This chapter is Rated PG. ====================== The Legend of Serenity ====================== by: Spatula Gurl -- Chapter Two "You slept well?" Nephrite asked this question with his back turned, attending to his stallion. It was thrown so casually, but Makoto knew an opening for a verbal attack when she heard one. She replied just as innocently. "I would've, you know. But I kept hearing you snore, and well..." She deliberately trailed off, giving Nephrite a sardonic, half-smile. He snorted at that. He was acutely aware that he never snored in sleep, and last night was no different; he knew it, and he knew she knew it as well. It was just another barb meant to annoy him. "Nicely put, but not good enough," he replied. "I'll have you know, I--" "Oh, you don't?" she interrupted, referring to his supposed snoring, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Then she gave out a small laugh, shaking her head all the while. "Oh, then it must be all those non-sensical talk of yours, last night." She shrugged. "It was just as annoying, after all." To her disbelief, Nephrite laughed, indicating she was far from irritating him. In fact, it was downright infuriating that he was amused, as much as she was the one who was beginning to get irritated. And the last thing she needed was for him to be aware of it. But before she could think of another scathing remark, he responded swiftly. "Of course, you could be right. It might've been snoring, although I never did that before," he said, facing her with an unreadable expression as he locked gazes with her. "Some say snoring is due to hazardous environment," he grinned suddenly before adding, "I was with you, after all. Wasn't I?" He didn't even bother with the usual roundabout, sarcastic way. He responded directly this time and with that, he turned and walked away, before Makoto could reply with anything else. But she was glad he walked away, because the displeasure she was masking earlier with much difficulty was revealed, and had her cursing under her breath. Her fists were clenched tightly; it was all she could do to keep herself from picking up her boot and hurling it at him with deadly accuracy... Hell, she didn't even know how she came to be like this. For one thing, sarcasm was seldom her style. But whenever she exchanged insults with that particular bastard, it all came so fluidly, out and gone from her mouth, without any forethought. She couldn't remember the last time she had been so...childish. It was all his fault. Well, she did start the hostile remarks last night, but it was only because she couldn't believe whom she ended up with... Minako shook her head slowly, an amused smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She had seen the way the two clashed with each other, and it was fascinating to watch Makoto reveal a side of her which she was almost sure no one had ever seen, let alone know of its existence, before. When Mako-chan was angered, a verbal argument--not to mention one which strictly involved sarcasm, malice, and the worst kind of insults imagineable--was seldom heard of. She knew that Makoto usually wasted no time in being direct and straight to the point; she was all for honesty and frankness, and never hesitated to show this belief. Most of the time, however, she chose to show her displeasure openly with disapproving glares and such, as issued warnings; physical contact, which could more or less result to violence, if ever her threats or warnings were to go unheeded. She was usually a quiet person, after all, but she could speak her mind about issues, comments and remarks alike which she thought disturbing. She watched as Makoto turned her back, scowling then muttering something under her breath all the while. Makoto was still frowning, but with much less heat, as she moved over to the magnificent stallion Nephrite was attending to earlier. Ah, the perfect distraction. Makoto knew prime horseflesh when she saw one. And even though Minako knew little of horses, she knew the stallion must be of high-breed quality, with the way her friend's anger visually dissolved into thin air as she observed the horse more closely. She watched as Makoto leaned closer, her hand gently rubbing the animal's nose, and she was crooning, whispering softly to the horse. "What are you staring at?" The whispered inquiry effectively broke through Minako's reverie, making her glance over her shoulder to know whom it came from. She smiled brightly as her eyes fell upon the exceptionally handsome, silver-haired general. "Oh, it's you, Kunzite. Good morning. I trust you slept well?" He nodded, then returned the smile, albeit briefly, and Minako wondered if he was like that all the time. Smiling shortly, only for brief moments, as if it pained him to do so. His smiles didn't even reach his eyes. And she has yet to hear him laugh... She moved over beside him. "Ami-chan has already analyzed the data available, and the fastest route to the mountains is Tokyo itself, even if it does seem strange." She shifted her gaze back to him. "We might have to spend some time there to restock the supplies, but I think that wouldn't be too much of a problem." "Ah, were these planned beforehand?" "Yes, actually. Ami recorded the information you gave us last night, and both of us went to work." "I am deeply impressed, m'lady." "We need all the time we can get, that's all. And I thought I told you to call me Minako, General Kunzite." "So you did. I forgot, and I apologize." He gave her a sideways glance, before adding, "You and your friends are very much different from the ladies of royalty we are accustomed to, Minako." She grinned cheekily at his remark, and decided to question him about it. "Oh? And in what ways, if you don't mind me asking?" "To tell you the truth, we were expecting more of the haughty and highly-pampered type..." He paused for a moment, before adding thought- fully, "Like the usual kind of royalty." Kunzite chuckled lightly, and glanced at Minako. "At least on this side of the galaxy, that is." Minako threw her head back, and laughed quite heartily. "I could take no offense in that, of course. And I wouldn't call you a spoiled young prince, either." She brightened, and noted the hint of humor, particularly the chuckle which sounded genuine, coming from Kunzite. "Well, what did you expect? We knew we were to camp more often than not, and travel from one village to another, so we brought along the most practical and serviceable clothes available." "I could see that. But I am also quite certain that practicality rarely comes in when dealing with women of nobility, sometimes even for the men. Most of the time, they even tug their maids and servants along." "Truly?" Minako laughed. She knew it to be quite true, actually, but she found it rather amusing nonetheless. "They have their own escorts as well, although I have no real qualms about that. It's much more logical, after all, rather than being unprotected when their lives and their possessions were in danger from assasins and bandits." At this somewhat abrupt turn in the conversation, Minako stiffened slightly, and it was fortunate that Kunzite did not notice. He was a clever one, she had to allow. She forced a smile, and replied, "We had our guards, Kunzite. It was just that we sent them home, for they were needed there much more, and your camp was only a short distance away, anyway. And without the escorts, we would sure look less inconspicuous." Kunzite looked at her straight in the eyes, as if he was trying to discern the truth for himself, and his expression was grim. Minako almost lost herself in his gaze, for he was looking at her so intently, his silver-gray eyes probing silently... Ridiculous. She shouldn't be uncomfortable. It was a little white lie. She gazed back, just as intently, searching his face for any signs that would indicate he knew of her falsehood. Nothing. His expression was inscrutable. But he spoke again in a matter-of-fact way, his gaze still intense, and his voice soft. "Minako, you and your companions were wearing breast plates, leathered suits and plated boots. All of your were even armed with daggers. I saw one sheathed in your belt." He was being especially inquisitive, but he had the right to be. And Minako knew it would come to this. So she replied, quite nochalantly, "I hardly see anything strange--" "I didn't say it was so." Minako went on, as if she hadn't been interrupted, "--about being armed and well-protected with armor. Couldn't we be counted for defending ourselves in the least?" Not if they really could. "Of course," he said, conceding at one point. "But what about the muddied appearance, the bruises and your sprained ankle?" "Really, Kunzite," she replied, letting out a small laugh, relieved that she could finally tell some truth. "You sound as if you are doubting us...and for what reason? Well anyway, that was clumsiness on my part. I lost my balance while we were walking along a muddy swamp, and the others had to drag me up." She could've sworn there was a hint of genuine concern in his voice, which was farily interesting for a man of his stoical nature, when he asked, "Your ankle...does it still hurt?" "No, not really. It feels much better now," she admitted truthfully, slightly flushing at the reminder of his assistance last night. "I-I must thank you again for your help." "No need. I was glad to be of some assistance." He glanced briefly at his back, to where the rest of his men were preparing for their departure. "You must excuse me, Minako. It seems we have to organize everything first before we set out to Tokyo." "Of course." Minako stared at his back, her face still suffused with heat. She remembered how he attended to her ankle last night. He had offered to flex the strained muscles himself, and she barely had time to voice out her protests when she suddenly became aware of the warmth in his palms, gently rubbing, relaxing. She tried her best to be comfortable around him, but damn if he wasn't the stoic one. Actually, all of the generals seemed to possess the same jaded nature, save for Zoicite, who was a handsome, charming sweetheart, and did his best to make the women feel more at ease with everything else around them. Well, she could try. There would be enough time for her to adjust, since Kunzite would be her personal bodyguard from now on. And besides, it was not as if he knew that he made her uncomfortable at times. It was just natural after all, even if he did happen to be aware of the fact, since they barely knew each other. But damn him, being devilishly handsome was not helping matters out. And did he have to look at her so intensely every time? Even then, she was content to be under his personal care. It was very strange indeed, but she never felt so much safer when she slept with him in his own tent last night. As for her friends... Ami had no objections regarding her arrangements with General Zoicite. Rei had nothing to say about being with General Jadeite; she wasn't happy with the arrangements even before she met the generals, period. And Makoto...well, she was incredelous...and couldn't be more disgruntled, despite her words: 'It doesn't really matter to me', which of course, were spoken before she even got acquainted with Nephrite, the general who became her companion for the rest of the evening. * * * Last evening went well enough. She was still uneasy with Jadeite, though. And why not? It wasn't as if she was making any effort for it to be otherwise. She had spoken no more than two words to him in passing. Not even when they shared the same bedspace. Rei had just finished braiding her hair. Sometimes it was quite a task, for her soft, raven mane was quite long, flowing past her waist, reaching just below her knees. Having it so long was impractical, but she didn't really care. It had been that way since she was a young one, and she had no wish to change at least that one simple thing of her childhood. Somehow, it always gave her a pleasant sense of belonging... She stood up from her position, and smoothed her clothes. She wondered if she would be riding with Jadeite to New Tokyo. Of course she would. They hadn't brought along horses themselves. She will have to ride with him. It wasn't that she disliked his company, but it just might be an awkward situation, having him closer than before. To hell with him. She shrugged, and tossed her braid over her shoulder. She could deal without having simple chitchat. "Are you prepared to go, or do you need help with anything?" Speak of the devil; it was Jadeite. He had come in to check on her again. Rei turned around to face him, and shook her head. "No, thank you," she answered. "I've already taken care of my belongings. I'll follow you outside shortly." Her eyes followed him as he strode out of the tent, giving her a curt nod before doing so. She thought him exceptionally handsome, that General Jadeite. She couldn't help but notice it. Women must be making fools of themselves constantly when he was around, fawning all over his feet. It was strange, but the moment she laid eyes on him, a vision of an angel came to mind... He had thick, golden locks which looked soft, and sun-kissed. It was short, and cropped, which made him different from the rest of his fellow generals. And his eyes were of a beautiful, cerulean shade. Whenever Rei chanced a glance at them, she was reminded of peaceful skies. He looked very much like the golden, blue-eyed archangel of fairytales and myth. He was also well-built, she mused. So he would probably look good in a Grecian tunic, with a long and heavy broadsword in hand. Rei shook her head, and almost laughed at herself aloud. Demons, not angels, were probably playing havoc on her mind right now. It was no time for dallying. Quickly, she tied her boots, shouldered her light baggage, and headed outside. The weather was good, and the other soldiers were already busy packing and securing all equipment. Her eyes searched for her friends. She spotted Minako by herself, sitting and staring quietly into space. She seemed to be thinking of something. Or someone. Makoto was with a fellow, another soldier, perhaps, and she was looking over some sheets of paper. She was also smiling, nodding once in a while, listening in evident eagerness. At least she had someone else to keep her company. General Nephrite was not with her, which was not at all surprising, since she made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with him last night. It was apparent that the two of them had gotten to know each other's 'bad sides' last eve. Then she found Ami. She seemed to be the most comfortable with the arrangements. She was involved in deep conversation with the General Zoicite, and both seemed oblivious to everything else around them. At this, Rei sighed. She doubted if she could ever be used to Jadeite's presence like that. It was her duty to be with him, and nothing else mattered. Her getting used to him might just come eventually, but it wasn't necessary. Rei glanced back at Minako, and saw that the rest of the generals had approached her. She noticed that Ami and Zoicite also stood up, and began walking to the same direction. Even Makoto and her companion ended their discussion and headed towards the generals. She looked around and saw that everything was set. They were departing for Tokyo. He saw her approaching. Jadeite thought her a very attractive young woman. She braided her hair, but he caught a glimpse of it flowing freely down her back before she went to sleep. It was long, shiny, and was the color of ebony. He wondered how the silken strands would feel against his touch. He almost gave in to the urge reach out touch it last night, while she was sleeping, her back turned to him. But he did not...of course. He also couldn't help but notice her eyes. The deep shade of violet looked fascinatingly fiery, magnificent, and striking. He barely knew her, but looking into her eyes made him think she was a woman full of pride and spirit. He also noticed this from the way she held or presented herself and the way she talked. Rei. Her name suited her quite well. "Rei-chan," Ami called out. "Hmm?" Rei looked questioningly at her friend as she approached her. "Here, take this." Ami handed her a strip of cloth made of thick, cotton material. At Rei's puzzled look, she lowered her voice and explained, "We can't be sure, but something just might happen. Tie it around your forehead, and if General Jadeite or anyone else asks you what it is for, tell them it's to keep the sweat from your eyes or face." Rei immediately understood what Ami meant for her to do. "But Ami-chan," she started, her voice soft, yet loud enough for her friend to hear. "This won't hide the glow completely..." Ami nodded. "I know, but it's better than nothing. And I'm sure it will cover some of it. You can also try brushing some of your hair over your forehead." "You've given the others some of this cloth already?" "I've given one to Minako. Here," she said, thrusting another strip into Rei's open palm. "Give one to Mako-chan." When Ami walked away, Rei headed towards Makoto. She wrapped the strip of cloth to cover her forehead, and secured it tightly with a double knot at the back of her head as she walked along. Mako-chan was with General Nephrite, and it looked as if they were arguing about something. Rei caught a few of their exchanges as she neared the both of them. "...and besides, it would be churlish of me--" "Hah! As if you've been otherwise!" "You're an exception, you bastard, and you don't know me well enough to come up with your own judgments about me. As I was saying, I've already accepted Miyamoto-san's offer of his mare. So you needn't trouble your stallion with my extra weight, Nephrite!" Rei watched amusedly as the two argued for a few more minutes, before Makoto finally walked away. The girl was scowling, and shaking her head. Rei wiped off the amused grin on her lips and called out to her friend. "Mako-chan!" Makoto saw Rei and smiled, the disgruntled expression immediately vanished. "Hey, Rei-chan!" "Listen," Rei started, her voice low, as she pulled Makoto to a less crowded area. She handed Makoto the strip of cloth. "Tie this around your head." She then explained everything carefully to Makoto, who nodded her head in understanding. "Arigato, Rei-chan." She wound the cloth around to cover her forehead, just as Rei told her to. "Say, I hope everything went well with you and General Jadeite," she frowned, before adding "much better than my being with Nephrite, I hope." Rei's lips curled into a rueful smile as she replied, "Not really. I barely talk to the man." Makoto looked at her with understanding in her eyes. "Well, I'm sure it would work out." Grimacing, she said, "But it's got to be better than 'my' situation, right? That's a start. Don't worry about it." Rei was about to say, 'What's there to worry about?', but refrained from doing so. Instead, she asked, "You're not riding with general Nephrite?" Makoto nodded, grinning widely. "I see you've heard our little talk. Well, the soldier who helped with Minako's ankle, Miyamoto Kenji, offered to let me ride on his horse." "And you've accepted, or so I've heard." She almost sighed. She wished she could also have her own horse, so she wouldn't have to ride with Jadeite. But they didn't brought any, and she knew there was none to spare, especially since she was acquainted with none of the soldiers. She asked Makoto, "You've already befriended him then?" "He 'befriended' me, fortunately, or I would be suffering a whole ride to Tokyo with that intolerable general. I believe Miyamoto-san's an approachable kind of person, easy to talk to, very friendly. He even showed me a couple of his sketches, and I have to say he's certainly talented. You should see them, Rei-chan. I've already told him about you." "You did?" "Yes, I told him you have an appreciation for such art." "I'll go and take a look once we're acquainted then." Makoto smiled, and then sighed. "Well, we better get going. Let's just hope nothing goes wrong on the way..." * * * "Am I making you uncomfortable?" Jadeite blurted out the inquiry without forethought. It had been a while since they had left the camp, and the girl hadn't even spoken once. He didn't think she looked like the timid nor self-concious type of person, and so curiosity prompted him to ask the question. The question took her by surprise. Since he made no attempt of being involved with simple conversation with her since the moment they left camp, Rei assumed he really had no intention of such, and probably had better things to think of. "Why do you ask?" she heard herself counter his question with one of her own. "You haven't spoken much since we left. Actually, you haven't spoken at all." "I suppose I have been unsually quiet." She smiled in spite of herself, strangely pleased by his observation. But since she had her back towards him, he couldn't have known it. So she answered his question falsely, and in a casual manner, "And no, of course not." Well, what good would it do if she answered otherwise? He probably would've laughed. Or worse, he probably would've made her even more uncomfortable without having any knowledge of it. He honestly didn't know what to make of her reply. But he decided on an ingenuous approach to ease his inquisitive mood. "You don't look like the silent type of person, so I figured the problem must be me." There was a hint of amusement in his voice, and any possible feeling of guilt must've vanished as Rei took note of it. "There is the fact that I barely know you," she admitted. "The road to Tokyo is a long way. We should take advantage of the time, then." "Perhaps." She paused for a moment before asking, "Are we still far from Tokyo?" "Very far." There was another moment of silence before he remembered something and decided to question her again. "About yesterday," he began casually, before continuing, "Did you reach the camp unescorted?" He felt her back stiffen slightly, and wondered if she would reply just as brief and evasive as she did yesterday, when she said they had no need for escorts. "We did have escorts," she answered carefully, mindful of the talk she had with Minako and Ami last night regarding their 'supposed situation', or their small pretense. She continued with a controlled voice, "But we sent them home when we neared the camp. They were much needed there anyway, and I..had some misunderstanding with one of them." She deliberately added the latter explanation, as she hastily continued, "I don't wish to delve on that disturbing matter anymore, if you don't mind." He effectively remained silent, even when he was now more curious than before. He assumed that the impression she gave him yesterday about not having guards were provoked by her wishes of 'not delving on the disturbing matter'. That was a perfectly logical explanation. He heard her sigh, before saying, "This is a bit exhausting." "Yes, I...suppose it is," he replied, a little uncertain whether she was referring to their traveling or to his impertinent questioning. He felt her shift from her position, and rested her head, albeit awkwardly, against his chest. Well, that was a start. He almost heaved a sigh himself. It was going to be an undoubtedly long trip. ===================================================================== This story was written by Spatula Gurl. All comments and suggestions should be sent to ucchan@gurlmail.com. Naoko Takeuchi owns Bishoujo Senshi Sailormoon and its characters. I am not making any profit from this fanfic.