too, shining brightly in the void of sleep. "Irinushka," they called out. "We are in your debt. Without your help, Shing never would have succeeded. Now we have our Hope, and will no longer have to hide in the shadows of people's minds." "You've taken everyone, haven't you…my brother too?" "Yes, we've brought them home. Your brother is safe with us and will no longer be under the hand of tyranny. You've done so much good for so many people." They were quiet then, stationary and hesitant it seemed, and she began to understand why. "You're not here to take me with you though, are you?" "It is much to ask of you, we know. We want peace for all of us, and the idea of sacrificing someone else's happiness breaks our hearts. We can watch over and comfort her here, but Minako will be alone in this dark world..." Irinushka was not thinking about Minako, however. "I will stay, but under one condition; you must watch over Aleksei. He will try to come for me. I know it. Keep him safe and away from this place." "Of course, we swear we will protect your brother." "All right...." "Thank you, Irinushka. You are saving millions by taking care of one. Someday, we pray our world will shine again. Not just in dreams, but for everyone to see." They withdrew, pulling an invisible curtain before her eyes and bathing her in warm, golden light unlike anything she could have possibly imagined. It filtered away, revealing a land as green as Nephrite's eyes. Fields of life sprung forth, unlike anything she could have possibly dreamed. Meadows led to colorful forests, as birds flew from their shelter into the cloudless, blue sky. They soared out across a vibrant blue ocean, and she could hardly tell where the heavens began and seas ended. As the sweet smelling wind caressed her face, it seemed to entice salty droplets from her eyes, and soon the noble lady found herself crying at the splendor all around her. She knew she would never see something so beautiful again. "Some day, you will find yourself on our shores," their voices whispered, as the curtain slowly closed on the peaceful scene, leaving her to only dream. "Rest now, for when you wake tomorrow...everything will be changed." +++++ Next chapter... The world of Serenitas will finally be revealed for what it truly is, and its leaders unveiled... They have their Hope, but can they break the spell around her? Will she be able to save the world again? Is it even worth saving anymore? It's time for a revolution.