Chapter Four:

Usagi ran in panic through the streets in Juuban, whilst still trying to adjust the bow on her school uniform and ignoring Luna’s cries for her to wait. She had been so absorbed in planning the party for Naru last night that she had stayed up late and had overslept this morning. The invitations were done and all she had to do was distribute them. Usagi was due at Mamoru’s after school today to clean his apartment and she wanted to make sure that every one could attend, hence writing the invitations before hand. Usagi still couldn’t believe that Mamoru-baka was being so nice to her and she wondered why. At first, she had just dismissed him as being a typical, mean college guy but now Usagi wasn’t so sure. Even the thought of him brought a giddy smile to her face and it was this smile and the memory of their ‘date’ yesterday that got Usagi into even more trouble.

She rounded a corner just as Luna called out to her again. Looking around over her shoulder, the pigtailed girl saw that the black cat was carrying her lunch and she called to her to keep following, thus she was not looking where she was going.

“Ow!” Usagi cried out as she ran straight into someone. That someone also fell down and seconds later she heard a cry of pain.

Gasping in shock, Usagi jumped to her feet and bowed in an apology. Then, as she raised her head again, she realised her error. The guys that she had bumped into were a lot taller than her and were very angry.

Paling, Usagi took a step back and closed her eyes, preparing herself for the blow… that never came.

Cautiously, Usagi opened her eyes and saw another girl standing in front of her, her hand closed around the wrist of the guy whom Usagi had bumped into. Without so much as a word, the tall girl took on the three of them with surprising calm and Usagi could only watch in shock as she knocked them all, in turn, to the ground. Stunned, the guys made off and Usagi felt herself flinch away when the girl swung around to face her.

“You should be more careful,” she advised as she turned and began to walk away.

“Hai…” Usagi whispered, catching sight of the beautiful red rose earrings as she turned.

Rose ear rings… they are so cute…

“Usagi! The bell!” Luna cried out and Usagi gasped in shock, realising that she was running even later than ever now.

She took off again down the road, all other thoughts fleeing her mind now.

Nephrite stood seemingly alone in his mansion, a pleased smirk forming across his face as he thought of what had transpired in the throne room a day before.

“You have had many failings so far. Do not let this mission be one of them.”

It was true, Nephrite was reluctant to admit to himself but the Queen had placed her utmost faith in him and had given him the most important mission; locating the Nijizuishou. Nephrite would not let her down. He would do whatever it took to ensure that the Ginzuishou belonged to the Dark Kingdom’s Queen.

“What about me? It was my job to locate the Ginzuishou!”

“And you failed! Metallia-sama hates failure.”

“Then let me have a chance to redeem myself.”

“You had your chance. Nephrite will seek out the Nijizuishou, whilst you will continue with his old mission and collect energy. Until we obtain the Ginzuishou, Metallia-sama will still need to feed off of the energy of humans. I suggest that you do not fail her.”

The fact that seeking the Ginzuishou had been Zoisite’s old mission made the fact that Beryl trusted him above all others even more satisfying and Nephrite fully intended to succeed. Zoisite was right, Nephrite knew, and that the Ginzuishou would interest the Sailor Senshi, too, but Nephrite was confident that he could deal with them. After all now he knew who Sailor Moon really was he could plot to take care of her and her friends, too.

Of course, Nephrite did not doubt that Zoisite would not take this matter lying down and he had fully expected a visit to his mansion home from the little king before now. Zoisite’s silence was almost unnerving as he had never been one to sit upon his emotions and Nephrite couldn’t help but concern himself with what Zoisite might have planned.

Therefore, he was particularly on his guard when he sensed someone entering his home. Tensing, Nephrite closed his eyes and reached out with his powers, and was stunned at what he discovered.

That foolish little girl… even though he had left her to die at the hands of Zoisite’s Youma, she still came looking for him now. She was so naïve to think that Nephrite would ever act upon any of the feelings he had for her. He was above such things and the mission was what mattered and that took precedent. However, she was Sailor Moon’s best friend, Nephrite reasoned, and therefore she was still a useful tool to have at his disposal.

With a thought he shut down his star chart and had conjured his civilian clothes before she could step into the room for he did not wish to frighten her, not when he still needed her.

Naru entered the star room hesitantly and Nephrite could see that she hadn't been sleeping. Dark marks marred her face and her gaze was downcast. She had gotten into a lot of trouble on his behalf and Nephrite knew that she should be angry, however, Naru simply looked confused and hurt by the entire thing.

“Nephrite-sama?” She called out weakly and she managed a small smile when he stepped out of the shadows.

“Naru-chan, what a nice surprise to see you here,” Nephrite answered her with fake gratitude overlaying his usual passive and cold tone. “Although I must admit I did not expect to see you again after… after what happened,” he forced himself to look away, as though events had hurt him somehow.

“S-Sailor Moon… she saved me,” Naru’s voice cracked slightly as she added plaintively, “Why didn’t you?”

Nephrite, in truth, hadn't expected her to go to the heart of the matter although Naru did possess more inner-strength than a lot of people gave her credit for. One of the stars’ gifts was that Nephrite could see into the souls of individuals, that was how he knew that Naru’s love for him was real and, deep down, this terrified him.

“I couldn’t save you,” Nephrite said finally in answer to her question. “Please don’t ask me why.”

Naru trembled as she processed this and a small tear trickled down her cheek to splash onto the front of her school uniform, “Is it because of the evil organisation?”

Nephrite exhaled deeply, “Yes.”

“Then can’t you leave? You could go somewhere where it’s safe.”

“I can’t, I’m too involved now and their Queen has given me a mission. I cannot fail her or it will mean my life and that of those I care about.”

“A mission? The Ginzuishou?”

“Yes. If I obtain the Ginzuishou then in exchange I will be allowed my freedom.”

“The Ginzuishou,” Naru repeated softly, her small face creased into a frown before finally understanding dawned upon her. “That gemstone!”

Nephrite recalled her foolish attempt at finding the Ginzuishou and, not for the first time, he felt a wave of guilt threaten to wash over him, however he forced it down in time.

“That gemstone was not the Ginzuishou but I believe it to be somewhere in Tokyo. If I could just find it…”

“You could hand it over to them and you’d be free,” Naru finished for him.

Nephrite nodded, “Free,” he repeated.

Naru met his gaze and stepped forward, tentatively grasping a hold of his hand. She felt cold to touch and was trembling ever so slightly. “Then let me help you. I’m sure together we can--”

“No!” Nephrite cut her off sharply and pulled away. “I cannot risk you being involved. If… if something happened to you, I don’t know what I’d do.”

“Please,” Naru whimpered brokenly. “I want to help you.”

Nephrite frowned and pretended to reconsider his words. “Perhaps… perhaps you can but…” he trailed off and then looked down at her uniform. “You skipped school to come here,” he stated quietly.

“I…” Naru blushed and lowered her head. “You’re more important to me than school.”

“Naru-chan, you mustn’t miss out on your education. I’ve already put you in danger, please don’t allow me to ruin your future, too.”

“You are my future,” the red head replied softly. “I don’t want anything more than for us to be together.”

Nephrite turned away so that she couldn’t see the smile that was forming on his lips. Such a foolish girl she was…

“Please go back to school, Naru-chan.”

“Nephrite-sama--”

“I want you to promise me that you’ll work hard and don’t throw away your future. Who knows what tomorrow might bring. If I don’t obtain the Ginzuishou… you must go.”

“No! Not until you tell me how I can help you!”

Again there was that gentle touch to his hand and Nephrite turned back to face her tearstained face. He had her exactly where he wanted her now.

“You have helped me. Now go back to school. I’m sure your friends will be missing you.”

Now Naru appeared to hesitate and Nephrite gently placed his hands on her small shoulders, feeling her trembling under his touch.

“The best thing you can do is continue to live your life. Enjoy being with your friends and come to see me whenever you like. Seeing you will give me the strength to find the Ginzuishou and be free of the Dark Kingdom.”

After speaking, he pressed a fleeting kiss to the girl’s cheek. Naru gasped and Nephrite, perhaps, wondered if he had gone too far but when he pulled back he saw that her face had flushed red.

“Nephrite-sama,” Naru whispered and then he turned away, only looking back round once he could hear her footsteps retreating through his manse. Such a foolish girl she was… a few kind words and she believed anything that he told her. She would keep visiting him and his hold over her would tighten and therefore he could use her against the Sailor Senshi… against her best friend.

Kunzite had awoken that morning expecting that the hostilities of last night would have been forgotten. Zoisite, by nature, tended to flare up over the most insignificant of things but by the same token his anger would be forgotten just as quickly. Zoisite was one who could become easily distracted from his mission, no matter how determined he was and he was determined but his motivation was inevitably selfish and he often allowed himself to engage in petty battles whilst forgetting his true aims.

Kunzite had tried for many years to explain this to the younger king but Zoisite did not take criticism well, especially if it was coming from his Kunzite-sama. However, he did like to prove himself to the older man and, if Kunzite was honest, he did not altogether dislike this. Zoisite’s wilfulness could easily be used to his advantage after all.

However, when Kunzite awoke to find the other side of the bed vacant and dead rose still discarded on the stone floor, he wondered if perhaps he had misjudged Zoisite on this occasion. This was only a fleeting concern and one that Kunzite hurriedly dismissed. It was later in the day than Kunzite would have liked and Zoisite had most likely gone to focus on his mission. Even though gathering energy was a task befitting a Youma more than a Tennou, even Zoisite knew better than to raise Beryl’s ire more than was necessary.

Calling forth just a whisper of magic saw the first of the kings clothed in his usual uniform and the bed made again. If the truth were known, Kunzite also did not agree with Beryl’s decision to put Nephrite in charge of finding the Nijizuishou. Nephrite was a fool and the Sailor Senshi had bested him many times in the past and Kunzite was almost certain that he would fare no better now. Of course, he would not make his real feelings known. Zoisite was right, Kunzite could sway Beryl’s thinking but he need not concern himself with that. Beryl was not known for her patience and Nephrite would surely try it again at some point. That would be his undoing and Kunzite was quite content to wait.

He could not recall a time before the Dark Kingdom and he could not see a time when it would not exist. Metallia-sama granted them power but Kunzite felt no loyalty to her. Even his allegiance to Beryl wavered yet he would not question her authority. Metallia had given Beryl her powers and it was only Metallia who could take them away.

In the Dark Kingdom partnerships could be broken as easily as they were forged and Kunzite knew this better than most. His relationship with Zoisite had started out that way. When Beryl had pressured Kunzite into taking the younger Tennou under his tutelage, the Ice King had felt nothing but annoyance that his quiet time was to be disturbed. Before Zoisite only Nephrite dared to bother him and this was only to flex his muscles and keep Kunzite from getting too comfortable in his position as the first king. Jadeite had never concerned himself with such things and perhaps he might have done well to for he was the first one of them to be destroyed by Beryl’s wrath and impatience. Jadeite was dispensable; Kunzite and Nephrite were not. Only in a fit of rage could Kunzite foresee Nephrite’s end now. The Sailor Senshi were getting stronger and thus Beryl’s position was weakening.

When Zoisite had first been placed under Kunzite’s command, Kunzite had, of course, noticed the smaller king’s beauty and he also observed Zoisite’s fondness for him. However, Kunzite could tell that Zoisite was ambitious and that he had resisted Beryl’s desire for him to have a teacher. Zoisite’s anger was almost as destructive as Beryl’s own and Kunzite thought it best to have the younger king on side and so their partnership was formed.

It had worked well for many years but Zoisite’s attachment to Kunzite was stronger than his devotion to the mission and this worried Kunzite somewhat. Even though he was reluctant to admit it, his own feelings for Zoisite had grown but he liked to think that he could still force them to one side in favour of the Dark Kingdom’s best interests.

Still it wouldn’t do to have Zoisite angered with him for too long and Kunzite began to think about just how he could make amends. The rose trick was out of question and he had a feeling that any other similar gesture would not grant him favour with the smaller king again.

I deserve better

Zoisite had got up uncharacteristically early that morning. With the events of last night still crystal clear in his mind, he had left their castle home as quickly as he could to avoid speaking to Kunzite. Zoisite was very much hurt by Kunzite’s words and so he allowed himself to become angry. His anger was always a defense of his for in the Dark Kingdom emotions were seen as weak and, on this occasion, Zoisite did not wish for Kunzite to see him anything more than furious.

So he had teleported to Earth and had spent the morning and early part of the afternoon wandering around Tokyo. He had even stolen energy from a few men who had tried to pick him up, mistaking him for a pretty girl. His androgynous beauty really could be a pain at times, Zoisite grumbled to himself, but at least he’d been able to gather some energy for Beryl. Kunzite was right in that respect, it would not do to anger the Queen.

Instead of focusing on Kunzite, Zoisite thought of Nephrite and how the second king had stolen his mission to find the Nijizuishou. After an hour or so of thinking about it and working himself into a small fury, Zoisite’s temper got the better of him and he decided to teleport to Nephrite’s mansion home to see just what his rival was up to.

Zoisite had never understood why Nephrite had chosen to take the alias Sanjouin Masato and live among the humans. He had always had a superiority complex, Zoisite thought nastily, and perhaps Nephrite liked the idea of living among those weaker than him simply because he knew that he could destroy them all should he so want. Was that why he also put up with that plain little girl? Zoisite was angry with himself for misjudging Nephrite’s feelings for her but the second king still had Naru ensnared and almost certainly sought to use her again.

Getting inside the mansion wasn’t difficult and tracing Nephrite proved even easier. Zoisite appeared in the doorway to Nephrite’s star room and noted with a small snigger how he was still requesting the stars’ guidance, despite also having the Kurozuishou. Zoisite eyed the stone thoughtfully. If he could somehow get his hands on it then he could find the seven Nijizuishou and win the favour of the Queen. It would show Nephrite up too, which would be a delightful added bonus, as well as proving to Kunzite that he could act on his own without the need for the older King’s interference.

He kept quiet, noting how Nephrite was too busy concentrating on his stars to sense Zoisite’s presence. For a moment the smaller Tennou debated conjuring an ice crystal and finishing Nephrite then and there but, much to his surprise, the Kurozuishou began to come to life.

Zoisite took a step back, fading into the shadows to ensure that he was not seen as the light released by the Kurozuishou started to swirl and then gradually take form. A human, a man, image was projected from the light of the Kurozuishou. He was wearing casual clothes and a baseball cap on back to front. He appeared very ordinary looking to Zoisite but Nephrite recognised true form. The Kurozuishou had located the first of the seven great Youma.

This was his chance, Zoisite knew and his heart began to pound despite himself. Instead of stealing the Kurozuishou from Nephrite now he could wait until his rival had drawn the first Nijizuishou from the human and then steal it right from under his nose. This plan appealed much better to Zoisite’s nature and he sniggered despite himself. At this small sound Nephrite froze, his concentration broken, and the image faded instantly.

Zoisite hurriedly invoked a teleport to take him from the mansion and onto Tokyo’s streets. His sudden appearance startled a few evening shoppers but he cared little for that. He had to find that human before Nephrite. Nothing else mattered more than that.

“Hey, Mako-chan,” Usagi commented to her new friend as they walked back home. “You should forget about him. A girl like you deserves better.”

Makoto sighed to herself but made no comment. Usagi was trying to appear cheerful but in reality she felt far from the sort. Naru had arrived late to school that morning and hardly said two words to Usagi all day. Usagi had wanted to sit with her at lunch but then she happened to stumble across Makoto eating alone. Usagi only meant to thank her for saving her from those guys this morning and had ended up spending the entire lunch break with her. She had even gone to Crown with Makoto rather than going to Mamoru’s apartment as she had planned.

Then Makoto had met Joe, Crown’s Crane Game champion, and developed a crush. They had both followed Joe to a coffee shop where Makoto had tried to win him over and failed.

“I mean it, Mako-chan,” Usagi tried again, whilst trying to ignore the pointed look that Luna was giving her. She hadn’t done any of her homework either and it was all due in tomorrow. “He’s a big meanie and doesn’t deserve someone like you.”

Makoto paused and turned to Usagi with a smile, “Are you always this positive?”

“Yes!” Usagi grinned back, “So he’s not right for you. You’re bound to meet someone else sooner or later.”

“Thanks,” Makoto sighed again, “it’s just… it happens a lot to me. Guys don’t want to date tall girls.”

Usagi felt really bad for her new friend and was about to offer more words of encouragement when a scream tore though the quiet of the post-rush hour streets.

Usagi felt her heart speed up and she looked down at Luna. The cat, who had been silent due to Makoto’s presence, gave a small nod. It had to be something to do with the Dark Kingdom.

“Mako-chan,” Usagi turned to her friend, “stay here.”

“Usagi-chan? Usagi!” Makoto started to shout as Usagi broke into a run.

She didn’t need to run far to find the source of the cries. Turning a corner, Usagi saw Joe crouched on the ground and grimacing in pain. Nephrite stood a couple of metres from him, his hand outstretched and levitating a small black stone. There was energy coming from the stone and this appeared to be what was hurting Joe.

“Why is he…?” Usagi whispered, not understanding the situation.

“Usagi-chan! Transform!” Luna cried.

“Hai! Moon Prism Power… Make up!”

For Usagi, transforming was as though she was awakening a part of herself that she never knew existed and, of course, to some extent this was true. When she became Sailor Moon it was as though she was seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. She was still Usagi but she was so much more as well. It was as though she was becoming the person that she was meant to be and this frightened her a little. Becoming Sailor Moon wasn’t something that she ever thought was possible but a part of her knew even before Luna had come into her life and told her of her destiny. The connection between them was deeper, older and Usagi couldn’t quite place these feelings that were a part of her also.

Completing her transformation, she stepped into the middle of street, preparing to fight.

“Nephrite!” She shouted out his name, causing him to lose concentration and Joe fell to the ground, unconscious.

Naru-chan… I wish you could see this, that Nephrite is truly evil…

“Attacking innocent civilians who cannot defend themselves is unforgivable! I am the pretty suited soldier of love and justice, Sailor Moon! And on behalf of the moon, I will punish you!”

“Sailor Moon,” Nephrite’s lip curled back in disgust, “I thought you’d show up but you’re too late as usual. The first of the great seven Youma has awakened.”

“Great Seven Youma?” Sailor Moon repeated as Luna cried out in the same instance:

“Sailor Moon! Watch out!”

As Sailor Moon whirled around to face the danger she felt something clamp tightly round her neck. Gasping, she fell to her knees, her eyes widening at the Youma that Joe had transformed into.

Nephrite laughed triumphantly at this, “Such a fool,” he said with a smirk, “Very soon I will collect all of the Nijizuishou and once the Dark Kingdom is in possession of all seven, the power of the Ginzuishou shall be ours.”

“Ginzuishou?” Sailor Moon whispered, familiarity momentarily taking over her pain. The Illusionary Ginzuishou…

“Youma Gesen, kill her.”

At Nephrite’s command the Youma’s grip tightened still and black spots began to flash across Sailor Moon’s vision. She was vaguely aware of Luna calling her but the cat’s voice was getting further and further away. She fell further forward, her gloved hands touching the stone pavement beneath her and she felt her consciousness beginning to fade even as a new voice shouted out:

“I’m a big fan of Sailor Moon, how dare you do this to her?!” And then the pressure round her neck was released.

Sailor Moon looked up, opening her eyes and gasping as Makoto flung the Youma over her head and it crashed to the floor just in front of where Nephrite was standing. The Tennou jumped back slightly, his eyes narrowing coldly at Makoto.

However, Sailor Moon’s attention was on the symbol that had appeared on Makoto’s forehead as she threw the Youma.

“That’s…” Luna whispered but the cat was cut off by Nephrite’s next words.

“Youma Gesen get rid of them both.”

“Mako-chan!” Sailor Moon cried out and, quickly recovering herself, she jumped between the Youma and her friend. Yet the Youma did not attack. Instead it came to Nephrite’s defense, shielding the Tennou against the ice crystal that was thrown towards him. The Youma hissed in pain and fell to the ground as the crystal embedded itself in its shoulder.

“Zoisite!” Nephrite spat out the name of the newest arrival with disgust.

Sailor Moon looked up at the young man levitating above Nephrite’s head. There was no doubt that he was a part of the Dark Kingdom, too, for he wore the same style uniform except for his had no epaulettes and had green piping rather than yellow. Unlike Nephrite or Jadeite, Zoisite was delicately built and, with his long golden hair, green eyes and soft complexion he could have been mistaken for a woman.

Zoisite frowned at Nephrite’s displeasure and his gaze flickered to Sailor Moon’s face momentarily before dismissing them.

“My, my Nephrite. I see that the Sailor Senshi are still giving you grief. I had thought you incompetent before but now your Youma cannot even kill human girls. I’m sure Beryl-sama will be very interested to hear of this turn of events.”

“Go away, Zoisite,” Nephrite snarled back, “The Nijizuishou is my mission. Go back to gathering energy.”

Zoisite’s amused expression vanished in an instant and was replaced by something much more deadly; anger.

“That mission should have been mine and I intend to prove myself. Give me the Nijizuishou.”

“Makoto!” Sailor Moon’s attention was drawn from the two Tennou when she heard Luna calling her friend.

Makoto looked dumbfounded at the ‘talking’ cat and the transformation pen that Luna had given her. “You… you can talk?”

“There’s not much time to explain,” Luna cried, “You are one of the Sailor Senshi like Usagi-chan.”

“Sailor Senshi?” Makoto looked over at Sailor Moon and she smiled. How could she not have guessed it? There was something that drew her to all of the Senshi… it was a bond that had transcended through lifetimes and ages and, as Makoto considered what Luna was telling her, she felt it, too.

The taller girl nodded slightly and stepped a little away from Sailor Moon and Luna. “Jupiter Power… Make Up!”

“Enough of this,” Sailor Moon’s attention was suddenly drawn back to the Dark Kingdom threat as their power struggle came to a close.

“Youma Gesen get rid of the Sailor Senshi,” Nephrite ordered before whirling around to face Zoisite. Holding out his palm he invoked a crackling ball of dark energy.

“Get out of my way, Zoisite or mark my words I will kill you.”

Zoisite’s look of anger was replaced by momentary fear before he quickly teleported away, leaving a trail of Sakura petals in his wake.

Taking this as her cue, Sailor Moon stepped forward again, this time flanked by Sailor Jupiter. “Nephrite! Hand over the Nijizuishou!”

He laughed scornfully at this and stepped back to allow Youma Gesen to stand between them. At this, Sailor Moon hesitated. After all the Youma was Joe… he was still human.

“Sailor Moon!” She reached out automatically, catching the wand that Luna threw to her. “Use the Crescent Moon Wand. It has the power to heal him!”

It did, she knew what to do as soon as her hands clasped around it. It was as though she had used it before, long ago.

Sailor Moon was shaken as she stepped forward and held the wand up high: “Moon healing… escalation!”

The Youma screamed as the moonlight invoked by the wand touched it and it sank to its knees.

Please… return to your human form…

As Sailor Moon issued this silent plea, the Youma began to disappear and Joe appeared in its place. He fell to the ground unconscious and bleeding from the wound to his shoulder.

“Right,” Sailor Jupiter said, stepping forward, “one down and one to go. Supreme thu--”

“Mako-chan, no!” Sailor Moon raced forwarded without thinking and pulled her friend’s hand down so that the attack went wide, missing Nephrite by metres. The Dark Kingdom Tennou laughed scornfully and teleported away.

“Usagi!” Sailor Jupiter rounded on her friend. “Why did you do that? We had him!”

“I know,” Sailor Moon bit her lip, tears of frustration beginning to form in her eyes. At that last moment she had thought of Naru and thinking of her best friend had caused her to act and save Nephrite’s life.

“I’m sorry, Mako-chan, but there’s more…”

“Lets go and see Ami and Rei,” Luna suggested quietly, “then we can explain it all to you.”

Sailor Jupiter nodded but instead went over to where Joe was struggling to get to his feet. “I think we should get him home first. They’ll be time for explanations later.”

Sailor Moon nodded and also went to help although she was still shaking. Had Jupiter’s attack been on target then she needn’t have worried about Nephrite hurting Naru-chan anymore so why had she saved him?