A Truth Among Lies By Etoile Mignon "In the end, everyone forgets someone." Chapter Five - The First Doubt "Contradiction is not a sign of falsity, nor the lack of contradiction a sign of truth." - Blaise Pascal Endymion was flying backwards across the square. The impact with a stonewall stopped him suddenly, knocking the air from him as he flopped to the ground. With hazy vision, he saw Serenity lifted into the air. She was floating, with a dark sphere emerging from her chest. From the bloodcurdling scream that escaped her lips, it seemed as if the sphere was forcing its way out, tearing Serenity's chest apart as it freed itself. With a violent tug, the sphere escaped her flesh, where it hovered in front of her floating form. The sphere held a gorgeous square mirror. An elaborate silver frame glittered through the dark energy around it. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, and his eyes could not be torn from it. As the energy crackled, the mirror shimmered violently, revealing a dark shadow inside of the mirror. Endymion was rushing back to her without understanding of what was occurring. He bolted toward Serenity, only knowing that she was in trouble, ignoring the pain shooting down his spine. There had been worse injuries during the War, and he propelled himself forward regardless. As he approached, the shadow in the gleam of the mirror broke free with a deafening crack. Although the glass remained intact, the dark energy around it was restless. It expanded, pulling the endless shadow from it with a violent force. By the time the Prince had reached it, the shadow was almost twice his size, finally dripping the last of its entity from the silvery frame. As the energy began to fade, Endymion found he was separated from Serenity by a large, fearsome hound. It arced its back, stretching long unused muscles, before raising its head to howl ferociously towards the sky. Great heavy shackles were upon its large paws, which were almost the same size as Endymion. With a vehement shake, the beast's dark black fur rustled like spikes. The beast's eyes opened, revealing gruesome yellow orbs, void of anything but hatred. Endymion drew his twin katana as doubt ran over him that he might not reach Serenity, who had now fallen back to the ground. She was lying still, with the silvery mirror hovering over her chest. Widening his stance, he prepared himself for battle. The hound paid him and his weapons no mind, immediately turning to Serenity. Its eyes filled with an eager hatred as it put a large paw on either side of her body, a low snarl reverberating from its chest. Hovering over the princess, the creature's jowls began to leak drool over the crumpled girls form. "Now I have you," it growled in a disturbingly low voice. "There is no waking from the dream this time, Princess." The beast lifted one of its massive paws next to the silver mirror, which now looked fragile and thin next to the bulk of the mitt. Another low rumble in its chest as it went to smack the glowing mirror aside, removing the last hindrance between its jaws and its prey. Endymion reacted, his senses on fire with adrenaline. With one blade, he slashed a tendon on the beast's hind leg; the beast erupted in a roar of discomfort, whipping around to find the black clad prince in the middle of his next attack. With a powerful jump, Endymion drove his other katana into the creature's rump. However, the katana barely entered the hound's thick skin; clinging to the hilt, Endymion used his weight to pull the katana downwards, inflicting a shallow but rather long slice as the Prince traveled back to the ground. As soon as he landed, Endymion shifted sideways, only just avoiding the snapping jaws of the hound. Black blood was now mixing with the beast's fur, leaving a few drops on the ground. Taking steps around it, Endymion launched himself backwards, sliding to a stop as the hound rounded and faced him with its head lowered. He was hardly thinking, something that had become a second nature during the War. He thought of nothing but survival. In the pit of his stomach, emotions of concern, fear, and anger mixed but were wholly masked by adrenaline. The next thought on his mind was only of his next opportunity to attack. The hound stared down at Endymion as its rage slowly faded into intrigue. A crimson tongue flickered out as it licked its jowls before they curved upward in a ghastly smile. "What have we here?" The creature spoke but its lips never moved. "The Princess of the White Moon has a protector." With a swift jerk forward, the hound's jaws clamped down fiercely inches from Endymion's form. He did not hesitate, driving his katana across its snout. The hound's jowl was sliced in two with a squirt of blood, causing the creature to draw back and shriek in pain. Before Endymion could anticipate, the hound's clawed paw swatted Endymion. His body rolled in the air, sending both of his katana flying out of his hands. As he tried to get back to his feet, but a large paw that covered half his torso and most of his legs pinned him to the hard ground. The force holding him barely allowed him to take a breath. "A protector," the hound loomed over him, the wound leaking viscous, black blood over him. "And a failure. Now, you will die." Endymion felt the beast lean all of its weight on him as it reared back, revealing all of its hooked teeth. All of the air in his lungs was squeezed out of him; he could not reach his Royal Long Sword. He had no more options as he watched the hound lunge forward, its mouth wide, ready for the fatal blow. The Prince's eyes shut tight. But the pain never came. Blinking his eyes open with disbelief, he found everything swallowed in a warm yellow light. He could see or feel nothing besides the absence of air in his lungs; even the pressure from the hound's paw was gone. Was death truly this swift? The hound screamed, pulling Endymion from his thoughts. The first feeling to return was a harsh burning in his chest. It hurt and inhibited his first gasp of air. Yet as the light began to dull, letting edges become more defined and other colors slowly fade into view, so did the pain in his chest. He swallowed several gulps of the thick air. A few yards from him, the hound had retreated, shaking its head repeatedly. The light was almost painful for it, as it kept stepping backwards, afraid to be touched by the rays. Serenity was still there, unscathed, with the mysterious mirror hovering over her. A white light now surrounded it, which was much stronger and brighter than the previous dark energy. Endymion leaned up slowly, wondering what was the strange blast of light that had saved him. Gazing down at his chest, he realized the truth. The light had come from him, but was now slowly dying out again. Endymion knew what the source was, but it shouldn't have been possible. The only way he'd be able to summon it was if his father was dead, but Endymion didn't spend the time to consider the dire thought. Right now, he was still in a battle, and he rushed to his feet as he drew his Long Sword. By the time he had done so, the light was completely gone. "That light!" The hound snarled. "You," Endymion thrust the sharp tip of his sword at the beast. "You are the hound from her dreams." The hound's eyes narrowed warily. No longer held back by the light, the hound was hesitant and began to pace as if behind a barrier. "I am," it said with great hatred, "the Nightmare Hound of the Dark Moon, emissary of the Dark Queen. And you have been the one interfering in my mission." "You will not kill her." Endymion promised, taking a step towards Serenity. The hound glanced over at the motionless girl. "I will, but I see that now I must first take care of you and that damned light." It snapped its jaws back at Endymion. The Prince smirked. "You are welcome to try." Another low snarl came from the hound as its muscles tensed, Endymion's challenge readying it to attack again. It launched itself forward. Two loud twangs came almost simultaneously, and the hound was jerked out of the air, landing on its side in a cloud of red dust. Two black-feathered arrows now stuck out of the beast's shoulder. With great pain, the hound immediately tried to reach the arrows with its mouth, unsuccessfully snapping at its wound. Endymion's eyes traveled the arrows' path across the square to two almost identically clad forms. Two tall, lean women stood abreast, both dressed in short, sleeveless robes that were tied to opposite sides of their waists. One wore a blood red robe and the other's was a deep violet. Their faces were indistinguishable from each other's; both wore angry but focused faces. They each had unbelievably long raven hair, longer than even Serenity's, reaching down to ground. They wore gladiator's sandals, and armor on their forearms and over their shins, but no more than that. They each had very large bow in their hand and a full quiver on their back. The violet clad one was readying another black-feathered arrow in her bow, as her crimson counterpart called out in a very calm and focused voice. They spoke a different language that Endymion couldn't understand. Finally, the hound had pulled the arrows from its hide, spitting the splinters on the ground. "No one commands the Hound of Nightmares!" it bellowed. The woman in violet released her arrow, sending it straight through the large fire that burned in a monument in the center of the square. Its dark tip ignited violently, and continued its set path, effortlessly hitting its mark on the hound's neck. An angry roar shook the entire square as the flames scorched its skin. The hound writhed with agony as it scratched at the burning arrow to extinguish it and tear it from its neck. Even as the arrow fell from its skin, the fire would not be quenched. Again, the red one spoke. Her voice was darker this time. When the hound did not reply, the red one snapped her fingers once. As the quiet pop filled the empty square, the fire immediately exploded and swallowed the whole of the beast. "Fine!" the hound cried out, its pain echoing in its voice. "Fine! My quarrel is not with you!" Another pop echoed as the violet one snapped. The fire on the beast extinguished. Badly burned and not quite able to focus, the hound looked back to Endymion. "Do not doubt me, Protector," it growled. "My mission will be fulfilled. I will return for her, and you will fall." Energy exploded from around its feet, swallowing the beast in a vortex of dark energy. It swirled for only a few mere seconds before dying out, the hound gone from sight. A moment passed without movement. "Serenity," he whispered in an exhalation. Sheathing his Long Sword, Endymion rushed to Serenity's side. He fell to his knees, finding the Princess pale and ghostlike, and the bright light surrounding the floating mirror washing away her already soft features. With a shaking hand, he brushed a stray lock of silver hair out of her face. Even close to death, she looked like an angel. He felt the tears well up in his eyes. His attention turned to the mirror hovering above her chest. Now that he examined it closer, it was even more beautiful. The filigree and engraving on the silver frame was so fine that it was almost impossible to see. The innumerable curves reflected every bit of light, making it sparkle and glitter incessantly. The glass inside was smooth crystal, but did not reflect anything. Instead, a heavenly glow seemed to be held within it. The surface was so soft and ethereal, Endymion felt as if he could reach right through it. As the energy bubble held it just an inch over her chest, it seemed to hum with power. "A dream mirror." Endymion looked up to find the two women standing over Serenity, slightly turned towards each other. He noticed both wearing twin dark metal chokers with a long black feather attached to it. "What?" he asked. The one in violet knelt down, avoiding Endymion's gaze. From above, the red one spoke again. "It is her dream mirror." He realized that she spoke Terran with an excellent accent, but the delivery was very slow and contemplated. With Endymion watching helplessly, the violet one wrapped her long fingers around the glowing sphere. It seemed to respond with a brighter glow. With a gentle movement downward, the woman pulled the sphere down to touch the skin of Serenity's chest. Immediately the energy flickered before it forced the mirror back into the girl's form. Serenity's back arched, accepting the mirror with a sharp inhale. As she exhaled, Serenity's eyes fluttered open. Without delay she found Endymion's eyes and a weak smile spread across her face. "Endymion," she uttered. He reached down for her and brought her up to him, embracing her tightly. She wrapped her arms around him, unsure of what had occurred but finding solace in his arms. Breathing in deeply the sweet scent of her hair, his eyes looked up at the two strange women. "Thank you, my ladies," he said earnestly. Serenity pulled back from him to look at whom he spoke to. Her blue eyes sparkled with curiosity at the two. "Who are you?" The inquiry was not harsh or eager, but just honest. Exchanging a glance between them, they looked back at the two with no sign of kindness. "There will be time for that later, sire," the red one said. "Right now," the violet one continued. "You must come with us." All she could feel was the intense heat. It was like fire under her skin, burning on the inside. Pain over every inch of her flesh screamed at her for some kind of, any kind of relief. The air was thick with grainy soot, filling her nostrils and throat, effectively choking her. The dark ash mixed with a viscous liquid that leaked from her head. It blurred her vision, blocking out everything but a crimson glow that covered everything in a sickening bloody aura. Flashes of light broke through the darkness. Once, and she quickly moved. The ground was exceedingly soft under her feet as her boots sunk into it. It made every step heavy, but still she could cross the great plain with blazing speed. She could feel the winds engulf her, welcoming her back, thanking her for returning, but there was no reason to celebrate with them. There was evil here that she must vanquish. Twice, and she barely escaped. The heat increased, and this time a searing pain shot through her ankle. Her focus was lost on something else moving with her in the darkness, another form perhaps. It was behind her always, but it wasn't a threat. A glint of aqua light came from the stranger's hand, and she heard a muffled battle cry. As the strange presence set off into the darkness, she pushed herself to follow. Panic set in. She felt herself unable to stand, unable to run after it. Her ankle was shattered. For a moment, she felt her eyes begin to tear up with the realization. Speed was her forte. Without it, she was no more than a lame duck. Still she gripped the gold hilt of her sword firmly and took a shaky stance. Whatever was coming in the next flash of light, she would face it as she always had, as a soldier. The light flashed the third time, and the heat roared at her. She felt the burning finally about to explode out of her skin and she welcomed the sweet relief. Fatigue had won the moment her ankle snapped; only at this moment would she admit this, even to herself. Nothing mattered now, save that the presence had miraculously escaped. She prayed to the stars that it somehow found safety among this chaos, and let herself stare straight into the bright light. It would all be over soon. The light never came. She felt herself be pushed aside, falling weakly to the soft ground. The heat was fresh against her back. Everything was burning. An indescribably potent sorrow filled her, and her heart broke. Why? She couldn't find an answer to the question as the darkness became so deep that she could no longer escape. When she awoke next, it was with a start. Her eyes burst open, finding a new but familiar watery reflection still surrounding her. The lapse of time disoriented her, sending her stomach twisting uncomfortably. She pushed herself upright, finding a sharp pain shoot through her skull. Only as she lifted a hand to her head did she notice that it was bandaged. It wasn't the only thing that ached. Her right eye felt uncomfortably tight, still swollen and barely able to open. Something was wrong with her ankle, too, or maybe it was her foot. A thick wrapping of linens felt tight against her chest, one of her thighs, and she felt bandages stuck over parts of her skin with gooey ointment. But other than the dressings for her wounds, she was naked. "You should lie down." The voice that came from the darkness was not only unfamiliar but also male. Uranus tensed, pulling her sheets up over her, her eyes filling with shock as they scanned her quarters. As her sense heightened, she recognized the room, even though she had only been here a handful of times. The large bed she was centered on was covered in silk sheets, and very soft pillows. The wall to her left was complete glass, revealing that the room was completely submerged. Sea life wandered by aimlessly, casting their shadows into the room. A bright light shone through the water from somewhere unknown, providing an oceanic glow to the chamber. The figure she was searching for stood against one of the double doors, his arms crossed. It was not an ideal position because it made Uranus weary. "Get out." Her voice dripped with revulsion as she spoke fluent Terran. Even though she spoke lowly, every breath made her chest ache. Letting his arms fall to the sides, he chuckled. "They told me this wouldn't be easy, you know. I am sorry to disappoint you, milady, but I can't leave yet." "Who are you?" She growled. The man took a few steps closer in an easy manner, but Uranus drew herself up on the bed, trying to keep herself as far as possible. It took great strength from her weakened arms, as her one foot would not help push her body up. She was not used to this lack of grace, and wondered if she looked as awkward as she felt. "Easy there, lady," the man said again, this time a bit of annoyance reverberated in his speech. "It's my turn to keep watch. I'm just here to make sure you've faired well through the night. That's all." "Then stay back." Uranus spat harshly. "Tell me who you are." She could see the man grin devilishly at her question before he turned to face her. "General Jadeite of Earth's Imperial Guard, and Lord of the Southern Isle," he said with a low bow towards her. "Trespassing bastard," she said, following the word with a slew of Uranian curses. Jadeite twisted his face around, feigning taking offense while he took a few steps closer. "Quite a tongue you have," he said, saving his courteous titles this time as he clasped his hands behind his back. "You'd be wise to hold it. I am not the most tolerable man." "Terrans are not welcome here." Uranus kept her voice low; her anger was evident in her snarl. "No." He slowly turned on his heel to face her. "But we're here, nonetheless, taking time from our vital quest to save your sorry ass from dying on us. You're welcome." The Solider looked away, her resentment giving way to effort as she tried to recall what had happened. Answers came to her in bits and pieces, and worry took over her face. As she shot her gaze back onto the man, she found him smiling. It was a very devious smile, as if he reveled in her momentary amnesia and enjoyed being the one to tell her what happened. Despite her anger, the word fell from her lips without her own permission. "Neptune?" "She lives," he said, his smile somehow growing warmer. He seemed to look away for a moment, as if remembering something, but quickly returned to her with a sly grin. "She hasn't woken yet, though." "I need to see her," Uranus murmured, as she swung her legs out from the covers. Instantly, she realized her mistake, as a sharp twinge seized her ankle. "Uh, uh, uh," he taunted, wagging his finger at her. "I'm afraid you're not going anywhere thanks to that nasty break in your ankle. So why don't you get back under the covers and get comfortable, like a good girl?" The Sailor Soldier loathed his choice of words but had no choice. Without her talisman, she felt helpless, and even if she accessed her powers, she was in no condition to fight. Her ankle was stuck in an awkward splint, taking away her speed and any form of fleeing. Defeated, she slipped her legs back under the covers and unwillingly reclined against the pillows. Fists of rage gathered the sheet in bunches at her sides. She turned away from the man, trying to ignore him, thinking only of Neptune. "See?" He now hovered over the edge of her bed. "It's really not that hard to listen. Do you mind if I sit?" Jadeite didn't wait for an answer and sat, dismissing Uranus' angry scowl. As far as he was concerned, he was away from the rest of those damned Scouts and could do what he pleased with this one. Even Kunzite's disapproving glare was far enough to be ignored. As he perched on the edge of the bed, he turned his back to her. Leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees, Jadeite, as confident as he let on, did not want to keep eye contact with her. All she could see was his scruffy sandy hair and his hunched back blanketed with the swaying reflection of the water. She could hear him turning his gloved hands over and over themselves, the smooth fabric rubbing together in the silence. It irritated her, and she glared out onto the sea beyond the glass in her anger. She could feel the frustration build inside of her, which inevitably made her legs itch. She wanted to run. "Do you remember it?" His question was spoken slow and clear. It almost masked the sense of fear that it was filled with. "Remember what?" she snapped, her thoughts elsewhere. She had just realized how much she ached, and was inspecting the many bruises and contusions on her arms. They were black and deathlike against her white skin, making her wonder how many more she had on her legs. Jadeite stopped moving his hands and the room filled with hollow silence. It took a moment for him to answer, during which he ran a gloved hand through his hair. Finally, he said, "Death." Uranus found herself shocked at the question, although she wasn't sure why. Everything seemed to fit now. The images in her dream, if it was a dream at all, became memories. The darkness was all too real suddenly, and she clutched at her head as if it would make the torment stop. Even the strange presence now had a name, a life, a love attached to it. She felt, somehow, whole again. "We were dead," she said quietly, more so admitting it to herself than to the stranger. Finally opening her eyes, she found that the Terran man was peeking over his shoulder at her. There was a mortal curiosity in his eyes, something that was foreign to the Sailor Soldiers, who were conditioned to never accept death's reality. Against her nature, she felt pity for the man. "It was dark, but it was warm, too, as if I was falling into a sweet sleep. But I don't remember dying. When I think about the moments before I died, they're all hazy, like a dream. It doesn't seem to be real." "I don't know," Jadeite said, shrugging his shoulders and he drove his hands into his pockets. "It was quite real when I saw you. To be honest, I was ready to bury you two." "There wouldn't be any need for burial," she said proudly. At his blank stare, she expanded. "Sailor Soldiers don't leave anything behind. When we die, we return to the stars in the form of dust." Jadeite didn't quite understand, but really didn't care. Her pompous explanation irritated him, so he turned back around so he didn't face her again. "So you don't remember how, or who?" "No." Her answer was very curt. It was Uranus' turn to look away as the hollow silence fell upon them again. They both didn't speak for a few moments. Uranus was growing more and more uncomfortable, as the silence let her mind wander to the surreal memories. She wrestled with them silently, finding herself wanting to run, something she could not do. "Why are you here?" Uranus barked suddenly. Jadeite turned to her with a bit of a jump. Her dark blue eyes were glaring at him, the sheets balled up in her shaking fists. With her chin held high, turning her nose up at him, she cast him a demeaning look. The way she spoke to him was grating, and he fought back a sneer as he was reminded why he didn't care for these Soldiers at all. "Why do you think I'm here?" he said dryly. "It's the same reason you let yourself die." Uranus turned precariously at the blunt comment, her brow narrowing over her dark eyes. "What do you know of my reasons?" she said lowly, raising herself up with the powerful air of a Sailor Soldier. "We are both soldiers. We follow orders. There is nothing that will prevent us from carrying them out, even, in your case, death." Jadeite had lapsed to his old remarks as a way of defense. In truth, Uranus' poise made him feel increasingly on edge, as if at any time he would be subjected to her galactic power. Jadeite, finding this as a suitable end to the dialogue, rose to his feet and shoved his hands in his pockets. He began to walk towards the far wall, hoping that he would be relieved from this post soon. "You're right." He stopped. She had admitted that he was right, which should've made him feel better, but it didn't. It wasn't even the reason he remained there. It was her voice. Her tone was wholly changed; her tone was softer. As he turned to look at her, he found her staring to her side. She was no longer the fierce, wounded Soldier of the Galaxy anymore. Instead, he found himself staring at a woman wrestling with the overwhelming reality of her own death and resurrection. The once stern eyes were now lost off in the distance, soft and heavenly. She clutched the soft sheets, her long fingers toying with the fabric as if distressed. Jadeite didn't speak. Uranus didn't need him to. "I died for my sworn allegiance, for my planet. But sheÉ" The fierceness in her eyes melted into a strange softness as they met Jadeite's. "She died for me." "So you do remember?" Cautiously, he questioned her. Jadeite once again nearly forgot that she was a Sailor Soldier as he listened to her tale. "I told her to stay away, even sent her to her own planet just so she would not be in danger. I should've known she wouldn't listen; she never did leave me. Even when I ran, she matched my pace without complaint. So, well, I don't know why I was so surprised when she appeared. She just looked so confident, like there was no doubt in her mind that she was supposed to be there. "When I arrived, I thought I could handle it. But even the two of us didn't stand long against that, that thing. But she," Uranus paused, flinching with a painful memory, "she jumped in front of me, took the hit for me. She died first. After that, I couldn't fight anymore. "She saved me." Uranus was not crying, but her voice was weak. She cringed, shutting her eyes tight, clinging tightly to the sheets, and gritting her teeth. "I have to see her." Kunzite marched through the halls of Triton Castle. He had shed his jacket and cape, now only wearing a tunic and slacks but still donning his sword. Even it was a rude gesture to be armed as a guest at another ruler's castle, he didn't care. There was no precaution he would take when outnumbered by Sailor Soldiers. Triton Castle was a strange, mystical place that had been hung in the stars to orbit planet Neptune. There was another similar castle orbiting Uranus, both gifts to the Outer Soldiers from Queen Selenity. According to Sailor Mercury, they had chosen this castle because it held a much more serene atmosphere, which would be better for recovery. He wasn't sure if he agreed, but didn't care very much to argue either. All of them were so torn apart on the decimated planet that he wasn't going to speak against anything they decided. More than anything, he knew when he to hold his tongue. He really didn't understand how the two Sailor Soldiers had survived. They had ceased breathing. He had readied himself for a soldier's burial, hoping that the rituals for a Scout's passage to the next life weren't too complicated. He had also feared that he and his men might not even be allowed to assist, as Earth was not part of the Silver Millennium. Yet when he suggested this burial to Venus, all of his fears were silenced. She had no intention of burying them. "If the stars haven't taken them," she told him. "They're still here for a reason. I do not intend to abandon them." Of course, he didn't understand what she was talking about, but the intensity in her eyes was nothing to debate. He bowed his own ideas to whatever she decided. After all, it was the Scouts whom had injured brethren, not the Terran Generals. As he turned the corner, he heard another pair of footsteps that were closing in on him quickly. He knew the sound of his generals' boots anywhere, even in the strange echoing of the foreign hall. There was no surprise when Nephrite caught up to him and fell into step beside him. "We're wasting time here." Nephrite said accusingly, as if Kunzite kept them there himself. "Just a little longer," he said, dismissing the heated general's comments with a bit of annoyance. "Anything from the stars?" "Nothing yet." Nephrite's boots clacked on the strange tiles of the hall as he brooded by his leader's side. "I intend to keep trying, though." "See that you do," Kunzite nodded. "Has Mars found anything?" "That girl is useless without her fire," Nephrite said, his voice dripping with contempt. "She relies on a sixth sense, but that seems quite ineffectual across the whole galaxy." Kunzite took a deep breath. Everything seemed to be getting worse and worse as they ran out of time. It had been three days already, and neither of the injured had showed any signs of improvement, despite Mercury's constant effort. The generals had been silent so far, as they did nothing but share the shifts to watch for any change in Uranus or Neptune's condition. "We can't stay much longer, Kunzite." Nephrite's tone was sharper now. He leaned in close to Kunzite and lowered his voice. "There's something you should know." Kunzite stopped and turned sharply to face Nephrite. There was something hidden in the darkness of Nephrite's eyes, something that worried the white haired man. He had not seen Nephrite look at him like this since long before the war, when they were still boys. Kunzite immediately pulled into the nearest room and shut the door, ensuring that they could not be heard outside. He had pulled them into a strange music room, although everything was eerily untouched. Something that resembled a grand piano (although strangely embellished) alone with several ornate stringed instruments sat quietly under a watery reflection from a far glass tank that exposed the sea beyond the castle. With a thorough scan of the chamber, making sure they were alone, he faced Nephrite. "What is it?" Leaning against the nearest wall, Nephrite seemed to need the extra support to steady himself. "Do you remember what I told you about my vision? Where I was, specifically?" "The destroyed balcony." Kunzite strode away from Nephrite, finding the pain on his face unnerving. "Yes," Nephrite continued. "Well, I know where that place is. In fact, I've been there." Kunzite closed his eyes, preparing for the information that Nephrite was about to share. Somehow, he knew it was going to be bad. "It's the private balcony of the Moon Princess." Icy blue eyes fell on Nephrite with indifference. Nephrite continued regardless. "When we went to search the Princess' room, I discovered it. Everything was the same: the reflecting pool, the staircase, the columns, even Earth hanging above it. I didn't want to say anything until we were alone." "A wise decision," Kunzite said. He felt the gravity of this starting to press down on him. "And you're sure it was that very place?" Nephrite looked up at Kunzite with a striking solemnity. "I'm sure." Kunzite stared at his general without flinching. He could tell that Nephrite was waiting for him to speak, but he was never one to speak without thinking. He needed time to think, but Nephrite's dark eyes pressed into him, pushing him to deal with this information right now. "You know what this means, don't you?" Nephrite didn't wait for Kunzite to decide. "It means it's the girl in my vision is definitely the Moon Princess. There's no doubt for it now!" Kunzite was unmoved by Nephrite's enthusiasm, and he definitely did not share Nephrite's conviction about the matter. In fact, he thought it was a rather hasty decision, but no matter how he tried, he couldn't find any dispute against it. There was only one question that he could not answer: why was his Prince doing this? Endymion had knowingly broken the law by communicating with a Theian. Now, he was somewhere in the Silver Millennium with its Crown Princess, perhaps the only witness of his own death if Nephrite's vision was true. This was no way for a Prince to behave, no way for Endymion to behave. What was the cause of this madness? "Kunzite?" Nephrite beckoned. His attention stirred calmly as his eyes fell back on Nephrite, whose eyes pleaded for direction. With a slow, steadied breath, Kunzite placed his gloved hands on the railing. "We must be careful with this," he said warily. "Who else knows?" "No one but us." "Good," Kunzite nodded firmly. "Lets keep it that way for now. We can tell Zoisite and Jadeite once we are out of this place. It feels a bit too close to be spreading around information." Nephrite nodded, finally pushing away from the wall and standing up tall. Having divulged the heavy information and with the new orders, he felt renewed. As for the confines of the castle, he concurred with his leader. This castle felt alive somehow, as if every wall were watching him. It was this uneasiness that made communing with the stars so difficult for him here, but he dared not admit that to anyone. "For now," Kunzite continued. "Keep searching the stars. Perhaps they will give us our next step clearer this time." Nephrite's mouth opened as if he was going to say something back, but he fell silent. His dark eyes shot towards the door. Kunzite had heard it, too. Voices had entered the hall outside. With a very swift move, he pressed himself towards the doorframe, listening to the sounds that trickled in through the crack. Nephrite took the opposite side of the frame and did the same. At first, it was impossible to make out what they were saying. The echo of the footsteps were louder than the voices; both generals' dislike of the strange castle increased tenfold for the damn echo of the halls. After a few moments of the percussion, it stopped. The voices were still low but had become audible. Sailor Mercury's voice traveled to their ears. It was a quiet voice, and high-pitched, so it did not echo very much in the hall. She was speaking Theian. Kunzite grabbed Nephrite and pulled him closer to his side, carefully lining his head up with the door crack. In a very low whisper through gritted teeth, Kunzite said, "Translate everything." Nephrite nodded lightly, thankful for his past years of training on different planets. He was quite familiar with Theian, as most in the Silver Millennium spoke it, and the years of travel made it the language he understood the best out of them all. He listened, carefully memorizing everything so he could repeat it later. "Only a few more days at the most," Sailor Venus answered her. Her voice was not loud, but it was bold and full of urgency. "Kunzite has been wanting to leave since the first night." "You can sense it?" "Yes," Venus sighed. "I do not know why, but I am more sensitive to his emotions than any others that I've met. It troubles me." "For now, it is a good thing. Out of them all, he conceals his thoughts carefully." "He is a smart man," Venus snapped. "Now, what are we going to do?" "There is nothing we can do until I can get a real sample. There was absolutely nothing from the samples I took from the planet, no clues as to what this enemy is. All I know is that it got rid of everything. It is a miracle Uranus and Neptune survived." "The stars did not call them back yet. Let us not question it." "Of course not," Mercury said, a little insulted. "But they are very strong, and even they could not save the planet." "There will not only be two of them next time." "Are you suggesting?" "Yes. Our plans have changed. I will hunt this thing down and destroy it. It threatens Serenity's kingdom." "What about finding Serenity?" "I have no choice but to divide our ranks. If it must be, only two of us will aid the generals in the search, but with Uranus and Neptune recovering, we are now the only Scouts that this galaxy can spare." "Pluto? Saturn?" "No, it's too risky to pull Pluto from her post, and nothing will be saved if Saturn must be awakened." "And the generals?" For a moment, there was a heavy silence. Kunzite's eyes bore into Nephrite, who did not dare return the look. Instead, he prayed that they continued. This was the information he wanted to know. "They grow impatient already. By the time we leave, they will be too eager to notice anything out of the ordinary." "Are you sure? If we intend to see our first plan to its finish, we must do so carefully. At any time, Serenity could lose control." "We are the Sailor Soldiers, Mercury," Venus sounded very imposing. Her heels began to click again and Mercury's quickly followed her. If she were not passing the doorway at the very moment, Nephrite would not have heard her last, most crucial words. "Have no fear. What we are doing is for the greater good. If we must keep their Prince from them a bit longer, so be it." As they took their leave, their heels faded away into silence. Nephrite held Kunzite's gaze until they were gone completely. His eyes were heavy with rage and emotion that Kunzite would have noticed if he were blind. "Well?" Kunzite barked. "What did you hear?" The master chamber of Triton Castle was enormous. It was not in the tallest tower, but rather in the deepest underground lair. Although elegant, it very much resembled a dark cavern. Two large doors that were made of stone, emblazoned with shining shells led into the room, which opened onto a very soft floor, almost like sand or powder. The bed was large and took up a fair amount of the back wall. Overhead, a crystal chandelier, littered with multicolored gems flooded the room with a myriad of colors. Each of the sidewalls had glass panels that were windows looking out into the watery world that surrounded the lower floors of the castle. An ornate vanity, a large dresser, and another spare wardrobe room were all littered around the room, along with several mirrors. It was in this room where Sailor Neptune lay under the watery reflection's light. Her pale body was neatly tucked under the sheets of the bed, with her aqua locks spread out around her motionless head. Bandages and a cold compress soaked in the ocean were placed on her forehead, as Mercury found her running a fever. Once she was cleaned, the bruises became visible, and they littered her chest and shoulders. Her wrist had to be set and splinted, and several layers of linens wrapped some deep cuts on her legs. Still, she had not stirred since the event on Uranus, and Mercury seemed to fear for her the most. Zoisite shut the door softly behind him, finding himself once again engulfed in the undersea world's doppelganger. Wearing his full uniform, cape and all, he looked fairly dashing in the room's glow. His strawberry hair stood out as if it too were shining, and his bright eyes were made to look more green due to the room's colors. Everyone who has seen him there had commented; although he took pleasure in looking dapper, the attention felt strange in the company of the sleeping Scout. Somehow, he felt as if she, the more beautiful one, deserved their praise if only she were awake to hear it. He crossed the sandy floor carefully, hoping not to spill any of the food on the tray that he carried. A lavish cushioned chair was about halfway in the room where whichever watchman was assigned would sit. As he inched closer, he found Sailor Mars, fully in uniform as well, sitting upright and staring at Neptune with a void expression. After their last encounter, Zoisite made a conscious effort to put on a smile, if only for Neptune's sake, as he set down the tray on a shell-shaped table beside the chair. "Thank you," Mars said quietly, before he could even tell her what he brought. "I'm not hungry, though." Zoisite stood next to the chair, caught in the haunting sight of Neptune's lifeless form as well. He didn't even feel like responding to Mars' snide remark. There was something different about Neptune. Her counterpart, Uranus, at least looked as if she was resting from injury; Neptune just lay there as if already dead. "I had brought it for myself, but you should eat anyway," he said, pulling his eyes away from Neptune. Focusing them on Mars, he found how exhausted she looked. Although she held herself with grace and poise, filling her visage with elegance, the fatigue shone through her violet eyes. They were sunken, with heavy bags underneath them. "By the gods, how long have you been awake?" At this, she turned to face him. Her tired face was somber but still beautiful. She looked completely out of place in the room, however, and he couldn't help but notice. The bright red of her uniform looked sickly under the watery lighting. Her hair had lost its dark sheen, and her skin seemed to be washed into a hazy greenish tint. Even her Mars sigil looked as if it would never glow with power again. "I'm not sure," she said coolly. Zoisite could find no animosity in her voice, which made him wonder if she knew to whom she spoke to. "When is the last time you slept?" he asked her cautiously, as if any moment she might remember. Mars was holding his gaze vacantly as she thought. The coldness of her eyes and vague expression made his skin crawl. Finally, she said, "I haven't been able to sleep." Taken back by this, Zoisite picked up a steaming cup from the tray and handed it to her. "Here, drink this." When she hesitated to take it, he rolled his eyes and pushed it into her hands. "It's tea, and it'll help." Her hands were shaking as she took it. "What kind is it?" she asked aloofly before she brought it to her lips. "The only kind in the castle, I'm afraid," Zoisite scoffed. "I wish I could tell you more specifics, but I haven't studied Neptunian in a long time. Tea is tea, though." Accepting this, she sipped it slowly, and after a moment, weakly smiled. "It's good. Thank you." "Yes, well," Zoisite straightened uncomfortably. "I'm glad you enjoy it." Mars went back to the tea, finding it more relaxing and calming than she would've ever thought, and Zoisite found himself again captivated by the image of Neptune. So, they remained in silence for a few moments, during which he wondered if she felt as awkward by his presence as he did by hers. He cursed his luck; any of the other Scouts wouldn't have bothered him. Of course, he had to come upon Sailor Mars. "They're both idiots," Mars said lowly after draining half her tea. Zoisite looked down at her with confusion. She, too, was staring at Neptune, with her cold eyes of indifference. Her hands continued to shake as they clutched the cup in her lap. He wasn't sure whom she spoke of and wasn't sure if he wanted to press the issue. He didn't quite get along with her when she was rested, much less when she was sleep-deprived. Finally, his curiosity won his inner argument, and he asked, "Who?" "Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus, the fools." Her words were drenched with revulsion. At this, the gossip-loving Zoisite felt a grin spread across his face. Maybe it was a good thing he had found Mars in this room after all, he thought to himself as he readied himself for the art of acting. It was one thing he was very good at, and he was the best when he was going hear a good juicy story. "Neptune? Uranus?" he said warming up, just shy of clearing his throat. "Aren't they your fellow Soldiers?" "They are," she said icily. "But they're a whole different breed." "A foolish breed, I assume," Zoisite reminded her coyly of what she had first spoken of. "No. The Outer Soldiers are a vicious but devout breed of Scouts. They are outcasts, bred for nothing but violence and battle on the very edge of the system. These two more than the others." "There are others?" "Yes, two others, but all of them think of nothing but their assigned tasks. As much as it makes for good soldiers, it makes for a lonely existence. They know only each other." "They know you four, don't they?" "Yes, but only through rumors and rarely as allies. They do not know us, our names or our real selves, but we do not know them either. We four live among the Royal Court; there is society all around us, where we are expected to attend galas and be present among every celebration alongside Serenity. They are withdrawn from the galaxy which they protect, forced to watch all of it from a distance but never able to experience it. It is taboo for the Outers to reveal themselves to us. They are forbidden from participating in that which they protect." Zoisite suddenly felt incredible pity for the two Scouts. He had led a soldier's life during the Great War; it was a difficult, sickening life. Constantly living under the threat of battle broke stronger men than he, and the tremendous effort it took to force oneself to fight month after month and year after year was draining to even the most devout men. The only thing that got him through was the thought of normal life when it was all over. He wondered what it was like to live a soldier's life without that sweet relief of peace. "In that way, the Outer Soldiers are different from us. Uranus and Neptune are the fools, but perhaps they cannot be blamed for it." "How are they fools if they are fulfilling the only life they know?" Zoisite snapped, finding himself getting offended for Neptune and Uranus. Mars looked up at him. "They fell in love." Zoisite looked away. He knew it the moment he saw the two together during what everyone assumed was their last moment, but hearing it from Mars, he felt even worse for the two. Having to fight beside your loved one could perhaps present advantages, but there was always the horrible fate one would have to risk if the other died while oneself lived. He wondered for a moment if only one of these two survived, who it would be. "Again, I cannot blame them fully. Sailor Pluto is assigned to a far gateway, where she must be a sentinel for a very important passage. She is alone forever, and does not know fully what she does not have because she has never had companionship at all. Sailor Saturn must be summoned into existence; she wields such a great power that even her life is a threat to all others. Yet these two, they stand watch from the very edge of the galaxy. They've been doing this since they were born, before any of us came to exist, before even the Silver Millennium. All they've ever known is each other. Is it any wonder that they became so close?" The descriptions of Pluto and Saturn frightened Zoisite, and he did not want to discuss them further. Hopefully, Pluto would never leave her post and Saturn would never be summoned while he was around. The thought of these all-powerful Outer Soldiers reminded him how strange it was that he was now allied with Sailor Scouts in the first place. Yet as Mars continued, Zoisite found himself watching Neptune as he listened. "I suppose one cannot fault them for wanting a piece of something that they fight for." "No," Mars agreed, draining her cup of tea. "But look where is has gotten them. If this is where love leads, I want no part of it." Zoisite turned to the raven-haired Scout with wide eyes. "Surely, you cannot be serious." "I am," she said coolly, not bothering to even glance his way. "Love is a selfish thing. I do not need to depend on anyone for a purpose in this life. Perhaps others can enjoy such an indulgence, but it should not be even a question for a soldier. I have already given my life to my Princess; no one else may encroach on that vow." It wasn't the first time that the Scout offended Zoisite, and he felt it wouldn't be the last. Despite how young she was, she was already willing to give up love, which he considered one of the most vital things to existence. He fought back a snarl as he went to reveal her error. Before he could speak, however, the door behind the two swung open. Zoisite turned as Mars peeked around the back of the chair curiously. Mars gasped and dropped the teacup. It fell with a thud into the sandy floor. In the doorway, Jadeite stood, holding up another form. All of the weight she could not support due to her broken ankle fell on Jadeite as she draped her arm over his shoulders. She wore a loose tunic that barely covered her naked form, but it did not matter. Sailor Uranus had come to see her lover.