This chapter is Rated PG. ====================== The Legend of Serenity ====================== by: Spatula Gurl -- Chapter Three Oh, such a feat for Mizuno Ami... "Cowain, you say?" Ami thought it quite fortunate that they were having this oh-so-casual conversation with her back to the handsome Zoicite, or else he would have seen for himself that she was in a pitiful, nervous state. She was frustrated at herself for being agitated at something so simple like lying. It was the truth that she was no expert at it, but she hadn't expected it would turn out to be like this! "Yes, Cowain," she answered in a perfectly calm and controlled voice, which contrasted greatly with her appearance: the flushed cheeks and the worried eyes--not to mention she was either wringing her hands or fidgeting with her small satchel, both of which she unconsciously did every now and then. And then, as if urging herself to continue, she cleared her throat before adding, "We spent the whole day there, before reaching your camp." She had to change the topic of their conversation. And quick. She was already panicking, for crying out loud, and she kept worrying that she just might slip... And General Zoicite was not a man to trifle with such. There was no telling if he would be able to find out. From her recent discussions and conversations with him, she was able to tell that he was very keen and intelligent. Well, he wouldn't be in his current position if he weren't so, after all. A respected and formidable general at his age was indeed impressive. But what would she do if he found out? She began racking her mind for anything that would steer the conversation away from the current subject. It should be something related to the duties they were carrying out, so it wouldn't be too noticeable that she was being evasive. ...Of course! "About Chiba-sama!" Ami triumphantly prompted aloud. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she realized that she might've sounded a mite too anxious. So she cleared her throat and said, "I mean...well, what I meant was, can you umm, tell me about Chiba Mamoru-sama, General?" "...Nani?" She took a deep breath. "The Prince. The man we are looking for. Can you tell me about him?" Zoicite shouldn't have been surprised. But then, she never did bring up this subject until now. He wanted to ask her if there were any particular reason why she wanted to know, but stopped himself in time, realizing how stupid that was. Of course, she was involved in this situation as much as they were! It was only natural that she should ask about the man they were all searching for. He opened his mouth to speak, but it was as if Ami were reading his mind for she hastily added an explanation, "I'm just curious, that's all.." Zoicite thought for a moment, then smiled to himself. "Well," he started, "You could say that Mamoru-kun wasn't just some prince we protected out of duty. Mamoru, Kunzite, Nephrite, Jadeite and I have known each other since the early schoolroom days. We were all like brothers." Ami almost sighed in relief. Her ploy apparently worked. And now it seemed more like a good idea than ever since her interest was piqued and she didn't have to pretend that she was truly curious. So Chiba-sama and the generals have all known each other for quite some time. That wasn't really surprising, which was why she proceeded to ask him, "I suppose you all had your combat-training under the same sensei as well, haven't you?" Zoicite chuckled softly. "Yes, actually. We were the best among that old man's students," he said, with unmistakable pride in his voice. "It's basically one of the main reasons why we became the crowned prince's generals. There's also the fact that we were already familiar with Mamoru; we treated him as a brother even before the task was offered to us. The need to protect him was not governed by the sense of duty. It was the strong bond, the long-time camaraderie, that did it." Ami was a bit uneasy at hearing that. Chiba-sama was obviously a very dear comrade to all of them, for after all this time, they were still looking for him. It has almost been a year since he was last seen. It was as if they could feel that he was still alive... Realization suddenly struck her. Could it really be...? "We all feel that we will find him, even if it would take us a long time..." Ami was startled by the soft murmur which escaped from Zoicite's lips as it broke through her thoughts. She was also surprised, because it was as if he were reading her mind, with those words of his... Her knowledge...it was because she was Mercury. She was of the Silver Millenium. But how about them? Was it possible that they bore a connection? These men couldn't have gained knowledge of it by any other way. And yet, here they were, searching for Mamoru, even when he has been missing for a long time, never losing hope. It was as if they could feel something deep inside them, telling them that he was still alive and he needed their help. It could be a coincidence. And then again, it may not be. Either way, she and the others cannot let their identities be known so early. Even if they were truly the 'ones'... "It seems you're deep in thought, Ami." Zoicite's voice broke through her reverie once again. "I'm hurt that you've forgotten all about me," he teased. That brought out a becoming blush on Ami's cheeks. "Of c-course not," she replied weakly. "I was just thinking..." Something in her voice made him ask more seriously, "If it's not too personal, would you care to share your thoughts with me?" Ami felt a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I was thinking," she said, her voice soft, "about Chiba-sama..." Zoicite frowned slightly, but urged her to continue. "Hmm? What about?" She hesitated for a moment. Then she shifted slightly in her seat, and looked up to him. Her lips parted to speak, but nothing came out. Her back was to him, yet his face was only inches away. She almost gasped when she realized how close she was to him. Her eyes met with his and suddenly, her senses were scattered as she gazed intently, transfixed at the captivating shade of light-green. An unusual shade of green, yet so beautiful... Very beautiful. Everything about his appearance was perfect. From the golden locks and sharply chiseled features, to the broad frame... It was a mistake to look at him when he was so close. Ami shook her head slightly in confusion, not remembering what she was supposed to say. But she wasn't the only one. Zoicite stared back at her, taking in the delicate features which were closer than ever. The brilliant sapphire eyes... The rose-colored lips... He lost his train of thoughts the moment his eyes came upon them. He tried to speak, in attempt to regain his own scattered senses. "Ami..." "Zoicite, I..." She faltered, but took a moment to gather her wits and scold herself. As if caught staring at him like a dumbfound simpleton wasn't embarassing enough. She lowered her gaze and cleared her throat a bit, before continuing. "About Chiba-sama..." It also took him a moment to snap completely to his senses. "What about him, Ami?" he asked softly. She smiled at him, in complete control of herself this time as she replied resolutely, "We'll get him back." "CODE 361308. Searching..." Ami waited patiently for the palm-held computer to grant her access on the data she needed to scan the area. She had nothing better to do, anyway. It was actually a bit difficult working atop the horse, but she managed, although a bit unsteadily. General Zoicite was considerate enough to slow the stallion's pace a little for the meantime, until she could properly screen the area. "Accessed CODE 361308. MAP: 360000; TYPE:E; RANGE: 500 KM..." The computer prompted the data within seconds. Ami browsed distractedly for a while, until she noticed that Tokyo was only a distance away. It would probably only take less than another half hour to finally get there and have decent rest. They've been travelling for more than three and a half hours already, and so far they've only stopped twice for a short break to refreshen themselves a little before continuing on their way. She continued scrolling down to the bottom of the map and took note of several locations. Their original camp site's location was a long way past from where they were now. From south. Head northeast. Ami proceeded on a few calculations regarding their location, and created new documents containing small information on their party. Thinking she didn't have much data to record since she wasn't at all familiar with everyone yet, she decided to save the work for later and assume the scanning of parts of the area instead. Looking over the area on a closer look, she noticed something... 'What's this?' Ami wondered to herself. 'I could've sworn I finished listing more than half of the soldiers.' She was suddenly alarmed at the number of yellow dots, the ones which indicated presence of unfamiliar humans, rapidly appearing on screen. 'Something strange is going on here. We can't be this many...' Quickly, she zoomed in on the screen and let the computer analyze the profiles. She gasped as it dawned to her who and what these people were, lying there in ambush with their weapons at hand. Turning to Zoicite, she said, "We need to talk with my friends and the rest of the generals now!" It was said in a low voice, yet full of urgency--it was all Zoicite needed to gear up his stallion and catch up with the others. Nevertheless, the demand itself was alarming enough to make him ask in concern even in his haste, "What is wrong?" Ami did not answer until Minako, Rei, Makoto and all of the generals were within earshot. She eyed each of them, in such a way that her distress was evident. The others noticed it, and were quick to react as they looked at her in apprehension and leaned in closer to hear what she had to say. "We're surrounded by a horde of bandits," she started, as she drew a shaky breath. "Good lord," Minako mumbled in shock. Makoto, who was beside her, whispered with growing panic, in her ear, "Do you know what this means?" Kunzite frowned, his confusion and alarm apparent. "When? How?" Ami shook her head before she continued. "They seem to have been waiting in ambush, and we just walked in the middle of their trap." Her brows were knitted in deep thought. "It's too late. We'd still be facing them even if we try to turn back." At that moment, an ear-piercing wail was heard. It was followed by the confident roar of villains who lay in wait for their prey... There wasn't even enough time to fully understand Ami's news when suddenly they were surrounded with the sounds of clashing swords, spears and daggers flying about. Kunzite barely had time to shout out commands. Rei looked around her, eyes wide, desperately trying to get a hold of herself. She did not even notice Jadeite's arm tighten around her waist in a protective gesture, as the general steered their horse to another direction. He had to kick his way out of the thread of vicious attackers. 'I must calm down. I must calm down,' Rei chanted to herself. She could feel the symbol on her forhead forming, the sudden rush of strength along with it, and she grew frightened. 'I can't let them see me like this.' Her hand shot up to cover her forhead and fumble with the piece of tattered cotton cloth which was covering it. She closed her eyes and tried to focus. She was not afraid of defeat nor surrender, for it could never happen, not when she and the rest of the inner senshi were present. What she was afraid of, was that someone might see the inevitable transformation, which she knew would soon occur. 'This meager army is outnumbered, and the very place is the opponents' territory. We can hold out on our own, but how long can we keep it up without blowing our cover to both parties?' Rei opened her eyes, and found herself still atop the stallion, but she and the rest of the girls were brought to the center of the circle of soldiers, obviously being protected. Were the circumstances different, she would have laughed at their gallantry. She glanced at her friends, saw Minako trying to position her horse. Rei could see that her friend's forehead was glowing faintly, not too noticeable, and realized that Minako was already thinking of getting off the horse to help the others. Ami was already on the ground, hands fisted at her sides and her eyes searching through the jumble of defending soldiers. But Makoto...she was nowhere in sight! Rei searched frantically for her missing friend, but stopped herself abruptly. Makoto must already be seeing to General Nephrite's back. Rei's eyes widened, as she realized that Jadeite was gone from her side; he was already outside the circle, fending off the remaining attackers alongside his fellow generals. She closed her eyes as she fought for momentary control of the churning powers deep within her. It was almost possible... 'He must not be harmed.' The burst of fire scorched the piece of cloth. It was not given a second thought as it was quickly reduced to cinders. Vision of flames danced within the violet eyes as it slowly opened. To hell with mortals who dared interfere. The symbol glowed brighter and more fiercely... The symbol of Mars. "What the--?" The blow of the wooden staff swept her off her horse, and threw her to the ground, flat on her back. It was a sudden move, and if it weren't for quick reflexes and strong arms to take the impact, she would've been knocked out cold. But it had certainly served its purpose in her favor. Makoto was now on her feet, in a fighting stance, her senses dangerously sharp. Without another thought, she whirled around to face her attacker, delivered quick blows that had him on his knees, wrenched in pain. Makoto grabbed the staff and delivered a final blow on the head before turning around and taking on two more aggressors. Absorbed was she in facing her opponents, that she had never noticed the bright, greenish glow which escaped from the piece of cotton cloth which was once wound around her head and was now torn off from it. Neither was she aware of that familiar energy coursing through her entire body, becoming more visible by the second, her fierce, emerald eyes reflecting the sudden change and the symbol on her forehead glowing ominously. Her attackers apparently took notice of it, stepping back warily, eyes wide with terror. She wondered for a moment why they were visibly shaking, and soon cursed herself loudly when she realized that she was already emitting a powerful aura and was probably looking like the very devil herself. She groaned inwardly. 'Great. They must think I'm one of those cursed sorceresses who plagued them for sheer sadistic pleasure..' The two turned to flee, but Makoto grabbed them from behind. Consistently a quick job. Little pain. Those were a few of the better things. Leaving her no time for second thoughts, and less burden on her conscience. She sighed as she dropped both lifeless bodies to the ground. She looked around her and realized she was off from the cleared path. The few trees around her might have offered cover, she observed with relief. Perhaps no one had seen her after all. Ignoring the noise around her, she took that opportunity to calm herself, should someone else see her in her current state. After a few moments, she took a deep breath, and decided to resume her looking for Nephrite. If she hadn't been knocked off her horse, then she wouldn't be worrying about that scoundrel of a general. She was about to turn and go back, when smoke drifted out from somewhere to her location. She hadn't noticed it at first, but one whiff was all it took to make her stop in her tracks. She glanced back, and wondered worriedly what the smoke was all about. Quickly, she approached the source and gasped as she was greeted with the sight of flames... Jadeite gritted his teeth in frustration. Just how much more of them were there for him to fight off before he was drained away of all his energy? They were outnumbered, but even then, none of his men were being held back. They were still fighting steadily. But for how long was it going to last? Once again, he raised his sword to strike. He brought it down hard upon his opponent, and steel made painful contact with flesh. His opponent's anguished cry died a few moments later, but Jadeite paid him no mind. He stepped back gingerly, and surveyed his surroundings briefly, now that no agressors were coming to challenge him. He sheathed his sword, and wondered where Rei and her friends were, and if they were alright. He turned around, his purpose to go back to check on the women, when suddenly, a shout of warning came from one of the soldiers. He whirled around quickly to see a spear aimed dangerously at him. And there was nowhere to run for cover. Too late. Jadeite realized his mistake--he shouldn't have sheathed his sword. Now there was nothing to block the attack, except for his bare arms. The man was too far for him to reach; yet his spear was near enough to pierce its target accurately even when it would move away. It would not be the deathblow, he knew that well, but the severe injury the spear would likely do unto him would very well make him vulnerable for the killing. There was still a chance one of his men would interfere, and it was Jadeite's best hope. He braced himself for the attack, but the scene which unraveled before his very eyes, as quick as it was, held him spellbound. Jadeite watched in awe as his enemy was shot by a rather powerful blow from behind, making him stumble. But what was more astounding, was finding out that it was no ordinary physical blow which had the man screaming in agony. Fire. The man was being devoured by flames! Jadeite continued to watch, unable to tear his eyes off the dying man. He had seen many things in the battlefield, but none like this. Skin slowly melting... face deforming... and such agonized cries told of his unimaginable, excruciating pain. How the hell did that happen? He turned away from the charred corpse which lay near, his eyes searching... Searching for what? He didn't even know where it came from! The man was trembling so much in fright, his tears flowing copiously past his cheeks. He shut his eyes, too afraid of all that he was seeing. His friends who were fighting with him by his side fell down one by one, but the last one who was fighting from afar was the worst. That one had suffered a horrifying death. Nothing could've prepared him for what he had just witnessed. He couldn't take it. But she would have none of it. Turning her attention back to the man whose collars she was clutching at threateningly, she pinned him to the ground hard and growled at his face, "Did you see what happened?" The man was still too frightened to answer. "Look at me when I speak to you!" she commanded harshly. At that, he forced his eyes to open, and found himself staring at the most piercing violet orbs he had ever laid eyes on. "Answer me," she hissed, her eyes narrowing. "Did you see what happened?" The man choked on a sob before he nodded. "Very well," she said. "What is your name?" "O-okui Hir-roki!" "Well, Mister Okui, what you saw was a colorful display of my temper. A very good example of what happens when I am slightly riled. Would you want me to do the same to you?" Okui's answer came out in frightened whimper. She laughed coldly, making the hair at the back of his neck rise. "I didn't think so. Then know this, Okui. I do not appreciate being ambushed. I will give you ten minutes. Gather who you can among your men and retreat. I don't care how you do it, but I want it accomplished within ten minutes. No one must know what has happened here, save you and your men. You don't know me, you have never seen me. This did not happen. Do I make myself clear?" Okui nodded once again. "Good," she said. "But mark my words, Okui. I will know if you did otherwise. And when that happens..." Beads of sweat trickled down his forhead. "...You shall have a taste of my wrath." Rei released her hold on him, and stood up slowly. She walked away without another word. * * * "Thank goodness, that was over!" cried Minako. She shook her head sadly, her long braid swaying gently behind her back. "I can't believe that happened. I should've thought of something earlier." "Minako-chan, don't worry about it too much," Ami told her friend softly. "Don't bring this upon yourself; you didn't do anything wrong!" "But someone could've seen! And then what?" "It happened to all of us," Rei sighed. "We had no power over it." "Rei-chan is right," Makoto said. "What's done is done. Let's face it, we have no control over our powers, until we..." "...find Serenity and free her," Minako finished in a whisper. She stood up. So did the rest of them. "You're guys are right. At least no one was seriously hurt. They never really had a chance, even if it was an ambush." She sighed. "Let's just go." Everyone else followed her to join the rest of their party. "By the way, minna," started Ami. "I have to talk to you about some important things." Minako nodded. "Me too, but let's wait 'til we reach the inn we'll be staying in tonight." "Of course," replied Ami. She understood. "We'll all be in one room, won't we?" "Yep, four of us in the master suite--" "Thank the gods!" Makoto cried out, very much delighted. "We won't have to spend the night with the generals!" "We won't have to unless we're camping out. I already told you that, didn't I?" "Yeah, but don't mind me," Makoto replied, grinning at her friends as they walked past her. "I'm just happy about it." She reached for her horse's reins, ready to mount. She didn't count on a pair of strong arms which pulled her off her horse, and hauled her by the waist. "Hey!" She cried out in surprise. She looked up at her offender and scowled. "Nephrite! What is the meaning of this?" She asked him indignantly. "You're riding with me," the auburn-haired general answered shortly. He walked casually to the location of his own horse, carrying Makoto as easy as could be. "And why's that?" "I will not have you risk your neck again while you're under my charge, Makoto." "Put me down this instant, you big oaf!" "No." "B-but--ooff!" Makoto glared at Nephrite as she was cut off in the middle of her protest. Heaving deeply, she managed to hiss out, "Squeezing the life out of me for what, may I ask?" "To shut you up of course," he replied. At Makoto's outraged gasp, he grinned. He couldn't help but add, just to annoy her, "Because you talk too much, woman!" He plopped her rather roughly atop his stallion--which gained him another scowl--and mounted as well, right behind her. "What about Miyamoto-san's mare?" "He'll take care of that." Nephrite glanced back, whistled and gestured to Kenji to take the mare. The soldier nodded and did as asked. "See?" Makoto merely glared at him. "You have no right to just grab me and drag me to wherever you want, you know. Oh, I could just scream your head off!" He had the gall to laugh at her. "And what? Make a spectacle of yourself as you're already doing?" Hearing that, she whirled around to face the others, and flushed scarlet at the sight that greeted her. She saw Kenji and the other soldiers staring at the two of them, some of them pretending to cough, hiding their smiles of amusement. Ami and Minako were simply staring, blushing slightly, while Rei was struggling to contain her own laughter. Seeing all these, she forced a weak smile of assurance. Damn him. This was all his fault. Still keeping her gaze forward, and the smile pasted on her face, she told him, "You are the most rude and irritating man I have ever known, do you know that?" His smile widened. "Why, thank you. For you, darling, I most certainly try." "I am not your darling!" "Well, I should hope not," he retorted. She remained quiet after that, choosing to ignore him. Did he enjoy exasperating her every time? And what gall, she thought to herself, treating her like that with just a day's acquaintance! She fumed. What she would give to get even with him! Rei watched amusedly as each scene unfolded. The furious expression on Makoto's face was priceless, but she dared not laugh aloud. Her friend would not appreciate humor right now, but if she could only see herself! She shook her head, and hid the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. But as she glanced at Jadeite over her shoulder, her smile faded a little. General Jadeite looked like he was deep in thought, a frown on his handsome face. Could he be thinking of what happened back then during the bandits' attack? She hadn't really given it much thought. She wasn't herself during that time, after all, but now she understood how Minako felt. She gave out a small, inaudible sigh, hoping that the general would come up with a rational explanation for what he had witnessed earlier. Suddenly, a low, female laugh broke through her thoughts. Rei straightened up, startled by the sound. 'Who was that?' She looked around her. Nothing seemed different. No one seemed a bit alarmed, as if they didn't even hear anything. Not even her friends. Now 'that' was a disturbing observation. There it was again, that husky, female laugh. And it sounded mocking. Rei looked around her again, confused. Who was that? And was she the only one who could hear? "Is something wrong?" Her attention was brought back to General Jadeite as he asked her that question. She tried to smile as she assured him, "No, everything's fine. Don't worry about me." Jadeite nodded in response, and bothered her no more. But try as she might, she couldn't shake the strange feeling that mysterious laugh had caused... The hooded figure remained hidden among the trees, and watched as they rode past. Her bright, silver orbs glinted in the dimness of the forest, just as it did before, when she was observing her fight. She stood there for a moment, still silent. When they were gone, her lips parted in a sly smile. 'Most impressive, princess. I am quite certain our paths shall cross again. Destiny shall find its way...' She walked away slowly, lowering the hood to completely cover her eyes. 'I shall be waiting eagerly for that time to come...' ===================================================================== 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.